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lab safety manual - University of the Fraser Valley

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1. Large shipments on skids must be transported using a fork lift Heavy boxes and containers must be transported using aids such as dolly s and carts The labels on all received goods should be reviewed for any safety requirements restrictions and instructions followed Shipping amp Receiving personnel should undergo training and refresher courses every two years in Transportation of Dangerous Goods Gel Chapter INVENTORY MANAGEMENT IN LABORATORIES Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 10 FIRE SAFETY Laboratory fires can by caused by Bunsen burners runaway chemical reactions electrical heating units failure of unattended or defective equipment or overloaded electrical circuits UFV employees must be aware of how and where these potential dangers exist in their laboratory rooms UFV employees must also familiarize themselves with the operation of the fire extinguishers location of pull stations fire blankets emergency exits and evacuation routes The evacuation procedure for UFV is outlined on signage placards located beside all building exit doors and elevators In the event that the general alarm is sounded use the evacuation routes established for your area and follow the instructions on the signage 10 1 The Fire Triangle Fire cannot occur without an ignition source fuel and an oxidizing atmosphere usually air These three components comprise what is called the fire triangle Fire wil
2. Chapter GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office Carry out weekly inspections on the condition of e Fire extinguishers e Emergency wash devices such as eyewashes and drench hoses run these for several minutes and update inspection tags e First aid kit contents Fume hood and other ventilation devices e Tubing for circulating water vacuum gases e Chemical storage compartments Also ensure that fire extinguishers and emergency showers are inspected tested and tagged annually Among potential laboratory hazards be alert for the following e Chemical products flammable toxic oxidizing reactive corrosive Oo oo 0 e Microbiological disease producing agents and their toxins viruses bacteria parasites rickettsiae fungi Oo oo 0 e Physical or mechanical hazards ionizing and non ionizing radiation electrical poor equipment design or work organization ergonomic hazards tripping hazards excessive noise or heat Qoo D iQ e Psychosocial conditions that can cause psychological stress and lead to accidents incidents and or injury o perceived lack of psychological and physical safety support o negative or unhealthy culture and behaviours o unclear leadership and or expectations r3 Chapter GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 4 5 Working Alone Policy Working alone is an unsafe practi
3. Have the natural gas valves closed if you don t use gas If you do use gas and detect a natural gas smell 4 Check that all gas valves have been turned off Call Local 7770 if the odour persists Dial 911 if there is a confirmed gas leak GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES There is a number of general health and safety principles that apply to working in any laboratory which UFV employees and students should always keep in mind 4 1 Preparing for Laboratory Work Before starting to work in a laboratory familiarize yourself with 4 2 The hazards of the materials in the lab as well as appropriate safe handling storage and emergency protocols Read labels and material safety data sheets MSDSs before moving handling or opening chemicals Never use a product from an unlabelled container and report missing labels The agents processes and equipment in the laboratory If you are unsure of any aspect of a procedure check with your supervisor before proceeding The location and operation of safety and emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers eye wash and shower first aid and spill response kits fire alarm pull stations telephone and emergency exits Emergency spill response procedures for the materials you will handle Emergency reporting procedures and telephone numbers and The designated and alternate escape routes During Laboratory Work Restrict laboratory access to authorized persons only Children are not permitte
4. Using a plastic utensil to avoid creating sparks scoop up the absorbed spill place it in a plastic bag seal it and place in a labeled container Corrosive liquids Alert everyone present If vapours are being released clear the area Do not attempt to wipe up a corrosive liquid unless it is very dilute Gloves boots apron and eye protection must be used when neutralizing an extensive corrosive spill Respiratory protection is required if the liquid releases corrosive vapour or gas Pour the required neutralizing or adsorbing material around the perimeter of the spill then carefully add water and more neutralizing material to the contained area Carefully agitate to promote neutralization Use pH paper to verify that all contaminated areas are neutralized and safe to wipe up If an adsorbent eg spill control pillows is used instead of a neutralizer scoop up the absorbed spill place it in a plastic bag seal it and then place in a labeled box If neutralized material contains no toxic heavy metals e g chromium flush down the drain with plenty of water Chapter Control of Chemical Hazards Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 8 6 3 3 Corrosive solids Small spills can be cleaned up mechanically with a dustpan and brush Larger spills should be cleaned up using a HEPA high efficiency articulate filter vacuum For spills containing fine dusts an air purifying respirator with dust filters i
5. e Microwave radiation Appropriate shielding is also required when using equipment with thermal hazards g Chapter EQUIPMENT SAFETY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 16 12 Safe use of Analytical Equipment The following are general guidelines for safe use of analytical equipment e Ensure that installation modification and repairs of analytical equipment are carried out by authorized service employees e Read and understand the manufacturer s instructions before using this equipment e Make sure that preventive maintenance procedures are performed as required e Do not attempt to defeat safety interlocks e Wear safety glasses and lab coats and other appropriate PPE as specified for all procedures Refer to each UFV laboratory for specific analytical equipment 16 13 Mass spectrometers MS Mass spectrometry requires the handling of compressed gases and flammable and toxic chemicals Consult MSDSs for products before using them Specific precautions for working with the mass spectrometer include e Avoid contact with heated parts while the mass spectrometer is in operation e Verify gas pump exhaust and drain system tubing and connections before each use e Ensure that pumps are vented outside the laboratory as pump exhaust may contain traces of the samples being analyzed solvents and reagent gas e Used pump oil may also contain traces of analytes and should be handled as hazardous was
6. e Perform a radioactive leak test wipe test on electron capture detectors ECDs at least every 6 months for sources of 50MBq 1 35 mCi or greater Ensure that the exhaust from ECDs is vented to the outside e When performing split sampling connect the split vent to an exhaust ventilation system or appropriate chemical trap if toxic materials are analyzed or hydrogen is used as the carrier gas e Use only helium or nitrogen gas never hydrogen to condition a chemical trap 16 15 Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR equipment The superconducting magnet of NMR equipment produces strong magnetic and electromagnetic fields that can interfere with the function of cardiac pacemakers Users of pacemakers and other implanted ferromagnetic medical devices are advised to consult with their physician the pacemaker s manual and pacemaker manufacturer before entering facilities which house NMR equipment Precautions for work with NMR include the following e Post clearly visible warning signs in areas with strong magnetic fields Measure stray fields with a gaussmeter and restrict public access to areas of 5 gauss or higher e Keep all tools equipment and personal items containing ferromagnetic material e g steel iron at least 2 metres away from the magnet The strong magnetic field can suddenly pull nearby unrestrained magnetic objects into the magnet with considerable force e Advise users that the magnetic field can erase magnetic media suc
7. material mixed with air Oxygen may condense from the air and lead to an explosion hazard Dry ice solvent cooling baths should be prepared carefully by the slow addition of small amounts of the solid dry ice to the solvent to avoid excessive frothing and overflow of the solvent Never lower your head into a dry ice chest since a high level of CO may accumulate there posing an asphyxiation hazard Lo Chapter COMPRESSED GASES AND CRYOGENICS Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 15 PHYSICAL HAZARDS AND ERGONOMICS There are a number of common physical characteristics of laboratories that are of potential safety concern 15 1 General Guidelines to Reduce Physical Hazards e Do not block access to emergency safety equipment such as fire extinguishers eyewashes showers first aid kits or utility controls such as breaker boxes or gas shut off valves e Avoid blocking exits or normal paths of travel keep hallways walkways and stairs clear of chemicals boxes equipment and shelf projections e Ensure that the weight of stored material does not exceed the load bearing capacity of shelves or cabinets e Ensure that wall mounted shelving has heavy duty brackets and supports and is attached to studs or solid blocking Regularly inspect clamps supports shelf brackets and other shelving hardware e Arrange items so that they do not overhang or project beyond the edges of shelves or counter tops e Do not stack
8. only if it is kept isolated from all other acids Chemicals must be stored in tightly closed containers Chemicals must not be dispensed within the chemical bunker Store chemicals according to compatibility do not store chemicals alphabetically except within a grouping of compatible chemicals refer to APPENDIX 2 WHMIS CLASSIFICATION for further guidance When applicable store highly toxic or controlled materials in a locked dedicated poison cabinet Designate specific storage areas for each class of chemical and return reagents to those locations after each use Store volatile toxic and odorous chemicals in a way that prevents release of vapours e g inside closed secondary containers ventilated cabinets paraffin sealing Store flammables requiring refrigeration in explosion safe or lab safe refrigerators Label reactive or unstable chemicals e g ethers and other peroxide forming chemicals with the date of receipt the date opened and an expiry date if applicable Should also indicate date of peroxide testing and required frequency Inspect chemicals weekly for signs of deterioration and for label integrity Dispose of unwanted chemicals promptly according to Section 12 1 Compressed gas cylinders must be anchored securely and Keep all stored chemicals especially flammable liquids away from heat and direct sunlight 9 2 Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets Flammable chemicals should be stored inside flammable liquid stor
9. situations that may be anticipated for their operations Individuals requiring assistance in preparing spill response plans should contact OHSO In instances where more extensive equipment or technical assistance is needed backup can be provided by other internal resources Communications are handled through the emergency telephone number Local 7770 8 6 2 Development of Spill Response Plans 8 6 2 1 Communications All laboratories housing hazardous materials are required to provide means of reaching contact people who may be summoned in the event of emergencies involving their laboratory especially for after hours situations This may involve posting the relevant telephone number s and or providing them to the Security Services who operate the emergency telephone number Building Directors are also required to provide to the Security Services telephone numbers where they or alternate contact persons may be reached during after hours crises 8 6 2 2 General guidelines The following factors are to be considered when developing spill response procedures e Categories of chemicals e g oxidizers flammable solvents and their chemical physical and toxicological properties e The quantities that may be released e Possible locations of release e g laboratory corridor e PPE needed e Types and quantities of neutralizing or absorbing material needed These guidelines should be followed when initially responding to a spill sit
10. 1 Asphyxiation due to displacement of oxygen does not apply to liquid air and oxygen Materials becoming brittle and shattering from extreme cold Extreme frostbite Explosion due to pressure build up Condensation of oxygen and fuel e g hydrogen and hydrocarbons resulting in explosive mixtures Precautions for Handling Cryogenic Materials and Vessels When handling cryogenic materials Always wear protection and insulated gloves to protect skin and eyes from contact Use only low pressure containers equipped with pressure relief devices Do not allow cryogenic preservation material to be stored in a sealed system Use and store in well ventilated areas Keep away from sparks or flames as appropriate Minimize and control ice build up Use materials resistant to low temperature brittling and shattering e g latex rubber tubing Watches rings bracelets or other jewellery that could trap fluids against flesh should not be worn when handling cryogenic liquids To prevent thermal expansion of contents and rupture of the vessel do not fill containers to more than 80 of capacity If cryogens must be transported by elevator take adequate precautions to prevent possible injury It is required to send cryogenic liquid tanks in elevators without any passengers and ensure that nobody gets on the elevator while the cryogen is being transported Never use liquid nitrogen or liquid air as a cold trap to collect a flammable or combustible
11. 27 6 2 4 Selection use and care of protective gloves 27 6 3 Eye arid Face Protectiori icc eee AASL 28 6 4 Respiratory POLE CON eL 28 6 5 Hearing PrOCC CHONG et 28 6 6 Foot ProtectiON E HHW 29 cdanaicbbdgeem PES 29 CONTROL OF CHEMICAL HAZARDS nennen nenne enne snnt nren nens RE rsen enne 30 8 1 Toxic chemicals and the four routes of entry sessi nnns nnns 30 8 2 Flammable Chemicals teat endete tu ede geegent 30 8 3 Oxidizing Chemicals 5 etit Pe e bestem eege eee Cre aeq 30 8 4 Reactive Chemicals cite et edita ed SEENEN 31 8 5 Corrosive Chemicals eerte estere PER e e Reap ERE AER AREE eux E Aaa O EES 31 8 6 GT R 32 8 6 1 eis UN EE ER 8 6 2 Development of Spill Response Plans 32 nd Chapter EMERGENCY CONTACTS Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 8 6 3 Guidelines for Specific Types Of Spills 33 9 INVENTORY MANAGEMENT IN LABORATORIES sssssesssssssesssssissrissrnsrisessrnssnsstnttsstnsttssensrnsrenstestnet 35 9 1 Chemical Storage Guidelines nrerin iinne a EE E A i aea 35 9 2 Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets 36 9 3 Packing and Moving Chemicals nnnsenseeenneennssnssssenerrrssesnssrsseseresrnnsssssssrrerrnnssssnssrnrenereennnsso 36 9 3 1 General Procedures sys eter E PET ENEE EE A aO N ENE 36 9 3 2 Transportation between Laboratory and Shipping Receiving esee 37 10 FIRE SAFETY EE 38 10 1 TE Fire Triangle teet ee eu 3
12. 8 1 Toxic chemicals and the four routes of entry Chemicals can gain entry into the body by e Inhalation of gases vapours and particulate material e g mists dusts smoke fumes e Absorption through skin of liquids solids gases and vapours e Ingestion of chemicals directly or indirectly via contaminated foods and beverages and contact between mouth and contaminated hands nail biting smoking e Injection of chemicals through needles and other contaminated laboratory sharps 8 2 Flammable Chemicals Flammable and combustible liquids solids or gases will ignite when exposed to heat sparks or flame Flammable materials burn readily at room temperature while combustible materials must be heated before they will burn Flammable liquids or their vapours are the most common fire hazards in laboratories Refer to Section 10 for specific details on the safe handling of flammable chemicals in the laboratory 8 3 Oxidizing Chemicals Oxidizers provide oxidizing elements such as oxygen or chlorine and are capable of igniting flammable and combustible material even in an oxygen deficient atmosphere Refer to Section 10 1 The Fire Triangle Oxidizing chemicals can increase the speed and intensity of a fire by adding to the oxygen supply causing materials that would normally not burn to ignite and burn rapidly Oxidizers can also e React with other chemicals resulting in release of toxic gases e Decompose and liberate toxic gases when heated
13. APPENDIX 2 WHMIS CLASSIFICATION Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office Division 2 Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects birth defects or sterility Do not eat drink or smoke near these materials Wash hands after handling Class D Poisonous and Infectious Material Division 3 Biohazardous Infectious Materials Contact with microbiological agents e g bacteria viruses fungi and their toxins may cause illness or death Wear the recommended protective equipment and clothing Work with these materials in designated areas Disinfect area after handling Wash hands after handling Class E Corrosive Material Will burn eyes and skin on contact Will burn tissues of respiratory tract if inhaled Store acids and bases in separate areas Avoid inhaling these materials Avoid contact with skin and eyes Wear the recommended protective equipment and clothing Class F Dangerously Reactive Material xl May be unstable reacting dangerously to jarring compression heat or exposure to light May burn explode or produce dangerous gases when mixed with incompatible materials Store away from heat Avoid shock and friction Wear the recommended protective equipment and clothing er Chapter APPENDIX 2 WHMIS CLASSIFICATION Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office APPENDIX 3 RECOMMENDED GLOVE MATERIALS FOR A VARIETY OF LABORATO
14. Baths Ultrasonic bathes 59 16 7 Ovensand Hot ET 60 16 8 Shakers Blenders and Sonicators enne e nenehenennnennne essen aser ends sanas sands 61 16 9 ID EY OVENS PR 61 16 10 Ultraviolet Eatmps i eet rt E vet tete epulo vv eene Ee te wo UE RARUS E 62 16 11 EE TEE 62 16 12 Safe use of Analytical Eouipment 63 16 13 Mass spectrometers MS 63 16 14 Gas chromatographs GC 63 16 15 Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR equipment nennen nnne neni nnns 64 16 16 High pressure liquid chromatography HPLC eoutpment eene 65 16 17 Liquid chromatography LC MS equipment ssss nnssennsssssnnenssennsssseernnssennssnserrnnssennssnseernessenes 65 16 18 Glassware Safety RR 65 16 18 1 Handling Glass Rods or Tubes ssssssssessnssesssssssernnsresnssssserenstrnnsssssssrrerrrrnnssnssenresrreennns 66 M Chapter EMERGENCY CONTACTS Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 16 18 2 Glass Thermometers and Barometers Containing Mercury sees 66 16 18 3 Types OF Glass onto emet ros tue ines Suet vet esr vitem aedes ves beeen 66 APPENDIX 1 OHSR FLOWCHART ssasasesesseserererenrrrasererenerasrasctaeritessnaetarenararataetantarddattnaaaidneaantantanaketadaane 69 APPENDIX 2 WHMIS CLASSIEICATION tenente nhnen rennen sens ennne inns tente nnns inert tr sites 70 APPENDIX 3 RECOMMENDED GLOVE MATERIALS FOR A VARIETY OF LABORATORY HAZARDS 72 APPENDIX A DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY
15. Electrical devices should be connected outside the hood to avoid sparks and possible ignition e Equipment in the hood should be solidly positioned a few inches above the working surface to maximize air flow e ideally the fume hood will be situated away from heavily used walkways since foot traffic air currents can disrupt the proper operation of this device causing gases and vapours to escape e Keep the interior of the hood clean and tidy e Completely close the sash when the fume hood is on and left unattended e A label has been placed on fume hoods indicating optimal sash height Do not raise sash higher than this marking when fume hood is in use e In emergency situations such as fires gaseous emissions or spills in a fume hood always pull the sash down completely and assure hood fans are turned on e If you are unsure of the proper operation of the fume hood contact your supervisor for directions e Do not conduct work in a malfunctioning fume hood In case of fume hood malfunction do the following e Discontinue use of fume hood immediately e Inform your supervisor or Biology laboratory technologist Inform any other affected person until fume hood is locked out 16 4 Autoclave The autoclave which uses saturated steam under pressure is one of the most dependable methods available in the laboratory for the inactivation of all forms of microbial life To ensure safety and quality control all biohazardous materi
16. FRASER VALLEY HEALTH AND SAFETY esssiessrissirrssirssrirssrrsrrrrsrrsrrresre 7 1 1 University Health and Safety Policy Statement ccccsccssececceceeesssesesasaeeeeesescessseseaasaeaeeeeeess 7 1 2 Introduction of Laboratory Safety at UFV esses nennen nennen nnns nnne nenne asa n asas 8 2 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES sariti iret ele era Re uge RE SERERE EE n E enis 9 2 1 General Duties of Employers cccccsccccccecesssssessecseaeeeeeeesceseeesesaaeaeeeeeeescnsesesesaseaeseeeeeeeesessseaeaaeas 9 2 2 General Duties of S pervisOFs i eege NEE NEE Ege VE EES 10 2 3 General Duties of Workers EEN 10 2 4 Rights OF WOFKGTS aesti ise Edge 11 2 5 cce EET 11 2 6 Work Lee ERR 12 3 GENERAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES esee nnneen nennen sentent nnns sn nenne enne nnns en nennen 13 3 1 First 13 3 1 1 JU MET 13 3 1 2 Burns Folge eR en 14 3 1 3 Burns tothe IEEE QOL a LET 14 3 2 cc 14 3 3 Chemical Splashes to the Skin or Eyes ssssesseseee nennen nennen nennen nnne 15 3 4 Melius 16 3 5 d ge ETE 16 3 5 1 RS DE ele 16 3 5 2 KN OWI TILES e 16 3 5 3 Clothing fles i eee ee ies eed ev orae eb ee e P an ee Dude RR TUE 17 3 6 Hazardous Chemical Spills sairone 17 3 7 NEM
17. Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 15 5 7 Safe Work Practices The following practices may reduce risk of injury or fire when working with electrical equipment Avoid contact with energized electrical circuits Use guarding around exposed circuits and sources of live electricity Disconnect the power source before servicing or repairing electrical equipment When it is necessary to handle equipment that is plugged in be sure hands are dry and when possible wear nonconductive gloves and shoes with insulated soles If it is safe to do so work with only one hand keeping the other hand at your side or in your pocket away from all conductive material This precaution reduces the likelihood of accidents that result in current passing through the chest cavity Minimize the use of electrical equipment in cold rooms or other areas where condensation is likely If equipment must be used in such areas mount the equipment on a wall or vertical panel If water or a chemical is spilled onto equipment shut off power at the main switch or circuit breaker and unplug the equipment If an individual comes in contact with a live electrical conductor do not touch the equipment cord or person Disconnect the power source from the circuit breaker or pull out the plug using a leather belt All electrical installations must conform to the provisions of the BC electrical code All electrical equipment must be CSA approved Extension cords
18. alarms and evacuation routes in the areas that they occupy Anyone discovering smoke strong smell of burning or smell of an unusual nature should immediately Inform Security Local 7770 Alert the Floor Warden Known fires Shout FIRE repeatedly to give the alert Pull the fire alarm Telephone the City Fire Department from a safe location by dialling 911 Evacuate the premises in a swift orderly fashion using the stairways and or fire escapes but NOT the elevators and following the instructions of Evacuation Monitors Inform the Floor Warden of the location magnitude and nature e g electrical of the fire the open evacuation routes individuals requiring assistance and other pertinent details Once outside the building move away from the doors to enable others to exit m Chapter GENERAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 3 5 3 Clothing fires If your clothing should catch fire it is important not to run as this would provide additional air to support the flames Remember the Stop Drop and Roll rule Stop where you are Drop to the floor and Roll to smother the flames As soon as the flames are extinguished go to the nearest emergency shower to cool burned areas with copious amounts of water If someone else is on fire Immediately immobilize the victim and force him her to roll on the ground to extinguish the flames e Assist in smothering the fla
19. ases sess sigan anas 48 14 2 1 Precautions for Handling Cryogenic Materials and Vessels cccsessccssccceceeeessessesseaaees 48 15 PHYSICAL HAZARDS AND ERGONOMICS 49 15 1 General Guidelines to Reduce Physical Hazardes enean 49 Chapter EMERGENCY CONTACTS Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office CE MEE CEDERE III 49 15 3 Systems Under Pressure or Vacuum en nenne ri enin nass ss essen rana anas 50 15 4 Backflow Preventers eene ee nete c n ER E e aa aa a i iak 50 15 5 Electrical E EE 50 15 5 1 Preventing Electrical Hazardes rieri neiie inania 51 15 5 2 pSulatiON EE 51 155 3 EISE DIE ede eek erste n Deet 52 15 54 WGROUMGIM Be serea ee a e E E E nets E eI MM 52 15 5 5 Circuit Protection DeVICeS sisciececiiveedsseuitaeeengtecehaevsddveasseatocenerdgudcdeeveudedbereedseerennsdeivevsaaaedeeels 52 ab MOTOTS cies cciscstecchiecsdgs EMT 52 15 5 7 Safe Work Practices ue mier p rent e D ape HEN Rer E EE Ea ESNE 53 15 67 Ergonomics 2 ee eet e oed degen teensy 53 16 EQUIPMENT SAFETY reete rr ne Re err EES e RE Eee ENT PER IARE YR 55 16 1 Equipment Maintenance nennen nennen nennen ense naar nets esae sn trees sensere sess nnns 56 16 2 Biological Safety Cabinet BSC ciruso nennen nnne enne neni nnn ns ss sensns enean nans 56 16 3 Fume HOO EE 56 16 4 AUTO CAV Cage ska aera tet ta ee senten latest to e LL cee tee ieee etn DIT D erue 57 16 5 EE GCS Ee 58 16 6 Heated Water Baths Circulating
20. e Burn or irritate skin eyes breathing passages and other tissues Precautions to follow when using and storing oxidizers in the laboratory include the following e Keep away from flammable and combustible materials e Keep containers tightly closed unless otherwise indicated by the supplier e Mix and dilute according to the supplier s instructions To prevent release of corrosive dusts purchase in liquid instead of dry form e Reduce reactivity of solutions by diluting with water e Wear appropriate skin and eye protection e Ensure that oxidizers are compatible with other oxidizers in the same storage area e Chapter Control of Chemical Hazards Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 8 4 Reactive Chemicals e May be sensitive to jarring compression heat or light e May react dangerously with water or air e May burn explode or yield flammable or toxic gases when mixed with incompatible materials e Can vigorously decompose polymerize or condense e Can also be toxic corrosive oxidizing or flammable e Some chemicals may not be dangerous when purchased but may develop hazardous properties over time e g diethyl ether and solutions of picric acid Follow these precautions when working with dangerously reactive chemicals e Understand the hazards associated with these chemicals and use them under conditions which keep them stable e Store and handle away from incompatible chemicals e Keep water re
21. given to equipment that e Limits contact between the operator and hazardous material and mechanical and electrical energy e scorrosion resistant easy to decontaminate and impermeable to liquids and e Has no sharp edges or burrs All efforts should be made to prevent equipment from becoming contaminated and spreading contamination To reduce the likelihood of equipment malfunction that could result in leakage spill or unnecessary generation of aerosolized contaminants Review the equipment manufacturer s documentation Keep for future reference e Use and service equipment according to the manufacturer s instructions Ensure that anyone who uses a specific instrument or piece of equipment is properly trained in setup use and cleaning of the item Ensure that equipment leaving the laboratory for servicing or disposal is appropriately decontaminated Some larger pieces of equipment that utilize electricity to operate also require down time for regular scheduled maintenance and or repair A specific UFV lockout procedure must be followed to ensure the safety of the maintenance repair person The procedure in brief includes e Alllocks keys for the lock out system will be supplied by UFV to employees No other lock and keys are permitted e Every person must use their own lock and not work under another person s lock e Facility Manager is to be notified of work to be done e Isolate equipment and lock out by attaching your
22. managed premised or during the course of University organised activities must be reported using the Incident Report Form This form and a copy of Incident Reporting Process are available online at www ufv ca ohs Incident_Reporting htm 3 1 First Aid Know how to handle emergency situations before they occur Become familiar with the properties of the hazardous products used in your area e Familiarize yourself with the contents of the first aid kit and learn how to use them Keep instructions readily available and easy to understand e Locate and know how to test and operate emergency equipment such as showers and eyewashes in your area e Learn first aid Please contact OHSO for more information The emergency first aid procedures described below should be followed by a consultation with a physician for medical treatment 3 1 1 Burns In the laboratory thermal burns may be caused by intense heat flames molten metal steam etc Corrosive liquids or solids such as bases and acids can cause chemical burns first aid treatment for chemical burns is described in Section 3 3 below In electrical burns electrical current passing through the body generates heat ym Chapter GENERAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 3 1 2 Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office Burns to the skin First aid treatment of skin burns encompasses the following 3 1 3 If the burn is electrical in origin ascertain that the vi
23. mind that reducing the open face size will also increase the face velocity possibly to unsafe levels Work as far into the hood as possible At least six inches is recommended Do not lean into the hood This disturbs the air flow and also places your head into the contaminated air inside the hood E Chapter LABORATORY VENTILATION AND FUMEHOODS Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office Do not make quick motions into or out of the hood or create cross drafts by walking rapidly past the hood Opening doors or windows can sometimes cause strong air currents which will disturb the air flow into the hood Heating devices should be placed at the rear of the hood Power cords must not hang down in front of the fume hood workspace Do not use a hood for any function it was not specifically designed for Keep hood door closed when fume hood is not being used Remember that sinks inside fume hoods are not designed for disposing of any and all chemical wastes Consult with user s manual or fume hood manufacturer to determine what chemical waste is appropriate for disposal If chemical fumes can be detected by sense of smell to be emanating from a fume hood immediately discontinue fume hood use and make arrangements with the fume hood servicing and maintenance contractor indicated on maintenance sticker on fume hood and or fume hood manufacturer as necessary for the fume hood to be inspected and repaired o Cha
24. must not be allowed to wear opened toed shoes such as sandals when entering and working in a laboratory Safety footwear is designed to protect feet against a variety of injuries Impact compression chemical splashes and puncture are the most common types of injuries This hazard is not likely significant in UFV laboratories however if safety footwear is required in the future it should be chosen according to the hazard and should be properly rated Protective Footwear CSA Z195 M92 For PPE considerations for working with biohazardous materials refer to UFV Biosafety Manual 7 SAFETY TRAINING e All UFV laboratory employees must undergo WHMIS Chemical Safety training and read and understand this laboratory safety manual e All UFV employees working in laboratories that handle biological agents should undergo Biosafety training Refer to UFV Biosafety Manual e Radiation Safety Training UFV employees should take refresher training course for lab safety and or biological safety every 2 years e UFV employees must ensure that there are formally written safety procedures as applicable to students in all student laboratory manuals that are handed out as course materials Employees must ensure that students read and understand these procedures prior to engaging in the laboratory activities for the school term E Chapter SAFETY TRAINING Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 8 CONTROL OF CHEMICAL HAZARDS
25. regularly e Keep inventory records of chemicals and update annually 9 1 Chemical Storage Guidelines The following guidelines are applicable to chemical storage in the laboratory and in storage bunker rooms at UFV e Ensure all containers of hazardous chemicals are properly labeled as per WHMIS requirements outlined in Section 5 e Store hazardous chemicals in an area that is accessible only to authorized laboratory employees e Only daily use quantities should be kept in the laboratory e Do not store chemicals in aisles under sinks or on floors desks or bench tops e Store chemicals away from sources of heat e g ovens or steam pipes and direct sunlight e Water sensitive chemicals must be stored to prevent contact with water e Never stack bottles on top of each other e Do not store chemicals above eye level shoulder height e Store larger containers on lower shelves e When applicable store liquids inside chemically resistant secondary containers such as trays or tubs that are large enough to hold spills e When applicable store chemicals inside closable cabinets or on sturdy shelving that has edge guards to prevent containers from falling e Ensure that chemicals cannot fall off the rear of shelves e Chapter INVENTORY MANAGEMENT IN LABORATORIES Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office When applicable store acids in a dedicated acid cabinet Nitric acid may be stored there also but
26. should not be used for permanent installations Contact Facilities to install or relocate outlets in close proximity to the equipment Use ground fault circuit interrupters where there is a risk of an operator coming in simultaneous contact with water and electrical equipment Only trained qualified employees may repair or modify electrical or electronic equipment Power bars should not be located beneath work benches where chemicals are handled 15 6 Ergonomics Ergonomics is concerned with how the workplace fits the worker Performing certain work tasks without regard for ergonomic principles can result in Fatigue Repetitive motion injuries Strains aches and injuries from biomechanical stresses Eyestrain from video display terminals VDTs Decreased worker morale Factors that can increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury are Awkward positions or movements 2 Chapter PHYSICAL HAZARDS AND ERGONOMICS Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office e Repetitive movements e Application of force General guidelines for maximizing ergonomic comfort for UFV laboratory workers include e Maintaining suitable heights of laboratory workbenches for all employees e Laboratory chairs are on wheels or castors are sturdy 5 legged and are position adjustable for seat height angle and backrest height e Computer monitor screens are positioned at or slightly below eye level and are positioned so as t
27. to be emptied daily bags removed and replaced by appropriate personnel 12 5 Sharps and Needles They are to be disposed of in designated and specially designed bins When bins are full they are to be transported to a pickup location appropriate for each laboratory for disposal by an outside contractor Individual departments are responsible for purchasing their own sharps containers 12 6 Glass Waste and Broken Glass This waste is to be disposed of in designated metal garbage cans with a foot lever operated closing lid and rigid plastic liner no bag When full bins are to be transported to appropriate pick up locations for UFV employees to pick up process and dispose Individual departments are responsible for purchasing their own glass waste cans Refer to further procedures that may be specific to each laboratory department Le Chapter HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 13 LABORATORY VENTILATION AND FUMEHOODS 13 1 General Ventilation General ventilation also called dilution ventilation involves dilution of inside air with fresh air Its purpose is to e maintain comfortable environment of temperature humidity and air movement for room occupants e dilute indoor air contaminants e balance out the removal of air by fume hoods and biological safety cabinets from the general indoor atmosphere General ventilation systems comprise a balance of incoming air su
28. transportation Large 4L bottles of liquid chemicals solvents should be transported in rubber carrying cases with handles Cap gas cylinders and move using a cylinder truck Ensure that all chemicals are accounted for and no chemicals are left behind Transportation between Laboratory and Shipping Receiving The receiving storage and transport of chemicals and other hazardous materials to and from the Shipping and Receiving at UFV must be properly controlled to minimize chances of accidents chemical spills and exposure of personnel to hazardous agents A general principle that guides all safety aspects of transportation is ensuring that personnel are present to receive and inspect transported agents Transported materials must never be dropped off without an intended recipient present to receive the materials Based on this general principle the following guidelines should be followed for shipping and receiving of hazardous materials at UFV Received goods must always be inspected for packaging integrity and damage Only undamaged goods should be accepted for receiving and transport within UFV Goods received that have time temperature or other storage sensitivity restrictions must be handled immediately as appropriate by the receiver Received goods must not be allowed to sit unattended for extended periods of time Goods must be transported in a safe and appropriate manner to minimize chances of damage and breakage of packaging integrity
29. 5 Electrical Safety Electrically powered equipment including but not limited to hot plates stirrers vacuum pumps electrophoresis apparatus lasers heating mantles ultrasonicators power supplies and microwave ovens are essential elements of many laboratories These devices can pose a significant hazard to laboratory workers particularly when mishandled or not maintained Many laboratory electrical devices have high voltage or high power requirements carrying even more risk The major hazards associated with electricity are electrical shock and fire Electrical shock occurs when the body becomes part of the electric circuit either when an individual comes in contact with both wires of an electrical circuit one wire of an energized circuit and the ground or a metallic part that has become energized by contact with an electrical conductor 2 Chapter PHYSICAL HAZARDS AND ERGONOMICS Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office The severity and effects of an electrical shock depend on a number of factors such as the pathway through the body the amount of current the length of time of the exposure and whether the skin is wet or dry Water is a great conductor of electricity allowing current to flow more easily in wet conditions and through wet skin In addition to the electrical shock hazards sparks from electrical equipment can serve as an ignition source for flammable or explosive vapours or combustible material
30. 534 for further information and support 8 6 3 7 Special categories It is not within the scope of this manual to list procedures for all possible categories of chemicals For further information on responses to other categories consult the material safety data sheet or contact OHSO 4534 rs Chapter Control of Chemical Hazards Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 9 INVENTORY MANAGEMENT IN LABORATORIES Management of Inventory is an important aspect of safety in the research and teaching laboratory Over time a laboratory space can easily accumulate materials supplies and hazardous agents and become cluttered and over crowded Some of the chemical materials themselves can become a danger if left unchecked unsupervised for long periods of time The following points should be followed for inventory management in a laboratory e It is the responsibility of laboratory technicians to oversee and maintain laboratory inventory e All newly received containers of laboratory chemicals at UFV must be date marked to indicate time of receipt e Firstin First out FIFO principle should be applied to all laboratory supplies Stock should be rotated with the oldest stock always being used first e Inthe laboratory all media and stock solutions should be clearly labeled as per WHMIS requirements outlined in Section 5 e All drawer and cupboards should be clearly labeled Inventory lists should be reviewed and updated
31. 8 10 2 General Guidelines for Working Safely and Minimizing Chances of Hire 39 10 3 Classes Of Tine M a aei aa a na a i a ENa 39 TI RADIATION SAFETY vise ERR 40 11 1 Physical Security of Radioactive Material 40 12 HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL ssessssesssees esee ennt enne ennne tnnt nete tn tette se stes stes en tesi nitens nennen en 41 12 1 Liquid and Solid Chemical Waste Disposal cesses ennemi nnns 41 12 2 Biohazardous waste 41 12 3 Radioisotope Disposal o ete Ed te marce eden cereo e Oe YES 41 12 4 R gular Garbage esset enis tke aieo Rare erase es tea E eui edere IRAE eni medie dud Ia Rea RUNE ERIS 42 12 5 SharpsandNeedles cirein rreren a Ee araa r A A E ER Ea EAEn Einni naiai 42 12 6 Glass Waste and Broken Glass esses enne nnne neret en tenete senten nnns 42 13 LABORATORY VENTILATION AND EUMEHOODS 43 1334 General Ventilation encre rn IRE rene nere re abeunte eee reae Bar eee aab Ebo ERR vus 43 13 2 Chemical Fume Hoods eie nee ER EES 43 13 2 1 General Procedure for Fume Hood USE sss eren enn 43 14 COMPRESSED GASES AND CRYOGENICS ennt tentes tenen resins resins 46 14 1 Hazards of Compressed Gases eee deed een 46 14 1 1 Guidelines for Safe Handling Storage and Transport of Compressed Gas Cylinders 46 14 1 2 Guidelines for Safe Handling and Usage of Gas Cylinder Regulators 47 14 2 CrvogentcHazards nennen raa ea EEA ARAE ER EAA EE aa OaE sss
32. EM WHMIS N LA Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 5 2 Material Safety Data Sheets MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets MSDS provide more details than labels They are technical bulletins that provide chemical physical and toxicological information about each controlled product as well as information on precautionary and emergency procedures All containers of controlled products should be labelled with WHMIS compliant labels and be classified under MSDS Each laboratory should have its own MSDS database for controlled products used in the laboratory These MSDS should be easily accessible in the laboratory and the database should be reviewed annually for completeness The Facilities department should also receive a copy of the current MSDS Refer to the facility floor plan for each of the individual laboratories for the MSDS storage location 5 2 1 Supplier s responsibilities Suppliers of WHMIS controlled products are required to make available MSDS to the purchaser The MSDS must be available in both official languages Should any new information arise about a product the Supplier is required to revise the MSDS 5 2 2 Laboratory s responsibilities WHMIIS legislation requires that a MSDS be readily accessible to anyone who works with or who may be exposed to controlled products Each laboratory is responsible for ensuring that their MSDS Collection e location is communicated to all employees wor
33. ICIBCECIHE CLE 18 4 GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES A 18 4 1 Preparing for Laboratory Work 18 4 2 During Laboratory Work eene i nnns nenne nnne ananas isses sns r terea sanas sinn en 18 4 3 Cleaning Up Before Leaving ettet iere ie eet e eese ERE U Ue nde Ta ere NT a 19 Chapter EMERGENCY CONTACTS Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 4 4 Evaluating Laboratory Hazards cccccccsessssecseeececceseeseeseaecaeeeeeeescesseeseaaesaeeeeeeeeseseesseasaaaseeeesess 19 4 5 Working Alone Policy 21 WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY INFORMATION SYSTEM WHMIS 22 5 1 ECHT ER 5 1 1 Si lee mc 22 5 1 2 Workplace Labele 23 5 1 3 Laboratory sample labels eim er sateen ieee dct ents meted 23 5 2 Material Safety Data Sheets MaDs 24 5 2 1 Supplier s een De UU TE 24 5 2 2 Laboratory s responsibilities eeeesesseseseseesee enemies enne nnn 24 5 3 WAMIS Tia ini ERTEILEN ILLI 25 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT osesssessssesssssisssirssirssrrsssrnssinnsttnstntetntatenstenatenssrensrensressstes 25 6 1 Laboratory Coats ute ese te EE dette tee as RUE ERE EE UTE 25 6 2 Hand Protection ient te etica E a EE Rete cS ERR EXE Ee eR ERA 26 6 2 1 Latex gloves and skin reacthons nennen nennen nene nnn nnns sre nn nnn 26 6 2 2 Glove selection guidelines ccccccessecceccceccecssssesenaeeaeeeeeccecesseeseaaeaaeeeseeeseesenesesasaaeeeeeesees 26 6 2 3 Chemical glove selection
34. Plus labware is 10 deg C to 80 deg C An exceptionally clear borosilicate glass of high chemical durability which has been especially formulated for the lowest background count while still at a reasonable cost Great care has been taken to select only those ingredients for the batch that would not cause unwanted background count or color Potassium as a separate element has been excluded from the batch to minimize K40 Special controls ensure high quality and batch to batch uniformity Also referred to as Wheaton 33 low extractable borosilicate glass is a borosilicate glass with exceptional thermal endurance that meets the requirements of Federal specification DD G 541b glass laboratory for both USP and ASTM Type I borosilicate glass Class A This glass meets all sterilization requirements Examples include sample bottles 08913 15 25 45 and 55 and large sample vials 08918 22 23 and 24 Also known as No Sol Vit is a borosilicate glass that falls well within the limits for USP Type I chemically resistant borosilicate glass as specified in the XXIII revision of the U S Pharmacopoeia Examples include safety coated wide mouth bottles 34501 20 50 and 70 a superior soda lime flint glass that meets requirements for USP Type III soda lime glass as specified in the XXIII Revision of the U S Pharmacopoeia Examples include clear safety coated bottles 08922 50 and 60 Similar in formulation to Wheaton 800 glass except it is amber colo
35. RY HAZARDS Trademark names were included because the reader is likely to encounter them in the literature consult laboratory or safety equipment suppliers or the manufacturer for more information on brand name gloves Gloves not listed here may also be suitable refer to the MSDS glove manufacturer or permeation chart The section on electricity is included for information purposes only as all electrical work must be done by licensed electricians Hazard Degree of Hazard Recommended Material Abrasion Severe Reinforced heavy rubber staple reinforced leather Less severe Rubber plastic leather polyester nylon cotton Sharp edges Severe Metal mesh staple reinforced heavy leather Kevlar aramid steel Less severe Leather terry cloth aramid fibre Mild with delicate work Lightweight leather polyester nylon cotton Chemicals and liquids Varies depending on the concentration contact time etc Consult MSDS manufacturer or permeation chart Choice depends on chemical Examples natural nitrile or butyl rubber neoprene PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene polyvinyl chloride polyvinyl alcohol Teflon Viton Saranex 4H Chemrel Barricade Responder Cold Leather insulated plastic or rubber wool cotton Heat Over 350 C Asbestos Zetex Up to 350 C Neoprene coated asbestos heat resistant leather with linings Nomex Kevlar Up to 200 C He
36. UNIVERSI NS E FRASER VALLEY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office The purpose of this manual is to outline hazards and safety processes that are required to maintain a safe environment in UFV laboratories This manual provides a set of minimum standards and practices for the safe and healthy operation of a laboratory and applicable workplaces on UFV campuses 01 03 2013 Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office EMERGENCY CONTACTS Any disaster unusual occurrence utility malfunction or equipment failure that presents imminent danger to human health or property is an emergency and is to be reported immediately by telephone General Contact Numbers Fire Police Ambulance 9 1 1 First Aid All Campuses Local 7770 or 1 855 282 7770 Abbotsford Poison Control Centre 1 800 567 8911 Security All Campuses Local 7770 or 1 855 282 7770 Emergency Contact All Campuses Local 7770 or 1 855 282 7770 University of the Fraser Valley Facilities Dept Contacts Occupational Health and Safety Office 604 854 4534 Biosafety Officer Abbotsford Campus Local 2837 or 604 792 0025 Radiation Safety Officer Abbotsford Campus 604 504 7441 EXT 4307 E Chapter EMERGENCY CONTACTS Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office Table of Contents EMERGENCY CONTACTS ve ssees cvecbscetyace w GR 1 1 UNIVERSITY OF THE
37. active chemicals away from potential contact with water such as plumbing fire sprinkler heads and water baths Handle in a chemical fume hood e Wear the appropriate skin and eye protection e Work with small quantities e Use up or dispose of these chemicals before they attain their expiry date 8 5 Corrosive Chemicals Corrosives are materials such as acids and bases caustics alkalis which can damage body tissues as a result of splashing inhalation or ingestion Also e They may damage metals releasing flammable hydrogen gas e They may damage some plastics e Some corrosives such as sulphuric nitric and perchloric acids are also oxidizers thus they are incompatible with flammable or combustible material e They may release toxic or explosive products when reacted with other chemicals e They may liberate heat when mixed with water Precautions for handling corrosive materials include e Wear appropriate skin and eye protection e Use in the weakest concentration possible Handle in a chemical fume hood e Use secondary containers when transporting and storing corrosives e Always dilute by adding acids to water e Dilute and mix slowly Gei Chapter Control of Chemical Hazards Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office Store acids separately from gases 8 6 Chemical Spill 8 6 1 Spill Response Laboratory heads are responsible for predetermining procedures for response to the types of spill
38. age cabinets Only those flammables in use for the day should be outside the cabinet Guidelines for cabinet use include 9 3 Use NFPA or UL approved flammable liquid storage cabinets Keep cabinet doors closed and latched Do not store other materials in these cabinets and Cabinets must be ventilated refer to Section 13 1 for further information Packing and Moving Chemicals General Procedures Review chemical spill clean up procedures before packing and moving Do not allow third party moving companies or other non laboratory employees with no experience in working with chemicals to box or handle chemicals Consider discarding chemicals which have not been used for a long period of time Review inventory of chemicals for especially dangerous ones i e peroxide formers like isopropyl ether butadiene potassium metal sodium amide etc Handle with extra caution 2 Chapter INVENTORY MANAGEMENT IN LABORATORIES 9 3 2 Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office Wear appropriate PPE lab coat gloves and eyewear and be familiar with chemical s MSDS s before beginning work Segregate and box chemicals into the following groups organics inorganics acids bases oxidizers reducers and flammables Damaged bottles that are open and exposed should be treated as hazardous waste and properly disposed of Separate glass bottles and jars in a box with cardboard or vermiculite to prevent breakage during
39. al protective equipment PPE is designed to protect parts of the body It should act as a primary barrier between the hazard and the worker It does not reduce the hazard itself but reduces chances of exposure to it PPE must be chosen that is appropriate to the hazards that are present All UFV laboratories must be stocked with adequate supplies of PPE and UFV employees must understand what PPE to use for different types of hazards It is the responsibility of UFV employees to ensure that students use PPE and use it properly 6 1 Laboratory Coats Appropriate protective clothing e g lab coats aprons and coveralls is required in all experimental areas where hazardous materials are handled Guidelines for selection and use of protective laboratory clothing are as follows e Select full sleeve knee length lab coats with button or snap closures and full sleeves e Wear a solid front lab coat or gown with back closures and knitted cuffs when working with highly toxic or infectious agents e Wear protective aprons for special procedures such as transferring large volumes of corrosive material e Remove protective clothing when leaving the laboratory e Remove protective clothing in the event of visible or suspected contamination e Provide maximum coverage of skin with clothing in accordance with the risk of exposure UFV employees must determine the specific requirements in each lab Button up lab coats to ensure fullest coverage e R
40. als and items contaminated with potentially infectious agents must be decontaminated before use or disposal Such items include but are not limited to culture media surgical instruments laboratory equipment glassware and biomedical waste including sharps Steam sterilization is not recommended for anhydrous substances flammable materials electrical equipment or any item that may be damaged in the autoclaving process The following is a list of general safety rules that must be adhered to e Only those who have received documented training from a competent person e g Biology laboratory technologist can use the autoclave e If steam is leaking around the door during the sterilization process the door has not been sealed properly Advise your supervisor immediately Si Chapter EQUIPMENT SAFETY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office e All potentially infectious materials must be autoclaved before being washed stored or disposed as biohazardous waste e Never leave un sterilized material inside the autoclave or sitting in the autoclave room overnight e Never autoclave materials that contain toxic agents or volatile chemicals e Do not stack or store combustible materials such as cardboard and plastic containers or flammable liquids next to the autoclave e All biohazardous waste that is to be autoclaved must first be placed in an approved and labelled autoclave bag e Do not double bag waste A
41. ard to the user is from accidental contact exposure to the v Chapter EQUIPMENT SAFETY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office ultrasonic wave However many industrial and commercial uses of ultrasound also incidentally generate and propagate high sound pressure levels in the air in the sonic and ultrasonic range When this happens a hazard may also arise from the ear s reception of the airborne ultrasound Contact exposure to high power ultrasonic energy sources must be avoided at all times The following precautions are recommended to ensure the safe use of ultrasonic baths e Limited surrounding exposure only operators familiar with the safe use of high power ultrasonic bath equipment should be allowed within the boundaries of the controlled area while the equipment is operating Exposure to others in the surrounding area is easily preventable e Use of PPE Personnel using high power ultrasonic baths should be knowledgeable about the possible harmful effects of ultrasonic energy and take preventative measure such as wearing protective hearing devices disposable ear plugs and gloves while operating equipment e Use of signage a warning sign for ultrasonic energy sources in a laboratory is recommended for use see below Warning signs should be placed at or near the vicinity of the high power energy source Accompanying each warning sign there should also be a statement indicating the precautionary measures to b
42. at resistant leather terry cloth aramid fibre Nomex Kevlar Up to 100 C Chrome tanned leather terry cloth Electricity Rubber insulated gloves tested to appropriate voltage CSA Standard Z259 4 M1979 with leather outer glove General duty Cotton terry cloth leather Product Thin film plastic lightweight contamination leather cotton polyester nylon Radiation Low to moderate Any disposable rubber or plastic glove radiotoxicity KS Chapter APPENDIX 2 WHMIS CLASSIFICATION APPENDIX 4 DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office Revision 00 Reason New Document Date Chapter APPENDIX 4 Document Revision History
43. ate for proper functionality cleanliness and contamination Dirty or contaminated eyewear can be cleaned with standard eyeglass pump sprays and or a water bleach solution for decontamination Approved safety glasses with side shields are the minimum protection required in a laboratory Goggles and face shields may also be required for certain procedures as determined by the instructor 6 4 Respiratory Protection Under normal circumstances at UFV laboratories the use of fume hoods should generally eliminate respiratory hazards and the use of dust masks may also be adequate Extreme equipment such as respirator masks and self contained breathing SCBA regulators should not be required for laboratory situations If such equipment is ever required the selection should be based on the CSA Standard Selection Use and Care of Respirators CSA Z94 4 93 It is essential the wearer be properly instructed for safe and fit use of a respirator 6 5 Hearing Protection Hearing protection is not likely required in UFV laboratories but in British Columbia hearing protection is required for noise levels above 85 decibels In the event that such noise levels are encountered UFV must have hearing protection aids available for employees and students in the form of disposable sponge ear plugs Ped Chapter PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 6 6 Foot Protection As a general rule people
44. ce 16 18 1 Handling Glass Rods or Tubes e Fire polish the ends e Lubricate with water or glycerin when inserting through stopper e Ensure stopper holes are properly sized and not too small e Insert carefully with a slight twisting motion keeping hands close together along the side never over the end of the rod or tube and e Use gloves or a cloth towel to protect your hands 16 18 2 Glass Thermometers and Barometers Containing Mercury e These instruments must be handled with care to avoid breakage and release of mercury droplets e Store instruments in a manner that minimizes chances of being accidentally smashed dropped or otherwise broken e Wear gloves when handling instruments e Do not expose instruments to temperature or pressure extremes to avoid breakage e If these instruments are broken carefully clean area of broken glass and dispose of as described in Section 12 6 For directions on cleanup and disposal of mercury waste refer to Appendix XXXX 16 18 3 Types of Glass Laboratory Glassware is made from many different variations and formulations The following Table outlines brief definitions of some glass types and descriptions of their characteristics This information is to be used as a guideline only all materials should be tested under actual conditions before used in specific applications Glass type Trade name Characteristics and Properties Corning Pyrex 7740 A borosilicate low expansion Type I glass
45. ce at any time However if the nature of your work makes it unavoidable take measures to ensure that others are aware of your location and have someone check in with you from time to time either in person or by telephone Before conducting any work alone in a laboratory go through this checklist to determine if it is appropriate to proceed e s your supervisor aware of your plans e Are there any hazardous experiments involved Examples High temperature High vacuum Extremely flammable materials low flash point Poisonous materials Scaling up i e higher quantities O O O O O e Have you reviewed your procedure with your supervisor Do you have a written operating procedure e Are your apparatus and equipment in good working condition e Are you trained to carry out the work Do you have a check in check out procedure e Do you have an emergency contingency e Do you have access to a UFV telephone rather than a cell in case of an emergency e Does your door have a viewing window or other means of indicating someone is inside e Are you aware of the emergency evacuations procedure e Do you have access to a telephone in case of an emergency e Do you have access to a first aid kit e Do you have access to a spill kit Hard Chapter GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 5 WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY INFORMATION SYSTEM WHMIS The Workplace Ha
46. cted to its output The power generated must never be allowed to radiate freely into occupied areas 16 10 Ultraviolet Lamps Exposure to ultraviolet light UV may result in serious and painful injury to the eyes or skin depending on the specific wavelength of the light to which the individual is exposed the intensity of the light and the duration of exposure That is why it is essential that the following safety precautions e Conspicuously label all UV light sources with the following warning or equivalent Warning this device produces potentially harmful UV light Protect eyes and skin from exposure e Shield UV light sources Ensure that appropriate PPE is worn and is sufficient to protect the eyes and skin PPE should include at least UV resistant face shield gloves and lab coat 16 11 Shielding Appropriate shielding must be used whenever an operation involves working with chemicals that have the potential of exploding or severely splashing Examples include e When a reaction is attempted for the first time e When a familiar reaction is carried out on a larger scale than usual e Whenever operations are carried out under non ambient conditions e Whenever a severe splashing potential exists for corrosive materials Shielding or equivalent precautions are to be used when working with non ionizing radiation sources magnetic or other fields Examples include e Lasers e Infrared radiation e Ultraviolet radiation
47. ctim is not in contact with the power supply before touching him her If the victim remains in contact with a power source unplug the device or shut off the main power switch at the electrical distribution panel Dial 911 if the burn is serious Seek immediate medical treatment for all electrical burns even if they don t appear to be serious Remove jewellery including watches from the burned area Expose the burnt area but avoid removing clothes that are stuck to the skin If possible immerse burnt surfaces in cold water for at least 10 minutes or apply cold wet packs Avoid applying lotions ointments or disinfectants to a burn First and second degree burns can be washed with soap and water after the cool down period Cover first and second degree burns with a moist bandage apply dry compresses to third degree burns and to entry and exit wounds of electrical burns Do not burst blisters as they form a natural barrier against infection Burns to the eyes Burns to the eyes may be caused by chemical substances heat hot liquids steam open flames molten metal etc or radiation from welding procedures laboratory lamps and lasers Burns caused by ultraviolet visible or near infrared radiation may not produce symptoms until 6 8 hours after exposure First aid procedures for chemical burns to the eyes are described in Section 3 3 below General first aid procedures for thermal and radiation burns to the eyes are as follows Preve
48. d be labeled to identify the specific gas that they are designed for Only use non adjustable wrenches no pliers or adjustable wrenches for loosening and tightening brass nuts on regulators Thread the cylinder connection brass nut on the regulator onto a gas cylinder valve by hand until snug then use wrench to tighten Thread the brass nut of the regulator outlet to the hose or pipe of the gas recipient equipment by hand until snug then use wrench to tighten Never use lubricants or Teflon tape on a connection thread When connections are tightened slowly open the master cylinder valve until the cylinder pressure gauge value stabilizes Slowly turn the pressure adjustment knob counter clockwise to open the regulator valve Turn until the desired delivery pressure is indicated on the delivery pressure gauge Open the outlet valve and readjust the delivery pressure if required It is recommended to have on hand a leak test solution such as SNOOP to detect leaks in connections Leak test solution should be sprayed or otherwise applied to regulator connections to confirm that there are no leaks e Chapter COMPRESSED GASES AND CRYOGENICS Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 14 2 Cryogenic Hazards Cryogenics refers to very low temperature materials such as dry ice solid CO and liquefied air or gases like nitrogen and oxygen The following potential hazards are associated with the use of cryogenics 14 2
49. d duties under OHSR and the regulations establish occupational health and safety policies and programs in accordance with the regulations provide and maintain in good condition protective equipment devices and clothing as required by regulation and ensure that these are used by the employer s workers provide to the employer s workers the information instruction training and supervision necessary to ensure the health and safety of those workers in carrying out their work and to ensure the health and safety of other workers at the workplace make a copy of OHSR and the regulations readily available for review by the employer s workers and at each workplace where workers of the employer are regularly employed post and keep posted a notice advising where the copy is available for review consult and cooperate with the joint committees and worker health and safety representatives for workplaces of the employer and cooperate with the Board officers of the Board and any other person carrying out a duty under OHSR or the regulations m Chapter RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 2 2 General Duties of Supervisors e Supervisor must o ensure the health and safety of all workers under the direct supervision of the supervisor o be knowledgeable about OHSR and regulations applicable to the work being supervised and o comply with OHSR the regulations and all applicable safety
50. d in labs Smoking eating drinking storing food beverages or tobacco applying cosmetics or lip balm and handling contact lenses are not permitted in laboratories Wear lab coats knee length and safety glasses in laboratories employing chemicals biohazards or radioisotopes Open shoes such as sandals should never be worn in the lab Tie back or otherwise restrain long hair at all times when working in the laboratory os Chapter GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES 4 3 Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office Keep work places clean and free of unwanted chemicals biological specimens radios and idle equipment Avoid leaving reagent bottles empty or full on the floor Work only with materials once you know their flammability reactivity toxicity safe handling and storage and emergency procedures Consult material safety data sheets MSDS before working with hazardous chemicals or infectious material Replace MSDS that are more than 3 years old Prepare and maintain a chemical inventory for the lab Never pipette by mouth use mechanical transfer devices Walk do not run in the lab Keep exits and passageways clear at all times Ensure that access to emergency equipment eyewashes safety showers and fire extinguishers is not blocked Report accidents and dangerous incidents near misses promptly Wash your hands thoroughly before leaving the laboratory Conduct procedures involving the release of v
51. designed for use in all products requiring very high resistance to strong acids or alkalis and in products intended for use in heat applications such as autoclaves hot plates and open flame Examples include Pyrex beakers burettes centrifuge tubes cylinders desiccators dishes flasks fritted ware funnels and jars Corning Vycor 7913 This material is formed as a borosilicate type glass It is then subjected to a chemical treatment that removes most of the elements in the glass except silica SiO Glass is then reheated to eliminate the microscopic holes caused by the chemical treatment Only quartz has higher silica content It is designed for use in all products that must withstand very high temperatures or thermal shock Since Corning is the only company that makes VYCOR there are no federal or ASTM standards Examples include evaporating dishes 34587 20 and 22 Corning PyrexPlus This laboratory glassware is Pyrex brand borosilicate glass labware which has been coated with a tough transparent plastic vinyl The coating which is applied to the outside of the vessel helps prevent exterior surface abrasion It also helps minimize E Chapter EQUIPMENT SAFETY Wheaton 180 Wheaton 200 Wheaton 400 Wheaton 800 Wheaton 900 Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office the loss of contents and helps contain glass fragments if the glass vessel is broken The recommended temperature range for Pyrex
52. e Not operate or use any equipment in such a manner as to endanger him herself or someone else e Determine in consultation with their supervisor the potential hazards appropriate safety precautions and proper waste disposal techniques before beginning any new project or experiment e Right to refuse work they deem to be unsafe Note All of the points listed above also apply to workers P Chapter RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 2 6 Work Refusal The right to refuse unsafe work is a fundamental right held by workers and is an integral element in ensuring work is carried out safely This right allows workers who reasonably believe work is unsafe to ensure their employer investigates and where necessary corrects the hazard A flow chart is included in APPENDIX 1 OHSR FLOWCHARTAPPENDIX 1 however it is recommended that the OHSR be referenced for greater detail e Chapter RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 3 GENERAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES All personnel and students in the laboratory must be familiar with the proper procedures and call 911 in the event of an emergency Note that all serious incidents must be also be reported immediately by calling Campus Security at 7770 Additionally all health and safety incidents involving staff students tenants contractors or visitors which occur on University owned or
53. e taken while the ultrasound power is on ie Wear hearing protection Labels should be placed on all ultrasonic cleaning tanks cautioning nearby personnel not to immerse hands or other parts of the body in the tank while it is operating 16 7 Ovens and Hot Plates Laboratory ovens are useful for baking or curing material off gassing dehydrating samples and drying glassware e Ensure that oven design prevents contact between flammable vapours and heating elements or spark producing components e Discontinue use of oven if the backup thermostat pilot light or temperature controller has failed e Avoid heating toxic materials in an oven unless it is vented outdoors via a canopy hood for example e Never use laboratory ovens for preparation of food for human consumption e Ensure that glassware placed in an oven is designed to handle the high temperatures e Glassware that has been rinsed with an organic solvent should be rinsed with distilled water before it is placed in a drying oven Hot plates in a laboratory setting also present potential hazards Personnel using hot plates should be aware of the following e Atypical hotplate will not appear to be obviously hot especially shortly after it has been shut off Personnel should have a sign and or verbally communicate to other persons in the laboratory that a hot plate is in use 2 Chapter EQUIPMENT SAFETY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office e Gla
54. egible or damaged or when it is removed A workplace label must contain the following information e product identifier product name e information for the safe handling of the product and reference to the MSDS A workplace label may contain the following information e WHMIS hazard symbols or other pictographs 5 1 3 Laboratory sample labels Laboratory samples are samples intended solely to be tested in a laboratory or used for educational or demonstration purposes Laboratory samples do not include WHMIS controlled products that are used by the laboratory for testing other products materials or substances e g buffer solutions The requirements for laboratory samples that are intended to be used in a laboratory immediately same day and solely by that person who prepared them include the following e clear and unambiguous label on the sample e a description of sample s contents must be readily available e g noted in a lab book and e MSDS for the sample must be readily available Laboratory samples to be transported outside of a laboratory e g sent elsewhere for analysis including within UFV Campus must have a label affixed to it that contains the following information e product identifier product name owner s name name of Laboratory Technician who prepared the sample e lab number e contact telephone number of owner or Laboratory Technician Chapter WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY INFORMATION SYST
55. emove and hang up lab coats prior to leaving the lab e Keep lab coats clean and launder them separately from regular clothing e Wear rubber aprons when handling highly corrosive or reactive materials a Chapter PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 6 2 Hand Protection In the laboratory gloves are used for protection from radiation chemical products biohazardous material and physical hazards such as abrasion tearing puncture and exposure to temperature extremes 6 2 1 Latex gloves and skin reactions Natural latex is derived from the sap of the rubber tree and contains rubber polymers carbohydrates lipids phospholipids and proteins During the manufacturing process additional chemical agents are added to impart elasticity flexibility and durability to the latex Because of these properties and because of their high tactile strength and low cost latex gloves are used for many laboratory procedures Unfortunately for some people wearing latex gloves can cause skin reactions these can be either irritant or allergic in nature and can be caused by e chronic irritation from sweating of hands inside gloves or from gloves rubbing against the skin e sensitization to the chemical additives used in the manufacturing process reaction to naturally occurring latex proteins Frequent handwashing as well as residues from scrubs soaps cleaning agents and disinfectants may
56. esssseseseeeeeee enne nennen ennemis nrne enne s nennen nenne 73 m Chapter EMERGENCY CONTACTS Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 1 UNIVERSITY OF THE FRASER VALLEY HEALTH AND SAFETY 1 1 University Health and Safety Policy Statement University of the Fraser Valley is committed to providing a safe healthy and environmentally responsible workplace and learning environment for its employees and students UFV believes that no task or activity is so important that it can t be done in a safe manner and in compliance with all applicable safety codes and standards University of the Fraser Valley therefore resolves to pursue any reasonable course of action to ensure achievement of these standards including the enforcement of all applicable health safety and environmental protection regulations prompt actions to correct unsafe conditions and continued safety and education for all concerned It is therefore the policy of UFV to 1 Protect the safety of employees students and visitors against accidents and occupational hazards 2 Comply with all relevant regulations and standards relating to occupational health and safety 3 Give priority to safe working conditions and job safety practices in the planning budgeting direction and implementation of UFV activities Every UFV Senior Administrator Dean Director Manager and Supervisor is accountable to maintain the standards that are required to meet this pol
57. for gas to the laboratory e Handle flammable and combustible chemicals inside of a fume hood 10 3 Classes of fire The National Fire Protection Association NFPA has defined four classes of fire according to the type of fuel involved These are Class A fires involve combustibles such as paper wood cloth rubber and many plastics Class B fires entail burning of liquid fuels like oil based paints greases solvents oil and gasoline Class C fires are of electrical origin fuse boxes electric motors wiring Class D fires encompass combustible metals such as magnesium sodium potassium and phosphorus UFV must have Fire Extinguishers on hand in each laboratory that is appropriate for the classes of fuels that are present At present Class ABC fire extinguishers are suitable for UFV s needs These extinguishers must be inspected serviced and maintained on a regular basis by an outside contractor o Chapter FIRE SAFETY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 11 RADIATION SAFETY Under the Radiation Protection Regulations of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission CNSC every licensee is required to implement a Radiation Safety Program that meets specified requirements At UFV the responsibility for establishing and continually reviewing the radiation safety program is delegated by the Geography Department The Geography Department is responsible for implementing the radiation safety program on a da
58. ful for equipment that is left on for extended periods of time such as stirrers vacuum pumps drying ovens Variacs and other electrical equipment The ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI is designed to shutoff electric power if a ground fault is detected protecting the user from a potential electrical shock The GFCI is particularly useful near sinks and wet locations Since GFCls can cause equipment to shutdown unexpectedly they may not be appropriate for certain apparatus Portable GFCI adapters available in most safety supply catalogues may be used with a non GFCI outlet 15 5 6 Motors In laboratories where volatile flammable materials are used motor driven electrical equipment should be equipped with non sparking induction motors or air motors Avoid series wound motors such as those generally found in some vacuum pumps rotary evaporators and stirrers Series wound motors are also usually found in household appliances such as blenders mixers vacuum cleaners and power drills These appliances should not be used unless flammable vapours are adequately controlled Although some newer equipment has spark free induction motors the on off switches and speed controls may be able to produce a spark when they are adjusted because they have exposed contacts One solution is to remove any switches located on the device and insert a switch on the cord near the plug end E Chapter PHYSICAL HAZARDS AND ERGONOMICS Laboratory Safety
59. full they are transported to a pickup location and taken away for processing and disposal by an outside contractor company At the discretion of knowledgeable laboratory employees some liquid chemical waste can be discarded down the drain Examples include but are not limited to aqueous buffers dilute acids and bases In general solid waste must be collected and stored in suitable containers metal or plastic bottles or pails with sealable lid and stored in a ventilated area ie chemical bunker The containers must be labeled to indicate that they are being used to store solid chemical waste Solid chemical waste may originate from a spill in which case a dust pan and brush can be used to collect the waste and transferred to the storage container Knowledgeable laboratory employees must be wary of the compatibility or non compatibility of combining certain classes of solid chemical waste together in the same container When containers are ready for disposal they are to be transported to a pickup location and taken away for processing and disposal by an outside contractor company 12 2 Biohazardous waste See Biosafety Laboratory Manual for details 12 3 Radioisotope Disposal See Radiation Safety Program Manual for details an Chapter HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 12 4 Regular Garbage Regular garbage should not contain any hazardous waste All regular garbage bins are
60. further irritate the skin Using one of the following alternatives may reduce the risk of skin problems associated with the use of latex rubber gloves e non latex gloves e hypo allergenic non powdered or low protein latex gloves e polyethylene PVC or cloth liners under latex gloves e non latex gloves under latex gloves Occurrences of skin problems e g rash itching peeling red blistering skin or dry flaking skin with cracks and sores that seem to be associated with the wearing of latex gloves should be reported to a physician when symptoms first appear 6 2 2 Glove selection guidelines View Appendix 3 for Recommended Glove Materials for a Variety of Laboratory Hazards Base selection of glove material on e identification of the work procedures requiring hand protection flexibility and touch sensitivity required a need for high tactile sensitivity for example would restrict glove thickness and some protocols may require the use of gloves with non slip or textured surfaces e type and length of contact e g occasional or splash vs prolonged or immersion contact Y Chapter PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 6 2 3 Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office whether disposable or reusable gloves are more appropriate Chemical glove selection No single glove material is resistant to all chemicals nor will most gloves remain resistant to a specific chemical for longer than a few hours Dete
61. h as tapes and floppy disks disable credit and automated teller machine ATM cards and damage analog watches e Avoid skin contact with cryogenic liquid helium and nitrogen wear a protective face mask and loose fitting thermal gloves during dewar servicing and when handling frozen samples Refer to Section 14 Compressed Gases and Cryogenics e Ensure that ventilation is sufficient to remove the helium or nitrogen gas exhausted by the instrument e Avoid positioning your head over the helium and nitrogen exit tubes e NMR tubes are thin walled handle them carefully and reserve them for NMR use only rd Chapter EQUIPMENT SAFETY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 16 16 High pressure liquid chromatography HPLC equipment HPLC procedures may require handling of compressed gas helium and flammable and toxic chemicals Familiarize yourself with the hazardous properties of these products as well as recommended precautionary measures by referring to MSDSs e Inspect the drain system regularly empty the waste container frequently when using organic solvents e Ensure that waste collection vessels are vented e Never use solvents with autoignition temperatures below 1100C e Be sure to use a heavy walled flask if you plan to use vacuum to degas the solvent e Never clean a flowcell by forcing solvents through a syringe syringes under pressure can leak or rupture resulting in sudden release of syri
62. h as using the telephone Always wash your hands after removing gloves even if they appear not to be contaminated Do not reuse disposable gloves Follow the manufacturer s instructions for cleaning and maintenance of reusable gloves Before using gloves learn how to remove them without touching the contaminated outer surface with your hands E Chapter PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 6 3 Eye and Face Protection All UFV employees students and visitors must wear appropriate eye and or facial protection in e All areas where hazardous materials or substances of an unknown nature are stored used or handled Allareas where the possibility of splash flying objects moving particles and or rupture exist e All areas where there are other eye hazards e g UV or laser light e Guidelines for selection and use of protective eyewear e Light to moderate work CSA approved safety glasses with side shields are the minimum requirement for working in a laboratory e Goggles should be utilized when working under significant risk of splash of chemicals or projectiles e A full face shield plus goggles should be utilized when working under significant risk of splashing on the face or possible explosion e If safety glasses with correction lenses are needed first consult with an optometrist or ophthalmologist All PPE eyewear should be inspected regularly as is appropri
63. hood to run for 10 15 minutes before turning off 5 Chapter LABORATORY VENTILATION AND FUMEHOODS Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office When fume hoods are properly used and maintained they will render substantial protection provided the user is aware of its capabilities and limitations Proper usage and maintenance encompasses the following 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Controls for the operation of a fume hood and its services must be located outside the fume hood and must be immediately accessible to the laboratory worker except that water taps may be located inside the cabinet if the main shutoff valve is in a safe location outside the cabinet A fume hood must be connected to a local exhaust ventilation system which will provide minimum air velocities over the operational face area of the hood of a an average of 0 5 m s 100 fpm but not less than 0 4 m s 80 fpm at any point across the face and b anaverage of 0 75 m s 150 fpm but not less than 0 65 m s 125 fpm at any point across the face if the fume hood is used for carcinogenic substances A fume hood must be located to prevent cross drafts or other disruptive forces from lowering the air flow across the operational face to unacceptable levels A fume hood and its ductwork must be constructed from materials compatible with its use A fume hood must be clearly labeled with any applicable restrictions on its use A fume h
64. icy Standards will apply to establishing annual accident prevention objectives and related action plans maintaining facilities and equipment ensuring that employees understand what is expected of them in accident prevention performance and endorsing and supporting the OH amp S Program Each instructional employee or supervisor within the Faculty Division will ensure that the pertinent regulations and safe work procedures are followed by all employees or students that adequate training is provided to the employee or student and that safe work procedures are implemented on the worksite All employees and students are responsible for knowing and observing pertinent regulations in the work area and for following safe work procedures Each employee and student is expected to report unsafe conditions and unsafe behaviour to his her Instructor or Supervisor Your cooperation in observing the proper health safety and environmental protection regulations is vital to the success of this objective It is the responsibility of all employees or students to follow safe CS Chapter UNIVERSITY OF THE FRASER VALLEY HEALTH AND SAFETY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office work procedures to observe health and safety regulations and to constantly work towards improving health and safety standards at the University of the Fraser Valley 1 2 Introduction of Laboratory Safety at UFV The laboratory environment can be a hazardous
65. ily basis For more information contact Dr Olav Lian at extension 4307 No work with radioactive material may be conducted until the individual has been trained in the safe handling of radioisotopes by Geography Department and provided operational training by the supervisor Any work with radioactive materials must be approved by Geography Department before work begins Training must be in accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission CNSC Below is a list of general safety precautions for handling radioactivity at UFV The safety precautions listed below apply only to Stronium 90 radioisotope If in the future UFV is to handle higher energy isotopes the safety precautions listed below may need to be reviewed and revised e All employees and students who work with radioactive materials must be conscientious of their activities and actions e All users of radioactive materials must be either an authorized user persons with an extensive knowledge of radioactivity and safe working procedures or work under the direction of an approved authorized user e All laboratories using radioactive materials must have a Caution Radioactive Materials door sign e Use tongs or tweezers to handle individual plastic discs containing radioactive isotope e Perform procedures quickly efficiently and precisely Store all radioactive materials within clearly labeled and shielded containers 11 1 Physical Securit
66. king on site e contains the MSDS for all WHMIS controlled products in the laboratory e contains MSDS that are all less than 3 years old e is updated when new information becomes available MSDS Collections may be stored in several ways a filing cabinet binders on a personal computer or by any other means of storage At the very least there must be a hard copy collection of all MSDS s and all employees must be informed and aware of its location and have unrestricted access to the data sheets at any time In order to simplify MSDS management multiple departments utilizing a common laboratory space or which are in close proximity to each other ie in the same building can share a central MSDS collection All lab employees must have 24 7 access to the MSDS Collection area If the room is sometimes locked all employees must have a key Students are to have supervised limited access to MSDS s Chapter WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY INFORMATION SYSTEM WHMIS N Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 5 3 WHMIS Training WHMIIS training is a major component of the WHMIS legislation and therefore is mandatory for all employees at UFV working with controlled products UFV is required to provide initial WHMIS training and it is encouraged that employees take a refresher course every 2 years For more information on WHMIIS training at UFV contact the OHSO 6 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Person
67. l May burn or explode when exposed to heat sparks or flames Flammable burns readily at room temperature Combustible burns when heated e Store away from Class C oxidizing materials e Store away from sources of heat sparks and flame Do not smoke near these materials Class C Oxidizing Material Can cause other materials to burn or explode by providing oxygen May burn skin and eyes on contact e Store away from Class B flammable and combustible materials e Store away from sources of heat and ignition e Wear the recommended protective equipment and clothing Class D Poisonous and Infectious Material Division 1 Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects May cause immediate death or serious injury if inhaled swallowed or absorbed through the skin e Avoid inhaling gas or vapors Avoid skin and eye contact e Wear the recommended protective equipment and clothing e Do not eat drink or smoke near these materials e Wash hands after handling Class D Poisonous and Infectious Material Q May cause death or permanent injury following repeated or long term exposure May irritate eyes skin and breathing passages may lead to chronic lung problems and skin sensitivity May cause liver or kidney damage cancer e Avoid inhaling gas or vapors e Avoid skin and eye contact e Wear the recommended protective equipment and clothing e Chapter
68. l Arts This manual attempts to be all encompassing for laboratory safety However it should be kept in mind that not every possible emergency scenario can be predicted or foreseen ahead of time Laboratory safety requires constant due diligence and exercise of common sense by each individual working in such facilities SS Chapter UNIVERSITY OF THE FRASER VALLEY HEALTH AND SAFETY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 2 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES All workplace parties have rights as well as duties under British Columbia Occupational Health and Safety Regulation OHSR According to this regulation employers supervisors and workers all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and healthy workplace 2 1 General Duties of Employers e Employer must O Ensure the health and safety of all workers working for that employer any other workers present at a workplace at which that employer s work is being carried out and comply with OHSR and any applicable regulations e Without limiting the above employer must also O remedy any workplace conditions that are hazardous to the health or safety of the employer s workers ensure that the employer s workers are made aware of all known or reasonably foreseeable health or safety hazards to which they are likely to be exposed by their work comply with OHSR the regulations and any applicable orders and are made aware of their rights an
69. l not be initiated if any one of these elements is absent and will not be sustained if one of these elements is removed This concept is useful in understanding prevention and control of fires For example the coexistence of flammable vapours and ignition sources should be avoided but when flammable vapours cannot be controlled elimination of ignition sources is essential UFV employees should have an understanding of the fire triangle and how best to work in the laboratory such that they are minimizing the potential of any or all of the three components of the triangle to be simultaneously present CG Chapter FIRE SAFETY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 10 2 General Guidelines for Working Safely and Minimizing Chances of Fire e Avoid using open flames if possible otherwise use an open flame only as long as necessary and extinguish it when done Do not use an open flame to heat flammable or combustible materials e Remove all flammable and combustible materials from the work area before lighting a flame e Notify all others in the lab and note any procedure using flammable and combustible gases and liquids before lighting a flame Store all flammable and combustible materials properly as specified in Section 9 e Use non spark generating equipment and have adequate ventilation if a flammable atmosphere may be present e Inthe event of fire immediately locate and shut off the master supply valve
70. legislation dictates what information is required on a workplace label Any controlled products whether in transit storage or use must be labelled A label may be a mark sign stamp device sticker ticket tag or wrapper and must be attached to imprinted stencilled or embossed on the container of the controlled product There are 2 types of labels prescribed under WHMIS regulation supplier labels and workplace labels 5 1 1 Supplier s labels Suppliers are responsible for labelling WHMIS controlled products A supplier label must contain the following information e product identifier name of product e supplier identifier name of company that sold it e hazard symbols WHMIS classification symbols e risk phrases words that describe the main hazards of the product e precautionary statements how to work with the product safely e first aid measures what to do in an emergency X Chapter WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY INFORMATION SYSTEM WHMIS Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office e reference to the MSDS e be written in both official languages 5 1 2 Workplace labels A workplace label must appear on all WHMIS controlled products when e controlled products are produced manufactured or prepared e g stock solutions in the laboratory e the controlled product is transferred from the original container into another container and e the original supplier label becomes ill
71. ly resistant to the gas being used tubing length should not be longer than is necessary and should be secured if necessary Do not use adaptors or Teflon PTFE tape to attach regulators to gas cylinders The recommendation of commercial gas suppliers is that regulator fittings in good condition do not require additional sealants Do not lubricate an oxygen regulator Compressed gas cylinders have a finite shelf life Ensure cylinders are regularly inspected Any cylinder that is corroded or has damaged valve components should be returned to the supplier All cylinders older than five years should be returned to the manufacturer Manufacturers of corrosive gases recommend that cylinders of corrosives be replaced every six months to guard against valve failure Any cylinder that is found to be leaking must be returned to the vendor Do not expose cylinders to temperatures extreme beyond the range of typical indoor and outdoor environmental temperatures Always wear eye protection when working with compressed gases Store incompatible classes of gases separately Guidelines for Safe Handling and Usage of Gas Cylinder Regulators Only qualified experienced WHMIS trained individuals are allowed to be handling and manipulating gas regulators At a minimum PPE such as lab coats and safety glasses must be worn before working with gas regulators Confirm that the properly rated regulator is being used for the specific gas cylinder Regulators shoul
72. materials so high that stability is compromised e Leave a minimum of 18 inches 45 7 cm of clearance between sprinkler heads and the top of storage e Use a safety step or stepladder to access higher items never stand on a stool or a chair e Store frequently used items between knee and shoulder height e Store heavy objects on lower shelves 15 2 Glassware e Repair replace or dispose of any damaged glassware Follow proper disposal procedures for damaged glassware refer to Section 12 6 for further details e Ensure that you are using gloves that provide adequate protection when working with glass tubing at a minimum latex gloves e Tape permanent vacuum glassware which presents an implosion risk with either electrical or duct tape or use appropriate shielding e Ensure that you are using gloves that provide adequate protection when picking up broken glass at a minimum latex gloves e When using and handling specialized glassware ensure that you have had proper instruction and training on its safe and effective use m Chapter PHYSICAL HAZARDS AND ERGONOMICS Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office e Specific procedures may apply for contaminated glassware i e glassware contaminated with biohazardous materials must be handled differently than chemical contamination Refer to UFV Biosafety Manual for details of handling glassware with biohazardous contamination 15 3 Systems Under Pressure or Vacu
73. mes using whatever is immediately available such as a fireproof blanket or clothing e Give appropriate first aid refer to Section 3 1 1 3 6 Hazardous Chemical Spills In the event of a spill of a hazardous volatile toxic corrosive reactive or flammable chemical the following procedures should be followed e If there is fire pull the nearest alarm If you are unable to control or extinguish a fire follow the fire evacuation procedures as described by UFV s Emergency Procedures e Ifthe spill is in a laboratory shop or chemical storeroom o Evacuate all personnel from the room o Be sure the hood local exhaust is turned on o If flammable liquids are spilled disconnect the electricity to sources of ignition if possible o Call the campus emergency telephone number Local 7770 to request additional assistance if you cannot manage the clean up yourself e Ifthe spill is in a corridor or other public passageway o Evacuate all people from the area and close off the area to keep others out o Callthe emergency telephone number Local 7770 to have the air system in the area shut down to prevent contamination of other areas and to request additional assistance Note For more detailed information on spill clean up action Refer to Section 8 6 3 and UFV Chemical Spill Response Guideline E Chapter GENERAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 3 7 Natural Gas Leaks
74. nd Transport of Compressed Gas Cylinders e A sturdy cylinder cart should be used for transporting cylinders Chain or strap the cylinder to the cart e When cylinders are not in use or are being transported remove the regulator and attach the protective cap e All gas cylinders full or empty should be secured to a solid support such as a wall using suitable racks straps chains or stands e Cylinders must be prevented from striking each other directly This can be achieved by placing cylinders at a suitable distance from each other or by wrapping the upper part of cylinders with plastic webbing e Never bleed a cylinder completely empty leave a residual pressure e Cylinders of flammable gases including hydrogen must be grounded potential ignition sources such as open flames sparks and hot surfaces must be removed from the vicinity flammable gas cylinders e Toxic odourless gases must be used with a venting system e Verify that the regulator is appropriate for the gas being used and the pressure being delivered Do not rely upon the pressure gauge to indicate the maximum pressure ratings check the regulator s specifications o Chapter COMPRESSED GASES AND CRYOGENICS 14 1 2 Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office Ensure the tubing and the apparatus downstream from the regulator are designed to withstand the pressures intended to be delivered The tubing and other components should also be chemical
75. nge contents e Switch off the electrical power and disconnect the line cord when performing routine maintenance of the pump High voltage and internal moving parts are present in the pump Shut down and allow the system to return to atmospheric pressure before carrying out maintenance procedures 16 17 Liquid chromatography LC MS equipment LC MS requires the handling of compressed nitrogen and flammable and toxic chemicals Consult product MSDSs before using them Specific precautions for working with LC MS equipment include e Verify gas pump exhaust and drain system tubing and connections before each use e Test the pressure switch for the exhaust line before each use e Ensure that pumps are vented outside the laboratory 16 18 Glassware Safety e Use a dustpan and brush not your hands to pick up broken glass e Discard broken glass in a rigid container separate from regular garbage and label it appropriately refer to Section 12 6 for glass waste e Protect glass that is subject to high pressure or vacuum Wrapping glass vessels with cloth tape will minimize the possibility of projectiles e Glass is weakened by everyday stresses such as heating and bumping Handle used glassware with extra care e Discard or repair all damaged glassware as chipped cracked or star cracked vessels cannot be expected to endure stress from normal use o Chapter EQUIPMENT SAFETY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Offi
76. ngers e Roll your eyeballs so that water can flow over the entire surface of the eye e Lift your eyelids frequently to ensure complete flushing e Cover the injured eye with dry sterile gauze pads while waiting for medical attention y Chapter GENERAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 3 4 Poisoning As described in Section 8 1 toxic substances can enter and poison the body by inhalation absorption through the skin ingestion or injection When assisting a victim of poisoning Call for an ambulance dial 911 for serious poisoning Ensure that the area is safe to enter before attempting to aid the victim Move the victim away from the contaminated area and provide first aid as required Do not induce vomiting unless advised to do so by Abbotsford Poison Control Centre 1 800 567 8911 Provide emergency medical personnel with the MSDS for the poisonous product If the victim was overcome by an unknown poison and has vomited provide the ambulance technicians with a sample of the vomitus Always ensure that the victim receives medical attention even if the exposure seems minor 3 5 Fires The immediate response depends on the size of the fire Laboratory personnel should attempt to extinguish a fire only if it is clearly safe to do so Refer to Section 10 3 5 1 Suspected fires All members of the University should familiarize themselves with the locations of the fire
77. nt the victim from rubbing or touching the eyes For heat burns flush the eyes with cool water until the pain subsides Cover the eyes with dry sterile gauze pads apply a wet compress to the eyes if it is too painful to close them Send the victim for medical care If the burn is the result of exposure to a laser beam advise emergency medical personnel of the characteristics of the laser and the distance between the victim and the laser 3 2 Cuts First aid treatment for minor scrapes scratches cuts lacerations or puncture wounds include the following Wash the wound and surrounding area with mild soap and running water Remove any dirt around the wound Cover with an adhesive dressing or gauze square taped on all sides with adhesive tape i Chapter GENERAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office e Wounds caused by dirty soiled or grimy objects should be examined by a physician who will determine whether a tetanus immunization is needed e ifthe wound was caused by an object that has contacted human blood or body fluids the victim must be seen by a physician immediately as immunization or post exposure prophylaxis may be required e Ifa wound is bleeding profusely the first aider should attempt to stop the bleeding as quickly as possible o Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart if possible in order to reduce the blood pressure to the area of the wound o A
78. o avoid glare from lights or windows e Computer keyboards and pointing devices are positioned so that wrists are kept in a neutral position and forearms are horizontal e Color lettering size and contrast of images on the computer monitors should be optimized customized by the operator through the operating system control panel and or monitor adjustment knobs for comfort and minimal eye strain e Work station design does not necessitate excessive bending reaching stretching or twisting e Vibration producing equipment such as vortex mixers and pump type pipettors are not used for extended periods of time e Buttons and knobs on equipment are accessible and of a good size e Aids such as carts and dolly s are available for transport of heavy and or bulky items e Employees are informed on proper techniques for lifting or moving heavy materials ie utilizing upper legs and not the lower back to bear the weight e Indoor air quality parameters such as temperature humidity and air supply are maintained at comfortable set points suggested conditions 21 23 C 30 60 Relative Humidity 4 12 air changes hr e Floors are slip resistant e Noise levels are not excessive and constant to the point of causing worker discomfort Ch Chapter PHYSICAL HAZARDS AND ERGONOMICS Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 16 EQUIPMENT SAFETY When procuring and purchasing new lab equipment at UFV preference should be
79. olatile toxic or flammable materials in a chemical fume hood See Section 13 Perform procedures that liberate infectious bioaerosols in a biological safety cabinet Handle all human blood and body fluids as if potentially infectious Cleaning Up Before Leaving Perform a safety check at the end of each work session and before leaving the lab Make sure to 4 4 Turn off gas water electricity vacuum and compression lines and heating apparatus Return unused materials equipment and apparatus to their proper storage locations Label package and dispose of all waste material properly Refer to Section 11 Remove defective or damaged equipment immediately and arrange to have it repaired or replaced Decontaminate any equipment or work areas that may have been in contact with hazardous materials Leave behind protective clothing lab coats gloves etc when leaving the laboratory Close and lock the door to the laboratory if you are the last one to leave Evaluating Laboratory Hazards There are many categories of hazards that might be encountered in a laboratory setting and situations can change frequently Even after you have identified and controlled all current risks it is critical that you remain open to the possibility that new unexpected dangers can arise Periodically verify that the laboratory safety information and other hazard warnings are current advise OHSO whenever changes to the safety information are required io
80. ood must not be used for storage of chemicals unless it is used exclusively for this purpose and is labeled with this limitation Air velocities over the operational face area of a fume hood must be measured and recorded at least annually and after any repair or maintenance which could affect the air flows Airflow in a fume hood used for very toxic or radioactive materials must be monitored continuously if there is risk to workers in the event of loss of airflow A fume hood with an adjustable sash must be marked to identify the maximum height the sash may be set at and still maintain the required air flows Fume hoods should be serviced and maintained on an annual basis through the Department at UFV who will use an outside contractor The record of annual maintenance should include use of a sticker affixed to somewhere on the front face of the fume hood The sticker would at a minimum outlined the name of the servicing entity date time of last maintenance inspection and name or initials of the service technician To ensure that fume hoods provide the highest degree of protection observe the following guidelines Only materials being used in an ongoing experiment should be kept in the fume hood Cluttering the hood will create air flow disturbances When it is necessary to keep a large apparatus inside a hood it should be placed upon blocks or legs to allow air to flow underneath Operate the hood with the sash as low as is practical Keep in
81. personal lock to the isolation point and place lock out tag at that location e On electrical equipment employees have the lock out isolation checked by an electrician if there is any doubt that equipment is turned off e Do not work on equipment unless you are absolutely sure it is locked off with your lock and cannot be started e Upon completion of work inspect to ensure equipment is safe to use before removing locks The following sections outline some of the precautions and procedures to be observed with some commonly used laboratory equipment oi Chapter EQUIPMENT SAFETY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 16 1 Equipment Maintenance Laboratory equipment including autoclaves fume hoods and biological safety cabinets must be inspected and maintained by a competent person The frequency of these inspections depends on the hazard s posed by the equipment the manufacturer s instructions and as required by legislation Maintenance records must be provided to the Manager so that they can be kept on file 16 2 Biological Safety Cabinet BSC Before a person is allowed to use the Biological Safety Cabinet BSC he she will need to receive documented training as specified in the Laboratory Biosafety Manual Please contact the Biosafety Officer or the Manager for more information 16 3 Fume Hood The fume hood is the primary protective device in most laboratories for protecting workers from exposu
82. place to work In such environments individuals are confronted with a wide array of chemicals instrumentation energy sources and or biological agents It is important to understand and appreciate what these risks are and how to work safely with them in a laboratory environment The purpose of this manual is to outline hazards and safety processes that are required to maintain a safe environment in UFV laboratories This manual provides a set of minimum standards and practices for the safe and healthy operation of a laboratory at UFV Following the requirements set out in this manual will help meet the requirements of the British Columbia Occupational Health and Safety Act WHMIIS legislation in Canada and UFV Policies This manual was developed to cover safety in all laboratories on all campuses Faculty departments may have additional procedures applicable to its own situation and work Revisions and updates may continue to be made to this manual as teaching programs evolve Please contact the Associate Director Occupational Health and Safety at UFV with any comments or suggestions or updates you may have about the manual This manual is intended to e Define health and safety responsibilities within the UFV community e Explain basic emergency procedures e Provide information and standards for the healthy and safe operation of a laboratory e Outline any policies that are applicable to Biology Chemistry Geology Physics and Visua
83. policies e Without limiting the above supervisor must also o ensure that the workers under his or her direct supervision are made aware of all known or reasonably foreseeable health or safety hazards in the area where they work and comply with OHSR the regulations and any applicable orders o consult and cooperate with the joint committee or worker health and safety representative for the workplace and o cooperate with the Board officers of the Board and any other person carrying out a duty under OHSR or the regulations 2 3 General Duties of Workers e Worker must o take reasonable care to protect the worker s health and safety and the health and safety of other persons who may be affected by the worker s acts or omissions at work and o comply with OHSR the regulations and any applicable orders e Without limiting the above worker must also o carry out his or her work in accordance with established safe work procedures as required by OHSR and the regulations o use or wear protective equipment devices and clothing as required by the regulations o notengage in horseplay or similar conduct that may endanger the worker or any other person o ensure that the worker s ability to work without risk to his or her health or safety or to the health or safety of any other person is not impaired by alcohol drugs or other causes o reportto the supervisor or employer o Chapter RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Laborato
84. pply and outgoing air exhaust The air may be supplied via a central HVAC Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning system Laboratory air may be exhausted through either local exhaust devices or air returns connected to the HVAC system UFV employees must be observant of any obvious deficiencies in air quality in the laboratory and report any problems to the Facilities department in UFV The Facilities department or outside contractor should also routinely recommend annually inspect laboratory HVAC systems to ensure that they are functioning properly to maintain adequate ventilation and circulation of fresh air 13 2 Chemical Fume Hoods Chemical fume hoods are fire and chemical resistant enclosure units with a sliding sash for opening or closing the hood They are able to capture and exhaust even heavy vapours by means of air being drawn into the front opening and up into an exhaust system at relatively high velocity They are preferred for all laboratory procedures that require manual handling of hazardous chemical materials 13 2 1 General Procedure for Fume Hood Use 1 Turn fume hood on check for proper air movement 2 Place work material at least 6 inside hood behind the plane of the hood sash 3 Lower glass shield to certification mark or lower 4 Perform work slowly entering straight into the hood do not make large sweeping motions within the hood or upon exiting 5 Remove materials from hood when work is completed allow
85. pply direct pressure to the wound unless an object is protruding from it in this situation apply pressure around the injury Direct pressure can be applied with the fingers of the hand the palm of the hand or with a pressure dressing o If bleeding cannot be controlled with direct pressure apply pressure to the arteries supplying the injured area This involves compressing the artery between the wound and the heart against a bone o Do not remove a dressing that has become soaked with blood as this may interrupt the clotting process apply an additional dressing on top of the first o Avoid over tightening of the dressing i e do not cut off the blood circulation to limbs o Asatourniquet completely stops the flow of blood to beyond the point of application it should be applied only as a last resort as in the case of a severed limb 3 3 Chemical Splashes to the Skin or Eyes For splashes to the skin e Ifthe splash affects a large area of skin go to the nearest shower and rinse thoroughly for at least 20 minutes remove contaminated clothing while in the shower e For splashes involving a small skin area proceed to the nearest drench hose remove contaminated clothing and jewellery and rinse for 15 minutes For splashes to the eyes e Go to the nearest eyewash and rinse for at least 20 minutes e If you are wearing contact lenses remove them as quickly as possible while continuing to flush e Hold your eyelids open with your fi
86. pter LABORATORY VENTILATION AND FUMEHOODS Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 14 COMPRESSED GASES AND CRYOGENICS By nature of being contained in a high pressure vessel compressed gases have potential to be very dangerous if not handled properly Similarly cryogenic materials are at such low temperatures that they can cause damage and injury to humans if not handled properly 14 1 Hazards of Compressed Gases All compressed gases have potential health and safety hazards related to the chemical properties of the gas as well as pressure hazards UFV employees must take precautions to protect employees and students from these potential hazards The high pressure inside a gas cylinder can be extremely hazardous if disrupted Knocking over an unsecured uncapped cylinder of compressed gas can break the cylinder valve The resulting rapid escape of high pressure gas can turn a cylinder into an uncontrolled projectile or pinwheel causing serious injury and damage Poorly controlled release of compressed gas in the laboratory can burst reaction vessels cause leaks in equipment and hoses or result in runaway chemical reactions Compressed gases may also have flammable oxidizing dangerously reactive corrosive or toxic properties Inert gases such as nitrogen argon helium and neon can displace air reducing oxygen levels in poorly ventilated areas and causing asphyxiation 14 1 1 Guidelines for Safe Handling Storage a
87. ral oil glycerin paraffin or silicone oils with bath temperatures ranging up to 300 C The following precautions are appropriate for heating baths e Set up baths on a stable surface away from flammable and combustible materials including wood and paper e Relocate only after the liquid inside has cooled e Ensure baths are equipped with redundant heat controls or automatic cutoffs that will turn off the power if the temperature exceeds a preset limit e Use with the thermostat set well below the flash point of the heating liquid in use e Use athermometer to allow a visual check of the bath temperature The most common heating bath and or circulating bath used in laboratories are the water bath When using a water bath Do not overfill bath beyond design specifications e Clean regularly a disinfectant such as a phenolic detergent can be added to the water e Avoid using sodium azide to prevent growth of microorganisms sodium azide forms explosive compounds with some metals e Raise the temperature to 90 C or higher if applicable for 30 minutes once a week for decontamination purposes e Unplug the unit before filling or emptying and have the continuity to ground checked regularly Ultrasonic baths present unique hazards to laboratory employees if not handled properly The purpose such equipment is to expose the work piece to vibratory energy of sufficient intensity to bring about a permanent physical change The main haz
88. re to hazardous chemicals It is designed to contain dilute and disperse gases vapours and aerosols to the external environment It is also an integral part of the building air handling system It is imperative that the fume hood be functioning properly at all times Fume hoods that are in good condition properly functioning and used as intended are vital to everyone s safety The following list contains procedures that must be followed e Fume hoods must to be tested annually by a qualified individual and records of these inspections are to be kept on file by the Department or designate e Any work that involves hazardous or odorous chemicals should be completed in a fume hood e During experiments equipment and chemicals should be kept a minimum of six inches away from the sash e When working with environmentally hazardous materials it is imperative that the fume hood sink be protected with a barrier that will stop any spilled material from entering the sink drain The use of a chemically compatible absorbent mat or sock should be used to protect the drain e Equipment and materials should not be stored in a fume hood for extended periods of time the hood should not be considered a storage facility e Never place your head inside the fume hood when chemicals are present e Fume hoods must not be considered a substitute for PPE A Chapter EQUIPMENT SAFETY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office e
89. rmine which gloves will provide an acceptable degree of resistance by consulting the MSDS for the product contacting glove manufacturers or by referring to a compatibility chart or table for permeation data These resources may use the following terms 6 2 4 Permeation Rate refers to how quickly the chemical seeps through the intact material the higher the permeation rate the faster the chemical will permeate the material Breakthrough Time refers to how long it takes the chemical to seep through to the other side of the material Degradation is a measure of the physical deterioration for example glove material may actually dissolve or become harder softer or weaker following contact with the chemical Selection use and care of protective gloves Guidelines for glove use include the following Choose a glove that provides adequate protection from the specific hazard s Be aware that some glove materials may cause adverse skin reactions in some individuals and investigate alternatives Inspect gloves for leakage before using test rubber and synthetic gloves by inflating them Make sure that the gloves fit properly Ensure that the gloves are long enough to cover the skin between the top of the glove and the sleeve of the lab coat Discard worn or torn gloves Discard disposable gloves that are or may have become contaminated Avoid contaminating clean equipment remove gloves and wash hands before carrying out tasks suc
90. rsing the tip deeply enough into the solution to avoid creation of aerosols 16 9 Microwave Ovens Microwave ovens are potentially dangerous because of potential for exposure to microwave radiation The following safety tips apply for operation and maintenance of microwave ovens in laboratories e Donotoperate oven when empty e Exercise extreme caution if you have a pacemaker implant Microwave radiation may cause pacemaker interference Persons with pacemaker implants should not be near a microwave oven unless they are sure that it is in good operating condition and there is no leakage of microwave radiation e After each use check to ensure that door seal and inside surfaces of door and oven cavity are clean e Do not put face close to door window when oven is operating e Ensure that the microwave is unplugged or disconnected from electrical power before reaching into any accessible openings or attempting any repairs e Ensure that the adjustment of applied voltages replacement of the microwave power generating component dismantling of the oven components and refitting of waveguides are ah Chapter EQUIPMENT SAFETY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office undertaken only by qualified persons The services of a qualified repairman should be sought when any malfunction is suspected e Do not bypass the door interlocks e Do not test a microwave power generating component without an appropriate load conne
91. ry Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office any contravention of OHSR the regulations or an applicable order of which the worker is aware and the absence of or defect in any protective equipment device or clothing or the existence of any other hazard that the worker considers is likely to endanger the worker or any other person o cooperate with the joint committee or worker health and safety representative for the workplace and o cooperate with the Board officers of the Board and any other person carrying out a duty under OHSR or the regulations 2 4 Rights of Workers The OHSR gives workers in British Columbia three rights They are e Rightto know about workplace hazards e g WHMIS e Right to participate in health and safety matters e g Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee e Right to refuse work they deem to be unsafe 2 5 Students Students also have a role to play in laboratory safety They must e Follow all applicable safety procedures as outlined in the OHSR this manual and by the supervisor e Attend and complete all applicable health and safety training courses as required by the supervisor and or UFV policies e Wear any equipment protective devices or clothing that the University requires Immediately report any injuries and or incidents to the supervisor e Report all unsafe acts and conditions to the supervisor e Not remove or alter any protective device
92. s Loss of electrical power can create hazardous situations Flammable or toxic vapours may be released as a chemical warms when a refrigerator or freezer fails Fume hoods may cease to operate allowing vapours to be released into the laboratory If magnetic or mechanical stirrers fail to operate safe mixing of reagents may be compromised 15 5 1 Preventing Electrical Hazards There are various ways of protecting people from the hazards caused by electricity including insulation guarding grounding and electrical protective devices Laboratory workers can significantly reduce electrical hazards by following some basic precautions e Inspect wiring of equipment before each use Replace damaged or frayed electrical cords immediately e Use safe work practices every time electrical equipment is used e Know the location and how to operate shut off switches and or circuit breaker panels Use these devices to shut off equipment in the event of a fire or electrocution e Limit the use of extension cords Use only for temporary operations and then only for short periods of time In all other cases request installation of a new electrical outlet e Multi plug adapters must have circuit breakers or fuses e Place exposed electrical conductors such as those sometimes used with electrophoresis devices behind shields e Minimize the potential for water or chemical spills on or near electrical equipment 15 5 2 Insulation All electrical cords
93. s recommended as are gloves protective goggles and a lab coat 8 6 3 4 Toxic solids Avoid disturbing such solids e g asbestos which may release toxic dusts Wet the material thoroughly then place it in a plastic bag and label it appropriately If wet removal is not possible a vacuum equipped with a HEPA High Efficiency Particulate Air filter is required 8 6 3 5 Gases In the event of the release of a corrosive gas e g chlorine or gases that are absorbed through the skin e g hydrogen cyanide a complete chemical resistant suit and a self contained breathing apparatus are required There is no practical means of absorbing or neutralizing a gas the leak must be corrected at the source 8 6 3 6 Mercury If a small amount of mercury is spilled e g broken thermometer use an aspirator bulb or a mercury sponge to pick up droplets place the mercury in a container cover with water seal it and label the bottle appropriately To clean up the residual micro droplets that may have worked into cracks and other hard to clean areas sprinkle sulphur powder or other commercially available product for mercury decontamination Leave the material for several hours and sweep up solid into a plastic bag seal it and label it appropriately Contact OHSO 4534 for monitoring of mercury air concentrations If a large spill of mercury is involved the area should be closed off and a mercury respirator worn during the clean up Contact OHSO 4
94. should have sufficient insulation to prevent direct contact with wires In a laboratory it is particularly important to check all cords before each use since corrosive chemicals or solvents may erode the insulation Damaged cords should be repaired or taken out of service immediately especially in wet environments such as cold rooms and near water baths s i Chapter PHYSICAL HAZARDS AND ERGONOMICS Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 15 5 3 Guarding Live parts of electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more i e electrophoresis devices must be guarded against accidental contact Plexiglas shields may be used to protect against exposed live parts 15 5 4 Grounding Only equipment with three prong plugs should be used in the laboratory The third prong provides a path to ground for internal electrical short circuits thereby protecting the user from a potential electrical shock 15 5 5 Circuit Protection Devices Circuit protection devices are designed to automatically limit or shut off the flow of electricity in the event of a ground fault overload or short circuit in the wiring system Ground fault circuit interrupters circuit breakers and fuses are three well known examples of such devices Fuses and circuit breakers prevent over heating of wires and components that might otherwise create fire hazards They disconnect the circuit when it becomes overloaded This overload protection is very use
95. ssware that is placed on a hotplate must be rated to withstand the temperature of a hotplate and must not be cracked Otherwise there is risk of shattering and spillage of contents e Never allow contents in glassware to heat to dryness on a hotplate as this may lead to cracking or breakage of glassware e Glassware and other containers place on a hotplate should be handled with appropriate gloves to prevent burning and scalding 16 8 Shakers Blenders and Sonicators When used with infectious biological agents mixing equipment such as shakers blenders sonicators grinders and homogenizers can release significant amounts of hazardous aerosols and should be operated inside a biological safety cabinet whenever possible Equipment such as blenders and stirrers can also produce large amounts of flammable vapours The hazards associated with this type of equipment can be minimized by e Selecting and purchasing equipment with safety features that minimize leaking e Selecting and purchasing mixing apparatus with non sparking motors e Checking integrity of gaskets caps and bottles before using and replacing damaged components e Allowing for any potential aerosols to settle for at least one minute before opening containers e For blending of potentially biohazardous materials cover the top of blenders with a disinfectant soaked towel during operation and conduct blending operation in biosafety cabinet if possible e When using a sonicator imme
96. stoppers on centrifuge tubes Avoid using lightweight materials such as aluminum foil as caps e Use sealed centrifuge buckets safety cups or rotors that can be loaded and unloaded in a biological safety cabinet If necessary clean and decontaminate the outside of the cups or buckets before and after centrifugation Inspect o rings regularly and replace if cracked or dry e Ensure that the centrifuge is properly balanced Do not open the lid until the rotor head has come to a complete stop en Chapter EQUIPMENT SAFETY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office e Do not attempt to stop a spinning rotor by hand or with an object or interfere with the interlock safety device e Decant supernatants carefully and avoid vigorous shaking when re suspending When using high speed or ultra centrifuges additional practices should include e Connect the vacuum pump exhaust to a trap e Record each run in a logbook keep a record of speed and run time for each rotor e Install a HEPA filter between the centrifuge and the vacuum pump when working with biohazardous material e Never exceed the specified speed limitations of the rotor 16 6 Heated Water Baths Circulating Baths Ultrasonic baths Heated water baths and circulating water baths keep immersed materials immersed at a constant temperature They may be filled with a variety of materials depending on the bath temperature required they may contain water mine
97. te 16 14 Gas chromatographs GC Gas chromatography requires handling compressed gases nitrogen hydrogen argon helium and flammable and toxic chemicals Consult product MSDSs before using such hazardous products Specific precautions for working with gas chromatographs include e Perform periodic visual inspections and pressure leak tests of the sampling system plumbing fittings and valves e Follow the manufacturer s instructions when installing columns Glass or fused capillary columns are fragile handle them with care and wear safety glasses to protect eyes from flying particles while handling cutting or installing capillary columns e Turn off and allow heated areas such as the oven inlet and detector as well as connected hardware to cool down before touching them e Chapter EQUIPMENT SAFETY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office e Avoid electrical shock and turn off the instrument and disconnect the power cord at its receptacle whenever the access panel is removed e Turn off the hydrogen gas supply at its source when changing columns or servicing the instrument e The use of hydrogen as fuel flame ionization FID and nitrogen phosphorus detectors NPD ensure that a column or cap is connected to the inlet fitting whenever hydrogen is supplied to the instrument to avoid buildup of explosive hydrogen gas in the oven e Measure hydrogen gas and air separately when determining gas flow rates
98. uation e Determine appropriate clean up method by referring to the Material Safety Data Sheet MSDS If you are unsure how to proceed or if you do not have the necessary protective equipment do not attempt to clean up the spill Gei Chapter Control of Chemical Hazards 8 6 3 Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office If the spill is minor and of known limited danger clean up immediately If the spill is of unknown composition or potentially dangerous explosive toxic vapours alert everyone present and evacuate the room If the spill cannot be safely handled using the equipment and personnel present call the emergency telephone number Local 7770 to request assistance Guidelines for Specific Types of Spills This section describes how to clean up some of the chemical spills that may occur in the laboratory Refer to Section 12 1 for details on how to dispose of the absorbed chemical 8 6 3 1 8 6 3 2 Flammable and toxic liquids If you can do so without putting yourself at risk immediately shut off all potential ignition sources If fire occurs alert everyone present and extinguish all flames If the fire cannot be controlled immediately pull the nearest fire alarm If no flames are evident pour adsorbent around the perimeter of the spill and then cover the rest of the material Wear an appropriate respirator if toxic vapours are involved Wear gloves resistant to the chemical being handled
99. um Never heat or carry out a reaction in a closed vessel unless it is designed or tested to withstand the expected pressure of the reaction Pressurized equipment must have an appropriate pressure release valve Pressurized equipment must be shielded guarded or designed to protect the operator against potential explosions The corollary applies to systems under vacuum Never create a vacuum in a closed vessel that is not designed or tested to withstand the expected vacuum pressure of a reaction or process Vacuum pressure rated equipment must have an appropriate vacuum release valve Vacuum pressure rated equipment must have a label with a vacuum pressure specification rating indicating the range of pressure that it has been designed to be implosion proof for Compressed air sources on laboratory benches must be carefully utilized When utilizing compressed air through connecting rubber hoses ensure that all hose connections are snug and tight before opening valve Compressed air valve handles should be opened slowly to prevent sudden increases in pressure of an enclosed system Compressed air should never be directed towards a person and personnel are recommended to wear eye goggle protection when working with compressed air 15 4 Backflow Preventers All gooseneck water faucets to which a hose is attached in a laboratory must be equipped with an appropriate backflow preventer This prevents the contamination of the drinking water system 15
100. ured which provides light sensitivity Examples include amber safety coated bottles 08922 55 and 65 di Chapter EQUIPMENT SAFETY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office Ki Chapter EQUIPMENT SAFETY Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office APPENDIX 1 OHSR FLOWCHART Flowchart for OHSR 3 12 Guideline x Worker returns to work e Officer issues inspection report Informing the parties that no undue hazard has been identified Supervisor finds report of unsafe work not valid and worker informed 3 12 3 b Worker continues to refuse to work 3 12 4 Matter investigated in the presence of another worker 3 12 4 a b or c Supervisor or employer and worker contact officer 3 12 5 Officer issues inspection report addressing the undue hazard o Chapter APPENDIX 1 OHSR FLOWCHART Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office APPENDIX 2 WHMIS CLASSIFICATION Class and Symbol Characteristics Precautions Class A Compressed Gas Gas inside cylinder is under pressure The cylinder may explode if heated or damaged Sudden release of high pressure gas streams may puncture skin and cause fatal embolis e Transport and handle with care Make sure cylinders are properly secured e Store away from sources of heat or fire Use proper regulator Class B Flammable and Combustible Materia
101. utoclave bags are designed to be permeable to steam but a double bag will hinder the flow of the steam through the bag e Do not overfill bags as this may interfere with the sterilization process due to poor steam circulation e Sharps such as needles and scalpel blades must be placed in an approved labelled and rigid sharps container before sterilizing e Do not place sharp pipettes or broken glass in bags e Be sure to loosen the caps on the vessels to allow for pressure build up during the process and to avoid the vessel exploding when being removed from the autoclave chamber e Efficacy monitoring of autoclaves used for decontamination with biological indicators must be done regularly i e consider weekly depending on the frequency of use of the autoclave and the records of these results and cycle logs i e time temperature and pressure must also be kept on file 16 5 Centrifuges Improperly used or maintained centrifuges can present significant hazards to users Failed mechanical parts can result in release of flying objects hazardous chemicals and biohazardous aerosols The high speed spins generated by centrifuges can create large amounts of aerosol if a spill leak or tube breakage occurs To avoid contaminating your centrifuge e Check glass and plastic centrifuge tubes for stress lines hairline cracks and chipped rims before use Use unbreakable tubes whenever possible e Avoid filling tubes to the rim e Use caps or
102. y of Radioactive Materials e All laboratories using radioactive materials should have lockable doors Laboratories without lockable doors may not be used for work or storage of radioactive materials e Alllaboratories using radioactive materials must be locked at all times when unoccupied e Laboratories where radioactive materials are stored may be unlocked if an authorized person is present at all times e Radioactive materials must be stored in an appropriately secured fashion to prevent unauthorized users to access the materials E Chapter Radiation Safety Laboratory Safety Manual Occupational Health and Safety Office 12 HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL In general hazardous waste is to be appropriately contained and labeled and placed in a designated Hazardous Waste Disposal Area This waste is to be handled either by UFV or outside contractors For information regarding general waste management at UFV refer to UFV Policies on waste management 12 1 Liquid and Solid Chemical Waste Disposal Each laboratory facility at UFV has slightly different procedures for handling chemical waste In general solvent waste must be collected and stored in suitable containers ie capped 4L glass bottles or similar which are stored in a well ventilated fume hood Halogenated and non halogenated organic solvent waste must be collected and stored in separate bottles Storage bottles should be capped shut while being stored in a fume hood When they are
103. zardous Materials Information System WHMIS is a Canada wide system for providing information on the safe use of hazardous materials referred to as controlled products in the workplace It is intended to protect the health and safety of workers by promoting access to information on hazardous materials this information is provided by means of product labels MSDS and education programs Controlled products are products materials and substances that are regulated by WHMIS legislation based on their hazardous properties and characteristics The WHMIS legislation falls under the Canada Hazardous Products Act WHMIS is governed by federal and provincial laws and regulations and any person supplying or using controlled products must comply with its requirements At UFV WHMIS legislation applies to all employees who work in areas where controlled products are used WHMIS divides hazardous materials into six main categories or classes based on their characteristics refer to APPENDIX 2 WHMIS CLASSIFICATION The main objectives of WHMIS are hazard identification and product classification WHMIIS achieves this goal through three main components Labelling MSDS and Training All employees and students that require information on WHMIS training should contact the OHSO 5 1 Labelling Labels alert users to the dangers of the chemical product and basic safety precautions It is imperative that all containers in laboratories be clearly identified WHMIIS

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