Chemical Hygiene Plan

Foreword

Lycoming College has developed this Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Laboratory Standard Rules and Regulations. This Laboratory Standard is published as an amendment to 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z, and identified as Section 1910. 1450. The title of that amendment is Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories. The Laboratory Standard applies only to laboratories meeting the four criteria given under the designation of "laboratory use of hazardous chemicals" in the definitions of the Standard. OSHA defines a hazardous chemical as a substance for which there is statistically significant evidence, based on at least one scientific study, showing acute or chronic harm may result from exposure to that chemical.

This is the Chemical Hygiene Plan developed for laboratories at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. This CHP is maintained readily available to laboratory employees in the Reading Rooms of the Chemistry and Biology Departments in the Heim Building, as well as in the Safety and Security Office in the lower level of Rich Hall. It will also be available on-line on the Home Pages of the Chemistry and Biology Departments (http://www. lycoming. edu/dept). All laboratory personnel must know and follow the procedures outlined in this plan. All operations performed in the laboratory must be planned and executed in accordance with these procedures. In addition, each employee is expected to develop safe personal chemical hygiene habits aimed at the reduction of chemical exposures to themselves and coworkers.

The two critical features of the Laboratory Standard are the requirement to appoint a Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO), and the requirement to develop and implement a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP). The CHP reflects the particular character and operations of the individual laboratory situation, and may be subject to revision as required by changing conditions or circumstances.

Each department which has laboratories meeting the four criteria established in the Laboratory Standard shall designate a departmental Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO). The CHO acts as the representative of the President of the College who has the ultimate responsibility for chemical safety in that department. The CHO also reports to the Director of Safety and Security or the Safety Officer as that person designated by the President and Dean of Student Affairs for overseeing any financial implications of the CHP and chemical safety. The CHP will be distributed to all fulltime employees of the laboratories designated above and copies will be accessible to any other laboratory employees, student laboratory assistants, or other interested parties. The CHP will be reviewed at least annually and updated if necessary.

This CHP, which is applicable only to laboratories, is one component of the Lycoming College Life Safety Plan (LSP). While the LSP applies to all departments, laboratories in compliance with this CHP are not required to comply with the Hazard Communication component of the LSP. At a minimum, this CHP covers employees (including student employees, technicians, researchers and faculty) who use chemicals in teaching and research laboratories at Lycoming College. Certain non-traditional laboratory settings may be included under this CHP at the option of the individual departments within the College. Also, it is the policy of Lycoming College that laboratory students, while not legally covered by the Laboratory Standard, will be given training commensurate with the level of hazard associated with their laboratory work. Finally, individual supervisors are encouraged to implement additional chemical hygiene provisions for their laboratories as appropriate.

Section and Title Page

• FOREWORD
• TABLE OF CONTENTS
• TABLE OF APPENDICES
• 1. Standard Operating Procedures for the Chemical Lab
• 1. A. Chemical Procurement
• 1. B. Chemical Storage
• 1. C. Chemical Handling
• 1. D. Laboratory Equipment and Glassware
• 1. E. Personal Protective Equipment
• 1. F. Personal Work Practices
• 1. G. Labeling
• 1. H. Housekeeping
• 1. I. Safety and Emergency Equipment


• 2. Criteria for Implementation of Control Measures
• 2. A. Exposure Guidelines
• 2. B. Fire Guidelines
• 2. C. Reactivity Guidelines
• 2. D. Corrosivity and Contact Hazard Guidelines


• 3. Engineering Controls
• 3. A. Intent
• 3. B. Modification
• 3. C. Improper Function
• 3. D. Usage
• 3. E. Local Exhaust Ventilation and Laboratory Hoods
• 3. F. Glove Boxes and Isolation Rooms
• 3. G. Storage Cabinets


• 4. Employee Information and Training
• 4. A. Hazard Information
• 4. B. Training


• 5. Prior Approval for Laboratory Activities
• 5. A. OffHours Work Procedures
• 5. B. Sole Occupancy
• 5. C. Hazardous Work
• 5. D. Unattended Operations


• 6. Chemical Hygiene Responsibilities
• 6. A. Chief Executive Officer
• 6. B. Chemical Hygiene Officer
• 6. C. Laboratory Workers


• 7. Special Precautions
• 7. A. Working with Allergens and Embryotoxins
• 7. B. Working with Chemicals of Moderate Chronic or High Acute Toxicity
• 7. C. Working with Chemicals of High Chronic Toxicity


• 8. Chemical Spills, Releases and Accidents
• 8. A. Handling Spills
• 8. B. Handling Personal Accidents in the Laboratory


• 9. Medical Consultations and Examinations
• 9. A. Provision for Medical Consultations and Examinations
• 9. B. Documentation and Notification


• 10. Laboratory Waste Disposal
• 11. Record keeping
• 12. Annual Chemical Hygiene Audit
• References and Recommended Reading

• A. The Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450)
• Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories"
• Appendix A to the Laboratory Standard, National Research Council Recommendations on Chemical Hygiene in Laboratories
• Appendix B to the Laboratory Standard, References


• B. Laboratory Safety Equipment Inspection Schedule
• C. Employee Chemical Hygiene Orientation and Training Checklist
• D. OSHA Standard Compliance Checklist (Audit)
• E. Sample Accident Report Form
• F. Chemistry Department Laboratory Regulations and Safety Policy (Administered to Students at the First Lab Period of Every Chemistry Course)
• G. Chemistry Department Policy on Working Outside of Normal Laboratory Hours (Communicated to Students at the First Lab Period of Every Chemistry Course and Posted on the Door of each Chemistry Laboratory)
• H. The Chemistry and Biology Departments' Chemical Storage and Inventory Program
• I. Art Department Chemical Hygeine Guidelines

• 1. A. Chemical Procurement
• 1. The decision to procure a chemical shall be a commitment to handle and use the chemical properly from initial receipt to ultimate disposal.
• 2. Before a new chemical is ordered, the requestor must determine the known potential hazards (e. g. ,toxicity, flammability, reactivity), proper handling, storage, and disposal of the chemical; the nature of the hazard shall be included on the order form.
• 3. Personnel initiating the request shall be knowledgeable of the proper procedures for receipt and shall be responsible for the proper disposition of the chemical. Chemical containers shall not be accepted without accompanying labels and proper packaging in accordance with all appropriate regulations. MSDSs will be obtained for all chemicals procured. All chemical containers shall be dated when received and when opened.
• 4. Personnel initiating the request of the chemical shall insure that, upon its receipt, it is properly entered into the departmental chemicals database. When it is consumed, it shall be logged out.


• 1. B. Chemical Storage
• 1. Received chemicals shall be immediately moved to the designated storage area. Glass containers of 2-liter or greater capacity shall be placed in carrying containers or shipping containers during transportation. Highly reactive chemicals, regardless of size, should be similarly transported.
• 2. The storage area shall be wellilluminated, with all storage maintained in such a way that it can be seen and obtained without use of a stepstool. Containers of greater than fourliter capacity for liquids shall be stored no more than two feet from ground level.
• 3. Chemicals shall be segregated by hazard classification and compatibility in a wellidentified area, with local exhaust ventilation.
• 4. Mineral acids shall be separated from flammable and combustible materials. Separation is defined by NFPA 49 as storage within the same fire area but separated by as much space as practicable or by intervening storage from incompatible materials.
• 5. Acidsensitive materials such as cyanides and sulfides shall be separated from acids or protected from contact with acids.
• 6. Containers of highly toxic chemicals shall be stored in unbreakable secondary containers, e. g. , plastic bags.
• 7. The long-term storage area shall not be used primarily as a preparation or repackaging area.
• 8. The storage area shall be accessible during normal working hours. Access to the storage area will be only with permission of one of the permanent faculty members of a department using the storage area.
• 9. When chemicals are taken from the storage area, they shall be placed in an outside container or bucket. When more than one container of chemicals is transported from the downstairs storage room, a cart or carrying container shall be used.
• 10. Storage of chemicals at the lab bench or other work areas shall be minimized. The container size shall be the minimum convenient. The amounts of chemicals at the lab bench shall be as small as practical. Care must be taken that sensitive chemicals not be stored in sunlight or exposed to heat.
• 11. Stored chemicals shall be examined at least annually under the direction of the Chemical Hygiene Officer for replacement, deterioration, and container integrity. The inspection should determine whether any corrosion, deterioration, or damage has occurred to the storage facility as a result of leaking chemicals.
• 12. Periodic inventories of chemicals outside the storage area shall be conducted by the supervisor of the area involved. Unneeded items shall be properly discarded or returned to the storage area.


• 1. C. Chemical Handling

Each laboratory employee with the training, education and resources provided by supervision, shall develop and implement work habits consistent with this CHP to minimize personal and co-worker exposure to the chemicals in the laboratory. Based on the realization that all chemicals inherently present hazards in certain conditions, exposure to all chemicals shall be minimized. General precautions which shall be followed for the handling and use of all chemicals are:

• 1. Skin contact with all chemicals shall be avoided or minimized; wash promptly if skin contact is made with any chemical, regardless of corrosivity.
• 2. All employees shall wash their hands prior to leaving the laboratory.
• 3. Mouth suction for pipetting or starting a siphon is prohibited.
• 4. Bringing food or beverages into the laboratory is prohibited; eating, drinking, smoking, or application of cosmetics in areas where laboratory chemicals are present shall be avoided. Hands shall be thoroughly washed prior to performing these activities.
• 5. Storage, handling, and consumption of food or beverages shall not occur in storage areas where refrigerators, glassware or utensils also used for laboratory operations.
• 6. Risk determinations shall be conservative in nature.
• 7. Any chemical mixture shall be assumed to be as toxic as its most toxic component.
• 8. Substances of unknown toxicity shall be assumed to be toxic.
• 9. Laboratory employees shall be familiar with the symptoms of exposure for the chemicals with which they work and the precautions necessary to prevent exposure.
• 10. The intent and procedures of this Chemical Hygiene Plan shall be continuously adhered to.
• 11. In all cases of chemical exposure, neither the Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) of OSHA nor the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) shall be exceeded. If the PEL or the TLV is not available for a given substance, the substance will be assumed to be toxic and must be used in a fume hood.
• 12. Specific precautions based on the toxicological characteristics of individual chemicals shall be implemented as deemed necessary by the Chemical Hygiene Officer (Section 6). These special precautions are listed in Section 7.


• 1. D. Laboratory Equipment and Glassware

Each employee shall keep the work area clean and uncluttered. All chemicals and equipment shall be properly labeled in accordance with Section 1. G. At the completion of each work day or operation, the work area shall be thoroughly cleaned and all equipment properly cleaned and stored. In addition, the following procedures shall apply to the use of laboratory equipment:

• 1. All laboratory equipment shall be used only for its intended purpose.
• 2. All glassware will be handled and stored with care to minimize breakage; all broken glassware will be immediately disposed of in the broken glass container.
• 3. All permanently evacuated glass apparatus (e. g. Dewar flasks) shall be shielded and/or taped to contain chemicals and glass fragments should implosion occur.
• 4. Labels shall be attached to all chemical containers, identifying the contents and related hazard.
• 5. Waste receptacles shall be identified as such.
• 6. All laboratory equipment shall be inspected on a periodic basis and replaced or repaired as necessary.


• 1. E. Personal Protective Equipment
• 1. Eye protection is to be used as necessary. In the Chemistry Department, safety glasses meeting ANSI Z87.1 are required for employees and visitors to the laboratory and will be worn at all times when in the laboratory. Contact lenses are strongly discouraged in the laboratory, and, if worn, must be completely protected by safety goggles.
• 2. Chemical goggles and/or a full face shield shall be worn during chemical transfer and handling operations as procedures dictate.
• 3. Sandals, perforated shoes, and bare feet are prohibited.
• 4. Chemicalresistant gloves shall be worn at all times when there may be skin contact with hazardous chemicals. Used gloves shall be inspected and washed prior to reuse. Damaged or deteriorated gloves will be immediately replaced. Gloves shall be washed prior to removal from the hands.
• 5. Thermalresistant gloves shall be worn or "hot hands" used for operations involving the handling of heated materials and exothermic reaction vessels. Thermalresistant gloves shall be non asbestos and shall be replaced when damaged or deteriorated.


• 1. F. Personal Work Practices
• 1. Laboratory supervision must ensure that each employee knows and follows the rules and procedures established in this plan.
• 2. Except as described in Section 5 of this Plan, working alone, after hours, or unattended laboratory operations are not permitted.
• 3. All employees shall remain vigilant to unsafe practices and conditions in the laboratory and shall immediately report such practices and/or conditions to the laboratory supervisor. The supervisor must correct unsafe practices and/or conditions promptly.
• 4. Long hair and loosefitting clothing shall be confined close to the body when appropriate (working with open flame, centrifuges, operating machines and instruments, etc. ).
• 5. Use only those chemicals appropriate for the ventilation system.
• 6. Avoid unnecessary exposure to all chemicals by any route.
• 7. Do not taste any chemicals. In general, avoid smelling chemicals except as directed.
• 8. Encourage safe work practices in coworkers by setting the proper example. Horseplay is strictly forbidden.
• 9. Be aware of MSDS information concerning the chemicals you are working with and plan operations, equipment, and protective measures accordingly.
• 10. Know the location and proper use of emergency equipment, and use engineering controls in accordance with Section 3.
• 11. Inspect personal protective equipment prior to use, and wear appropriate protective equipment as procedures dictate and when necessary to avoid exposure.


• 1. G. Labeling
• 1. All containers in the laboratory shall be labeled. This includes chemical containers and waste containers. The label shall be informative and durable, and at a minimum, will identify contents, date of acquisition or preparation, storage location, and indication of hazard.
• 2. Portable containers shall be labeled by the individual using the container.
• 3. Exemptions for labeling requirements shall be made for chemical transfers from a labeled container into a container which is intended only for the immediate use of the employee who performed the transfer.
• 4. The labeling program shall be periodically inspected by the supervisor or the Chemical Hygiene Officer.


• 1. H. Housekeeping
• 1. Each laboratory worker is directly responsible for the cleanliness of his or her work space, and jointly responsible for common areas of the laboratory. Laboratory management shall insist on the maintenance of housekeeping standards.
• 2. The following procedures apply to the housekeeping standards of the laboratory:
• a. All spills on lab benches or floors shall be immediately cleaned and properly disposed of.
• b. The lab benches shall be kept clear of equipment and chemicals except those necessary for the work currently being performed.
• c. The work area shall be cleaned at the end of each operation.
• d. All apparatus shall be thoroughly cleaned and returned to storage upon completion of usage.
• e. All floors, aisles, exits, fire extinguishing equipment, emergency wash stations, emergency disconnects, and other emergency equipment shall remain unobstructed.
• f. All labels shall face front.
• g. Chemical containers shall be clean, properly labeled and returned to storage upon completion of usage.
• h. All chemical wastes will be disposed of in accordance with prudent waste disposal practices.




• 1. I. Safety and Emergency Equipment
• 1. Telephone numbers of emergency personnel, supervisors and other workers as deemed appropriate have been posted.
• 2. All laboratory personnel will be trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers when hired and as needed thereafter.
• 3. All employees who might be exposed to chemical splashes shall be instructed in the location and proper usage of the emergency wash station. The emergency wash station shall be inspected at least monthly. These inspections shall be performed by the laboratory employees. Records shall be maintained.
• 4. Location signs for safety and emergency equipment have been posted.

In this section the criteria are presented by which the use of engineered controls and/or personal protective equipment are to be used.

• 2. A. Exposure Guidelines

Most materials have some guidelines for exposure, e. g. , Threshold Limit Values (TLV's) or Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL's). When such values exist, they will be used by the immediate supervisor to determine proper safety precautions, including control measures and safety apparel.

When TLV or PEL values exist and are low (50 ppm or less), the user of the chemical must use it in an operating fumehood. If TLV or PEL values are not available for that substance, the substance will be assumed to be toxic and must also be used in a fume hood.

If the chemical has a high vapor pressure (50 mm Hg or higher @ 20° C) it must be used in a well-ventilated area.



• 2. B. Fire Guidelines

The flammability of a chemical is generally determined by its flash point, i. e. , the lowest temperature at which an ignition source can cause the chemical to ignite momentarily. The flash point will be used as the reference of "fire hazard" at Lycoming College. OSHA and NFPA have guidelines on when a chemical is considered flammable. Those guidelines are herein adopted for use in the laboratory.

"Flammable" will be used to refer to chemicals with a flash point <100° F. ; such chemicals must be stored in a designated flammable storage area or cabinet.

Chemicals with flash points between 100 and 200° F. are called "combustible"; such chemicals must be stored away from any source or ignition.

More detailed discussions on fire hazards can be found in OSHA's regulations (29 CFR 1910) and the local fire code.



• 2. C. Reactivity Guidelines

NFPA has guidelines regarding "reactive" chemicals; however, these are centered on a fire emergency. Other guidelines regarding reactive chemicals can be found in "Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards", 3rd ed. (L. Bretherick; Butterworths, 1985), regulations of DOT (49 CFR) and E. P. A. (40 CFR). At Lycoming College, a reactive chemical is one which is:

• Ranked by NFPA as 3 or 4 for reactivity.
• Identified by any of the above references as, or known to be:
• an oxidizer,
• an organic peroxide,
• an explosive,
• unstable or subject to polymerization, or
• reactive with ordinary substances.



Once a chemical has been determined to be reactive, all proper safety precautions will be used, including extra segregation in storage and prohibition on mixing with other chemicals without appropriate personal protection and precautions.



• 2. D. Corrosivity and Contact Hazard Guidelines

A corrosive chemical is defined by OSHA (29 CFR) as a chemical that causes visible destruction of or irreversible alterations in living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. Lycoming College will consider a chemical corrosive if it fits this definition or if it has a very high (ò11) or a very low (ó3) pH.

A skin or eye contact hazard chemical is one where the chemical's route of entry for its toxic effects is through the skin or eyes. Chemicals which are contact hazards will be determined by examining the medical and industrial hygiene literature.

Corrosive or contacthazard chemicals should be handled only when wearing suitable eye protection and chemical resistant gloves.

• 3. A. Intent

The engineering controls installed in the laboratory are intended to minimize employee exposure to chemical and physical hazards in the workplace. These controls must be maintained in proper working order for this goal to be realized.

• 3. B. Modification

No modification of engineering controls will occur unless testing indicates that worker protection will continue to be adequate.

• 3. C. Improper Function

Improper function of engineering controls must be reported to the Chemical Hygiene Officer immediately. The system shall be taken out of service until proper repairs have been executed.

• 3. D. Usage

All employees shall follow proper work practices when using the engineering controls.

• 3. E. Local Exhaust Ventilation and Laboratory Hoods

The following procedures shall apply to the use of local exhaust ventilation and laboratory hoods:

• 1. Openings of local exhaust ventilation shall be placed as close as possible to sources of the air contaminant.
• 2. The window on the face of the hood shall be clear prior to usage.
• 3. Hood fans shall operate when hoods are being used.
• 4. After using hoods, operate the fan for an additional period of time sufficient to clear residual contaminants from the ductwork.
• 5. The laboratory hoods shall be utilized for all chemical procedures which might result in release of hazardous chemical vapors or dust. As a general rule, the hood shall be used for all chemical procedures involving substances which are appreciably volatile and have a permissible exposure limit (PEL) less than 50 ppm.
• The following work practices shall apply to the use of hoods:
• a. Confirm adequate hood ventilation performance prior to opening chemical containers inside the hood. An inward flow of air can be confirmed by holding a piece of paper at the face of the hood and observing the movement of the paper.
• b. Keep the sash of the hood closed at all times except when adjustments within the hood are being made. At these times, maintain the sash height as low as possible.
• c. Storage of chemicals and equipment inside the hood shall be kept to a minimum.
• d. Minimize interference with the inward flow of air into the hood.
• e. Leave the hood operating when it is not in active use if hazardous chemicals are contained inside the hood or if it is uncertain whether adequate general laboratory ventilation will be maintained when the hood is nonoperational.
• f. The ventilation system shall be inspected every three months. The hood face velocity shall be maintained between 75 and 125 feet per minute. A record of each inspection shall be maintained by Buildings and Grounds.




• 3. F. Glove Boxes and Isolation Rooms

The exhaust air from a glove box or isolation room will be vented as needed.

• 3. G. Storage Cabinets

Storage cabinets for flammable and hazardous chemicals will be ventilated as needed.

• 4. A. Hazard Information

All employees will be apprised of the hazards presented by the chemicals in use in the laboratory. Each employee shall receive training at the time of initial assignment to the laboratory, prior to assignments involving new exposure situations, and at a regular frequency as determined by his/her immediate supervisor.

• 4. B. Training

This training shall include methods of detecting the presence of a hazardous chemical, physical and health hazards of chemicals in the lab, and measures employees should take to protect themselves from these hazards. The training, which shall be conducted by each department and/or the immediate supervisor of the employee, shall present the details of the Chemical Hygiene Plan, and shall include:

• 1. The contents of the OSHA laboratory standard (attached as Appendix A), and its appendices;
• 2. The location and availability of the Chemical Hygiene Plan;
• 3. The permissible exposure limits for OSHA regulated substances or recommended exposure values for other hazardous chemicals not regulated by OSHA which are present in the laboratory;
• 4. Signs and symptoms associated with exposure to the chemicals present in the laboratory;
• 5. Location and availability of reference material on chemical hygiene.
• 6. Location and use of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).

Certain laboratory activities present specific, foreseeable hazards. These activities include off-hours work, sole occupancy of building, hazardous operations and unattended operations. Written prior approval must be obtained from the supervisor prior to the performance of these activities.

• 5. A. Off-Hours Work Procedures

Laboratory personnel are not permitted to work after hours in the lab, except as specifically authorized by supervisor.

• 5. B. Sole Occupancy

Laboratory work should not be performed by students when they are the only person in the building. Persons needing to work alone after hours are required to have the permission of their supervisor and should bring a "buddy" who is: 1) an adult; 2) is nearby (on the same floor) in the building; and 3) is aware that they are working and agrees to check on them periodically. Faculty are permitted to perform routine laboratory work alone in the building; however they should ensure that their presence and approximate duration of stay in the building are known to someone and should attempt to minimize laboratory work alone.

• 5. C. Hazardous Work

All hazardous operations are to be performed during a time when at least two personnel are present in the laboratory. At no time shall a laboratory person, while working alone in the laboratory, perform work which is considered hazardous. The determination of hazardous operations shall be made by the laboratory supervisor.

• 5. D. Unattended Operations

When laboratory operations are performed which will be unattended by laboratory personnel (continuous operations, overnight reaction, etc. ), the following procedures will be employed:

• 1. The laboratory supervisor will determine whether the unattended operation will be permitted.
• 2. The laboratory supervisor will review work procedures to ensure the safe completion of the operation.
• 3. An appropriate sign will be posted at all entrances to the laboratory.
• 4. The overhead or hood lights in the laboratory will be left on if the operation permits.
• 5. Precautions shall be made for the interruption of utility service during the unattended operation (loss of water pressure, electricity, etc. ).
• 6. The person responsible for the operation will return to the laboratory at the conclusion of the operation to dismantle the apparatus.

• 6. A. Chief Executive Officer, James E. Douthat, has the ultimate responsibility for chemical hygiene throughout the laboratory and with assistance of other program administrators, will provide continued support for chemical hygiene.
• 6. B. Chemical Hygiene Officer

The Chemical Hygiene Officer (Biology Department CHO: Jeffrey D. Newman; Chemistry Department CHO: Charles H. Mahler) shall:

• 1. work with administrators and other employees to develop and implement appropriate chemical hygiene policies and practices,
• 2. act as advisor in procurement and use of chemicals in the lab, including determining that facilities and training levels are adequate for the chemicals in use,
• 3. perform regular, formal chemical hygiene and housekeeping inspections including inspections of emergency equipment,
• 4. help project directors develop precautions and adequate facilities,
• 5. maintain current knowledge concerning the legal requirements of regulated substances in the laboratory,
• 6. review and improve the Chemical Hygiene Plan on an annual basis,
• 7. ensure that workers know the chemical hygiene rules,
• 8. determine the proper level of personal protective equipment, ensure that such protective equipment is available and in working order,
• 9. ensure that appropriate training has been provided to employees,
• 10. monitor the chemical waste accumulation and coordinate its disposal through the Safety Officer.


• 6. C. Laboratory Workers (faculty, TA's, preppers)

The supervisors of each laboratory are in general resposible for ensuring safety in their lab(s). The laboratory workers are individually responsible for;

• 1. planning and conducting each laboratory operation in accordance with the Chemical Hygiene Plan,
• 2. developing good personal chemical hygiene habits.

When laboratory procedures require the use of additional classifications of chemicals (defined in the appropriate MSDS as allergens, embryotoxins, teratogens, carcinogens, etc. ), additional special precautions shall be implemented as deemed necessary by the Chemical Hygiene Officer.

In general for each of these categories it is expected that the hazardous chemicals will only be used where necessary (i. e. , no safer, equally suitable alternative exists) and that the amounts used will be the minmum required.

• 7. A. Working with Allergens and Embryotoxins (Special Precautions)
• 1. Suitable gloves to prevent hand contact shall be worn when exposed to allergens or substances of unknown allergen activity.
• 2. Women of childbearing age will handle embryotoxins only in a hood with confirmed satisfactory performance and will use protective equipment to prevent skin contact as prescribed by the supervisor and Chemical Hygiene Officer.
• 3. Embryotoxins will be stored in adequately ventilated areas in unbreakable secondary containers.
• 4. The supervisor and Chemical Hygiene Officer will be notified of spills and other exposure incidents. A physician will be consulted when appropriate.


• 7. B. Working with Chemicals of Moderate Chronic or High Acute Toxicity (Special Precautions)
• 1. Areas where these chemicals are stored and used are of restricted access and have special warning signs.
• 2. A special hood with a minimum face velocity of 75 linear feet per minute or other containment device will be used (see also Section 3. E. 5. f). Released vapors will not discharge with the hood exhaust, but will be trapped.
• 3. Gloves and long sleeves will be used. Hands and arms will be washed immediately after working with these chemicals.
• 4. Two people will always be present during work with these chemicals.


• 7. C. Working with Chemicals of High Chronic Toxicity (Special Precautions)
• 1. All transfer and work with these substances shall be in a designated area: a restricted access hood, glove box or portion of lab.
• 2. Approval of the supervisor will be obtained before use.
• 3. Vacuum pumps must have scrubbers or high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) filters.
• 4. Any contaminated equipment or glassware will be decontaminated in the hood before removal from the designated area.
• 5. For powders, a wet mop or vacuum with a HEPA filter will be used for cleanup.
• 6. The designated area will be marked with warning and restricted access signs.
• 7. Containers will be stored in a ventilated, limited access area in labeled, unbreakable, chemically resistant, secondary containers.

In the event of a chemical spill, release or other accident, all employees will adhere to the procedures outlined in the Emergency Response plan as required by OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910. 38 and 1910. 120.

• 8. A. Handling Spills.
• 1. The small quantities of chemicals used in the academic laboratories should preclude the possibility of what could be classed as a major spill in the laboratory. Laboratory supervisors should make sure materials to neutralize spills are on hand before an experiment starts.
• 2. In case of a spill, the problem should be resolved immediately by means of appropriate treatment, such as neutralization of acids or bases, absorption of organic liquids in some inert adsorbent material such as vermiculite, etc. In all cases waste generated by a spill shall be collected and disposed of in a proper manner, and the area properly cleaned and, if necessary, ventilated.


• 8. B. Handling Personal Accidents in the Laboratory. (See also Section 9 - Medical Consultations and Examinations)
• 1. All injuries incurred in the laboratory, no matter how seemingly minor, must be reported to the supervisor in charge, for immediate attention, and written records must be kept of all such injuries. A copy of the "Sample Accident Report Form" is given in Appendix E.
• 2. In case of a minor cut or burn, immediate first aid may be given with supplies in the first aid cabinet, but the injured person should then report as soon as is practicable to the college nurse.
• 3. In cases of real emergency, or during hours when Health Services is not open, call the Department of Safety and Security at 4911. If it seems necessary for immediate attention, call an ambulance directly through 9911.

• 9. A. Provision for Medical Consultation and Examination
• 1. An opportunity to receive medical attention is available to all employees who work with hazardous chemicals in the laboratory under the following circumstances:
• a. Whenever an employee develops signs or symptoms associated with a hazardous chemical to which the employee may have been exposed in the laboratory,
• b. Medical surveillance programs will be established where there is reason to believe that there has been an exposure level above the action level for an OSHA regulated substance for which there are exposure monitoring and medical surveillance requirements, and/or,
• c. Whenever an event takes place in the laboratory such as a spill, leak, explosion, or other occurrence resulting in the likelihood of a hazardous exposure, the employee will be provided an opportunity for medical consultation for the purpose of determining the need for medical examination.


• 2. These medical consultations and examinations shall be provided without cost to the employees, without loss of pay and at a reasonable time and place.
• 3. These medical consultations and examinations shall be administered by or under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. A current list of available physicians is maintained by the Chemical Hygiene Officer. Employees seeking the opportunity of medical consultation should request the listing from the Chemical Hygiene Officer.


• 9. B. Documentation and Notification.
• 1. All memos, notes, and reports related to a complaint of actual or possible exposure to hazardous chemicals are to be maintained as part of the record of that complaint.
• 2. Employees shall be notified of the results of any medical consultation or examination with regard to any medical condition that exists or might exist as a result of overexposure to a hazardous chemical.

The accumulation of waste in these departments is of such a small quantity as to put the College well below the level of a small quantity waste generator classification; nevertheless, it is expected that extra care will be exercised to ensure the proper collection and disposition of any hazardous waste.

Disposal of all chemical waste will be carried out under the direction and/or supervision of the Chemical Hygiene Officer in conjunction with the Safety Officer. Each Department and Laboratory Supervisor shall ensure proper collection (for disposal) of wastes generated in their laboratories. Solid chemical wastes should not be discarded into waste baskets, but rather disposed of in a permissible way. Any accidental mercury spills (for example, from broken thermometers) will immediately be cleaned up with a vacuum collector, by a faculty member.

• 1. Accident investigations will be conducted by the immediate supervisor with assistance from other personnel as deemed necessary.
• 2. Accidents reports will be written and retained for 10 years (?)
• 3. Exposure records for hazardous chemicals and harmful physical agents will be maintained for 30 years per 29 CFR 1910. 20.
• 4. Medical records for employees exposed to hazardous chemicals and harmful physical agents will be maintained for the duration of employment plus 30 years per 29 CFR 1910. 20.
• 5 . Inventory and usage records for high risk substances (amounts of substances onhand, amounts used and names of workers involved) shall be maintained for 10 years (?)
• 6. Records of inspections of equipment will be maintained for 5 years (?)
• 7. Records of employee training will be maintained for 10 years (?)

The Chemical Hygiene Officer will conduct an audit of all phases of the Chemical Hygiene Plan each year. Results will be provided to the ranking official and the laboratory manager. Supervisors are responsible for taking corrective action. Appendix D will be used as a guide for the audit.

• National Research Council, Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, National Academy Press, Washington, D. C. 1981.
• National Research Council, Prudent Practices for Disposal of Chemicals from Laboratories, National Academy Press, Washington, D. C. , 1983.
• Freeman, N. T. , Introduction to Safety in the Chemical Laboratory, Academy Press, 1982.
• Manufacturing Chemists' Association, Inc. , Guide For Safety In The Chemical Laboratory, D. Van Nostrand Company, Inc. , 1954.
• Green, Michael E. , Safety In Working With Chemicals, MacMillan Publishing Co. , Inc. 1978.
• Pipitone, David A. , Safe Storage of Laboratory Chemicals, Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1984.
• Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR part 1910 subpart Z section 1910. 1450, Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, 1990.

• A. The Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910. 1450)
• B. Laboratory Safety Equipment Inspection Schedule
• C. Employee Chemical Hygiene Orientation and Training Checklist
• D. OSHA Standard Compliance Checklist (Audit)
• E. Sample Accident Report Form
• F. Chemistry Department Laboratory Regulations and Safety Policy (Administered to Students at the First Lab Period of Every Chemistry Course)
• G. Chemistry Department Policy on Working Outside of Normal Laboratory Hours (Communicated to Students at the First Lab Period of Every Chemistry Course and Posted on the Door of each Chemistry Laboratory)
• H. The Chemistry and Biology Departments' Chemical Storage and Inventory Program

• CAS No.:

• The Chemical Abstracts Services number. Generally unique, but may be duplicated (i.e. Boileezers and Calcium Carbonate).

• Organic?

• x = yes (organic), nothing (no x) = inorganic

• Storage:

• Orange, Blue, Red, Red Stripe, White, White Stripe, Yellow, and Yellow Stripe are the possibilities on the pull down list. Typing the first letter should get you the code for all but the "Stripe" categories. See above for more information.

• MSDS?

• x = Material Safety Data Sheet on file, nothing (no x) = no MSDS on file.

• NFPA Hazard Codes

• (Health, Flammability, Reactivity,
• Contact/Special): See above for more information

• Container Subform:

• This part of the database lists all the containers of the chemical in the Heim Building and gives information specific to each container. This information is as follows:

• Room:

• This is the room in the Heim Building where the chemical is normally found and should be the same as the "Storage Room" listed on the container (see above). This is a pull down list in the database and typing the room number (i.e., G26 or 202) is sufficient to get the room number and name.

• Description:

• This is the place for any container specific comments, such as "no date (received)", "stored on floor", "crystals", "ACS reagent", etc. Comments applicable to all containers of this chemical should go in Comments in the Main Form.

• Amount:

• This is the amount the container held when full we do not try to keep a running tally on amount actually in the container except when it is emptied (but see Empty). Metric (SI) units are preferred.

• Vendor:

• This is the supplier and/or manufacturer of the chemical.

• Catalog #

• This is the supplier's catalog number for this chemical and should only be entered for those chemicals which are used frequently and are often reordered.

• Rec'd:

• Date received. The database is set up so that this category must be filled in, so chemicals without a date have been arbitrarily given the date June 1944 (DDay).

• Empty:

• Date the container was emptied

• Chem/Bio:

• Department to which this container of the chemical belongs. This is a pull down list, so typing"b" is sufficient for Biology, and "c" is sufficient for Chemistry. This information should also be on the container (see above).

C) Database Functions

• ControlC will copy any highlighted text to the clipboard, ControlX will cut any highlighted text to the clipboard (and remove it from the record),




• ControlV will paste the clipboard contents to the current location of the cursor,




• Double clicking on the upper left corner box will close the database, and in the network version of the database File, Edit, etc. have other functions in them.

Database developed by Charles H. Mahler in 1996 (with help from Sandi Goodsite of the OCT).