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rev 11/2012 This section describes precautions that should be taken when conducting procedures involving chemically hazardous materials, including:
The faculty is responsible for the use of hazardous materials and must inform everyone involved in working with such materials of the associated hazards, and the appropriate emergency response measures to be taken. In addition, all participants should:
Written Protocols and Notifications Prior to purchasing or using any amount of an acute toxin (Section 5.6) or perchloric acid (Section 5.2.3), a written protocol is required. The safety committee may also request protocols for the use of other hazardous materials. Written protocols must be submitted to the chair of the safety committee at least three weeks prior to the anticipated purchase date (or use date for materials already at CSC) for approval by the safety committee, and include the following information.
The protocol must be reviewed with each user and a record of training submitted to the lab manager. The experiment cannot be conducted until approval is obtained from the safety committee. Prior to purchasing or using any amount of a select carcinogen (Section 5.8) or reproductive toxin (Section 5.7), a written notification is required, including the following information:
Each user must be informed of the hazard(s) of the chemicals and proper experimental and emergency procedures. Notification should be submitted to the laboratory manager at least one week prior to anticipated use. The lab manager may approve, request additional information, or refer to the safety committee needs for review. The safety committee may request a written protocol for use of the chemical. The experiment may proceed unless additional information is requested by the lab manager, or a protocol is requested by the safety committee. 5.1 Flammable ChemicalsIn order for a flammable chemical fire to occur, three conditions must be met:
5.1.1 DefinitionsSafe use and storage of flammable chemicals, and the evaluation of fire hazard, requires understanding the following important definitions. Information on the physical characteristics of flammable chemicals is listed on manufacturer's container labels and on the Material Safety Data Sheet.
5.1.2 Storage and DispensingThe quantity of flammable chemicals, liquids, solids, and gases stored in laboratories should be kept at an absolute minimum. Flammable chemicals should only be ordered in quantities that can be used in the course of a semester. For those flammables that must be stored in the laboratory, the preferred storage methods are in flammable storage cabinets meeting NFPA standards for liquids or solvents or in UL- or FM-approved flammable safety cans. Total volume stored in a flammable storage cabinet should not exceed the rated capacity of the cabinet. Flammable chemicals should not be stored outside of the flammable cabinets without the express permission of the lab manager. If refrigeration is required, the refrigerator or freezer must meet NFPA Standards for flammable storage. Flammable materials refrigerators and freezers have spark-free interiors. All units designed for flammable storage are clearly marked as "approved for flammable storage." All units not approved are clearly marked "not for flammable storage" or other similar wording. 5.1.3 Laboratory UseAll laboratory procedures using flammable chemicals should:
The following precautions should always be followed when working with flammable chemicals. These precautions do not apply to the use of natural gas as a fuel for combustion. Additional precautions may be necessary in certain situations.
The lab manager and safety committee will assist in evaluating the hazards of particular operations or experiments upon request. 5.2 Corrosive ChemicalsCorrosives are one of the most commonly encountered hazards in the laboratory. The major classes of corrosive chemicals are:
Some chemicals, such as sulfuric acid, belong to more than one class. Corrosives are chemicals that can cause visible destruction of or irreversible alteration in living tissue, as well as destruction of other materials. In addition, many corrosives have other hazards such as reactivity (e.g., perchloric acid), flammability (e.g., organic acids), and toxicity (e.g., phenol). The strength of acids and bases is defined as the degree of ionization of the acid or base in water. Inorganic, or mineral, acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid, a strong acid) generally ionize more than organic acids (e.g., acetic acid, a weak acid). Similarly, sodium hydroxide is highly ionized and classified as a strong base, whereas ammonium hydroxide is slightly ionized and characterized as a weak base. The concentration of the acid or base, which is unrelated to its strength, refers to the percentage of the chemical dissolved in water. The corrosivity of acids and bases is dependent on their strength and concentration. Dehydrating agents, such as sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, calcium oxide, and glacial acetic acid are corrosive because of their strong affinity for water. This reaction with water is extremely exothermic. Because of this exothermic reaction with water, concentrated acids should always be added slowly to water. If water is added to the concentrated acid, the rapid generation of heat can cause the water to vaporize, causing the hot concentrated acid solution to splash. 5.2.1 Hazards of Selected CorrosivesCorrosives, in their solid, liquid, and vapor state, can cause acute and chronic damage to human tissue. Acute hazards can be manifested as burns, ulceration, permanent tissue damage, or toxic effects. Acid burns are generally perceived as more painful than base burns, which is due to the formation of a protective protein layer that resists further penetration of the acid. In fact, tissue damage from bases is often more serious, as no protective layer is formed and the injury penetrates deeper. Many corrosives also have chronic hazards, repeated exposure to even dilute solutions or vapors can cause dermatitis, bronchitis, or eye damage. The destructive effect of corrosives is greatly increased when they are used at elevated temperatures. Some corrosives also pose physical hazards. For example, when in contact with metal, many inorganic acids release hydrogen gas (flammable), posing a serious fire and explosion hazard. The following are examples of some of the hazards of commonly used corrosives. The list is by no means exhaustive. The hazards of each corrosive should be thoroughly investigated prior to use.
5.2.2 Laboratory Use of Corrosives
5.2.3 Special Precautions for Perchloric Acid
5.2.4 Special Precautions for Hydrofluoric Acid
5.3 Reactive ChemicalsReactive chemicals are chemicals that can, under certain conditions, release very large and potentially dangerous amounts of energy. This section deals with the physical hazards of reactive chemicals. Reactive chemicals may also have health hazards that must also be considered. Reactive chemicals can lead to reactions that differ from the routine mainly in the rate at which they progress. A chemical reaction can be considered routine if the reaction rate is relatively slow or can be easily controlled. It is the rate of reaction and ability to control it that marks certain chemicals as warranting special precautions and the label "reactive chemical". There are a variety of conditions under which certain chemicals undergo an uncontrollable hazardous reaction. Some chemicals are unstable and can vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense, or become self-reactive. Other chemicals can react violently when exposed to common environmental chemicals or conditions, such as water or air. Many chemicals are stable except when combined with certain other chemicals. These hazardous combinations are listed in the table "Classes of Incompatible Chemicals" in Section 6.3.1. There are some additional hazardous conditions that are not usually attributed to "reactive chemicals" but should be mentioned. Extreme differences in physical properties can cause an uncontrollable release of energy. For example, bringing a hot liquid such as oil into contact with a liquid with a lower boiling point such as water will cause instantaneous vaporization of the lower boiling point liquid and a violent release of energy. The following discussion highlights the most common groups of reactives and includes examples of chemicals in each group. 5.3.1 Examples of Reactive ChemicalsThe following list of examples is compiled from several general references. Manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheets or the references cited should be consulted to determine the specific reactive characteristics of a particular chemical. 1. OXIDIZERS Oxidizers are chemicals that can readily provide reactive oxygen readily under certain conditions. When in contact with organic materials, (e.g., wood. paper, organic chemicals), or other easily oxidizable chemicals, (e.g., metal powders), oxidizers can form unstable and explosive compounds sensitive to shock. Examples of oxidizers include:
2. WATER EXPOSURE SENSITIVE Water reactive chemicals can develop pressure, generate flammable, explosive, corrosive or toxic gases, or ignite or explode when exposed to water or moisture. Examples of water exposure sensitive chemicals include:
3. AIR EXPOSURE SENSITIVE Air exposure-sensitive chemicals can develop pressure, generate flammable or explosive gases, ignite, or explode when exposed to air. Examples of air exposure sensitive chemicals include:
4. TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE Temperature sensitive chemicals may decompose when held above their maximum safe storage temperature, resulting in pressure buildup, flammable or explosive gas generation, ignition, or explosion. Examples of temperature sensitive chemicals include:
5. SPONTANEOUS DECOMPOSITIONSpontaneous Decomposition: Chemicals that change structure over time and with no apparent stimulation can develop pressure, generate flammable or explosive gases, ignite, or explode. Examples of chemicals that spontaneously decompose include:
6. SHOCK, FRICTION, AND STATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE Shock, friction, and static discharge sensitive chemicals can violently decompose when initiated by shock, friction, or static discharge. Examples of these chemicals include:
7. PEROXIDES Many common laboratory compounds can form peroxides when exposed to air over a period of time. A single opening of a container to remove some of the contents can introduce enough air for peroxide formation to occur. Peroxides are sensitive to heat, friction, impact, and light, and are among the most hazardous chemicals that are routinely encountered in laboratories. Their hazard potential is even greater because they may not be suspected or detected in commonly used solvents or reagents. Many explosions have occurred during distillation of peroxide-containing substances particularly when the distillation has been taken to or near to dryness. Crystal formation or cloudy appearance inside a container is a possible sign of peroxide formation. Crystal formation is most likely (and most hazardous) around the cap. Friction caused just by turning the cap can cause an explosion that ignites flammable solvent in the container. Peroxide formation can also occur in many polymerizable, unsaturated compounds. These peroxides can initiate a runaway, and sometimes explosive, polymerization reaction. Structural groups of chemicals that can form peroxides, listed in approximate order of decreasing hazard, include:
5.3.2 General Safety Procedures for Working with Reactive Chemicals
5.3.3 Special Procedures for Peroxide Forming ChemicalsIt is important that information on the age of peroxide forming chemicals be maintained and that these chemicals are tested or disposed of on a regular basis. 5.3.3.1 Labeling Peroxide FormersAll peroxidizable compounds should be labeled with preprinted labels that read: PEROXIDIZABLE COMPOUND The date and discard period should be filled in the first time the container is opened, along with test dates and associated results. 5.3.3.2 Testing Peroxide FormersThe level of peroxides can be tested using peroxide test strips. Peroxidizable compounds must be tested for safety every 6 months and the bottled dated with the most recent test date. Do not use these materials if more than six months have passed since the most recent date indicated on the bottle. The lab manager should be made aware of any peroxide forming substances in Cole Science Center. Table 5-2 lists recommendations for testing or disposal of potential peroxide forming chemicals.
5.4 Compressed GasesCompressed gas cylinders are defined by the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as any materials or mixtures in containers having an absolute pressure in excess of 40 psi at 20oC (70oF) or in excess of 104 psi at 54.5oC (130oF). Compressed gas cylinders should be considered high-energy sources regardless of the type of gas and all should be treated as potential explosives. Compressed gases have many properties that make them a unique hazard, such as their pressure, diffusivity, low flash points for flammable gases, low boiling points, and, for some, no visual and/or odor warnings. 5.4.1 Cylinder Purchase, Labeling, and StoragePurchase Gas cylinders and lecture bottles should be ordered through the lab manager. Lecture bottles (small cylinders of compressed gases or liquids) are leased in returnable cylinders whenever possible. Labeling Gas cylinders as received from the manufacturer are labeled with the product name, Department of Transportation hazard class, date of the last hydrostatic test, and identity of the manufacturer. If cylinders do not contain this information they should not be accepted. Cylinders should be inspected periodically to ensure that the product name is still legible. Storage Area
5.4.2 Moving Cylinders
5.4.3 Laboratory Use
Empty cylinders should have the regulator removed and the protector cap in place, the cylinder should be labeled EMPTY or "MT", and the lab manager notified. 5.4.4 Special PrecautionsAcetylene
Oxidizers Oxidizers under pressure (oxygen, chlorine, etc.) will rapidly oxidize organic material, such as oil or grease, resulting in an explosion. Never use oil or grease on valves or gauges intended for cylinders containing oxidizers. 5.5 Cryogenic SystemsCryogenics is the science of very low temperatures. An accepted temperature used to distinguish between refrigeration and cryogenics is -73.3oC (-100oF). Low temperatures in the cryogenic range are generally obtained by the liquidification or solidification of gases. The most commonly used cryogens and their properties are listed in Table 5-3. The primary hazard of cryogenic materials is their extreme coldness, which can result in frostbite and severe tissue damage. Accumulated vapors may also act as asphyxiants. Liquefied inert gases, such as nitrogen, in contact with cold metal surfaces can cause condensation of oxygen from the room air resulting in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere and, consequently, an increased fire hazard. The low temperatures involved also affect the properties of other materials; for example, rubber may become brittle and disintegrate, some metal alloys may become brittle, and plastic and glass can shatter.
5.5.1 Storage and Handling Precautions for CryogensThese are general precautions; the faculty or supervising staff member responsible for the cryogenic operation should establish more specific safety guidelines.
5.6 Acute ToxinsAs defined by the Laboratory Standard, acute toxins, one of OSHA's three categories of Particularly Hazardous Substances (Acute Toxins, Select Carcinogens, and Reproductive Toxins), are chemicals which may be fatal as a result of a single exposure or exposure of short duration. The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard defines a similar category, highly toxic chemicals, based on animal (rat) toxicity data using the following criteria. LD50 - ingestion: < 50 mg/kg 200 mg/kg 200 ppm/hr LD50, also known as LC50, is defined as the amount of chemical which when ingested, inhaled or applied to the skin of a group of test animals under controlled conditions will kill 50% of the test animals. A review of Material Safety Data Sheets reveals, however, that these toxicity data are not readily available for many laboratory chemicals. As there is no definitive list of acute toxins, they will be defined here as a chemical that meets one or more of the following three criteria.
5.6.1 Written ProtocolsEach faculty member using or supervising the use of an acute toxin must develop a written protocol for that chemical. The protocol must include a description of the quantity to be used, experimental procedure, the location of the experiment, who will be handling the acute toxin, protective equipment to be worn, emergency procedures, and waste disposal procedures. The protocol must be submitted to the chair of the safety committee at least 3 weeks prior to the anticipated purchase date (or use date for materials already in CSC), for approval by the safety committee. If an acute toxin is to be stored after completion of its approved usage, it should be given to the lab manager for proper storage.
5.6.2 Employee/Student Notification and UseThe supervising faculty member is responsible for informing all employees or students that the chemical they are working with is an acute toxin and providing them with a copy of the written protocol. These materials should be used only under direct supervision and in the approved designated area. 5.6.3 Personal Protective EquipmentProtective Clothing Laboratory coats must be worn when acute toxins are being used. Laboratory coats used for this purpose must not be worn outside of the laboratory. Contaminated clothing must be removed immediately, placed in a sealed plastic bag, and given to the lab manager for proper disposal. If hand contact is possible, gloves appropriate for the task and with resistance to the acute toxin involved must be worn. Disposable gloves must be collected for proper disposal after every use, and immediately after known or suspected contact with an acute toxin. Non-disposable gloves must be designated for use only with the acute toxin and must be decontaminated or disposed of after every use. Eye Protection Appropriate eye protection must be worn as described in Section 4.5.1. Splash goggles are required when using any quantity of an acute toxin in liquid or powder form. 5.6.4 Personal HygieneHands must be washed with soap and water immediately after known or suspected contact, at the completion of any procedure, and prior to leaving the laboratory. If eyes or other parts of the body are contaminated, they must be immediately washed or flushed as described in Section 2.3.1. 5.6.5 Work Area Identification and AccessEach designated work area where acute toxins are being used must be clearly labeled with a sign with the following or similar warning: CAUTION 5.6.6 Handling and Storage ProceduresWork Surfaces All work surfaces on which acute toxins are used should be a smooth nonporous material or covered with stainless steel or plastic trays. The work surface or trays must be decontaminated after the procedure is complete. Containment Equipment Procedures using volatile acute toxins and those involving solid or liquid acute toxins that may result in the generation of aerosols or airborne particles should be conducted in a fume hood, glove box, or other containment device. Examples of aerosol generation procedures include: transfer operations, blending, and open vessel centrifugation. Vacuum Lines Vacuum lines should be protected (e.g., with an absorbent or liquid trap or filter) to prevent entry of any acute toxin into the system. Decontamination Equipment and contaminated materials should be decontaminated using procedures that deactivate the acute toxin, if such procedures are available. If deactivation procedures are not available, the equipment should be rinsed in an appropriate solvent and the solvent collected as hazardous waste. All glassware must be decontaminated or rinsed before it is sent for washing. Decontamination of the work area must be done whenever there has been known or suspected contamination and at the end of each experiment. The work area should be decontaminated daily. Container Labeling All non-original containers in which acute toxins are stored must be labeled with the chemical name; student and faculty name; date; and a warning indicating it is a acute toxin. Do not use abbreviations. 5.6.7 Waste DisposalCollection for Off-Site Disposal All contaminated materials must be collected for off-site disposal. The procedures outlined in Section 6.5 for hazardous waste disposal should be followed. 5.7 Reproductive ToxinsReproductive toxins, one of OSHA's three categories of Particularly Hazardous Substances, are substances that affect reproductive capability and include four general categories.
Reproductive toxins include physical agents (e.g. radiation), biological agents (e.g. viruses), maternal metabolic imbalances, and chemical agents. This section will focus on chemical reproductive toxins. There are numerous references on reproductive toxicology but, unfortunately, no scientific or government agency has established a definitive method for classifying potential human chemical reproductive toxins as they have done for carcinogens. It is, therefore, impossible to give a complete list of all chemicals that should be considered reproductive toxins. Appendix 5-D gives examples of chemicals known or suspected to be human reproductive toxins. The list does not take into account the chemical form, concentration, toxicity, or length of exposure. A large number of chemicals have been reported to be animal reproductive toxins in various species, but since there is no established method for defining when animal evidence is sufficient to relate to human reproductive toxicity potential, it cannot be meaningfully organized here. Container labels and Material Safety Data Sheets should be consulted for the manufacturer's assessment of animal reproductive toxicity, and precautions should be taken to minimize exposure to those chemicals particularly during pregnancy or childbearing years. As there is no definitive list of human reproductive toxins, they will be defined here as a chemical which meets one of the following criteria.
5.7.1 Notification of Use and ProtocolsEach faculty member using or supervising the use of any human reproductive toxin must notify the lab manager using the form included in Appendix 5-B. Review procedures are detailed in the introduction to Section 5. If the toxin is to be stored after completion of its approved used, it should be given to the lab manager for proper storage. Upon request, the safety committee will evaluate specific experimental procedures to determine if additional handling requirements are advisable or if certain requirements of this section may be waived. The committee may also request protocols for use of reproductive toxins. 5.7.2 Employee/Student NotificationThe supervising faculty member is responsible for informing all employees and students that the chemical they are working with is considered a human reproductive toxin. 5.7.3 Personal Protective EquipmentProtective Clothing Laboratory coats must be worn when greater than 10 milliliter or 10 milligrams of a human reproductive toxin is being used. Laboratory coats used for this purpose must not be worn outside of the laboratory. Contaminated clothing must be removed immediately, sealed in a plastic bag and given to the lab manager for proper disposal. If hand contact is possible, gloves appropriate for the task and with resistance to the reproductive toxin involved must be worn. Disposable gloves must be properly discarded after every use and immediately after known or suspected contact with a human reproductive toxin. Non-disposable gloves must designated for use only with the human reproductive toxin and must be decontaminated or discarded after every use. Eye Protection Appropriate eye protection must be worn as described in 4.5.1. 5.7.4 Personal HygieneHands must be washed with soap and water immediately after known or suspected contact, at the completion of any procedure, and prior to leaving the laboratory. If other parts of the body are contaminated they must be immediately washed or flushed, in the case of eye contamination, described in Section 2.3.1. 5.7.5 Work Area Identification and AccessDesignated work areas where human reproductive toxins are being used must be clearly labeled with a sign with the following, or similar, warning: CAUTION 5.7.6 Handling and Storage ProceduresWork Surfaces All work surfaces on which human reproductive toxins are used should be smooth and nonporous or covered with stainless steel or plastic trays. The work surface or trays should be decontaminated after the procedure is complete. Containment Equipment Procedures using volatile human reproductive toxins and those involving solid or liquid human reproductive toxins that may result in the generation of aerosols or airborne particles should be conducted in a fume hood, glove box, or other containment device. Examples of aerosol generation procedures include: transfer operations, blending, and open vessel centrifugation. Vacuum Lines Vacuum lines should be protected (e.g. with an absorbent or liquid trap or filter) to prevent entry of any human reproductive toxin into the system. Decontamination Equipment and contaminated materials should be decontaminated by procedures that deactivate the human reproductive toxin if such procedures are available. If deactivation procedures are not available, the equipment should be rinsed with an appropriate solvent and the solvent collected as hazardous waste. All glassware must be decontaminated and rinsed before it is sent for washing. Decontamination of the work area must be done whenever there has been known or suspected contamination and at the end of each experiment. The work area must be decontaminated daily. Container Labeling All non-original containers in which a human reproductive toxin is stored must be labeled with the chemical name; student and faculty name; date; and a warning indicating it is a reproductive toxin. 5.7.7 Waste DisposalWaste Minimization One goal of experimental design should be the minimization of waste produced. Using the least amount of the reproductive toxin possible and limiting the use of disposable equipment are effective methods. DeactivationWhen possible, wastes should be deactivated to form non-toxic degradation products. Deactivation procedures for some human reproductive toxins that are also carcinogens may be available from the manufacturer. Collection for Off-Site Disposal If deactivation methods are not available or the deactivation product remains hazardous (e.g., flammable) all contaminated materials must be collected for off-site disposal. The procedures outlined in Section 6.5 for Hazardous Waste Disposal should be followed. 5.8 Select CarcinogensThese guidelines for the laboratory use of chemical carcinogens establish procedures and safeguards for minimizing exposure of laboratory personnel to chemicals that pose a carcinogenic risk. They apply to all chemicals defined as "select carcinogens," one of OSHA's three categories of Particularly Hazardous Substances, which include:
Appendix 5-E is a compilation of lists from the sources referenced above. It is taken directly from those sources and does not take into account relative hazards attributable to chemical form, concentration, toxicity, or length of exposure. These guidelines are adapted from the National Institute of Health 1981 "NIH Guidelines for the Laboratory Use of Chemical Carcinogens". 5.8.1 Notification of Use and ProtocolsEach faculty member using or supervising the use of any select carcinogen must notify the lab manager using the form included in Appendix 5-B. Review procedures are detailed in the introduction to Section 5. If the toxin is to be stored after completion of its approved used, it should be given to the lab manager for proper storage. Upon request, the safety committee will evaluate specific experimental procedures to determine if additional handling requirements are advisable or if certain requirements of this section may be waived. The committee may also request protocols for use of select carcinogens. 5.8.2 Employee/Student NotificationThe supervising faculty member is responsible for informing all employees and students that the chemical they are working with is a select carcinogen. 5.8.3 Personal Protective EquipmentProtective Clothing Laboratory coats must be worn when greater than 10 milliliters or 10 milligrams of a select carcinogen is being used. Laboratory coats used for this purpose must not be worn outside of the laboratory. Contaminated clothing must be removed immediately, sealed in a plastic bag and given to the lab manager for proper disposal. If hand contact is possible, gloves appropriate for the task and with resistance to the carcinogen involved must be worn. Disposable gloves must be properly discarded after every use and immediately after known or suspected contact with a select carcinogen. Non-disposable gloves must be designated for use only with select carcinogens and must be decontaminated after every use. Eye Protection Appropriate eye protection must be worn as described in 4.5.1. 5.8.4 Personal HygieneHands must be washed with soap and water immediately after known or suspected contact, at the completion of any procedure, and prior to leaving the laboratory. If other parts of the body are contaminated, they must be immediately washed or flushed, in the case of eye contamination, described in Section 2.3.1. 5.8.5 Work Area Identification and AccessDesignated work areas where select carcinogens are being used must be labeled with a sign with the following warning: CAUTION 5.8.6 Handling and Storage ProceduresWork Surfaces All work surfaces on which select carcinogens are used should be smooth and nonporous or covered with stainless steel or plastic trays. The work surface or trays should be decontaminated after the procedure is complete. Containment Equipment Procedures using volatile select carcinogens and those involving solid or liquid select carcinogens that may result in the generation of aerosols or airborne particles should be conducted in a fume hood, glove box, or other containment device. Examples of aerosol generation procedures include: transfer operations, blending, and open vessel centrifugation. Vacuum Lines Vacuum lines should be protected (e.g. with an absorbent or liquid trap or filter) to prevent entry of any human reproductive toxin into the system. Decontamination Equipment and contaminated materials should be decontaminated by procedures that deactivate the select carcinogen if such procedures are available. If deactivation procedures are not available, the equipment should be rinsed with an appropriate solvent and the solvent collected as hazardous waste. All glassware must be decontaminated or rinsed before it is sent for washing. Decontamination of the work area must be done whenever there has been known or suspected contamination and at the end of each experiment. The work area should be decontaminated daily. Container Labeling All non-original containers in which a select carcinogen is stored must be labeled with the chemical name; student and faculty name; date; and a warning indicating it is a select carcinogen. 5.8.7 Waste DisposalWaste Minimization One goal of experimental design should be the minimization of waste produced. Using the least amount of the select carcinogen possible and limiting the use of disposable equipment are effective methods. DeactivationWhen possible, wastes should be deactivated to form non-toxic degradation products. Deactivation procedures may be available from the manufacturer. Collection for Off-Site Disposal If deactivation methods are not available or the deactivation product remains hazardous (e.g., flammable) all contaminated materials must be collected for off-site disposal. The procedures outlined in Section 6.5 for Hazardous Waste Disposal should be followed. 5.8.8 Special Requirements for FormaldehydeOSHA has established a separate standard for formaldehyde, 29 CFR 1910.1048, which applies to laboratories as well as other users of formaldehyde. Under that standard employee exposure monitoring is required to determine if a particular experiment may result in overexposure to formaldehyde. To accomplish the required monitoring, faculty members must notify the lab manager before any experiment where formaldehyde is used in concentrations greater than 1 percent (reagent concentration or final solution concentration), using the form in Appendix 5-B. If previous monitoring has been conducted for that experiment and acceptable levels consistently achieved, notification is not required unless the lab manager has informed the faculty member that additional monitoring is required. Additional requirements of the standard may apply based on the results of monitoring. These requirements will be discussed with individual faculty as needed. The Formaldehyde Standard also established hazard communication requirements (labeling, MSDS, and training) which apply to the use of solutions containing greater than 0.1 percent or capable of releasing formaldehyde in excess of 0.1 ppm. Labeling For products capable of releasing 0.1 to 0.5 ppm, labels must include a warning that the product contains formaldehyde and that more information is available on the MSDS. For products capable of releasing greater than 0.5 ppm, the label must also address health hazards and include the words "Potential Cancer Hazard." Products must be labeled with the appropriate warning. MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets must be readily accessible for all formaldehyde-containing products. Training Annual training is required for the users of formaldehyde product containing greater than 0.1 percent formaldehyde or capable of releasing in excess of 0.1 ppm. That training will be accomplished by distribution by the faculty member of the Formaldehyde Fact Sheet (Appendix 5-C) to all users of formaldehyde products. 5.9 Summary of Particularly Hazardous SubstancesThe OSHA Laboratory Standard classifies Acute Toxins (5.6), Select Carcinogens (5.8), and Reproductive Toxins (5.7) as Particularly Hazardous Substances. Each of those sections contains lists of chemicals that meet the criteria defining those three hazard categories. Appendix 5-F is a compilation of those lists. Please remember that the acute toxins and reproductive toxins lists are only examples and that other chemicals not listed can meet the definitions for those hazards. This list is taken directly from the sources referenced in those sections and does not take into account relative hazards attributable to chemical form, concentration, toxicity, or length of exposure. Appendix 5-A: First Aid Treatment for Hydrofluoric Acid Exposure Appendix 5-B: Notification of Use Form Appendix 5-C: Formaldehyde Fact Sheet Appendix 5-D: Examples of Known or Suspected Human Reproductive Toxins Appendix 5-E: Select Carcinogens Appendix 5-F: Summary of Particularly Hazardous Substances What precautions should be taken when working with chemicals?General rules for handling chemicals. Do not return chemicals to their original packaging. ... . Keep chemical containers closed. ... . Never use a wrong or an unmarked reagent. ... . Never put spatulas, stirrers or other objects into a storage container for chemicals.. What are the five rules of chemical safety?Basic Safety Rules. Know locations of laboratory safety showers, eyewashstations, and fire extinguishers. ... . Know emergency exit routes.. Avoid skin and eye contact with all chemicals.. Minimize all chemical exposures.. No horseplay will be tolerated.. Assume that all chemicals of unknown toxicity are highly toxic.. What is the first step in chemical safety?Before you can identify the chemical hazards in your workplace, you first need to identify the chemicals which you store or use, and the processes which generate dusts or fumes. You can do this by walking through your workplace and making a note of the chemicals or processes you see.
What are the precautions for toxic?Prevent the release of toxic vapours, dusts, mists or gases into the workplace air. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (if necessary) to avoid exposure (eye, respiratory or skin) or contact with contaminated equipment/surfaces. Be aware of the typical symptoms of poisoning and first aid procedures.
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