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Foundation Training in Laboratory

Safety

Faculty Safety Managers

Stefan Hoyle, Jan de Abela-Borg

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Module 3Gases and cryogenics

Reinforce basics of risk assessment

Explain how gases and cryogenics can cause harm

Identify and understand control measures to minimise exposure

Identify other potential hazards within the laboratory setting

Objectives

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Common gases - physical properties and hazards

CARBON DIOXIDE (GASEOUS)

Description:Colourless, odourless gas.Pungent odour at high concs.

Relative density (Air = 1):1.52

Flammable?No

Workplace Exposure Limits:1.5% (short term), 0.5% (long term)

Hazards:Intoxicating at high concentrations (5%+)

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Common gases - physical properties and hazards

CARBON DIOXIDE (SOLID)

Description:Translucent white solidPellets or flakes.

Relative density (Air = 1):1.52

Flammable?No

Workplace Exposure Limits:1.5% (short term), 0.5% (long term)

Hazards:Cold burns / frostbiteSublimes to form gaseous CO2 – asphyxiation risk

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Common gases - physical properties and hazards

Don’t play games with

dry ice!

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Common gases - physical properties and hazards

NITROGEN (GASEOUS)

Description:Colourless, odourless gas. Present in air ~ 78%

Relative density (Air = 1):0.97

Flammable?No

Workplace Exposure Limits:None

Hazards:Asphyxiation by reduction in O2 content of air

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Common gases - physical properties and hazards

NITROGEN (LIQUID)

Description:Colourless, odourless liquid (-196oC)

Relative density (Air = 1):Cold gas / vapour heavier than airExpansion factor of x700

Flammable?No

Workplace Exposure Limits:None

Hazards: Asphyxiation – evolved gas will displace air Cryogenic burns Frostbite and hypothermia in certain circumstances

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Common gases - physical properties and hazards

HYDROGEN

Description:Colourless, odourless gas

Relative density (Air = 1):0.07

Flammable?Extremely

Workplace Exposure Limits:None

Hazards:Fire and explosion

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Hazard information

MSDS and Hazard Labels

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Foreseeable risks

Regulator failure

Failure of pipe work or tubing connecting cylinder to other equipment

Over pressurisation

Damage caused by impact e.g. falling cylinder or vessel

Damage caused by fire

Uncontrolled release of gas due to:

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The control hierarchy

Prevent or minimise the risk of release at source

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Warning systems should the gas reach a critical level

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Control measures

Ensure that regulators, pressure vessels etc. are subject to maintenance and inspection regimes

Ensure cylinders are secure and away from sources of heat

Training – ensure that users are familiar with the equipment and the properties of the substances they are handling

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Control measures

Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Ventilation – ensure that it is adequate

Ensure the physical environment is suitable for liquid nitrogen dispensing e.g. floor surfaces, adequate space for manoeuvre

Consider fixed point gas detection monitors / alarms

Ensure emergency procedures have been considered

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Some Do’s………

Always:Store bulk quantities of cylinders upright in

purpose-designed storage areas

Segregate full and empty cylinders

Segregate flammable and non-flammable

gases

Keep cylinder valves clean

Ensure the correct regulators are fitted

Ensure the regulator is designed to take the

cylinder pressure

Observe for faults and leaks at each time of

use

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Never:

Tamper with cylinders in any way

Dispose of cylinders in any way other

than returning them to the suppliers

Oil or grease cylinder fittings

Use PTFE tape to achieve a seal

Use non-standard cylinder keys

‘Snift’ hydrogen or toxic gases

……… and some Don’ts

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Manual handling cylinders and vessels

Make use of the BOC ‘point-to-point’ service on sites where this is in force

Plan your route in advanceAvoid moving cylinders through populated work areasReport problems with paths and roadways to EstatesBe aware of your physical capabilities – some jobs need to

be carried out by two peopleUse purpose designed trolleys

Never roll a cylinder

Don’t attempt to catch a cylinder if it falls

Never transport a cylinder off site without consulting BOC /

College Safety Department

Never travel in a lift with liquid nitrogen vessels

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Removing specimens from liquid nitrogen vessels

Store the samples in the vapour phase

Place the vial into secondary containment immediately after removal

Wear appropriate PPE e.g. full face visor

There is a risk that vials may explode as liquid nitrogen warms and converts from liquid form to gaseous

PRECAUTIONS:

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Carrying out and recording the risk assessment

STEP 1: Identify the hazards STEP 2: Identify who may be at risk

STEP 3: Establish control measures

STEP 4: Record the assessment

STEP 5: Review the assessment

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Accidents do happen……

CO2 cylinder safety valve vented

Cylinders left unsupported

Cylinders obstructing fire escape route

Leaks from reducing valve

Cylinders dropped / fell in transit

Liquid nitrogen vessel toppled in transit

Burst silicone tubing carrying gas

Connector tubing became detached

Failure of trolley wheels on liquid nitrogen vessel

Structural failure in neck of liquid nitrogen vessel

Lasers, radiation, and an assortment of other

potential hazards in the laboratory

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Radiation

• All persons working with ionising radiations must be registered.

• All work with ionising radiations must be registered.

• Before starting work with ionising radiation you must:

• 1. Register as a Radiation Worker with the Safety Dept.

• 2. Attend Safety Department ‘Principles of Radiation Protection’ Course.

• 3. Attend Local Induction Training Course (RPS will arrange).

• 4. Ensure your work is registered with the Safety Dept.

• http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/safety/guidanceandadvice

Lasers

95% of laser accidents are caused by:

•Unanticipated eye exposure during alignment

•Misaligned optics and upwardly directed beams

•Available laser eye protection not used

Suitable and sufficient training is vital to ensure competency!

•All work with lasers in college must be registered

•All people working with lasers must be registered•All college Departments where lasers are used

must have a Departmental Laser Safety Officer (DLSO)

•Anyone wishing to work with lasers must see the DLSO before they start work

• they will then be informed of the Departmental procedure for registering

and risk assessing the work.

•All work with class 3B & class 4 lasers must be registered with the Safety Department.

•Before starting work you must attend the College Laser Course.

•You will receive further training locally as required.

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Magnetic fields

Safety issues:

•Nitrogen and Helium

•Risk assessment / code of practice

•Training

•Limited access

•No metal tools, swipe cards, mobile phones

•Gauss lines

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High / low pressure / vacuum

Safety issues•Implosion / Explosion•Risk assessment •Training

High Voltage / Electricity

Safety issues:

•Risk of electrocution / burns / death

•Overload of systems

•Fire

•‘Competent ‘design

•PAT and electrical testing

•Segregation from liquids

•Risk assessment

•Training

•Lone working issues

•Interlocks

Centrifuges

Main causes of rotor failure:Incorrect Loading

Overloading

Corrosion/Stress Corrosion

Fatigue / Old Age

Before each run:Is my rotor corrosion-free?

Is the anodising intact?

Is the rotor within its service life?

Are the ‘O’ rings in place and not degraded?

Are samples balanced and loaded?

Is the rotor secure?

Is the lid in place?

After every run:Keep it clean

Keep it dry

Remove rubber cushions

Store upside down in a warm place

Polish regularly

Rotor Care – What it means in practice:

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Machine tools

Safety issues

Machines:

•Risk of injury

•Guarding

•Emergency stops

•Training / competency

•Lock off key

Soldering:

•Respiratory problems e.g. due to colophony

•Burns / fire

•COSHH

•LEV (dispersal or extraction)

What next for you ?

Risk Assessments

Go through risk assessments associated with your work with your

supervisor and review as required, write new where necessary.

Local training

Will be ongoing as you progress.

Further information available on Dept and Safety Dept websites.

Training needs analysis

Speak to supervisor and discuss training needs for now and future using Dept training needs analysis form (book and attend identified courses)

Local lab inductions

including emergency procedures and waste routes

Lab safety training

Lab foundation trainingAll those requiring training

start here

Laser trainingRadiation training

CL2 / CL3 / GM training

Gas and cryogenics training

Centrifuge and other equipment training

RAFTFire safety training CBS training

Fieldwork courses

Objectives MCQs

Short MCQ test to help us ensure

that the learning objectives for the

course have been met.......

What is the correct definition of a hazard?

A. Something with the potential to cause harm

B. A physical object that can cause significant injury

C.A process which always results in harm

D.Something that will cause significant injury

What is the correct definition of risk?

A. The likelihood that harm will occur to one or more people

B. A description of the severity of harm from anything

C.How harm occurs to the environment, people or equipment

D.The likelihood and severity of harm occurring

A biological agent in hazard group 2 cannot be used at containment level:

A. 2

B. 1

C.2, 3 or 4

D.2 or 4

E. 3

A Class I microbiological safety cabinet provides:

A. Protection to the user and others in the lab only

B. 100% Protection to the user and samples in the cabinet

C.A negative pressure to protect the samples

D.Airflows that ensure a sterile environment is maintained in the cabinet

E. Protection to the user and a sterile environment for any samples

A Class II Microbiological safety cabinet cannotbe used when:

A. Changing the media on cells infected with a airborne human pathogen

B. Creating aerosols when homogenizing human tissues

C.Performing reactions using chemicals with a inhalation risk

Which of the following is unlikely to affect the containment in a fume hood?

A. A person rushing passed the front of the hood

B. Positioning a double fridge beside the fume hood

C.Positioning a storage cupboard at right angles to the fume hood

D.Slowly lowering the sash while an experiment is in progress

E. Opening a window in the lab

The 5 steps of Risk Assessment are?

A) Identify the hazards /establish control measures / test control measures / inform and instruct staff / record the assessment

B) Identify the hazards / identify who may be harmed and how / establish control measures / record the assessment / review the assessment

C) Identify the hazards /establish control measures / test control measures / record the assessment / inform and instruct staff

Which of the following would you not do if your fume hood breaks down during a hazardous procedure?

A) Make the experiment safe

B) Turn off ignition sources

C) Cool the equipment by spraying with tap water

D) Close reagent containers

E) Inform your demonstrator/supervisor immediately

Working in a fume hood would mitigate against which of these routes of exposure to chemicals?

A) Ingestion

B) Inhalation

C) Skin contact

Which of the following is not a correct statement?

A. When liquid nitrogen becomes gaseous it expands approximately 700 times

B. Nitrogen replaces the oxygen in the air and can lead to asphyxiation

C. Gas cylinders should always be stored flat on the floor or on a bench

D. Changing gas regulators requires specific training

E. Manual handling training is advisable for anyone moving gas cylinders

To use a high power Class 4 laser which of these action chains should you follow?

A.Turn laser on / Look for the beam to check if it is working / Avoid looking directly down the beam / Wear a pair of safety goggles

B.Register with the Departmental Laser Safety Officer / Attend laser user Training / Wear a pair of Laser safety goggles / Turn laser on

C.Register with the Departmental Laser Safety Officer / Attend laser user Training / Await supervision and training for use of the specific laser / Wear appropriate Laser Safety Goggles if required.

You are untrained in the use of mechanical workshop equipment and you need a hole drilled in a piece of metal as part of your research, which of these action chains should you follow?

A. Ask a mate to instruct you how to drill a hole / Find the nearest power drill / Find some Safety Glasses / Then drill the hole

B. Buy a power drill / Buy some Safety Glasses / Ask a mate to instruct you how to use the drill / Then drill hole

C. Find some Safety Glasses / Find the nearest Lab Technician / Ask if you can borrow their power drill / Then drill the hole

D. Go to the nearest mechanical workshop / Ask for a Mechanical Technician / Ask them to drill the hole for you

E. Go into the nearest mechanical workshop / Find some Safety Glasses / Find the nearest Mechanical Technician / Ask to use their pedestal drill

Reminder – course learning objectives:

Module 1:• Be able to define Hazard and risk

• Describe basics of risk assessment

• Explain relationship between Bio Hazard Groups and Lab Containment levels

• List the routes of exposure

• Describe the mode of operation of Microbiological safety cabinets

Module 2:• Explain how chemicals can cause harm

• Identify and understand control measures to minimise chemical exposure

• Describe how fume cupboards work and how to use them

Module 3:• Explain how gases and cryogenics can cause harm

• Identify other potential hazards within the laboratory setting

Did the course meet it’s learning objectives?

A. Yes

B. No

C. Partially