|
1.
|
Accidents
and spills
|
a.
|
Eye
contact: promptly flush eyes with water for a prolonged period (15 minutes)
and seek medical attention.
|
|
b.
|
Ingestion:
seek immediate medical attention at Employee Health (828-0584) or the MCVH
Emergency Room.
|
|
c.
|
Skin
contact: promptly flush the affected area with water and remove any contaminated
clothing; use a safety shower when contact is extensive. If symptoms persist
after washing, seek medical attention.
|
|
d.
|
Clean-up:
promptly clean up spills, using appropriate protective apparel and equipment
and proper disposal. Contact the OEHS Emergency line at 828-9834 for assistance.
|
|
e.
|
Record
incidents involving hazardous substances in a spill log. Injuries
must be reported to Human Resources Services; property damage must be reported
to the Office of Risk Management.
|
|
|
2.
|
Avoid
unnecessary exposure to chemicals.
|
a.
|
Do
not smell or taste chemicals. Apparatus that can discharge toxic chemicals
(vacuum pumps, distillation columns, etc.) should be vented into local
exhaust devices.
|
|
b.
|
Inspect
gloves for holes or tears and test glove boxes before use.
|
|
c.
|
Do
not allow release of toxic substances in cold rooms and warm rooms, since
these have contained recirculated atmospheres.
|
|
d.
|
Use
only those chemicals for which the quality of the available ventilation
system is appropriate.
|
|
e.
|
Avoid
eating, drinking, smoking, gum chewing, or applying cosmetics or lip balm
in areas where laboratory chemicals are present. Wash hands before conducting
these activities.
|
|
f.
|
Do
not store, handle, or consume food or beverages in storage areas, refrigerators,
glassware, or utensils that are also used for laboratory operation.
|
|
g.
|
Handle
and store laboratory glassware with care to avoid damage; do not use damaged
glassware. Use extra 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.
|
|
h.
|
Wash
areas of exposed skin thoroughly before leaving the laboratory.
|
|
i.
|
Avoid
practical jokes or other behavior that might confuse, startle, or distract
another worker.
|
|
j.
|
Do
not use mouth suction for pipetting or starting a siphon.
|
|
k.
|
Confine
long hair and loose clothing.
|
|
l.
|
Wear
shoes at all times in the laboratory, but do not wear sandals, perforated
shoes or "birkenstocks".
|
|
m.
|
Keep
the work area clean and uncluttered, with chemicals and equipment properly
labeled and stored; clean up the work area on completion of an operation
and at the end of each day.
|
|
n.
|
Ensure
that appropriate eye protection, where necessary, is worn by all persons,
including visitors, in areas where chemicals are stored or handled.
|
|
o.
|
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.
|
|
p.
|
Use
appropriate respiratory equipment when air contaminant concentrations are
not sufficiently restricted by engineering controls. Inspect the respirator
before each use. All respirator usage must be approved by OEHS (828-1392).
|
|
q.
|
Use
any other protective and emergency apparel and equipment as appropriate.
|
|
r.
|
Avoid
use of contact lenses in the laboratory unless necessary; if they are used,
inform supervisor so special precautions can be taken.
|
|
s.
|
Remove
laboratory coats immediately upon significant contamination.
|
|
t.
|
Seek
information and advice about hazards, plan appropriate protective procedures,
and plan positioning of equipment before beginning any new operation.
|
|
u.
|
Leave
lights on, place an appropriate sign on the door, and provide for containment
of toxic substances in the event of failure of a utility service (such
as cooling water) in an unattended operation.
|
|
v.
|
Use
a hood for operations that might result in release of toxic chemical vapors
or dust.
|
|
w.
|
As
a rule of thumb, use a hood or other local ventilation device when working
with any volatile substance considered hazardous or toxic.
|
|
x.
|
Confirm
adequate hood performance before use: keep hood closed at all times except
when adjustments within the hood are being made. Keep materials stored
in hoods to a minimum, and do not allow materials to block vents or air
flow.
|
|
y.
|
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 when it is "off."
|
|
z.
|
Be
aware of unsafe conditions and see that they are corrected when detected.
|
|
A chemical inventory is performed
annually, listing all the hazardous chemicals in the laboratory. Chemicals
listed are those classified as hazardous by the Department of Transportation
(DOT), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or displaying a 2 or
greater number in any section of the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) diamond. DOT and EPA classifications are in Appendices
A and B.
Chemicals are listed alphabetically by section according to the most commonly
used name (e.g., bleach). A catalog number may be required by some manufacturers
for MSDSs. The average quantity in storage on a monthly basis, as well
as the physical state (e.g., solid, liquid, gas), is included. The NFPA
hazard classification, if known, is listed along with the manufacturer's
name and complete address. A comment section is provided to further identify
the chemical's location (e.g., under the sink, third shelf in the safety
cabinet, etc.) A complete chemical inventory is to be inserted as Appendix
C.
Inventories are computerized whenever possible to provide the capability
of sorting according to manufacturer or location. A complete chemical inventory
is located in the office of the Chemical Hygiene Officer.
|
MATERIAL
SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDSs)
|
Upon completion of the chemical inventory,
material safety data sheets (MSDSs) are gathered for each chemical. MSDSs
should reside in the office of the CHO. MSDSs can also be found in the
OEHS Chemical/Biological Safety Section (room room 107, VMI Building).
In either circumstance, all VCU/MCVH employees must be furnished with an
MSDS during the same work shift it was requested.
Storage of laboratory chemicals presents an
ongoing safety problem. Some storage charts assume an unlimited amount
of cabinets. At VCU and MCVH laboratory space is sometimes limited, therefore
an acceptable storage plan is essential to the safety of the laboratory.
REMEMBER: alphabetic storage is not practical.
The chemical inventory should be kept as small as possible. Storage on
bench tops and in hoods may cause potential exposure to fire and spills.
Ventilated cabinets and specially monitored refrigerators are used for
chemical storage only. No food is permitted in these refrigerators. Flammable
liquids are stored in flammable storage cabinets with self-closing doors
and proper ventilation according to NFPA standards. Safety cans with a
spring- loaded spout are used for transporting flammable liquids.
Toxic chemicals, including carcinogens, are stored in ventilated storage
areas in unbreakable chemical-resistant secondary containers. These containers
are labeled "CAUTION: HIGH CHRONIC TOXICITY OR CANCER SUSPECT AGENT." A
separate inventory list of carcinogens and suspected carcinogens is maintained
by the CHO according to federal and state regulations. In addition, a safe
storage plan is available with this CHP.
Cylinders of compressed gases are strapped or chained to a wall or bench
top and are capped when not in use. Appendix D contains safe handling
practices and procedures for gas cylinders.
The 29 CFR 1910.1450 contains specific labeling
requirements. Labeling must be done on all hazardous chemicals that are
shipped and used in the workplace. Labels must not be removed or defaced.
Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors make sure that each
container of hazardous chemicals leaving the workplace is labeled, tagged,
or marked with the following information:
1. Identity of the hazardous
chemical
2. Appropriate hazard warnings
3. Name and address of
the chemical company (i.e., manufacturer).
Each hazardous chemical transferred outside the laboratory that is not
in its original container must also be labeled. These workplace labels
must contain:
1. Identity of the hazardous
chemical
2. Route of entry (e.g.,
eyes, nose, mouth, skin)
3. Health hazard
4. Physical hazard
5. Target organ affected.
All biohazard and fume hoods are inspected annually and certified by ______________________
(telephone ____________). Any hood not passing inspection is taken out
of service immediately and not used until the hood has passed inspection.
It is the responsibility of the employer, through the efforts of VCU's
Physical Plant, to purchase the parts and to replace the unit in a timely
fashion so as not to endanger the health and well-being of an employee
or place the facility at risk.
Eyewash fountains are inspected annually and records kept by the OEHS Fire
Safety Section (telephone 828-7899). (Portable eyewash stations are the
responsibility of the laboratory manager).
Safety showers are inspected, tested, and flushed annually and records
maintained by the OEHS Fire Safety Section (telephone 828-7899).
Fire extinguishers are inspected at least quarterly by the OEHS Fire Safety
Section (telephone 828-7899).
All chemical stockrooms/storerooms are adequate and well ventilated and
located in room(s) _______________________.
Ventilated storage cabinets for chemicals are provided as needed and have
a separate exhaust duct. These cabinets are located in room(s) ___________________.
Exhaust air from glove boxes and isolation rooms is passed through scrubbers
before being released into the regular exhaust system.
Cold rooms and warm rooms have provisions for rapid escape and also for
escape in the event of electrical failure.
Air flow through the laboratory should be relatively uniform and be exhausted
to the exterior of the building. Quality and quantity of ventilation are
monitored as needed and records maintained by the CHO.
All chemical hygiene related equipment is monitored continuously and modified
if inadequate.
|
PERSONAL
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
|
Employees are required to wear gloves when
the employee has the potential for direct skin contact with blood, hazardous
chemicals, and infectious materials.
Lab coats are to be worn only in the laboratory area and are to be buttoned
to protect the employee's clothing. Lab coats are provided by the laboratory
manager.
In areas where chemical splashes are great an impervious apron appropriate
for the task is worn.
All personal protective equipment is removed immediately upon leaving the
work area (or as soon as possible) and placed in an appropriate laundry
hamper located in room(s)________________.
Masks and eye protection or chin-length face shields are worn to prevent
splashes or sprays of blood, infectious materials, or hazardous chemicals
if there is a potential for eye, nose, or mouth contamination. This equipment
is located at ____________________.
Where the use of respirators is necessary to maintain exposure below permissible
exposure limits, the laboratory manager provides, at no cost to the employee,
the proper respiratory equipment located at ____________________. The respirators
shall be selected and used in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR
1910.134 (OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard). Contact OEHS for selection
of appropriate respiratory protection equipment.
The University/Hospital Chemical Waste Disposal
Program, (located
on the OEHS webpage), specifies how waste is to be collected, segregated,
stored, and transported and includes consideration of what materials can
be incinerated. All disposal is done in accordance with EPA/Virginia
Department of Waste Management regulations.
Hazardous chemical wastes are accepted for disposal by OEHS on an appointment-only
basis each Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Sanger
Hall loading dock. Wastes are accepted in properly sealed and labeled
disposable bottles or containers, accompanied by a signed Hazardous Waste
Disposal Form. A reproducible copy of this form is found in Appendix
E and on the OEHS webpage.
Certain laboratory-generated wastes such as needles, broken glass and infectious
waste (see Infectious Waste Disposal Section) are not accepted on this
basis.
Non-infectious needles, broken glass, and other sharps should be enclosed
in appropriate sharps containers and disposed of along with other routine
solid waste. Sharps containers can be obtained from Central Supply.
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 are not to be used
as a means of disposal for volatile chemicals. Disposal by recycling
or chemical decontamination is used when possible.
Questions regarding VCU's Hazardous Chemical Disposal Program should be
directed to OEHS, Attn: Chemical Waste Technician (828-1392).
|
INFECTIOUS
WASTE DISPOSAL
|
Infectious wastes are managed in accordance
with the Virginia Department of Waste Management's Infectious Waste Management
Regulations. Laboratories generating regular amounts of infectious waste
must set up a contract for periodic removal (828-9444). Autoclave waste
must be packaged in orange biohazard bags, autoclaved under the mandated
pressures and time, and placarded with a label of ownership that can be
obtained through OEHS. Infectious waste issues are ever changing.
It is the responsibility of the Principle Investigator or the Laboratory
Manager to familiarize themselves with the latest information and
requirements. A convenient resource is the OEHS webpage located at http://www.vcu.edu/oehs/chemical/IW.html
which updates regularly.
The Laboratory Manager is responsible for
the safe operation of the area. All activities and procedures require
the Laboratory Manager's approval. Environmental monitoring is required
in all laboratories for the following chemicals as required by applicable
regulatory agencies:
asbestos
tremolite
anthophoyllite
actinolite
coal
tar pitch volatiles
4-nitrobiphenyl
alpha-naphthylamine
methyl chloromethyl ether
3,3'-dichlorobenzidine
bis-chloromethyl ether
beta-naphthylamine
benzidine
4-aminodiphenyl
ethyleneimine
beta-propiolactone
2-acetylaminofluorene
4-dimethylaminoazobenzene
N-nitrosodimethylamine
vinyl
chloride
inorganic arsenic
lead
benzene
coke
oven emissions
cotton dust
1
,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane
acrylonitrile
ethylene
oxide
formaldehyde
nitrous
oxide
glutaraldehyde
Laboratories utilizing any of the above chemicals should contact OEHS for
appropriate environmental monitoring if it is not currently being conducted.
Chemical spills are contained using the Think C.L.E.A.N. Plan:
Contain the spill
Leave the area
Emergency: eye wash, shower, medical
care
Access MSDS
Notify a supervisor.
All laboratories utilizing hazardous chemicals must have appropriate spill
kits, located at ____________________. Spills of hazardous substances
are recorded in this Chemical Hygiene Plan. Personal injuries are
reported to Human Resources Services; and the Office of Risk Management
is notified of any property damage. Assessment of significant risk
of all operations is made by the Laboratory Manager or CHO. Chemical
hygiene and safety policies will be established for each task performed
and engineering controls or personal protective equipment assigned.
An attached list, submitted by the CHO, identifies each work-station/task
in the laboratory and the required controls and equipment.
Appendix
F lists the important telephone numbers for the laboratory.
All employees needing medical attention use
the employee health services at 828-0585. All required medical examinations
and consultations are performed by or under the direct supervision of a
licensed physician without cost to the employee, without loss of pay, and
at a reasonable time and place.
The
employee is sent for medical evaluation:
|
1.
|
Whenever
signs and symptoms associated with a hazardous chemical develop.
|
|
2.
|
When
environmental monitoring reveals an exposure level routinely above the
action level.
|
|
3.
|
Whenever
an event takes place in the work area such as a spill, leak, or explosion
resulting in hazardous chemical exposure. The laboratory provides the following
information to the physician:
|
a.
|
Identity
of the hazardous chemical(s) to which the employee may have been exposed
|
|
b.
|
A
description of the conditions under which the exposure occurred--including
quantitative exposure data (if available)
|
|
c.
|
A
description of the signs and symptoms of exposure
|
|
d.
|
A
copy of the MSDS for the chemical(s) involved.
|
|
The
physician provides a written opinion that will not reveal specific finding
of diagnosis unrelated to the exposure but will include:
|
1.
|
Any
recommendation for further medical follow-up
|
|
2.
|
Results
of the medical examination and any associated tests
|
|
3.
|
Any
medical conditions that may be revealed in the course of the examination
that may place the employee at increased risk as a result of exposure to
a hazardous chemical found in the workplace
|
|
4.
|
A
statement by the physician that the employee has been informed of the consultation/examination
results and any medical condition that may require further examination
or treatment.
|
|
CHEMICAL
HYGIENE OFFICER/COMMITTEE
|
The chemical hygiene responsibilities rest
with the Chemical Hygiene Officer who is appointed by the Laboratory Manager
and receives backing from the Department Director or Principal Investigator.
The Chemical Hygiene Officer must:
|
1.
|
Work
with administrators and other employees to develop and implement appropriate
1chemical hygiene policies and practices.
|
|
2.
|
Support
the use of protective equipment when required.
|
|
3.
|
Monitor
procurement, use, and disposal of chemicals used in the lab.
|
|
4.
|
Know
the current legal requirements concerning regulated substances.
|
|
5.
|
Ensure
that the chemical inventory list is conducted and updated as needed.
|
|
6.
|
Seek
ways to improve the chemical hygiene program.
|
The
immediate supervisor has overall responsibility to:
|
1.
|
Ensure
that workers know and follow the chemical hygiene rules, that protective
equipment is available and in working order, and that appropriate training
has been provided.
|
|
2.
|
Provide
regular, formal chemical hygiene and housekeeping inspections including
routine inspections of emergency equipment.
|
|
3.
|
Know
the current legal requirements concerning regulated substances.
|
|
4.
|
Determine
the required levels of protective apparel and equipment.
|
|
5.
|
Ensure
that facilities and training for use of any material being ordered are
adequate.
|
The
laboratory employee is responsible for:
1.
Planning and conducting each operation in accordance with the institutional
chemical hygiene procedures
2.
Developing good personal chemical hygiene habits.
At
least one member from each laboratory section will be appointed to serve
on the Laboratory Safety Committee, which will meet no less than four times
a year to discuss safety and chemical hygiene issues.
Training is a necessary and important part
of the Chemical Hygiene Plan. All employees must attend Safety Awareness
orientation at the time of the employee's initial assignment to a work
area where hazardous chemicals are present and before assignments involving
new exposure situations. Refresher information and retraining sessions
are held periodically. Training is conducted by the employee's immediate
supervisor who was appropriately trained. All training is documented in
writing by attendance records.
Before training can begin, a lesson plan outlines the expectations of the
program and the time frame for the learning outcome. The lesson plan includes:
|
I.
|
OBJECTIVES
Upon
completion of the Chemical Hygiene Training Program, the employee will
be able to:
|
A.
|
Locate
the Potentially hazardous chemicals in the workplace
|
|
B.
|
Recognize
the chemical labeling and its meaning
|
|
C.
|
Locate
the MSDS book in the workplace
|
|
D.
|
Locate
the health hazard, physical hazard, environmental protection, and special
protection sections of the MSDS and explain their use
|
|
E.
|
Identify
the department Chemical Hygiene Officer by name and title
|
|
F.
|
Discuss
the major components of the laboratory's labeling system
|
|
G.
|
Identify
the appropriate protective clothing for the area and demonstrate its use
|
|
H.
|
Demonstrate
emergency procedures in the event of a hazardous chemical spill
|
|
I.
|
Describe
the environmental monitoring protocol
|
|
|
II.
|
ACTIVITY
PLAN
|
A.
|
A
list of audiovisuals used and directions
1.
Videotape or slide/tape
2.
Equipment instructions
3.
Handouts
|
|
B.
|
An
outline guide of what to say and the time limits for each discussion
|
|
C.
|
Topics
to be covered
|
1.
|
Content
of the lab standard
|
|
2.
|
Location
of the CHP
|
|
3.
|
Identification
of hazardous chemicals
a.
location of the chemical inventory
b.
location of MSDSs
i. obtaining a copy
c.
labeling information
i. hazard warnings
ii. carcinogen warnings
iii. location in workplace
|
|
4.
|
Procedures
for handling hazardous chemicals
a.
work practices
b.
proper moving, storing, and use
c.
PEL for specific chemicals used by the employee
d.
visual appearance of chemicals used by the employee
e.
environmental monitoring required
f.
signs and symptoms of exposure
g.
protective equipment used to prevent overexposure
h.
conditions to avoid
|
|
5.
|
Environmental
protection
a.
emergency procedures
b.
spill containment
c.
medical consultation procedures
|
|
6.
|
Documentation
of initial and annual training
|
|
|
|
III.
|
Summary
A.
Restate the objectives
B.
Restate the main points
C.
Answer any questions to clear up misunderstandings. |
Floors are cleaned regularly by housekeeping. All employees of the housekeeping
department are formally trained in the risks associated with working in
the laboratory.
The
housekeeping supervisors conduct periodic inspections of the lab areas
to assess whether:
1.
Stairwells and hallways are free of obstruction
2.
Waste is deposited in appropriate receptacles and properly removed from
the laboratory
3.
Chemical spills are cleaned according to established protocol
4.
Proper storage is accomplished to minimize clutter
The laboratory has established and maintained
an accurate record for each employee of environmental monitoring, medical
consultations, and examinations, including tests or written opinion required.
A spill log of incidents involving hazardous substances is also maintained.
Accident records are initiated by the employee and supervisor and retained
by Human Resources Services (HRS) (telephone 8-1533). Property damage
is reported to the Office of Risk Management (University: 8-6533; Hospital:
6-1707).
Environmental monitoring records are maintained by OEHS, Chemical/Biological
Safety Section (telephone 828-4866). Results must be made available
to all employees who work in the area(s) monitored.
Medical consultation records are maintained by Employee Health Services
(EHS) (telephone 828-0585).
Training attendance records are maintained by the CHO.
All records are kept, transferred, and made available in accordance with
29 CFR 1910.20.
The
following references were used to assist in the preparation of this document:
|
1.
|
U.S.
Department of Labor, final rule part II. Federal Register 29 CFR Part 1910.
Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, Wednesday,
January 31,1990. Copies of this document may be obtained from OEHS.
|
|
2.
|
National
Research Council. Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous Chemicals in
Laboratories, National Academy Press, 1995. Copies of this document may
be ordered from the MCV Bookstore (approximate cost: $20.00).
|
|
3.
|
National
Research Council. Prudent Practices for Disposal of Chemicals from Laboratories,
National Academy Press, 1981.
|
A.
DOT Hazard Classification List
B.
EPA
Hazard Classification List
C.
Chemical
Inventory
D.
Compressed
Gas Information Sheet
E.
Hazardous
Waste Disposal Form
F.
Important
Telephone Numbers For The Laboratory
G.
Glossary
|
APPENDIX
A
DOT
HAZARD CLASSIFICATION LIST
|
|
Hazard
Classifications
Explosive A & B
Explosive C
Blasting agents
Radioactive material
Flammable liquids
Pyrophoric liquids
Non-flammable compressed gases
Flammable gases
Combustible liquids
Flammable solids
Oxidizer
Corrosive material
Irritating material
Poison A
Poison B
Organic peroxide
ORM(1)-A
ORM-B
ORM-C
ORM-D
ORM-E
Etiological agents
1
ORM = Other Regulated Material |
Example
Dynamite
Fireworks
Plastic explosives
CO-60 or I-130
Alcohol
Phosphorus hydrids
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Kerosene
Picric acid/10% wet
Nitric acid
Hydrochloric acid
Lacramator
Heptachlor
Phenol
Benzoyl peroxide
Formaldehyde
Mercury
Asbestos
Bleach
Ferric sulfate
Microorganisms (E. coli)
|
|
APPENDIX
B
EPA
HAZARD CLASSIFICATION LIST
|
1.
IGNITABLE
WASTE -
Flash point < 1400 F
Flammable solids
Oxidizers
Flammable gases
Some combustible liquids
Pyrophoric liquids
2.
CORROSIVES
-
Any liquid of pH 2 or 12.5
3.
REACTIVE
-
Explosives A, B, or C
Water reactive
Cyanide or sulfide
&nbs
STANDARD
OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOPs)
MATERIAL
SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDSs)