LABORATORY LABORATORY SAFETYSAFETY

Lisa Bognar Phillips

Bognar.6@nd.edu

Risk Management & Safety

631-5037

http://www.nd.edu/~riskman

Including Blood Borne Pathogens, Emergency Response, Personal Protective Equipment and Hazardous Waste Management Training

Chemical Hazards

Physical Hazards Health Hazards

There are two general hazard classes that must be evaluated when assessing the safety of a chemical:

Chemical Hazards: Physical Hazards

Compressed Gas - cylinders of compressed gas are under intense pressure.

Corrosivity – strong acids and bases can cause visible destruction of metals at the site of contact.

Flammability - both solid and liquid chemicals can serve as fuel sources to support a fire.

Reactivity - many substances will react violently if allowed contact with air, water or other chemicals. Friction, shock, light or heat can be enough to trigger some reactions.

Oxidizability – compounds that release oxygen as they decompose. React with flammables

Chemical Hazards: Health Hazards

Irritants - cause reversible inflammation of skin, eyes or nasal passages.

Sensitizers - cause allergic reaction after repeated exposures. Individual sensitivities vary.

Carcinogens - alter DNA or cause cells with altered DNA to multiply.

Systemic Toxins - typically target a specific organ or system (liver, kidney, blood, nervous system, reproductive system, etc.).

Toxins – based on dose. Anything can be poisonous.

Corrosives – cause burns to the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and respiratory tract. HF is not like typical mineral acids. It is extremely toxic and penetrates to the bone. Calcium gluconate is the only antidote that should be used on an HF burn.

Routes of EntryRoutes of Entry

Inhalation:Inhalation: The major route of entry when working with solvents. Great rapidity of absorption

Routes of EntryRoutes of Entry

Absorption:Absorption: May produce systemic poisoning. Condition of skin determines rate of entry. Examples: organic lead, solvents, (xylene, methylene chloride) organo phosphate pesticides, cyanides

Routes of EntryRoutes of Entry

Ingestion:Ingestion: Usually accidental or due to poor hygiene practices

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Chemical Right to KnowChemical Right to Know

.MSDS Includes the following:

Product InformationFire and ExplosionToxicologyHealth EffectsPPEStorageLeaks and SpillsWaste DisposalFirst Aid

Product InformationProduct Information

Finding an MSDS

Chemical manufacturers and distributors CANNOT refuse a request for an MSDS.

There are excellent on-line MSDS databases:

http://www.hazard.com/msds/index.php

http://www.nd.edu/~riskman

University of Notre Dame Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) Contains information and procedures that

laboratory personnel can use to protect themselves from the chemicals they work with

First place to look for answers to questions you might have regarding chemical or laboratory issues

Located on Risk Management and Safety website http://www.nd.edu/~riskman

Topics include:- Emergency Response - Personal Protective

Eq.- Chemical compatibility -Waste Management- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Personal Protective Equipment

Gloves are required anytime you are handling chemicals, biologicals and radioactive materials

Eye protection is required anytime you are handling

chemicals, biologicals and radioactive materials

Open toed shoes do not protect your feet and ARE NOT allowed in the

laboratory. (NO FLIP FLOPS, SANDALS, etc)

Wear Eye Protection When Using:Wear Eye Protection When Using:

Glassware under reduced pressure Cryogenic materials Glassware under elevated pressure Explosives Caustics, Irritants or Corrosives Biohazards Radioactive Materials UV Light Toxic Chemicals Carcinogens Flammable Materials Lasers

Be sure you know which type of glove is appropriate for the chemical you are using

GlovesGloves

Example of wrong glove having been used

GlovesGloves

Remove soiled gloves. If gloves become soiled or contaminatedduring experiment, stop, and remove carefully.

Wash your hands and put on new pair of gloves. If you double-glove, remove soiled glove, replace with new one, and continue your work.

Safety Equipment:Chemical Fume Hood

Airflow into the hood prevents chemicals inside from migrating out into your breathing zone.

If air velocity into the hood is impeded or slowed, the hoods ability to capture chemicals is compromised.

Factors that affect airflow:

•Bulky objects inside

•Drafts

•Sash Height

Gas Cylinder Safety Storage and Handling

Gas cylinders should not be stored in exits or egress routes or blocking any safety equipment

Gas cylinders (excluding lecture bottles) should be stored in an upright position and with safety caps in place unless in use.

Use only the appropriate regulator for the gas Gas cylinders must be secured with a chain or

appropriate belt above the midpoint but below the shoulder of the cylinder

Cylinder SafetyCylinder Safety

Cylinder must be secured by chain or other steadying device

What’s Wrong in this Picture?

Electrical SafetyElectrical Safety

Eliminate frayed or worn wiring

Never stretch wires across floor or other equipment.

Staff should know location of circuit breakers

Electrical SafetyElectrical Safety

Match size of extension cord to appliance power cord to prevent cord overheating.

Extension cords are not intended for "permanent" installations -- appliances shall be connected to permanently wired receptacles.

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Examples of Poor StorageExamples of Poor Storage

•Never store a chemical with a missing or obscured

label

Container LabelsContainer Labels

All chemicals (including solutions and chemicals transferred from their original containers) should be labeled with their common names, concentrations and hazards. Additional information such as: date received, date opened, date of expiration should also be recorded.

Label may also include: Proper handling, Storage, Emergency response

Refrigerators and FreezersRefrigerators and Freezers

Ordinary household refrigerators and freezers constitute a hazard when used for storage of flammable or unstable chemicals. These units produce conditions that can lead to explosions.

Domestic refrigerators should not be used for flammable chemical storage.

"Lab-safe" refrigerators and freezers (designed for storage of flammable liquids) must be used for flammable chemicals.

Definition

BiosafetyThe application of combinations of laboratory practice and procedure, laboratory facilities, and safety equipment when working with potentially infectious microorganisms.

We use these practices to protect the workers and those around, the product and the environment.

Laboratory Requirements

Knowledgeable supervisor Knowledgeable personnel

Aware of potential hazards Proficient in lab practices &

techniques Availability of a lab specific

biosafety manual Contact information Copies of IBC,IRB,RCC, and/or IACUC

protocols Standard Operating Procedures

For unique procedures Laboratory inspection checklist Emergency response plan

Special procedures where needed Relevant reference materials

Classification of Infectious Agents

Found in the NIH Guidelines. Classified into risk groups on

the basis of risk to the individual and to the community.

Currently, 4 risk group levels have been designated. the least risk (RG-1) to the most

risk (RG-4).

RG-1 Agents RG-2 Agents

Not associated with disease in healthy adult humans.

Generally only require a laboratory with minimal containment Biosafety Level 1

laboratory “Declaration of

Dangerous Goods” is not required for shipment.

Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli K-12

Associated with human diseases which are rarely serious.

Preventative and therapeutic interventions are available.

Generally require a laboratory with moderate containment. Biosafety Level 2

laboratory “Declaration of Dangerous

Goods” required for shipment.

Measles virus, Salmonella spp., Toxoplasma spp., Hepatitis B virus, leshmainia, plasmodium falciparum

Biohazardous Waste Containers

Biohazardous waste containers shall be clearly marked with the universal biohazard symbol.

•Puncture-proof, leak-proof, sealable receptacles•avoid over-filling

Orange Biohazard Bags

Orange Biohazard Bags contain previously contaminated waste that has been decontaminated (autoclaved) by lab personnel. May be taken to the dumpster if brown bagged. Housekeepers WILL NOT handle these bags.

Emergency Response

Fires/accidents 911 (From a cell phone 574-631-5555)

Spills 1-5037(Risk Management and Safety)

After Hours Spills 911State the type of emergency and the exact location

of emergency.

If a chemical is involved spell the chemical name to the dispatcher.

Fire SafetyFire Safety

•Alert persons in area of fire

•Close doors to confine fire

•Activate fire alarm

•Evacuate through nearest exit

•Do not use elevators

•Move away from the building.

How to Use a Fire How to Use a Fire ExtinguisherExtinguisher

pull pinpull pin

aim at the base of the aim at the base of the firefire

squeeze handlesqueeze handle

sweep from side to sidesweep from side to side

US&A (v 2/07)

Fire Extinguisher TrainingFire Extinguisher Training

Learn how to operate a portable fire extinguisher by participating in fire extinguisher training program sponsored by Notre Dame Fire Department. Contact them at 1-6200 if you would like to take the class

Biological/Chemical Exposures

Needle Sticks:Needle Sticks:

•Wash thoroughly with soap and water

•Identify source (consent?)

Ocular Exposures:Ocular Exposures: Dermal Exposures:Dermal Exposures:

•Rinse at eyewash at least 15 minutes

•Hold eye open to ensure effective wash

•Rinse under drench shower at least 15 minutes•Remove all contaminated clothing

•Seek Medical Treatment•Your supervisor must fill out an accident/exposure form

First Aid - Chemical Burns (Eyes)First Aid - Chemical Burns (Eyes)

Forcibly open eyelids to ensure effective washing behind eyelid

Wash from nose out to ear to avoid washing chemicals back into eye or into an unaffected eye

Flood eyes and eyelids Flood eyes and eyelids with water/eye solution with water/eye solution for minimum of 15 for minimum of 15 minutes minutes

First Aid - Chemical Burns (Eyes)First Aid - Chemical Burns (Eyes)

Make sure you know the location of the nearest eyewash station.

Eye Wash MaintenanceEye Wash Maintenance

Eyewashes are periodically checked by Maintenance but are not flushed. Lab personnel must test eyewashes monthly.

Designate someone to test eye washes monthly. Let run for 1 minute

Spill ResponseSpill Response

Be prepared for emergencies

Biological Spills/Decontamination

• Cover spill with paper towels• Soak towels with disinfectant (10% Bleach is effective)

• Wait 10 minutes

• While wearing PPE, clean up the spill using paper towels

• Wipe spill area with disinfectant

• Dispose of all clean-up materials as biological waste (red bag)

Notify Risk ManagementNotify Risk Management1-5037 if you need assistance1-5037 if you need assistance

Chemical SpillsIdentify the chemical

Assess your ability to safely contain and clean up the spill:

I CANCAN safely clean it up

I CANNOTCANNOT safely clean it up

(spill size, chemical identification, PPE)

Notify coworkers and vacate/secure the area

Call 911On cell call

574-631-5555

Use spill kit to contain and clean up the spill (MSDS helps)

Notify coworkers and secure the area

Call Risk Management to confirm clean up

Chemical Waste DisposalSatellite Accumulation

Label (3 things):

•Must be labeled as soon as first drop of waste is put into the container.

•Words “waste or “hazardous waste”•Description or Name of chemical(s)

Container•Compatible and in good condition•Has “tight-fitting” closure and container is closed unless adding waste.

Secondary Containment•Must segregate incompatibles•One container per waste stream

US&A (v 2/07)

Hazardous Waste Disposal RulesHazardous Waste Disposal Rules

Do not use chemical symbols or abbreviations when labeling your containers

Generator Signs

Faculty name printed

4 Liters

Chemistry 341

Acetone 20

Methanol 40

Abbreviations and formulas NOT acceptable

Person who generates waste signs form

RM&S use ONLY

All other waste…

Gloves, paper, etc:disposed of in regular (clear) trash bags and bags are to be removed by custodians daily.

Broken Glass: if clean, should be disposed of in a puncture proof box marked “Broken Glass”.

Laboratory Security

There are extremists who vandalize workplaces where they suspect animal research is being conducted and others who identify sources for chemicals/ biologicals to be used in terrorism or illegal drug production

Protect your lab and your research:

• NEVER prop open any card or key access corridor doors.•Don’t let people ‘piggy-back’ to gain access to restricted areas.• Keep your lab doors closed and locked when unattended.•Question strangers, and report suspicious activity to campus security.

Emergency Phone Numbers

• Security 911 or 631- 5555 from cell• Risk Management & Safety 1-5037• ND Fire 1-6200