LABORATORY SAFETY: LABORATORY SAFETY Nancy Delcellier Environmental Health and Safety Officer Faculty of Medicine nancy.delcellier@uottawa.ca http://www.medicine.uottawa.ca/ehss-spe/eng/


Course Outline: Course Outline Responsibilities Pre-Planning Assessing Hazards and Risks Working with Hazardous Materials Laboratory Equipment Emergency Procedures


Why Lab Safety?: Why Lab Safety? Legal Reasons Moral Reasons The person best prepared to choose will know the likely outcome. Choices


Ask Questions/Read procedures: Ask Questions/Read procedures Why???


Workplace Statistics: Workplace Statistics National Workers’ Compensation statistics, from 2003: Almost 349,000 lost-time injuries 963 fatalities in 2003 In Ontario 378 workers killed in 2003 Approx. 7 workers killed per week


Research employee injuries, 1993 - 1997*: Research employee injuries, 1993 - 1997* The most common serious injuries: cuts due to careless use of razor blades. . Source: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Office of Laboratory Safety. All reported injuries are shown, without regard to severity


University of Ottawa (2002): University of Ottawa (2002) 56 injuries reported to WSIB 29 injuries required medical attention 27 injuries required first aid only, but still resulted in lost time 109.5 days of lost time Total of 94 accidents and incidents reported to HR


The University Safety Policies: The University Safety Policies The University of Ottawa recognizes its legal and moral responsibilities in health and safety for the University community by ensuring sound and safe conditions in all its activities. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY Policy 77 http://www.uottawa.ca/sec-univ/pol.htm The purpose of this Policy is to ensure that the University fulfils its legal obligations for the protection of the environment, through the appropriate assignment of responsibilities throughout the University, and establishment of directives, procedures and standards. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Policy 91


Responsibility and Accountability: Responsibility and Accountability Rector Senior Managers Deans and Chairs Supervisors Principal Investigators Laboratory Workers Support Staff, Graduate Students, Undergraduate Students


Occupational Health & Safety Committees: Occupational Health & Safety Committees Performs safety inspections Reviews accident & incident reports and follows up on any corrective actions as needed Works with supervisors and employees to promote safety & health issues Reviews safety program


Pre-Planning Experiments: Pre-Planning Experiments Identify ALL hazards Ensure all safety equipment available, and maintained Follow preplanned work procedures No substitution without thorough review (Supervisor) Develop an Attitude of Safety Awareness


Before any work, you must know: Before any work, you must know Properties of materials & agents and their prescribed safety procedures Be familiar with operating procedures for ALL equipment used Emergency spill procedures, use of adsorbents and disinfectants Designated escape routes (know alternate) Location of fire extinguisher, eye wash, shower, first aid, and spill kits


Assessing Hazards and Risks: Assessing Hazards and Risks Risk due to hazardous materials Physical Hazards electrical mechanical temperature electromagnetic fields Biohazards Hazards from Radioactivity


Risks due to Hazardous Materials: Risks due to Hazardous Materials Compressed Gases Flammable and Combustible Oxidizers Toxic Corrosive Reactive


General Rules for Handling Hazardous Materials: General Rules for Handling Hazardous Materials All Containers, pipes, process vessels and storage areas must be labeled All labels must identify the product and hazards associated with its use Read the label at least three times before using the products when removing from storage before opening the container before actual usage


General Rules for Handling Hazardous Materials: General Rules for Handling Hazardous Materials Date containers when opening for the first time. Maintain up to date inventory Regularly dispose of surplus materials Keep on hand only those chemicals that you have room to store properly Stick to the procedures Keep your workplace neat and organized Develop an attitude of safety awareness


Rules for HandlingCompressed Gases: Rules for Handling Compressed Gases Gas cylinders must be properly secured When no longer in use or during transport - shut valves, relieve gas in regulator, remove regulator and cap Gas cylinders must be labeled like all other containers


Slide18: Corroded lecture bottles or cylinders should not be stored or used Check hoses, tubing and regulators daily Empty cylinders should be returned to central storage as soon as possible Empty gas cylinders are marked “EMPTY” Rules for Handling Compressed Gases


Compression!: Compression!


Cylinders: Cylinders


Flammable Materials: Flammable Materials LEDROIT December 22, 1997


Rules for HandlingFlammable Materials: Rules for Handling Flammable Materials Storage of flammables Use approved flammable storage cabinets Maximum 20 Litres per storage container Maximum 4 Litres per storage container for class 1A liquids Do not store flammables with oxidizers Store flammable liquids only in approved refrigerators. Ensure all containers labelled, including waste containers


Testing flammable cabinets: Testing flammable cabinets


Testing flammable cabinets: Testing flammable cabinets


Testing flammable cabinets: Testing flammable cabinets


And if not stored properly…..: And if not stored properly…..


Slide27: Precautionary Measures Use flammable and combustible liquids in a fume hood Ensure that all sparking equipment, e.g., switches, relays, thermostat, variacs are removed from the fume hood Ensure pressure release valve open when heating flasks of flammable liquid Do not heat flammable liquids with paint stripper guns Add boiling chips to boiling liquids to prevent bumping Minimize volumes to be heated where possible Rules for Handling Flammable Materials


Vapors travel!: Vapors travel!


Rules for HandlingCorrosive Materials: Rules for Handling Corrosive Materials Storage Store in corrosive storage cabinets Store corrosives on lower shelves Do not store acids and bases together Do not store concentrated acids or bases under sinks Hydrofluoric acid must be stored in plastic containers Ensure all containers labelled


Rules for HandlingCorrosive Materials: Rules for Handling Corrosive Materials Precautionary Measures Use proper eye, hand and body protection Prevent exposure to corrosive fumes and vapours Always add acid to water, never reverse Pour Chemicals properly


Rules for HandlingToxic Materials: Rules for Handling Toxic Materials Minimize exposures with engineering controls and administrative techniques Install and maintain automatic monitors and alarms Use proper eye, face, hand and body protection Be aware of emergency procedures Practice good personal hygiene Inform your supervisor of medications you are taking if working in a hazardous area Decontaminate your work space daily


Reproductive hazards: Reproductive hazards Toxic effects on both female and male reproduction Advise supervisor or H&S professional if pregnant (many effects during 1st trimester) Resources: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/99-104.html http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/malrepro.html http://www.uottawa.ca/services/ehss/labsafety.htm


Rules for Handling Reactive Materials: Rules for Handling Reactive Materials Buy only as much as you need Label and date as soon as received Date when first opened Do not open a bottle past it’s expiration date Do not open a peroxide former if crystals or precipitates are present Store peroxide forming materials away from heat and light Examples of materials which form peroxides after prolonged exposure to air or light: ethers, THF, cyclohexene, p-dioxane, cyclooctene


Reactive Materials: Reactive Materials Monitor containers for signs of instability, e.g., changes in colour, crystal formation, drying out Store perchloric acid bottles in glass or ceramic trays Store water reactives away from sources of water Do not handle bottles of reactive chemicals with crystal formation around the cap Contact EHSS for disposal of reactive chemical wastes Plan experiments carefully Ensure proper safety equipment available


Incompatible Chemicals: Incompatible Chemicals Mixing can result in hazardous reactions, fires, production of toxic fumes Level of incompatibility may depend on quantity used, temperature, pressure Store incompatible chemicals separately Organize experiments, reactions, to avoid mixing, unless under controlled conditions Review literature and MSDS prior to experiment Do not dispose of incompatible wastes in the same container


Incompatible Chemicals: Incompatible Chemicals


Cryogenic Fluids: Cryogenic Fluids Cryogenic liquids are materials with boiling points of less than -73°C (-100°F), e.g., liquid nitrogen, helium and argon, and slush mixtures of dry ice with isopropanol Very small amounts of liquids produce large volumes of gas Rapid evaporation can lower available oxygen in the immediate area, creating an oxygen deficient atmosphere, e.g., elevators Cryogenic liquids cause cold burns and frostbite Solid oxygen crystals can form in liquid nitrogen traps attached to vacuum lines


Cryogenic Liquids - Precautions: Cryogenic Liquids - Precautions Wear insulated gloves when handling cryogenic liquids Wear safety glasses / face shields when handling and transferring cryogenic liquids Fill containers to indicated maximum level Perform operations (pouring) slowly


Electrical Hazards: Electrical Hazards No in-house modifications


Electrical Hazards: Symbols: Electrical Hazards: Symbols


Mechanical Hazards: Mechanical Hazards Mechanical hazards such as this open drive belt must be guarded No loose clothing Tripping and slipping


Vacuum Lines: Vacuum Lines Wear safety glasses when using vacuum systems Inspect glass for cracks Wrap glass (flasks) under vacuum with tape or vacuum hose Wrap dewar flasks with tape Use traps between vacuum sources and vessels under reduced pressure Install automatic shut-off for mercury diffusion pumps


Vacuum Pumps: Vacuum Pumps Vacuum pumps should be placed on a tray to catch oil that inevitably leaks from these units. Vacuum equipment should be trapped or filtered as appropriate.


High Pressure Systems: High Pressure Systems Wear safety glasses and protective gloves when using high pressure apparatus Check systems for leaks and possible defects Place protective shield between you and the apparatus Use fume hoods designed with explosion proof sashes where possible Do not work alone using high pressure apparatus Do not leave high pressure reactions unattended for extended periods Be aware of emergency procedures


Centrifuges: Centrifuges All centrifuges must have interlocking devices to prevent opening during operation Clean up spills immediately Ensure load is balanced Log all usage


Accident at Carleton University, 1999: Accident at Carleton University, 1999 Minor injuries only


Centrifuge Accident at Cornell University, 1998: Centrifuge Accident at Cornell University, 1998


Safe Use of Autoclaves: Safe Use of Autoclaves Learn how to use! Identify (who and what) Proper autoclave bags Proper loading (trays) Removing waste Not everything is autoclavable: Phenol, javex, corrosives, flammables, melting plastics http://www.uottawa.ca/services/ehss/autoclaves.htm


Glassware: Glassware Inspect glassware for cracks, stars, or stress lines before use Repair or discard defective glassware Wear eye protection when working with glass apparatus Wear safety gloves when inserting glass into rubber or plastic tubing Do not wash broken glassware with other glassware Do not mix glassware or broken glass with regular garbage. Dispose in cardboard boxes or designated containers for recycling


Control Measures: Control Measures Eye protection Gloves Lab coats Footwear Fume hoods Emergency showers Eyewashes Fire extinguishers


Working Alone / After Hours: Working Alone / After Hours Never work alone in high risk area Use buddy system Phone Protection Services Have friend contact lab at regular intervals


Eye Protection: Eye Protection Use appropriate safety glasses “Avoid use of contact lenses”? Goggles for liquids Safety glasses for explosion risks Wear at all times in labs


Gloves: Gloves Minimizes contact with hazardous agent Use appropriate gloves PVC, latex, rubber, nitrile, polypropylene Check resistance chart Do not wear gloves in halls or elevators http://www.science.uottawa.ca/HS/glove_main.htm


Lab Coats: Lab Coats Protects clothing Protects body Should have snaps Non-flammable fabric Do not wash with regular clothing


Footwear: Footwear Closed-toed shoes must be worn in labs Sandals are never to be worn in labs Shoes must cover the foot Steel toed boots must be worn in mechanical areas


Fume Hoods: Fume Hoods Chemical hoods Biosafety hoods Radioisotope hoods Exhaust canopies Recirculating hoods Perchloric acid hoods Hydrofluoric acid hoods


Fume Hood Design: Fume Hood Design Sash Bypass Grills Face Velocity Baffle Exhaust duct Face opening HEPA filter Carbon filter


Fume Hood Safety: Fume Hood Safety Never put your head into a fume hood Minimize storage of chemicals or equipment in a fume hood Work with sash at indicated operating level Set up apparatus or sources of emission at least six inches behind the plane of fume hood Raise large pieces of equipment at least one inch above the floor of the fume hood Do not obstruct back slots Keep sash closed when not working in fume hood Avoid cross drafts when working in a fume hood


Emergency Showers/ Eyewashes: Emergency Showers/ Eyewashes


Emergency Showers/ Eyewashes: Emergency Showers/ Eyewashes Know location of emergency showers and eyewash stations Become familiar with operation Wash for minimum of 15 minutes with running water Remove all contaminated clothing Wait for medical assistance Report incident


Fire Extinguishers: Fire Extinguishers Attend faculty training Extinguish fire only if feel comfortable ABC for regular fires D for metal induced fires Pull fire alarm


Emergency Procedures: Emergency Procedures Fires Explosions Spills Emissions First aid Injuries Accidents Incident/accident report form Property damage 5411


Emergency Procedures: Emergency Procedures Contact Protection Services for emergencies at extension 5411 If safe to clean spill by yourself, proceed After incident or accident, complete incident/ accident form Investigation by EHSS, Human Resources and Occupational Health and Safety Committee


Waste Disposal: Waste Disposal Regulated by Ontario University procedures Faculty guidelines Sewer restrictions Air restrictions Chemical waste Biomedical waste Sharps waste Battery waste Oil waste Scintillation wastes Photographic waste Regular garbage


Waste Disposal: Waste Disposal Label all wastes University Hazardous Waste label Sharps containers Solvent waste containers Broken glass in boxes Batteries recycling


Waste Disposal - General Guidelines: Waste Disposal - General Guidelines Use approved containers for disposal, (see EHSO) Label all hazardous waste containers with University hazardous waste label Do not mix incompatible wastes Do not overfill waste containers Contact EHSS for disposal of unstable reactive chemicals, e.g., dry picric acid Contact faculty representatives for disposal


Before Leaving the Lab: Before Leaving the Lab Check Overnight operations Supplies are sufficient Waterlines are adequately clamped Description of the process posted Emergency contacts posted


Overnight incident: Overnight incident Thermometer melted from heat Mercury vaporized Rubber supports melted Fire burnt itself out


Before Leaving the Lab: Before Leaving the Lab Turn off Gas Water Power lines Other non necessary equipment Clean your work area Return ALL chemicals to storage Lower fume hood sash Wash your hands


Weekly Lab Checks: Weekly Lab Checks Purge Eyewash station Fire extinguisher First Aid Kit Fume Hood Tubing, pressurized connection Chemical storage Cap Sinks, floor drains Page 5 - Laboratory Procedures and Safety Manual


Printed Resources: Printed Resources Faculty Laboratory Procedures and Safety Manual WHMIS Manual University Hazardous Materials Handling Guide CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety Prudent Practices in the Laboratory The Chemical Institute of Canada Lab Safety Handbook


Find the potentials…: Find the potentials… What’s Wrong? #1


Find the potentials…: Find the potentials… What’s Wrong? #2


Find the potentials…: Find the potentials… What’s Wrong? #3


Find the potentials…: Find the potentials… What’s Wrong? #4


Find the potentials…: What’s Wrong? #5 Find the potentials…


Accident waiting to happen!: Accident waiting to happen! Did this person take Lab Safety???