sukeshi mehta coordinator, chemical safety office of radiation, chemical & biological safety...
TRANSCRIPT
S U K E S H I M E H TAC O O R D I N AT O R , C H E M I C A L S A F E T YO F F I C E O F R A D I AT I O N , C H E M I C A L & B I O L O G I C A L S A F E T YS M E H TA @ E M A I L . A R I Z O N A . E D U5 2 0 - 6 2 6 - 6 7 3 6
F R I D AY O C T O B E R 3 R D , 2 0 1 4
Laboratory Legacy Chemicals
Legacy Chemicals
Abandoned laboratory chemicals Chemicals are kept beyond their expiration date Passed through generations of researchers No real inventory for most of these laboratories
The Legacy Chemical Problem
Department obtains responsibility for the unknown No real inventory system to identify the chemicals and
responsible parties
ORCBS = Office of Radiation, Chemical & Biological Safety
Lack of communicationORCBS notified when:
A researcher leaves Space is needed for a new
researcher A new researcher arrives
and needs assistance removing old chemicals
Legacy Chemical Case Study #1
Abandoned for 1 year after the death of the Principal Investigator
Initial hazard assessment Large amount of legacy chemicals Old chemical containers, some visibly
contaminated• Arsenic, mercury, manganese and lead
Visible contamination of chemical fume hoods, bench tops, etc.
Potential for exposure
Legacy Chemical Case Study #1
Further hazard evaluation required Monitoring confirmed heavy metal contamination
• Arsenic and Mercury
Actions taken: Collection of compressed gases Collection and disposal of legacy chemicals Decontamination of laboratory by a
contracted third party
Legacy Chemical Case Study #2
Abandoned for 2 years after the death of the Principal Investigator New researcher needed the lab space Distinct “odor” from a freezer reported to ORCBS Key-controlled access
Initial hazard assessment Combination of chemical and biological hazards A lot of legacy chemicals in fair condition Biological samples left in 4 freezers One freezer was broken, its’ contents thawed
ORCBS = Office of Radiation, Chemical & Biological Safety
Legacy Chemical Case Study #2
Actions taken: Chemicals segregated, inventoried and packaged Collection of legacy chemicals and disposal Collection of biological material into designated waste containers Decontamination of freezers Disposal of biological material
Our Directive for Change
The ORCBS received a directive from the Senior Vice President for Research: Proactively address legacy chemical issues Institute a method of communication between our office, other
departments and researchers to allow for structured closeouts Prevent abandonment of labs and overwhelming lab closeouts
The Legacy Chemical Process
General legacy chemical process: Notified legacy chemicals were found Hazard assessment performed Legacy chemicals segregated, packaged and inventoried Collection request submitted Collection and final disposal of chemicals Compressed gases collected by the Cryogenic & Gas Facility
Implementing the Legacy Chemical Process
Incorporation of information into the Laboratory Chemical Safety Manual, website and annual inspection lists
Success possible due to: High visibility – multiple visits per year by different groups Internal and external communication Implementation of a laboratory inventory requirement
Laboratory closeouts 2012-2014: 14Total legacy chemical processes 2012-2014: 34
Legacy Chemical Case Study #3
Accumulation of chemicals in the lab over time High turnover of instructors Identified during the chemical inventory process
Laboratory requested assistance during a regular inspection Chemicals were segregated, packaged and inventoried within
one weekLaboratory submitted request for collection
Future Steps
Further integration into the research culture Will be completed with implementation of the new Laboratory
Chemical Safety Program
Development of an online inventory system of hazardous chemicals for every lab
Work with UA departments to identify abandoned labs or storerooms with legacy chemicals
Institute a safety culture in which the labs feel comfortable contacting ORCBS for assistance with unwanted chemicals