Laboratory Safety 101

September 2015Prepared by Environmental Health and Safety

The university is committed to:

• Providing a safe and healthy workplace.

• Mitigating conditions that could result in personal injury or illness.

• Complying with applicable regulations.

CSUEB SAFETY POLICY

Injury and Illness Prevention Program◦ Biosafety

◦ Chemical Hygiene Plan

◦ Radiation Safety

◦ Ergonomics

◦ Fire Safety

◦ Emergency Response

◦ Hazardous Waste Management

EH&S PROGRAMS

RESPONSIBILITY

Individual (Faculty, Staff) Managers, Supervisors,

TAs President

EHS is advisory role

In short - everyone at CSUEB has responsibility for the occupational health & safety program and keeping themselves and others safe.

Laboratory Deaths Dr. Karen Wetterhahn CSUEB Lab Injuries

Why are we here today

Cause Injury

Formalin Splash – eye and mouth

Hot beaker 2nd degree burn on hand

Agarose gel boiled Burn on hand

HCL Splash on cheek and nose

Hot equipment Burn to finger

Broken glass Cut to finger

Hazard Assessment

New and Improved!

New: not existing before; made, introduced, or discovered recently or now for the first time

Non-routine: work are jobs and tasks that are performed irregularly or being performed for the first time. Since these tasks and jobs are not performed regularly, it can be difficult to understand all of the hazards associated with the job.

• Recognition and evaluation of lab hazards• Control risk from these hazards with:

• Engineering control(s)• Work practices• Administrative controls• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Manage Hazardous Waste

LABORATORY SAFETY PROGRAM

Everyone must play an active role in their own protection!

Hazard Evaluation or Risk AssessmentHazards Process Hazards

Physical◦ Electrical

◦ Mechanical

◦ Non-ionizing radiation

◦ Compressed gases

◦ Cryogens

Chemical◦ Toxic / Reproductive

◦ Reactive/explosives - peroxides

◦ Ignitable/Flammable

◦ Corrosive

Biological

Radioactive

◦ Flammable vapors

◦ Sparks

◦ Pressure

◦ Oxygen deficient atmosphere

◦ Dust

◦ Aerosols

◦ Splash

◦ Hazardous waste generated

◦ X-rays

◦ Laser beams

◦ Environmental hazard

◦ Noise

◦ ETC.

Hazard Evaluation or Risk AssessmentControls Controls

Engineering controls◦ Chemical fume hood

◦ Isolator

◦ Nitrogen blanket

◦ Explosion proof equipment

◦ Housing and coverings

◦ Warning alarms and sensors

◦ Substitution

◦ Small quantity / septum vial

Personal Protective Equipment

◦ Gloves

◦ Clothing

◦ Eye and face protection

◦ Respirators

Administrative controls◦ Storage, disposal

◦ Not working alone

◦ Good housekeeping

◦ Review of procedure and materials, dry run

◦ Is the sum more hazardous than the parts?

◦ Determined intermediates

◦ Ordering small quantity

◦ Contamination control

Emergency Preparedness◦ Shower and eyewash, spill kit, fire

extinguisher

◦ Response plan and drill

◦ MSDSs available

◦ Decontamination of injured?

◦ Special requirements such equipment shut-off

Training

Instructors and Professors

Institutional Safety Committee

EH&S

EH&S Website

Chemical Label and MSDS or SDS – Safety Data Sheets

http://www20.csueastbay.edu/af/departments/risk-management/ehs/safety-data-sheets/index.html

Use Your Resources

Electronic:• University websites• Listservs

“Prudent Practices” – free PDF NIOSH Pocket Guide – free app, PDF Merck Index Condensed Chemical Dictionary Brethericks Handbook of Reactive Chemicals Centers for Disease Control (CDC) BMBL 5th ed. – free PDF

More Information

Health HazardousRoutes of ExposureAcute versus ChronicHealth HazardsPhysical Hazards

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Exposure Route

1. Inhalation

2. Ingestion

3.Skin & eye contact

4. Injection

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Exposure Route

Inhalation - Prevention

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Exposure RouteSkin & Eye Contact - Prevention

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Exposure Route

Ingestion - Prevention

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Exposure Route

Injection - Prevention

• Acute: Harmful effects through a single or short term exposure

• Chronic: Harmful effects over an extended period, usually upon repeated or continuous exposure.

Acute vs. Chronic Toxicity

Paracelsus (~1567): "All substances are poisons, there is none which is not a poison; the

right dose differentiates a poison from a remedy"

Hazards

Global HarmonizationSystem (GHS)

Health Hazards

• Irritants• Corrosives• Sensitizers – dermal and respiratory• Toxic or highly toxic• Target organ

− Hepatotoxins− Nephrotoxins− Neurotoxins− Pulmonary

• Carcinogen • Mutagen• Reproductive Toxins (male, female,

fetus)

Acute Toxicity• Highly Toxic - LD50 <50 mg/kg, oral, rat

Botulinum toxin-oral: 200 picogram/kg Sodium Azide: 27 mg/kg (oral, rat) Osmium tetroxide: 14 mg/kg (IP)

• Moderately Toxic – LD50 >50 & < 500 mg/kg, oral, rat Acrylamide – 124mg/kg (oral, rat) Phenol – approx. 400mg/kg (oral, rat) Beta-mercaptoethanol - 244 mg/kg (oral, rat)

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Health Hazards - CorrosiveHealth Effects: • Acute• May be reversible• Acids and bases• Depends on exposure time & concentration • VERY serious eye and skin burns• Can be an inhalation hazard• pHs less than 6 and greater than 12

Examples: Bleach Sodium hydroxideHydrochloric acidSulfuric Acid …… etc

Target Organ - Neurotoxin

Can adversely affect function in both developing and mature nervous tissue. Very common to see solvents that have a characteristic as central nervous system depressants that can have a effect on respiration.

Examples:• Chloroform• Isoflurane• Acetone• Alcohol• Hexane• Methanol

Sensitizers

A chemical allergy is an adverse reaction by the immune system to a chemical. Type I or Type IV Hypersensitivity

Health Effects: 1. Initial exposure may have no effects, need previous sensitization2. Responses varies widely, skin rash to life threatening anaphylactic

shock3. Response depends on exposure, chemical, and individual4. After initial exposure, trigger quantity very small

Examples: Poison oak and ivyBee stingsFormaldehydeMetals – nickelAcid anhydrides

Carcinogens and Mutagens

Carcinogens Mutagens

Capable of causing cancer. See National Toxicology Program, OSHA or IARC Category I

Examples of known; Ionizing radiation Ultraviolet radiation Benzene Formaldehyde Hepatitis B and C Mitomyacin C Visblastin

Causes changes to DNA above background. Does not mean it’s a carcinogen.

Examples: Ethidium bromide Cisplatin Doxirubicin

◦ Effects for female, male or fetus◦ Declaration of pregnancy is voluntary◦ Important hazard recognition resources –

www.osha.gov ◦ California Teratogen Information Services (CTIS) -

http://www.ctispregnancy.org/◦ Contact Donna Placzek 5-2395 if you have questions

and would like a workplace evaluation◦ Examples: Radiation Ethanol Lead Organic mercury Cytotoxic drugs

Reproductive Hazards

Formalin MSDS

• Flammable and combustible

• Oxidizer

• Pyrophoric

• Organic peroxide

• Peroxide former

• Unstable (Reactive)

Physical Hazards

• Compressed gas

• Water-reactive

• Extreme Temperatures

• Explosive

• Other

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Combustible or Flammable Liquid

Fire Triangle

OxygenBleach

Hydrogen Peroxide

AcetoneEthanol

Gasoline

FlameStatic electricityElectrical sparks

Combustible or Flammable Liquids

Flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid has a sufficient vapor pressure to form an ignitable mixture with air.

Gasoline 43 °C (−45 °F)Ethanol 16.6 °C (61.9 °F)

A researcher should ask themselves when dealing with Flammable, Is the flash point below room temperature? Why?

Combustible or Flammable Liquids

Flammable limits are the lower and upper concentration boundaries defining the range where the vapor mixes with air that can propagate a flame and possible explosion.

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2% 12.7%Isopropanol 3.3% 19 %Ethanol

1% = 10,000 ppm

Compressed gases

Compressed gases (example of pressurized systems)

• Non-liquefied – Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, Nitrogen, CDA

• Dissolved gases – acetylene, ethylene oxide (carbon dioxide)

• Liquefied – Carbon Dioxide, Liquid Nitrogen, R-22

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Physical Hazard – Compressed GasCompressed gases: Forceful impact with objects, equipment rupture, release of gas

Health Effects: Striking objects, flaying lines, embolisms, asphyxiation • 1 liter of liquid nitrogen produces around 700 liters of gas at atmospheric pressure• 0.5 g of liquid nitrogen in a 1.5 ml vial will generate a pressure of 4,053 psi when it

evaporates (atmospheric pressure = 14.7 psi)• Damaged gas cylinders have become uncontrolled rockets or pinwheels

What is the danger of an inert gas? (argon, helium, neon and nitrogen) • Not toxic and does not burn or explode• Can cause injury or death high concentrations by displacing oxygen • If oxygen levels are low enough, people entering the area can lose consciousness

or die from asphyxiation. • Low oxygen levels can particularly be a problem in poorly ventilated spaces.

Low-Oxygen Health Effects 20.9% - Normal oxygen content of air. 16.0% - Increased pulse and breathing rate;

impaired thinking and coordination. 13% - Very poor judgment and coordination;

impaired respiration that may cause heart damage, nausea, and vomiting.

<10% - Inability to move, loss of consciousness; convulsions; death.

About 8 death/year in the US due to nitrogen asphyxiation in industry

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Physical Hazard – Compressed Gas

Temperature extremes (hot or cold): Destroys tissues either by burning or freezing upon immediate contact

Health Effects: Acute - immediate; Serious eye and skin burns; 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree burns

Examples: • Liquid nitrogen (temperature, asphyxiation)• Dry ice (temperature, asphyxiation)• Steam (temperature)• Equipment• Bunsen burner

Controls• Ventilation• Insulation• PPE

Extreme Temperatures

Tissue preparation for frozen sectioning: Sample placed in liquid nitrogen -320°F ( -196°C) Freezing is complete within 8 to10 seconds.

Exposure to LN2 splashed inside cryo glove

Extreme Temperatures

158F

149F

113F

Cryo Safety Gloves

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Electricity – General Safety

• Does the equipment need to be intrinsically safe?

• Always remove equipment with damaged cords/plugs

• Keep floors dry

• Never drape power cords over equipment

• Never alter grounding pins

• Never daisy chain

• Never run cords through doorways or walkways

• Never remove LO/TO locks and tags

• Use GFCI

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Slips, Trips, Falls – General Safety

• Clean up spills immediately

• For large spill call Facilities at x4444 for clean-up

• Watch out for computer cables

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Bending and Lifting – General Safety

• Use a cart when possible

• Check load before lifting

• Use your legs, not your back

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help

• Call for help if you need it

• Work as a team

GHS

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Signs - NFPA Hazard Rating

The NFPA System • designed to alert fire fighters • assume that a fire is present• hazards associated with materials present• Numbering system is 0 to 4• Four is the worst case• Acute hazards only

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Signs - HMIS Hazard Rating

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Labels - Manufacturer

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Labels – User’s Secondary Container

Identify hazards:• How toxic? - Acute or Chronic• Is it reactive?• Ignitable/Flammable?• Corrosive?• Physical hazard?• Quantity?

Can’t change hazard but we can reduce risk

Increase control measures as hazards increase

Hazard Assessment – Putting it all together

Minimize direct exposure – ‘A L A R A’ (Reduce quantity, frequency and duration of exposure)• No eating, drinking in labs• Wash hands frequently • Don’t “sniff” chemicals• Clean-up spills immediately • Never work alone!!!

Basic Principles• Think the process/experiment through ‘carefully’• Review safety resources (electronic &

colleagues)• Prepare an SOP (Std. Operating Procedure)• “Dry runs”

Controls – The Basics

Controls – The Basics

• Watch out for Sharps

• Keep work area uncluttered

InspectionCracked glassware disposedContaminated glassware should be cleaned.

DisposalDiscard in proper container

Safety for custodial employees Heating and Cooling Glassware

Use borosilicate (e.g., "Pyrex") glassware designed to handle rapid temperature changes.

Stoppering GlasswareGlassware should be vented when heating to avoid over pressurizing and possible explosion.

Label ContainersAll containers should be labeled to clearly indicate their contents. This includes glass and plastic reagent bottles and test tubes.

Wear Safety GlassesSafety glasses should be worn at all times in a laboratory to prevent eye damage from broken glassware.

Controls – Glassware

Tie up long hair Wear tight fitting clothing Check tubing

Bunsen Burner

Engineering Controls – Ventilation

Room dilution• 10 AC/H in lab spaces• Lab pressure - negative to

hallways and other non-lab spaces

Local exhaust (fume hood, biosafety cabinet, snorkel…)

Kimwipe to check air flow Keep water in drains -

control odors

Important part of the ventilation system

◦ Contributes to Laboratory Exhaust Ventilation Shields workers by containing aerosols, vapors,

dusts, gases, and fumes Sash helps prevent injury from splashes, fires, or

minor explosions Certified annually by Facilities Contact Facilities Management for maintenance

Chemical Lab Hoods

Maximize protection• Avoid turbulence• Work 6” – 8” inside hood face• Smallest practical sash opening• Keep baffles open, intact & properly

adjusted• Keep air foil in place and clear• Check that is alarm functional• Avoid using for storage• Match the arrows

Close sash for safety and energy savings

Proper use of Chemical Lab Hoods

Poor Hood Housekeeping

Valuable engineering control!

Don’t use as storage space!

Control - Chemical Storage

The Basics

Flammables

Peroxide formers

Compressed gases

Control – The Basics

Store liquids below eye level Store liquids and solids separately Segregate incompatibles Compatible secondary

containment for liquids Don’t store chemicals near sinks Seismic restraints for refrigerators,

chemical cabinets, heavy lab equipment

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS STORAGE

Flammable Storage Cabinet

Examples: ethyl ether, tetrahydrafuran (THF), dioxane, butadiene, cyclohexene

Proper handling: Date container when received Date container when opened Dispose of through EH&S one year after receipt or by

expiration date (which ever is less) NEVER touch a container that looks like this! Contact

your supervisor ASAP

PEROXIDE FORMERS

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Controls – Compressed Gas

Controls

• Adequate room ventilation

• Double chain cylinders

• Keep cylinders capped if not in use

• Use the proper regulator for the gas

• Restrain equip. or objects > 5’ or capable of blocking exits (bookshelves / file-cabinets / etc) .

• Seismic “lips” for chemical or heavy equipment on shelves

Seismic Protection

• Seismic net to help contain small objects

• Segregate incompatible materials!

• Double-chain cylinder restraints

At a minimum, all lab workers should have: • Safety glasses.• Disposable nitrile gloves• Lab coat• Closed shoes• Additional protection may be required

What should you base PPE decisions on?

PERSONNEL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Required for particles or vapors• Prescription safety glasses are available for employees.• Contact lenses may be worn in the lab – not eye

protection.• Safety glasses must meet the ANSI Z87.1 standards

Options:• Safety glasses• Goggles -unvented or indirectly vented• Face shield (with goggles) - splash• Other - UV & laser protection• Impact protection

PPE - Eye and Face Protection

Disposable gloves • Incidental contact• Never re-use• Nitrile gloves recommended• If using latex, use hypo-allergenic, non-

powdered Heavy-duty gloves

• for non-incidental contact See manufacturer’s glove selection guide

PPE - Hand Protection

Check gloves for holes or tears before using

Wash hands after removing gloves

PPE - Hand Protection

Removing gloves properlyPPE - Hand Protection

Lab coats worn whenever handling hazardous materials• Aerosols often created

while handling liquids• Lab coat should stay in

the lab: don’t wear it out to eat

More protection may be necessary

PPE - Protective Clothing

NOT THIS

Contact EHS if you need respiratory protection

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

FM, custodial, outside contractors Clear areas of hazardous materials and

contamination prior to work◦ Chem, bio, rad, sharps◦ Wipe down equipment / surfaces

Secure experiments Be available for questions

Non-research workers in laboratories

Fire Utility interruptions in lab Chemical spill in lab Natural disasters (Earthquake)

Emergency Preparedness and Response

First step is prevention

Electrical issues Replace frayed or cracked cords, buy electrical equipment

that meet UL standards, do not daisy chain extension cordsComply with fire code for your building Keep fire doors closed. 18 inch clearance below fire sprinkler across the whole

room Exit routes free of obstruction and marked with an exit sign

FIRES

Large fire (> office trashcan)• Notify others in area• Use pull station• Evacuate building

Know two exits out of building. Do not use elevator when exiting building in an emergency.

• Proceed to evacuation area• Call UPD with information

Small fire (< office trashcan)• Use fire extinguisher

Complete hands on F. E. training P-A-S-S

• Keep your back to an exit

FIRES

FIRE EXTINGUISHER TYPES

BC

Fire in lab or hood

1. Immediately close the hood sash if safe to do so

2. Evacuate the lab, shutting the lab door

3. Evacuate the building by pulling the Fire Alarm Pull Station and leave the building

4. Go to your Assembly Area and provide First Responders (UPD, Fire Department, EHS, VTLs) with information about the emergency such as location, cause, injuries, etc.

Emergency Response

Shower and eyewash (inspect monthly) Fire extinguisher (inspect monthly) Keep spill kits available

Emergency Equipment

Call Facilities Management x4444

Electrical emergency power - Red Plugs.

Ventilation Disruption:

1. Don’t leave experiments unattended.

2. May result in reduced ventilation in the room and chemical laboratory hoods.

3. If safe to do so, close all chemical containers, especially flammable solvents.

4. This prevents the build up of flammable solvent vapor and fire.

Utility Disruptions

Chemical SpillCordon off the area and call UPD having them call EH&S and your supervisorfor clean-up of hazardous materials if:

Spill is greater then 1 liter flammable solvent and not under controlToxic or radioactive Injury or chemical exposure Fire or potential for a fire Environmental release Not comfortable cleaning it up

Get the MSDS

Otherwise use Spill Kit for clean-up and contact EH&S for disposal.

Emergency Response

Chemical Spill Kit Contents Safety Vet Goggles Apron Dust Pan Caution Tape 1 Large Pillow 2 Small Pillows 4 Socks 4 Pair Gloves pH Paper 10 Absorbent Pads

2 Hydrophobic Mop Heads 1 Bag Diatomaceous Earth 1 Bag Vermiculite 2 6-mil Clear Plastic Bags 1 Waste Label 1 Tie Wrap

Emergency Response

Biohazard Materials Spill Put on the required PPE (safety glasses, gloves, etc). Cordon off the area. Use disposal/paper towels to soak up most of the blood or bodily fluid. Place towels in leak-proof container (biohazard bag) for disposal. Cover contaminated surface with a towel and pour on a disinfectant (e.g. 1:10 Bleach) Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping down area. Placed contaminated towels in biohazard bag for disposal. Bleach corrodes stainless steel, so wipe down with a non-bleach material compatible solution. Disinfect all equipment that comes in contact with contaminant during cleaning. If it’s a large spill and you use a mop, dispose or disinfect the mop head. Remove PPE (gloves, etc) and place in biohazard bag for disposal. Wash hands immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after removing gloves. After cleanup is complete, take waste to designated disposal locations (South Science 3rd floor or Student Health Center). Wear another gloves to carry the waste. Wash hands again with soap and water after disposing waste.

Emergency Response

Hazardous Chemicals on Skin

1. Rinse skin for a full 15 minutes and remove any contaminated clothing. Seek medical attention if more then minor contact or there is a chemical injury at the Student Health and Counseling. Services. Bring MSDS.

2. Inform your supervisor.

3. Contact Jill Millican at x5-4227 for follow-up instructions.

Emergency Response – TA

Hazardous Chemicals in Eyes

1. First flush eye(s) with water for at least fifteen minutes. Forcibly hold eye open to rinse, while rotating eyeball.

2. Remove contact lenses while rinsing. Do not reinsert contact lenses.

3. Go to the Student Heath & Counseling . Bring MSDS

4. Contact Jill Millican x5-4227 for follow-up information.

Emergency Response

Ambulance - call UPD for assistance Contact Jill Millican - WCC Bring MSDS Call EHS and Supervisor for clean-up

CONTAMINATED/INJURED PERSONNEL

My advice …..

Understand the risk to control it Prepare for the what ifs Ask lots of questions Lead by example

Credit: Many photos from UCSD Lab Safety Training

Any questions???

The end….

Contact EHS is you have any questions:

Donna PlaczekX5-2395