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Slide 2 West Virginia University Laboratory Training Module 3. General Laboratory Safety Slide 3 Topics to be covered 1. Contacting the Safety Department 2. Incident Reporting 3. Electrical Safety 4. Laser Safety 5. Centrifuge Safety 6. Housekeeping 7. Personal Protective Equipment 8. Cryogenic Liquids Slide 4 1. Contacting the Safety Department The Health Sciences Center Safety Department is located at g139 of the Health Sciences Center. The Health Sciences Center Safety Department is located at g139 of the Health Sciences Center. If at any time you feel there is any type of safety related issue please contact the safety department If at any time you feel there is any type of safety related issue please contact the safety department Slide 5 2. Incident/injury Reporting Incident reporting is the most effective way for the safety department to gage the effectiveness of its safety program. Therefore, by reporting all incidents no matter how insignificant they may seem will aid the safety department in ensuring a safe working environment for you and your coworkers. Incident reporting is the most effective way for the safety department to gage the effectiveness of its safety program. Therefore, by reporting all incidents no matter how insignificant they may seem will aid the safety department in ensuring a safe working environment for you and your coworkers. Slide 6 Hurt at Work You've carefully thought out all the angles. Hurt at Work You've carefully thought out all the angles. You've done it a thousand times. It comes naturally to you. You know what you're doing, its what you've been trained to do your whole life. Nothing could possibly go wrong, right ? Slide 7 Think Again! Slide 8 How do I report an Incident/Injury? Supervisors or Principal Investigators are responsible for completing Incident / Injury report forms. If the supervisor or principal investigator does not possess this form, one may be printed from WVUs Environmental Health and Safety home page at: http://www.wvu.edu/~ehs Supervisors or Principal Investigators are responsible for completing Incident / Injury report forms. If the supervisor or principal investigator does not possess this form, one may be printed from WVUs Environmental Health and Safety home page at: http://www.wvu.edu/~ehs Slide 9 3. Electrical Safety All areas on the West Virginia University campus at some points utilize electricity. The goal of electrical safety is to educate you on the importance of the hazards involved with electricity and the precautions and some simple rules to follow to avoid becoming a victim of those hazards. All areas on the West Virginia University campus at some points utilize electricity. The goal of electrical safety is to educate you on the importance of the hazards involved with electricity and the precautions and some simple rules to follow to avoid becoming a victim of those hazards. Slide 10 Hazards: The hazards associated with electricity come from the direct contact that results in current flow through an inappropriate conductor, the human body, or from excessive heating by current flow through a conductor with a greater resistance than expected. In basic terms the hazards are electrocution or fire. Most electrical accidents result from unsafe equipment, unsafe environment, and unsafe work practices. The hazards associated with electricity come from the direct contact that results in current flow through an inappropriate conductor, the human body, or from excessive heating by current flow through a conductor with a greater resistance than expected. In basic terms the hazards are electrocution or fire. Most electrical accidents result from unsafe equipment, unsafe environment, and unsafe work practices. Slide 11 Shock and Electrocution: Direct contact with electricity can cause electric shocks that can result in death by electrocution. The human body is a good conductor and when the body is exposed to electric current the muscles and nerves of the human body are electrically stimulated. The muscles will attempt to contract at the same frequency as the electric current. The muscle of the diaphragm will clamp and you will stop breathing and the heart will go into fibrillation and stop beating. Death is most likely to occur in the 100 to 300 mA current range. Direct contact with electricity can cause electric shocks that can result in death by electrocution. The human body is a good conductor and when the body is exposed to electric current the muscles and nerves of the human body are electrically stimulated. The muscles will attempt to contract at the same frequency as the electric current. The muscle of the diaphragm will clamp and you will stop breathing and the heart will go into fibrillation and stop beating. Death is most likely to occur in the 100 to 300 mA current range. Slide 12 Effects of electric current in the human body Below 1 milliampereNot perceptible. Below 1 milliampereNot perceptible. 1mATingle. 1mATingle. 5mASlight Shock. 5mASlight Shock. 6-25mA womenPainful Shock and Let- go range. 6-25mA womenPainful Shock and Let- go range. 9-30mA menLet-go range (Individual cannot let go). 9-30mA menLet-go range (Individual cannot let go). 50-150mAExtreme pain, Death possible. 50-150mAExtreme pain, Death possible. 1000-4300mADeath Likely. 1000-4300mADeath Likely. 10,000mACardiac arrest, Death. 10,000mACardiac arrest, Death. Slide 13 Electrical Fires: The most common cause of laboratory fire is worn or damaged power cords. An exposed cord can burn or heat objects in contact with them to their flash point. The most common cause of laboratory fire is worn or damaged power cords. An exposed cord can burn or heat objects in contact with them to their flash point. Slide 14 Electrical Fire Prevention Take the time to do it right the first time Take the time to do it right the first time When needed request electrical repairs and changes that are necessary When needed request electrical repairs and changes that are necessary Never try to fix electrical equipment. Never try to fix electrical equipment. Keep water and electricity separated Keep water and electricity separated Do not stretch electrical cords across aisles or doorways. Do not stretch electrical cords across aisles or doorways. Do not use extension cords as a substitute for wiring additions or changes. Do not use extension cords as a substitute for wiring additions or changes. Do not use electrical equipment that has worn or damaged power cords. Do not use electrical equipment that has worn or damaged power cords. Slide 15 Electrical Fire Prevention FUSES: Before removing any fuse from a circuit, be sure the switch for the circuit is open or disconnected. When removing fuses, use an approved fuse puller and break contact on the hot side of the circuit first. When replacing fuses, install the fuse first into the load side of the fuse clip, then into the line side. FUSES: Before removing any fuse from a circuit, be sure the switch for the circuit is open or disconnected. When removing fuses, use an approved fuse puller and break contact on the hot side of the circuit first. When replacing fuses, install the fuse first into the load side of the fuse clip, then into the line side. Lockout/Tagout Electrical power must be removed when electrical equipment is inspected, serviced, or repaired. To ensure the safety of personnel working with the equipment, power is removed and the equipment must be locked out and tagged out. Lockout/Tagout Electrical power must be removed when electrical equipment is inspected, serviced, or repaired. To ensure the safety of personnel working with the equipment, power is removed and the equipment must be locked out and tagged out. Slide 16 Personal Protective Equipment: Employees who work directly with electricity should use the personal protective equipment required for the job which may include rubber insulating, gloves, hoods, sleeves, matting, blankets, line hose, and industrial protective helmets. Employees who work directly with electricity should use the personal protective equipment required for the job which may include rubber insulating, gloves, hoods, sleeves, matting, blankets, line hose, and industrial protective helmets. Slide 17 4. Laser Safety A laser should be isolated from areas where the uninformed and curious would be attracted by its operations. Doors should be closed or locked to keep out unqualified personnel. Signs should be posted to keep out unqualified persons.A laser should be isolated from areas where the uninformed and curious would be attracted by its operations. Doors should be closed or locked to keep out unqualified personnel. Signs should be posted to keep out unqualified persons. Slide 18 Work Area Safety Practices The illumination in the area should be as bright as practicable in order to constrict the eye pupils of users. The illumination in the area should be as bright as practicable in order to constrict the eye pupils of users. The laser should be set up so that the beam path is above or below normal eye level (below 4.5ft or above 6.5ft.). The laser should be set up so that the beam path is above or below normal eye level (below 4.5ft or above 6.5ft.). Where practical, the laser system or beam should be enclosed to prevent accidental exposure to the beam. Where practical, the laser system or beam should be enclosed to prevent accidental exposure to the beam. The potential for specular reflections should be minimized by shields and by removal of all unnecessary shiny surfaces. The potential for specular reflections should be minimized by shields and by removal of all unnecessary shiny surfaces. Slide 19 Work Area Safety Practices continued: Windows to hallways or other outside areas should be provided with adequate shades or covers. Windows to hallways or other outside areas should be provided with adequate shades or covers. The main beams and reflected beams should be terminated or dumped. This is required for any accessible laser for which the MPE limit could be exceeded. The main beams and reflected beams should be terminated or dumped. This is required for any accessible laser for which the MPE limit could be exceeded. Electrical installation must meet electrical safety standards. The active laser shall not be left unattended unless it is part of the controlled environment. Electrical installation must meet electrical safety standards. The active laser shall not be left unattended unless it is part of the controlled environment. Good housekeeping should be practiced to ensure that no specular reflector is left near the beam. Good housekeeping should be practiced to ensure that no specular reflector is left near the beam. Warning devices should be installed for lasers with invisible beams to warn of operation. Warning devices should be installed for lasers with invisible beams to warn of operation. Slide 20 Laser Use Safety Practices Avoid looking into the primary beam at all times. Avoid looking into the primary beam at all times. Avoid looking at the pump source. Avoid looking at the pump source. Before operating the laser, warn all personnel and visitors of the potential hazard, and ensure all safety measures are satisfied. Before operating the laser, warn all personnel and visitors of the potential hazard, and ensure all safety measures are satisfied. Be very cautious around lasers that operate at frequencies not visible to the human eye. Be very cautious around lasers that operate at frequencies not visible to the human eye. Do not wear bright, reflective jewelry or other objects. Do not wear bright, reflective jewelry or other objects. Use proper eye protection when working with a Class III, or Class IV laser. Use proper eye protection when working with a Class III, or Class IV laser. Clothing such as gloves and covers for the forearms may be required to protect the skin if laser intensity and wavelength warrant such protection. Clothing such as gloves and covers for the forearms may be required to protect the skin if laser intensity and wavelength warrant such protection. Slide 21 5. Centrifuge Safety Always inspect the centrifuge prior to use. This will ensure that you are not harmed and equipment is not damaged. Always inspect the centrifuge prior to use. This will ensure that you are not harmed and equipment is not damaged. Always follow the manufacturers instructions for operation and maintenance. Always follow the manufacturers instructions for operation and maintenance. Slide 22 Centrifuge Safe Operating Procedures Lids shall be closed at all times during operation. Lids shall be closed at all times during operation. The operator shall not leave the centrifuge until full operating speed is attained and machine appears to be running safely without vibration. The operator shall not leave the centrifuge until full operating speed is attained and machine appears to be running safely without vibration. If vibration occurs the centrifuge should be stopped immediately and load balances checked. Swing-out buckets should be checked for clearance and support. If vibration occurs the centrifuge should be stopped immediately and load balances checked. Swing-out buckets should be checked for clearance and support. Rooms where potentially hazardous biological, radioactive materials, toxic or other hazardous chemicals are centrifuged must be identified by the appropriate warning signs. Rooms where potentially hazardous biological, radioactive materials, toxic or other hazardous chemicals are centrifuged must be identified by the appropriate warning signs. Slide 23 Centrifuge Safe Operating Procedures Continued: Plastic centrifuge tubes should be discarded after one cycle of ultracentrifugation. Plastic centrifuge tubes should be discarded after one cycle of ultracentrifugation. Nitrocellulose tubes should be used only when transparent and flexible (fresh). They must never be heated because of explosive possibility. Nitrocellulose tubes should be used only when transparent and flexible (fresh). They must never be heated because of explosive possibility. Rotors and cups should be cleaned and disinfected after each use with non-corrosive cleaning solutions (mild detergent and distilled water are recommended). Test tube brushes must not be used for cleaning the cup cavities. All traces of detergents should be removed prior to air drying. Rotors and cups should be cleaned and disinfected after each use with non-corrosive cleaning solutions (mild detergent and distilled water are recommended). Test tube brushes must not be used for cleaning the cup cavities. All traces of detergents should be removed prior to air drying. Slide 24 6. Housekeeping By maintaining a neat, orderly work area, you will greatly reduce hazards in the lab. By maintaining a neat, orderly work area, you will greatly reduce hazards in the lab. Slide 25 Good Housekeeping Practices Put items back where they originated from promptly when you are done using them. Put items back where they originated from promptly when you are done using them. Stay organized! Do not let papers and materials accumulate. Stay organized! Do not let papers and materials accumulate. Maintain clean counters and floors. Maintain clean counters and floors. Slide 26 Lab Hygiene There is a definite relationship between housekeeping and safety! Slide 27 Lab Hygiene Individual Items to Look For: 1.Excessive amounts of chemicals in work areas - Hoods and bench tops. 2. Old, outdated, unused equipment and chemicals cluttering up the work area 3. Floor Storage 4. Blocked exits / equipment / controls 5. Visual assessment of hoods and other safety equipment 6. Are special hazards marked? Slide 28 7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Anything that is used to protect a person from exposure Anything that is used to protect a person from exposure Latex or Nitrile gloves, goggles, CPR mouth barriers, aprons, respirators Latex or Nitrile gloves, goggles, CPR mouth barriers, aprons, respirators Slide 29 PPE Rules to Remember Always check PPE for defects or tears before using Always check PPE for defects or tears before using If PPE becomes torn or defective remove and get new If PPE becomes torn or defective remove and get new Remove PPE before leaving a contaminated area Remove PPE before leaving a contaminated area Do not reuse disposable equipment Do not reuse disposable equipment Slide 30 8. Cryogenic Liquids Because of the extremely low temperatures of cryogenic liquids and their vapors, direct skin or eye contact can result in severe damage to tissues similar to burn injuries. Because of the extremely low temperatures of cryogenic liquids and their vapors, direct skin or eye contact can result in severe damage to tissues similar to burn injuries. Slide 31 Handling Procedures for Cryogenic Liquids Face shield and/or safety goggles to protect eyes. Face shield and/or safety goggles to protect eyes. Suitable dry gloves to protect hands. Gloves should be loose fitting so that quick removal is possible if liquid should splash into them. Even with gloves, contact with cold liquids should be for a very brief time. Suitable dry gloves to protect hands. Gloves should be loose fitting so that quick removal is possible if liquid should splash into them. Even with gloves, contact with cold liquids should be for a very brief time. Suggested protective clothing may consist of, depending on hazard, rubber aprons, overalls without pockets or cuffs, and hightop shoes to protect against skin contact in the event of a splash or spill. Suggested protective clothing may consist of, depending on hazard, rubber aprons, overalls without pockets or cuffs, and hightop shoes to protect against skin contact in the event of a splash or spill. Slide 32 Cryogenic Liquid Ventilation Cryogenic liquids should be stored and handled in well- ventilated areas to prevent excessive buildup of gas concentration. These should never be used in closed environmental chambers. Cryogenic liquids should be stored and handled in well- ventilated areas to prevent excessive buildup of gas concentration. These should never be used in closed environmental chambers. Slide 33 Transfer of cryogenic liquids from storage vessel Attach a 1 to 3 foot length suitable hose that has a phase separator in place to the control valve located on the top of the storage vessel. Attach a 1 to 3 foot length suitable hose that has a phase separator in place to the control valve located on the top of the storage vessel. All transfers must be made into an appropriate container. Any funnels used must be stainless steel. If the receptacle is glass, it should be shielded to protect the person making the transfer from possible implosive fragmentation of the flask. All transfers must be made into an appropriate container. Any funnels used must be stainless steel. If the receptacle is glass, it should be shielded to protect the person making the transfer from possible implosive fragmentation of the flask. Slide 34 Transfer of Cryogenic Liquids from Storage Vessel continued: Do Not Use A Household Thermos. They are not designed for holding cryogenic liquids and will fail. Do Not Use A Household Thermos. They are not designed for holding cryogenic liquids and will fail. Withdraw liquid slowly at first because the interior of the flask may still be at room temperature and rapid boil off will occur. Withdraw liquid slowly at first because the interior of the flask may still be at room temperature and rapid boil off will occur. Slide 35 Disposal of Cryogenic Liquids Evaporation in a well-ventilated area, from a well-anchored and approved container is the best method of disposal of cryogenic liquids. Evaporation in a well-ventilated area, from a well-anchored and approved container is the best method of disposal of cryogenic liquids. Slide 36 Oxygen (b.p. -183oC) Oxygen can be condensed out of the air by cryogenic fluids which boil at a sufficiently low temperature (e.g. nitrogen, b.p. -195oC). For this reason care must be exercised in disposing of the final residue of an open container of liquid nitrogen since it may be oxygen rich. Oxygen can be condensed out of the air by cryogenic fluids which boil at a sufficiently low temperature (e.g. nitrogen, b.p. -195oC). For this reason care must be exercised in disposing of the final residue of an open container of liquid nitrogen since it may be oxygen rich. Slide 37 Emergency/First Aid Procedures for Cryogenic Liquids Rapidly rewarm contact area by immersion in warm water (100-110oF), with body heat, or warm air. DO NOT USE AN OPEN FLAME FOR THIS PURPOSE. (NOTE: this procedure is the opposite of the procedure for a burn injury which is to rapidly cool the contact area). Rapidly rewarm contact area by immersion in warm water (100-110oF), with body heat, or warm air. DO NOT USE AN OPEN FLAME FOR THIS PURPOSE. (NOTE: this procedure is the opposite of the procedure for a burn injury which is to rapidly cool the contact area). Do not rub or massage the affected area. Do not rub or massage the affected area. Prevent infection by cleansing with mild soap and water. Prevent infection by cleansing with mild soap and water. Notify supervisor and then proceed to the Emergency Room. Notify supervisor and then proceed to the Emergency Room. Slide 38 Hey, Jeff, wheres your lab coat and whats in the mystery beaker?