The general safety and accident-prevention guidelines listed and explained in this chapter are intended to provide you with an overview of EH&S standards for UCF's laboratories.

Quick list of laboratory safety

• DON’T
• play in the laboratory
• store food in the laboratory refrigerators
• bring food or drink in the laboratory
• smoke in the laboratory
• use open flames near flammable materials
• use your mouth to siphon chemicals, with pipettes or any kind of siphoning device.

• DO
• wear protective clothing, and eyewear during experiments
• follow all safety precautions listed for each lab experiment
• know the locations of safety and first aid equipment
• know the locations of emergency telephone listings
• know the properties and reactions of each chemical you use.

2.1.1. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Understanding the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is necessary for laboratory workers to receive hazardous chemical information as specified by OSHA and the Florida Right-To-Know (RTK) law. Under Florida statutes, all manufacturers of hazardous chemicals are required to submit a detailed MSDS of every chemical they sell or distribute to their clients. Any MSDS information must always be available in the laboratory.

Each MSDS contains sections as required by OSHA. In addition, EH&S keeps the master files of MSDS information for all of UCF.

See Figures 2.1 and 2.2 on the next two pages for an example form developed by OSHA.
For further information on MSDS information procedures, consult the EH&S Hazard Communication / Right-To-Know Manual. If you do not have a copy, call EH&S at 823-5323.
2.1.2. Hazard Warning signs

Hazard Warning signs indicate the nature of any potential hazard contained in the laboratory or storage area. Figure 2.3 below shows an example of a hazard warning sign.

Hazard warning signs indicate:

• Emergency telephone numbers -- the names and phone number of individuals within each department to be contacted in the event of an emergency.
• Hazard information -- pictures that indicate the types of hazards present in the laboratory. Examples of hazards are biohazards, carcinogens, flammable solvents, radioactive materials, and lasers.

2.1.3. Container labels

In labeling containers, the Florida Right-To-Know Law requires each container in the laboratory to have a label describing the contents and the relevant hazards associated with them.
Label all chemical containers, including waste containers. If mixtures are in the container, give the percentage of each hazardous chemical present in the mixture. For a more detailed description of the above labeling system, consult the Hazard Communication Standard / Florida Right-To-Know Manual.
2.3. Health and Hygiene
Observing these practical aspects of health and hygiene can help reduce your risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals.

2.3.1. Housekeeping

When doing laboratory housekeeping, make sure work areas are clean and free from obstructions. Always clean up:

• After completing any operation or experiment
• At the end of the day.
• Remember that a neat laboratory is less likely to experience spills or accidents than a messy laboratory.

Don't use aisles, hallways, and stairways for storage areas. If you run out of room for storage or you do not know where to store an item, use common sense: check with your supervisor or contact the Lab Manager.

2.3.1.1. General housekeeping guidelines

Observe these general housekeeping guidelines:

DON’T

• Store bottles or equipment on a shelf that is situated over a laboratory bench unless a guard rail is installed on the shelf. The guard rail prevents items on the shelf from falling over
• Use hoods as permanent storage areas for chemicals. Storing chemicals in hoods blocks their airflow systems, clutters up workspace, and increases the amount of materials that can become involved in a fire.
• Store chemicals in containers less than 5 gallons on the floor

DO

• Label new containers clearly with information displaying the contents of the container, the date of purchase or opening of the chemical, and the name of the person using the chemical
• Run a periodic inventory of the chemicals stored in the laboratory to find outdated or unneeded chemicals. Return unneeded items to the store room or declare them as waste by completing the UCF Online Hazardous Waste Form
• Arrange for the disposal of old or outdated solutions. Contact the laboratory supervisor to arrange for the removal or safe storage of all hazardous materials
• Clean up spills and broken glassware immediately
• Place wastes in proper containers.

NOTE

Always examine the status of containers. Replace worn-out labels with new, clearly-marked labels.

Keep the quantity of chemicals stored in the laboratory to the minimum needed for conducting experiments. Do not hoard chemicals!

2.3.1. Food and drink

WARNING

No eating, drinking, or smoking is allowed in the laboratory!
Never store food in the laboratory!

Use the break room for storing, using, and handling food and drink.

Food, drink, smoking materials, and other consumables are potential routes-of-exposure for hazardous materials. Contact, by any method, of hazardous chemicals to items you consume can create a health risk to you and your co-workers.

Observe these practical guidelines for handling food and drink:

• DON’T

• Take food and drink into any laboratory, especially when a toxicity hazard is present
• Use laboratory glassware or utensils for consumables
• Use laboratory equipment such as chemical-storage refrigerators and cold rooms, no matter how convenient they might be, for the storage of food and drink
• Smoke cigarettes, cigars, and pipes anywhere except in specifically designated smoking areas.

• DO
• Store food and drink in separate, clearly-labeled equipment in a room designated exclusively for eating and drinking, such as a break room
• Reserve utensils in the break room exclusively for use with food and drink.

Observe these practical guidelines for hand washing:

• Avoid the use of solvents for washing
• Wash hands often, even when you are wearing gloves
• Wash hands before and after working in the laboratory.

NOTE
Some solvents can remove several protective oils from the skin, cause irritation and inflammation, and in some cases, the solvents aid the skin in absorbing toxic material.

2.3.3. Pipettes

WARNING

Never use your mouth to siphon liquids through pipettes. Always use a siphoning bulb!

Pipettes are thin glass tubes used for siphoning liquids. Use pipettes with a siphoning bulb or vacuum device to transfer chemicals.

2.3.4. Preparation for chemical spills

Chemical spills can be handled effectively if you prepare and are familiar with the proper cleanup procedures.

Preparation consists of:

• The potential location of the spill
• The quantities of material that might be released
• The chemical and physical properties of the material (physical state, vapor pressure, reactivity, and so on)
• The hazardous properties of the material
• The types of personal protective equipment needed
• The location of MSDS information.

• Be sure spill kits are available in your laboratory. Spill kit materials may include:
   
• Neutralizing agents such as sodium carbonate or sodium bisulfate
• Absorbents such as vermiculite or spill socks
• Pipettes and traps for mercury spills
  • Vacuum line type
  • Needle-nose type
• Extra containers or overpacks to store spilled materials.

2.3.5. Working alone

If you are working alone or after hours, make arrangements with other persons in the building to check with each other periodically.

Experiments which are hazardous shall not be performed by a worker who is alone in a laboratory.

2.3.6. Unattended operations

Unattended operations which may continue for several hours or overnight should be approved by the laboratory supervisor.

Operations should be designed to be safe, and plans should be made to avoid hazards in the event of a failure in power, water, gas, or some other service. Room lights should be left on and an appropriate warning sign should be placed on the door.
 

2.4. Safe Use of Equipment
The safe use of equipment is an important step in achieving a safe working environment in the laboratory.

2.4.1. Refrigerators

Every refrigerator should be clearly labeled to indicate whether it is suitable for storage of flammable liquids. Flammable liquids stored in a refrigerator must be in closed containers.

Three types of refrigerators are available for use:

• The common household refrigerator
• The explosion-safe refrigerator
• The explosion-proof refrigerator.

The common household refrigerator is not equipped with explosion-safe controls or door switches and should not be used to cool flammable liquids because sparks from controls or door switches may ignite the vapor-air mixture.

2.4.1.2. The explosion-safe refrigerator

The explosion-safe refrigerator is constructed with its controls mounted outside the storage compartment. This type refrigerator is suitable for storing flammable liquids.

2.4.1.3. The explosion-proof refrigerator

The explosion-proof refrigerator also has its controls mounted on the outside. In addition, the controls are of an explosion-proof design. This type is needed only where both the internal and external environment present a fire or explosion hazard.

2.4.2. Heating equipment

Heating equipment is divided into two types: steam-heated devices and electrically-heated devices.

2.4.2.1. Steam-heated devices

Steam-heated devices should be used whenever possible. When you use steam-heated devices, you are not at risk of electric shock or spark hazards as when using electrically-heated devices or Bunsen burners. Steam-heated devices can be left unattended with the assurance that their operating temperature will not rise beyond 100º C (212º F).

2.4.2.3. Electrically-heated devices

WARNING

Do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended maximum input voltage on any electrically-heated device.

Never support an electrically-heated oil bath on an iron ring. You risk tipping the bath.

Heating mantles. Electrically-heated heating mantles must be checked frequently for broken fiberglass coating and for water or chemical spillings.

Hot plates. Electrically-heated hot plates may be used, provided they are in a glass, ceramic, metal, or other insulated case.

Oil baths. Electrically heated oil baths must be constantly monitored with a thermometer to ensure that the temperature of the bath does not exceed the flash point of the oil used. If the temperature is too high, smoking or splattering can occur:

• Smoking results from the decomposition of oil and organic materials in the oil
• Splattering is caused by water or some other oil-volatile substance getting into oil heated over 100º C (212º F). In splattering, the oil bubbles very fast and very hot, and spurts out over a wide area.

NOTE

Older electrically-heated devices can cause spark hazards because of faulty on/off switches. Report faulty wiring or frayed cords to your Lab Manager.

2.4.2.4. Burners

Burners require a heat-distribution device such as a wire gauze pad. As with all heating equipment, burners should not be left on when not in use. You should understand the hazards of burners before proceeding with an experiment.

2.4.3. Glassware

Glassware is by its nature fragile and dangerous. Careful handling is required:

• Neatly and carefully store all glassware
• Repair or discard damaged glassware
• Protect your hands when inserting glass tubing into stoppers or when attaching rubber tubing to glass hose connections.

1. Wrap a cloth around the glass item
2. Hold hands close together and insert the tube with a slight twisting motion. Avoid putting too much pressure on the glass item.

Tubing should be fire-polished or filed smooth and lubricated.

2.4.4. Chemical fume hoods

WARNING

Do not store chemicals in the hood. Keep materials stored in hoods to a minimum and in a manner that will not interfere with the airflow.

Do not use the hood as a chemical disposal.

Chemical fume hoods are intended to remove vapors, gas, and dust of toxic, flammable, corrosive, or otherwise dangerous materials. Also, laboratory fume hoods can give you protection from such hazards as chemical splashes, sprays, or fires if you lower hood sashes to the indicated level of proper airflow. However, hoods are not designed to withstand explosions.

2.4.4.1. Daily operation of fume hoods

In the daily operation of fume hoods, observe these guidelines:

• Make simple checks to determine that the hood is working before performing hazardous operations. For example, hold a small piece of paper held at the face of the hood. If the hood is working, the paper will be sucked inward
• Keep the sash at the recommended height to attain the proper air inflow. You can find the recommended sash height posted on each hood. These specifications are checked and updated twice a year by EH&S
• Conduct experiments well inside the hood. Use chemicals and equipment 6 inches back from the front edge of the hood. Moving containers and equipment back from the front edge can reduce your risk to toxic vapor concentration by 90%.

Using perchloric acid requires specially-designed hoods. For the specifications of a perchloric-acid fume hood, contact EH&S at 823-5323.

2.4.5. Hazards of particular equipment

For your safety and for the safety of others, you should be aware of hazards of particular equipment in handling, processing, or transporting chemicals.

2.4.5.1. Liquid-nitrogen-cooled traps

Liquid-nitrogen-cooled traps, when open, rapidly condense liquid from the air. Subsequently, when the coolant is released, an explosive pressure buildup occurs, usually with enough force to shatter glass equipment. Therefore, only sealed or evacuated equipment should be cooled.

2.4.5.2. Vacuum distillations

Residues from vacuum distillations (from example, ethyl palminate) have been known to explode when the still was vented to air before the residue cooled. To prevent explosion, do one of three things: vent the still pot with nitrogen, cool the still before venting, or restore the pressure slowly.

2.5. Disposal of Hazardous Chemical Waste
In UCF laboratories, disposal of hazardous chemical waste is regulated by federal agencies. A review of the properties of hazardous chemical waste, the federal regulations, and waste disposal procedures are discussed in this section. Also, see Chapter 5: Chemical Safety in this manual.

2.5.1. Definition of hazardous chemical waste

Hazardous chemical waste is defined as having one or more of these characteristics:

• Ignitable -- a flash point of less than 194.4ºC (140ºF)
• Corrosive
• Reactive
• Toxic.

If you are not sure whether your chemical waste is considered to be hazardous, contact your Lab Manager or call EH&S at 823-5323.

2.5.2. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

The Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) was devised with the mission to promote the protection of the environment and of human health. A tracking system for hazardous chemical wastes has been developed in order to accomplish this mission. The system has an approach known as the cradle-to-grave system -- that is, hazardous chemical wastes are tracked from the place of production to the place of disposal.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department Of Transportation (DOT) have produced the regulations for hazardous wastes. The EPA and DOT require that all materials that are, or have the potential to be, hazardous chemical wastes be specifically identified.

Principal investigators have the responsibility for proper handling and storage of hazardous chemical wastes in the laboratories.

2.5.3. Collection of hazardous chemical waste

EH&S is responsible for the collection of hazardous chemical waste from each laboratory and arranging for shipment to a hazardous waste management facility as approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To notify EH&S about a waste pick-up, use the Hazardous Chemical Transport Manifest. See Figure 2.6 on page 30 for a copy of the Manifest.

The principal investigator is responsible for seeing that all hazardous chemical waste is correctly and permanently labeled.

Observe these guidelines:

• DON’T
• Mix heavy metals with solvents
• Mix acids or bases with flammable solvents
• Mix wastes of different hazard classes.

• DO
• Label properly and pack carefully any chemical waste that will be picked up by EH&S
• Segregate the chemical waste into different, appropriate containers according to hazard classes (flammable liquids, corrosives, poisons, and so on). Chemical wastes cannot be disposed of if the specific chemical class is unknown
• Store halogenated organics such as carbon tetrachloride and chloroform separately from other solvents.

For further details on hazardous chemical waste procedures, see the UCF Hazardous and Chemical Waste Guidebook.

NOTE

When dealing with a spill, never mix halogenated solvents with non-halogenated solvents.

EH&S cannot accept unlabeled or generically-labeled chemicals (example: titration waste), and wastes in improper containers.

Always keep wastes in containers appropriate for the chemical constituents involved, and always use containers with good, quality seals.

WARNING
Only when a fire presents an immediate life-threatening situation should you fight the fire.

For a fire to occur, a triangle of three elements -- fuel, oxidizer, and ignition source -- have to be present. Preventative measures described in this manual can help keep fire from occurring by removing one or more of the elements from the work area. Once a fire is ignited the fuel proceeds through a series of chemical reactions until it is converted to the final products of burning. Fire fighters call the combinations that influence ignition the fire triangle. See Figure 2.7 below for an example of the fire triangle.

2.6.1. Fire Prevention Procedures For Laboratories With Chemicals (NFPA 45 Standard)

This standard and its procedures were developed by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). They apply to all teaching, research, or contract laboratories which use chemicals, except:

• Health care facility laboratories
• Incidental testing facilities
• Pilot plants
• Physical, instrument, or electronic laboratories.

Maintain all laboratories as No Smoking areas. Place signs to visibly mark these areas.

2.6.1.2. General chemical hazards

Place signs explaining the nature of chemical hazards contained in the laboratories. Ensure that these signs are visible at the entrance doors to each laboratory.

2.6.1.3. General labels

Label all chemicals clearly with both the chemical name and the nature of any hazards common to that chemical. Include special protection information if possible.

2.6.1.4. Storage

Isolate hazardous chemicals and store as to hazard types:

• Flammables
• Corrosives
• Poisons and toxins
• Reactives
• Gas cylinders.

Ensure that flammable chemicals are stored only in UL-listed, flammable-rated storage cabinets, gas cans, or refrigerators

2.6.1.6. Explosives and reactives

Ensure that all explosives or pyrophoric reactives are stored only in UL-listed explosion-proof refrigerators or containers.

2.6.1.7. Compressed gas cylinders

Ensure that all compressed gas cylinders are stored in a safe location and chained. Cylinders must be capped when not in use.

2.6.1.8. Warnings for flammable chemicals or gases

Use these warning signs or labels for flammable chemicals or gases:

• Flammable
• No open flames
• No sparking tools
• No energized electrical equipment.

Ensure that a responsible person is assigned to periodically check out and inspect laboratory equipment. Equipment includes items such as Bunsen burners, electrical appliances, hot plates, and electrical cords.

2.6.1.10. Gas valves and pipelines

WARNING

Before restoring gas after a shutdown:

All gas valves and stopcocks must be checked and turned off!

Always shut off gas valves after use. Make sure that all piping and line connections are free from damage, defect, or flaw. In addition:

• Know where the main gas shut-off is for your areas
• Know gas service restoration procedures.