Laboratory Safety

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY DEPARTMENT

WWW.UNCO.EDU/FACILITY

OVERVIEW• House Keeping

• Hazard Communications (HazCom)

• Minors in the Lab

• Health Effects of Chemical Hazards & Biological Hazards

• Safety Hazards

• Personal Protection Equipment

• Fume Hoods

• Emergencies and Non Emergencies in the Laboratory

• Fire Extinguishers

• Spill Kits

• Lab Safety Inspection Forms

HOUSE KEEPING • Practicing good housekeeping in laboratories on a routine daily basis reduces risks, protects the integrity of experiments, and provides work areas free of significant sources of contamination.

• Always keep the laboratory neat and free of clutter. Surfaces should be cleaned and free of infrequently used chemicals, glassware and equipment. Do not block sinks, eyewashes, emergency showers and fire extinguishers

• Provide a workplace that is free of physical hazards. Aisles and corridors should be free of tripping hazards. Attention should be paid to electrical safety, especially as it relates to the use of extension cords, proper grounding of equipment, avoidance of overloaded electrical circuits and averting the creation of electrical hazards in wet areas.

• Individuals using common equipment and facilities shall clean up after use.

HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD (HazCom)

WHAT IS HAZCOM?

•Information provided to employees about the chemical hazards they encounter in the workplace

•Gives employees the right to know what they are exposed to and protect themselves accordingly

HAZCOM

Newest changes to Hazard Communication Standard

Aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals

What is GHS?

System for standardizing and harmonizing the classification and labeling of chemicals

Defining hazards of chemicals

Creating classification processes

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Right to know and Right to understand

HAZCOM PICTOGRAMS AND LABELS

• GHS pictogram identifies hazardous chemicals and warns workers of their potential dangers

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

SAFETY DATA SHEETS (SDS) LAYOUT

Formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

• Presented on a consistent user-friendly 13-section format

• Sections 1-8 contain general information about the chemical

• Sections 9-11 and 16 contain other technical and scientific information

• SDS shall contain Sections 12-15 to be consistent with the GHS but are not required by OSHA

SDS & GLOBAL HARMONIZING

GHS AND SDS CONCEPT OF SDS WITH GHS

• SDS are in use globally

• Useful to have understanding of the similarities and differences in the existing MSDS/SDS content and format

• Provides comprehensive information for use in workplace chemical management

SAMPLE SDS

LABELING Labels for hazardous chemical must contain:

• Name, Address and Telephone Number

• Product Identifier

• Signal Word

• Hazard Statement(s)

• Precautionary Statement(s)

• Pictogram(s)

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

SDS AND GHS cont..

Effective DatesJune 1, 2015

• Compliance with all modified provisions

December 1, 2015

• Distributor shall not ship containers labeled by the chemical manufacturer or importer unless it is a GHS label

June 1, 2016

• Update all workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary

http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/index.html

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/international/globalharmon.htm

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardcommunications/ghsoverview.ppt

To learn more about the Global harmonized System copy and paste the above websites

What is a Hazardous Waste?

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

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

Proper Disposal of Hazardous Waste

Never discard unwanted chemicals in the sink or floor drain (unless you are certain they are not hazardous and have been authorized to do so.)

EHS will pick up un-wanted hazardous materials from your work site.

◦ Call 351-1149 or 351-4002 for information and to arrange a pick-up.◦ Fill out and turn in Hazardous waste tag

Materials Management

LabelLabel

Label EVERYTHING!!!!!!

Properly label◦ “hazardous waste” and material◦ Date generated and Generator

Filling out the Hazardous Waste Tag

Generator Name

Department, Building Name, Room Number

What is the product name?

•More important – what is the chemical(s) in the product?

What percent of the chemical is in the waste? Example: 25% water 75% methanol

What type and size of container is the product stored? Example: 2L, glass

Leave original tag on container.

•Turn in copy to Environmental Health and Safety

MINORS IN THE LAB

• Faculty and staff are directly responsible for compliance with the Minors in Laboratory Policy and for the safety of all minors who are approved to be in laboratories under this policy.

• Minors under the age of 14 are prohibited from entering the laboratory unless when participating in a tour approved by the University during which the minor students are supervised during their presence in such laboratories.

• A “laboratory” refers to any part of a facility used or intended to be used by the University for Scientific, Technical, Arts, and Health activities which may be hazardous.

• Mandatory forms and supporting documentation for minors (ages 14-17) and their parents/guardians shall be reviewed to identify the risks found in laboratory areas.

• Release and indemnification for Minors in Laboratories shall be completed before minors enter a laboratory. The college or department shall keep these documents.

•In additional to laboratory safety training, additional training requirements may apply depending on the work that will be conducted in the laboratory facility.

HEALTH EFFECTS

• TOXINS- Toxic materials are substances that may cause harm to an individual if it enters the body. The routes for exposure are inhalation, skin contact and ingestion. The health effects may occur immediately (acute) or could be delayed (chronic).

• Toxins are also any poison produced by an organism, characterized by antigenicity in certain animals and high molecular weight, and including the bacterial toxins that are the causative agents of tetanus, diphtheria, etc., and such plant and animal toxins as ricin and snake venom.

• Remember that toxic materials can have other hazards for example, a toxic material may also be corrosive and flammable.

Always read the SDS and labels to understand what is in the product and how to work with it safely. If you are unsure of the product and do not understand the instructions, always ask the laboratory supervisor.

HEALTH EFFECTS• CORROSIVES- Corrosive chemicals include acids, bases, oxidizing agents, and dehydrating agents. Secondary containment such as plastic tubs or bottle carriers should be used.

• Corrosives should be stored away from metals, flammables, and oxidizing materials. If a spill occurs it is important to understand that proper clean-up may involve neutralization with an appropriate complementary compound.

• Add acid to water. Never add water to acid.

• Corrosives can burn and destroy body tissues on contact. The stronger and/or more concentrated the corrosive material is and the longer it touches the body, the greater the injuries can be. Always refer to the SDS to check the health hazards the chemical can cause.

HEALTH EFFECTS ACIDS

• Initial Appearance is a good measurement of damage• Strong acids tend to precipitate a protein barrier that prevents further

penetration into the tissues

CAUSTICS• Will produce more Serious Injuries• Caustics are more serious because they are capable of burning, corroding or

even destroying living tissue. Always wear the appropriate PPE that would prevent any acid or caustic burn

OXIDIZERS• Acute Health Effects – Some oxidizers, such as nitric and sulfuric acid vapors,

may cause inflammation in the surface layer of tissues when in direct contact, they can also cause irrigation to upper airways and respiratory track

• Chronic Health Effects – May cause hematological and neurological changes, liver and kidney disease and lung cancer

HEALTH EFFECTS

• CRYOGENIC LIQUIDS (Dry ice)-are liquefied gases that are kept in their liquid state at very low temperatures. The word "cryogenic" means "producing, or related to, low temperatures," and all cryogenic liquids are extremely cold.

• Cryogenic liquids have boiling points below -150°C (- 238°F) (Carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, which have slightly higher boiling points are sometimes included in this category)

• Cryogenic Hazards-Frostbite, asphyxiation, Permanent eye damage and death

• Types of Cryogenic Liquids-Inert Gas, Flammable Gases and Oxygen

• When working with dry ice eye protection, thermal protection gloves, closed toed shoes, long pants and sleeves should be worn

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HEALTH EFFECTS

• RADIOLOGICAL HAZARDS – Radioactive materials pose a unique risk to researchers and laboratory personnel. Radioactive material can result in increased morbidity and mortality even if direct contact never occurs

• Only attempt to correct or remedy hazardous situations with radiological material if you have been trained to do so, otherwise notify the PI/Lab Supervisor.

• If a radiological spill occurs, remove all personnel from the area to a safe location. Use safety showers and eyewash station if appropriate.

•Notify UNC Police Department of any radiological spill or releases.

HEALTH EFFECTS

• BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS – Biological Hazardous materials is any biological material capable of causing harm to humans, animals or plants. This includes human waste products, animals, bacteria, fungi, parasites, prions, viruses, etc. The only acceptable treatment for biological waste at UNC is autoclaving. Autoclaving should be performed to the extent that no portion of the container remaining is untreated.

• Departments that are autoclaving waste shall maintain a written log on all waste that is autoclaved.

• This log shall contain the name of the operator, date, time, approximate weight or volume of waste autoclaved and the temperature of the material.

• Materials that cannot be autoclaved shall be disposed of through Environmental Health and Safety

CHEMICAL LABELING

All chemicals must be labeled….even water!

CHEMICAL EXPOSURES

Threshold Limit Value (TLV) – are guidelines (not standards) prepared by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. (ACGIH) to assist Industrial Hygienists in making decisions regarding safe levels of exposure to various hazards found in the workplace. TLV reflects the level of exposure that the typical worker can experience without an unreasonable risk of disease or injury. TLVs are not quantitative estimates of risk at different exposure levels or by different routes of exposure.

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) – is the maximum amount or concentration of a chemical that a worker may be exposed to under OSHA regulations.

Time-Weighted Average (TWA) – is the average exposure of a person during eight hours to an airborne chemical hazard.

Short-term Exposure Limit (STEL) – a concentration to which a person can be exposed continuously for a short period of time.

ACIDS/ALKALIS & HAZARDS

• Strong bases will soak into the tissue as long as they remain in contact with skin or eyes (causing serious injury to the cornea of the eye)

• Depending on strength of acid/alkali this could be an irritant/harmful (blistering of skin) or even corrosive (destroys skin) if there is contact

• Goggles, proper gloves and lab jackets should be worn at all times. Wash hands or affected area immediately if acid/alkali touches skin

CRYOGENIC LIQUIDS & LIQUID GASES

Dangers of Cryogenic Liquids & Liquid Gases:• affixation• explosion• skin freeze “burns/frostbite”• Poison (hydrogen cyanide can permeate the skin - serious injury or death.)

Precautions – To a minimum, always use this PPE handling Cryogenic Liquids/Gases:• Face shield• Heavy gloves (not for submersion)• Lab coat

CHEMICAL SPLASH

•Should a serious Chemical Splash contact your eyes or skin:

•Call for help by yelling while proceeding to nearest eyewash or shower (helpers should call 911).

•Flush for at LEAST 15-20 minutes removing clothing from body, and holding eyes open in eyewashes.

•Check victim for shock (helpers wear gloves to protect from contamination).

•Seek medical assistance.

Hospital may not take a contaminated victim unless HazMat has decontaminated the victim first.

For serious (dependent) chemical exposure, always proceed to an EMERGENCY ROOM for medical evaluation -- TAKE SDS along!!• Concentrated solutions• Alkalis & highly toxic (skin absorption)• Large coverage of body part.

LIQUID NITROGEN

When handling Liquid Nitrogen be aware

Large Spill: What to do? • Evacuate area until ventilation can restore oxygen levels• Emergency personnel enter area only with SCBA• Allow to evaporate• Skin Contact:

Asphyxiation – Inhaling liquid nitrogen can cause: • Nausea, drowsiness, blue coloration of the skin and lips, unconsciousness,

and death

Without the proper gloves or goggles when handling Liquid Nitrogen frostbite can occur through the skin/eyes

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Goggles, face shields, or safety glasses (which one is needed)

Lab coat and proper clothing

The right gloves (appropriate material)• cut resistant, burn resistant, impermeable to product used, good barrier to hazard. • Glove selection should be apply to the chemical you are using. As a reference, review the SDS

Respirators (NIOSH approved) – Receive medical approval and fit testing before use

Never wear any loose clothing or jewelry. Keep long hair tied back

Lab PPE shall NOT be worn outside of a laboratory. This reduces the spread of contamination

CLOTHING & SHOES

Lab coats and aprons protect major portions of the body from chemical contact. They allow for easy removal unlike street clothes

If you use a lab coat, use a coat especially made of materials resistant to chemicals in use

Hang lab coats in lab area, never wear outside a lab, to avoid risks of contamination.

Remember your feet! Keep your feet protected with close toe shoes and if needed use shoe covers

GLOVES & GLOVE SELECTION

Choose glove types. Refer to the SDS.

Material Compatibility

Physical Limitations• Puncture & Cut Resistance• Flame & Heat Resistance• Cryogenic Liquids• Dexterity Issues

GLOVES CHOICESDISPOSABLE LATEXDISPOSABLE NITRILEDISPOSABLE VINYLNATURAL RUBBER LATEX NITRILEBUTYLVITON II

Chemical Glove Guide

http://www.bestglove.com/chemguide/chemguid.html

EYE PROTECTION

Eye protection is required when working in laboratories. Using the appropriate eye protection is critical.

Goggles, eye glasses and face masks will assist in preventing fumes or particles as well as liquids from entering your eyes.

PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE)

As a reminder ALWAYS use PPE even if the project you’re working on does not pose a threat.

Consider yourself an example to others and always wear your personal protection equipment.

EYE WASH & SHOWER

Before beginning work in a laboratory, know the location of the closest safety shower and/or eye wash station.

Know how to operate it!

EYE WASHES

• Flush any splash for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.

• If you are allowed to wear contact lenses, make sure your goggles have a red dot on the left side of the goggles. In the event of an accident the instructor or student will know that you wear contacts.

• Contacts may not be able to be removed, continue to flush the eye if the contact is not able to be removed.

RESPIRATORS• Any person requiring a respirator will need to complete annually, a medical questionnaire and fit test prior to using a respirator.

• Type of Mask (paper, full and half mask)

• All respirators should be NIOSH approved

• Type of Filter Cartridge (particulates)

• Storage of respirator and shelf life of cartridges

• Thresholds (pel & odor) or SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus)

RESPIRATORS• Medical monitoring and fit testing is required for any facial changes such as: dental work, weight loss or weight gain.

• Regular Fit Tests – Any person using a respirator is required to complete a medical evaluation and fit test annually

• Respirators come in full face and half mask, there are different types of cartridges. Always check the shelf life of the cartridge and if it is out of date, then discard it. Refer to the SDS of the chemical to find out the type of respirator and cartridge that is needed. This will determine if a certain mask has the ability to withstand the threshold such as the permissible exposure limit and odor.

• NISOH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/

• Cleaning, Maintenance – Use an alcohol wipe to clean after use, periodically disassemble your respirator, and wash in warm soapy water. Air dry by laying out the respirator parts. Do not towel dry.

UNDERSTANDING THE NFPA PLACARDS

NFPA PLAQUARD The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 704 Diamond system was designed to identify the risks posed by hazardous materials, and helps determine the equipment needed to follow the procedures and precautions taken during an emergency response. This placard is the standard maintained by the U.S National Fire Protection Associations.

The color determines the hazard:• Blue diamond determines the Health Hazard• Red diamond determines the Flammability/Fire Hazard• Yellow determines the instability/reactivity of the chemical • White diamond determines the specific hazard

You will find these placards on the chemical SDS and are also on laboratory containers and doors.

Q. What does the white segment mean here?

The white segment signifies: “ No Water”

A scenario in which you may see this may be alkali sodium metals. Some metals that are reactive with water are lithium, sodium, and rubidium

FUME HOODS•Fume Hoods are not a storage area! Never store items in front of the fume hood or on the fume hood counter!!!

•Ensure proper face velocity

•Lower shield to proper elevation – When finished with the fume hood always lower the shield.

•Use a fume hood for procedures that might result in the release of hazardous chemical vapors or dust. Always check that the hood is working before using by holding a kimwipe or other lightweight paper up to the opening of the hood. If the hood is working properly the paper will be pulled towards the hood. Do not place objects directly in front of the fume hood as this can disrupt the airflow and draw contaminants out of the hood.

FUME HOODS

• Ensure the fume hood is operating – Be aware of safety switches & remote operation of the fume hood

• When in use, keep the hood sash pulled down as low as practical. The sash should be at or below 18 inches at all times. When the hood is not in use, pull the sash all down (closed)

• If the fume hood is in alarm, contact Facilities Management (351-2446) and submit a work request.

EMERGENCIES IN THE LAB

CHEMISTRY LAB FIRE

A bottle of flammable liquid broke inside the fume hood next to a hot plate. Portable fire extinguishers were ineffective. Other

improperly stored chemicals ignited, adding more fuel to the fire.

EMERGENCIES IN THE LAB Becoming familiar with the answer to these questions is imperative.

• Do you know what to do in case of an emergency in the lab?

• Do you have an emergency lab plan and how well do you know it?

• How well do you communicate the emergency lab plan information?

• Does everyone know the emergency procedures?

• Have you rehearsed the emergency lab plan response?

• Do you know the emergency exit routes?

• Do you know who to call should a lab emergency occur?

Refer to the laboratory supervisor if you are unsure.

GRADUATE STUDENTS

Advisors are responsible for ensuring the safety of their graduate students

Provide them with:• Hazcom / GHS and other required training

• PPE and proper care instructions for lab aprons, goggles and gloves

• Emergency Response Procedure Instructions

• An Activity-Specific Safety Plan (customized for the work to be anticipated.)

BLEEDING

Should you be faced with assisting someone who is bleeding in the lab:

• Call UNC Police Department – 911 or 351-2245

• Protect yourself from Blood Born Pathogens by wearing gloves

• Apply direct pressure with gauze pad or clean cloth

• Do not remove blood-soaked dressings. Add another dressing on top

FIRST AID KITS

•Should be accessible to ALL laboratory personnel within the area.

•Items in the First Aid Kit should be consistent with the injuries that are probable in the laboratory.

POISONINGS

If exposed to a poison do the following:

• Call 911 first, then call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222

• Do as instructed by the Poison Control Center until Emergency Medical Services arrive

GAS LEAK

•If you suspect that there is a gas leak or smell of an egg like odor, then it may be a gas leak.

•Gas is odorless and can be difficult to detect

•Ensure lights are turned off

•Evacuate the room or facility

•Call UNC Police Department at 911 or 351-2245.

• If it is safe to do so, warn others in the area about the situation.

FIRE GUIDELINES

• Never block, even temporarily, building evacuation routes and exits

• Evacuate the building if the fire alarm sounds or a fire exists

• Close doors behind you as you exit your work areas or laboratory

• Evacuate quickly and calmly, by the way of the nearest exit, to a safe distance from the building

• If you are with a group or class, stay with your group

• Do not re-enter the building until the all clear has been given

For additional information visit the UNC Emergency Preparedness and Safety website at http://www.unco.edu/emergencymanagement/

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS • In the event of a fire, activate the fire alarm and stay calm

• ONLY use the fire extinguisher if the fire can easily be extinguished and you are standing between the exit and the fire.

• If the fire cannot be extinguished with a fire extinguisher, then evacuate the building. The Pl/Lab Supervisor should be able to guide all lab personnel to the nearest fire exit and be knowledgeable of evacuation procedures. Go to the nearest Designated Evacuation Staging Area.

• UNC Police Department should be contacted at 911 or 351-2245

SPILL KITS

•Minor Spills – If you have been trained to respond, if necessary, use a spill clean up kit to control the spilled material. If you have not been trained, notify your supervisor or UNC Police Department.

•It is the responsibility of all laboratory personnel to be aware of the hazards from chemicals being used. If lab personnel suspect that a spill cannot be remedied with a spill clean up kit or doing so would pose a risk to their health, they should contact UNC Police Department.

SPILL KITS

• Major Spills – If a major spill or hazardous chemicals occurs it should be reported to a laboratory supervisor as quickly as possible. Notify persons in the vicinity of the spill, evacuating all people from the spill area and adjoining areas that may be impacted by potential vapors. Do not attempt to clean the spill.

***If spilled material is classified as flammable, turn offer any potential ignition sources, avoid breathing vapors of the spilled materials. Be aware that some materials can be odorless or have odors that are briefly detectable. Labs will need to be evacuated and professionally cleaned

Laboratory Inspection

•All UNC laboratories are inspected by EHS

•Laboratories are inspected periodically and unannounced to assure compliance with Federal, State and local regulations, as well as the university policies and procedures.

•EHS provides guidance and recommendations for compliance with federal, state and local regulations.

•Laboratory Inspections are followed per the UNCO Laboratory Inspection Checklist.

Laboratory Inspection Checklist (For EHS and Head of Departments)

Building Name: _____________________________________ Room Number: _________________________________________ Department: ________________________________________ Inspection Date: ________________________________________ Lab Contact: _______________________________________ Lab Contact Phone: _____________________________________

S - Satisfactory N - Needs Improvement N/A - Not Applicable

Administrative Issues S N N/A Comments Personnel working in the lab know the location of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for all the chemicals used in the lab

Laboratory Risk Hazard Assessment is completed and documented Documentation of trainings is maintained and readily available Lab personnel observe and follow lab SOPs Lab Supervisors/PIs have appropriately trained their lab personnel Bloodborne Pathogen S N N/A Hypodermic needles, syringes, & other sharp instruments are used only when a safer technique is not feasible

Hepatitis B vaccine was offered and documented (if applicable) Incidents Involving a potentially infectious agent/material are properly reported An emergency spill response protocol specific for the biohazard agents used or stored in the lab is prepared and readily available for all lab personnel

Exposure Control Plan (ECP) is reviewed annually Paper towels & liquid soap are available at sink(s) Hand-washing facilities are readily available Chairs are covered with a non-porous material Biosafety cabinets (BSC) have 12” ceiling clearance & 6” clearance on both sides Procedures with potential for creating infectious aerosols are conducted in a BSC Vacuum lines are protected by a disinfectant trap Hands are washed after glove removals Used needles are not recapped, sheared, bent or broken before proper disposal Specimens of blood or other potentially infectious materials are placed in a secondary container during transport or shipping; containers are properly labeled

Work surfaces are cleaned & decontaminated after contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.

Equipment used to store, contain or process biohazard materials is properly labeled with the biohazard symbol

Rooms used to store, contain or process biohazard materials are properly labeled with the biohazard symbol

Biological Waste S N N/A Comments A user log or sterilization cycle record is maintained at the autoclave Autoclave waste is stored separately from untreated biological waste

Biological waste containers are labeled with biohazard sticker (symbol)

All biological waste is either treated (via autoclave) or stored and monitored Biological Safety Cabinet Safety S N N/A Comments Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) is in good condition No excessive chemical or equipment storage within BSC BSC has been certified within the last year No open flame is used within BSC Door / Room Sign S N N/A Comments Contact information is legible & up to date Appropriate symbols are present on the lab’s door sign Room number is posted outside the door Signage for high risk areas or dangerous equipment is posted (i.e. BSL 2)

Environmental Health & Safety

(970) 351-1149(970) 351-4002(970) 351-1963

Call for questions or concerns!

“Protect Yourself”EHS Website:

http://www.unco.edu/facility/EHS/index.html