VTC Chemical Safety Training for Instructors and Students Joan Richmond Hall, Ph.D. 728.1717 [email protected]

VTC Chemical Safety VTC Chemical Safety Training for Training for

Instructors and StudentsInstructors and Students

Joan Richmond Hall, Ph.D.Joan Richmond Hall, Ph.D.

[email protected]

• Why is safety important?Why is safety important?

• Physical, chemical & health hazardsPhysical, chemical & health hazards• CategoriesCategories• Routes of exposureRoutes of exposure

• How you can minimize your risksHow you can minimize your risks• MSDS, labeling & storageMSDS, labeling & storage• PPE & engineering controlsPPE & engineering controls• Spills, wastes & disposalSpills, wastes & disposal• Emergency responseEmergency response

• Resources and where to find themResources and where to find them

TodayToday’’s Training Agendas Training Agenda

• Dartmouth Chemistry Professor dies of dimethyl-Dartmouth Chemistry Professor dies of dimethyl-mercury exposure - mercury exposure - wrong gloveswrong gloves (1997). (1997).

• UT Austin lab destroyed by fire when a post-doc UT Austin lab destroyed by fire when a post-doc placed a sodium/alcohol mixture in a wet sink (1996).placed a sodium/alcohol mixture in a wet sink (1996).

• Thirteen high school students injured, one critically, Thirteen high school students injured, one critically, by demonstration with methane gas (2000).by demonstration with methane gas (2000).

• UC Irvine labs destroyed by fire, graduate student UC Irvine labs destroyed by fire, graduate student injured while distilling benzene (2001).injured while distilling benzene (2001).

• MIT graduate students injured while mixing acids in a MIT graduate students injured while mixing acids in a container they thought was clean and safe (2000).container they thought was clean and safe (2000).

People can get hurt:People can get hurt:

www.chem.purdue.edu/safety/stories.htmpubs.acs.org/cen/safety/index.htmlpubs.acs.org/cen/safety/index.html

• The biggest environmental impact of our The biggest environmental impact of our lab work lab work should beshould be the energy used to the energy used to heat and cool the lab.heat and cool the lab.

• Fume hoods Fume hoods dilutedilute vapors but don vapors but don’’t maket makedetoxify them.detoxify them.

• Anything you pour down Anything you pour down draindrain goes into goes into locallocalground water and streams.ground water and streams.

Environmental ImpactEnvironmental Impact

• Yale (1994)Yale (1994) $300,000$300,000• BU (1995)BU (1995) $2.2 million$2.2 million• UConn (1996)UConn (1996) $300,000$300,000• UNH (1999)UNH (1999) $300,000$300,000• Brown (2000)Brown (2000) $500,000$500,000• MIT (2001)MIT (2001) $550,000$550,000• Harvard & UMaineHarvard & UMaine $0$0• Stanford, UNebraska,Stanford, UNebraska, ~$1million ~$1million

UHawaiiUHawaii

EPA Fines:EPA Fines:

Lab Safety at VTCLab Safety at VTC

VTC has a ‘Chemical Hygiene Plan’VTC has a ‘Chemical Hygiene Plan’• Please let me know if you’d like a copy!Please let me know if you’d like a copy!

• SOPsSOPs for common lab procedures for common lab procedures• formsforms for ordering & inspections for ordering & inspections• logslogs for safety equipment and checks for safety equipment and checks• safety trainingsafety training for all freshman taking Chem for all freshman taking Chem• guidelinesguidelines

How do you avoid How do you avoid dangerous situations in dangerous situations in

your lab?your lab?

• Use SDS & labeling.

• Know hazard categories.

• Know routes of exposure.

• Focus on minimizing risks.

Know what youKnow what you’’re dealing with.re dealing with.

Each lab must have SDS on-hand for all Each lab must have SDS on-hand for all chemicals in its inventory.chemicals in its inventory.

SDS can be found at several websites, andSDS can be found at several websites, andshould be included in each chemical shipment.should be included in each chemical shipment.

SDS provide information:SDS provide information:• health hazards, precautions, first-aid measureshealth hazards, precautions, first-aid measures• chemical reactivity chemical reactivity • storage & segregation informationstorage & segregation information

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Hazard CategoriesChemicalChemical::

1.1. Physical

2.2. FlammableFlammable

3.3. Corrosive (bases & acids)Corrosive (bases & acids)

4.4. ReactiveReactive

HealthHealth::ToxicitiesToxicities

Routes of ExposureRoutes of Exposure::

Physical HazardsPhysical Hazards• Gas cylinders can have pressure of >3000 psi.

• CO2 and other ‘inert’ gases can displace oxygen if they off-gas into an unventilated space, causing oxygen deficiency.

• Liquified gases freeze tissue on contact.

FlammablesFlammables

• flash point <140°F flash point <140°F (60°C)(60°C)

• alcohols, solvents, alcohols, solvents, fuelsfuels

• Acetone -18°CAcetone -18°C• Diethyl ether -45°CDiethyl ether -45°C• Methyl alcohol 11°CMethyl alcohol 11°C

Corrosive Corrosive BasesBases

• InorganicInorganic::• hydroxides• cleaning chemicals• ammonia

• OrganicOrganic: : • aminesamines

Corrosive: Corrosive: the the chemical eats away chemical eats away at matter, or at matter, or degrades it, upon degrades it, upon contactcontact

Corrosive AcidsCorrosive Acids

1. Inorganic (mineral): • hydrochloric acid• muriatic acid • sulfuric acid• phosphoric acid• ferric chloride

2. Organic::• acetic acid• formic acid• phenol or carbolic acid• trichloroacetic acid

Corrosive Corrosive AcidsAcids

3. Oxidizing:• nitric acid• chromic acid • perchloric acid• chromium trioxide

Note: oxidizing acids and organic acids

should NEVER bestored together.

Classes of Chemical ReactivityClasses of Chemical Reactivity

• Oxidizers

• Reactive with water

• Reactive with air (pyrophoric)

• Peroxide formers

Oxidizers

• May ignite or explode in contact with organics.

• Supply oxygen & source of ignition to a fire.

• Include:• Nitrates• ammonium nitrate fertilizer• silver nitrate

• Peroxides• Perchlorates• Hydrogen peroxide (>30%)

React with Water or Air

• May ignite on contact with water or air (pyrophoric).

• Phosphorous• Sodium• Other alkaline metals• Grignard reagents• Methyl magnesium bromide

Peroxide formers• Degrade over time.• Form explosive crystals

• Ethers• THF• 1,4-dioxane

• Should never be kept for more than 3 months.

• Order minimal amounts and discard frequently.

Health HazardsHealth HazardsToxicity:

• Not always known• Not completely understood • Effects can be acute and/or chronic.

• signs & symptoms?

• target organs & systems?

Corrosives with systemic effects: Corrosives with systemic effects:

corrosive: systemic effect:

formaldehyde metabolic acidosishydrofluoric acid bone degradationphenol seizures, liver/kidneyphosphorus liver, kidney injurypermanganate methemoglobinemiasilver nitrate methemoglobinemia

Routes of Chemical Exposure: Routes of Chemical Exposure:

• oral/ingestionoral/ingestion

Dangers: Dangers: food & drink in the labfood & drink in the labchemicals in food refrigeratorschemicals in food refrigeratorschemicals in officeschemicals in offices

• inhalationinhalation

• skin contactskin contact

• eyes & mucus membraneseyes & mucus membranes

• injection/woundsinjection/wounds

Oral LD50 values: Oral LD50 values: substance: LD50 (mg/kg):

ethyl alcohol 10,000sodium chloride 4,000phenol 317DDT 100nicotine 1dioxin 0.001botulinus toxin 0.00001

LD50LD50 = the dose of a chemical that will kill ½ of test subjects = the dose of a chemical that will kill ½ of test subjectsto whom that dose is administered (lethal dose 50%) to whom that dose is administered (lethal dose 50%)


• oral/ingestionoral/ingestion • inhalationinhalation

Dangers: Dangers: powder residuespowder residuesuncapped bottlesuncapped bottles





• oral/ingestionoral/ingestion • inhalationinhalation

• skin contactskin contact• eyes & mucus membraneseyes & mucus membranes

Dangers: Dangers: inappropriate storageinappropriate storagecontaminated surfacescontaminated surfaces


Routes of Chemical Exposure: Routes of Chemical Exposure: • oral/ingestionoral/ingestion • inhalationinhalation




Dangers: loose needles, scalpels, razor bladesDangers: loose needles, scalpels, razor blades

• Know what youKnow what you’’re working with.re working with.• inventoryinventory• labeling & SDSlabeling & SDS

• Protect yourself.Protect yourself.• personal protective equipmentpersonal protective equipment• engineering controlsengineering controls

• Know how to respond to an emergency.Know how to respond to an emergency.• accidents & spillsaccidents & spills

• Know how to deal with waste & hazards.Know how to deal with waste & hazards.• waste pickup vs. dilute wasteswaste pickup vs. dilute wastes

How can you minimize the risks?How can you minimize the risks?

Labeling chemical & solutions:Labeling chemical & solutions:Chemicals should be dated and initialed as:Chemicals should be dated and initialed as:

a)a) receivedreceivedb)b) openedopened

Use standard labels with safety information.Use standard labels with safety information.

6 M Hydrochloric acid6 M Hydrochloric acid

VTCVTC 23 Oct 0223 Oct 02

0011

2222

• Chemical formulae are not allowed.

• Solutions must be labeled with all components.• Bottles must be sealed with screw-tops.

• Include concentration.• Target organs?

Personal Protective Equipment:Personal Protective Equipment:EyewearEyewear has to be worn at the bench at all times. has to be worn at the bench at all times.

• contact lensescontact lenses• eyewash (hands-free model)eyewash (hands-free model)

GlovesGloves only delay contactonly delay contact..

• Contaminated gloves should be:Contaminated gloves should be:• rinsed under waterrinsed under water• changedchanged

• Hands should be washed upon contact, andHands should be washed upon contact, andalways upon leaving the lab.always upon leaving the lab.

And theyAnd they’’ve got to be the appropriate glove.ve got to be the appropriate glove.

Glove selection linkGlove selection link

Engineering controls:Engineering controls:

• chemical flow hoodschemical flow hoods

Emergency equipment:Emergency equipment:

……are there to separate people from hazards.are there to separate people from hazards.

• biological flow hoodsbiological flow hoods

• emergency showersemergency showers• eyewasheseyewashes• fire extinguishers & blanketsfire extinguishers & blankets• spill kitsspill kits

Flow tested regularly.Flow tested regularly.

Monthly testing & logs.Monthly testing & logs.

• posted emergency proceduresposted emergency procedures

All lab workers and students must be aware of locationAll lab workers and students must be aware of locationand use of this equipment.and use of this equipment.

• EvacuationEvacuation• Emergency EquipmentEmergency Equipment

• 728-1292728-1292 for VTC Security (fire, injury, for VTC Security (fire, injury, spill)spill)

• Randolph Fire at Randolph Fire at (9)-911 (9)-911 (large spill)(large spill)

• Medical attentionMedical attention• Emergency roomEmergency room• First Report of Injury to security & healthFirst Report of Injury to security & health

Emergency ResponseEmergency Response

HHMI Emergency Response video is a good resource.HHMI Emergency Response video is a good resource.

If you have any doubts, call the CHO & read the SOP.If you have any doubts, call the CHO & read the SOP.

Chemical spills:Chemical spills:• minor: <2L, and low hazardminor: <2L, and low hazard• major: >2L or flammable or toxicmajor: >2L or flammable or toxic

Your first priority is always to protect people.Your first priority is always to protect people.

Minor spillsMinor spills can be dealt with the instructor. can be dealt with the instructor.

Major spillsMajor spills: : 1. Turn off ignition sources.1. Turn off ignition sources.2. Evacuate.2. Evacuate.3. Call security or the local fire department.3. Call security or the local fire department.4. Wait for the responders.4. Wait for the responders.

If you have any doubts, read the SOP and call the CHO.If you have any doubts, read the SOP and call the CHO.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Cell and Tissue CultureCell and Tissue Culture Peroxide Forming ChemicalsPeroxide Forming Chemicals Gel ElectrophoresisGel Electrophoresis Centrifuges and UltracentrifugesCentrifuges and Ultracentrifuges Ethylene OxideEthylene Oxide GlutaraldehydeGlutaraldehyde Autoclave SafetyAutoclave Safety Flammable & Combustible Liquid Safety Flammable & Combustible Liquid Safety Laboratory ErgonomicsLaboratory Ergonomics LatexLatex Reducing Lab WasteReducing Lab Waste

Safety Training Resources:Safety Training Resources:UVM Environmental Safety Facility PowerpointsUVM Environmental Safety Facility Powerpoints

www.uvm.esf/www.uvm.esf/

Practicing Safe SciencePracticing Safe Science Controlling Your Risks: Controlling Your Risks:

HIV in the Research HIV in the Research LaboratoryLaboratory

Radionuclide HazardsRadionuclide Hazards Chemical HazardsChemical Hazards Centrifugation HazardsCentrifugation Hazards Chemical Storage Chemical Storage

HazardsHazards

• Glassware Washing HazardsGlassware Washing Hazards• Mammalian Cell Culture Mammalian Cell Culture

HazardsHazards• X-Ray Diffraction HazardsX-Ray Diffraction Hazards• Assessing Risks of Toxic Assessing Risks of Toxic

ChemicalsChemicals• Emergency ResponseEmergency Response

Safety Training Resources:Safety Training Resources:

Howard Hughes Medical Institute Training VideosHoward Hughes Medical Institute Training Videoswww.hhmi.orgwww.hhmi.org

Links:Links:

Storage issues:Storage issues: www.flinnsci.com/homepage/safe/chemlabel.htmwww.flinnsci.com/homepage/safe/chemlabel.htm

Glove guide:Glove guide: www.inform.umd.edu/DES/ls/print.html

General Safety:General Safety: www.hhmi.org/science/labsafe/lcss/lcss.htmlwww.hhmi.org/science/labsafe/lcss/lcss.htmlwww.practicingsafescience.orgwww.practicingsafescience.orgwww.vtc.edu/linc/safetywww.vtc.edu/linc/safety

esf.uvm.eduesf.uvm.eduwww.hazard.comwww.hazard.comwww.flinnsci.comwww.flinnsci.com

MSDS:MSDS: www.siri.uvm.edu, or manufacturers, or manufacturers’’ sites sites

HazardousHazardous www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/wmd.htmwww.anr.state.vt.us/dec/wmd.htm

chemicals:chemicals: www.epa.gov/swercepp/ehs/ehsalpha.htmlwww.epa.gov/swercepp/ehs/ehsalpha.html

EPA:EPA: www.epa.govwww.epa.gov

OSHA:OSHA: www.osha.govwww.osha.gov

Documents

VTC Chemical Safety Training for Instructors and Students Joan Richmond Hall, Ph.D. 728.1717 [email protected]