Home

Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan

1. essere nan none enhn entren 56 6 9 3 EXCUSA 56 6 9 4 Distillations dd 56 6 9 5 Temperat re Control oett eee E ea 58 6 9 6 Heat Blocks Oil and Sand Baths cccccnnnnnininaninicanananananacananacacana rara r nennen enne ene 59 6 9 7 Cooling Baths A034 Renee peer cii P HR PRISES 59 6 9 8 Laboratory Reactor Pressure Vessels esssssssssseeees eene enne nnne nnns nnne 60 6 9 9 Red ced Pressure Operations teret Rer eer estre 62 6 9 10 Cold Traps zs bia ERO epi ema A Ra AREAS 63 6 9 11 Transporting Chemicals In HOUS ccccccononoonnncnnnnnnnnononnoncnncnnnnnononnnnnnnnnnnnnononnnnnnncnnnnnnnns 64 6310 Chemical Inventory e eee eh eie de eie e n ES 64 6 10 1 Quantity Limits for Corrosives cccononocooocnnnnononononnnnnnnnnnnonnnononnnnnnnnnnnnnrnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnrnnnnnnnnnnnns 65 6 10 2 Quantity Limits for Highly Reactives and ToOxiCS cccocononooocnnononnnnnnnonnnnnoncnnnnnnnanonncnnnanons 67 6 10 3 Quantity Limits for Flammables sesenta 68 J 0Hazards or Chemical GEOUDS ui fev ccawcted teint oe eiut ii 70 7 1 Corrosives Acids and Bases terere atate ic eee dit 70 7 2 Flammable and Combustible LiquidS ccccocnnonoonooncnononononannnononnnanonnnnoncnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnno rnnt nnn nnn 72 7 3 Compressed Gases Cryogenic Liquids and Liquefied Gases ccccconocoooonnonononononannnnnnnnnanananannnnncnnons 74 7 4 Highly Re active Chemicals its d e
2. ORS offers a laboratory survey to any PI vacating a lab to assist in identifying the tasks that must be finished for clearance of the space ORS will require a completed Laboratory Closeout Checklist when performing final services such as chemical waste removal for the lab 5 4 5 Transportation and Shipping of Hazardous Materials The U S Department of Transportation DOT requires that a licensed hazardous materials transporter be employed if hazardous materials are transported on a public highway or by air or water DOT also p 31 requires that all individuals offering a hazardous material for transport receive training Follow the Hazardous Materials Shipping Policy for Laboratories available on the ORS Hazardous Materials Shipping Information webpage If in doubt consult with ORS before shipping any hazardous chemicals radioactive materials or biological materials Export control restrictions may apply 5 4 6 Laboratory Doors Fire and life safety codes may require that corridor doors be fire rated and equipped with door closers Doors with door closers are generally kept closed at all times unless the door release is tied into the building s fire alarm system Keeping laboratory doors to corridors closed helps ensure that ventilation systems work properly and maintain contaminant containing pressure differentials between labs and corridors This is especially important in newer buildings with sensitive energy conservation syst
3. Head hand foot eye face and respiratory tract protection Worker protection from electrical and other stored energy hazards See also American National Standards Institute standards Machinery and machine guarding 29 CFR 88 1910 211 1910 219 Worker protection from mechanical hazards Excerpts from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pg 267 Excerpts from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pgs 270 272 p 7 Controlled substances 21 CFR 88 1300 1399 Requires licenses and controls for the purchase use and possession of controlled substances illicit drugs and certain drug precursors Enforced by the Drug Enforcement Agency purchase of 190 and 200 proof ethanol Chemical Facility Anti 6 CFR Part 27 Establishes risk based Appendix A of the regulation Terrorism Standards CFATS performance standards for the contains list of chemicals of with Appendix security of chemical facilities interest and their threshold quantities Toxic Substances Control Act 40 CFR Part 761 Prohibition against PCBs in Permits certain limited TSCA manufacturing processing laboratory use of PCBs Polychlorinated biphenyls distribution in commerce and PCBs certain uses Permit and excise tax for 27 CFR Part 211 Control of the sale of ethanol Enforced by the U S Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Ta
4. e All chemical containers being transported shall have labels identifying the contents e Transport large containers of corrosives in a chemically resistant bucket or other container designed for this purpose Anticipate sudden backing up or changes in direction from others If you stumble or fall while carrying glassware or chemicals try to project them away from yourself and others 6 10 Chemical Inventory Chemical owners who use or store hazardous chemicals at Northwestern University are required by OSHA and fire regulation to maintain a chemical inventory for compliance with various safety and environmental regulations and to provide critical information to responders during an emergency Northwestern laboratory personnel are responsible for maintaining an accurate chemical inventory for their laboratory and uploading the most current inventory file to their NSIS profile Consider whether you can justify maintaining a stock of rarely needed chemicals that may remain on storage shelves for many years The EPA requires the University to maintain a chemical waste minimization program Order only the amounts of stock necessary to support the research Excess should not be purchased because it increases hazardous waste volume and raises the risk of significant spills p 64 Minimal stock also protects the safety of emergency responders The greater the volume of chemicals on hand the greater the risk that breakage of containers could lead
5. Disposition of all unwanted chemicals is the responsibility of the PI All chemicals that will not be relocated shall be listed on the NSIS Hazardous Waste Pickup Request The request shall be completed and submitted before the PI relinquishes possession of the vacated laboratory The department of record is responsible for the safe and lawful cleanup and disposition of all chemical biological and radioactive materials that are abandoned The PI ensures that surfaces and equipment potentially contaminated with hazardous chemicals radioactive materials or biological agents are decontaminated before the laboratory is vacated Accessible surfaces chemical fume hoods sinks benchtops should be cleaned when practical by the PI and staff If this is not possible an outside contractor specializing in the testing and cleaning of contaminated laboratory equipment should be contacted The PI shall provide the contractor with thorough and accurate information pertaining to the past uses of the equipment To confirm that a vacated lab is properly emptied of hazardous materials decontaminated and ready for new occupants the PI or laboratory supervisor shall start the lab close out in NSIS and prepare the Laboratory Closeout Checklist Should the PI fail to complete the items required on the form the department becomes financially and administratively responsible for the safe disposition of the hazardous materials and the decontamination of work surfaces
6. cccccssssccccecessesensesecececesseseaaeseeeescessesaeaeeeseesseesesaaaeeeeseeseeseageas 36 5 7 Signs and Labels for Laboratories irte erecti v Ee bee ede tdt 37 5 8 Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Training eese enne nnns 38 6 0 Chemical Hazards AAA eb op teca reno eo big ode eos G dst 38 6 1 Hazard Communication eti er e Geeta EL eee en eve n E Ru desee po aad 38 6 1 1 Container Labels and Safety Data Sheets SDSS ocoocccnnnocccnnononnconononnnonononnnnnnnonnnnnnannnnnos 39 6 1 2 Dating CONTAINS Rheine een ER RATE A aaa 39 6 2 Exposure t Chemicals oe e eite e eec xen 39 6 2 L Exposure Rot atte 39 6 2 2 Acute and Chronic Toxicity lesse esses ener enne terna nasse esent nans nnn 40 623 E A A eco t m tite eene tee Ee nee e eec ea 42 6 2 4 Reprod ctive TOXINS coda rrr du RE PER A E AAA 42 6 3 Designated Area aeta A pav rea pane eee que inde eee add 42 6 4 Monitoring Airborne Concentrations of Contaminants ccccononoooonnnnnnncnnonannnnnnncnnnanonnnnnnonncnnnnno conos 42 6 5 Guidelines for Handling Chemicals eene nennen nennt nnne nnn nnns 43 6 5 1 General Guidelines eee eerte hah eda cba ge rere dab aia e p Rosas 43 6 5 2 Guidelines for Working with Chemicals of Acute ToxicitY oocccocononoononnnncnnonanaaananonnnos 44 6 5 3 Guidelines for Chemicals with High Chronic Toxicity Carcinogens and Reproductive More 45 6 6 Chemical Emergency Procedures occcccccononono
7. diborane B2H germane GeH4 stibine SbH3 and silane SiH4 The listed hydrides are highly toxic and flammable They react violently with water and oxidizing agents and pose a dangerous fire risk Phosphine diborane and silane are spontaneously flammable in air Certain hydride gases notably arsine and phosphine are commonly used as dopants in semiconductor research applications Arsine is one of the most toxic gases known It is a potent hemolytic agent symptoms red discoloration of the urine and sclera Phosphine is extremely toxic to organs of high oxygen flow and demand Thorough emergency planning for accidental releases shall be in place when such gases are to be used in the laboratory Provision of air supply respiratory protection may be called for as well as continuous system monitoring for releases Exhaust streams of hydride gases shall be treated e g scrubbing or thermal decomposition before release Inform ORS of the treatment procedures to be applied 7 4 9 Piranha Solution Aqua Regia and related Etches The preparation of these solutions requires the development of standard operating procedures Disposal issues are addressed in the Hazardous Waste Disposal Guide 7 5 Select Agents Select agents toxins are agents that the Department of Health and Human Service HHS considers to have the potential to pose a severe threat to human health A list of these agents is found in the select agent regulation 42 CFR 73
8. esee 21 4 1 Northwestern Safety Information System NSIS and ORS website ooccconoconcconoconoconcnnnccannnnnncnnnnos 21 4 2 NSIS Laboratory Safety Profile cocononccnoncnncnononononnnnonnnnnnnnononnononnnnnnonononnnnnnnncnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnannss 21 4 2 1 Initial Submission eer ete Itb b ete oe 21 4 2 2 NSIS Profile Updates e oa 21 4 23 Change OF Facility criticada REPE de ECRIRE RU GA e eedan E 21 4 2 4 Addition of or Changes to NSIS ccccononococcnonononanononnnonononnnnnnnonnnnnnnnnnnonononnnnnnnncnnnnennnnnnnnnnons 21 4 3 Laboratory Safety Reviews ote eh re eee edes ER EE e Ee ee YR EE A EEA Eun 22 3 0 General Laboratory Safety ls ew thes idad 22 5 1 First Aid Kit A AAA AA ettet a 22 5 1 1 First Aid Procedure for Responding to Hydrofluoric Acid Burns sssse 23 52 P rsonal Hyglerie s uui ak eret ihrer ed aet ea eve ct etes qot ene et AA uan 24 5 3 Personal Protective Clothing and EquipMNt ooconoccccccncnocanononnnnnononnnanononnnnnnnonnnnnononnnnnnnnnnnnnonnnnnnnnnnnns 25 LEN MESI 25 5 3 2 Eye Protections c s sese e epo e te Dim aces es 26 O es cotto tan et e ettet tod NN 28 5 3 4 Red iia 29 5 4 General Laboratory Protocol cccccconocooonnnnnnnononononononnnnnnnnnonnonnnnnnnnnnnnonnnnnnnnnnnnnononnnnnnnnnnnnnennnnnnnnannns 29 5 ArT Housekeeping tit ces itat i avi iati te te dae REN oes a 29 5 42 Cleaning Glass Wei VI etur e E eerie 30 5 4 3 Labora
9. DOT and EPA definitions apply primarily to chemicals in transit and hazardous waste Flash point is the minimum temperature at which the liquid gives off vapors in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air The classes of liquids are further divided into subclasses depending on the flash points and boiling points of the liquids Table 7 2A The classifications are important because regulations governing storage and use of a liquid are largely based on the liquid s flash point Flammable liquids shall be handled only in areas with no ignition sources and shall not be heated with open flames If flammable liquids in metal containers or equipment are transferred the equipment and containers shall be bonded to avoid static generated sparks A more thorough hazard review should be done when flammable reagents are used where the flash point is lt 10 C the lower flammable limit is 1046 the auto ignition temperature is lt 200 C or the minimum ignition energy is 0 5mJ Storage Flammable liquids shall not be stored in ordinary refrigerators or cold rooms If it is necessary to refrigerate flammable materials explosion proof explosion safe or flammable storage refrigerators shall be used Combustible liquids are less of a fire hazard although a rise in temperature increases their evaporation rate and the potential for ignition If the quantity of flammable liquids in storage exceeds 10 gallons including liquid w
10. and local regulations and University policies applicable to the department s work and shall ensure compliance through PIs and other supervisory personnel The department head may delegate safety and health related responsibilities to PIs or other supervisors but it is the department head s responsibility to see that the requirements are met The department head is responsible for ensuring that engineering controls and safety equipment are inspected and maintained according to the required maintenance schedule The department head shall ensure that the PIs institute medical surveillance programs for personnel with occupational exposure to certain agents When a PI vacates a laboratory the department head is responsible for ensuring that the lab is properly cleaned out and prepared for the next occupant The department head shall be responsible for providing decontamination of the lab if the PI fails to do so 2 3 Principal Investigators and Shared and Core Facilities Managers The term principal investigator PI as used in this document shall include laboratory and other supervisors such as managers or directors of shared and core facilities A PI is defined as any faculty member who has been granted permission by the Office for Sponsored Research OSR to serve as a PI on a project or to submit a proposal All persons granted faculty level research appointments are eligible to be PIs The vice president for research may authorize others to be P
11. or regenerated When using a column purification system it is important not to draw down the column completely empty Bubbling or splattering as the product is drawn from the column is an indication of breakthrough of argon For the column to be functional again a lengthy priming operation may be needed 6 9 5 Temperature Control Since the rates of most reactions accelerate as the temperature increases highly exothermic reactions can become violent without adequate cooling Viscous liquids transfer heat poorly and require special precautions Apparatus shall be assembled so that either heating or cooling can be applied or withdrawn readily Whenever an electrical heating device is used either a temperature controller or a temperature sensing device must be used that will turn off the electric power if the temperature of the heating device exceeds some preset limit Similar control devices are available that will turn off the electric power if the flow of cooling water through a condenser is stopped owing to the loss of water pressure or loosening of the water supply hose to a condenser Independent temperature sensors must be used for the temperature controller and shutoff devices Fail safe devices which can be either purchased or fabricated can prevent the more serious problems of fires or explosions that may arise if the temperature of a reaction increases significantly because of a change in line voltage the accidental loss of reaction solv
12. 6 8 Eye Contact Should a chemical enter a person s eye s wash the eye s with water for at least 15 minutes while waiting for medical help to arrive Keep the affected eye if only one has been contaminated lower than the unaffected eye to prevent the spread of contamination Be aware that particulates and liquids can become trapped in the conjunctiva where they may continue to cause damage The entire interior of the eye socket must be flushed as well as the exposed cornea A buddy in the lab is vital to the injured person to help find the eyewash call for help keep the eyes open under the water stream and prevent the person from rubbing the eye s and aggravating the damage 4 0 Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Framework Laboratory safety and chemical hygiene programs consolidate the compliance programs for the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard the OSHA Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories Standard the Laboratory Standard and other general laboratory safety programs 4 1 Northwestern Safety Information System NSIS and ORS website NSIS is Northwestern University s on line safety data management tool which PIs use to submit applications and registrations for review NSIS helps PIs to build a lab specific Laboratory Safety Profile and serves as an educational resource for PIs and laboratory workers The information in NSIS and the ORS website is intended to be a central safety resource for the labo
13. Cryogenic Liquid Spill on a Person Contact with cryogenic liquids may cause crystals to form in tissues under the spill area either superficially or more deeply in the fluids and underlying soft tissues The first aid procedure for contact with cryogenic liquids is identical to that for frostbite Re warm the affected area as quickly as possible by immersing it in warm but not hot water between 102 and 105 F Do not rub the affected tissues Do not apply heat lamps or hot water and do not break blisters Cover the affected area with a sterile covering and seek assistance as you would for burns 6 6 4 Incidental Spills Procedure for Small Low Toxicity Chemical Spills Be prepared Keep appropriate spill containment material on hand for emergencies Consult with ORS to determine which materials are suitable in a particular lab Laboratory workers must receive training to distinguish between the types of spills they can handle on their own and those spills that are classified as MAJOR Major spills dictate the need for outside help Laboratory workers are qualified to clean up spills that are incidental OSHA defines an incidental spill as a spill that does not pose a significant safety or health hazard to employees in the immediate vicinity nor does it have the potential to become an emergency within a short time frame The period that constitutes a short time is not defined Laboratory workers can handle incidental spills because
14. Distillations Do not use metal spatulas to handle peroxides because contamination by metals can lead to explosive decomposition Magnetic stirring bars can unintentionally introduce iron which can initiate an explosive reaction of peroxides Ceramic Teflon or wooden spatulas and stirring blades may be used if it is known that the material is not shock sensitive 7 4 2 Peroxide Forming Chemicals Certain common laboratory chemicals form peroxides on exposure to oxygen in air Essentially all compounds containing C H bonds pose the risk of peroxide formation if contaminated with various radical initiators photosensitizers or catalysts Over time some chemicals continue to build peroxides to potentially dangerous levels whereas others accumulate a relatively low equilibrium concentration of peroxide which becomes dangerous only after being concentrated by evaporation or distillation The peroxide becomes concentrated because it is less volatile than the parent chemical A related class of compounds includes inhibitor free monomers prone to free radical polymerization that on exposure to air can form peroxides or other free radical sources capable of initiating violent polymerization Note that care must be taken when storing and using these monomers most of the inhibitors used to stabilize these compounds require the presence of oxygen to function properly as 28 Excerpts from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Coun
15. Explosives Self reactives Organic Peroxides OOD SO Irritant Narcotic Effects Dermal Sensitizer Respiratory Tract Irritation Acute Toxicity harmful Flammables Self heating Self reactives Emits Flammable Gas Pyrophorics Organic Peroxides Each hazard classification contains one or more hazard categories indicating the degree of the hazard with Category being the most hazardous 6 1 1 Container Labels and Safety Data Sheets SDSs SDSs are the most basic source of chemical hazard information The SDS summarizes the chemical s properties the health and physical hazards including the type of toxicity information discussed in the sections below and related safety information required by emergency responders Additional information on access to Safety Data Sheets and chemical labels can be found in the NU Hazard Communication Program document 6 1 2 Dating Containers Chemical containers shall be dated on receipt in the laboratory and on opening This information provides a history of the chemicals in each container and guides future researchers as to potential quality of the chemicals stored in the laboratory Providing container opening dates is especially important for peroxide forming chemicals sold or distilled without added autoxidation inhibitors Solutions shall be labeled and dated when prepared and after each test for peroxides Chemicals shall be removed from the laboratory if they are past their expiratio
16. In the event of a work related injury the PI follows the Office of Risk Management protocol for the respective campus Lab Injury Protocol Evanston or Lab Injury Protocol Chicago and fill out a Supervisor s Injury or Illness Investigation Report ORS may ask for safety committee assistance to investigate and prepare an investigation report Investigations are made and reports written not only to satisfy certain laws but also to learn the cause of the problem and what changes in procedures equipment or training should be made to avoid other accidents All lost time claims shall be reported to the Claims Division of the Office of Risk Management The work related injuries are entered in the OSHA Injury Log In case of a fire injury or other accident requiring outside assistance the Safety and Loss Prevention Division may write an investigation report 3 5 1 ORS Assistance ORS will respond to chemical radioactive and biological materials spills However if the spilled material is not volatile and there is no immediate fire or toxic hazard cleanup may be done by laboratory employees under direction of the PI or ORS ORS will provide cleanup supplies and equipment and cleanup instructions In situations involving a fire of research chemicals or toxic hazards ORS will advise on evacuation or other precautions to protect persons or property in the immediate area 3 6 Personal Injury The Laboratory and Chemical Safety Committee
17. Profile shall reflect new or modified tasks and procedures which affect occupational exposure and new or revised employee positions with occupational exposure 4 2 3 Change of Facility If the PI opens a new laboratory facility or moves to an alternate location those sections of the NSIS Laboratory Safety Profile affected by relocation must be updated within NSIS For example the PI will need to revise the section concerning managing lab locations under the User Tools heading and indicate any lab space changes The same applies to the Equipment Alarms form The PI needs to review the entire NSIS profile to ensure that all the necessary parts of the profile have been updated 4 2 4 Addition of or Changes to NSIS ORS reserves the right to change or add additional safety forms to NSIS that will require review and submission by the PI and affected lab workers p 21 4 3 Laboratory Safety Reviews The University provides an inspection program for all laboratories Laboratory Safety Reviews are conducted by the staff of ORS The review consists of an interview with the laboratory representative followed by a visit to the laboratory Investigators may be asked to update the NSIS Laboratory Safety Profile and other information The ORS representative may examine general laboratory conditions engineering controls work practices chemical storage use of personal protective clothing and equipment signs and postings and availability of documents such
18. Protection Standard and are described in the University s Respiratory Protection Program A hazard evaluation shall be conducted to determine whether the employee or student is required to wear a respirator or whether engineering controls can eliminate the hazard If the need for a respirator is established the wearer must register with ORS 5 4 General Laboratory Protocol All laboratory protocols shall include basic safety precautions These include personal hygiene work practices and the appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment needed to protect from exposure to chemicals radioactive materials or biological agents 5 4 1 Housekeeping Wise up suit up clean up p 29 Keeping things clean and organized helps provide a safer laboratory Laboratory surface cleanliness is especially important for laboratory workers of reproductive age and pregnant women Keep drawers and cabinet doors closed and electrical cords off the floor to avoid tripping hazards Keep aisles clear of obstacles such as boxes chemical containers and other storage items that might be put there even temporarily Avoid slipping hazards by cleaning up spilled liquids promptly and keeping the floor free of stirring rods glass beads stoppers and other such items Never block or even partially block the path to an exit or to safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher or safety shower Make sure that supplies and equipment on shelves provide sufficient c
19. Term Power Loss Consider what can happen in the event of short term power loss If the outcome is more than just an inconvenience implement steps to reduce the impact For example if temperature is regulated by a heating mantle and loss of heat for even a few minutes could create an unacceptable variation the result may be loss of that particular experimental run When developing a plan for handling a short term power loss consideration should be given as to what state a piece of equipment goes to during a loss of power or a resumption of power Equipment should enter a fail safe state and it should be tested for this state by purposely shutting off power to it and then reenergizing the circuit Any interlocks e g against high temperatures on heating mantles should be rechecked after a loss of power Some equipment must be restarted manually after a shutdown resulting in longer term power loss even when power is restored Uninterruptable power supplies and automatic generators should be considered for freezers and refrigerators that are used to store unstable compounds Laboratory Procedures If laboratory personnel are present when power is lost and power is not restored immediately consider the following actions e Turn off equipment particularly if leaving before power is restored Some equipment can be damaged if turned on abruptly once power comes back online If no one is in the laboratory when the power is restored equipment that doe
20. University Health Service the occupational medicine providers for each respective campus and local hospitals PIs are responsible for supplying at least one first aid kit for their lab groups The kit should be stored in the main lab and be easily accessible to any other lab locations that belong to a particular group If the same group occupies labs that are not in immediate proximity i e labs in different buildings or on different floors a first aid kit shall be available for each set of labs Each lab member shall know where the kit is located First aid kits and first aid training are also required for research activities away from the campus especially in remote areas where medical care is not readily available Factors to consider in selecting a kit include the following e The supplies should be consistent with the types of injuries anticipated in this research space e g will there be burns cuts fractures contusions or allergic reactions Its size must be appropriate to the number of people who will be using the kit p 22 Supplies should be provided in single use or dose unit type packs with suitable wrapping to ensure sterility and hygiene The case should be dust and moisture resistant e Consider the most convenient storage method for easy access wall mounted or portable The assortment choice shall have received final clearance from a qualified medical expert commercially available kits typically ha
21. and ORS recommend that at least two members of each lab group receive first aid and CPR training PIs supervisors must determine whether to arrange for and or sponsor first aid and CPR training for their staffs In the event of a work related injury follow the Office of Risk Management protocol for the respective campus Lab Injury Protocol Evanston or Lab Injury Protocol Chicago 3 6 1 Burn from Fire If your clothing catches fire immediately get under a safety shower or other water source e If a safety shower is not immediately available stop drop and roll to extinguish the fire holding your hands over your face to shield your face and eyes p 18 Assess the condition of the skin s burn area If skin is not broken run water over the burn area to remove heat Don t put ice on the burn If skin is broken apply a dry sterile dressing over the wound Seek medical attention as soon as possible 3 6 2 Inhalation A person exposed to smoke or fumes shall be removed to uncontaminated air Any victim overcome by smoke or fumes shall be treated for shock Call 911 Give cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR 1f necessary and if trained personnel are available If a person needs to be rescued from a contaminated area evaluate the possibility of harm to the rescuer before anyone enters or remains in the contaminated area without proper protective equipment If a printed SDS is available for the material inhaled it should accomp
22. any apparatus that may discharge toxic vapors fumes mists dusts or gases Never release toxic chemicals into cold rooms or warm rooms that have recirculating atmospheres gt Use chemical fume hoods or other engineering controls to minimize exposure to airborne contaminants Properly handle collect and dispose of surplus and waste chemicals 6 5 2 Guidelines for Working with Chemicals of Acute Toxicity Chemicals of acute toxicity are defined by OSHA as those that cause rapid effects as a result of a short term exposure generally sudden and severe as in the case of a leak from equipment Acute toxic effects include irritation corrosion sensitization and narcosis Alkyl mercury compounds require prior approval from ORS before purchase or use To illustrate hydrofluoric acid HF is a chemical of high acute toxicity because of its destructive effect on skin and bone tissue Arsine and other hydrides may be lethal at low concentrations because of red blood cell hemolysis Inhalation of high concentrations of carbon monoxide can cause immediate poisoning and possible death as the gas directly interferes with oxygen transport in the body by preferentially binding to hemoglobin Hydrogen cyanide inhalation inhibits enzyme systems vital to cellular uptake of oxygen When working with significant quantities of such chemicals the aim is to minimize exposure to the material Special care should be taken in the selection of protective clot
23. as SDSs Laboratory workers may be interviewed Inspection findings are detailed in NSIS in a report forwarded to the PI Pls are required to respond with a plan for correction 5 0 General Laboratory Safety Working safely in a laboratory requires having the proper containment equipment and engineering controls wearing appropriate personal protective equipment using proper work practices knowing safety information for the materials and equipment used and following safety instructions and laboratory protocols The general safety information in this section is provided to assist investigators and supervisors in planning work and guiding those actually carrying out procedures Because each laboratory situation is different judgment is required in interpreting general concepts for individual settings The NSIS Laboratory Safety Profile provides specific information for individual laboratories If you have questions or concerns about implementing general safety concepts or specific safety procedures consult ORS Some laboratories contain more than one type of hazardous material For example biochemistry laboratories may work with chemicals biological agents and radioactive materials In such cases the protective equipment and work practices to be used are those that provide protection against the most hazardous agent or meet the most stringent legal requirement 5 1 First Aid Kits Medical care at the University is available through the
24. be periodically quenched to prepare the still bottoms for disposal This usually involves adding solvent to consume the scavenging agents The process itself poses a risk of reactive metal adhering to the bottom of the flask with the potential for exposure to air causing a spontaneous fire Most thermal stills rely on electric heating mantles to heat the flammable solvents upward of 82 C 180 F presenting a fire risk and potential ignition source Always set up stills in a chemical hood Although many procedures suggest allowing the process to run overnight it is prudent to ensure that it is not left completely unattended Start the process at the beginning of the day and let it run as long as laboratory workers are present Place Plexiglas shields around the still to protect workers in the event of a serious accident Deactivate the stills under argon or nitrogen never air Do not add fresh solvent drying agent or indicator while the still is hot Ensure that water cooling lines are in good condition Do not allow material to accumulate at the bottom of the still quench the still at the end of every procedure and clean thoroughly Use caution when collecting the reactive materials as waste Column Purification Systems or Push Stills Column purification systems offer a safer more environmentally friendly process for providing dry oxygen free high purity solvents as compared with thermal distillation The level of impurity water oxy
25. chemistry engineering and biomedical sciences respectively They are appointed by the vice president for research The committee s responsibilities do not include research involving ionizing and non ionizing radiation recombinant DNA molecules human blood or pathogenic microorganisms Such activities are under the jurisdictions of the Radiation Safety Committee the Laser Safety Committee and the Institutional Biosafety Committee Research involving animals is under the jurisdiction of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee The general purposes of the committee are to formulate and recommend to the vice president for research policies governing the use of chemical carcinogens and other chemicals in the laboratory and to monitor the compliance of the University with respect to federal state and local regulations pertaining to hazardous materials in the laboratory The Committee has a number of specific responsibilities including recommending policies and procedures for a chemical safety program including but not limited to educational programs laboratory inspections containment requirements waste disposal programs and medical surveillance and reviewing incident reports 2 7 2 Institutional Biosafety Committee IBC All regulatory and safety issues related to the use of recombinant DNA human blood select agents pathogenic microorganisms and biosafety level 3 laboratories are governed by the Instituti
26. contaminated and the waste oil must be treated as a hazardous waste Excerpted from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pgs 74 133 140 153 174 175 p 33 Vent the output of each pump to a proper air exhaust system This procedure is essential when the pump is being used to evacuate a system containing a volatile toxic or corrosive substance Failure to observe this precaution results in pumping volatilesubstances into the laboratory atmosphere Scrubbing or absorbing the gases exiting the pump is also recommended Even with these precautions volatile toxic or corrosive substances may accumulate in the pump oil and thus be discharged into the laboratory atmosphere during future pump use Avoid this hazard by draining and replacing the pump oil when it becomes contaminated Vacuum pumps should carry tags indicating the date of the most recent oil change Oil should be changed once a month or sooner if it is known that the oil has been unintentionally exposed to reactive gases It may be desirable to maintain a log of pump usage as a guide to length of use and potential contaminants in the pump oil All pumps should be either vented into a hood or trapped Vent lines may be Tygon rubber or copper If Tygon or rubber lines are used they should be supported so that they do not sag and cause a trap for condensed liquids Belt driven mechanical pumps must have protective guards Such guards are particularly i
27. heating mode selection until they exhibit full understanding and proficiency As part of a laboratory reactor pressure vessel safety program write detailed standard operating procedures including intended operating pressures and temperatures and upload to NSIS Contact ORS for experiments that are intended to build up pressure above 500psia 34 bar If you use laboratory reactor pressure vessels in your experiments it s important to understand what conditions increase the hazards associated with use so you can prevent dangerous ruptures or explosions from occurring All laboratory reactor pressure vessels shall be equipped with a form of overpressure relief to protect the vessel from the hazards of unexpected or dangerously high internal pressures Appropriate over pressure relief through a safety rupture disk or safety relief valve must be part of the laboratory reactor pressure vessel design e DO NOT use a laboratory reactor pressure vessel without overpressure relief e DO NOT use laboratory reactor pressure vessels without manufacturer s documentation of maximum pressure and temperature DO NOT assemble or maintain pressure vessels without manufacturer s literature DO NOT exceed temperature limits for reactions or pressure vessels specifications DO NOT exceed vessel loading limits DO NOT form explosive materials inside a pressure vessel Some chemicals and mixtures are prohibited in laboratory reactor pressure vessels e DO NOT tr
28. important phone numbers emergency procedures medical treatment procedures safety inspection information and hazard communication program elements It further explains the duties and activities of the various emergency response service organizations If you do not have your own copy of the handbook contact the Human Resources Training Division or ORS For more detailed emergency information relating to chemical spills and exposures see the following sections For biological spills and exposures and exposure to bloodborne pathogens see the Bloodborne Pathogens Program For radioactive material spills see the Radiation Safety Handbook 3 1 University Emergency Response Plan The University Police maintains the University s Emergency Response Framework for emergencies The Emergency Response Framework formalizes responses to all classes of emergencies from small events to catastrophes In emergency situations the role of UP is to investigate the situation provide site security implement the emergency plan and establish communications ORS will advise and assist with hazardous material spill control and cleanup When the ability to respond adequately to an emergency is beyond the capability of University personnel UP will call the local fire department or local hazardous materials response team ORS may direct UP to make this call 3 2 Building Emergency and Evacuation Plans The University Emergency Response Framework requires that department
29. in equipment where flammable vapors are present The build up of static charge increases at low absolute humidity as is likely in cold weather Some common potential sources of electrostatic discharges are ungrounded metal tanks and containers metal based clamps nipples or wire used with non conducting hoses high pressure gas cylinders upon discharge and clothing or containers made of plastic or synthetic materials 5 5 2 Centrifuges If a tabletop centrifuge is used make certain that it is securely anchored in a location where its vibration will not cause bottles or equipment to fall Ensure that the disconnect switch is working properly and shuts off the equipment when the top is opened Centrifuge rotors shall be balanced each time they are used Securely anchor and shield each unit against flying rotors Regularly clean rotors and buckets with non corrosive cleaning solutions Always close the centrifuge lid during operation and do not leave the centrifuge until full operating speed is attained and the machine appears to be running safely without vibration Stop the centrifuge p 32 immediately and check the load balances if vibration occurs Check swing out buckets for clearance and support 5 5 3 Vacuum Work and Apparatus Vacuum work can result in an implosion and the possible hazards of flying glass spattering chemicals and fire Set up and operate all vacuum operations with careful consideration of the potential risks Althou
30. possibility of breakage Styrofoam buckets with lids can be a safer form of short term storage and conveyance of cryogenic liquids than glass vacuum Dewar flasks Although they do not insulate as well as Dewar flasks they eliminate the danger of implosion Assembly of Vacuum Apparatus Assemble vacuum apparatus to avoid strain Joints must allow various sections of the apparatus to be moved if necessary without transmitting strain to the necks of the flasks Support heavy apparatus from below as well as by the neck Protect vacuum and Schlenk lines from overpressurization with a bubbler Gas regulators and metal pressure relief devices must not be relied on to protect vacuum and Schlenk lines from overpressurization If a slight positive pressure of gas on these lines is desired the p 34 recommended pressure range is not in excess of 1 to 2 psi This pressure range is easily obtained by proper bubbler design depth of the exit tubing in the bubbler liquid Place vacuum apparatus well back onto the bench or into the laboratory chemical hood where it will not be inadvertently hit If the back of the vacuum setup faces the open laboratory protect it with panels of suitably heavy transparent plastic to prevent injury to nearby personnel from flying glass in case of implosion 5 5 4 Drying Ovens and Furnaces Volatile organics shall not be dried in ovens that vent to the room air Glassware rinsed with organics should not be oven dried unless i
31. they are expected to be familiar with the hazards of the chemicals they routinely handle during an p 47 average workday If the spill exceeds the scope of the laboratory workers experience training or willingness to respond the workers must be able to determine that the spill cannot be dealt with internally Emergency assistance is provided by ORS or an outside agency Spills requiring the involvement of individuals outside the lab are those exceeding the exposure one would expect during the normal course of work Spills in this category are those which have truly become emergency situations in that laboratory workers are overwhelmed beyond their level of training Their response capability is compromised by the magnitude of the incident Factors that clearly indicate a major spill are the need to evacuate employees in the area the need for response from outside the immediate release area the release poses or has potential to pose conditions that are immediately dangerous to life and health the release poses a serious threat of fire and explosion the release requires immediate attention due to imminent danger the release may cause high levels of exposure to toxic substances there is uncertainty that the worker can handle the severity of the hazard with the PPE and equipment that has been provided and the exposure limit could be easily exceeded and the situation is unclear or data is lacking regarding important fac
32. to mixing of incompatible chemicals or release of reactive compounds 6 10 1 Quantity Limits for Corrosives The regulations for the Evanston Campus differ from the regulations on the Chicago Campus The Northwestern University buildings on the Evanston Campus generally have to comply with the limits established in the International Building Code IBC and the International Fire Code IFC Research labs generally are in buildings classified as business occupancy B Groups of research laboratories within a building may be subdivided into fire control areas For more specific information regarding laboratory design and building fire control specifications contact Facilities Management p 65 Table 6 10 1 Evanston Campus International Fire Code IFC 2003 Maximum Allowable Quantities in Storage per Fire Control Areas Unless Constructed to High Hazard Group H 2 or H 3 Specifications b Hazardous Below Ground First floor Second floor Third floor Material grade Basement floor grade level above level above level to 6 75 MAQ 100 MAQ grade 75 grade 50 floor level MAQ MAQ above grade 12 5 MAQ Corrosive 3 750 pounds 5 000 pounds 3 750 pounds 2 500 pounds 625 pounds gt solid Corrosive 375 gallons 500 gallons 375 gallons 250 gallons 62 gallons liquid a Maximum quantities shall be increased 100 for buildings equipped throughout with an
33. unbreakable outer containers Sealed plastic bags may be used as secondary containment in many cases To avoid potential inhalation hazards handle powdered carcinogens and toxins in a chemical fume hood even during weighing procedures Inside the chemical fume hood measure the powder with a spatula into a preweighed vessel then seal or cover the vessel remove it from the chemical fume hood and take it to the balance to be weighed If more or less material is needed return the container to the chemical fume hood for addition or subtraction of material Close the container again and reweigh it Repeat these steps until the desired amount is obtained This procedure eliminates contamination of the air the work bench and the scale Procedures generating either solid or liquid airborne contaminants or involving volatile chemicals are always to be performed in a chemical fume hood Vacuum pumps shall be protected against contamination e g traps and filters in lines and vented into direct exhaust ventilation Pumps and other equipment and glassware shall be decontaminated before they are removed from the designated area The designated area shall be decontaminated before other normal work is conducted Vacuum pump oil shall be collected as a contaminated waste and disposed of through ORS Water vacuum lines shall be equipped with traps to prevent vapors from entering the wastewater stream Floors shall be wet mopped or cleaned with a high efficie
34. with safe work practices engineering controls and personal protective equipment required to safely conduct the hazardous processes operate equipment or machinery and handle chemicals specific to their laboratory PIs can manage training requirements for ORS provided training inside the NSIS Training Module Lab workers can use the NSIS Training Module to view their training status and enroll in safety training courses ORS is available to assist with evaluation of training requirements and can provide general safety seminars for laboratory or department groups 6 0 Chemical Hazards What is it that is not poison All things are poison and nothing is without poison It is the dose only that makes a thing not a poison Paracelsus 1493 1541 6 1 Hazard Communication The United States has adopted the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals GHS The GHS is a comprehensive approach to defining a chemical s hazards and communicating those hazards and protective measures to workers Pictograms identify health physical and environmental hazards associated with a chemical Hazard Classification Pictogram Gases under Pressure Environmental Toxicity Acute Toxicity severe ED Corrosives p 38 Oxidizers Carcinogen Target Organ Toxicity Respiratory Sensitizer Mutagenicity Reproductive Toxicity Aspiration Toxicity
35. 0 0 Laboratory rule PP li adn daras 87 10 1 Toxic Substances Control Act TSCA cccccccccccssssececssssececsssaeeecsssaeeeesessececeesaeceesesaeeecsesaeeeesesaeeseneaaes 88 10 2 Drug Enforcement Administration Controlled Substances and List and List Il Chemicals 88 1 0 Introduction A sustainable safety culture in research is built on leadership engagement hazard awareness enhanced communication and behavior changes The Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan provides information and guidance to help conduct laboratory work safely and in compliance with environmental health and safety regulations and University policy It is also a useful training resource for principal investigators other supervisory personnel safety designates and laboratory workers While it primarily addresses work in laboratories much of the information is applicable to non laboratory areas where hazardous chemicals or processes are used The Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan is the plan required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA Laboratory Standard 29 CFR 1910 1450 The Northwestern Safety Information System NSIS formerly ISIS Laboratory Safety Profile is the laboratory specific portion of the chemical hygiene plan Laboratory Safety Profiles in NSIS are required for all research research support and teaching lab facilities The Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan is available to all lab work
36. 1981 pp 359 402 p 49 Phosphates organic and Absorb with spill pillow or vermiculite related Reducing substance Apply soda ash or sodium bicarbonate 6 6 5 Mercury Spill Procedure Use of mercury containing devices is discouraged Thermometers manometers and switches that contain mercury should be labeled Mercury is a high density low viscosity liquid at room temperature During a spill mercury can form tiny droplets that adhere to surfaces and enter cracks and crevices ORS has a mercury vacuum and mercury vapor analyzer available to assist with large or difficult to clean mercury spills In the case of small mercury spills e g mercury containing thermometers laboratory personnel should be able to handle the cleanup Cleanup kits are available from ORS To minimize the spill hazard place a splash plate beneath all mercury containing equipment Procedures for small mercury spills Equipment needed Mercury Spill Kit from ORS Mercury vacuum pump eyedropper water or vacuum drive aspirator optional Chemical amalgam Laboratory coat Gloves Shoe protectors Glass or plastic collection container Plastic bags Wipes or paper towels Barricade tape Before entering the contaminated area put on protective clothing Establish a cleanup area and section it off to avoid spreading mercury Draw all visible mercury into a glass or plastic collection container Sprinkle the contaminated area with chemical amalga
37. 973 Coll Vol 5 414 30 From note in Organic Syntheses 2011 p 79 7 4 4 Polynitro Compounds Many polynitroaromatic compounds are shock sensitive as are some aliphatic compounds containing more than one nitro group Many of these compounds are sold and stored with 10 to 20 percent water which desensitizes their reaction to shock although they are still flammable solids In addition to reading the SDS consult the Bretherick s Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards for more in depth information on reactive hazards and associated incidents Storage Polynitro compounds shall be stored separately from most chemicals and labeled so they will be easily identified as reactive They shall not be placed in long term storage without special posting indicating their presence and removal date Long term storage without checking for proper water content may allow the compounds to dehydrate sufficiently to make them highly reactive Surplus and waste polynitro compounds shall be given to ORS promptly for proper disposal or recycling and not left on a shelf to be forgotten If old containers of polynitro compounds are found including picric acid or dinitrophenyl hydrazine do not move them without consulting ORS If they are moved handle them only by the bottom of the container and never by the cap or lid as friction may cause a violent explosion Picric Acid Dry picric acid is highly explosive and should be brought into the laboratory only wh
38. A few of the Select Agents are highly toxic chemicals p 81 High Consequence Livestock Pathogens and Toxins are agents that the Department of Agriculture USDA considers to have the potential to pose a severe threat to animal or plant health or to animal or plant products The plant pathogens listed by USDA have been deemed a threat to plant health or products Agents that post a severe threat to animal health animal products and also public health are referred to as Overlap Agents These agents appear on both the HHS and USDA list of agents and toxins All regulatory and safety issues related to the use of select agents at NU are governed by the Institutional Biosafety Committee 7 6 Engineered Nanomaterials See Safety guidelines for research with engineered nanomaterials 8 0 Chemical Waste Management Proper handling of reaction byproducts surplus and waste chemicals and contaminated materials is an important part of laboratory safety procedures Each laboratory worker is responsible for ensuring that wastes are handled in a manner that minimizes personal exposure and the potential for environmental contamination Follow all procedures of the Hazardous Waste Disposal Guide Purple Guide posted on the ORS website 9 0 Laboratory Infrastructure 9 1 Laboratory Ventilation Laboratories shall be provided with general ventilation adequate for employee comfort and sufficient to supply air for chemical fume hoods and other local ven
39. ABLE 7 2A FLAMMABLE LIQUID CLASSIFICATION 6 Chemical Reactivity Assessments in R amp D David Leggett PhD CChem MRSC p 73 Flash Point F Boiling Point F TABLE 7 2B MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE SIZE OF FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID CONTAINERS IN LABORATORIES ae Flammable Liquids Combustible Liquids Class IB Class IC Class IT Class IIIA Metal other 1 gallon 5 gallons 5 gallons 5 gallons 5 gallons than DOT drums or approved plastic b b b b Metal drum Not allowed 5 gallons 5 gallons 60 gallons 60 gallons DOT Spec Polyethylene 1 gallon 5 gallons 5 gallons 60 gallons 60 gallons Glass containers of not more than one gallon capacity are acceptable if the required purity would be adversely affected by storage in metal or if excessive corrosion would result from storage in metal Tn instructional laboratory work areas no container for Class I or II liquids shall exceed a capacity of one gallon other than safety cans which may be of two gallon capacity Reference NFPA 45 Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals National Fire Protection Association 1996 7 3 Compressed Gases Cryogenic Liquids and Liquefied Gases e A separate policy governs the use of Compressed or Liquefied Gases in Laboratories and Laboratory Support Facilities 7 4 Highly Reactive Chemicals Highly reactive and explosive materials used in the laboratory require appropriate procedures p 74 Functional Group
40. Exercise extreme caution in using liquid nitrogen as a coolant for a cold trap If such a system is opened while the cooling bath is still in contact with the trap oxygen may condense from the atmosphere Caution must be applied when using argon for instance as an inert gas for Schlenk or vacuum lines because it condenses as a colorless solid at liquid nitrogen temperature A trap containing frozen argon is indistinguishable from one containing condensed solvent or other volatiles and presents an explosion hazard if allowed to warm without venting 6 9 11 Transporting Chemicals In House The precautions that should be followed to protect colleagues non laboratory personnel and facilities when you transport chemicals in University buildings are listed below e Use secondary containers The container within a container concept will protect the primary containers from shock during any sudden change of movement Secondary containment is especially important when chemicals are moved in public areas such as hallways or elevators where the effects of a spill would be more severe e Always use a sturdy cart and make sure the cart has a low center of gravity Carts with large wheels are best for negotiating irregularities in floors and at elevator doors e Freight elevators shall be used for moving chemicals and biological materials Passenger elevators shall not be used for this purpose e Do not transport incompatible chemicals together on the same cart
41. Flammable liquids shall not be stored in cold rooms that do not have explosion proof wiring and fixtures Such storage facilities pose explosion hazards because the various control switches and defroster heaters can spark and ignite flammable vapors Chemicals stored in refrigerators or cold rooms shall be sealed and labeled with the name of the person who stored the material in addition to the labeling requirements Old chemicals shall be disposed of after a specified storage period Food shall not be stored in a refrigerator used for chemical storage The refrigerator shall be labeled Food Must Not Be Stored in This Refrigerator or equivalent Refrigerators used for food shall be marked Food Only or equivalent and shall not be in the work area 6 9 Safety for Specific Chemical Operations Operations that may generate airborne contaminants or that use flammable liquids or toxic reactive or odoriferous materials shall be conducted in a chemical fume hood or other appropriate containment enclosure Whenever hazardous gases or fumes are likely to evolve an appropriate trap condenser or scrubber shall be used to minimize release of material to the environment 6 9 1 Assembling Apparatus Apparatus should be set up well back from the edge of the work area be it a bench or a hood When assembled in a hood apparatus should not obstruct the area To avoid overflow choose apparatus with at least 20 percent more capacity than would normally
42. Is or core facility managers for the Office for Research The PI is responsible to the department head for the safe and legal conduct of research under his or her purview Shared or core facility managers are responsible to the faculty director and the respective administration This safety responsibility shall not be delegated The PI shall be aware of the physical and health hazards associated with all materials present in the laboratory The PI shall record all acquisitions of Chemicals of Interest in NSIS within 30 days The supervisor of a teaching laboratory is also considered a PI in the context of NSIS The supervisor of a teaching laboratory does not need to register students in NSIS who participate in laboratory activities as part of a Northwestern University class Laboratory teaching assistants need to be registered as laboratory workers in NSIS In the event of an incident the PI shall initiate appropriate emergency procedures and follow the incident reporting requirements p 11 The PI shall prepare a Laboratory Safety Profile within NSIS The PI shall add all supervised laboratory workers to the NSIS profile make all laboratory workers aware of the profile and enforce the safety rules and procedures described therein The PI shall be familiar with and understand the rules regulations and University policies pertaining to the workplace These encompass but are not limited to the following items standard operating procedures train
43. MAQ 7596 MAQ above grade MAQ 12 5 MAQ Highly toxic 7 5 10 7 5 5 1 Toxic 375 500 375 250 62 Organic UD 0 754 pee 0 754 0 554 0 154 Peroxide Highest Hazard Class Organic I 3 754 5b 3 794 2 5a 0 654 Peroxide Organic II 3794 5054 2799 2554 654 Peroxide Organic III 9354 12554 9354 6254 554 Peroxide Oxidizer 4 OS p 0 754 0 596 0 19 Oxidizer 3 gea 1054 que ae 2 Oxidizer 2 18754 25054 18754 12554 ape Unstable 4 0 554 pue 0 754 0 554 0 154 reactive Unstable 3 3 754 594 3 754 2 594 0 654 reactive Unstable 2 3754 5054 37194 2594 654 reactive Water reactive 3 ae a 34 208 0 654 Water reactive 2 374 5054 3754 2554 64d Explosives Consult with ORS before ordering a Maximum quantities shall be increased 10046 for buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system Where note b applies the increase for both shall be applied accumulatively b Quantities shall be increased 100 when stored in approved cabinets gas cabinets exhausted enclosures or safety cans as specified by the International Fire Code Where note d applies the increase for both shall be applied accumulatively c Except for IFC 2003 2704 2 1 Spill control for hazardous material liquids Rooms buildings or areas used for the storage of hazardous material liquids in individual vessels having a capacity of more than 55 gallons or in which the aggregate capacity of multiple vessels exceeds 1 000 gallons shall be provided with spill control to preve
44. NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan 4e Office for Research Safety Office of the Vice President for Research Jul 2015 Apr 2015 Dec 2014 June 2014 Feb 2014 Oct 2013 May 2013 April 2013 Oct 2012 June 2012 Jan 2012 Nov 2010 Jul 2010 Feb 2010 Jan 2010 Dec 2009 Sep 2009 Sep 1999 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 0 AC A A td 6 1 1 Federal Laws and Regulations cccccsssscccececsssesseaesecececeeseaaaeeeeecsesesesaeaeeeeecesseseaaeaeeeescessessaaeaeeeesens 6 T2 UO Cal LW Si AAA AA AA AAA 10 1 3 Regulation of Laboratory Design and Construction cccccononoononcnncnnnanononnnnnnnnnnnnnononnnnnnnnnnnanenannnnncnnnns 10 DAD ESPIAS A tere 10 2 1 Vice President for Research iii etc t eerte desto t a once tne ee oet ag eed 10 2 2 Department Heads Center Directors and Other Facility Directors 11 2 3 Principal Investigators and Shared and Core Facilities Managers oocococccnnccnonononnnnnnonnnnanaananonnnos 11 2 A Eaboratory WOTFK rs ott e tite eet e ete eee a tbe dee e ON e RE RE Pen 12 2 5 C E L 13 2 6 Office for Research Safety soe a 13 2L COmmilttees 2 aote rte ris e ei Dre i e D PE e Es 13 2 7 1 Laboratory and Chemical Safety Committee eese eene 14 2 7 2 Institutional Biosafety Committee IBC esses seen nnne 14 2 7 3 Radiation Safety Committee eese esent nn aa E
45. S Principal investigators must assure user competency Use NSIS to assign training for basic knowledge competency For further information and guidance contact the Office for Research Safety 6 9 9 Reduced Pressure Operations Protect vacuum desiccators by covering them with cloth backed friction or duct tape or shielding them for protection in case of implosion Vacuum lines shall be trapped and shielding used whenever apparatus is under reduced pressure Only chemicals being dehydrated should be stored in a desiccator Before opening a desiccator that is under reduced pressure make sure that atmospheric pressure has been restored Water aspirators for reduced pressure are used mainly for filtration purposes and only equipment that is approved for this purpose should be used Never apply reduced pressure to a flat bottomed flask unless it is a heavy walled filter flask designed for that purpose Place a trap and a check valve between the aspirator and the apparatus so that water cannot be sucked back into the system if the water pressure falls unexpectedly during filtering This also applies to rotary evaporation equipment that use water aspirators for reduced pressure If vacuum pumps are used place a cold trap between the apparatus and the vacuum pump so that volatiles from a reaction or distillation do not get into the pump oil or out into the atmosphere p 62 Exhausts from pumps shall be vented to a hood or ventilation system Pumps with
46. The PI shall record all acquisitions of Chemicals of Interest in NSIS within 30 days For most laboratories there are a few general security requirements however most security measures are based on an assessment of the vulnerabilities and needs of an individual laboratory or institution For some materials or operations regulations or strict guidance documents specify the type or level of security Special security requirements exist for regulated select agents including toxins and 31 Excerpt from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pgs 256ff p 87 controlled substances Radioactive materials and cyanides or other highly toxic chemicals must be secured when left unattended Within a laboratory perhaps the most obvious form of physical security is the door lock There are many choices available Users should be trained to not hold doors open for others and that everyone needs to use their key to pass through an access point Unauthorized personnel should not be allowed to enter the laboratory and if there is any question laboratory personnel should be instructed to call University Police for guidance For assistance with security vulnerability assessments and security plans contact University Police 10 1 Toxic Substances Control Act TSCA Certain shipments of research chemicals from abroad may require the buyer to fill out a Toxic Substances Control Act TSCA certification form before the shippe
47. about the possibility of such a connection being made Uninterruptible Power Supply UPS When generator power is not available or if equipment is sensitive to the slight power delay UPS systems may be the right choice for continued power UPS systems are composed of large rechargeable batteries that immediately provide emergency power when the main supply is interrupted UPS systems come in a variety of types and sizes The three basic types are offline line interactive and online The differences among the three are related to the level and type of surge protection with the offline providing the least amount of surge protection and the online providing the most sophisticated protection Size varies based on power needs When purchasing an UPS for equipment other than a computer consult with the equipment manufacturer to help choose the right solution All UPS systems require some degree of maintenance The battery needs to be replaced at an interval specified by the manufacturer Batteries may be expensive and should be figured into the cost of the system 3 4 Flood Floods could be due to rain water pipe breaks or accidental or deliberate acts Some areas are more prone to floods than others Laboratories on the basement or ground level are more likely to be flooded in a storm than those on higher floors Safety showers and eyewash stations that are not properly plumbed or do not have floor drains nearby may also be a source of flooding Con
48. accommodate the volume of chemical planned for the operation All parts of the apparatus shall be firmly balanced and supported Tubing shall be fastened with wire or appropriate clamps Stirrer motors and vessels shall be positioned and secured to ensure proper alignment Magnetic stirring is preferable and nonsparking motors or air motors shall be used in any laboratory that might contain flammable vapors Funnels and other apparatus with stopcocks shall be firmly supported and oriented so that gravity will not loosen the stopcock plug Use a retainer on the stopcock plug and lubricate glass stopcocks Do not lubricate Teflon stopcocks Include a vent in apparatus for chemicals that are to be heated and place boiling stones in unstirred vessels A pan under a reaction vessel or container will confine spilled liquids in the event of glass breakage p 55 6 9 2 Unattended Overnight Operations If experiments run while a researcher is not present an Overnight Experiment Notice containing information about the experiment and the name of a contact person for emergencies shall be posted on the laboratory door Forms are available from ORS The Emergency Information for Laboratories posting on the outside of the laboratory shall have current emergency contact information Reactions that are left unattended for long periods of time or overnight are prime sources of fires floods and explosions When equipment such as power stirrers hot
49. an cause burns the stronger the chemical and the longer the contact the worse the burn The chemical continues to burn as long as it remains on the skin For all chemicals except hydrofluoric HF acid flush the skin under a safety shower for at least 15 minutes For limited skin exposure on a small area a drench hose may be adequate for flushing Remove contaminated clothing while the person is under the shower stream taking care not to spread contamination from the clothing onto more of the person s skin If the clothing must be pulled over the head or down along the legs to be removed cut it away with first aid kit scissors instead Many safety showers are equipped with curtains to give privacy to the victim Don t let modesty keep you from removing contaminated clothing that remains against skin Do not treat the burn Do not puncture any blisters that may develop Allow trained medical personnel to administer treatment after flushing is complete Your first aid kit will probably contain antibiotic ointment and sterile gauze for burns These are intended only for minor burns such as those you might encounter in your household e g small burns from cooking at a stove and sunburns Also see section 5 1 1 First Aid Procedure for Responding to Hydrofluoric Acid Burns It is advisable for pregnant women to avoid touching anything in a laboratory bare handed Disposable gloves provide a barrier from low level contamination of common surfaces 3
50. andling and disposal procedures Training shall be provided or arranged by the PI p 12 2 5 Students Although the federal and state laws apply only to employees including student employees it is the policy of Northwestern University to ensure that all students who might be exposed to hazardous materials in the course of their activities at the University are also adequately protected and trained Therefore NSIS Laboratory Safety Profiles shall also be prepared for teaching laboratories The laboratory supervisor shall instruct students in the appropriate safety precautions and enforce the given rules 2 6 Office for Research Safety ORS helps faculty staff students and visitors to work safely to create safe workplaces and to achieve and maintain compliance related to health safety and protection of the environment In carrying out this mission ORS performs a basic risk management function in facilitating protection of University and individual interests against loss from injury accident civil or criminal penalties and litigation ORS provides information training and technical resources to department heads center directors and principal investigators to assist them in implementing the chemical radiation laser and biological safety programs ORS responsibilities for laboratory safety include compiling chemical inventory information and submitting reports to federal state and local agencies e collecting and disp
51. ands e Wash hands immediately after removing gloves after handling chemical agents and before leaving the lab even though you wore gloves Lab coats and gloves are worn only in the lab They are not taken outside the lab to lunch rooms or offices nor are they worn outdoors Lab coats shall be cleaned frequently e Confine long hair and loose clothing Wear sturdy shoes that cover feet completely Do not store or prepare food eat drink chew gum apply lip balm or cosmetics or handle contact lenses in areas where hazardous chemicals are present Check with your supervisor regarding contact lens policy in your lab If wearing them is acceptable take appropriate precautions such as informing other lab occupants and having a suction type removal device in your first aid kit Food is stored in cabinets or refrigerators designated for such use only e Never pipette or start a siphon by mouth Label all chemical containers Chemical storage is by hazard class Chemicals are not stored merely by alphabetical order 9 Never sniff or taste chemicals Again label containers properly to avoid confusion about contents Keep work areas clean and uncluttered Keep personal belongings away from chemicals Obtain an SDS for each chemical and consult the SDS before you use a chemical e Know the emergency procedures for the building the department and the chemicals being used e Vent into local exhaust devices
52. any part of the laboratory and labeled If possible the eyewash should be located near the safety shower so that if necessary the eyes can be washed while the body is showered New eyewash installations shall adhere to the recommendations for minimum performance requirements established in American National Standard Z 358 1 2009 Eyewash fountains shall supply 0 4 gallons of water per minute for 15 minutes The three basic kinds of eyewash fountains are the fixed base shower much like a drinking fountain with arm or foot pedal operation faucet mounted units and the handheld hose type with aerating nozzle s and lever operated valve The main criteria are that whichever eyewash chosen e it shall activate within one second e itshall provide hands free continuous operation once activated and e the flushing streams shall rise to approximately equal heights and the flushing fluid will wash both eyes simultaneously Contact ORS for information on the types of eyewashes available Bottle type portable eyewashes are not acceptable as they do not have the capacity to deliver 0 4 gallons of water per minute PIs are responsible for ensuring that the labeled eyewash fountains in their labs are flushed weekly Operate the valve visually observe availability of the aerated water stream and flush the pipes or hose of sediment that may have collected Issue a work order to Facilities Management if an eyewash station does not provide a clea
53. any the victim to the medical treatment facility 3 6 3 Shock Shock is likely to develop in any serious illness or injury Shock is a condition in which the circulatory system fails to deliver blood to all parts of the body When the body s organs do not receive adequate blood supply they fail to function properly The following signals are indicators that the victim is suffering from shock e restlessness or irritability often the first sign that the body is experiencing a significant problem altered consciousness pale cool moist skin rapid breathing or rapid pulse In caring for shock have the victim lie down Help the victim rest as comfortably as possible to minimize pain and thereby slow the progression of shock Control any external bleeding Help the victim maintain a normal body temperature and avoid chilling Elevate the victim s legs about 12 inches unless you suspect broken bones or possible head neck or back injuries If in doubt leave the patient lying flat Do NOT give the victim anything to eat or drink although s he may complain of thirst Obtain medical assistance promptly since shock cannot be managed by first aid alone 3 6 4 Ingestion If a person ingests a toxic chemical determine if possible what was ingested and notify the emergency medical personnel Contact the Poison Control Hotline at 800 222 1222 for emergency response information for the specific compound Inform the hotline personnel of the fi
54. ards of flying objects splashing chemicals and corrosive vapors Eyes are very vascular and can quickly absorb many chemicals Regulations require protective eye and face equipment where there is a reasonable probability that using them can prevent injury Eye protection shall be required in all laboratories where chemicals are used or stored Eye protection is not interchangeable among employees and shall be provided for each individual unless disinfected after use Safety glasses with clear side shields are adequate protection for general laboratory use Goggles shall be worn when there is danger of splashing chemicals or flying particles such as when chemicals are poured or glassware is used under elevated or reduced pressure A face shield with goggles offers maximum protection for example with vacuum systems that may implode Corrective lenses in spectacles do not in themselves provide sufficient protection Regulations require that persons whose vision requires corrective lenses and who are required to wear eye protection shall wear goggles over their eyeglasses prescription safety glasses or goggles with prescription lenses If contact lenses are worn they should not be handled in the laboratory and shall be worn with regularly required eye protection such as plastic goggles TABLE 5 3 1 Materials Cotton Modacrylic Nylon Plastic Polyolefin Polypropylene Rayon PROPERTIES OF PROTECTIVE CLOTHING MATERIALS Pro
55. arrel to keep the stopcock plug securely seated Point the barrel of the separator funnel away from yourself and others and vent it to the hood Do not vent the funnel near a flame or other ignition source Close the stopcock shake with a swirl and immediately open the stopcock with the funnel in the inverted position to vent the vapors again If it is necessary to use a separator funnel larger than one liter for an extraction with a volatile solvent the force on the stopper may be too great causing the stopper to be expelled Consider performing the extraction in several smaller batches 6 9 4 Distillations Distillation of flammable and combustible solvents is dangerous due to the presence of heat and flammable vapors Distillations should be maintained under inert atmosphere At the completion of vacuum distillations backfill the apparatus with inert gas Perform such distillations in a chemical hood Stills in use should be attended at all times and should have an automatic high temperature shutoff Distillation can sometimes be avoided by purchasing smaller quantities and high purity solvents 14 Excerpted from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pgs 72 159 161 p 56 Certain common laboratory chemicals form peroxides on exposure to oxygen in air Over time some chemicals continue to build peroxides to potentially dangerous levels whereas others accumulate a relatively low equilibrium concentratio
56. ary and reliable condition and shall be cleaned regularly to avoid spreading contamination Non contaminated laboratory coats can be cleaned by any laundry service dry cleaner A laboratory coat that is known or suspected to be grossly contaminated should not be laundered Contaminated coats should be disposed of through ORS See the Laboratory Coat Cleaning Procedure Do not wash lab coats or contaminated clothingwith other personal laundry 5 3 1 Clothing Cover unprotected skin whenever possible Suitable clothing shall be worn in the laboratory shorts are not appropriate Clothing may absorb liquid spills that would otherwise come in contact with your skin Long sleeves protect arms and shall fit snugly especially when you are working around machinery Nomex and wool affords more protection from flash burns or corrosive chemicals than p 25 cotton or synthetic fabrics Some synthetic fabrics may increase the severity of injury in case of fire Cotton is less prone to static electricity buildup than nylon or other synthetics Wear substantial closed toed shoes in the laboratory to protect against chemical splashes or broken glass Do not wear sandals cloth sport shoes perforated shoes or open toed shoes If you clean up a spill from the floor you may need the added protection of rubber boots or plastic shoe covers Steel toed shoes may be required for handling heavy items such as gas cylinders or heavy equipment components Apron
57. aste flammable liquid storage cabinets shall be used Allowable Quantities The maximum allowable size of containers and portable tanks for flammable and combustible liquids is shown in Table 7 2B Although the table indicates that the maximum allowable size of glass containers for Class IA and Class IB are one pint and one quart respectively the liquids may be stored in glass containers of not more than one gallon capacity if the required liquid purity such as ACS analytical reagent grade or higher would be affected by storage in metal containers or if the liquid would cause excessive corrosion of the metal container Bonding and Grounding When a flammable liquid is poured into or withdrawn from a metal drum the drum and the secondary container shall be electrically bonded to each other and to the ground to avoid the possible buildup of a static charge Only small quantities should be transferred to a glass container If the liquid is transferred from a metal container to glass the metal container should be grounded Drums of flammable liquids are not permitted in laboratories unless the quantity is necessary for daily use and is approved by ORS In Evanston transfer of a flammable liquid by gravity from a drum or carboy is permitted only through a self closing valve or faucet Chicago Fire Code for Flammable Liquids prohibits gravity transfer and requires that the liquid be transferred by pumping from an opening in the top of the container T
58. automatic sprinkler system Where note b applies the increase for both shall be applied accumulatively Quantities shall be increased 100 when stored in approved cabinets gas cabinets exhausted enclosures or safety cans as specified by the International Fire Code Where note d applies the increase for both shall be applied accumulatively Except for IFC 2003 2704 2 1 Spill control for hazardous material liquids Rooms buildings or areas used for the storage of hazardous material liquids in individual vessels having a capacity of more than 55 gallons or in which the aggregate capacity of multiple vessels exceeds 1 000 gallons shall be provided with spill control to prevent the flow of liquids into adjoining areas 4 Chicago Campus Contact ORS for further information on the storage of corrosives if you intend to store more than 10 gallons or a single container size exceeding 1 gallon p 66 6 10 2 Quantity Limits for Highly Reactives and Toxics Table 6 10 2 Evanston Campus International Fire Code IFC 2003 Maximum Allowable Quantities MAQ in Storage per Fire Control Areas Unless Constructed to High Hazard Group H 2 or H 3 Specifications in pounds Hazardous NFPA Below Ground First floor Second floor Third floor Material Class grade floor grade level above level above level to 6 Basement 100 grade grade 50 floor level 75 MAQ
59. azard evaluation in NSIS See your NSIS Laboratory Safety Profile e Designated work and storage areas shall be established for carcinogens chemicals with high chronic toxicity and reproductive toxins Materials shall be kept within the designated area to the extent possible e Designated work and storage areas for chemical carcinogens including chemical fume hoods and refrigerators shall be labeled Chemical Carcinogen Designated work and storage areas used for chemicals with high chronic toxicity or reproductive toxins shall be labeled Toxic Chemical or Toxic Substance Access procedures shall be used if work involves moderate or greater amounts of carcinogens or moderate to lengthy procedures These procedures may include closed doors restricted access only authorized personnel permitted written access procedures posted on the outer door p 45 Cover laboratory surfaces including chemical fume hood surfaces with plastic backed paper or protective trays Inspect work surfaces following procedures and remove the paper if contamination is present Dispose of the used paper as hazardous waste Disposable gloves shall be disposed of as hazardous waste Wash reusable gloves before removing them Contact ORS prior to washing to determine if the wash water must be collected for disposal as a hazardous waste Transport highly toxic or carcinogenic materials through public areas such as hallways in closed containers within
60. belt drives must be equipped with belt guards to prevent hands hair or loose clothing from being caught in the belt pulley Desiccators If a glass vacuum desiccator is used it should be made of Pyrex or similar glass completely enclosed in a shield or wrapped with friction tape in a grid pattern that leaves the contents visible and at the same time guards against flying glass if the vessel implodes Plastic e g polycarbonate desiccators reduce the risk of implosion and may be preferable but should also be shielded while evacuated Solid desiccants are preferred Never carry or move an evacuated desiccator Take care opening the valve to avoid spraying the desiccator contents from the sudden inrush of gas Rotary Evaporators to vacuum u speed control stopcock Sea d ind A y AM T a 7 pot A a y a fe y water bath P s N S A reservoir A Re d Be A A YY J water bath temperature control a Glass components of the rotary evaporator should be made of Pyrex or similar glass Completely enclose in a shield to guard against flying glass should the components implode Gradually increase rotation speed and application of vacuum to the flask whose solvent is to be evaporated 6 9 10 Cold Traps Cryogenic liquids are materials with boiling points of less than 73 C 100 F Liquid nitrogen helium argon and slush mixtures of dry ice with is
61. ble 1 2 Federal Safety Laws and Regulations That Pertain to Laboratories Environmental Regulations Law or Regulation Resource Conservation and Recovery Act RCRA Citation 42 USC 8 6901 et seq Purpose Protection of human health and environment Comments Hazardous waste management 40 CFR Parts 260 272 Cradle to grave control of chemical waste Subpart K of 40 CFR Part 262 is an opt in rule specific to laboratories in academia Title 40 rules are written and enforced by EPA of Stratospheric Ozone depleting compounds Clean Air Act CAA 42 USC 8 7401 et seq Protection of air quality and human health CAA Amendments of 1990 42 USC 8 7409 et seq Expansion of air quality Requires development of protection specific rules for laboratories National Emission Standards for 40 CFR Part 82 Control of air pollutant Hazardous Air Pollutants emissions Montreal Protocol for Protection 40 CFR Part 82 Control of emission of ozone Severely limits use of certain chlorofluorocarbons Federal Water Pollution Control Act 33 USC 8 1251 et seq Improvement and protection of water quality regulations for existing and new sources of pollution pollutants to public treatment works Criteria and standards for the 40 CFR Part 125 Control of discharge to public National Pollutant Discharge waters Elimination System NPDES General pretreatment 40 CFR Part 403 Control of disc
62. bove above to 6 floor MAQ grade grade level 75 50 above MAQ MAQ grade 12 5 MAQ Flammable IA 223 30 b 2250 5 3 7 liquid IB 45 60 459 30 1519 IC 67 90b 67 45 b pe Combination IA IB IC 90 5 d 120999 9Qab es 60 b c d ise of Flammable Liquids Combustible II 90 254 120 94 90 b4 60 b4 15 amp b d liquid IIIA 247 abd 330 29 DATES 165 54 4 954 IIIB 9 900 4 13200 4 9 9004 660074 1 650 54 Pyrophoric Not 3 pounds 4 pounds 3 pounds 2 pounds gt 0 5pound applicable a Maximum quantities shall be increased 100 for buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system Where note b applies the increase for both shall be applied accumulatively b Quantities shall be increased 100 when stored in approved cabinets gas cabinets exhausted enclosures or safety cans as specified by the International Fire Code Where note d applies the increase for both shall be applied accumulatively Containing not more than the maximum allowable quantity per control area of Class IA IB or IC flammable liquids d Except for IFC 2003 2704 2 1 Spill control for hazardous material liquids Rooms buildings or areas used for the storage of hazardous material liquids in individual vessels having a capacity of more than 55 gallons or in which the aggregate capacity of multiple vessels exceeds 1 000 gallons shall be provided with spill control to prevent the flow of liquids in
63. bsorb with spill pillow or vermiculite Avoid skin contact or inhalation Absorb with spill pillow or vermiculite Avoid skin contact or inhalation Absorb with spill pillow or vermiculite Decontaminate with 10 ceric ammonium nitrate solution Neutralize with acid or commercial chemical neutralizers and absorb with spill pillow or vermiculite Absorb with spill pillow or vermiculite Absorb with spill pillow or vermiculite Avoid skin contact or inhalation Wet or mist solids before sweeping or use a HEPA filter vacuum to collect the solids Absorb liquids with spill pillow or vermiculite Apply sodium bicarbonate Absorb with spill pillow or vermiculite Absorb with spill pillow or vermiculite Avoid organic matter Absorb with calcium carbonate or calcium oxide rather than sodium bicarbonate The use of sodium bicarbonate will lead to the formation of sodium fluoride which is considerably more toxic than calcium fluoride Be careful in the choice of spill pillows used to absorb the acid Certain pillows contain silicates that are incompatible with hydrofluoric acid Apply soda ash Neutralize with calcium hypochlorite solution Absorb with spill pillow or vermiculite Sweep up solids Absorb liquids with spill pillow or vermiculite Absorb with spill pillow or vermiculite Avoid skin contact or inhalation Apply sodium bisulfite Absorb with spill pillow or vermiculite 10 Reagent Chemicals MCB Manufacturing Chemists Inc
64. c acid because dehydration may produce anhydrous perchloric acid which is explosive Perchlorate esters have the same shattering effect as nitroglycerine Transition metal perchlorates are capable of exploding Perchlorates shall not be used without prior consultation with ORS Concentrated Bases The most common bases found in laboratories include the alkali metal hydroxides and aqueous solutions of ammonia Sodium and potassium hydroxides are extremely destructive to both skin and eye tissues When concentrated solutions are prepared the heat of solution can raise the temperature to dangerous levels Because ammonia solution vapors are such strong irritants they should be used only in a chemical fume hood Applicable Acids Equipment TABLE 7 1 PROCEDURE FOR INORGANIC ACID NEUTRALIZATION Does not apply to chromic acid Hydrochloric nitric sulfuric perchloric Chemical fume hood vertical sash pulled down as far as possible locate horizontal sash pane in front of you as a barrier Goggles Gloves Lab coat either acid resistant or with impermeable apron pH paper wide range Caution Wear protective clothing and work in a hood Beware of heat and fumes generated by neutralizing acid Add acid to water Keep containers cool while neutralizing using ice in the water or in baths Dilute concentrated acids before neutralization Keep concentrated nitric and perchloric acids which are strong oxidizers away from reducing agents i
65. cil 2011 pg 72 22 Excerpts from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pgs 72 100 133 p 77 described below Always refer to the SDS and supplier instructions for proper use and storage of polymerizable monomers Excluding oxygen by storing potential peroxide formers under an inert atmosphere N2 or argon greatly increases the safe storage lifetime Purchasing the chemical stored under nitrogen in septum capped bottles is also possible In some cases stabilizers or inhibitors free radical scavengers that terminate the chain reaction are added to the liquid to extend its storage lifetime Because distillation of the stabilized liquid removes the stabilizer the distillate must be stored with care and monitored for peroxide formation Furthermore high performance liquid chromatography grade solvents generally contain no stabilizer and the same considerations apply to their handling Types of Compounds Known to Autoxidize to Form Peroxides ethers containing primary and secondary alkyl groups never distill an ether before it has been shown to be free of peroxide compounds containing benzylic hydrogens compounds containing allylic hydrogens C C CH compounds containing a tertiary C H group e g decalin and 2 5 dimethylhexane compounds containing conjugated polyunsaturated alkenes and alkynes e g 1 3 butadiene vinyl acetylene and compounds containing secondary or tertiary C H
66. cohol and chlorinated solvents The published toxicity information for a given substance is general human data may not be available and the actual effects can vary greatly from one person to another Do not underestimate the risk of toxicity All substances of unknown toxicity should be handled as if they are toxic with the understanding that any mixture may be more toxic than its most toxic component Solvent Exposure Chart H 5 Water and aqueous buffers oh Aqueous Acids and Bases Acetone H O Na O O OH pn K Na o T A Was Small Chain Alcohols HO 0H OH JOH ON a E Acetonitrile 4 0H O cl N Ss OH E nod ES P Aqueous and Miscible Solutions Do not ingest If spilled on skin rinse affected area for 10 min Higher Alcohols Hexanes and Pentanes Ethers O ae smelly LON o 4787 0H Ethyl Acetate O Low Hazard Organic Solvents Aon Store and dispose in fumehood Keep exposure to a minimum J LPS Aliphatic Amines Toluene and Xylenes Noo Dichloromethane H H o a En SR Chronic Exposure Risks l Limit exposure Seal all glassware prior to removal from fumehood Chloroform Pyridine Dimethylsulfoxide a WANS Dimethylformamide N Methylpyrrolidinone O oo Hexamethylphosphoramide Dichl th HMPA Cl ee CI Th Ns O Benzene Carbon Tetrachloride pa An i on Cl CI F 72N N P N e N N E Cl Hazardous or Toxic Solvents Use cautiously Do not breathe fumes Keep waste bottl
67. ctim free from the electrical source Help victims only if you are certain that you will not endanger your own safety Turn off or disconnect the power source if possible Call UP at 456 If a trained person is available start CPR if necessary Get medical assistance at once 9 6 Fire Extinguisher Policy Fire extinguishers are provided by the University in corridors public areas laboratories and other locations where required by building and life safety code Facilities Management provides fire extinguishers in new and renovated laboratories during the construction phase All existing labs are p 86 equipped with extinguishers Missing extinguishers should be reported to Facilities Management Extinguishers in individual labs are ordered through Facilities Management at no cost to the PI Call 1 5201 to issue a work order for installation Facilities Management will inspect and maintain all fire extinguishers both inside and outside laboratories 10 0 Laboratory Security A laboratory security system is put in place to mitigate a number of risks and is complementary to existing laboratory security policies In very broad terms laboratory safety keeps people safe from chemicals and laboratory security keeps chemicals safe from people There are many systems available for physical and electronic laboratory security The choice and implementation depends on the level of security needed and resources available There are four integrat
68. d development R amp D Significant adverse reaction 40 CFR Part 717 Record of new allegation that TSCA 8 8 c Follow TOI requirements with R amp D biologicals other materials and laboratory equipment chemicals and other research materials out the United States TSCA exemption for R amp D 40 CFR 720 36 Exemption for R amp D from PMN Follow R amp D exemption if chemical substance not on requirements including labeling TSCA inventory or is and SDS information manufactured or imported only in small quantities solely for R amp D Exports of samples chemicals 15 CFR Parts 730 774 Regulates shipments of certain These rules are administered by the U S Department of Commerce other export regulations may apply Table 1 4 Federal Safety Laws and Regulations That Pertain to Laboratories Regulation of Laboratory Injuries Accidents and Spills first aid equipment and facilities for quick drenching and flushing of eyes Law or Regulation Citation Purpose Comments Public Health Security and 42 CFR Part 73 Establishes the requirements for Select agents are biological Bioterrorism Preparedness and possession use and transfer of agents that are a terror risk Response Act of 2002 select agents and toxins Rules are administered by the U S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U S Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Recording and reporting 29 CFR Part 1904 Standards for emplo
69. d of a stirring hotplate to avoid accidental heating 6 9 7 Cooling Baths The preferred liquids for dry ice cooling baths are isopropyl alcohol or glycols add dry ice slowly to the liquid portion of the cooling bath to avoid foaming Avoid the common practice of using acetone dry ice as a coolant the alternatives are less flammable less prone to foaming and splattering with dry ice and less likely to damage some trap components O rings plastic Dry ice and liquefied gases used in refrigerant baths should always be open to the atmosphere Never use them in closed systems where they may develop uncontrolled and dangerously high pressures Exercise extreme caution in using liquid nitrogen as a coolant for a cold trap 16 Chemical Reactivity Assessments in R amp D David Leggett PhD CChem MRSC 17 Excerpt from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pg 158 18 Excerpt from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pgs 173 174 p 59 vacuum line A A vacuum pump Cold Trap ground glass joint allows cold trap to be opened freezing mixture Dewar flask If such a system is opened while the cooling bath is still in contact with the trap oxygen may condense from the atmosphere The oxygen could then combine with any organic material in the trap to create a highly explosive mixture Therefore do not open a system that is connected to a
70. d venting of chemicals i e evaporation in chemical fume hoods shall never be used as a means of disposal Turbulence is the greatest enemy to proper chemical fume hood operation It can lead to backspill of contaminants out of the chemical fume hood The operator has significant control over the factors that cause turbulence and consequently the chemical fume hood s capture efficiency For example chemical fume hoods with active experiments are not meant for storage of chemicals at the same time Storing chemical containers and equipment in a chemical fume hood impairs its performance The containers and equipment create turbulence as airflow is diverted around them Volatile and odorous chemicals and highly toxic gases shall be stored in ventilated cabinets If chemical containers or bulky devices must be maintained in the chemical fume hood during an experiment they should be elevated 2 to 3 inches above the interior work surface using jacks apparatus scaffolding support stands ring stands metal bars or stilts etc Materials remaining directly on the work surface block the incoming air and propel it back toward the chemical fume hood face The elevation of materials in the chemical fume hood allows air to pass unimpeded to the bottom exhaust opening at the chemical fume hood s back wall Turbulence is also created at the face of the chemical fume hood when obstacles to airflow such as containers and equipment are too close to the sash C
71. eat fats fatty acids glycerin and similar materials with nitric acid in pressure vessels e DO NOT treat cellulosic materials with mixed nitric and sulfuric acids e DO NOT use perchloric acid picric acid or concentrated hydrazine in these vessels e AVOID reactions which are highly exothermic or which may be expected to release large volumes of gas Overloading of a pressure vessel is a significant hazard Where available identify the charging limits for each chemical and vessel size in the manufacturer s literature Always evaluate the stoichiometry and chemistry that you are trying to achieve with special considerations for catalysts and gaseous by products that may affect pressure build up inside the vessel Assess any intermediates side products and products that may form and their behavior within Pressure Classification of Reactions NFPA 45 Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals 2011 Edition Annex C 45 39 p 61 the vessel including their corrosive nature and their tendency to violently decompose at elevated temperature and pressure Determine maximum temperature and pressure limits expected taking into account the energetics of the reaction being conducted and any pathways that might cause the reaction to run out of control A formal written risk assessment is strongly encouraged Defective temperature controls or operator inattention can be the cause of dangerous overheating In order to prevent dangero
72. ectrical equipment that is not operating properly or seems to be overheating shall be turned off immediately and inspected by a qualified technician Electrical equipment should be inspected periodically to confirm that the cords and plugs are in safe condition Circuit diagrams operating instructions descriptions of hazards and safety devices are usually provided by the manufacturer and should be kept on file for reference Only three wire grounded double insulated or isolated wiring and equipment shall be used in 110V 115V AC applications All wiring and equipment shall comply with the National Electrical Code In specifically designated laboratories cold rooms or storage rooms or other locations where concentrations of flammable vapor air mixtures are likely to occur certified explosion proof wiring and equipment including light fixtures switches refrigerators and telephones shall be used If you have any questions with regard to the code contact the Office of Risk Management for guidance at Tel 1 3253 Series wound motors with carbon brushes typically found in household appliances such as blenders and mixers are not spark free and shall not be used in laboratories where flammable vapors accumulate Equipment manufactured for use in laboratories generally contains induction motors Electrical extension cords should be avoided where practical by installing additional electrical outlets Only electricians from Facilities Manageme
73. ed moisture absorbency protectors boots wearer perspiration may cause Bouffant caps discomfort EN N Good static dissociation Static buildup requires antistatic agent Degraded by acids binds some chemicals From Chemical Safety Manual for Small Businesses American Chemical Society third edition 2007 p 27 5 3 3 Gloves Gloves are worn to prevent skin contact with toxic radioactive or biological agents burns from hot or extremely cold surfaces or corrosives or cuts from sharp objects Many gloves are made for specific uses For adequate protection select the correct glove for the hazard in question Leather and Kevlar gloves provide good protection for picking up broken glass handling objects with sharp edges and inserting glass tubing into stoppers Cuts from forcing glass tubing into stoppers or plastic tubing are a common laboratory accident and are often serious However because they absorb liquid these gloves do not provide protection from chemicals nor are they adequate for handling extremely hot or cold surfaces Gloves designed to insulate against hot surfaces and dry ice are not suitable for handling other chemicals When choosing an appropriate glove consider the required thickness and length of the gloves as well as the material Consult the glove manufacturer for chemical specific glove recommendations and information about degradation and permeation times Certain disposable gloves should n
74. ed domains to consider when improving security of a facility physical or architectural security doors walls fences locks barriers controlled roof access and cables and locks on equipment electronic security access control systems alarm systems password protection procedures and video surveillance systems operational security sign in sheets or logs control of keys and access cards authorization procedures background checks and security guards and information security passwords backup systems shredding of sensitive information These domains are complementary and each should be considered when devising security protocols Laboratories that possess Chemicals of Interest COD and are covered by the Chemical Facilities Anti Terrorism Standards CFATS are subject to U S Department of Homeland Security DHS requirements The Chemical Facility Anti Terrorism Standards are concerned with the following types of chemicals e EPA Risk Management Plan chemicals highly toxic gases chemical weapons convention chemicals e explosives and precursors of the above chemicals Chemical terrorism Vulnerability Information CVI may not be openly shared It includes data and results from an inventory assessment called a Top Screen the facility s DHS Security Vulnerability Assessment and Site Security Plan e g procedures and physical safeguards as well as training and incident records and drill information
75. ems Doors in internal laboratory suites may have less stringent door closing requirements 5 4 7 Visitors to Laboratories Do not allow visitors including children and pets in laboratories where hazardous substances are stored or are in use or hazardous activities are in progress Students from primary and secondary schools occasionally may enter laboratories as part of educational programs under carefully controlled and supervised conditions Colleagues prospective students and others may be invited into laboratories for legitimate academic and research purposes Each individual working in a laboratory should prudently evaluate the risks to visitors especially to persons of increased risk such as children and immune suppressed individuals The Office of Human Resources requires registration of volunteers and interns Office of Risk Management requires a signed Volunteers and Visitors Lab Use Agreement CCM standard operating procedures require a signed Visitor Hazard and Declaration of Compliance Form 5 5 General Laboratory Techniques 5 5 1 Static Electricity Static electricity may be generated whenever two surfaces are in contact with one another Examples are processes such as evaporation agitation pumping pouring of liquids or grinding of solids or powders Equipment used in these operations shall be bonded and grounded to prevent static charges from accumulating on the containers Blanketing with inert gas may also prevent sparks
76. en specifically required Users should have a thorough understanding of its hazards Although not explosive when wetted picric acid solutions may evaporate to leave the hazardous solid Picric acid should be stored away from combustible materials and should not be kept for extended periods Old containers of picric acid shall be handled only by ORS Methyl nitronitrosoguanidine Methyl nitronitrosoguanidine is a carcinogenic agent that is also shock sensitive It shall be stored in a separate area preferably locked Waste paper plastic and glass contaminated with this material shall be given to ORS for proper disposal 7 4 5 Catalysts Catalysts such as raney nickel or palladium on carbon shall be filtered from catalytic hydrogenation reaction mixtures with care The catalyst has usually become saturated with hydrogen and will produce flames spontaneously on exposure to air The filter cake should not be allowed to become dry The funnel containing the still moist catalyst filter cake should be put into a water bath immediately after completion of the filtration Use a purge gas nitrogen or argon for hydrogenation procedures so that the catalyst can be filtered and handled under an inert atmosphere 7 4 6 Sodium Azide Sek p 80 Sodium azide is a toxic highly reactive heat sensitive and potentially shock sensitive material Because it reacts with metals Teflon or other nonmetal spatulas shall be used It shall be stored in a locked cab
77. ene Diethylene glycol Acetaldehyde dimethyl ether Methyl cyclopentane Cumene Dioxane Methyl isobutyl ketone Cyclohexene Ethyl ether Tetrahydrofuran Ethylene glycol dimethyl Cyclopentene ether Tetrahydronapthalene Decalin Furan Group Mt Materials 1 3 butadiene Chlorotrifluoroethylene Vinyl acetate Acrylic Acid Methyl Methacrylate Vinyl acetylene Acrylonitrile Styrene Vinyl chloride Chlorobutadiene Tetrafluoroethylene Vinyl pyridine 7 4 3 Peracids and Peroxy Compounds Reactions and subsequent operations involving peracids and peroxy compounds should be run behind a safety shield For relatively fast reactions the rate of addition of the peroxy compound should be slow enough so that it reacts rapidly and no significant unreacted excess is allowed to build up The reaction mixture should be stirred efficiently while the peroxy compound is being added and cooling should generally be provided since many reactions of peroxy compounds are exothermic New or unfamiliar reactions particularly those run at elevated temperatures should be run first on a small scale Reaction products should never be recovered from the final reaction mixture by distillation until all residual active oxygen compounds including unreacted peroxy compounds have been destroyed Decomposition of active oxygen compounds may be accomplished by the procedure described in Korach M Nielsen D R Rideout W H Org Synth 1962 42 50 Org Synth 1
78. ent or loss of cooling Use fail safe devices for stills purifying reaction solvents because such stills are often left unattended for significant periods of time Temperature sensing devices absolutely must be securely clamped or firmly fixed in place maintaining contact with the object or medium being heated at all times If the temperature sensor for the controller is not properly located or has fallen out of place the controller will continue to supply power until the sensor reaches the temperature setting creating an extremely hazardous situation Insert a thermometer in heated liquids if dangerous exothermic decomposition is possible This will provide a warning and may allow time to remove the heat and apply external cooling 15 Excerpt from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pg 156 p 58 A more thorough hazard review should be done when reaction temperatures gt 150 C lt 30 C the pressure within a reaction vessel can be expected to exceed 10 bar or reagents are fed at gt 2 bar of pressure 6 9 6 Heat Blocks Oil and Sand Baths Heat blocks specifically sized for round bottom flasks can be placed directly on a stirring hotplate Heat blocks are a good replacement for oil baths or heating mantles Improper use of a hot oil or sand bath may create serious hazards such as an overturned bath spatter from water falling into the bath smoke caused by decomposition of the oil or o
79. ers and all persons who work with hazardous chemicals biological agents and radioactive materials Although the information in this document is compiled from sources believed to be reliable it is not all encompassing and is intended only to serve as a starting point for good laboratory practice The laboratory manager or supervisor is responsible for adding laboratory specific information for developing and maintaining a safe workplace and for complying with federal state and local laws and University policy Whenever used the word shall indicates required procedures The word should indicates a recommendation for good practice Policies and procedures for work with radioactive materials and lasers are covered by the Radiation Safety Handbook and the Laser Safety Handbook which are available from the Office for Research Safety ORS web site Policies and procedures for work with potentially infectious agents and recombinant DNA are covered in the Institutional Biosafety Manual which references the CDC Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories 5 Ed and the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Program This document has been reviewed by the Laboratory and Chemical Safety Committee and approved by the vice president for research 1 1 Federal Laws and Regulations There are a number of federal state and local laws regulations ordinances and standards that pertain to the laboratory activities and conditions that affect the en
80. es sealed in the fume hood Triple rinse all glassware before removal from the hood Source http chemtips wordpress com 2013 03 Strong Carcinogens p 41 Exercise extreme care Develop alternate conditions if possible Chemtips 6 2 3 Carcinogenicity A carcinogen is a chemical that causes malignant cancerous tumors Individual carcinogens currently regulated by OSHA are in the List of Carcinogens The use of carcinogens is regulated by the University and requires documentation in the Laboratory Safety Profile See the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH List of Carcinogens 6 2 4 Reproductive Toxins Chemicals can affect both adult male and female reproductive systems Chemicals may also affect a developing fertilized ovum embryo or fetus through maternal exposure teratogenic effects Reproductive hazards affect people in a number of ways including mental disorders loss of sexual drive impotence infertility sterility mutagenic effects on cells teratogenic effects on the fetus and transplacental carcinogenesis Exposure to lead or to anticancer drugs such as methotrexate or to ionizing radiation can cause infertility miscarriage birth defects and low birth weight Certain ethylene glycol ethers such as 2 ethoxyethanol and 2 methoxyethanol can cause miscarriages Carbon disulfide can cause menstrual cycle changes One cannot assume that any given substance is safe if no data on gestationa
81. especially when scaling up and provide adequate ventilation Since many chemicals used in research are hazardous to some degree it is prudent to minimize exposure to research chemicals as a general rule rather than implementing safety protocols only for specific compounds Avoid skin contact with chemicals as much as possible Assume that mixtures are more toxic than their components and that all substances of unknown toxicity are toxic Do not work with a volatile or aerosolizing material without adequate ventilation from chemical fume hoods or other protective devices Remember Wise up suit up clean up 6 5 1 General Guidelines The following guidelines are applicable to nearly all uses of chemicals in laboratories They apply to most hazardous chemicals such as acids bases and flammable liquids They are also applicable to chemicals that display low carcinogenic potency in animals and are not considered carcinogens p 43 The general guidelines are not by themselves adequate for chemicals with high acute toxicity or high chronic toxicity such as heavy metals chemical carcinogens or reproductive toxins Wear eye protection at all times where chemicals are used or stored Wear a lab coat or other protective clothing e g apron Wear gloves selected on the basis of the hazard Inspect them before use Wash reusable gloves before removal Turn disposable gloves inside out carefully when removing to avoid contaminating h
82. essed or Liquified Gases in Laboratories 6 8 1 Chemical Compatibility in Storage Keep incompatibles separate during transport storage use and disposal Chemicals shall be stored only with other compatible chemicals Consult SDS for chemical compatibility information Further information can be found in Bretherick s Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards Urben 2007 an extensive compendium that is the basis for lists of incompatible chemicals included in other reference works It is most important to separate compatible pyrophoric and water reactive chemicals and chemicals that are incompatible with all other storage groups These two groups merit their own storage cabinets Always store fuels away from oxidizers Concentrated oxidizing agents are incompatible with concentrated reducing agents Indeed either may pose a reactive hazard even with chemicals that are not strongly oxidizing or reducing For example sodium or potassium strong reducing agents frequently used to dry organic solvents are extremely reactive toward halocarbon solvents which are not strong oxidizing agents Strong oxidizing agents are frequently used to clean glassware but they should be used only on the last traces of contaminating material Because the magnitude of risk depends on quantities chemical incompatibilities will not usually pose much if any risk if the quantity of the substance is small a solution in an NMR tube or a microscale synthesis Howeve
83. ett teet e ete e Ite eade ce ned eda 74 TAA Organig Peroxides 2 nre lia aa 77 7 4 2 Peroxide Forming Chemicals eese nnne nenne nennen nnne nina nnne 77 7 4 3 Peracids and Peroxy Compounds ccccococococnnononononononononononnnononononnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnns 79 7 4 4 Polynitro CompoUuhds 2 n rt e rt e p het mete rne e quae 80 TAS Catal ySts ook ce ue RE uai 80 7 4 6 Sodium Azide on ttp e RE n POR PE aes eee ed reni 80 LAT OPBANOMETAILCS ri A A AA A A tet dee aa 81 TABA es A WE BER RIDES 81 7 4 9 Piranha Solution Aqua Regia and related Etch 6sS ccccconnnocoonnnnononanonannnnnoncnnonanannnnnnnnnos 81 T S SelectAgents n oto E t datis eui i E A A RETE 81 7 6 Engineered Nanomiaterials rot aeter rar eate qe ded etate dre doen vue e que eade annosa 82 8 9 Chemical Waste Mina dr oi id iind actus eo tesi inside 82 9 0 Laboratory Infrastruct re su Sed eb toa she le dd er CM t 82 9 1 Laboratory Veritil tion edt e etate tet etate ted iate de ind ve te de ai ded 82 9 1 2 Chemical Fume Hoods ctor reinen eene taba a Re Po e daa 83 9 2 Safety ShOWeES A ida 84 9 3 Eyewash Fountain not nete e pere e EIS eve dere ae a AR erp steels 85 9 4 Laboratory Sinks and Drain Traps nennen nnne nennen enne n assesses ranas 85 O 5xElectrical Equipment ette Hte etl Ac 85 9 6 Fire Extinguisher Policy iei eee e iere e iE ig eye d eere ipee been aep eve e ede dpt 86 1
84. ety of personnel The OSHA Laboratory Standard guidelines for animal work with chemicals of high chronic toxicity shall be followed The guidelines cover administration of the toxic substance aerosol suppression personal protection and waste disposal Another possible concern in handling laboratory animals is the potential for exposure to inherent biological hazards Aside from the biological agents to which the animals are deliberately exposed lab animals may harbor indigenous pathogens that can be transmitted to humans This is of particular concern with nonhuman primates In the case of macaque monkeys animal handlers may contract Cercopithecine herpesvirus CHV 1 commonly referred to as Herpesvirus simiae or B virus infection that can be deadly The virus is primarily transmitted through bites scratches or other contamination of broken skin however a fatality due to a splash of a macaque s body fluid in the eye has been reported The high risk of infection places particular importance on the wearing of personal protective equipment to prevent exposure Animal handlers working with macaques and other nonhuman primates shall follow the standard operating procedures from CCM and the Training and Occupational Health Program required by IACUC Always don appropriate gloves surgical masks splash goggles and lab coats or other suitable covering that leaves no exposed skin or mucous membranes 5 4 4 Relocating or Closing a Laboratory
85. expensive synthetic elastomer Chemicals can eventually permeate all glove materials Select glove materials resistant to the chemical being used and change gloves periodically to minimize penetration The chemical resistance of common glove materials varies according to the glove manufacturer as manufacturers may vary the thicknesses and formulations of materials Call the manufacturer to verify that a particular glove material is suitable for the chemical in use See also the VWR Glove Selection Guide 6 Excerpts from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pgs 111 112 p 28 General guidelines to the selection and use of protective gloves Do not use a glove beyond its expiration date Gloves degrade over time even in an unopened box e When not in use store gloves in the laboratory but not close to volatile materials To prevent chemical contamination of non laboratory areas by people coming to retrieve them gloves must not be stored in offices or in break rooms or lunchrooms Inspect gloves for small holes tears and signs of degradation before use Replace gloves periodically because they degrade with use depending on the frequency of use and their permeation and degradation characteristics relative to the substances handled Replace gloves immediately if they become contaminated or torn e Replace gloves periodically depending on the frequency of use Regular inspection of their
86. from work or reassigned to less hazardous activities This is particularly appropriate for pregnant women or persons receiving immunosuppressive drugs or therapy 6 8 Chemical Storage Practices that encourage the appropriate labeling and storage of chemicals can reduce the risks of mixing of incompatible chemicals and assist with regulatory compliance Highly hazardous chemicals must be stored in a well ventilated secure area that is designated for this purpose Cyanides must be stored in a tightly closed container that is securely locked in a cool dry cabinet to which access is restricted Protect cyanide containers against physical damage and separate them from incompatibles Flammable liquids should be stored in approved flammable liquid containers and storage cabinets Observe National Fire Protection Association International Building Code International Fire Code and other local code requirements that limit the quantity of flammables per cabinet laboratory space and building Store odiferous materials in ventilated cabinets Use of corrosion resistant storage trays as secondary containment for spills leaks drips or weeping is a good idea Polypropylene trays are suitable for most purposes Store oxidizers reducing agents and fuels separately to prevent contact in the event of an accident OSHA Laboratory Standard Excerpts from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pg 97 p 51 See also Compr
87. g Speed and thoroughness in washing off the acid is of primary importance Call for emergency response While wearing neoprene or butyl rubber gloves to avoid a secondary HF burn massage 2 5 w w calcium gluconate gel onto the affected area after 5 minutes of flushing with water If calcium gluconate gel is unavailable continue flushing the exposed areas with water until medical assistance arrives Send a copy of the SDS with the victim For eye exposure Immediately flush the eyes holding eyelids open for at least 15 minutes with large amounts of gently flowing water preferably using an eyewash station Do not apply calcium gluconate gel directly onto the eye Seek medical attention Send a copy of the SDS with the victim For inhalation For ingestion Immediately move to fresh air Call 911 Send a copy of the SDS with the victim Seek immediate medical attention Drink large amounts of water or milk as quickly as possible to dilute the acid Do not induce vomiting Do not ingest emetics or baking soda Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person If medical attention must be delayed and the materials are available drink several ounces of milk of magnesia or other antacids Send a copy of the SDS with the victim PIs should assign and require completion of ORS developed training content Calcium gluconate gel 2 596 w w must be readily accessible in work areas where any potential HF exposure exists Chec
88. g glassware stirring rods tubing and reagent bottles may be ordinary soft glass Vacuum or suction flasks shall be designed with heavy walls Dewar flasks and large vacuum vessels shall be taped or otherwise screened or contained in metal to prevent glass from flying if they should implode An ordinary thin walled thermos bottle is not an acceptable replacement for a Dewar flask Because it can be damaged in shipping handling or storage inspect glassware carefully before using it to be sure it does not have hairline cracks or chips Even the smallest flaw renders glassware unacceptable and possibly dangerous Flawed glassware shall be discarded in a rigid puncture resistant broken glass bin Where the integrity of glassware is especially important it can be examined in polarized light for strains 8Do not store strong oxidizing agents in plastic labware except that made of Teflon Prolonged exposure causes embrittlement and failure 8 Labware Chemical Resistance Table Thermo Scientific p 35 5 5 7 Eliminating Mercury Thermometers And Mercury Containing Devices Metallic mercury is highly toxic by skin absorption inhalation and ingestion Lab workers face limited potential exposure whenever they break mercury filled thermometers The mercury contamination may infiltrate cracks in benches and the floor or spread beneath equipment and instruments The contamination is insidious and difficult to remove completely The difficulty is ma
89. g that the Facilities Management crew is informed of the p 82 hazards in the area The chemical fume hood shall be cleared of toxic materials and properly decontaminated before such work begins Facilities Management may request ORS to inspect the chemical fume hood prior to maintenance or repair work Be prepared to supply a detailed history of chemical and biological agent use in the chemical fume hood for safety evaluation purposes 9 1 2 Chemical Fume Hoods A chemical fume hood is an important engineering control for preventing exposure to hazardous materials In conjunction with sound laboratory techniques a chemical fume hood serves as an effective means for capturing toxic carcinogenic offensive or flammable vapors or other airborne contaminants that would otherwise enter the general laboratory atmosphere With the sash lowered the chemical fume hood also forms a physical barrier to protect workers from hazards such as chemical splashes or sprays fires and minor explosions Chemical fume hoods may also provide effective containment for accidental spills of chemicals although this is not their primary purpose Many University chemical fume hood controllers are equipped with emergency purge buttons These should be activated during an incident or if the design of an experiment fails The button will temporarily increase total exhaust flow from the lab and help remove toxic vapors or dusts from the entire space The deliberate release an
90. gen peroxides is comparable to thermal distillation The system is usually composed of refillable stainless steel kegs that hold high purity solvent and act as a solvent reservoir Inert gas nitrogen p 57 argon is used to maintain an inert atmosphere as well as to force solvent through the packed columns that contain activated alumina for water scavenging and copper catalyst for oxygen scavenging For those solvents that are incompatible with copper e g tetrahydrofuran methylene chloride acetonitrile a second column of alumna is used along with a dry nitrogen or argon purge to facilitate oxygen removal The solvent product is dispensed from the columns into a variety of specialized containers for use in the laboratory glass stainless steel etc Column purification systems present much less of a fire risk compared with thermal distillation because they do not employ heating devices or reactive metals Because glass containers are not needed the potential for injury or spill related to breakage is also eliminated There is no need for heating mantles when solvent is present and the intrinsically safe properties of the system allow it to be set up virtually anywhere in the laboratory thus eliminating the need to place the apparatus in a chemical hood As a result there is a significant savings in electricity usage although heating jackets may be required for installations where the water and oxygen scavengers are activated
91. gh a vacuum distillation apparatus may appear to provide some of its own protection in the form of heating mantles and column insulation this is not sufficient because an implosion could scatter hot flammable liquid Use an explosion shield and a full face shield to protect laboratory personnel and carry the procedure out in a laboratory chemical hood Glassware under vacuum should be kept behind a shield or hood sash taped or resin plastic coated Equipment at reduced pressure is especially prone to rapid pressure changes which can create large pressure differences within the apparatus Such conditions can push liquids into unwanted locations sometimes with undesirable consequences Do not allow water solvents and corrosive gases to be drawn into a building vacuum system When the potential for such a problem exists use a cold trap Water aspirators are not recommended Precautions to be taken when working with vacuum lines and other glassware used at sub ambient pressure are mainly concerned with the substantial danger of injury in the event of glass breakage The degree of hazard does not depend significantly on the magnitude of the vacuum because the external pressure leading to implosion is always 1 atmosphere Thus evacuated systems using aspirators merit as much respect as high vacuum systems Injury due to flying glass is not the only hazard in vacuum work Additional dangers can result from the possible toxicity of the chemicals conta
92. gnified if the thermometer breaks in a water bath or sink One of the best methods for eliminating this hazard and metallic mercury in labs is to replace all mercury thermometers with non mercury instruments Alternatives to mercury thermometers are spirit filled or digital units ORS strongly urges you to substitute non mercury thermometers whenever possible Alkyl mercury compounds require prior approval from ORS before purchase or use 5 5 8 Ultraviolet Visible and Near Infrared Radiation Ultraviolet visible and infrared radiation from lamps and lasers in the laboratory can produce a number of hazards Medium pressure Hanovia 450 Hg lamps are commonly used for ultraviolet irradiation in photochemical experiments Ultraviolet lights used in biosafety cabinets as decontamination devices or in light boxes to visualize DNA can cause serious skin and corneal burns Powerful arc lamps can cause eye damage and blindness within seconds Some compounds e g chlorine dioxide are explosively photosensitive When incorrectly used the light from lasers poses a hazard to the eyes of the operators and other people present in the room and is also a potential fire hazard See the Laser Safety Handbook for further details about laser registration and hazard control Glassblowing and the use of laser or ultraviolet light sources require special eye protective glasses or goggles 5 5 9 Equipment Used with Compressed Gases A separate policy governs the
93. groups adjacent to an amide e g 1 methyl 2 pyrrolidinone Procedures for Peroxide Testing 1 p 78 Identify and label all peroxide forming chemicals Peroxide testing labels are available from ORS Date when 1 received and 2 when opened Visually inspect each container If there is crystallization or discoloration treat the bottle as if it contains a dangerous level of peroxides Notify ORS IMMEDIATELY Dispose of all peroxide formers by the expiration date on the bottle If the expiration date is not printed use the following rules i Group I 3 months from manufactured date ii Group II amp III 12 months from manufacture date if inhibited 3 months if uninhibited Test each peroxide former monthly Record the 1 date 2 your initials and 3 the peroxide concentration if any on the peroxide testing label If the concentration of peroxides is above 10 ppm contact ORS for neutralization and disposal Store peroxide formers in sealed dark containers with a tight fitting cap Avoid heat and light Peroxide test strips are available without charge from ORS Use the key below to determine the concentration of peroxides if any 0 1 3 10 30 100 ppm Group I Materials Diethyl Ketene Isopropyl ether Divinylacetylene Potassium Amide Divinyl Ether Potassium Metal Group II Materials Acetal Dicyclopentadiene Methyl actyl
94. hair and loose clothing when in the laboratory or in a shop area to keep them from catching fire dipping into chemicals or becoming entangled in moving machinery Avoid wearing finger rings and wrist watches which may become contaminated react with chemicals or be caught in the moving parts of equipment Remove laboratory coats and gloves before you leave the laboratory to prevent spreading contamination to other areas Keep a clean spare coat to wear outside the laboratory Do not wear gloves outside the laboratory 5 3 Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment NSIS assigns completion of ORS developed training content of each registered laboratory worker Personal protective clothing and equipment protects you from injury due to absorbing inhaling or coming into physical contact with hazardous materials Some protection is afforded by ordinary clothing and eyeglasses You have a responsibility to dress sensibly for laboratory work Laboratory clothing protects workers own clothing You are responsible for using special protective clothing and equipment when they are required for safety Protective wear may include laboratory coats wraparound gowns cloth masks coveralls aprons gloves shoe covers and respirators Select garments and fabric based on the nature of the hazardous agent The standard lab coat fabric for a chemistry laboratory is flame resistant Personal protective clothing and equipment shall be used and maintained in a sanit
95. harge of Implemented by local sewer authorities Table 1 3 Federal Safety Laws and Regulations That Pertain to Laboratories Shipping Export and Import of Laboratory Materials Law or Regulation Citation Purpose Comments Hazardous Materials Transportation Act 48 USC 1801 et seq Control of movement of hazardous materials Hazardous material regulations p 8 49 CFR Parts 100 199 Regulation of packaging labeling placarding and transporting Standards of the International Air Transport Agency apply to chemicals shipped by air Title 49 rules are written and enforced by DOT Hazardous materials training requirements TSCA 49 CFR 88 172 700 172 704 15 USC 8 2601 et seq Assurance of training for all persons involved in transportation of hazardous materials Requires testing and necessary restrictions on use of certain chemical substances Also known as HM126F Collection and development of information on chemicals Technically qualified individual TQD 40 CFR 720 3 ee chemical substances or mixture caused significant adverse effect for health or the environment Definition of TOI by background understanding of risks responsibilities and legal requirements Reporting and recordkeeping 40 CFR Part 704 One provision exempts users of Must follow R amp D exemption requirements small quantities solely for requirements research an
96. he water temperature of the shower should be tepid to prevent pain or shock to a person standing under it for 15 minutes Safety showers shall have quick opening valves requiring manual closing so that a person does not have to hold the valve open while trying to undress or wash off The pull handle shall be a delta bar or large ring within easy reach but not so low as to be in the way Because not all laboratories have safety showers a Safety Shower sign shall be placed outside each room that has a shower Flammable liquid cabinets or other hazardous equipment or material shall not be placed near a safety shower and access to the shower or the activating handle shall not be impeded The floor shall be clear in a 34 inch diameter area under the shower Safety showers shall be tested and inspected at least annually Inspection includes a visual check of visible plumbing and verification of proper operation Facilities Management conducts the annual tests and maintains related records Contact Facilities Management to schedule safety shower testing if the shower you intend to use in an emergency has not been tested in the last 12 months p 84 9 3 Eyewash Fountain An eyewash providing a continuous low pressure stream of aerated water shall be provided in each laboratory in which chemical or biological agents are used or stored and in laboratories where nonhuman primates are handled The designated eyewash es shall be easily accessible from
97. heads cooperate to establish building safety committees and appoint building safety managers and alternates The building safety committees develop evacuation plans for each building The plans include a telephone tree for notifying key persons in case of emergency All building occupants receive training in their respective evacuation plan Safety wardens are appointed for each building In the event of a fire hazardous material release or other hazardous situation requiring emergency response in a safety warden s zone the warden will e Activate the fire alarm if needed call University Police and report the incident e notify occupants to evacuate the zone and assist emergency personnel by providing information regarding location of the incident origin and persons involved The senior officials of ORS University Police the Office of Risk Management and Facilities Management are authorized to initiate evacuation of buildings 3 3 Loss of Power Most laboratory buildings experience occasional brief periods of power loss Such instances may be minor disturbances or could damage equipment or ruin experimentation Longer term power outages 3 Excerpts from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pgs 40 41 p 15 may cause significant disruption and loss It is prudent to consider the effects of long term and short term power loss and implement plans to minimize negative outcomes 3 3 1Short
98. hing to ensure it is appropriate for the hazard Personal hygiene and work practices should also be carefully evaluated to minimize exposure The following guidelines should be practiced in addition to the general guidelines for handling chemicals When performing procedures that may result in the release of airborne contaminants use a chemical fume hood e Trap or treat effluents to remove gases fumes vapors and particulates before discharging them to facility exhaust Restrict access to the laboratory or work area Establish and label a designated area for work with acutely toxic chemicals Keep materials within the designated area Use plastic backed paper or trays under work areas Replace the paper when contaminated Develop and know special emergency procedures Keep emergency supplies at hand for immediate use When hydrofluoric acid is in use the first aid kit must contain calcium gluconate gel 6 5 3 Guidelines for Chemicals with High Chronic Toxicity Carcinogens and Reproductive Toxins In addition to the general guidelines for handling chemicals use the following guidelines for handling chemicals with high chronic toxicity which include most heavy metals chemicals displaying moderate to high carcinogenic potency in animals and reproductive toxins For carcinogens determine if the chemical is regulated by OSHA in a substance specific standard If so the PI or lab supervisor shall document a h
99. hood corrosion Chemical fume hoods shall be evaluated for performance upon installation and following any alterations ORS monitors chemical fume hoods annually The fans and duct systems are maintained and inspected by Facilities Management Any problems with hood ventilation or air flow should be reported to ORS or Facilities Management for inspection and evaluation Refer to the Chemical Fumehood Handbook for further information regarding optimum hood operation and an understanding of ventilation principles 9 2 Safety Showers Safety showers shall be installed in all areas where employees may be exposed to splashes or spills of materials that may be injurious to the eyes and body As a general rule new shower installations shall adhere to the recommendations for shower location and minimum performance requirements established in American National Standard Z 358 1 2009 Showers shall be placed as close to the hazard as possible but in no case more than 10 seconds travel time from the hazard Department heads shall ensure that safety showers are installed in the department where needed Every laboratory employee shall be instructed in the location s and use of a safety shower Ideally a person should be able to find the shower with his or her eyes closed Safety showers shall provide a minimum of 20 gallons of water per minute and deliver the volume at low velocity a high velocity shower could further damage injured tissue Ideally t
100. ined in the vacuum system as well as from fire following breakage of a flask e g of a solvent stored over sodium or potassium Because vacuum lines typically require cold traps generally liquid nitrogen between the pumps and the vacuum line precautions regarding the use of cryogens should be observed also Liquid nitrogen cooled traps open to the atmosphere condense liquid air rapidly When the coolant is removed an explosive pressure buildup occurs usually with enough force to shatter glass equipment if the system has been closed Hence only sealed or evacuated equipment should be so cooled Vacuum traps must not be left under static vacuum liquid nitrogen in Dewar flasks must be removed from these traps when the vacuum pumps are turned off Residues from vacuum distillations have been known to explode when the still was vented suddenly to the air before the residue was cool To avoid such explosions vent the still pot with nitrogen cool it before venting or restore pressure slowly Sudden venting may produce a shock wave that explodes sensitive materials Vacuum Pumps Distillation or similar operations requiring a vacuum must use a trapping device to protect the vacuum source personnel and the environment This requirement also applies to oil free Teflon lined diaphragm pumps Normally the vacuum source is a cold trap cooled with dry ice or liquid nitrogen Even with the use of a trap the oil in a mechanical vacuum trap can become
101. inet and used with appropriate personal protective gear Sodium azide should only be purchased in small quantities ideally the minimum amount needed in the laboratory Consult ORS for a list of vendors who supply 10 gram containers of sodium azide Storage of solid sodium azide is strongly discouraged Solid sodium azide in quantities above 25 g shall be dissolved when it arrives in the lab Solutions of sodium azide do not pose the danger of shock sensitivity associated with the solid form however the hydrazoic acid generated when the azide is dissolved is extremely toxic Therefore the solution shall always be prepared inside a chemical fume hood Consult with ORS if planning for a reaction with greater than 5 grams of sodium azide 7 4 7 Organometallics Organometallics are organic compounds comprised of a metal or nonmetal attached directly to carbon RM Examples are Grignard compounds and metallic alkyls such as alkyl lithiums triethylaluminum and trimethylindium Many organometallics are highly toxic or flammable Many are also water reactive and spontaneously combustible in air Trialkyltins are the most toxic as a group Most are highly reactive chemically Special firefighting equipment e g dry chemical powder fire extinguisher may be needed where organometallics are handled 7 4 8 Hydrides Hydrides are inorganic compounds composed of hydrogen and another element often a metal Examples include arsine AsH3 phosphine PH3
102. ing record keeping maintaining and providing easy access to SDSs labeling chemicals labeling and proper disposal of surplus and waste materials posting warnings medical surveillance inventory reporting engineering controls safe work practices personal protective clothing and equipment and access restrictions The Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA states that it is clear that it is the employer s responsibility to compel compliance it is the employer and not the employee who controls the conditions of work at a given workplace According to University interpretation the PI is defined as the individual responsible for ensuring adherence to safety regulations and proper use of safety equipment in the lab The PI shall correct any deficiencies that could compromise health and safety or compliance The PI shall not assign pregnant women to clean hazardous materials spills or work with chemicals that are particularly hazardous to a fetus When closure of a laboratory becomes imminent the PI is responsible for following the lab closeout process in NSIS and the Laboratory Closeout Checklist The PI ensures removal of all chemical and other health and safety hazards so the lab is safe for renovation or subsequent use The PI shall report to the department head that all hazardous materials have been removed and work surfaces lab furniture refrigerators freezers chemical fume hoods etc decontaminated with an appropria
103. ing to Hydrofluoric Acid Burns e For a chemical splash in the eyes immediately flush the eyes under running potable water for 15 minutes holding the eyes open and rotating the eyeballs This is preferably done at an eyewash fountain with tepid water and properly controlled flow Hold the eyelids open and move the eye up down and sideways to ensure complete coverage If no eyewash fountain is available put the victim on his or her back and gently pour water into the eyes for 15 minutes or until medical personnel arrive e For spills on clothing immediately remove contaminated clothing including shoes and jewelry while standing under running water or the safety shower When removing shirts or pullover sweaters be careful not to contaminate the eyes Cutting off such clothing will help prevent spreading the contamination To prepare for emergencies shears rounded tip scissors should be available in the first aid kit to allow safe cutting of contaminated clothing Consult the SDS to see if any delayed effects should be expected and keep the SDS with the victim Call UP to have the victim taken to the emergency room for medical attention Be sure to inform emergency personnel of the decontamination procedures used prior to their arrival for example flushing for 15 minutes with water Be certain that emergency room personnel are told exactly what the victim was contaminated with so they can treat the victim accordingly 6 6 3 Procedure for
104. k the expiration date of your supply of commercially obtained calcium gluconate gel and reorder as needed to ensure a supply of fresh stock 5 2 Personal Hygiene Personal hygiene is extremely important to persons working in a laboratory Contamination of food beverages or smoking materials is a potential route of exposure to toxic chemicals radioactive materials or biological agents through ingestion Thus laboratory personnel shall not prepare store or consume food or beverages pipette by mouth smoke apply lip balm or cosmetics or handle contact 5 Exerpts from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2010 pgs 137 138 p 24 lenses in the work area This elementary safety rule shall be followed by everyone working in or visiting a laboratory Handwashing is a primary safeguard against inadvertent exposure to toxic chemicals radioactive materials or biological agents Always wash your hands before leaving the laboratory even though you use gloves Wash your hands after removing soiled protective clothing before leaving the laboratory and before eating drinking smoking or using a rest room Wash your hands periodically during the day at intervals dictated by the nature of your work Wash with soap and running water with hands held downward to flush the contamination off the hands Turn the tap off with a clean paper towel to prevent recontamination and dry your hands with clean towels Confine long
105. l exposure are available Specific hazards of chemical exposure are associated with the male reproductive system including suppression of sperm production and survival alteration in sperm shape and motility and changes in sexual drive and performance Various reproductive hazards have been noted in males following exposure to halogenated hydrocarbons nitro aromatics arylamines ethylene glycol derivatives mercury bromine carbon disulfide and other chemical reagents Consult the SDS for information on known reproductive hazards Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction CERHR List of Reproductive Toxins National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH The Effects of Workplace Hazards on Female Reproductive Health 6 3 Designated Area Work involving selected carcinogens reproductive toxins and substances of high acute toxicity shall be conducted in a designated area This is a requirement of the OSHA Laboratory Standard This area shall be so posted and all employees working within the area shall be informed of the hazardous substances used there The designated area may be a chemical fume hood a part of a laboratory or the entire laboratory 6 4 Monitoring Airborne Concentrations of Contaminants OSHA has established permissible exposure limits PELs for airborne concentrations of selected materials The PEL is defined as a
106. ld not be thrown into a wastebasket until first rinsed with water and neutralized Chromic acid is generally prepared as a cleaning solution ORS recommends the use of replacement cleaners without chromium which is carcinogenic All chromic acid waste shall be collected and disposed of through ORS For information regarding chromic acid substitutes contact ORS Perchloric acid is a powerful oxidizing agent that may react explosively with organic compounds and other reducing agents Any work with perchloric acid heated above ambient temperature requires ORS approval If heated it shall be used only in a perchloric acid hood of noncombustible construction p 70 Special hood wash down features may be required Perchloric acid should be handled with extreme care and kept from organic matter to prevent a serious explosion Beakers of fuming perchloric acid shall be handled with tongs rather than rubber gloves Perchloric acid hoods shall be washed down after every perchloric acid digestion Perchloric acid containers shall be stored in glass outer containers and shall not be stored on wood shelving as drips or leaks may render the wood shock sensitive Keep perchloric acid bottles on glass or ceramic trays that are large enough to hold all the acid if the bottle breaks Storage of perchloric acid containers should not exceed one year Digest organic matter with nitric acid before addition of perchloric acid Never heat perchloric acid with sulfuri
107. learance so that fire sprinkler heads operate correctly There shall not be any storage within 18 inches of a sprinkler head Put ordinary wastepaper in a wastepaper basket separate from chemical wastes Broken glass and other sharp items shall be disposed of in rigid puncture resistant containers to protect persons collecting the waste materials Needles and syringes must be disposed of in a rigid puncture resistant sharps container When discarding empty boxes or other containers bearing hazardous materials labels the labels shall be defaced or removed before disposal Contaminated boxes or containers shall not be disposed of in the regular trash Chemical wastes and unwanted chemicals shall be disposed of promptly and not left to clutter a laboratory Follow all procedures of the Hazardous Waste Disposal Guide Purple Guide posted on the ORS website Additional information on disposal of human body fluids or other potentially infectious materials appears in the Bloodborne Pathogens Program 5 4 2 Cleaning Glassware When cleaning laboratory glassware wear appropriate gloves that have been checked for tears or holes Avoid accumulating too many articles in the cleanup area around the sink space is usually limited and piling up glassware leads to breakage Do not clean food containers in a sink that is used for cleaning contaminated glassware Many fingers have been badly cut by broken glass from glassware that was intact when put into the si
108. liquid nitrogen trap to the atmosphere until the liquid nitrogen Dewar flask or container has been removed A liquid nitrogen cooled trap must never be left under static vacuum Also if the system is closed after even a brief exposure to the atmosphere some oxygen may have already condensed Then when the liquid nitrogen bath is removed or when it evaporates the condensed gases will vaporize producing a pressure buildup and the potential for explosion The same explosion hazard can be created if liquid nitrogen is used to cool a flammable mixture that is exposed to air Caution must be applied when using argon for instance as an inert gas for Schlenk or vacuum lines because it condenses as a colorless solid at liquid nitrogen temperature A trap containing frozen argon is indistinguishable from one containing condensed solvent or other volatiles and presents an explosion hazard if allowed to warm without venting 6 9 8 Laboratory Reactor Pressure Vessels Laboratory reactor pressure vessels may also be referred to as sample preparation bombs acid digestion bombs hydrothermal reactors or chemical digestion autoclaves 12 Parr No 230M Safety in the Operation of Laboratory Reactors and Pressure Vessels p 60 Heating chemicals inside a closed vessel can result in some of the highest gas or super critical fluid pressures encountered in a laboratory Novice users must be directly supervised in experimental design vessel assembly and
109. m Wet with a little water Wipe up the powder from the contaminated area with a wet towel or a damp sponge impregnated with chemical amalgam Repeat steps 4 and 5 Sprinkle a very light coating of chemical amalgam into the cracks and crevices Dispose of the contaminated solid waste material such as boots gloves wipes or thermometer glass in a plastic bag and seal tightly 8 Dispose of the collected mercury and the bags of waste through ORS Do not bring the waste bag to ORS it will be picked up from your laboratory Store the bag in a chemical fume hood until it is collected by ORS 9 The PI shall ensure that an Incident Report Form is completed and sent to ORS ARS DUM 6 7 Medical Consultation or Surveillance Medical surveillance is the systematic assessment of employees exposed or potentially exposed to occupational hazards This assessment monitors individuals for adverse health effects and determines the effectiveness of exposure prevention strategies A medical surveillance program includes the analysis of both individual and aggregate surveillance data over time with the goal of reducing and ultimately preventing occupational illness and injury Medical consultation or surveillance may be p 50 required whenever lab workers experience sign or symptoms or expected or unexpected high exposure levels to hazardous chemicals 6 7 1 Medical Consultation Medical consultation shall be provided by a licensed health care p
110. mportant for pumps installed on portable carts or tops of benches where laboratory personnel might accidentally entangle clothing hair or fingers in the moving belt or wheels Glass Vessels Although glass vessels are frequently used in low vacuum operations evacuated glass vessels may collapse violently either spontaneously from strain or from an accidental blow Therefore conduct pressure and vacuum operations in glass vessels behind adequate shielding Check for flaws such as star cracks scratches and etching marks each time a vacuum apparatus is used These flaws can often be noticed if the vessel is help up to a light Use only round bottom or thick walled e g Pyrex evacuated reaction vessels specifically designed for operations at reduced pressure Do not use glass vessels with angled or squared edges in vacuum applications unless specifically designed for the purpose e g extra thick glass Repaired glassware must be properly annealed and inspected with a cross polarizer before vacuum or thermal stress is applied Never evacuate thin walled Erlenmeyer or round bottom flasks larger than 1 L Dewar Flasks Glass dewar flasks are under high vacuum and can collapse as a result of thermal shock or a very slight mechanical shock Shield them either by a layer of fiber reinforced friction tape or by enclosure in a wooden or metal container to reduce the risk of flying glass in case of collapse Use metal Dewar flasks whenever there is a
111. n Purpose Comments Occupational Safety and Health Act OSHA General duty clause 29 USC 8 651 et seq 29 USC 654 5 a and b Worker protection Assurance of workplace free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause serious physical harm Foundation enforceable requirement in absence of a specific standard Occupational Exposure to 29 CFR 8 1910 1450 Laboratory worker protection Requires a chemical hygiene Hazardous Chemicals in from exposure to hazardous plan Title 29 rules are written Laboratories Laboratory chemicals and enforced by OSHA Standard Hazard Communication 29 CFR 8 1910 1200 General worker protection from Requires labeling and safety Standard Air contaminants 29 CFR 88 1910 1000 1910 1050 chemical use Standards for exposure to hazardous chemicals data sheets SDSs Chemical specific regulations pertinent in laboratories Hazardous materials OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard 29 CFR 88 1910 101 1910 111 29 CFR 8 1910 134 Protection against hazards of compressed gases flammable and combustible liquids explosives anhydrous ammonia When respiratory protection is required how to fit and use respirators and medical review See also Uniform Fire Code and National Fire Protection Association standards Personal protective equipment Control of hazardous energy Lock out Tag out 29 CFR 88 1910 132 1910 138 29 CFR 8 1910 147
112. n date 6 2 Exposure to Chemicals The complex relationship between a material and its biological effect in humans involves considerations of dose duration and frequency of the exposure route of exposure and many other factors including sex allergic factors age previous sensitization and lifestyle 6 2 1 Exposure Routes Chemicals enter the body through the following routes e Inhalation absorption through the respiratory tract by inhalation is the easiest way for chemicals to enter the body p 39 e Ingestion absorption through the digestive tract by eating or smoking with contaminated hands or in contaminated work areas Depending on particle or droplet size aerosols may also be ingested Skin or eye contact absorption through the skin or eyes Skin contact is the most common cause of the widespread occupational disease dermatitis The eyes are very porous and can easily absorb toxic vapors that cause permanent eye damage Injection percutaneous injection through the skin This can occur through misuse of sharp items especially hypodermic needles Toxic effects can be immediate or delayed reversible or irreversible local or systemic 6 2 2 Acute and Chronic Toxicity A thorough discussion of toxicity is beyond the scope of any single publication Information is available in Safety Data Sheets SDSs and other reference materials that are available at ORS on each campus Toxicity is the measure of a pois
113. n of peroxide which becomes dangerous only after being concentrated by evaporation or distillation Because distillation of a stabilized liquid removes the stabilizer the distillate must be stored with care and monitored for peroxide formation The chemicals below are a peroxide hazard on concentration distillation evaporation A test for peroxide should be performed if concentration is intended or suspected Acetal Dioxane p dioxane Cumene Ethylene glycol dimethyl ether glyme Cyclohexene Furan Cyclooctene Methyl acetylene Cyclopentene Methyl cyclopentane Diaacetylene Methyl isobutyl ketone Dicyclopentadiene Tetrahydrofuran Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether diglyme Tetrahydronaphthalene Diethyl ether Vinyl ethers Solvent Stills Solvent stills are used to produce dry oxygen free high purity solvents Most high purity solvents are commercially available in specialized kegs or may be obtained from column purification systems thus thermal distillation processes should be a last resort There have been numerous fires attributed to solvent stills some resulting in serious injuries and extensive damage to the labs See e g Yarnell 2002 The process involves reflux and distillation of organic solvents many of which are flammable liquids over drying materials under nitrogen or argon gas The most commonly used drying agents involve potentially pyrophoric metals sodium metal benzophenone and magnesium metal iodine The stills must
114. n water stream of sufficient pressure and attach an Out of order sign as documentation for your maintenance action 9 4 Laboratory Sinks and Drain Traps Every laboratory using chemical radioactive or biological agents shall have at least one sink preferably located near the room exit available for handwashing The sink shall be cleaned regularly to eliminate contamination and soap shall be supplied for handwashing Antimicrobial soaps are not necessary They tend to dry the user s skin by stripping natural oils Drain traps in sinks floors and other places will dry out if they are not used regularly allowing odors and contamination to back up into the room Drain traps shall be kept filled with water to prevent backup Also fill cup sinks on benches and in chemical fume hoods 9 5 Electrical Equipment Electrical currents of very low amperage and voltage may result in fatal shock under certain circumstances Voltages as low as 24 volts AC can be dangerous and present a lethal threat Low voltage DC circuits do not normally present a hazard to human life although severe burns are possible The duration of contact with a live circuit affects the degree of damage especially with regard to burns All electrical switches shall be labeled including circuit breakers in the service panels and all laboratory personnel shall know where these controls are and how to shut off circuits or equipment in p 85 case of fire or other accident Any el
115. nciples of preparation apply The supervisor shall ensure that the immediate area is decontaminated and any infectious agents or chemicals are removed to another secure area prior to initiation of work The laboratory supervisor shall inform maintenance personnel of the presence of any hazardous materials to which they might become exposed Cleaning duties that are the specific responsibility of laboratory personnel shall be conducted on a regular basis to prevent accidental contact with hazards and to reduce clutter in the lab space Laboratory equipment including refrigerators freezers and work surfaces shall be cleaned by laboratory staff In laboratories using large amounts of powdered carcinogens reproductive toxins or acutely toxic materials lab workers should avoid dry mopping or sweeping with a broom if this could cause the materials to become airborne Pregnant women shall not be assigned to clean hazardous materials spills Facility maintenance and custodial staff shall not handle or remove hazardous waste bags or other containers 5 7 Signs and Labels for Laboratories The following signs and labels are required for all laboratories in University facilities e An Emergency Information sign shall be posted outside all laboratories either on the outside of the door or on the wall beside the door This sign provides information on special precautions for entry and telephone numbers of responsible faculty and staff The information
116. ncluding organic substances to avoid possibly violent reactions Prepare a large amount of an ice water and base solution of one of the following Sodium carbonate soda ash Calcium hydroxide slaked lime Sodium hydroxide 5 to 10 best for nitric and perchloric acids one molar solution is about 4 4 grams per 100 ml Slowly stir acid which has been diluted to about 596 into the base solution until the pH reaches about 5 to 10 Slowly pour the neutralized solution down the drain with large amounts of water Note The pH of solutions poured down the drain shall be between 5 and 10 to avoid violating local state or federal regulations 7 2 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Definitions According to most fire codes and regulations including those for laboratories a flammable liquid absolute at 100 is a liquid with a flash point below 100 F and a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psi F it is called a Class I liquid A liquid with a flash point at or above 100 F is classified as a combustible liquid and may be referred to as a Class IL or Class III liquid See also OSHA Flammable and Combustible Liquids p 72 The U S Department of Transportation DOT and the U S Environmental Protection Agency EPA use a different definition These agencies define flammable liquids as those with a flash point of 140 F or lower and combustible liquids as those with a flash point greater than 140 F but less than 200 F
117. ncy particulate air filter HEPA vacuum cleaner if powdered materials are used 6 6 Chemical Emergency Procedures 6 6 1 Procedures for Spills of Volatile Toxic or Flammable Materials Warn all persons nearby Turn off any ignition sources such as burners motors and other spark producing equipment Leave the room and close the door if possible Call University Police at 456 to report the hazardous material spill University Police will contact ORS emergency response personnel at anytime to respond to hazardous material spills Small spills can be absorbed with paper towels or other absorbents However these materials can increase the surface area and evaporation rate increasing the potential fire hazard if the material is flammable and airborne concentration reaches the flammability level Pregnant women shall not be assigned to clean hazardous materials spills 6 6 2 Procedures for Chemical Spill on a Person Know where the nearest eyewash and safety shower are located e For small spills on the skin flush immediately under running water for at least 15 minutes removing any jewelry that might contain residue If there is no sign of a burn wash the area with soap under warm running water If pain returns after the 15 minute flooding resume flooding the area When providing assistance to a victim of chemical contamination use appropriate personal protective equipment See also section 5 1 1 First Aid Procedure for Respond
118. ng 2240 Campus Drive Silverman Hall 2170 Campus Drive 1801 Maple Avenue 1801 Maple Avenue Note that the Hogan and Catalysis laboratory buildings are not fully equipped with automatic sprinkler systems The Northwestern University building occupants on the Evanston Campus generally have to comply with the limits established in the International Building Code IBC and the International Fire Code IFC Research labs generally are in buildings classified as business occupancy B Groups of research laboratories within a building may be subdivided into fire control areas For more specific information regarding laboratory design and building fire control specifications contact Facilities Management The total quantities of flammable or combustible liquids allowed in a fire control area are limited by the floor level above grade and other construction and use specifications Typical research laboratories are not constructed to high hazard group specifications The following table shows the maximum allowable quantities that can be stored in a single fire control area per floor p 68 Table 6 10 3 International Fire Code IFC 2003 Maximum Allowable Quantities in Storage per Fire Control Area Unless Constructed to High Hazard Group H 2 or H 3 Specifications Gallons Hazardous NFPA Below Ground First floor Second Third Material Class grade Basement floor grade level floor level floor level 75 MAQ 100 a
119. nk water Handle glassware carefully and watch out for broken glass at the bottom of the sink A rubber or plastic mat in the sink will help minimize breakage Avoid using strong cleaning agents such as nitric acid chromic acid sulfuric acid strong oxidizers or any chemical with per in its name perchloric acid ammonium persulfate etc unless no alternatives are available If you must use these substances for cleaning you should be thoroughly familiar with their hazardous characteristics and use appropriate protective equipment Flammable solvents such as acetone should be used in minimum quantities for cleaning and with appropriate precautions taken during their use Acids and solvents shall not be rinsed down the drain during cleaning but shall be collected for proper treatment and disposal 5 4 3 Laboratory Animals Federal regulations require that the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee IACUC review and approve the use of animals in research The Center for Comparative Medicine CCM administers all activities related to the care and use of animals and mandates compliance with standard operating procedures p 30 Laboratory animals may be potential sources of hazardous chemical exposure from metabolic products wastes cage litter and contaminated cages The preparation of food and water containing toxic substances under investigation shall be done with all precautions ordinarily taken to protect the health and saf
120. nt are permitted to make electrical modifications in University properties When extension cords are used the current carrying capacity shall be larger than the current requirement of the equipment connected to it Electrical cords on equipment shall be discarded or repaired if frayed or damaged Cords should be kept as short as practical to avoid tripping hazards and tangles In wet locations ground fault circuit interrupters GFCT should be used Place electrical equipment so as to minimize the possibility that water or chemicals could spill on it or that water could condense and enter the motor or controls In particular place such equipment away from safety showers In cold rooms condensation can be minimized by mounting electrical equipment on walls or vertical panels Only qualified individuals are permitted to make electrical repairs to any kind of electrical equipment All electrical equipment shall be de energized and tagged or locked out according to OSHA requirements before repairs are made If adjustments or other contact are to be made with energized electrical equipment a second person shall be present Be sure you are not on a damp surface or touching a potential grounding surface Use insulated tools keep your hands dry and wear safety glasses to prevent injury from sparks If a worker receives an electrical shock and is in contact with the energized device use nonconductive gloves or a non conducting device to pull or push the vi
121. nt the flow of liquids into adjoining areas i d Allowed only in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with IFC 2003 Section 903 3 1 1 Note that the Hogan and Catalysis buildings are not equipped with automatic sprinkler systems p 67 Chicago Campus All research buildings on the Northwestern University Chicago Campus are equipped with automatic sprinkler systems The McGaw Olson building is classified as institutional occupancy NOT business occupancy which limits the storage quantities in accordance with NFPA 99 Contact ORS for further information on the storage of highly reactive chemicals 6 10 3 Quantity Limits for Flammables Evanston Campus The regulations for the Evanston Campus differ from the regulations on the Chicago Campus Generally the quantity limits are higher in buildings equipped with automatic fire sprinklers The research buildings on the Northwestern University Evanston Campus equipped with automatic sprinkler systems are Northwestern University Evanston Campus Research Buildings with Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems Building Address Pancoe NUH Life Sciences Pavilion 2200 Campus Drive Cook Hall 2220 Campus Drive Ryan Hall Nanofabrication 2190 Campus Drive Technological Institute 2145 Sheridan Rd Flammable Liquids Vault 2135 Sheridan Rd Ford Motor Company Engineering Design 2133 Sheridan Rd Center Frances Searle Buildi
122. ny Lab Safety Academy 2014 p 76 7 4 1 Organic Peroxides 6 Organic peroxides are among the most hazardous chemicals normally handled in laboratories In addition to reading the SDS consult the Bretherick s Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards for more in depth information on reactive hazards and associated incidents As a group organic peroxides are flammable low power explosives and powerful oxidizers that are sensitive to shock heat sparks friction impact and light Many of them are much more shock sensitive than typical explosives such as TNT Purchase and use of peroxides shall be kept to a minimum Unused peroxides shall not be returned to the container Glass containers with screw caps or glass stoppers shall not be used Polyethylene bottles with screw caps are acceptable Store liquid organic peroxides at the lowest possible temperature consistent with the solubility or freezing point Liquid peroxides are particularly sensitive during phase changes Follow the manufacturer s guidelines Reduce the sensitivity of most peroxides to shock and heat by dilution with inert solvents such as aliphatic hydrocarbons However do not use aromatics such as toluene which are known to induce the decomposition of diacyl peroxides Do not use solutions of peroxides in volatile solvents under conditions in which the solvent might vaporize because this will increase the peroxide concentration in the solution See also Section 6 9 3
123. onal Biosafety Committee 2 7 3 Radiation Safety Committee All regulatory and safety issues related to the use of radioactive materials and X ray are governed by the Radiation Safety Committee For licensing requirements policies and procedures see the Radiation Safety Handbook 2 7 4 Laser Safety Committee All regulatory and safety issues related to the use of Class 3b and 4 lasers are governed by the Laser Safety Committee For licensing requirements policies and procedures see the Laser Safety Handbook 3 0 General University Emergency Information In University buildings always call 911 if there is an explosion fire injury or spill related evacuation If calling from a cell phone report the incident s building address which is posted in each laboratory If applicable know the appropriate emergency procedures for non University locations Call for assistance when needed If there is a chemical radioactive or biological material spill beyond the laboratory worker s ability to safely contain or clean up call University Police at 456 at any time and p 14 that office will contact ORS During business hours you may call ORS directly at 3 8300 Chicago or 1 5581 Evanston Each University employee research and non research personnel receives an Employee Safety Handbook during Human Resources new employee orientation ORS and the Office of Risk Management produce this publication This reference booklet summarizes
124. onnononnnanononncnnonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnononnnnnnnnnnnnno nn rn assa sss sense raga 46 6 6 1 Procedures for Spills of Volatile Toxic or Flammable Materials ss 46 6 6 2 Procedures for Chemical Spill on a PersON cccocococconccncnononononnnnnonononanonononnnonnnonanenocnnnncnnnns 47 6 6 3 Procedure for Cryogenic Liquid Spill on a Person esee 47 6 6 4 Incidental Spills Procedure for Small Low Toxicity Chemical Spills 47 6 6 5 Merc ry Spill Proced re 5 ete A eed nates 50 6 7 Medical Consultation or Surveillance esses enne enne nnne nennen 50 p iii 6 71 Medical CONSUITATION tii ii ben ret he ete eua ete te ei eta lae e cete ted haee ets 51 6 7 2 Medical Surveillance for Chemicals of High Chronic Toxicity ooooooccnnononononannnonononinananes 51 6 8 Chemical Sto rage dni e bit qoe iet eet erem aicteidses 51 6 8 1 Chemical Compatibility in Storage ccccononcononnnnnnnonanononancnncnnnnnononnnnnnnnnnnnnononnnnnnncninnnones 52 6 8 2 Inspection of Stored Chemicals conoooococncccconononoannnnonononononononononnnnnnnonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnononnnnnnnannnns 54 6 8 3 Refrigerator Storage usce Bent neptem soko leak ae e rines 54 6 9 Safety for Specific Chemical Operations ener nnne enne nenne nnns 55 6 9 1 Assembling Apparatus nesnenin etiidi iia ei ie aia EEA E Aa i A aia EE 55 6 9 2 Unattended Overnight Operations
125. onous material s adverse effect on the human body or its ability to damage or interfere with the metabolism of living tissue Generally toxicity is divided into two types acute and chronic Many chemicals may cause both types of toxicity depending on the pattern of use Acute toxicity is an adverse effect with symptoms of high severity coming quickly to a crisis Acute effects are normally the result of short term exposures and are of short duration Examples of acutely toxic chemicals are hydrogen cyanide and ammonia Chronic toxicity is an adverse effect with symptoms that develop slowly over a long period of time as a result of frequent exposure The dose during each exposure period may frequently be small enough that no effects are noticed at the time of exposure Chronic effects are the result of long term exposure and are of long duration For example to carcinogens as well as many metals and their derivatives Cumulative poisons are chemicals that tend to build up in the body as a result of numerous chronic exposures leading to chronic toxicity The effects are not seen until a critical body burden is reached Examples of cumulative poisons are lead and mercury With substances in combination such as exposure to two or more hazardous materials at the same time the resulting effect can be greater than the combined effect of the individual substances This is called a synergistic or potentiating effect One example is concurrent exposure to al
126. ontainers and equipment should always be moved 6 inches back from the inner edge of the air sill This practice can reduce vapor concentrations at the chemical fume hood face by about 90 percent Even the movement of one s hands can interrupt airflow patterns and disturb proper circulation of exhaust air When reaching into the chemical fume hood take care to move your hands slowly with smooth gestures If working at a chemical fume hood with a horizontal sash use one of the panes as a barrier to splashes Position the pane directly in front of you and move your hands on opposite sides of the pane Apparatus in chemical fume hoods shall be fitted with traps condensers or scrubbers to remove toxic fumes gases vapors or dusts before venting to the atmosphere Chemical fume hood performance is p 83 also dependent on the room s air flow pattern including airflow generated by drafts and persons walking by Minimize traffic and opening and closing of doors near the chemical fume hood When the chemical fume hood is in use the sashes should be pulled down as far as workable for minimal external airflow interference and maximum barrier protection Chemical fume hoods used for hazardous chemicals shall have an average face velocity of 80 to 100 feet per minute at a minimum sash height of 12 inches Face velocity shall not exceed 120 fpm at the working sash height Compounds such as perchloric acid or aqua regia are likely to cause chemical fume
127. opropyl alcohol are the materials most commonly used in cold traps to condense volatile vapors from a gas or vapor stream Cold traps used in reduced pressure systems should be placed in vermiculite filled metal cans If this option is not possible the cold traps should be coated with plastic resin or wrapped with cloth backed friction or duct tape In the event of an implosion the coating will reduce the amount of flying glass 21 Excerpt from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pgs 175 Excerpt from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pgs 175 23 Source The Rotary Evaporator http mirandamusic com mpnorganic rotovap pdf 2 Excerpts from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pgs 172 173 p 63 Users of cold traps should be aware of the boiling points of the components and the possible materials that can condense in the reduced pressure system After completion of an operation in which a cold trap has been used isolate the trap from the source remove from the coolant and vent to atmospheric pressure in a safe and environmentally acceptable way Otherwise pressure could build up creating a possible explosion or sucking pump oil into a vacuum system Dry ice and liquefied gases used in refrigerant baths should always be open to the atmosphere Never use them in closed systems where they may develop uncontrolled and dangerously high pressures
128. osing of waste and surplus chemicals surveying laboratory facilities and offering recommendations for improved practice e maintaining records of laboratory facilities in NSIS coordinating the registration programs required by the Institutional Biosafety Committee the Radiation Safety Committee the Laser Safety Committee and the Laboratory and Chemical Safety Committee e providing 24 hour emergency response to spills or other accidents and investigating incidents involving hazardous materials advising University personnel in safe work practices personal protective clothing and equipment engineering controls and regulatory requirements conducting or arranging for environmental monitoring e inspecting chemical fume hoods and other engineering controls and recommending policies and procedures for the safe conduct of work with chemicals ORS representatives are authorized to enter University facilities within their jurisdiction at any time to observe working conditions monitor equipment and sample for contaminants The director and the chemical hygiene officer are authorized to close a facility or stop a process or procedure that poses an imminent danger to life or property 2 7 Committees 2 7 1 Laboratory and Chemical Safety Committee The Laboratory and Chemical Safety Committee oversees the laboratory safety and chemical hygiene programs Members are drawn from each campus and a variety of disciplines including
129. ot be reused Butyl is a synthetic rubber with good resistance to weathering and a wide variety of chemicals Natural rubber latex is a highly flexible and conforming material made from a liquid tapped from rubber plants Although natural rubber latex gloves can be used as protective equipment to prevent transmission of infectious diseases and for skin protection against contact with some chemicals they can also cause allergic reactions Neoprene is a synthetic rubber having chemical and wear resistance properties superior to those of natural rubber Nitrile is a copolymer available in a wide range of acrylonitrile content chemical resistance and stiffness increase with higher acrylonitrile content Polyethylene is a fairly chemical resistant material used as a freestanding film or a fabric coating Poly vinyl alcohol is a water soluble polymer that exhibits exceptional resistance to many organic solvents that rapidly permeate most rubbers e Poly vinyl chloride is a stiff polymer that is made softer and more suitable for protective clothing applications by the addition of plasticizers Polyurethane is an abrasion resistant rubber that is either coated into fabrics or formed into gloves or boots 4H0 or Silvershield 9 is a registered trademark of North Hand Protection it is highly chemical resistant to many different class of chemicals gt VitonG a registered trademark of DuPont is a highly chemical resistant but
130. perties Strength Fair durability Resistant to rips and tears but less so than polyamide fibers abrasion resistant but less so than nylon or polyester Exceptionally strong and abrasion resistant Usually reinforced at points of strain will not stick together peel crack or stiffen Resistant to rips and tears Strong Fairly durable Based on manufacturer s claims Chemical Resistance Degraded by acids binds Resistant to most chemicals Not water absorbent Resistant to corrosive chemicals Excellent chemical resistance low binding for chemicals Resistant to most chemicals oxygen and light sensitive Flammability Static Properties Comfort Special treatment for Vo static ronie Comfortable Lab codi flame lightweight In direct flame fabric shrinks to resist flame penetration will not melt or drip self extinguishing rapidly dissipates when source of ignition is removed Melts when heated requires flame retardant Can be ignited by flammable solvents and others in event of static discharge High melting point flame resistant Low melting point requires flame retardant Comfortable soft and resilient easy to clean has soil release properties Has antistatic properties Aprons sleeve Static buildup possible requires antistatic agent Lightweight Accumulates considerable charge of static electricity Lightweight Lightweight good permeability limit
131. plates heating mantles and water condensers are run unattended or overnight only fail safe designs must be used Hotplates and ovens must be equipped with safe temperature limits set within 25C of the maximum experiment temperature Other examples are flow monitors that will shut down equipment in case of water supply failure or fail safe hose connectors At night emergency personnel are entirely dependent on accurate instructions and information available at the laboratory Unplug heating mantles hotplates and other heating devices that are not in use to avoid accidental heating of combustibles and flammables 6 9 3 Extractions Extractions can present a hazard because of the potential buildup of pressure from a volatile solvent and an immiscible aqueous phase Glass separator funnels used in laboratory operations are particularly susceptible to problems because their stoppers or stopcocks can be forced out resulting in a spill of the contained liquid It is even possible for pressure to burst the vessel To use a separator funnel correctly do not attempt to extract a solution until it is cooler than the boiling point of the extractant When a volatile solvent is used the unstoppered separator funnel should first be swirled to allow some solvent to vaporize and expel some air Close the funnel and invert it with the stopper held in place and immediately open the stopcock to release more air plus vapor Do this with the hand extended around the b
132. provided on these signs as with all other signs shall be updated in NSIS as necessary e A red bordered Emergency Procedures for Laboratories sign shall be posted in a prominent location inside the laboratory near the door or telephone This sign briefly describes what to do in case of an emergency and it provides the official building address This sign can be found in the NSIS Emergency Information module e A label bearing the University Police emergency number shall be placed on each telephone in the laboratory PIs and laboratory supervisors may request additional signs and labels available from ORS p 37 5 8 Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Training Laboratory worker safety training is required under the OSHA Laboratory Standard and additional general industry standards e g the OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Standards Respiratory Protection Standard etc University policy prohibits persons without appropriate training from being assigned to work independently in laboratories and other areas where hazardous chemicals are used PIs shall ensure that laboratory personnel are properly trained and shall certify in their Laboratory Safety Profile that this training is provided to each laboratory worker ORS provides general regulatory required laboratory safety training to laboratory workers in order to begin their training process PIs shall provide personalized hands on training that ensures lab workers are familiar
133. r storage of commercially obtained chemicals e g in 500 g jars or 1 L bottles should be carefully managed from the standpoint of chemical compatibility For example nitric and chromic acids are incompatible and shall not be stored together Nitric acid and organic compounds together present a dangerous fire risk Carcinogenic chemicals can be stored with others of a similar grouping based on their properties Take care not to mix incompatible waste This is a special concern with commingled waste solvents which must be chemically compatible to ensure that heat generation gas evolution or another reaction does not occur 13 Excerpts from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pg 70 140 191 p 52 Compatible Organic Bases Diethylamine Piperidine Triethanolamine Benzylamine Benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide Compatible Pyrophoric amp Water Reactive Materials Sodium borohydride Benzoyl chloride Zinc dust Alkyl lithium solutions such as methyl lithium in tetrahydrofuran Methanesulfonyl chloride Lithium aluminum hydride Compatible Inorganic Bases Sodium hydroxide Ammonium hydroxide Lithium hydroxide Cesium hydroxide Compatible Organic Acids Acetic acid Citric acid Maleic acid Propionic acid Benzoic acid Compatible Oxidizers Including Peroxides Nitric acid Perchloric acid Sodium hypochlorite Hydrogen peroxide 3 Chloroperoxybenzoic acid Compatible Inorganic Acids no
134. r exporter can release the chemicals to the buyer The only chemicals completely exempted from TSCA regulations are foods drugs and pesticides For Northwestern researchers imported research chemicals do not have to be reported to EPA under TSCA regulation as long as the research is supervised by a principal investigator and prudent laboratory practices are followed Principal investigators and department administrators may authorize delivery of such chemicals for research purposes only 10 2 Drug Enforcement Administration Controlled Substances and List I and List Il Chemicals In order to obtain controlled substances for research an investigator needs both an Illinois controlled substance license and a federal controlled substance license Contact the regulatory agencies directly for further information and applications Properly licensed persons are permitted to possess Drug Enforcement Administration DEA controlled substances for research purposes Controlled substances must be kept locked up within a laboratory For further information on prohibited activities see the University s Policy on Drugs and Alcohol In addition the DEA controls chemicals that can be used to manufacture controlled substances under the Domestic Chemical Diversion Control Act of 1993 Before selling DEA regulated chemicals a supplier must verify the identity of the ordering party at Northwestern University To accomplish this suppliers require completion of an au
135. ratory shop and department For further information see the NSIS User Manual 4 2 NSIS Laboratory Safety Profile A PIs Laboratory Safety Profile is the laboratory specific chemical hygiene plan required by the OSHA Laboratory Standard for research labs teaching labs and common facilities those shared by more than one researcher In the case of shared facilities the director coordinator or designated facility supervisor for the center shall submit the Laboratory Safety Profile 4 2 1 Initial Submission If chemical radioactive or biological agents or processes with lasers physical or health hazards are used the PI shall submit a Laboratory Safety Profile ORS may submit the profile to the Laboratory and Chemical Safety Committee LCSC for further review if the lab operations are considered to be unique or high hazard Access to specific Laboratory Safety Profiles is available online at any time ORS or LCSC may determine that the information listed in the Laboratory Safety Profile is not clear or indicates a need for further investigation of safety protocols In such instances PIs will be requested to review their profile within NSIS and make the necessary changes which may include a Process Hazard Review 4 2 2 NSIS Profile Updates PIs are responsible for keeping their NSIS profile current At a minimum a review and update should be conducted annually and when there are changes to personnel or space The NSIS Laboratory Safety
136. rganic materials in the oil and fire from overheating the oil Baths shall not be left unattended without a high temperature shutoff The oil shall be properly labeled including information on its safe working temperature Fresh silicone oils have higher auto ignition temperatures and are recommended over the use of paraffin oil Contact with oxygen and long exposure to temperature at the upper end of their application range accelerates the degradation of silicone oils and will lower the auto ignition temperature Replace the silicone oil in openly heated oil baths at least annually V Contain heated oil in either a metal pan or a heavy walled porcelain dish a Pyrex dish or beaker can break and spill hot oil if struck accidentally with a hard object Mount the oil bath carefully on a stable horizontal support such as a laboratory jack that can be raised or lowered easily without danger of the bath tipping over Always clamp equipment high enough above a hot plate or oil bath that if the reaction begins to overheat the heater can be lowered immediately and replaced with a cooling bath without having to readjust the clamps holding the equipment setup Never support a bath on an iron ring because of the greater likelihood of accidentally tipping the bath over Provide secondary containment in the event of a spill of hot oil Wear proper protective gloves when handling a hot bath Where only stirring of combustible or flammable liquids is use a stirrer instea
137. rkening or change in color spotting on solids caking of anhydrous materials existence of solids in liquids or liquids in solids pressure buildup in containers evidence of reaction with water corrosion or damage to the container or missing or damaged 1 e illegible labels 6 8 3 Refrigerator Storage Flammable liquids shall not be stored in ordinary domestic refrigerators Refrigerator temperatures are almost universally higher than the flash points of flammable liquids and ignition sources are readily available inside the storage compartment Furthermore the compressor and its circuits are typically located at the bottom of the units where vapors from flammable liquid spills or leaks for example may easily accumulate p 54 Labs requiring refrigerator storage for flammable liquids shall purchase explosion safe models that require no modification Under no circumstances should lab workers attempt to perform modification themselves Please note that explosion safe refrigerators are not explosion proof Explosion proof refers to refrigeration equipment that has been designed to protect against ignition of flammable vapors both inside and outside the storage compartment If refrigerators are not explosion safe or explosion proof they shall be labeled Caution Not approved for flammable liquid storage Self adhering stickers are available from the Safety and Loss Prevention Division and ORS
138. rovider without cost to the employee or student without loss of pay and at a reasonable time and place For employees medical consultation or examinations shall be provided through the Workers Compensation Program administered by the claims manager in the Office of Risk Management For students the medical program shall be administered through the University Health Service facilities The PI or laboratory supervisor shall ensure that the following information is provided to the physician the identity of the chemical involved in the exposure a description of conditions relating to the exposure any quantitative data available regarding the exposure and a description of signs and symptoms experienced by the affected person Medical consultation and examination is also required for lab workers assigned to wear a respirator See the University s Respiratory Protection Program for additional information 6 7 2 Medical Surveillance for Chemicals of High Chronic Toxicity Routine medical surveillance may be warranted for individuals working with chemicals of high chronic toxicity including carcinogens Specific examples include dimethylmercury nickel carbonyl benzo a pyrene N nitrosodiethylamine Candidates for work with carcinogens shall be informed of the possibility of increased risk Job tasks for certain workers using chemicals of high chronic toxicity should be evaluated to determine whether these workers should be temporarily excluded
139. rst aid treatment shown on the container label or the SDS The printed SDS should accompany the victim to the medical treatment facility 3 6 5 Puncture or Cut When treating a victim with a puncture wound or cut wear personal protective equipment e g gloves to minimize exposure to human blood body fluids or other chemical or biological contamination Apply a pressure pad or clean cloth firmly to the wound Raise the wounded area above the level of the heart to slow the bleeding For severe bleeding or spurting very firmly press the pressure pad directly on the wound and apply pressure at the applicable body pressure point above the p 19 wound to stop the flow of blood In a severe injury keep the victim warm calm and oriented to prevent shock 3 6 6 Needlestick Needlesticks or other accidents involving skin punctures by a chemical or biological agent shall be reported to the supervisor immediately Appropriate medical testing treatment and follow up may be indicated and shall be provided as appropriate When a needlestick occurs do not wait to report the incident and obtain medical attention See the Bloodborne Pathogens Program for more information on needlestick exposures to human blood and other potentially infectious human materials 3 6 7 Dermal Contact If a chemical spills on a person the first goal is to remove the chemical from the person s skin as soon as possible without spreading it onto yourself For chemicals that c
140. s laboratory coats gloves and other protective clothing preferably made of chemically inert material shall be readily available and used Laboratory coats are essential to protect street clothing from biological agent aerosols or chemical and radioactive material splashes and spills vapors or dusts For work involving carcinogens disposable coats may be preferred For work with mineral acids acid resistant protective wear is desirable When the potential for fire exists consider wearing a laboratory coat specifically designed to be flame retardant Several types of flame resistant clothes are available from safety suppliers A low cost option is a disposable cotton coat that has been treated with a flame resistant material The treatment slows combustion and provides an additional level of protection from fire and heat However repeated washing degrades the chemical treatment and compromises fire protection More durable flame resistant cotton laboratory coats are also available A fabric known as Nomex provides the best protection against flame hazards This material has a structure that thickens and carbonizes when exposed to heat This unique characteristic gives Nomex lab coats excellent thermal protection Because the characteristics of the material are inherent to the fiber repeated laundering does not change the thermal protection capabilities 5 3 2 Eye Protection Eye protection is mandatory in laboratories because of the obvious haz
141. s Which May Represent Highly Reactive Explosive and or Shock Sensitivity Hazards Reactive Substance Class Functional Groups Bis arenediazo sulfides Ar N N S N N Ar e g Copper acetylide Mercury acetylide Siver Aluminum acetylide Meta Cu Hg Ag AD Ps Je onstra m ings Aron O CsC X O pesccompires Koo para ws inum Arenediazostes ESTO ows H N acetyhde P R a Nz C NzS ERE RN E SR RA Azides organic acyl halogen nonmetal CF2 Ar Li MgX for n 1 4 SS em p 75 e g Mercury 11 fulminate Potassium fulminate Silver i i pm o EE PA iazonium Carboxylates Z F Cl Br 1 CO Arenediezo apis m E Functional Groups Which May Represent Highly Reactive Explosive and or Shock Sensitivity Hazards Reactive Substance Class Functional Groups NE Functional Groups i l i w Peroxides Hvdrazini i N2H4 Z cyclic diacyl dialkyl etc O O R R metal peroxides R H C e g Z HNO3 Hydrogen Peroxide e RCOOH Hydroxyiamize Meta 00 MO2 ene Acid Tan NNO wonz metsi Perses MN Pa ere sy comsounas Poly Nitro aryl compounds Ar NO3 for n22 X F Cl Br I E R R H CN OH NO Chiorte salts CIOs Halogen oxides e g CLO dichlorine monoxide Hypohaltes except bleach R3 H271 in contact with combustibles may cause explosion R 8 H270 in contact with combustibles may cause fire 27 The DOW Chemical Compa
142. s of corrosives and absorb if appropriate Sweep up waste and place in plastic bags for disposal Complete a Hazardous Waste Pickup Request in NSIS ORS will pick up the wastes Complete an Incident Report Form describing the spill and send a copy to ORS A copy may be kept by the department head if required Note Information for specific chemicals may be found in Table 3 Quick Reference for Spill Cleanups and Mercury Spill Procedure Consult the SDS TABLE 6 6 4 QUICK REFERENCE FOR SPILL CLEANUPS Chemical Spilled Acids organic Acids inorganic Acid chlorides Aldehydes Aliphatic amines Aromatic amines Aromatic halogenated amines Azides potential explosives Bases caustic alkalis Carbon disulfide flammable and toxic Chlorohydrins Cyanides Halides organic or inorganic Halogenated hydrocarbons Hydrazine Hydrofluoric acid Inorganic salt solutions Mercaptans organic sulfides Nitriles Nitro compounds organic nitros Oxidizing agents Peroxides Cleanup Apply sodium bicarbonate Absorb with spill pillow or vermiculite Apply sodium bicarbonate calcium oxide or sodium carbonate calcium oxide Absorb with spill pillow or vermiculite Note Hydrofluoric acid is an exception to this general practice see below Do not use water Absorb with sand or sodium bicarbonate Absorb with spill pillow or vermiculite Apply sodium bisulfite Absorb with spill pillow or vermiculite A
143. s turn on will be running unattended Discontinue operations requiring local ventilation such as laboratory chemical hoods The building ventilation system may not be on emergency power Close laboratory chemical hood sashes 3 3 2 Long Term Power Loss Damaged power distribution systems and other conditions may result in power loss that lasts hours or days This has implications for security safety and experimental work that go well beyond those for a short term power loss Security Issues For laboratories with specialized security systems such as card readers or electronic locks know if the locks are locked or unlocked in the event of power failure Develop a backup plan for laboratory security in the absence of such systems Environmental and Storage Conditions The most common problem during a power outage is storage of materials that require specialized environmental conditions such as refrigeration and humidity controls For example sub 80 C freezers may hold their temperature for a few hours after a power loss but will eventually warm This warming may lead to loss of samples or for materials that become unstable when warmed to more hazardous conditions including fire over pressurization or release Discontinuation of Experiments Experiments that rely on power may need to be discontinued and disassembled Leaving the materials in place may not be prudent Assign responsibility to identify problems and ensure that ma
144. se monitoring and medical surveillance 1 2 Local Laws City of Evanston Recovery of Hazardous Substance Removal and Abatement Costs Ordinance provides for recovery of emergency response costs e City of Chicago Liability for Fire Suppression and Other Emergency Costs Ordinance provides for recovery of emergency response costs and The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Sewage and Waste Control Ordinance 1 3 Regulation of Laboratory Design and Construction Laboratory design construction and renovation are regulated mainly by state and local laws that incorporate by reference generally accepted standard practices set out in various uniform codes such as the International Building Code IBC 2003 the International Fire Code IFC 2003 in Evanston and the National Fire Protection Association NFPA standards and the City of Chicago Building Code in Chicago For laboratory buildings where hazardous chemicals are stored or used detailed requirements usually cover spill control drainage containment ventilation emergency power special controls for hazardous gases fire prevention building height and allowable quantities In addition OSHA standards affect some key laboratory design and construction issues for example eyewashes safety showers and special ventilation requirements Other consensus standards prepared by organizations such as ANSI and the American Society of Heating Refrigera
145. sensa assassin 14 2 7 4 Laser Safety Committee ooocococccncccocononononnnnnonononnnnnnnnnnnnnonnnnonnonnnnnnnnnnononnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnannnns 14 3 0 General University Emergency Information cccscscssssessscsesssssessssssessscessanessnasessaacessneseessacens 14 3 1 University Emergency Response PlanN cccconoconocnnononnnonononnnnnoncnnnnnnnonnnnnnnnnnnnnononnnnnnnnnnnnnnonnnnnnncnnnnnones 15 3 2 Building Emergency and Evacuation PlansS ccccononoononcnnononanononnnnnnnnnnnnnononnnnnnnnnnnnnonornnnnnnnnananenonnos 15 EREMerCNo Mode 15 3 3 1Short Term PoWer LOSS 5 e t t RR e eoe a AA 16 3 3 2 Long Term Power LOSS n the RIAM Rec RA UE NET ERIT 16 34 Flood iiu eee BRE bee ate i uie bein eee e n 17 3 5 Incident Accident REPOrting cc ccccsccccssssscecesssececseaeeecsesaeeecsesseeecessseeecsesaeeeceesaeeecsesaeeeeeesaeeeensaas 18 3 5 T ORS ASSISTINT E oi e eei teet ie 18 3 6 Personal NU ada ctt Evo 18 3 6 1 BURN TOM EA A c e e e Pere ye ci ee de eed 18 OZ InhalatiOn eie e ret detegere eee eto late dete A ie eee a 19 326 3 SHOCK TA 19 A DERE cee EUR RUIN ee ARE NE Oe E QN TR etie ene gc 19 3 6 5 Puncture Or Cut sies eere a eA eee 19 3 016 Needlestick nete E tet A Ad at 20 3 6 7 Dermal Gohitact oer A ta 20 3 6 8 Eye Contact ose aee Re Ee e eR tee eoe eo del ee eoe te cioe eee od ie pecie ina in 20 4 0 Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Framework
146. serviceability is important If they cannot be cleaned dispose of contaminated gloves according to institutional procedures Decontaminate or wash gloves appropriately before removing them Note Some gloves e g leather and poly vinyl alcohol are water permeable Unless coated with a protective layer poly vinyl alcohol gloves will degrade in the presence of water Do not wear gloves outside the laboratory to avoid contamination of surfaces used by unprotected individuals Gloves on a glovebox should be inspected with the same care as any other gloves used in the laboratory Disposable gloves appropriate for the materials being handled within the glovebox should be used in addition to the gloves attached to the box Protect glovebox gloves by removing all jewelry prior to use 5 3 4 Respirators When feasible engineering controls shall be provided to minimize exposure to airborne hazards If accepted engineering control measures are not available to prevent or protect against harmful levels of airborne contaminants employers are required to provide respirators at no cost to employees and employees are required to wear them Respirators are considered a last resort of protection against exposure to inhalation hazards after all practicable engineering options have been exhausted Persons desiring to use a respirator shall inform ORS and obtain information on the requirements These requirements are mandated by the OSHA Respiratory
147. sider the likelihood of flooding and its impact Also consider whether the laboratory contains equipment that is very sensitive to water damage If flooding occurs could it affect the space below the flood If so is the floor sealed appropriately Are there overhead pipes Excerpts from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pg 34 149 p 17 To avoid flooding do not block the sink drains Place rubber matting in the bottom of the sinks to prevent breakage of glassware and to avoid injuries While the use of water as a coolant in laboratory condensers and other equipment remains common practice there are alternative means for example a Findenser Most flooding occurs when the tubing supplying the water to the condenser disconnects Hoses can pop off when building water pressure fluctuates causing irregular flows or can break when the hose material has deteriorated from long term or improper use Floods also result when exit hoses jump out of the sink from a strong flow pulse or sink drains are blocked by an accumulation of extraneous material Proper use of hose clamps and maintenance of the entire cooling system or alternative use of a portable cooling bath with suction feed can resolve such problems 3 5 Incident Accident Reporting Laboratory incidents shall be investigated The PI shall provide a written Incident Report Form to ORS in case of injury minor spills fires or hazardous material release
148. t Including Oxidizers or Combustibles Hydrochloric acid Sulfuric acid Phosphoric acid Hydrogen fluoride solution Poisonous Compressed Gases Sulfur dioxide Hexafluoropropylene Compatible Explosives or Other Highly Unstable Materials Picric acid dry lt 10 H20 Nitroguanidine Tetrazole p 53 Urea nitrate Nonreactive Flammables and Combustibles Including Solvents Benzene Methanol Toluene Tetrahydrofuran Incompatible with ALL Other Storage Groups Picric acid moist 10 40 H20 Phosphorus Benzyl azide Sodium hydrogen sulfide 6 8 2 Inspection of Stored Chemicals Storage Area Inspections Chemical storage areas shall be inventoried and inspected at least annually and any unwanted or expired chemicals shall be removed During this inspection the list of chemicals present in the laboratory shall be updated or verified and the date and name of the inspector recorded Container Inspections Although the deterioration in storage of a specific compound cannot be predicted in detail generalizations can often be made about the reaction characteristics of groups of compounds Some general conclusions about the stability of classes of chemicals can be reached and corresponding storage time spans can be identified Visual inspection of stored chemicals is important in the disposal decision Chemicals showing any of the indications listed below shall be turned over to ORS for safe disposal slightly cloudy liquids da
149. t is first re rinsed with water Bimetallic strip thermometers rather than mercury thermometers are recommended for measuring oven temperatures If a mercury thermometer breaks in an oven the oven shall be turned off and cooled before cleanup is attempted Wear heat resistant gloves and appropriate eye protection when working at ovens or furnaces ANSI approved eyewear i e heat absorbing reflective goggles offers protection against projectiles and infrared radiation 5 5 5 Syringes and Scalpel Blades Syringes used with hazardous agents shall have needle locking or equivalent tips to assure that the needles cannot separate during use Do not recap disposable needles after use Recapping of needles potentially contaminated with human blood blood products or other potentially infectious materials is prohibited Syringes needles or scalpels shall be disposed of immediately after use in sealable puncture resistant disposable containers that are leak proof on the sides and bottom The containers shall be appropriately labeled as to the chemical or biological hazard Sharps containers shall be easily accessible to personnel in the immediate area of use 5 5 6 Glassware and Plastic Labware Borosilicate glassware such as Pyrex 7740 is the type preferred for laboratory experimentation except in special experiments involving ultraviolet or other light sources or hydrofluoric acid for which polypropylene containers are most appropriate Measurin
150. te and ORS approved method Should a PI abandon hazardous materials the department becomes responsible for arranging disposal both in terms of inventory and funding The PI may choose a proxy or Safety Designate to enter information into the Northwestern Safety Information System NSIS however it is the PI Supervisor responsibility to verify that the NSIS data is complete and accurate The Laboratory and Chemical Safety Committee requires that the Safety Designate be a senior lab member It is inappropriate to delegate the Safety Designate role to a junior member of the lab team 2 4 Laboratory Workers Each individual who works in a laboratory where hazardous materials are used is considered a laboratory worker Each laboratory worker shall know and comply with the University s safety policies and rules and shall follow both oral and written instructions from the PI or supervisor The individual shall report to the PI any unsafe conditions and any accident or exposure If the individual receives no response or an unsatisfactory response s he shall contact the department head or ORS The department head or ORS shall ensure confidentiality for the individual reporting a safety concern Northwestern University has selected EthicsPoint to provide a simple way to report activities that may involve misconduct or violations of Northwestern University policy The individual shall know the hazards in the workplace as well as proper hazardous material h
151. terials are safely stored Preplanning There are many options for minimizing the effects of a power loss including alternative energy sources and when that is not practical prioritizing experimental needs consolidating and using dry ice Do not depend on safety showers or eyewashes This safety equipment relies on a booster pump that will not be operational Emergency telephones and manual pullbox stations should continue to operate properly Be prepared by keeping flashlights in the work area Generator Power The laboratory building may be connected to an emergency generator If so know what circuits or outlets are supported by emergency power In some buildings for example the generator may only run emergency lighting and security systems In others the ventilation system all or in part may be connected to the generator Some buildings may have specially marked outlets that are connected to the generator One potentially negative aspect of a generator is that there is usually a slight delay up to several seconds from the time the power is lost to the time that the power load is taken up by the generator Equipment that is sensitive to a minor power disruption may be affected and a generator may not provide power without an interruption Know what will continue to operate during a power loss Determine how long the laboratory can rely on the generator If there is equipment that would benefit from connection to the generator inquire
152. thorization form prior to shipment Principal investigators and department administrators may authorize delivery of such chemicals for research purposes only Contact the Office for Research Safety if you intend to ship such listed chemicals off campus p 88
153. tilation devices Because the general air supply is not adequate for manipulating hazardous materials on an open lab bench volatile or toxic chemicals shall be handled in a chemical fume hood or other appropriate containment device Laboratory ventilation should change the air at least six times per hour Higher air exchange rates may be required depending on the nature of the laboratory work Except in special circumstances approved by ORS air in laboratories shall be at a negative pressure with respect to the rest of the building Air diffusers or grilles shall be so designed and located as to direct the air over the laboratory personnel and sweep the contaminated air away from their breathing zone To promote uniform distribution and mixing of air in large laboratories the supply registers shall deliver the air in all directions at a typical velocity of 20 linear feet per minute Problems with general ventilation shall be reported promptly to Facilities Management Adjustments or alterations to the general ventilation equipment of a laboratory shall be performed only under the supervision of Facilities Management On occasion Facilities Management will issue notices of intent to perform maintenance work on the ventilation system These notices shall be heeded and chemical fume hoods shall not be used when Facilities Management is involved in repairing or adjusting the ventilation system The supervisor of the laboratory is responsible for ensurin
154. time weighted average TW A concentration of a particular substance for a normal 8 hour workday and a 40 hour workweek a concentration to which nearly all workers may be exposed day after day without adverse effect Corollaries to the 8 hour PEL are the short term exposure limit STEL and the ceiling exposure limit The STEL is the time weighted average concentration of a compound to which a worker may be exposed over a period of 15 minutes without expecting symptoms of irritation chronic or irreversible p 42 tissue damage or narcosis The ceiling is the concentration of a substance that should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure When instantaneous monitoring is not feasible the ceiling limit is measured over a period of 10 to 15 minutes As the PELs were designed to protect workers in industrial settings it is unlikely that these limits will be exceeded during the performance of laboratory procedures Laboratory workers generally do not handle the same quantities of hazardous materials as do manufacturing and production employees Nonetheless exposure to airborne chemicals in laboratories shall not exceed PELs If there is reason to believe that airborne concentrations may exceed PELs contact ORS for consultation on the need for air monitoring PELs are listed on Material Safety Data Sheets or may be found on the OSHA PEL web page Please note that PELs have not been developed for all the compounds to which labora
155. tion and Air Conditioning Engineers ASHRAF are relevant to laboratory design It is not uncommon for various codes and consensus standards to be incorporated into state or federal regulations University policy on laboratory design is summarized in Safety Review of New Construction and Renovation 2 0 Responsibilities This section describes and assigns those responsibilities that deal directly with laboratories using chemicals biological materials radioactive materials other sources of ionizing radiation and or lasers 2 1 Vice President for Research The president of the University has delegated administrative responsibility for the chemical biological radiation and laser safety programs to the vice president for research 2 2 Department Heads Center Directors and Other Facility Directors The term department head will be used in this text to include center directors and other facility directors Department heads should coordinate with Risk Management to develop evacuation plans for buildings appoint building safety committees and appoint building safety managers and alternates The department head shall maintain discipline enforce rules and regulations and take prompt effective corrective action when necessary The department head shall also provide assistance to ORS staff when situations arise involving PIs and other personnel in the department The department head shall be familiar with and understand the federal state
156. to adjoining areas iS e Allowed only in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with IFC 2003 Section 903 3 1 1 o Quantity limits on the Chicago Campus The regulations for the Chicago campus differ from the regulations on the Evanston campus All research buildings on the Chicago campus are equipped with automatic sprinkler systems With the exception of flammable liquids storage rooms by the loading docks of the Tarry and Lurie buildings there are currently no rooms designed to the specifications of a dedicated flammable liquids storage room 25 Reference 15 24 310 Municipal Code of Chicago Flammable Liquids ARTICLE III CLOSED CONTAINER STORAGE General requirements p 69 Consult with ORS if the quantities of Class I flammable liquids exceeds 10 gals Class II combustible liquids exceeds 60 gallons or Class III combustible liquids exceed 120 gallons Whenever the amount of flammable liquids stored in a building exceeds the maximum aggregate amount the excess flammable liquid shall be stored in a special room for flammable liquids Note the McGaw Olson building is classified as institutional occupancy NOT business occupancy which limits the storage quantities in accordance with NFPA 99 Flammable and Combustible Liquids 11 7 2 3 1 In the McGaw Olson laboratories a maximum of 1 gallon of combinations of Class I IL and IHA flammable liquids per 100 sq ft of labora
157. tors The following steps shall be followed for incidental spills p 48 Alert persons in the area that a spill has occurred Evaluate the toxicity flammability and other hazardous properties of the chemical as well as the size and location of the spill for example chemical fume hood or elevator to determine whether evacuation or additional assistance is necessary Large or toxic spills are beyond the scope of this procedure Contain any volatile material within a room by keeping doors closed Increase exhaust efficiency by minimizing sash height of the chemical fume hood or activating the emergency purge if available Consult your SDS the laboratory emergency plan or procedures in this document or call ORS for correct cleaning procedures Obtain cleaning equipment and protective gear from ORS if needed Wear protective equipment such as goggles apron laboratory coat gloves shoe covers or respirator Base the selection of the equipment on the hazard First cordon off the spill area to prevent inadvertently spreading the contamination over a much larger area Absorb liquid spills using paper towels spill pillows vermiculite or sand Place the spill pillow over the spill and draw the free liquid into the pillow Sprinkle vermiculite or sand over the surface of the free liquid Place the used pillows or absorbent materials in plastic bags for disposal along with contaminated disposable gear such as gloves Neutralize spill
158. tory workers may be exposed In all circumstances caution shall be used in handling hazardous chemicals In addition to PELs OSHA has set action levels for specific compounds such as formaldehyde cadmium and lead for which individual standards have been promulgated OSHA has classified these compounds as potential carcinogens The Laboratory Safety Profile discusses the specific requirements which apply to OSHA classified carcinogens Action levels are concentrations of a chemical in air at which OSHA regulations take effect If monitoring of airborne concentrations reveals that levels are above the OSHA action level then levels shall either be immediately reduced by a procedural change or equipment modification or the department head and PI shall comply with the requirements of the OSHA standard for the chemical OSHA regulations govern periodic monitoring and termination of monitoring as well as employee notification Medical surveillance may be a requirement For chemicals without regulated action levels the general rule is that half the PEL may be considered a de facto action level Engineering controls shall be instituted to reduce exposure to the hazardous substance in question 6 5 Guidelines for Handling Chemicals The chemical handling guidelines described in this document are founded on several basic principles substitute less hazardous chemicals whenever possible e minimize chemical exposures e avoid underestimating risk
159. tory Animals coi ide een eet ea ao ae aah 30 5 4 4 Relocating or Closing a Laboratory sees enne nnne nnne nnns 31 5 4 5 Transportation and Shipping of Hazardous Materials seen 31 5 4 6 Laboratory DoOrs i osse eic ith traen tite een ee deb venim sad cte onse 32 5 47 Visitors t Eabotatorles c oce te E OR ee n M SERT eee e Pone 32 5 5 General Laboratory Technique Serre rreri aeia aaa a i aeaee aa aaa ieia ae ia Kia aak 32 55s e al e 5s ote tes eee tet EE EA OE 32 Diz Centritlges corteo rto ertet A EAT TORE ATEOA TEER 32 5 5 3 Vacuum Work and ApparatuS ccccccnononocononononononennnnnononnnononononnnnnnnnnnnnnrnnnnnnnnannnnnnenonnnnncnnnns 33 5 5 4 Drying Ovensiand FUGNACES cita a adi 35 5 5 5 Syriniges and Scalpel Blades t At AAA AAA AAA ee 35 5 5 6 Glassware and Plastic LabWare ooooccccnonccnnocnnnnancnonnnononnnnnn cn nono ncnnn cnn nn enne nennen nnne nnne 35 5 5 7 Eliminating Mercury Thermometers And Mercury Containing Devices 36 5 5 8 Ultraviolet Visible and Near Infrared Radiation eeeeeeeeeennnnnnn 36 5 5 9 Equipment Used with Compressed GaseS ccccccononocoonnononnnanonononnnononnnanononnnnnnnnnnnonenonnnnnnnnons 36 5 5 10 Magrietic Fields teen nice atn 36 5 5 11 Radio Frequency and Microwave Hazards ccccoconococnnoncnnconononnnnnoncnnnanononnnnnnnncnnanennnnnnnnnnon 36 5 6 Facility Cleaning and Maintenance u
160. tory space are allowed outside of a flammable liquids cabinet Combinations of Class I IL and IIIA may not exceed 2 gallons per 100 sq ft in storage 7 0 Hazards of Chemical Groups T 1 Corrosives Acids and Bases Under hazardous waste regulation a pH 2 or 212 5 indicates corrosive characteristics Corrosive acids and bases attack the skin and can cause permanent damage to the eyes Therefore exercise great care in attempting neutralization All the hydrogen halide acids are serious respiratory irritants Hydrofluoric HF acid poses a special danger both its gas and solutions are toxic and it is rapidly absorbed through the skin penetrating deeply into the body tissues Contact with dilute solutions of hydrofluoric acid may cause no pain for several hours but result in serious burns In all cases immediate and thorough flushing with water for 5 minutes followed by calcium gluconate antidote gel application and prompt attention by a physician are necessary Oxyacids such as sulfuric and nitric acid have widely differing properties Sulfuric acid is a very strong dehydrating agent When preparing solutions always add the acid to water and remember that the heat of solution may produce a large increase in temperature Nitric acid is a strong oxidizing agent that acts rapidly and turns exposed skin yellow to brown as a denaturing reaction occurs Paper that has been used to wipe up nitric acid spills can ignite spontaneously when dry and shou
161. us overheating the best practice is to e Use ovens or heating devices with high temperature limit controllers Heat general purpose metal body laboratory reactor pressure vessels only in an oven Heat polymer body laboratory reactor pressure vessels only in a microwave oven Heat other laboratory reactor pressure apparatus behind a blast shield or suitable barrier Post caution signs or an Overnight Experiment Notice when heating pressure vessels unattended Some pressure vessels are equipped with a polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE cup and lid liner Due to PTFE flow once a PTFE cup and lid is pressurized it becomes a uniquely matching pair Using unmatched pairs of cups and lids will cause leaks Store all the parts of a pressure vessel together to avoid mismatches Periodically conduct a leak check in accordance with the manufacturer s literature Not all pressure vessels use a PTFE insert Internal wetted parts of a pressure vessel have to be constructed resistant to corrosive materials at the expected operating pressure Each alloy has its own physical strength and temperature characteristics as well as its own unique resistance to certain corrosive materials All of these factors must be considered when making a selection Dedicate pressure vessels for either acid or base service Do not interchange the use of acids and bases in the same pressure vessel Register research activity involving the use of laboratory reactor pressure vessels in NSI
162. use of Compressed or Liquefied Gases in Laboratories and Laboratory Support Facilities 5 5 10 Magnetic Fields See entry Magnetic Fields on the ORS website 5 5 11 Radio Frequency and Microwave Hazards See entry Radio Frequency and Microwave Hazards on the ORS website 5 6 Facility Cleaning and Maintenance A custodial service has been contracted to wet mop floors including laboratory space regularly However building services and custodial staff are prohibited from cleaning up chemical and biological materials including spills and custodians shall not be expected to mop any floors that have not been properly decontaminated after a spill In preparation for the cleaning service the laboratory staff shall remove hazards that the custodians might encounter during their activities Chemical containers on the floor and all containers of biohazardous waste shall be moved by laboratory occupants to a safe and secure location before custodians enter the lab In the event that a supervisor does not wish a particular laboratory to be Excerpted from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory National Research Council 2011 pg 75 109 p 36 disturbed custodial floor cleaning can be suspended on request of the area occupants To have the mopping discontinued contact Facilities Management and post a sign on the lab Likewise if maintenance is required on any component of the laboratory such as a sink or piece of equipment the same pri
163. ve such approval As a practical model the American National Standards Institute s Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits ANSI Z308 1 1998 recommends that basic units should contain e 1 absorbent compress 32 sq in with no side smaller than 4 in 16 adhesive bandages 1 x 3 in adhesive tape total of 5 yd 10 individual use antiseptic applications 0 5 g each 6 individual use burn treatment applications 0 5 g each 2 pairs of medical exam gloves 4 sterile pads 3 x 3 in and 1 triangular bandage 40 x 40 x 56 in scissors It shall be inspected regularly to ensure that no items are missing and that none of the remedies e g saline solution ointment in the kit have expired The LCSC and ORS encourage CPR and first aid training for at least 2 lab members in each lab group Such training can be arranged through ORS If there are lab workers who have particular sensitivities or medical problems that could interfere with first aid procedures consider discussing this issue with the entire staff Barring any confidentiality concerns it is wise to prepare colleagues for possible reactions or symptoms should an employee suffer from an illness that demands special care An employee with a given medical condition e g severe allergies asthma heart disease may require prescription drugs during a respiratory attack or illness episode Whenever possible warn staff of the specific procedures needed to help a
164. vironment health and safety International regulations apply to air and marine transport of laboratory materials Safety standards and codes are created by nongovernmental bodies but are important to know because they may be required by a law by reference as condition of occupancy by an insurance company by an accrediting body or as a widely accepted industry standard In some cases following a safety guideline is a condition of receiving a research grant There are a number of guideline setting governmental and non governmental agencies The main guideline for chemical and laboratory safety is the National Research Council s Prudent Practices in the Laboratory 2011 which is referenced throughout this document Other notable agencies include the National Fire Protection Agency NFPA the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH National Institutes of Health NIH the National Toxicology Program NTP the Compressed Gas Association CGA the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists ACGIH the American Chemical Society ACS the American Industrial Hygiene Association AIHA the American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE and other standard developing agencies under the American National Standards Institute ANSI Table 1 1 Federal Safety Laws and Regulations That Pertain to Laboratories Regulations of Chemical and Mechanical Hazards in Laboratories Law or Regulation Citatio
165. worker with a preexisting health complication 5 1 1 First Aid Procedure for Responding to Hydrofluoric Acid Burns Hydrofluoric acid HF is an extremely hazardous liquid It can cause severe skin and eye irritation or deep seated slow to heal burns In certain cases exposure can prove fatal For any major exposure to HF immediate paramedic assistance is necessary HF s mode of action is to bind calcium whenever contact occurs with skin or other body tissues Unlike the action of other acids which are rapidly neutralized tissue destruction and action of HF may proceed for days Because calcium is necessary for cell life its binding can bring about rapid cell death If the HF exposure is extensive excessive amounts of calcium may be inactivated and inadequate supplies of calcium may be available for vital bodily functions Inform the physician treating the HF injury to the nature of the chemical involved in the exposure and deliver a Safety Data Sheet SDS Some medical providers may not commonly encounter HF Offer as much information as possible regarding the chemical and its effects Encourage the physician to p 23 consult an occupational specialist for further information if needed See also http www atsdr cdc gov MHMI mmeg11 html For skin exposure Immediately start rinsing under safety shower or other water source and flush affected area thoroughly with large amounts of water removing contaminated clothing while rinsin
166. yee occupational injuries and reporting and recordkeeping illnesses Employee emergency plans and fire 29 CFR 1910 38 Requirements for written prevention plans emergency and fire prevention plans Medical services and first aid 29 CFR 8 1910 151 Provision of medical services Superfund Amendments and 42 USC 8 9601 et seq Planning for emergencies and Title III also known as p 9 Reauthorization Act SARA 42 USC 8 11000 et seq reporting of hazardous Community Right to Know Act 40 CFR Part 370 materials 8 311 312 40 CFR Part 372 8 313 Emergency planning and 40 CFR Part 355 Requirements for reporting of Applies to all chemical users notification extremely hazardous materials and unplanned releases Hazardous Waste Operations and 29 CFR 8 1910 120 Worker protection during Applies to state and local Emergency Response 40 CFR Part 311 hazardous waste cleanup government employees not covered by OSHA Table 1 5 Federal Safety Laws and Regulations That Pertain to Laboratories Other regulations Law or Regulation Citation Purpose Comments Americans with Disabilities Act 28 CFR Part 36 Standards for making workplace accommodations for students and employees with disabilities Access to employee exposure 29 CFR 8 1910 20 Employee and privacy and other and medical records rights employer responsibilities Occupational noise exposure 29 CFR 8 1910 95 Standards for noi

Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan

Contents

Download Pdf Manuals

Related Search

Related Contents