Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene

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Attachments

Individual Laboratory Safety & Chemical Hygiene Plan
Institutional Health & Safety Council Membership Listing
Environmental Health & Safety Office Staff Listing
High Hazardous Substances
Extremely High Hazardous Substances
Substances Strictly Prohibited from Drain Disposal
Drain Disposable Substances
Dumpster Disposal Substances
Chemical Waste Disposal List Form and Continuation Sheet
OSHA Substance-Specific Laboratory Air Standard
Response to After Hours Chemical Spill
Columbia University Departmental Accident Report
Guidelines for Vacating Research Laboratory Space
Formaldehyde Exposure Control Program
Columbia Presbyterian Center Joint Safety Policy
Glossary
Research Laboratory Health & Safety Survey
Hazardous Chemical Waste Management Guidelines

Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan

Introduction

The Health Sciences Division of Columbia University is committed to providing safe and healthy conditions for work. The University is also committed to working in ways that reflect its deep concern for its neighbors and for the quality of the surrounding pictures/environment.

The goals of implementing the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan include:

Minimizing risk of chemical exposure;
Minimizing risk of work-related injury and illness;
Minimizing risk to the pictures/environment;
Comply with applicable regulations and standards;
Attain these goals with a minimum burden on research activities.

Implementation of this Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan (The Plan) is intended to assure that all laboratory and administrative personnel on the Health Sciences Division campus work in a healthy and safe pictures/environment and act responsibly towards our neighbors and towards the physical areas surrounding our campus. Implementation of The Plan is intended to ensure compliance with laws, statutes and regulations including the OSHA Laboratory Standard 29 CFR Part 1910.1450: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in the Laboratory; New York City Community Right-to-Know Law [RTK]: Local law 26 of 1980; and New York City Fire Department Title 3 Chapter 10 RCNY.

The Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan deals with conditions present in research laboratories that can adversely affect the health and safety of workers on this campus. General safety procedures are outlined while specific procedures required for individual laboratories are established by the Principal Investigator.

The Principal Investigator has ultimate responsibility for the safe operation of the laboratory assigned to him/her by the University. Each employee is responsible for maintaining common sense safety habits and is responsible for conducting themselves in such a way that risks associated with hazards are as low as possible.

This Plan must be read by ALL laboratory workers, including the Principal Investigator, the Laboratory Safety Manager, Post-doctoral Fellows, students, technicians and others who are exposed to the laboratory pictures/environment. Each laboratory worker must certify with their signature (see Attachment I. Individual Plan) that they have read the Plan.

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Additional plans and procedures concerned with:

Biological Safety
Disposal of Regulated Medical Waste
Bloodborne Pathogen Protection
Institutional Animal Care and Use (IACUC)
Radiation Safety

are not parts of the Plan. Information concerning these programs can be obtained from the Environmental Health and Safety Office (5-6780) or Radiation Safety (70303).

Responsibilities

Institutional Health and Safety Council

The Columbia University Health Sciences Institutional Health and Safety Council is chaired by the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Appointments and Regulatory Compliance and is composed of senior faculty, administrators and chairmen of the separate safety committees dealing with chemical safety, biological safety, radiation safety, animal care and occupational health (see Attachment II.).

The Council oversees the activities of all Environmental Health and Safety programs in the Health Sciences Division and the activities of the Environmental Health and Safety Office to ensure continued high quality in these programs and activities. The Council recommends policies to the Dean and Vice President for Health Sciences.

Environmental Health and Safety Office

The Environmental Health and Safety Office (EH&S) serves as the health and safety resource and administrator of University policies at the Health Sciences Campus. The Office is staffed by professionals in chemical safety, biological safety, fire safety, industrial hygiene, hazardous materials, waste management, and safety implementation and education (see Attachment III.).

The Environmental Health & Safety Office is responsible for:

Implementing policies approved by the Institutional Health and Safety Council.
Developing and implementing the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan for the Health Sciences Division. The Office audits the program for compliance with OSHA, NYC Fire Department and Health Department regulations and represents the University to the various city, state, and federal regulatory and Environmental agencies.
Developing and staffing various educational programs designed to improve the health and safety of the University community and to foster compliance with governmental regulations and professional standards.
Conducting regular audits of laboratories in the Health Sciences Division and assisting P.I.s in complying with the Plan.

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Principal Investigator

The Principal Investigator (P.I.) is a faculty member or research scientist appointed by the University to conduct laboratory research. The P.I. has overall responsibility for safety in his/her laboratory and is responsible for developing, updating and submitting the Individual Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan. The P.I. is required to maintain a well-defined table of organization and delineate responsibilities. The Individual Plan is required for the operation of each laboratory and must be re-submitted whenever significant changes in the work of the laboratory take place.

Departmental Safety Officer

The Departmental Safety Officer is a senior faculty member (preferably tenured) appointed by the departmental chair, or chair of an Institute or Center who is responsible for the development, coordination, implementation and maintenance of the Individual Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan in all laboratories of the Department in all of the University's buildings.

The Departmental Safety Officer investigates accidents, reviews the Individual Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan of each laboratory in the Department, and conducts periodic inspections of each laboratory along with the Environmental Health and Safety representative, local NYC Fire Inspector, and any regulatory inspector. The Departmental Safety Officer also works with the University Administration and the EH&S Office in resolving chemical hygiene and laboratory safety problems within his/her purview.

Laboratory Safety Manager

The Laboratory Safety Manager is a senior researcher appointed by the Principal Investigator or is the P.I. him/herself, who is responsible for all safety aspects of a laboratory complex under his/her purview. Each laboratory complex must have its own Laboratory Safety Manager. Therefore, if the P.I. has additional laboratory complexes on other floors or in other buildings, a Laboratory Safety Manager must also be appointed at this location.

The Laboratory Safety Manager is responsible for:

Holding a New York City Fire Department Certificate of Fitness (COF) as "in charge of a chemical laboratory". The Certificate of Fitness is obtained by passing a safety test given by the NYC Fire Department, whose regulations require that operation of a chemical laboratory can only be carried out when an individual holding a COF is present on the floor. Any person working at "off-hours" is strongly recommended to hold a Fire Department COF. The cost of the exam is borne by the University.
Working with the Departmental Safety Officer, the P.I., and the Environmental Health and Safety Office to ensure that laboratory employees are informed of, and follow, the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Ensuring that all laboratory personnel meet standards for laboratory safety and chemical hygiene and that appropriate chemical hygiene training has been provided. The introduction of a new chemical substance that has an unfamiliar hazard requires all personnel be made aware of safety procedures for the new substance.
Ensuring that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety eye wear, gloves, laboratory coats or aprons; and blast shields are in regular use.
Ensuring that appropriate spill control materials are available and workers are trained in their use.
Ensuring that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are maintained for all chemicals used in the laboratory.
Training laboratory workers with new laboratory procedures and equipment.
Ensuring that chemical containers are properly labeled.
Ensuring that chemical inventory is taken and made part of the Plan.
Monitoring regularly the safety procedures used in the laboratory as well as the procurement, use, and disposal of hazardous substances.
Advising and informing facilities operation and maintenance personnel, as well as custodians, of potential hazards that might be encountered in the laboratory.

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Laboratory Workers

The Laboratory Worker is a term which includes ALL individuals who work in the laboratory including P.I.s, research scientists, post-doctoral fellows, technicians, undergraduate and graduate students, visiting scientists, laboratory volunteers, and support personnel such as secretaries and glassware washers.

Each worker:

Must know where the Laboratory Safety & Chemical Hygiene Plan is, review it and make themselves familiar with the Individual Plan.
Must review MSDS procedures, especially for Extremely Hazardous agents used.
Must attend chemical safety training and know how to safely handle and dispose of a hazardous chemical.
Must share responsibility to ensure that all chemical containers are labeled with the identity and hazard.
Must use appropriate PPE when working in the laboratory.

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Basic Elements of the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan

Department Chairs must appoint a Departmental Safety Officer in their respective Departments.
Principal Investigators must file an Individual Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan with the Environmental Health and Safety Office. A copy of this plan must be sent to the Departmental Safety Officer. When there are significant changes in the work performed by the laboratory, revisions must be submitted to the EH&S Office and the Departmental Safety Officer.
The P.I. must ensure completion of the List of Laboratory Personnel including part-time students, their degree and date of completion of the required safety courses.
The P.I. must ensure that laboratory personnel have read and have signed the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
The P.I. must ensure that new laboratory personnel attend the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Orientation Lecture within one (1) month of employment.
The P.I. must ensure that all current and new laboratory workers receive adequate safety training.
The P.I. must identify the location of the nearest safety equipment and must post the list in a conspicuous place in the laboratory. Safety Equipment includes:
1. Safety shower
2. Eye wash station
3. Fire blanket
4. Fire extinguisher
5. Spill clean-up kits, equipment and supplies.
6. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE- such as safety goggles, gloves, aprons/laboratory coats, face shields)
8. Masks/Respirators,
The P.I. must identify laboratory hazards (see Attachment I. Individual Plan) and maintain a current inventory of chemicals, hazardous substances and devices in the laboratory.
The P.I. will make available Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for those High Hazardous and Extremely High Hazardous substances (Appendices D & E) stored in their laboratory. All containers must be labeled so that any laboratory worker can determine the identity of the contents. Each container should be inspected periodically for label and container integrity.
The P.I. will develop special operating procedures to accommodate the particular hazards found in each laboratory. Monitoring of the lab pictures/environment and/or personal exposure may be required if any substances are used in substantial quantities or are on the list of OSHA (regulated) Substance-Specific Laboratory Air Standards (see Attachment X.).
The P.I. must identify the location of other Hazardous Materials and Devices including:
1. Compressed Gases
2. Extremely Low Temperature Devices
3. Biohazardous Materials
4. Radioactive Materials
5. Ionizing Radiation Producing Devices
6. Ultraviolet (UV) Light Sources
7. Intense Visible Light Sources (including LASERS)
8. Intense Invisible Non-ionizing Radiation Sources (including microwave, infrared and low-frequency e.g. 60 Hz)
The P.I. is responsible for ensuring that their Laboratory has proper safety signage including signage at the laboratory entrance as well as signage inside the laboratory where hazards and safety equipment may exist.

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General Safety Procedures

The following procedures are applicable to all laboratories on the Health Sciences Campus. These procedures are based on the National Research Council Report, "Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories", (National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1995). The procedures were adopted as a standard of safe practice by laboratory professionals and are based upon the OSHA Standard. They meet the requirements of the New York City Community Right-To-Know Law, Local Law 26 of 1980, and the New York City Fire Department, Title 3 RCNY Chapter 10.

General Laboratory Safety:

Minimize all chemical exposures. Avoid unnecessary or routine exposure to chemicals by any route (inhalation, skin, eyes and ingestion). General precautionary procedures should be adopted for handling all chemicals.
Select the least hazardous substance that presents the least risk.
1. Use those substances for which adequate information is available
2. Selections should be based on information available in the literature including MSDSs.
3. Purchase hazardous substances in the smallest quantity sufficient for your work.
Use chemicals only in the laboratory and use the laboratory only for work with chemicals. Use of chemicals in a non-laboratory area such as an office, study, reading or meeting area, should not be permitted.
Do not attempt to identify chemicals by smell or taste. When it is necessary to smell a chemical, carefully fan vapors from the open vessel toward the nose that is held to one side of the container. Never pipette by mouth. Use aspirator bulbs or automatic pipetting devices.
Do not eat, drink, chew gum, smoke or apply cosmetics or hand lotions in laboratories. Wash your hands and face before conducting these activities. Always wash your hands immediately after finishing work with chemicals. Do not store food or beverages in laboratory refrigerators or other chemical storage areas.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary to augment protection provided by engineering controls, experimental design, standard operating procedures and good work practices.
1. Always wear appropriate eye protection where chemicals are stored or handled. Safety glasses or goggles are always to be worn when working in a laboratory in which chemicals are used.
2. Appropriate gloves must be worn when there is a potential for skin contact. Gloves should be chosen according to the dermal toxicity and the required task. Latex gloves are not suitable for ALL laboratory procedures, specialized gloves are required for use with many compounds. Chemical permeation glove selection charts are available from manufacturers or the EH&S Office.
  1. Inspect gloves and test glove boxes carefully for leakage.
  2. Replace any glove that is damaged or discolored.
  3. Always wash hands thoroughly and dry completely before donning a new glove.
  4. Never reuse disposable gloves.
    v. Remove gloves when leaving the lab. Do not wear gloves in other non-lab areas (rest rooms, elevators, offices, etc.).
3. Aprons and/or coats should be worn when working in the laboratory.
  1. They must be removed immediately upon contamination.
  2. They are to be removed when leaving the laboratory for breaks, meetings...
Contact lenses should not be worn in the laboratory as the lens material absorbs and thus concentrates many chemicals. In the event of a chemical splash to the eye, contact lenses may also impede a thorough flushing of the eye(s).
Obey the "Two Person" Rule. A second person should be aware that you are working in the laboratory. According to NYC Fire Department regulations, an individual with a NYC Fire Department COF (Certificate of Fitness) must be present on the floor if any laboratory is occupied. For this reason, it is advisable that laboratory workers obtain a COF.
Keep appropriate safety equipment readily available and properly maintained to prevent or respond to such laboratory emergencies as personal contamination, fires, spills or splashes.
1. Safety equipment must be inspected regularly using the proper instruments to ensure proper function. This must be done regularly according to a prearranged schedule.
2. Five types of safety equipment should be regularly checked:
  1. Fume Hoods
  2. Safety Showers
  3. Fire Extinguishers
  4. Eyewash Fountains
  5. Spill Control Kits
3. EH&S staff is responsible for monitoring fume hoods and the Facilities Department is responsible for adjusting fume hoods, checking safety showers and the maintenance of fire extinguishers.
4. If there are presently no eyewash stations installed in the laboratory, a faucet mounted eyewash fixture should be purchased.
5. Spill control kits can be purchased through the chemical supplier. An adequate number should be kept on hand including those types necessary to neutralize or absorb any hazardous spill, which has the potential to occur in your laboratory.

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Engineering Controls

Engineering controls such as the laboratory fume hood are primary means of controlling or minimizing hazardous chemical exposures.

Use a fume hood, glove box, glove bag or other specially ventilated or enclosed space, for work in which airborne, toxic or flammable substances may be released either from the materials in use or as products of a reaction.

Use only fume hoods for which an average face velocity of 100 FPM at a sash height of 12 inches has been confirmed and noted on the fume hood by EH&S. Do not use fume hoods that are posted as "Out of Service-Do not Use." Minimize materials stored in hoods and do not allow materials or apparatus to block vents or airflow.
Substances that are listed as Extremely Hazardous and can become airborne must only be used in a fume hood or glove box.
Vent any device that may discharge hazardous gases, vapors, or fine dusts, e.g., vacuum pumps, distillation columns; by using in a fume hood or by ducting the exhaust into a fume hood, rather than allowing it to discharge directly into the laboratory.

Appropriate safety shields should be used whenever splashes or exothermic reactions are possible or evacuated glassware is present. Pulled-down fume hood sashes are also effective for this purpose. Tip-resistant bench-top safety shields stop splashed substances as well as flying glass shards and other debris produced by an uncontrolled reaction or by an implosion resulting from a defect in the glass in an evacuated system.
Do not allow the release of hazardous substances into sealed "cold" or "warm" rooms since the air in these facilities is re-circulated and therefore there is little ventilation. Hence, the concentrations of these substances in the air can increase to dangerously high levels.

Sewer drain traps, especially in cup sink drains, must be kept filled with water to prevent noxious fumes from entering the laboratory from the sewer drain.

Work Practices

Aisles and doorways must be free of obstruction. Equipment may not be placed in the corridor at any time. With special approval of the EH&S Office, non-volatile objects may be stored in a fire proof cabinet in the corridor if there is sufficient clearance (44 inches) for pedestrian traffic.
Work with flammable substances only after removing any source of ignition near enough to cause a fire or explosion. Sources of ignition include flames, hot surfaces, sparks or electrical switches and motors.
Store incompatible substances apart from one another.
1. Grouping chemicals into classes according to their chemical compatibility most effectively does this.
2. Store acids apart from bases; oxidizing agents apart from reducing agents; water reactive compounds apart from water and aqueous solutions; and acids apart from metals that are higher than hydrogen in the electromotive series, such as aluminum, zinc and iron. Halogenated alkanes must be kept apart from aluminum; air-reactive compounds should be protected from the action of the atmosphere, etc.
There is a NYC Fire Department limit on the amount of flammable solvents that may be stored in any laboratory.
1. Most laboratories have a limit of fifteen (15) gallons, while some laboratories, depending on the "fire rating" may have a limit of thirty (30) gallons.
2. Flammable solvents must be stored in cabinets and kept off the floor to prevent accidental spillage.
3. Refrigerated flammables must be kept only in explosion-proof refrigerators.
Securely clamp or wire all flexible tubing in place on fittings. This prevents leakage of water, coolant fluids, etc., caused when the tubing slips loose from the fittings. Spills of this kind can lead to serious flooding with consequent extensive property damage as well as overheating of equipment or other undesirable effects on experimental activities.
Handle and store laboratory glassware with care to avoid damage. Never use glassware that is nicked or cracked; dispose of it immediately in an appropriate container. Glassware used in vacuum systems should be carefully inspected before each use.
Use extra care with Dewar flasks, vacuum desiccators, and other evacuated glass apparatus. Wrap Dewar flasks with tape; put vacuum desiccators in special protective containers, and place safety shields between evacuated systems and laboratory personnel. These measures will contain glass fragments should an implosion occur.
Always transport chemicals in a safe manner.
1. Carry large bottles only in rubber transport buckets.
2. Move compressed gas cylinders with a handcart designed for this purpose and only after they have been capped and secured by strap or chain.
3. Never carry jugs, jars, or bottles by their caps or by the molded glass rings, always use both hands, one under the vessel, the other around the neck.
Secure all compressed gas cylinders either by chaining to a secure support or by securing them to a laboratory bench with a benchclamp.
Check gas handling systems routinely. Systems containing or generating poisonous, flammable, explosive, or malodorous gases, should always be used in fume hoods or other areas of adequate containment or ventilation. Joints and other connections should be periodically checked for leaks.
Have familiarity with biological hazards present in the laboratory, especially if there are materials that must be handled at Biological Safety Level 2 or higher.
The following items and hazardous substances are to be transported via the freight elevator. A proper container for transporting is to be utilized and gloves are to be removed before leaving the laboratory.
1. Animals and animal bedding;
2. Hazardous chemicals;
3. Materials containing radioactivity;
4. Chemicals in open containers;
5. Biological agents;
6. Compressed gas cylinders;
7. Items requiring the use of a hand truck.

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Procedures for Hazardous Substances

Chemicals are grouped into the following four groups (see Attachment IV. & V.).

Ordinary Hazardous Substances

These substances have easily controlled hazards and so present no unusual risk. This includes the bulk of the chemicals used in the laboratory, including those having no currently known hazards.

High Hazardous Substances

These are substances that present significantly greater hazards. They require unique or special handling and, under special circumstances, monitoring. The storage and handling of substances in this group involves either high fire or explosion hazards or severe health risks. Examples include chemicals that form explosively unstable substances such as hydroperoxides on standing; substances that show either particularly high toxicity or an insidious toxicity of a special kind such as carcinogens, mutagens; and chemicals that show reproductive toxicity or a high acute toxicity.

Some high hazardous substances may be hazardous only under certain specific conditions. Examples of this type of substance include diethyl ether and secondary alcohols, in which significant quantities of explosive organic peroxides are formed on long-term contact with air. Most of these substances may be safely stored for 12 months or less after breaking the seal on a new container. A few may be kept only for 3 months after the seal is broken. To inhibit the formation of peroxides in ethers, ethers should be kept in tightly sealed cans or amber glass bottles (since light promotes peroxide formation). Any ether container that has an expiration date on the label should be disposed of before the expiration date. New York City Fire Department inspectors routinely visit laboratories and will find a laboratory in violation of the City Fire Department Code if a container is found with an expiration date prior to the date of inspection.

A short list of some of these high hazardous substances is found in Attachment IV. along with a list of common carcinogens, mutagens, and reproductive poisons.

High hazardous substances must be stored in a specially designated storage area that is appropriately posted with signs, e.g. WARNING! HIGH CHRONIC TOXICITY or CANCER SUSPECT AGENTS. Access to this area must be limited to personnel specially trained in the safe handling and use of these materials. This area should be as small as possible and away from busy areas of the laboratory. Appropriate secondary containment and adequate ventilation must also be used.
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Extremely Hazardous Substances

These substances are orders of magnitude more hazardous than those classified as high hazardous. Severe harm or disastrous situations can occur from their misuse. A list of these substances is included in Attachment V.

Examples of such substances are dimethyl mercury, silver azide (an impact-sensitive compound that can give rise to violent explosions) and nickel tetracarbonyl (a volatile, extremely poisonous liquid, the vapors of which have been fatal at concentrations as low as 1 ppm). The Environmental Health & Safety Office must evaluate the proposed use of any of these substances prior to its use to assure that the appropriate precautions are observed and that the necessary equipment and facilities are available.

Before these substances are used, any researcher using them must be fully aware of the risks involved and must have the necessary safety equipment available. They must be fully trained in the appropriate storage, handling, and disposal procedures prior to the introduction of the material into the laboratory. The Principal Investigator must file a completed copy of the NOTIFICATION OF USE OF EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS FORM (see Individual Plan) with the Environmental Health & Safety Office.

The procedures for proper use of these materials must be reviewed and approved by the Environmental Health & Safety Office prior to their actual use. Their use and storage must be confined to certain designated areas. The EH&S Office, in consultation with the Principal Investigator, will evaluate the proposed procedures, prescribe special limitations, necessary equipment and facilities or operating conditions, personal protective equipment, and additional personnel training requirements. A site visit and evaluation will be made. No work can begin until written approval is obtained. In development of the experimental procedures, the following items should be addressed or prepared:

The appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) must be on hand before using a particular substance.
Access to the substance and the work area must be limited to personnel who are aware of the hazards involved and are adequately trained to handle the substance safely.
Special sign and label requirements for fume hoods, glove boxes, containers in which the substance is used, and for the laboratory itself.
Appropriate personal protective measures such as respiratory protection (call EH&S if using a respirator) and protection against skin contamination must be taken in advance of using the substance.
Initiation and maintenance of medical surveillance.
A running written inventory of the stock material quantity, dates of use, names of users and, in cases of overexposure, dates, descriptions of the incidents, and names of the personnel who were overexposed.
Introduction of traps, such as cold traps and soda lime traps, into experimental systems to prevent contamination of such equipment as vacuum pumps.
Special monitoring and decontamination procedures are needed for persons leaving the restricted area.
Special animal-handling procedures. The use of the substance in animals must be approved by the appropriate animal care committee (IACUC), and required forms filed.
Special storage requirements and procedures.
Special ventilation and containment requirements.
Special waste-disposal procedures.
Special spill control procedures and precautions.
Special housekeeping procedures are required and special decontamination procedures are necessary before the work area that had been utilized, can be declared unrestricted again.

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Substances for which there is No Health and Safety Information

Special attention must be given to the handling, storage and use of compounds that have been synthesized for the very first time, and those for which the chemical properties, stability, flammability characteristics and health hazards are not described in the literature. Exercise prudence and caution when designing the procedures for their handling, storage and use. Since harm occurs only through exposure, eliminating exposure or keeping it to a minimum is clearly indicated.

The precautions to be observed may often be suggested by the experimental data already available. e.g., boiling point and solubility in water or in a solvent of low polarity. The guidelines can be obtained from knowledge of the chemical behavior, flammability, and toxicity characteristics of substances that are in the same homologous series or are closely related chemically in some other way.

General principles that apply to all chemicals of the same type can be used to advantage in predicting properties. For example, volatility of a compound decreases with increasing molecular weight, solubility in non-polar solvents increases with increasing length of an alkyl chain, solubility in such polar solvents as water is increased as the number of functional groups such as -OH, -NH2, -CHO, and -COOH are increased in a molecule. The weight ratio of polar functional groups to that of the non-polar part of the molecule is a good indication of whether the compound will be soluble in water or in a non-polar solvent.

If a reliable judgment on the anticipated flammability, reactivity, or toxicity characteristics of a substance in question cannot be made, it should be handled as though it were a High Hazard Substance.

Procedures for Hazardous Materials and Devices

If using any of the following hazardous devices, the applicable forms in the Individual Plan must be completed.

Compressed Gas Cylinders
Extremely Low Temperature Devices
Biohazardous Materials
Radioactive Materials
Ionizing Radiation Producing Devices
Ultraviolet (UV) Light Sources
Intense Visible Light Sources (including LASERS)
Intense Invisible Non-ionizing Radiation Sources (including microwave, infrared and low-frequency e.g. 60 Hz)
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Compressed Gas Cylinders

Cylinders must:

be labeled and hydrostatically tested within the last ten years;
be stored and secured at all times;
have the protective cap or regulator in place when not in use;
be away from heat, flame or spark;
transported with the aid of a hand truck.

Extremely Low Temperature Devices

In the event of a power failure, ensure that there is emergency back-up power.
Follow all manufacturers' operating instructions.
Instructions should be made available to workers in the laboratory.

Biohazardous Materials

Biohazadous materials used must be listed.
Procedures using these agents must be conducted according to those described in CDC Publication N.93-8395 4th edition, Biosafety in Microbiological Biomedical Laboratories.
The EH&S Office must be notified prior to their use.

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Radioactive Materials

Radioactive Material use is controlled by the Radiation Safety Officer (Extension 7-0303).

Ionizing Radiation Producing Devices

The design, maintenance and use of these devices are controlled by Radiation Safety.

Ultraviolet (UV) Light Sources

The design, use and maintenance of these devices must meet ACGIH (American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienist) standards.
When feasible, proper administrative and engineering controls are to be used to prevent exposure to UV light.
Proper safety eyewear must be worn at all times.

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Intense Visible Light Sources (including lasers)

The design and use of these devices must meet current ACGIH standards.
The use of laser must meet the current ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Z135.1 Standard.
EH&S Office must be notified when Class III or IV lasers are being used.

Intense Invisible Non-ionizing Radiation Sources

The design and use of these devices must meet current ANSI, ACGIH and IRPA (International Radiation Protection Association) Standards.
The EH&S Office must be notified prior to their use.

Laboratory Waste Disposal Policies

These policies and procedures cover the disposal of laboratory waste. Included are those substances that must be disposed of by qualified contractors (hazardous chemicals, radioactive waste and regulated medical waste) and those that can be disposed as normal trash. Prudence dictates that laboratory waste be considered hazardous and/or regulated unless it has been demonstrated that it can be safely disposed as normal waste.

Substances Strictly Prohibited from Drain Disposal (see Attachment VI.) lists substances that may not be drain-disposed under any circumstances.

Drain Disposable Substances (see Attachment VII.) lists the only substances that can be discarded by the sink drain without prior approval. Only aqueous solutions of these substances can be so discarded. Disposal of hazardous substances by drain is not permitted

Dumpster Disposable Substances (see Attachment XIII.) lists typical substances, which must be both essentially harmless and water-insoluble. Disposal of hazardous substances by dumpster is not permitted.

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Disposal of Chemicals by a Qualified Contractor

All laboratory chemical waste must be discarded by transfer to a qualified contractor unless the EH&S Office explicitly approves otherwise. These procedures do not apply to radioactive waste, biohazard waste, or Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) disposal, each of which is covered by a separate policy. Recycling usable chemicals is encouraged with others on the Health Sciences Division campus.

The Environmental Health & Safety Office coordinates the collection of all unwanted chemicals by the waste contractor upon request from the laboratory supervisor. Laboratory personnel must complete the Chemical Waste Disposal List (Attachment IX.) and facsimile (795-5847) the list to the EH&S Office. In the meantime, chemicals must be labeled properly and safely stored until they are collected by the vendor. There is no direct charge to research laboratories for the disposal of this waste.

Chemicals must be collected in individual, leakproof, sealed containers. Chemicals must be compatible with the container material (e.g., acids must not be placed in steel containers, alkalis must not be stored in aluminum containers). Glass containers may be safely used for virtually anything, except hydrofluoric acid, acidic fluoride salts, and strong alkalis.
Select the smallest container available that will hold the material, allowing sufficient headspace above the surface of the liquid for thermal expansion. This is both economical and efficient. Five-gallon pails and fifty-five gallon drums are available from the contractor. Do not use your own pails or drums without prior approval as they may not meet US Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications.
All containers must be identified and labeled with the complete chemical name of the substance. Trade names, acronyms, abbreviations, IUPAC codes, or formulas are not acceptable. Labels may be obtained through the EH&S Office. Keep the original label on a reagent container only if it describes the contents of the container. Otherwise, cover it with a HAZARDOUS WASTE LABEL that describes the actual contents.
If the waste is a mixture of chemicals, identify each component on its label, along with its corresponding concentration. The label of the container must contain both the magnitude and the units of the concentration of each substance contained within. When the solute is either a liquid or a gas, concentrations may not be expressed simply as 'percent' but must be given as either a 'weight percent' or a 'volume percent'. When the solute is a solid, its concentration must be expressed as 'weight percent'.
The waste contractor cannot accept substances that are unidentified (unknowns) for regulatory reasons. Responsibility for establishing the identity of an 'unknown' rests with the P.I. wishing to dispose of it. In many cases the waste contractor can, for a fee directly charged to the laboratory, analyze unknowns for shipping purposes. The EH&S Office will, on request, furnish the names of state-certified analytical laboratories for analysis of these substances.
ALL containers of 'spent' chemical waste (waste that cannot be recycled because it is an unusable mixture of substances or a substance that has been contaminated) must have a HAZARDOUS WASTE label affixed prior to removal for disposal. Such labels must not be put on bottles containing pure chemicals.
When the 'spent' chemical waste container becomes full, enter the 'accumulation start date' on the label. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that full containers of 'spent' waste be removed to an approved Storage and Disposal Facility within 90 days after this date. The date upon which each period of accumulation for storage (as defined above) begins must be clearly marked and the container positioned such that the label is easily visible for inspection.
Unwanted chemicals must be stored safely in the laboratory while awaiting a waste contractor collection.

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Disposal of Substances by Drain or Dumpster

There are many laboratory chemicals that will present no hazard when released to the pictures/environment. Research and instruction in laboratories continually produce small amounts of water solution wastes. In such cases, laboratory workers must decide whether to pour these solutions down the drain or keep them for pick-up by a waste contractor. This guide will help them make such decisions.

Procedure for Drain-Disposable Substances (see Attachment VII.)

Disposal of hazardous substances by drain is not permitted. A few biodegradable, water-miscible solvents, some solutions, aqueous rinses, and innocuous materials such as soapy or detergent water solutions, amino acids, vitamins sodium potassium tartrate, and sodium bicarbonate may be safely drain-disposed.

Wear protective gear (safety glasses, gloves and laboratory apron). Flush tap water down the drain for at least one minute prior to drain disposal of substance in question. Allow the tap water to run for at least one minute after emptying the container. This ensures that the drain and plumbing will be flushed clear.
Procedure for Dumpster Disposable Substances (See Attachment VIII.)

Disposal of hazardous substances substances by dumpster is not permitted. Dumpster disposable substances must meet two criteria; they must be both essentially harmless and water-insoluble. All foodstuffs that are insoluble in water and many minerals meet those two criteria. Minerals which contain such toxic elements as: antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium in the +6 oxidation state, cobalt, gold, lead, mercury, nickel, platinum, selenium, silver, and thallium are excluded from this category. Also excluded from the dumpster are pesticides, rodenticides, fungicides, miticides, insecticides, and herbicides.

Discard the permissible substances by placing in a strong paper or plastic bag, sealing the bag and placing it in the normal trash.
Disposal of Empty Containers and Other Equipment

Rinse empty bottles or cans that have contained hazardous substances three times with a suitable solvent or appropriate detergent solution (call EH&S for guidance if necessary) before discarding. Remove or deface the container label to make it illegible and discard the cap separately to prevent its re-use. Place in a specially marked rigid container such as a corrugated box for disposal. Containers that previously held hazardous substances are not to be recycled.

Syringes, and other sharp or hazardous objects, such as Pasteur or serological pipettes, is Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) and must be placed in specially marked, rigid, puncture-proof 'sharps' containers, available from the Facilities Maintenance Control Center (7-7353).

Waste paper baskets and plastic trash bag inserts are used only for normal office trash.
Disposal of Intact or Broken Laboratory Glass

All laboratory glassware must be discarded such that it cannot injure anyone who handles it or is exposed to it. This includes not only laboratory workers but also custodial staff members and members of the general public. This policy applies to all glass, intact as well as broken, except for radioisotope-contaminated glass and registered medical waste-contaminated glass, each of which are discussed separately elsewhere.

Place all laboratory glassware, intact as well as broken, (except for clean chemical source containers) into a specially marked rigid container designed for this purpose. A properly labeled thick-walled, rigid cardboard container may be substituted. The container must be able to withstand penetration by any sharps it contains, and must be lined with a leak-resistant liner (e.g. a polyethylene or polypropylene bag). Seal the container and clearly mark it 'BROKEN GLASS' to describe its contents. Examples of appropriate laboratory glassware disposal containers are listed below. Equivalent containers can be obtained from most large laboratory equipment supply houses.
Table Model 8" x 10", with cover. Fisher Catalogue No. 12-009-7B
Floor Model 12" x 27", with cover. Fisher Catalogue No. 12-009-7A

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Personal Protective Equipment

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the laboratory is needed for certain procedures to prevent exposure of laboratory personnel to toxic or corrosive materials. The equipment that will be discussed here serves to prevent contact of toxic or corrosive materials with eyes and skin.

Safety Glasses

Safety glasses must always be worn when working with chemicals. For those who wear eyeglasses, a safety goggle should be worn over the glasses.

Face Shields

A face shield must be worn whenever there is a possibility that corrosives or toxic substances may be splashed into the face or when there is exposure to UV Light. It also protects the face from skin lacerations resulting from flying debris produced by implosions and small explosions. It does not afford adequate protection against moderate or large explosions.

Laboratory Gloves

Since hands are usually directly involved in laboratory manipulations, they, as well as wrists and forearms, are quite vulnerable to exposure by contact with toxic or corrosive materials, irritants and sensitizes. Gloves of the appropriate material and length provide protection from liquids and solids as well as from dusts, mists and particulate.

The selection of the proper glove includes consideration of the glove material as well as the proper length and size. The glove material must be resistant to chemical attack, solvent swelling and to permeation by the substances to be used. No single material is suitable for all chemicals. Therefore, the glove material must be chosen based on an evaluation of its resistance to particular substances. Contact the EH&S Office (ext. 5-6780) if you need information or assistance in selecting the appropriate glove for the task.

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Laboratory gloves must be regarded from two points of view

affording personal protection to the wearer and
as a source of contamination.
Gloves must be removed immediately after work is completed to eliminate the possibility for contamination both of the wearer and before touching such surfaces in the laboratory and neighboring areas as door knobs, telephones, books and lab notebooks.

Even when gloves are worn only to protect biological systems from natural human contaminants such as oils and metabolic products on the hands of the laboratory worker, they must be removed before touching door knobs, telephones etc., to minimize contamination.
Always remove gloves and other protective equipment when leaving the laboratory. Never wear gloves when travelling in elevators.

Laboratory Aprons and Coats

Consideration about appropriate apron material is the same as those for glove materials. However, since the frequencies of contact with chemicals is usually less and the mechanical stress placed on the apron is considerably less, the choice is usually less critical. Rubber or vinyl is quite often an acceptable choice. However, when large quantities of solvents, or corrosives or materials with strong permeability characteristics are used, or where splashes may be more frequent or the consequences more severe, the material choice is more critical. Cloth laboratory coats are adequate only when small volumes of innocuous aqueous solutions are used.

Respiratory Protection

Respiratory protection in the laboratory should be used only if engineering controls such as fume hoods are not adequate. A respirator should be worn only in case of an emergency and only after medical clearance and proper fit testing. Should a condition arise in which a respirator may be needed in the laboratory, contact the Environmental Health & Safety Office (ext. 5-6780) to make arrangements for medical clearance, selection, training and fit testing of the respirator.

Chemical Spill Response

In general, chemical spills in the laboratory should be cleaned up immediately, regardless of whether the substance spilled is innocuous or hazardous. A prompt clean up is simply a matter of good housekeeping and common sense that prevents slips, falls and unnecessary personal exposure, as well as a fire or explosion. The only considerations that may prevent an immediate clean up by laboratory workers are:

A determination that the volume of the material spilled is too large to be handled with the equipment at hand.
The toxicity of the substance spilled is great enough to present a significant hazard to the laboratory workers.
The lack of appropriate personal protective equipment.

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When any of these considerations may be significant, contact the Environmental Health & Safety Office IMMEDIATELY for assistance (see list of Emergency Phone Numbers). For all but very minor spills, inform the EH&S Office (5-6780) as soon as possible so that they can assess the adequacy of the clean up and the potential for unnecessary chemical exposure to lab workers and others in the area.

In order to clean any spill adequately and with a minimum of risk to those nearby and to the pictures/environment, the lab worker must understand the nature of the hazards, if any, presented by the chemical used, and know the proper clean-up and disposal procedures. The particular procedure chosen will depend on the particular spill situation. Factors such as the flammability, volatility and toxicity of the substance, the amount spilled, the location and capacity of the local ventilation systems, the presence of other people in the laboratory, and perhaps the presence of sparks, flames, or other nearby ignition sources must be considered. For these reasons, spill response and clean-up procedures must be developed especially for each hazard class and for each laboratory. There are even certain special cases where procedures must be designed for a particular substance. Each laboratory worker must be familiar with these special procedures and trained in carrying them out.

Each laboratory worker should have on hand the items needed for the clean up and disposal of all of the substances used in the laboratory, appropriate personal protection and other safety equipment. It is the responsibility of the Laboratory Safety Manager to ascertain that these items are available and personnel working in the area are familiar with their presence and use.

General Procedures for Response to a Hazardous Substance Spill

Move away from the area of the spill. Immediately alert other persons working nearby and advise them to stay away from the contaminated area.
Avoid tracking or spreading the material unnecessarily. If you can do so with no risk, contain the spilled material by diking with absorbent or sand.
If the spilled material is very hazardous, volatile, or has a large volume, isolate the area by closing, but not locking, all doors leading to the area and by posting clearly visible, hand-printed DANGER, KEEP OUT signs on the closed doors. If it is not possible to do this, delineate the spill area with rope, tape or makeshift barricades, and warning signs, or station a person at an appropriate place to keep people from entering.
Avoid breathing the vapors of spilled chemicals. If a respirator is necessary, leave the area immediately, restrict access by other persons, and call Security (Ext. 7-7979) and the Environmental Health & Safety Office (Ext. 5-6780).
Prevent the spilled material from entering floor drains, storm or sanitary sewers by diking either the spill or the drains with absorbent.
Use an appropriate spill kit or appropriate material to neutralize or absorb the spill. Use only a kit designed for the material spilled. See additional instructions for specific substances below.
If there has been any contamination of personnel or clothing, follow procedures for Personal Chemical Decontamination given below. If the contamination is significant, report to the CPC Occupational Health Service (New York Presbyterian Hospital, Extension 6-7580) located on Harkness pavilion First Floor south. If contamination appears to be life threatening, report immediately to Emergency services.
Promptly notify the Environmental Health & Safety Office (Ext. 5-6780) in the event of any significant chemical spill or if a spill results in personal injury or Environmental contamination. In addition to mitigating the effects of an exposure or contamination, the Environmental Health & Safety Office may need to notify appropriate federal, state and local Environmental regulatory agencies to avoid regulatory violations with the attendant penalties and fines.

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Manageable Spills

Spills are either manageable or unmanageable by laboratory workers. A manageable chemical spill is one that meets all these conditions:

the quantity of material spilled is small and can easily be handled,
the substance is not highly toxic or flammable, and
the risk of personal contamination is not too great.

Laboratory personnel can easily clean up these spills. It is University policy that each laboratory worker takes responsibility for the clean up of any manageable spill the worker causes. Handle manageable spills according to procedures described in the following paragraphs.

The clean-up procedure for a spill depends on the location and nature of the spill. Different chemicals require different responses based on the nature of the hazard. For example, procedures for cleaning up a fine powder differ from those for a liquid spill and those for a corrosive liquid acid spill differ greatly from those for a flammable liquid. In addition, the type and amount of equipment required depends on the chemical spilled. Such considerations should be part of a well thought-out spill response plan prepared well in advance. The procedure below should be used as a general guideline. Some specific precautions for chemicals with certain characteristics are also given.

1) The following items should be obtained before beginning the clean up.

Personal protective equipment such as protective eyewear, skin protection, contamination prevention, and respiratory protection. The precise equipment required will depend on the material and size of the spill.
An appropriate spill kit, neutralizing materials, absorbent materials and the equipment to apply and remove them.
Containers such as thick (2 mil) plastic bags or drums for disposal

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2) Don the personal protective equipment before proceeding.

3) If a neutralizer is required, apply in adequate quantities and allow any visible reaction to go completion.

4) If an absorbent is necessary, apply enough to completely absorb all the liquid.

5) Sweep up the absorbed material carefully to avoid airborne dusts and particulates and place it in a plastic bag.

6) Decontaminate the area, including any other surfaces or objects that may have been contaminated by the spill. Use a water-detergent mixture unless a special cleaning agent is needed and place the used, contaminated, cleaning materials together with the absorbed spill material for disposal.

7) The absorbed spill materials must be discarded as hazardous waste. Call the Environmental Health & Safety Office for disposal instructions.

Specific Instructions for Certain Substances

Finely Divided Solids
1. Low toxicity solids e.g. dusts, fibers, powder, etc., are not extremely toxic and can normally be carefully swept into a dustpan with a broom and placed into a suitable waste container for further disposal as specified below.
2. Oxidizing solids e.g. nitrates, permanganates, perchlorates, chromium trioxide, etc., should never be discarded into a container in which combustible materials might also be placed. Furthermore they must NOT come into contact with such combustible materials as wood, paper, or reducing agents e.g., glycerol, cane sugar, and powdered zinc.
3. Decontaminate any spill area with an appropriate cleaning agent.
Liquid Spills
1. Volatile flammable liquids of low toxicity e.g. acetone, ethanol, toluene, pentane and diethyl ether. Brief exposures to low concentrations of the vapors of one of these substances does not constitute a health risk per se to workers in the area, but within a range of concentrations bounded by the upper and lower explosive limits, its presence can easily lead to fires or explosions. The flammability is the main hazard that must be dealt with in such spills. Turn off near-by burners, electric stirrers, refrigerators, other appliances and any other motors or ignition sources. Turn on near-by fume hoods and open windows, as appropriate, in order to increase the ventilation rate in the area.
2. If the spilled liquid is water-miscible, quickly pour sufficient water on the spill to make it non-flammable. Then the resulting diluted liquid, if biodegradable and not contaminated by such toxic substances as insecticides, carcinogens or heavy metals, often may simply be flushed down the drain. The most common examples of such substances are methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, acetone, and methyl ethyl ketone. They are all biodegradable.
Small Spills of Mercury
1. Promptly clean up even small mercury spills, such as those from a broken thermometer. Small spills of mercury that result in only droplets or small pools are not an immediate danger to life or health since the concentration of mercury vapor released is extremely low. They can be cleaned with inexpensive kits available from local laboratory supply houses. Exposure to significant concentrations of the vapor over appreciable periods of time - weeks, months, and years - can have irreversible and disastrous health consequences. Therefore, even small spills must not be ignored.
2. Restrict access to the area to prevent the spread of mercury droplets. Use a mercury spill kit or a specially designed vacuum cleaner (which will not allow the release of mercury vapors in its exhaust) to pick up the mercury. The mercury vacuum cleaner is available from EH&S.
3. Take whatever steps may be necessary to ensure all mercury is removed, even from relatively inaccessible spots such as cracks in the flooring.
4. Keep all mercury and mercury contaminated materials separate. Do not discard into the normal trash or other hazardous waste containers.
5. Call the Environmental Health & Safety Office to arrange disposal of these materials.

Unmanageable Spills

Laboratory workers should call Security and the Environmental Health & Safety Office IMMEDIATELY for assistance when:

the quantity of material spilled is too large to be handled,
the degree of flammability or toxicity of the substance is too great to be handled, or
the risk of personal contamination is too high.

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Isolate the spill area by closing access doors, barricading with appropriate caution tape or rope, stationing other people at the access points or some combination of these options. Post warning signs where they can be effective. Some spills may require special precautions:

Finely divided highly poisonous solids (dusts, fibers, powders, etc.) such as those from elemental beryllium, cadmium, arsenic and their compounds, and barium, thallium and mercury compounds are not manageable and can only be properly handled by specially trained personnel. Call Security and the Environmental Health & Safety Office and report what has been spilled, the quantity, and location of the spill.
Spills of volatile, non-flammable toxic liquids are not manageable when the degree of toxicity and/or the quantity spilled is too large to be absorbed or contained by the absorbent available. The area should be isolated or, if there is a possible hazard to personnel, the area or building should be evacuated by activating the fire alarm paging system where available or by Security personnel in buildings without paging systems. If additional personnel are endangered on floors other than the 'spill floor' and the floor directly above it, they must also be notified and evacuated. Only the 'spill floor' and the one above it are immediately evacuated. This notification and evacuation must be done IMMEDIATELY. Call Security and the Environmental Health & Safety Office and report what has been spilled, the quantity, and location of the spill. Facilities personnel must shut down air handling units serving floors involved to prevent contamination of other floors served by the unit.
The urgency of the response to spills of volatile, non-flammable, low-toxicity irritants is usually not as great as in the case of toxic liquids. The decision to evacuate depends on how severe the problem is. The release of a strong non-toxic lachrimator, for example, might require evacuation, whereas the spill of a somewhat dilute solution of ammonia would not.
1. Large mercury spills are unmanageable and EH&S should be notified immediately for help in clean up. Mercury spills which result in the deposition of droplets or pools of mercury in the laboratory are not an immediate danger to life or health when they occur as the concentration of mercury vapor released is extremely low. Over appreciable time, the cumulative effect of small amounts of mercury vapor can have an irreversible effect. Spilled mercury must be picked up promptly.
2. Accidental release of toxic gases in a volume too large to be handled by local ventilation systems are not manageable and almost always require evacuation of both the affected and adjacent areas until the concentration of the gas is reduced to an acceptable level. Examples of toxic gases include arsine, phosgene, ethylene oxide, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen cyanide. Promptly notify any personnel in the area and call Security and the Environmental Health & Safety Office to report the problem and the need for swift action. Facilities must also be notified to shut down air handlers supplying the affected floor(s).

Chemical Spills occurring after hours

See Attachment XI. for response to after hours Chemical Spills.

Personal Chemical Contamination Response Guidelines

Spills of hazardous chemicals that involve personal contamination generally constitute a greater hazard than other spills, since the probability of the chemical entering the body is increased. For this reason, it is important to act swiftly to remove the contamination from the skin before the skin is damaged or before a significant amount is absorbed into the body. Special medical procedures to counteract the effect of the contaminant on the body tissues may also be necessary. An example of the last kind of contamination is hydrofluoric acid spilled on the skin and absorbed through it. In this case, immediately apply calcium gluconate ointment. Medical examination and surveillance afterward may also be required as subcutaneous injections of calcium gluconate may be necessary. A source of these special medical procedures is the Poison Control Center (212-764-7667).

Chemicals spilled over a large area on the body:

All contaminated clothing must be removed as quickly as possible while using the safety shower. Do not waste time deferring to modesty. The only consideration in this type of emergency is acting quickly enough to protect life and health. Immediately wash the affected area with water, apply mild soap and flush with water for at least 15 minutes; repeat these procedures until clean or if pain returns. DO NOT use any neutralizing agents, other chemicals or solvents. Medical consultation is clearly necessary when large body areas have been exposed to highly toxic chemicals, take the employee to the New York Presbyterian Hospital Emergency Room.
Chemicals spilled on the skin:

Immediately flush the area with water and wash with mild soap and water. Remove any jewelry. If there is no visible burn, gently rub the affected area with warm water and soap (taking care not to abrade the skin surface). Keep the employee quiet and wait for medical assistance. If a delayed action is anticipated or observed (the toxicological effects of some chemicals, e.g., methyl bromide or ethyl bromide, may be delayed for as much as 48 hours), obtain medical consultation promptly and explain carefully and exactly what chemicals were involved. Take a copy of the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) or other pertinent literature on the effects of the chemical to the attending physician. Notify the Environmental Health & Safety Office (ext. 5-6780) or Security (ext. 7-7979).

Be alert to the possibility of an inadvertent injection or unnoticed introduction of chemicals into the body. Many solids, oily liquids or water solutions can enter through cuts in the skin. In addition, many oily liquids and oil-soluble solids are easily absorbed through the skin and pass on to other body tissues and the bloodstream.
Chemicals splashed into the eye:

Immediately use an eyewash fountain. If one is not available, use a gentle stream of cold tap water. The eye must be washed continuously with a gentle flow of water for at least 15 minutes with the eyelids held apart to afford maximum exposure of the eyeball to the water. Remove any contact lenses, if possible. Contact lenses may be removed under a gentle stream of water. DO NOT attempt to remove contact lenses by hand or with any object. NEVER rub the eye or use any neutralizing chemical for eyewash. Consult medical attention as soon as possible. Notify the Environmental Health & Safety Office (ext. 5-6780) or Security (ext. 7-7979).
Chemicals inhaled:

In case of poisoning by chemical inhalation, immediately call the Environmental Health & Safety Office (ext. 5-6780) or Security (ext. 7-7979). If the employee is conscious, carry or pull the employee to fresh air. DO NOT let the employee walk unassisted or engage in any unnecessary activity that increases the circulation of poison in the bloodstream. If artificial respiration is necessary, take care not to inhale the chemical from the employee.

If the employee is found unconscious in a confined space or an area where vapors are likely to be trapped, do not enter the area; the employee may have been overcome by toxic gases or asphyxiated by lack of oxygen in the space. Your entry into the same space may lead to your becoming incapacitated as well. Immediately summon trained help who will enter the area with a supplied air respirator to remove the person. Monitor the employee from a safe distance.
Chemicals ingested:

Take the employee to the Occupational Health Service (Harkness Pavilion, First Floor South) and call the Environmental Health & Safety Office (ext. 5-6780) or Security (ext. 7-7979). Listen carefully and follow their instructions. Do not give the employee water, milk or anything else unless so directed by a medical professional or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Also, do not induce vomiting if the employee complains of pain or burning sensation in the mouth or throat, or if the ingested substance is known to be caustic, a cleaning fluid, or a petroleum product. Induce vomiting only if so directed by a medical professional. To induce vomiting, place the employee's head below the hips, mouth down or to the side, and place a gloved finger at the back of the employee's throat.

Fire Safety and Emergency Response to Fires and Explosions

Research laboratories differ from other work pictures/environments in that they usually contain a variety of fire hazards. In addition to the 'ordinary' (Class A) fires, those fueled by wood, paper, textiles, etc., laboratory hazards include the presence of flammable and, quite often, volatile solvents such as petroleum distillates which are not miscible with water, reactive metals such as sodium and potassium, flammable metal powders such as magnesium, titanium, and zirconium, metal hydrides such as lithium hydride, lithium aluminum hydride, and sodium borohydride, as well as many kinds of electrical equipment.

Complications arise when fighting these fires because each type of fire must be fought with the extinguishing agent and procedure appropriate for it; the use of the wrong technique or extinguisher can be catastrophic. The EH&S Office has simplified fire-fighting in the laboratories by equipping all laboratories with multi-purpose (A, B, C) dry chemical fire extinguishers, which can be used on all types of fire with the exception of reactive flammable metals which must use extinguishers suitable for the particular metal. Laboratory workers must be trained in the procedures and the proper use of the equipment. Regular drills must be held to reinforce this training. Fire extinguishers are inspected and tested every six months by an outside vendor. However, laboratory personnel are responsible for seeing that extinguishers are promptly recharged after each use. If a fire extinguisher in any laboratory, chemical storeroom, or nearby location requires inspection or recharging, call Facilities Operations (ext. 7-7367). A monthly inspection of the fire extinguisher pressure gage by laboratory personnel is strongly recommended as a further safeguard of the extinguisher being properly charged.

Before acting to cope with a particular fire, the fire must first be judged as being controllable by laboratory personnel. Since this depends on the rapid, yet careful, evaluation of several factors, the judgment of the person making the decision is critical. The size of the fire, its intensity, the nature of the burning substance, how near are other flammable or explosive materials to the fire, whether fighting the fire would place the laboratory worker doing so in substantial risk, availability of escape routes, prospect of the fire spreading and availability of the proper fire-fighting equipment, are factors that must be considered in making this decision.

Should the nature of the fire, its size, etc. make it controllable, use the appropriate available fire extinguisher as described below and proceed with the methods described in the section on controllable fires. On the other hand, should the fire be judged uncontrollable, follow the evacuation and notification procedures for uncontrollable fires.

In all cases, however, call Security (ext. 7-7979) and the Fire Safety Officer (ext. 5-6780).

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Classification of fires

Class A (Wood, paper, textiles, rubber, coal) This type of fire can be extinguished by the ABC extinguisher.

Class B (Flammable or combustible liquids, greases, petroleum products, solvents) Carbon dioxide or dry chemical ABC extinguishers should be used. Carbon dioxide extinguishers do not leave any residue, whereas dry chemical devices do. Pressurized water units should not be used since the immiscibility of most solvents and water would result in the spreading of the fire. Class C (Live electrical equipment involved in a fire) If possible, turn off the electrical power to the devices, and then use either the dry chemical extinguisher or a carbon dioxide or halon extinguisher, if available. Class D (Sodium, potassium, magnesium, titanium, zirconium and other metals) If sodium, potassium, magnesium, or any of the flammable metal powders are to be used in a laboratory, the appropriate dry powder extinguishing agent must be made available for fire emergency use before work is started. Use specific "Class D" extinguishing agent or any of the following dry powders: graphite, limestone, sand, or sodium carbonate.

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DO NOT USE pressurized water, carbon dioxide, dry chemical or halon (Freon) extinguishers on metal fires. The use of these types of extinguishers introduces substances that are very reactive with the burning metal that either will make the fire grow or will trigger an explosion.

Fire-fighting procedures for controllable fires

Clothing fires must be extinguished immediately, before anything else is done, in order to minimize skin burns.
For all fires, the fire alarm must be transmitted to ensure the Fire Department response.
The decision of whether to fight the fire oneself or to wait for fire-fighting help must be made according to the type and size of the fire, its location and the circumstances of the fire. A small fire in a container may be easily snuffed out by the placement of a nonflammable cover across the container opening. A small fire in an area free of other fuels can be extinguished with appropriate available extinguishers before calling for help. When extinguishing a burning solid, direct the extinguisher discharge at the base of the flame; in the case of burning liquids, direct it at the leading edge. Larger or rapidly growing fires are best left to the Fire Department.
In the case of an occurrence of any fire, the fire must be reported to Security at ext. 7-7979 or ext. 7-8100. There are no exceptions.

Evacuation procedures for uncontrollable fires

Leave the area of danger. DO NOT stay to fight a large fire. On your way out, if it can be done safely, turn off equipment and move any explosive or flammable materials away from possible contact with hot surfaces or other sources of ignition. Using the laboratory circuit breaker is often the quickest and most effective way to turn off all the laboratory's electrical equipment simultaneously. For this reason, the circuit breaker must always be readily accessible. Your safe exit, however, must be given the highest priority.
Transmit the fire alarm, notify personnel on the floor and call Security (Ext. 7-7979).
Leave by means of one of the predetermined evacuation routes for your laboratory area. If considerations of safety make it necessary to leave the building, evacuate promptly.
If a person's clothing is on fire, he/she must not be allowed to run, as this will fan the flames and cause a more serious burn. Either put the person under a shower or wrap him/her in a fire blanket, coat, or whatever is available to smother the flames. Roll the person on the floor if necessary. After calling the emergency numbers, place clean, wet, ice-packed cloths on small burned areas wrap the person warmly to avoid shock, and secure medical assistance.

Remember STOP DROP & ROLL

OSHA Substance-Specific Laboratory Air Quality Standards

Some chemicals, such as formaldehyde, methylene chloride and ethylene oxide, must be strictly controlled and monitored because they are subject to OSHA Substance-Specific Standards described in 29 CFR 1910.1001 through 1910.1048. Call the EH&S Office to obtain assistance in complying with the regulatory mandates for these chemicals. The Action Levels and the Permissible Exposure Levels (PELs) for some of the substances are listed in Attachment X.

Laboratories using any OSHA regulated specific substances must contact the EH&S Office (5-6780) for exposure assessment and personal exposure monitoring.

If the personal exposures are greater than their respective Action Level (AL) or Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) and/or Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL), then the Laboratory Safety Manager must:

Comply with the OSHA exposure-monitoring provisions for that chemical as stated in OSHA regulations specific for that chemical. Call the EH&S Office to get information on this exposure monitoring. Air monitoring must be done by the University Occupational Hygienist in accordance with the exposure monitoring provisions of the relevant standard.
Keep records of the measurements made to monitor the level of employee exposure.
Develop and enforce special written procedures as required by the OSHA specific standard when asbestos, benzene, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, lead, methylene chloride or other such regulated substances be handled.

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Special precautions must be taken for work that involves the possibility of either continual, frequent, or repeated exposures to asbestos, benzene, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde (in the form of a dust, mist, solution or gas), or lead (in the form of metallic lead as a dust or vapor, including all inorganic and organic lead compounds and lead soaps). These precautions are spelled out in 29 CFR 1910.1001 for asbestos, 29 CFR.1047 for ethylene oxide, 29 CFR 1910.1048 for formaldehyde (see Attachment XIV. Formaldehyde Exposure Control Plan), 29 CFR 1910.1025 for the lead, and 29 CFR 1910.1028 for benzene. They include:

Providing pertinent MSDSs to workplace personnel before they begin work with the materials. Keeping copies of these MSDSs available for consultation while the work is being done.
Confining use of the substances to regulated areas and restricting access to these areas.
Posting appropriate signs and cautionary labels in and around these regulated areas.
Monitoring exposure levels at the outset when work has been started.
Notifying employees of the results of the monitoring tests within 15 days of the receipt of the results.
Developing and enforcing a written program to reduce the concentration of an airborne hazardous material to a safe level, when permissible levels of these substances have been exceeded.
Providing adequate training about handling and disposal to those working with the substance.
Providing adequate personal protective equipment.
Including a schedule of leak detection surveys in the program, in those cases where the hazardous substance involved is gaseous.

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Work-related Illness, Injury and Incident Reporting

For any life-threatening emergency, report to the New York Presbyterian Hospital Emergency Services (West 168th and Broadway).

Employee's suffering from a work-related illness or injury must report this to their supervisor, complete an Incident Form (see Attachment XII.) and get medical attention. Occupational medical care for work-related incidents is provided at no cost to employees. Occupational medical care is provided at the Columbia Presbyterian Center (New York Presbyterian Hospital) Occupational Health Service (OHS), located on Harkness Pavilion, First Floor south (Extension 6-7580) during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. M-F). Alternatively, an employee may seek medical care by a personal physician of his/her choice with a summary of the findings reported to the EH&S Office. Students suffering from a work-related illness or injury must report to Student Health Services on 60 Haven Avenue (telephone 795-4181).

Work-related injury or illness should also be reported to the EH&S Office so that a recurrence to you or to others is avoided.

Certain situations or exposure conditions may warrant medical consultation or medical monitoring of laboratory employees that will be provided in the OHS at no cost. Examples include:

Medical evaluation for employees exposed to concentrations of a hazardous substance routinely above the OSHA action level, the PEL or the STEL.
Employee's who have direct skin or eye contact with a hazardous agent should immediately flush with water and seek medical attention.

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Required Medical Surveillance

A laboratory worker shall be required to obtain medical consultation and examination under the following circumstances. Examinations are provided at no cost to employees at the Occupational Health Service. Alternatively, the employee may seek medical care through a personal physician of his/her choice with a summary of the findings reported to the EH&S Office.

If it is likely that the worker will be or has been exposed to a substance at a level in excess of either the OSHA recommended Action Levels, or Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) or STEL. The EH&S Office should be consulted for assistance in assessing the exposure or potential for exposure.
If a laboratory worker develops signs or symptoms associated with an over exposure to a chemical being used.
In case of an overexposure to chemicals through a spill, explosion, or other accident.

Medical consultations are provided at no cost through the CPC Occupational Health Services. The Attending physician will decide if the employee needs to be referred for further treatment. If there is a medical emergency, go to the E.R. immediately, and call the Security Office (Ext. 7-7979 or Ext. 7-8100) if assistance is needed. If the Occupational Health Service is closed or not easily accessible, he/she should be sent to the Emergency Room of the New York Presbyterian Hospital, located in the Vanderbilt Clinic Building on 168th Street.

The lab supervisor shall collect as much information as possible about the person, the chemicals involved, MSDSs, symptoms, and any other relevant data, to provide to the attending physician.

The physician in charge will inform the employee about the medical examination results, related conditions, tests required, and whether any follow-up is required.

The Environmental Health & Safety Office will be advised of the results of relevant tests conducted by the Attending physician.

The Occupational Health Service shall keep written records of all such medical examinations and must maintain these records for the duration of employment plus 30 years. Such records must contain, but are not limited to, physicians' opinions, recommendations, results of any tests performed, and any follow-ups. Upon written request, the employee or an authorized representative shall make such records available for review.

Education and Training of Laboratory Personnel

The purpose of education and training in Laboratory Safety includes:

To instruct laboratory workers to recognize known hazards and to use available methods of protection;
To provide each laboratory worker with background information about the nature, estimation and mechanism of hazards in research areas;
To provide technical information about appropriate precautions including hazard elimination, personal hygiene methods and the use of PPE necessary in the specific work area. ;
To reduce work related injury and illness by instruction in proper use and maintenance of tools, equipment and materials;
To provide instruction on the need for medical monitoring;
To provide instruction and knowledge of emergency procedures including spill procedures;
To explain the importance and use of MSDSs and labeling.

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Education and training sessions offered to laboratory personnel include:

New employees attend a general orientation lecture provided by the EH&S Office including Fire Safety training;
New laboratory workers attend the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Orientation within one month of employment. This orientation provides an introduction and overview of laboratory safety;
After attending the initial session, every laboratory worker is encouraged to attend periodic problem-solving sessions;
Laboratory workers working with formaldehyde must attend a special training session offered by EH&S;
Laboratory workers working with bloodborne pathogens must attend a special training session offered by EH&S.

Sessions are designed not only to meet the OSHA Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) but also to incorporate the requirements of the New York City Community Right-to-Know Law (Local Law 26, 1980) and the New York City Fire Department Title 3 RCNY, Chapter 10, May 31, 1995.

Laboratory Surveys

The Environmental Health & Safety Office will enhance its laboratory safety program through regular and periodic visits to each Columbia University Health Sciences Division Laboratory.

The enclosed survey tool, Research Laboratory Health & Safety Survey (see Attachment XVII.), is meant to be a guide or checklist to help laboratory personnel evaluate the laboratory for essential items concerning health & safety.

Record Keeping

The following records shall be maintained.

Personnel exposure monitoring.
1. EH&S will keep and maintain the following records for the duration of employment plus 30 years:
2. Results of routine and special personal and/or area monitoring
3. Evaluations of worker exposures to chemicals as a result of an accident spill explosion, etc.
4. Chemical exposure records that are made available to the worker by EH&S
Medical Consultation Records.

All records concerning medical consultations related to chemical exposure shall be maintained by the CPC Occupational Health Services, Harkness Pavilion, First Floor South; (305-7590) for the duration of employment plus 30 years as required under OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.20. Records of medical consultations shall be made available to the exposed worker in accordance with the OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.20.
Chemical inventories

A list of all chemicals present in the laboratory must be prepared, maintained and updated by the laboratory supervisor and maintained in the laboratory. The list should include, for each container, the chemical name(s) of its contents, the CAS Number (Chemical Abstracts Service Number), the quantity and the container type. This list provides great assistance in the acquisition of the MSDSs needed and to carry out work both safely and in compliance with applicable regulatory standards. A complete inventory of all chemicals in the laboratory is required by the NYC Community Right-To-Know Act.
Container labels

Containers must be labeled so that any laboratory worker can determine the identity of the contents. The OSHA Laboratory Standard, 29 CFR Part 1910.1450 and 1910-1200, and New York City Community Right-To-Know Law (Local Law 26 of 1980) require that the label on a mixture which is a hazardous substance list the chemical name of each of the hazardous ingredients present in descending order of the concentrations. This is not required on a vessel containing 2 ounces (56 grams or 56 ml) or less of the substance. Each label must have both the chemical name (IUPAC name) and the CAS Number on each label for purposes of identification of the chemical. Each container should be inspected annually for label and container integrity.
Safety information sheets and references, e.g. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).

Information sheets for each chemical present in the laboratory must be available to any laboratory worker within 72 hours of a written request.
The Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan and Checklist.

These documents must be kept current, kept in the laboratory, and made readily available to all laboratory workers. Copies of these documents must be sent to EH&S for review.

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Compliance

The Principal Investigator is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan on the Health Sciences campus. The following procedure will be followed if there is a violation.

In the event that the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EH&S) determines that a significant health or safety hazard exists, EH&S in conjunction with the Laboratory Safety Manager will immediately take measures to eliminate or reduce the hazard. The EH&S will issue a written report, including recommendations about remedial action to the Laboratory Safety Manager, Principal Investigator and Departmental Safety Officer specifying a time period in which the violations must be corrected. If the violation is not corrected within the time period specified, a formal written warning will be sent to the Department Chair.

If the matter is still unresolved within the stated time period, the matter will be referred to the Dean's Office and the Institutional Health and Safety Council for action. If EH&S determines that a safety hazard remains uncorrected, EH&S can recommend closing the laboratory until the hazard has been corrected. The Dean and the Safety Council may require the P.I. and/or Chair to appear before the Safety Council as well as shut the laboratory down.
Laboratory Safety & Chemical Hygiene Plan.

Click for a printable version of the Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan.

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