Lab Safety Quiz - Part 1 (WIP)

What are the procedures for an incidental chemical spill?

1. Alert personnel 2. Avoid inhaling fumes and determine chemical spilled 3. Turn off ignition sources 4. Apply first aid and/or PPEs 5. Confine and absorb spill with spill kit 6. Place used absorbents in hazardous waste bag/bucket 7. Clean area with water NOTE: If mercury, use mercury procedures; if acid/base, neutralizing may release fumes; if alkali metal, smother with dry powder extinguisher.

What are the procedures for a large chemical spills?

1. Alert personnel 2. Avoid inhaling fumes and determine chemical spilled 3. Turn off ignition sources 4. Evacuate area 5. Apply first aid and/or PPEs 6. Restrict access, notify EH&S, and place a sign indicating spill and advising no entry 7. Most knowledgeable personnel must be available to provide info to EH&S/Emergency response

What are some general guidelines for operating lab equipment?

1. Always keep the operating manual 2. Follow recommended maintenance procedures 3. If new, you must be trained by lab personnel and be familiar with the manual and all pertinent safety info 4. Never remove labels 5. Ensure equipment is grounded 6. Only have certified technicians perform repairs 7. Disconnect equipment when being maintained 8. If near water, use a GFCI 9. If compressed gas is used, follow UF Compressed Gas Rules 10 Be aware of the equipment's unique hazards 11. Use recommended PPEs.

The PI's duties include...

1. Assessing hazards and instructing personnel on them. 2. Correcting hazardous practices and encouraging a safe practices. 3. Selecting the proper PPEs. 4.Maintaining compliance records and programs. 5. Investigating into accidents and preventing them from reoccuring.

What are the conditions in which an individual can attempt to extinguish a fire?

1. Both the 911 response and building alarm have been activated. 2. Training has been received on how to use a fire extinguisher. 3. The proper extinguisher is available. 4. The fire is small and has not spread from origin. 5. The fire can be fought with escape easily possible.

How do you go about disposing of equipment?

1. Clean equipment 2. Remove refrigerants, if any 3. Call EH&S to survey and decontaminate: Biologicals, Radiologicals, and Asbestos

How should you store flammable liquids?

1. Comply with NFPA 45 and EH&S regulations 2. Keep only <500 ml on hand 3. Store >500 ml in storage and >10 gal in safety cabinets 4. Use an approved safety container 5. No 55 gal drums without flammable cabinets, spill control, grounding, and EH&S approval 6. For cold-storage, explosion-proof/resistant fridges must be used. 7. For using cold rooms, get EH&S approval.

What practices should be observed when using gas burners?

1. Distribute heat with a wire gauze pad 2. Ensure tubing is completely intact. 3. Do not leave them on, do not put them in fume hoods/safety cabinets.

How should you handle flammable liquids?

1. Do not handle with open flames/ignition sources present 2. "No Smoking" should be posted and obeyed 3. Use heat baths/mantles 4. Transfer with caution, ground containers > 5 gals, and dissipate charge on plastic containers. 5. Use a fume hood and good ventilation. 6. Please, try not to use flammable liquids. Use substitutes if you can.

What are some general rules for storing chemicals?

1. Do not store liquid chemicals above shoulder height. 2. Flammable chemicals exceeding 10 gallons must be stored in flammable storage/safety containers 3. Do not store bottles on the floor without secondary containment 4. Do not excessively use fume hoods as chemical storage. 5. Chemical waste should be properly placed, labelled, and segregated in waste accumulation areas.

What practices can ensure safe usage of electrical systems?

1. Inspect and replace damaged electrical cords; do not repair and do not cover/run around edges. 2. No permanent usage of electrical cords. 3. Use surge protectors on all appliances. 4. Use GFCIs on devices that are near water (and do NOT use power continuously).

What are some of the proper practices for working around sprinkler systems and other fire safety systems?

1. Keep all combustible items at least 18 inches below sprinkler heads 2. Do not obstruct sprinkler heads 3. Do not hang or attach things to sprinkler piping or heads 4. Do not erect partitions without prior approval from EH&S Fire Safety

What are the rules... ALL OF THE RULES... for cylinder safety?

1. Know the chemical properties 2. Secure the cylinder at all times 3. Use NFPA 704 sinage 4. Label both contents and amount in cylinders 5. Store in ventilated, cool, ignition-free area 6. Store oxygen away from flammable and reactive gasses 7. Minimize usage/storage of flammable glasses (contact EH&S) 8. Do not allow cylinders to strike 9. Metal caps for valve protection should be kept on when not in use 10. Use a proper pressure regulator 11. Use regulators specific to a gas; they're not interchangeable 12. Do not use teflon tape or lubricant on regulator threads 13. Release pressure and close valve at the end of the day's usage 14. Handle empty cylinders like full ones 15. Transport cylinders with a hand truck meant for cylinders (with cap on) 16. Do not handle more than one cylinder at a time 17. Store full cylinders in cool, ventilated, protected area away from exits 18. Never store horizontally 19. Never let temperature exceed 100 F 20. Never store corrosives for more than 6 months 21. Never attempt to refill a cylinder 22. Never put a cylinder in the freezer 23. Report all questionable cylinders to the lab supervisor

What are the proper precautions for transporting chemicals from lab to lab?

1. Label containers 2. Have absorbents and MSDS on hand 3. Use a secondary container 4. Use sturdy carts with liquid trays 5. Do not transport at busy times 6. HazMat should be transported on freight elevators, not passenger elevators 7. Use an ungloved hand for doors/buttons and never leave things unattended.

What goes into preplanning for spill kits?

1. Likely location of a spill 2. Likely quantities released 3. Chemical and physical properties 4. Potential health effects 5. PPE required 6. Absorbents that will be required

Can minors be present in the lab? If so, what are the requirements?

1. Minors must: be part of the "Scholars" program, have parental permission, participate with a lab in compliance with regulations, be trained properly, work under supervision of the PI, and is not left alone. 2. May not work with: gas cyliners, explosives, select agents, DEA controlled substances, Level 3 or higher biological agents, farm equipment, or state vehicles. 3. May work with: Radioactives given EH&S RC approval, Lab Animals with in UF Animal Contact Program, Corrosives if trained by PI, Level 2 biologics or recombinant DNA is approved by EH&S BS and IBC

What are the proper practices for refrigeration systems?

1. Never attempt to repair or modify one. 2. Always clearly label what the room/device is capable of storing. 3. Do not always rely on household refrigerators: flammable and explosion-proof units are available for purchase.

What are the methods of identifying hazards?

1. Notice Boards - a notice board will present all the hazardous materials and emergency info. 2. Labeling - all bottles and containers of chemicals must be labelled. 3. Chemical Inventories - a complete inventory of all chemicals on site at a lab must be maintained and updated at least annually.

What are the proper practices for centrifuges?

1. Only trained operators can use one 2. Ensure the centrifuge is balanced and a log for operation and usage is maintained 3. Label if used with biohazards or radiologicals 4. Always check for rough spots, pitting, or discoloration before and after use 5. Immediately remove damaged rotors

What are the proper practices for vacuum systems?

1. Only use them to pull vacuum on equipment 2. Do not use with water, dust, etc. even if a trapping reservoir is used 3. Always use a secondary containment trap. Use a cold trap if flammable vapors are present and flow restrictors to minimize solvent loss 4. A hydrophobic, in-line filter shoul be used between the last collection vessel and vacuum port

How should you go about using and storing peroxide forming compounds?

1. Order in small quantities 2. Store in cool, shaded areas 3. Use metal cans, glass-stoppered bottles do not seal adequately 4. Date any compounds upon receipt and opening 5. Discard after a year if unopened, six months if opened 6. Dispose via EH&S if degrading 7. Use a fume hood if vapors are present

What are the general steps to abide by in a medical emergency?

1. Remain calm. 2. Initiate lifesaving measures as needed. 3. Summon medical help. 4. Do not move any injured person unless absolutely necessary. 5. Keep the injured person warm.

Normally one stores solid/powdered chemicals alphabetically. What are the exceptions?

1. Separate phenol from oxidizers 2. Do not store cyanide compounds near acids. 3. Segregate flammable solids from other solids. 4. Store powdered metals according to their label.

What are the specifics, use, and other important details pertaining to fume hoods?

1. Stickers indicate sash height and airflow, use these. 2. If the low airflow alarm sounds, end your work, close all containers, and close the sash. Contact maintenance department. 3. To perform repairs, contact EH&S to fill a Fume Hood Repair Protocol, then allow maintenance group to repair.

How should you use and store acids and bases?

1. Store in a cool, segregated, ventilated area 2. Use secondary containment 3. Check regularly for leaks 4. Keep clean-up materials 5. Pour acids and bases, never reverse 6. Cap securely unless they generate gasses 7. Clean spills promptly 8. Wear PPEs

How do you store and use alkali metals?

1. Store under mineral oil or kerosene 2. Avoid using sulfur-containing oil 3. Only use Class D dry powder fire extinguishers 4. Place waste in a labeled, leak-proof container covered in mineral oil; dispose via EH&S

What are the requirements for storing and using DEA controlled substances

1. The PIs much be licensed individually 2. Researcher must hold a FL medical practitioners' license. 3. Detailed records must be kept and updated any time inventory amounts change (+ or -) 4. Staff members must be authorized to administrate 5. Substances must be secured 6. Substances must be disposed of properly

What are the proper practices for maintaining and using a fire extinguisher in a lab?

1. The extinguisher must comply with NEPA codes 10 and 45. It must not be blocked 2. If used, it cannot be rehung on the wall. It must be serviced first. Contact EH&S Fire Safety Services 3. After being used, EH&S requires a write-up on why it was used

What are the general safety precautions for using cryogenics?

1. Use eye protection 2. Use thermal protection 3. Use long pants, sleeves, and full shoes 4. Keep clear of combustible materials (condensed air is oxygen rich) 5. Because they can displace air, ensure ventilation 6. Use pressure release valves 7. Tape exposed potions of glass 8. In the event of release, vacate immediately 9. Do not transport in closed vehicle 10. If splashed, removed exposed clothes and soak affected areas in tepid water

What should you be aware of when transporting materials within the lab?

1. Use gloves and eye protection 2. Use a secondary container 3. Never move a degrading container, contact your PI/Lab Supervisor and EH&S Hazmat management.

Can you have visitors in the lab? If so, what are the requirements?

1. Visitors should be approved by the PI/Lab Supervisor 2. Visitors must be escorted by lab staff. 3. PPEs are required for ALL people in the lab, including visitors. 4. Abide by all regulations for control and access of hazards. 5. No pets allowed. Only certified service animals may be allowed into UF buildings.

How should you store and handle dry ice?

1. Wear thermal PPE 2. Ventilate room before entry 3. Store in insulated container 4. Do not lean into storage, there will be no oxygen 5. Brace door so it doesn't shut on someone 6. Wear a face shield when crushing dry ice 7. Do not transport in closed vehicle 8. Leave area if you feel dizzy or short of breath

What sort of absorbents are used in a spill kit?

Acid Spills - neutralizing agents that dissociate as bases Chemical Spills - inert clay like cat litter or vermiculite General Spills - inert absorbent pads or pillows Hydrofluoric Acid Spills - polypropylene absorbents (additionally a calcium gluconate antidote) Mercury Spills - a vaccume line, flask, needle-nose pipette, and mercury trap All Spills - PPE, Hazardous Waste labels, bags, and a small shovel/scoop for clay.

How do you segregate liquid chemicals based on hazards?

Acids - store organic acids separate from inorganic acids Bases - store bases away from acids, oxidizers, and flammables Oxidizers - store away from acids, bases, organics, metals, and keep cool Flammables - store away from acids, bases, and oxidizers Toxins/Poisons - Store separately in general, minimize spillage Mercury - store in non-breakable secondary containers Inerts - segregate for consistency Accumulated chemical waste - store by compatibility

What are the procedures for maintaining laboratory security?

All labs must be locked if no one is in them. Toxins, controlled substances, radioisotopes, etc. should lal be secured. Question any suspicious individuals and, if asked, decline all questions on the contents and research performed in the lab.

What should be done before closing-out a lab or when a grad. student leaves?

All samples, chemicals used, and products generated must be clearly identified and a disposal time-line must be established. If it will be used in the future, an individual must be designated to take responsibility.

How do you deal with sharps waste?

All sharps (needles, glass, scalpels, blades, etc.) should be disposed of as biological waste and put into red plastic boxes. Do not recap uncapped needles.

What kind of reports should be completed following an accident?

An Occupational Injury Investigation Report and a First Report of Injury or Illness must be completed by a supervisor with the assistance of the injured person(s), then forwared to Workers' Compensation Office.

What kind of clothing is permitted in laboratories?

Closed-toed, sturdy shoes must be worn at all times. Shorts and t-shirts are not permitted in labs with: chemicals, biologicals, radioactives, and animals. Overly tight and overly loose clothes are forbidden as they can exacerbate spills or interfere with equipment. Rings must be removed with working with equipment or gloves.

What is required for a fire to occur?

Concentration of flammable vapor, air, and an ignition source.

What do you do about pyrophoric/water reactive compounds?

Consult the MSDS and contact EH&S for proper handling

What are the hazards of dehydrating agents?

Dehydrating agents have an affinity for water, and therefore should only be added to water. Compounds like concentrated sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, and phosphorus pentoxide can cause violent reactions, splattering, and burns.

What are the storage criteria/issues pertaining to chromic acid/chromerge?

Disposal of chromic acid is expensive, so replacements like "No-Chromix" should be used as a cleaner instead.

What procedures are necessary for running an unattended experiment for several hours/overnight?

First and foremost, the procedure must be approved by the PI or laboratory supervisor. Water cannot be left running and hazards must be minimized. Do not obstruct windows. Leave the lights on and leave a notice with the name and contact info of the researcher running the experiment.

In the event of cryogen exposure, what are the first-aid procedures?

Flood/soak exposed area with tepid water. Seek medical attention.

In the event of a chemical splash to a confined area, what are the first-aid procedures?

Flush with cold water for ~15 minutes, remove jewelry, and seek medical attention if delayed reactions are possible.

What are the rules on food and drink?

Food and drink should not be consumed in the same areas where chemicals, ... , animals are stored. Separate appliances must be used to hold food.

What are some examples of PPEs and practices to be observed with using them?

Gloves - shall be worn with all hazardous/unknown chemicals; glove compatibility and latex allergies must be accounted for Eye protection - shall be worn with chemicals, biologicals, and radiologicals; include face shields if there is a risk of splashing, special goggles if there is risk of intense light hazards, and safety goggles if risk is greater than normal. Lab Coats - shall be worn over clothes and exposed skin when chemicals, biologicals, and radiologicals are used; laundered only by UF Laundry Services Respirators and Other PPEs - Requirement determined by EH&S hazard assessment.

What are the storage criteria/issues pertaining to hydrofluoric acid?

HF is extremely corrosive and can weaken glass. Regardless of concentration, serious burns. HF vapor may be fatal upon inhalation. Any use of HF requires having calcium gluconate on site as a remedy for exposure (buy from the SHCC).

What should one do if a fire alarm sounds while one is in the lab?

If a fire alarm sounds, shut down all processes, close the fume hood sashes, leave the building, and report to the designated rally point.

In the event of toxin ingestion, what are the first-aid procedures?

If conscious and not convulsing, have the victim drink large amounts of water. Attempt the learn what the ingested substance was and keep the container/label for transportation with the victim to medical facility.

Who do you contact about disposing a cylinder?

If you use a supplier that allows returning and recycling, contact them. If compromised or abandoned, contact EH&S.

How do you ensure that sinks do not have bad odors coming from them?

If you will be using it often, make sure that water flows to fill the trap. If you will not be using it often, have it filled by PPD with mineral oil.

EH&S' duties include...

Implementation and monitoring of safety regulations, regulating interpretation, reviewing, surveying, training, educating, and enforcing.

What are the proper practices when handling and manipulating glassware and tubing?

Inspect for damage before using, replace all cracked tubing and use hose clamps. When inserting tubing, use hand protection. Hold hands close together and insert with a semi-twisting motion.

What are the requirements with using utility systems (water, HVAC, electrical, etc.)?

Make NO modifications to them whatsoever.

What measures should be take to reduce cross contamination?

PPEs should not be worn in public areas. Gloves should be removed when leaving the lab, or at least keep an ungloved hand to manipulate buttons, door handles, etc. Hands should always be washed often and cosmetics/contacts should never be applied in the lab.

What are the storage criteria/issues pertaining to perchloric acid?

Perchloric acid can form unstable, reactive crystals. Crystals can accumulate in vents, then cause fires or explosions due to sensitivity. Keep small amounts on hand, use deep secondary containers, and dispose of 1 year-old bottles.

In the event of a phenol splash, what are the first-aid procedures?

Phenol can penetrate skin and anesthetize - flush with water and seek medical attention immediately; dispose of affected clothing.

What are the storage criteria/issues pertaining to picric acid?

Picric acid can form explosive compounds with combustible materials. Below 10% moisture, it can become unstable and explode from being shaken, sudden temperature changes, or friction from opening the cap. Date containers and don't keep them for extended periods of time.

What does the acronym RACE stand for?

R - Rescue - remove all individuals from the area A - Alarm - notify all occupants and activate alarms C - Confine - confine spread and access to area except for emergency responders E - Evacuate - evacuate area to allow response crew to fight fire OR E - Extinguish - extinguish the fire if proper conditions are met

How can you reduce repetitive motion injuries in the lab?

See the EH&S ergonomics page for resources on maintaining and reducing ergonomic risk factors.

In the event of fume inhalation, what are the first-aid procedures?

Take the individual to fresh air, seek medical assistance immediately, and provide artificial respiration or CPR as needed.

What're the hazards of powdered metals?

They can ignite with acids, create a dust explosion hazard, or may be rapidly oxidized.

Physical hazards and poor housekeeping practices may put staff and visitors at risk of injury. What are some ways to minimize these risky practices?

Trip Hazards and Spills - All trip hazards (loose cords, irregular flooring, overloaded shelves) must either be minimized or reported. Spills should be attended to immediately Lab Equipment - Storage of samples should be level and easily accessible from standing. Sharp corners on equipment must be protected or relocated. Sharp objects must be protected or removed. Pinch/pull points on equipment (belts, gears, etc.) must be protected. Shared and Common Use Labs - Shared use means shared duty: clean up when you are done.

What are the proper practices regarding electrical heating equipment?

Try to use steam-heated devices whenever you can. Heating mantles should always be checked first and should not have voltage exceed input voltage. Oil baths should always be monitored for temperature, supported on a solid surface, and should be guarded against water/volatile substances.

What should you know before transporting chemicals?

Understand the hazards and proper spill/release response. MSDSs are a good source. EH&S must be contacted if the material is unstable or acutely hazardous.

How should you store and use mercury?

Use Nalgene bottles (500 ml max) and a secondary storage pail. Put it on the lowest shelf possible. Minimize all usage of mercury.

Can you use space heaters?

Yes, if: 1. They are ceramic or oil filled; no exposed heating elements 2. They have a tip switch in case they're knocked over

How do you handle wastes?

1. Identify area with Waste Satellite Accumulation Area Requirements poster 2. Containers must have a yellow Hazardous Waste label 3. Accumulate chemicals in sealable containers with 1 inch space 4. Segregate classes and material states 5. Do not accumulate more than 55 gals of waste 6. Do not accumulate more than 1 quart of P-listed waste

What are some suggestions for safe use and storage of oxidizers?

1. Separate them from flammables, organics, dehydrants, and reducers. 2. Do not store strong oxidizers non-inert containers or with rubber stoppers/corks.

What's the difference between flammable and combustible?

Flammables have a flashpoint below 100 F, combustibles from 100-210 F.

When shall personnel monitoring occur?

If there is reason to believe that exposure exceeds: 50% of the action level, the Ceiling level, or the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL).

What are the storage criteria/issues pertaining to nitric acid?

Nitric acid is corrosive, oxidizing, and highly toxic. It may spontaneously ignite paper towels and should be only used in fume hood. Keep away from combustible materials.

What 5 acids require special attention?

Nitric acid, perchloric acid, picric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and chromic acid/chromerge

Is it permissible to perform an experiment alone?

No. It is never permissible. If one must work alone, then they must make arrangements with either people in the building or UPD to check on them periodically.

In the event of a chemical splash to a large area, what are the first-aid procedures?

Remove all affected clothing under safety shower, flood areas with water for ~15 mins, resume if pain continues, wash chemicals off with detergent and water (do NOT use neutralizing chemicals).

In the event of a hydrogen fluoride burn, what are the first-aid procedures?

Rinse area immediately with cold water for 2-4 minutes, apply calcium gluconate, seek medical treatment.

What kind of systems can be used for cooling?

Running tap water cannot be used for more than 30 minutes; you will need a self-contained system. If cryogenics are used, see section III.G.

What is the only important fact regarding the hazards of photochemicals?

Silver is a heavy metal, you must use silver recovery cartridges.

Why do we not generally use paper towels, rags, or sponges for chemical spills?

Some chemicals (such as oxidizers) may ignite them upon contact. For large spills, they do not reduce or absorb vapors as well as clay or commercial absorbents.

How should you store toxic gasses?

Toxic gasses should be stored in a vented gas cabinet with exhaust, monitoring/alarms, and back-up power.