laboratory safety manual - · pdf file- 1-foreword this laboratory safety manual is to define...

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HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY LTD.

Laboratory Safety Manual

General Laboratory Safety

Biological Safety

Chemical Safety

Radiation Safety

Electrical Safety


12 MILES TAI PO ROAD, SHATIN, N.T., H.K.

Jan 2010 (Revised)

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Foreword This Laboratory Safety Manual is to define the General Laboratory, Biological, Chemical, Radiation and Electrical Safety policies and procedures for the laboratories of the HKIB

building. These policies and procedures were designed to safeguard personnel and the

environment from the biological, chemical and hazardous materials and to comply with Hong

Kong and international safety regulations. All workers in HKIB must adhere to this manual in

the conduct of their bench works and the management of their laboratories.

The safety guidelines stated herein are complied with, but not limited to, the content of the

Laboratory Safety of the University Safety and Environment Office, The Chinese University of

Hong Kong.

All the procedures detailed in this manual shall apply to all workers in HKIB, supporting

personnel, and to any authorized visitors. It is essential that all personnel entering any

laboratory in HKIB read and comply with this manual.

Emergency events and the emergency numbers:

HKIB University Security Office

University Safety Office

Fire Facility Administrator (Office Hours)

2948 9262

Admin Coordinator 2948 9200

2609 7999

(24 Hours)

-- Electrical Failure -- Biological Spill 2609 7958

(Office Hours) Chemical Spill

Medical Emergency --

You are advised to bring along with your mobile communication device

especially when working alone in a lab or office. Please save these emergency

contacts in your device.

Severe Emergency:

Dial 999

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Table of Content Foreword Table of Content A. Guidelines and Regulations B. Roles and Responsibility C. General Laboratory Safety

I. Attitude

II. Clothing

III. Laboratory and Personal Hygiene

IV. Laboratory Regulations

V. Laboratory Equipment

VI. Laboratory Storage

VII. Liquid Nitrogen

VIII. Gas Cylinders

IX. Laboratory Glassware, Sharps and Needles

X. Confined Spaces Safety

XI. Access to Laboratories After Office Hours

D. Accidents, Fire Emergency and Electrical Failure E. Biological Safety

I. Biological Vs. Biohazard

II. Microorganisms - Risk Grouping

III. Biosafety Levels

IV. Physical Barrier Systems

V. Work with Blood and Products of Human Origin

VI. Animal Work (dissection, in vivo experiment, transgenic animal)

VII. Biological / Clinical Waste

VIII. Biological / Clinical Waste Treatments and Disposal

IX. Autoclave Operation

X. Biological Emergency and Spill Cleanup

1. Biological Safety Cabinet Malfunction

2. Biohazard Spill Outside a Biological Safety Cabinet

3. Biohazard Spill Inside a Biological Safety Cabinet

4. Biohazards from Microbial Aerosols

F. Chemical Safety I. Dangerous Goods

1. Definition

2. Classification

3. Dangerous Chemicals

1

2

5

7

10

11

11

11

12

12

13

14

15

17

17

17

18

21

22

22

22

26

26

27

28

30

33

35

35

35

36

37

41

42

42

42

43

44

44

45

45

46

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II. Management of Chemical Storage

1. Chemical Storage

2. Controlled Chemical Storage

3. Purchase of controlled chemicals

4. Housekeeping and Self-Audit

III. Chemical Hazard

1. MSDS

2. Labels

3. Classifying Hazardous Chemicals

IV. Safe Use of Carcinogenic, Teratogenic, and Highly Toxic Chemicals

V. Fume Cupboard

VI. Chemical Waste Disposal

1. Storage of Chemical Waste

2. Safety Equipment for Handling Chemical Waste

3. Management of Chemical Waste

4. General Disposal Guideline

5. Disposal Procedures

6. Procedures to Dispose Empty Chemical Bottles / Containers

G. Radiation Safety I. Radiation Classification

1. Ionizing radiation

2. Non-ionizing radiation

II. Licensure

III. Responsibility IV. Legislation / Codes of Practice

V. Safe-guards

H. Electrical Safety I. Electric Hazards

II. Simple Safety Hints

III. Working on potentially hazardous equipment IV. Equipment with current passing through Liquid

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Appendix APPENDIX A - SPECIFICATION FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONTAINERS FOR CLINICAL

WASTES

APPENDIX B - CHEMICAL WASTE CONTAINER TYPES AVAILABLE IN HKIB

APPENDIX C - SELF-AUDIT CHECKLIST FOR GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY

APPENDIX D - CHECKLIST FOR FIRE SAFETY IN LABORATORY

APPENDIX E - CHECKLIST FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY

APPENDIX F – GUIDELINE FOR PURCHASING CHEMICALS

APPENDIX G - INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICAL GROUPS

APPENDIX H - INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICAL WASTE GROUPS

APPENDIX I - CHEMICAL WASTE LOG SHEET

APPENDIX J - TYPES OF SPILL KIT AVAILABLE IN HKIB (RM 209)

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GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS


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A. Guidelines and Regulations

All workers in HKIB and authorized visitors are assumed to comply with all guidelines within

this manual, as well as other applicable guidelines and regulations including:

1. Laboratory Safety. University Safety and Environment Office, The Chinese University of

Hong Kong. (http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/useo/safety)

2. “Code of Practice for the Selection, Installation and Maintenance of Electrical Apparatus for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmosphere”. Fire Services Department,

HKSAR.

3. Dangerous Goods Ordinance (Chapter 295) and Regulations, HKSAR.

4. Fire Services Ordinance (Chapter 95B) and Regulations, HKSAR.

5. Proposed Clinical Waste Control Scheme Consultation Document, “Draft Code of

Practice for the Management of Clinical Waste for Small Clinical Waste Producers”.

Environmental Protection Department, HKSAR.

6. Boilers and Pressure Vessels Ordinance (Chapter 56) and Regulations, HKSAR.

7. Waste Disposal Ordinance (Chapter 354) and Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste)

(General) Regulation, HKSAR.

8. “Code of Practice on the Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes”.

Environmental Protection Department, HKSAR.

9. Young J.A. (Ed.). 2003. “Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories". Vol. 1.

American Chemical Society.

10. Guideline for Purchasing Chemicals / Biological Materials / Radioactive

Substances. University Safety and Environment Office, The Chinese University of Hong

Kong. (http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/useo/safety/lsmanual/pur_guide.html)

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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITY


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B. Roles and Responsibilities

I. Incubator Manager Assigned by Managing Director of HKIB, Incubator Manager is the authority of

decision-making, which in turn would be executed by the Facility Administrator. S/He is

responsible for the administrative issues of the Incubation Center and works closely with

Facility Administrator in complying Laboratory Safety procedures and regulations inside

HKIB.

II. Facility Administrator

Reported to Incubator Manager, Facility Administrator is the Biosafety Officer of the

Incubator Facility. The Facility Administrator has to coordinate with, and assist the

workers in the Incubation Center in complying the regulations within this manual. The

Facility Administrator has the authority to determine if a worker is unable to work within

the facility, deactivate any malfunctioning containment equipment, and indemnify

compliance with government health and safety regulations. S/He has the responsibility to

provide technical guidance to personnel regarding laboratory safety, insure that all

workers follow procedures and practices related to laboratory operations, and initiates

and supervises emergency responses. The Facility Administrator should carry out regular

investigations, and report any significance violations within the facility, accompany

authorized visitors or maintenance workers in the Incubator Facility directly to the

Manager of Incubator Facility.

III. Principal Investigators (PI) Principal Investigators have the responsibility to insure the purpose of this manual and all

other applicable guidelines are fulfilled. The PI should also notify HKIB of new employees

who will be working in HKIB. S/He should verify that all staff members conducting

research within the HKIB are properly trained, and follow all the policies and procedures

in this Laboratory Safety Manual and other applicable guidelines. The PI must inform the

laboratory staff of any potential hazards including biological, chemical, and potential

hazard associated with their work. S/He is also responsible for investigating and

reporting, in writing, to the HKIB for any accidents or incidents involving his staff in the

HKIB.

IV. Individual Laboratory Worker (ILW) Individual laboratory workers are all personnel assigned to work in HKIB, and responsible

to operate any equipment inside the facility. ILW should read and comply with the

procedures and practices in this manual and meet with the Facility Administrator before

starting work. The ILW should be clearly instructed by their PI of the procedures they

must follow while conducting research in HKIB. They are responsible to work safely in the

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facility, properly labeling all biological, chemical, and hazardous materials within the

facility. The ILW are liable to immediate report any unsafe act, emergence incidence, or

malfunctioning equipment to the Facility Administrator and the PI. The ILW will be liable to any equipment damage or personal hazard related to misuse, abuse, or violating the operating procedures of the equipments.

V. Authorized User An authorized user in HKIB is a well-trained and experienced personnel able to work

safely in the facility. The authorized user should be selected by the Principal Investigator,

and be subjected to rescinded, especially if the act of personnel violates the regulations.

The PI is responsible to provide a list of all authorized users permitted in HKIB to the

HKIB Admin Unit in a regular basis.

VI. Authorized Visitor Authorized visitors are personnel, including maintenance workers, the EMO cleaning

team from CUHK, sanitary staffs employed by facility users (with list previously provided

to Facility Administrator), and other visitors that have been approved to enter HKIB by the

Principal Investigators or Facility Administrator. They should be instructed by the PI or

Facility Administrator, and comply with all regulations and procedures within this manual.

The authorized visitors should register in the Administration Office on the G/F of the HKIB

building before entering the facility, and the PI or Facility Administrator, whoever

applicable, are responsible to all the safety issues related to the authorized visitors. The

PI must immediately report to Facility Administrator any emergency incidents or hazards

that happen on the authorized personnel. No authorized visitor is allowed to stay in the

HKIB without attendant of any laboratory worker or out of normal office hours (Mon to Fri:

08:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.).

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General Laboratory Safety

Attitude

Clothing

Laboratory and Personal Hygiene

Laboratory Regulations

Laboratory Equipment

Laboratory Storage

Liquid Nitrogen

Gas Cylinders

Laboratory Glassware, Sharps and Needles

Confined Spaces Safety

Access to Laboratories After Office Hours


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C. General Laboratory Safety I. Attitude

All workers in the laboratories of HKIB must be well instructed by their Principal

Investigators on the procedures they must follow when conducting research. Work in a

safe attitude.

1. Stay alert and be cautious on every move when conducting experiments and

operating equipments.

2. Workers must wear appropriate protective clothing and protective glasses, which

should be provided by their PI, when working in the laboratories, and prevent

contamination from work to work, and from laboratory to laboratory, by taking all

preventive and control procedures.

3. Workers should be familiar with the properties and the potential hazardous to the

substance they use, and consider the limitation of the equipment that they will use.

4. Plan your work well before getting start. Reserve working space and equipment

before starting work, and sign all logbooks when using any single equipment.

5. Any emergency incidents should be immediately reported to their PI and Facility

Administrator, and follow-up all the decontamination work, if applicable, after an

incidence has been reported.

6. Avoid working alone in the laboratory.

II. Clothing Appropriate and protective clothing is required to safeguard of your personal safety from

biological, chemical and radiation hazards.

1. Wear goggles/spectacles at all times when performing experiments.

2. Wear a full-length, fastened laboratory coat when working in the laboratory. The

laboratory coat must be disposed if it becomes torn, badly stained, or damaged.

3. Wear full-length slacks, trousers, or jeans. Shoes with closed toes and heels must

be worn, especially when performing experiments with the use of hazardous

substances, acids, and alkaline.

4. Laboratory coat should not be worn in HKIB common area to avoid spread out of

hazardous materials..

III. Laboratory and Personal Hygiene

1. Always keep doorways and corridors clear. Keep the doors of emergency exits

closed all the time.

2. Keep the laboratory, both common-use and private areas clean and tidy. Upon

completion of work, or after each day of operation, clean up the work areas and all

equipment properly and thoroughly and restore them in standby status.

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3. Keep a clean and tidy attire. Long hair and loose-fitting clothing should be confined

close to the body and avoid being caught in moving machines and equipment parts.

4. Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics, and handling contact lens are

prohibited in all laboratories.

5. Do not store food in the laboratory as well as in refrigerators designated for storing

samples and reagents.

6. Except for an emergency, it is not allowed to use laboratory tap water (including DI

water from the reverse osmosis system) for any drinking or ingestion purposes.

7. Do not pipet by mouth.

8. Wash hands before leaving the laboratory.

IV. Laboratory Regulations All safety and operating procedures applied within each laboratory must be in agreement

with the general defined policies of this manual, and must fall under the direct

responsibility of the laboratory workers.

1. Proper recording and control of equipment and safety operations of laboratory

facilities. 2. Store flammable liquids and corrosive liquids in appropriate

cabinets.

3. Work involving fumes or the generation of aerosols must be carried

out in an appropriate fume cupboard or biosafety cabinet.

V. Laboratory Equipment Equipment to be utilized in the facility must meet the electrical safety standards of the

building, which corresponds to local and national codes. Equipment utilized in the facility

must be ensured not to contain, contribute to spread of biohazards, and present a hazard

to personnel or facility during operation.

It is essential that all equipment be properly maintained. If equipment malfunctions,

cease using it and inform the Facility Administrator. Whenever the equipment is

contaminated, decontaminate it immediately with appropriate means. Responsibility for

cost, decontamination, or repair of equipment in individual laboratories falls to the

Principal Investigators, while those in common laboratories would be subjected to

respective user(s) / laboratory if improper use or abuse of the equipment by the users

has been investigated. Logbook must be properly signed each time when using the

equipment.

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VI. Laboratory Storage Limited amount of material needed may allow to be introduced into the facility. Cartons

are not recommended to be stored on the floor inside designated laboratories, while no

cartons are permitted to be stored in communal area, and up the top of the storage

cupboard in common laboratories.

All infectious materials (e.g. microbes) must be stored in closed, sealed containers, and

properly stored in deep freezer or liquid nitrogen tank. Their contents and location must

be identified appropriately by biohazard sign and the name of the researcher, department,

room, and extension.

1. Cold Room

Space has been assigned by the Facility Administrator to the Incubator users,

based on the proportion of each individual laboratory area in respect to the whole

facility area. It is expected that each investigator will remove materials and

decontaminate the area promptly upon the completion of the project within the

facility. Keep inventory stocks and no unidentified storage are allowed. Remove all

samples, reagents (expired or not expired), agar plates once the experiment or

project is finished. Be courtesy and keep the Cold Room Area clean.

2. Freezer and Refrigerator Space

Space has been assigned by the Facility Administrator. Prompt removal and proper

disposal of materials is expected upon completion of experimental protocols and

projects. Careful storage of biological materials is essential. An inventory stock is

recommended and storage of minimum amounts of materials is expected.

Flammable substances are not permitted to be stored in non-explosion proof refrigerators or freezers. Do not leave the freezer door open without attendant

and whenever it is possible, keep the time of the freezer door opened to the

minimum.

3. Chemical Storage (see also Chemical Safety for details)

No more than five gallons of flammable liquids per laboratory is allowed. Acids

must be stored separately from solvents. Store large bottles as close to the floor as

possible, but NO chemicals can be stored on the floors or in the aisles. Storage is

not permitted in corridors.

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VII. Liquid Nitrogen Liquid nitrogen is a cryogenic fluid used to obtain extremely cold temperatures, which

produce large amount of gas by very small volume. Rapid evaporation can lower

available oxygen in the immediate area, thereby creating oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

It can cause burns, frostbites, and eye damaged even by brief exposure (Extracted from

USEO-Liquid Nitrogen).

Liquid nitrogen is classified as Category 2 Dangerous Goods under the DANGEROUS

GOODS ORDINANCE. Conveyance of Category 2 Dangerous Goods by vehicles is

subjected to licensing control.

Liquid nitrogen can be requested on a charged-based. Please contact Facility

Administrator for details on liquid nitrogen request.

Safety issues when using/handling liquid nitrogen:

1. Use thermally-insulate vessels to contain liquid nitrogen from sources of heat.

2. Secure containers used for transporting or storing liquid nitrogen to an immobile

support.

3. Warning label (FIG. 1) should be attached on the Dewar Flasks containing Liquid

Nitrogen. Operation personnel should read and understand the MSDS before

handling liquid nitrogen.

4. Wear insulated gloves when handling anything that may have been in contact with

liquid nitrogen. Fit gloves loosely so that they can be thrown off quickly if liquid spills

or splashes into them.

5. Wear a knee-length laboratory coat when handling liquid nitrogen or anything that

may have been contact with liquid nitrogen. Make sure coats do not have pockets or

cuffs.

FIG. 1 Warning label for Liquid Nitrogen Tank

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6. Wear shoes with closed toes and heels, and full-face protection including safety

glasses and spectacles. Do not wear watches, rings, bracelets, or other jewelry.

7. Control access and post warning signs where liquid nitrogen is stored or used, and

ensure proper ventilation in areas where liquid nitrogen is stored or used. Do not

store containers containing liquid nitrogen in unventilated Cold Room.

8. Use a filling device, a face shield, and insulated gloves when pouring liquid nitrogen.

Fill containers with only the liquids they were designed for and in accordance with

the manufacturer's instructions. Label contents of each container. Do not fill

containers higher than the indicated level.

9. Stand clear of boiling or splashing liquid nitrogen. Be sure to perform operations

slowly to minimize boiling and splashing when charging a warm condenser or when

inserting objects into liquid nitrogen.

10. Do not weld or heat containers containing liquid nitrogen.

11. Move dewars only with proper trolleys or carts.

VIII. Gas Cylinders Storage of gas cylinders is in accordance of the DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE,

Chapter 295. Under the Dangerous Goods Regulations, compressed gases are

classified as Category 2 Dangerous Goods (Cat. 2DG), which includes Permanent

Gases (Class 1), Liquefied Gases (Class 2), and Dissolved Gases (Class 3). Storage of

gas cylinders does not require a license issued by the Fire Services Department if the

quantity is below the exempted quantity. A maximum of 5 cylinders (in use cylinders only,

no extra unused cylinder) or 25 L of gases can only be stored in a premise (Fire

Protection Notice No. 4 – Dangerous Goods General).

Hazardous area is defined as any area where a flammable solid, liquid or gas is likely to

create a flammable or explosive atmosphere during operations, such as manufacturing,

handling, loading, unloading, using and storing.

Gas Cylinders Storage

1. Gas cylinders necessary for particular equipment (CO2 incubator, deep freezer) are

provided in the incubator facility. Extra storage of gas cylinders by individual

laboratories, either inside the designated laboratory area or in the common

laboratory, must get approval from the Incubator Manager prior to storage and

installation. Label must be present to clearly identify the owner of the gas cylinder.

2. Caution signs including NO SMOKING and the names of the dangerous goods

should be painted on the door, in 120mm with English and Chinese characters, the

room designated for storage of gas cylinders.

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3. A Gas Cylinder or Flammable Dangerous Goods plates must be fixed at a

conspicuous position above the main entrance of the storage location. Such plates

can be purchased from the Licensing & Certification Command Headquarters.

4. The gas cylinder should be well fastened (immovable). One water type fire

extinguisher should be allocated near the doorway outside the room and where the

gas cylinder stored.

5. No rubbish or cartoon is allowed in the interior or around the gas cylinders. Always

maintain a tidy and clear condition within the designated area. Empty cylinders

must be placed in an approved Dangerous Goods store.

Hazardous area (Electrical installation)

1. Sources of ignition, electrical sparks or hot surfaces must be excluded from

hazardous area. Uncontrolled release of flammable or explosive vapors must be

minimized.

2. Any electrical installation or apparatus used in a hazardous area must be

constructed or protected in accordance with BS5345 “Code of Practice for the

Selection, Installation and Maintenance of Electrical Apparatus for Use in

Potentially Explosive Atmosphere”, or equivalent. Any equipment installed in the

hazardous area shall be provided and subjected to the satisfaction of the Director of

the Fire Services.

3. Electrical apparatus for use in hazardous areas must be certified to relevant

standards by authorities recognized by the Director of Fire Services, such as the

British Approvals Service for Electrical Equipment in Flammable Atmospheres

(BASEEFA), or equivalent.

4. Using of fire, spark-producing tools or mechanical handling equipment is prohibited.

Vehicles fitted with spark-ignition engines shall be prohibited from entering any

hazardous areas. Smoking is not allowed in the hazardous area.

5. Good ventilation must be ensured to prevent any accumulation of flammable or

explosive vapors within a hazardous area.

6. Any fixed electrical installation after completion, must be inspected, tested and

certified by an electrical worker/contractor registered by the Director of Electrical

and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD). A copy of the “Work Completion

Certificate” should be forwarded to the Director of Fire Services as proof of

compliance. The installation should be inspected once in 12 months thereafter with

a “Periodic Test Certificate” be submitted to EMSD for reference.

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IX. Laboratory Glassware, Sharps and Needles Glass and sharp materials should be stored properly. Cuts and scratched skin by broken

glasses are vulnerable to infectious agents and chemical burnt.

1. Store glassware properly in the glassware cupboard or shelves. Carefully remove

or place the glassware to prevent them from breaking easily.

2. Prevent glass rods or tubing from protruding out.

3. Never use broken or cracked glassware. Wear gloves when handling wrecked

glassware and use mechanical means when broken glassware has to be picked up.

4. Dispose broken glass in appropriate container. Paper box with sealed, leak-proof

based, or plastic containers are good for collecting broken glassware or sharps. Do

not reopen the box once it has been sealed.

5. Use plastic containers for collecting used pasture pipettes.

6. DO NOT recap used needles. Used needles with syringe should not be

disconnected and must be disposed in a labeled plastic container.

7. For Bio-contaminated sharp disposals, please refer to Biological Safety for details.

X. Confined Spaces Safety

There are various cold room and warm room that located at the G/F, M/F and 2/F of HKIB

which are confined spaces. It is advised that any person not to stay inside the confined

spaces for more that two minutes. There are also emergency contact no. inside the room.

It is advised to inform the supervisor if a pro-longed stay inside the confined spaces is

required.

XI. Access to Laboratories After Office Hours

It is not advised to work alone in the laboratories. Outside normal office hours (08:45 –

17:30) Monday to Friday, including all public holidays., no body should work alone in a

laboratory with heavy machinery, dangerous chemicals (including isotopes) or in any

other potentially dangerous situation. If working alone in the laboratory is a must, it is

advised to notify your colleague(s) before work.

As an issue of safety, individual laboratories should perform self-audit at least annually for the General Safety in their laboratories. A sample checklist for General Safety can be found in Appendix C.

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ACCIDENTS, FIRE EMERGENCY AND ELECTRICAL FAILURE


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D. Accidents, Fire Emergency and Electrical Failure

Emergencies include, but are not limited to, fire, total power failure, a biohazardous or

hazardous chemical spill. The objective in an emergency is to preserve personal safety and

health, as well as protecting the facility and the experiment. Laboratory accidents and injuries

must be reported immediately to the PI and the Facility Administrator. Stay calm and remove

the injured or contaminated person from the area of exposure. If there is a hazardous spill in

your work area and you are not wearing a respirator, hold your breath, evacuate, and close the

door of the affected area. Call appropriate numbers for emergency response.

Equipments or reactions that are left unattended overnight are always prime cause of fire,

spills and explosions. Overnight running of equipment such as stirrers, HOT PLATES, water

condensers and water bath are not recommended. Running chemical reactions must be

checked periodically. Remember to leave a note indicating the name and contact number of

the responsible person to the running reactions or experiments. Whenever there is an

emergency event, inform the PI and Facility Administrator immediately.

Emergency events and the emergency numbers:

HKIB University Security Office

University Safety Office

Fire Facility Administrator (Office Hours)

2948 9262

Admin Coordinator 2948 9200

2609 7999

(24 Hours)

-- Electrical Failure -- Biological Spill 2609 7958

(Office Hours) Chemical Spill

Medical Emergency --

1. Fire

Certified Fire extinguishers and Fire blankets are subjected to annual inspection

and certification by Fire Services Department certified contractor under the FIRE

SERVICES ORDINANCE, Chapter 95B.

Certified Fire extinguishers and Fire blankets are also installed in individual

laboratories and subjected to annual inspection. Different types and functions of

different fire extinguishers can be found in the Fire Services Department homepage.

When there are incidents of fire, stay calm, alert people in laboratory to evacuate by

Severe Emergency:

Dial 999

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the most direct route and activate the nearest alarm. An evacuate route is posted at

the Main Entrance (near the lift) of each floor. Turn off all gas burners and

laboratory-type equipment.

Small Fire – Use correct fire extinguisher, remove pin, aim extinguisher at base of

the fire and squeeze handle. Alternately, cover the fire source with a fire blanket.

Always maintain accessible exit and avoid inhaling smoke of fumes.

Major Fire – Close door to confine the fire. DO NOT USE ELEVATOR. Call Fire

Emergency Response number or dial 999.

2. Electrical Failure

In the event of power failure in the Incubator Facility, all electrical power will be lost

for 10 to 15 seconds until the emergency generator is activated. At this time, only

those lights and receptacles on the emergency electrical power supply, and the

Biological Safety Cabinets will be reactivated. Power of all pieces of equipment not

connected to the emergency supply will be lost. When the incidence of power

failure occurs, individuals should stop working, secure the area including

decontaminate surfaces, bag or containerize contaminated items, and store

cultures safely and leave. Switch off all power supply of all in-used and un-used

equipment. Close all doors when exiting.

3. Biological and Chemical Spills

Please refer to sections on Biological Safety and Chemical Safety for details. In

general, stay calm, do not directly breathe in the air, evacuate from the area and

close the door. Immediately inform the Facility Administrator, carefully

decontaminate the affected area with appropriate agents or spill kits. Wash hands

thoroughly after cleaning.

4. Medical Emergency (Injuries and illnesses)

Minor Injuries - Report all incidents to the PI and Facility Administrator. A first-aid kit

should be kept by each organization and emergency shower stations are available

in the G/F Pilot Plant, M/F and 2/F common corridors. The use of the first aid kit

does not preclude a visit to Occupational Health.

Serious Injury or Sudden Illness – Immediately inform the PI and Facility

Administrator. Dial the emergency number when special first aid, resuscitation,

transport, or rescue service is required. Describe clearly the situation and your

location. Clear the route so that medical help can enter the facility.

For details of first aid, see also Hints on First Aid by Labour Department, HKSAR.

As an issue of safety, individual laboratories should perform self-audit at least annually for the Fire Safety in their laboratories. A sample checklist for Fire Safety can be found in Appendix D.

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BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

Biological Vs. Biohazard

Microorganisms - Risk Grouping

Biosafety Levels

Physical Barrier Systems

Work with Blood and Products of Human Origin

Animal Work

Biological / Clinical Waste

Biological / Clinical Waste Treatments and Disposal

Autoclave Operations

Biological Emergency and Spill Cleanup


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E. Biological Safety I. Biological Vs. Biohazards

Biological are biologic substances that used in, or produced by, applied biology. They

are substances of, or relating to biology or to life or living processes.

Biohazards are biological agents or conditions (as an infectious organism or insecure

laboratory procedures) that constitutes a hazard to humans or the environment. They are

also refer to a hazard posed by such an agent or condition.

II. Microorganisms – Risk-Grouping Microorganisms are categorized based on their type and the risk group they belong.

Those commonly used in general laboratories are in Risk Group 2 as listed below. A

detail lists of Risk-Grouping of microorganisms can be found in the USEO homepage,

CUHK .

1. Bacteria, Chlamydiae, Rickettsiae and Mycoplasmas

Risk Group 2, pathogenic microorganism.

2. Parasites

Risk Group 2, non-infectious (or free of infectious stages), associated containment

level may not required.

3. Fungi

This is restricted to fungal species that may pose a hazard to healthy individuals,

excluding those that infect following injury, as well as saprophytic species that

cause infections in the compromised host. All clinical fungi specimens must be

handled in containment Level 2 laboratory.

4. Viruses

Risk Group 2, including those found in humans but not on the lists.

III. Biosafety Levels ONLY Level 1 and 2 can be achieved in the existing facility. No work related to Level 3 is

allowed. (Source from USEO-Biosafety Levels, BS Section 3.2)

1. Biosafety Level 1 All laboratories (of designated Incubator Companies) in Incubator Facility are in this

level, appropriate only for non-pathogenic organisms to healthy adults. Cultures

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may include unintended organisms, while safe disposal is always required (and at

all levels). Standard micro-biological practices is adequate, and no special safety

equipment is necessary. Hand washing should be facilitated at or adjacent to the

bench.

Working in Biosafety Level 1 laboratory:

a. Laboratory segregation not necessary

b. Open bench work using standard microbiological practices

c. Laboratory personnel are trained and adequately supervised

The following area should be justified:

a. Standard Microbiological Practices

ii. Access may be limited at discretion of Laboratory Supervisor.

iii. Wash hands, (also after removing gloves) and before leaving the

laboratory.

iv. No eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or handling contact

lenses where there is any likelihood of infection.

v. No mouth pipeting.

vi. Work surfaces decontaminated at least daily and after any spill of

viable material.

vii. Minimize splashes and aerosols.

viii. Ensure proper decontamination of waste.

ix. Have an active insect and rodent control program.

b. Special equipment – Not required.

c. Safety equipment

i. Biosafety cabinet generally not required.

ii. Always wears laboratory coat.

iii. Wear gloves when working, especially when skin is broken or has rash.

iv. Wear safety goggles.

d. Laboratory Facilities

i. Hand-washing sink must be present in laboratory.

ii. Laboratory surfaces should be easily cleaned.

iii. Bench tops must resistant to water, chemicals and heat.

iv. Strapping furniture with adequate spaces between furniture for cleaning.

v. Insects screen must be fitted in the windows if they can be opened.

2. Biosafety Level 2 This level is similar to Biosafety Level 1 and is appropriate for agents of human

disease acquired by auto-inoculation, ingestion, mucous membrane exposure (i.e.

moderate potential hazard to human). Biohazard warnings is required, together with

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limited access, "sharps" precautions, class I or class II biological safety cabinet for

any procedures likely to generate aerosols or splashes. Wear laboratory coats and

gloves are must and eye shields are recommended for individuals wear contact

lens. Thorough decontamination of all waste and of re-usable equipment is

necessary after each round of work.

Work in Biosafety Level 2 laboratory:

a. Laboratory personnel should be trained to handle pathogenic agents, and

directed by experienced Scientist. b. Access to the laboratory is restricted while work is proceeding.

c. Extreme precautions should be taken with sharps, aerosols or splashes and

work takes place in biosafety cabinets or the like.

The following area should be justified:

a. Standard Microbiological Practices – Refer to Biosafety Level 1.

b. Special practices

i. Access is limited at discretion of Laboratory Supervisor when work is

taking place with infectious agents. In general any person who is likely to

be at increased risk of acquiring infection or from infection should not be

allowed to enter the laboratory.

ii. (1) There may be special entry requirements e.g. advising of risk, testing, or

immunization.

(2) When special entry requirements exists, a universal biohazard sign shall

be put on the door along with following information:

- The nature of the infectious agent

- Name and phone number of Laboratory Supervisor

- Special entry requirements

iii. Consideration should be given to the storage and testing of initial and

possibly on going personnel serum samples. This depends on the

biological agent involved.

iv. Laboratory personnel must receive relevant training on the potential

hazards with appropriate update information.

v. Sharps

The use of needles must be minimized.

(1) Use only needle locking syringes or one-piece syringes.

(2) Do NOT resheath or otherwise manipulate needles except with the use

of proper resheathing equipment.

(3) Use puncture resistant (e.g. plastic) sharps disposal containers.

(4) Use mechanical means (Never use HANDS) to pick up broken glass.

vi. Biological specimens or cultures etc. must be transported in leak-proof,

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break-proof containers.

vii. Routine disinfection, disinfection after finishing a task and disinfection

after possible contamination is mandatory.

viii. Spills and accidents, which result in overt exposures to infectious

materials, must be reported immediately to the Laboratory Supervisor. A

Medical consultation may be required.

ix. No animal is allowed (except from those related to the actual work) in the

laboratory.

c. Safety equipment (Primary barrier)

i. Properly maintained Biosafety Cabinets or other appropriate physical

containment to be used whenever there is a chance to create an

infectious aerosol or splashing could occur:

Centrifuging, grinding, homogenizing, blending, vigorous shaking or

mixing of experimental materials, opening containers with a pressure

difference from the room pressure, intra-nasally inoculating animals,

harvesting infected tissues from animals or eggs, or when high

concentrations or larger volumes of infectious agents are used.

(a) Always use sealed rotor heads or centrifuge safety caps; AND

(b) Open such kind of samples ONLY in a biosafety cabinet

ii. Use eye AND face protection if there is a chance of splashes/sprays

when the microorganisms MUST be manipulated outside the Biosafety

cabinet. Be sure that the cabinet shielding is adequate.

iii. Use protective gowns or wear laboratory coat – DO NOT wear them to

non-laboratory areas. No home laundry of these clothing is allowed.

iv. Use gloves when handling anything infectious including animals or

equipment. Consider using two pairs of gloves for easier

decontamination in case of a spill. DO NOT

(a) Reuse disposable gloves.

(b) Wear these gloves outside the laboratory.

(c) Spread infectious agents around laboratory surfaces with "dirty" gloves.

d. Laboratory Facilities (Secondary barrier)

Similar facilities as in Biosafety Level 1 is required, together with:

i. Approved decontamination methods for infectious waste.

ii. Eyewash facility.

3. Biosafety Level 3 (Experiment in this Biosafety Level is not allowed in HKIB) This level is appropriate for agents of human disease with potential for aerosol

transmission, agents causing severe or lethal disease. Access is strictly controlled.

Use of class I or class II cabinet is required for all procedures. Decontamination of

all waste, laboratory clothing and re-usable equipment is a must.

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Summary of recommended Biosafety Levels for infectious materials

Biosafety Level Agents Practices Safety Equipment

(Primary Barriers) Facilities

(Secondary Barriers)

1 Not known to cause disease in healthy adults

Standard Microbiological Practices None required Open bench top sink

required

2

Associated with human disease, hazard = auto-inoculation, ingestion, mucous membrane exposure

BSL-1 practice plus: - Limited access - Biohazard warning signs - "Sharps" precautions - Biosafety manual defining any needed waste decontamination or medical surveillance policies

Primary barriers = Class I or II BSCs or other physical containment devices used for all manipulations of agents that cause splashes or aerosols of infectious materials: PPEs: laboratory coats; gloves; face protection as needed

BSL-1 plus: Autoclave available

3

Indigenous or exotic agents with potential for aerosol transmission; disease may have serious or lethal consequences

BSL-2 practice plus: - Controlled access - Decontamination of all waste - Decontamination of lab clothing before laundering - Baseline serum

Primary barriers = Class I or II BCSs or other physical containment devices used for all manipulations of agents; PPEs: protective lab clothing; gloves; respiratory protection as needed

BSL-2 plus: - Physical separation from access corridors - Self-closing, double door access - Exhausted air not recirculated - Negative airflow into laboratory

(Source: UESO Homepage, BS Section 3.2)

IV. Physical Barrier Systems The Incubator Facility is equipped with Class II Biological Safety Cabinets designed to

provide protection for personnel and also materials with the cabinets.

1. Work with biohazard materials should be conducted inside the Biological Safety

Cabinets with appropriate cleaning and working procedures.

2. Contamination must be cleaned up immediately after any contamination incidence

occurs.

3. ALL WORKING MATERIALS MUST BE REMOVED from the cabinet each time

finished using it. Reserve the cabinet before work and clean up the cabinet after

use.

4. No blocking of the airflow is allowed inside the Biological Safety Cabinet.

5. Report to Facility Administrator for any incidence of contamination, unusual airflow

or UV light burnt out.

V. Work with Blood and Products of Human Origin Infection is the factor that has been seriously concerned when handling blood and

products of human origin as HIV and Hepatitis B are examples of the infectious materials

from such samples. Other agents such as fungi, bacteria, or viral agents may also

present causing infections. Representative infections include tuberculosis and brucellosis.

As such, all blood, blood products, body fluids, as well as other blood-related materials

should be treated as if they bear the blood-related pathogens. Biosafety Level 2

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containments should be reached, and universal precautions should be taken to prevent

any contaminations or spread of disease.

Disinfectant solutions, decontamination of laboratory work surfaces or equipments:

1. Ethanol

Ethanol is a good disinfectant and is effective for a wide range of pathogens (except

for some highly infectious agents such as Hepatitis C).

a. For corrodible laboratory surfaces, use 70% (v/v in water) ethanol for regular

disinfection, or the material to be disinfected should be in contact with 70%

ethanol for at least 20 minutes.

b. For porous surface, it is a good disinfectant owing to its volatility, but repeat

application may be required.

c. Ethanol is flammable and exceptional cautious should be taken when using

ethanol near electrical appliances.

d. No ethanol can be stored in non-explosive proved refrigerator.

2. Formalin

Formalin can be prepared by dissolving formaldehyde in water or methanol (37%,

w/v). It is a power disinfectant and can be used for inactivating HIV inside tissues by

using as a 0.5% solution for 10 minutes.

3. Glutaraldegyde

It can be used as a 2% (w/v with water) solution, and the action of the freshly

prepared stock is valid within 24 hours. Use such solution to disinfect the

contaminated area for at least 20 minutes with good ventilation. It is highly toxic and

cannot be used as a regular surface disinfectant.

4. Hypochlorite solution

a. Use 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution (or household bleach, e.g. “Clorox” in

10% final concentration) for spills, or soaking swabs for cleaning.

b. For routine cleaning, use 0.05% sodium hypochlorite solution.

c. For liquid wastes containing viruses, viral-infected or transformed cells (yeast

or E. coli), or pipet decontamination, use 10% Chlorox solution.

5. Iodine

For disinfection, use 0.5% iodine (v/v in 70% ethanol) in contact with the surface to

be disinfected for at least 20 minutes.

VI. Animal Work (dissection, in vivo experiment, transgenic animal) All animal work in HKIB must obtain approval from HKIB. For CUHK departmental users,

animal work must obtain pre-approval form the Animal Experimentation Ethics

Committee (AEEC), Clinical Sciences Administration of the Faculty of Medicine, CUHK.

Other parties must obtain licensure from the Department of Health and individual workers

must register themselves in the DH for performing experiments related to animal work.

- 28 -

When conducting animal experiments, the following precautions must be taken:

1. Be cautious when handling animals. Do not treat the animals as pets, and any

animal bite must be carefully monitored with appropriate first-aid procedures.

2. Wash hands before and after handling the animals.

3. Respect the animals. Ensure the animal has been sufficiently anesthetized or dead

before carrying out dissection.

4. Kill the animal with appropriate method. CO2 asphyxiation, cervical dislocation, or

induction of anesthesia by overdose barbiturate such as 20% pentobarbital is

recommended.

5. It is recommended to disinfect the animal using 70% ethanol before dissection. All

dissection equipment should be soaked in 70% ethanol before and after used.

6. The animal carcasses must be well wrapped and keep frozen in deep freezer

before collection by animal waste contractor.

7. All waste related to animal work are bio-contaminated waste and waste disposal

procedures for such category MUST BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED.

8. All animals are not allowed to be left outside the cage. Any escape or lost of animals

(if the animal get away from the cage) must be immediately reported to the Facility

Administrator.

9. Housing animal is STRICTLY PROHIBITED in HKIB.

VII. Biological / Clinical Waste (Source: Proposed Clinical Waste Control Scheme Consultation Document, “Draft Code of Practice for the Management of Clinical Waste for Small Clinical Waste Producers”. Environmental Protection Department, HKSAR.)

1. Definition

Clinical waste is defined as any waste arising from:

a. Any dental, medical, nursing or veterinary practice, or any other practice or

establishment providing medical care and services for the sick, injured, infirm

or those who require medical treatment;

b. Any dental, medical, nursing, veterinary, pathological or pharmaceutical

research; or

c. Any dental, medical, veterinary or pathological laboratory practice

2. Classification

According to the guideline from Environmental Protection Department (EPD), laboratory biological / clinical wastes are categorized as follows:

- 29 -

a. Group 1 – Used contaminated sharps

Syringes, needles, cartridges, ampoules and other sharp instruments which

have been used or which have become contaminated with any other group of

clinical waste.

b. Group 2 – Laboratory wastes (also bio-contaminated chemical wastes)

Laboratory wastes include unsterilized laboratory stocks, cultures of infectious

agents and potentially infectious waste with significant health risk from dental,

medical, veterinary or pathology laboratories. Bio-contaminated chemical

wastes include organic solvents used with animal tissues and infectious

materials. Chemical wastes not in the listing of the contracted service by

Enviropace are EXCLUDED (see Appendix B for types of liquid chemical

container), and user / waste producer must inform EPD for further

arrangement.

c. Group 3 – Human and animal tissues (also animal carcasses)

All human tissues, organs and body parts as well as dead animals, but

excluding dead animals, animal tissues, organs and body parts arising from

veterinary sources or practices. Human and animal tissues that cannot be

completely segregated from items such as dressings are not covered in this

category.

d. Group 4 – Infectious materials

Include infectious materials from patients with list of pathogens as specified in

the EPD guideline. Materials contaminated by this group of waste are also

classified as Group 4 waste. The list of pathogen will be updated or amended

via notice published in the Gazette by the Director of Environmental

Protection.

e. Group 5 – Soiled dressings

Surgical dressings, swabs and all other waste dribbling with blood, caked with

blood or containing free-flowing blood.

f. Group 6 – Other wastes

Other waste which are likely to be contaminated with:

Infectious materials (other than infectious materials referred to in Group

4); or

Any clinical waste being substance, matter or thing belonging to Group

1,2,3, or 5,

which may pose a significant health risk.

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Only wastes from Group 1, 2, 3 and 6 are applicable for the laboratories in HKIB

The following are not classified as clinical waste:

Clinical-type waste arising from domestic premises.

Radioactive waste, whether arising from medical sources or not, as defined

under the Radiation (Control of Radioactive Substances) Regulations

(Chapter 303 – sub. Leg.).

Chemical waste as defined under the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Chapter

354) including cytotoxic drugs.

Dead animals, animal tissues, organs and body parts arising from veterinary

sources / practices, abattoirs, pet shops, farms, wholesale and retail markets,

or domestic sources.

Dead human bodies.

VIII. Biological / Clinical Waste Treatments and Disposal

Basic principal:

1. Segregation

Biological and clinical waste should be segregated from the normal laboratory

waste, as well as other waste types and be packaged properly for on-site temporary

storage prior for transportation to final disposal. Biological waste should also be

separated from clinical waste.

2. Packaging

The principal of waste packaging is leak resistant to protect all handling personnel

from exposure to the wastes. The following are the waste packaging method for

waste group 1, 2 and 3 in the laboratories. (All solid clinical waste are required to be

incinerated and cannot be disposed of by other methods.)

a. Group 1 – Sharps

Sharps items include blades, pipettes, broken glass and sampling probes. All

sharps must be placed in sharps boxes or containers. Containers should be

rigid, non-fragile, puncture resistant, waterproof and leak proof. All containers

should not be filled over 75% of their capacity. They should be sealed off

during transportation, and to prevent spillage of the contents during handling

and transportation. The filled containers should be autoclaved prior to be

collect by contractor. Sharp containers are commercially available with various

sizes. (See Appendix A for specifications of different types of containers for

clinical waste.)

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b. Group 2 – Laboratory wastes and bio-contaminated chemical waste

All bio-contaminated solid wastes (including microbial contaminated wastes)

must be double-bagged and subjected to sterilization, after that the waste can

then be disposed of as normal waste. Bio-contaminated chemical wastes

should be collected in the assigned chemical waste containers (provided by

HKIB upon request) according to the nature and types of the chemical waste

(Appendix B), similar to the way as treating normal chemical wastes, but in

separate container even the waste is of the same type. For example, if

bio-contaminated phenol reagent (non-halogenated solvent) has to be

disposed, container for non-halogenated solvent should be used, but in

separate container from that of the normal non-halogenated waste.

Containers should not be filled over 70% of their capacity. The lid of the

container must be closed tightly before be collected by contractor to prevent

spilling to the responsible personnel.

List of container required for each laboratory has to be submitted to Incubator

Manager for approval. Subsequent request of containers can be provided

upon request. Users can contact Facility Administrator for arrangement of

bio-contaminated chemical waste disposal. User are required to countersign a

waste disposal log-sheet for recording the volume and chemical type that has

been collected for disposal. Chemical waste, no matter bio-contaminated or

not bio-contaminated, is collected on a charge based, depending on the

volume to be disposed, for covering the waste collection cost from service

provider. The list of chemical waste containers available in HKIB can be found

in Appendix B.

c. Group 3 – Animal tissue and carcasses

Animal carcasses or tissues should be disposed in polyethylene or

polypropylene bag, sealed well, and kept in deep freezer before collected by

clinical waste contactor. In HKIB, Bag labeled with “Biohazard” sign will be

provided during each visit of the contracted waste collector. All waste must

then be wrapped by such kind of bag before handling over to contractor for

disposal. (See Appendix A for specifications for different types of containers

for clinical waste.)

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3. Solid and Liquid Biological Waste

Liquid biological waste should be autoclaved or decontaminated by chemical

disinfectant (e.g. 10% household bleach), after that the waste can be poured

through the drain connected to the sanitary sewage system. Never autoclave

household bleach or other chemicals, or autoclave liquids in non-autoclave

containers. Solid biological waste (e.g. contaminated with microbial cell or cell

culture materials) should be collected in bag labeled with “Biohazard” sign, and

autoclave prior to be disposed of as normal waste.

4. Others

Agar plates, bacterial cultures or used/expired cell culture media should be

sterilized by autoclaving or chemical disinfection before disposal. Tissue culture, or

cell line with etiologic agent or oncogenic virus should be double bagged and

autoclaved inside an unbreakable, leak-proof container. If necessary, use absorbent

to soak the liquid waste. No clinical waste should adhere to the external surface of

the containers. The autoclaved waste and the used absorbent should be altogether

disposed by contracted waste collector.

Animal blood, human blood, blood product, or body fluid should either be

disinfected with 10% bleach for 30-60 minutes, or contained in a 1 to 2 Liter

unbreakable container for sterilization. The autoclaved waste should then be stored

at 4°C before being disposed by the contracted waste service.

Prolonged storage of clinical waste in a premise is not recommended and storage

should be no longer than 3 months. The storage area should be maintained in

proper sanitary conditions and free of pests and vermin. A schedule for clinical

waste collection has been distributed to each laboratory, and any changes in

schedule will be regularly updated. HKIB will coordinate the collection process, and

please be sure that appropriate waste treatment has been performed before

handling over to Facility Administrator for collection.

FIG. 2 Label of clinical waste with“Biohazard” sign. (Source from“Draft Code of Practice for theManagement of Clinical Waste forSmall Clinical Waste Producers”,EPD, HKSAR.)

- 33 -

IX. Autoclave Operation Except from HKIB’s licensed staff, no personnel are allowed to manipulate the power switch and valve operations of the autoclave machine as operation of the autoclave is under “Boilers and Pressure Vessels Ordinance”. Only normal

decontamination procedure is allowed under supervision of a competent person. The

procedure is posted on the loading side of the autoclave machine.

The pressure within an autoclave is phenomenal. For instance if the temperature in the

autoclave is 121°C and the diameter of the door is 2 m, the force behind that door is 185

tones, which is equivalent to 70 cars. Do not stand close to the door when autoclaving. If

the autoclave exceeds the normal pressure when operating or any abnormalities is

observed, report to the Facility Administrator immediately.

The following precautions must be remunerated:

1. Only autoclavable material is allowed to put inside the autoclave machine. Check all

components of the materials to be autoclaved (e.g. containers, lid of containers,

plastic ware, etc.) as some of the materials cannot withstand the high temperature

of the decontamination procedures.

2. All materials, before leaving the laboratory and entering the autoclave machine,

must be sealed, covered, and possibly, with the present of autoclave tape stick on

each piece of material. Only aluminum foil and autoclave bags are allowed be used

for wrapped cycle.

3. Liquid and wrapped materials (e.g. glassware, solid) must be autoclaved in their

respective liquid, wrapped, or unwrapped cycle. Liquid should not be autoclaved in

wrapped cycle as this may cause serious spills during the exhaustion step.

4. All biohazard waste materials, before entering the autoclaved, MUST be wrapped in

an autoclavable bag and well labeled. Contaminated culture medium and solid

wastes should be treated separately in different decontamination cycles.

5. Never autoclave radioactive waste.

6. All personnel MUST complete a sign-up logbook providing the name, laboratory,

extension and cycle details before operating the autoclave.

7. After autoclave, wear gloves before removing materials from the autoclave. Be

careful to be hurt by the steam if standing too close to the door.

8. Attention should be drawn when opening the door after autoclaving as the steam

comes from the autoclave has a high latent heat and may cause burnt to your eyes

or skin.

9. It is the responsibility of all users to load his/her own material, and remove all items

upon completion. Autoclaved wastes must be placed in appropriate waste

containers for removal by custodial staff.

- 34 -

10. Any malfunction of autoclave or error codes appear should be immediately reported

to the Facility Administrator for further arrangements.

Operation procedures:

1. Wear protective gloves when putting or removing articles from the autoclave.

2. All materials must be placed directly into, but not outside the autoclave.

3. Stainless steel autoclave trays are available for containers of liquid materials,

reusable, or small items. Use separate tray for different items is recommended.

4. Loosen or uncover all tightly closed containers before autoclave.

5. Waste material should be packed in double-autoclave biohazard waste bags, and

securely closed before leaving the laboratory to be autoclaved.

6. Sharp containers must be covered and placed in double autoclave biohazard bags,

and autoclave as solid waste.

7. Open the autoclave only when the chamber pressure gauge read zero and the

internal contents have cooled to below 80°C.

8. Containers of liquids should be left undisturbed for the period specified in the

autoclave instructions so that they have cooled down before the door is opened.

This can avoid cracking of the bottles and subsequently explosion under the

internal pressure.

9. After an autoclave procedure, if leaving the material in the stainless steel tray for

cooling is a must, the stainless steel tray MUST BE REMOVED from the autoclave,

placed on the bench, and a “HOT” or “CAUTION” sign must be placed on the

stainless steel tray, which are available in Room 228.

Monitoring Sterilization Methods: Three types of indicators can be used for monitoring sterilization cycles.

I. Color Change Tape

Tapes are available for dry heat and moist heat / liquid cycles. The main

disadvantage of these tapes is that they are qualitative but not quantitative, which

only indicate exposure of the autoclave articles to a cycle, but do not prove that if

the articles are in fact sterile.

II. Physical Indicators

Browne’s tubes and Thermalog indicators are claimed to provide evidence of

time-temperature parameters for moist heat / liquid cycles. Yet, they should not be

regarded as absolute indicators of sterility.

III. Biological Indicators

These are strips with microorganisms to indicate the inactivation of the microbes by

the respective autoclave cycles. Those can be used in our autoclave include

a. B. stearothermophilus (usually 105 colonies per strip) for indicating a

temperature of at least 116°C has been achieved for sufficient time to

- 35 -

inactivate the microorganisms in moist heat cycles.

b. B. subtilis var. niger (usually 105 colonies per strip) for dry heat cycles.

The main disadvantage of the biological indicators is that variations of their

performance have been observed. As such they should not be regarded as

providing evidence that sterility of the exposed articles has been achieved.

X. Biological Emergency and Spill Cleanup 1. Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) Malfunction

Malfunction of Biological Safety Cabinet is associated with the insufficient flow of

the exhaust system. Alarm will sound together with an indication of a red warning

light at the front panel of the system. Whenever malfunction of BSC is encountered:

a. Immediately terminate all work. Close all materials and vessels containing the

infectious agents.

b. Turn off the gas and vacuum if they have been used.

c. Close the cabinet.

d. Notify all users within the room and evacuate.

e. Notify other users by posting sign on the BSC.

f. Report to Facility Administrator for the incidence.

2. Biohazard Spill Outside a Biological Safety Cabinet

When there is an accidental spill event of biohazardous material (e.g. infectious

agents), immediate spill control and decontamination should be taken.

Immediate spill control: a. Avoid inhaling any airborne infectious material to prevent the infectious agent

getting into the body and contaminating the clothing.

b. Evacuate the spillage area immediately and close the door.

c. Remove contaminated clothing carefully, the contaminated area folded inward.

Place clothing in a bag or directly into the autoclave.

d. Wash all the exposed area of the body thoroughly, or use the shower if

necessary.

e. Report to Facility Administrator and PI immediate about the spillage incidence.

f. If the affected area is confined, decontaminate the area with a freshly

prepared solution of a disinfectant, e.g. 10% household bleach.

g. Entry to the area must be subjected against warning. A sign must be posted to

prohibit any entry to the contaminated area. No one should enter the room for

at least one hour (so as to allow aerosols to be carried away and heavier

particles to settle).

h. For serious contamination, time should be taken to formulate a plan to

decontaminate. Once all personnel have been removed from the area, there is

no need to rush into the contaminated area.

- 36 -

i. Assist the Facility Administrator as necessary. Decontamination will involve

treatment of gross contamination by local application of disinfectant and

possible gaseous decontamination of the entire working space.

Decontamination of a spill: a. Re-entry into the facility must be delayed for a period of at least one hour to

allow reduction of the potential aerosol generated by the spill.

b. Dress in protective clothing, including a Tyvek® suit and double gloves.

Respiratory protection by mask is strongly recommended. Care should also

be taken during decontamination not to disperse droplets.

c. Place paper towels along the outside of the spill, working from the edges in.

Pour the germicidal solution such as 10% solution of sodium hypochlorite

(household bleach) around the spill and allow it to flow into the spill.

d. Avoid pouring the germicidal solution directly onto the spill to prevent aerosols.

Try covering the spill with an absorbent pad and apply the decontaminant to

the absorbent pad.

e. Allow to stand for 30 minutes, this will provide enough contact time for

adequate disinfection.

f. Carefully remove the soaked pads, placing them into an autoclave bag.

Working toward the center of the spill, use paper towels to wipe up the spill.

Discard paper towels after used into an autoclave bag.

g. Using paper towels soaked in disinfectant, wipe beyond the area of visible or

suspected splashing, including the floor and vertical surfaces. Discard paper

towels in the autoclave bag.

h. Decontamination is complete when the whole area of suspected liquid

contamination has been washed with a disinfectant and all excess

decontaminate has been mopped up.

i. Place all contaminated materials including gloves, shoe covers, and other

protective clothing into an autoclavable bag. Sterilize and dispose of this

waste in the red bag system as biohazard waste.

After all these have been done, the laboratory area is considered to be

decontaminated. The Facility Administrator will decide re-opening of the area, or if

further gaseous decontamination of the entire laboratory area is required.

3. Biohazard Spill Inside a Biological Safety Cabinet

A spill that is confined to the interior of the BSC should present minimal or no risk to

personnel in the area. However, chemical disinfectant procedures should be

initiated at once while the cabinet ventilation system continues to operate to prevent

escape of contaminant from the cabinet.

- 37 -

a. Spray or wipe, wall, work surfaces and equipment with a disinfectant. A 10%

solution of sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) is recommended. The

operator must be properly gloved and gowned during this procedure.

Household bleach can penetrate latex gloves and can be corrosive to metal so

consider having an alternative available such as nitrile gloves.

b. Flood the work surface of the BSC with sufficient disinfectant solution to

ensure that the drain pans and catch basins below the work surface contain

the disinfectant. Allow the disinfectant to work for 30 minutes before it is

cleaned up.

c. Make sure to wipe all surfaces including the front intake grill. Drain the

disinfectant into a container.

d. Repeat above process with distilled water or mild soap and water.

e. The disinfectant, gloves, wiping towels and sponges should be discarded into

an autoclave bag. The materials should be autoclaved and discarded in the

red bag system as biohazard waste.

This process will not disinfect the filters, blower, air ducts, or other interior parts of

the cabinet. The Facility Administrator should be consulted to determine if gaseous

decontamination of these items is necessary.

4. Biohazards from Microbial Aerosols

Aerosols can be produced by:

Blenders

Blow-out pipettes including semi-automatic micro-pipettes

Centrifuges

Falling drops of liquids onto hard surfaces

Removing a needle (and syringe) from "rubber" stoppered bottle

Sonicators (avoid up and down movement)

A flamed culture loop

As such, good practice can help to reducing risk generated by aerosols:

Avoid blowing out pipettes Seal tubes and rotors when centrifuging Use a mixer to mix cultures Use a disinfectant soaked pledget of cotton when withdrawing through a

stoppered bottle Work on disinfectant soaked porous material

- 38 -

“High-risk” equipment includes those that can generate aerosols easily doing

sample processing. Monitoring practices when using “high-risk” equipments

include:

a. Use stainless steel units in preference to glass.

b. Lids with O-ring gaskets should be checked for integrity, as should drive

bearings.

High-risk equipments:

a. Blending and homogenizing equipment (homogenizer, sonicator)

Keeping the tip of the probe immersed into the liquid or sample when

homogenizing or sonicating.

Preferably the whole unit should be used inside a biological safety

cabinet. If this is not possible, the container should be unloaded in a

cabinet.

Use containers in which the probe is allowed to pass through and seals

the vessel.

b. Pipette aids

Use an “autoclave-designed” pipette aid when perform experiments deal

with biological hazardous materials.

Work with biohazardous material by alternate suction and discharge, by

forcible discharge, or by bubbling air should be minimized. A vortex

mixer minimizes aerosol production.

A container or pan for contaminated pipettes should be placed inside the

biological safety cabinet, with size to allow the pipettes to be placed

horizontally. The container should be autoclaved when filled. The

disinfectant used should be compatible with autoclaving (note:

hypochlorite solution CANNOT be autoclaved).

c. Syringes and Needles

Use disposable syringes with needles permanently attached, or Luerlok

type syringe and an appropriate gauge needle, so as to prevent needles

from accidentally detached from the syringe when pressure is applied.

Keep hands behind the needle to prevent self-inoculation.

Discard used syringes and needles into an appropriate "sharps"

container (See Appendix A for specifications for different types of

containers for clinical waste) without separating the needle or capping

for incineration.

d. Inoculation loops

During heat sterilization of loops, infectious particles may be shed unless

the heating device is shielded. Disposable loops are available for use to

avoid this problem.

- 39 -

Extra caution should be taken when flaming the loop as the disposal

loops are less rigid than wire loops, which can shed particles from

vibration, i.e. the flames can cause spatter off the loop and occasionally

onto your gown or right out of the cabinet.

Shielded electric loop sterilizers are recommended in place of disposal

plastic loops.

e. Others (Hand protection)

Cuts from post mortem knives and broken glass are another common cause

of laboratory injury and exposure to infection. Protective gloves with

reinforcing wire will reduce this risk.

(Source from: AIOH - Biological 1994)

Decontamination of aerosols: Decontamination vapor may harm the experimental material or animals. The

Facility Administrator will advise practical and permissible precautions against

vapors. Gross spills cannot be reliably decontaminated in this way.

Complete decontamination of exposed surfaces in an open laboratory or cabinet

interior can be accomplished with paraformaldehyde. Gaseous decontamination

can be achieved provided that:

a. The only possible contamination was by small droplets or aerosol particles.

b. Surfaces were clean before any possible contamination and remain clean

thereafter so that there is maximum contact of the contaminated surfaces with

the paraformaldehyde gas.

For large-scale contamination inside the biological safety cabinet, decontamination

can only be done by trained personnel only, and Facility Administrator will decide if

relevant decontamination action should be taken. If incidence regarding the

biological safety cabinet is concerned, it is recommended to report to Facility

Administrator immediately and seek for service call from cleaning contractor of the

BSC.

- 40 -

The following table also summarized some recommended applications for chemical

disinfectants in microbiological laboratories. (Source: CUHK-USEO homepage)

Site or equipment Routine or preferred method or usage Acceptable alternative Benches and surfaces (not obviously contaminated)

Alcohols e.g. 70% w/w (= 80% v/v) ethyl or 60-70% v/v isopropyl - swabbed Synthetic phenolics*

Biological safety cabinet (BSC) work surfaces

Synthetic phenolics* after bacteriological work or Iodophor* or other disinfectant according to the pathogen being handled

For BSC with capture hoods, glutaraldehyde† (with cabinet fan operating) -swabbed (see AS/NZS 2647)

BSC before servicing or testing Formaldehyde vapour (see Paragraph E6.3) --

Centrifuge rotor or sealable bucket after leakage or breakage

Disinfection not the preferred method. Pressure steam sterilizing at 121C for 15 min recommended

Glutaraldehyde+† for 10 min or synthetic phenolics* for bacterial spills for 10 min

Centrifuge bowl after leakage or breakage

Glutaraldehyde+ for 10 min (swabbed twice within the 10 min period then wiped with water)

Synthetic phenolics* for bacterial spills for 10 min

Discard containers (pipette jars)

Chlorine disinfectant at 2 000 - 2 500 ppm (0.2-0.25%), freshly prepared and changed daily

Synthetic phenolics* for bacteriological work (changed weekly) or detergent with pressure steam sterilizing for virus work

Equipment surfaces before services or testing

Surfaces disinfected according to manufacturers' instructions

Alcohol (80% v/v ethyl or 60-70% v/v isopropyl) except when its flammability poses a hazard or glutaraldehyde+† then water

Gnotobiotic animal isolators Peracetic acid at 2% v/v conc. - swabbed --

Hand disinfection Chlorhexidine (0.5-4% w/v) in alcoholic formulations for 2 min

Isopropyl (60-70% v/v) or ethyl alcohol (80% v/v) with emollients or Povidone-iodine (0.75-1% avI) for 2 min

Hygienic hand-wash Chlorhexidine (4% w/v) in detergent formulation (or alcoholic formulations) for 15s

Detergent cleansers or soap for 15 s

Spills of blood/serum (or viral cultures)

High concentration chlorine at 5000–10 000 ppm (0.5-1%) for 10 min (active against hepatitis viruses and HIV)

Glutaraldehyde+ for 10 min

Spills of bacterial cultures

Synthetic phenolics* (unaffected by organic load) for 10 min

High concentration chlorine disinfectant or Iodophor* for 10 min

* Dilute according to manufacturer's instructions. + Glutaraldehyde as 2% w/v activated aqueous or 2% w/v glycol-complexed formulations.

- 41 -

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Dangerous Goods

Management of Chemical Storage

Chemical Hazard

Safe use of Carcinogenic, Teratogenic, and Highly

Toxic Chemicals

Fume Cupboard

Chemical Waste Disposal


- 42 -

F. Chemical Safety I. Dangerous Goods

Researches carried out in laboratory are always associated with the use of chemicals,

which is a type of dangerous goods according to the Dangerous Goods Ordinance,

HKSAR.

1. Definition

According to the “Dangerous Good Ordinance, 1983”, dangerous goods refer to

“All explosives, compressed gases, petroleum and other substances given off inflammable vapors, substances giving off poisonous gas or vapor, corrosive substances, substances which become dangerous by interaction with water or air, substances liable to spontaneous combustion or of a readily combustible nature”.

2. Classification

In the Dangerous Goods (Classification) Regulations dangerous goods are listed

into the following categories (Source: Fire Protection Notice No. 4 “Dangerous Goods General”, Fire Services Department, HKSAR):

Category 1 Explosives

(The Authority is the Commissioner of Mines.)

Category 2* Compressed Gases

C1.1 Permanent Gases

C1.2 Liquefied Gases

C1.3 Dissolved Gases

Category 3 Corrosive Substances

Category 4 Poisonous Substances

C1.1 Substances giving off poisonous gas or vapor C1.2 Certain other poisonous substances

Category 5*

Substances giving off inflammable vapors

C1.1 Flash point below 23°C C1.2 Flash point of or exceeding 23°C but not

exceeding 66°C C1.3 Flash point of or exceeding 66°C (applicable to

diesel oils, furnace oils and other fuel oils only)

Div. 1 Immiscible with water (applicable to Class 1 & 2 only)

Div. 2 Miscible with water (applicable to Class 1 & 2 only)

Category 6 Substances which become dangerous by interaction with water

- 43 -

Category 7 Strong supporters of combustion

Category 8 Readily combustible substances

Category 9 Substances liable to spontaneous combustion

Category 9A Combustible goods exempted from Section 6 to 11 of the Ordinance

Category 10 Other dangerous substances

* Rider clauses are provided in category 2 and category 5 dangerous goods to include any other

substance having similar properties but not yet specified in the list.

As such, apart from regularly used chemicals for experiments, compressed gas and

liquid nitrogen are also classified as Dangerous Goods (DG).

3. Dangerous Chemicals (Source: CUHK-USEO homepage)

a. Flammable liquids (Category 5)

Maximum storage of Class 1 (e.g. methanol) and Class 2 (e.g.

tert-Butanol) flammable liquids are 120 liters for the whole building. The hazard for flammable liquids is fire as they usually have a low flash

point (can be ignited easily at a low ambient temperature) and spilled

solvent can be ignited by the hot plates, or react explosively with

chemical oxidizers present.

Keep the storage area cool any dry, and avoid storage with incompatible

chemicals (e.g. Nitric Acid with acetonitrile will result with high explosive

reaction). Old and unwanted liquid should be disposed.

Use a flammable cabinet (which can protect contents against fire for 1

hour) for storage of >10L, compatible flammable liquids (see section 2

below for compatibility test).

Flammable chemicals are not allowed to store in refrigerator. Use of

explosion-proof refrigerator need pre-approval and inspection by the

Incubator Manager. No heating device is allowed to place near such

refrigerator.

Gaseous Liquid Solid

Oxygen Fluorine Chlorine Ozone

Nitrous Oxide

Hydrogen Peroxide Nitric Acid

Perchloric AcidBromine

Sulfuric Acid

Ammonium Nitrate Ammonium Nitrite

Perchlorates Peroxides Chromates

Examples of common chemical oxidizers

- 44 -

b. Unstable chemicals

Unstable chemicals are those that can possibly explode under a right

condition (e.g. humidity, temperature, etc.). The list in the following table is

some examples of unstable chemical groups that can be founding laboratory.

Examples of typical unstable chemical groups Acetylene and acetylides Hypohalitenitrate Amine oxide Nitrite Azide Nitro Diazo Ozonide Diasonium Per-acid Fulminate Nitrogen halides

Halates Perhalites N-Halomine Peroxides Hydroperoxide

c. Incompatible chemicals

Natures of chemicals are different. Mixing of incompatible chemicals may

result in fire or explosion. If one is unsure about the consequence of mixing

the chemical, s/he should 1. Read the material safety date sheet (MSDS) and 2. Perform the compatibility test. Some examples of incompatible

chemicals and the consequences of reactions are listed in Appendix G.

Please be noted that there is never a list that is comprehensive, and the list is

for reference only.

d. Liquid nitrogen

Liquid nitrogen is a type of dangerous due to its cryogenic in nature. Detains in

handling and storage of liquid nitrogen can be found in the GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY section.

II. Management of Chemical Storage

1. Chemical Storage

An annual inventory (or more) must be done by laboratory owners. The

inventory can either be in electronic or mandatory format. Chemical inventory is

important in general good laboratory management and research projects. It is also

a legal requirement to show you have a quality management system.

Chemical storage: a. The storage area must be clear of escape routes.

b. Mark date of purchase on label.

c. The quantity of flammable liquid waste must be kept minimum and be stored

in a cool place. Any amount of flammable liquids greater than 10 Liters (total)

should be stored in a flammable goods cabinet.

- 45 -

d. Corrosives should be stored low down, using capture trays or in acid

cabinets.

e. Volatile and toxic materials may require special storage.

f. Incompatible or unstable chemicals should be stored separately, rather than

alphabetically. A list of incompatible chemical groups can be found in

Appendix G.

g. Chemicals should not be stored above shoulder height.

h. Containers e.g. Winchesters of corrosive liquids to be stored as low as

possible.

i. Audit regularly: old and unwanted stocks should be disposed.

It is recommended to inspect chemicals every three months!!!

2. Controlled Chemical Storage

According to the Control of Chemicals Ordinance (Chapter 145), a license is

required to input, possess or use any of the Schedule 1 and 2 chemicals.

CONTROLLED CHEMICALS

Schedule 1 Acetic anhydride Acetyl bromide Acetyl chloride

Schedule 2

N-acetylanthranilic acid Anthranilic acid Ephedrine Ergotamine Ergometrine Isosafrole Lysergic acid

3,4-methylenedioxy-phenyl-2-propanone Phenylacetic acid 1-phenyl-2-propanone Piperonal Piperidine Potassium Permanganate Pseudoephedrine Safrole

No unlicensed party is allowed to possess any of the above items. Any people who

wish to use the controlled chemicals must apply their own licenses for the controlled

chemicals through the Customs and Excise Department and obtain pre-approval by

HKIB. The license holder is responsible for the keeping of such chemicals. If no

license holder is forthcoming, appointed, or the chemicals are expired, the

chemicals must then be destroyed in accordance with the suggestion by EPD.

3. Purchase of controlled chemical

You should ensure that your laboratory has the corresponding license before

ordering the chemicals. You are highly recommended to order these chemicals

through a local agent which has the license to import the chemicals. The local

licensed agent will be able to go through all legal requirements in the shipment,

import and delivery of the goods. Unless you have a license to import, you should

not order these chemicals directly from oversea supplier. You are recommended to

- 46 -

check updated information from the Customs & Excise Department, Department of

Health, and the Trade & Industry Department. (www.customs.gov.hk,

www.info.gov.hk/dh and www.tid.gov.hk).

For staff and students of CUHK, the guideline for purchasing chemicals can be

found in Appendix F.

4. Housekeeping and Self-Audit

As a part of laboratory safety, a responsible person is recommended for annual

inventory of the stored chemical in each laboratory. Besides, it is also required to

check items related to chemical safety. A sample checklist for Chemical Safety can

be found in Appendix E.

III. Chemical Hazard 1. MSDS

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) must be available immediately in either hard

or electronic copies for each laboratory. Apart from PI, all relevant project

members and workers in the laboratory must also read and understand the content

of the MSDS.

The MSDS provide the useful information on the nature of the chemicals, including:

Name of the hazardous chemical.

Physical and chemical properties of the chemical (e.g. boiling point, density,

etc.).

The physical hazards of the chemical.

The health hazards of the chemical (e.g. toxic, carcinogenic, etc.).

Whether or not the chemical can cause cancer as determined by certain

authorities (e.g. the National Toxicology Program).

The precautions to be taken when using the chemical.

The control measures, wok practices, and personal protective equipment one

should use.

Emergency and first aid procedures.

The date of preparation or the date of revision (if revised).

The manufacturer’s name and address.

MSDS may come with the chemicals upon delivery. Some of them are also

available in the manufacturer’s homepage. The following are some good links that

allow the access to the electronic copy of the MSDS.

a. For CUHK homepage: http://dgs.mdl.cuhk.edu.hk/chem

- 47 -

b. MSDS link for CHEMWATCH http://full.chemwatch.net/chemgoldjune6/

CHEMWATCH is developed in Australia, as such the telephone numbers and

the classification for the Danger Goods are not the same as those in Hong

Kong. (The function for blocking the “popup” window has to be disabled when

using CHEMWATCH.)

2. Labels

The labels on the bottles of the chemicals also provide information on the nature of

the chemicals such as:

The name of the chemical that is in the labeled container.

Hazard and its relative severity.

Precautionary measure that will protect users from harmful effects of the

hazards.

First aid instructions of the measures that could mitigate or prevent further

serious injury before professional medical assistance is available.

Instruction in case of fire, if applicable.

Method to handle spills or leaks, if applicable.

Instructions if unusual handling and storage procedures of the chemical are

required.

The name, address and telephone number of the manufacturer or supplier.

3. Classifying Hazardous Chemicals

All chemicals bear their own hazardous characteristics, and measures have to be

taken to prevent any event of such hazards. Classification of the hazardous

characteristics of chemicals is available, and the important classes to consider in

accident prevention are listed below. The hazardous events that will occur when

mixing of the incompatible pairs of chemical groups can also be found in Appendix G.

CLASS EXAMPLES Corrosive Chemicals Strong and some weak acids and bases, halogens

Air-Reactive Chemicals Alkaline metals Water-Reactive Chemicals Alkaline metals, some hydrides, phosphides, carbides

Oxidizing Agents Nitrates, permanganates, chromates Reducing Agents Hydrogen, carbon, hydrocarbons, organic acids

Highly Toxic Chemicals Carcinogens, cyanides, phenol Less Toxic Chemicals Ethanol, n-hexane, acetic acid

Self-Reactive Chemicals Picric acid, TNT, diazo compounds Incompatible Pairs Acid vs. base, oxidizing agent vs. reducing agent

- 48 -

IV. Safe Use of Carcinogenic, Teratogenic, and Highly Toxic Chemicals (Source: CUHK-USEO Homepage) The use of carcinogenic (categories A1 & A2), teratogenic, and highly toxic chemicals

should be avoided since these chemicals have been implicated as causing cancer in

humans. Any user to these substances should read and understood the Material Safety

Data Sheets of these substances before starting any experiments or work.

1. Management of carcinogenic, teratogenic, and highly toxic chemicals

a. Storage, labeling, transportation (within limited distance), and inventory

All carcinogenic or highly toxic chemicals should be stored in labeled,

closed screw-cap containers at the correct temperature. The labels

should bear printed warning "carcinogen", "suspected carcinogen", or

"highly toxic" immediately upon acquisition.

The carcinogenic chemicals should be stored in secure area segregated

from the general chemical store, but as close as practical to the place of

work.

For transport within the laboratory and to other laboratories, a second

unbreakable container should be used for containing the sealed

container in order to limit any accidental breakage or spill.

An inventory of chemical carcinogens is required. The inventory should

record the amount of carcinogen(s) and the date it was acquired. (For

using radiolabeled carcinogenic compounds, one is required to comply

with safety procedures both for the toxic and the radioactive potential

hazards.)

b. Laboratory practice

The use of carcinogenic chemicals should be in designated areas of the

laboratory with access limited to persons involved in the experiment.

Facilities for dispensing carcinogens or highly toxic chemicals should be

available in the same area in which such chemicals are stored. The

amount of carcinogen taken (being dispensed) should be of minimum for

immediately required, and the aliquots should be clearly labeled.

Work surface should be covered with an absorbent material backed with

plastic, which should be replaced regularly or immediately if a spill has

occurred.

Use the fume cupboard, or a cytotoxic cabinet to carry out all procedures

involving dust, vapor or aerosols to prevent personal exposure.

Work with carcinogens (or highly toxic chemicals) must not be carried

out in a biological safety cabinet due to the potential hazards to

personnel responsible for maintenance or repair of these cabinets.

- 49 -

2. Personal protection

Wear mask to prevent absorption through the respiratory system by inhaling

the vapor or dust.

Wear buttoned or wrap-around laboratory cloths and gloves (rubber, PVC or

polythene gloves, preferably disposable, which should be changed often so as

to avoid impregnation) to prevent absorption through the skin from spillage.

Safety glasses, goggles or a full-face shield should be worn. Alternatively, an

approved respirator with a suitable particulate / vapor cartridge or an approved

disposable facemask should be used.

After work wash hand with cold water and then thoroughly with soap and

warm water to prevent ingestion from contaminated hands or food.

Protective equipment should be stored and remain near to the work area.

Laboratory coats should be removed when leaving the laboratory.

The PI should provide aware of the laboratory designed to eliminate or

minimize actual or potential exposure

Read the MSDS carefully before starting work.

- 50 -

Category A1 Substances for which there is sufficient evidence for a causal relationship with cancer in humans

Agents and groups of agents Aflatoxins [1402-68-2] 4-Aminobiphenyl [92-67-1] Arsenic [7440-38-2] and arsenic compounds Asbestos [1332-21-4] Azathioprine [446-86-6] Benzene [71-43-2] Benzidine [92-87-5] Beryllium [7440-41-7] and beryllium compounds (NB: Evaluated as a group) N,N-Bis(2-chloroethyl)-2-naphthylamine (Chlornaphazine) [494-03-1] Bis(chloromethyl)ether [542-88-1] chloromethyl methyl ether [107-30-2] (technical-grade) 1,4-Butanediol dimethanesulfonate (Busulphan; Myleran) [55-98-1] Cadmium [7440-43-9] and cadmium compounds (NB: Evaluated as a group) Chlorambucil [305-03-3] 1-(2-Chloroethyl)-3-(4-methylcyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea (Methyl-CCNU; Semustine) [13909-09-6] Chromium[VI] compounds (NB: Evaluated as a group) Ciclosporin [79217-60-0] Cyclophosphamide [50-18-0] [6055-19-2] Diethylstilboestrol [56-53-1] Epstein-Barr virus Erionite [66733-21-9] Ethylene oxide [75-21-8] Helicobacter pylori (infection with) Hepatitis B virus (chronic infection with) Hepatitis C virus (chronic infection with) Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (infection with) Human papillomavirus type 16 Human papillomavirus type 18 Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I Melphalan [148-82-3] 8-Methoxypsoralen (Methoxsalen) [298-81-7] plus ultraviolet A radiation Mustard gas (Sulfur mustard) [505-60-2] 2-Naphthylamine [91-59-8] Nickel compounds Oestrogens, nonsteroidal (NB: This evaluation applies to the group of compounds as a whole and not necessarily to all individual compounds within the group) Oestrogens, steroidal (NB: This evaluation applies to the group of compounds as a whole and not necessarily to all individual compounds within the group) Opisthorchis viverrini (infection with) Radon [10043-92-2] and its decay products Schistosoma haematobium (infection with) Silica [14808-60-7], crystalline (inhaled in the form of quartz or cristobalite from occupational sources) Talc containing asbestiform fibres Tamoxifen [10540-29-1] (NB: There is also conclusive evidence that this agent (tamoxifen) reduces the risk of contralateral breast cancer) 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin [1746-01-6] Thiotepa [52-24-4] Treosulfan [299-75-2] Vinyl chloride [75-01-4] Mixtures Coal-tar pitches [65996-93-2] Coal-tars [8007-45-2] Mineral oils, untreated and mildly treated Shale-oils [68308-34-9] Number in [bracket] indicates the chemical abstract numbers for that particular chemical.

- 51 -

Category A2 Substances for which there is a lesser degree of evidence in humans but sufficient evidence in animal studies, or degree of evidence considered appropriate to this category (probable human carcinogen)

Agents and groups of agents Acrylamide [79-06-1] Adriamycin [23214-92-8] Androgenic (anabolic) steroids Azacitidine [320-67-2] Benz[a]anthracene [56-55-3] Benzidine-based dyes Benzo[a]pyrene [50-32-8] Bischloroethyl nitrosourea (BCNU) [154-93-8] 1,3-Butadiene [106-99-0] Captafol [2425-06-1] Chloramphenicol [56-75-7] a-Chlorinated toluenes (benzal chloride [98-87-3], benzotrichloride [98-07-7], benzyl chloride [100-44-7]) and benzoyl chloride [98-88-4] (combined exposures) 1-(2-Chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) [13010-47-4] para-Chloro-ortho-toluidine [95-69-2] and its strongacid salts (NB: Evaluated as a group) Chlorozotocin [54749-90-5] Cisplatin [15663-27-1] Clonorchis sinensis (infection with) Dibenz[a,h]anthracene [53-70-3] Diethyl sulfate [64-67-5] Dimethylcarbamoyl chloride [79-44-7] 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine [540-73-8] Dimethyl sulfate [77-78-1] Epichlorohydrin [106-89-8] Ethylene dibromide [106-93-4] N-Ethyl-N-nitrosourea [759-73-9] Formaldehyde [50-00-0] Human papillomavirus type 31 Human papillomavirus type 33 IQ (2-Amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline) [76180-96-6] Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus/human herpesvirus 5-Methoxypsoralen [484-20-8] 4,4´-Methylene bis(2-chloroaniline) (MOCA) [101-14-4] Methyl methanesulfonate [66-27-3] N-Methyl-N´-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine(MNNG) [70-25-7] N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea [684-93-5] Nitrogen mustard [51-75-2] N-Nitrosodiethylamine [55-18-5] N-Nitrosodimethylamine [62-75-9] Phenacetin [62-44-2] Procarbazine hydrochloride [366-70-1] Styrene-7,8-oxide [96-09-3] Tetrachloroethylene [127-18-4] Trichloroethylene [79-01-6] 1,2,3-Trichloropropane [96-18-4] Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate [126-72-7] Ultraviolet radiation A Ultraviolet radiation B Ultraviolet radiation C Vinyl bromide [593-60-2] Vinyl fluoride [75-02-5] Mixtures Creosotes [8001-58-9] Non-arsenical insecticides (occupational exposures in spraying and application of) Polychlorinated biphenyls

- 52 -

3. Contamination and maintenance of equipment in which carcinogenic substance has

been used

Treat contaminated laboratory glassware or equipment chemically or wash

separately with solvents appropriate to the substance that has been used.

Rinse glassware or equipment in cold running water; wash and brush in hot

water and detergent before assigning it to any routine washing procedure.

Regularly wipe work surfaces where a carcinogenic or highly toxic substance

has been used with cold water followed by warm water with detergent. No

contamination should be present, as the use of absorbent material on the

bench will protect it.

If maintenance or repair work has to be carried out in any area, or upon any

piece of equipment where a carcinogen or highly toxic substance has been

used, all work should cease and the area and equipment be thoroughly

decontaminated. Particular care should be taken to avoid contamination of

drains and ventilation ducts.

Laboratory Supervisor should take physical monitoring of the area in which

carcinogens are used regularly. Detection of any contamination of the air,

benches, equipment or personal protective equipment should be regularly

taken.

Biological monitoring or medical examination of the workers should be taken

to detect any significant biological changes or effects on health.

4. Emergency procedures

Report – Immediately report to the laboratory supervisor whenever there is

personal exposure or spills.

Investigation – Fully investigate the incident and review the laboratory safety

guidelines.

First aid – If there is any accidental skin contact with carcinogenic chemicals,

rinse the affected parts in cold running water without delay for at least five

minutes, then follow by thorough washing with warm water and soap. Where

necessary, take a shower and change clothes and shoes. In the case of an

eye splash, irrigate the eye immediately with running water for 15 minutes.

Seek medical advice immediately.

Evacuation – If there is a significant spill of a carcinogen (particularly of

volatile material), or if a fire or explosion occurs in the laboratory, evacuate all

persons immediately.

Clean up – Assign only properly equipped and adequately trained persons to

clean up any spills. They should wear suitable protective clothing.

Self-contained breathing apparatus may be required and should only be worn

by persons trained in its use.

- 53 -

5. Animal work associating with the use of carcinogens

For CUHK laboratories in the Incubator Facility, all experiments involving animals

must have the written approval of the Animal Research Ethics Committee, with a

written notification to the Incubator Manager. Other parties must obtain licensure

from the Department of Health and individual workers must register themselves in

the DH for performing experiments related to animal work, PLUS pre-approval by

the Incubator Manager on animal experiments with the use of carcinogens.

Precautions measures:

Animals treated with carcinogens or other highly toxic chemicals should be

kept separate form other stock. The work must be declared for the safety of

animal handling and cage cleaning.

Cages should be suitably and clearly labeled.

Special consideration should be given to the route of administration of a

carcinogen. Volatile chemicals represent the greatest risk of exposure and the

safest method of administering them is by injection of a solution.

Administration by topical application, gavages or intra-tracheal instillation

should be performed in a fume cupboard. If the chemical is known, or likely, to

be exhaled, animals should be kept under the fume cupboard during this

period. Inhalation exposure experiments require the use of purpose-built

exposure chambers having known specifications and tolerance limits.

Administration of volatile chemicals to animals in food and water usually

results in contamination of cages and other equipment. Therefore, unless

specifically required, routes of administration other than in diet should be used.

Mixing of carcinogens in animal food should be carried out in sealed mixers in

a fume cupboard. When mixing food, protective clothing and, possibly,

respirators may be required.

The risk from diet or excreta-contaminated animal bedding should be reduced

by either: 1) the use of heavy absorbent paper rather than sawdust; or 2)

housing the animals in enclosed cages with metal roof grilles.

V. Fume Cupboard Use of Fume Cupboard / Fume Hood

1. Conduct all operations that may generate hazardous vapors INSIDE a fume hood.

Employ minimum quantities of chemicals or reactions rates to reduce the

production of fumes.

2. Hazardous chemicals should only be stored in an approved safety cabinet, NOT in

the fume hood. Do not perform work with microorganisms inside the fume hood.

Use the biological safety cabinet instead.

- 54 -

3. Keep all apparatus at least 12 cm behind the face of the hood. Placing equipment at

the back of the fume hood can reduce disturbance of airflow. Extra equipment and

bottles create obstructions to the smooth flow of air.

4. Do not perform operations too close to the face of the hood as this allows vapors to

escape out of the hood. Keep your head outside the hood when hazardous vapors

are being generated. Hoods do not protect the user from splashes.

5. Always wear the proper personal protective equipment even though a fume hood

has been used.

6. Ensure the fume hood is working properly, e.g. airflow and use a flow indicator to

verify airflow before using the unit. Modern airflow indicators have an audible alarm

feature that sounds an alert when the airflow drops below minimum settings.

7. It is very important to maintain the air velocity between 75-120 ft/min. Regular

checking and cleaning of fume hood is highly recommended.

8. Keep baffle slots free of obstructions. Baffles are at the top and bottom and

sometimes there is a third baffle in the middle of the back of the hood.

9. Minimize foot traffic in front of the hood. Other air currents outside the hood may

draw contaminated air outside the face.

10. When using a fume hood

a. Keep the fume hood fully opened for access to set up equipment or reagents.

b. Open the fume hood to a certified height when handling hazardous

substances.

c. Lower the fume hood sash as far as practicable when process is in operation.

d. Lower the fume hood sash after use.

11. Electrical receptacles or other ignition sources could start a fire when flammable

vapors are present.

12. Use an appropriate barricade if there is a chance of an explosion or eruption.

13. Keep all trash out of the fume hood (including RADIATION HOOD) as trash could

be sucked into the exhaust creating an effective plug. Nothing should be left after

using the fume hood and the area should be cleaned up. Hazardous waste should

be disposed in accordance with legislative requirement.

14. In following international laboratory safety guidelines and practices, both the Safety

Advisory Committee-Chemicals and Carcinogens and the Committee on Safety

have endorsed requirements that all chemical fume hoods must be maintained

periodically and certified annually to ensure satisfactory performance.

Use of re-circulating fume cabinets

1. Re-circulating fume cabinets may only be used for specific non-routine situations

only.

2. Chemicals used inside the re-circulating fume cabinets must be compatible. Do not

contain all chemicals inside the cabinet.

- 55 -

3. A re-circulating fume cabinet should not be used if process includes

a. Solvents with boiling point less than 75°C.

b. Generation of solvent / acid vapor more than 50 ml/day.

c. With perchloric acid, microorganisms and / or isotopes.

d. Relative humidity exceeds 90%.

VI. Chemical Waste Disposal 1. Storage of chemical waste

a. Laboratory should have a designated area for chemical waste storage.

Chemical "stores" are to be secure with access controlled. A chemical storage

cabinet with the warning notice “CHEMICAL WASTE” or “化學廢物 ” is

required.

b. The waste container should be placed in a secondary container or a tray prior

to collection and disposal. For example, stainless steel trays for organic

chemical waste containers, and heavy-duty plastic trays for inorganic waste.

c. The total amount chemical waste NOT in a cupboard allowed by the EPD in

each laboratory is 50 liters. If this amount is to be exceeded then the extra

waste containers must be kept in an appropriate chemical storage cabinet

(FIG. 3).

2. Safety Equipment for Handling Chemical Waste

a. Personal safety and protective equipment

Appropriate respirators, gas masks

Chemical-resistant gloves or gauntlets

Eye-wash bottle or device

Face visor with hood

First aid kits

FIG. 3 Features of a chemical waste storage cupboard. (Source from “Code of Practice on the Packaging, Labeling, and Storage of Chemical Wastes”, Environmental Protection Department, HKSAR).

Storage of incompatible waste in separate areas

Impermeable sill to contain leakage or spillage

Vent Holes

Drip tray to contain leakage

- 56 -

Protective clothing or overalls

Safety glasses or goggles

Safety helmets

Steel-toed rubber or plastic boots

b. Equipment for Handling Emergencies and Spillages

Absorbent e.g. vermiculite, sawdust, etc.

Dustpan and brush

Dry soft sand

Fire extinguishers

Hand-operated pumps

Mop and bucket

Paper tissue and toweling

Plastic bags, empty containers or drums

Scoop

Suitable sampling device

Tweezers or forceps

(Source from “Code of Practice on the Packaging, Labeling, and Storage of Chemical Wastes”

Environmental Protection Department, HKSAR)

3. Management of Chemical Waste

Before coordinating waste collection with the Facility Administrator, users should

always bear good laboratory practice in managing chemical wastes inside the

laboratories. Waste of different nature should be disposed in separate containers

labeled with the name and type of the chemical waste in prominent area. A

Chemical Waste Logsheet (Appendix I) should be available for keeping record of

the amount and nature of the waste being disposed in the container.

Reasons for keeping the Chemical Waste Logsheet: To provide information for Enviropace on the treatment of waste, and to

comply with the chemical waste handling procedures (procedure 4.3) issued

by Enviropace, staying that "Every waste entering into a chemical waste

container must be properly logged. The filled log sheet must accompany the

container at the time of collection by Enviropace. Enviropace will refuse

collection of containers that do not carry a legible log sheet. "

To comply with the "Code of Practice on the packing, labeling and storage of

chemical wastes" issued by the EPD.

To provide information for the compatibility of chemical wastes in the

container.

A sample of the Chemical Waste Logsheet is available in Appendix I.

- 57 -

Other chemical wastes, such as “Labpack” chemical, can also be collected by the

chemical waste contractor Enviropace. Labpack wastes include:

a. Highly reactive chemicals

b. Water reactive chemicals

c. Waste that cannot pass the compatibility test (refer to Item 7.6 of Section A

"Procedures for disposal of general chemical waste")

d. Unwanted raw chemicals

e. Expired chemicals in liquid, solid, and sludge forms. For disposal of such chemical waste, please

consult the Facility Administrator for arrangement of disposal. A "Labpack

(unwanted / expired chemical) form" for the disposal of labpack chemicals is

required for disposal and the form will be sent to Enviropace. Since the disposal

cost for Labpack waste is very much higher than the liquid waste collected by the 20

L chemical waste containers, each disposal request will be assessed by EPD on

individual basis. After the request is approved by EPD, Enviropace will collect the

waste for disposal.

Since individual laboratory may store a certain amount of chemical waste,

monitoring of the chemical waste as well as the condition of the laboratory is always

required. The following is a sample checklist for management of laboratory and

liquid chemical waste items.

Management of Laboratory and Chemical Waste Items Yes / No / N.A.General Management:

1. A standard liquid chemical waste container (a, see also Appendix A) is used.

2. The labels on the containers are clear, intact and adhere firmly to the container.

3. The waste container is in good condition and the caps are kept tightly closed.

4. The Chemical Waste Log Sheet (see Appendix I) is filled out properly.

5. The chemical waste containers do not obstruct the fire exit route.

6. The storage area is dry and clean.

7. The total volume of waste stored is less than 300 L.

Curative action is required if the answ

er to any of the one item is N

o

For chemical wastes stored at a workplace with volume <50 L:

1. The location for waste storage or the spill tray bears a prominently displayed

standard chemical waste warning sign.

2. The standard liquid chemical waste container is put inside a spill tray or a spill

retention structure is available.

3. The spill tray or cabinet is free of other substances except the waste container(s).

4. Incompatible wastes are prevented from mixing in case of a spill.

- 58 -

For chemical wastes stored at a workplace with volume >50 L but <300 L:

1. The waste containers are enclosed by at least a 3-sided structure (FIG. 3).

2. The storage structure is only for the storage of chemical wastes.

3. A standard chemical waste warning sign is displayed prominently at the storage

structure.

4. The storage structure of liquid chemical wastes (d) has a retention capacity for

20% of the total wastes stored or the volume of the biggest container, whichever is

the greater.

5. The enclosed storage structure has vent holes or ventilation facility.

6. Incompatible chemical wastes are separated by barriers to prevent mixing in case

of a spill.

7. The storage structure has no connection to the sewer or surface water drain.

a. For small volume waste generators, the container for temporary storage of chemical waste should be labeled with waste type and content. The location of the standard chemical waste container where the chemical waste will be finally disposed of must be marked on the bottle.

b. Storage of liquid waste more than 300 L must obtain pre-approval by Incubator Manager.

4. General Disposal Guideline

a. Standards and specifications of the containers

Chemical waste should be packed and held in containers of suitable design

and construction to prevent leakage, spillage or escape of the contents under

normal conditions of handling, storage and transport. Only waste containers

issued by the Enviropace Ltd. are acceptable and such containers are

available in HKIB upon request and the list of containers can be found in

Appendix B. If smaller containers are used for temporary storage, the nature

of the bottle must be insured and a label specifying the name and nature of

the chemical waste must be adhered on the prominent area of the bottle.

Nature of the containers:

All parts of the container, including the closures that are in direct contact

with the chemical, must be resistant to the contents. A spill tray is also

recommended for the containers.

Both the inside and outside of the container should be in good condition,

free of corrosion, contamination, and other defects or damage that may

impair the performance of the container.

No mixing of incompatible waste is allowed. Different types of containers

should be used for packing different type of waste.

The container should be securely closed, correctly placed, and kept

clean.

Sufficient ullage (air space) should be allowed to ensure that neither

leakage nor permanent distortion of the container occurs due to the

expansion of the liquid caused by changes in temperature or other

physical conditions. Usually 100 mm air space should be allowed

between the top of the container and the level of the liquid contents.

- 59 -

Specifications of the containers:

In general, the design, material, and construction of containers should follow

the specifications of the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of

Dangerous Goods, UN Document ST/SG/AC.10/1/Rev.6 (the “UN Orange

Book”). All the containers should follow the requirements of the design and

construction criteria as set out in section 9.6 of the specifications, as well as

passing the performance test requirements as set out in section 9.7 of the

specification, which include drop test, leakproofness test, internal pressure

(hydraulic) test, as well as stacking test.

As such, users are not recommended to use un-approved containers other

than those provided by HKIB. HKIB will not responsible to any hazardous

consequences due to misuse of containers or use of unapproved containers.

b. Waste handling and collection

Chemical waste classification i. Liquid chemical waste

Spent non-halogenated organic solvents (e.g. acetone,

hexane, xylene)

Spent organic acids (e.g. acetic acid, benzoic acid, phenol)

Spent halogenated organic solvents (e.g. chloroform,

dichloromethane)

Spent lube oil (pump oil, lubricating oil, etc.)

Spent oxidizing solution (e.g. chlorates/bleach solution,

hydrogen peroxide, permanganates, nitrates)

Spent photographic fixer and developer

Spent alkali (aqueous solution with pH greater than 8)

Spent cyanide in alkaline solution

Spent acids containing heavy metals (except Hg ions)

Spent nitric acid

Spent acids (inorganic acids, except nitric acid)

Ethidium Bromide containing solution

Pharmaceutical liquid waste

ii. Solid chemical waste

Acidic Organic Solid Cyanide Salt Solid Inorganic Acidic Solid Inorganic Alkaline Solid Labpack Waste Organic Solid

- 60 -

Pharmaceutical waste Spent organic gel

iii. Ethidium bromide

Not more than 3 Liters of the agarose gel waste with ethidium

bromide (EtBr) should be put into the container (organic gel)

which half filled with sawdust. The ethidium bromide containing solution should go into the

halogenated waste container. The Enviropace Ltd.

recommend to keep the final aqueous content below 50%

inside the Halogenated waste container. iv. Controlled chemicals

According to the Control of Chemicals Ordinance (Chapter 145), a license is required to input, possess or use any of the Schedule 1

and 2 chemicals (see the “Controlled Chemical Section” above).

The license holder is responsible for the keeping of such chemicals.

If no license holder is forthcoming, appointed, or the chemicals are

expired, the chemicals must then be destroyed. Any disposal of

Schedule 1 or 2 chemicals should register to the Controlled

Chemicals Group, Customs & Excise Department within 24 hours.

Compatibility test The aim of the compatibility test is to ensure the mixing of chemical

waste would not generate any hazard or chemical reactions that may

harmful to the environment and people. Examples of some incompatible

chemical waste groups can be found in Appendix H.

Compatibility Test Procedures (Applicable to chemicals and chemical wastes): This test should be performed by a trained personnel inside a fume cupboard, and make sure that the air-flow of the fume cupboard is "safe" and the sash is lowered to at least shoulder level. Materials:

1. Conical Flask 2. Thermometer 3. Pipet aid and pipets

Procedures: 1. Draw 4-5 ml of chemical / chemical waste (designated as A) from the container / waste container

into the conical flask with a thermometer. Record the temperature. 2. Draw 4-5 ml of the new chemical / chemical waste (designated as B) into the conical flask, gently

shake the flask to mix the chemicals / waste chemicals. 3. Wait for about 2 minutes (or until the temperature has remain constant). Record the temperature

of the thermometer. 4. If the temperature rise more than 2oC, or bubbling or fuming observed after the chemicals /

wastes have been mixed, then A and B are not compatible. If A & B are wastes, they have to be poured in SEPARATE containers with appropriate label and a separate logsheet.

5. If the temperature remains constant, then it is assumed that the A and B are compatible. If A and B are wastes, they can then be mixed together and poured into the same container.

6. For any new waste component, repeat step 2 to 5 for compatibility checking.

- 61 -

5. Disposal Procedures

a. General Procedures

Only waste containers issued by the Enviropace Ltd. are acceptable and

such containers are available in HKIB upon request. The list of containers can

be found in Appendix B. Each container has 20 Liters in capacity. Request

the appropriate waste containers and the chemical waste disposal log sheet

from the Facility Administrator. Check whether the received container had

been properly labeled and in good condition. Waste in different categories or

chemical groups should be disposed in the appropriate container.

Make sure the waste goes into the correct container. Compatibility test is

required for mixing different waste. A list of incompatible chemical waste

group is available in Appendix H. Record in the log sheet every time a

new waste is disposed into the container. It is a essential document and

should be placed next to the corresponding waste container.

Never fully fill the container. Only fill 70% (about 14 Liters) of the

container.

Dilute the concentrated acid or alkali for 4-5 times with water before

disposal.

Notify the Facility Administrator for chemical waste collection service.

Alternatively, the Facility Administrator will arrange chemical waste

collection periodically.

The Facility Administrator will arrange the Enviropace Ltd. to collect the

chemical waste.

Some further points about waste disposal:

Waste containing cyanide should always go to the cyanide waste container.

If metal solutions or precipitates are generated, depending on the pH,

they can be put into inorganic acid or alkali containers. If the pH of the

waste is neutral, it should go to "spent alkalis".

If the total generation rate of spent fixer and developer is less than 5 Liter

/ week, the spent fixer & developer can both be disposed of to a "spent developers" container.

Mixtures that contain halogenated chemicals should always be put into

the "halogenated solvents" container, no matter if the halogenated part is

the minority component in the chemical mixture.

- 62 -

b. Liquid waste

Methods of pretreatment and disposal of liquid waste groups are listed below:

TYPE OF CHEMICALS DISPOSAL METHODS

Inorganic Acid / AlkalineDilution and pH adjustment prior to fill into container for disposal. Compatibility test is required if mixing with different items.

Organic Acids Mix and pour into the collection containers, compatibility test is required.

Unknown chemical formulaTest for organic or inorganic and pH, mix with sawdust individually and place into a plastic bag or dissolving with appropriate media before dispose.

Organic Solvents Compatibility test is required for mixing into a collection container

c. Solid waste

Methods of pretreatment and disposal of solid waste groups are listed below:

TYPE OF CHEMICALS DISPOSAL METHODS

Cyanide and its compoundsUnpack its original bottles and pack into a plastic bag individually. Put into the waste container and fill with sawdust.

Inorganic Acid/Alkaline Dissolution and or repackaging into a plastic bag prior to put into container for disposal. Compatibility test is required if mixing with different items.

Organic Acids Mix individually with sawdust and pack into a plastic bag prior to put into the collection container.

Organic Salts Mix individually with sawdust and pack into a plastic bag prior to place into the collection container.

Metal powder Dissolving with appropriate acids. Care should be taken to control the rate of reaction.

Unknown chemical formulaTest for organic or inorganic and pH, mix with sawdust individually and place into a plastic bag or dissolving with appropriate media.

d. Pharmaceutical waste The following category of unwanted pharmaceutical wastes are covered:

Antibiotics (as defined in Antibiotics Ordinance, Cap. 137)

Dangerous Drugs (as defined in Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, Cap. 134)

Poisons (as defined in Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, Cap.138)

Other pharmaceutical products and medicines, other than specified at a,

b or c

Pharmaceutical products or toxic drugs (including cytotoxic drugs) in bulk or

significant residual volume (more than 3% volume of the container holding the

drugs) in container (e.g. unused or partially used drugs in ampoules or

syringes) are regarded as chemical waste and should be disposed according

the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation (see also the

above sections for chemical waste disposal).

- 63 -

Ampoules or syringes holding less than 3% volume of drugs in containers can

be placed in sharps boxes and disposed as Group 1 clinical waste (see the

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY - Biological / Clinical Waste Treatment and Disposal section for details. Sharps boxes containing such wastes (i.e. with sharps

contaminated with residual amount of drugs) must be incinerated and must

not be disposed of by other methods.

Waste Disposal On disposal of wastes categorized under item a. to c. above, laboratories are

required to notify the Facility Administrator for applying the disposal license

from EPD. After the license arrived, Facility Administrator will issue the waste

producer appropriate containers for the waste. Only the license stated waste

to be disposed into the waste container.

Liquid waste: When disposing liquid pharmaceutical waste, the content from the original

container should be decanted into the waste container. Wastes should be

filled to occupy maximum 14 Liters (70%) of the volume of the container.

Whenever there are reactions during decanting, stop the process and report

to the Facility Administrator for the event. Emptied containers properly rinsed

with water are not considered as chemical wastes and can be discarded as

ordinary refuse.

Solid waste: Tablets, capsules with and without packing, as well as vials and ampoules

containing liquids or slurries not exceeding 50 ml each can be disposed of as

solid pharmaceutical waste. Liquid content in each container should not exceed 500 ml in total.

e. Thermometer (Mercury)

Drain out from any broken devices, carefully pack into bottle and seal by tape.

Wrap each bottle with newspaper and then plastic bag, contact USEO staff to

put into collection container.

- 64 -

Spillage of chemicals: Whenever there are spillages of chemicals, stay calm and classify the nature of the

chemical that has been spilled. Spill kits should be kept by each organization and the list

of spill kits that are available can be found in Appendix J. Please contact Facility

Administrator for borrowing the spill kits whenever necessary.

For small amount of chemical spill, the materials used for wiping the chemicals (e.g.

paper towel) can be disposed of as normal waste. However, those used for absorbing

large quantity of chemicals should be disposed as chemical wastes.

6. Procedures to Dispose Empty Chemical Bottles / Containers

a. Users should ensure that all chemicals were removed from the bottles /

containers.

b. Bottles / Containers should be properly washed before disposal.

c. The cap of the bottles / containers should be removed

- 65 -

RADIATION SAFETY

Radiation Classification

Licensure

Responsibility

Legislation / Codes of Practice

Potential Hazardous Source

Safe-guards


- 66 -

G. Radiation Safety

I. Radiation Classification 1. Ionizing radiation

Ionizing radiation refers to X-rays, gamma radiation, beta particles, alpha particles,

neutrons, and other high-energy particles, emitted by radioactive substances or

generated by irradiating apparatus. 2. Non-ionizing radiation

a. Electromagnetic wave

Microwave, radio-frequency (RF) wave, ultraviolet (UV) light, visible light,

infra-red (IR) light

b. Sound (20 Hz - 20 kHz) and ultrasound (16 kHz - 50 MHz)

II. Licensure According to the Radiation Ordinance (Chapter 303A, Regulation 3 and 4), a license is

required for import, convey, possess, use and storage of radioactive substances.

HKIB is not the holder of Radioactive Substances License. No radiation work can be

done inside HKIB. So in this safety manual, only non-ionizing radiation and the related

safety issues will be discussed.

III. Responsibility

• Supervisors of laboratories using non-ionizing radiation carry the general responsibility to evaluate the potential hazards of the radiation involved, and to ensure that:

o their staff / students comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines, and o their staff / students are given adequate supervision and safety training.

• Individual staff / students have a personal responsibility.

Before starting work with non-ionizing radiation they should be familiar with the regulations and guidelines, and the relevant properties of all non-ionizing radiation they propose to use.

- 67 -

IV. Legislation / Codes of Practice Please refer to The Laser Safety Code of Practice, Hong Kong Government. V. Potentially Hazardous Source

1. High power lasers Pulsed lasers: Excimer lasers, Nd:YAG lasers Continuous wave lasers: Argon ion lasers, CO2 lasers

2. Microwave ovens 3. RF wave: induction heaters, RF sputter guns, RF ion guns 4. UV light: xenon lamps, UV lamps in photolithography, discharge lamps 5. Visible light: welding arcs, metal brazing, glass blowing 6. IR light: high temperature furnaces/ovens, metal brazing, glass blowing

V. Safe-guards

When using potentially hazardous non-ionizing radiation,

1. design the experimental setup to reduce exposure to as little as is practically achievable;

2. provide personnel with appropriate protective equipment (e.g. laser goggles); 3. post warning signs (available from USEO) at the entry point of the laboratory (the type

of radiation should be identified on the warning sign); and 4. restrict the access of unauthorized persons.

- 68 -

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Electrical Hazards

Simple Safety Hints

Working on potentially hazardous equipment

Equipment with current passing through Liquid


- 69 -

I. Electrical Hazards

1. Electric shock may result in injury or even death. 2. Overheating may cause damage to equipment, short circuits or burns . 3. Short circuits may cause electrical explosions and fires. 4. Unexpected start or action of machinery may cause injury. 5. Electrical system failure may cause hazardous situation. 6. Others such as X-rays generated due to high tension circuits.

II. Simple Safety Hints

(For using electricity under normal condition)

1. Do not touch an electrical appliance when you are wet or when you are standing on a wet floor.

2. Follow the colour coding when connecting conductors in cords between plugs and electrical appliances. The colour coding of conductor insulation in 3-core flexible cords is as follows:

Conductor type International coding Previous coding Live Brown Red

Neutral Blue Black

Earth Green/Yellow Green

4. Study operation/laboratory manual; follow instructions and use equipment as it is designed to. 5. Do not overload sockets; do not operate too many appliances from the same socket using adapters. 6. Keep cords away from heat, water, oily or corrosive liquid. 7. Keep appliance clean, dry and in good working order; always disconnect appliance before cleaning. 8. Inspect cords, wires and plugs regularly and replace any that is worn or frayed. 9. Do not attempt to install or repair power points, plugs, tools unless you are authorized and competent. 10. Alert your supervisor if you spot any substandard electrical equipment or wiring. 11. Consult experts or your supervisor if you are not certain.

- 70 -

III. Working on potentially hazardous equipment

Experimental Equipment

When designing an equipment for experiments, the following should be observed:

1. Ensure that, as far as is practicable, the equipment is safe to use. Do not overlook

safety in the search for functional improvements. 2. Enclose live parts or otherwise protected against inadvertent contact. Where

repeated access to those parts is required, warning signs shall be displayed. 3. Check all features of the experimental apparatus. Do not overlook safety in the

search for functional improvements. 4. Ensure that all wiring and components are adequately rated for expected current,

voltage, temperature and humidity, etc. 5. Connect all exposed metal enclosure to a marked earth terminal. 6. Energize the equipment through a control switch operating in all live conductors to

minimize the effect of unconventionally wired plug sockets. 7. Incorporate a pilot lamp to show when equipment is energized. 8. Provide protection by using fuse/circuit breaker, or RCD. Use a suitable fuse for

each piece of equipment. 9. Mark equipment with its rated voltage and power. 10. Always have an up-to-date circuit diagram of the equipment. 11. Be aware that the potential will be raised to 380 V if equipment is connected to 3

phase power supplies.

Unattended Equipment (Experimental equipment is to be left running unattended for long periods) 1. Display a notice marked `PLEASE LEAVE ON' that also gives details of any

immediate emergency action and includes at least two emergency telephone numbers and the names of the persons responsible for the experiment.

2. Provide for the isolation of all power to the equipment with one clearly marked

emergency switch.

3. Monitor critical parameters such as voltage, pressure, liquid level, temperature. Install an interlock circuit to disconnect the supply automatically if any one of these goes beyond predetermined limits.

4. Be aware that the equipment may be in area not covered by the fire-protection

system, e.g. the interiors of fume cupboards.

- 71 -

Working on live equipment 1. Whenever possible, do NOT work on live equipment.

Whenever practicable, take the following precautions: 2. Never work alone.

3. Do not wear metal objects such as rings, watches etc.

4. Wear appropriate clothing without loose or dangling parts.

5. Use personal protective equipment (e.g. approved rubber gloves, rubber soled

shoes, insulating mat, etc.).

6. Work one-handed by keeping the other hand in a pocket.

7. Use suitable tools and measuring instruments.

8. Use warning signs and barriers if equipment with exposed live terminals is energized.

9. Be aware of high voltage capacitors, especially those used in pulsed capacitor

banks. Their terminals may still be at high tension even when the equipment is switched off for a period of time.

IV. Equipment with current passing through Liquid

Electrophoresis Apparatus Potential Hazard

1. High voltages of up to 5000 V at lethal current levels. 2. Electrolysis effect may generate an explosive atmosphere or toxic aerosols

Power supply units for electrophoresis apparatus should provide:

1. Earth-leakage protection and overload protection,

2. Safety interlocks to shut off power if

3. The electrophoresis cell is opened;

4. Apparatus plugs are removed; or

5. The cell cooling system fails.

- 72 -

When using the power supply unit ensure that:

1. Power points are earthed.

2. Cooling air inlets and outlets are not obstructed.

3. Dust filters are cleaned or replaced regularly.

4. Manufacturer's specifications of temperature and humidity are met.

5. Cables, connectors and fittings connecting the power supply unit to the electrophoresis cell are in good order and they can withstand the maximum voltage provided by the power supply unit.

Electrophoresis cell

1. Attach a warning label denoting `DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE' 2. Do not use damaged cells or cell covers.

Electrochemical Analytical Apparatus and Electrodeposition apparatus (e.g. as used for coulometry, cycle voltammetry, polarography and controlled cathode potential electrolysis)

1. Be aware of spillage of reagent solutions in the vicinity of the power supply. 2. Ensure that cables, connectors and fittings connecting the power supply unit

to the electrolysis cell are in good order and they can withstand the maximum current provided by the power supply unit.

- 73 -

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A - SPECIFICATION FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONTAINERS FOR

CLINICAL WASTES

APPENDIX B - CHEMICAL WASTE CONTAINER TYPES AVAILABLE IN HKIB

APPENDIX C - SELF-AUDIT CHECKLIST FOR GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY

APPENDIX D - CHECKLIST FOR FIRE SAFETY IN LABORATORY

APPENDIX E - CHECKLIST FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY

APPENDIX F – GUIDELINE FOR PURCHASING CHEMICALS

APPENDIX G - INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICAL GROUPS

APPENDIX H - INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICAL WASTE GROUPS

APPENDIX I - CHEMICAL WASTE LOG SHEET

APPENDIX J - TYPES OF SPILL KIT AVAILABLE IN HKIB (RM 209)


- 74 -

APPENDIX A

SPECIFICATIONS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONTAINERS FOR CLINICAL WASTES

1. Sharps box Conforms with British Standard BS 7320 (1990) or similar specification for sharps

containers intended to hold potentially infectious clinical waste

Capable of being sealed

Provided with a handle that is not part of the closure device

Proof against spillage of its contents

Proof against puncture by clinical waste materials, such as broken glass or syringes

Capable of withstanding one-meter vertical drop to a concrete floor

Without fracture, puncture or loss of contents

Legibly marked with a horizontal line to indicate when the sharps box is filled to

between 70% to 80% of its maximum volume

Colored in yellow or combination of white and yellow

Capable of being marked by indelible ink and securely attached by labels 2. Plastic bag (Red Bags and Yellow Bags)

With a maximum nominal capacity of 0.1 m3

Of minimum gauge of 150 µm if low density polyethylene, or 75 µm if high density

polyethylene or polypropylene

Of suitable size and shape to fit the carrier which will support the bag in use

Colored in red (clinical waste other than Group 3) or yellow (for Group 3 waste)

Capable of being marked by indelible ink and securely attached by labels

- 75 -

APPEXDIX B

CHEMICAL WASTE CONTAINER TYPES AVAILABLE IN HKIB

WASTE TYPE WASTE CONTAINER ID CONTAINER TYPE

Unwanted Pharmaceutical 10109278 20 L Plastic

Spent Acids 10094331 20 L Plastic

Spent Alkali 10094332 20 L Plastic

Spent Alkali, Fixer & Developer 10094334 20 L Plastic

Spent Cyanide Solution 10400312 20 L Plastic

Halo Solvent, Acidic (pH<7) 100094333 20 L Lined Blue Carbon Steel

Lube Oil 10094910 20 L Green Carbon Steel

Organic Gel (Ethidium Bromide Gel) 10044335 20 L White Plastic Open Top

- 76 -

APPENDIX C

SELF-AUDIT CHECKLIST FOR GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY

GENERAL SAFETY ITEMS COMMENTS

1 Ensure there is no storage of food and drink permitted

2 A strictly no pipeting by mouth awareness. Pipeting aids available?

3 No smoking: It also applies to visitors and contractors

4 Procedures in place to handle and dispose of sharps (needles, syringes etc.)

5 Incompatible chemicals stored apart (Please refer to GCS Section 11b.)

6 (a) Materials Safety Data Sheets Available

6 (b) People know how and where to obtain these (Please refer GCS Appendix II)

7 Adequate Lighting in Laboratory (Min 400 Lux)

8 Is the ventilation working (put a paper streamer on air inlet)?

9 Is suitable protective equipment available near-by?

10 Is there a qualified First Aider near-by?

11 Is there an up to date first aid kit available?

12 Are emergency telephone numbers displayed?

13 Is a diagram show floor plan and outside emergency assembly areas displayed?

14 Are pressure vessels regularly inspected and if so is an appropriate certificate displayed e.g. Autoclaves?

15 Accumulation of old equipment, stores, rubbish etc

16 Waste disposal procedures known (refer to Biological / Chemical / Radiation waste)

17 Safety Procedures reviewed with Supervisors

18 Taps labeled, e.g. gas, vacuum

19 Appropriate safety and warning placard clearly visible

20 Floors clean, dry, no slip/trip hazards

21 Shelving stable, not cluttered, not too high

22 Check for any contamination inside the centrifuge bowls and buckets

23 Any contamination inside the cuvette holders in spectrometer

24 Safety Shower, eye-wash testing program

25 Heating equipment e.g. ovens, check for corrosion or evidence of asbestos

26 Hand-washing facilities available

27 Chairs suitable and made of impervious material

MANUAL HANDLING COMMENTS

28 Risk assessment done for manual handling operation

29 Lifting and handling devices (trolleys, mechanical lifting devices, etc) readily available for tasks to be performed in laboratories

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(Cont’)

MACHINERY (EQUIPMENT WITH MOVING PARTS) COMMENTS

30 Safety signs in place and easily seen

31 Machine adequately guarded (a) no places to pull in hands, clothing, etc. (b) no places for nipping or crushing fingers etc.

32 Safety glasses available where appropriate AND used

33 No clutter around machines

34 Adequate room to move around machines

35 Electrical connections in good order

36 Oil drip trays in place

37 Red emergency stop switch readily accessible, labeled

COMPRESSED GASES COMMENTS

38 Minimum gas cylinders in lab. Maximum of 5 cylinders being used! (None stored)

39 Fuel cylinders kept apart from oxidizing gas cylinders

40 Empty cylinders clearly marked and away from full ones

41 Cylinders 3 meters away from any potential ignition source

42 The gas name label on the shoulder of cylinder is clearly legible

43 Cylinders are secured to the wall or trolley by bracket or chain

44 Cylinder valve closed when cylinder not in use

45 Users aware of gas leak testing procedures

46 Adequate ventilation in laboratory

47 Adequate personal protective equipments for handling Liquid Nitrogen.

Modified from: CCH Laboratory Safety Manual of CCH Australia Ltd.

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APPENDIX D

CHECKLIST FOR FIRE SAFETY IN LABORATORY

FIRE SAFETY ITEMS COMMENTS

1 Suitable fire extinguishers easy to reach and mounted

2 Maintenance of extinguishers and hose reels up to date (check tag)

3 Overhead fire sprinklers / thermal detector heads clear of obstructions, stores, equipment (minimum 50 cm apart), and are undamaged

4 Fire doors not held open, damaged or obstructed

5 Occupants of laboratory know how to use fire fighting equipment

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES COMMENTS

6 Standard emergency procedures on Lab doors

7 Emergency plans "you are here" indicating safe egress from the floor and building

8 Enough (weight to volume) spill kits

ELECTRICAL ITEMS COMMENTS

9 Enough power points available

10 Switches and power points in good order

11 Breaker switches and disconnect switches labeled (check with EMO)

12 No excessive use of piggy backing of adapters

13 No long-term use extension leads

14 Powder, CO2 or BCF fire extinguisher within 5 meters of switch board

15 Residual current (earth leakage) devices used with portable equipment, particularly in "wet" areas

ENVIRONMENTAL ITEMS COMMENTS

16 Waste management procedures in place

17 Designated area for chemical waste storage with warning notice displayed

18 Waste types segregated and stored in the correct manner (if amount exceed 50 liters, the extra containers must be in chemical storage cabinets)

19 All waste packaging appropriately labeled and inventoried

20 Suitable sharps/broken glass containers in use

21 Approved liquid waste containers

22 Appropriate containers and shielding for radioactive waste

23 Adequate ventilation in laboratory

24 Is the smell acceptable?

25 Appropriate floor drains plugged, maintained screw-tops


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APPENDIX E

CHECKLIST FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND CHEMICAL SAFETY ITEMS COMMENTS

Up-to-date inventory of all chemicals stored

Containers properly and clearly labeled

No excessive quantities of solvents stored or used

Is flammable liquid cabinet available and being used

Do flammable liquid cabinets / waste cabinets have clear warning labels

No flammable liquids stored in domestic refrigerators

Chemicals stored in suitable containers

Chemical storage suitable for that area (e.g. adequate ventilation provided /open flame used, etc.)

Procedures in place for the handling of specialty chemicals (e.g. EthidiumBromide, cytotoxic chemicals)

No leakage of chemicals on to storage shelving

Minimum of chemicals in fume cupboards

Occupants of laboratory aware of what to do in the event of an emergency involving a chemical spill

Material safety data sheets (MSDS) available for all solvents stored or being used in the laboratory

Solvents separated from corrosives

Peroxide formers (e.g. ether, tetrahydrofuran) be dated upon the container wasopened

Spill kits / absorbents for acid / alkalis / solvents

FUME CUPBOARDS COMMENTS

Are electrical services located inside the chamber? If so consult with Facility Administrator.

Are emergency isolation switches available and clearly labeled for: (a) Electrical power (b) Flammable gas supply

CO2 or BCF fire extinguisher within 5 meters

Certification of cupboard shown nearby

Fume scrubbers installed where applicable, e.g. Perchloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, hydrocyanic acid, and some poisons as required by material safety data sheets and environmental guidelines. Do they work?

Face velocity a minimum of 0.5 meters per second

Use a tissue paper to test the airflow


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APPENDIX F

GUIDELINE FOR PURCHASING CHEMICALS

Guideline for Purchasing Chemicals / Biological Materials / Radioactive Substances

Staff and students are reminded that many chemicals/materials and equipments are controlled by licensing requirements under the Laws of Hong Kong. Importing, processing, using, disposal, selling and relocation of the storage of these chemicals/equipments may be liable to 10 years of imprisonment and up to HK$ 1 million fine. This guideline is to let you aware of the arrangements in the Chinese University before you place an order for the chemicals and/or equipment. It will be your legal responsibility if you are not following these guidelines.

You should ensure that your laboratory has the corresponding license before ordering the chemicals/equipment. You are highly recommended to order these chemicals/equipments through a local agent which has the license to import the chemicals/equipment. The local licensed agent will be able to go through all legal requirements in the shipment, import and delivery of the goods. Unless you have a license to import, you should not order these chemicals/equipment directly from oversea supplier (e.g. through internet).

The following list is prepared for your reference and may not be comprehensive. Readers are recommended to check the updated information from corresponding departments such as the Customs & Excise Department, Department of Health, and the Trade & Industry Department. (www.customs.gov.hk , http://www.info.gov.hk/dh and www.tid.gov.hk)

A. Controlled Chemicals (List of Controlled Chemicals) (such as acetic anhydride even just a few ml in a testing kit)

1. Make sure that your laboratory is licensed to use and to store the controlled chemicals. (see policy on control chemicals).

2. Individual should contact Mr. M.C. Wong (26096105) for arrangement purchasing. (Note: Never import the controlled chemicals by your own-self without notify Mr. M.C. Wong or before you receive the storage licence.)

3. The licence holder is responsible to keep such chemicals secure and to ensure that all the requirements are followed. <>If no licence holder is forthcoming, or one is not appointed, then the stock need to be destroyed under the USEO arrangement.

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University Policy on Controlled Chemicals:

The University has a license to order control chemicals. Under this license, Mr. M.C. Wong, the Laboratory Technologist of the Chemical Store, is the only person authorized to order such chemicals.

Individual departments, on their request, may have a license to use and to store the chemicals. To apply a license, you should contact Mr. ST Yip (26097865) of USEO for the arrangement. Individuals or departments are not authorized to order any controlled chemicals.

For further information, please write or telephone to: Controlled Chemicals Group Customs & Excise Department 6/F., North Point Government Offices 333 Java Road North Point

Tel. : 2541 4383 Fax.: 2541 1016

Related government website:

Control Measures and Licensing Requirements Licence Issued under the Control of Chemical Ordinance B. Purchasing of Chemicals related to The Chemical Weapons (Convention) Ordinance

1. A brief of the ordianance can be found at (Chemicals and biological agents related to the manufacturing of Chemical & Biological Weapons)

2. Please report to USEO (email to : [email protected] Tel: 26097866) for record purpose if your department purchase, keeping sechdule 1, 2, and 3 materials.

C. Purchasing of Dangerous Goods (e.g. solvents, acids or gases, Dangerous Goods list)

1. Without a dangerous goods license, you are not allowed to store dangerous goods more than the exempted quantity.

2. In CUHK, all DGs are central supply by the Dangerous Goods Unit. Please order the DGs from the DGSU website (http://dgsu.useo.cuhk.edu.hk/)

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D. Purchasing of human remains, bacterial culture or microorganisms

According to The Quarantine & Prevention of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 141), Chater 19 Import of human remains, noxious insects and pests, import any human corpse, human remains, living noxious insect, living pest, any living germ or microbe of disease or any bacterial culture should apply import permit from the Department of Health. The Port Health Office (enquiry tel: 2961 8852), Department of Health, enforces relevant provisions of the Quarantine & Prevention of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 141), responsible the issue of the import permits for human remains, bacterial culture or microorganisms.

E. Strategic Commodities: includes a lot of materials, facilities, equipments, chemicals, microorganisms, toxins, computers etc.

Check if what will be ordered is in the list of Strategic Commodities in the Trade & Industry Department at (http://www.stc.tid.gov.hk/english/checkprod/sc_control.html). If yes, you should apply the import license before placing the purchase order.

F. Purchasing of Radioactive Materials (such as H-3 or U natural or U depleted.)

1. Before placing a purchase order, make sure that you have the Radiation Permit to use the radioisotope from the University Radiation Protection Officer. Please refer to Lab Safety manual, ionizing radiation safety (Purchasing radioactive materials or irradiating apparatus)

2. All purchase order must send to University Radiation Protection Officer, Mr. S. T. Yip (email to : [email protected]) ,or your departmental radiation safety coordinator, for approval. .

G. Irradiating Apparatus (such as X-ray machines, accelerators etc.)

You have to obtain a license to process the equipment before the start of the purchasing procedure. The Radiation Health Unit of the Department of Health is the licensing authority. To apply the license, you may be required to submit all the details of the equipment and a risk assessment report. You are recommended to contact the Radiation Protection Officer for assistance.

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H. Hazardous Chemicals

Under the Hazardous Chemicals Bill, the chemicals to be controlled are

• Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) (CAS#118-74-1) • Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) (CAS#1336-36-3) • Five commercial types of asbestos materials (except chrysotile) • Polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) family (hexa-, octa- deca-) • Polychlorinated terphenyls (PCT) (CAS#61788-33-8) • Tetraethyl lead (78-00-2) • Tetramethyl lead (75-74-1) • Tris (2,3-dibromopropyl phosphate) (CAS#126-72-7)

1. If you use the above chemicals, be aware that you will need a license from the EPD when the Hazardous Chemicals Bill becomes law soon (maybe by 2007).

2. If the above Bill is affecting the operations in your department in any way, you may put your submission in writing to the Director of EPD or alternatively, you can send in your submission to the USEO for forwarding to the authority as soon as possible.

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APPENDIX G

INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICAL GROUPS

The following are some examples of chemical groups that will give rise to dangerous events as

a consequence of mixing. (Source: Young J.A. (Ed.). 2003. “Safety in Academic Chemistry

Laboratories". Vol. 1. American Chemical Society.)

CHEMICAL INCOMPATIBLE WITH

Acetic acid Chromic acid, nitric acid, hydroxyl compounds, ethylene glycol, perchloric acid, peroxides, permanganates

Acetylene Chlorine, bromine, copper, fluorine, silver, mercury

Acetone Concentrated nitric and sulfuric acid

Alkali and alkaline earth metals (such as powdered aluminum or magnesium calcium, lithium, sodium, potassium)

Water, carbon tetrachloride or other chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, halogens

Ammonia (anhydrous) Mercury (e.g. in manometers), chlorine, calcium hypochlorite, iodine, bromine, hydrofluoric acid (anhydrous)

Ammonium nitrate Acids, powdered metals, flammable liquids, chlorates, nitrites, sulfur, finely divided organic combustible materials

Aniline Nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide

Arsenical materials Any reducing agent

Azides Acids

Bromine See chlorine

Calcium oxide Water

Carbon (activated) Calcium hypochlorite, all oxidizing agents

Chlorates Ammonium salts, acids, powdered metals, sulfur, finely divided organic or combustible materials

Chromic acid and chromium trioxide Acetic acid, naphthalene, camphor, glycerol, alcohol, flammable liquids in general

Chlorine Ammonia, acetylene, butadiene, butane, methane, propane (or other petroleum gases), hydrogen, sodium carbide, benzene, finely divided metals, turpentine

Chlorine dioxide Ammonia, methane, phosphine, hydrogen sulfide

Copper Acetylene, hydrogen peroxide

Cumene hydroperoxide Ammonia, methane, phosphine, hydrogen sulfide

Cyanides Acids

Flammable liquids Ammonium nitrate, chromic acid, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, sodium peroxide, halogens

Fluorine All other chemicals

Hydrocarbons (such as butane, propane, benzene) Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, chromic acid, sodium peroxide

Hydro cyanic acid Nitric acid, alkali

Hydrofluoric acid (anhydrous) Ammonia (aqueous or anhydrous)

Hydrogen sulfide Fuming nitric acid, oxidizing gases

Hypochlorites Acids, activated carbon

Iodine Acetylene, ammonia (aqueous or anhydrous ), hydrogen

Mercury Acetylene, fulminic acid, ammonia

Nitrate Acids

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(cont’)

CHEMICAL INCOMPATIBLE WITH

Nitric acid (concentrated) Acetic acid, aniline, chromic acid, hydrocyanic acid, hydrogen sulfide, flammable liquids and gases, copper, brass, any heavy metals

Nitrites Acids

Nitroparaffins Inorganic bases, amines

Oxalic acid Silver, mercury

Oxygen Oils, grease, hydrogen; flammable liquids, solids, and gases

Perchloric acid Acetic anhydride, bismuth and its alloys, alcohol, paper, wood, grease, oils

Peroxides, organic Acids (organic or mineral), avoid friction, store cold

Phosphorous (white) Air, oxygen, alkalies, reducing agents

Potassium Carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water

Potassium chlorate Sulfuric and other acids

Potassium perchlorate (see also chlorates) Sulfuric and other acids

Potassium permanganate Glycerol, ethylene glycol, benzaldehyde, sulfuric acid

Selenides Reducing agents

Silver Acetylene, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, ammonium compounds, fulminic acid

Sodium Carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water

Sodium nitrite Ammonium nitrate and other ammonium salts

Sodium peroxide Ethyl or methyl alcohol, glacial acetic acid, acetic anhydride, benzaldehyde, carbon disulfide, glycerin, ethylene glycol, ethylacetate, methyl acetate, furfural

Sulfides Acids

Sulfuric acid Potassium chlorate, potassium perchlorate, potassium permanganate(similar compounds of light metals, such as sodium, lithium)

Tellurides Reducing agents

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APPENDIX H

INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICAL WASTE GROUPS

The following are some examples of waste groups that will give rise to dangerous events as a

consequence of mixing. (Source: New York State Department of Environmental

Conservation.)

1. Heat generation and violent reaction

2. Fire or explosion, and generation of flammable hydrogen gas

3. Fire, explosion or heat generation, and generation of flammable or toxic gases

Group 1-A Group 1-B Acetylene sludge Acid sludge

Alkaline caustic liquids Acid and water Alkaline cleaner Battery acid

Alkaline corrosive liquids Chemical cleaners Alkaline corrosive battery fluid Electrolyte acid

Caustic wastewater Etching acid liquid or solvent Lime sludge and other corrosive Pickling liquor and other alkalis corrosive acids

Lime wastewater Spent acid Lime and water Spent mixed acid

Spent caustic Spent sulfuric acid

Group 2-A Group 2-B Aluminum

Any waste in Group 1-A or 1-B

Beryllium Calcium Lithium

Magnesium Potassium

Sodium Zinc powder

Other reactive metals and metal hydrides

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4. Fire, explosion, or violent reaction

5. Generation of toxic hydrogen cyanide or hydrogen sulfide gas

6. Fire, explosion, or violent reaction

Group 3-A Group 3-B Alcohols Any concentrated waste in Groups 1-A or 1-B

Water

Calcium Lithium

Metal hydrides Potassium

SO2Cl2, SOCl2, PCl3, CH3SiCl3

Other water reactive waste

Group 4-A Group 4-B Alcohols

Concentrated Group 1-A or 1-B wastes Aldehydes

Halogenated hydrocarbons

Group 2-A wastes Nitrated hydrocarbons

Unsaturated hydrocarbons Other reactive organic components and

solvents

Group 5-A Group 5-B Spent cyanide and sulfide solutions Group 1-B wastes

Group 6-A Group 6-B Chlorates

Acetic acid and other organic acids Chlorine Chlorites

Concentrated mineral acids Chromic acid

Hydrochlorites Group 2-A wastes Nitrates Group 4-A wastes

Nitric acid, fuming

Other flammable and combustible wastes Perchlorates

Permanganates

Peroxides Other strong oxidizers

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APPENDIX I


CHEMICAL WASTE LOG SHEET

Company / Laboratory: Room No.:

Waste Type: CWTF-ID:

Contact Person: Telephone:

Date (YY/MM/DD)

Name of Product / Waste (Full Name in Block Letter)

Quantity (L or g) Producer's Name

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APPENDIX J

TYPES OF SPILL KIT AVAILABLE IN HKIB (Rm 209)

TYPES OF SPILL KIT PACKAGE

1 Acid Neutralizer 7 lb each

2 Caustic Neutralizer 1.2 Kg each

3 Formaldehyde Neutralizer 1 lb each

4 Hg Absorption Jar 3 Jars

5 Solvent Absorbent 1.1 Kg each

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