September 2013

Student Resource Manual

for Working in Labs
(Supplement to Orientation Handbook)
Contents:
1. Emergency response
a. Evacuations
b. Spill response
2. Injury/illness reporting
3. General Rules
4. Working alone policy
5. Annual & Required Trainings
6. Chemical Approval Process
7. Incompatible chemicals
8. Waste Labeling
9. Satellite accumulation areas
10. PPE
11. Global Harmonization System (GHS)
12. EHS Contacts
September 2013
**The purpose of this resource manual is to provide a quick reference to students on important
policies and procedures for working in labs and on site. CNSE policies and procedures are also
summarized in the Orientation Handbook provided during Safety Orientation Training. For a
complete list of all the CNSE policies and procedures go to the CNSE Intranet/EHS at
http://intranet.cnse.albany.edu/

1. Emergencies:
CNSE Site Emergency Number
(518) 437-8600
(program # into your phone)
a) Evacuations:
FIRE EVACUATION
White light voice annunciation intermittent tone
- Evacuate via the nearest building exit
- Proceed to your rally point all students report to Rally Point 14 in Lot A at all
times, regardless of what building youre in at the time of the evacuation
- If you see a fire, use a fire pull station if necessary and contact security (518) 437-
8600 from a safe location
- Stay on the phone! Tell security the location of the fire, if there were any
chemicals involved and if anyone was injured

TOXIC GAS MONITORING SYSTEM (TGMS) EVACUATION
Blue light intermittent tone
- TGMS automatically triggers alarms when it senses increasing levels of toxic gases
- Evacuate via the nearest cleanroom exit and regroup in:
o NFS rotunda if in NFS/NFSX cleanrooms
o CESTM rotunda if in NFN, NFC, NFX, CESTM cleanrooms or CESTM labs
- Do not re-enter work areas unless instructed by the ERT, they will issue
an all-clear
b) Chemical spill response:
- Nuisance Spills
o <1 pint of a material you know the hazards of and are comfortable cleaning
up. Assess the hazard, wear the appropriate PPE, clean up and dispose of
properly
o If youre unsure of the hazard or need assistance with PPE selection or
cleanup, call security at (518) 437-8600
- Potentially Hazardous Spills Call security at (518) 437-8600 immediately
o >1 pint of a material or smaller spills of a material that is toxic, is a
carcinogen, is flammable and/or is of unknown toxicity
2. Injury/Illness Reporting
- Report ANY chemical contact while working to your supervisor
September 2013
- Go to the nearest emergency shower/eyewash and have your buddy call your supervisor and
security IMMEDIATELY. This will initiate an ERT response
- Remove all contaminated clothing to get the chemical away from the skin
- Rinse for 15min with cold water or until medical help arrives
- Your supervisor must document the injury/accident on form EHS 00026-F2 and submit to EHS
and HR within 24 hours. You and your supervisor will also be asked to fill out EHS 00026-F7 to
report the injury/accident.

3. General Rules
- No food or drink in labs
- Dress appropriately!
- Legs must be fully covered - NO shorts, capris, short skirts, etc.
- Must wear closed-toed and back shoes - NO sandals, flip flops, crocs, etc.
- Wear safety glasses at all times
- Wear personal protective equipment appropriate for the task and chemical you are working with
- Always know what you are working with and its hazards
- Order the smallest quantity of chemical needed for your experiment
- Properly label all containers & tubes with HMIS labels, and label waste that contains chemicals
- Discuss spill control and emergency plans with your coworkers, lab mates, and professors
- Know the locations of safety showers, exits and fire extinguishers
- Keep work areas clean and uncluttered
- Never pour chemicals down the drain
- Use double containment and/or bottle carriers for transporting chemicals within your lab or from
lab to lab so if the bottle is drops and breaks, it minimizes contaminating the floor/halls.
- Lab doors are fire doors and cannot be propped open at any time
- If you ever have any questions on what do to, ask someone!

4. Working Alone
- For your safety, no one is allowed to work alone in cleanroom or lab areas; a buddy must be
present at all times. The buddy doesnt need to be working with you but needs to be
someone that is working in the area.
- Student access to the labs is valid 7am 9pm Monday through Friday, unless otherwise
approved by EHS and the lab PI.
- If a student desires to work in the lab past 9pm, the lab PI and EHS must approve this access
request (ANT-00001-F2 CNSE ID/Access Card Request Form). This approval will establish a
buddy and is valid only for the lab approved. While working past 9pm, the student must sign
in at security in the late working book and also notify security upon completion of their work.
- The full Working Alone Policy EHS-00045 is available on the Intranet.
5. Annual & Required Trainings
- Safety Orientation required upon initial hire. Offered Mondays 2-4pm.
- General Safety required ANNUALLY, this is available online only through the CNSE Intranet.
You must view the powerpoint and submit a completed quiz to CNSEEHS@albany.edu .
September 2013
- Advanced Safety required ANNUALLY, this is available in-class only. Advanced Safety is
offered twice a month at the end of the month. You must pre-register for this class by
emailing CNSEEHS@albany.edu, please bring a pen with you. See the intranet for class times.
- Additional classes may be required based on the work you will be doing (e.g, biosafety
training, laser, radiation training). Please speak with your supervisor about additional training.

6. Chemical Approval Process
- If you purchase or borrow a chemical that has not been previously approved for your lab, you
must submit a Chemical Authorization Form (EHS-00002-F1) with the SDS to
CNSEChemicalApprovalRequests@albany.edu.
- These documents will be reviewed within 10 business days and if approved, will be added to
the CNSE Chemical Approval List and the requestor will be notified.
- Some requests may require a confidential SDS be submitted for review. If this is the case,
CNSE EHS will ask that you request the information from the supplier/manufacturer.
*NOTE: Just because a chemical is on the approval list does not mean it is approved for use in your
lab. We need to make sure all the proper safety controls are in place for each chemical.
- To obtain a SDS for a chemical, you can contact the EHS office at CNSEEHS@albany.edu or
contact the Emergency Response Team (ERT) for a copy
- All chemicals need to be properly labeled using an HMIS label. To obtain the appropriate
hazard ratings reference the SDS or ask EHS

7. Incompatible Chemicals
- Incompatible chemicals should not be stored together
- You must properly segregate your incompatible waste so that mixing does not occur.
- Mixing incompatible chemicals, (if chemicals in storage spill and mix or in hazardous waste
containers) can cause adverse chemical reactions (explosions, bottle rockets, melting of waste
containers, release of toxic gases, etc.).
- Some general guidelines for chemical classes that cant be mixed:
o Mineral acids Sulfonic Acids Carboxylic Acids
o Weak Bases Strong Bases Super Bases
o Chlorinated Solvents Non-chlorinated Solvents
- All flammables must be stored in a flammable cabinet that is grounded and self-closing.
- Corrosives must be stored in an appropriate corrosive cabinet, with secondary containment
and stored below eye level.
- For a detailed list of incompatible chemicals, see the advanced safety slides on the intranet
under EHS Training.

September 2013
8. Waste Labeling
- The waste generator is responsible for identifying and labeling the waste container

Hazardous Waste is: 1) Ignitable (flashpoint < 140
o
F), 2) Corrosive (pH <2 or >12.5), 3) Reactive (ex.
Reacts with H
2
O, gases) and/or 4) Toxic (skull & crossbones pictogram)

- To properly fill out a hazardous waste label, you must indicate:
o Is the waste solid, liquid, or mixed? one of these must be checked
o What designates the waste as hazardous? Ignitable, reactive, toxic, and/or corrosive? At
least one, if not more than one, of these boxes needs to be checked. This information is
listed on the chemicals SDS
NOTE: If the corrosive box is checked the pH needs to be indicated. The waste generator
can either circle pH<2.0 or pH>12.5 based on which one is applicable, or write in the pH
o The start date the date your waste is first put in the bottle
o The fill date the date the bottle is full, capped, and ready to be removed from your lab by
Air Liquide
o Contact name and location your name and location
o Chemical contents what is the hazardous chemical contained inside the bottle; use
chemical names not formulas
Non-hazardous Waste
- Does not meet the definition of hazardous waste (a chemical with a pH of 3 is
greater than a pH of 2, but still should not be put down the drains)
- Collected in regular garbage bins
Universal Waste
- Batteries, thermostats, mercury, UV, florescent light bulbs (unbroken), etc.
Medical Waste
- Medical waste includes any biologicals and sharps used in the labs.
- All sharps must be disposed of in a sharps container, logged on form, and then
subsequently placed inside a cardboard box that is labeled medical waste and
lined with a red hazardous waste bag.

9. Satellite Accumulation Areas
- Located near the process generating the waste
- In the labs, satellite accumulation areas are generally underneath the hoods or on a shelf
September 2013
- Needs to have spill containment
- Air Liquide picks up waste from these areas 3x/week. If there are issues with pick up, contact
Air Liquide at (518) 788-7231

10. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- EHS-00010 CNSE Personal Protective Equipment Requirements is available on the Intranet
- Do not ever wear your PPE outside the lab!
- Required PPE while working in the labs
o Safety glasses with side shields (ANSI Z-87 approved) If you need a voucher for
prescription safety glasses, contact CNSEEHS@albany.edu
o Gloves appropriate for your task (chemical resistant, double glove, etc.)
o Long pants, no shorts allowed
o Closed toe shoes, heels <2, base at least thick; no sandals, crocs, flip flops, etc.
o Lab coat recommended
- Prior to wearing PPE inspect it to make sure the PPE is free holes, defects, wear & tear and
replace if needed
- PPE cabinets are located outside the labs in CESTM and NFE. For a complete list of cabinets
and their contents reference EHS- 00010.
- If you need additional sizes, laser goggles, cryogenic gloves/apron, a respirator, etc. contact
CNSEEHS@albany.edu
- To determine what gloves are appropriate for a chemicals use here are some resources:
http://www.mapa-pro.com; http://www.ansellpro.com/specware/guide.asp
*Note- CNSE does not endorse specific manufacturers





















September 2013
- Proper glove removal technique Do not touch bare skin to the outside of a potentially
contaminated glove
1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6.
1. With both hands gloved, grasp near the cuff of one glove and pull the glove from the
wrist towards your fingertips until the glove folds over. Be careful not to touch your skin
as you reach near the inside of the glove.
2. Carefully grab the fold of the glove and pull the glove away from your body until it is
pulled off of your fingertips turning the glove inside out.
3. Place and hold the removed glove in the palm of your gloved hand.
4. With your ungloved hand, carefully insert two fingers into the cuff of the gloved hand.
Slide your fingers down towards your fingertips until the glove folds over turning the
glove inside out while also encasing the other contaminated glove. Be careful to avoid
touching the outside of the glove.
5. Grasp the fold of the glove and fully remove it from your hand.
6. Properly dispose of the gloves. Make sure to not contaminate trash areas, especially
when handling harmful substances or chemicals.
7. Wash hands with soap and water


11. Gas Cylinder Handling
Compressed gasses can be inert, reactive, flammable, pyrophoric, toxic and/or cryogenic. Safety
glasses, gloves and safety shoes should be worn at all times when handling cylinders. Gas cylinders
should always be secured to prevent it tipping over and shearing its valve (potentially creating a
rocket). Always move cylinders by hand trucks or carts that are designed for this purpose. Never
use a cylinder cart without a chain or transport a gas cylinder without its valve protection cap firmly
in place. Additional training is required if handling gas cylinders. Contact CNSEEHS@albany.edu for
more information.

September 2013

12. Biosafety
If you will be working with potentially infectious microorganisms, you must take biosafety training.
More information on how to take biosafety training through CITI can be found on the CNSE EHS
Training page on the intranet. Risks associated with this work include bloodborne pathogens,
sharps, acquiring infections or virus etc. The hepatitis B vaccine is available for those working with
biomaterials; contact CNSEEHS@albany.edu if youre interested in receiving this.

13. Cryogenics
The most significant risk of cryogenic liquids is death by asphyxiation where a spill or leakage
depletes the atmospheric oxygen. If someone is seen unconscious in a cryogenic handling or
storage area it is likely that they are already dead and there is a serious risk to rescuers of being
asphyxiated unless they are wearing supplied air respirators. Other hazards (cold burns,
pressurization, etc.) also exist and special training is required if you want to handle cryogenics.
Contact CNSEEHS@albany.edu for more information.
14. Ergonomics
Ergonomic injuries can occur if your body is held in awkward static postures for periods of time,
perform repetitive tasks, or inappropriately lift/move heavy objects. Symptoms can range from
mild (stiffness, aches) to severe, permanent injuries. Ergonomic injuries are preventable! If you feel
that your job is causing ergonomic issues, contact CNSEEHS@albany.edu to initiate an ergonomic
assessment. Additional ergonomic resource can be found on the CNSE intranet EHS webpage.

15. Laser Safety
Lasers, if used inappropriately, can cause burns to skin and major eye damage so protective
eyewear is a must! Lasers also have other potential safety issues such as electrocution, fire,
explosion, and asphyxiation. You must have laser safety training if working with a Class IIIB or IV
laser. You must have an ocular exam prior to entering a controlled area with a Class IV laser.
Contact CNSEEHS@albany.edu to obtain an ocular exam voucher and information on training
required.

16. Radiation Safety
Radiation exposures should be ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable). There is no threshold
below which we can say with certainty that there will be no adverse effects from ionizing radiation
All operating personnel must be intimately familiar with the principles of operation, principles of
radiation safety, and potential general and specific hazards of their particular machine. Did you
know that all new sources must be approved by the Radiation Safety Officer prior to purchase and
leak checked and wipe tested on a regular basis once onsite? This and much more information is
described in mandatory training course for personnel working with radioactive materials. Contact
CNSEEHS@albany.edu for information.




September 2013
16. Global Harmonization System (GHS)
Before the adoption of GHS, information from Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and chemical labels had a
variety of different formats and some chemical manufacturers included more information than
others. OSHA adopted GHS, an international agreement on the format and content of how
chemical information would be consistently communicated to all downstream users. What this
means for CNSE is that we are adopting a new labeling scheme and educating everyone on how to
read the new format of the safety data sheets (SDS).

- New Proposed GHS Labels:






- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are now called Safety Data Sheets (SDS) with the following
standardized format:
1. Identification
2. Hazard(s) identification
3. Composition/information on ingredients
4. First-aid measures
5. Fire-fighting measures
6. Accidental release measures
7. Handling and Storage
8. Exposure controls/personal protection
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information




Pictograms diamonds indicating chemical hazards
Signal Word- either Danger or Warning as identified on the chemical
SDS. Signal Word is determined by hazard category.
Hazard Statements- describe the nature and degree of the product risks
Precautionary Statements- how to handle the product in order to
minimize risk
September 2013
GHS Physical Hazard Pictograms
Flammable Oxidizers Corrosives Explosives Compressed
Gases




Specific physical hazards included in this pictogram group
-Flammables
-Pyrophorics
-Self-heating
-Emits flammable
gas
-Self-reactives
-Organic
peroxides
-Oxidizers -Corrosive to
metals
-Explosives
-Self-reactives
-Organic
peroxides
-Gases under
pressure
GHS Health Hazard Pictograms
Corrosives Skull &
Crossbone
Health Hazard Exclamation
Point
Environmental

Specific health hazards included in this pictogram group
-Skin
corrosion/burns
-Serious eye
damage
-Acute
toxicity (fatal
or toxic)
(category
1,2,3)
-Carcinogen
-Mutagen
-Reproductive
toxicity
-Respiratory
sensitizer
-Target organ toxicity
-Aspiration toxicity
-Irritants (skin
and eyes)
-Skin sensitizer
-Acute toxicity
(category 4)
-Narcotic effects
-Respiratory
tract irritant
-Aquatic
toxicity (based
on LC50 for
fish)
Management
Robert Segura rsegura@albany.edu
Jennifer Trodden jtrodden@albany.edu
Administration/ General Questions
Marcus Benoit mbenoit2@albany.edu
CNSEEHS@albany.edu
Environmental/Waste
Robert Duff rduff@albany.edu
Kassey Brust kbrust@albany.edu
Kara Mackey-Dopman kmackey-dopman@albany.edu
Chemicals/Injury&Illness
Caroline Boisclair cboisclair@albany.edu
Electrical/Radiation/Lasers
Jon Hellman jhellman2@albany.edu
Jerry Quint jquint@albany.edu
Industrial Hygiene/Hazard Assessments
Lilia Chen - lchen8@albany.edu
Academic Engineering Support
Brian Taylor btaylor@albany.edu
Steve Stewart ssteward@albany.edu
Ken Roff - kroff@albany.edu
Emergency Response Team (ERT)
Steve Enright senright@albany.edu

To access more training presentations and other EHS resources, go to the CNSE Intranet:
http://intranet.cnse.albany.edu/ , login, and click on EHS tab.