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About EHS

We support the University's core mission of teaching, research, and service by providing comprehensive environmental, health and safety services to the University community including: education through training and consultation; maintaining a safe environment; ensuring regulatory compliance; and controlling recognized health and safety hazards. To achieve this mission we must rely on all University employees to understand and recognize safety policy and procedures.

About EHS

The responsibility of the department of Environment, Health and Safety is to develop a comprehensive program to comply with the provisions of each of the following regulations: Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

NC DENR NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO)

NC Radiation Protection Section (NCRPS)

Office of State Personnel (OSP)

NC Fire Prevention Codes

NFPA 101 Life Safety Codes

About EHS

EHS provides comprehensive support for the University

community in the areas of environmental

compliance, occupational health and safety. To

learn more about each section, please visit EHS’s

website at http://ehs.unc.edu.

Workplace Safety Program

In accordance to University policy and North Carolina General Statute Article 63, each state agency must have a written Health and Safety program with clearly stated goals or objectives that promote safe and healthful working conditions. The Environment, Health and Safety manual along with other specific manuals, such as Radiation Safety Manual, Laboratory Safety Manual, and Biological Safety manual serves as the University's written Health and Safety program. These manuals provide University employees with the necessary guidance in maintaining a safe work environment. Each of these manuals can be viewed in more detail by selecting "Manuals" from the EHS web site.

Other elements of the Workplace Safety program include:

Conduct new employee training to help with the identification of and correction of hazards,

Review workplace incidents and develop ways to eliminate or minimize hazards, and

Employee input through safety committees

Workplace Safety Program

UNC's health and safety committees perform workplace inspections, review injury and illness records, make advisory recommendations to the administration, and perform other functions determined by the State Personnel Commission. The Workplace Safety Committees report through the following structure:

UNC employees should contact EHS or any committee member regarding safety concerns.

Workplace Safety Program

If you are interested in serving on one of the

committees please feel free to contact the EHS

office at (919) 962-5507.

Fire Safety Program

UNC's Fire Safety program is based on NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, N.C. Fire Prevention Code, and OSHA 1910 Subpart E. Your understanding and contribution to Fire Safety is the key to an effective fire protection program for the University. Regularly inspecting your area for

electrical hazards

storage in hallways

blocked exit ways

adequate lighting of exits

general housekeeping

can prevent a fire from occurring and provide employees with a safe passage in the event of a fire.

Fire Safety Program

If a fire or other emergency occurs in your building,

employees must know two Means of Egress (exit).

OSHA defines Means of Egress as "A continuous

and unobstructed way of exit travel from any point

in a building or structure to a public way." The three

main components of Means of Egress are:

The way of Exit Access

The exit

The way of Exit Discharge

Fire Safety Program

Exit Discharge

is the exit from

a building to a

public way.

Exit Access is the

area in which an

employee uses as

their means of

exiting to an exit.

Exit is the protected

way of travel to the

exit discharge.

Fire Safety Program

The Department of EHS has prepared a general Emergency Action Plan for the University to follow. An Emergency Action Plan is "a plan for the workplace describing what procedures the employers and employees must take to ensure employee's safety from fire and other emergencies" (1910.35j). The plan includes:

posting of planned evacuation routes

procedures to follow in the event of a fire or emergency

procedures to account for employees after evacuation

procedures for employees who remain to operate critical equipment in an emergency

Fire Safety Program

Posting of Planned Evacuation Routes - Building evacuation procedure for your department should be posted on the office bulletin board and at all elevators. Employees should know at least two evacuation routes for their designated work area and any area that they frequent often. Employees are encouraged to evaluate the building evacuation areas daily to ensure that there are no obstructions. If obstructions are found, please report it to the EHS immediately at (919) 962-5507.

Fire Safety Program

Procedures to Follow - If a fire emergency was to occur in your workplace, it is vital that you be prepared to react. The acronym RACE provides the basic steps of the Emergency Action Plan to follow:

Remove or rescue individuals in immediate danger

Activate the alarm by pulling the fire pull station located in the corridors and calling 911.

Confine the fire by closing windows, vents and doors

Evacuate to safe area (know the evacuation routes for your areas).

Fire Safety Program

Procedures to Account for Employees – The University has designated an Emergency Coordinator(s) for all occupied buildings. Each Emergency Coordinator (EC) is responsible for assisting in the safe and orderly emergency evacuation of employees. In preparation for an emergency, the EC completes an information card that includes:

evacuation monitors' names

employee names and phone numbers occupying building

location of employees needing assistance

rooms containing hazardous material,

and equipment needing special attention.

Fire Safety Program

In an emergency, each Emergency Coordinator is responsible for the following in accordance with the University Emergency Plan:

Sweep through assigned area to alert occupants that an evacuation is in process.

Assist building occupants needing special assistance

Report to the University Emergency Command Sector with emergency information card

Advise emergency personnel regarding building contents

Account for all employees by meeting building occupants at the assembly area

Advise building occupants regarding situation and when re-entry is permitted

Advise Facilities Services personnel in cleanup operations.

Fire Safety Program

To extinguish a fire requires proper identification of the type of fire extinguisher to use. There are four classes of extinguishers to choose from.

Currently University buildings are equipped with Type ABC fire extinguishers, except in computer labs or mechanical rooms with have CO2 extinguishers.

Class Fire Type Extinguisher Contains

Class A Ordinary combustible products such

as paper, cloth or wood

Water

Class B Flammable Liquids such as petroleum

base oil, solvents, greases, and

gasses

Dry chemicals such as carbon

dioxide or halogenated agents

Class C Electrical Dry chemicals such as carbon

dioxide or halogenated agents

Class D Combustible Metals (ex: magnesium

sodium)

Special liquid or dry powder agent

Fire Safety Program

Only University employees working in healthcare, emergency response, and/or whose job requires them to use a fire extinguisher are required to receive annual hands on fire extinguisher training. EHS Fire Safety section conducts annual classes in different locations on campus. For other employees it is beneficial to know how a fire extinguisher is used. Remembering the acronym PASS will assist in the proper use of a fire extinguisher.

Pull the pin between the handles.

Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.

Squeeze the handles together.

Sweep the extinguisher from side to side at the base of the fire.

Fire Safety Program

A few fire safety reminders:

Everyone is responsible for keeping the work area safe from fires.

Review your evacuation routes to ensure that exits and passageways are unobstructed.

Practice good general housekeeping.

Store flammable liquids and combustible material properly.

Report any fire hazards or other safety concerns immediately to the department of Environment, Health and Safety at (919) 962-5507.

Workers’ Compensation Program

Workers' Compensation benefits are available to any

University employee (whether full-time, part-time,

temporary) who suffers disability through accident

or illness arising out of, and in the scope of, his or

her employment, according to the North Carolina

Workers' Compensation Act.

Workers’ Compensation Program

The benefits provided to University Employees include

medical and leave. Medical benefits include all

authorized medical services such as physician visit,

prescriptions, physical therapy, rehabilitation, etc.

Leave benefits are provided to employees when an

authorized medical provider places an employee

out work.

Workers’ Compensation Program

If you receive an injury or occupational illness, go directly to the University Employee Occupational Health Clinic (UEOHC) located at 145 N. Medical Drive. The UEOHC is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday thru Friday, except holidays.

For after hours needlestick/human blood or body fluid exposures, please call UEOHC at 966-9119. The UEOHC line will automatically forward your call to Healthlink in order to gather the appropriate information and put you in contact with the Family Practice physician covering the needlestick hotline. For all other after-hour work related injuries that require immediate medical care, go directly to the UNC Emergency Department. If immediate medical care is not needed, then please report to the UEOHC the following day.

For a life-threatening injury or illness, go directly to the Emergency Department located in the Neurosciences Hospital on Manning Drive.

Workers’ Compensation Program

If you experienced an on-the-job injury or illness, you

are to report the incident immediately to your

supervisor no matter how minor. Once the injury is

reported, an incident investigation will occur to

determine the cause of the incident and corrective

action taken to prevent the incident from

reoccurring. Please note: Failure to report an injury

could result in the denial of your claim.

Workers’ Compensation Program

For further information concerning University policies

on workplace injuries and illnesses, refer to the

"Workers' Compensation" pages on the EHS web

site.

Hazard Communication Background

What is OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard?

OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR

1910.1200), promulgated 1994, requires that

employees be informed of the hazards of chemical(s)

that they work with or are present in their work area.

OSHA Hazard Communication

Standard (continued)

The four elements of the program include:

Ensuring chemicals are labeled

Maintaining departmental/work unit/laboratory

chemical inventories

Maintaining Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Training of personnel by Supervisor on the

chemicals that are used or in the workplace

OSHA collaborates with United Nation

To view details of this

report, double click picture.

Understanding the need for

consistent classifications of

hazards chemicals, OSHA

decided to better align with the

United Nations’ Globally

Harmonized System by adopting

a common classification and

labeling of chemicals.

Benefits of Adopting GHS

There are several benefits for OSHA in adopting the

Globally Harmonized system. In particular, it will

provide a common and coherent approach to

classifying chemicals and communicating hazard

information on labels and safety data sheets. Thus

resulting in:

• Consistency of information provided

• Increase comprehension of hazards

• Help address literacy problems

• Facilitation of international trade of chemicals

OSHA Publishes Revised Standard

In March 2012, the revised Hazard Communication Standard

became law and included an established timeframe for

implementation. The table below outlines the effective dates,

requirements and responsible parties.

Effective Completion Date Requirement(s) Who

December 1, 2013 Train employees on the new label elements and SDS

format.

Employers

June 1, 2015*

December 1, 2015

Comply with all modified provisions of this final rule,

except:

Distributors may ship products labeled by

manufacturers under the old system until December 1,

2015.

Chemical

manufacturers,

importers, distributors

and employers

June 1, 2016 Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard

communication program as necessary, and provide

additional employee training for newly identified

physical or health hazards.

Employers

Transition Period Comply with either 29 CFR 1910.1200 (this final

standard), or the current standard, or both

All chemical

manufacturers,

importers, distributors

and employers

Benefit of HazCom2012

With the University’s mission to “serve North Carolina,

the United States, and the World through teaching,

research, and public service,” the new requirements

under HazCom 2012 will enhance clarity for

University employees positioned on campus as well as

abroad.

HazCom2012 Requirements

By December 2013, all University employees are to

have received general training regarding

“definitions”, “label” and “Safety Data Sheet” for

chemicals under new HazCom 2012 standard.

Supervisors are still required to provide job specific

training to employees on the chemicals used in their

area at least once and every time a new chemical is

added. The training must cover proper use, handling,

and personal protective equipment required for the

safe handling of the hazardous chemicals.

Definitions

HazCom 2012 will use a “specification” approach

rather than a “performance-oriented” approach.

Hazards will be classified thus providing a specific

criteria for classification of health and physical

hazards, as well as classification of mixtures.

Specifically:

Appendix A defines health and physical hazards

Appendix B includes additional parameters to evaluate health

hazard data

Appendix F pertains to Carcinogens

Labels

HazCom 2012 requires

chemical manufacturers and

importers to provide a

label that includes a

harmonized product

identifier, pictogram, signal

word, and hazard

statement for each hazard

class and category.

Precautionary statements

must also be provided.

Labels - Pictograms

Pictograms are required on labels to alert users of the chemical

hazards to which they may be exposed. Each pictogram consists

of a symbol on a white background framed within a red border

and represents a distinct hazard(s), such as health, physical, and

environmental . The pictogram on the label is determined by the

chemical hazard classification. There are nine pictograms with

only the environmental pictogram being optional.

Labels – Distinct Hazards

As previously stated, “Distinct hazards” are chemicals

in which there is scientific evidence that a health,

physical, and/or environmental hazards may occur.

Health Hazard - acute or chronic health affects may occur if

exposed.

Physical Hazard - a combustible liquid, a compressed gas,

explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer,

pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive

Environmental Hazard – pose risk or danger to the

environment

Labels – Pictograms (Health)

Acute Toxicity (fatal and toxic)

Fatal in contact with skin

Fatal if inhaled

Fatal if swallowed

Toxic if swallowed

Toxic in contact with skin

Examples: Carbon Monoxide, Ammonia, Acrylonitrile, Arsenic

Skull and Cross Bones will appear on the most severely toxic

chemicals. Depending on the toxicity of the chemical, the skull

and crossbones indicates that the chemical may be toxic or

fatal. Specifically it can mean:

Labels – Pictograms (Health)

May be corrosive to metals

Causes severe skin burns

Causes serious eye damage

Examples: Sodium Hydroxide (lye) and Sulfuric Acid

Corrosive will appear on chemicals that have

corrosive properties. Depending on the properties

of the chemical(s) in the product, the corrosion

pictogram can mean:

Labels – Pictograms (Health)

Harmful if swallowed

Acute Toxicity (harmful)

Harmful in contact with skin

Skin Sensitizer

Harmful if inhaled

Respiratory Tract Irritant

Causes skin irritation

Irritant (skin and eye)

Causes serious eye irritation

May cause allergic skin reaction

Hazardous to Ozone Layer

Examples: Isopropyl Alcohol, Ethyl Alcohol, Acetone

Exclamation Mark will appear on chemicals with less severe toxicity. This

symbol will never be used with “skull and crossbones” symbol. Depending

on the health hazard, it can mean:

Labels – Pictograms (Health)

Carcinogen

Mutagenicity

Reproductive Toxicity

Respiratory Sensitizer

Target Organ Toxicity

Aspiration Toxicity

Examples: Carbon Monoxide, Hexanes

Health Hazard will appear on chemicals with less severe toxicity. This

symbol will never be used with “skull and crossbones” symbol. Depending

on the health hazard, it can mean:

Labels – Pictograms (Health/Physical)

Gas Cylinder can cause fires, explosions, oxygen

deficient atmospheres, toxic gas exposures as well as the

innate physical hazard associated with cylinders under

high pressure

Gases under pressure

Compressed gases

Liquefied gases

Refrigerated liquefied gases

Dissolved gases

Examples: Butane and Propane

Labels – Pictograms (Physical)

Exploding Bomb symbol will appear on chemicals that

have explosive properties.

Unstable Explosives

Self-reactive substances and mixtures

Organic peroxides

Examples: Nitroglycerine and TNT, Gunpowder, Rocket

propellants, and Pyrotechnic mixtures (fireworks).

Labels – Pictograms (Physical)

Extremely flammable gas

Extremely flammable aerosol

Self-Heating

Flammable aerosol

Extremely flammable liquid and vapor

Highly flammable liquid and vapor

Flammable liquid and vapor

Flammable solid

Examples: Butane, Pyrophorics, Organic Peroxides

Flame symbol will appear on chemicals that are flammable.

Depending on the properties of the chemical(s) and the

product, the flame can mean:

Labels – Pictograms (Physical)

Flame over circle symbol will appear on chemicals that are:

Oxidizers

Oxidizing gases, liquids, and solids

Examples: Hydrogen Peroxide and Nitrous Oxide

Labels – Pictograms (Environment)

Environment symbol will appear on chemicals which

are acutely hazardous to fish, crustacean, or aquatic

plants. This is the only symbol that is not mandatory.

Aquatic Toxicity

Acute hazards to the aquatic environment

Chronic hazards to the aquatic environment

Label – Signal Word

A Signal Word is used to indicate

the relative level of severity of

hazard and alert the reader to a

potential hazard on the label. The

signal words used are:

"Danger" - used for the more

severe hazards

“Warning" - used for less

severe hazards.

Labels- Hazard Statement

A Hazard Statement describes the nature of the

hazard(s) of a chemical, including where appropriate

the degree of hazard.

All of the applicable hazard

statements must appear on

the label.

Labels – Precautionary Statement

A Precautionary Statement

is a statement that describes

recommended measures that

should be taken to minimize

or prevent adverse effects.

Label –

What do UNC Employees need to do?

Effective June 1 2015, all chemicals received

at the University should have the required

label. Any material transferred to another

container must also have the same label

versus just chemical/product name.

Safety Data Sheets

HazCom 2012 requires Safety Data Sheets - SDS

(formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets –

MSDS) to use a specified 16-section standardized

format.

Under the new format, employees wanting information

regarding Exposure Controls/Personal Protection will

always refer to Section 8 of the Safety Data Sheets.

Safety Data Sheets

To improve employee understanding, information

listed on the label, like Precautionary Statement, will

be same information the employee will find on the

Safety Data Sheet.

The standardize 16 sections is broken down as

follows:

Safety Data Sheet – 16 Sections

1. Identification of the substance

or mixture and of the supplier

2. Hazards identification

3. Composition/information on

ingredients Substance/Mixture

4. First aid measures

5. Firefighting measures

6. Accidental release measures

7. Handling and storage

8. Exposure controls/personal protection

9. Physical and chemical properties

10. Stability and reactivity

11. Toxicological

12. Ecological information

(non mandatory)

13. Disposal considerations

(non mandatory)

14. Transport information

(non mandatory)

15. Regulatory information

(non mandatory)

16. Other information including information

on preparation and revision of the SDS

Safety Data Sheets –

What do UNC Employees need to do?

By December 2015, distributors must provide the new

format of Safety Data Sheets. Supervisors need to

update the Safety Data Sheet notebooks and/or

computer links in their job specific area to the newly

format sheets.

Remember SDS(s) must be accessible to employees at

all times.

NC OSHA– Enforcement

By June 2016, NC OSHA will begin to enforce

compliance with HazCom 2012 by conducting site

evaluations.

Environment, Health and Safety will continue to assist

University departments with the implementation of the

specific requirements covered in this training.

Resources -

OSHA’s HazCom2012 Web Page

OSHA has

developed an

extensive web

page to provide

additional

resources for

employees at

http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html

Resources -

Guidance & Outreach

Supervisors can find printable

guidance material that can be utilized

when training employees.

• Guidance

» OSHA Briefs

» Fact Sheet

» Quick Cards

Chemical Security

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is charged with keeping US citizens safe

and secure from chemical terrorism. The Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards

(CFATS) are a comprehensive risk-based security regulation enforced by DHS.

These regulations provide guidance for securing certain Chemicals of Interest (COI) that

could be used directly or indirectly for terroristic purposes. DHS requires Colleges and

Universities in the possession of COI to:

Monitor

Report possessions above regulated threshold amounts

Implement appropriate Security measures

DHS has the authority to inspect facilities for compliance with CFATS, impose civil

penalties up to $25,000 per day, and shut down facilities that fail to comply with these

regulations.

As a leading research institution, UNC Chapel Hill conducts research where COI may

be regularly used, stored, or even produced.

Chemicals of Interest (COI)

COI are organized by specific security and vulnerability concerns. They are

categorized in Appendix A by the following types:

Theft/Diversion: steal, divert, or otherwise acquired to use as a weapon at another

time and place

Sabotage: sabotage or contaminate to explode or release in transit

Release: release as an explosive or to form a flammable or toxic cloud

The potential type of security and vulnerability issue at UNC Chapel Hill would be

related to Theft/Diversion. The following chart lists specific Theft/Diversion COI taken

from DHS CFATS Appendix A.

Inventory Management of COI

The EHS chemical inventory system is an essential component of compliance

with the CFATS regulations. All inventories should be updated with EHS at least

annually. Users of COI must check their inventories frequently to ensure no theft

or diversion has occurred.

Purchasing of COI

Cooperation by the University community to purchase COI through the

University's purchasing protocol is necessary to maintain compliance.

COI can only be purchased through the University's ePro system. Do not

use Procurement Cards (P-Cards).

To help facilitate compliance, EHS strongly encourages that COI purchases are

limited to the amount of material needed for the experiment/operation.

Security of COI

Multiple layers of security are required for COI stored in University

facilities/property. Examples of security layers include:

locked cabinet within a locked room

access controlled room with locked cabinet

access controlled area with a gated storage shed

Immediately report any suspect activity or loss of COI to the Department of

Public Safety at 911.

PPE: Minimizing Hazards

There are three main controls used to eliminate or minimize workplace hazards:

1. Administrative: policies and procedures that control the time and amount of exposure. For example rest breaks and job rotation are administrative controls

2. Engineering: physical changes to a workplace to reduce or minimize a hazard. For example, guard rails and lifting aids are examples of engineering controls

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): equipment you wear to protect the head, face, eyes, feet, respiratory system, hearing and body from injury

Where possible, engineering and/or administrative controls should be attempted before requiring PPE. However, when PPE is necessary, it is provided to employees at no cost. Your supervisor should issue the appropriate PPE for your job duties.

Fundamentals of PPE

Each shop or work unit on campus has a Hazard Management Plan (HMP). This document contains a PPE Hazard Assessment section which reviews jobs for employees in that work group which require the use of PPE. The shop supervisor is responsible for reviewing the use and care of PPE required for each worker and for signing the Certificate of Personal Protective Equipment Training along with the worker.

PPE should always be inspected prior to each use to make sure it is in sanitary and good working condition. Depending on the type of PPE you are using, check for the following: holes, cracks, scratches, wear and tear, or frayed parts (straps on respirators or webbing on fall protection harnesses). A good work practice is to clean any dirty PPE before storing it. This will make it more accessible the next time you need it. All PPE should be stored in a cool, dry, secure area. Some PPE can be shared but respirators and earplugs should not be.

Head Protection

Falling or flying objects and falling or walking into hard objects are common causes of head injuries. These injuries include neck sprains, concussions, and skull fractures. Accidents involving electricity result in electrical shocks and burns.

A hard hat is designed with a rigid shell that resists and deflects blows to the head and the suspension system inside the hat acts as a shock absorber. Depending on how the hard hat is made it can serve as an insulator against electrical shocks. Some hard hats can be modified so you can add face shields, goggles, hoods, or hearing protection to them.

For industrial purposes, three classes of helmets are recognized:

Class A: general service, limited voltage protection; impact resistant

Class B: utility service, high-voltage helmets; impact resistant

Class C: special service, no voltage protection, impact resistant

DO NOT protect you from electrical shocks; and

DO NOT protect you from corrosive substances.

ANSI Requirements for Industrial Protective Helmets for Electrical Workers, Z89.2-1971, should be consulted for details. The standards for protective helmets purchased after July 5, 1994, are contained in ANSI Personnel Protection -- Protective Headwear for Industrial Workers-Requirements, Z89.1-1986. Later editions of these standards are available and acceptable for use.

Eye and Face Protection

If you are exposed to flying particles, molten metals, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or radiation then safety glasses, goggles or a face shield are required. Some of these may be required to be worn together (i.e. goggles & face shield). Check your department's procedure.

The University has a prescription safety glasses program for employees that wear glasses. If you need prescription safety glasses, call EHS at (919) 962-5507 for further information.

**Note: Contacts do not protect the eye from injury.

Hand Protection

Gloves should be worn to prevent contact with chemicals, cuts, abrasions, punctures or exposure to temperature extremes.

Some Types of Gloves:

Nitrile (used with acids)

Rubber (used with electricity)

Latex (used with weak chemicals - not petroleum based chemicals)

Leather (used with sharp or rough surfaces)

Foot Protection

If there is the potential in your job for injury to the foot due to falling or rolling objects, electrical shock, or objects that can pierce the sole of your shoe then foot protection is required. The University’s policy is that anyone lifting more than 15 pounds is required to wear safety shoes. The University will pay up to $80 for safety shoes in accordance with the office of State Personnel.

Within a safety shoe/boot you will find the American National Safety Standard ANSI Z41 PT 91 on the inner flap. Also, ASTM F 2412-05 and ASTM F 2413-05 may be found on these inner flaps of newer safety shoes. The information on this inner flap will tell you exactly what hazards you are protected against.

Housekeepers have a special type of safety shoe available to them called Gators. They are black rubber shoes with a red bottom that slide over your regular shoes. These shoes provide traction on wet or slippery surfaces.

Respiratory Protection

A respirator is worn to prevent exposure to harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors. Wearing a respirator is a last resort. It should never be a first line of defense.

Our first line of defense is to "engineer out" the need for a respirator. Thus, a respirator is required in areas where exposure cannot be fully controlled.

At UNC-CH we have a written respiratory program in place. The program offers the following:

selection of respirators

annual medical evaluation

annual training

annual fit testing

Types of Respirators

Air-Purifying Respirator (APR)

Can be negative pressure or positive pressure type.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

Supplied Air Respirators (SARs)

Filtering Facepiece (N95 Dust Mask)

Additional information concerning respiratory information can be located at our website,

www.ehs.unc.edu . The Respiratory Manual can be found within the IMAC Manual under the Manuals tab. Respiratory Training can be found under the Self Study Units by using the Training tab.

Contact Information for Respiratory Protection:

Workplace Safety

Phone: (919) 962-5507

Hazards and Type of Respirator Needed

Certain conditions require the use of a respirator. These conditions include:

Oxygen deficient less than 19.5% oxygen. (This requires a self contained breathing apparatus [SCBA] or Supplied Air Respirators [SAR])

Contaminated atmospheres (full or half face positive pressure respirators)

Dusts

Sprays

Fumes

Vapors

Smoke

Harmful gases

Biological exposure (N95)

Anthrax

Smallpox

Respirator Use and Storage

Your life may depend on having your respirator in good working order. Before each use inspect your respirator for damage and defects. Check for:

tightness of connections

condition of all parts

damage to facepiece, head straps, valves, connecting tube, cartridges, canisters, filters and any other parts

facepiece for pliable or deteriorated parts

After using your respirator be sure to clean it according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Store your respirator in a sealed plastic bag or plastic container to protect it from:

Damage

Contamination

Dust

Sunlight

Extreme temperatures

Moisture

Chemicals

If you will be storing your respirator in a work vehicle be sure to put your respirator in a sealed bag and then in the box it came in to help deflect the heat that builds up in the vehicles over the summer months. Heat will warp your respirator over a period of time.

Hearing Conservation Program (HCP)

Excessive noise can damage your hearing, it can also cause fatigue and stress. Hearing protection should be used when working around loud noises for extended periods of time.

Our first line of defense is to evaluate the area to see if the noise can be "engineered out". Using engineering controls might include erecting sound barriers, insulating the equipment, or closing off the equipment entirely.

The University has a Hearing Conservation Program which is a written program that requires annual training and annual audiometric testing to help prevent the loss of hearing. The OSHA standard requires anyone who is exposed to a noise level of 85 decibels or higher over an 8 Time Weighted Average (TWA) hour period to be part of the Hearing Conservation Program. OSHA requires the employer to provide training in the use of all hearing protectors provided to employees. At UNC-CH the following hearing protectors are available:

Earplugs

Earmuffs

Ear Bands

How to Insert Earplugs

When ear protection is worn, it is important that it be used properly. Improper use of hearing protection can reduce its effectiveness and put your hearing at risk.

Here are the steps to take when donning (putting on) hearing protection:

Make sure hands are clean. Dirt and moisture in your ear canal can cause infection.

Compress the plug between your thumb and forefinger.

With the opposite hand, pull outer ear backward and upward, then insert plug as far into ear as possible.

Hold your finger against the plug until it starts to expand.

For preformed plugs, pull outer ear backward and upward. Insert plug by twisting and pushing until it fits snugly and you feel a vacuum-like seal.

When doffing (taking off) hearing protection, again be sure hands are clean.

Areas at UNC-CH With High Noise Levels

When performing certain activities like welding or woodworking, hearing protection may be needed even though you are not part of the Hearing Conservation Program. Areas identified with high noise levels at UNC include:

Cogeneration Facility

Chiller Plants

Grounds Department

Airports

Who Cleans Up?

EHS will respond to reported chemical spills and

mercury spills. Laboratories are also capable of

cleaning up the majority of spills. Spill kits can be

purchased through Fisher Scientific (SR64125).

Refer to the Laboratory Safety Data Sheet on

Chemical Spills.

Dealing With a Spill

If a spill occurs in your lab, be sure to control the spill area.

Assess whether you can clean up the spill. If yes, utilize your

chemical spill kit. Then place the waste in disposal containers

and submit a waste pick-up request on-line. If the spill involves

radioactive materials, be sure to report the spill to EHS

Radiation Safety: (919) 962-5507.

Cases in which EHS should be called to clean-up spills:

>100 mL of highly toxic chemical

>one liter of volatile solvent

>one liter of corrosive solvent

If the laboratory feels assistance is needed

Call 911 if the spill occurs after 5:00 pm or on weekends.

Radiation Hazard Risks

Laboratory personnel are required to inform you of any hazard risks associated with the equipment or area where you are required to work. They are required to clear the area of all hazardous materials and decontaminate surfaces and equipment. The safety clearance form (HSO Form 401) is required to certify that equipment and/or a room is considered safe.

Any equipment in the laboratory which could have been contaminated with radioactive material must be surveyed by lab personnel before removal to another laboratory, transfer to a repair shop, or transfer to Surplus Property. Before the equipment is transferred and following a satisfactory survey, all warning signs and stickers must be removed. The safety clearance form (HSO Form 401) is to be posted on the decontaminated equipment. This form should be provided to the appropriate personnel to show that the equipment is considered safe for any use.

Radiation Dos and Don'ts

Radiation Do's

Do work on equipment if safety clearance form is attached. Hazard labels should be removed or covered by the safety clearance form.

Do move/work on surplus equipment if safety clearance form is attached and hazard labels have been removed.

Do keep safety clearance form with equipment at all times.

Do ask laboratory personnel about any questions you may have as to whether the equipment or area is safe for you to work.

Do call Environment, Health & Safety (919) 962-5507 if you have concerns about equipment clearance.

Radiation Don'ts

Don’t accept equipment without safety clearance form and hazard labels removed.

Don’t work on equipment without the safety clearance form attached.

Don’t remove equipment from lab which still has hazard labels on it.

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous Waste is created when there is no

further use for a solid or liquid chemical.

This waste is our responsibility from when we create

it-- until forever. This is described as being from

"Cradle to Grave". Therefore, proper

documentation is important whenever waste is

picked up and disposed of.

What is Chemical Waste?

Chemical waste is, used, obsolete or unwanted chemicals such as: acids, bases, aerosol cans, paints, solvents, batteries, photographic film, and cleaners.

We at UNC are concerned that chemicals will make their way into our creeks and rivers. The following items are examples of chemicals/liquids that should not be poured outside on the ground, into outside storm drains, or into floor drains: mop water, paint, oil, chemicals, etc. Waste put in storm drains and floor drains eventually ends up in our rivers and oceans. The best practice is to pour mop water down sink drains that go directly into the sanitary sewer system. Chemical waste should be disposed of by calling (919) 962-5507.

If you see anyone pour liquids down the storm water drains or floor drains please notify EHS at (919) 962-5507.

Disposal of Chemical Waste

The Department of Environment, Health and

Safety disposes of chemical waste generated by

the University. Contact EHS at (919) 962-5507 to

learn how to request a chemical waste pick up or

go to www.ehs.unc.edu and use the "Quick Links"

drop-down menu on the left to select "Waste Pick-

Up". The link will take you to the Online Waste

Pickup System.

What is a Biohazard Waste?

Biological hazards are also referred to as biohazards. Biohazards are infectious microorganisms, biological allergens, and toxins that can affect the health of humans. Biohazard materials also include any equipment that was used such as syringes, pipettes and scalpel blades. This includes any animal carcasses and items used for their care that have been exposed to infectious agents.

Since it is considered biohazardous waste, it cannot go to the landfill as is. On campus we use a process called autoclaving to decontaminate the waste prior to disposal.

Autoclaving provides sterilization through superheated steam under pressure. Autoclaving has the ability to destroy pathogens, thus rendering the waste harmless.

All biohazardous waste must be autoclaved to decontaminate the waste before disposal in the landfill. If the landfill does not recognize our waste as being decontaminated they will call us to come and pick it up; then we have to autoclave it and then send it back to the landfill.

Steps to Disposal of Biohazard Waste

1. Biohazard waste placed in orange bag. Also known as biohazard or infectious waste bags.

2. Sealed with a heat sensitive tape placed over the biohazard symbol prior to autoclaving

3. Waste in autoclaved

4. When removed from the autoclave the heat sensitive tape has markings on it. Either lines appear or the word "autoclaved".

5. Autoclaved waste goes in white barrel marked "autoclaved/decontaminated waste only".

6. Finally place the waste into the dumpster. This picture has a large sticker on each bag that states the material is 'decontaminated'. This is an acceptable method to label decontaminated materials.

Broken Glass and Other Sharp Objects

Non-contaminated and/or decontaminated glassware and

sharps are to be placed in a plastic bag within a cardboard

box. It is recommended that all glass items be disposed in this

manner. The box will be picked up by Housekeeping personnel,

indicating "CAUTION, GLASS AND SHARPS, NON-

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL ONLY".

Sharp objects such as needles, scalpels, or razor blades are to

be disposed of in plastic sharps containers. Red containers,

marked with a biohazard symbol should be used for

potentially contaminated sharps. White or clear plastic

containers should be used for non-hazardous sharps.

Introduction To Lead and Asbestos

Exposure to lead and asbestos can be hazardous. Originally lead and asbestos were used in construction of buildings due to their physical properties. For Asbestos:

Flexibility

High tensile strength

High electrical resistance

Resistance to thermal degradation

Resistant to chemicals

Virtually indestructible

Lead:

Durable & very workable (pliable)

Does not corrode

Does not readily crack due to building settling

Does not readily burst with freezing or thawing

Expands when water freezes

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a generic name given to the fibrous

variety of six naturally occurring minerals that have

been used in commercial products. These bundles of

fiber make up asbestos.

The two most common forms of asbestos used in

building materials are chrysotile (white asbestos)

and amosite (brown asbestos).

How Does Asbestos Affect my Health?

Once inhaled, the small, inert asbestos fibers can easily penetrate the body's defenses. They are deposited and retained in the airways and tissues of the lungs called the alveoli. In the alveoli, the location of gas exchange, asbestos causes the development of scar tissue. This thickening of the alveoli wall reduces the amount of oxygen available to the body. Because asbestos fibers remain in the body, each exposure increases the likelihood of developing an asbestos disease. There are 3 major diseases that are caused by asbestos exposure:

Asbestosis is a condition caused by asbestos inhalation that decreases a persons ability to breathe normally. It is a slowly progressive disease with a latency period of 15 to 30 years.

Lung Cancer is a malignant tumor of the bronchi covering. The tumor grows through surrounding tissue, invading and often obstructing air passages. The latency period for lung cancer is 20 to 30 years. Smoking can increase the risk of lung cancer up to 90 times.

Mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the chest cavity and the abdominal cavity, usually fatal. Normally fatal within 6 months of diagnosis. Similar to other asbestos related diseases, mesothelioma has a longer latency period of 30 to 40 years.

Where is Asbestos Located on Campus?

Asbestos containing materials (ACM) may be found in some campus buildings. There are three types of Asbestos Containing Materials:

Surfacing Materials (SM): Sprayed or troweled-on materials used on ceilings or walls, as decorative, acoustical, and fire proofing in homes, buildings, and schools.

Thermal System Insulation (TSI): Insulation around boilers, on water and steam pipe elbows, tees, fittings, pipe runs, and duct systems.

Miscellaneous Materials (MM): This includes all materials containing asbestos which were not included in the above groups. For example: floor tile, joint compound in sheet rock, ceiling tiles, roofing materials, transite siding, caulking, cement pipe, kiln insulation, electrical panel insulation and wiring, fire brick, tar, and others.

Lead: Health Affects and Where it is

Found

Lead is used in the manufacture of batteries, metal products, paints, and ceramic glazes. Exposure to lead can occur from breathing contaminated workplace air, house dust, eating lead-based paint chips, or contaminated dirt. Lead is a very toxic element, causing a variety of effects at low dose levels. Children are particularly sensitive to the chronic effects of lead, resulting in slowed cognitive development, reduced growth and other effects. Reproductive effects, such as decreased sperm count in men and spontaneous abortions in women, have been associated with high lead exposure. The developing fetus is at particular risk from maternal lead exposure, with low birth weight and slowed postnatal neurobehavioral development as possible effects.

Lead-Based Paint and

Other Common Uses

Lead-based paints were commonly used until 1978 and may be present in some campus buildings. The University is responsible for keeping all lead-based paint located in campus buildings built before 1978 in good condition. Lead exposure may occur from flaking paint, paint chips, and weathered paint powder.

Since the 1980's, EPA and its federal partners have phased out lead in gasoline, reduced lead in drinking water, reduced lead in industrial air pollution, and banned or limited lead used in consumer products, including residential paint.

Asbestos & Lead Awareness

Asbestos and lead are safe as long as:

They are in a solid state.

They are not disturbed.

Floor or ceiling tiles are not broken or cracked.

Insulation is not cracked.

Paint is not peeling or being washed into a water source.

If you have doubts about the safety of a condition you find, contact your supervisor so that EHS can investigate.

Protect Yourself

What can you do to protect yourself? Report to

your supervisor any suspected asbestos that is

broken or cracked, abnormal dust or any peeling

paint. Your supervisor will contact EHS to report any

asbestos or lead concerns (919) 962-5507.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

IMAC and Support Services personnel may be at risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders during routine tasks such as lifting, and repetitive tool use. Musculoskeletal disorders, also called cumulative trauma disorders or repetitive strain injuries, are gradual-onset injuries that usually occur after repeated micro-trauma to a specific body part. They may take weeks, months or years to develop and are often ignored at first due to the slow onset of symptoms.

Musculoskeletal disorders are disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage and spinal discs. Musculoskeletal disorders which commonly affect IMACS/Support Services personnel include: Trigger finger, Low Back Pain, Lateral Epicondylitis, and Carpal tunnel syndrome.

MSD Warning Signs

The parts of the body susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders do not always have nerve endings designed to tell us that a musculoskeletal disorder is developing. Instead, we must rely on warning signs given to us from nearby parts of the body. For example, in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, the hands often feel sore and tingly, like they have fallen asleep. The problem is not in the hands, however, it is in the median nerve where it passes through the wrists. The wrists may only feel mildly sore or may feel no pain at all. The following warning signs serve as a signal that ergonomic stressors are present and need to be corrected.

Lingering symptoms such as...

Discomfort - pain. If it wakes you up at night, follows you home, or appears as soon as you get to work, take notice!

Tingling - numbness.

Burning

Swelling

Change in color

Tightness, loss of flexibility

Ergonomic Stressors Related to MSD’s

Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of the interactions among human and other elements of a system. The goal of ergonomics is to find ways to arrange the workstation, work tools and work practices to minimize potential for musculoskeletal disorders.

Ergonomics is concerned with eliminating or minimizing the following Ergonomic Stressors found in routine tasks:

Force – High force tasks involve heavy exertion for the muscles involved.

Repetition – performing the same movements over and over with little change in motions or muscle use.

Extreme/Awkward/Static Postures – Prolonged or repeated time spent holding joints in an awkward or fixed position.

Safe Lifting

By age 50, approximately 85% of Americans have had one or more episodes of back pain. In working-age adults, back problems are the most frequent cause of activity limitations. Lifting incorrectly can increase the risk of developing a back injury.

Remember the section on musculoskeletal disorders? If small tears build up in our tissues faster than they can heal, an MSD can result. This is how many back injuries are thought to occur. Tiny cracks develop in the shock-absorbing spinal disks between vertebrae during lifting. Too much lifting, especially incorrect lifting, can cause those cracks to build up faster than the disk can heal until the disk starts to buldge or rupture. Force on the spine creates those tears. The more force, the more likely a tear will occur.

Safe Lifting (cont’d…)

Careful, there's a trick to the whole "force" idea! Take a look at the picture. Think of your back as a teeter-totter with the spine as the pivot point. In order to balance the teeter-totter the muscles in your back (the red arrow) have to produce much more force than the 20 lbs the load weighs (blue arrow). This is because the force exerted times the distance from the pivot have to be equal for both sides. Don't worry about the exact math, just know that the closer you can get the load to yourself, the less your back will have to work.

One more thing, the spine is weakest when you twist (ie, it takes less force to damage it) and also when you bend.

The next few slides use those principals (keep the load close, spine weakest in twisting/bending and general safety) to demonstrate good lifting techniques.

Pre-Lift

Remember:

If it looks heavy or awkward, it probably is; ask someone to help you, or use a mechanical lift

Think about the distance and height to the destination before lifting

Do not carry more than 30 pounds by yourself

Get help for objects with a width 18 inches or greater

If possible, break the load down and make several trips with more manageable loads

Lift

Remember:

Feet shoulder width apart

Crouch not stoop

Get a good grip on the object

Keep the object close to your body

As you grip the load, keep your back straight, shoulders back, and stick your buttocks out.

Let you legs push your body up slowly and smoothly, no jerking motions.

Carry and Placement

Precautions to take when carrying and setting a load down:

Elbows close to your side and at right angles

Move smoothly avoiding quick movements

No twisting while lifting or carrying, move your feet to pivot

Set the load down:

squat down

bending at the hips and knees

keep your lower back arched inwards

Technique for the Occasional Lifter

1. Stand close to the load, and get a good grip on

the object.

2. Bend your knees not your back!

3. Let your legs do the lifting.

The Right Tools for the Job

Sometimes you will encounter objects that are too heavy, large, or oddly shaped for you to safely lift unassisted. Look for tools you can use to help you with the lift or take the time to get someone to help with the lifting. In some situations (reaching into a deep bin for example) it may not be possible to use the ideal lifting technique. In those situations it is more important to bring the load close to you than to bend the knees.

Awkward Places

If you must lift or lower from a high place:

Stand on a platform instead of a ladder

Lift the load in smaller pieces if possible

Push the load to see how heavy and stable it is

Slide the load as close to yourself as possible before

lifting up or down

Get help when needed to avoid an injury

How to Let the Right People Know

If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, you should immediately

Report the symptoms to your supervisor

Complete the Workers' Compensation Forms

Be evaluated at the UEOHC [(919) 966-9119]

The UEOHC will contact the EHS Ergonomist, explain the symptoms and request an ergonomic evaluation of your workstation. The Ergonomist will make recommendations that includes specific work strategy controls.

Workplace Safety

Phone: 919.962.5507

Web: www.ehs.unc.edu

1120 Estes Drive Ext.

Campus Box 1650

Chapel Hill, NC, 27599