Safety Hygiene
Safety Hygiene
Page set up Sep.25, 2013
General Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan for Ji Laboratories
Do read this website as well. http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/CHP
1. Emergency response and preparedness
1.1 Emergency: call 9-1-1
1.2 If You Discover a Fire...
Summary: Learn what to do if you discover a fire.
If you discover a fire, follow these steps
1.2.1 LARGE FIRE • Activate the fire alarm and call for help.
· Call 9-1-1.
· Alert people in the area to begin evacuation. Assist those with disabilities.
· Close doors to confine the fire.
· Have people who know about the nature and location of the fire assist emergency
1.2.2 SMALL FIRE • Activate the fire alarm and call for help.
· Call 9-1-1.
· Alert people in the area to begin evacuation. Assist those with disabilities.
· If you know how to use a fire extinguisher, and have a clear exit path behind you,
· The extinguisher must FIT the fire.
· Bring the extinguisher to within six feet of the fire.
· Use the P-A-S-S procedure to operate the extinguisher:
· Pull the pin located in the extinguisher's handle.
· Aim the nozzle, horn, or hose at the base of the fire.
· Squeeze (or press) the handles together.
· Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it is out.
· AFTER THE FIRE After the fire has been completely extinguished:
· Report used extinguishers immediately to: Environmental Health & Safety
· Notice: In case of fire, your first responsibility is to escape unharmed and sound the alarm. Use a fire extinguisher only if you have been trained to use one and you have a clear exit path behind you
1.3 Emergency shower (where and how to use)
· In the case of chemical exposure to eyes or skin use the nearest unit and flush the injury for a minimum of 15 minutes. Be sure to leave the eyes open under the water stream to flush them.
· Get medical attention even for minor exposure. Consult the MSDS for the material and show it to your doctor/nurse.
1.4 Spill Cleaning-up:
Chemical Spill Cleanup Procedures
You should NOT clean up a spill if:
· You don’t know what the spilled material is
· You lack the necessary protection or equipment to do the job safely
· The spill is too large to contain
· The spilled material is highly toxic
· You feel any symptoms of exposure
Instead contact campus service.
Call 911 if spill is immediately health-threatening
Evaluate and Notify
§ Assess the toxicity, flammability, or other properties of material (see label and MSDS)
§ For flammables, remove or turn off all ignition sources such as motors, pumps, fridges.
§ Determine if there is an immediate health threat to you or your neighbors. If so, alert neighbors, isolate the area an call for help using the numbers above.
§ If spill is minor, begin cleanup following steps below
Containment/Cleanup
§ Don gloves, eye protection, lab coat, etc.
§ Contain and absorb spill using absorbents appropriate for the material
§ Protect floor drains from contamination, by putting absorbents or barriers around them
§ Package and label waste. Include contaminated clothes, rags, equipment, etc.
§ Store temporarily in a fume hood is material is volatile
Follow-up
§ Send Hazardous Materials/ Waste Pickup Request form to EH&S
§ Reorder and restock cleanup materials used
§ Inform EH&S if there were any personnel exposures, or release to the drain system
2. Safe Chemical Storage
ACIDS
Acetic Acid, *Chromic Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Hydrofluoric Acid, *Nitric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Sulfuric Acid
*Indicates strong oxidizing acids, store per oxidizers section
Storage Precautions:
- Store bottles on low shelf areas, or in acid cabinets.
- Segregate oxidizing acids from organic acids, AND flammable materials.
- Segregate acids from bases, AND from active metals such as sodium, potassium, etc.
- Segregate acids from chemicals which could generate toxic gases such as sodium cyanide, iron sulfide, etc.
BASES
Ammonium Hydroxide, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide.
Storage Precautions:
- Separate bases from acids.
- Store bottles on low shelf areas, or in acid cabinets
FLAMMABLES-fuels are reducing agents
Acetone, Benzene, Cyclohexane, Ethanol, Ethyl Acetate, Ethyl Ether, Gasoline, Hexane,, Isopropyl Alcohol, Methanol, Propanol, Tetrahydrofuran, Toluene, Xylene
Storage Precautions:
- Store in approved flammable storage cabinet(s) (required if > 10 gallons in the lab).
- Separate from oxidizing acids and oxidizers.
- Keep away from any source of ignition (flames, localized heat or sparks).
- Use only "flammable storage" (desparked) refrigerators or freezers.
OXIDIZERS-react violently with organics.
Solids
Calcium Hypochlorite, Ferric Chloride, Iodine, Nitrates -Salts of, Peroxides -Salts of, Potassium Ferricyanide, Sodium Nitrite
Liquids
Bromine, Hydrogen Peroxide, Nitric Acid, Perchloric Acid, Chromic Acid
Storage Precautions:
- Keep away from flammables, organic solvents, and other combustible materials (i.e. paper, wood, etc.).
- Keep away from chemical reducing agents.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
PEROXIDE-FORMING CHEMICALS-peroxides can be explosively shock-sensitive
Ethers and acetals with alpha-hydrogen (e.g. ethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran)
Alkenes with allylic hydrogen (e.g. cyclohexene)
Storage Precautions:
- Dispose before expected date of initial peroxide formation.
- Label containers with receiving, opening, and disposal dates.
- Store in airtight containers in a dark, cool, and dry place.
3. Safety Facility Usage:
3.1 Fumehood usage
Fume Hood Usage Guide: Standard Hoods
By following a few simple guidelines, the effectiveness of your fume hood can be increased significantly and your exposure to harmful substances can be reduced.
Always work with the sash at the level of the arrow sticker and close it when not attended. To adequately protect you, your hood should be producing a face velocity of 100 to 120 ft/min. EH&S tests your hood and posts the arrow stickers at the proper sash level to:
- satisfy the required air flow and protect you (10 - 100 times more than full open sash) against airborne chemicals
- protect you better from incidents within the hood.
Many newer hoods on campus are equipped with an air flow monitor and alarm to warn you if the air velocity is too low. If the alarm engages, lower the sash slightly until the alarm stops. Do NOT disengage or over-ride the alarm. If your alarm sounds consistently this indicates a real problem - call EH&S at the above phone numbers.
Store only a minimum of equipment and chemicals in your hood because:
- Excess materials will block the air flow into the intake slots at the back of the hood and reduce performance significantly. Permanent equipment should be raised on a jack and kept at least 6" inside the hood to allow the air to flow into the lower slot.
- Chemicals should not be stored in the fume hood - most fires and explosions occur in the hood during chemical manipulations. Minimizing the volumes will reduce the chances of a small accident escalating into a large one.
Improper use of perchloric acid has resulted in fires or explosions within a fume hood systems. If you want to use perchloric acid you must first contact Dr. David Ji for technical assistance on proper procedures and equipment.
Keep the lab windows closed. Drafts from open windows and doors can significantly affect your hood’s performance (100 ft/min is only a few miles/hr of air).
3.2 Refrigerator
It must always be used for storage of volatile materials. If the chemical is flammable, it should always be in flammable cabinet, NOT in the refrigerator.
4. Handling toxic chemicals
4.1 Carcinogen Control
· Since cancer in humans may result from exposure to chemical carcinogens, the following basic guidelines are designed to keep worker and environmental exposure to a minimum.
· Good work practice is the primary method of protecting laboratory personnel from exposure to chemical carcinogens.
· Substitute non-carcinogenic substances for chemical carcinogens whenever possible
· Use and keep on hand small quantities or dilute solutions of carcinogens
· Avoid inhalation as route of exposure.
· Always use carcinogens in a fume hood or glove box. The use of volatile carcinogens such as formaldehyde, dichloromethane and benzene outside of these containments will probably result in exposures above Cal-OSHA legal and safe exposure limits.
· Avoid practices which produce aerosols (blow-out pipets, sonicators, heating, stirring, pouring or weighing). Conduct these operations in a closed containment system).
· Dry sweeping or dry mopping in the area is prohibited.
· Wear EH&S approved respirators in areas where exposure may exceed the permissible level. Respirator users must be fit-tested and approved by EH&S.
· Avoid skin contact as a route of exposure.
· Wear gloves appropriate for the task. Change gloves often and remove before leaving the lab.
· Common lab carcinogens such as benzene and dichloromethane should NOT be used with the most common gloves found in labs (nitrile, neoprene, latex) since they are readily permeable to these materials.Instead, there are special gloves in campus storerooms for this purpose.
· Work surfaces that may become contaminated should be protected with absorbent paper.
· Wear a lab coat, but remove prior to leaving the controlled area.
· Clean up spills and contaminated containers as soon as discovered.
· Wash hands and arms after each use of chemical carcinogens.
· Clean work surfaces after each procedure and at the end of the work day.Use a moist paper towel for wiping up solid materials.
· Shower immediately after any overt exposure to chemical carcinogens.
· Avoid ingestion as a route of exposure.
· Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the lab.
· Use mechanical pipettes. Do not mouth pipette.
· Wash hands and arms before eating or smoking
· Carcinogen Waste Disposal
· Do not dump carcinogens or toxic materials down the drain or evaporate
· Do not dump carcinogens in the trash.
4.2 Nanomaterials related safety
· Where appropriate, label storage containers to indicate plainly that the contents are in engineered nanoparticulate form, for example, “nanoscale zinc oxide particles” or other identifier instead of just “zinc oxide”.
· Wear respiratory protection
5. Physical Hazards
Basic safety issues relative to the “physical hazards” noted below are presented here. Obviously, each of these areas can be much more technically complex than noted here and the safety issues can vary greatly depending on the specific piece of equipment, or application.
Contents:
5.1 Cryogens
Examples: Liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, liquid helium, dry ice
Cryogens present a variety of serious hazards which include: low temperature burns, over pressurization explosions, toxicity, fire, implosions, material failures and asphyxiation. Cryogenic solids and liquids create extremely large volumes of gas upon vaporization.
Hazard Properties
• These materials are extremely cold (-100 deg. C to –270 deg. C) and, upon contact, can instantly freeze other materials. Serious tissue damage may occur upon exposure to low temperatures. Contact with cryogens may cause living tissue to freeze and become brittle enough to shatter.
• Cryogenic liquids and gases have many properties and hazards in common with compressed gases, and must be handled with similar caution.
• Be aware of ice that can plug or disable pressure-relief devices. Ensure adequate pressure-relief mechanisms are functional, i.e., never use tight-fitting stoppers or closures without pressure-relief devices.
Practices
• Know and understand the cryogenic system and emergency procedures (shut- off valves, alarm systems, monitors, exits, fire extinguishers, safety showers and eyewashes).
• Do not move an over-pressurized container. Evacuate and seal area, call for appropriate assistance
• Avoid trapping cryogenic liquids between closed sections.
•Dewar flasks or other glassware devices should be taped on the outside or provided with shatterproof protection to minimize flying glass particles in case of implosion. Dewar flasks should be vented with a bored or notched stopper.
• Cool cryogenic containers slowly to reduce thermal shock, flashing, and loss of material.
• Store and use only in an adequately ventilated area. Proper ventilation will help prevent explosions and fires in the cases of liquid oxygen, air, and hydrogen and will prevent asphyxiation in the cases of dry ice, nitrogen, and helium. But the large volumes generated by any liquefied gas makes ventilation an important priority.
• Persons who handle cryogens should be protected by: a face shield or safety goggles, lab coat or apron; gloves or mitts which can be shaken off quickly if cryogenic material gets into the glove; long sleeves and cuffless pants hanging over the tops of the shoes are also recommended.
• Use only appropriate low-temperature compatible materials and storage vessels.
• When utilizing cold baths with solvents, use in a hood with a catch pan. Be aware of increased fire hazard. Be prepared for vigorous solvent boiling upon initial addition of solvent.
• Avoid condensing oxygen or contact with organic material when using liquid nitrogen. Flush cold traps with nitrogen to avoid condensation of oxygen from air within the trap. Condensed oxygen when contacted with organic materials can cause a powerful explosion.
• If there is any change in the water-white color of the liquid nitrogen, discard it. Condensed liquid oxygen is blue in color.
• Do not use stainless steel with liquid oxygen (it burns).
5.2 Compressed Gas Cylinders and Other Pressure Systems
COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS
Compressed gas cylinders must be handled very carefully by trained individuals. The diffusive nature of gas can result in serious hazards over very large areas. Compressed gas cylinders can be hazardous because 1) if they are mishandled, they can become “unguided missiles” with enough explosive force to go through concrete walls due to the high pressure inside the tank. 2) they often contain materials which are inherently toxic or highly flammable. For these reasons, particular care must be exercised with compressed gases. Anyone who handles or uses a cylinder shall follow the rules described on the following page:
Toxic and flammable gases have stringent and specific requirements for use and storage. UCSB has developed a Campus Toxic Gas Program, which all new installations must prior to use. Many of the campus labs using these gases have been and will be retrofitted to comply with current Fire Code regulations. Examples of some of the more common lab gases which fall under the provisions of this program include: fluorine, ammonia, diborane, ethylene oxide, nitric oxide, nickel carbonyl, phosgene and silane. Call the EH&S Lab Safety Specialist at x4899 for additional details.
Transport
• To transport or move a cylinder, strap it to a handtruck in an upright position.
• Make sure the valve protection cap and outlet plug are in place. Leave the valve protection cap on at all times, unless the cylinder is in use.
• Do not move a cylinder by rolling, dragging or walking it across the floor. Never leave a cylinder free-standing.
Storage
• All cylinders (empty or full) must be secured upright with chains and brackets bolted to a solid structural member. Chains should be 3/16 inch welded link or equivalent. At least one chain must be used to secure each cylinder at a point two-thirds up the cylinders height. C-clamp bench attachments and fiber/web straps are not acceptable because they are not seismically sound. Any variations of these requirements must be approved by EH&S. (Campus Policy 5445)
• Keep cylinders away from heat and sources of ignition. Do not place cylinder where contact with any electrical circuit can occur.
• Protect cylinders from weather extremes, dampness and direct sunlight.
• Inspect cylinders and delivery equipment routinely for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Replace equipment as necessary.
• All cylinders must be clearly labeled as to their contents — do not use unlabeled cylinders and do not rely on color coding for identification.
• Understand that “Empty” implies “end of service” and as such, the cylinder may still have greater than 25 psig of pressure remaining.
Leaks
• If the material in the tank is toxic or flammable and you can not stop the leak, get everyone out of the area and report it to EH&S at x3194 and Dispatch at 9-911.
Use
• New construction of gas delivery systems involving toxic gases must be authorized by EH&S prior to installation and operation.
• Wear appropriate protective equipment (safety glasses or face shield) when using or transporting compressed gas cylinders.
• Use regulators designed for a specific gas. (Consult your gas vendor or catalog for proper regulator compressed gas association (CGA) number (on nut) for use with corresponding compressed gas cylinder. Do not use any adapter between cylinders and regulators.
• Post signs in laboratory area when using corrosive, toxic or flammable gases. The door placard system maintained by EH&S on the campus may be used for this purpose.
• Know emergency procedures. Install emergency shut-off valves wherever necessary.
• Never modify, tamper, force or lubricate safety devices, cylinder valve or regulator.
• Do not allow grease or oil to come into contact with oxygen cylinder valves, regulators, gauges or fittings. An explosion or fire can result. Oxygen cylinders and apparatus must be handled with clean hands and tools. Remember that oxygen supports and greatly accelerates combustion.
• Never force a gas cylinder valve — if it cannot be opened by the wheel or small wrench provided, the cylinder should be returned.
• When opening cylinder valve, do not hold regulator. Stand with valve between you and regulator. Open cylinder valves slowly, directed away from your face.
• Release a compressed gas gently to avoid build-up of static charge which could ignite a combustible gas.
• Special precautions are necessary for acetylene usage. Acetylene cylinders contain a solvent in which the gas is dissolved and therefore the cylinder must be kept upright. Note that acetylene can form explosive compounds in contact with copper or brass. Consult the vendor or manufacturer for proper operating equipment and procedures.
• Do not leave a regulator under pressure and shut main cylinder valve when in use.
• Do not extinguish a flame involving a highly combustible gas until source of gas has been shut off. Re-ignition can cause an explosion.
Disposal
• Empty cylinders should be labeled “EMPTY” or “MT”, and returned to the supplier or held in the department with other empties for pickup.
• Always leave at least 25 psi minimum pressure in all “EMPTY” cylinders to prevent contamination and the formation of explosive mixtures.
• Return damaged or corroded cylinders and cylinders with a test date more than five years old stamped on the shoulder to the vendor. Some gas cylinders should be disposed or returned at shorter intervals (e.g., corrosives should be disposed or returned every six months).
OTHER PRESSURE SYSTEMS
Pressurized Vessels and Chambers––
Pressurized vessels and chambers have a wide variety of hazards associated with their operation. The systems are typically complicated and require extensive training prior to use. Developing thorough knowledge of a system via instruction and close supervision is highly recommended.
• The vessel and all components must be properly selected for the process parameters, including:
• Material Selection: physical and chemical properties at operating conditions
• Design:
- Factor of safety
- Design pressure and temperature
- Maximum allowable working pressure
- Loading
- Hydrostatic and pneumatic testing
• Always operate vessel within design specifications. Never use a vessel if specifications are unknown or if there is any indication vessel has been damaged or degraded. Many commercial vessels are ASME Code stamped (or rated) for a particular use.
• All pressurized vessels must have a pressure relief valve or other safety device to prevent catastrophic failure of the vessel. The relief valve should be tested regularly. When hazardous vapors are involved, make sure the safety relief mechanisms are properly vented.
• The chamber or vessel must be inspected regularly. If feasible, dimensional inspections should be performed periodically during service to check for plastic deformation. Pay particular attention to high-pressure fittings and seals.
• Accurate records of use must be maintained. Most vessels have a specified “service life” or number of cycles permitted between inspections or replacement of components.
• Prepare for power outages whether you are present or not. Some valves close upon loss of power, some open. Understand the effects that a series of valve openings and closings will have upon the system's safety and integrity.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions when operating so as to avoid injury and/or damage to equipment and area.
5.3 Vacuum Systems
Vacuum systems have a wide variety of hazards associated with their operation. There are risks associated with both implosion and explosion, as well as the release of toxic gases and materials. The systems are typically complicated and require extensive training prior to use. Developing thorough knowledge of a system via instruction and close supervision is highly recommended.
General Safety
• Construction and materials able to withstand 2.5 times the maximum allowable working pressure should be used.
• Be thoroughly familiar with emergency procedures in the event of an accident. These procedures need to be an integral part of the operation of any vacuum system.
• Prepare for power outages whether you are present or not. Some valves close upon loss of power, some open. Understand the effects that a series of valve openings and closings will have upon the system's integrity.
• Understand the type of vacuum pumps being used and their limitations. Always check with the manufacturer for the appropriate application.
• When changing belts on a mechanical pump, make sure the power cord is unplugged to prevent accidental startup of the pump.
• Be aware of the hot surface in oil diffusion pumps and protect nearby areas from exposure.
Pressure
• Vacuum systems which manipulate hazardous materials should be located in ventilated hoods.
• Similar precautions should be employed in all vacuum distillations in which a water pump is used because sudden loss of pressure will force water backup into the apparatus being evacuated. A Bunsen valve in the trap will avoid much of this difficulty.
• Systems must have adequate safety relief mechanisms to avoid over- pressurization. When hazardous vapors may be involved, make sure the safety relief mechanisms are properly vented.
Traps
• System must have appropriate traps to prevent chemical, radioactive or biohazardous material from contaminating the vacuum or house lines.
• Operation of low temperature gas or oil traps must be thoroughly understood. Both the cooling and warming phases deserve undivided attention. For example, the condensation of oxygen from air due to an open valve may cause a serious explosion.
Chemical Hazards
• Cryo pumps may be used to pump gases which are non-reactive at low temperatures. Upon warming, in the case of pump regeneration or power outage, those same gases may react violently causing an explosion.
• Mechanical pump oil can become contaminated with hazardous materials or from chemical reactions. Upon maintenance, proper protective equipment must be employed. A safe, ventilated area should be used for changing pump oil as many harmful vapors may be released.
• Mechanical pump exhaust may require suitable treatment. Depending upon the application, this may involve a relatively simple filter, an exhaust manifold, or treatment system.
• Systems which involve the evaporation of materials often present risks associated with particles that can be inhaled. Understand the problems associated with such systems and the methods used to minimize exposure.
5.4 Electrical Systems
The effects of electrical shock can range from slight tingling to almost instantaneous death. The current which induces injurious effects varies considerably depending on factors such as current, frequency, skin resistance, duration, voltage, exposure point in phase of heart cycle, and path of exposure. Currents as little as 0.5 mA have been found to be hazardous.
Injuries and death from electrical shock can result both from induced malfunction of the heart and lung muscles and from burns. Survival of a shock incident may still cause both immediate and long-term destruction of tissue, nerves, and muscle to heat generated by the current.
A significant number of fires are caused by either malfunctioning electrical equipment, equipment failure, or improper use. These fires are also responsible for loss of life, injury and significant loss of property.
The following are some do’s and don’ts for working with and around electricity.
• Avoid becoming part of the circuit (a current path through the heart can easily be fatal).
• Know main way to disconnect power to equipment. Clearly label switches and lines.
• With high voltages assume floor is a conductive ground.
• Never work on live circuits, use a single hand whenever possible and no jewelry or watches.
• Know rescue procedures:
— Shut off power
— Remove/disengage victim using insulator (like a stick)
— Send for help
— Administer CPR if and only if you are trained to do so
— Keep the victim warm, comfortable, lying down, until help arrives. Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink until consultation with physician.
• Utilize the correct switches, relays, connectors, wires and other components to prevent overheating. Use the correct fuses and breakers -- check rating.
• Understand the proper application of capacitors and inductors (they can cause massive power surges and arcing).
• Do not operate electrical devices in explosive atmospheres unless they are rated as “intrinsically safe” for that purpose
• Insulation must be adequate for the voltage and current (inspect frequently for thinning, cracking, and environment deterioration).
• Properly ground all equipment and instruments
The following safety devices and controls should be used to reduce the dangers of electrical hazards if appropriate for the application:
• Fault-current-limiting devices (fuses, resistors, circuit breakers)
• Enclosures or barriers that protect against accidental electrical contact (and exploding capacitors)
• Insulation
• Grounding and shorting devices
• Interlocks
• Lockout devices and procedures ( a means to ensure that the power cannot be activated without the user’s explicit knowledge)
• Power shutoff switches conspicuously placed with warning devices such as buzzers of lights that indicate an energized power supply
• Instrumentation and control systems that provide operator information on equipment functioning status.
• Routine inspection and maintenance