Q&A ON OSHA’S LABORATORY STANDARD

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF OSHA’S LABORATORY STANDARD?

• The purpose of the Laboratory Standard is to protect laboratory employees from harm due to chemicals and hazardous substances while they are working in the laboratory.

HOW DOES OSHA DEFINE A HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL?

• OSHA defines a hazardous chemical as a substance for which there is statistically significant evidence, based on at least one scientific study, showing that acute or chronic harm may result from exposure to that chemical. Basically, this broad definition applies to all, or almost all, of the chemicals typically used in laboratories.

WHERE IS OUR CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN (Laboratory Safety Manual) LOCATED?

Any employee or student who works in a laboratory must read the Laboratory Safety Manual!

WHAT IS AN SDS, AND WHERE ARE THEY LOCATED?

• A Safety Data Sheet (SDS), formerly called Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), is designed to provide both workers and emergency personnel with the physical and health hazards and proper procedures for use, storage, disposal, and first and and the emergency procedures of a particular substance. There must be an SDS for every chemical or hazardous substance readily accessible to all employees and students in your laboratory, on all shifts. [When the SDS's are not easily observed in your laboratory, post a sign to indicate their location. (For example, when located inside a cabinet.)]
• Laboratory Supervisors and staff have the responsibility to ensure there is an up-to-date SDS for every chemical or hazardous substance in the laboratory.
• These should be located in your lab, inside binders. A master set is also available in the Griffith Hall Central Stockroom (Griffith Hall, Rm. #B-10).
  
• The USciences web-based SDS program (Chem Watch-Chem Gold) and other SDS websites are available at the EHRS site The Chem Watch program may be accessed from any University computer without needing to log in. This program provides manufacturer or generic SDS's for chemicals, drugs, commercial products and infectious substances in 30 different languages.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND A MISSING OR UPDATED SDS?

• Contact the chemical manufacturer/supplier or go to their website and under product detail, print one out.
• You may also use EHRS's web-based program, Chem-Watch-ChemGold.
• Contact EHRS for assistance or an information session to help navigate the web-based SDS program, if needed.

WHAT DO I DO IF THERE IS A CHEMICAL SPILL IN MY LAB?

Anticipate spills by having the appropriate safety spill equipment on hand. Flammable spills can ignite in only a minute or two. Know the properties of your spill equipment. Some chemicals are not recommended to be used with certain spill absorbents, neutralizers or suppressants. Keep spill supplies readily available in your laboratories. Additional spill control equipment is stored in the hallway spill cabinets.

If a spill occurs, immediately alert personnel in the area and do what is necessary to protect life. Warn others to stay out of the area and to avoid walking nearby. Secure the area.

• If it is a small spill, your laboratory supervisor or research advisor is responsible for cleaning up the spill or making sure it is cleaned up properly. (Whenever unsure how to handle a spill, contact the Environmental Health & Radiation Safety Department at X8925, X8843, or X3141).
• Use an absorbent material that will neutralize the spill if it is hazardous or corrosive, or suppress the vapors if it is a flammable, whenever possible!
• If the spilled chemical is flammable, extinguish flames and all other sources of ignition (such as brush type motors) if safe to do so.
• Always wear the proper personal protective equipment when cleaning up spills. At a minimum, gloves, goggles, booties, and a lab coat. Know what type of gloves or booties that should be used for the chemical, in advance.
• Confine or dike the spill if possible, to keep the area involved smaller, decrease the evaporation rate, and to protect floor drains. Absorbents and spill socks may be placed around drains, as needed.
• Use Spill X-A to neutralize acid spills. Use Spill X-C to neutralize caustic spills. When using neutralizers, the reaction must be complete, before clean-up. (no popping or hissing) Use Spill X-S and vapor barrier absorbent sheets to suppress flammable vapors. (Fires start very quickly in a laboratory when flammable vapors are not controlled). Also, know the quantities of chemicals that you are working with, so that you have enough neutralizer or suppressant on hand. Follow the directions on the kits or on the containers.
• Maintain fume hood ventilation (if applicable).
• Place all spill clean-up material and residue into yellow hazardous waste bags or an appropriate container. You may use a dustpan and brush to scoop the spill residue into the container. Decontaminate the area with soap and water after clean-up.
• Seal bags or containers securely. Use strong tape on bags, and label the containers/bags with the chemical name(s) or as "spill debris" when appropriate . Bring the bag to the Central Stockrooms for disposal. Make sure someone is there to accept it.
• The EHRS Department must be informed of the spill. (X8925, X8843, or X3141) Complete a Laboratory Incident Report. Also, share incidents, near misses and lessons learned regularly with your staff and students.
• When mercury-containing thermometers or equipment is used or stored in your laboratory, make sure there is a mercury spill kit readily available. Contact the Central Stockrooms if a spill kit is needed. Read the instructions enclosed in the kit. Use the mercury vapor suppressant spray or powder available from the Stockrooms to suppress mercury vapors. However, it is best to replace all mercury thermometers with alcohol filled, citrus-filled, digital, etc., whenever possible. Most laboratories have done this already.
• If the spill is large, flammable, toxic, or a threat to personnel, students or the public, notify the EHRS Department (X8925, X8843 or X3141) or Public Safety (X7000) immediately. Ventilate or maintain fume hood ventilation, if possible.

Be prepared to report:

The name of the chemical spilled. (spell the chemical name)
The amount of the chemical spilled.
Location of the spill.
Whether it is still leaking and/or is it contained.
Any noticeable properties. (i.e., fuming)
If anyone has been injured or exposed.

If the spilled chemical is flammable, extinguish all nearby flames and sources of ignition (such as brush-type motors), if safe to do so.

Confine or dike the spill on your way out, if possible. Protect floor drains or other means for environmental release. Absorbents and spill socks may be placed around drains, as needed.

Evacuate the area, warn others to leave and stay out of the area.   Avoid touching the spill, walking in it, or breathing it, whether it has an odor or not. (Secure area, post a warning sign if it is safe to do so.)

Remain on the scene, but at a safe distance, to receive and direct EHRS/Public Safety or emergency personnel when they arrive.  You are needed to relay essential information, and possibly receive important information. See the Chemical Spills section of the Safety Manual for more information.

WHAT DO I DO IF THERE IS A FIRE IN MY LAB?

• If it is a very small fire, alert the people in the laboratory and activate the alarm. (Call or designate someone nearby to call the fire department, 911.) Never delay the arrival of help. Notify Public Safety at 215-596-7000.
  
  Smother the fire or use the fire control equipment in the lab to put out the fire, if you can do so without endangering yourself, and only if you have received University fire extinguisher training. Then notify Public Safety and your supervisor. [Always stay on the exit side of a fire. Extinguishers only last for seconds!] However, most importantly, your job is to get out safely, close the door behind you, and pull the fire alarm. (Call 911)
  
  If a small quantity of liquid in a beaker catches fire, immediately cover the beaker with a watch glass or place a larger beaker over it. Keep these nearby when working.
  

• If it is a larger fire, remember R.A.C.E.

Identify yourself as the person who notified or generated a notification to USP Public Safety or Fire Emergency Personnel (Fire Department). Relay information about what occurred including special hazard information that you may know. The Fire Department will not fight a laboratory fire if they are concerned about the hazards. Special hazard information you may know is essential.

[Fire blankets may be used to help escape from a fire.]

Be prepared. Know fire emergency procedures.

HOW DO I PREVENT A FIRE WHILE WORKING IN A LABORATORY?

• Turn off all electrical equipment and gas jets. Never leave hot plates or bunsen burners on and unattended. (There have been many fires from unattended hot plates, bunsen burners, etc.)
• Use the smallest quantities of flammable solvents practicable. The invisible vapor can travel over 100 feet to find an ignition source and flash back. Most laboratory fires are due to the use of flammable solvents.
• Store stock quantities in flammable storage cabinets. Too many bottles in a laboratory or a fume hood add fuel to a fire.
• Always separate flammable solvents from sources of ignition (i.e., hot plates). Hot plates are a hidden source of ignition that have been responsible for many laboratory fires. Therefore, when working with flammables, use explosion-proof hot plates or other non-sparking heating methods. Never use a bunsen burner in any area where flammable solvents are handled.
• Always work with flammable solvents in a hood. This will dilute the concentrations of flammable vapors and gases below explosion limits.
• Make sure that all electrical wiring is in good condition. No cracks, fraying, or exposed wires.

WHAT DO I DO IF I EXHIBIT ANY SIGNS OR FEEL ANY SYMPTOMS WHILE WORKING WITH A CHEMICAL? OR IF I HAVE ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT IN THE LABORATORY?

There may be times when employees or supervisors suspect that an individual has as been exposed (i.e., contact, inhalation) to a hazardous substance to a degree and in a manner that might have caused harm to the individual. Whenever an employee has an exposure incident, or develops signs or symptoms associated with a hazardous substance, the employee must be provided an opportunity to receive an appropriate medical examination.

Employee Accidents/Hazardous Substance Exposures

Student and Visitor Accidents/Hazardous Substance Exposures

• Students must notify their instructor or resident director of all injuries or illnesses occurring at the University, including those related to hazardous substance exposures. The incident must then be immediately reported to Public Safety (X7000) so that it can be documented properly. If a student refuses medical treatment, their signature must be documented on Public Safety's Incident Reporting Form.
• Visitor accidents or incidents must also be immediately reported to Public Safety.
• If it is an emergency, call 911 and Public Safety at X7000. If Public Safety transports a student to the hospital, someone other than the Public Safety Officer (i.e., fellow student, instructor) should accompany the student into the medical facility.
• Do not move a seriously injured person unless they are in further danger.
• In the event of a hazardous substance exposure, do what is necessary to prevent further injury or illness. (i.e, flush skin or eyes with copious amounts of water for approximately 15 minutes, leave the area and get fresh air for an inhalation exposure). Also, someone should forward the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to the medical facility.

Any student who is working for the University, and their injury or illness occurs during the performance of their duties, will be covered under the University's worker's compensation carrier. Therefore, Human Resource's Supervisor's Accident Investigation Report should be completed, and procedures followed, as required under the "Employee Accidents" section.

See the Accident Reporting section in the Safety Manual for more information. 

WHAT DO I DO IF I GET SPLASHED WITH A CHEMICAL?

• Check the SDS for what to do in an emergency before you work with the chemical/hazardous substance. However, as a general rule of thumb, flush contaminated area with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. For eye splashes, use eyewash to flush with water for at least 15 minutes. Then follow the procedure of the preceding question. [Also, if you see someone in this situation, help them walk over to an eyewash, turn it on for them, and hold their eyes open, if necessary. This is because most people are in pain and cannot open their eyes or see, once they are splashed with a hazardous chemical or substance.]

• Use safety showers, or another appropriate washing facility, if there is a skin contamination. Remove contaminated clothing so that the chemical does not remain against your body. Pay attention to possible accumulation in your shoes. A good idea is to use fire blankets to cover someone if they need to disrobe. Also, extra clothing is available in the stockrooms.
  
  Flush eyewashes once a week for a minimum of 3 minutes to prevent the build-up of amoeba and bacteria. These microorganisms build up in the stagnant water when not flushed often enough. This will prevent eye infections, which can lead to blindness, during its use in an emergency. Flush! Flush! Flush!

See the Chemical Contamination section in the Safety Manual for more information.See the Radioactive Contamination section in the Radiation Safety Manual for more information.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY CLOTHING IS ON FIRE?

• It is always best to stop, drop, and roll wherever you are, and cover your face with your hands. Rolling smothers the fire. Don't run.
• Safety showers may also be used to cool the burn or suppress the flame, when close by. In addition, someone may use a fire blanket or coat to help suppress the flames. But, never wrap someone up in a fire blanket (it creates a chimney effect) or keep the blanket against the body too long. (Burns may become worse)

PEL’S AND TLV’S ARE OFTEN FOUND ON AN SDS. WHAT ARE THEY?

• PEL’s are permissible exposure limits. These are the regulatory quantities that nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed to day after day, without adverse effect. Because of wide variation in individual susceptibility, a small percentage of workers may experience discomfort from some substances at concentrations at or below the PEL or TLV.  PEL's are enforceable by law. (OSHA)
• TLV’s are threshold limit values. Their definition is the same as above, however they are recommended limits by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). TLV's are reviewed with some regularity and, therefore, may be more up-to-date than PEL's. 

HOW DO WE STORE AND TRANSPORT COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS?

• They need to be secured at all times while storing or transporting. Chain them, strap them, or keep them secured in a cylinder cart in an upright position at all times.
• Protective caps must always be in place while storing or moving cylinders, except when cylinders are connected for use. This will protect the valve if the cylinder does fall over.
• If a cylinder or valve becomes damaged, the tremendous pressure inside may suddenly be released, causing the cylinder to become a dangerous and powerful missile. Therefore, never let them topple over.
• They are big and heavy, so handle carefully. Watch your feet, toes, fingers, etc. Always transport on cylinder carts, whether empty or full.
• Do not ride in the elevator with a liquid nitrogen cylinder. Have someone waiting at the floor level that it is being sent. Post a sign on the cylinder to prevent individuals from entering the elevator when the door opens.

IF I TRANSFER A CHEMICAL TO A SECONDARY CONTAINER, HOW SHOULD I LABEL IT?

• You must label or tag the in-house container (e.g., stock solutions, mixtures, flasks, beakers, tubes, etc.) with the full chemical name. It is also helpful to use words, pictures and/or symbols to convey information on the physical and health hazards. [No abbreviations or structural formulas are allowed, except for small quantities of compounds synthesized in the laboratory. However, these must have labels that will not fall off. Written in permanent ink should be the researcher's name and the chemical or structural formula.]
• All chemicals in the lab must be labeled properly. Do not forget your non-hazardous substances, also. You are not there 24 hours a day, responders need to know if something is not hazardous, too.

See Labeling of Secondary Containers, under the Hazard Communication Program for more information.

HOW SHOULD I LABEL AND STORE MY CHEMICAL WASTE CONTAINERS?

• Use polyethylene (plastic) containers whenever possible. Glass bottles can easily break. Always use chemical/hazardous waste tags to label your waste containers as the material is being collected. Tags must be used because EPA requires that hazardous waste be labeled as "hazardous waste". (Tags and containers are available in the Central Stockroom.) All components of the waste must be identified with the chemical names. No abbreviations or chemical/structural formulas are allowed. If it is a mixture, include the appropriate percent by volume, when you have that information.
• Waste must be tagged and labeled in your laboratory at all times.
• Look for an area in your laboratory or room that can be designated as your waste storage area. (More than one designated area is allowed.) Signs with a list of some reminder procedures must be posted. (Call the EHRS Department at X8925 if you need a sign.)
• Waste containers must be kept closed at all times unless adding or removing waste. (No parafilm allowed, no storing wastes in open beakers, and funnels must be removed after adding waste. However, the sealable funnels attached to bottles are acceptable, if closed.) The EPA considers an open waste container a serious violation.
• If waste bottles have collection tubes in place (i.e., from laboratory instruments) place a hole in the bottle cap JUST large enough for the effluent tube. This will allow you to keep the collection tube in place, even if the instrument is not running. Also, store this waste container in a secondary container (tub). If there is not a small hole in the cap, make sure the tubing is removed and then the container sealed with the cap as soon as you are no longer adding waste to the container. (Special caps with holes are available in the Griffith Hall Central Stockroom.)
• All waste containers must be stored in secondary containers (tubs) in your laboratory and also when waste is stored near drains. Store your waste in a posted and designated waste storage area. Use our Waste Storage Area signs that are available in the EHRS Department. Use separate tubs to separate incompatible wastes.
• Full waste containers, no matter what size, must be dated and then immediately transferred to the Central Stockrooms or within 3 days of that date. (Bring the waste to the stockrooms if you have had proper waste handling training.) Leave the date field on the tag blank and only add the date when the container is full. However, make sure that once it is dated, it gets moved to the stockroom within the 3 days.
• Unless approved by EHRS, disposal of hazardous chemicals by way of the sanitary sewer system is not permitted.
• Keep sinks clear of beakers, flasks, bottles, etc. that contain chemicals, or look as if they container chemicals.
• Make sure there are no dusty, rusty, crusty, expired, unclaimed, or abandoned chemicals, or old peroxide-former and reactive chemicals in your area (potential hazard). These will be considered waste-like by the EPA and if not tagged, labeled, sealed and stored as waste, they will be in violation of the regulations.
• Make sure beakers and flasks in your laboratory that contain residual materials are cleaned out or sealed and labeled properly with chemical names. These may also be considered waste-like by the EPA.
• Check containers weekly to make sure that they are in good condition, free from deterioration, and not leaking.
• Containers must be compatible with the waste stored within them. (i.e., Never put corrosives in metal containers or ethers in clear bottles.) Also, always try to store waste in plastic containers rather than glass, if compatible.
• Make sure shelving and storage areas are not crowded, unsafe or corroded.
• Make sure everyone in your laboratory is thoroughly aware of waste handling procedures relevant to their responsibilities and has completed EHRS's basic annual Laboratory Safety Training.

These waste labeling and storage procedures are required by the Environmental Protection Agency.  EPA is inspecting Universities and issuing large fines for non-compliance. If this list of procedures is followed, your laboratory should be in compliance with EPA's waste regulations.

See the Labeling Guidelines under the Chemical Waste section in the safety manual for more information.

WHAT ARE THE PROPER METHODS FOR TRANSPORTING CHEMICALS THROUGHOUT THE UNIVERSITY?

Individuals transporting chemicals must be familiar with the material's hazards and know what to do in the event of a release or spill. Hazardous/chemical substances must be attended to at all times while being transported.

Transport chemicals in:

Transport all chemicals using the container-within-a-container concept. This will shield them from shock during any sudden change or movement. Never carry the glass bottles by the hole at the bottle neck. That is not the purpose of the hole. It can break off or the bottle can knock against a hard surface. Use the rubber buckets.

Check to make sure that all containers or bags are sealed tightly (tighten caps) and not leaking before transport. Leaking containers must not be transported.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Safety glasses, lab coats and impermeable gloves are some of the PPE that should be worn if hazardous chemicals/substances might splash on skin or eyes, if spilled during transport.

Incompatibles may not be transported in the same secondary container.

Use an unoccupied elevator for moving hazardous substances between floors.

Never transport hazardous waste across Woodland Avenue. There are waste storage areas in both the Griffith Hall and McNeil Science and Technology Center Central Stockrooms.

Rather than transporting materials across Woodland Avenue, large quantities (4 liters or greater), and smaller quantities, whenever possible, should be ordered through the Griffith Hall or the Science and Technology Center Central Stockrooms and delivered to the buildings in the original outside shipping containers.

If transporting materials across Woodland Avenue, chemicals and hazardous substances must be sealed (tight screw fitted caps), labeled, and placed upright in an un-breakable container. (If it is difficult to label each small tube/vial, the outer container may be labeled.) The container must be packed with absorbent material so that the contents inside cannot move, bang against each other, and so that the absorbent will absorb the contents if all were to leak.

When transporting hazardous chemicals on carts across the trolley tracks, it is recommended to have 2 people in attendance to prevent tipping and to prevent the wheels from getting caught.

If hazardous substances must be transported off-campus, contact EHRS for proper shipping instructions. These must be packaged, labeled, marked and shipped properly according to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and can only be done by trained and certified shippers. Anyone wishing to ship materials on their own or who is shipping frequently (i.e., once a month or more) must first receive the required training and certification. Contact EHRS. See Shipment of Biological Materials Procedures. See Transportation of Hazardous Chemicals for more information.

IF I COMPLETED EHRS's LABORATORY SAFETY TRAINING CLASS LAST YEAR, DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE THIS AGAIN THIS YEAR?

Faculty, staff and students working in a laboratory MUST complete EHRS's laboratory safety training prior to working in a laboratory, and biennially thereafter. (Classroom and on-line training is available.) However, it is highly recommended that student workers complete EHRS's laboratory safety training annually.

EHRS's laboratory safety training is not a substitute for the laboratory-specific safety training required by Faculty, Principal Investigators and Laboratory Supervisors within the laboratory. Faculty, Principal Investigators and Laboratory Supervisors are responsible for providing and documenting initial training and information on the specific hazards, substances, equipment, safety techniques and precautions, PPE, and waste disposal and emergency procedures.   This training must be updated periodically (at least annually) and whenever new hazards or changes are introduced.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF?

Awareness is the most fundamental rule of chemical safety. Keep the following guidelines in mind when handling chemicals.

• Know and be aware of the chemicals hazards, as determined from the SDS, labels, your laboratory advisor and other appropriate references. 
• Know and be aware of appropriate safeguards for using that chemical, including personal protective equipment. Know how to protect yourself. Inspect all personal protective equipment (PPE) for holes, cracks and defects before using.
• Wear appropriate eye protection at all times, including visitors entering the laboratory.
• Know the location and proper use of emergency equipment. These should never be blocked by anything or cluttered. (eyewashes, showers, fire extinguishers, fire blanket, 1st aid kit, emergency telephone, closest fire alarm pulls, and have spill control equipment available in the laboratory)
• Know proper personal hygiene practices. Wash yourself well before leaving the laboratory and when removing gloves, use a non-irritating surfactant and water. (i.e., soap and water) Always wear a cotton lab coat when working in the laboratory, and do not wear it outside of the laboratory. Synthetic lab coats can melt against your body in a fire situation.
• Know appropriate procedures for emergencies, including fires, evacuation routes, spill clean-up procedures, hazardous substance exposures, and accidents. Your laboratory advisor must discuss these emergency procedures with you. Contact the EHRS Department if you have any questions.
• NEVER work alone in a laboratory. Everyone needs to be able to get help promptly. Coordinate schedules. See the Safety Manual for the policy on Working Alone in Laboratories, for the "Buddy System" procedure and the procedure for notifying Public Safety.
• All chemical and waste containers must be labeled and sealed properly.
• Wash promptly whenever a chemical has contacted the skin, regardless of corrosivity.
• NEVER eat, drink, smoke, or apply cosmetics in the laboratory.
• Do no sniff chemicals to test them.
• Always use chemicals with adequate ventilation or in a chemical fume hood.
• Work areas should be kept clean and free from clutter. Also, put chemicals away when not in use. Do not clutter your laboratory with old chemicals and equipment.

ALARA- Keep all chemical exposures As Low As Reasonably Achievable. There are few laboratory chemicals without hazards. Therefore, take precautions for handling all the chemicals or hazardous substances that you work with.

If anyone has any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact the EHRS Department (X8925)