IUPUI Environmental Health & Safety

Chemical & Laboratory Safety > Chemical Hygiene Plan

SectionTopic of Interest		SectionTopic of Interest

1.0	Introduction	7.0	Laboratory Signage
2.0	Chemical Hygiene Responsibilities	8.0	Exposure Evaluations
3.0	Operating Procedures	9.0	Medical Consultation and Examination
4.0	Criteria for Implementation of Control Measures	10.0	Records and Recordkeeping
5.0	Engineering Controls	11.0	Chemical Hygiene Plan Audit
6.0	Employee Information and Training

APPENDICES
A. Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories - The OSHA Laboratory Standard
(29CFR 1910.1450)
B. Limits for Air Contaminants - 29CFR 1910.1000(f)(4) Tables Z-1-A, Z-2, and Z-3
C. Chemical Hygiene Plan Training Attendance Record

1.0 Introduction
1.1 OSHA Regulations

On January 31, 1990, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) promulgated a final rule entitled Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (commonly known as "The Laboratory Standard" - see Appendix A). The basis for this standard is a determination that laboratories differ from industrial operations in their use and handling of hazardous chemicals and that a different approach than that found in OSHA's substance specific health standards is warranted to protect workers. This standard does not establish new exposure limits, but sets other performance provisions designed to protect laboratory workers from potential hazards in their work environment.

1.2 Purpose

The purpose of this model Chemical Hygiene Plan is to define work practices and procedures to help ensure that Laboratory Workers at IUPUI are protected from health and safety hazards associated with the hazardous chemicals with which they work.

1.3 Applicability

The Laboratory Standard applies to all employees engaged in the laboratory use of hazardous chemicals. Laboratory use of hazardous chemicals is defined as the use or handling of chemicals in which all of the following conditions are met:

Chemical manipulations are carried out on a "laboratory scale". Laboratory scale is defined as work with substances in which the containers used for reactions, transfers, and other handling of substances are designed to be easily and safely manipulated by one person. This definition excludes those workplaces whose function is to produce commercial quantities of materials.

Multiple chemical procedures or chemicals are used.

The procedures involved are not part of a production process, nor in any way simulate a production process.

This standard does not apply to:

Uses of hazardous chemicals which do not meet the definition of laboratory use, and in such cases, the employer shall comply with the relevant standard in 29 CFR part 1910, subpart Z, even if such use occurs in a laboratory.

Laboratory uses of hazardous chemicals which provide no potential for employee exposure.

Where the standard does apply, it shall supersede, for laboratories, the requirements of all other OSHA health standards in 20 CFR part 1910, subpart Z, except as follows:

For any OSHA health standard, only the requirement to limit employee exposure to the specific permissible exposure limit shall apply for laboratories, unless that particular standard states otherwise or unless the action level (or in the absence of an action level, the PEL) is routinely exceeded. - See Appendix B.

Prohibition of eye and skin contact where specified by any OSHA health standard shall be observed.

Where the action level (or in the absence of an action level, the PEL) is routinely exceeded for an OSHA regulated substance with exposure monitoring and medical surveillance requirements, the employee exposure monitoring and medical monitoring requirements of this standard shall apply.

Any substance specific standard can require coverage to remain under that standard rather than under the laboratory standard. In the absence of a statement of preemption in a substance specific standard, the determination of whether the laboratory standard applies must be dependent on both “laboratory use” and “laboratory scale” criteria. Where these criteria are met, the laboratory standard applies.

1.4 Chemical Hygiene Plan Coverage

The Chemical Hygiene Plan is the written program that contains policies and procedures for the safe use of hazardous chemicals. Major components of the plan include:

Employee information and training

Hazard identification

Personal exposure monitoring

Medical surveillance

Standard operating procedures

Personal protective equipment

Containment and engineering controls

1.5 Definitions

ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

Action level A concentration designated in [the OSHA (29 CFR) Laboratory Standard for a specific substance, calculated as an eight-hour time-weighted average, which initiates certain required activities such as exposure monitoring and medical surveillance.

ANSI American National Standards Institute.

Chemical Hygiene Officer An employee who is designated by the employer, and who is qualified by training or experience, to provide technical guidance in the development and implementation of the provisions of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.

Chemical Hygiene Plan A written program developed and implemented by the employer which (1) sets forth procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment, and work practices that are capable of protecting employees from the health hazards presented by hazardous chemicals used in that particular workplace, and (2) meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1450(e).

CHO The Chemical Hygiene Officer, a member of the IUPUI Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

CHP Chemical Hygiene Plan.

Designated area An area which may be used for work with select carcinogens, reproductive toxins, or substances which have a high degree of acute toxicity. A designated area may be the entire laboratory, an area of a laboratory or a device such as a laboratory hood.

EHS The IUPUI Department of Environmental Health and Safety

EPA Environmental Protection Agency.

Hazardous chemical A chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees. The term "health hazard" includes chemicals which are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the hematopoietic systems, and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. (See also definitions of specific and physical hazards.)

Laboratory OSHA defines a laboratory as “a workplace where relatively small quantities of hazardous chemicals are used on a non-productive basis”.

Lab Workers The Laboratory Workers referred to in the Lab Standard are employees. OSHA defines an employee as "an individual employed in a laboratory workplace who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals in the course of his or her assignments." An example of a Laboratory Worker would be a University teaching assistant, research assistant or faculty member instructing an academic lab. OSHA would not consider students in an academic laboratory employees. However, as a matter of university policy, the principles outlined in this Chemical Hygiene Plan will apply to students in
laboratories. Also included, will be visiting professors and volunteers that might be working in the lab. Thus, Laboratory Supervisors must ensure that these groups that are in their laboratories are adequately instructed in safe laboratory procedures.

OSHA The Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Oxidizer A chemical, other than a blasting agent or explosive as defined in [OSHA Regulations (Standards-29 CFR) - 1910.109a], that initiates or promotes combustion in other materials, thereby causing fire either of itself or through the release of oxygen or other gases.

NFPA National Fire Protection Association.

PEL Permissible exposure limit. PELs are regulatory limits on the amount or concentration of a substance in the air. They may also contain a skin designation.

Physical hazard A combustible liquid, compressed gas, oxidizer, or organic peroxide; or a material with explosive, flammable, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive), or water-reactive properties.

PPE Personal protective equipment.

PI The Principal Investigator (or the Laboratory or Instructional Supervisor).

Reproductive toxin A chemical which affects the reproductive capabilities, or damages the chromosomes (mutation) or fetus (teratogenesis).

Safety Coordinator A safety coordinator (SC) will be designated for each school, department, or other subdivision by the dean, chairman, or director to serve as liaison to EHS.

Select carcinogen Any substance which meets one of the following criteria: (1) it is regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen; or (2) it is listed under the category "known to be carcinogens" in the Annual Report on Carcinogens published by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) (latest edition); or (3) it is listed under Group 1 ("carcinogenic to humans") by the International Agency for Research on Cancer Monographs (IARC) (latest editions); or (4) it is listed in either Group 2A or 2B by IARC or under the category "reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens" by NTP, and causes statistically significant tumor incidence in experimental animals in accordance with any of the following criteria: (a) after inhalation exposure of 6-7 hours per day, 5 days per week, for a significant portion of a lifetime to dosages of less than 10 mg/m3; (b) after repeated skin application of less than 300 (mg/kg of body weight) per week; or (c) after oral dosages of less than 50 mg/kg of body weight per day.

TLV Threshold limit value.

SOP Standard operating procedure

2.0 Chemical Hygiene Responsibilities
2.1 Background

IUPUI is committed to providing a safe and healthful environment for all persons associated with the institution. The university intends to be a role model in its environmental stewardship, health protection and safety standards and its compliance with all laws and regulations relating to the environment, health and safety. Management, faculty, staff, and students are asked to support these goals in all university activities and the University administration will provide the necessary resources to achieve these goals.

A vast array of educational activities and research utilizing hazardous materials is conducted at the university that requires cooperation of all parties involved to ensure that such activities are conducted safely with regard to workers, students, the community, and the environment. The following outlines specific responsibilities associated with laboratory safety and this Chemical Hygiene Plan.

2.2 IUPUI Department of Environmental Health and Safety

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for providing overall administrative guidance and supervision for the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP). Specific responsibilities of EHS include:

Provide training for managers, supervisors, and safety coordinators concerning requirements of the program and their responsibilities.

Provide guidance for the preparation of procedures, chemical inventories, and training programs required by the CHP.

Validate employee training.

Maintain a master file of documentation and records associated with the CHP, including training, personal exposure, medical surveillance, chemical inventories, and material safety data sheets (MSDSs).

Handle MSDS requests.

2.3 Chemical Hygiene Officer

The Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) is an employee who is qualified by training or experience, to provide technical guidance for the continuing implementation of the CHP. The Chemical Hygiene Officer for IUPUI is the Laboratory Safety Manager. Specific responsibilities of the CHO include:

Work with administrators and other employees to develop and implement appropriate chemical hygiene policies and practices.

Monitor procurement and use of chemicals in the lab, including determining that facilities and training levels are adequate for the chemicals in use.

Perform annual chemical hygiene and housekeeping inspections including inspections of emergency equipment.

Maintain current knowledge concerning the legal requirements of regulated substances in the laboratory.

Review and improve the Chemical Hygiene Plan on an annual basis.

Maintain overall responsibility for laboratory safety.

Monitor employee knowledge and adherence to the chemical hygiene rules.

Aid in determining the proper level of personal protective equipment.

Ensure that appropriate training has been provided to employees.

2.4 Managers and Supervisors

Lab managers and supervisors are responsible for maintaining safe operations in their labs on a daily basis. Specific responsibilities include:

Attend training provided by EHS concerning the requirements of this program and their responsibilities, or send their representative who shall be the safety coordinator (SC) for the work area.

Ensure that the Chemical Hygiene Plan is customized for their lab and incorporated into routine training sessions for their respective work areas. This program must be written, applicable to the individual chemical process, and at least as stringent as the requirements of this document.

Include standard operating procedures for specific laboratory procedures in CHP Section 3.2.

Ensure employee training at the time of initial assignment to the area, whenever a new hazard is introduced to the area or when the employee is reassigned to an area using new or different materials and/or processes.

Provide appropriate personal protective equipment and require its proper use and maintenance.

Ensure an inventory is completed for all chemicals used in their work areas following the instructions provided by EHS.

Review and understand MSDSs on materials used by employees under their direct supervision and inform employees as new MSDSs become available.

Ensure MSDSs are available in the work area and are readily accessible to employees.

Ensure that employee requests for MSDSs and other materials are promptly handled, requesting any necessary information or help from EHS.

Ensure that all containers of hazardous materials are labeled with the chemical name or trade name.

Ensure that safe and healthful work conditions are maintained.

2.5 Safety Coordinator

A safety coordinator (SC) will be designated for each school, department, or other subdivision by the dean, chairman, or director to serve as liaison to EHS and the CHO. Responsibilities of the SC include:

Conduct training on the hazards of chemicals used by lab workers in their labs.

Ensure that training is documented using the Chemical Hygiene Plan Training Attendance Record (Appendix C). Keep a copy of the record for the departmental file and send the original to EHS.

Provide information about chemical hazards to contract employees or IUPUI maintenance employees working in the area.

Serve as a conduit for information between laboratories in their area and EHS and the CHO.

Assist EHS or CHO with the collection of chemical inventory information.

Distribute Laboratory Safety Surveys to appropriate investigators and ensure that all required deficiencies have been corrected.

2.6 Laboratory Workers

Responsibilities include the following:

Report any suspected job-related injuries or illnesses to the Laboratory Supervisor and seek treatment immediately

Refrain from the operation of any equipment or instrumentation without proper instruction and authorization

Remain aware of the hazards of the chemicals in the lab and how to handle hazardous chemicals safely

Request information and training when unsure how to handle a hazardous chemical or procedure

Follow all safety and health standards and rules.

Report all hazardous conditions to the supervisor.

Wear or use prescribed protective equipment.

Refrain from operating equipment that has safety defects.

Attend training sessions on the Chemical Hygiene Program.

Keep informed about chemicals used in the lab.

The Lab Standard requires operating procedures relevant to safety and health considerations to be followed when laboratory work involves the use of hazardous chemicals. This Plan represents a minimum set of guidelines for IUPUI laboratories handling hazardous chemicals.

3.2 General Standard Operating Procedures

The General Standard Operating Procedures are fundamental safety precautions which should be familiar to all lab users. These practices should be followed at all times.

3.2.1 Chemical Procurement

The decision to procure a chemical shall be a commitment to handle and use the chemical properly from initial receipt to ultimate disposal.

Prior to ordering a chemical, the user must determine that appropriate containment and personal protective equipment are available for its use. The Chemical Hygiene Officer will assist in this determination.

Personnel who receive chemical shipments shall be knowledgeable of the proper procedures for receipt and Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance. Chemical containers shall not be accepted without accompanying labels, material safety data sheets and packaging in accordance with all appropriate regulations. All chemical shipments should be dated when received and opened.

3.2.2 Chemical Storage

Received chemicals shall be immediately moved to the designated storage area. Large glass containers shall be placed in carrying containers or shipping containers during transportation.

The storage area shall be well-illuminated, with all chemical storage maintained below eye level. Large bottles shall be stored no more than two feet from ground level.

Chemicals shall be segregated by hazard classification and compatibility in a well-identified area, with local exhaust ventilation.

Highly toxic chemicals shall be stored in unbreakable secondary containers.

When chemicals are taken from the storage area, they shall be placed in an outside container or bucket.

Storage of chemicals at the lab bench or other work areas shall be limited to those amounts necessary for work currently in progress.

The amounts of chemicals at the lab bench shall be as small as practical.

Stored chemicals shall be examined annually by the Chemical Hygiene Officer or his designee for replacement, deterioration, and container integrity. The inspection should determine whether any corrosion, deterioration, or damage has occurred to the storage facility as a result of leaking chemicals.

Periodic inventories of chemicals outside the storage area shall be conducted by the Chemical Hygiene Officer or his designee. Unneeded items shall be properly discarded or returned to the storage area.

3.2.3 Chemical Handling

Each laboratory employee with the training, education and resources provided by supervision, shall develop and implement work habits consistent with this CHP to minimize personal and co-worker exposure to the chemicals in the laboratory. Based on the realization that all chemicals inherently present hazards in certain conditions, exposure to all chemicals shall be minimized.
General precautions which shall be followed for the handling and use of all chemicals include:
Skin contact with all chemicals shall be avoided.
All employees shall wash all areas of exposed skin prior to leaving the laboratory.
Mouth suction for pipeting or starting a siphon is prohibited.
Eating, drinking, smoking, gum chewing, or application of cosmetics in areas where laboratory chemicals are present is prohibited.
Storage, handling and consumption of food or beverages shall not occur in chemical storage areas or refrigerators. Glassware and utensils used for laboratory operations shall not be used for food or drink consumption or preparation.
Any chemical mixture shall be assumed to be at least as toxic as its most toxic component.
Substances of unknown toxicity shall be assumed to be toxic.
Laboratory employees shall be familiar with the symptoms of exposure for the chemicals with which they work and the precautions necessary to prevent exposure.
In all cases of chemical exposure, neither the Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) of OSHA (see Appendix B) or the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) shall be exceeded.

3.2.4 Laboratory Equipment and Glassware

Each employee shall keep the work area clean and uncluttered. At the completion of each work day or operation, the work area shall be thoroughly cleaned and all equipment properly cleaned and stored. In addition, the following procedures shall apply to the use of laboratory equipment:

All laboratory equipment shall be used only for its intended purpose.
All glassware will be handled and stored with care to minimize breakage; all broken glassware will be immediately disposed of in an appropriately labeled broken glass container constructed with corrugated cardboard or other puncture-resistant material.
All evacuated glass apparatus shall be shielded to contain chemicals and glass fragments should implosion occur.
All laboratory equipment shall be inspected by the user on a periodic basis for safety defects, and replaced or repaired as necessary.

3.2.5 Personal Protective Equipment

Safety glasses meeting ANSI Z87.1 are required for employees and visitors in laboratories so designated, and will be worn at all times when in the laboratory in a Class 3 eye protection laboratory.
Safety glasses meeting ANSI Z87.1 are required for employees and visitors in laboratories designated as a Class 2 eye protection laboratory when an eye hazard is present in the laboratory.
Chemical goggles and a full face shield (if necessary) shall be worn during chemical transfer and handling operations as procedures dictate.
Shorts, sandals, perforated shoes, cloth sneakers and bare feet are prohibited.
Lab coats provide adequate body protection for most operations in the laboratory. Laboratory coats will be laundered on a periodic basis (at least monthly). Laboratory coats shall be removed immediately upon discovery of significant contamination.
Appropriate chemical-resistant gloves (see Section XVII of the Reference Manual) shall be worn at all times when there may be skin contact with chemicals. Used gloves shall be inspected and washed prior to reuse. Damaged or deteriorated gloves will be immediately replaced. Gloves shall be washed prior to removal from the hands.
Thermal-resistant gloves shall be worn for operations involving the handling of heated materials and cryogenic fluids. Thermal-resistant gloves shall be non-asbestos and shall be replaced when damaged or deteriorated.
Respirator usage shall comply with the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134, and the IUPUI Respiratory Protection Program.

3.2.6 Personal Work Practices

Laboratory supervision must ensure that each employee knows and follows the rules and procedures established in this plan.
All employees shall be alert for unsafe practices and conditions in the laboratory and shall immediately report such practices and/or conditions to the laboratory supervisor. The supervisor must correct unsafe practices and/or conditions promptly.
Long hair and loose-fitting clothing shall be confined close to the body to avoid being caught in moving machine/equipment parts.
Use only those chemicals appropriate for the ventilation system.
Avoid unnecessary exposure to all chemicals by any route.
Do not smell or taste any chemicals.
Working alone in the laboratory is not appropriate; if this is necessary, arrange for periodic checks by personnel in adjacent laboratories.
Seek information and advice from knowledgeable persons, standards and codes about the hazards present in the laboratory. Plan operations, equipment and protective measures accordingly.
Use engineering controls in accordance with Section 5.0.
Inspect personal protective equipment prior to use, and wear appropriate protective equipment as procedures dictate and when necessary to avoid exposure.

3.2.7 Labeling

All containers in the laboratory shall be labeled. This includes chemical containers and waste containers. The label shall be informative and durable, and at a minimum, will identify contents, source, date received and opened, and indication of hazard.
Secondary containers shall be labeled by the individual using the container.
All food items used in the lab shall be labeled “Not for human consumption”.
All microwaves used in the laboratory shall be labeled “Not for food use”.
All refrigerators and freezers shall be labeled “No food, drinks or flammables” unless it is a fire safe refrigerator. If it is a fire safe refrigerator it shall be labeled with “No food or drinks”.
Existing labels on incoming containers shall not be removed or defaced unless appropriately relabeled immediately with the required information.
The labeling program shall be periodically inspected by the Chemical Hygiene Officer or his designee to ensure that labels are attached and in good condition

3.3 Procedure-Specific Safety Procedures

Written laboratory procedures normally have a description of specific safety measures for that particular procedure. Lab workers should read and review those practices before beginning a procedure.

3.4 Special Procedures for Particularly Hazardous Substances

Special precautions shall be taken when performing laboratory work with any of the following inimical chemical categories: carcinogens, reproductive toxins, substances that have a high degree of acute toxicity, or chemicals whose toxic properties are unknown.

3.4.1 Inimical Chemical Categories

Carcinogens - Both known and suspect cancer-causing chemicals reported in the latest edition of the National Toxicology Program's "Carcinogens Summary" (see Section VII of the Reference Manual).
Reproductive Toxins - Chemicals including mutagens and teratogens identified as such by the Material Safety Data Sheet.
Acute Toxicity Chemicals - Any substance for which the LD50 data described in the applicable MSDS (or other literature source) cause the substance to be classified as a level 3 or 4 health hazard according to the HMIS system (see Section XIII of the Reference Manual).
Chemicals Whose Toxic Properties are Unknown - Chemicals for which there is no known statistically significant study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that establishes its toxicity.

3.4.2 Precautions for Inimical Chemical Use

Allow only those persons specifically trained to work with inimical chemicals to work with those chemicals.
Designated Area - A hood, glove box, portion of a laboratory, or an entire laboratory must be designated for inimical chemical use.
Designated areas shall be posted and their boundaries clearly marked. Posting shall include the identification of inimical chemicals used in the area.
Access to the laboratory may be restricted during inimical chemical use by the laboratory supervisor or CHO.
Suitable gloves and long sleeves shall be worn during use of inimical chemicals (see Section XVII of the Reference Manual).
Use the smallest amount of chemical that is consistent with the requirements of the work to be done.
Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or high-efficiency scrubber systems to protect vacuum lines and pumps.
Decontaminate a designated area when work is completed.
Store all inimical chemicals in locked and enclosed spaces at all times when not in use.
Retain all inimical chemical wastes for disposal by EHS (see Section XIX of the Reference Manual).

3.5 Prior Approval for Laboratory Activities

Certain activities that present specific, foreseeable hazards for laboratories and their users may require prior approval from their department and/or the CHO. These activities include, sole occupancy of building, hazardous operations, use of new procedures or chemicals, and unattended operations.

3.5.1 Sole Occupancy of Building

Under normal circumstances, work should not be done in the laboratory when the only person in the building is the laboratory person performing the work. If this is necessary, periodic checks on that person should be made by personnel in adjacent buildings.

3.5.2 Hazardous Operations

All hazardous operations are to be performed during a time when at least two people are present at the laboratory. At no time shall a laboratory person, while working alone in the laboratory, perform work which is considered hazardous. The determination of hazardous operations shall be made by the laboratory supervisor and/or CHO.

3.5.3 New Procedures or Chemicals

Prior to the use of new procedures or chemicals, a review of potential hazards created must be undertaken within the department. The review should also be completed when there is a substantial change in the amount of chemicals used or a change in the equipment used in the procedure.

3.5.4 Unattended Operations

When laboratory operations are performed which will be unattended by laboratory personnel (continuous operations, overnight reactions, etc.), the following procedures will be employed:

The laboratory supervisor will review work procedures to ensure the safe completion of the operation.
An appropriate sign will be posted at all entrances to the laboratory.
The overhead lights in the laboratory will be left on.
Precautions shall be made for the interruption of utility services during the unattended operation (loss of water pressure, electricity, etc.).
Containment will be provided in the event of unexpected hazardous material releases.
Tubing for running water must be in good condition and secured at connections by clamps or wire.

Air sampling for evaluating employee exposure to chemical substances shall be conducted periodically or as indicated by specific codes or regulations.
Upon addition of new chemicals or changes in control procedures, additional air sampling will be considered to determine the exposures.
Air sampling will be conducted if there is reason to believe that exposure levels for regulated substances exceed the action level, or in the absence of an action level, the PEL.
The results of air sampling studies performed in the laboratory are maintained by EHS.

4.2 Housekeeping

Each laboratory worker is directly responsible for the cleanliness of his or her work space, and jointly responsible for common areas of the laboratory. Laboratory management shall insist on the maintenance of housekeeping standards. The following procedures apply to housekeeping standards of the laboratory:

The lab benches shall be kept clear of equipment and chemicals except those necessary for the work currently being performed.
The work area shall be cleaned at the end of each operation or each day.
All apparatus shall be thoroughly cleaned and returned to storage upon completion of usage.
All floors, aisles, exits, fire extinguishing equipment, eye washes, electrical disconnects and other emergency equipment shall remain unobstructed.
All labels shall face front.
Chemical containers shall be clean, properly labeled and returned to storage upon completion of usage.
All chemical wastes will be disposed of promptly in accordance with the waste disposal plan (see Section XIX of the Reference Manual).

4.3 Safety and Emergency Equipment

Telephone numbers of emergency personnel, supervisors and other workers as deemed appropriate shall be posted and provided to EHS.
All laboratory personnel will be aware of the location and proper use of fire safety and emergency equipment.
Prior to the procurement of new chemicals, the Chemical Hygiene Officer or the laboratory supervisor shall verify that safety and emergency equipment are appropriate for such chemicals.
Eye washes shall be inspected and flushed for 5 minutes weekly by laboratory employees. Showers shall be inspected by EHS at least annually. Records shall be maintained for eye wash and shower inspections.
Location signs for safety and emergency equipment shall be posted.

The engineering controls installed in the laboratory are intended to minimize employee exposure to chemical and physical hazards in the workplace. These controls must be maintained in proper working order for this goal to be realized.

5.2 Modification

No modification of engineering controls will occur unless testing indicates that worker protection will continue to be adequate.

5.3 Improper Function

Improper function of engineering controls must be reported to the Chemical Hygiene Officer and to Campus Facility Services Trouble Line (278-1900) immediately. The system shall be taken out of service until proper repairs have been executed.

5.4 Usage

5.4.1 Laboratory Fume Hoods

The laboratory fume hoods shall be utilized for all chemical procedures which might result in release of hazardous chemical vapors or dust. As a general rule, the fume hood shall be used for all chemical procedures involving substances which are volatile and have a permissible exposure limit (PEL) less than 100 ppm or are flammable materials. The following work practices shall apply to the use of fume hoods:

Confirm adequate hood ventilation performance prior to opening chemical containers inside the hood. An inward flow of air can be confirmed by holding a thin strip of tissue at the face of the hood and observing the movement of the paper.
Keep the sash of the hood at or below the indicated maximum operating height except when adjustments within the hood are being made. At these times, maintain the sash height as low as possible.
Storage of chemicals and equipment inside the hood shall be kept to a minimum.
Minimize interference with the inward flow of air into the hood.
Locate apparatus toward the rear of the hood and keep all work at least 6 inches inside the hood to prevent vapors from escaping.
Do not place items against the back wall which will obstruct the baffles and impede the airflow.
Leave the hood operating when it is not in active use if hazardous chemicals are contained inside the hood or if it is uncertain whether adequate general laboratory ventilation will be maintained when the hood is non-operational.
The hood shall not be used as a means of disposal for volatile chemicals.
The ventilation system shall be inspected annually by EHS. The hood face velocity shall be at least 80 feet per minute. A record of each inspection shall be maintained by the Chemical Hygiene Officer.

5.4.2 Glove Boxes and Isolation Rooms

The exhaust air from a glove box or isolation room will pass through HEPA filters or other treatment before release into the regular exhaust system.

5.4.3 Flammable Storage Cabinets

Cabinets designed for the safe storage of flammable chemicals can only do so if used and maintained properly. Cabinets are generally made of double-walled construction and are made of 18 gage steel. The doors are two inches above the base and the cabinet is liquid proof to that point. Two vents are provided on opposite sides of the cabinet and are equipped with flame-arrestor screens. Always read the manufacturer's information and follow prudent safety practices such as:

Store only compatible materials inside the cabinet.
Store chemicals of similar vapor density together when using mechanical ventilation (e.g., heavier than air vapors are vented through the bottom vent and lighter than air vapors through the top vent).
Do not store paper or cardboard inside cabinets with the chemicals.
Do not overload the cabinet.
Do not store corrosives inside the cabinet.

All IUPUI employees working in a laboratory environment must attend the mandatory Laboratory Safety Training class. This class is offered monthly, and can also be offered at other dates by contacting the Environmental Health and Safety Department. This training fulfills the OSHA Laboratory Standard requirements.

6.2 Training Timing and Frequency

Information and training shall be provided to laboratory employees on the following basis:

New employees shall complete the full training program.
Current employees who have changed positions or are assigned to begin working in a laboratory must complete the full training program.
All employees shall be informed of updated information via Lab Notes.

6.3 Training Components

This training shall include methods of detecting the presence of hazardous chemicals, physical and health hazards of chemicals in the lab, and measures employees can take to protect themselves from these hazards. The training shall present the details of the Chemical Hygiene Plan, and shall include:

The contents of the OSHA laboratory standard, and its appendices.
The location and availability of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
The physical and health hazards of chemicals in the work area.
Signs and symptoms associated with exposure to the chemicals present in the laboratory.
Location, availability, and how to use reference material on chemical hygiene including Material Safety Data Sheets.
The criteria for selection and use of personal protective equipment and the limits of its protection.
Emergency procedures and the location of emergency equipment.

6.4 Training Documentation

The safety coordinator is responsible for ensuring that all employees in their department, required per section 6.1, have attended the Laboratory Safety Training. All personnel attending the Laboratory Safety Training course will sign an attendance sheet. A copy of this record shall be maintained by the Chemical Hygiene Officer.

7.1 Introduction

The signage system is designed to fulfill regulatory signage requirements as well as alert lab users and visitors to specific hazards located in individual laboratories. The lab signs do not list every hazard associated with a lab and do not replace basic laboratory safety training or practice.

Accurate door postings facilitate emergency response actions by providing immediate information to firefighters, paramedics, and others. Incorrect postings may place others in danger and/or delay implementation of measures to control and minimize certain emergency situations (e.g., fire, explosion, etc.), thereby increasing the damage to the room and/or other portions of the building.

7.2 Hazard Assessment and Laboratory Signage Program (HALS)

HALS is a web based program designed to assist laboratory supervisors in identifying the hazards present in their laboratories and communicating this information to anyone who enters their labs. The laboratory PI or his representative can log onto the IUPUI Environmental Health and Safety Website at www.ehs.iupui.edu and click on the link to the HALS program at http://www.ehs.iupui.edu/hals/home.asp.

The Laboratory PI or his representative will then complete an electronic profile of the laboratory, and the information is incorporated into a door sign. The sign lists the name of the principal investigator and the name of an alternate contact that are responsible for the room, along with corresponding contact numbers.

The PI must select the most important hazards in their lab area from a list of twelve hazard types (see section 7.2.1 for the Hazard Definition Tables), and then rate the risk level as “low”, “moderate”, or “high” for each hazard. For biological hazards present in the laboratory please choose from BSL1, BSL2 or BSL3. If radioactive materials are in use in the laboratory then please indicate “Present” on the pull down menu. Please note that you must have approval from Radiation Safety before a sign can be posted indicating radioactive materials in use. Please also indicate, using the drop down menu, if your laboratory eye classification is a class 1, class 2 or class 3.

The sign indicates any limitations on access, and also provides an area for you to type any additional warnings you would like posted.

All laboratory signs will automatically state “No Food or Drink allowed”.

7.3 Hazard Definition Tables

Biohazard

Definition: Organisms or their products that may cause harm to humans or animals.
Example: disease-causing microorganisms. Immuno-compromised individuals (who lack resistance to infection) may be at an increased risk of health effects from biohazards. These people should discuss their condition with their supervisors so that, if appropriate, additional precautions would be followed.

BSL1: Microbiology lab using microorganisms that do not cause disease in healthy adults. Examples: E. Coli bacteria, yeast “Biosafety Level 1”.

BSL2: Organisms that can cause moderate to serious illness in healthy adults. Infections seldom occur via inhalation unless the organism is dispersed into the air as an aerosol. Infections readily occur from needle sticks or accidental contact with mucous membranes such as eyes and mouth. Ex: Human blood and body fluids, salmonella bacteria, hepatitis B. “Biosafety Level 2”.

BSL3: Organisms that can cause serious illness or death in healthy adults. Exposure by inhalation is a risk from any sort of handling procedures or from spills or contaminated waste. Infections also readily occur from needle sticks or accidental contact with mucous membranes such as eyes and mouth. Example: the bacteria that cause TB. “Biosafety Level 3”.

Carcinogen

Definition: Chemicals that cause malignant tumors, or other forms of cancer.
Examples: some organic compounds (anthracene, aflatoxin), some solvents (chloroform, benzene), and some metals (hexavalent chromium).

Low: Occasional use of small amounts or dilute solutions. Example: Entomology lab using small quantities of dilute formaldehyde/water solutions to preserve specimens

Moderate: Routine use of material in pure form, such as acrylamide powder or diaminobenzidine (DAB), or use of several liters per week of carcinogenic solvents, such as phenol/chloroform extraction procedures.

High: Routine use of larger quantities of carcinogenic material where the risk of exposure is high because the material can be absorbed through skin or inhaled.

Flammable Liquid

Definition: Liquids that ignite easily and burn rapidly, and have a flash point less than 100F (37.7C).Examples: 95% ethanol, ether, hexane, acetone, and ethyl acetate

Low: Daily use of small quantities. Example: microbiology lab using alcohol for wiping bench tops.

Moderate: Routine use of highly volatile solvents in moderate quantities, away from ignition sources or the storage of up to 25 gallons. Examples: solvent extractions, refluxing or solvent distillation.

High: (1) Routine use of large quantities (2) any work with flammable liquids near an open flame or at elevated temperatures. Storage of over 25 gallons.

Chemical Storage

Definition: Storage of material that is not in use, excluding the hazard classes of flammable gases, flammable liquids, oxidizers, poison inhalation hazards, and water reactives, which are considered separately.

Low: Storage of small quantities of chemicals. Storage where the amount on hand would not cause a fire or serious health hazard if it came into accidental contact with water. No storage of poison inhalation hazards. Example: chemical storage in a teaching lab.

Moderate: Storage of hundreds of chemical containers. Minimal amounts of air or water reactive material, unstable or incompatible chemicals, or compressed or liquefied gases. Example: chemical inventory of a large research group.

High: Chemical stockrooms, large quantities of hazardous materials, including 55 gallon drums. Storage of significant amounts of air or water reactive material, unstable or incompatible chemicals, and/or compressed or liquefied gases.

Compressed Gas

Definition: Containers of compressed, liquefied or solidified gases which pose a risk of asphyxiation, and/or the risk of rapid freezing of tissue.
Examples: Compressed oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and dry ice (solid carbon dioxide). Flammable and highly toxic gases (poison inhalation hazards) are excluded from this category, and are considered separately.

Low: Use where a) the release rate of the gas can be controlled and b) the area is well ventilated and air is not re-circulated. Example: Gas cylinder with regulator used in a well ventilated laboratory where air is exhausted by fume hoods that vent to the roof.

Moderate: (1) Use of compressed gas with a low, well controlled flow rate in an area with poor ventilation or (2) the use of a container or gas supply system that could cause the sudden release of a large amount of gas.

High: Use of any compressed gases, including solidified or liquefied gases, in small un-ventilated space. Example: Use of liquid nitrogen or dry ice in a cold room or environmental chamber. (Note: This applies to rooms/chambers with circulating fans. They do not supply fresh air.)

Poison

Definition: Any substance which, in small quantities, can cause serious illness or death. Examples: arsenic, lead, and pesticides that block nerve transmission. For extensive information about poisons, consult Prudent Practices in the Laboratory published by the National Research Council.

Low: Use and storage of materials for which the lethal dose is more than an ounce (LD50 more than 500mg per kilogram) and that are not readily absorbed through the skin. Examples: methyl ethyl ketone, acetaldehyde, benzoic acid, methanol and hexane.

Moderate: Use and storage of materials for which the lethal dose is between an ounce and a teaspoon (LD50 between 50 to 500 mg per kilogram) OR less toxic compounds which can be absorbed through the skin. Examples: pyridine (skin absorbed), phenol
(skin absorbed), butylamine, coomassie blue, guanidine hydrochloride and zinc chloride.

High: Use and storage of materials for which the lethal dose is less than a teaspoon (LD50 less than 50mg per kilogram).Examples: sodium cyanide, osmium tetroxide, sodium azide and heptafluorobutyric acid.

Corrosive

Definition: Any material that irritates or destructively attacks body tissues such as skin. Corrosive chemicals are typically acids such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid, and bases such as sodium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide.

Low: Routine use of dilute acid and base solutions, infrequent use of concentrated acids and bases. Example: undergraduate teaching laboratory.

Moderate: Routine use of a variety of strong acids and bases in concentrated form. Example: average chemistry laboratory.

High: Labs with large quantities (more than 10 gallons) of concentrated mineral acids or bases in frequent use, and benchtop use of acid baths with acid concentrations of greater than 6 molar.

Flammable Gas

Definition: Gases that ignite easily and burn rapidly. Common flammable gases are hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and acetylene.

Low: Use of small individual low-pressure containers or piped supply systems. Example: aerosol can of spray paint with a flammable gas as a propellant.

Moderate: Routine use of large high-pressure flammable gas cylinders. Use and storage of up to five large, high pressure cylinders of flammable gases.

High: Daily use of several large high pressure cylinders of flammable gas. Use and storage of 6 or more cylinders in a laboratory. Use or storage of propane cylinders greater than 1.5 pounds.

Explosive

Definition: A chemical compound, usually containing nitrogen, that detonates as a result of shock or heat.
Examples: trinitrotoluene (dynamite) and ammonium nitrate. Wetted explosives are Flammable Solids because they ignite easily at low temperatures. For extensive information about the potential for a compound to detonate or react to form an explosive mixture, consult Bretherick’s Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards.

Low: Use that involves amounts that can not produce a harmful explosion or use of the material in form that is not explosive. Example: histology lab using picric acid solution as a stain.

Moderate: Use that involves amounts that can produce a harmful explosion but use is limited to forms, such as aqueous solutions, that are not explosive. Example: Bouin’s fixative.

High: Use of explosive compounds, in quantities that can produce a harmful explosion, in procedures that could produce a form that is explosive. Examples: refluxing diethyl ether (potentially concentrating peroxides), drying of picric acid.

Laser

Definition: Equipment that emits energy as a beam of electromagnetic radiation. Some laser beams are visible light that can be seen when they are present. Some lasers emit infra-red or ultraviolet radiation that is invisible. Medium and high intensity lasers can cause serious eye damage. High intensity lasers can also burn skin and can ignite combustible materials.

Low: Only class I, II, or IIIa lasers are in use. Beams from class I, II and IIIa lasers are always visible. There is no risk of injury unless an individual looks directly into the beam for an extended period of time. Example: HeNe laser pointers used in classrooms

Moderate: Class IIIb laser is in use. Momentary viewing of the direct beam, or a beam reflected from a mirror-like surface, may produce serious eye injury. Beams may not be visible.

High: Class IV laser is in use. Viewing of the direct beam and viewing of any type of reflection is likely to cause serious eye injury. Beams can cause skin burns. Beams can cause materials to burn and/or release hazardous materials to the air.

Oxidizer

Definition: Compounds that readily provide oxygen to support combustion. Oxidizers can initiate a fire as well as cause other materials to burn much more intensely than normal.
Examples: peroxides, chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates, and permanganates.

Low: Infrequent use of small quantities under conditions known to be controllable. Example: teaching lab using 10% hydrogen peroxide in an experiment

Moderate: Routine use and storage of moderate quantities of oxidizers. Example: chromic acid bath used to clean glassware.

High: Routine use and storage of large quantities of strong oxidizers Examples: hot perchloric acid digestion, fertilizer storage areas.

Radiation

Definition: Energy emitted from radioactive materials (alpha, beta, gamma radiation) or emitted by radiation producing equipment (X-rays) that can cause
chemical changes in living cells that may result in immediate injury or an increased risk of cancer.

Present: Radioactive materials are being used in this laboratory.

You must have Radiation Safety approval to use radioactive materials in your laboratory before you can indicate this hazard on your hazard warning sign.

There may be times when employees or supervisors suspect that an employee has been overexposed to a hazardous chemical that might have caused harm to the victim. If the circumstances suggest a reasonable suspicion of exposure, the victim is encouraged to undergo a medical consultation at Student Employee Health Service. This consultation and any related medical examination shall be provided at no cost with no loss of workday time attributed to the victim.

8.1.1 Criteria of Reasonable Suspicion of Exposure

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety investigates all employee-related incidents where there is or may be overexposure to a toxic substance. The following are examples of some events or circumstances that might reasonably constitute overexposure:

Victim had direct skin or eye contact with a chemical substance.
Odor was noticed, especially if person was working with any chemical which has a lower PEL than odor threshold.
A hazardous chemical leaked, spilled, or was otherwise rapidly released in an uncontrolled manner.
Manifestation of health hazard symptoms such as headache, rash, nausea, coughing, tearing, irritation or redness or eyes, irritation of nose or throat, dizziness, loss of motor dexterity or judgment, etc.
Some or all symptoms disappear when person is taken away from chemical area and into fresh air.
Symptoms reappear soon after person starts working with the same chemicals again.
Complaints are received from more than one person in the same work area.

8.2 Exposure Evaluations

Once a complaint of possible hazardous chemical exposure has been received, a standard series of steps are taken to elucidate the situation. Unless circumstances suggest other or additional steps, the following actions taken by the CHO will constitute an exposure assessment:

Interview the person initiating the complaint, and the victim if it is not the same person.
List essential information about the circumstances of the complaint, including:
- The chemical under suspicion.
- All chemicals being used by others in the immediate area.
- Other chemicals stored in that area.
- Symptoms exhibited or claimed by victim.
- Were control measures, such as fume hoods and personal protective equipment, used and used properly?
- Were any air sampling or monitoring devices in place or available? If so, are the measurements obtained from these devices consistent with other information?
Perform air sampling in the area for suspect chemicals.
Determine whether the victim's symptoms compare to the symptoms described in the MSDS or other pertinent scientific literature.
Review the adequacy of present control measures and safety procedures.
Notify employee of the results of air sampling within 15 working days of receipt of the results.