Introduction to Laboratory Health & Safety Management

Chulee C. GroveHonolulu Community College

University Of Hawaii

Tel: 808-845-9434chulee@hcc.hawaii.edu

Source: International Labor Organization, 2003

Work-related incidents cause:

• 5000 DEATHS EACH DAY

• 270 million accidents each year

• 160 million illnesses each year

• $12.5 billion loss each year

• 12,000 deaths of children each year

• 340,000 deaths from HazSub each year

Accident Classification

Struck by fallen objects

Struck against a container

causing a spill

Contacted byContacted bya corrosive chemicala corrosive chemical

Contact with a sharp object

Trapped in a trench

His ear is caught on a protruding nail

on the ladder

Caught between a reversing forklift

& loading dock

Same-level fall Different-level fall

Exposureto airborne

contaminantsOverexertion

Accident Classification

Struck by Struck againstContacted byContact withTrapped in

Caught onCaught betweenDifference level fallSame level fallExposureOverexertion

Class Exercise

• List as many consequences of this accident as possible.

• For each consequence, estimate the amount, and identify who will pay for it.

Accident Costs: Tip of an Iceberg

Direct Cost: Workers’ Compensation Wage replacement Medical costs

Indirect Cost: Down time Investigation Retraining/Rehiring Employees’ morale Public image Injured worker’s family

Health & Safety Practices

Academic Laboratories

Health and Safety Management

Health & Safety Office

Security

Written HS Program

• Responsibility & accountability• Hazard identification & control• Hazard reporting & correction• Injury and illness reporting• Incident investigation• Enforcement policy• Training• Recordkeeping

Essential Elements

Designated responsible persons Written safety plansEnforcementPollution preventionTrainingChemical Management SystemWaste Management System

Written Safety Plans

Chemical Hygiene Plan Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Chemical Emergency Preparedness &

Response Emergency Action Plan 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1 (Permissible

Exposure Limits) Chemical-specific Standards Waste Management

Chemical Hygiene Plan

Chem Hygiene Officer Responsibilities Inventory Storage Signs & Labels MSDS Exposure Monitoring

Medical Exams Training &

Communication Engineering Control PPE Emergency Procedures SOPs (Standard Operation

Procedures)

Bloodborne PathogensExposure Control Plan

• BioSafety officer• Written program• Access control• Exposure determination• Exposure control• Post-exposure procedures• Labeling & warning• BioWaste management• Training

Chemical EmergencyPreparedness & Response

• Roles & lines of authority• Hazard inventory• Response capability & equipment• ER recognition & prevention• Notification & response procedures• Site security & control• Evacuation routes & procedures• ER medical treatment• Training & communication• Outside help

• Responsibility & lines of authority• Emergency Notification Procedures• Emergency Evacuation Procedures• Fire Prevention Plans• Training & communication• Recordkeeping

Emergency Action Plan

• Waste stream identification & inventory• Generator level determination• Waste Manifest & tracking• Waste accumulation• Transportation• Disposal• Emergency preparedness

Waste Management

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)

“The maximum allowable concentration of an airborne contaminant to which a worker can be exposed over an 8-hr workday and 40-hr workweek.”

http://www.osha.gov

PEL (ppm)

Ammonia 50

Benzene 1

Carbon tetrachloride 10

Hexane 500

Methanol 200

Toluene 200

Chemical-Specific Standards

BenzeneBenzidineMethylene ChlorideFormaldehydeAcrylonitrileEtc.

Chemical Management System

Chemical Management

Inventory ControlChemical StorageOther Issues

Inventory Control

Designate responsibilities Provide training Require prior approval Require monthly inventory Purchase limited amount Choose least hazardous chemicals Inspect regularly & conduct periodic audits Establish chemical tracking system

Chemical Storage: General Rules

Proper ventilationShelving system

Eye level Secured No floor storage Anti-roll lips

Chemical Storage: General Rules

Master controlsEmergency communicationEmergency equipment:

Fire extinguisher Spill kit Eye washer/shower

Storage Principles

Supervision & securityDO NOT store alphabetically Separate/segregate by compatibilitySpill containment

Segregation

Review MSDS & safety informationAssign classes

Prevention of fire, explosion, toxic exposure Manageable number of classes Initial classes: toxic, flammable, reactive,

corrosive, low hazards

Class Types 1 Flam/Combus, toxic, low toxic

Compatible with water 2 Same as 1, but non-compatible with water 3 Oxidizer, non-flam/non-combus, toxic, low toxic

Compatible with water 4 Same as 3, but non-compatible with water 5 Air sensitive 6 Require refrigeration 7 Compressed gas cylinder

4 groups: oxidizer, reducer, corrosive, toxic2 subgroups: empty, full

8 Unstable (explosives, short shelf life, etc)

Example: Storage Segregation Scheme

Storage in Laboratory

Small amountsSealed and securedLimited accessLabel and warning signsSegregation

Storage in Laboratory

Flammable & combustible liquids Minimize amounts Safety cans Flammable cabinet

Stockroom

Two exits Fire sprinkler & fire

alarm PPE & emergency

equipment Ventilation

Diked floor Emergency

shower/eye washer Explosion proof

electrical lights, ventilation motors, etc.

Spill Containment

Drip panLips on shelvesDrum containmentDikes on floor

• Attend to injured/ contaminated victim

• Turn on fume hoods• Open windows• De-energize electrical devices

• Select proper PPE• Neutralize acids and bases• Absorb liquids• Collect and contain residue• Decontaminate area & equipment• Document incident

YOUR SAFETY FIRST!

SMALL SPILLS

Other Issues

LabelsAccessibility controlHousekeeping & floor storageCompressed gas cylindersEmergency showers/eye washers

Example: Label

Flash Point 4°C(40 °F)

Toluene (Toluol)

WARNING! FlammableVapor Harmful

Keep away from heat and open flame.Keep container closed.Use only with adequate ventilation.Avoid prolonged breathing of vapor.Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin.

Do not dispose of in building drains.

302

NFPA 704

Colors Blue: Health hazards Red: Flammability hazard Yellow: Reactivity hazard White: Special information

Numbers 0 to 4 The higher the number, the greater the hazard

NFPA: National Fire Protection Association

Accessibility Control

Authorized personnel onlyEntry securedContact information posted

Basic Safety for Gas Cylinders

Know the hazardsUse proper footwearUse cylinder cart to transportDo not drop, rollSecure when storing and close valves

when not in useMark empty cylinder

Emergency Shower/Eyewash

Available near corrosivesAccess not blockedWeekly checksPersonnel trained on usage

Lab Safety & Health Management

Written policies & proceduresResponsible personsChemical & waste managementEmergency planningEducation & training

Waste Management System

Pollution Prevention

Small-scale chemistry Inventory control and tracking system “Just-in-time” purchase Substitution Waste exchange Establish waste reduction goal Periodic self-audit

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Waste identification & inventory Proper storageEmergency preparednessTransport & disposal Recordkeeping

Hazardous Waste Classification (US EPA)

Characteristic Waste Ignitable, Corrosive, Reactive, Toxic

Listed Waste 40 CFR 261

“Mixture” & “Derived From” Rules

SOLID WASTE

HAZARDOUS WASTE

CharacteristicWastes

ListedWastes

“Mixture” &“Derived from”

Rules

•Ignitable•Corrosive•Reactive•Toxic

40 CFR Part 261.30

throughPart 261.33

Mixed with or derived fromlisted wastes

40 CFR 261

On-site Treatment

Armour, M. Hazardous Laboratory Chemicals Disposal Guide. Lewis Publishers. 1996.

Korenaga, T. et al. Hazardous Waste Control in Research and Education. Lewis Publishers. 1994.

(http://www.crcpress.com)

Laboratory Hazards

Laboratory Hazards

Routes of entryTypes of hazards

Chemical Biological Radiological Ergonomics

Routes of Entry

Inhalation

Ingestion

Injection

Absorption

Chemical Hazards

Chemical Hazards

FlammableCorrosiveReactiveToxicAsphyxiantNarcotic

IrritantSensitizerCarcinogenMutagenTeratogen

Fire Hazards

Flammables & CombustiblesFlashpointExplosive Limits

Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) Upper Explosive Limit (UEL)

Substance Flash Point ( F)

Benzene 12 Gasoline -45 Malathion >325 Naphtha 100-109 Toluene 40

Flash Point: The minimum liquid temperature at which enough vapors are present above the liquid to ignite

% Atmospheric Concentration

0 5 15

100

LEL UEL

LEL:Lowest ignitable concentration of substance in air

UEL:Highest ignitable concentration of substance in air T

OO

LE

AN

TO

O R

ICH

Methane

Substance LEL (%) UEL (%)

Acetylene 3 82

Acetone 2.5 12.8

Ammonia 15 28

Carbon monoxide 12.5 74

Ether 1.85 48

Methane 5 15

Oxygen-rich

Ambient air level

Minimum safe entry level

Disturbed respiration, emotional upsets, abnormal fatigue

Increased respiration/heart rate, euphoria, headache

Nausea, vomiting, fainting

Gasping, respiration stops, cardiac arrest, death in minutes

23.5

12-16

10-11

6-10

< 6

21.0

19.5

% O

2

Biological Hazards

Biological Hazards

Plants, animals, animal products, microorganisms

Routes of entryBloodborne pathogens

HIV, HBV, HCV

HIV HBV

Transmission: Blood, semen Mainly bloodvaginal secretion breast milk

Strength: 10-50 1 million-100 million(Viral particles/cc blood) Up to 100 times

easier to catch than HIV

Outside Survival: A few hours Up to 7 days

Vaccination: Not available Available – 3 doses

Radiation Hazards

Radiation Hazards

Ionizing Radiation Alpha, beta, gamma, X-ray

Non-ionizing Radiofrequency, Microwave, etc

Energy (eV)10-13 10 1010

(1010 m)

Freq (Hz)

1017 103 10-6

Visible

X-rays

UV CosmicGamma

60 106 1013 1018 1023

Radio, Radar,TV

ElectricPower

Infra-red

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Induction Heating

e

e

Atom Ion PairsIonization

Positive Ion

Electron

++

Routes of Entry

InhalationIngestionDermal absorptionBroken skin

Radiation Hazards

Biological effects Somatic effects Genetic effects

Acute exposureMutagen, Carcinogen, Teratogen

Exposure Limits (OSHA)

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), whole body 5 rems/yr 1.25 rems/quarter

Ergonomics

Definition

“A science whose main purpose is to design workspaces and tools that help people do their jobs and use their tools and other products comfortably and safely”

(Oregon OSHA, 2008)

Risk Factors

Repetitive activitiesAwkward posturesExcessive forceContact stress

Vibration Inadequate rest Individual physical

status

Examples of Lab Activities at Risk

PipettesMicroscopeLab hoods & biosafety cabinetsCentrifugesWork areas & computer stations

Laboratory Exposures

Hazardous chemicals & wastesBiological agentsRadiationsErgonomics

Class Exercise

1. Form groups

2. Conduct safety survey of a laboratory

3. Identify hazards in each category:• Chemical• Biological• Radiological• Ergonomics

4. Document the results. Rank the hazards based on the degree of seriousness. (Present results tomorrow.)

Principles of Hazard Controls

“Employers should institute all feasible engineering, workplace practice, & administrative controls to eliminate or reduce hazards BEFORE using PPE to protect employee against hazards.” (OSHA 3151, 2000)

Engineering

Administrative

Personal Protective Equipment

• Design• Ventilation

Priority of Hazard Controls:OSHA’s Requirement

• Policies• Housekeeping• Work hrs reduction• Training

Controls of Chemical Hazards

Controls of Chemical Hazards

Engineering

Administrative

Personal Protective Equipment

• Laboratory fume hood

• Chemical Hygiene Plan• Safe work practices• Work rotation

Fume Hood: Safe Practices

NEVER STORE CHEMICALS IN HOODMake sure that hood is workingDo not put head inside hoodKeep apparatus at least 6” inside hoodAvoid swift movements Keep sash as low as possibleDo not use extension cord inside hoodKeep sash closed when hood is not in use

Other Admin Controls

HousekeepingChemical purchasing policyLab clean-out policyEnforcement of safety rulesEducation & Training

Controls of Biohazards

Controls of Biological Hazards

Engineering

Administrative

Personal Protective Equipment

• Biosafety cabinets

• Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan• Biosafety program

Containment

Primary barrier: Biosafety cabinets (BCSs)

Secondary barrier: Facility design

Work practices & decontaminationWaste management

Primary Barrier: Biosafety Cabinets

Class I Partial containment Protects personnel & environment

Class II Protects personnel, materials, & environment

Class III Totally enclosed, -ve pressure, gas-tight

Biosafety Levels: Infectious Agents (CDC/NIH)

BSL-1BSL-2BSL-3BSL-4

CDC: Center for Disease Control and PreventionNIH: National Institute of Health

BSL-1

BSL-2

• Minimal hazards -- high school/college labs• Standard microbiological practices

• Potential hazards -- research/analytical labs• BLS-1+ limited access, sign, special training• Waste decon, med surveillance• BCSs I or II

BioSafety Levels

BSL-3

BSL-4

• Potential aerosol transmission • Serious/lethal diseases• BSL-2 + lab clothing decon, secondary barriers• BCS I or II

• High risk – life threatening diseases• Aerosol transmission• BLS-3+ change before entering, shower before exit, all materials decon before exit• BCSs III or I/II w/ TECP & +ve ASR• Isolated facility, dedicated ventilation/decon system

BioSafety Levels

Controls of Radiation Hazards

Protection Measures: External Sources

Time Direct relationship: dose & exposure duration

Distance Inverse square law (D = 1/t2)

Shielding Half-value layer

Radiation Protection FactorsTime

Shielding

Distance

1 hr, 100 mrem

2 hrs, 200 mrem

4 hrs, 400 mrem

8 hrs, 800 mrem1 m2 m4 m8 m

1/64 1/16 ¼ 1

15 62 250 1000 mrem

Source: Cobalt-60Shields at 3 ft from source

500 mR/hr

500 mR/hr

500 mR/hr

1HVL

3HVL

2HVL

250 mR/hr

125 mR/hr

62.5 mR/hr

Safe Practices

Know properties of isotopes Wear PPE and monitor badges Use remote handling tools Clean up contamination promptly Use hood Do not store contaminated materials in desk area Survey frequently

Controls of Ergonomics-Related Hazards

Pipetting

Keep arm close to bodyKeep head & shoulder in neutral

positionRotating pipetting activities (hands,

tasks, people)Take micro-breaks

Microscope

Five hrs/day maximum Keep microscope close to maintain upright position Raise microscope at an angle to look directly into

eyepiece Use armrests to support forearms Keep spinal curves at natural position Use adjustable chair Keep space under worksurface open Use footrest

Hood:• Keep mateials/instruments as close as possible• Keep body in neutral position• Take micro-brakes

Centrifuge:• Get help when lifting/removing rotors• Use cart to transport rotors

Lifting Safely

Plan the liftGet help Bend at the kneesBoth hands under loadKeep the load closePivot

Workstations Ergonomics

Workstation components Monitor, chair, desk, keyboard, mouse,

printer, telephone, etc

Workstation arrangement Forceful exertion, awkward postures

Working Position

HeadShouldersArms, elbows, wrists, handsBackLegs, knees, feet

Personal Protective Equipment

PPEPPE

“Employers should institute all feasible engineering, workplace practice, & administrative controls to eliminate or reduce hazards BEFORE using PPE to protect employee against hazards.” (OSHA 3151, 2000)

PPE

Chemical goggles & face shieldGloves & apronRespiratory protection

Do you know….

Appropriate type of PPE for your work?

The types of PPE available?

Locations of nearest emergency equipment?

PPE Standards

Face & eye protection American National Standard Institute (ANSI) ANSI Z.87

Respirators National Institute for Occupational Safety &

Health (NIOSH)

Gloves Manufacturer’s glove chart

PPE Safety

Select the right typeKeep it cleanDo not reuse disposableRecognize limitationsDecontamination

Face & Eye Protection (ANSI Z87.1-1989)

Chemical resistantChemical goggles: primary protectionFaceshields: secondary protection

Gloves

Select gloves appropriate for the taskCheck for leaksDouble if necessaryBe alert to unusual hand sensations Do not touch face, etc with gloved handsUse clean hand / dirty hand technique

Wrong Gloves Led to Acid Burns

“A Post-Doctorate Fellow was working with concentrated Sulfuric Acid. She splashed some of the acid onto her latex gloves and it quickly burned a hole through the gloves and caused a small second-degree burn. She removed her gloves and ran her hand under water for fifteen minutes.”

RespiratorsRespirators

EscapePowered APR

Self-containedBreathing Apparatus (SCBA)

Half-face APR

Full-face APR

Supplied Air Respirator (SAR)

Air-PurifyingRespirators (APR)

Air-SupplyingRespirators (ASR)

Selection

Types: Gases/Vapors, Particulates

Oxygen Levels: Deficiency: O2<19.5%

Approved by NIOSHConcentration of toxic substance

Highlights: Respiratory Protection

Hazard AssessmentMedical EvaluationFit TestingRespirator UseEnd-of-service-life indicator (ESLI)Training

Emergency Planning

Potential Emergencies

Medical Fires & explosionsAccidental releases

Emergency Planning

Written plan & pre-ER planningPlan’s manager & respondersNotifications & evacuationsTraining & drillsSpill kit & emergency equipmentOutside assistance

Emergency Response Procedures

Notification Authority & Responsibility Evacuation First aid Risk assessment & response Evaluation & documentation Outside assistance

Emergency Evacuation

• Where is the nearest exit?

• How do I get to the exit safely?

• Where will I meet my co-workers?

• How do we know if someone is trapped inside?

• Who will rescue occupants trapped inside?

First Aid

Spill on body:• Remove contaminated clothing

• Flood exposed area with running water, at least 15 min

• Seek medical help

Splash in eye:• Rinse eyeball & inner surface of eyelid with water continuously for 15 min. Forcibly hold eye lid open.

• Seek medical help

Fire Extinguisher

AA (think: Ashes) = paper, wood, etc

BB (think: Barrel) = flammable liquids

CC (think: Circuits) = electrical fires

Using a Fire Extinguisher

Sound the alarm Identify evacuation pathSelect appropriate type P.A.S.SBack awayEvacuate

RISK ASSESSMENT: FIRE

Fire too big?•Fight: Fire has not spread, flames not higher than your head•Flee: Fire involve flammable solvents, > 60 ft2, partially hidden

Air safe to breathe?•Fight: Adequate oxygen, small quantities of toxic gases•Flee: Need respiratory protection

Too hot or too smoky?•Fight: Temperature raised slightly, good visibility, PPE not needed•Flee: Too hot within 10-15 ft of fire, need to crawl, poor visibility

Safe evacuation path? •Fight: Clear path behind you as fighting fire•Flee: Fire is not contained; fire, heat, smoke may block path

Maintenance

Monthly inspection Location Nameplate Pressure gauge Pin & tamper seal General condition

• Attend to injured/ contaminated victim

• Turn on fume hoods• Open windows• De-energize electrical devices

• Select proper PPE• Neutralize acids and bases• Absorb liquids• Collect & contain residue• Decontaminate area & equipment• Document incident

YOUR SAFETY FIRST!

Spill Response: Simple Spill

• Put on PPE• Disinfect area with 1:10 bleach, 10 min• Remove spill with sorbent towels• Dispose of towels in a red bag• Dry area with sorbent towels• Dispose of towels in read bag• Dispose of gloves in read bag• Wash hands well• Dispose of gown in red bags

Biohazardous Spill Cleanup

Summary

Hazard Controls Chemical Biological Radiological Ergonomics PPE

Emergency Planning

Class Exercise

• Work with the same group

• Return to the same lab as yesterday

• Identify existing control methods for each hazard found yesterday

• Assess effectiveness of the controls

• Report the results. Provide recommendations.