Western Environmental and Chemical Compliance Training

WWU Environmental Health & Safety

ContentsThis presentation contains five training modules that

regulations require individuals to have when working with hazardous chemicals and generating hazardous waste.

Chemical Hazard CommunicationLaboratory SafetyHazardous WasteStormwater ManagementChemical Security Awareness

Chemical Hazard CommunicationChemical Hazard Communication is a federal law

requiring employers to provide employees with information about chemicals before they work with them.

Western requires that this information be provided to students as well.

Sharing information about chemical hazards is done by having:Training,Safety information sheets available, and Properly labeling chemical containers.

Chemical Hazard CommunicationIn March of 2012, the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for the classification and labeling of chemicals was adopted into the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. This system is intended to standardize the way that chemicals are labeled and the way that information about chemical hazards are communicated around the world.

It is important to note that GHS will not lessen a worker’s right to information, but will result in many changes in the ways that the information is conveyed.

Information is found in Section 6 of the WWU Departmental Safety Information Book.

The information is also on the web at the EHS website under documents.

MSDS to SDSUnder GHS, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) will now

be called SDS (Safety Data Sheets).Although the same sort of chemical safety information

will be present, GHS mandates that this information will be grouped into a different format, consisting of 16 headings on every SDS.

These headings are required to be in the same order on every SDS.

Safety Data SheetsSDS’s are the most important source of information for

any chemical at Western.SDS’s must be available to all employees for review at all

times and students as well. The SDS will tell you:

What the substance looks and smells like, What it is composed of, Its dangerous properties, How to protect yourself against it, and First aid procedures if you are exposed.

Safety Data Sheets

New SDS Format1. Identification2. Hazard(s) identification3. Composition/information on

ingredients4. First-aid measures5. Fire-fighting measures6. Accidental release measures7. Handling and storage8. Exposure control/personal

protection

New SDS Format, Continued

9. Physical and chemical properties10. Stability and reactivity11. Toxicological information12. Ecological information13. Disposal considerations14. Transport information15. Regulatory information16. Other information

New SDS Format, ContinuedGHS Number System:

Section 2 of the SDS contains the GHS classification for hazard severity. The numbering system is between 1 and 4.

1 – Category of most severe hazard4 – Category of least severe hazard

*These Global Harmonized System classification numbers are NOT to be used to fill in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 704 diamond!

SDS’s may also include the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) labeling system, which provides:

Hazard Warnings & Labels

• Basic information for emergency personnel responding to a fire or spill and those planning for emergency response.

• Each color, number and symbol represent a type of hazard and severity of hazard.

Hazard Warnings & LabelsNFPA Diamond

Flammability

Health Reactive

Special Information

W - Water Reactive OX - Oxidizer

Top 3 boxes rated 0 (no hazard) to 4 (highest hazard)

From NFPA Code 704

Comparison of NFPA 704 and GHS Labels

NFPA 704 GHS

Purpose Provides basic information for emergency personnel responding to a fire or spill and those planning for emergency response.

Informs workers about the hazards in workplace under normal conditions of use and foreseeable emergencies.

Number System: NFPA Rating and OSHA’s Classification System

0-40 - least hazardous4 - most hazardous

1-41 – most severe hazard4 – least severe hazard• The Hazard category numbers

are NOT required to be on labels but are required on SDSs in Section 2.

• Numbers are used to CLASSIFY hazards to determine what label information is required.

Comparison of NFPA 704 and GHS Labels (cont.)

NFPA 704 GHS

Information Provided on Label

• Health – Blue• Flammability – Red• Instability – Yellow• Special Hazards* - White

• Product Identifier• Signal Word• Hazard Statement(s)• Pictogram(s)• Precautionary statement(s); and • Name address and phone

number of responsible party.

Health Hazards on Label

Acute (short term) health hazards only as they are more typical for emergency response applications. Chronic health effects are not covered by NFPA 704.

Acute (short term) and chronic (long term) health hazards. Both acute and chromic health effects are relevant for employees working with chemicals day after day.

GHS Labeling ElementsSignal Words

Signal words are used to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard. Signal words will be “Danger” or “Warning”.

“Danger” is used for more severe hazards“Warning” is used for less severe hazards

GHS Labeling ElementsHazard Statements

A hazard statement is assigned to a hazard class and category that describes the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical, including where appropriate, the degree of hazard.

GHS Labeling ElementsPictograms

Pictograms are visual indicators of the hazard of a chemical. These are now standardized world-wide. Examples are below

• Acute toxicity (severe) • Flammables • Self Reactives • Pyrophorics • Self-Heating

• Emits Flammable Gas • Organic Peroxides

Globally Harmonized System Label

GHS chemical labels are very similar to those before GHS.

New labels have a signal wordDanger (if applicable )

Hazard statements Fatal if swallowed

Pictogram Skull and crossbones in red

diamond

Container LabelingThe law requires that all containers, including secondary

containers, are:

• Clearly labeled as to the contents.

• Write out chemical names, no abbreviations.

• Exhibit an appropriate hazard warning such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) diamond or GHS pictograms

• List the name of the manufacturer.

Container LabelingWhat do these vessels contain?

When re-using containers, mark out labels of the previous contents.

Fabulosa is a caustic chemical cleaner that looks like a sports drink.

Container LabelingContainers filled with unidentified contents are

considered discarded wastes.If the contents are designated as hazardous waste,

and not properly disposed of, significant fines can result.All containers: tanks, drums, buckets, oil drip pans, etc., must be clearly labeled to identify their contents.

Container Labeling

What does this can contain?

Contradictory labeling can be

dangerous!

Physical Hazards of ChemicalsThe following are physical hazards associated with chemicals. Chemicals with these properties create or intensify burns, flames and/or, in some cases, explosions:

• Combustible liquids• Compressed gas• Explosive• Flammable• Organic peroxides• Peroxide formers

• Corrosive• Oxidizers• Pyrophorics• Unstable (reactives)• Water-reactive

Chemical Health HazardsChemicals can harm peoples’ health in several ways:

A carcinogen or suspected carcinogen is a substance that research has shown to be linked to a high risk of developing cancer.

A toxic substance has the potential to disrupt physical processes, such as breathing, coordination, etc.ACUTE TOXICITY

Toxic effects from a single or multiple exposure to a substance for a short period of time (less than one day)

CHRONIC TOXICITYToxic effects from repeated or seasonal exposure to a chemical substance

Chemical Health Hazards

Some chemicals and biological agents present a reproductive hazard. If you and/or your partner need specific information regarding chemical or biological

use in the workplace, please contact your faculty member or supervisor. Please consider the

Environmental Health & Safety Office a resource about fetal health in the workplace:

(360) 650-3064

How Chemicals Affect YouThe effect on your body from exposure to any

hazardous substance depends on two things: The dose (how much of the substance you were

exposed to) and The duration (how long you were exposed to the

substance)Depending on the substance, it is possible to suffer

harmful effects from a low dose over a long period of time or from a high dose over a short period of time.

If the dose and the duration are low enough, a hazardous substance may cause no negative health effects at all.

How Chemicals Affect You

How Chemicals Affect YouThe ways a substance can be introduced

to your body are called routes of entry.There are four main routes of entry:

Inhalation (the substance is breathed in), Ingestion (the substance is swallowed), Absorption (the substance passes

through the skin), Injection (the substance enters the body

through a cut or other means).

Chemical Exposure Situations If you have been exposed to a hazardous chemical, you have

to act quickly to minimize any potential damage to your body.

Wash immediately in a safety shower or eye wash after exposure for a minimum of 15 minutes.

Remove contaminated clothing.

Call 911 and notify your instructor/ supervisor.

Complete an accident report within 24 hours.

Universal Precautions

If you come across a leak or spill of a material that you cannot identify, you must assume that it is hazardous, and report it to your supervisor or call the

EHS department.

Universal PrecautionsState and local regulations require

notification immediately or within 1 hour should contaminants pose a

threat to bodies of water. Notify EHS should you come across a

spill that may go down a storm or sewer drain!

New WWU Chemical Inventory Management System

In 2012, WWU’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Department purchased access to an online chemical inventory management system called CHIMERA.

CHIMERA stands for Chemical Inventory Manager and Electronic Reporting Application and was developed by The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

CHIMERACHIMERA is an interface that enables users to access crucial chemical inventory information. This system provides easy access to reports, inventory management tools, first responder signs, and safety data sheets among other functions.

CHIMERALinks to the CHIMERA website and WWU CHIMERA manual can be found here.

For more information and to apply for access, please contact your department stockroom manager or the Environmental Health and Safety office at 650-3064.

Laboratory Safety

Personal Protective EquipmentDepartments at Western specify the personal protective equipment that is needed for each hazardous task• Follow the personal protective equipment Hazard

Assessment Certification located in Section 5 of the WWU Safety Information Book.

KNOW WHERE TO FIND YOUR PLAN WITHIN YOUR DEPARTMENT!

Hazardous Chemical Definition

“A chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees.”

Note that this is the legal definition of a hazardous chemical. The health and safety regulations are very broad and include almost every chemical.

How to Protect Yourself From Chemicals

There are THREE ways to protect yourself from exposure to chemicals:

1. Use all engineering controls Like fume hoods or exhaust vents

2. Wear Protective EquipmentLike gloves, aprons, or goggles

3. Use Protective Work PracticesLike washing hands after working with

chemicals

Personal Protective EquipmentEye Protection

Goggles are the standard to protect against chemical splash to eyes. Everyone in the lab wears them.

Required if handling corrosive liquids.Provide some protections against irritating

vapors and gases.Must be impact-resistant if used for flying

object protection.Some are vented or coated to prevent fogging.Take them off only when there are NO

chemicals present or you leave.

Personal Protective Equipment

Wear safety glasses for flying particles.Must meet specific standards for

impact resistance.Side shields or wraparounds are

required.Provides some splash protection.Will fly off face in violent reactions.

Use a face shield over safety glasses if extra face protection is need.

Eye Protection Continued

Personal Protective EquipmentSkin Protection

Gloves protect hands. Choose one that is appropriate for

the chemical. Check the SDS.Some chemicals penetrate some glove materials.Do not use latex gloves for protection from chemicals.

Laboratory coat/apron protect skinClosed toe shoes fully covering feet, no sandalsPersonal clothing covering skin adequately

Laboratory CoatsWear to protect personal clothing and skin.Coats remain in laboratory after working with highly

toxic or carcinogenic materials.Wear only coats with no chance of contamination to

offices, lunch, washrooms.Clean coats often. Use a laundry service.Disinfect or sterilize coats contaminated with human

blood or infectious agents before use.Do not launder coats with significant chemical

contamination without prior treatment.

Safety EquipmentPersonal Protective EquipmentSafety ShowerEye WashFirst Aid KitFire ExtinguisherChemical Fume Hood

Chemical Fume HoodFume Hood PurposesContain air contaminants (aerosols and vapors).Act as a shield for violent reactions or spills.

How to Work in a Fume Hood:Position your chemicals 6 inches behind the

plane of the sash.Keep the sash lowered down as far as possible.

Lab PracticesTransport chemicals only in secondary containment.Unattended operations of equipment must be approved and

identified.Refrigerate flammable liquids only in explosion-proof

refrigerators.Use of carcinogens, reproductive toxins and highly toxic agents

are only handled in areas specifically labeled and set aside for handling these materials. All personnel receive special training in the additional hazards.

Protective Work PracticesNo eating, drinking, applying

cosmetics, smoking or chewing gum.

Avoid horseplay in the lab at anytime.

ALWAYS wear eye protection when working with chemicals or glassware.

NEVER mouth pipette.

Protective Work PracticesDo not work alone with hazardous materials or

equipment creating physical hazards.If you work alone, obtain prior approval from your

department, and call University Police to let them know where you are working.

If you encounter any unsafe working condition or other safety hazard in the lab, notify the lab instructor or person in charge.

Protective Work Practices cont.

Wash hands frequently, before leaving and anytime after removing gloves.

Use good housekeeping:Wash bench top before and after

working.Put chemicals in proper storage.Remove lab coats and gloves before

leaving lab.

Hazardous Waste

Waste Management PracticesFederal and State regulations require proper

identification, management and disposal of all waste material.

Our facility routinely generates solid wastes and hazardous wastes, and must report to state and federal government agencies as to the type, amount, and status of these materials.

Any improper handling of waste material could not only harm the environment, but could result in large fines from these government agencies.

Designating Hazardous WasteWhat makes a waste dangerous or hazardous?

Corrosive

Reactive

Ignitable

• Persistent

• Toxic

Corrosive Waste • Water-based with pH ≤ 2 or ≥ 12.5

(aqueous)

• Liquid that corrodes steel > 0.25 inch per year

• Solid, mixed with water, has pH ≤ 2 or ≥ 12.5 (WA only)

Reactive Waste • Prone to violent, spontaneous change• Reacts violently with water• Forms potentially explosive mixtures with water• Gives off toxic gases when mixed with water• Cyanide or sulfide bearing waste that gives off

toxic gases• Explodes

Flammable Waste• Liquid, flash point less than 60° C

(140° F)

• Ignitable solid

• Ignitable compressed gas

• Oxidizer

Persistent WastesHalogenated Organic Compounds Compounds with fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine attached directly to a carbon atom• Chloro - • Bromo - • Fluoro -

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Chemicals that contain two or more fused benzene rings, generally have “–ene” at end of chemical name. Found in asphalt and creosote.• Anthacene• Fluorene

Toxic Waste • Mostly metals, solvents, and

pesticides.

• Poisonous• Kills fish, rats or rabbits –

(M)SDS may provide this data.

• Some examples of acutely toxic waste are potassium cyanide and osmium tetroxide.

Hazardous Waste Collection FormHazardous Waste / Surplus Collection Form can be found:

• EHS website - http://www.wwu.edu/ehs/documents_webpages/forms.shtml

• Call EHS office at x3064

Please fill out chemical mixture section with full chemical name, no abbreviations.

Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA)A location where dangerous

waste is accumulated in containers before being removed to an EHS storage area.

Example:A lab or shop that collects waste

before it is picked up by EHS staff and stored in a central location (90-day storage) until final disposal.

Satellite Accumulation Areas (SAA)Federal and State regulations for SAA’s include:

No more than 55 gallons of dangerous waste or 1 quart of acutely dangerous waste at each SAA.

SAA must be under the control of the process operator where the waste is being generated; or the area must be secured at all times.

Containers must be: completely labeled except for date, compatible with waste being stored, and closed properly to prevent leaks when not in use.

When a container is full, Western has 3 days to transport to our 90 day storage facility. Call EHS at x3064.

Hazardous Waste Labeling• All waste containers must say

“Hazardous Waste”

• All containers must have hazard identified.

• Please make sure to write out entire chemical name, no abbreviations or formulas.

• IF satellite accumulation, no date required. The date is added only when a bottle is full.

Waste BatteriesBatteries are considered universal waste,

not hazardous waste.Contact EHS for disposal of university

battery waste. Personal batteries can be disposed AS Bookstore or residence hall front desk.

Labeling requirements:“Universal Waste Batteries” must be

written on label.Accumulation start date (date first

battery is placed in container).Disposal is required 365 days from the

accumulation start date.

Waste Fluorescent LampsLike batteries, fluorescent lamps are

considered universal waste.Contact EHS for disposal of university lamp

waste. Personal lamps can be disposed at participating stations like Home Depot or Bellingham Public Library

Labeling Requirements for University Waste: “Universal Waste Lamps” must be written on

label Accumulation Start Date – (date the first lamp

placed in box or drum) Box or drum must be closed when not actively

placing lamps in container Disposal is required 365 days from the

accumulation start date

SummaryEach of us is personally responsible to make sure all

wastes are identified, stored and disposed of properly.

Nothing goes down the drain without approval.

All containers must have an appropriate label.

Batteries and fluorescent lamps have specific handling procedures.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact your supervisor or the EHS Department for assistance.

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Stormwater Management

Past issues with the WA Department of Ecology necessitate implementation of a storm water management to prevent contamination of local drainage and water bodies.

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Why do we care?“Water is the most critical resource issue of our lifetime & our children’s lifetime. The health of our waters is the principal measure of how we live on the land.”

Luna LeopoldChief Hydrologist USGS

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Sanitary vs. Storm WaterAlmost all major cities including

Bellingham treat sanitary wastewater before discharging it.

In contrast, most storm water is discharged without treatment.

At Western, storm water on part of the south campus receives detention and bio-filtration treatment but the north campus flows directly to Bellingham Bay.

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Surface Runoff Before and After Development

Before development almost all rainfall is taken up by plants, evaporates or infiltrates through the ground. After conventional development, surface runoff increases significantly while evaporation and infiltration into theground decrease.

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Ground as a FilterGround acts as a filter for

sediments and many other potential contaminants, trapping them before they can reach our natural waters.

This filtration protects aquatic organisms, fish and our drinking water.

Tap water and sediments can be discharged onto lawns and other planted areas.

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Impacts to Aquatic Environment• Decrease Food-Chain

Organisms• Impair Feeding• Clog Gills• Reduce Photosynthesis• Diminished Spawning• Smothered Eggs and Fry

Sediments Stress Fish!Chlorine in Potable Water Stresses Fish!

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Western’s Pollutant SourcesRunoff from parking lots –

heavy metals, petroleum products and fine particles

Potable water dischargesSediments from poor

erosion controlSanitary sewer breaksOther illicit discharges

Storm Drain

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Pollutant Control Measures

Scoop the Poop! – Pick up your dog waste, place it in the garbage and wash your hands.

Use less hazardous cleaning solutions – Whenever possible use natural cleaning products.

What can you do to at home to control pollutants entering our waterway?

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Pollutant Control MeasuresDrip-free cars – Contain oil

leaks that you know about until you can get your vehicle fixed.

Clean cars – If you must wash your car at home, wash it on the grass, gravel or other permeable surface and use biodegradable soaps.

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Stormwater ManagementAll employees and students transporting chemicals must ensure that:• The containers are closed

and secured (tied, strapped in, or other means)• In secondary containment

(inside an extra container or vessel) so that leaks don’t enter local water systems. • A spill kit is present in

vehicle

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Stormwater Management• Every employee and student is

required to prevent chemicals, particles, and even tap water from directly entering the city’s storm water system• Tap water and sediments can

be discharged onto lawns and other planted areas

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Stormwater ManagementIn the event of a spill or incident where chemicals or hazardous materials could enter a storm water system:

• Immediately notify EHS by calling 650-3064 or use FM Work Control Center at 650-3420

• Cover or block access to storm drains if it can be done safely

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Stormwater ManagementProtecting the ecology of Whatcom

County is part of EVERY WWU employee’s and student’s

responsibility!

Chemical Security Awareness TrainingConforms with 49 CFR 172.704

Security AwarenessIn September 2003, a US Department of Transportation

law was enacted which REQUIRES:Shippers and transporters of hazardous materials to

provide general security awareness training to all of their employees who work with hazardous materials.

Western to develop a transportation security plan.

In the wrong hands, hazardous materials pose a significant threat, particularly those that could be used as weapons of

mass destruction.

WWU Chemical Transportation Security Plan• Hazardous wastes are accessible by

authorized personnel only.Background checks are provided for new

employees.Training is provided by WWU for employees

who handle chemicals.

WWU Security Plans & PoliciesWWU Emergency Management Plan

Addresses steps that are specific to the type of emergency

WWU Department Safety Information Book

Section 2 – Emergency Procedures developed by each department for response and program continuity

WWU Emergency Response GuideGeneral emergency response protocols for toxic releases

and hazardous materials emergencies are available to all employees.

Security AwarenessIf you offer, transport, or

store hazardous materials:Review your security

measures.Make necessary

adjustments to improve the secure transport and storage of hazardous materials.

Bananas shipped in the middle of flammable liquids.

Security AwarenessStorage of potentially

hazardous materials delivered to WWU:Do not leave packages

unattended.Ensure packages are in a

secure location.Shipper should be familiar

with the carrier chosen to ship WWU packages.

Trucks and drivers should be in uniform or carry ID.

Security AwarenessIf you see something suspicious, such as:

Unauthorized persons loitering in areaUnauthorized persons asking questions about hazardous

materials on siteContact:

University Police at 650-3555, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Questions & Comments

Thanks very much for taking the time to review the information in this presentation.

Contact Environmental Health & Safety at 650-3064 or e-mail at ehs@wwu.edu

Visit us at Environmental Studies Room 72Enter through the blue exterior door facing the Academic

Instructional building with the disAbility push pad

Questions and CommentsPlease click on the following link to take a brief quiz. Once it has been submitted to EHS, we will document in the University’s training database that your training has been updated.

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