Title: OSHA LABORATORY STANDARD 29 CFR 1910.1450
1OSHA LABORATORY STANDARD29 CFR 1910.1450
- FOR TULANE LABORATORY EMPLOYEES
- January, 2005
2OBJECTIVES
- To become familiar with the requirements of the
OSHA Laboratory Standard and components of
Tulanes Chemical Hygiene Plan - To ensure that all individuals at risk are
adequately informed about work in the laboratory,
its risks, methods to protect themselves, and
procedures to follow in the event of an emergency - To become familiar with common concerns noted
during laboratory inspections and with good
chemical hygiene practices associated with
laboratory work
3OSHA LABORATORY STANDARD
- The OSHA Occupational Exposures to Hazardous
Chemicals in Laboratories Standard, or
Laboratory Standard for short, requires employers
to protect laboratory workers from health hazards
associated with chemical exposure in the
laboratory.
4OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDOSHA DEFINITIONS
- Laboratory - A workplace where relatively small
quantities of hazardous chemicals are used on a
non-production basis - Laboratory Scale Containers used for reactions,
transfers, and handling are small enough to be
easily and safely manipulated by one person
5OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDDOES IT APPLY TO YOUR
LAB?
- The determination of whether the OSHA Laboratory
Standard applies as opposed to the OSHA General
Industry Standard depends on laboratory use and
laboratory scale criteria. - Some OSHA substance specific standards require
coverage to remain under that standard rather
than the Lab Standard. (Example The use of
formaldehyde in labs is covered under OSHA
Formaldehyde Standard rather than the OSHA Lab
Standard.) - Most Tulane labs fall under the OSHA Lab Standard.
6OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXEMPTIONS
- Quality control laboratories connected with
production processes that perform repetitive
tasks are exempt from the Lab Standard. - Uses of hazardous chemicals which provide no
potential for employee exposure, such as medical
labs which only use prepackaged test kits, are
exempt from the Lab Standard.
7OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDCHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN
(CHP)
- A requirement of the OSHA Lab Standard is for all
employers that have laboratories to develop a
written Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP). - Tulanes CHP is located in the Laboratory Safety
section of the OEHS Policies Procedures Manual
which can be found at the OEHS website,
www.som.tulane.edu/oehs.
8OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDCHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN
(CHP)
- Tulanes CHP is a generic plan covering the many
different types of laboratories at Tulane. - It is to be supplemented by annually updated
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed by
laboratory supervisors/principal investigators
discussing safety practices and procedures
specific to the laboratory.
9OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDCHEMICAL HYGIENE OFFICER
(CHO)
- The Lab Standard also requires each employer with
laboratories to appoint a Chemical Hygiene
Officer (CHO). - The certified CHO for Tulane University is Pam
Fatland of OEHS.
10OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDRESPONSIBILITIES OF
TULANES CHO
- Develop update written CHP/ Review Laboratory
Standard SOPs - Give guidance in the procurement, use, and
disposal of chemicals - Assist in emergency planning and major cleanup
activities - Perform laboratory inspections/ audit fume hood
performance
11OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDRESPONSIBILITIES OF
TULANES CHO (Continued)
- Advise in lab closeouts, renovations, or building
of laboratory facilities - Advise in monitoring of exposure levels of
regulated chemicals - Seek ways to improve the chemical hygiene program
12OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDRESPONSIBILITIES OF
LABORATORY SUPERVISORS/PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS
- Compose and annually update Laboratory Standard
SOPs specific for their laboratories and submit
to OEHS - Provide adequate Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) for laboratory personnel - Provide and document safety training for
laboratory personnel - Perform quarterly inspections of labs
13OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDRESPONSIBILITIES OF
LABORATORY SUPERVISORS/PRINCIPAL
INVESTIGATORS(Continued)
- Contact OEHS if monitoring is needed, if spill
occurs, if accident/injury occurs, etc. - Ensure that facilities are adequate for
experiments to be performed - Ensure laboratory workers comply with safe
chemical hygiene practices
14OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDRESPONSIBILITIES OF
LABORATORY WORKERS/TECHNICIANS
- Plan and conduct activities in accordance with
Tulanes CHP and their laboratorys SOPs - Develop good chemical hygiene habits
15OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDSTANDARD OPERATING
PROCEDURES
- The SOPs cover specifics of the Chemical Hygiene
Plan that apply to a particular laboratory. - The SOPS must be developed by the lab
supervisor/principal investigator. - The SOPs must be updated and submitted to OEHS at
least annually (usually in April/May).
16OSHA LABORATORY STANDARD STANDARD OPERERATING
PROCEDURES
- Guidelines for the Lab Standards annually
updated SOPs can be found on the OEHS website,
www.som.tulane.edu/oehs under the chemical safety
link. - This format may be used, or the laboratory
supervisor/principal investigator may develop his
own format, as long as safety procedures for the
specific laboratory are documented.
17OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDTRAINING INFORMATION
- Training must be done at initial assignment and
prior to new hazardous chemical/new exposure
situations. - The purpose of training is to ensure that all
individuals at risk are adequately informed about
the work in the laboratory, its risks, methods to
protect themselves, and procedures to follow in
the event of an emergency.
18OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDTRAINING INFORMATION
- It is the responsibility of the lab
supervisor/principal investigator to document
appropriate training send records to OEHS. - Training documentation forms can be found at
www2.som.tulane.edu/oehs/safety/04F-oehss03.pdf - Online quizzes at the end of this PowerPoint
presentation will go directly to OEHS and will
serve as training documentation for the OSHA Lab
Standard presentation.
19OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDTRAINING INFORMATION
- The lab supervisor/principal investigator must
also provide training on laboratory specific
information such as the SOPs for the laboratory,
the proper use of particular chemicals and
equipment in the laboratory, the appropriate PPE
for the chemicals being used, etc. (see next
slide for supervisor/PI training topics).
20OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDTRAINING INFORMATION
TOPICSThe OSHA Lab Standard States that you must
be familiar with the following
- Methods to detect hazardous chemicals in the work
area - Signs and symptoms of exposure to chemicals
- Methods to reduce exposure
- Physical health hazards of chemicals used in
the work area - PPE and emergency procedures
- CHP/SOPs and reference materials
21OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDTRAINING INFORMATION
TOPICS
- For information on resources where you or your
supervisor/ principal investigator can find
specific chemical safety information, see the
OEHS PowerPoint presentations on Sources of
Chemical Safety Information and The OSHA Hazard
Communication Standard on the OEHS website,
www.som.tulane.edu/oehs
22OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROLThere
are three main ways to control exposure to
chemicals
- Engineering Controls (usually consists of
ventilation, safety showers/eyewash units, etc.) - Work Practices (handling, storage, housekeeping,
etc.) - Personal Protective Equipment (gloves, eye/face
protection, etc.)
23OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL FUME
HOODS
- Before using toxic or volatile chemicals in a
fume hood, adequate hood performance needs to be
confirmed. - Hoods at Tulane are required to have an alarm or
airflow indicator/monitor. At the very least,
use a piece of tissue to make sure the hood is
exhausting.
24OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL FUME
HOODS
- Typically a working fume hood should exhaust at a
rate of 80-120 feet per minute face velocity. - Report problems promptly to Facilities Services.
- DO NOT perform work with toxic or volatile
chemicals if the hood is not operating properly!
This is the users responsibility.
25OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL FUME
HOODS
- For more information on proper fume hood use or
biological safety cabinets, see the OEHS
PowerPoint presentation on Laboratory Ventilation
found on the OEHS website, www.som.tulane.edu/oehs
26OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL
EYEWASHES/SHOWERS
- Eyewash fountains are required in work areas
where formaldehyde, irritants, or corrosive
chemicals are used and there is the potential for
a splash to the eye. - Eyewashes must be tested weekly by laboratory
personnel. Showers must be tested at least
annually by Facilities Services.
27OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL
EYEWASHES/SHOWERS
- Emergency showers/eyewashes must be readily
accessible, clear of obstructions, and clearly
labeled. - For more information on emergency eyewash/shower
requirements, see the OEHS PowerPoint
presentation on Eyewashes/Showers on the OEHS
website, www.som.tulane.edu/oehs
28OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL WORK
PRACTICES
- Laboratory technique is important in minimizing
exposure to hazardous chemicals. - There is no substitute for adequate planning and
knowledge when using hazardous materials.
29OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL WORK
PRACTICES
- Practice good housekeeping.
- Maintain aisles and uncluttered work areas.
- Properly store and handle chemicals.
- Substitute less hazardous materials when possible
(such as non-mercury thermometers). - Scale down experiments.
- Use secondary containment.
- Use good chemical hygiene practices.
30OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
- PPE is used as a final alternative in the event
that engineering controls and work practices do
not adequately prevent exposure to chemicals. - PPE must be adequate for the substance being
handled and must be available in different
sizes/styles (i.e., powdered powder-free
gloves).
31OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
- A Dartmouth researcher got one drop of
dimethylmercury on her latex glove and died from
the exposure. Latex was not appropriate for
protection for work with dimethylmercury. - Latex or PVC gloves are not suitable for direct
contact with corrosive or highly toxic chemicals.
- Glove permeability charts are available from
glove manufacturers to help you decide which type
of glove is appropriate for use with different
chemicals. Contact OEHS for more information or
if you have questions.
32OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
- Respirators require a medical evaluation and
annual fit-testing. - PPE must be inspected to make sure it is in good
condition. - Personnel must be trained on PPE, how and when to
use it, how to maintain and store it, etc.
33OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
- When using PPE, remember the Infectious Disease
concept of Universal Precautions Treat ALL
materials as if they are contaminated (with
infectious materials, hazardous chemicals, etc.). - Plan for the worst case scenario and be ready for
an emergency.
34OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
- PPE is covered in depth under the OSHA Personal
Protective Equipment and OSHA Respiratory
Protection Standards. The PPE standard requires
an assessment for hand, eye and face, and body
protection in the work area. - See OEHS PowerPoint presentation on personal
protective equipment as well as the PPE section
of the OEHS Policies and Procedures Manual at
www.som.tulane.edu/oehs for more information on
PPE. Contact OEHS for information on Tulanes
respiratory protection program.
35OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
- In addition to wearing suitable PPE, a laboratory
worker must also dress appropriately for their
work. For example, sandals/flip-flops, shorts,
and tops with exposed midriffs are inappropriate
attire for laboratory work with hazardous
materials.
36OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
- Regular prescription eyeglasses do not take the
place of safety glasses or goggles. - The American Chemical Society has taken the
position that contact lenses may be worn in the
laboratory as long as appropriate eye protection
such as safety glasses or goggles, as required of
other workers in the laboratory, is also worn.
37OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDLABORATORY INSPECTIONS
- OEHS annually inspects the laboratories for
safety concerns. - Supervisors/principal investigators must perform
quarterly inspections and submit them to OEHS.
For a generic lab quarterly inspection form, see
the OEHS website www.som.tulane.edu/oehs under
the chemical safety link, or you may create your
own inspection form specific to your lab. Note
concerns and address them with a plan of
correction.
38OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDLABORATORY INSPECTIONS
- Other entities such as the fire department,
insurance companies, or regulatory agencies
(OSHA, EPA) may also perform laboratory
inspections. Contact OEHS if an outside agency
inspector wants to inspect your laboratory.
39OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE MONITORING
- Contact OEHS if there is a chemical exposure
problem in your area or if you feel that chemical
exposure monitoring is needed in your lab. - Be aware of chemicals with permissible exposure
limits (PELs) levels of exposure which should
not be exceeded during a normal workday.
Exposures may need to be monitored if there is
reason to believe that the exposure to hazardous
chemicals routinely exceeds the PELs.
40OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE MONITORING
- Exposure levels may also need to be measured if a
person has developed signs or symptoms of
overexposure or in the event of a spill or leak. - OEHS has industrial hygiene staff and equipment
to monitor for a variety of chemicals. Notify
OEHS if there is a problem such as unusual odors,
spills, chemical injuries, sudden exhaust
problems, greater than routine exposure to highly
toxic chemicals, etc. - Use adequate ventilation.
41OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDPRIOR APPROVAL
- Contact OEHS for prior approval and safety advice
when using high risk substances (i.e.,
explosives, select carcinogens, reproductive
toxins, substances with a high degree of acute
toxicity), for grant environmental compliance
statements, or for projects with possible safety
concerns.
42OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDPRIOR APPROVAL
- Whenever high risk substances such as explosives,
select carcinogens, reproductive toxins, or
substances having a high degree of acute toxicity
are used, a protocol sheet describing the project
and the safety procedures/precautions that will
be followed should be submitted to OEHS for
review.
43OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDPRIOR APPROVAL
- Many grants require an environmental compliance
statement be signed by the OEHS Director stating
the researcher is in compliance with
environmental health and safety laws. - OEHS reviews these protocols in depth, determines
if the researcher is in compliance, suggests
additional safety precautions that may be needed,
etc. - DO NOT wait until a grant is due to submit such
protocols. It takes time to perform this review.
44OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDTOXICS/HIGH RISK
CHEMICALSOSHA requires the following when using
toxic or high risk chemicals such as allergens,
embryotoxins, select carcinogens, toxic
chemicals, etc.
- Use only in a designated area with restricted
access and warning signs posted stating the
hazard (may be entire laboratory, fume hood,
etc.). - Use containment devices (such as fume hood, glove
boxes, local exhaust). - Personnel must be familiar with waste removal
procedures.
45OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDTOXICS/HIGH RISK
CHEMICALSOSHA requires the following when using
toxic or high risk chemicals
- Decontamination procedures must be established
(such as how to clean equipment that may become
contaminated). - Emergency plans must be available in the event
material spills, a splash occurs, etc.
46OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDTOXICS/HIGH RISK
CHEMICALSOSHA requires the following when using
toxic or high risk chemicals
- Records of the materials used, names of workers
involved, and dates/amounts used should be kept
since, in many cases, illnesses related to
chemical exposure can take years to develop.
47OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDTOXICS/HIGH RISK
CHEMICALSOSHA requires the following when using
toxic or high risk chemicals
- SOPs should include specific requirements and
special procedures for using toxic or high risk
chemicals in the laboratory.
48OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDMEDICAL PROGRAMA
medical evaluation is available to all Tulane
employees who experience
- Signs and symptoms of exposure to a chemical
- Exposure above the Permissible Exposure Limits
(PELs) on a routine basis - A spill/leak
49OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDMEDICAL PROGRAM
- The employee should fill out an injury/illness
form and report to Occupational Medicine at the
Hospital for medical care, or to the emergency
room if after regular working hours, or the
employee may go to their personal physician.
50OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDSUPERVISOR/PI COMPLIANCE
CHECKLISTThis is a summary of some of the
paperwork and duties required by the lab
supervisor/principal investigator
- Annual SOPs, chemical inventories submitted to
OEHS - Training documentation submitted to OEHS
- Quarterly inspections and inspection response to
annual OEHS inspections submitted - PPE assessments done/PPE inspected and in good
condition - High risk chemicals documentation and usage
records kept
51OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDSUPERVISOR/PI COMPLIANCE
CHECKLISTThis is a summary of some of the
paperwork and duties required by the laboratory
supervisor/principal investigator
- Up to date door signs posted
- Exposure monitoring results posted and kept
- Medical records/injury reports kept
- Prior Approval protocols submitted to OEHS for
review - Fume Hood functioning before use
- Weekly Eyewash Inspections performed
52LABORATORY INSPECTION CONCERNS
53LABORATORY INSPECTION CONCERNS
- The following slides deal with concerns noted
during actual laboratory inspections or with
hazards associated with laboratory work - Be aware of similar problems in your laboratory
area and correct any deficiencies - Contact OEHS if you have questions about any of
the items
54HOOD CONCERNSThese concerns deal with the actual
hood, exhaust, and alarm system
- Airfoil (curved sill at front of hood) missing -
can create turbulence - Hood not working (Exhaust too high or too low)
- Hood sash stuck/broken/needs repair
- Interior hood panel missing or broken
- Vaneometer/airflow indicator device needs
mounting or repair - No alarm/ alarm not working properly
- Additional exhaust needed
55HOOD CONCERNSThese concerns deal with improper
work practices
- Chemicals on front edge of hood
- Large equipment in front of hood/exhaust
- Loose paper towels in hood can be sucked into
and damage exhaust system - Hood used for chemical or equipment storage
need room to work in hood - Work at least 6 inches inside hood
56HOOD CONCERNSThese concerns deal with proper use
of a fume hood and knowing its limitations
- Filter in countertop unit needs replacement
- Perchloric acid used in regular fume hood
- Biological Safety Cabinet/Walk-in Hood/Perchloric
Acid Hood not properly used
57HOOD CONCERNS
- For more information on fume hoods and tips for
proper usage, see the OEHS PowerPoint
presentation on Laboratory Ventilation found on
the OEHS website, www.som.tulane.edu/oehs
58CONCERNS WITH FIRE ALARMS, EXTINGUISHERS,
EQUIPMENTThese concerns deal with fire
extinguishers
- Fire extinguisher/equipment blocked
- Relocate/mount fire extinguisher or an
extinguisher is needed - Extinguisher needs inspection
59CONCERNS WITH FIRE ALARMS, EXTINGUISHERS,
EQUIPMENTThese concerns deal with fire equipment
- Emergency light or strobe blocked or needed
- Smoke detector needs to be secured or is damaged
- Exit sign needed or not illuminated
- Door closure needs adjustment
60CONCERNS WITH FIRE ALARMS, EXTINGUISHERS,
EQUIPMENTThese concerns deal with improper work
practices
- Storage within 18 inches of sprinkler heads
prevents proper operation of automatic sprinkler
system - Exit locked or blocked
61EYEWASHES/DRENCH HOSES/SHOWER CONCERNSThese
concerns deal with the equipment itself
- Eyewash needs adjusting/ not working
- Eyewash/shower needed
- Shower handle too high or missing, cover plate
coming off - Drench hose handle missing/ needs repair
- Eyewash needs caps for nozzles
62EYEWASHES/DRENCH HOSES/SHOWER CONCERNSThese
concerns deal with work practices as well as
awareness of equipment limitations
- Access to eyewash, drench hose, shower, or sink
blocked - Plastic personal eyewash bottle in laboratory as
opposed to plumbed eyewash unit (these plastic
bottles are not recommended for laboratories
not enough water is provided to properly wash the
eyes)
63SIGNAGE CONCERNSThese concerns deal with
labeling of doors and equipment
- Door sign needed/ changes needed
- Eyewash, refrigerator, equipment labels needed
- Signage needs mounting
- Signage blocked or unreadable
64CHEMICAL STORAGE CONCERNSThese concerns deal
with gas cylinders
- Gas cylinders improperly secured or not secured
at all - Gas cylinders are missing caps
- Excess lecture bottles
65CHEMICAL STORAGE CONCERNSThese concerns deal
with flammable liquid storage cabinets and
flammable liquid storage in a laboratory setting
- Unlatched flammable cabinet or flammable cabinet
not closing properly - Flammable cabinet blocked or unsteady
- Greater than 10 gallons of flammable liquids are
stored outside of a flammable cabinet - Improper grounding or bonding
- 5 gal or 55 gal containers used
66CHEMICAL STORAGE CONCERNSThese concerns deal
with chemical storage
- Chemicals are stored directly on the floor
- Incompatible chemicals are stored together
evidence of corroding containers or cabinets - Old or undated ether (or other peroxide forming
chemical) found in lab - Improperly labeled or unlabeled containers
(includes squeeze/wash bottles) - Uncapped containers
- Improper chemical or glassware storage (could
fall, lip needed on storage shelf, needs lock
key)
67CHEMICAL STORAGE CONCERNSThese concerns deal
with chemical disposal issues
- Evidence of improper chemical disposal
- Disposal of chemicals needed
- Waste chemicals not properly labeled or not
capped
68REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER CONCERNS
- Flammables stored in improper refrigerator or
freezer - Refrigerator or freezer needs defrosting or
cleaning - Food or beverages found in refrigerator, freezer,
or cold room - Door gasket needs replacing or cleaning
69EATING/DRINKING/SMOKING/LABORATORY ATTIRE
CONCERNS
- Evidence of eating, drinking, or smoking in lab
- Improper laboratory attire (Shorts, sandals, etc.)
70EQUIPMENT/ELECTRICAL CONCERNSThese concerns deal
with equipment
- Equipment needs to be repaired or discarded
- Unguarded equipment or improper guarding
- Improper storage
- Tagged out of service equipment in use
71EQUIPMENT/ELECTRICAL CONCERNSThese concerns deal
with lighting and electrical covers
- Electrical covers missing or broken light covers
missing - Lights not working
- Exit signs or emergency lighting needed
72EQUIPMENT/ELECTRICAL CONCERNSThese deal with
electrical concerns
- Electrical panels are blocked
- Cheater plugs are in use, or items are not
plugged in properly - Improper multi-outlet strip or outlet usage
- Improper extension cord usage
- Electrical cords through doorways or walls or
under carpets
73EQUIPMENT/ELECTRICAL CONCERNSThese concerns deal
with heating, electrical shock prevention, and
equipment that protects drinking water
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), vacuum
breaker, serrated tip faucet needed - Space heater in lab
- Heat producing equipment left on and unattended
74HOUSEKEEPING AND RELATED CONCERNS
- Poor housekeeping observed
- Paper pads on counters need replacement
- Combustible storage (boxes, cardboard) needs
removal - Trash needs removal
- Maintain aisles and exits
- Slip/trip hazards (cords, floor tiles, etc.)
- Evidence of a spilled chemical
75HOUSEKEEPING AND RELATED CONCERNS
- Mold growth, ceiling needs repair, tiles stained
or missing - Peeling paint, rust, stains
- Ventilation blocked, dirty, or improper
- Poor condition tubing or improper Bunsen burner
use
76HOUSEKEEPING AND RELATED CONCERNS
- Doors not latching properly
- Holes in walls need repair
- Hall storage
77BIOHAZARDS/SHARPS CONCERNS
- Unsecured sharps (needles, razor blades,
scalpels, etc.) - Improper trash can, waste bag, sharps container
- Sharps container not upright or missing top
- Glass box, biohazard box, sharps container needs
disposal (dispose of when 2/3rds full) - Broken glassware needs to be discarded
78PPE CONCERNS
- Improperly stored PPE
- PPE not disposed of properly
- Need to use PPE
- PPE in poor condition
- Verify fit-test/medical for respirator use
- Verify PPE for cryogenic use
79MISCELLANEOUS CONCERNS
- Emergency phone labels needed
- Bicycles in laboratory
- Improper or broken furniture in laboratory
- Utility fixtures corroding
80MISCELLANEOUS CONCERNS
- Prohibited animal (personal pet) in lab
- Improper railing
- Toe-board or guard rail needed
81BUILDING BLOCKS OF LABORATORY SAFETY
- Right Attitude
- Safety Education
- Communication
- Equipment
- Vigilance
- Coordination
- Alternatives
- Avoid Complacency
82BUILDING BLOCKS OF LABORATORY SAFETY
- Make safety a top priority.
- Make safety information available and accessible
(MSDSs, product literature, etc.). - Use equipment appropriate for the task.
- Be watchful during experiments be ready for
unexpected events - Substitute less hazardous substances when
possible, or use other methods such as robotics
83BUILDING BLOCKS OF LABORATORY SAFETY
- Avoid close calls and doing something just this
once - Do not procrastinate (get equipment repaired, buy
needed PPE, etc.)
84CHEMICAL SHIPMENTSTreat chemical shipments with
care and caution
- Read labels/paperwork/documents before opening
- Visually inspect shipments for indications of
damage look for leaks, wet stained areas, sounds
associated with breakage, lingering aromas - Open possibly damaged shipments in a hood with
trained staff wearing proper PPE - Know who to notify and what to do in an emergency
85CHEMICAL STORAGE TIPS
- Minimize purchases order and store only what is
needed - Avoid storing chemicals on the floor and in fume
hoods practice good housekeeping - Use shelves with lips flammable cabinets if
available - Use secondary containment to minimize spills
- Segregate by hazard class (acids separate from
bases, oxidizers separate from flammables) - Inventory periodically to weed out deteriorating
or unneeded chemicals
86REFRIGERATORSKnow the difference and the
limitations
- Explosion-proof- designed to operate in hazardous
flammable or explosive atmospheres - Explosion-safe (or laboratory-safe)- designed for
storage of flammable materials (Ignition sources
such as lights, door switches, thermostats, and
exposed electrical components and circuitry are
removed from interior chamber external
components such as compressors, wiring,
circuitry, and controls are located at the top of
the refrigerator to minimize ignition from vapors
heavier than air) - Household- not designed for laboratory use
(Vapors can build up and possibly ignite)
87LABORATORY/STUDIO CLOSE-OUT POLICY
- Policy designed to ensure laboratories/art
studios are left in a safe condition when
vacating or renovating the laboratory/studio - Procedures include making provisions for
hazardous chemicals, biologicals, sharps,
cylinders, radioactive materials, and equipment
such as fume hoods or biological safety cabinets - Must notify OEHS of plans (Notification Letter)
- Must certify that hazardous materials have been
properly removed and that the area has been
decontaminated before area can be renovated or
re-occupied (Pre-Close-Out Certification) - Also includes Move-in reminders and tips
88LABORATORY/STUDIO CLOSE-OUT POLICY
- For details on Tulanes Laboratory/Studio
Close-out Policy, see Laboratory Safety section
of OEHS Policies and Procedures Manual which can
be found at the OEHS website, www.som.tulane.edu/o
ehs or contact OEHS
89UNATTENDED EXPERIMENTSUnattended experiments
often lead to incidents requiring emergency
response
- Unattended experiments are discouraged
- Plan for the unexpected
- If necessary, design experiment to prevent the
release of hazardous substances in the event of
interruptions in utility services such as
electricity, cooling water, and inert gas - Leave lab lights on and post signs identifying
nature of experiment, hazardous substances in
use, and responsible person to contact in an
emergency - Make arrangements for other workers to
periodically inspect the operation
90ORGANIC PEROXIDESOrganic peroxides tend to be
shock or light sensitive
- Know the hazards specific to the chemical (MSDS)
- Order only what is needed in small container
sizes - Date containers when received, when opened, and
when to discard Store properly - Use correct PPE
- Routinely test for peroxides
- Know what to do in an emergency clean up spills
immediately - Dispose of properly and in a timely manner
91ORGANIC PEROXIDESOrganic peroxides tend to be
shock or light sensitive
- Be especially wary of diethyl ether which is
highly flammable and volatile and which may start
to form peroxides as soon as 6 months from
opening. Date container when it is opened and
try to use or dispose of the material within 6
months of that opening date
92PERCHLORIC ACIDPerchloric acid must be handled
and stored properly or it can lead to explosions
- Use perchloric acid fume hood made of proper
material and designed with a washdown system - Do not use or store organic solvents in
perchloric hood - Add acid to water, not water to acid
- Use full body protection goggles, faceshield,
gloves, apron - Do not mix perchloric acid waste with any other
waste - Store perchloric acid away from organic acids
(including acetic acid), organic bases, and other
organic or flammable materials use secondary
containment when storing
93SCALE-UP OF EXPERIMENTSScaling up an experiment
can lead to an explosion. Prepare for an
emergency
- Scale-up is frequently a contributing cause for
an energetic incident - As the scale of a reaction increases, the need
for more efficient heat removal is needed - Heat which cannot safely dissipate to the
surroundings may be retained in the reaction
vessel leading to a rapid increase in temperature
and reaction rate - The end result is a violent reaction
- Monitor temperature provide cooling
94Respect Your Chemical Hygiene Plan!
- Tulanes Policy
-
- SOPs Specific to Your Lab
95Summary
- The OSHA Laboratory Standard and Tulanes
Chemical Hygiene Plan have many components to
protect laboratory workers from health hazards
associated with chemical exposure in the
laboratory including laboratory specific
standard operating procedures, training
requirements, inspections, exposure monitoring,
medical evaluations, prior approval, and
requirements for using high risk chemicals.
96Summary
- A laboratory inspection is a good way to become
familiar with potential hazards in the laboratory
and to correct concerns before they become a
major problem. - Everyone has a responsibility when it comes to
chemical safety use good chemical hygiene
practices in the laboratory and be prepared for
the unexpected.
97Summary
- For more information on Tulanes Chemical Hygiene
Plan and laboratory safety, see the Laboratory
Safety section of the OEHS Policies and
Procedures Manual, available on the OEHS website
www.som.tulane.edu/oehs
98Tulane UniversityOffice of Environmental Health
Safety (OEHS) www.som.tulane.edu/oehs Pam
Fatland, Chemical Safety Manager(504) 988-2800 /
pfatlan_at_tulane.eduIf unable to proceed to quiz,
type the link below into your browserhttp//auror
a.tcs.tulane.edu/ehs/enterssn.cfm?testnum20
Proceed to Quiz