Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Personnel Responsible
for the
Chemical Hygiene Program
3.0 Prior Approval
4.0 General Safe Work Practices
5.0 Procedures for Specific
Classes of Chemicals
6.0 Control Measures
7.0 Chemical Detection
8.0 Safety Surveys and Audits
9.0 Medical Consultations and
Examinations
10.0 Information and Training
11.0 Definitions
Appendix 1 (Carcinogenic Materials)
Appendix 2 (Reproductive Toxins)
Appendix 3 (Fire & Explosion Hazards)
Appendix 4 (Incompatible Chemicals)
Appendix 5 (Acutely Toxic Materials)
Appendix 6 (Special Handling - Hazardous Materials)
Appendix 7 (Emergency Procedures)
Appendix 8 (Lab Audit Form)
Appendix 9 (Reference Materials)
Appendix 10 (Training Checklist)
BYU-IDAHO Chemical Hygiene Program
1.0
Introduction.
BYU-Idaho is committed to providing a safe work-place for all
individuals working in university facilities. The wide diversity of possible operations and
materials involved in research settings make it impossible to develop a single set of work
rules and procedures that would apply to all projects and settings. The Chemical Hygiene Program
is intended to set forth generally accepted procedures and practices for working in
laboratories. The plan is intentionally designed to allow faculty flexibility to adapt to
the varied conditions they encounter in providing instruction. This variability places the
primary responsibility for establishing specific safe work practices and providing
applicable training for each specific situation on department chairs.
Table of Contents
2.0 Personnel responsible
for the Chemical Hygiene Program.
2.1 University Safety Committee.
The University Safety Committee is appointed by the
University President. This committee reports to the President's Council. The
committee consists of faculty members from various academic divisions and
administrators from representative university departments. The University Safety Committee, in
conjunction with pertinent faculty members who oversee the various campus
laboratories, is responsible for the
establishment, audit, and review of policies and procedures relating to the laboratory use
of hazardous chemicals on the university campus.
2.2 Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO). The Chemical Hygiene Office
of Brigham Young University-Provo shall serve as a consultant to the BYU-Idaho
Safety
Officer and shall provide chemicals management assistant to BYU-Idaho pursuant to the
memorandum of understanding established between BYU-Idaho and Brigham Young
University-Provo. Chemical Hygiene consultation services can also be contracted if local and
immediate assistance is required.
2.3 Chemical Safety Team. The University Safety Officer,
the Chemicals Inventory Manager and respective Department Chairpersons
have joint responsibility for the coordination of chemicals management, safe laboratory
practices, incident investigation and disposal of hazardous wastes. The
Chemical Safety Team is
responsible for promoting safe conduct of work involving hazardous materials performed on
the campus. Responsibilities also include the development of safe work procedures for
laboratories and ensuring that those who work in the laboratories are properly trained to
such procedures.
Table of Contents
3.0 Prior Approval
3.1 Prior Approval (Laboratory Level). Approval to proceed with a
laboratory task or group of experiments shall be obtained from the appropriate department
chair person, or his or her designee, whenever:
3.1.1 A new lab procedure or test is to be carried out.
3.1.2 It is likely that allowable limit concentrations (i.e. TLV,
PEL, ceiling limit) could be exceeded.
3.1.3 There is a failure or malfunction of any of the equipment
used in the process which could increase chemical exposure (i.e. failure of the laboratory
hood).
3.2 Prior Approval (University Level). Approval to proceed must be
obtained from the University Safety Committee or the University Safety Officer
(496-2457)
whenever the hazardous material in use could potentially cause injury or death beyond the
confines of the laboratory involved.
3.2.1 The following materials require prior approval before use.
3.2.1.1 Fluorine
3.2.1.2 Hydrogen cyanide
3.2.1.3 Hydrogen fluoride (anhydrous)
3.2.1.4 Nickel carbonyl
Table of
Contents
4.0 General Safe Work
Practices.
4.1 Working Alone. Avoid working alone in a laboratory or
chemical storage area.
4.2 Eye Protection. Wear appropriate eye protection when using
chemicals that are toxic, irritating, or corrosive to the eyes.
4.3 Personal Hygiene.
4.3.1 In cases of skin contact with a chemical wash the affected
area thoroughly and promptly.
4.3.2 Avoid inhaling laboratory chemicals. Do not "sniff
test" chemicals.
4.3.3 Do not use mouth suction for pipetting any laboratory
chemicals; use suction bulbs or other similar methods.
4.3.4 Wash hands with soap and water before leaving the
laboratory; do not wash with solvents.
4.3.5 Do not eat, drink, or apply cosmetics in chemical storage
areas or chemical use areas.
4.4 Spills and Accidents.
4.4.1 Promptly clean up spills of hazardous chemicals if you have
the necessary equipment and proper training to do so. If you do not have the proper
equipment or training, contact your supervisor or the University Safety Officer.
4.4.2 Spills of toxic substances or accidents involving any
hazardous chemical that present an immediate health or safety threat should be immediately
reported to Campus Police by dialing 911.
4.4.3 Properly dispose of the spilled chemical and cleanup
materials. For information on proper disposal, call the University Safety Officer at
496-2457 or 496-2414.
4.5 Housekeeping.
4.5.1 Access to emergency equipment, showers, eye washes, and
exits should never be blocked.
4.5.2 Keep all work areas, especially laboratory benches and
walkways, clear of clutter.
4.5.3 Keep aisles, hallways, and stairs clear of chemicals.
4.5.4 Place all chemicals in their assigned storage areas at the
end of each workday.
4.6 Labeling
4.6.1 Ensure that all chemicals are properly labeled when
received from the manufacturer. The manufacturer's label should include the name of the
chemical, and any appropriate hazard warnings. If the manufacturer's label becomes defaced
or illegible it should be replaced with an appropriate label.
4.6.2 Do not leave unlabeled portable (secondary) containers in
the laboratory for more than one shift. Unlabeled containers with unknown contents must be
considered as waste, and disposed of accordingly.
4.6.3 Properly label wastes and store them in appropriate
containers.
4.7 Required Information. All university personnel should know the
following about chemicals with which they work:
4.7.1 The chemical's hazards, as determined from the MSDS and
other appropriate references (see appendix 9).
4.7.2 Appropriate safeguards for using that chemical, including
any protective equipment, as listed in the MSDS.
4.7.3 The location and proper use of emergency equipment.
4.7.4 Proper chemical storage when not in use.
4.7.5 Proper personal hygiene practices.
4.7.6 Proper methods of transporting chemicals in the facility.
4.7.7 Appropriate emergency procedures, including evacuation
routes, spill cleanup procedures, and proper waste disposal.
Table of Contents
5.0
Procedures for Specific Classes of Chemicals.
5.1 Procedures for Toxic Chemicals.
5.1.1 When a TLV or PEL value is less than 50 ppm, the chemical
shall be used in an operating fume hood, glove box, vacuum line, or similar device. Use of
such chemicals without these safety controls should be approved by the
University Safety Committee.
5.1.2 If a TLV, PEL, or comparable value is not available for a
substance, then the chemical shall be used in an operating fume hood, glove box, vacuum
line, or similar device. Alternatively, the University Safety Committee may approve the use
of these chemicals without such safety controls.
5.1.3 Whenever laboratory handling of toxic substances with
moderate or greater vapor pressures which will likely exceed air concentration limits,
laboratory work with such liquids and solids shall be conducted in a fume hood, glove box,
vacuum line, or similar device. Use of these chemicals without these safety controls
should be approved by the University Safety Committee.
5.2 Procedures for Flammable Chemicals.
5.2.1 Storage. Quantities of fire-hazard chemicals greater than
necessary for one day's use shall be stored in flammable storage cabinets or flammable
storage rooms. Cabinets designed for the storage of flammable materials should be properly
used and maintained. Read and follow the manufacturer's information and also follow these
safety practices:
5.2.1.1 Store only compatible materials inside a cabinet.
5.2.1.2 Do not store paper, cardboard, or other combustible
material in a flammable storage cabinet.
5.2.1.3 Do not overload a cabinet; the NFPA establishes quantity
limits for various sizes of flammable-liquid storage cabinets. Contact the Safety
Department for assistance in determining quantity limits.
5.2.2 Use. Fire-hazard chemicals that are in use shall be placed
in a safety can if the quantity in use exceeds 500 ml for class 1A flammable liquids or
one liter for classes 1B or 1C flammable liquids unless the flammable liquid is inside
equipment, instruments, or apparatus intended for that material. High-purity chemicals
that would be compromised by use in a safety can may be used in their original container
in quantities no greater than that necessary for one day's use. Quantities of high purity
materials greater than necessary for one day's use shall be stored in a safety cabinet.
Safety cans should be used only as recommended by the manufacturer, including the
following safety practices:
5.2.2.1 Never disable the spring-loaded closure.
5.2.2.2 Always keep the flame-arrestor screen in place; replace
the screen if it is punctured or damaged.
5.3 Procedures for Reactive Chemicals. The most complete and
reliable reference on chemical reactivity is found in the current edition of Handbook of
Reactive Chemical Hazards by L. Bretherick, published by Butterworths. Reactivity
information is sometimes given in manufacturer's MSDSs and on labels. Reactivity
information can be found in regulations promulgated by the Department of Transportation
(DOT) in 49 CFR and by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 40 CFR. Extensive
reactivity information is available on the MSDS database available at the Safety Office.
Also see NFPA Manual 325M, Fire Hazard Properties of Flammable Liquids, Gases, Volatile
Solids; Manual 49, Hazardous Chemicals Data; and Manual 491M, Manual of Hazardous Chemical
Reactions. For help in obtaining references, contact the Safety Officer at
496-2457. Handle reactive chemicals in accordance with the safety precautions
indicated in the MSDS and other appropriate reference material.
5.4 Procedures for Corrosives and Contact Hazard Chemicals. When
working with corrosive or contact hazard chemicals follow the safety precautions contained
in the applicable MSDS. As a general rule, the following personal protective equipment
shall be worn when working with corrosives and contact hazard chemicals:
5.4.1 safety goggles,
5.4.2 face shield,
5.4.3 chemical resistant gloves
5.4.4 laboratory apron or laboratory coat.
5.5 Procedures for Carcinogens, Reproductive Toxins, and Highly
Toxic Materials. Follow the procedures described in the MSDS and this section when
performing laboratory work with greater than 100 mg of any select carcinogen, reproductive
toxin, or highly toxic material. Chemicals in these three categories shall be designated
"inimical" unless the University Safety Committee rules otherwise.
5.5.1 Work with inimical agents shall be conducted in
"designated areas."
5.5.2 "Designated areas" shall be posted and their
boundaries clearly marked. Only those persons trained to work with inimical chemicals
shall work with those chemicals in a designated area. All such persons shall:
5.5.2.1 Use the smallest amount of chemical that is possible with
the requirements of the work to be done.
5.5.2.2 Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or
high efficiency scrubber systems as appropriate to protect vacuum lines and pumps.
5.5.2.3 Decontaminate the designated area when work is completed.
5.5.2.4 Prepare wastes from work with inimical chemicals for
waste disposal in accordance with the specific disposal procedures designated by the
University Safety Officer (496-2457).
5.5.2.5 Store all inimical chemicals in locked, enclosed spaces
that have a slight negative pressure compared to the rest of the building.
5.5.2.6 Because the decontamination of jewelry may be difficult
or impossible, do not wear jewelry when working in designated areas.
5.5.2.7 When working in designated areas, wear long-sleeved
disposable clothing and gloves known to resist permeation by the chemicals to be used.
Table of
Contents
6.0 Control Measures.
Control measures utilized by the university to reduce employee
exposures to hazardous chemicals include training and employee awareness, engineering
controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). The primary control method shall be the
use of engineering controls.
6.1 General Ventilation. As a general rule, the laboratory
ventilation should provide at least six air changes per hour, though this flow is not
necessarily sufficient to prevent accumulation of hazardous chemical concentration levels.
6.2 Fume hoods.
6.2.1 All work with hazardous chemicals should be conducted in a
fume hood whenever practicable. This is especially true for those chemicals that have a
TLV of less than 200 ppm, or that have a boiling point below 38o C (100o F). Work with
inimical chemicals that cannot be done under a hood must be approved by department chair
person.
6.2.2 Fume hoods should provide 60 to 150 linear feet per minute
of air flow at any point across the sash opening.
6.2.3 A fume hood is a safety backup for condensers, traps, or
other devices that collect vapors and fumes. It shall not be used to "dispose"
of chemicals by evaporation unless the vapors are trapped and recovered for proper waste
disposal.
6.2.4 Apparatus that hold or use hazardous chemicals inside a
hood should be placed on the floor of the hood at least six inches away from the front
edge.
6.2.5 Fume hood windows should be lowered
(closed) except when
working inside the hood. When working inside the hood the windows should be positioned as
low as practicable.
6.2.6 The hood(s) should be kept operating whenever a chemical is
inside the hood(s), whether or not any work is being done in the hood.
6.2.7 Personnel should be aware of the steps to be taken in the
event of power failure or other hood malfunction. Such malfunctions should be reported to
the Safety Officer (496-2457). An outline of emergency response information is located in
appendix 7 in the back of this program.
6.2.8 Hood vent ducts and fans should be inspected annually to be
sure they are both clean and clear of obstructions.
6.2.9 Perchloric acid shall be handled only in a hood
specifically designed for that work.
6.2.10 Laboratory hoods will be tested annually for appropriate
airflow by the HVAC and Safety Departments. Hoods that pass the airflow requirements will
have a sticker attached showing the airflow measurements and test date. If this sticker is
absent or if the last test date is over 1 year old the hood should not be used and the
Safety Officer should be contacted at 496-2457.
6.3 Eyewash Fountains and Safety Showers.
6.3.1 All laboratory areas using corrosive or contact hazard
materials should be equipped with eye washes and safety showers. These must be located so
they can be reached quickly from any point in the laboratory.
6.3.2 Emergency eyewash fountains and safety showers should be
inspected monthly for proper functioning. Water flow rate tests are required annually. Any
malfunctions should be repaired as soon as possible.
6.3.3 Access to eyewash fountains and safety showers shall not be
restricted or blocked.
6.4 Protective Clothing and Equipment.
6.4.1 Safety glasses or goggles are to be worn at all times in a
laboratory where a chemical splash hazard exists. When working with more than 100 ml of a
corrosive liquid, a face shield, type N, is required. Eye protection should meet the
requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1 (ANSI approved eye
protection is stamped with "Z87").
6.4.2 When working with corrosive or toxic liquids, wear gloves
made of material known to be resistant to the chemical. Test gloves for leakage by air
inflation before use (do not inflate by mouth).
6.4.3 When the hazard warrants such protection, wear either a
high necked, calf- or ankle-length, laboratory apron or a long-sleeved, calf- or
ankle-length, laboratory coat which has at least minimal resistance to heat or flame.
High-heeled, open-toed, or cloth shoes offer inadequate protection, and should not be worn
in areas where certain hazardous materials are present.
6.4.4 Respirators. When other hazard control methods do not
reduce employee exposures below allowable levels employees should wear respirators. The
BYU-Idaho written Respiratory Protection Program shall be followed by all
university personnel that wear respiratory protective devices. These requirements include but
are not limited to the following:
6.4.4.1 A medical evaluation to determine if an individual is
physically able to perform work while wearing a respirator.
6.4.4.2 Fit testing.
6.4.4.3 Selection of the proper respirator.
6.4.4.4 A written standard operating procedure.
6.4.4.5 Training on the proper use, inspection, maintenance, and
cleaning of the respirator.
6.4.4.6 Proper storage.
Table of
Contents
7.0 Chemical Detection.
The University Safety Officer and pertinent
faculty members will be responsible for monitoring
laboratories to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals. In addition, lab
workers should be aware of any suspicious odors or visual appearances that may indicate a
hazardous chemical release. However, odor shall not be used as a definitive means to
determine if inhalation exposure limits are being exceeded. Whenever there is reason to
suspect that a chemical inhalation limit might be exceeded, the supervisor shall be
notified. In such cases, laboratory workers may be required to wear a respirator suitable
for protection against the suspect chemical until air measurements show that the
applicable limit is not exceeded.
7.1 Initial Monitoring. The university shall be responsible for
measuring employee's exposure to any substance regulated by a standard which requires
monitoring if there is reason to believe that exposure levels for that substance routinely
exceed the action level or PEL.
7.2 Periodic Monitoring. If the initial monitoring shows employee
exposure to be over the action level or PEL the exposure monitoring requirements of the
relevant standard will be complied with.
7.3 Termination of Monitoring. Monitoring will be terminated in
accordance with the relevant standard.
7.4 Notification of Monitoring Results. The
university shall notify
the affected persons of monitoring results in accordance with applicable OSHA regulations.
Table of Contents
8.0 Safety Surveys and
Audits.
8.1 Annual Safety Inspection. Laboratory facilities shall be
inspected at least annually by the Safety Officer or his or her designee. A written record
of this inspection shall be maintained in the department office. This inspection may be
performed by use of the safety inspection form in appendix 8.
8.2 Safety Audits. Safety audits shall be conducted by the Safety
Officer. Reports of these audits shall be submitted to the University
Safety Committee and respective Division Deans. In
addition, the report shall be sent to the appropriate department office.
Table of Contents
9.0 Medical
Consultations and Examinations.
9.1 Conditions Leading to Medical Attention. Under the following
circumstances BYU-Idaho shall provide all employees who work with hazardous chemicals
an opportunity to receive medical attention, including any follow-up examinations which
the examining physician determines to be necessary:
9.1.1 Employees With Symptoms of Chemical Exposure. Whenever an
employee develops signs or symptoms associated with a hazardous chemical to which the
employee may have been exposed in the laboratory, the employee shall be provided an
opportunity to receive an appropriate medical examination.
9.1.2 Exposure Levels Exceeding Allowable Limits. Where
monitoring reveals an exposure level routinely above the action level (or in the absence
of an action level, the PEL) for an OSHA regulated substance, for which there are exposure
monitoring and medical surveillance requirements, medical surveillance shall be
established for the affected employee as prescribed by the particular standard.
9.1.3 Accidental Exposures. Whenever an event takes place in the
work area, such as a spill, leak, explosion or other occurrence resulting in the
likelihood of hazardous exposure, the affected employee(s) shall be provided an
opportunity for a medical consultation. Such consultation shall be for the purpose of
determining the need of a medical examination.
9.2 Qualifications of Medical Consultant. All medical
examinations and consultations shall be performed by or under the direct supervision of a
licensed physician and shall be provided without cost to the employee, without loss of
pay, and at a reasonable time and place.
9.3 Information Provided to the Physician. BYU-Idaho shall provide the following
information to the physician:
9.3.1 Identity of Hazardous Material. The identity of the hazardous chemicals to which
the employee may have been exposed.
9.3.2 Description of Exposure Conditions. A description of the
conditions under which the exposure occurred, including quantitative exposure data if
available.
9.3.3 Description of Exposure Symptoms. A description of the
employee's signs and symptoms of exposure, if any.