Safety in Laboratory & Chemical Safety

Assoc Prof Dr. Ir. Nassereldeen Ahmed Kabbashi

Safe lab environments are dependent upon both you and your colleagues. Everyone must work together to ensure the safety of yourself, your colleagues, and your students. Because laboratories involve numerous chemicals, procedures, and operations, they require extensive safety precautions. This course provides an overview of some of the safety precautions you can practice in order to create a safe lab environment.

Emergency Plan
Take note of the location of the: Safety Showers Safety Eye Washes Emergency Exits Fire Extinguishers Emergency Electrical Cutoff Switch

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Knowing the emergency action plan and the location of safety equipment could prevent a minor emergency from turning into a major emergency.

General rules to follow when handling glassware

Accidents involving glassware are the leading cause of laboratory injuries. To reduce the chance of cuts or punctures, use common sense when working with glassware.

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Prevent damage to glassware during handling and storage. Inspect glassware before and after each use. Discard or repair any cracked, broken, or damaged glassware. Thoroughly clean and decontaminate glassware after each use. When inserting glass tubing into rubber stoppers, corks, or tubing, follow these guidelines:
Use adequate hand protection. Lubricate the tubing. Hold hands close together to minimize movement if the glass breaks.

Never use laboratory glassware to serve food or drinks

Guidelines for disposing of broken glass

Do not pick up broken glass with bare or unprotected hands. Use a brush and dust pan to clean up broken glass. Remove broken glass in sinks by using tongs for large pieces and cotton held by tongs for small pieces and slivers. Place all the recovered broken glass into the broken glass container.

CHEMICAL STORAGE AREA

Continue:

Chemical Procurement

Before chemicals are ordered, the following questions should be considered:

What is the least hazardous chemical available that can be used? How should the chemical be stored?

Chemical Procurement
CHEMICAL STORAGE AREA

What is the minimum quantity needed to complete the experiment?

Is the laboratory equipped to handle a spill?

Is the chemical already available? Check your laboratory chemical inventory.

Are personnel trained on how to safely handle the chemical?

Chemical Storage

Chemical Storage
This section will first discuss general considerations and requirements for chemical storage. Next, it will provide specific information for the storage of chemicals by hazard class.

Chemical StorageThere must be an inventory list of hazardous chemicals as defined in Chemical Hygiene Plan. Chemical containers must be labeled with a minimum of chemical name, hazard warnings and target organs. Containers shall be dated when received and opened. Accompanying material safety data sheets must be kept.

Requirements

Chemical Storage
General Considerations:
Plan ahead for spills, accidents or emergencies.

Be aware of special storage conditions such as temperature, relative humidity or limited shelf life. Segregate chemicals by hazard class or compatibility.

Chemical Storage
General Considerations: If available, use ventilated cabinets for volatile
If available, use ventilated cabinets for volatile toxics and odoriferous chemicals.

Use approved flammable storage cabinets for flammable liquids. Use secondary containers or trays for corrosives and toxic solvents.

Chemical Storage
General Considerations: When refrigerating flammables, only use refrigerators
specifically designed for flammable materials. Do not store food in chemical storage refrigerators. Label chemical storage refrigerators with the following: No Food Chemical Storage Only

Chemical Storage
General Considerations: Avoid storing liquid chemicals above eye level.
Avoid storing chemicals in aisle ways. Avoid over stocking shelves. Avoid storing heavy containers above shoulder level. Avoid storing chemicals in fume hoods or on counter tops. Avoid storing chemicals near sources of heat or in direct sunshine. Avoid storing liquid chemicals above eye level.

Chemical Storage
At a minimum, chemicals should be segregated as:

Hazard Class

Corrosives Oxidizers Flammable Liquids Poisons or Toxic Chemicals Reactive (water or time sensitive)

Chemical Storage
Corrosives Corr and bases separately. Store concentrated acids
H+ OH-

Keep corrosives away from organic chemicals and combustible materials. Use secondary catch basins for concentrated acids and bases.

The Ohio Fire Code regulates storage based on occupancy, classification, building construction, availability of flammable storage cabinets, quantities and location of the laboratory. Appendix J of the chemical hygiene plan provides a summary of the fire codes. Contact the Department of Public Safety (76300) for assistance with the interpretation of the fire codes.

Chemical Storage The Ohio Fire Code regulates storage based on

Flammable more than As a general rule of thumb, noLiquids 10 gallons of flammable liquids should be stored outside of an approved flammable storage cabinet. Hospital patient areas are typically much less (1 to 2 gallons).

Chemical Storage

See tables 2 and 3 of the chemical hygiene plan for additional information on flammable liquids.

xidizersand combustible Store oxidizers away from flammable

materials. Store oxidizers away from reducing agents. Maintain the minimum quantity needed and dispose of unneeded material immediately.

Chemical Storage

See table 12 of the chemical hygiene plan for a partial list of oxidizers.

Chemical Storage To
Store highly toxic materials in a dedicated storage fume hood. Maintain the minimum quantity needed and dispose of unneeded material immediately. Store in unbreakable containers or use secondary containers. Label storage areas with designated area signs. See tables 9, 10, 11 and 13 of the chemical hygiene plan for partial lists of toxic chemicals, carcinogens and reproductive toxins.

ic Chemicals

Chemical Storage
Examples of reactive chemicals would include, but not be limited to:

Reactive

Water reactive chemicals. Pyrophors, which react with air.

ETHER

Peroxide forming chemicals, which form shock sensitive explosives.

See tables 5, 6 and 7 of the chemical hygiene plan for partial lists of reactive chemicals.

Chemical Storage
Consult the MSDS and labels for storage information. Bring only quantities needed for immediate use into the laboratory. Date all reactive chemicals as soon as they are received. Do not open material after the expiration date.

Reactive

Chemical Storage
Store pyrophoric chemicals away from flammables. Store perchloric acid away from reducing agents. Store perchloric acid bottles in glass or ceramic trays. Store peroxidizable materials away from heat and light.

Reactive

Chemical Storage
Store water reactive chemicals away from all sources of water or in water tight containers. Store thermally unstable chemicals in approved refrigerators. Consider explosion relief boxes for highly sensitive materials. Restrict access to the storage area.

Reactive

Chemical Transporting

Transporting Chemicals
If chemicals are transferred to a second container, make sure the new container is labeled with the chemical name. Use secondary containers, with handles, made of rubber, plastic or metal. Secondary containers should be large enough to contain all of the chemical contents.

Transporting Chemicals
Make sure the pathway is clear of obstructions and tripping hazards. Plan ahead for spills. Transport only the quantity needed to complete the experiment. Use sturdy carts when transporting heavy containers or transporting over long distances.

Chemical Manipulation

Chemical Manipulation
Be familiar with chemical properties and products of chemical reactions. Be prepared for chemical spills and clean up spills immediately. Plan ahead have apparatus and associated equipment ready before chemicals are used. Use the appropriate equipment, such as funnels, beakers and spatulas when transferring chemicals.

Chemical Manipulation
Use chemical fume hoods to control exposure as chemicals are transferred. Use chemical fume hoods to control exposure during the experiment. Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (chemical splash goggles, gloves, etc.). Have disposal containers ready ahead of time.

Chemical Disposal & Recycling

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Chemical Hygiene Plan Objectives

Reduce number of lab accidents Achieve OSHA compliance

What categories of chemicals are is use?

Purpose and Policy

Purpose: Ensure that the hazards are evaluated Convey information to employees Policy: Everyone is entitled to a safe and healthy place to work, and Everyone has a right to know what you may be exposed to and how to protect yourself

Employer Responsibilities
Develop and implement a written Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) Inventory all hazardous materials on campus and acquire all necessary Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) Identify hazards by labeling chemicals using MSDSs Train employees on physical and health hazards and protective measures Provide medical monitoring for employees

Employee Responsibilities
Follow all procedures and policies relating to chemicals and follow appropriate laboratory procedures and rules as outlined in the Chemical Hygiene Plan Refrain from operations without proper instruction and/or authorization Seek out and request information Wear appropriate protective equipment Report accidents and near-misses immediately, even minor injuries or exposures

Administrative Controls
Assign a Chemical Hygiene Officer
Manager of Environmental Health and Safety

Ensure lab supervisors know their responsibilities under the Chemical Hygiene Plan

Specific Standard Operating Procedures

Lab employees write them Specific to each experimental procedure No required format Required content:
Hazard controls Personal protective equipment Health & safety information Decontamination & waste disposal procedures

Engineering Controls
Fume Hoods Biosafety Cabinets Substitution

Other Control Measures

Protective Equipment
Respirators, goggles, gloves, lab coats

Safety Equipment
Safety showers, eyewashes, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, explosionproof refrigerators

Laboratory Maintenance and Inspection

Safety inspections, fume hood condition, chemical storage, spill kits, etc.

Exposure Assessments
Initial monitoring with:
Signs or symptoms of overexposure You suspect exposure limits have been exceeded

Periodic monitoring:
Determined & carried out by EHS Dept.

Regulated Waste Management

Wastes Considered
Non-Hazardous Hazardous Liquid Industrial Universal

Hazardous Chemical Inventories

An inventory of hazardous chemicals is required for each lab

Hazardous Chemicals Locations On Campus May Include:

Hazardous Chemicals In Laboratories May Consist Of:

Corrosives - Nitric Acid Oxidizers - Silver Nitrate General Organic Compounds - Aniline Caustics - Calcium Oxide Reactive Metals - Sodium Explosive Anhydrides and Anhydrous Compounds Sodium Peroxide Ketones - Acetone Poisons - Potassium Cyanide General Inorganic Compounds - Calcium Carbide Flammable Metals Magnesium Flammables - Ethanol, Butanol, Ethyl Ether Carcinogens Formaldehyde

Labels - Basics
Identity of the hazardous chemical(s) Appropriate hazard warnings Name, address, and emergency telephone number of the chemical manufacturer or other responsible party

Labels - Other Information

Appropriate protective equipment Carcinogenicity warning if applicable Signal word - Danger!, Warning!, or Caution! Statement of hazard Instructions in case of contact or exposure First-Aid or antidote Instructions in case of fire, spill, or leak Instructions for container handling and storage Never remove label, and if transferred to a secondary container, label it with appropriate information - chemical name, etc.

HMIS Label - Example Secondary Labeling System

HMIS Label - Example Secondary Labeling System

CARCINOGEN

Labels- Symbols and Pictures

Labels - Example
Plate-X Gold Plating Solution

DANGER !
May be harmful or fatal if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.

Do not breathe vapor or mist. Do not get into eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Exposure may cause weakness, headache cyanosis, loss of , consciousness, respiratory arrest, or death. Target organs - blood, metabolic enzymes, skin, lungs. Physicians - treat exposed victims for cyanide poisoning. Refer to Material Safety Data Sheet for additional Information.
ABC Chemical Company 1 1Hazard Drive 1 Anywhere, NY 11111 1 1 1 -1 1 1 -1 1 1 1

Material Safety Data Sheets

(MSDSs)
Chemical document put out by manufacturer detailing physical and health hazards One for every hazardous chemical on campus Master file located in EHS Dept. Review before working with any chemical

Information on MSDSs
Identity and date of preparation Manufacturers name, address, and telephone number Hazardous ingredients Physical and chemical properties - flash pt., appearance and odor, etc.

Information on MSDSs
Control measures Physical hazards Routes of entry into body Acute and chronic health effects Carcinogenicity Handling and storage precautions

Fire Prevention
The best method of fire fighting is taking precautions to prevent one from occurring in the first place and being prepared if a fire in the lab should occur. Ways to prevent fires are: Have good housekeeping practices. Use the smallest amount of flammable solvents possible. Keep the flammable solvents away from ignition sources. Store flammables in a flammable storage cabinet

This is a photo of a lab fire that occurred due to improperly stored chemicals

Fire Procedure
If and when a fire should occur dont panic, just simply: Alert the people around you to evacuate the lab and activate the fire alarm. If the fire is large or you do not feel comfortable trying to extinguish it, GET OUT, and let the professionals do their job. If it is a small controllable fire, either smother the fire or use the correct fire extinguisher associated with the type of fire. If trying to extinguish the fire always stay on the exit side of the fire. Report the incident to the appropriate supervisors.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is not required just because it makes you look GOOFY. It is there to give you added protection against any accidents that may occur while working in the lab There are several different types of PPE but you should always wear what is appropriate for your lab. Safety Glasses or Chemical Goggles Lab Coat or Apron Gloves

Safety Glasses and Chemical Goggles

Safety glasses and chemical goggles are not the same thing! Safety glasses protect your eyes from any type of flying debris. Chemical goggles can protect your eyes from flying debris. They also keep vapors, dust, and splashed chemicals from getting into your eyes. All eye protection must be ANSI approved ( Z87.1 is stamped on the sidebar of ANSI approved eyewear). If your prescription eyewear is not ANSI approved, then approved safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield must be worn over them.

Gloves
When necessary gloves are a crucial component in keeping the chemicals away from your skin. But be careful! Just because you have gloves on doesnt mean youre safe. Choose gloves that provide the proper protection and limit the time you are in contact with the chemical. It is always a good idea to frequently change out your gloves when working with hazardous chemicals.

Fume Hoods
Fume Hoods are an essential component in the lab when it comes to protecting yourself from potentially harmful fumes. How does a fume hood work? A fume hood simply draws air from the room into the hood where it mixes and dilutes the potentially harmful fumes and then vents into the atmosphere.

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In order for fume hoods to work properly certain procedures need to be followed. Reduce the amount of movement around the front of the hood. Any movements can disrupt the air flow. Keep the front sash at or below the safe sashopening marker.

Electrical & Physical Hazards

Electrical and Physical Hazards are present in every lab, but in order to control them it is good to know what they are and where they are located in a lab. Stay alert and always keep in mind where these hazards exist. Good housekeeping practices also play a role in preventing these hazards.

General Laboratory Rules

No open toed shoes or flip-flops. No shorts or loose fitting clothes. No loose long hair (must be pulled back into ponytail). Know about the chemicals and hazards associated with your laboratory. Know what to do in emergency situations. Know how to read and interpret MSDSs.

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Wear personal protective equipment, as appropriate. Never work alone in the laboratory. Do not eat, drink, or use tobacco products in the laboratory. Keep lab doors closed. Hallways, corridors, and exit ways must be kept clear. Do not locate (even temporarily) laboratory equipment or supplies in these areas.

The OSHA Laboratory Standard

The OSHA Laboratory Standard, found at 29 CFR 1910.1450, sets forth, as law, rules for EMPLOYERS engaged in laboratory use of hazardous chemicals (definition coming up). Their definition of lab use is not completely intuitive, and must be carefully considered before a particular workplace may be considered as involving laboratory use. Quite a bit of the chemical use and handling here at the University, even in academic departments, is NOT laboratory use, and is therefore subject to a different set of rules. Maintenance shops, glassblowing, Stores, teaching prep and demo facilities, instrumentation facilities.... (PS "chemicals" includes formulations such as paints, inks, cleaning agents, solder and flux, pump oil.....)

The OSHA Laboratory Standard

The OSHA Lab Standard, a regulation written espeically for laboratories (but not the only regulation applying to lab) defines " laboratory use of hazardous chemicals," and sets forth exactly what an employer is required to do about protecting against occupational chemical exposure. Most of it centers on the requirements for an employer-written policy document, called the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP).

Laboratory use
"Laboratory use of hazardous chemicals" means handling or use of such chemicals in which all of the following conditions are met: (i) Chemical manipulations are carried out on a " laboratory scale; (ii) Multiple chemical procedures or chemicals are used; (iii) The procedures involved are not part of a production process, nor in any way simulate a production process; and (iv) "Protective laboratory practices and equipment" are available and in common use to minimize the potential for employee exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Rules for Basic Laboratory Safety

Safety goggles must be worn at all times in the laboratory. No eating or drinking in the laboratory. Never taste or touch the laboratory chemicals. Always wash your hands before leaving the laboratory. Wear proper clothingsafety glasses, closed-toed shoes, and an apron; tie long hair back and remove all jewelry. Always follow the written directions, and never perform an unauthorized experiment. Always add acid to water. This prevents the acid from spattering.

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Point heating test tubes away from others and yourself, and heat them slowly. Never return unused chemicals to their original containers. This prevents contamination. Always use a pipette bulb or a pipetter to transfer when using a pipette. Never use your mouth. Always use a fume hood when working with toxic substances. Never inhale fumes directly. Never use an open flame near flammable liquids. Dispose of chemicals in the designated disposal site not in the sink or trash can.