Transcript Laboratory Safety Training - Environmental Health & Safety

Laboratory Safety &
Hazardous Waste Training
1
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Agenda
 Laboratory Safety
—Regulatory Introduction
– Hazard Recognition
• Physical
• Chemical
– Exposure Management
• Engineering Controls
• Administrative Controls
– Material Segregation and Management
• Personal Protective Equipment
– Fire Safety and Procedures
– Spills and Emergency Response
 Hazardous Waste Management
2
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Regulatory Introduction
Columbia University laboratories must comply with rules set by
the following regulatory bodies:
 New York City
– Fire Department (FDNY)
– Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
 New York State
– Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
 Federal
– Department of Labor: Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA)
– United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
3
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
New York City Fire Department
Peroxide-Forming Chemicals
 Peroxide-forming chemicals
must be dated immediately
upon opening
 Discard any unused chemicals
within a year of opening date
 Ethers, THF, dioxanes are
common peroxide-formers
4
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
New York City Fire Department
Compressed gas cylinders
 Compressed gas cylinders must be
stored upright and be restrained.
 Oxygen cylinders should be kept at
a minimum of 25 feet away from
flammable gas cylinders.
5
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
New York City Fire Department
Flammables in Refrigerators
 Flammable chemicals must be
stored in a “Flammable Material
Storage” or “Explosion Proof”
refrigerator
 Domestic refrigerators located in
labs are labeled
“Store No Flammables Flashing
below 100 F”.
6
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
New York City Fire Department
Chemical containers must be Clearly and
Visibly labeled to indicate their contents at
all times.
7
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
New York City Fire Department
Certificate of Fitness Program
 At least one C of F holder is required per lab
while the laboratory is in operation (includes
nights & weekends).
– Certificate (C-14) indicates that holder knows
emergency procedures in the event of a fire in
the lab.
– Labs with large amounts of compressed
gases or cryogenics may require additional
Certificates.
– Contact EH&S for information on obtaining a
C of F.
8
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
OSHA
 The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration is the federal regulatory agency
governing workplace health and safety.
 OSHA Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450)
is the specific regulation that applies to laboratory
environments:
– Information on hazard identification and protection
– Information on chemical exposure, detection, and
management
– Emergency procedures
– Employers’ and employees’ rights and responsibilities
9
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Questions
 What type of refrigerator is required for
storage of flammable chemicals?
 Peroxide forming chemicals must be -------upon opening.
10
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Hazard Recognition
“The employer shall provide employees
with information and training to ensure
that they are apprised of the hazards of
chemicals present in their work area.”
29CFR1910.1450
– Safety and hazard information is available
from multiple sources.
11
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Hazard Recognition
Sources of hazard information:
USDOT (Department of Transportation) Diamonds
NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) Diamonds
Manufacturers’ labels
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Office of Environmental Health & Radiation Safety/
Environmental Health & Safety
12
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Hazard Recognition
 Chemicals are often
marked with the
NFPA Diamond or
similar hazardous
communication
markings to denote
their hazards.
 Note the hazards as
listed on chemical
containers in your lab
prior to using them.
13
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS)
 Shipped with all chemicals
– Contain all safety information about a
chemical, including the exposure limits,
precautions for safe handling and use,
and other hazard information.
 Must be accessible (paper copy or via
internet) in the lab for all chemicals
present.
14
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Hazard Recognition Physical Hazards
 Elements of the laboratory work
environment, including chemicals and
equipment, hold the potential to cause
physical harm.
 For each type of hazard, awareness and
simple protective measures will ensure
safety.
– Burns
–
–
–
–
–
Asphyxiation
Slips, Trips, Falls
Electrocution
Blunt Force Trauma, Lacerations
Compressed Gas and Cryogenic
Hazards
15
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Oxygen Alarms
 Oxygen alarms are used
where large amounts of
cryogenics or inert gases are
stored, which can potentially
cause asphyxiation by
displacing oxygen.
 DO NOT ENTER any area
where an oxygen alarm is
going off.
 Asphyxiation can be rapid and sudden, with no warning
signs.
 Rescues must be performed by someone with a supplied air
respirator.
 If it is possible to open doors/windows to ventilate area
without entering, do so.
16
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
DANGER
If you hear Alarm, DO NOT ENTER; Call Public Safety 854-5555
During Work hours also call EH&S 854-8749
POTENTIAL OXYGEN
DEFICIENCY HAZARD
If Alarm is Activated
Assume alarm activation to be valid
Evacuate all workers in room and close the door
Call Public Safety immediately; also PI and
EH&S
Be prepared to provide information to responders
DO NOT Enter the room
DO NOT Attempt to rescue anyone, as
asphyxiation can be rapid with no warning
signs
DO NOT Open door within first hour after the
alarm has stopped sounding
Do NOT attempt to repair a faulty sensor. Report it to TechAir (203-792-1834) or
EH&S.
Review Columbia University policy (www.ehs.columbia.edu/OxygenDeficiency).
17
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Hazard Recognition Chemical Hazards
 Many substances commonly encountered in the
laboratory environment pose chemical hazards.
 For each type of hazard, awareness and other
protective measures will ensure safety.
 USDOT Diamonds, NFPA Diamonds,
manufacturer’s labels, and MSDS will alert you
to a chemical’s specific hazards.
–
–
–
–
Flammability
Corrosivity
Toxicity
Reactivity
18
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Hazard Recognition
What does the blue part of the NFPA
diamond signify?
19
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Question
What does MSDS stand for?
Material Safety Data Sheet
20
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Exposure Management Chemical Routes of Entry
Inhalation
Absorption
Injection
Ingestion
21
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Chemical Routes of Entry
A common route of chemical exposure is
ingestion due to contaminated food or
hands.
22
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Chemical Exposure –
Health Effects
 Acute effects – sudden, traumatic
effects
– Headaches, dizziness, burns
from corrosive chemicals
 Chronic effects – slow, gradual
effects not rapidly perceived; poor
or no warnings of exposure
– Cancer, mutation, reproductive
effects
23
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Chemical Exposure Exposure Limits
 Risk = Exposure x Hazard
– Toxic effects can be minimized by
keeping exposures to a minimum.
 Acceptable limits of exposure have been
established for certain chemicals.
24
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Exposure Limits
Formaldehyde:
Xylene:
 OSHA Permissible
Exposure Limit (PEL):
0.75 parts per million
(0.75 ppm)
 15-minute short-term
exposure limit
(STEL): 2 ppm
 Odor threshold is 0.5
to 1.0 ppm
 OSHA PEL: 100 ppm
 STEL: 150 ppm
25
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Exposure Limits
Benzene:
 OSHA PEL: 1 ppm
 STEL: 5 ppm
Methylene Chloride:
 OSHA PEL: 25 ppm
 STEL: 125 ppm
26
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Formaldehyde Health Effects
 Pungent, suffocating odor
 Irritating vapors to
respiratory tract/skin
 Causes sensitization
 High concentrations may
cause pulmonary edema
 Chronic exposure: nasal &
lung cancers
27
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Xylene Health Effects
 Colorless & Sweet Smelling




Flammable liquid & vapors
Eye/skin/respiratory tract irritation
Can be absorbed through skin
Target organs of chronic exposure:
(kidney, liver, & blood)
28
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Benzene Health Effects
 Colorless to light-yellow liquid
 Aromatic odor
 Irritation to eyes, skin, nose & throat
 Drowsiness, dizziness, headache,
nausea, & loss of coordination,
 Depression of the CNS
 Effects are expected at 25 ppm
29
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Methylene Chloride Health Effects
 Colorless; chloroform-like odor
 Irritation to eyes, skin, nose & throat
 Drowsiness, dizziness, headache,
nausea, & loss of coordination,
 Chronic contact on skin → dermatitis
 Referred also as dichloromethane
30
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Where are these chemicals
found at Columbia University?
Formaldehyde:





Biology
Chemistry
Histology laboratories
Human anatomy lab
Any other labs using:
– Fixed human or animal
tissues/parts
– Perfused animal
carcasses
31
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Exposure Monitoring
 Regular monitoring performed
for those working closely with
regulated chemicals
(formaldehyde)
 Area monitoring where fume
hoods are not available
 Low potential for exposure if not
working directly with chemicals
32
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Exposure Management
A hierarchy of control measures is used
to minimize risk associated with
exposure by reducing the time or amount
of exposure, or by altering the nature of
exposure.
– Engineering controls
– Administrative controls
– Personal protective equipment (PPE)
33
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Exposure Management Engineering Controls
Engineering controls are measures
designed to prevent exposure to a
harmful substance or hazard. The
most common engineering controls
are:
– Chemical Fume Hoods
– Biosafety Cabinets
34
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Engineering Controls Chemical Fume hoods
Chemical fume hoods reduce
exposure to airborne hazards.
Ensure that your fume hood is:
 Free of clutter
 Drawing air at a rate of 80120 linear feet per minute
 Visibly operational (use a
“kim-wipe test” to monitor air
flow)
 Not open more than 12”
35
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Engineering Controls –
Chemical Fume Hoods
In addition to protection from
airborne hazards, chemical
fume hoods also provide an
important physical barrier
between you and your work.
36
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Exposure Management Administrative Controls
Administrative controls are features of one’s
work practices designed to reduce exposure.
 Chemical substitution
 Proper storage and segregation of hazardous
materials
 Proper housekeeping practice
 Prudent inventory and purchase order
management
 Appropriate training and Right to Know
information (such as MSDS)
37
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Administrative Controls
– Chemical Substitution
An effective way to reduce exposure to a hazardous
material is to remove it from your work practice entirely.
Consider the use of safer chemical alternatives when
designing your experiments.
Citrosolv v. xylene
Enzymatic detergents v. chromic/sulfuric acid-based
glass cleaners
SYBR Safe v. ethidium bromide
38
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Administrative Controls –
Chemical Substitution
Mercury is a TOXIC metal. Clean-up of spilled
mercury is time and resource-intensive.
39
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Administrative Controls Chemical Storage
Proper chemical storage reduces exposure risk.
 Segregation
– Provide a specified storage area for each hazard class of
chemicals.
– Store incompatible materials physically apart from one
another. Separation by deep spill trays is acceptable.
 Labeling
– Label all chemical containers, including reaction vessels, with
identifying information.
40
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Administrative Controls Chemical Storage
When selecting a storage location for laboratory
chemicals, consider the following:
 Compatibility of container and cabinet with the
chemical
 Proximity to other chemicals, incompatible materials,
heat, or open flame
41
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
What is wrong with this?
42
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
What is wrong with this?
43
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Administrative Controls –
Chemical Storage (Flammables)
 Each lab is permitted to store a certain
quantity of flammable materials.
 Allowable limit determined by construction
materials and presence of sprinklers.
– 4 Lab types: I, II, III, IV
– Flammable limits of 30, 25, 20, 15 gallons,
respectively
– Flammable waste materials count toward
these limits
44
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Administrative Controls –
Chemical Storage (Flammables)
Flammable liquids requiring refrigeration must be kept
only in explosion-proof or intrinsically-safe refrigerators.
45
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Administrative Controls Housekeeping
Poor housekeeping contributes to accidents
and can hinder emergency response activities.
Do not block exits, aisles, or doorways.
Do not block access to emergency equipment.
Do not store chemicals in excess of lab’s limts
Handle and store glassware with care.
Do not store chemical containers on the floor.
46
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
What is wrong with this?
47
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
What is wrong with this?
Open Sash
Open Bottle
Labeling
Exposed Sharps
Objects
Not Properly Managed
48
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
What is wrong with this?
Excess chemical on
the workbench
Poor
housekeeping
49
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Administrative Controls Inventory Management
 Purchase chemicals in the smallest quantity sufficient
for your work; excess chemicals become Hazardous
Waste.
 A list of chemicals present in the laboratory should be
prepared, updated, and maintained in the laboratory.
 Dispose of all outdated or unused chemicals properly
and promptly.
50
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Questions
Operations that may generate air contaminants
at levels above the exposure limit must be
conducted where?
51
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Exposure Management Personal Protective Equipment
 Safety glasses / goggles
 Protective gloves
 Aprons / lab coats
52
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Personal Protective
Equipment - Eye Protection
Select appropriate protective eyewear based on the
risk factors associated with your work.
Safety glasses with side shields provide basic
protection, and must be worn when handling
hazardous materials.
Safety goggles must be used when activities entail
a moderate risk of splashing, or when handling
highly corrosive materials.
Laser goggles provide wavelength-specific
protection, with opaque non-lens components to
protect the face.
53
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Personal Protective
Equipment - Hand Protection
There is no glove material that will protect against all
chemicals. Select a glove that provides the best
permeation protection against the material(s) you will be
handling.
Never re-use disposable gloves.
Change gloves frequently and as soon as
they become contaminated or torn.
Remove gloves as soon as work is
completed.
Consult manufacturers’ guides for proper
glove selection.
54
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Personal Protective
Equipment - Lab coats
 Lab coats provide limited but critical protection
from chemical splashes.
 Useful when working with small (i.e., research
sized) quantities of hazardous chemicals.
 Heavily contaminated, well-worn lab coats must
be either disposed of or laundered, before they
become sources of exposure themselves.
 Keep coat buttoned to prevent entanglement in
moving equipment.
55
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
What do you wear when you
work in the lab?
56
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Safety Equipment
Become familiar with the eyewash/drench hose in your
lab. Test it weekly by activating it over a sink; keep a log.
An emergency is the wrong time to learn
that your safety equipment isn’t functioning
properly!
57
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Safety Equipment
58
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
FIRE SAFETY - Reporting a Fire
 Manual pull stations
located at exits.
 Campus phone
system dial 99.
59
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
When to Sound a Fire Alarm
 Any fire or smoke condition.
 Dangerous situation – crime in progress,
etc.
 For emergency building evacuation.
60
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
What to do in the Event of a
Real Fire
Fight or Flight? – If you stay:
 Feel door. If HOT, don’t open.
 If smoke or heat is present:
– Remain in room.
– Close door and seal cracks.
 If possible, phone Public Safety and give your location.
 Stand at window to signal Public Safety or the FDNY.
 If possible, open top and bottom window to allow fresh
air in.
61
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
What to do in the Event of a
Real Fire
Fight or Flight? – If you go:
 If smoke and heat permit, stay low and crawl to
safety.
 Close doors.
 Take keys with you to return if necessary.
 Knock on doors and yell “FIRE” if you can.
 Report location of heat and fire to Public Safety of the
Fire Department.
62
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Laboratory Evacuation
Procedures
 Turn off all equipment
within reach that can be
safely turned off.
 Close fume hood sash.
 Close open chemical
containers.
63
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Know YOUR Location
64
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Laboratory Evacuation
Procedures




Look for exit sign.
Know location of fire exit.
Count number of doors.
Use nearest stair.
65
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!
66
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
GET LOW AND GO
67
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
68
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
What to do in the Event of a
Real Fire
 Report any people that might still be inside.
 Never jump or climb out a window.
 If you catch fire, Stop-Drop-and-Roll.
69
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
70
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
People With Special Needs
 If you know of a person with special needs in the
building, notify the FDNY or Public Safety as you exit.
 If the fire is not in the immediate vicinity:
– Remain in room, sealing door cracks.
– Notify Public Safety.
– Signal from window.
– Open window if possible.
71
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Fire Extinguisher
Types
Class Of Fire
Extinguisher Types
Class A, Combustibles, Paper
Class B, Grease And Oil
Class C, Electrical
Pressurized Water
CO2 Class B -C
Dry Chemical, B-C Or
A-B-C-D Check Label.
72
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Fire Extinguisher Use
 Use extinguisher if:
– You are properly trained.
– Fire is very small.
 Report the fire before attempting to
extinguish.
 Maintain a clear path between you and the
exit.
73
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Fire Extinguisher Use
 Stand 6 to 8 feet from the fire, keeping your
back to the door.
 Using the proper extinguisher, remember PASS.
P – Pull the pin.
A – Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
S – Squeeze the handle.
S – Sweep nozzle across base of fire.
74
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Fire Extinguisher Use
P-Pull The Pin
75
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Fire Extinguisher Use
A-Aim The Nozzle At Base Of Fire
Fire Extinguisher Use
S-Squeeze Handle
77
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Fire Extinguisher Use
S-Sweep Nozzle Across Base Of Fire
Fire Extinguisher Use
The 30 Second Rule:
If you can’t extinguish the fire in 30 seconds
or with one extinguisher,
GET OUT!
79
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Questions
 How often should an eyewash be tested?
 Personal protective equipment should be
worn in and outside the laboratory.
80
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Spills and Emergency
Response
What would you do
in the event of a spill?
81
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Spills and Emergency Response
Laboratory personnel must know what
to do in case of an emergency.
Personal Injury / Health Emergency
Chemical Release
– Unmanageable: Must only be handled by
trained professionals.
– Manageable: Can be handled by
laboratory personnel using in-lab spill kit.
82
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Spills and Emergency Response
– Personal Contamination
Spills of hazardous materials that involve personal contamination
increase the possibility of exposure, particularly if the chemical is
capable of being absorbed through the skin.






Remove contaminated clothing.
Flush exposed area with tepid water for 15 minutes.
If there are no visible burns, wash gently with soap and warm water.
Obtain MSDS.
Obtain medical attention, if necessary.
Report the incident to your supervisor. File appropriate accident
reports and notify EH&S.
83
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Medical Surveillance
Employees who work with hazardous
chemicals shall be provided the
opportunity to receive medical attention:
– Post-exposure
– Post-monitoring (if exposure indicated)
– Post-event (if exposure deemed likely)
Consult the Occupational Health
guidelines for medical surveillance
details.
84
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Spills and Emergency Response
– Injuries and Health Emergencies
Medical attention can be obtained at the following
locations for personal injuries and health
emergencies:
Workforce Health and Safety
Student Health Service
NYPH Emergency Room
85
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Spills and Emergency Response
– Unmanageable Spills
 Do not attempt to clean up.
 Turn off ignition sources.
 Evacuate personnel and close
doors leading to spill area.
 Alert people in the immediate
area, and post warning signs.
 Call EH&S and Public Safety;
notify supervisor or PI. Be
prepared to give pertinent
information to responders.
 Attend to persons
contaminated by spilled materials.
86
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Spill Responses managed by
EH&S
 Since 2007, there have
been 85 spills that EH&S
has responded.
 50 at CUMC and 35 at
Morningside.
 The most common was
Mercury at 20!
 Other spills include…
Trimethyl Phosphine,
BOE, HF, Nanostrip,
Formaldehyde, Inorganic
acids & metals,
Chloroform, Ether,
Mercaptoethanol and even
unknowns.
87
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Spills and Emergency Response
– Manageable Spills
Spill Kit
Know where your spill kit is located and become
familiar with its contents
88
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Spills and Emergency Response
– Manageable Spills
Contents of a Spill Kit
Absorbent material
 Absorbent pillows or powders
 Activated carbon for organic solvents
 Oil dry/floor dry for oil spills
 Vermiculate or kitty litter
Neutralizing agents
 Acid Neutralizers -soda ash or Spill X-A (Fisher
Safety).
 Base Neutralizers-citric acid powder or Spill X-C
(Fisher Safety).
 Solvent Spills-activated carbon or Spill X-S (Fisher
Safety)
89
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Spills and Emergency Response
– Manageable Spills
Spill Kits should cover the special types of
hazards within the lab.
Formaldehyde
Mercury
Radiation
Hydrofluoric Acid
90
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Spills and Emergency Response
– Manageable Spills
91
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Remember….
Red bags are for regulated medical waste
(gloves, pedri dishes and tubes) not for
chemical spill debris!
92
http://ehs.columbia.edu/
Please click the
link and fill out
evaluation sheet.
Start Evaluation
93
http://ehs.columbia.edu/