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:
Laboratory Safety Manual
• 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!!!
Laboratory Safety Manual
• 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
Laboratory Safety Manual
• 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
Laboratory Safety Manual
• 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
Laboratory Safety Manual
• 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
Laboratory Safety Manual
• 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)
Laboratory Safety Manual
• 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
Engineering Controls
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
Engineering Controls
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
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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.