osha laboratory standard 29 cfr 1910.1450

Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

OSHA LABORATORY STANDARD

29 CFR 1910.1450

FOR TULANE LABORATORY EMPLOYEES

January, 2005


OBJECTIVES• To become familiar with the requirements of

the OSHA Laboratory Standard and components of Tulane’s Chemical Hygiene Plan

• To ensure that all individuals at risk are adequately informed about work in the laboratory, its risks, methods to protect themselves, and procedures to follow in the event of an emergency

• To become familiar with common concerns noted during laboratory inspections and with good chemical hygiene practices associated with laboratory work


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARD• The OSHA “Occupational Exposures to

Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories” Standard, or Laboratory Standard for short, requires employers to protect laboratory workers from health hazards associated with chemical exposure in the laboratory.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDOSHA DEFINITIONSLaboratory - A workplace where

relatively small quantities of hazardous chemicals are used on a non-production basis

Laboratory Scale – Containers used for reactions, transfers, and handling are small enough to be easily and safely manipulated by one person


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDDOES IT APPLY TO YOUR LAB?

• The determination of whether the OSHA Laboratory Standard applies as opposed to the OSHA General Industry Standard depends on “laboratory use” and “laboratory scale” criteria.

• Some OSHA substance specific standards require coverage to remain under that standard rather than the Lab Standard. (Example: The use of formaldehyde in labs is covered under OSHA Formaldehyde Standard rather than the OSHA Lab Standard.)

• Most Tulane labs fall under the OSHA Lab Standard.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXEMPTIONS

• Quality control laboratories connected with production processes that perform repetitive tasks are exempt from the Lab Standard.

• Uses of hazardous chemicals which provide no potential for employee exposure, such as medical labs which only use prepackaged test kits, are exempt from the Lab Standard.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDCHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN (CHP)

• A requirement of the OSHA Lab Standard is for all employers that have laboratories to develop a written Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP).

• Tulane’s CHP is located in the Laboratory Safety section of the OEHS Policies & Procedures Manual which can be found at the OEHS website, www.som.tulane.edu/oehs.

http://www.som.tulane.edu/oehs


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDCHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN (CHP)

• Tulane’s CHP is a generic plan covering the many different types of laboratories at Tulane.

• It is to be supplemented by annually updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed by laboratory supervisors/principal investigators discussing safety practices and procedures specific to the laboratory.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDCHEMICAL HYGIENE OFFICER (CHO)

• The Lab Standard also requires each employer with laboratories to appoint a Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO).

• The certified CHO for Tulane University is Pam Fatland of OEHS.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDRESPONSIBILITIES OF TULANE’S CHO

• Develop & update written CHP/ Review Laboratory Standard SOPs

• Give guidance in the procurement, use, and disposal of chemicals

• Assist in emergency planning and major cleanup activities

• Perform laboratory inspections/ audit fume hood performance


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDRESPONSIBILITIES OF TULANE’S CHO

(Continued)

• Advise in lab closeouts, renovations, or building of laboratory facilities

• Advise in monitoring of exposure levels of regulated chemicals

• Seek ways to improve the chemical hygiene program


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDRESPONSIBILITIES OF LABORATORY

SUPERVISORS/PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS• Compose and annually update

Laboratory Standard SOPs specific for their laboratories and submit to OEHS

• Provide adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for laboratory personnel

• Provide and document safety training for laboratory personnel

• Perform quarterly inspections of labs



SUPERVISORS/PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS(Continued)

• Contact OEHS if monitoring is needed, if spill occurs, if accident/injury occurs, etc.

• Ensure that facilities are adequate for experiments to be performed

• Ensure laboratory workers comply with safe chemical hygiene practices



WORKERS/TECHNICIANS

• Plan and conduct activities in accordance with Tulane’s CHP and their laboratory’s SOPs

• Develop good chemical hygiene habits


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDSTANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

• The SOPs cover specifics of the Chemical Hygiene Plan that apply to a particular laboratory.

• The SOPS must be developed by the lab supervisor/principal investigator.

• The SOPs must be updated and submitted to OEHS at least annually (usually in April/May).


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARD STANDARD OPERERATING PROCEDURES

• Guidelines for the Lab Standard’s annually updated SOPs can be found on the OEHS website, www.som.tulane.edu/oehs under the chemical safety link.

• This format may be used, or the laboratory supervisor/principal investigator may develop his own format, as long as safety procedures for the specific laboratory are documented.



OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDTRAINING & INFORMATION

• Training must be done at initial assignment and prior to new hazardous chemical/new exposure situations.

• The purpose of training is to ensure that all individuals at risk are adequately informed about the work in the laboratory, its risks, methods to protect themselves, and procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.



• It is the responsibility of the lab supervisor/principal investigator to document appropriate training & send records to OEHS.

• Training documentation forms can be found at www2.som.tulane.edu/oehs/safety/04F-oehss03.pdf

• Online quizzes at the end of this PowerPoint presentation will go directly to OEHS and will serve as training documentation for the OSHA Lab Standard presentation.



• The lab supervisor/principal investigator must also provide training on laboratory specific information such as the SOPs for the laboratory, the proper use of particular chemicals and equipment in the laboratory, the appropriate PPE for the chemicals being used, etc. (see next slide for supervisor/PI training topics).


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDTRAINING & INFORMATION TOPICS

The OSHA Lab Standard States that you must be familiar with the following:

• Methods to detect hazardous chemicals in the work area

• Signs and symptoms of exposure to chemicals

• Methods to reduce exposure• Physical & health hazards of

chemicals used in the work area• PPE and emergency procedures• CHP/SOPs and reference materials


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDTRAINING & INFORMATION TOPICS

• For information on resources where you or your supervisor/ principal investigator can find specific chemical safety information, see the OEHS PowerPoint presentations on “Sources of Chemical Safety Information” and “The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard” on the OEHS website, www.som.tulane.edu/oehs



OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL

There are three main ways to control exposure to chemicals:

• Engineering Controls (usually consists of ventilation, safety showers/eyewash units, etc.)

• Work Practices (handling, storage, housekeeping, etc.)

• Personal Protective Equipment (gloves, eye/face protection, etc.)


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL – FUME HOODS

• Before using toxic or volatile chemicals in a fume hood, adequate hood performance needs to be confirmed.

• Hoods at Tulane are required to have an alarm or airflow indicator/monitor. At the very least, use a piece of tissue to make sure the hood is exhausting.



• Typically a working fume hood should exhaust at a rate of 80-120 feet per minute face velocity.

• Report problems promptly to Facilities Services.

• DO NOT perform work with toxic or volatile chemicals if the hood is not operating properly! This is the user’s responsibility.



• For more information on proper fume hood use or biological safety cabinets, see the OEHS PowerPoint presentation on Laboratory Ventilation found on the OEHS website, www.som.tulane.edu/oehs



OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL – EYEWASHES/SHOWERS

• Eyewash fountains are required in work areas where formaldehyde, irritants, or corrosive chemicals are used and there is the potential for a splash to the eye.

• Eyewashes must be tested weekly by laboratory personnel. Showers must be tested at least annually by Facilities Services.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL – EYEWASHES/SHOWERS

• Emergency showers/eyewashes must be readily accessible, clear of obstructions, and clearly labeled.

• For more information on emergency eyewash/shower requirements, see the OEHS PowerPoint presentation on Eyewashes/Showers on the OEHS website, www.som.tulane.edu/oehs



OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL – WORK PRACTICES

• Laboratory technique is important in minimizing exposure to hazardous chemicals.

• There is no substitute for adequate planning and knowledge when using hazardous materials.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL – WORK PRACTICES

• Practice good housekeeping.• Maintain aisles and uncluttered work areas.• Properly store and handle chemicals.• Substitute less hazardous materials when

possible (such as non-mercury thermometers).

• Scale down experiments.• Use secondary containment.• Use good chemical hygiene practices.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE CONTROL – PERSONAL

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)• PPE is used as a final alternative in

the event that engineering controls and work practices do not adequately prevent exposure to chemicals.

• PPE must be adequate for the substance being handled and must be available in different sizes/styles (i.e., powdered & powder-free gloves).



PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)• A Dartmouth researcher got one drop of

dimethylmercury on her latex glove and died from the exposure. Latex was not appropriate for protection for work with dimethylmercury.

• Latex or PVC gloves are not suitable for direct contact with corrosive or highly toxic chemicals.

• Glove permeability charts are available from glove manufacturers to help you decide which type of glove is appropriate for use with different chemicals. Contact OEHS for more information or if you have questions.



PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

• Respirators require a medical evaluation and annual fit-testing.

• PPE must be inspected to make sure it is in good condition.

• Personnel must be trained on PPE, how and when to use it, how to maintain and store it, etc.



PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT• When using PPE, remember the

Infectious Disease concept of Universal Precautions – Treat ALL materials as if they are contaminated (with infectious materials, hazardous chemicals, etc.).

• Plan for the worst case scenario and be ready for an emergency.



PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)• PPE is covered in depth under the OSHA

Personal Protective Equipment and OSHA Respiratory Protection Standards. The PPE standard requires an assessment for hand, eye and face, and body protection in the work area.

• See OEHS PowerPoint presentation on personal protective equipment as well as the PPE section of the OEHS Policies and Procedures Manual at www.som.tulane.edu/oehs for more information on PPE. Contact OEHS for information on Tulane’s respiratory protection program.




PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)• In addition to wearing suitable PPE, a

laboratory worker must also dress appropriately for their work. For example, sandals/flip-flops, shorts, and tops with exposed midriffs are inappropriate attire for laboratory work with hazardous materials.



PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)• Regular prescription eyeglasses do not

take the place of safety glasses or goggles. • The American Chemical Society has

taken the position that contact lenses may be worn in the laboratory as long as appropriate eye protection such as safety glasses or goggles, as required of other workers in the laboratory, is also worn.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDLABORATORY INSPECTIONS

• OEHS annually inspects the laboratories for safety concerns.

• Supervisors/principal investigators must perform quarterly inspections and submit them to OEHS. For a generic lab quarterly inspection form, see the OEHS website www.som.tulane.edu/oehs under the chemical safety link, or you may create your own inspection form specific to your lab. Note concerns and address them with a plan of correction.



OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDLABORATORY INSPECTIONS

• Other entities such as the fire department, insurance companies, or regulatory agencies (OSHA, EPA) may also perform laboratory inspections. Contact OEHS if an outside agency inspector wants to inspect your laboratory.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE MONITORING

• Contact OEHS if there is a chemical exposure problem in your area or if you feel that chemical exposure monitoring is needed in your lab.

• Be aware of chemicals with permissible exposure limits (PELs) – levels of exposure which should not be exceeded during a normal workday. Exposures may need to be monitored if there is reason to believe that the exposure to hazardous chemicals routinely exceeds the PELs.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDEXPOSURE MONITORING

• Exposure levels may also need to be measured if a person has developed signs or symptoms of overexposure or in the event of a spill or leak.

• OEHS has industrial hygiene staff and equipment to monitor for a variety of chemicals. Notify OEHS if there is a problem such as unusual odors, spills, chemical injuries, sudden exhaust problems, greater than routine exposure to highly toxic chemicals, etc.

• Use adequate ventilation.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDPRIOR APPROVAL

• Contact OEHS for prior approval and safety advice when using high risk substances (i.e., explosives, “select” carcinogens, reproductive toxins, substances with a high degree of acute toxicity), for grant “environmental compliance” statements, or for projects with possible safety concerns.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDPRIOR APPROVAL

• Whenever high risk substances such as explosives, “select” carcinogens, reproductive toxins, or substances having a high degree of acute toxicity are used, a protocol sheet describing the project and the safety procedures/precautions that will be followed should be submitted to OEHS for review.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDPRIOR APPROVAL• Many grants require an environmental

compliance statement be signed by the OEHS Director stating the researcher is in compliance with environmental health and safety laws.

• OEHS reviews these protocols in depth, determines if the researcher is in compliance, suggests additional safety precautions that may be needed, etc.

• DO NOT wait until a grant is due to submit such protocols. It takes time to perform this review.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDTOXICS/HIGH RISK CHEMICALS

OSHA requires the following when using toxic or high risk chemicals such as allergens, embryotoxins, “select” carcinogens, toxic chemicals, etc.:

• Use only in a designated area with restricted access and warning signs posted stating the hazard (may be entire laboratory, fume hood, etc.).

• Use containment devices (such as fume hood, glove boxes, local exhaust).

• Personnel must be familiar with waste removal procedures.



OSHA requires the following when using toxic or high risk chemicals:

• Decontamination procedures must be established (such as how to clean equipment that may become contaminated).

• Emergency plans must be available in the event material spills, a splash occurs, etc.




• Records of the materials used, names of workers involved, and dates/amounts used should be kept since, in many cases, illnesses related to chemical exposure can take years to develop.




• SOPs should include specific requirements and special procedures for using toxic or high risk chemicals in the laboratory.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDMEDICAL PROGRAM

A medical evaluation is available to all Tulane employees who experience:

• Signs and symptoms of exposure to a chemical

• Exposure above the Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) on a routine basis

• A spill/leak


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDMEDICAL PROGRAM

• The employee should fill out an injury/illness form and report to Occupational Medicine at the Hospital for medical care, or to the emergency room if after regular working hours, or the employee may go to their personal physician.


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDSUPERVISOR/PI COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

This is a summary of some of the paperwork and duties required by the lab supervisor/principal investigator:

• Annual SOPs, chemical inventories submitted to OEHS

• Training documentation submitted to OEHS• Quarterly inspections and inspection response to

annual OEHS inspections submitted• PPE assessments done/PPE inspected and in good

condition• High risk chemicals documentation and usage

records kept


OSHA LABORATORY STANDARDSUPERVISOR/PI COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

This is a summary of some of the paperwork and duties required by the laboratory supervisor/principal investigator:

• Up to date door signs posted• Exposure monitoring results posted and

kept• Medical records/injury reports kept• Prior Approval protocols submitted to

OEHS for review• Fume Hood functioning before use• Weekly Eyewash Inspections performed


LABORATORY INSPECTION CONCERNS


LABORATORY INSPECTION CONCERNS

• The following slides deal with concerns noted during actual laboratory inspections or with hazards associated with laboratory work

• Be aware of similar problems in your laboratory area and correct any deficiencies

• Contact OEHS if you have questions about any of the items


HOOD CONCERNSThese concerns deal with the actual hood, exhaust, and alarm system:

• Airfoil (curved sill at front of hood) missing - can create turbulence

• Hood not working (Exhaust too high or too low)• Hood sash stuck/broken/needs repair• Interior hood panel missing or broken• Vaneometer/airflow indicator device needs

mounting or repair• No alarm/ alarm not working properly• Additional exhaust needed


HOOD CONCERNSThese concerns deal with improper work practices:

• Chemicals on front edge of hood• Large equipment in front of

hood/exhaust • Loose paper towels in hood – can be

sucked into and damage exhaust system• Hood used for chemical or equipment

storage – need room to work in hood• Work at least 6 inches inside hood


HOOD CONCERNSThese concerns deal with proper use of a fume hood and knowing its limitations:

• Filter in countertop unit needs replacement

• Perchloric acid used in regular fume hood

• Biological Safety Cabinet/Walk-in Hood/Perchloric Acid Hood not properly used


HOOD CONCERNS

• For more information on fume hoods and tips for proper usage, see the OEHS PowerPoint presentation on Laboratory Ventilation found on the OEHS website, www.som.tulane.edu/oehs



CONCERNS WITH FIRE ALARMS, EXTINGUISHERS, EQUIPMENT

These concerns deal with fire extinguishers:

• Fire extinguisher/equipment blocked• Relocate/mount fire extinguisher or an

extinguisher is needed• Extinguisher needs inspection



These concerns deal with fire equipment:

• Emergency light or strobe blocked or needed

• Smoke detector needs to be secured or is damaged

• Exit sign needed or not illuminated• Door closure needs adjustment



These concerns deal with improper work practices:

• Storage within 18 inches of sprinkler heads – prevents proper operation of automatic sprinkler system

• Exit locked or blocked


EYEWASHES/DRENCH HOSES/SHOWER CONCERNS

These concerns deal with the equipment itself:

• Eyewash needs adjusting/ not working• Eyewash/shower needed• Shower handle too high or missing, cover

plate coming off• Drench hose handle missing/ needs repair• Eyewash needs caps for nozzles


EYEWASHES/DRENCH HOSES/SHOWER CONCERNS

These concerns deal with work practices as well as awareness of equipment limitations:

• Access to eyewash, drench hose, shower, or sink blocked

• Plastic personal eyewash bottle in laboratory as opposed to plumbed eyewash unit (these plastic bottles are not recommended for laboratories – not enough water is provided to properly wash the eyes)


SIGNAGE CONCERNSThese concerns deal with labeling of doors and equipment:

• Door sign needed/ changes needed• Eyewash, refrigerator, equipment labels

needed • Signage needs mounting• Signage blocked or unreadable


CHEMICAL STORAGE CONCERNSThese concerns deal with gas cylinders:

• Gas cylinders improperly secured or not secured at all

• Gas cylinders are missing caps• Excess lecture bottles


CHEMICAL STORAGE CONCERNSThese concerns deal with flammable liquid storage cabinets and

flammable liquid storage in a laboratory setting:

• Unlatched flammable cabinet or flammable cabinet not closing properly

• Flammable cabinet blocked or unsteady• Greater than 10 gallons of flammable

liquids are stored outside of a flammable cabinet

• Improper grounding or bonding• 5 gal or 55 gal containers used


CHEMICAL STORAGE CONCERNSThese concerns deal with chemical storage:

• Chemicals are stored directly on the floor• Incompatible chemicals are stored together; evidence

of corroding containers or cabinets• Old or undated ether (or other peroxide forming

chemical) found in lab• Improperly labeled or unlabeled containers (includes

squeeze/wash bottles)• Uncapped containers• Improper chemical or glassware storage (could fall, lip

needed on storage shelf, needs lock & key)


CHEMICAL STORAGE CONCERNSThese concerns deal with chemical disposal issues:

• Evidence of improper chemical disposal• Disposal of chemicals needed• Waste chemicals not properly labeled or

not capped


REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER CONCERNS

• Flammables stored in improper refrigerator or freezer

• Refrigerator or freezer needs defrosting or cleaning

• Food or beverages found in refrigerator, freezer, or cold room

• Door gasket needs replacing or cleaning


EATING/DRINKING/SMOKING/LABORATORY ATTIRE CONCERNS

• Evidence of eating, drinking, or smoking in lab

• Improper laboratory attire (Shorts, sandals, etc.)


EQUIPMENT/ELECTRICAL CONCERNS

These concerns deal with equipment:

• Equipment needs to be repaired or discarded

• Unguarded equipment or improper guarding

• Improper storage• Tagged “out of service” equipment in use



These concerns deal with lighting and electrical covers:

• Electrical covers missing or broken; light covers missing

• Lights not working• Exit signs or emergency lighting needed



These deal with electrical concerns:

• Electrical panels are blocked• Cheater plugs are in use, or items are not

plugged in properly• Improper multi-outlet strip or outlet

usage• Improper extension cord usage• Electrical cords through doorways or

walls or under carpets



These concerns deal with heating, electrical shock prevention, and equipment that protects drinking water:

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), vacuum breaker, serrated tip faucet needed

• Space heater in lab• Heat producing equipment left on and

unattended


HOUSEKEEPING AND RELATED CONCERNS

• Poor housekeeping observed • Paper pads on counters need replacement• Combustible storage (boxes, cardboard) needs

removal• Trash needs removal• Maintain aisles and exits• Slip/trip hazards (cords, floor tiles, etc.)• Evidence of a spilled chemical



• Mold growth, ceiling needs repair, tiles stained or missing

• Peeling paint, rust, stains• Ventilation blocked, dirty, or improper• Poor condition tubing or improper

Bunsen burner use



• Doors not latching properly• Holes in walls need repair• Hall storage


BIOHAZARDS/SHARPS CONCERNS

• Unsecured sharps (needles, razor blades, scalpels, etc.)

• Improper trash can, waste bag, sharps container

• Sharps container not upright or missing top• Glass box, biohazard box, sharps container

needs disposal (dispose of when 2/3rds full)• Broken glassware needs to be discarded


PPE CONCERNS

• Improperly stored PPE• PPE not disposed of properly• Need to use PPE• PPE in poor condition• Verify fit-test/medical for respirator use• Verify PPE for cryogenic use


MISCELLANEOUS CONCERNS• Emergency phone labels needed• Bicycles in laboratory• Improper or broken furniture in

laboratory• Utility fixtures corroding


MISCELLANEOUS CONCERNS

• Prohibited animal (personal pet) in lab• Improper railing• Toe-board or guard rail needed


BUILDING BLOCKS OF LABORATORY SAFETY

• Right Attitude• Safety Education• Communication• Equipment• Vigilance• Coordination• Alternatives• Avoid Complacency



• Make safety a top priority.• Make safety information available and accessible

(MSDSs, product literature, etc.).• Use equipment appropriate for the task.• Be watchful during experiments – be ready for

unexpected events• Substitute less hazardous substances when

possible, or use other methods such as robotics



• Avoid close calls and doing something “just this once”

• Do not procrastinate (get equipment repaired, buy needed PPE, etc.)


CHEMICAL SHIPMENTSTreat chemical shipments with care and caution:

• Read labels/paperwork/documents before opening• Visually inspect shipments for indications of

damage; look for leaks, wet stained areas, sounds associated with breakage, lingering aromas

• Open possibly damaged shipments in a hood with trained staff wearing proper PPE

• Know who to notify and what to do in an emergency


CHEMICAL STORAGE TIPS• Minimize purchases; order and store only what is

needed• Avoid storing chemicals on the floor and in fume hoods;

practice good housekeeping• Use shelves with lips & flammable cabinets if available• Use secondary containment to minimize spills• Segregate by hazard class (acids separate from bases,

oxidizers separate from flammables)• Inventory periodically to weed out deteriorating or

unneeded chemicals


REFRIGERATORSKnow the difference and the limitations:

• Explosion-proof- designed to operate in hazardous flammable or explosive atmospheres

• Explosion-safe (or laboratory-safe)- designed for storage of flammable materials (Ignition sources such as lights, door switches, thermostats, and exposed electrical components and circuitry are removed from interior chamber; external components such as compressors, wiring, circuitry, and controls are located at the top of the refrigerator to minimize ignition from vapors heavier than air)

• Household- not designed for laboratory use (Vapors can build up and possibly ignite)


LABORATORY/STUDIO CLOSE-OUT POLICY

• Policy designed to ensure laboratories/art studios are left in a safe condition when vacating or renovating the laboratory/studio

• Procedures include making provisions for hazardous chemicals, biologicals, sharps, cylinders, radioactive materials, and equipment such as fume hoods or biological safety cabinets

• Must notify OEHS of plans (Notification Letter)• Must certify that hazardous materials have been properly

removed and that the area has been decontaminated before area can be renovated or re-occupied (Pre-Close-Out Certification)

• Also includes Move-in reminders and tips


LABORATORY/STUDIO CLOSE-OUT POLICY

• For details on Tulane’s Laboratory/Studio Close-out Policy, see Laboratory Safety section of OEHS Policies and Procedures Manual which can be found at the OEHS website, www.som.tulane.edu/oehs or contact OEHS



UNATTENDED EXPERIMENTSUnattended experiments often lead to incidents requiring emergency response:

• Unattended experiments are discouraged• Plan for the unexpected• If necessary, design experiment to prevent the

release of hazardous substances in the event of interruptions in utility services such as electricity, cooling water, and inert gas

• Leave lab lights on and post signs identifying nature of experiment, hazardous substances in use, and responsible person to contact in an emergency

• Make arrangements for other workers to periodically inspect the operation


ORGANIC PEROXIDESOrganic peroxides tend to be shock or light sensitive:

• Know the hazards specific to the chemical (MSDS)• Order only what is needed in small container sizes• Date containers when received, when opened, and

when to discard; Store properly• Use correct PPE• Routinely test for peroxides• Know what to do in an emergency; clean up spills

immediately• Dispose of properly and in a timely manner


ORGANIC PEROXIDESOrganic peroxides tend to be shock or light sensitive:

• Be especially wary of diethyl ether which is highly flammable and volatile and which may start to form peroxides as soon as 6 months from opening. Date container when it is opened and try to use or dispose of the material within 6 months of that opening date


PERCHLORIC ACIDPerchloric acid must be handled and stored properly or it can lead to explosions:

• Use perchloric acid fume hood made of proper material and designed with a washdown system

• Do not use or store organic solvents in perchloric hood• Add acid to water, not water to acid• Use full body protection: goggles, faceshield, gloves, apron• Do not mix perchloric acid waste with any other waste• Store perchloric acid away from organic acids (including

acetic acid), organic bases, and other organic or flammable materials; use secondary containment when storing


SCALE-UP OF EXPERIMENTSScaling up an experiment can lead to an explosion. Prepare for an

emergency:• Scale-up is frequently a contributing cause for

an energetic incident• As the scale of a reaction increases, the need

for more efficient heat removal is needed• Heat which cannot safely dissipate to the

surroundings may be retained in the reaction vessel leading to a rapid increase in temperature and reaction rate

• The end result is a violent reaction• Monitor temperature; provide cooling


Respect Your Chemical Hygiene Plan!

Tulane’s Policy +

SOPs Specific to Your Lab


Summary• The OSHA Laboratory Standard and Tulane’s

Chemical Hygiene Plan have many components to protect laboratory workers from health hazards associated with chemical exposure in the laboratory including: laboratory specific standard operating procedures, training requirements, inspections, exposure monitoring, medical evaluations, prior approval, and requirements for using high risk chemicals.


Summary

• A laboratory inspection is a good way to become familiar with potential hazards in the laboratory and to correct concerns before they become a major problem.

• Everyone has a responsibility when it comes to chemical safety – use good chemical hygiene practices in the laboratory and be prepared for the unexpected.


Summary• For more information on Tulane’s

Chemical Hygiene Plan and laboratory safety, see the Laboratory Safety section of the OEHS Policies and Procedures Manual, available on the OEHS website www.som.tulane.edu/oehs


Tulane UniversityOffice of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

www.som.tulane.edu/oehs Pam Fatland, Chemical Safety Manager

(504) 988-2800 / [email protected]

If unable to proceed to quiz, type the link below into your browserhttp://aurora.tcs.tulane.edu/ehs/enterssn.cfm?testnum=20

Proceed to Quiz


mailto:[email protected]

http://aurora.tcs.tulane.edu/ehs/enterssn.cfm?testnum=20

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