Laboratory Safety

1
Laboratory Safety

• University of Northern Colorado
• Environmental Health and Safety DEpartment
• www.unco.edu/facility

2
OVERVIEW

• House Keeping
• Hazard Communications (HazCom)
• Minors in the Lab
• Health Effects of Chemical Hazards Biological
  Hazards
• Safety Hazards
• Personal Protection Equipment
• Fume Hoods
• Emergencies and Non Emergencies in the
  Laboratory
• Fire Extinguishers
• Spill Kits
• Lab Safety Inspection Forms

3
HOUSE KEEPING

• Practicing good housekeeping in laboratories on
  a routine daily basis reduces risks, protects the
  integrity of experiments, and provides work areas
  free of significant sources of contamination.
• Always keep the laboratory neat and free of
  clutter. Surfaces should be cleaned and free of
  infrequently used chemicals, glassware and
  equipment. Do not block sinks, eyewashes,
  emergency showers and fire extinguishers
• Provide a workplace that is free of physical
  hazards. Aisles and corridors should be free of
  tripping hazards. Attention should be paid to
  electrical safety, especially as it relates to
  the use of extension cords, proper grounding of
  equipment, avoidance of overloaded electrical
  circuits and averting the creation of electrical
  hazards in wet areas.
• Individuals using common equipment and
  facilities shall clean up after use.

4
HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD (HazCom)
5
WHAT IS HAZCOM?

• Information provided to employees about the
  chemical hazards they encounter in the workplace
• Gives employees the right to know what they are
  exposed to and protect themselves accordingly

6
HAZCOM

• Newest changes to Hazard Communication Standard
• Aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
  of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
• What is GHS?
• System for standardizing and harmonizing the
  classification and labeling of chemicals
• Defining hazards of chemicals
• Creating classification processes
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Right to know and Right to understand

7
HAZCOM PICTOGRAMS AND LABELS

• GHS pictogram identifies hazardous chemicals and
  warns workers of their potential dangers
• The label (on the next slide) provides
  information to the workers on the specific
  hazardous chemical. While labels provide
  important information for anyone who handles,
  uses, stores, and transports hazardous chemicals,
  they are limited by design in the amount of
  information they can provide. Safety Data Sheets
  (SDSs), which must accompany hazardous chemicals,
  are the more complete resource for details
  regarding hazardous chemicals. The revised
  standard also requires the use of a 16-section
  safety data sheet format, which provides detailed
  information regarding the chemical.

8
(No Transcript)
9
SAFETY DATA SHEETS (SDS) LAYOUT

• Formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets
  (MSDS)
• Presented on a consistent user-friendly
  13-section format
• Sections 1-8 contain general information about
  the chemical
• Sections 9-11 and 16 contain other technical and
  scientific information
• SDS shall contain Sections 12-15 to be
  consistent with the GHS but are not required by
  OSHA

10
SDS GLOBAL HARMONIZING
GHS AND SDS

• Concept of sds with ghs

• Sample sds

• SDS are in use globally
• Useful to have understanding of the similarities
  and differences in the existing MSDS/SDS content
  and format
• Provides comprehensive information for use in
  workplace chemical management

11
LABELING

• Labels for hazardous chemical must contain
• Name, Address and Telephone Number
• Product Identifier
• Signal Word
• Hazard Statement(s)
• Precautionary Statement(s)
• Pictogram(s)

• All hazardous chemicals shipped after June 1,
  2015 must be labeled with these specific elements

12
SDS AND GHS cont..

• Effective Dates
• June 1, 2015
• Compliance with all modified provisions
• December 1, 2015
• Distributor shall not ship containers labeled by
  the chemical manufacturer or importer unless it
  is a GHS label
• June 1, 2016
• Update all workplace labeling and hazard
  communication program as necessary
• http//www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/index.html
• http//www.epa.gov/pesticides/international/global
  harmon.htm
• https//www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardcommunications/ghs
  overview.ppt
• To learn more about the Global harmonized System
  copy and paste the above websites
•  

13
What is a Hazardous Waste?

• A hazardous material is any solid, liquid, or
  contained gaseous material that is capable of
  producing harmful physical or health effects and
  pose a threat to the environment. 

• When these materials are ready to be discarded,
  they become a hazardous waste that must be
  managed according to established guidelines.

14
Proper Disposal of Hazardous Waste

• Never discard unwanted chemicals in the sink or
  floor drain (unless you are certain they are not
  hazardous and have been authorized to do so.)
• EHS will pick up un-wanted hazardous materials
  from your work site.
• Call 351-1149 or 351-4002 for information and to
  arrange a pick-up.
• Fill out and turn in Hazardous waste tag

15
Materials Management

• Label
• Label
• Label EVERYTHING!!!!!!
• Properly label
• hazardous waste and material
• Date generated and Generator

16
(No Transcript)
17
Filling out the Hazardous Waste Tag

• Generator Name
• Department, Building Name, Room Number
• What is the product name?
• More important what is the chemical(s) in the
  product?
• What percent of the chemical is in the waste?
  Example 25 water 75 methanol
• What type and size of container is the product
  stored? Example 2L, glass
• Leave original tag on container.
• Turn in copy to Environmental Health and Safety

18
MINORS IN THE LAB

• Faculty and staff are directly responsible for
  compliance with the Minors in Laboratory Policy
  and for the safety of all minors who are approved
  to be in laboratories under this policy.
• Minors under the age of 14 are prohibited from
  entering the laboratory unless when participating
  in a tour approved by the University during which
  the minor students are supervised during their
  presence in such laboratories.
• A laboratory refers to any part of a facility
  used or intended to be used by the University for
  Scientific, Technical, Arts, and Health
  activities which may be hazardous.
• Mandatory forms and supporting documentation for
  minors (ages 14-17) and their parents/guardians
  shall be reviewed to identify the risks found in
  laboratory areas.
• Release and indemnification for Minors in
  Laboratories shall be completed before minors
  enter a laboratory. The college or department
  shall keep these documents.
• In additional to laboratory safety training,
  additional training requirements may apply
  depending on the work that will be conducted in
  the laboratory facility.

19
HEALTH EFFECTS

• TOXINS- Toxic materials are substances that may
  cause harm to an individual if it enters the
  body. The routes for exposure are inhalation,
  skin contact and ingestion. The health effects
  may occur immediately (acute) or could be delayed
  (chronic).
• Toxins are also any poison produced by an
  organism, characterized by antigenicity in
  certain animals and high molecular weight, and
  including the bacterial toxins that are the
  causative agents of tetanus, diphtheria, etc.,
  and such plant and animal toxins as ricin and
  snake venom.
• Remember that toxic materials can have other
  hazards for example, a toxic material may also be
  corrosive and flammable.
• Always read the SDS and labels to understand what
  is in the product and how to work with it safely.
  If you are unsure of the product and do not
  understand the instructions, always ask the
  laboratory supervisor.

20
HEALTH EFFECTS

• CORROSIVES- Corrosive chemicals include acids,
  bases, oxidizing agents, and dehydrating agents.
  Secondary containment such as plastic tubs or
  bottle carriers should be used.
• Corrosives should be stored away from metals,
  flammables, and oxidizing materials. If a spill
  occurs it is important to understand that proper
  clean-up may involve neutralization with an
  appropriate complementary compound.
• Add acid to water. Never add water to acid.
• Corrosives can burn and destroy body tissues on
  contact. The stronger and/or more concentrated
  the corrosive material is and the longer it
  touches the body, the greater the injuries can
  be. Always refer to the SDS to check the health
  hazards the chemical can cause.

21
HEALTH EFFECTS

• ACIDS
• Initial Appearance is a good measurement of
  damage
• Strong acids tend to precipitate a protein
  barrier that prevents further penetration into
  the tissues
• CAUSTICS
• Will produce more Serious Injuries
• Caustics are more serious because they are
  capable of burning, corroding or even destroying
  living tissue. Always wear the appropriate PPE
  that would prevent any acid or caustic burn
• OXIDIZERS
• Acute Health Effects Some oxidizers, such as
  nitric and sulfuric acid vapors, may cause
  inflammation in the surface layer of tissues when
  in direct contact, they can also cause irrigation
  to upper airways and respiratory track
• Chronic Health Effects May cause hematological
  and neurological changes, liver and kidney
  disease and lung cancer

22
HEALTH EFFECTS

• CRYOGENIC LIQUIDS (Dry ice)-are liquefied gases
  that are kept in their liquid state at very low
  temperatures. The word "cryogenic" means
  "producing, or related to, low temperatures," and
  all cryogenic liquids are extremely cold.
• Cryogenic liquids have boiling points below
  -150C (- 238F) (Carbon dioxide and nitrous
  oxide, which have slightly higher boiling points
  are sometimes included in this category)
• Cryogenic Hazards-Frostbite, asphyxiation,
  Permanent eye damage and death
• Types of Cryogenic Liquids-Inert Gas, Flammable
  Gases and Oxygen
• When working with dry ice eye protection,
  thermal protection gloves, closed toed shoes,
  long pants and sleeves should be worn
• -

23
HEALTH EFFECTS

• RADIOLOGICAL HAZARDS Radioactive materials
  pose a unique risk to researchers and laboratory
  personnel. Radioactive material can result in
  increased morbidity and mortality even if direct
  contact never occurs
• Only attempt to correct or remedy hazardous
  situations with radiological material if you have
  been trained to do so, otherwise notify the
  PI/Lab Supervisor.
• If a radiological spill occurs, remove all
  personnel from the area to a safe location. Use
  safety showers and eyewash station if
  appropriate.
• Notify UNC Police Department of any radiological
  spill or releases.

24
HEALTH EFFECTS

• BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS Biological Hazardous
  materials is any biological material capable of
  causing harm to humans, animals or plants. This
  includes human waste products, animals, bacteria,
  fungi, parasites, prions, viruses, etc. The only
  acceptable treatment for biological waste at UNC
  is autoclaving. Autoclaving should be performed
  to the extent that no portion of the container
  remaining is untreated.
• Departments that are autoclaving waste shall
  maintain a written log on all waste that is
  autoclaved.
• This log shall contain the name of the operator,
  date, time, approximate weight or volume of waste
  autoclaved and the temperature of the material.
• Materials that cannot be autoclaved shall be
  disposed of through Environmental Health and
  Safety

25
CHEMICAL LABELING
All chemicals must be labeled.even water!
26
CHEMICAL EXPOSURES

• Threshold Limit Value (TLV) are guidelines
  (not standards) prepared by the American
  Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists,
  Inc. (ACGIH) to assist Industrial Hygienists in
  making decisions regarding safe levels of
  exposure to various hazards found in the
  workplace. TLV reflects the level of exposure
  that the typical worker can experience without an
  unreasonable risk of disease or injury. TLVs
  are not quantitative estimates of risk at
  different exposure levels or by different routes
  of exposure.
• Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is the maximum
  amount or concentration of a chemical that a
  worker may be exposed to under OSHA regulations.
• Time-Weighted Average (TWA) is the average
  exposure of a person during eight hours to an
  airborne chemical hazard.
• Short-term Exposure Limit (STEL) a
  concentration to which a person can be exposed
  continuously for a short period of time.

27
ACIDS/ALKALIS HAZARDS

• Strong bases will soak into the tissue as long
  as they remain in contact with skin or eyes
  (causing serious injury to the cornea of the eye)
• Depending on strength of acid/alkali this could
  be an irritant/harmful (blistering of skin) or
  even corrosive (destroys skin) if there is
  contact
• Goggles, proper gloves and lab jackets should be
  worn at all times. Wash hands or affected area
  immediately if acid/alkali touches skin

28
CRYOGENIC LIQUIDS LIQUID GASES

• Dangers of Cryogenic Liquids Liquid Gases
• affixation
• explosion
• skin freeze burns/frostbite
• Poison (hydrogen cyanide can permeate the skin -
  serious injury or death.)
• Precautions To a minimum, always use this PPE
  handling Cryogenic Liquids/Gases
• Face shield
• Heavy gloves (not for submersion)
• Lab coat

29
CHEMICAL SPLASH

• Should a serious Chemical Splash contact your
  eyes or skin
• Call for help by yelling while proceeding to
  nearest eyewash or shower (helpers should call
  911).
• Flush for at LEAST 15-20 minutes removing
  clothing from body, and holding eyes open in
  eyewashes.
• Check victim for shock (helpers wear gloves to
  protect from contamination).
• Seek medical assistance.
• Hospital may not take a contaminated victim
  unless HazMat has decontaminated the victim
  first.
• For serious (dependent) chemical exposure, always
  proceed to an EMERGENCY ROOM for medical
  evaluation -- TAKE SDS along!!
• Concentrated solutions
• Alkalis highly toxic (skin absorption)
• Large coverage of body part.

30
LIQUID NITROGEN

• When handling Liquid Nitrogen be aware
• Large Spill What to do?
• Evacuate area until ventilation can restore
  oxygen levels
• Emergency personnel enter area only with SCBA
• Allow to evaporate
• Skin Contact
• Asphyxiation Inhaling liquid nitrogen can
  cause
• Nausea, drowsiness, blue coloration of the skin
  and lips, unconsciousness, and death
• Without the proper gloves or goggles when
  handling Liquid Nitrogen frostbite can occur
  through the skin/eyes

31
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

• Goggles, face shields, or safety glasses (which
  one is needed)
• Lab coat and proper clothing
• The right gloves (appropriate material)
• cut resistant, burn resistant, impermeable to
  product used, good barrier to hazard.
• Glove selection should be apply to the chemical
  you are using. As a reference, review the SDS
• Respirators (NIOSH approved) Receive medical
  approval and fit testing before use
• Never wear any loose clothing or jewelry. Keep
  long hair tied back
• Lab PPE shall NOT be worn outside of a
  laboratory. This reduces
• the spread of contamination

32
CLOTHING SHOES

• Lab coats and aprons protect major portions of
  the body from chemical contact. They allow for
  easy removal unlike street clothes
• If you use a lab coat, use a coat especially made
  of materials resistant to chemicals in use
• Hang lab coats in lab area, never wear outside a
  lab, to avoid risks of contamination.
• Remember your feet! Keep your feet protected with
  close toe shoes and if needed use shoe covers

33
GLOVES GLOVE SELECTION

• Gloves choices
• Disposable latex
• Disposable nitrile
• Disposable vinyl
• Natural rubber latex
• Nitrile
• Butyl
• Viton ii

• Choose glove types. Refer to the SDS.
• Material Compatibility
• Physical Limitations
• Puncture Cut Resistance
• Flame Heat Resistance
• Cryogenic Liquids
• Dexterity Issues

• Chemical Glove Guide
• http//www.bestglove.com/chemguide/chemguid.html

34
EYE PROTECTION
Eye protection is required when working in
laboratories. Using the appropriate eye
protection is critical. Goggles, eye glasses
and face masks will assist in preventing fumes or
particles as well as liquids from entering your
eyes.
35
PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE)

• As a reminder ALWAYS use PPE even if the project
  youre working on does not pose a threat.
• Consider yourself an example to others and always
  wear your personal protection equipment.

36
EYE WASH SHOWER

• Before beginning work in a laboratory, know the
  location of the closest safety shower and/or eye
  wash station.
• Know how to operate it!

37
EYE WASHES

• Flush any splash for a minimum of 15 to 20
  minutes.
• If you are allowed to wear contact lenses, make
  sure your goggles have a red dot on the left side
  of the goggles. In the event of an accident the
  instructor or student will know that you wear
  contacts.
• Contacts may not be able to be removed, continue
  to flush the eye if the contact is not able to be
  removed.

38
RESPIRATORS

• Any person requiring a respirator will need to
  complete annually, a medical questionnaire and
  fit test prior to using a respirator.
• Type of Mask (paper, full and half mask)
• All respirators should be NIOSH approved
• Type of Filter Cartridge (particulates)
• Storage of respirator and shelf life of
  cartridges
• Thresholds (pel odor) or SCBA (Self
  Contained Breathing Apparatus)

39
RESPIRATORS

• Medical monitoring and fit testing is required
  for any facial changes such as dental work,
  weight loss or weight gain.
• Regular Fit Tests Any person using a
  respirator is required to complete a medical
  evaluation and fit test annually
• Respirators come in full face and half mask,
  there are different types of cartridges. Always
  check the shelf life of the cartridge and if it
  is out of date, then discard it. Refer to the SDS
  of the chemical to find out the type of
  respirator and cartridge that is needed. This
  will determine if a certain mask has the ability
  to withstand the threshold such as the
  permissible exposure limit and odor.
• NISOH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards -
  http//www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/
• Cleaning, Maintenance Use an alcohol wipe to
  clean after use, periodically disassemble your
  respirator, and wash in warm soapy water. Air dry
  by laying out the respirator parts. Do not towel
  dry.

40
UNDERSTANDING THE NFPA PLACARDS
41
NFPA PLAQUARD

• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
  704 Diamond system was designed to identify the
  risks posed by hazardous materials, and helps
  determine the equipment needed to follow the
  procedures and precautions taken during an
  emergency response. This placard is the standard
  maintained by the U.S National Fire Protection
  Associations.
• The color determines the hazard
• Blue diamond determines the Health Hazard
• Red diamond determines the Flammability/Fire
  Hazard
• Yellow determines the instability/reactivity of
  the chemical
• White diamond determines the specific hazard
• You will find these placards on the chemical SDS
  and are also on laboratory containers and doors.

42
Q. What does the white segment mean here?
43
The white segment signifies No Water A
scenario in which you may see this may be alkali
sodium metals. Some metals that are reactive
with water are lithium, sodium, and rubidium
44
FUME HOODS

• Fume Hoods are not a storage area! Never store
  items in front of the fume hood or on the fume
  hood counter!!!
• Ensure proper face velocity
• Lower shield to proper elevation When finished
  with the fume hood always lower the shield.
• Use a fume hood for procedures that might result
  in the release of hazardous chemical vapors or
  dust. Always check that the hood is working
  before using by holding a kimwipe or other
  lightweight paper up to the opening of the hood.
  If the hood is working properly the paper will be
  pulled towards the hood. Do not place objects
  directly in front of the fume hood as this can
  disrupt the airflow and draw contaminants out of
  the hood.

45
FUME HOODS

• Ensure the fume hood is operating Be aware of
  safety switches remote operation of the fume
  hood
• When in use, keep the hood sash pulled down as
  low as practical. The sash should be at or below
  18 inches at all times. When the hood is not in
  use, pull the sash all down (closed)
• If the fume hood is in alarm, contact Facilities
  Management (351-2446) and submit a work request.

46
EMERGENCIES IN THE LAB
47
CHEMISTRY LAB FIRE
A bottle of flammable liquid broke inside the
fume hood next to a hot plate. Portable fire
extinguishers were ineffective. Other improperly
stored chemicals ignited, adding more fuel to the
fire.
48
EMERGENCIES IN THE LAB

• Becoming familiar with the answer to these
  questions is imperative.
• Do you know what to do in case of an emergency
  in the lab?
• Do you have an emergency lab plan and how well
  do you know it?
• How well do you communicate the emergency lab
  plan information?
• Does everyone know the emergency procedures?
• Have you rehearsed the emergency lab plan
  response?
• Do you know the emergency exit routes?
• Do you know who to call should a lab emergency
  occur?
• Refer to the laboratory supervisor if you are
  unsure.

49
GRADUATE STUDENTS

• Advisors are responsible for ensuring the safety
  of their graduate students
• Provide them with
• Hazcom / GHS and other required training
• PPE and proper care instructions for lab aprons,
  goggles and gloves
• Emergency Response Procedure Instructions
• An Activity-Specific Safety Plan (customized for
  the work to be anticipated.)

50
BLEEDING

• Should you be faced with assisting someone who is
  bleeding in the lab
• Call UNC Police Department 911 or 351-2245
• Protect yourself from Blood Born Pathogens by
  wearing gloves
• Apply direct pressure with gauze pad or clean
  cloth
• Do not remove blood-soaked dressings. Add
  another dressing on top

51
FIRST AID KITS

• Should be accessible to ALL laboratory personnel
  within the area.
• Items in the First Aid Kit should be consistent
  with the injuries that are probable in the
  laboratory.

52
POISONINGS

• If exposed to a poison do the following
• Call 911 first, then call the Poison Control
  Center at 800-222-1222
• Do as instructed by the Poison Control Center
  until Emergency Medical Services arrive

53
GAS LEAK

• If you suspect that there is a gas leak or smell
  of an egg like odor, then it may be a gas leak.
• Gas is odorless and can be difficult to detect
• Ensure lights are turned off
• Evacuate the room or facility
• Call UNC Police Department at 911 or 351-2245.
• If it is safe to do so, warn others in the area
  about the situation.

54
FIRE GUIDELINES

• Never block, even temporarily, building
  evacuation routes and exits
• Evacuate the building if the fire alarm sounds
  or a fire exists
• Close doors behind you as you exit your work
  areas or laboratory
• Evacuate quickly and calmly, by the way of the
  nearest exit, to a safe distance from the
  building
• If you are with a group or class, stay with your
  group
• Do not re-enter the building until the all clear
  has been given
• For additional information visit the UNC
  Emergency Preparedness and Safety website at
  http//www.unco.edu/emergencymanagement/

55
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

• In the event of a fire, activate the fire alarm
  and stay calm
• ONLY use the fire extinguisher if the fire can
  easily be extinguished and you are standing
  between the exit and the fire.
• If the fire cannot be extinguished with a fire
  extinguisher, then evacuate the building. The
  Pl/Lab Supervisor should be able to guide all lab
  personnel to the nearest fire exit and be
  knowledgeable of evacuation procedures. Go to
  the nearest Designated Evacuation Staging Area.
• UNC Police Department should be contacted at 911
  or 351-2245

56
SPILL KITS

• Minor Spills If you have been trained to
  respond, if necessary, use a spill clean up kit
  to control the spilled material. If you have not
  been trained, notify your supervisor or UNC
  Police Department.
• It is the responsibility of all laboratory
  personnel to be aware of the hazards from
  chemicals being used. If lab personnel suspect
  that a spill cannot be remedied with a spill
  clean up kit or doing so would pose a risk to
  their health, they should contact UNC Police
  Department.

57
SPILL KITS

• Major Spills If a major spill or hazardous
  chemicals occurs it should be reported to a
  laboratory supervisor as quickly as possible.
  Notify persons in the vicinity of the spill,
  evacuating all people from the spill area and
  adjoining areas that may be impacted by potential
  vapors. Do not attempt to clean the spill.
• If spilled material is classified as
  flammable, turn offer any potential ignition
  sources, avoid breathing vapors of the spilled
  materials. Be aware that some materials can be
  odorless or have odors that are briefly
  detectable. Labs will need to be evacuated and
  professionally cleaned

58
Laboratory Inspection

• All UNC laboratories are inspected by EHS
• Laboratories are inspected periodically and
  unannounced to assure compliance with Federal,
  State and local regulations, as well as the
  university policies and procedures.
• EHS provides guidance and recommendations for
  compliance with federal, state and local
  regulations.
• Laboratory Inspections are followed per the UNCO
  Laboratory Inspection Checklist.

59
(No Transcript)
60
Environmental Health Safety (970)
351-1149 [phone] [phone]Call for
questions or concerns!Protect Yourself EHS
Website http//www.unco.edu/facility/EHS/index.ht
ml