Safe handling of hazardous materials

1. Hazard Identification
2. Chemicals Developed in the Laboratory
3. Labeling
4. Health Hazards
• Exposure Determination
• Provisions for Toxic Chemicals
• Provisions for Particularly Hazardous Substances
• Establish a Designated Area
• Use Proper Containment Devices
• Removal of Contaminated Waste
• Decontamination Procedures Prior to Leaving the Designated Area
• Provisions for Corrosives
• Provisions for Contact Hazards
5. Physical Hazards
• Provisions for Fire Hazards
• Provisions for Reactive Hazards
• Provisions for Compressed Gas and Cryogen Hazards
6. Radioactive Material Hazards
7. Biological Material Hazards

1. Hazard Identification
   
   Identifying the specific hazard associated with a chemical greatly reduces the chances of misuse by regular laboratory employees, new users, or visitors to the laboratory. At the very minimum, hazardous chemical containers must include the chemical name(s) of contents and hazard indentification(s). With respect to identifying containers, storage areas, and laboratory entrnaceways, the following conditions entail hazard identification:
   
   
• Instructors of Record must ensure that labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemcials for laboratory use are not removed or defaced. Labels contain information on the identity of the chemical(s) in the container and the hazard idenification of the hazard(s).
  
  
• Instructors of Record must ensure that laboratory containers (those containers filled from the original shipping container) of chemicals are properly labeled.
  
  
• Instructors of Record must ensure that employees have access to SDS's.
  
  
2. Chemicals Developed in the Laboratory
   
   
The following requirements apply to chemical substances developed in the laboratory:

• If the composition of the chemical substance which is produced exclusively for the laboratory's use is known, the Instructor of Record must determine if it is a hazardous chemical. This can be done by a literature search for similar substances. If the chemical is determined to be hazardous, the laboratory supervisor must provide appropriate training to protect employees.
  
  
• If the chemical produced is a product or by-product whose composition is not known, the laboratory supervisor must assume that the substance is hazardous and must comply with the requirements of the GCCHP.
  
  
• If the chemical is produced for another use outside of the laboratory, the laboratory supervisor must prepare an appropriate SDS or pre-manufacturing notification (PMN) form.
  
  
1. Labeling
   
   
All containers of hazardous chemicals must be labeled with the name of the chemical(s) and the hazard(s), if not provided by the manufacturer. If a chemical has more than one hazard, it must be labeled with any applicable hazards. Additionally, these guidelines shall be followed:

• All peroxide forming chemicals must be labeled with the date upon receipt and upon opening. After the recommended disposal date, usually 3 or 12 months, the chemical shall be tested for peroxides and/or disposed of properly.
  
  
• Date all explosive or shock-sensitive materials upon receipt and upon opening.
  
  
• As per the Hazard Communication Standard:
  
  
  • Anything available over the counter to the general public is exempt from labeling requirements if it has already been labeled by the manufacturer. This included consumer products such as cans of spray paint or turpentine.
    
    
  • Stationary process containers such as tanks may be identified with signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets, or other written materials instead of actually affixing the labels to process containers. The sign or placard must convey the same informationthat a label would and be visible to employees throughout the work shift.
    
    
  • Portable containers into which hazardous chemicals are transferred from labeled containers and which are intended to be under the use and control of the persons who transferred it, within the work shift in which it was transferred, are exempt from labels. However, as a best management practice, the College requires that a temporary label identifying the chemical and its primary hazard be affixed to the container.
    
    
1. Health Hazards
   
   
The Laboratory Standard requires that employeers, for laboratory uses of substances regulated by OSHA standards, ensure that employee's exposures do not exceed the Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL's). The PEL's represent Time Weighted Averages (TWA's) in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams of substance per cubic meter of air (mg/m). The TWA represents the ratio between exposure and work shift.

• Exposure Determination
  
  
The College requires the Chemical Hygiene Officer to initiate employee exposure monitoring under the following circumstances:

• Initial monitoring must be performed if there is reason to believe employee exposure levels routinely exceed the action level (or in the absence of an action level, the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL).
  
  
• Periodic monitoring must be performed when initial monitoring reveals an exposure over the action level (or in the absence of the action level the PEL). In addition, exposure monitoring provisions of the relevant standard shall be met.
  
  
• Monitoring can be terminated in accordance with the relevant standard.
  
  
• The College shall notify the employee of the monitoring results within 15 working days after receipt of monitoring results. The results must be iether individually distributed in writing or posted in a location accessible to all affected employees.
  
  
• Provisions for Toxic Chemicals
  
  
To ensure that employee exposures to toxic chemicals do not exceed the Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) the following percautions shall be taken:

• All procedures involving toxic material shall be conducted in an operating fume hood or other suitable conatainment device.
  
  
• Personal Protective Equipment shall be used in accordance with the recommendations given in the related SDS.
  
  
• Immediately after working with toxic materials, wash hands and arms.
  
  
• Provisions for Particularly Hazardous Substances
  
  
The Laboratory Standard requires that special precautions for additional employee protection be followed for the laboratory use of particularly hazardous substances. The following general hygiene standards should be observed when using particularly hazardous substances. Consult the SDS for specific precautions and procedures.

• Establish a Designated Area
  
  
• Use and store materials only in designated areas: a restricted access hood, glove box, or portion of a lab, designated for use of highly toxic substances. Instructors of Record must assure that all personnel wiht access are aware of the necessary safety precautions.
  
  
• Label all containers and storage and use areas appropriately.
  
  
• Use Proper Containment Devices
  
  
• Use a fume hood, glove box, or other containment device for procedures which may result in the generation of aerosols or vapors.
  
  
• Trap released vapors to prevent their discharge with fume hood exhaust; protect vacuum pumps against contamination with scrubbers or HEPA filters and vent off effluent into the hood.
  
  
• It is recommended that breakable containers be stored in chemical-resistant trays. Work and mount apparatus above such trays or cover work and storage surfaces with removable, absorbent, plastic backed paper.
  
  
• Removal of Contaminated Waste
  
  
Waste contaminated with particularly hazardous substances shall be segregated from other chemical waste. Contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer for specific disposal procedures.

• Decontamination Procedures Prior to Leaving the Designated Area
  
  
• On leaving the designated area, remove protective apparel (place it in an appropriate, labeled container) and thoroughly wash hands, forearms, face, and neck.
  
  
• Thoroughly decontaminate or dispose of contaminated clothing or shoes. If possible, chemically decontaminate by chemical conversion to a less toxic product.
  
  
• Decontaminate vacuum pumps or other contaminated equipment, including glassware, before removing them from the designated area. Decontaminate the designated area before normal work is resumed; vacuum pump oil shall be treated as hazardous watse.
  
  
• Use a wet mop or a vacuum cleaner equiped with a HEPA filter to decontaminate surfaces. Do not dry-sweep spilled powders.
  
  
• Provisions for Corrosives
  
  
Corrosive materials react with the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes causing burns similar to thermal burns. The following shall be observed when handling materials that are a corrosive hazard:

• Containers and equipment used for storage and processing of corrosive materials must be corrosion resistant.
  
  
• Eye protection and rubber gloves must always be used when handling corrosive materials. A face shield, rubber apron, and rubber boots may also be appropriate, depending on the work being performed.
  
  
• Never add water to concentrated aqueous acids or bases. Always add the acid or base slowly to larger volumes of water.
  
  
• An eyewash and safety shower must be readily accessible to areas where corrosives are used and stored.
  
  
• Provisions for Contact Hazards
  
  
The following standards shall be observed when handling materials that are a contact hazard:

• All procedures involving materials that present a contact hazard shall be conducted in an operating fume hood or other suitable containment device.
  
  
• Personal protective equipment shall be used in accordance with the recommendations given in the related SDS.
  
  
• Immediately after working with materials that present a contact hazard, wash hands and arms.
  
  
1. Physical Hazards
   
   
Materials, which present a physical hazard, can be safely used if the specific hazard(s) are understood. If appropriate precautions are not taken, personal injury or property damage may occur. Additionally, certain chemicals cannot be safely mixed or stored with other chemicals because of the danger of violent reaction or a reaction that generates toxic gas.

• Provisions for Fire Hazards
  
  
For a fire to occur, three conditions must exist simulataneously; presence of fuel, presence of an oxygen rich environment (usually the air), and a source of ignition. Removal of any one of these three conditions will prevent a fire. The following shall be observed when handling materials that produce a fire hazard:

• Eliminate ignition sources such as open flames, hot surfaces, sparks from welding or cutting, operation of electrical equipment, and static electricity.
  
  
• Store in NFPA approved flammable liquid containers or storage cabinets, in an area isolated from ignition sources or in a special storage room designed for flammable materials.
  
  
• Ensure that there is proper bonding and grounding when it is required, such as when transferring or dispensing a flammable liquid from a large container or drum. Assure bonding and grounding are checked periodically.
  
  
• All procedures involving flammble materials in excess of 100 milliliters shall be carried out in an operational fume hood.
  
  
• Ensure appropriate safety equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers and spill kits) is in the area where the procedure will be carried out.
  
  
• Provisions for Reactive Hazards
  
  
The hazard associated with materials classified as reactive is the variable and potentially high rate at which energy may be released under normal conditions, or when struck, vibrated, or otherwise agitated. The following shall be observed when handling materials that produce a reactive hazard:

• Know the reactivity of the materials involved in the experiment or process. Ensure there are no extraneous materials in the area which could become involved in a reaction.
  
  
• Limit quantities in the initial experiments. Establish special reviews to examine operational and safety problems involved before and after experiment is scaled up.
  
  
• If the reaction is anticipated to be violent or explosive, use shields or other methods for isolating the materials or the process. Completely encircle the reaction vessel with barriers.
  
  
• Use tongs for handling containers of the hazardous material at a safe distance. Remote-controls, such as stopcock turners, labjack tuners and remote cable controllers, should be available and used to avoid exposure of any part of the body to injury.
  
  
• Gloves, such as "electrical" linesman's gloves, shall be worn when it is unavoidably necessary to reach behind a shielded area while an experiment is in progress.
  
  
• Laboratory coats must be worn at all times to reduce minor injuries from flying glass or an explosive flash.
  
  
• A face shield, providing throat protection, shall be worn at all times when a worker is in an exposed position, such as when shields are moved aside, when handling or transporting materials, or when manipulating equipment.
• Pyrophobic chemcials may only be used and stored in inert environments.
  
  
• Some chemicals become increasingly shock-sensitive with age. Contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer when it is suspected that the inadvertent formation of shock-sensitive materials in chemicals being stored has occured.
  
  
• Do not open any peroxidizable container which has obvious solid formation around the lid.
  
  
• Addition of an appropriate inhibitor to quench the formation of peroxides is recommended.
  
  
• Store light-sensitive materials in a cool, dark place in amber colored containers or other containers which reduce or eliminate penetration of light.
  
  
• Follow the same basic handling procedures as for flammable materials.
  
  
• Provisions for Compressed Gas and Cryogen Hazards
  
  
Special systems are needed for handling materials under pressure. Cylinders pose physical and/or health hazards, depending on the compressed gas in the cylinder. The following shall be observed when handling materials that produce a compressed gas hazard:

• Cylinders with regulators must be individually secured. Only cylinders with valve protection caps securely in place may be safely gang-chained.
  
  
• When storing or moving a cylinder, have the valve protection cap securely in place to protect the stem.
  
  
• Cylinders must be secured in an upright position at all times. Use suitable racks, straps, chains, or stands to support cylinders against an immovable object, such as a bench or a wall, during use and storage. Do not allow cylinders to fall or lean against one another.
  
  
• Use an appropriate caft to move cylinders.
  
  
• Never bleed a cylinder completely empty. Leave a slight pressure to keep contaminants out.
  
  
• Oil or grease on the high-pressure side of an oxygen cylinder can cause an explosion. Do not lubricate an oxygen regulator or use a fuel gas regulator on an oxygen cylinder. Use an oxygen approved regulator.
  
  
• Always wear goggles or safety glasses with side shields when handling compressed gasses.
  
  
• Always use appropriate gauges, fittings, and materials compatible with the particular gas being handled.
  
  
• When working with a toxic, corrosive, or reactive gas is planned; the SDS should be reviewed for information concerning specific handling reqiurements. Generally, these gases will need to be used and stored with local exhaust ventiliation such as a lab hood or a gas cabinet designed for that purpose.
  
  
Liqufied gases that condense oxygen from the air create an oxygen rich atmosphere and increase the potential for fire if flammable or combustible materials and a source of ignition are present. Pressure is also a hazard due to the large expansion ratio from liquid to gas, causing pressure to build in containers. Many materials become brittle at extremely low temperatures. Brief contact with materials at extremely low temperatures can cause burns similar to thermal burns. Some of the hazards associated with cryogens are fire, pressure, weakening of materials, and skin or eye burns upon contact with the fluid. The following shall be observed when handling materials that produce a liquefied gas (cryogen) hazard:

• Equipment must be kept clean, especially when working with liquid or gaseous oxygen.
  
  
• Mixtures of gases or fluids must be strictly controlled to prevent formation of flammable or explosive mixtures.
  
  
• Always wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles when handling. Wear a full-face shield, an impervious apron or coat, cuffless trousers, and high topped shoes if there is a chance of a splash or spray. Do not wear watches, rings, and other jewerly. Wear impervious gloves, which should be sufficiently large to be readily thrown off should a cryogen spill.
  
  
• Containers and systems containing cryogens must have pressure relief mechanisms.
  
  
• Containers and systems must be capable of withstanding extreme cold without becoming brittle.
  
  
• Since glass ampoules can explode when removed from cryogenic storage if not sealed properly, storage of radioactive, toxic, or infectious agents are to be placed in plastic cryogenic storage ampoules. Reheat cold materials slowly.
  
  
1. Radioactive Material Hazards
   
   
See Gettysburg College Radioactive Materials Safety Plan

1. Biological Material Hazards
   
   
Use of biological materials at or above Biosafety Level 2* at Gettysburg College is strictly controlled. Contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer if you plan to use biological materials at or above Biosafety Level 2. Also, see Gettysburg College Exposure Control Plan.

*Biosafety Level 2 designation is given to work that involves agents of a moderate potential hazard to the person or environment. Some examples include bacteria/viruses that cause only mild disease in humans or those that are difficult to contract in a lab setting versus aerosols. This designation also applies to genetically modified organisms. In a designated Biosafety Level 2 laboratory, personnel have specific training in the handling of pathogenic agents. They are also under supervision or direction of a scientist with advanced training. Precautions are taken with sharp items and any procedure that may produce infectious aerosols or splashes are conducted in bio safety cabinets. During times when work is being conducted, access to laboratory is limited.