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CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN Department of Chemistry This document should be posted on the internet and in all laboratories within easy reach of all laboratory personnel. The document covers all common safety and laboratory-health related issues in general terms. However, any group-specific procedures that pose a health risk should be posted with this document by the individual groups. Use the following outline to access sections of the document. I.
GENERAL II
SAFETY
AWARENESS IN THE
LABORATORY III
CHEMICAL WARNING
LABELS AND MSDS
SHEETS IV CHEMICAL STORAGE PRECAUTIONS AND HEALTH WARNINGS
In order to comply with the OSHA Hazard Communication and Laboratory Safety (29 CFR 1910.1450) standard the State of Arkansas Act 1172 of 1991 ("Public Employees Chemical Right to Know" Act) and pursuant to regulations issued by the Arkansas Department of Labor (Code No. 12 of the Safety Code), the following written Chemical Hygiene Plan has been established for the laboratories and stockroom in the Henderson State University Department of Chemistry. All workers in these laboratories will find this written material available at all times in each laboratory. 1. Container Labeling The chemical hygiene officer will verify that all chemical containers received from a vendor will: -be clearly labeled as to the contents. -note the appropriate hazard warning. -list the name and address of the manufacturer. Laboratory personnel will insure that all secondary containers (lab reagent bottles, standardized solutions) are labeled with a generic label for identity and hazard warning. For help with labeling, please see the stockroom manager. Back to Top 2. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) The department maintains a Material Safety Data Sheet system for use by all personnel. The collection of data sheets is constantly being updated and added to with information on new and significant health/safety risks. Copies of MSDS's for all hazardous chemicals to which employees may be exposed will be kept in the Chemistry Department office in a filing cabinet and on computer in the stockroom manager's office. The MSDS's will be available to all employees and students for review at any time. If MSDS's are not available or new chemicals in use do not have MSDS's, immediately contact the stockroom manager. Back to Top 3. Employee Training and Information The department is responsible for the appropriate safety training of all new employees. Prior to starting work, each new Chemistry Department employee will attend a health and safety orientation and will receive information and training on the following: -an overview of the requirements contained in the Laboratory Safety Standard and Hazard Communication Standard, OSHA 29CFR 1910, Subpart Z, Section 1910.1450, -chemicals present in the work areas, -physical and health effects of hazardous chemicals, -methods and observation techniques used to determine the presence of hazardous chemicals in the work area, -how to lessen or prevent exposure to these hazardous chemicals through usage of control/work practices and personal protective equipment, -steps the department has taken to lessen or prevent exposure to these chemicals, -emergency procedures to follow if personnel are exposed to these chemicals, -how to read labels and review MSDS's to obtain appropriate hazard information, -location of MSDS file and location of hazardous chemical list, -details of the written Chemical Hygiene Plan. Back to Top
II SAFETY AWARENESS IN THE
LABORATORY Goggles will be worn at all times while in a laboratory utilizing chemicals. Wear a lab apron or coat to protect exposed body parts and clothing. Wear gloves whenever there is potential for contact with corrosive or toxic material. Work in the fume hood whenever possible, especially when working with corrosives, oxidants and highly toxic compounds (PEL 50ppm). Never eat food in the same vicinity as hazardous chemicals. Learn the location of a full-mask respirator in case of an emergency. Never wear perforated shoes, sandals or cloth sneakers when working with corrosive chemicals. Back to Top 2. Storage All chemicals in the stockroom and laboratory should be stored in chemical compatible families as prescribed in the Flinn Chemical Catalog. Store flammable liquids in approved fire cabinets. Make sure shelves holding containers are secure, restrained by shelf fronts or wires that will restrain chemicals during a mild earthquake. When opening newly received chemicals, immediately read the warning label to be aware of any special storage precautions like refrigeration or inert atmosphere storage. No chemicals are to be stored in aisles or stairwells, on desks or laboratory benches, on floors or in hallways. Maintain a complete inventory in the room where chemicals are stored. Mark the acquisition dates on all peroxide forming chemicals and dispose of them after six months. Have spill cleanup supplies (absorbents, neutralizers) in any room used for chemical storage or use. Back to Top 3. Hazardous Waste Keep separate, clearly marked containers in the laboratory to act as receptacles for waste inorganic, organic and oxidizing compounds. Always dump waste reagents into the appropriate container. Keep a list of the container contents taped to the container. Record the identity of the chemicals dumped as well as the amounts. Properly dispose of the material as soon as the container is full. It is becoming increasingly difficult to dispose properly of hazardous waste materials. Faced with the threat of potential fines, all departments generating hazardous waste must accurately identify all components in chemical waste containers. The E.P.A. subdivides chemical waste into four categories; toxic waste, corrosive agents, reactive chemicals (w/O2 or H2O), and flammable solvents. Solid chemical waste of all kinds should be disposed of in separate, appropriate containers. All waste containers should be labeled clearly as "Hazardous Waste" with the waste's physical state, hazard properties, percentages and full product names. Store no more than 50 gallons of hazardous waste in any given location. Back to Top 4. Safety Stations Learn the location of safety devices both in the stockroom and laboratories. Safety shower (when burned, remove contaminated clothing and flush for 15 minutes). Eye wash (for each affected eye, flush for 15 minutes with the eyes totally opened). First-aid kit (be sure to examine the kit regularly for commonly used items like band-aids). Fire extinguisher (The dry chemical type is most appropriate for the general chemical environment. See that it is checked yearly and make it a point to learn how to use it). Respirator (full-mask type fitted to the individual who will use it). Note: dust masks are respirators Back to Top 5. Warning labels Always read warning and/or NFPA labels for the chemicals you are using; this will help you to safely use the chemical as well as react appropriately in emergencies. If in doubt about the properties of a chemical from reading the label, always read the MSDS sheet on file. A description of a MSDS sheet appears at the later in this document. Back to Top 6. Practice good personal hygiene Wear appropriate eye protection at all times. Always wash hands and other exposed areas. Never use the same refrigerator to store both chemicals and food. Become knowledgeable about the hazards involved with each chemical that you use. Read the label and the MSDS sheet to become informed about handling precautions, spill cleanup and storage. Back to Top 7. HousekeepingWork areas should be kept clean and free from obstructions. Cleanup should follow the completion of any operation at the end of your day. Spilled chemicals should be cleaned up immediately and disposed of properly (read the MSDS for guidance about safe cleanup). Dispose of all broken glass immediately. Unlabeled containers and chemical wastes should be disposed of promptly; do not let them accumulate in the stockroom or laboratory. Access to exits emergency equipment should never be blocked. Equipment and chemicals should be stored properly; clutter should be minimized. At the end of each workday, the contents of all unlabeled containers are to be considered wastes. Treat them appropriately. Back to Top 8. GlasswareAdequate hand protection should be used when inserting glass tubing into rubber stoppers or corks or when placing rubber tubing onto glass tubing. Tubing must be fire polished and lubricated and hands should be used close together to minimize the possibility of fracturing the glass. Use leather gloves when picking up broken glass, or use tools such as
brooms, dustpans, forceps, etc. Never use an open flame around flammable liquids. Store flammable liquids in fire cabinets. When working with flammable chemicals, be certain that there are no sources of ignition near enough to cause a fire or explosion in the event of a vapor release or liquid spill. Always have vermiculite or some other chemical absorbent available in the event of a spill. Back to Top 10. Safety in working with acids Acid exposure demands immediate attention! Exposure to acids can occur through direct skin contact, ingestion, inhalation of vapors or skin exposure to mists in the air. Symptoms of exposure include: - irritation of skin, eyes, nose, throat or lungs - dermatitis - skin and eye burns - difficulty breathing Splashes should be washed off immediately with lots of water. Mineral acids (e.g. sulfuric, nitric, hydrochloric) are quite reactive with metals, generating flammable hydrogen gas. Never use water to clean up acid spills as some acids burn or explode with water. The use of water could also spread the
spill.
11. Spills and Leaks Move fast to clean up a spill or leak quickly (keep absorbent material on hand and use it immediately). If more help is needed, keep these procedures in mind: - Evacuate the area and call help. - Notify other department personnel immediately. If you are assigned to clean up a spill or stop a leak: - Always know the MSDS information about the substance. - Evaluate all laboratory processes for a weak link. - Keep unauthorized personnel out. - Use proper protective equipment. - Stop the spill or leak and contain it in a clean, empty container. - Prevent leakage into water drains. - Use approved absorbents. Back to Top 12. Electrical Safety In case of an electrical fire, don't touch the burning object or douse it with water. If possible, turn off the current. For a small fire, extinguish it with a CO2 or multi-purpose, ABC, extinguisher, or baking soda. Water can turn anything into an electrical conductor, so don't stand in water or have water on your hands when using electrical equipment. Electrical shocks are caused from electrical current flowing into your body as an easy path to ground is formed, not only from high voltage. Be very cautious when dealing with voltages high enough to generate this current. Current as low as fifty milliamperes can kill. Confirm that the insulation on electrical cords and cables is intact and not frayed or cracked. Breaks in the insulation can cause shocks. Proper equipment grounding is required to prevent electrical shock hazard. Use only one hand when probing for voltage readings, as two hands allows a path through the heart. The best procedure is to rest your elbow on a grounded surface so that, if a circuit is accidentally completed, the current will flow in your hand and out your elbow, avoiding your heart. Back to Top 13. Compressed gasesAlways store cylinders upright, secured, with the cap threaded on. Always use a cylinder cart for transporting. Never force threaded
connections.
14. Systems Under Pressure Reactions should never be carried out in, nor heat applied to, an apparatus that is a closed system (stoppered or fitted with a septum). A pressurized apparatus should have an appropriate relief device. An inert gas purge or bubbler system is usually appropriate. If skin is exposed to moderate concentrations of acid or base or other hazardous chemicals, wash thoroughly with running water. Remove any contaminated clothing at once. If eyes are infected, flush thoroughly with water for 15 minutes. If noxious gas has been inhaled, contact authorities immediately and get to fresh air as soon as possible. In the event of injury to yourself or a student in a laboratory, always consider taking the individual to the hospital. Your own sound judgment and consultation with the victim will guide your decision, but it is better to err on the side of caution when burns, toxic exposure or deep cuts are at issue. Back to Top 16. Occupational First Aid When an employee or student is injured in a life-threatening manner, call 911 immediately. If the victim requires immediate attention, consider the following priorities. - First, make sure you are not endangering yourself by entering the scene. Watch for unstable structures, radiation hazards, electrical wires, toxic fumes, chemical spill, fires, etc. - Airway/Breathing: make sure the victim has an airway and is breathing. If the victim is not breathing, open the airway by tilting the head back. Seal the nose and blow 4 quick breaths into the victim. Continue with one breath every 5 seconds. - Pulse: check the pulse at the side of the throat under the jaw. If there is no pulse, CPR should be started, but only by a trained individual. Do not attempt CPR if you are not trained. - Bleeding: stop bleeding by applying either a bandage or your hand firmly over the wound. If no fractures are suspected, wrap the wound with a firm bandage and elevate the injury. Never use a tourniquet. - Shock: when victims look pale and say they are cool, elevate the legs 10 to 12 inches and cover them with something. - Do not move victims unless there is a life and death situation, otherwise keep them still and as comfortable as possible. - Burns: stop burning by cooling if necessary. Cover the area with a dry, clean dressing. Chemical burns: in the eyes or on other parts of the body should be flushed with large amounts of water. Back to Top 17. Accident ReportingEmergency telephone numbers to be called in the event of fire, accident or flood or hazardous chemical spill should be posted prominently in each laboratory and stockroom (near the phone). A. Criteria for Reasonable Suspicion of Exposure It is the policy of the University to promptly investigate all employee-reported incidents in which there is even a remote possibility of employee overexposure to a toxic substance. Events or circumstances that might reasonably constitute overexposure include: a. A hazardous chemical leaked or was spilled or was otherwise rapidly released in an uncontrolled manner. b. A laboratory worker had direct skin or eye contact with a hazardous chemical. c. A laboratory worker manifests symptoms, such as headache, rash, nausea, coughing, tearing, irritation or redness of eyes, irritation of nose or throat, dizziness, loss of motor dexterity or judgment, etc., and -Some or all of the symptoms disappear when the person is taken out of the exposure area and breaths fresh air, and -The symptoms reappear after the person returns to the affected workplace. d. Two or more persons in the same work area have similar complaints. In all cases requiring reporting of emergencies, please contact appropriate Chemistry personnel first (if at all possible) before calling outside the department. Back to Top In the event of student injury in a teaching lab, encourage the student to seek immediate medical attention. Note that the university does not automatically assume liability. The student's personal insurance will cover the cost of the medical visit. Worker's compensation is insurance which protects you during work if you have an on-the-job injury. In general, chemistry employees injured while working in a lab or stockroom, including the teaching labs, are included under workman's compensation. If someone has a work-related injury, it needs to be reported immediately. Take the following action to report a work-related injury: a. Report the injury, regardless of severity, on the forms provided. The report should be typed or printed in a clearly legible manner. (You may lose your rights if the injury is not promptly reported.) All losses and damages resulting from fire, windstorm, water, breakage,
theft, mysterious disappearances, etc. should be reported immediately to
the Administrative Vice President's office to determine if the items were
insured and to file a claim on your behalf. As with all insurance
policies, there are various exclusions, deductibles and special
provisions. A particular loss may be partially reimbursable, may not be
covered at all, or may be totally reimbursable. Please be aware that
private property is not covered by University insurance
policies.
18. Use of Laboratory Fume Hoods Although many laboratory workers regard fume hoods strictly as local ventilation devices to be used to prevent toxic, offensive, or flammable vapors from entering the laboratory atmosphere, hoods offer two other significant types of protection. Placing a reacting chemical system within a hood, especially with a hood sash closed, also places a physical barrier between the workers in the lab and the chemical reaction. This barrier can afford workers significant protection from chemical splashes, fires and minor explosions. Except when adjustments of apparatus within the hood are being made, the fume hood sashes in the Henderson State University Department of Chemistry should be kept at the 19" position, calibrated to deliver 100fpm. The sash should not be left in the fully open or fully closed position for an extended period or the efficiency of the fume hood is diminished. Don't clutter the bottom of the fume hood with equipment and chemicals that will interrupt the even air flow. Fume hoods are not intended for the primary storage of chemicals. Back to Top 19. General Safety Repair any electrical cords that are frayed or otherwise not-intact to minimize the chance of shocks and electrical fires. Keep cords on electrical devices wrapped up. When chemicals are hand carried, they should be placed in an outside container or acid-carrying bucket to protect against breakage and spillage. When transported on a wheel cart, make sure the cart is intact and stable. Replacement items for the commonly used First-Aid Kits may be found at the Stockroom. Band-aids, disinfectant and eyewash solution are free for the asking when the kit in your work environment runs out. Always be aware of the proper method of transporting chemicals within the facility. Use acid/base carriers when moving acids or bases. Use cylinder carts when transporting cylinders. Make sure that any carts used to transport chemicals are sturdy and tight, without loose connections. Wash promptly whenever a chemical has contacted the skin. Avoid inhalation of chemicals; do not "sniff" to test chemicals. Do not mouth pipet anything; use suction bulbs. Wash well with soap and water before leaving the laboratory; do not wash with solvents. Do not smoke, eat or drink or apply cosmetics in the laboratory. Do not bring food, beverage, tobacco or cosmetic products into chemical storage or use areas. When working with corrosive liquids, always wear resistant gloves known to not have pinholes. When working with allergenic, sensitizing or toxic chemicals, always wear resistant gloves known to not have pinholes. Access to emergency equipment, showers, eyewashes and exits should never be blocked by anything, including temporarily parked chemical carts. Back to Top 20. Fire emergencies In case of a small fire, know the location of the nearest dry chemical fire extinguisher. In the event of a larger fire, always close lab doors as you exit and activate the fire alarm. Never disregard a fire alarm. Treat each alarm as if it were a fire. Find out immediately if evacuation is necessary. Know primary and alternative evacuation routes from the building. Keep all exits and hallways free from
obstructions.
21. Spill Cleanup Each laboratory should be equipped with citric acid and sodium bicarbonate containers for base and acid spills, respectively. Always wear leather gloves when collecting broken glass shards, or use some mechanical means. The mercury from broken thermometers must be cleaned up immediately by pouring sulfur powder over the area and sweeping it up carefully. Always wear gloves and sweep the area thoroughly. The debris should be stored and treated as hazardous waste. For flammable spills, use vermiculite or a chemical absorbent pillow to absorb the material. Sweep up the debris and deposit it into a container to be removed as a hazardous waste. Back to Top 22. Thefts All thefts, no matter how small, should be reported immediately to the Security Office and lab doors should be closed and locked when personnel are absent, and valuables should be kept out of sight and/or locked in desks. Outside doors should not be propped open. For further information on health and safety issues in the laboratory: 1. Ronald M. Scott, Chemical Hazards in the Workplace (Lewis Publishers, Inc., 1989). 2. Jay A. Young, Warren K. Kingsley, George H. Wahl, Developing a Chemical Hygiene Plan (American Chemical Society, 1990). 3. R. Scott Stricoff, Douglas B. Walters, Laboratory Health and Safety Handbook (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1990). 4. Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (National Academy Press, 1981). 5. Waste Disposal in Academic Institutions James A. Kaufman, Ed. (Lewis
Publishers, Inc.,
1990). III CHEMICAL WARNING LABELS AND MSDS SHEETS Warning labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's) were created with worker safety in mind. Generally, warning labels should appear on any original chemical container and any secondary laboratory container. Material Safety Data Sheets give exhaustive details about chemicals and their hazards and all employers using chemicals are required to keep the sheets for all chemicals on file. Every employee has access to MSDS files. 1. Material Safety Data Sheets All chemical vendors are required to supply the end user of a chemical with a MSDS for that chemical. ANSI standard Z400.1-1998 "Hazardous Industrial Chemicals - Material Safety Data Sheets - Preparation" is the voluntary standard commonly used to construct MSDS's. OSHA now recommends that the ANSI format be utilized, but they can not mandate it without federal regulation changes. The ANSI standard MSDS contains 16 sections: Section 1. Chemical product and company identificationLinks the MSDS to the material. Identifies the supplier of the MSDS. Identifies a source for more information. Section 2. Composition/information on ingredientsLists the OSHA hazardous components May also list significant non-hazardous components. May also include additional information about components (e.g., exposure guidelines) Section 3. Hazards identification, including emergency overviewProvides information on the potential adverse human health effects and symptoms that might result from reasonably foreseeable use and misuse of the material. May provide emergency overview. Section 4. First aid measuresProvides instructions to be taken if accidental exposure requires immediate treatment. May also include instructions to medical professionals. Section 5. Fire fighting measuresProvides basic fire fighting guidance, including appropriate extinguishing media. Describes other fire and explosive properties useful for avoiding and fighting fires involving the material, such as flash point or explosive limits. Section 6. Accidental release measuresDescribes actions to be taken to minimize the adverse effects of an accidental spell, leak or release of the material. Section 7. Handling and storageProvides information on appropriate practices for safe handling and storage. Section 8. Exposure controls/personal protectionProvides information on practices, or equipment, or both, that are useful in minimizing worker exposure. May also include exposure guidelines. Provides guidance on personal protective equipment. Section 9. Physical and chemical propertiesProvides additional data that can be used to help characterize the material and design safe work practices. Section 10. Stability and reactivityDescribes the conditions to be avoided or other materials that may cause a reaction that would change the intrinsic stability of the material. Section 11. Toxicological informationMay be used to provide background toxicological information on the material, its compounds, or both. Section 12. Ecological informationMay be used to provide information on the effects the material may have on plants or animals and on the material's environmental fate. Section 13. Disposal considerationsMay provide information that is useful in determining appropriate disposal measures. Section 14. Transport informationMay provide basic shipping classification information. Section 15. Regulatory informationMay be used to provide any additional information on regulations affecting the material. Section 16. Other informationMay be used to provide any additional information. The Merck Index Similar information to MSDS in a more compact forma can be found in the Merck Index (Merck and Co., Rahway, NJ). This basic reference work gives the "bottom line" on the toxicity of chemicals, and their incompatibilities. The Index also supplies some interesting information about the common usage of the chemicals listed, with a special emphasis on medical usage. References to the chemical literature are also provided. CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics NFPA labels are the best for chemical containers. Any chemical container sitting on a shelf should have a NFPA label on it, and you should read the label each time you pick up the container to use the chemical. The label lists the physical hazards (explosive, flammable, corrosive, etc.), reactivity (oxidizer, reactive with water, etc.) and health hazards (poison, carcinogen, etc.) associated with the chemical. The link will instruct you in reading NFPA labels. The list in Section IV also shows chemicals that have certain hazards. Back to Top IV CHEMICAL STORAGE PRECAUTIONS AND HEALTH WARNINGS COMMON EXAMPLES OF IMPROPER STORAGE PRACTICES 1. Chemicals are stored in alphabetical order by name. It is much better to store chemicals according to the hazard class. 2. . Chemicals are stored in a laboratory hood while the hood is used for other designated purposes. 3. Chemicals are stored on shelves above eye level. 4 . Storage shelves are so crowded that it would be impossible to put even one more container on the crowded shelf, or so crowded that when a single bottle is to be removed, other nearby containers must be moved, or themselves removed, to get at the bottle of interest. 5 . Chemicals are put on laboratory bench tops and not returned for several days, long after their usefulness on the benchtop has past. 6. Tiers of shelves are not adequately secured, and can topple easily. 7 . Inventory control is either poor or non-existent; many containers are not identified with appropriate information. 8 . Chemical bottles are allowed to deteriorate due to corrosion. Leaks may develop. Back to Top
CARCINOGENS Acrylonitrile
Chromate salts TERATOGENS Aniline
Mercury Antimony
Compounds
Oxalic Acid (Solids) (Liquids) (Solids) (Liquids) Potassium
(crust)
Tetrahydrofuran LIGHT SENSITIVE CHEMICALS Bromine
Oleic Acid Boron
Iron (finely divided) (Solids) N-Butyl Acetate Methylaldehyde
(Gases) Acetic
Acid Nitric
Acid Ammonium
Hydroxide Calcium
Hydroxide |