Notes

Outline

Chemical Safety For Laboratories

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General Laws Governing the Use and Disposal of Hazardous Materials in the Laboratory Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Laboratory Safety Standard Hazard Communication Standard Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Hazardous Waste Regulations

Laboratory Safety Standard

Hazard Communication Standard

Physical Hazards A physical hazard is a chemical for which there is evidence that it is a: combustible or flammable liquid compressed gas nonflammable cryogens pyrophoric (spontaneously ignites) explosive, organic peroxide,                          oxidizer or reactive.

Flammability Liquids with flash points less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit are considered flammable. Flammable liquids should be either stored in safety cans or flammable storage cabinets. Total flammable storage must be less than 80 gallons for research labs and 40 gallons for teaching labs.

Flammable Storage Options

Reactivity These materials can react violently when exposed to other materials or will vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense or become self reactive under conditions of shocks, pressure or temperature. PERCHLORIC ACID, PICRIC ACID ELEMENTAL SODIUM, other metals TNT

Reactive Peroxide Forming Materials Date container on receiving and discard after one year. Do not purchase in quantities greater than can be used in specified time period. Ethers should always be stored in the dark. Always check for peroxides before distilling any peroxide formers.

Health Hazards       A health hazard is a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence that acute (sudden) or chronic (long term) effects may occur in exposed employees.   Toxicity-Toxic substances can cause illness or death.  These chemicals can enter your body through four routes: INHALATION ABSORPTION INGESTION INJECTION

Health Hazards, cont. Corrosives and Irritants      -check pH Sensitizers -allergic reaction from  previous sensitization Toxins and Carcingens      -LD50 or LC50 -can be suspect Reproductive Toxins -teratogens, mutagens Asphyxiants Biohazards and Radiation

Laboratory Safety Equipment

Chemical Fume Hoods Keep storage of chemicals to a minimum Keep area outside the hood as clear as possible Never use the fume hood to dispose of volatile waste Keep sash at lowest comfortable height Do not make any modifications Report any problems to Work Management Do not confuse with biosafety cabinets

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Safety Shower and Eyewashes Keep area around equipment free of obstructions (16 inches) In the event of chemical spills on personnel, flush affected area for fifteen minutes Seek medical attention for even minor chemical burns Use calcium gluconate gel for hydrofluoric acid burns

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Personal Protective Equipment Always wear eye protection when in the laboratory. Use a minimum of safety glasses with side shields for general procedures. Use splash goggles for transferring corrosive and highly toxic chemicals. Use splash goggles and face shield when working with reactive chemicals. Refer to the chart in the Chemical Hygiene Plan to find out which glove materials are resistant to your specific chemical.

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Permissible Exposure Limits Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) established Measurement of the concentration an employee can be exposed to averaged over an eight hour time period without experiencing adverse health effects

Detecting Releases of Chemicals Smell-Please note that a chemical may have an odor threshold that is much higher than its PEL. Air Monitoring-If there is a reason to believe that exposure levels for regulated substances are exceeded or to evaluate existing control methods.

Labeling Requirements Every container that stores hazardous chemicals must be labeled with the following information: Chemical identity Appropriate hazard warnings for both physical and health hazards Name and address of the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer This information must be in English. The information may be reprinted in the user’s native language, if desired

UCF Labeling System NFPA 704 Diamond Ratings are from 0 to 4 4 is most Severe Special Hazards Ox and  W

Let’s Play Guess-the-Contents!

Gas Cylinder Storage All cylinders must be strapped or chained to a SECURE structure with labels facing forward, capped when not in use. Toxic gas cylinders must be stored under continuous ventilation Multiple cylinders chained together should be “nested” with 3 points of contact with a wall/bench, another cylinder and the chain/strap. Store Flammable and Oxidizing gases 20 ft. apart.

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Questions?