Safe Working Habits - JST

Transcript Safe Working Habits - JST

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Safety Moment Collection

of the Joint Safety Team at the University of Minnesota, Department of Chemistry and Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Science.

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Use these safety moments as you see fit.

Feel free to adapt a safety moment to meet the specific needs and time constraints of an audience or occasion; this may mean using only a portion of the prepared slides for a topic or including additional resources for an in-depth discussion.

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Safe Working Habits

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Standard Operating Procedures

Why are they needed?

Where can find examples?

What is an SOP?

• SOPs are documented instructions used to standardize a method and communicate hazards • Write SOPs for procedures, pieces of equipment, and specific chemicals (or chemical classes).

• SOPs contain: 1 2 3 4 • Procedure • Hazards • Control • Training Documentation www.jst.umn.edu

UMN, DEHS. Chemical SOP Common Questions 6

Why do we need SOPs?

• • • Consistency in training • Satisfy requirements Safety standards – Communicate hazards, protect people, equipment, and environment Liability • – OSHA, lab-specific training Valuable skill for employment www.jst.umn.edu

UMN, DEHS. Chemical SOP Common Questions Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/26/local/la-me-ucla-prof 20130426

Where can I find SOPs?

• In chemistry, an SOP binder is located in Smith 139.

– – Not publicly posted on the web for chemical security Can be viewed by anyone in the department • Sharing SOPs is okay – Ask the PI and LSO for permission to adapt their SOP • – – – – Resources See DEHS handout “Resources for writing Chemical SOPs Fact Sheet” Prudent Practices, LCSS http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=4911&page=235 UC Center for Lab Safety https://cls.ucla.edu/resources/sop-library UCI Hazardous Procedures SOPs http://www.ehs.uci.edu/programs/sop_library/ Chem Depart Chemical Hygiene Plan http://www.chem.umn.edu/services/safety/ChemHygPlan.html

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UMN, DEHS. Resources for writing chemical SOPs fact sheet 8

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Before Working in the Lab

Things to know before starting to work in a lab

Before Working in the Lab

• • • • • • • Be able to locate: Emergency exits Eyewash and shower Fire extinguisher Fire alarm Chemical spill kit First aid kit Emergency telephone numbers • • • Know: Hazards present Required PPE Required Training www.jst.umn.edu

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Limiting Chemical Exposure

Sign and Symptoms Reducing Exposure

Chemical Exposure

Exposure Sites Topical/ Absorption (skin and eyes) Ingestion Inhalation Injection Factors – Toxicity • extent to which a substance is poisonous – Dosage – • amount of chemical exposure Duration • amount of time exposed to chemical (acute vs. chronic) www.jst.umn.edu

Fox, Stephen; Wilson, James. “Signs and symptoms of chemical exposure” Presentation. http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=241098&an=1

Chemical Exposure: Signs and Symptoms

Skin

Irritation and itching • Burning rashes, hives, redness

Respiratory

Irritation and inflammation, Cough • Burning, sore, congested, painful sinuses/throat, lungs

CNS

Pain, difficulty with normal tasks • Headache/ migraine, dizziness, lightheaded, difficulty concentrating, weakness, impaired balance, numbness

Eyes

Burning, irritated • Red eyes, dilated pupils

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain • Irritation/burning in stomach or esophagus www.jst.umn.edu

Fox, Stephen; Wilson, James. “Signs and symptoms of chemical exposure” Presentation. http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=241098&an=1 13

Reducing Chemical Exposure

• • • • • • • Strategies to Limit Exposure: Substitute a less hazardous chemical when possible PPE (gloves, eye protection, lab coats) Work in fume hoods or glovebox Don’t eat, drink, or chew gum in the lab – Don’t store food or beverage containers near chemicals Be careful when handling needles Don’t wear gloves/lab coats outside of the lab Wash lab clothing separately from personal clothing “All things are poisons, for there is nothing without poisonous qualities. It is only the dose which makes a thing poison.” ―Paracelsus, Roman physician and “the father of toxicology” www.jst.umn.edu

Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Management of Chemical Hazards (2011), Section 2.C.3 and 6.C.2

Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology ( BCST ) http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=12654&page=18 14

Extra Clothing Keep a spare change of clothes in office …just in case you need them.

At a minimum: T-shirt, jeans, socks.

• • Why?

You will be more likely remove contaminated clothing and not wear hazardous waste.

If you have a major spill that requires a shower, you can go home in your own clothes. www.jst.umn.edu

Fox, Stephen; Wilson, James. “Signs and symptoms of chemical exposure” Presentation. http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=241098&an=1

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Universal Labeling System

Listing Hazards

Universal Labeling System

• • • Purpose: Comply with regulatory agency guidelines Quickly alert emergency responders or visitors to hazards Prevent unknown chemicals, especially with high turnover DEHS requirements and prudent practices: – – – – Generator name Date made Chemical name Hazards What information do you currently place on labels?

Short Term Plan

• • Goal: Quick hazard identification Place sticker on any large container – – – – Hood Fridge Chemical bin Cabinets

Types of Containers

Long Term Plan

• • Goal: Hazard identification for every sample Use 1-3 letter code for hazard on every sample not in use

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Labeling Solutions

Why?

Example of a near-miss

Why label vials/bottles?

• • • General awareness within the lab Organization for yourself Proper waste disposal www.jst.umn.edu

Recent Near miss

Unlabeled vial containing a strong acid was poured into an organic waste bottle www.jst.umn.edu

Vapors were allowed to dissipate in the hood prior to recapping the waste

Housekeeping

Combating clutter www.jst.umn.edu

Clutter / Housekeeping

A TIDY LAB IS A SAFER LAB.

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University of the Sciences in Philedelphia, Laboratory Housekeeping http://www.usciences.edu/safety/lmanual/LSlabclean.htm

Housekeeping

• • • • •

To prevent accidents:

Dispose of unneeded and un-useable chemicals.

Dispose of unneeded equipment, glassware, papers, etc.

Find a place for all equipment glassware and chemicals, and put them in their places.

Remove items blocking safety showers and eye washes.

Clean dirty dishes.

• Resolve to tidy up your lab every week!

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Cleaning up the Lab: Housekeeping http://www.cmu.edu/ehs/newsletters/lab-safety/Cleaning-up-the-Lab.html

Housekeeping

Use hoods for experiments, not storage. Keep lab benches free to avoid chemical spills. Do not store chemicals on the floor. • • • • Proper Storage Procedures: Store chemicals in approved chemical storage cabinets / refrigerators.

Dispose of chemicals that have not been used in > 10 years.

Dispose of chemicals with compromised containers.

Keep the lab clutter free.

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Dept. of Chem and Materials Science & Engineering, Univ. of Arizona, Privy Press: Safety in Lab, Sept. 22, 2005

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Lab vs. Office

Good habits for keeping chemicals where they belong

Safety outside the lab

1. Do not bring lab coats or gloves

into the office, hallways, elevators and other public places.

2. Disinfect tables and chairs in the office.

3. Do not carry uncovered

food/beverages between the office and the lab.

4. Do not chew gum in the office and then go into the lab.

5. Labcoats should be

laundered/changed frequently.

6. Wash hands before leaving the lab. www.jst.umn.edu

DEHS Laboratory Safety Plan www.dehs.umn.edu/Docs/LSP_2012Final.docx

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Mobile Phones in the Lab

In the laboratory

Phone use in the lab

• • • • • •

Phone uses:

Talk Listen to music Check messages Lab timer Calculator Look up information on the internet

Risks:

Transferring hazardous chemicals phone face www.jst.umn.edu

Phone use in the lab

Put the phone in a plastic bag – – –

Touch screen works!

screen is visible Device is not in contact with hazardous chemicals www.jst.umn.edu

Dangers of using cell phones in lab

Cellular technology allows phones to have roles in data collection and communication. But are cell phones safe to have in the lab?

Consider:

Cell phones have been shown to distract and endanger drivers. Can cell phones distract scientists during critical tasks as well?

Cell phones are known to interfere with electronics. Is it possible that cell phones can interfere with equipment being operated in the lab?

Cell phones carry 18 times more harmful bacteria than a toilet handle. Is it hazardous to bring phones with harmful bacteria into lab environments?

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5 Potential Dangers of Using Cell Phones in the Lab. Sept 2010

http://www.labmanager.com/?articles.view/articleNo/1138/title/5-Potential-Dangers-of-Using-Cell Phones-in-the-Lab/

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Working alone in the Lab

Working Alone in the Lab

Working alone in the lab + hazardous chemicals special, greater potential hazards and risks

The risk of injury is increased and so is the risk of the seriousness of the injury. Also, the injured person may not be able to contact help in the event of an accident. These are very serious problems.

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Working Alone in the Lab

• If you must work alone : – – Use the buddy system: don’t work without someone else knowing where you are and what you are working on. Make arrangements to check on each other periodically.

• Be smart: • Limit activity to certain hours (where people may be nearby) • • Limit activity with certain materials.

Establish a system to contact help immediately • Be familiar with the chemistry (chemicals and equipment)  no new experiments! www.jst.umn.edu

Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals (1995), Section 5.C.10 Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Applications (CPSMA) http://books.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=4911

Working Alone in the Lab

Lab-Specific protocols/ consequences for • Graduate students • Undergraduate students www.jst.umn.edu

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Unattended Operations

Safe Overnight Procedure

Risks

• • If proper controls in place, overnight reactions no more hazardous than during the day However, risk higher when no one around to address malfunction or prevent system alteration www.jst.umn.edu

Recommendation

• Hang laminated form on hood sash, near instruments – – Include date, experiment duration, temp/process, hazards, contact info Anna Sitek from DEHS working to provide template. Likely similar to: www.jst.umn.edu

Recommendation

• Hang laminated form on hood sash, near instruments –

1. Stop and think through task 2. Identify hazards 3. Implement controls 4. Check that all risks addressed 5. Do task safely

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Before Leaving for Vacation

• • • • •

Safety Precautions

Stop all reactions Place products in sealed, LABELED vials and store properly Close the hood Make sure hotplates are turned off Walk through the lab and make sure all chemical and waste bottles are capped and in secondary containment “Preparing for Holiday Break.” Environmental Health and Safety, Carneigie Melon University. http://www.cmu.edu/ehs/newsletters/lab-safety/Preparing-Holiday-Break.html

Before Leaving for Vacation

• • • To make your return more pleasant: Clean your hood and bench Do the dishes Make sure your lab journal and spectra binder are up to date Enjoy your break!

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Pregnancy and Chemical Research

Identifying exposure, assessing risk, and mitigating risk

Pregnancy and Chemical Research

• • • Researchers in chemical labs who are pregnant need to be aware of potential health hazards to them and their fetus Teratogens Ionizing radiation Infectious diseases • • • When a worker becomes aware of a pregnancy, they should: Identify potential exposure to hazards Consult resources regarding those hazards Develop risk mitigation strategies European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. Directive 2007/30/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2007 Kling, Jim “Alone in Lab.” Science Career Magazine 7 April 2006 47

Identifying Exposure

• • • Chemical – Teratogens

Examples of Known Teratogens

Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury Biological – Infectious diseases Benzene, Toluene, Xylene Ethylene Oxide, Ethylene Glycol, Vinyl Chloride Physical – – – – – Noise Radiation Extreme cold/heat Heavy lifting

Keep in mind that exposure limits are often several orders of magnitude lower for pregnant women due to fetus sensitivity. Exposure is especially significant in the first 14 to 60 days of pregnancy.

Physical fatigue (standing or sitting too long) University of Minnesota Chemical Hygiene Plan accessed 4 April 2013 http://www.chem.umn.edu/services/safety/tables/tabXVIII.htm

European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. Directive 2007/30/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2007

Assessing Risk

• • Consult at least 2-3 health sources regarding hazard – – – Material safety data sheets (MSDS) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Understand amount and duration of exposure – – Consider volumes, concentrations Exposure testing is available through DEHS Kling, Jim “Alone in Lab.” Science Career Magazine 7 April 2006 MSDS for benzene

Mitigating Risk

• Work with someone to develop a plan to avoid exposure to hazards – – – Principle Investigator Lab Safety Officer DEHS Contact • You can choose to treat all chemicals as potentially hazardous substances – – – Use engineering controls (hoods, shields) Always wear proper PPE; perhaps increase frequency of glove changes, consider splash apron, etc.

When in doubt, ask Dicks, Lynn “The Top 5 Challenges for Pregnant Scientists.” Science Career Magazine 7 April 2006

Pregnant workers who declare their pregnancy have a right to request accommodation to avoid exposure to reproductive hazards

Additional Resources

• • • • Science Careers magazine feature articles on Pregnancy & the Lab –

http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_magazine/previous_issues/articles/2006_0 4_07/nodoi.14914624199943288521

1992 European Directive on pregnant women and new mothers (law in European Union, helpful ideas for discussing risk mitigation with superiors) – https://osha.europa.eu/data/legislation/10 Departmental Chemical Hygiene Plan – http://www.chem.umn.edu/services/safety/ChemHygPlan.html

International Labor Organization Reproductive Health Hazards Module (includes more comprehensive teratogen list) – http://actrav.itcilo.org/actrav-english/telearn/osh/rep/prod.htm

Ergonomics

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Ergonomics

The science of designing and organizing equipment such that people use the equipment safely and efficiently, with the ultimate goal of minimizing risk factors for injury caused over time.

Repetition Duration

Equipment = chairs, bench tops, storage containers, instrumentation, pipettes, etc.

Force

• www.jst.umn.edu

Teachworth, Erin. “Ergonomics At the Dow Chemical Company.” The Dow Chemical Company. Powerpoint presentation. June 2012

Posture

Ergonomics, General Rules

• Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break Running a column  switch between standing and sitting Sitting at a desk typing  Pipetting  switch hands stand up and stretch • Early detection of ergonomic injuries – If you have persistent pain (over one or two days), visit a doctor www.jst.umn.edu

Teachworth, Erin. “Ergonomics At the Dow Chemical Company.” The Dow Chemical Company. Powerpoint presentation. June 2012

Ergonomics What specific ergonomic topics should our lab consider?

(Brainstorm with group and then cover these topics in future safety moments) www.jst.umn.edu

Office Chair Ergonomics

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“Ergonomics.” St Kilda Road Chiropractic. Melbourne, AU. http://www.stkildaroadchiropractic.com.au/images/posture.jpg

Making Adjustments

Add books or a box to adjust screen height

Adjust seat height so that forearms are parallel to the ground

Add a cushion for lower back support

Use a foot rest, www.jst.umn.edu

if necessary “Ergonomics.” St Kilda Road Chiropractic. Melbourne, AU. http://www.stkildaroadchiropractic.com.au/images/posture.jpg

Lab Bench & Hood Ergonomics

• • When standing – Wear comfortable (and safe!) shoes – – Is anti-fatigue matting available?

Switch positions by propping foot up on a stool When seated – – – Work at a bench cut-out Maintain proper posture Do not over-reach www.jst.umn.edu

Lab Bench & Hood Ergonomics

• • • Avoid resting arms on hard surfaces or sharp edges Always take mini-breaks (20-30 seconds) every 20 minutes Rotate between tasks to work both efficiently and ergonomically www.jst.umn.edu

Lab Ergonomics Suggestions

1. Start with proper attire - Especially shoes!

2. Pay attention to posture - Can help avoid fatigue 3. Reduce back strain - Consider using a lab mat when standing for long periods 4. Embrace the mini break - Plan stretch breaks or change tasks when your muscles get tired to avoid strain or making mistakes www.jst.umn.edu

Central Science webpage. Accessed April 7, 2014. 60

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Stop Work Authority

What it is: •

Gives personnel the authority and responsibility to require that work be stopped when a dangerous situation is observed.

Levels of stop work authority: 1. Level I: Immediate correction (e.g. safety glasses).

2. Level II: Delayed correction (if a solution is not immediately apparent, the work must be suspended until solution is found).

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From Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory http://safetywiki.pppl.wikispaces.net/Stop+Work+Authority 62

Stop Work Authority

• FLOWCHART: www.jst.umn.edu

Adapted from Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility document 3330 Stop Work and Re-Start for Safety Program http://www.jlab.org/ehs/ehsmanual/3330.htm

Stop Work Authority

• • • Avoid confrontation: Ask questions such as “Don’t you think you should be wearing safety glasses?” or “Did you take a look at the safety protocol?” instead of confrontation.

If you cannot deal with the situation by yourself, bring it to Garrett’s/Michael’s attention.

Always make sure the incident is recorded in some way.

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From Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory http://safetywiki.pppl.wikispaces.net/Stop+Work+Authority 64

Stop Work Authority

• • “Low” risk: 1. No lab coat 2. No gloves High risk: 1. No safety glasses 2. Safety protocol for HF hood not followed 3. Safety protocol for RTP not followed www.jst.umn.edu

Stop Work Authority

DID YOU KNOW

SOMETIMES THE MOST IMPORTANT WORK YOU CAN DO IS TO STOP WORKING.

If you ’ re working and you see a process that is not being followed correctly, or if you notice at-risk behavior going on, take the initiative and call a quick time-out. Then confer with your workmates to make sure everyone knows the safe way to continue. • only responsible, it ’ s also effective. In fact, in the oil and gas industry, it ’ s been one of the most successful approaches to safety in the last decade.

Empower the people around you. Encourage them to watch for unsafe conditions or processes, and when it ’ s necessary, stop the job until it can be done safely.

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www.halliburton.com/HSE

Safety Moment Subject suggested by: Brent Johnson,

Halliburton Employee

Stop Work Authority

• • • RECOMMENDATIONS Put up a poster in the lab about the Stop Work Authority.

Serious safety violations could be logged in the website’s database.

‘Near-miss’ situations should be treated as though they are serious offenses.

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Discussing Safety with Coworkers

Unsafe Coworker

• Safety is a priority for everyone, but lapses occur – – – Confronting coworkers can feel uncomfortable Remind yourself: addressing the issue as soon as possible will improve safety for you, your coworker, and the whole group Stop Work Authority gives personnel right to stop unsafe work www.jst.umn.edu

Before Speaking Up…

1. Define the problem – – Be able to articulate the unsafe action to your coworker Speak respectfully (without anger or annoyance) 2. Evaluate Cause – – Is there a reason they chose the less-safe option?

If you don’t know, ask 3. Offer safer alternative – – Calling out unsafe action = good; providing an alternative = better Offer a reference to the correct procedure 4. If unsafe behavior persists – Recruit fellow co-workers, then senior/respected co-workers, PI, DEHS (anonymous LER forms: ) www.jst.umn.edu

Loosely adapted from http://work.chron.com/confront coworkers-17815.html

Initiating Conversation

• • • • • Address coworker as soon as lab work allows – – Be considerate when interrupting lab work Be in control of your emotions (avoid anger or annoyance) Use a calm, quiet, and confident voice Try asking a question about what they’re doing, rather than making a statement that what they’re doing is wrong – Ex. “What are you working on?” “Can I help you?” When in doubt, use ‘I’ statements Recruit others only if you cannot address issue on your own www.jst.umn.edu

If Conflict Occurs

Once reported to PI, matter may be out of your hands – Owe it to your reputation to handle the matter respectfully from beginning Resources for conflict resolution: 1. ‘Non-confrontational Communication with Co-workers’ http://work.chron.com/nonconfrontational-communication-coworkers-8667.html

2. Conflict Resolution at Work for Dummies http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/conflict-resolution-at-work-for-dummies-cheat-shee.html

3. UMN Student Conflict Resolution Center http://www.sos.umn.edu/ www.jst.umn.edu

Wash your hands!

Hand washing

• • Even if you are wearing gloves, WASH YOUR HANDS before leaving the laboratory and periodically while working.

Prevent transfer of chemicals to other parts of the body – – That penetrated through gloves From contaminated protective clothing Safeguard against exposure to toxic chemicals or biological agents • • • If taking break from lab work, WASH YOUR HANDS Getting a drink Eating lunch Using the restroom • • Going into the office Going to a different laboratory or characterization facility Laboratory Safety. Clayton State University, Environmental Health and Safety. Accessed 8 Jan 2014. http://www.clayton.edu/ehs/Lab-Safety 74

Proper Hand Washing

Hand washing.. WashingHands.net. Accessed 8 Jan 2014. http://www.washinghands.net/how-to-wash-your-hands.php

Hand-washing: Do’s and Don’ts. Mayo Clinic. Accessed 8 Jan 2013. http://www.mayoclinic.org/hand-washing/art-20046253 75

R.A.M.P. up for Safety

Four Principles of Safety

Quantifiable Progress

Recap of JST Peer Lab Walkthrough Results (2012-2014)

Peer Lab Walkthroughs

Small teams of LSOs walk through labs biannually Check safety items such as:

Clear lab signage

LSO- Lab Safety Officer

Capped waste Labeled samples

Peer Lab Walkthroughs

Measure increase in compliance

Peer Lab Walkthroughs

Measure increase in compliance Identify areas to improve

Training Records

Excerpts from LSO training, Jan. 2014

Record Keeping

What Records to Keep?

– General Lab Safety Training – DEHS Annual Safety Training

...these two are the bare minimum

– Lab Specific Training – LSO Training …Ensure that LSO duties are clearly communicated to an incoming LSO

Record Keeping

• General Lab Safety Training (page 24) 85

Record Keeping

• DEHS Annual Safety Training (page 20 – 23) 86

Preventing Trips and Falls

Lookout for water, grease, oil, dust, soap, or debris on floor Beware tripping hazards such as extension cords, tools, carts, boxes Walk where you’re supposed to walk -no shortcuts through machine areas -don’t crowd spaces being used by other people Do not use unsteady stools or chairs when reaching shelves http://www.scribd.com/doc/25071070/Safety-Moment-Slips-Falls

Safe Lifting

• • • • • • • Size up the load Ask for help if needed Get a good grip Keep the load close to your body Keep your balance with footwork Lift with your legs Don’t twist your body http://www.exec.gov.nl.ca/exec/hrs/employee_health_and_safety/safety_moments/abcs_of_h eavy_lifting.pdf

Available Resources

www.jst.umn.edu

DEHS Contact

Anna Sitek (Englund)

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: (612) 625-8925 Office W-147 Boynton Research Safety Specialist assigned to our department, and newly-created DEHS safety contact for our entire college.

She will serve as a member of our department Safety Committee and will work with the JST.

Feel free to contact her with any questions! www.jst.umn.edu

JST website

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Dow Safety Academy

http://safety.dow.com/ www.jst.umn.edu

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Please put content in the provided template and cite reliable, credited sources.

Thank you!

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Safety Moment Title

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