1 Laboratory Safety for StudentsEssentials of Laboratory Safety for Students Environmental Health and Safety

2 Laboratory Safety OverviewGeneral Laboratory Procedures Chemical Handling Procedures Personal Protective Equipment Chemical Exposure Procedures Safety Equipment Emergency Procedures

3 A Culture of Safety Safety must be important to laboratory administrators, workers, and students Safety and health must be incorporated into laboratory processes Nurture basic attitudes and habits of prudent behavior Consider the health, physical, and environmental hazards to be used Develop a culture of habitual risk assessment, planning, and considering of worst case scenarios

4 Safety Plans Chemical Hygiene Bloodborne PathogensEnvironmental and Regulatory Compliance General Safety Respiratory Protection Biosafety Hazardous Waste General and specific plans contain more detailed information and complement each other to improve the safety and health of students, faculty, and staff, and support a strong learning environment

5 Minimizing Exposures and RisksSample Risk Assessment What are the hazards? What is the worst thing that could happen? What can be done to prevent this from happening? What can be done to protect from these hazards? What should be done if something goes wrong? Identify chemicals, amounts, circumstances of experiment Evaluate hazards posed by chemicals and experimental conditions Consider scale-up reactions Select appropriate controls Engineering controls are best Administrative and work practice controls PPE where exposures remain Implement and monitor for effectiveness

6 Minimizing Exposures and RisksInformation Sources Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Laboratory Chemical Safety Summaries Chemical Hygiene Plan NIOSH Pocket Guide TOXNET Official Websites CDC NIH OSHA IARC Identify chemicals, amounts, circumstances of experiment Evaluate hazards posed by chemicals and experimental conditions Consider scale-up reactions Select appropriate controls Engineering controls are best Administrative and work practice controls PPE where exposures remain Implement and monitor for effectiveness

7 General Work ProceduresDo not work in a laboratory alone or without supervision Perform experiments or work precisely as directed by a supervisor Immediately report spills, accidents, or injuries to a supervisor Do not leave experiments unattended unless directed by a supervisor Do not remove any equipment or chemicals from the laboratory unless directed by a supervisor

8 General Lab Safety ProceduresTurn off all heating apparatus, gas valves, and water faucets not in use Make sure flammable solvents are not in the area when lighting a flame and do not leave lit burners unattended Keep electrical equipment away from liquids Properly discard all sharps Properly clean up and dispose of broken glass Be careful when handling hot glassware and apparatus in the laboratory Always clean glassware before adding any liquid or solid solutes Keep the floor clear of all objects (ice, liquids, small items, etc.) Store coats, bags, and other personal items in designated areas

9 Housekeeping Work areas shall remain clean and unclutteredPlan and organize your workspace Path to safety equipment kept clear Breaker panels require 3’ clearance Workplace is clean and sanitary Before work After work Clean, return, and properly store tools and equipment You are responsible for the condition of your lab!

10 Sharps Containers Dispose of broken glass and other sharps in appropriately labeled containers Never recap needles Broken glass receptacles will be appropriately marked and provided in laboratories Broken glass does not go in sharps containers Dispose of sharps in approved sharps containers (contact EHSRM for disposal when 3/4 full)

11 Lab Distractions Use of cell phones, MP3 or other media players, and ear buds or headphones should be avoided while working in the lab These devices can be distracting and thereby increase the potential for an accident to occur These devices can also become contaminated if working with hazardous/infectious materials

12 Chemical Handling ProceduresKnow what chemicals you are using. If you don’t know, ASK!!! Inform supervisor of known sensitivities to particular chemicals Consider all chemicals to be hazardous unless instructed otherwise Always use proper safety equipment and personal protective equipment Contain spills from the outside in and immediately notify a lab supervisor Properly dispose of chemical waste in designated containers Do NOT dispose of chemicals or chemical waste in sinks or drains

13 Chemical Storage ProceduresProperly store chemicals when not in use Store chemicals by hazard classification Securely cap and check integrity of chemical container Containers should not be stored above eye level Store heavier containers on lower level shelves Store flammable chemicals in a fire-rated cabinet

14 Hygiene Practices Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, and body while in laboratory Never bring food or drinks into a laboratory or chemical storage area Do not apply cosmetics while in a laboratory or chemical storage area Remove any protective equipment (gloves, lab coats, goggles, etc.) before leaving the laboratory WASH HANDS!! When you arrive at the laboratory After handling materials/removing gloves Before leaving the laboratory

15 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)The SDS contains information regarding the proper procedures for handling, storing, and disposing of chemical substances An SDS for all hazardous chemicals in laboratories and storage rooms is maintained in the chemical inventory database Lab supervisors are responsible for ensuring students are aware of the chemical composition, toxicity, reactivity, hazards, exposure controls, and first aid measures when handling or working with a substance Students should consult the SDS “Accidental Release Measures” prior to handling a substance SDS Contents Identification Hazards Composition First Aid Firefighting Accidental Release Handling/Storage Exposure Controls/PPE Properties Stability/Reactivity Toxicology Other Information

16 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Proper PPE Improper PPE

17 PPE Requirements PPE is mandatory in all areas where there is potential for exposure to hazards or injury ALWAYS check with your laboratory supervisor for instructions regarding specific PPE requirements as they can vary

18 Eye protection: Safety GlassesSafety glasses provide impact protection from projectiles Side shields provide additional protection from flying objects and chemical splashes Recommend not wearing contact lenses in the laboratory

19 Eye protection: GogglesGoggles provide the best protection for splashes of corrosive liquids or flying particles Use during activities such as washing glassware in an acid solution or grinding materials Can be worn over prescription glasses

20 Eye Protection: Face ShieldsWear a face shield when conducting reactions that have a potential for explosion or mixing strong caustics or acids Face shields provide frontal impact and splash protection for the face Always wear goggles with a face shield to protect the eyes from exposure

21 Hand Protection: GlovesWear gloves when handling hazardous materials or chemicals Gloves help prevent chafing, burns, cuts, dermatitis, and chemical sensitization Select appropriate gloves based on compatibility with materials and breakthrough characteristics Latex allergies can develop ALWAYS!! Inspect prior to use Wash prior to removing Remove before leaving work area

22 Hearing Protection Earplugs, muffs, and canal caps are used to reduce exposure to noise Eyeglass earpieces reduce the effectiveness of muffs Do not use headphones or ear buds as a substitute for hearing protection as this may accelerate hearing loss Use double hearing protection (earplugs and muffs) when encountering extremely high decibels or prolonged exposure to noise

23 Contact EHSRM for respirator use training and fit testingBreathing Protection Whenever possible, conduct work in paint booths or under fume hoods or exhaust fans to minimize hazards Respirators provide inhalation protection filtering out hazardous or contaminated particulates or gases Select respirator and cartridge or filter type to match possible exposure Contact EHSRM for respirator use training and fit testing

24 Skin Protection: ApparelWear long sleeve shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to protect skin Lab coats and aprons provide additional protection to skin and clothing from exposure to hazardous or infectious materials Loose clothing, jewelry, and long hair should be restrained Lab coats and aprons should be removed prior to leaving the lab

25 Chemical Exposure RoutesA chemical can enter the body through different routes These different routes of exposure and the types of exposure (acute or chronic) can affect the toxicity of the chemical The most probable (primary) route(s) of exposure to a chemical will be identified in the SDS Three principal routes of exposure include: Dermal exposure, Inhalation, and Ingestion

26 Chemical Exposure: DermalWhile intact skin is an effective barrier for many chemicals, it is a common route of exposure Organic chemicals are more likely to penetrate skin than inorganic chemicals Chemicals are absorbed much more readily through injured, chapped, or cracked skin, or needle sticks than through intact skin The toxicity of a chemical depends on the degree of absorption that occurs once it penetrates the skin Once the skin is penetrated, the chemical enters the blood stream and is carried to all parts of the body Depending on substance and length of exposure, effects of dermal exposure can range from mild temporary discomfort to permanent damage

27 Chemical Exposure: InhalationInhalation is another route of chemical exposure Unlike the skin, lung tissue is not a very protective barrier against the access of chemicals into the body and can also be damaged by chemicals Chemicals in the form of gases, vapors, mists, fumes, and dusts entering through the nose or mouth can be absorbed through the mucous membranes of the nose, trachea, bronchi, and lungs Chemicals, especially organic chemicals, enter into the blood stream quickly

28 Chemical Exposure: IngestionIngestion involves chemicals entering the body through the mouth They may also enter through contaminated objects, such as hands or food that come in contact with the mouth Chemical dusts, particles, and mists may be inhaled through the mouth and swallowed Absorption of the chemicals into the bloodstream can occur anywhere along the length of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract

29 Chemical Exposure First Aid MeasuresEye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting the upper and lower eye lids occasionally. Seek medical treatment immediately. Skin Contact: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Seek medical treatment immediately. Inhalation: Evacuate victim to fresh air immediately and request medical assistance. Ingestion: Aspiration hazard. If swallowed, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Immediately call Poison Control Center and seek medical assistance.

30 Safety Equipment: Fume HoodUse a fume hood to control exposure to toxic or flammable vapors, gases, and aerosols Keep hood sash closed when not in use Do NOT store chemicals in hoods Verify adequate airflow before beginning work Work with fume hood sash at or below the maximum height indicator Work at least 6 inches from the face of the hood If equipment must be used or stored in the hood, elevate it on blocks to allow air to flow beneath it

31 Safety Equipment: Shower / Eye WashIf chemicals come into contact with skin or eyes, immediately flush with water for at least 15 minutes Emergency Shower Eye Wash Station

32 Fire Safety Equipment Pull pin Aim at base Squeeze handleLaboratory fire blankets are designed to be wrapped around a person whose clothes are on fire Pull pin Aim at base Squeeze handle Sweep side to side Fire extinguishers should be used for fires the size of a wastebasket and typically discharge in 30 seconds

33 Emergency Procedures Know emergency contact information and reporting procedures Reference the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for material hazards, exposure controls, and first aid measures Learn location of eye-wash stations, emergency showers, and first aid kits Become familiar with emergency spill procedures and spill kit locations Learn procedures for hazardous material contamination Know the primary and alternate escape routes Learn location of fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, and fire blankets Internal Phones Emergencies 9-911 UPD x2071 EHSRM x2180

34 Chemical Spill ProceduresImmediately alert lab supervisor and others in the spill area Avoid touching, walking in, or breathing in the spill area Close all hazardous material containers Turn off flames and other ignition sources Close sashes and leave fume hoods ON Turn off electrical equipment/heating devices Contain the spill from the outside in (use spill kit) Create a barrier to the spill area and, if possible, Assist others with decontamination/first aid

35 Decontamination ProceduresCALL to request Emergency Medical Service Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting the upper and lower eye lids occasionally Skin Contact: Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes Inhalation: Evacuate victim to fresh air immediately Ingestion: Aspiration hazard. DO NOT induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

36 Laboratory Safety OverviewSafety Culture General Laboratory Procedures Chemical Handling and Storage Procedures Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Chemical Exposure and First Aid Measures Lab and Fire Safety Equipment Emergency Procedures Chemical Spill Procedures Decontamination Procedures