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The Laboratory Facility
General Rules & Specific Procedures
III. CHEMICAL PROCUREMENT, DISTRIBUTION, STORAGE & TRANSPORT
V. HOUSEKEEPING, MAINTENANCE & INSPECTIONS
VII. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE APPAREL & EQUIPMENT
VIII. RECORDS & RECORD KEEPING
XI. EMPLOYEE INFORMATION & TRAINING
APPENDIX 1
Location of laboratories and storerooms covered by this plan
APPENDIX 2
Administrators with chemical hygiene responsibilities
APPENDIX 3
Biohazard Training Information
APPENDIX 4
Chemical Storage Safety Checklist
I. INTRODUCTION
Portland State University is committed to providing a safe working environment and believes staff and students have a right to know about health hazards associated with their work. So that staff and students can make knowledgeable decisions about any personal risks of work performed, this Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) includes policies, procedures, and responsibilities designed to develop in individuals associated with the department, an awareness of potentially hazardous chemicals in the workplace, and to train individuals in appropriate, safe working conditions within the department. Because few laboratory chemicals are without hazards, it is important to minimize all chemical exposure and that the risk not be underestimated.
It is important that all staff and students assume responsibility for laboratory safety. All individuals working within the department will have access to pertinent safety information through their supervisory staff. The people who work in any given area are best able to detect potential hazards in either the facility or in work procedures. When safety concerns arise, individuals are encouraged to contact their supervisor. The university accepts the responsibility for providing proper ventilation and hoods to prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals.
A training program has been designed for the benefit and protection of all individuals at Portland State University. Necessary information will be available to inform any staff or student how best to handle hazardous chemicals and how to make use of the new law.
This plan is reviewed annually to assure safe laboratory/work procedures and environment. Any significant changes in procedures or chemical holdings are updated quarterly.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibility for Chemical Hygiene rests at all levels of the
department and are described as follows:
A. The DEAN has ultimate responsibility for chemical hygiene within their departments and with other administrators must provide continuing support for departmental chemical hygiene.
B. The DEPARTMENT CHAIRS are responsible for chemical hygiene in the department and are to:
C. The CHEMICAL HYGIENE OFFICER's and CHEMICAL HYGIENE COMMITTEE's responsibilities include (see Appendix 2):
1. Working with administrators and others to develop and implement appropriate chemical hygiene policies and practices.
2. Certifying the performance of protective equipment.
3. Monitoring procurement, use, and disposal of chemicals used in the laboratory.
4. Causing appropriate audits to be maintained.
5. Working with other departments in the development of precautions and adequate facilities.
6. Knowing the current legal requirements concerning regulated substances.
7. Seeking ways to improve the chemical hygiene program.
D. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY is responsible for:
1. Assisting the Chemical Hygiene Officer and Committee with the implementation of all safety policies and procedures.
2. Working with the Science department staff and Chemical Hygiene Officer to develop safety training programs to meet general and specific needs, and ensuring the delivery of that training.
3. Representing the university in its relationship with the safety regulatory agencies that deal with laboratory and general safety, health, and environmental issues.
4. Overseeing the mandatory record keeping programs required by federal and state authorities.
E. STAFF AND STUDENTS are responsible for:
1. Planning and conducting each operation in accordance with the departmental chemical hygiene procedures.
2. Developing good personal chemical hygiene habits.
Additional records may be generated through the implementation of this plan and provisions for record retention and employee access must be developed. (See Section VIII, page 36). The records include:
1. Materials Data Safety Sheets. The MSDS's and chemical inventories are maintained by the Department Storekeeper. The MSDS's or dated inventories are required to be maintained for 30 years.
2. Records of air monitoring results or exposure assessments will be maintained by the EH&S manager. Employees will be notified of the location of air monitoring results and the availability for review. These records must be maintained for at least 30 years.
3. Radiation exposure monitoring results will be kept by the Radiation Safety Officer. These records must be maintained for at least 30 years. Each individual will be provided a copy of the results on request.
4. Medical consultation and examination results will be maintained by the employees health care professional, the summary statement of findings will be provided to the individual employee, and a copy maintained in the employee's confidential medical file by the Employee Benefits for 30 years plus employment.
5. Ventilation system testing and maintenance activities will be maintained by the Facilities Department. At least the most current results and maintenance records are to be maintained.
6. Training records will be maintained by the department office.
7. Workplace injury records and OSHA 200 injury/illness log records are all maintained by Employee Benefits based on information provided by the department. These records must be maintained for at least 5 years.
8. Hazardous waste and other environmental report records will be maintained by the EH&S manager for 5 years.
9. Review and revision of the CHP data will be maintained by the Committee Chairperson and EH&S manager. OSHA does not set a time period for record retention, but it is recommended that review and revision records be maintained for at least three years.
LIST OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS USED/STORED IN THE LABORATORIES
The lists of chemicals found in the Science laboratories is kept by the Department stores Keepers. While the lists are not mandated by the Laboratory Regulations, it would be difficult to address the specific hazards and questions regarding highly toxic materials without an inventory. In addition, the inventory is an important part of instructional activities. Material Data Safety Sheets are maintained in the Science Storeroom for the various chemicals that have been received.
EMPLOYEE TRAINING & INFORMATION
A. Laboratory employee training on the CHP has these goals:
1. Describing safe methods to perform each job, operation, or experiment
2. Reviewing various hazards involved with the work and necessary precautions and safeguards provided
3. Teaching the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and control
4. Teaching what to expect as standard operating levels of control systems
5. Showing how to get improvements or maintenance of equipment
B. Each laboratory employee shall receive training at the time of initial assignment to a work area where hazardous chemicals are present and prior to assignments involving new exposure situations.
C. Refresher training on the CHP will be conducted at least annually for all employees.
D. The information that must be covered in this training must include:
1. An explanation of the Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories standard
2. The location and availability of the CHP
3. The Permissible Exposure Limits for OSHA regulated substances or recommended exposure limits for other hazardous chemicals where there is no applicable OSHA standard
4. Signs and symptoms associated with exposures to hazardous chemicals used in the laboratory
5. The location of reference material
6. Methods and observation that may be used to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals
7. The physical and health hazards of chemicals in the work area
8. The measures that employees can take to protect them selves from exposures to chemicals, including the use of PPE, special work precautions or emergency response procedures
A. DESIGN: Facilities Services Manager assists the Chemical Hygiene Officer, Committee, and EH&S Manager to ensure proper laboratory facilities are designed and installed.
The laboratory facility should have:
1. An appropriate general ventilation system with air intakes and exhausts located so as to avoid intake of contaminated air
2. Adequate, well-ventilated stockrooms/storerooms
3. Laboratory hoods and sinks
4. Other safety equipment, including eyewash fountains and drench showers
5. Arrangements for waste disposal
All FUME HOODS shall be inspected ANNUALLY and certified by a licensed contractor under PSU contract. Any hood not passing inspection should be taken out of service immediately and not be used until the hood has passed inspection. It is the responsibility of PSU to purchase parts and to replace the unit in a timely fashion so as not to endanger the health and well-being of staff or students or place the facility at risk (departmental and university responsibility).
EYEWASH FOUNTAINS shall be inspected EVERY WEEK and records maintained (departmental responsibility).
SAFETY SHOWERS shall be inspected, tested, and flushed QUARTERLY and records maintained (departmental responsibility).
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS are inspected ANNUALLY, and recharged and structurally evaluated every three years (Facilities responsibility).
All CHEMICAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT shall be monitored continuously and modified if inadequate (departmental and PSU responsibility).
C. USAGE: The work conducted and its scale must be appropriate to the physical facilities available and, especially, to the quality of ventilation.
1. GENERAL LABORATORY VENTILATION: This system should provide a source of air for breathing and for input to local ventilation devices. It should not be relied on for protection from toxic substances released into the laboratory. Ensure that laboratory air is continually replaced, preventing concentrations of toxic substances from non-laboratory areas and out to the exterior of the building.
2. HOODS: Each hood should have a continuous monitoring device to allow convenient confirmation of adequate hood performance before use. If this is not possible, work with substances of unknown toxicity should be avoided or other types of local ventilation devices provided.
3. OTHER LOCAL VENTILATION DEVICES: Ventilated storage cabinets, canopy hoods, etc., should be provided as needed.
4. MODIFICATIONS: Any alteration of the ventilation system should be made only if thorough testing indicates that worker protection from airborne toxic substances will continue to be inadequate.
5. PERFORMANCE: Rate of 4-12 room air changes/hour is normally adequate general ventilation if local exhaust systems such as hoods are used as the primary method of control.
6. QUALITY: General air flow should not be turbulent and should be relatively uniform throughout the laboratory, with no high velocity or static areas. Airflow into and within the hood should not be excessively turbulent. Hood face velocity should be adequate (typically 60-100 cfm).
7. EVALUATION: Quality and quantity of ventilation should be evaluated on installation, regularly monitored (at least twice a year), and reevaluated whenever a change in local ventilation devices is made.
8. GENERAL USE OF LAB HOODS
--Work as far inside the hood as possible.
--Cover work surface with absorbent paper.
--Keep working surface uncluttered.
--Do not block ventilation slots at back of hood.
--Keep sash as low as possible.
--Check operation of hood before use.
--Make periodic performance and maintenance checks. Comprehensive checks and complete maintenance must be done annually.
--Make sure air flow into hood is maintained. Do not store material or equipment in front of the hood opening.
--Always use volatile organic chemicals in hood because room ventilation may not be adequate.
II. BASIC RULES AND PROCEDURES
A. GENERAL RULES
All employees that work with chemicals should know and constantly be aware of:
1. The chemicals' hazards as determined from the MSDS and other appropriate references, and the procedures to follow when the chemicals' hazard is not known
2. Appropriate safeguards for using that chemical, including personal protection equipment, and the location and proper use of emergency equipment
3. Interpretation of signs and labels
4. Proper personal hygiene practices
5. The proper methods of acquiring, transporting, and storing chemicals within the facility.
6. Proper waste disposal procedures.
7. Emergency spill and cleanup procedures, including evacuation routes -- see the emergency action maps posted in the hallways and refer to PSU's Emergency Action Plan
8. Minimizing hazardous chemical exposure by:
--Avoidance of "routine" exposure
Develop and encourage safe habits; avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals by any route
Do not smell or taste chemicals; vent apparatus which may discharge toxic chemicals (vacuum pumps, distillation columns, etc.) into local exhaust devices
Inspect gloves and test glove boxes before use
Do not allow release of toxic substances in cold rooms and warm rooms, since these have contained, recirculated atmospheres
--Choice of Chemicals
Use only those chemicals for which the quality of the available ventilation system is appropriate; substitute hazardous chemicals with those that are less hazardous whenever possible
--Eating, smoking, etc.
Eating, drinking, smoking, gum chewing, or application of cosmetics in areas where laboratory chemicals are present is prohibited; wash hands before conducting these activities
Storage, handling, or consumption of food or beverages in laboratory storage areas is prohibited; refrigerators, glassware, or utensils should not be used for food when they are also used for laboratory operations
--Equipment and glassware
Handle and store glassware with care to avoid damage; do not use damaged glassware; use extract care with Dewar flasks and other evacuated glass apparatus -- shield or wrap them to contain chemicals and fragments should implosion occur; use equipment only for its designed purpose
--Exiting
Wash areas of exposed skin before leaving the laboratory
--Horse Play
Practical jokes or other behavior which might confuse, startle, or distract another worker are prohibited
--Mouth Suction
Do not use mouth suction for pipetting or starting a siphon
--Personal Apparel
Confine long hair and loose clothing; wear shoes at all times in the laboratory but do not wear sandals, perforated shoes, or sneakers
--Personal Housekeeping
Keep the work area clean and uncluttered, with chemicals and equipment being properly labeled and stored; clean up the work area on completion of an operation or at the end of each day
--Personal Protection
Wear appropriate eye protection where chemicals are stored or handled
Wear appropriate gloves when the potential for contact with toxic materials exists; inspect the gloves before each use, wash them before removal, and replace them periodically
Use appropriate respiratory equipment when air containment concentrations are insufficiently restricted by engineering controls, and inspect the respirator before use
Use other protective and emergency apparel and equipment when appropriate
Avoid use of contact lenses in the laboratory unless necessary; if they are used, take necessary special precautions
Remove laboratory coats immediately upon significant contamination
--Planning
Seek information and advice about hazards, plan appropriate protective measures, and plan positioning of equipment before beginning any new hazardous operation
--Unattended Operations
Leave lights on, place an appropriate sign on the door, and provide for minimizing contamination by toxic substances in the event of failure of a utility service (such as cooling water) to an unattended operation
--Use of Hood
Use the hood for operations which might result in release of toxic chemical vapors or dust; as a rule of thumb, use a hood or other local ventilation device when working with any appreciably volatile substance with a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of less than 10 ppm or the chemical is rated as highly toxic; some chemicals need to be used in the fume hood because of strong noxious odors
Confirm adequate hood performance before use; keep materials stored in hoods to a minimum and do not allow them to block vents or air flow
Leave the hood "on" when it is not in active use, if toxic substances are stored in it or if it is uncertain whether adequate general laboratory ventilation will be maintained it is "off"
--Vigilance
Be alert to unsafe conditions and see that they are corrected when detected
--Waste Disposal (for detailed information about waste disposal, see PSU's "Hazardous Waste and Toxic Use Reduction Program for Facility Operations and Departmental Laboratories"
-- copies are available from the EH&S manager)
Assure that the plan for each laboratory includes plans and procedures for waste reclamation or disposal
Deposit chemical waste in appropriately labeled receptacles and follow all other waste disposal procedures of the CHP
Do not discharge to the sewer concentrated acids or bases; highly toxic, malodorous, or lachrymatory substances; or any substance which might interfere with the biological activity of waste water treatment plants, create fire or explosion hazards, cause structural damage, or obstruct flow
--Working Alone
Avoid working alone in a building; do not work alone in a laboratory if the procedure being conducted is hazardous
B. SPECIFIC PROCEDURES: Additional information will be found on the Material Safety Data Sheets that describe the acute and chronic health effects. Laboratory personnel shall be informed as to the basic health and physical hazards associated with the chemicals they use.
1. ALLERGENS (e.g., diazomethane, isocyanates, bichromates): Wear suitable gloves to prevent hand contact with allergens or substances of unknown allergenic activity
2. EMBRYOTOXINS (e.g., organomercurials, lead components, formamide): If you are a woman of childbearing age, handle these substances only in a hood whose satisfactory performance has been confirmed, using appropriate protective apparel (especially gloves) to prevent skin contact. It is important to note that many chemicals can be reproductive toxins and can effect male reproductive and genetic makeup of the sperm.
Review each of these materials with the laboratory manager and review continuing uses annually or whenever a procedural change is made.
Store these substances, properly labeled, in an adequately ventilated area in an unbreakable secondary container.
Notify the lab manager of all incidents of exposure or spills; consult a qualified physician when appropriate.
3. WORK WITH CHEMICALS OF MODERATE CHRONIC OR HIGH ACUTE TOXICITY (e.g., diisopropylflurophosphate, hydrofluoric acid, hydrogen cyanide)
--AIM: To minimize the exposure to these toxic substances by any route using all reasonable precautions
--APPLICABILITY: These precautions are appropriate for substances with moderate chronic or high acute toxicity used in significant quantities.
--LOCATION: Store these substances only in areas of restricted access with special warning signs.
Always use a hood (previously evaluated to confirm adequate performance with a face velocity of at least 60 linear feet per minute) or other containment device for procedures which may result in the generation of aerosols or vapors containing the substance; trap released vapors to prevent their discharge with the hood exhaust.
--PERSONAL PROTECTION: Always avoid skin contact by use of gloves and long sleeves (and other protective apparel as appropriate). Always wash hands and arms immediately after working with these materials.
--RECORDS: Maintain records of the amounts of these materials on hand, amounts used, and the names of the workers involved.
--PREVENTION OF SPILLS & ACCIDENTS: Be prepared for accidents and spills. Store breakable containers of these substances in chemically-resistant trays. Work and mount apparatus above such trays or cover work and storage surfaces with removable, absorbent, plastic backed paper.
If a major spill occurs outside the hood, evacuate the area; assure that cleanup personnel wear suitable protective apparel and equipment.
--WASTE: Thoroughly decontaminate or incinerate contaminated clothing or shoes. If possible, chemically decontaminate by chemical conversion. If glass or plastic bottles are used for storing liquids, half fill them with vermiculite first.
4. WORK WITH CHEMICALS OF HIGH CHRONIC TOXICITY (e.g., dimethylmercury and nickel carboxyl, benzo-apyrene, N- nitrosodiethylamine, other human carcinogens or substances with high carcinogenic potency in animals)
Further supplemental rules are to be followed, in addition to all these mentioned above, for work with substances of known high chronic toxicity (in quantities above a few milligrams to a few grams, depending on the substances).
--ACCESS: Conduct all transfers and work with these substances in a "controlled area": a restricted access hood; glove box; or portion of a lab, designated for use of highly toxic substances, for which all people with access are aware of the substances being used and necessary precautions.
--APPROVALS: Prepare a plan for use and disposal of these materials and obtain the approval of the chemical hygiene committee.
--NON-CONTAMINATION/DECONTAMINATION: Protect vacuum pumps against contamination by scrubbers or HEPA filters and vent them into the hood. Decontaminate vacuum pumps or other contaminated equipment, including glassware, in the hood before removing them from the controlled area.
Decontaminate the controlled area before normal work is resumed there.
--EXITING: On leaving a controlled area, remove any protective apparel (placing it in an appropriate, labeled container), and thoroughly wash hands, forearms, face and neck.
--HOUSEKEEPING: Use a wet mop or a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter instead of dry sweeping if the toxic substance was a dry powder.
--MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: If using toxicologically significant quantities of such a substance on a regular basis (e.g., 3 times per week), consult a qualified physician concerning desirability of regular medical surveillance.
--RECORDS: Keep accurate records of the amount of these substances stored and used, the dates of use, and names of users.
--SIGNS & LABELS: Assure that the controlled area is conspicuously marked with warning and restricted access signs, and that all containers of these substances are appropriately labeled with identity and warning labels.
--SPILLS: Assure availability of contingency plans, equipment, and materials to minimize exposure of people and property in case of accident.
--STORAGE: Store containers of these chemicals only in a ventilated, limited access area in appropriately labeled, unbreakable, chemically resistant, secondary containers.
--GLOVE BOXES: For negative pressure glove box, ventilation rate must be at least 2 volume changes/hour and pressure at least 0.5 inches of water. For a positive pressure glove box, thoroughly check for leaks before each use. In either case, trap the exit gases or filter them through the HEPA filter and then release them into the hood.
--WASTE: Use chemical decontamination whenever possible. Ensure that containers of contaminated waste (including washing from contaminated flasks) are transferred from the controlled area in a secondary container under the supervision of authorized personnel.
Employees must obtain prior approval from the Chemical Hygiene Committee to proceed with a laboratory task whenever:
--a new potentially hazardous laboratory procedure or test is to be carried out.
--it is likely that toxic limit concentrations could be exceeded or that harm is likely.
--there is a change in a hazardous procedure or test, even if it is very similar to prior practices; "change in a hazardous procedure or test" means:
1. A 10% or greater increase in the amount of one or more hazardous chemicals used.
2. A hazardous substitution of any of the chemicals in a laboratory procedure.
3. Any change or condition which increases the hazardous nature of the procedure.
--there is a failure of any of the equipment used in the potentially hazardous process, especially of safeguards such as fume hoods or clamped apparatus.
--there are unexpected hazardous results.
--members of the department staff become ill, suspect that they or others have been exposed, or otherwise suspect a failure of any of the safeguards.
6. FLAMMABLE/COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS
Fire hazards are the most important problem with flammable and combustible materials. The other notable hazard is its effect on the central nervous system when inhaled, absorbed, or digested.
--Work in fire protected areas, with portable fire extinguishers readily available.
--No sources of ignition should be in the vicinity of flammable liquids.
--Use nonsparking equipment.
--When transferring a flammable liquid using metal containers, both containers need to be grounded and bonded to dissipate static electricity build-up.
--Flammable liquids should be heated with safe heating mantles such as steam mantles or heating baths.
--Ovens used to heat flammables should have explosion-proof wiring.
--Flammable materials should never be stored in ordinary refrigerators or freezers.
--Work with flammable/combustible materials should be performed in fume hoods.
Explosions can occur under a variety of conditions such as a violent chemical reaction.
--Fume hoods should be used to contain any potentially explosive experiment. The fume hood should be able to contain any fire that may occur.
--Flammable materials should not be stored in close proximity to the fume hood.
--Minimize the amount of materials in the fume hood.
--Barriers should be provided to protect other lab workers.
8. CORROSIVE MATERIALS: ACIDS & BASES
Corrosive chemicals have immediate and acute erosive effects on tissues, especially the eyes and skin.
--Always wear eye protection such as chemical splash goggles whenever handling or working with corrosives. Gloves and aprons should also be worn.
--In every laboratory where corrosive materials are used, deluge eyewash and shower shall be available.
--Use safety carriers when transferring dangerous corrosives.
--When adding water to acid, pour acid into the water.
--Keep the container sizes and quantities on hand as small as possible.
--Store each class of corrosive together: acids with acids, etc. Be careful not to store incompatible materials of the same classes together. (Sulfuric acid and nitric acid are incompatible, for example.)
--Keep containers not in use in storage. Store corrosives on the lower shelves.
Ethers present a problem to the lab worker because they can form peroxides. Peroxides are explosive and are formed by exposure to light and air, however, they can also form in unopened containers.
--Mark the date of receipt on all ether containers.
--Maintain the minimum quantity of ethers in stores.
--Dispose of any unused ethers in open containers immediately.
--Follow the safety procedures of flammable/combustible liquids.
These metals must be handled with extreme care because of the violent and explosive reactions that can occur.
--Store these metals under proper suppression materials, such as mineral oil for sodium.
--Fire extinguishers for labs with reactive metals should be Class D.
--Use barriers to protect coworker’s in lab.
Mercury is found in various pieces of lab equipment. When it is spilled and not cleaned up properly, it will slowly evaporate and expose the lab workers to toxic fumes. Mercury is a central nervous system poison and a teratogen that results in permanent damage on chronic exposure.
--Reduce the amount of mercury used in instrumentation and equipment.
--Work with mercury should always be done in a fume hood that has a depressed lip to prevent spills reaching the floor.
--Fume hoods should have seamless interior.
--Never heat mercury on the open bench.
--Personal protective equipment of goggles, gloves, and respirators should be used if there is potential exposure.
--Use red alcohol thermometers or thermocouples instead of mercury thermometers whenever possible.
Procedure for carcinogens, reproductive toxins, substances that have a high degree of acute toxicity, and chemicals of unknown toxicity.
Follow the procedures described in this section when performing laboratory work in which there is potential exposure to any carcinogen, reproductive toxin, substances that have a high degree of acute toxicity, or a chemical whose properties are unknown.
1) The following definitions will apply:
a) Select carcinogen: Any substance defined as such in 29 CFR 1910.1450 and any other substances described as such in the applicable MSDS
b) Reproductive toxin: Any substance described as such in the applicable MSDS; for example, any substance identified as a reproductive toxin by the Oak Ridge Toxicology Information Resource Center (TICR), (615) 576-1746; or for teratogens only: Any substance identified as such in Thomas H. Shepard, "Catalog of Teratogenic Agents." 6th ed., John Hopkins Press, 1989
c) Substance with a high degree of acute toxicity: Any substance for which the LD-50 data described in the applicable MSDS cause the substance to be classified as a "highly toxic chemical" as defined in ANSI Z129.1
d) Chemical whose toxic properties are unknown: A chemical for which there is no known statistically significant study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that establishes its toxicity
e) For the purposes of this CHP, chemicals in these four categories will be called "inimical."
f) Designated areas: A hood, glove box, or portion of a laboratory room designated as the only area where work shall be conducted with quantities of the inimical chemicals in excess of the specified limit
2) Designated areas shall be posted and their boundaries clearly marked. Only those persons trained to work with inimical chemicals will work with those chemicals in a designated area. All such persons will:
a) Use the smallest amount of chemicals that is consistent with the requirements of the work to be done.
b) Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or high-efficiency scrubber systems to protect vacuum lines and pumps.
c) Store inimical chemicals or remove them from storage.
d) Decontaminate a designated area when work is completed.
e) Prepare wastes from work with inimical chemicals for waste disposal in accordance with specific disposal procedures consistent with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
3) Store all inimical chemicals in locked and enclosed spaces with slight negative pressure compared to the rest of the building.
4) Because the decontamination of jewelry may be difficult or impossible, do not wear jewelry when working in designated areas.
5) Wear long-sleeved disposable clothing and gloves known to resist permeation by the chemicals to be used when working in designated areas.
A variety of compressed gases could be used in the laboratory from flammable gases to highly toxic gases. Because these materials are under tremendous pressure, special handling of the cylinder and regulators must be observed.
14. BIOHAZARDS - STANDARD MICROBIOLOGICAL PRACTICES (See Appendix 3):
The primary hazard of cryogenic materials is their extreme coldness. They and the surfaces they cool, can cause severe burns if allowed to come in contact with the skin.
Most of the hazards associated with the use of electricity come from electrical shock, resistive heating, and ignition of flammables, and most of the actual incidents occur because of a failure to anticipate all of the ways in which these hazards may be evoked in a laboratory situation.
17. GLASSWARE
Glass is involved in a large percentage of laboratory accidents. Glass
containers can be dropped, or they may explode or just fail due to
stress.
III. CHEMICAL PROCUREMENT, DISTRIBUTION, STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION
A. PROCUREMENT: Chemicals will be procured through Purchase Requisitions and through Blanket Account Purchase Requisitions from Licensed Vendors (such as Nurnberg Chemical, High Purity Chemical, Fisher Scientific, etc.). Each chemical ordered must be accompanied by an MSDS for inclusion in the Master File of MSDS. Labeling on each chemical received must conform to the labeling statements in this plan (paragraph 8). The PSU Storeroom will take delivery of all chemicals received through the purchase requisition/purchase order process. Chemicals ordered from a Blanket Purchase Order may be delivered to the Campus directly but must be received by the Lab Technician for that laboratory. The hauler will offload hazardous materials. Under no circumstances will PSU employees unload chemicals.
Upon receipt, all chemical containers will be labeled with a date received. Always put an open date on unstable chemicals such as anhydrous ether. Always label secondary containers with the chemical name; if it is diluted, include the concentration.
B. STOCKROOMS/STOREROOMS: Stored chemicals are segregated from other stored materials and equipment. Chemicals that are volatile must be stored in a well-ventilated area. Toxic substances must be segregated in a well-identified area with local exhaust ventilation. Chemicals which are highly toxic or other chemicals whose containers have been opened should be in unbreakable secondary containers. Stored chemicals will be examined annually for deterioration of contents and containers. Chemicals that show deterioration of contents or containers will be disposed of in an appropriate and sound manner.
C. DISTRIBUTION: Chemicals will be delivered from Central Receiving in the original packing materials. If the chemicals need to be moved from the storeroom/laboratory areas, an outside container will be used to protect the contents from disruption. Under no circumstances will chemicals be transported in privately owned vehicles.
D. LABORATORY STORAGE: Only small amounts of chemicals being used for laboratory assignments in progress may be stored in laboratories at any one time. Any long-term storage in the laboratory must be for non-volatile, chemically neutral substances. Hoods must be used for storage of volatile chemicals in laboratories. Unused and unneeded chemicals must be returned to the storeroom or discarded in the appropriate manner.
1. Fire-hazard chemicals in quantities greater than 100 ml should be kept in metal or plastic safety cans designed for such storage. The cans should be used only as recommended by the manufacturer, including the following safety practices:
--Never disable the spring-loaded closure.
--Always keep the flame-arrester screen in place; replace if punctured or damaged.
2. Cabinets designed for the storage of flammable materials should be properly used and maintained. Read and follow the manufacturer's information and also follow these safety practices:
--Store only compatible materials inside a cabinet.
--Do not store paper or cardboard or other combustible packaging material in a flammable-liquid storage cabinet.
--The manufacturer establishes quantity limits for various sizes of flammable-liquid storage cabinets; do not overload a cabinet.
IV. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
Upon the establishment of a new lab, ventilation test must be conducted
to ascertain the flow rate of the hood and the air evacuation time.
Flow tests must be conducted yearly on each to assure proper air flow.
Environmental testing of the air in a laboratory or storeroom is not
required unless there is evidence of a persistent toxic substance that
is not being properly vented (Appendix 15).
VAPOR DETECTION
Do not use odor as a means of determining whether inhalation exposure
limits are being exceeeded. Whenever there is reason to suspect that a
toxic chemical inhalation limit might be exceeded, whether or not a
suspicious odor is noticed, notify supervisor and the EH&S officer,
who can arrange for exposure monitoring. Laboratory workers should wear
a respirator suitable for protection against the suspect chemical until
measurements of the concentration of the suspect vapor in the air show
that the limit is not exceeded. Under this circumstance and if there is
no reason to anticipate an increase in the concentration of the
chemical, and if the supervisor approves, the respirator can be removed
and the work may continue.
V. HOUSE KEEPING, MAINTENANCE, AND INSPECTIONS
A. Eye wash fountains and safety showers must be inspected for proper operation at the beginning of each quarter.
B. Respirators must be inspected monthly for proper operation and for properly dated filter. User-fit tests will be conducted. (See PSU's Written Respiratory Protection Plan; copies are available from the EH&S officer.)
C. Access to emergency equipment, showers, eyewashes, and exits should never be blocked by anything, not even a temporarily parked chemical cart.
D. All chemical containers must be labeled with at least the identity of the contents and the hazards those contents present to users.
E. Keep all work areas, especially laboratory benches, clear of clutter.
F. Keep all aisles, hallways, and stairs clear of all chemicals.
G. All chemicals should be placed in their assigned storage areas at the end of each workday.
H. At the end of each work day, the contents of all unlabeled containers are to be considered wastes.
I. Wastes should be properly labeled and kept in their proper containers.
J. Properly clean up all spills; properly dispose of the spilled chemical and clean up materials.
K. All working surfaces and floors should be cleaned regularly.
L. No chemicals are to be stored in aisles or stairwells, on desks or laboratory benches, on floors or in hallways, or to be left overnight on shelves over the workbenches.
M. CLEANING
Floors in laboratories and stockroom areas must be swept daily. Floors
in the laboratories must be mopped weekly. Floors in storerooms and
stockrooms must be mopped at the discretion of the laboratory personnel.
N. INSPECTION
Formal housekeeping and chemical hygiene inspections will be made by
the administrative supervisor of the campus unit at the beginning of
the academic year and at the end of the academic year. Informal
inspections will occur at the discretion of the administrative
supervisor.
A. SUSPECTED EXPOSURES TO TOXIC SUBSTANCES
There may be times when employees or supervisors suspect that an employee has been exposed to a hazardous chemical to a degree and in a manner that might have caused harm to the victim. If the circumstances suggest a reasonable suspicion of exposure, the victim is entitled to a medical consultation and, if so determined in the consultatîön, also to a medical examination at no cost with no loss of workday time attributed to the victim.
1. Criteria for Reasonable Suspicion of Exposure
--It is the policy of PSU to promptly investigate all employee-reported incidents in which there is even a remote possibility of employee overexposure to any toxic substance.
--Events or circumstances that might reasonably constitute overexposure include:
1) A hazardous chemical leaked or was spilled or was otherwise rapidly released in an uncontrolled manner
2) A laboratory employee had direct skin or eye contact with a hazardous chemical
3) A laboratory employee manifests symptoms such as headache, rash, nausea, coughing, tearing, irritation or redness of eyes, irritations of nose or throat, dizziness, loss of motor dexterity or judgment, etc., and
a) Some or all of the symptoms disappear when the person is taken away from the exposure area and breathes fresh air, and
b) The symptoms reappear soon after the employee returns to work with the same hazardous chemicals.
4) Two or more persons in the same laboratory work area have similar complaints.
2. Exposures
All complaints and their disposition must be documented, no matter what the ultimate disposition may be. If no further assessment of the event is deemed necessary, the reason for that decision should be included in the documentation. If the decision is to investigate, a formal exposure assessment will be initiated.
3. Exposure Assessment
In cases of emergency, exposure assessments are conducted after the victim has been treated.
NOTE: It is not the purpose of an exposure assessment to determine that a failure on the part of the victim, or others, to follow proper procedures was the cause of the exposure. The purpose of an exposure assessment is to determine that there was, or was not, an exposure that might have caused harm to one or more employees and, if so, to identify the hazardous chemical or chemicals involved. Other investigations might well use results and conclusions from an exposure assessment, along with other information, to derive recommendations that will prevent or mitigate any future overexposures. However, exposure assessments determine facts; they do not make recommendations.
--Unless circumstances suggest other or additional steps, these actions constitute an exposure assessment:
1) Interview the complainant and also the victim, if not the same person.
2) List the essential information about the circumstances of the complaint, including:
a) The chemical under suspicion
b) Other chemicals used by victim
c) All chemicals being used by others in the immediate area
d) Other chemicals stored in that area
e) Symptoms exhibited or claimed by the victim
f) How these symptoms compare to symptoms stated in the materials safety data sheets for each of the identified chemicals
g) Whether control measures, such as personal protective equipment and hoods, were used properly
h) Whether any air sampling or monitoring devices were in place, and if so, whether the measurements obtained from these devices were consistent with other information
--Monitor or sample the air in the area for suspect chemicals.
--Determine whether the victim's symptoms compare to the symptoms described in the MSDS or other pertinent scientific literature.
--Determine whether the present control measures and safety procedure are adequate.
4. Notification of Results of Monitoring
Within 15 working days of receipt of the results of any monitoring, notify employees of those results.
B. MEDICAL CONSULTATION AND EXAMINATION
The details of medical consultations and examinations are determined by the physician.
The purpose of a medical consultation is to determine whether a medical examination is warranted. When, from the results of an exposure assessment, it is suspected or known that an employee was overexposed to a hazardous chemical or chemicals, the employee should obtain medical consultation from or under the direct supervision of a licensed physician.
When warranted, employees also should receive a medical examination from or under the direct supervision of a licensed physician who is experienced in treating victims of chemical overexposure. The medical professional should also be knowledgeable about which tests or procedures are appropriate to determine if there hsa been overexposure; these diagnostic techniques are called "differential diagnoses."
These provisions apply to medical consultations and examinations:
1. All employees who work with hazardous chemicals will have an opportunity to receive medical consultation and examination when:
--The employee develops signs or symptoms associated with a hazardous chemical to which the employee may have been exposed in the laboratory
--Monitoring, routine or otherwise, suggests that there could have been an exposure above the action level, or PEL if there is no action level, for a chemical for which a substance-specific standard has been established
--There is a spill, leak, or other uncontrolled release of a hazardous chemical
2. Provide the physician with:
--The identity of the hazardous chemical or chemicals to which the employee may have been exposed
--The exposure conditions
--The signs and symptoms of exposure the victim is experiencing, if any
3. Ordinarily, physicians will furnish to the employer in written form:
--Recommendations for followup, if determined to be pertinent
--A record of the results of the consultation and, if applicable, of the examination and any tests that were conducted
--Conclusions concerning any other medical condition noted that could put the employee at increased risk
--A statement that the employee has been informed both of the results of the consultation or examination and of any medical condition that may require further examination or treatment
4. These written statements and records should not reveal specific findings that are not related to an occupational exposure.
All memos, notes, and reports related to a complaint of actual or possible exposure to hazardous chemicals are to be maintained as part of the record.
Employees shall be notified of the results of any medical consultation or examination with regard to any medical conditions that exist or might exist as a result of overexposure to a hazardous chemical.
VII. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE APPAREL AND EQUIPMENT
A. APPAREL
1. Eye protection worn when working with chemicals should meet the requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1. Wear goggles such as type G, H, or I at all times. When working with more than 10 ml of a corrosive liquid, also wear a face shield that is large enough to protect the chest, neck, and ears, as well as the face.
2. When working with corrosive liquids, also wear gloves made of material known to be resistant to permeation by the corrosive chemical and tested by air inflation (do not inflate by mouth) for the absence of pin hole leaks.
3. When engaging in hazardous chemical activities wear either high-necked, calf- or ankle-length, rubberized laboratory apron; or long-sleeved, calf- or ankle-length, chemical- or fire resistant laboratory coat. Always wear long-sleeved/long-legged clothing. Do not wear short- sleeved shirts, short trousers, or short skirts.
4. When working with allergenic, sensitizing, or toxic chemicals, wear gloves made of the material known to be or tested and found to be resistant to permeation by the chemical and tested for the absence of pin holes.
5. Always wear low-heeled shoes with fully covering "uppers"; do not wear shoes with open toes or with uppers constructed of woven materials.
6. Respirators
--Employees should wear respirators whenever it is possible that engineering controls or work practices could become or are ineffective and that employees might be exposed to vapor or particulate concentrations greater than the PEL, action level, TLV, or similar limit, whichever is greatest.
--Requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134 should be followed, including a particular:
1) Written standard operating procedures governing the selection and use of respirators.
2) All employees who are likely to need to use respirators must be trained in their proper use, inspection, and maintenance.
B. EQUIPMENT
1. Whenever exposure by inhalation is likely to exceed the threshold limits set the NIOSH, use of hood; if this is not possible, a proper respirator must be worn. Consult with your supervisor before doing any such work.
2. Carefully inspect all protective equipment before using. Do not use defective protective equipment.
Eyewash Fountains and Safety Showers
3. Equip all laboratories with eyewashes. These must be located so they can be reached from any point in the laboratory, as specified in ANSI Z358.1.
4. Checks the functioning of eyewash fountains and safety showers and measure the water flow at intervals specified in ANSI Z358.1. Promptly repair any facility that does not meet the water flow requirements of ANSI Z358.1.
5. Be sure that access to eyewash fountains and safety showers is not restricted or blocked by temporary storage of objects or in any other way.
VII. RECORDS AND RECORD KEEPING
This section reviews the value of documenting an employer's compliance with the Laboratory Standard, which is required by 29 CFR 1910.20. This information is general; it does not include the details necessary for compliance.
A. The Laboratory Standard requires that records of air concentration monitoring results, exposure assessments, medical consultations, and examinations be maintained for at least 30 years and that they be accessible to employees or their representatives.
B. It is desirable to develop a system that retains documents related to distribution and maintenance of materials safety data sheets, to the safety training of employees, and to significant employee suggestions for many years, perhaps for the lifetime of the institution. For example, although not required by any regulations at this time, some employers use "MSDS sign-off" records; for each hazardous chemical used or handled by employees, each employee certifies by dated signature that he or she has read that MSDS and understands the content.
C. Specific records may be required in the event of a recordable injury or illness resulting from an exposure or accident on the job. Employee Benefits logs all recordable incidents on the OSHA 200 Log of Injury and Illness.
D. In addition to required records, it is often desirable to keep records developed internally that document employee exposure complaints and suspected exposures, regardless of the outcome of an exposure assessment. Other incidents also might be documented for future reference. Examples include:
1. Major safety suggestions from employees: To improve laboratory safety, keep these records. A suggestion that is unusable today might be useful tomorrow. Even when a suggestion is clearly nonworkable, it should be taken seriously, examined, and recorded.
2. Near-miss reports: Employees who participate in or witness events that could have caused harm, but fortunately did not, should prepare reports of the incidents. These reports are used to develop changes in procedures that will prevent a future more serious occurrence.
3. Repair and maintenance records for control systems: These are useful; they suggest corrective actions and indicate that equipment was or was not well maintained and kept in working conditions.
4. Complaints from employees: It is useful to keep a record of all complaints, investigations, and outcomes. Even when not justified, especially when a complaint correctly or incorrectly involves defects in the difficulties with operating equipment, the record may prove to be invaluable if that equipment develops a defect or malfunction at a later date.
5. The DEQ, EPA, and other Federal and state agencies have special record-keeping requirements. Hazardous waste, spills and ill health effects from various chemicals may be reportable. Always contact PSU's EH&S officer when there are hazardous releases so that appropriate actions and reporting will be done.
Prominent signs and labels of the following types should be posted:
A. EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Emergency telephone numbers will be posted at the telephones in all
laboratory work areas. Signs with emergency telephone numbers will be
posted at the entrance to each laboratory.
Campus Safety & Security (emergency) 5-4404
Campus Safety & Security (non-emergency) 5-4407
B. CHEMICAL
LABELING
All chemicals will be labeled clearly and legibly in English. The
label will identify the contained chemical and the hazards it presents
using a recognized sign/symbol for hazards. Primary chemical containers
will be labeled to indicate the manufacturer/distributor by name and
address and any special handling or storage requirements. Secondary
chemical containers will be labeled to identify contents and associated
hazards. All chemical containers when received will have labels applied
that state the date received.
If it is necessary to relabel a primary chemical container, it will be done immediately, containing the information of the original label. If at all possible, manufacturer's labels will not be covered over, defaced, or removed. It is university policy that no chemical containers will be distributed without a label meeting the above criteria at a minimum. Once chemicals are distributed to the ordering units, responsibility to verify and maintain clear and legible labels is assumed by appropriate personnel working in the affected area.
C. SAFETY SIGNS
Signs locating showers, eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, and first
aid kits will be prominently posted at entrances to labs and chemical
preparation areas. No food or beverage for human consumption is allowed
in chemical preparation areas or in laboratories and shall be labeled
with signs stating this policy. Eating areas may be designated within
the laboratory preparation areas. These areas will be prominently
labeled with signs stating that no chemicals are allowed in the area
and that food and beverages may be consumed in the area.
D. SPECIAL HAZARDS
Signs warning of special or unusual hazards will be posted where such
hazards exist.
A. GENERAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
1. Alert all lab personnel in the immediate vicinity.
--Tell them the nature and extent of the emergency
--Give instructions for the type of assistance needed such as fire extinguishers or neutralizers.
2. Confine the emergency.
3. Evacuate the area.
--Acid and base spills should be cleaned up with a neutralization medium containing pH indicator.
B. CHEMICAL SPILLS
There are two basic approaches when dealing with chemical spills:
1. Use the floor as the reaction vessel for neutralization.
2. Absorb the chemical and carry out the neutralization reaction elsewhere.
C. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Written emergency procedures must be prepared in advance, and posted at work areas where there is a potential for emergencies. All employees must be trained and instructed in these procedures.
Accidental release or spills of chemicals must be cleaned up immediately under the supervision of persons who are knowledgeable in the hazards involved and the precautions to be taken. Local fire departments must be notified in advance of the presence of hazardous material in the lab or storage areas.
The following items should be used when preparing the emergency procedures in the labs.
XI. EMPLOYEE INFORMATION AND TRAINING
Information and training shall be provided at the time of an
employee's initial assignment involving potential hazardous chemical
exposure. An orientation session will be provided by the Laboratory
Manager where employees will be apprised of chemical hazards in their
work area. Information will include the lcoation of the Chemical
Hygiene Plan, material safety data sheets, and other hazardous chemical
reference materials. These references include lists of toxic effects of
chemical substances, and permissible exposure limits for OSHA-regulated
substances or recommended exposure limits for other hazardous chemicals
(when there is no applicable OSHA standard).
If employees can demonstrate knowledge of precautions to be taken under the variety of circumstances in the laboratory where they work by professional experience or graduate training, there is no reason for them to participate in any training exercise.
A. AIM
The intention of the waste disposal program is to minimize the
quantity of hazardous chemical waste (as defined in 40 CFR 261.3 and 47
CFR 171.8) and to dispose of laboratory waste in a manner that ensures
minimal harm to people, other organisms, and the environment. To meet
this objective, reclamation or neutralization will be part of the
laboratory protocol whenever possible. Efforts will be made to use
smaller quantities of materials whenever possible.
B. CONTENT
Labeled waste collection vessels will be placed in an accessible
laboratory location whenever appropriate. These may be erlenmeyer
flasks or other glassware with an opening large enough to minimize
spillage or with a funnel or device to expand the neck size to an
appropriate diameter. Containers of volatile wastes shall be placed in
hoods or may be used outside the hood if equipped with a tight-fitting
cap or stopper. The waste container label shall include: the chemical
composition of the waste, approximate concentration or percent
composition, and the date collected. A numerical designation shall be
applied to each consecutive container and recorded along with other
waste container label information before waste is given to a tertiary
handler for short term storage and transport to an incineration or land
burial facility.
C. DISCARDING CHEMICAL STOCKS
Unlabeled containers of chemicals and solutions should undergo prompt
disposal.
Before a worker's employment in the laboratory ends, chemicals for which that person was responsible should be discarded or returned to storage.
D. FREQUENCY OF DISPOSAL
Waste should be removed from laboratories to a central waste storage
area at least once per week and from the central waste storage area at
regular intervals.
E. METHOD OF DISPOSAL
Incineration in an environmentally acceptable manner is the most
practical disposal method for combustible laboratory waste.
Indiscriminate disposal by pouring waste chemicals down the drain or adding them to mixed refuse for landfill burial is unacceptable.
Hoods should not be used as a means of disposal for volatile chemicals.
Disposal by recycling or chemical decontamination should be used when possible.
This is a listing of low-toxic-hazard cations and anions that may be wasted in the sinks ONLY after strongly acidic or basic compounds of these ions are neutralized.
These ions are:
LOCATION OF LABORATORIES AND STOREROOMS COVERED BY THIS PLAN
APPENDIX 2
APPENDIX 3
BIOHAZARDS
This level normally involves well-defined and characterized strains of viable microorganisms which are not known to cause disease in healthy adult humans. There are 4 Biosafety Levels, for schools handling pathogenic material, CDC procedures must be followed.
STANDARD MICROBIOLOGICAL PRACTICES - BIOSAFETY LEVEL 1
SPECIAL PRACTICES
APPENDIX 4: CHEMICAL STORAGE CHECKLIST
The following items are to be reviewed at least quarterly and
additional issues may need to be included as types of chemicals and
storage practices change. This list is to be used for chemicals stored
in the lab and in separate storage areas connected in the laboratory.
Proper Conditions Key Areas & Issues:
Yes/ No/ NA
STORAGE AREAS
SHELF STORAGE
STORAGE CONTAINERS
LABELING OF CHEMICAL CONTAINERS
HOUSEKEEPING
GAS CYLINDERS
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
CHEMICAL STORAGE
ACIDS
CAUSTICS
FLAMMABLES
-Because the lab does not have special approved storage cabinets for flammables, the OSHA rules only permit a maximum of 25 gallons Class 1A flammables to be stored
-Kept away from sources of ignition
-Approved refrigerators are used to store flammable liquids
-All electrical service equipment is explosion proof for class of flammable material
-Bonding and grounding wires are used where flammables are stored and dispensed
OXIDIZERS
-Oxidizers are stored away from flammable, combustibles, and reducing agents (e.g., zinc, alkaline metals)
SEE EH&S OFFICER FOR A COPY OF THE:
OREGON OSHA LABORATORY REGULATIONS 1910.1450 AND APPENDICES