general laboratory safety ver 2 - national university of ... · a laboratory glassware...

GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETYOffice of Safety, Health & EnvironmentOffice of Safety, Health & Environment

Trainer ProfileTrainer Profile

Mr. Lau Kwok SiongSenior Safety & Health ManagerSenior Safety & Health Manager

Office of Safety, Health & Environment

Tel : 6516 5406

ObjectivesObjectives

• To be aware of:• To be aware of:– Hazards in the laboratory

S f t l d l ti i th– Safety rules and regulations in the laboratory

Course OutlineCourse Outline

• Common Hazards Found in a• Common Hazards Found in a LaboratoryGl S f t• Glassware Safety

• Understanding the Types of Laboratory Signage and Hazard Symbols

• How to Wear Correct Personal Protective Equipmentq p


• Common Safety Equipment• Common Safety Equipment• Types of Laboratory Equipment &

Th i H dTheir Hazards• Type of Wastes Found in a

Laboratory• Biological, Chemical & Radioactive g ,

Wastes – Safe Handling of These Wastes


• What To Do in An Emergency?• What To Do in An Emergency?• Common Emergency Response

E i tEquipment• First Aid Kit• Common Laboratory Accidents and

Incidents

Is it safer to work in a laboratory?

Type of HazardsFound in the Laboratory

Glassware Hazards

CChemical Hazards

Biological HazardsBiological Hazards

Radiation Hazards

Physical Hazards

Can You Recognize Them?Can You Recognize Them?

BeakerErlenmeyer Flask

Graduated C li d BurettesCylinder Burettes

Can You Recognize Them?Can You Recognize Them?

Test Tubes

Petri Dishes

Pipettes Cuvettes

Common Hazards Found in a Laboratory

Glassware HazardGlassware Hazard• Cuts from damaged or broken glass.• Cuts from forcing plastic tubing, teats or rubber g p g

bungs onto glass tubing, pipettes or condensers that break.

• Cuts from broken glass and other sharp items i l di d f i di t biimproperly disposed of in ordinary waste bins.

• Cuts from flying glass due to explosion or implosion following pressurization or evacuation

• Burns from heated glass.• Poisoning following cuts by contaminated

glassware.


Gl H d P tiGlassware Hazard – Precautions• Check that all glassware is free from cracks and

flaws before use.• Use a brush and dustpan to clear up broken

glass.• Dispose of glass “sharps” in proper containers• Dispose of glass sharps in proper containers

and not in ordinary waste bins.• When fitting tubing to glassware, lubricate the

fglass with water or glycerol and soften the ends of the plastic tubing by brief immersion in hot water. Do not use excessive force.


Glassware Hazard – Precautions• When removing tubing, use a sharp knife to cut

off tubing that does not yield to gentle pressure.• Take care with hot glass (which looks the same

as cool glass) Place hot glass where no one canas cool glass). Place hot glass where no one can accidentally come in contact with it before it was cooled.

• Glassware subjected to either pressure or vacuum should be inspected carefully for flaws before use.before use.


Chemical Hazard• Risk of exposure.

A id i d i f l b• Acids – corrosive and can cause painful burns.• Bases – corrosive and can cause painful burns.• Solvents – highly flammable and is a fire hazard• Solvents – highly flammable and is a fire hazard.• Toxics – poisons, carcinogens, mutagens,

teratogens.• Routes of entry – Inhalation, Skin Absorption,

Ingestion & Injection.


Chemical HazardChemical Hazard• Acute Effect – Exposure of short duration with

large amount of chemical or highly concentrated chemicalchemical.

• Chronic Effect – Continuous or intermittent exposure extended over a long period of time with relatively low concentration.

• Localised Effect – Effect of the chemical localised on a specifc area of the bodyp y

• Systemic Effect – Entire body system and organs are affected by the exposure of the chemicalchemical.


Biological Hazard• Any material of biological origin y g g

capable of causing harm to human and its environment

• Examples: viruses, bacteria, fungi, human source material, animalhuman source material, animal source material etc


Biological Ha ard Le elsBiological Hazard Levels• BSL 1 – not known of causing disease in healthy adult

humans, and of minimal potential hazard.• BSL 2 – similar to BSL 1 and is suitable for work involving

agents of moderate potential hazard to personnel and the environment.

• BSL 3 – applicable to facilities in which work is done with indigenous or exotic agents which may cause serious or potentially lethal disease.

• BSL 4 – Work which involves dangerous and exotic agents which pose a high individual risk of aerosol-transmitted laboratory infections and life-threatening disease.


Chemical & Biological Hazard PrecautionsChemical & Biological Hazard – Precautions

• SDS of all chemical inventory in your laboratory.• Acids and bases should always be kept in fume

hood.• Keep your work area tidy and clean up any spillage

th flon the floor. • Access to the laboratory is restricted.• Perform all biological procedures carefully to

minimize the creation of splashes or aerosolsminimize the creation of splashes or aerosols.• Decontaminate work surfaces at least once a day

and after any spillages.


• Mouth pipetting is prohibited; mechanicalMouth pipetting is prohibited; mechanical pipetting devices are used.


• Always wear proper PPE.


• Eating drinking smoking handling contactEating, drinking, smoking, handling contact lenses and applying cosmetics are not permitted.


• Always wash hands after handling viable materials and animals, after removing gloves and before leaving the laboratoryand before leaving the laboratory.


• Dispose off all waste properly.


R di i H dRadiation Hazard• 2 types of radiation:

- Ionizing radiation- Non-ionizing radiation

• Ionizing radiation – Alpha and beta particles, x-rays and gamma rays

• Non ionizing radiation microwaves infrared visible• Non ionizing radiation – microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet etc

• Lead to molecular changes and form chemical species that are harmful to the chromosome materials.

• Harm can come from changes in construction and function of the cells.

• Radiation can cause early death of cell or prevention or delay of cell division or permanent modification which isdelay of cell division or permanent modification which is passed on to daughter cell.


Biological Effects of Different Radiation

Al h ti l• Alpha particles– Short range in air– Penetrate less than one tenth of a mm in human tissue– Significant internal hazard

• Beta particlesp– Energetic betas can travel a few mm in human tissue– Skin or eye hazard– Significant hazard if inhaled or ingestedSignificant hazard if inhaled or ingested


Biological Effects Different Radiation

• Gamma rays and x-rays– Highly penetrating electromagnetic radiations– If taken into the body, it presents an internal

radiation hazardI di ti th h l b d– Irradiating the whole body


Basic principles on control of contamination:contamination:

• Minimize the amount of activity being handled.Minimize the amount of activity being handled.

• Contain radioactive material (normally 2 levels).

• Wear proper PPE.


Electrical• Overload circuits

and wiring• Worn, frayed or

corroded cords to be replaced

• Poorly maintained equipment

• Entangled wires


El i l P iElectrical - Precautions• Ensure electrical leads are not weakened

by pulling and sockets and plugs are in aby pulling and sockets and plugs are in a serviceable condition.

• Electrical installation, repair and i t l b d t k bmaintenance may only be undertaken by

qualified personnel.• Static electricity can be a source ofStatic electricity can be a source of

unexpected fires and explosions when handling non-conducting combustible materialsmaterials.


Physical

• Wet floors or obstructed walkways –slips and trips

• Sharp objects – cuts and bruises• Falling objects from objects piling to g j j p g

the ceiling

Laboratory Signages&

Hazard Symbolsy

Understanding Types of Laboratory Signage

Emergency Exit SignsEmergency Exit Signs• Shows the direction

of the emergencyof the emergency exit

• In case ofIn case of emergency, evacuate towards the emergency exit


First Aid SignFirst Aid Sign• Shows the location

of the first aid kitof the first aid kit

Fire Extinguisher SignFire Extinguisher Sign• Shows the location

of the fireof the fire extinguisher


No Smoking SignNo Smoking Sign• Strictly no smoking

in the surroundingin the surrounding premises

No Open Flame Sign• Do not strike aDo not strike a

match or light a lighterg


Head Protection SignHead Protection Sign• Personnel require to

put on helmet when pentering workplace

Eye Protection Sign• Personnel require to

put on safetyput on safety glasses when entering workplaceg p


Ear Protection SignEar Protection Sign• Personnel require to

put on ear muffs or pear plugs when entering workplace

RespiratoryProtection Signg• Personnel require to

put on respiratory h t iwhen entering

workplace


Hand Protection SignHand Protection Sign• Personnel require to

put on glovesp g

Footwear ProtectionSign• Personnel require to

put on covered footwearfootwear

Understanding Types of Hazard Symbols

Biological HazardBiological Hazard• Biohazardous

materials handled in laboratory

• Biosafety level of l b tlaboratory

Radiation Hazard• Radioactive

materials handled in l blaboratory


Flammable HazardFlammable Hazard• Chemicals are

flammable• Possibility of fire• No open flames

Poison Hazard• Chemicals are• Chemicals are

poisonous• Can be fatalCan be fatal


Corrosive HazardCorrosive Hazard• Chemicals are

corrosive• Use proper PPE

when handling

Electrical HazardP ibilit f• Possibility of electrocution

Personal Protective Equipment&

Safety Equipmenty q p

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

How to Wear Correct PPE?How to Wear Correct PPE?

Laboratory CoatLaboratory Coat• Provided for

protectionp• Worn at all times in

lab areasD t ibl• Due to possible absorption and accumulation of chemicals, lab coat should not be wore outside of laboutside of lab


Eye ProtectionEye Protection• Type of eye protection

required depends on the q phazard

• Safety glasses are adequate in mostadequate in most situations

• Safety goggles are y g ggrequired if there is a danger of splashing chemicalschemicals


Eye ProtectionEye Protection• It is not

recommended that contact lenses be wore in laboratory

• Safety goggles or• Safety goggles or face shields should be wore if there is hazard of splashes of corrosive liquids or flying particlesflying particles


Foot ProtectionFoot Protection• Covered shoes

should be worn all times in laboratories

• Sandal and open-toed shoes shouldtoed shoes should not be wore because of danger of spillage of corrosive or irritating chemicals


Hand ProtectionHand Protection• Correct gloves should

be used to protect us pfrom spills and contamination

• Change gloves often• Change gloves often or immediately when notice a hole or tear

• Wash hands after removing gloves


Respiratory ProtectionRespiratory Protection• Use only when

engineering controls are g gnot sufficient to minimise exposure

• N95 95% efficiency• N95 – 95% efficiency

How to Remove GlovesHow to Remove Gloves

Common Safety EquipmentCommon Safety Equipment

• Fume Hood• Fume Hood• Explosion Proof Refrigerator• Biological Safety Cabinet• Flammable Storage Cabinetg• Acid Storage Cabinet


Fume HoodFume Hood• To keep toxic or

irritating fumes away from general lab area

• Serve as a shield between worker andbetween worker and equipment


Biological Safety CabinetBiological Safety Cabinet• Primary containment

devices in laboratory working with infectious agents

• Class I II & III Biological• Class I, II & III Biological Safety Cabinet


Flammable Storage Cabinet• Store flammable chemicals

in liquid or powder form


Acid Storage Cabinet• Store acids or corrosive

in the cabinet

Type of WastesFound in Laboratories

Type of Wastes Found in a Laboratory

Biological WastesBiological Wastes• Yellow bag with

biohazard symboly• Contains

biohazardous materials or infectiousmaterials or infectious materials

• Disposed off by p yauthorised waste collector

Safe Handling of WastesSafe Handling of Wastes

Biological WastesBiological Wastes• Wastes be placed in yellow waste

b ith bi h d b lbag with biohazardous symbol• Ensure that yellow waste bag is

properly sealed• Ensure that no sharps are p

penetrating from the bag• Use gloves when handling the bagUse gloves when handling the bag


Chemical Wastes• Found in plastic bottles p

or glass bottles• Highly dangerous• Contain toxic waste

chemical, flammable or corrosive waste chemical

• Flammable Waste are i l d i thinclude in the Laboratory.


Chemical WastesChemical Wastes• Wastes be placed in plastic bottles

l b ttlor glass bottles• Ensure that bottles are properly

sealed• Use gloves when handling the bagg g g• Hold bottles with both hands, at the

neck and bottom of bottleneck and bottom of bottle


Radioactive Wastes• Red bag with

radiation hazard symbol

• Contains radioactive• Contains radioactive materials

• Disposed off by authorised waste collector


Radioactive WastesRadioactive Wastes• Wastes be placed in red waste bag

ith di ti h d b lwith radiation hazard symbol• Ensure that red waste bag is

properly sealed• Ensure that pipettes are not p p

penetrating from the bag• Use gloves when handling the bagUse gloves when handling the bag


General WastesGeneral Wastes• Black trash bag or

white trash bag• Contains general

wastes such as waste paper waste plasticpaper, waste plastic bag

• Biological, chemical and radioactive wastes should not be dispose heredispose here

What to Do in An Emergency?• Chemical Spill• Chemical Spill• Biological Spill• Explosion• Fire

What to Do in An Emergency?

Chemical SpillChemical Spill• If you inhale vapours,

– Leave the area immediately– Inform others in the lab to leave

• If you spill chemical on yourselfIf you spill chemical on yourself– Immediately rinse the affected area with lots

of waterRemove contaminated clothing and change to– Remove contaminated clothing and change to new clothes

– Seek medical help if affected area remains red after rinsingred after rinsing


Biological SpillBiological Spill• Remove contaminated clothing and

evacuate the area• Inform other lab staff or student• Close area and let it settle


E l iExplosion• Minor explosion

– Switch off all equipmentq p– Ventilate the area– Clean up spilled chemicals– Broken glassware

• Major explosion– Evacuate the lab– Activate fire alarm or call 6874 1616 and 995 from a

safe phone– Assist any injured staff or students


FireFire• Chemical Fire

– Quickly cover the flames with a piece ofQuickly cover the flames with a piece of glassware

– If it is feasible, use a fire extinguisher to put the fire outthe fire out

– If fire is large, evacuate the lab and activate the fire alarm or call 6874 1616 and 995 from

f ha safe phone• If the fire alarm sounds, leave the room

immediately and exit the buildingimmediately and exit the building

Type of EmergencyResponse Equipment

Common Emergency Common Emergency Response Equipment

• Safety Shower

• Safety Eyewashy y

• Fire Extinguisherg

Emergency Response Equipment

Safety Shower• Accidental splash of

toxic chemical on body

• Ensure that access is• Ensure that access is not obstructed

• Adequate pressure or flow


Safety EyewashSafety Eyewash• Accidental splash of

chemical into eyes• Ensure that access is

not obstructedProtective eyewash• Protective eyewash covers are clean and intact

• Bowl and spouts are clean and free from trashtrash

• Adequate flow/pressure


Fire ExtinguisherFire Extinguisher• Three types of

extinguishers: Dry Powder, Water & Carbon Dioxide

• PASS – Pull Aim• PASS – Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

• Ensure that the fire extinguisher is not expired

• Pressure indicator is in• Pressure indicator is in the green zone

First Aid KitFirst Aid Kit

• Provision of first-aid box in every workplace• 1 Box A first-aid box for every 25 persons or less

employedp y• 1 Box B first-aid box or 2 Box A for every 50

persons employed• 1 Box C first-aid box or 2 Box B or 4 Box A for1 Box C first aid box or 2 Box B or 4 Box A for

every 100 persons employed

First Aid KitFirst Aid KitContents Box A Box B Box C

1 Individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressing 20 40 40

2 Crepe bandage 5cm 1 2 4

3 Crepe bandage 10cm 1 3 6

4 Absorbent gauze (packet of 10 pieces) 5 10 154 Absorbent gauze (packet of 10 pieces) 5 10 15

5 Hypoallergenic tape 1 1 2

6 Triangular bandages 4 4 6

7 Scissors 1 1 1

8 Safety pins 4 4 6

9 Disposable gloves (pairs) 2 2 4

10 Eye shield 2 4 6

11 Eye pad 2 4 6y p

12 Resuscitation mask (one-way) 1 1 2

13 Sterile water or saline in 100ml disposable containers (only where tap water is not available)

1 3 3

14 Torch light 1 1 114 Torch light 1 1 1

Common Laboratory Accidents & Incidents

• Slips / Trips / Falls• Cut and Laceration• Needle Stick / Splash Injury• Spills e.g. Chemical spill, Biological

spill etcsp etc• Burn e.g. chemical / Heat

AIRS ReportingAIRS Reporting

All incidents/accidents big or smallAll incidents/accidents, big or small, MUST be reported centrally to

OSHE via AIRS within 24 hours:OSHE via AIRS within 24 hours:

http://www.nus.edu.sg/osh/

Total cases reported to AIRS

222250

177

222

150

200

78

100100

150

49

0

50

02005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Accident & Incident S 2009Summary 2009

11

4615

96

15

Dangerous Occurances

Cut/ laceration

Burns (chemical/heat)

Needle stick / splash injury

Slip/trip/fall/injury due to impact

2556

Animal work injury / allergy

Failure of machinery /equipment;collapse of structuresExplosion / fire

39

Others - minor occurrence / injury

Accident / Incident Statistics 2009 b D t t2009 by Departments

70%80%90%

100%

40%50%60%70%

Post Graduate

Under Graduate

0%10%20%30% Staff

ScienceMedicineEngineeringAdmin Office, FAS

Design & Environ

DentistryBusinessRI/RCComputing

ASS, GMS, Lawnment

Faculty of Engineering

2%4% 4%

Animal Bites

Cut/ laceration

31%2%

5%4%

Dangerous Occurance

Needle stick injury

Rash, burn & respiratory issues

Slip / trip / fall / injuries due toimpact

29%

p

Explosion / fire

Failure of Machinery /Eqpt

9%

5%9%

Chemical Spill

Occupational Disease

Faculty of ScienceAnimal Bites

11%

13%

5% Cut/ laceration

Dangerous Occurance

27%

5%

Needle stick injury

Rash, burn & respiratory issues

Sli / t i / f ll / i j i d t

5%

Slip / trip / fall / injuries due toimpactExplosion / fire

Failure of Machinery /Eqpt

7%5%4%

18%

y qp

Chemical Spill

Allergy

School of Medicine

8%

5% 3%

2%Animal BitesCut/ laceration

46% 2%

0%

2%

Dangerous OccuranceNeedle stick injuryRash, burn & respiratory issuesSlip / trip / fall / injuries due to impact

5%

Explosion / fireFailure of Machinery /EqptChemical SpillOccupational Disease Allergy6%

21%

Allergy

Q & AQ & A

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