Laboratory Safety Presentation - WSU Tri-Cities · Laboratory Safety Manual • Training • PIs...

Laboratory

Safety

Presentation

What is the Purpose of Laboratory Safety Training?

Regulatory Compliance Washington Industrial Safety & Health Act of 1973 – Empowered the state to

enforce safety & health regulations, which must be at least as stringent as OSHA regulations

Division of Occupational Safety & Health (formerly L&I) developed state regulations to implement safety & health rules. Regulations codified as Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 296.

WAC 296-800 “Safety and Health Core Rules”, establishes 26 basic safety & health rules for all employers, such as:

o Accident Prevention Programs

o Personal Protective Equipment

o First Aid

o Hazard Communication

WAC 296-828 “Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories” specifies additional employer responsibilities to protect employees from hazards of chemical use

Under these regulations, “Employer” = the University, Department, and PI. Any of these (or all of them) can be held civilly or criminally liable if employees are injured at work.

Sheri Sangji Michele Dufault

Graduate chemistry

researcher at UCLAUndergraduate physics

major at Yale

Died as a result of burns

from improper use of

pyrophoric materials

Died when her long

hair became tangled in

a lathe while working

alone

Purpose of Laboratory Safety Training

Preventing Injuries

What do these people have in common?

Dr. Karen Wetterhahn

Professor of chemistry at

Dartmouth

Died of mercury poisoning,

exposure resulted from use

of improper PPE

They all died in laboratory accidents.

University of California Center for Laboratory Safety Study Findings

Academic laboratories commonly have significant, but poorly recognized, safety concerns Pressure to produce results can result in placing higher value on experimental

outcomes than on research safety

Need to innovate forces researchers to change experiments

Hazards are not necessarily recognized by many researchers

High turnover of researchers (post-docs and grad students)

As a result, safety problems are common:

Overcoming technical challenges is a higher priority than considering risk

Formal risk assessments are typically not integrated

Risk assessments are not repeated when protocols or inputs change

Equipment doesn’t clearly state safety limitations

Researchers don’t know safety standards, regulations, and best practices

Publications typically don’t identify hazard concerns, so experiments replicating those studies don’t include protections

Research equipment and processes can be too specialized for safety staff to adequately review

According to the Chemical Safety Board: Over 120 accidents occurred in academic laboratories between 2001-2011.

Significantly more than occurred in commercial & industrial research

Solutions

Administration Responsibilities: Promote strong lab safety culture, and establish expectations

Points of emphasis for WSU labs:o Storage of chemical wastes in appropriate, properly labeled containerso Evaluation of procedures for disposal of glass and sharpso Replacement of mercury containing deviceso Removal of unnecessary equipment and containers from fume hoodso Access to emergency equipmento Ensuring that all chemicals are stored compatibly in appropriate

locations, with secondary containment when needed

EHS Responsibilities: Encourage communication of best practices and lessons learned

Unit-level safety committees Develop anonymous incident and near-miss reporting system

Campus Safety Concern Report Form

Develop training and tools to help researchers maintain strong, proactive safety culture

Solutions

PI Responsibilities: Provide everyday oversight and ensure implementation of safe work practices

Provide specific training to address hazards of the laboratory and process

Know what your students & researchers are doing – open communication

Every Researcher’s Responsibilities: Ask questions – make sure you understand the process before proceeding

When something changes, step back and see if it creates a new hazard, or requires new protections

If something goes wrong, STOP. Find out why, and fix it before trying again.

Ask for help. Peer review is a good thing.

Remember – if something unsafe is happening, EVERYONE has the authority to stop it. Stop the work, and report unsafe behavior to your PI, lab manager, or EHS. Reports can be made anonymously through the Safety Concern Report on the EHS website.

Accident Prevention Plan (WAC 296-800-140)

Broad, department-level plan with general safety information for all staff.

Laboratory Safety Manual (WAC 296-828)

Developed and updated by the University, and applicable to all labs & lab staff

General rules to provide foundation for safety in lab operations - MUST be supplemented by lab-specific CHP

Chemical Hygiene Plan (WAC 296-828-20005) Specific to each lab

PIs must complete CHP to address/inform on the specific chemicals, procedures, and protective measures required in their lab(s)

Identifies labeling requirements and location of SDSs

Medical Evaluations – If a select hazard is present above certain levels

Exposure Evaluation - If there is any respiratory hazard

Standard Operating Procedures (WAC 296-828-20005)

Specific Procedures for specific lab activities

Safety must be integrated into SOPs

Specifies what materials are needed, quantities, PPE, ventilation, waste(s) generated, etc.

How the Lab Safety Standard is implemented at WSUTC

Accident Prevention Plan

Lab Safety Manual

Chemical Hygiene Plan

SOPs

All of these must be written, readily available for all employees to review, and reviewed/updated

annually. Increasingly specific training requirements exist at each level, and employees must be

trained upon hire and before introduction of new hazards

Basic Rules and Procedures

Chemical Procurement, Storage, and Distribution

Exposure Monitoring for specific chemicals Carcinogens – Listed &

Specific

Air Contaminants WAC 296-841 Table 3

Housekeeping

Medical surveillance

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Recordkeeping

Labels and Signage

Chemical spills and emergency response

Training

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Inspections

Material Data Safety Sheets

Safety Equipment

Safe use and maintenance of certain lab equipment

Ventilation

Standard Operating Procedures

Laboratory Safety Manual

WSU Tri-Cities Lab Safety Manual is accessible on the EHS website. Its

sections include information on all of the following:


• Basic Rules and Procedures:

• SDSs for all chemicals must be available

• Appropriate Clothing and PPE must be worn

• Containers must be labeled and properly stored

• No food/drink in lab – and no chemicals or

samples in offices!

• Know exit routes, where emergency equipment

is located, and how to use it

• Know how to call for help

• Use equipment properly

• Control contamination – wash hands before

leaving lab

• This means REMOVE YOUR GLOVES!!!


• Safety Data Sheets (formerly MSDS)

• SDSs must be available for every hazardous

chemical in inventory

• Must be readily available to all employees, at all

times

• May be hard copy or electronic

• Initial orientation must inform employees of the

location of SDSs, and how to use them


• Labs using some carcinogens and air contaminants must

identify them and meet specific requirements for their use:

• Listed Carcinogens:

• Specific Carcinogens:

• Specific Air Contaminants:

4-Nitrobiphenyl Benzidine

Alpha-Napthylamine 4-Aminodiphenyl

4,4'-Methylene bis (2-chloroaniline) Ethyleneimine

Methyl Chloromethyl Ether Beta-Propiolactone

3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine (and its salts) Acetylaminofluorene

Bis-Chloromethyl ether 4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene

Beta-Naphthylamine N-Nitrosodimethylamine

Acrylonitrile Butadiene

Cadmium 1,2-Dibromo-3 chloropropane

Ethylene Oxide Inorganic arsenic

Methylene Chloride Vinyl Chloride

Asbestos Benzene

Formaldehyde Hexavalent Chromium

Lead Methylenedianiline

Thiram


• Housekeeping:

• Do not restrict access to exits, controls,

emergency equipment, etc.

• Minimize the volume of chemicals stored. Do not

stockpile chemicals, dispose of anything not

being used

• Control clutter, store equipment, glassware, and

chemicals properly

• Keep heavy items and liquids on lower shelves

• Dispose of all waste materials appropriately – do

not place liquids, chemicals, glass, or sharps in

the garbage!

• Nothing but soap & water down the sink


• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• General rules for all labs:

• Loose clothing, jewelry, and long hair should be

confined

• Feet and legs should be covered – no sandals, open

toed shoes, shorts, etc

• No food, drink, smoking, or cosmetics in labs

• Remove PPE before leaving lab

• Additional requirements based on specific hazards


• Chemical Spill Cleanup & Reporting

• Minor spill cleanup can be done by employees if

ALL of the following are met:

• Chemical is known, and spill can be cleaned up in 10

minutes or less

• Employees are trained to clean up spills (and this is

documented)

• No additional PPE is required (PPE worn in normal work

is adequate)

• Proper cleanup supplies are available

• If the above are not met, evacuate the area and

contact EHS. Call 911 first, if there is an

immediate danger (such as fire)


• Training• PIs must provide training at time of assignment,

and when hazards change, including:• Contents of the Lab Safety Standard and the Chemical

Hygiene Plan

• Location of CHP

• Permissible Exposure Limits for chemicals being used

• Signs and Symptoms of overexposure, and SDSs

• Lab Safety references

• Labeling requirements

• How to detect the presence or releases of chemicals

• Physical and health hazards in the work area

• Measures employees should take to protect themselves (including equipment, procedures, and PPE)

• Applicable details of the CHP

Chemical Hygiene Plans

• The CHP is an addendum to the LSM, and adds additional safety protocols and procedures – it must be written and available to employees

• Must include:• Employee protections for hazardous chemicals,

including specific high-hazard compounds

• Specific ventilation requirements

• Activities and procedures requiring employer approval/oversight

• Training plan

• Procedures for medical consultations & examinations

• Specific information regarding hazards present in the individual lab or work area

Chemical Hygiene Plan

• Carcinogens

• CHP must include specific policies and procedures

for use, handling, and storage of carcinogens

• Specific hazard assessment must be completed

• Some compounds require a designated use area,

restricted access, and posting on entrance

• Refer to LSM for list(s) of carcinogens and

requirements

Standard Operating Procedures

• SOPs are an element of the CHP, and provide final details of safety protocols

• Required content:

• Step-by-step procedure

• Specific identification of hazards

• Identify equipment requirements (ventilation, apparatus, etc.)

• Procedures for safe handling of chemical products and wastes

• PPE requirements

• Safety checks, milestones, and limitations

• Any additional training or limitations required to perform operations

• WSU has adopted a standard template for SOPs, available through EHS website

WHY?

What is the purpose of the LSM, the CHP, and SOPs?

Hazard Assessment Review the work area and identify hazards

Note areas of concern

Identify PPE, engineering controls, and training

Reduce or eliminate exposure to hazards

Again – the PI is primarily responsible

They are the person most familiar with lab operations and associated hazards, and in the best position to identify and ensure protections are in place

The department and EHS provide support and oversight All staff and students working in lab should participate,

assist, and COMPLY

Hazard Assessment

When evaluating a process, ask 3 questions: What can hurt you?

How would it hurt you?

What can be done to prevent it from hurting you (how can the hazard be reduced/eliminated)?

Review the process and the work area to identify health hazards and physical hazards

Conduct a step-by-step review of procedure At each step, ask “What could go wrong?”

Flag items of concern

Determine control methods to reduce or eliminate exposure

Incorporate control methods and re-evaluate procedure, workspace, and materials to ensure residual risk is low

Train employees on new procedure and required controls, including PPE

Health Hazards Chemicals

Irritants

Sensitizers

Carcinogens - Radiation, Chemicals

like benzene, Particulates like asbestos

Systemic Toxins – things that target a

particular organ or systems

Chemicals may also have physical hazards:

Corrosivity

Flammability

Reactivity

Biological Hazards

Bacteria, viruses, fungi

Radiological Hazards

Physical Hazards Temperature

Hot surfaces

Steam

Cryogenics

Ambient temperature, if in a hot or

cold environment

Moving Objects

Potential energy – electricity,

hydraulics, pressurized systems, falling

objects, gas cylinders

Slip, trip, and fall hazards

Ergonomic – repetitive motion;

improper positions; static positions;

improper lifting

Noise & Vibration – grinders, hand

tools, etc.

Identifying Hazards

Health Hazards

Acute and Chronic health impacts

Acute effects result in injury at the time of exposure, or very soon after

Chronic effects cause injury later, or after prolonged or repeated exposure

Dose-Response: each compound is different

For highly toxic chemicals, effects are seen after very small dose. For others, a

large dose may be required

Each person is different

Some persons may have severe reaction even to a small dose

Sensitizers

Some compounds produce an effect with smaller and smaller doses

(formaldehyde, latex)

Chemical Hazards

Consider all routes of

exposure. How will the

substance enter the body?

Hazard assessment should

account for each of these

for each specific

compound, and

determine methods to

control exposure

Hazard Mitigation

Engineering Controls

Physical changes to the work

area that reduce or remove

hazards, or place a barrier

between the hazard and the

user before an exposure can

occur

Administrative Controls

Use procedure, policy,

instruction, and training to

prevent or reduce exposure

to hazards that cannot be

reduced by engineering

controls

Personal Protective

Equipment

Use protective

clothing/equipment to

limit exposure to hazards

that cannot be reduced by

engineering controls or

prevented by

administrative controls

PPE is your last resort

The preferred method for

hazard mitigation is to

eliminate the hazard. If it is

not a required part of the

process, don’t use it.

If it cannot be eliminated

completely, identify a less

hazardous substitute (use a

different tool or chemical)

whenever possible.

If it cannot be eliminated or

substituted, other measures

can be used


The best example of an engineering control is exhaust ventilation

– chemical fume hoods; biosafety hoods; local exhaust for

processes or equipment

Keep sash at 18” or less, all work at least 6”

behind sash

Close sash when not in use

Fume Hoods are not storage cabinets

Avoid drafts, quick movements, and

bulky objects

Sash closed all the way

Face velocity between 80-120 feet per

minute


Chemical storage Chemicals separated and stored according to hazard and compatibility

Proper labeling – identification of chemical and hazard(s)

Flammables in ventilated cabinets, away from heat sources

Never store chemicals in hoods, on the floor, on bench top, or areas of heat or sunlight

Secondary containment

Machine Guarding Barriers over any moving or rotating parts

Refrigerators/Freezers No food; clearly labeled

Noise reduction - containment or technologies

GFCI circuit protection

Holders and racks for compressed gas cylinders

Non-slip surfaces

What’s Wrong here?

Materials are stored in the hood, blocking air flow and reducing its effectiveness

Materials, including

liquids are stored on a

shelf above eye level,

where they can be

accidentally spilled

over the face and eyes.

Place only light items

on upper shelves, and

store liquids below eye

level.

There are two problems here.

First, this container is

unlabeled, so its contents and

hazard(s) cannot be identified.

Second, it does not have a

secure lid. If it tips, the liquid

inside will dislodge the foil and

spill.

All containers must be securely

capped, and must be clearly

labeled with their contents and

associated hazard(s)

The emergency eye wash and

shower is obstructed by tools

and furniture, and cannot be

easily reached for use.

A clear path to emergency

equipment must be maintained

at all times.

Administrative Controls Procedures, safety procedures, policies

Don’t work alone

Read instructions/warnings carefully

Keep area organized

SDSs must be available Hazard Assessments must be completed for all activities Training of personnel (at time of assignment and whenever hazards change)

CHP

Chemical Properties; Physical & Health Hazards

Work practices, emergency procedures, PPE, SOP’s

Work Practices Chemical substitution/Minimization (using less hazardous chemicals)

Micro-techniques (using chemicals in the smallest possible quantity)

No food/drink/smoking in lab

Hand washing

Clothing

One glove rule – when carrying chemicals from one lab to another, keep the container in a gloved hand and use an ungloved hand to open doors

Use material handling devices – carts, cylinder carts, hand trucks, etc.

Disciplinary action (re-training, removal of lab access, etc.)

Administrative Controls

Container labeling

Must meet GHS requirements

Product Identifier

Hazard Pictograms

Signal Word

Hazard Statement

Precautionary Statements

Supplier Information

On primary container:

Keep manufacturer label, do

not destroy or deface

ALL Secondary containers, such

as flasks and beakers, must be labeled

with

Chemical name

Hazard(s)

What’s Wrong Here?

What is the other 80%?

What is the hazard?

All containers must be labeled with their

full contents, and with all associated

hazards

What are the hazards?

Not everyone knows what

“NaOH” is.

Labels must be immediately

readable, and cannot use

abbreviations or chemical

formulae

Again, this container does not

clearly identify its contents or

associated hazard(s)

DKWTI = “don’t know what

this is”

This label adequately

identifies the material and

the hazard. But…the

container is empty

Labels on empty containers

should be removed or

obscured


Supervisors complete PPE assessments and evaluate needs based on: Hazard assessment

Specific chemical and physical hazards (SDS properties & actual knowledge)

Material compatibility

Type of activities

Degree of exposure

Effectiveness of engineering & administrative controls

Once PPE needs are identified and documented: Provide necessary PPE and training in its use and limitations

Oversight of proper use, maintenance and replacement

Participate in additional PPE programs when applicable: Respiratory Protection Plan

Hearing Conservation Plan

Bloodborne Pathogen

Heat Stress


Several manufacturers publish tables indicating the compatibility of different glove

materials with various chemicals. These can be used to determine what gloves are most

appropriate for use.

Note acetone

(which is

widely used)

And, note nitrile, also widely used

This indicates that acetone will rapidly degrade nitrile gloves, and will not provide

protection from exposure for more than a short period. For any procedure using

acetone extensively, another glove material should be selected. Even if acetone is

lightly used, and splashed on nitrile gloves, the gloves should be replaced as soon as

possible.


Basic PPE requirements for entry to ALL labs:

No bare legs or midriffs (no shorts or skirts)

No open-toed shoes or sandals

Safety glasses

Secure long hair and dangling jewelry

Additional requirements for work in labs may include:

Gloves, oven mitts, gauntlets

Lab coats or aprons

Safety goggles and/or face shields

Lab signage should include PPE requirements!

If your PPE is broken, worn out, used up, or doesn’t work, TELL

YOUR SUPERVISOR

Protection and Prevention


Respirators

Users must be medically cleared to wear them – even for voluntary

use!

Annual fit test

Medical questionnaire

Respiratory protection training

Emergency Equipment

All labs must have emergency

wash stations Activated once per week

Drench hoses too

10 sec./50 ft. to reach UNOBSTRUCTED!

Flow (15 minutes): 0.4 GPM (eye wash)

20 GPM (Showers)

3.0 GPM (Drench Hose)

Must activate with single motion

and stay activated

Emergencies

Fire/explosion

Understand your facility evacuation plan, and where the assembly point is

Know how to secure the lab and processes before evacuating

Chemical spill or release

Identify the material and hazards before attempting cleanup

Cleaned up in ten minutes or less

Employee must be trained to clean up spills

Spill cleanup can use the same PPE as used in normal work activities

Clean-up supplies are readily accessible (Spill Kit)

Does not have a Ceiling Limit listed in WAC 296-841

Dispose of cleanup materials as waste (EHS)

If ANY of those conditions CANNOT be met, IMMEDIATELY evacuate the area

and contact EHS

Incident Reporting

Accidents and Injuries

Must be reported to supervisor (no matter how minor)

Complete an incident report within 24 hours

“Near Misses”

Anything that goes wrong, but does not result in injury or damage – but could

have

Reporting near misses allows evaluation of conditions, and may prevent a future

accident/injury

EH&S Safety Concern Report Form

Located on EH&S website, can be completed anonymously

Supervisors and PIs have primary

responsibility for development of plans,

but everyone should participate in

identifying hazards

Protect your co-workers. EVERYONE has

“stop work” authority. If you see

something unsafe occurring, or about to

occur, say something.

Working-Alone Policies

Washington State University is committed to keeping its employees and students safe. Working alone after hours is not permitted

without prior approval and requires that a hazard assessment be completed to identify and mitigate hazards associated with the work.

In any case, the minimum number of persons working on a project in a laboratory shall be at least two at all times!

Safety Policies and Procedures Manual 2.40 requires that employees working alone have access to, and be trained in how to access

adequate first-aid services. Such employees must be:

First-aid trained to self-treat injuries and occupational illnesses;

Able to call an on-site first-aid trained co-worker; or

Able to call 911.

Supervisors of employees or students working alone must contact EH&S if those individuals may be exposed to hazards that cannot be

adequately controlled by one person, or that could potentially result in severe injuries or occupational illnesses affecting the employee’s

ability to access adequate first-aid services. EH&S regularly coordinates First Aid training for employees through the WSU Nursing

faculty, or training can be obtained through multiple community resources. Contact EH&S for additional information.

Work in any Immediately Hazardous Environment must be performed with direct observation by another trained individual; therefore

working alone is prohibited when work involves the following:

a. Machine and power tools that could cause critical injury, e.g. lathes, table saws, and chain saws

b. Quick-acting acutely toxic material as described by the Safety Data Sheet (SDS’s), e.g., inorganic cyanides, fumigants, etc.;

c. The use of any form of respiratory protection

d. Confined spaces

e. Any excavation with depth of 4 feet or more

f. Electrical systems at high voltage

g. Working with materials under high pressure and temperature

h. Working at heights and using ladders over 4 feet

i. Use of reactive chemicals, flammable materials above their flashpoint and/or in the presence of any ignition source, or any hazardous chemical in a pressurized system

Supervisors and employees must evaluate work assignments on a case-by-case basis, and must consider the following risk factors for

working alone:

a. Tasks and associated hazards of the work to be performed

b. Consequences resulting from a “worst case” scenario

c. Likelihood for other persons to be in the area

d. Possibility that a critical injury or incident could prevent the employees from calling for help or leaving the workplace

e. Emergency response time

f. Workers’ training and experience

g. Workers’ physical handicaps or medical conditions

h. Effectiveness of implementing appropriate safeguards

i. Frequency of job supervision

j. The time or shift when the job is to be done

k. Whether the workers are accustomed to working in a team with only one more team member

In order to minimize potential risks associated with working alone, the following steps can be taken:

a. Whenever possible, avoid allowing individuals to work alone

b. Provide appropriate training and education to all students and employees, to ensure that they are familiar with the hazard(s) of the work they perform

c. Report all incidents or ‘near misses’ where the severity may be magnified by working alone

d. When individuals are working alone, establish a check-in procedure to ensure that regular contact is maintained

e. Schedule higher risk activities to be conducted during normal business hours, or when other workers are available to provide emergency assistance

DEFINITIONS

Working Alone means an isolated team of at least two students/employees working with an immediately hazardous material,

equipment or in an area that, if safety procedures fail, could reasonably result in incapacitation and serious life threatening injury

of one team member for which immediate first aid assistance is not available.

Immediately Hazardous Environment describes any material, activity or circumstance that could cause instantaneous

incapacitation rendering an individual unable to seek assistance.

Direct Observation means the assigned second person is in line of sight or close hearing range with the individual working in

an Immediately Hazardous Environment.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy will result in removal or restriction of laboratory access privileges.

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