Lab Safety Management
In a few sentences, summarize CFR 1910:1450 subpart Z
the Occupational Safety and Health Standards concerning Toxic and Hazardous Substances. It addresses occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in the laboratories.
What are "Engineering Controls" in the context of laboratory safety?
the first line of defense in the laboratory for the reduction or elimination of the potential exposure to hazardous chemicals or hazardous situations.
What does "cradle-to-grave" mean in the context of lab safety and what congressional act requires tracking and management of hazardous waste?
the handling of hazardous waste from the time it was generated to the time it was properly disposed.
What is the Occupational Safety & Health Act of 1970?
the primary federal law which governs occupational health and safety in the private sector and federal government in the United States.
After the initial fitting, how often must a respirator be fit tested?
whenever a different respirator facepiece is used, and at least annually thereafter
In what time-frame must an eyewash or safety shower be accessible to a person in a science lab?
10 seconds
In what time-frame must an eyewash or safety shower be accessible to a person in a science lab?
10 seconds, unobstructed access from anywhere in lab.
What is the minimum continuous run-time for an eyewash?
15 minutes
What is considered to be the safe maximum occupancy of a typical academic or professional laboratory?
24 students/workers (15 m2 per occupant)
Comment on the wearing of jewelry, wristwatches, and exposed body piercings in the laboratory.
Do not wear these items in the laboratory. If so, cover.
What are cartridge type respirators ineffective against? (In other words, when should you NOT use a cartridge respirator?)
Environments where there may be a lack of oxygen in the air
What major topics should be used in a "Student Safety Checklist" to build positive student attitudes toward laboratory safety?
Conduct General Work Procedures Housekeeping Apparel in the Lab Hygiene Practices Emergency Procedures Chemical Handling
What is NSTA
National Science Teachers Association is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all
Regarding SDS sheets, what does TLV mean?
Threshold Limit Value (levels of a chemical which a person should avoid repeated and prolonged exposure)
Describe proper laboratory clothing
goggles, long pants and sleeves, closed toe shoes, gloves
What does OSHA say about eyewashes and safety showers?
"where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use."
chronic toxicity
(from long-term exposure) development of adverse effects as the result of long term exposure to a substance or other stressor.
acute toxicity
(from short-term exposure) adverse effects occurring following oral or dermal administration of a single dose of a substance, or multiple doses given within 24 hours, or an inhalation exposure of 4 hours.
What is the appropriate face velocity (in both m/s and ft/min) of a properly operating fume hood? When should fume hood face velocities be checked?
0.4 - 0.6 m/s 80 - 120 ft/min one to four times a year
Regarding toxicity, what are the categories (i.e., category 1, category 2, ..., category 5).
1- HIGHEST TOXICITY 2- WARNING 3-CAUTION 4-lowest toxicity
Though not required since the adoption of HCS pictograms, you may see NFPA labels on chemicals and materials. The numerical evaluation range for the relative hazard starts at 0 and ranges up to 4. Which number is considered most hazardous?
4
When placing equipment in a fume hood, it must be placed at least ___ inches away from the front airfoil.
6
What is a respiratory device?
A protective device that covers the nose and mouth or the entire face or head to guard the wearer against airborne hazardous gases or materials.
What is the safest way to heat chemical substances at temperatures at or below 100 oC?
A steam/water bath (using a hot plate/heating mantle).
What are the two main types of respirators?
Air-purifying respirators which remove contaminants from the air. Atmosphere-supplying respirators which provide clean, breathable air from an uncontaminated source.
Summarize the major OSHA-required engineering controls for laboratories.
Alarms, electrical safety controls, fire suppression equipment, fume hood, goggle sanitizer, laboratory footprint, master utility controls, ventilation, safety shields, glove boxes, chemical storage cabinets
What is ADA in the context of students with disabilities?
Americans with Disabilities Act - a law that prohibits unjustified discrimination based on disability.
When responding to an accident involving a corrosive gas, emergency personal protective equipment must include what item?
An air-supplying respirator that covers the entire face
What is, "duty of care?"
An obligation to conform to a certain standard of conduct for the protection of another against an unreasonable risk of harm.
Briefly describe NSTA's expectations for teacher and student eye protection during scientific investigations?
Approved chemical splash goggles shall be worn AT ALL TIMES in the laboratory. Goggles must be worn during experiment setup, the laboratory investigation, post-experiment cleanup, and while washing hands.
Regarding radiation hazards, what does the acronym ALARA mean
As Low As Reasonably Achievable. This is a radiation safety principle for minimizing radiation doses and releases of radioactive materials by employing all reasonable methods.
What is the most important piece of personal protective equipment? What do OSHA standards say about eye and face protection?
Eye Protection - Safety Goggles / Face Shield Eye and face protection must be provided whenever necessary to protect against chemical, environmental, radiological or mechanical irritants and hazards.
What is the most common source of fires in chemical laboratories? (i.e., what types of chemicals)
Flammable liquids
Where should spill kits be located?
Have spill kits (supplies) on hand in areas where hazardous materials are used.
Are there existing federal laws that protect students (K-12) in school science laboratories? What about teachers and other employees? So who is ultimately responsible for providing a safe working environment for students and employees?
For students, no For employees, yes The Board of Education / Employer and The Teacher / Instructor / Supervisor through "duty of care."
What items must be on a chemical or material label?
From Manufacturer: -Product Identifier (name & formula) -Hazard Statement & Warnings -Pictogram(s) -Name of Preparer and Date Prepared -Chemical Manufacturer In the Lab: -Chemical Name -Concentration (if solution or mixture) -Hazard Information (how chemical can hurt you) -Date Prepared
Before use, how should all compressed gas cylinders be secured? How should compressed cylinders be transported?
Gas cylinders must be fastened with a support rail, chain, strap or other securing device. dolly cart
How does temperature affect the flammable range of a solvent?
Generally, raising the temperature, increases the flammable range of a solvent.
In the event of a fire, what is the instructor's/supervisor's first responsibility?
Get all occupants out of the room/building!
What does a HEPA cartridge/filter trap?
HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) - NIOSH defines a P100 (formerly HEPA) respirator filter to be at least 99.97% efficient for 0.3 micrometer (µm) particles
What strategies should teachers follow to avoid issues with improper lab attire?
Have an official dress code/policy, get administrative support and enforce the dress code.
What specific information does a SDS sheet provide?
Identification Hazards Identification Composition and Ingredients First-aid Measures Firefighting Measures Accidental Release Measures Handling and Storage Exposure Controls and Personal Protection Physical and Chemical Properties Stability and Reactivity Toxicological Information Ecological Information Disposal Information Transport Information Regulatory Information Other Information
Describe the recommended eye washing technique.
If wearing contact lenses, remove before/while use. Both eyes should be wide open and washed by rolling the eyeballs around for 15 minutes. After, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
How does ADA impact the design of laboratory facilities for people with disabilities?
It is recommended that laboratory facilities have at least one workstation designed to accommodate a student with a disability. This workstation must conform to dimensions and provide adequate space with no physical barriers to equipment or engineering controls.
Regarding SDS sheets, what does LD50 indicate?
Lethal Dose, 50% (the amount of chemical expected to cause death in 50% of a test animals group)
What is the risk if students, workers, etc. use a laboratory facility in which the eyewash/safety shower are known to be working improperly?
Liability - legal responsibility
How often should fire extinguishers be checked?
Monthly checks, but inspected annually by an authorized fire protection company/agency (tagged and logged)
May one use a Bunsen burner to heat a flammable liquid?
NO! Use a spark-proof hot plate or heating mantle
Comment on the role of NSTA in providing resources for safety in science classrooms.
NSTA provides science educators with books and resources to address important issues in our school's science laboratories and classrooms.
What is OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
When should a fire extinguisher be used?
Only when properly trained, authorized, and if fire is small enough to be safely extinguished without being injured.
Regarding SDS sheets, what does PEL mean?
Permissible Exposure Limit (levels of a chemical which a person should avoid repeated and prolonged exposure)
Understand and be ready to discuss the minimum equipment that should be included in a spill kit.
Personal Protective Equipment Absorption Materials Cleanup Tools and Materials Collection Bags and Labels Additional Spill Response Items as Necessary for Your Work Area (neutralizers, bleach, Hg spill kit, etc.)
What does PASS mean in the context of fire prevention?
Pull the extinguisher's safety pin Aim the extinguisher at the source of the flames Squeeze and hold the trigger Sweep the source of the flames until empty
How can one determine the appropriate type of glove for hand protection?
Refer to Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
What congressional act requires tracking and management of hazardous waste?
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
What does SDS represent in context of lab safety?
Safety Data Sheet info on how materials can be handled, used, and stored.
In the public school system (K-12), who is responsible for making science safer using appropriate legal standards and best professional practices under, "duty of care?"
Science Teachers and School Administrators
What is the most important section of the SDS sheet (according to Flinn Scientific)?
Section 2 - Hazards and Identification
Where may one find information on first aid from a chemical exposure?
Section 4
What are the hazard communication standard pictograms used on SDS's and chemical labels?
Symbols are used to succinctly convey hazard information about a chemical substance or material.
What is the EPA's role in the "Superfund" law? What is the purpose of the Superfund program
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act - otherwise known as CERCLA or Superfund - provides a Federal "Superfund" to clean up uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous-waste sites as well as accidents, spills, and other emergency releases of pollutants and contaminants into the environment.
What standard must SDS's follow?
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for the Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.
What is the OSHA Laboratory Standard, and what does it pertain to
The Laboratory Standard covers laboratories where chemical manipulation generally involves small amounts of a limited variety of chemicals. This standard applies to all hazardous chemicals meeting the definition of "laboratory use" and having the potential for worker exposure.
What is NIOSH and summarize its mission?
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is the United States federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness.
What is EPA and summarize its mission?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency basic mission is to protect human health and the environment
What is the definition of auto-ignition temperature for a substance?
The lowest temperature at which a substance can spontaneously ignite.
What is the upper explosive limit (UEL) for a given system?
The maximum concentration of a gas or vapor that will burn in air is defined as the upper explosive limit (UEL
What is the lower explosive limit for a given system?
The minimum concentration of a particular combustible gas or vapor necessary to support its combustion in air.
What is the definition of flash point? Is this spontaneous ignition or ignition by light, a spark...?
The temperature at which a particular organic compound gives off sufficient vapor to ignite in air by a spark.
What is a thermal burn? If one were to get a thermal burn, how should it be treated?
Thermal burns are burns to the skin caused by any external heat source. Wrap/cover area with a sterile bandage until medical assistance is available.
Generally speaking, why are SDS sheets important?
They provide information that could save your life or the lives of others
What is the purpose of a boiling stone in chemical reactions?
To prevent bumping and promote smooth boiling.
What does Section 11 of the SDS provide?
Toxicological Information
How will students/employees know where the eyewash/safety showers are and how to use them?
Training!
Even if one used gloves, what is always recommended regarding hand protection after lab work?
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
According to the NSTA guide to safer science, how often should eyewash/shower stations be checked and tested?
Weekly and logged (date, person, issues)
When can an explosion occur?
When a fuel to oxygen ratio the exceeds the lower explosive limit and is below the upper explosive limit.
When is the use of a respirator required in laboratory work?
When lab workers must work in environments with insufficient oxygen or where harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, fumes, gases, vapors, or sprays are present
Are flammable dust particles capable of causing an explosion? Describe conditions in which the risk of a dust explosion is the highest.
YES flammable particles smaller particles low humidity confined spaces
Are contact lenses acceptable in science labs? If yes, is wearing contact lenses recommended?
Yes, but not generally recommended
Are fire extinguishers required in close proximity to science labs? Explain.
Yes, when flammable liquids and gases may be present or used
When selecting specific PPE, what criterion should be considered?
a level of protection greater than the minimum required to protect a lab worker from potential or observed hazards.
carcinogen
a substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue
mutagen
a substance or agent that can induce genetic mutation
By definition, what is a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)?
a written program developed and implemented by the employer which sets forth procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment and work practices that are capable of protecting employees from the health hazards presented by hazardous chemicals used in that particular workplace.
By definition, what is a Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO)
an employee who is designated by the employer, and who is qualified by training or experience, to provide technical guidance in the development and implementation of the provisions of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
What is the NSTA Safety in the Science Classroom portal?
an internet site that serves as a gateway to safety resources for teachers, supervisors, administrators, and interested people.
How often should a person be trained in the proper use of a fire extinguisher?
annually
From where can one acquire SDS sheets?
chemical manufacturer Internet searches commercial services
What is the generally recommended eye protection for working with chemicals in the laboratory?
chemical splash-proof goggles
List the types of protection generally needed in science laboratories and briefly describe the equipment needed to give that protection.
eyes and face- chemical splash-proof goggles, face shield, safety glasses for impact, shaded safety glasses body protection- long pants, long-sleeved shirt, body apron, lab coat foot protection- closed-toed shoes, safety shoes/boots hand protection- gloves to prevent chemical absorption, chemical burns, extreme temperatures, injuries ear protection - earmuffs, earplugs
What is important about ventilation in science laboratories?
forced-air ventilation 6-10 exchanges per hour
What is the proper way to store flammable liquids? What agency's standards must be met when selecting this storage method?
in flammable liquid cabinets or explosion-proof refrigerators National Fire Protection Association (NFPA
Where should one store his or her personal-use respirator?
individual storage bins
What is PPE?
personal protective equipment
OSHA's personal protective equipment (PPE) standard requires employers to provide what types of equipment when working with chemical, mechanical, radiological and other hazards?
protective equipment for eyes, face, head, extremities protective clothing protective shields and barriers respiratory devices
teratogen
substance capable of interfering with the development of a fetus, causing birth defects.