Environmental Health and Safety Manual

Environmental Health and Safety Manual Please find out more about “Environmental Health And Safety Manual” on Amazon: Handbook of Chemical Health and Safety (ACS Handbooks) Hazardous Materials: Awareness and Operations Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, 5th Edition, Fifth Edition (Sittig's Handbook of Toxic & Hazardous Chemicals & Carcinogens) ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS SAFETY POLICY RESPONSIBILITIES ACCIDENTS, INJURIES, AND ILLNESSES FIRE AND FIRE-RELATED EMERGENCIES RESTRICTED AREAS CHEMICAL SAFETY TOXICOLOGY OVERVIEW RADIATION SAFETY WASTE DISPOSAL BIO-SAFETY RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY SOURCES (LOCKOUT/TAGOUT) LASER SAFETY ELECTRICAL SAFETY HAND TOOLS AND POWERED EQUIPMENT WELDING, CUTTING, BRAZING, AND SOLDERING CONFINED SPACE PROGRAM EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT PROGRAM FORMALDEHYDE 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 8.9 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 8.14 8.15 8.16 8.17 8.18 8.19 EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS PUBLIC SAFETY FIRE/AMBULANCE/OTHER EMERGENCIES* ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY RADIATION SAFETY STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE POISON CONTROL CENTER 5111 5111 6112/4461/5789 5206 5744 625-3333 * Dial 5111 (Public Safety) rather than the external 9-911 for fire or emergency assistance. Emergency procedures for chemical spills are found in Section 8.5.18 of this manual. Emergency procedures for incidents involving radiation or radioactive materials are found in the Radiation Safety Manual, Section 9.5 Page 1 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual SAFETY POLICY It is the policy of CUA to provide the University community with a safe and healthful work environment and minimize adverse impact on the surrounding community resulting from our operations. It is the intent of CUA to comply with all occupational health, safety, fire, and environmental regulations and recommended practices. 8.1 - RESPONSIBILITIES 8.1.1 GENERAL Safety in the workplace and protection of our environment is a shared responsibility; it is not "someone else's" responsibility. Everyone must fully cooperate in order that we all have a working environment that is both safe and healthy. This cooperation is best expressed when each person fulfills his or her responsibilities as outlined below: 8.1.2 MANAGEMENT The managerial and supervisory staff are responsible to implement the safety policy. Vice Presidents, Deans, Directors, Chairpersons, heads of offices, laboratory supervisors and other supervisory personnel are accountable for the health and safety of employees engaged in activities under their supervision and for environmental effects resulting from activities under their control.. Supervisors must ensure their areas are free of safety hazards, safe operating procedures are in place, employees are properly trained, safety devices and personal protective equipment are available and used, and employees comply with health and safety rules and work in a safe and considerate manner. Supervisors must also investigate accidents and take corrective action to minimize the chance of another occurrence. Supervisory staff are to foster a positive attitude towards health, safety, and environmental concerns. 8.1.3 EMPLOYEES AND FACULTY Employees and faculty have a responsibility to comply with health, safety, and environmental rules issued by the University, their departments, and their supervisors. Employees must follow safe work practices, attend required training, use appropriate safety devices and personal protective equipment, and maintain adequate housekeeping in their work areas. Employees and faculty are to report all accidents and unsafe conditions to their supervisors. 8.1.4 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY DEPARTMENT Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) has responsibility for keeping abreast of regulatory requirements and recommending to the University means for compliance. EH&S develops safety programs, assists in training, and functions in an advisory and consultative capacity, providing a wide range of environmental, industrial hygiene, safety, and radiation control services. Page 2 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual 8.2 - ACCIDENTS, INJURIES & ILLNESSES 8.2.1 REPORTING AND INVESTIGATING Notify your immediate supervisor of all accidents, injuries, and illnesses related to the job. Supervisors are responsible for investigating causes of incidents, reporting them, and correcting any unsafe conditions. Reporting is done to the Office of Personnel Services by completing the "First Report of Injury or Occupational Illness" form. Do what is necessary to protect life and prevent further injury. Remain calm. Do not move a seriously injured person unless the person is in further danger. For injuries or illnesses requiring attention, contact Public Safety (x-5111) to make arrangements for transportation to a health care facility. When in doubt as to what should be done, call Public Safety for assistance. When providing information to emergency personnel, give:       Your name Your location and nature of the emergency Area of the body affected Symptoms What first-aid steps you have already taken If a chemical exposure is involved, the name and amount of chemical. 8.2.2 MINOR FIRST-AID Departments should obtain a first-aid kit for treatment of minor first-aid cases (cuts, scratches, minor burns). Have the kits readily accessible. If the kit is not visible, clearly mark the area where it is stored. Fully stock first-aid kits at all times. Do not dispense or administer any medications, including aspirin. Do not put any ointments or creams on wounds or burns. Use ice, cold packs, or cold water as appropriate for burns, swelling, and contusions. After giving first-aid, notify Public Safety (x-5111) for transportation of the victim to a medical facility for evaluation. 8.2.3 CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION Assist the person in removing the chemical by flushing with water approximately 15 minutes. Consult the MSDS for special first-aid information. Get medical attention promptly by dialing Public Safety on x-5111. Other numbers that may be needed are: Health Services Environmental Health & Safety Poison Control Center Chemicals Spilled Over a Large Area of the Body Quickly remove all contaminated clothing while using the safety shower or other available source of water. Immediately flood the affected body area in cool water for at least 15 minutes. Wash off chemical with water Page 3 of 120 5744 6112 625-3333 Environmental Health and Safety Manual but do not use neutralizing chemicals, unguents, creams, lotions or salves. Get medical attention promptly. Chemicals on the Skin in Small Areas Immediately flush with cool water. If there is no visible burn, remove jewelry to facilitate removal of any residual material and wash area with warm water and soap. If a delayed reaction is noted (often the next day), report immediately for medical attention and explain carefully what chemicals were involved. If the incident involves hydrofluoric acid (HF), seek medical attention right away. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT DAY! If there is any doubt, seek immediate medical attention Chemicals in the Eyes Irrigate with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Use an eyewash or other water source. Simultaneously check for and remove contact lenses. Wash thoroughly, but gently under eyelids. Get medical attention promptly. Smoke and Fumes Anyone overcome with smoke or chemical vapors or fumes should be moved to an area with clean air and treated for shock. Do not enter an area if a life-threatening condition exists e.g.:   oxygen depletion explosive vapors   cyanide gas hydrogen sulfide   nitrogen oxides carbon monoxide Certified rescuers should follow standard CPR procedures. Get medical attention promptly. Burning Chemicals on Clothing Extinguish burning clothing by using the drop-and-roll technique, douse with cold water, or use an emergency shower or emergency blanket. Remove contaminated clothing, being careful to avoid further damage to the burned area. Cool the skin with cool water or ice packs, until tissue around the burn feels normal to the touch. Cover the injured person to prevent shock, and get medical attention promptly. Ingestion of Hazardous Chemicals Identify the chemical ingested. Call Public Safety on x-5111 to call for an ambulance. Provide details on the chemical's name and any pertinent information. Cover the person to prevent shock. If there is time, call the Poison Control Center (625-3333) to obtain additional instructions. If possible, send the container or the label with the injured person. 8.2.4 BIOHAZARDOUS MATERIAL CONTAMINATION Report to your immediate supervisor and to Environmental Health & Safety (x-6112) all incidents that result in eye, mouth, mucosal, or broken-skin contact with potentially infectious materials, including human blood and body fluids. Rinse contamination from affected parts with plenty of water. Scrub with soap and water if Page 4 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual possible. Contact Public Safety (x-5111) to obtain medical assistance. In assisting an exposed person, take precautions so as not to expose yourself or others to the biohazardous agent. Use impermeable gloves, lab coat, apron, or other protective gear as appropriate. 8.3 - FIRE AND FIRE-RELATED EMERGENCIES 8.3.1 RESPONSE TO A FIRE If you discover a fire or a condition that may lead to a fire or explosion (such as abnormal heating of material, smell of natural gas, smoke, or odor of burning), immediately follow these procedures:  Activate the building alarm using the nearest fire pull station. (If a pull station is not available or if it does not operate, immediately notify Public Safety on x-5111 and verbally notify the persons in the building to evacuate.) Call Public Safety (x-5111) and give details of the problem. Shut down equipment in the immediate area, if possible, but DO NOT turn off fume hood blowers. Close doors to isolate the area. Use a portable fire extinguisher only if you know how to do so, it is the correct one for the type of fire, and you need to assist yourself or another person to evacuate. Provide responders with the details of the problem by phone and upon their arrival. Special hazard information you may know is essential.      If the fire alarms are ringing in your building:    Evacuate the building. Go to the designated assembly area. Stay clear of driveways, sidewalks and other access ways to the building. If you are a supervisor, try to account for your employees and report any missing persons to the emergency personnel at the scene. Assist emergency personnel only as directed. Do not re-enter the building until cleared to do so. Follow any special procedures established for your unit. 8.3.2 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Fire extinguishers, compatible with the fire hazards present, must be available per local code requirements. NFPA Code 45, Fire Protection for Laboratories with Chemicals, provides guidance for their placement in laboratories. Page 5 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Use a fire extinguisher only if you know how to do so. In the event of a fire, the most important thing to do is sound the alarm and evacuate. 8.4 - RESTRICTED AREAS Facilities placarded with the following warning signs are restricted areas: CAUTION-BIOHAZARDS CAUTION-CANCER HAZARD CAUTION-RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL CAUTION-RADIATION AREA CAUTION/DANGER-LASER CAUTION-ASBESTOS The names and phone numbers of responsible persons must be posted on the door(s) to all facilities where hazardous materials are stored or used. Faculty, staff, and administrators may only enter a restricted area when accompanied by an authorized user of the facility. Housekeeping personnel are permitted to enter restricted areas to perform routine cleaning tasks. However, these persons may only handle trash containers. They must not touch labeled waste containers or research equipment or materials. Other support personnel, such as Public Safety, Physical Plant Department personnel, etc., are permitted to enter restricted areas provided the work to be performed does not involve disturbing a use area, equipment, or materials within the facility. Examples of items off limits include:  fume hoods  biological safety cabinets  sinks  placarded equipment  materials on lab benches  chemicals Support personnel must contact an authorized user of the facility or Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) before performing work which may involve any of the above items. Immediately report to EH&S or to Public Safety any unusual conditions, such as:   spills fires   leaks injuries  contamination 8.5 - CHEMICAL SAFETY 8.5.1 HAZARD COMMUNICATION 8.5.1.1 Scope Hazard communication requirements apply to all University employees and contractors who are potentially exposed to chemicals. 8.5.1.2 Background Chemical exposure may cause or contribute to many serious health effects such as heart ailments, kidney and lung damage, sterility, cancer, burns, and rashes. Some chemicals may also be safety hazards and have the potential to cause fires and explosions and other serious accidents. To address these problems, the Occupational Page 6 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Safety and health Administration (OSHA) issued a rule called "Hazard Communication." This rule establishes uniform requirements to make sure that the hazards of all chemicals imported into, produced, and used in U.S. workplaces are evaluated, and that this hazard information is transmitted to affected employers and exposed employees. Responsibilities under the rule are as follows:    Chemical manufacturers/importers: Determine the hazards of each product. Chemical manufacturers/importers/distributors: Communicate the hazard information and associated protective measures down to customers through labels and MSDSs. Employers:    Identify and list hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Obtain MSDSs and labels for each hazardous chemical. Develop and implement a written hazard communication program to include labeling, MSDSs, and training.  Communicate hazard information to employees through labels, MSDSs, and formal training. 8.5.1.3 Implementing the Hazard Communication Standard at CUA Each department head:    Ascertains if the materials in use in his or her department fall within the scope of the Hazard Communication Standard. Posts emergency phone numbers in each area where employees handle chemicals and in the office of each supervisor whose section employees handle chemicals. Performs an annual inventory of hazardous materials used within the department and forwards the inventory to Environmental Health & Safety. (Note: A hazardous material is any element, chemical compound, or mixture of elements and/or compounds which presents physical or a health hazard. This includes laboratory chemicals, gases, lubricants, paints, cleaners, solvents, etc.) Ensures that all hazardous material storage containers are labeled to show their contents, and the nature of the material's hazard, e.g., "ETHANOL, FLAMMABLE" or "NITRIC ACID, CORROSIVE, OXIDIZER." (Note: For containers, such as flasks or beakers, in temporary use by an individual, identification of contents is adequate.) Provides information and training to all employees, under his or her supervision, who may be exposed to hazardous materials. Training must be provided prior to initial assignment requiring work with chemicals and whenever hazards change. (Note: Training is normally provided and a record kept by Environmental Health & Safety. However, if a department should provide its own training, it is important to maintain a record of this training in the department's files.) Provides appropriate safety and personal protective equipment to employees.    Each research scientist: Page 7 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  Ensures that all research employees who are associated with his/her research efforts are familiar with the Hazard Communication Standard and laboratory safety procedures.   Posts appropriate safety instructions and phone numbers in the laboratory. Ensures that proper safety and personal protective equipment is on hand. Purchasing Department:  Forwards to Environmental Health & Safety all MSDSs received from manufacturers and suppliers. Environmental Health & Safety:      Keeps track of changes in the Hazard Communication regulation and assists department heads in meeting requirements. Maintains MSDSs in a central location and makes them available upon request. Maintains audio-visual and written training materials that is available to departments upon request. Assists department heads in meeting their training responsibilities. Maintains a supply of materials such as label forms which is available to departments for use.  Establishes procedures for disposal of hazardous waste. 8.5.2 CHEMICAL HYGIENE PROGRAM 8.5.2.1 Scope Chemical hygiene program requirements apply to all engaged in the laboratory use of hazardous chemicals. This program works in conjunction with hazard communication (8.5.1). 8.5.2.2 Background The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enacted the Occupational Exposure to Chemicals in Laboratories Standard in 1990. This standard applies to all employees engaged in the laboratory use of hazardous chemicals at CUA. The purpose of the standard is to minimize worker exposure to chemicals in the laboratory. 8.5.2.3 Requirements A primary requirement of the standard is the formulation and implementation of a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP). The CHP includes work practices, procedures and policies to ensure that employees are protected from all potentially hazardous chemicals in their work area. This manual addresses elements specifically required by OSHA requirements. The Laboratory Safety Manual for the University includes the Chemical Materials Safety Manual, the Radiation Safety Manual and the Biological Safety Manual. 8.5.2.4 Chemical Hygiene Responsibilities Page 8 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Responsibility for chemical hygiene rests at all levels. Specific responsibilities are as follows. Vice President for Administration: The Vice President for Administration has the ultimate responsibility and accountability for chemical hygiene within the institution. The Vice President for Administration shall:        Appoint a Chemical Hygiene Officer. Designate a signatory person for the University in safety, health, and environmental matters relating to proposals for funds from an outside agency for sponsored work. Provide University legal counsel to the Chemical Hygiene Officer and other University employees who have need to consult with counsel on matters related to chemical hygiene. Include provisions for appropriate storage and disposal of chemicals in the long range plans for facilities development. Inform the University community of the chemical hygiene plan. Provide adequate support for institutional chemical hygiene. Respond to reports and/or requests regarding matters of chemical hygiene to the appropriate individual. Department Head/Building Administrator: In University departments or buildings containing laboratories where potentially hazardous chemicals are used, the Department Head and Building Administrator shall:         Provide a list of supervisors to Environmental Health & Safety as needed. Develop plans, in consultation with Environmental Health & Safety, for the appropriate storage of chemicals within the department/building. Develop a departmental chemical waste collection plan, in consultation with Environmental Health & Safety, to facilitate proper waste storage, transportation, and disposal. Ensure that all new faculty members, researchers, student employees, and other departmental employees, as appropriate, are informed of the hygiene plan. Ensure that the supervisors of all undergraduate students be informed of and know the basic rules of chemical safety and that these rules be followed in all undergraduate laboratory courses. Inform Environmental Health & Safety of any known chemically-related facility deficiencies. Investigate unsafe practices. Forward any investigative reports to Environmental Health & Safety. Ensure that all common areas of the building are free of chemical hazards. Laboratory Supervisor/Research Scientist: The laboratory supervisor/research scientist has overall responsibility for chemical hygiene in the laboratory Page 9 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual including the responsibility to:        Ensure that laboratory workers know and follow the chemical hygiene rules, that protective equipment is available and in working order, and that appropriate training has been provided; Provide regular, chemical hygiene and housekeeping inspections including routine inspections of emergency equipment; Be aware of the current legal requirements concerning regulated substances used in her/his laboratories; Determine what eye protection and other protective apparel/equipment is needed and ensure that workers use it. Ensure that facilities and training for use of any material being ordered are adequate. Ensure that appropriate signs and notices of hazards and restricted activities are posted in the laboratory. Report any chemically-related problems to the appropriate department head and Environmental Health & Safety. Laboratory Worker: The laboratory worker is responsible for:    Planning and conducting each operation in accordance with chemical hygiene procedures; Developing good personal chemical hygiene habits. Informing his/her supervisor of any incident or irregularity regarding the use of any chemical. Chemical Hygiene Officer: The Chemical Hygiene Officer shall:        Work with the Laboratory Safety Committee, administrators, and other employees to develop and implement appropriate chemical hygiene policies and practices; Monitor procurement, use, and disposal of chemicals used in the laboratories; See that appropriate audits are conducted and records maintained; Help project directors develop adequate facilities and precautionary techniques; Keep abreast of current legal requirements concerning regulated substances; Seek ways to improve the chemical hygiene program; Ensure that appropriate sections of the chemical hygiene plan are reviewed annually. Laboratory Safety Committee: Page 10 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual The purpose of the Laboratory Safety Committee (LSC) is to:     Recommend a statement of policy to the Vice President for Administration that ensures safe and environmentally prudent work and study in CUA laboratories; Provide support and advice to the Department of Environmental Health & Safety on matters germane to laboratory safety; Increase laboratory safety and health awareness on campus; and Advise the Vice President for Administration in matters of laboratory safety budget policy to ensure funding of an effective laboratory safety program. The LSC consists of members from the CUA community and represents a diversity of functions, specialties and departments. Representation is required from the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Physics/VSL, Physical Plant Services & Operations or Facilities Planning & Construction, School of Engineering, and the Radiation Safety Office. Other departments may be called to participate as needed. The Director of Environmental Health & Safety serves as ex officio member. Officers include Chairperson and Secretary. Appointments are made by the CUA Vice President for Administration in conjuction with the Provost based upon recommendations from the LSC chair and the Director of Environmental Health & Safety. The duties of the LSC include:  Meet to conduct LSC business, at least three times a year, including once each academic semester; minutes are recorded and distributed by LSC secretary to LSC members and CUA's Vice President for Administration. When needed, convene an Institutional Biosafety Committee with expertise in assessing the safety of recombinant DNA experiments; IBC membership is not restricted to LSC members. Conduct semi-annual laboratory safety inspections. Consult with and support the Environmental Health & Safety department with respect to laboratory safety inquiries and laboratory accident reports. Develop and institute procedures for approving high risk operations and experiments brought to the attention of the LSC.      Review, at least annually, CUA safety policy statement. 8.5.3 TRAINING The University provides training for employees who may be exposed to chemicals while on the job. The training must be provided prior to beginning work that may involve exposure to chemicals, whenever the hazard changes, and whenever new information concerning a chemical is received. New or newly assigned employees must be provided training before working with or working in an area containing chemicals. Training is to include the following, as applicable:   Requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard Contents of the OSHA standard on Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories Page 11 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  Chemical Hygiene plans           How to obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and other references on the hazards, safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals Interpreting MSDSs and labels The importance of labeling chemical containers Location of hazardous chemicals Physical and health hazard of chemicals Safe chemical handling procedures Selection and use of personal protective equipment Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical First-aid Waste storage, clean-up, and disposal procedures Where to access the University's Hazard Communication and In the event a large variety of hazardous chemicals is stored or in use, generic training on categories of chemicals and hazards may substitute for chemical-specific training. The contents of this manual meet, in part, the generic training requirements. Supervisors are to provide additional training as necessary. The University is required to keep a record of training sessions provided to employees. Employees may be required to sign a ledger verifying attendance at a training session. 8.5.4 LABELS AND SIGNS A label is any written, printed, or graphic material displayed on or affixed to containers of hazardous chemicals. Do not remove or deface existing labels on new containers of chemicals or containers in storage. Do not use a chemical from an unlabeled container until verifying its contents and understanding its hazards. Labels are used to warn of a variety of potential physical hazards or health hazards. Chemicals from manufacturers, distributors or suppliers must be labeled, tagged or marked with the following information:    Identity of the hazardous chemical Appropriate hazard warnings Name and address of the manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party. When transferring a chemical or chemicals from one container to another, label the new container with its contents and the nature of he hazard, e.g., "ARSENIC, POISON" or "BENZENE, FLAMMABLE, CARCINOGEN." When using a chemical in a temporary use container, such as a flask or beaker, identifying contents is adequate (e.g., 0.1 molar potassium permanganate). Page 12 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Post names and telephone numbers of lab supervisors and emergency personnel/facilities on laboratory entrances. Post location signs for safety showers, eyewashes, fire extinguishers, other first aid equipment, exits, and areas where food and beverage consumption and storage are permitted or prohibited. Post warnings at areas or equipment where special or unusual hazards exist, chemical or otherwise (e.g., biohazards, lasers, radioisotopes, high-voltage equipment, etc.) 8.5.5 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that describes the hazard of a chemical and gives safe handling information. Chemical manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors must provide an MSDS to purchasers for each hazardous chemical purchased. If an MSDS is not provided with the shipment of a hazardous chemical, the University must request one in writing from the manufacturer, supplier, or distributor in a timely manner. The University must assure the MSDSs are available to employees or their designated representatives and to contract employees that may be exposed to our chemicals. MSDSs are maintained by and may be requested from Environmental Health & Safety. The following is a description of what is contained in an MSDS. Formats vary, but the information contained in them is similar. Historically, MSDSs contain eight sections. However, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) developed a sixteen section format, and MSDSs with this format are also in use. Both formats are described below. Eight section format: Section I, Manufacturer's/Supplier's Information.       manufacturer's name, address and telephone number number to call in case of emergency chemical name and synonyms trade name and synonyms chemical family and formula CAS number (Chemical Abstract Service) for pure materials Section II, Hazardous Ingredients. Describes the hazardous ingredients contained in the product, ingredient CAS numbers, and the percentages. Manufacturers may omit trade secret components. This section also provides exposure limits for workers such as OSHA's Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) or the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) of The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). All hazardous chemicals which comprise 1% or greater of the mixture are identified. Carcinogens are listed if the concentrations are 0.1% or greater. Section III, Physical/Chemical Characteristics. Describes the physical properties of the material.  boiling point  specific gravity  solubility in water Page 13 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  vapor pressure  vapor density   melting point evaporation rate  appearance and odor Section IV, Fire and Explosion Hazard Data. This section gives the chemical's flash point and lower and upper flammable (LFL/UFL) or explosive limits(LEL/UEL). It also describes the types of fire extinguishers to use in the event of a fire, special hazards that may be encountered, and special procedures to follow in the event of a fire. Section V, Reactivity Data. Describes the material's ability to react and release energy or heat under certain conditions or when it comes in contact with certain substances.     stability: stable, unstable, conditions to avoid incompatibility: materials to avoid hazardous decomposition products hazardous polymerizations: conditions to avoid Section VI, Health Hazard Data. A variety of health related information is provided in this section.      How the chemical can get into the body: inhalation, swallowing, through the skin. Effects that may occur soon after overexposure: e.g., headache, nausea, dizziness, skin rash, irritation, weakness, etc. These are known as acute exposure effects. Effects that usually show up after a long time: e.g., cancer, lung disease, kidney disease, etc. These are known as chronic exposure effects. Existing medical conditions (e.g. asthma, circulatory problems) that might be aggravated by exposure to the chemical. Emergency and first-aid procedures for: ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, eye contact. Section VII, Precautions for Safe Use and Handling. Gives instructions for properly handling, storing, and disposing of the chemical. Also tells what to do in the event a chemical spills, leaks, or is released to the air. The statements on an MSDS are general; more specific information is available from your supervisor. Section VIII, Control Measures. Discusses the protective equipment and clothing to use, personal hygiene to practice, and ventilation that may be required. This section normally describes worst case conditions, and the extent to which protective equipment is required is task-dependent. Contact your supervisor for instructions specific to your work. ANSI sixteen section format: Section 1, Chemical Product and Company Information.   chemical name name, address, phone number of manufacturer or distributor Section 2, Composition, Information on Ingredients. Page 14 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual   hazardous ingredients and percent composition exposure limits such as OSHAs PELs or ACGIH TLVs. Section 3, Hazards Identification. Lists the possible health effects of overexposure, typical routes of entry into the body, length of exposure that could cause health effects, and body organs that may be affected. Section 4, First Aid Measures. Tells what to do if someone is over exposed to the chemical. Section 5, Fire Fighting Measures.    flash point likelihood of fire, its spread, and the circumstances that could promote it reactions that could cause fire or explosion Section 6, Accidental Release. How to contain a leak or spill, proper clean-up procedures, and precautions to take. Section 7, Handling and Storage. How to handle and store chemical to reduce risk of accidents and overexposure. E.G., what to avoid doing, typed of ventilation required, storage conditions, etc. Section 8, Exposure Controls and Personal Protection. Equipment and protective clothing needed to prevent overexposure. This includes eye and face protection, skin and clothing protection, respiratory protection. Section 9, Physical and Chemical Properties. Chemical's appearance and odor, physical state, vapor pressure, vapor density, boiling point, melting point, freezing point, solubility in water, specific gravity. Section 10, Stability and Reactivity. Describes potential for a hazardous reaction, the chemical's stability, its incompatibility with other substances, and potential to react with itself to release heat, possibly leading to an explosion. Section 11, Toxicological Information. Explains how the chemical was tested for health hazards and the results of the tests. Section 12, Ecological Information. Tells what might happen if the material is released into the environment, e.g., affect on fish, plants, wildlife and persistence in the environment. Section 13, Disposal Consideration. Classification of the chemical and its identification for proper disposal. Includes special instructions or limitations dealing with disposal. Section 14, Transportation Information. Essential shipping information such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) proper shipping name, hazard class, identification number, etc. Section 15, Regulatory Information. OSHA, EPA, and other applicable regulations. Regulations of other countries may be provided if the chemical is normally exported. Section 16, Other Information. Other useful information that would aid in the understanding of the hazards of the chemical and its proper use. 8.5.6 HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS A chemical is a physical hazard if it is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, an explosive, a flammable, an Page 15 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual organic peroxide, an oxidizer, a pyrophoric compound, an unstable material (reactive) or water reactive substance. A chemical is a health hazard if there is significant evidence that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees. Included are:     carcinogens corrosives neurotoxins biohazards     irritants sensitizers hepatotoxins teratogens     reproductive toxins radioactive material nephrotoxins hematopoietic system agents In most cases, the label will indicate if the chemical is hazardous. Look for key words like caution, hazardous, toxic, dangerous, corrosive, irritant, carcinogen, etc. If you are not sure a chemical you are using is hazardous, review the MSDS or contact your supervisor or Environmental Health & Safety. 8.5.7 CHEMICALS EXEMPT FROM THE HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD The Hazard Communication Standard does not apply to chemicals in the categories below as long as the products are used in the same way and to the same degree that they are used by the general consumer. Housekeepers, for instance, are not exempt from the standard when using a strong cleanser that is available to the general consumer because of the greater time each day that they spend using it.      any article formed to a specific shape that does not release hazardous chemicals under normal use any food, food additive, drug or cosmetic distilled spirits, wines or malt beverages products intended for personal use and consumption. If you are not sure a chemical in your work area is exempt, contact your supervisor or Environmental Health & Safety. 8.5.8 FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS A flammable or a combustible material will catch fire and burn. Many of the commonly used solvents, waxes, cleaners, adhesives, thinners, and polishes are flammable or combustible. All liquid fuels, such as gasoline and diesel oil, fall into this category. In addition to fire, such materials may also pose explosion and/or health hazards. The lowest temperature at which a liquid releases enough vapor to start burning is called the FLASH POINT. The flash point is used to classify the relative fire hazards of liquids. Liquids classified as FLAMMABLE have flash points below 100°F. These liquids will release enough vapor to form burnable mixtures with air at temperatures below 100°F. Liquids classified as COMBUSTIBLE have flash points above 100°F. Some common ignition sources include:   Hot surfaces (e.g., hot plates, electric coils, overheated bearings) Open flames (e.g., pilot lights, cigarettes) Page 16 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual   Hot particles and embers (e.g., grinders, welders) Sparks (e.g., electric tools, static electricity from rotating belts or from transferring liquids) Fires and explosions involving these liquids can be prevented by:    Keeping the liquid vapors confined so that they can't mix with air, or by ventilating the area with fresh air Removing all possible ignition sources Removing the air (oxygen) necessary for the fire to burn. Keeping the vapors confined is best done by using the proper equipment for storing and handling flammable and combustible liquids. Many potential ignition sources can be eliminated by prohibiting smoking around flammable and combustible liquids, maintaining good housekeeping, removing open flames and spark-producing equipment, and using an approved, explosion proof equipment in hazardous locations. A very dangerous ignition source is the static electricity that builds up when liquids are transferred from one container to another. Both an ignitable vapor mixture and static sparks can form. Sparks are prevented by bonding and grounding container before transferring liquids. Bonding is done by making an electrical connection between the containers. The best way to do this is with a flexible bonding strap or wire. Grounding is done by proving a path for static charge to drain off to the earth. Grounding straps and wires must be connected to known grounds such as water pipers, grounded metal building framework and metallic underground gas piping systems. In minimizing the risk of fire, it is also necessary to avoid storing flammables and combustibles near sources of oxygen or oxidizing agents. Some examples of oxidizing chemicals are chromic acid, permanganates, chlorates, nitrates and perchlorates. As noted earlier, fire isn't the only danger associated with these liquids. Many of them can be very hazardous to your health. No matter which liquids you use or how you use them, the following basic rules apply:  Avoid skin contact. Most flammable and combustible liquids will remove the oils from the skin and cause irritation, cracking, rashes, or infection. Wear protective gloves and aprons if there is a chance of skin contact. Always wash liquids from your skin with non-abrasive soap or hand cleaner. Don't breathe the vapors. Avoid breathing vapors of any liquid. Use these liquids only in a well ventilated area. Be especially cautious when working in confined spaces. Protect your eyes. Always wear safety glasses or goggles when pouring flammable or combustible liquids. Wear a face shield if liquids may spray or splash.   To minimize the potential danger, only buy and store the amount of material needed for immediate use. Never dispose of solvents by pouring them down sinks or drains. 8.5.9 CORROSIVE CHEMICALS Corrosive chemicals are those substances that, by direct chemical action, injure body tissue or corrode metal. Injury may be to a minor degree in the form of irritation or actual physical destruction of body tissues. Page 17 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Corrosive chemicals act on the body through direct contact with the skin or eyes, by inhalation, or by ingestion. Liquid corrosives most commonly cause corrosive injury. Bases (caustics/alkalis) can cause greater eye damage than acids, because the protein barrier formed by acids is not formed by bases. Given below are typical corrosive liquids that may be encountered: Mineral acids:   hydrochloric acid hydrofluoric acid   sulfuric acid acetic acid   nitric acid perchloric acid Strong bases (solutions):   ammonium hydroxide potassium hydroxide   sodium hydroxide bromine   liquified phenol thymolchloride The effects of solid corrosives are largely dependent on their solubility in skin moisture and on duration of contact. In handling corrosive liquids and solids, always protect those skin areas that may be contacted. You may need to wear gloves, goggles, face shields, aprons, etc. Immediate first-aid must include flushing with large amounts of water and calling for medical attention. Corrosive gases are a serious hazard, because they are readily absorbed into the body by dissolution of skin moisture and by inhalation. In handling gases, skin, eye, and respiratory protection may all be necessary. Proper exhaust ventilation is also a very important consideration. Examples of corrosive gases are:    ammonia bromine phosgene    sulfur dioxide nitrogen dioxide ozone   hydrogen chloride hydrogen fluoride 8.5.10 TOXIC CHEMICALS A toxic chemical is one which may injure the body by damaging biological structure and/or disturbing biological function. This effect may occur when a substance is ingested, inhaled, absorbed into, applied onto, or injected into the body. Damage may be local, systemic, or both. Local toxicity is the effect of a substance on the body area that has been exposed to the substance. Exposure may be through direct contact, inhalation, ingestion, or penetration. Systemic toxicity is the effect of a substance on body tissues after absorption into the bloodstream. Absorption may take place through the skin, stomach, or lungs. Damage may also be acute, chronic, or both. Two substances may have about the same toxicity on a single exposure. However, the effect of each on prolonged or repetitive exposures may be different. Acute toxicity is the effect that may be experienced on a short duration exposure. Chronic toxicity is the effect that may result when a chemical acts on the body over a long period of time. Some things that affect toxicity are means of entry into the body, the physical condition of the person exposed, the amount received, the length of exposure, how sensitive the person is, combined effects of exposure to other chemicals, stress, and factors such as age, sex, race, etc. Page 18 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Below are some of the common types of toxic chemicals: Irritants are materials that cause inflammation of mucous membranes with which they come in contact. Inflammation of tissue results from concentrations far below those needed to cause corrosive effects. Examples include:     ammonia hydrogen chloride arsenic trichloride phosphorus chlorides     alkaline dusts and mists hydrogen fluoride diethyl/dimethyl sulfate ozone    nitrogen dioxide halogens phosgene Some irritants can also cause changes in the mechanics of breathing and lung function. Examples include:    sulfur dioxide formaldehyde sulfuric acid   acetic acid formic acid   iodine acrolein Long term exposure to irritants can result in increased mucous secretions and chronic bronchitis. Asphyxiants have the ability to deprive tissue of oxygen. Simple asphyxiants are inert gases that displace oxygen. Examples include:   nitrogen carbon dioxide   nitrous oxide hydrogen  helium Chemical asphyxiants make the body incapable of getting enough oxygen. They are active at very low concentrations (a few ppm). Some examples are:  carbon monoxide  cyanides Anesthetics have a depressant effect upon the central nervous system, particularly the brain. Examples include:  alcohols  halogenated hydrocarbons Hepatotoxins cause damage to the liver. Examples include:  carbon tetrachloride  tetrachloroethane  nitrosamines Nephrotoxins damage the kidneys. Examples include:  uranium compounds  halogenated hydrocarbons Neurotoxins damage the nervous system. The nervous system is especially sensitive to organometallic compounds and certain sulfide compounds. Examples include:    tetraethyl lead  trialkyl tin compounds methyl mercury  carbon disulfide organic phosphorus insecticides   manganese thallium Some toxic agents act on the blood (hematopoietic) system. The blood cells can be directly affected or bone Page 19 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual marrow can be damaged. Some examples are:   aniline nitrobenzene   benzene toluidine  nitrites There are toxic agents that damage lung (pulmonary) tissue but not by immediate irritant action. Fibrotic changes can be caused by free silica and asbestos. Other dusts can cause a restrictive disease called pneumoconiosis. Examples are:   coal dust nitrobenzene   cotton dust toluidine  wood dust A carcinogen commonly describes any agent that can start or speed the development of malignant or potentially malignant tumors. Known human carcinogens include:     alpha-naphthylamine 3,3"-dichlorobenzidine bis-chloromethyl ether N-nitrosodimethylamine coal tar pitch volatiles     4-nitrobiphenyl vinyl chloride methyl chloromethyl ether 1,2-dibromo-3chloropropane (DBCP)    asbestos inorganic arsenic ethylene oxide A mutagen affects the chromosome chains of exposed cells. The effect is hereditary and becomes part of the genetic pool passed on to future generations. A teratogen (embryotoxin or fetotoxin) interferes with normal embryo development without damage to the mother or lethal effect on the fetus. Effects are not hereditary. Examples are:  lead  dibromodichloropropane A sensitizer causes a good number of exposed people to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure to the chemical. The reaction may be as mild as a rash (contact dermatitis) or as serious as anaphylactic shock. Some examples are:   chlorinated hydrocarbons nickel compounds   toluene diisocyanate chromium compounds   epoxies poison ivy Chemicals affect specific organs of the body called target organs. Below are some target organ effects with examples of signs and symptoms and chemicals which cause such effects. Hepatotoxins: cause liver damage Signs and symptoms: jaundice; liver enlargement Example chemicals: carbon tetrachloride, nitrosamines, chloroform, toluene,perchloro-ethylene, cresol, dimethylsulfate Nephrotoxins: produce kidney damage Signs and symptoms: edema; proteinuria Example chemicals: halogenated hydrocarbons, uranium, chloroform, mercury, dimethylsulfate Neurotoxins: affect the nervous system Page 20 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Signs and symptoms: narcosis; behavioral changes; decreased muscle coordination Example chemicals: mercury, carbon disulfide, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, lead, nitrobenzene Hematopoietic agents: decreased blood functions Signs and symptoms: cyanosis; loss of consciousness Example chemicals: carbon monoxide, cyanides, nitrobenzene, aniline, arsenic, benzene, toluene Pulmonary agents: irritate or damage the lungs Signs and symptoms: cough; tightness in chest, shortness of breath Example chemicals: silica, asbestos, ozone, hydrogen sulfide, chromium, nickel, alcohols Reproductive toxins: affect the reproductive system (mutations and teratogenesis) Signs and symptoms: birth defects; sterility Example chemicals: lead, dibromodichloropropane Skin hazards: affect the dermal layer of the body Signs and symptoms: defatting of skin; rashes; irritation Example chemicals: ketones, chlorinated compounds, nickel, phenol, trichloroethylene Eye hazards: affect the eyes or vision Signs and symptoms: conjunctivitis; corneal damage Example chemicals: organic solvents, acids, cresol, quinone, hydroquinone, benzol chloride, butyl alcohol, bases 8.5.11 SHOCK-SENSITIVE CHEMICALS Shock-sensitive refers to the susceptibility of the chemical to rapidly decompose or explode when struck, vibrated or otherwise agitated. Some chemicals become increasingly shock-sensitive with age. Always write the date received and date opened on all containers of shock-sensitive chemicals. Unless an inhibitor was added by the manufacturer, closed containers of shock-sensitive materials should be discarded after one year. Open containers of shock-sensitive materials should be discarded within six months of opening. The label and MSDS will indicate if a chemical is shock-sensitive. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment when handling shock-sensitive chemicals. The following are examples of materials which can be shock-sensitive. acetylides of heavy metals amatol ammonium nitrate aluminum ophorite explosive ammonal ammonium perchlorate Page 21 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual ammonium picrate butyl tetryl copper acetylide cyclonite (hexogen) dinitroethyleneurea dinitrophenol dinitrophenyl hydrazine dipicryl sulfone erythritol tetranitrate fulminate of mercury fulminate of silver germane hydrazine nitrate hexanitrin hexanitrostilbene lead azide lead mononitroresorcinate lead styphnate mannitol hexanitrate mercury tartrate nitrated carbohydrate nitrated polyhydric alcohol nitrogen tri-iodide nitroglycide nitroguanidine nitronium perchlorate organic amine nitrates organic peroxides picramide picric acid picryl fluoride potassium nitroaminotetrazole silver azide silver tetrazene sodium amatol sodium picramate styphnic acidtetrazene tetryl trinitroanisole trinitrobenzoic acid trinitro-meta-cresol trinitrophenetol trinitroresorcinol urea nitrate 8.5.12 COMPRESSED GASES ammonium salt lattice calcium nitrate cyanuric triazide cyclotetramethylenetrinitramine dinitroglycerine dinitrophenolates dinitrotoluene dipicrylamine fulminate of gold fulminate of platinum gelatinized nitrocellulose guanyl nitrosaminoguanylidene hydrazine heavy metal azides hexanitrodiphenylamine hyrazoic acid lead mannite lead picrate magnesium ophorite mercury oxalate mononitrotoluene nitrated glucoside nitrogen trichloride nitroglycerin nitroglycol nitroparaffins nitrourea organic nitramines picramic acid picratol picryl chloride polynitro aliphatic compounds silver acetylide silver styphnate sodatol sodium dinitroorthocresolate sodium nitrate-potassium explosive mixtures tetranitrocarbazole trimonite trinitrobenzene trinitrocresol trinitronaphthalene trinitrophloroglucinol tritonal Compressed gas cylinders are dangerous, and their improper use can cause explosion, fire, and health hazards. Below are some rules to follow when handling gases.  Do not use compressed gases if you are not familiar with them. Page 22 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  Carefully read the label before using or storing compressed gas. The MSDS will provide any special hazard information.                 Always use the minimum size cylinder required to perform the work. Handle cylinders of compressed gases as high energy sources. Minimize banging and clanking of the cylinders. Don't let cylinders fall or have things fall on them. When storing or moving a cylinder, have the cap securely in place to protect the stem. (A pressurized cylinder can become a rocket when its stem is broken.) Do not expose cylinders to temperature extremes. Never expose any part of a compressed gas cylinder to temperatures above 51.7°C(125°F). Keep cylinders secured and upright. Use suitable racks, straps, chains or stands to prevent cylinders from falling. (But never secure a cylinder to conduit carrying electrical current.) Because of the way the contents are stored in an acetylene cylinder, it is important to keep it upright. When accepting an acetylene cylinder delivery, make sure it arrived upright. Store oxygen cylinders at least 20 feet from flammables or combustible or separate them by a 5 foot, fire-resistant barrier. Mark empty cylinders "MT" or "Empty." Always use the correct regulator. Do not use a regulator adaptor. Store and use cylinders of toxic, flammable or reactive gases in a fume hood or with local exhaust ventilation. Use an appropriate cart to move cylinders. Never drag or roll cylinders. Before transporting, close the cylinder valve and screw on the cylinder cap. Never bleed a cylinder completely empty. Leave a slight pressure to keep contaminants out. Do not lubricate an oxygen regulator or use a fuel gas regulator on an oxygen cylinder. Oil or grease on the high pressure side of an oxygen cylinder can cause an explosion. Do not place cylinders where they may become part of an electric circuit.  Always wear safety glasses when handling compressed gases. 8.5.13 INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICALS Certain hazardous chemicals cannot be safely mixed or stored with other chemicals because a severe reaction can take place or an extremely toxic reactive product can result. Chemical container labels and MSDSs contain information on incompatibilities. The following is a table containing examples of incompatible chemicals: Page 23 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Chemical Keep Out of Contact With: chromic acid, nitric acid, hydroxide compounds, perchloric acid, peroxides, acetic acid permanganates acetylene chlorine, bromine, copper, fluorine, silver, mercury water, carbon tetrachloride or other chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, alkali metals the halogens ammonia, mercury, chlorine, calcium hypochlorite, iodine, bromine, hydrofluoric acid anhydrous ammonium acids, metal powders, flammable liquids, chlorates, nitrites, sulfur, finely divided nitrate organic or combustible materials aniline nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide ammonia, acetylene, butadiene, butane, methane, propane (or other petroleum bromine gases), hydrogen, sodium carbide, turpentine, benzene, finely divided metal carbon, calcium hypochlorite, all oxidizing agents activated ammonium salts, acids, metal powders, sulfur, finely divided organic or chlorates combustible materials acetic acid, naphthalene, camphor, glycerin, turpentine, alcohol, flammable chromic acid liquids in general ammonia, acetylene, butadiene, butane, methane, propane (or other petroleum chlorine gases), hydrogen, sodium carbide, turpentine, benzene, finely divided metals chlorine dioxide ammonia, methane, phosphine, hydrogen sulfide copper acetylene, hydrogen peroxide cumene acids, organic or inorganic hydroperoxide flammable ammonium nitrate, chromic acid, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, sodium liquids peroxide, halogens hydrocarbons fluorine, chlorine, bromine, chromic acid, sodium peroxide hydrocyanic nitric acid, alkali acid hydrofluoric ammonia, aqueous or anhydrous acid hydrogen copper, chromium, iron, most metals or their salts, alcohols, acetone, organic peroxide materials, aniline, nitromethane, flammable liquids, oxidizing gases hydrogen fuming nitric acid, oxidizing gases sulfide iodine acetylene, ammonia (aqueous or anhydrous), hydrogen mercury acetylene, fulminic acid, ammonia acetic acid, aniline, chromic acid, hydrocyanic acid, hydrogen sulfide, flammable nitric acid liquids, flammable gases oxalic acid silver, mercury perchloric acid acetic anhydride, bismuth and its alloys, alcohol, paper, wood potassium carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water potassium sulfuric and other acids chlorate potassium glycerin, ethylene glycol, benzaldehyde, sulfuric acid permanganate silver acetylene, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, ammonium compounds sodium carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water sodium ethyl or methyl alcohol, glacial acetic acid, acetic anhydride, benzaldehyde, peroxide carbon disulfide, glycerin, ethylene glycol, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, furfural Page 24 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual potassium chlorate, potassium perchlorate, potassium permanganate (or sulfuric acid compounds with similar light metals, such as sodium, lithium, etc.). 8.5.14 CHEMICAL STABILITY Stability refers to the susceptibility of the chemical to dangerous decomposition. Ethers, liquid paraffins, and olefins form peroxides on exposure to air and light. Since these chemicals are packaged in an air atmosphere, peroxides can form even though the containers have not been opened. Unless an inhibitor was added by the manufacturer, closed containers of ethers should be discarded after one year. Open containers of ethers should be discarded within six months of opening. The label and MSDS will indicate if a chemical is unstable. The following are examples of materials which may form explosive peroxides:       acetal decahydronaphthalene diethylene glycol divinyl acetylene methyl acetylene tetrahydronaphthalene       butadiene diethyl ether dimethyl ether glycodimethyl ether sodium amide vinylidene chloride       cyclohexene dicyclopentadiene dioxane isopropyl ether tetrahydrofuran vinyl ethers 8.5.15 BASIC RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR WORKING WITH CHEMICALS All employees working in laboratories and other departmental employees who work in chemical laboratory areas must know and follow the rules and procedures listed below: 8.5.15.1 General Rules Do the following for essentially all laboratory work with chemicals:  Know what you are dealing with:   Read the container label and the MSDS before using a chemical. The MSDS will detail special handling information. When transferring a chemical to another container, label the new container with the name of the chemical and principal hazards. This will ensure others will know what is in the container and also ensure that you will not mistake the chemical for another substance at a later time.  Avoid "routine" exposure:    Develop and encourage safe habits; avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals by any route. Avoid direct contact with chemicals. Keep chemicals off of your hands, face, clothing, and shoes. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling chemicals Do not smell or taste chemicals.  Choose chemicals wisely:  Use chemicals only for their intended purpose. Page 25 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  Use only those chemicals for which the quality of the available ventilation system is appropriate.      Dispense only the amount of chemical needed for immediate use. Wherever practical, use existing chemical stocks before purchasing new stock. Avoid bulk purchase of chemicals, and order the smallest amount needed for the project. Use chemicals (e.g., cleaning solvents) in strengths specified by the manufacturer. Eating, smoking, etc.   Do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, or apply cosmetics in areas where laboratory chemicals are present; wash hands before doing any of these activities. Do not store or use laboratory storage areas, refrigerators, glassware or utensils for food or beverages.  Equipment and glassware:    Inspect equipment or apparatus for damage before adding a chemical. Do not use defective equipment Shield or wrap Dewar flasks and other evacuated glass apparatus to contain chemicals and fragments should implosion occur. Use equipment only for its designed purpose.  Exiting:  Wash areas of exposed skin before leaving the laboratory.  Horseplay:  Avoid practical jokes or other behavior which might confuse, startle, or distract another worker.  Pipetting/transferring chemicals:   Use a pipet bulb or other filling device. Never use mouth suction for pipetting or starting a siphon. Electronically ground and bond containers using approved methods before transferring or dispensing a flammable liquid from a large container.  Personal apparel:   Confine long hair and loose clothing. Wear sturdy shoes at all times in the laboratory. Page 26 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual     Personal work station: Keep the work area clean and uncluttered. Properly label and store chemicals and equipment.  Clean up the work area on completion of an operation or at the end of each day. Personal protection:   Wear safety glasses, goggles, or face shield, as appropriate, where chemicals are stored or handled. Ensure that others, including visitors, do so also. Wear protective gloves when the potential for contact with toxic materials exists; when using reusable gloves, inspect and test before each use, wash before removal, and replace periodically. (See Personal Protection section below [8.5.6] for a table of chemical resistance of gloves to commonly used chemicals.) Use respiratory protection when air contaminant concentrations are not sufficiently contained by engineering controls; inspect the respirator before use. (Many types of respirators are available. The choice of an appropriate respirator depends on many factors including type of contaminant and its air concentration, legal exposure limits, and warning properties (i.e., eye irritation, odor detection threshold, etc.). Before using any respirator, be sure you are trained in its proper use and are approved and fitted to wear one.) Use other protective and emergency apparel and equipment as needed. Avoid use of contact lenses in the laboratory unless necessary; if they are used, inform supervisor so special precautions can be taken. Since contact lenses by themselves afford no protection from chemical splashes or projectiles, appropriate eye protection must also be worn. Remove laboratory coats immediately upon significant contamination.      Plan ahead:    Seek information and advice about hazards. Develop safe procedures. Obtain personal protective gear and plan positioning of equipment before beginning any new operation.  Unattended operations:    Leave lights on. Place a sign on the door identifying whom to call if needed, the person's phone number, and any relevant safety information about the operation. Provide for containment of toxic substances in the event of failure of a utility service (such as cooling water) to an unattended operation. Page 27 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual       Ventilation Do not allow release of toxic substances in cold rooms and warm rooms, since they contain recirculated air. Vent apparatus which may discharge toxic chemicals (vacuum pumps, distillation columns, etc.) into local exhaust devices. Use a hood for operations which might result in release of toxic chemical vapors or dust. As a general guide, use a hood or other local ventilation device when working with any appreciably volatile substance with a TLV of less than 50 ppm. Confirm adequate hood performance before use; keep hood sash under the 100 feet per minute indicator at all times except when adjustments within the hood are being made; keep materials in hoods to a minimum and do not allow them to block vents or air flow. Leave the hood "ON" if toxic substances are retained in it or if it is uncertain whether adequate general laboratory ventilation will be maintained when it is "OFF."   Vigilance  Be alert to unsafe conditions and see that they are corrected when detected.  Waste disposal    Assure that the plan for each laboratory operation includes plans and training for waste disposal. Deposit chemical waste in appropriately labeled receptacles and follow all other waste disposal procedures of this manual. Do not discharge to the sewer concentrated acids or bases; highly toxic, malodorous, or lachrymatory substances; or any substances which might interfere with the biological activity of waste water treatment plants, create fire or explosion hazards, cause structural damage, or obstruct flow.  Working alone   Do not work alone in a laboratory if the procedures being conducted are hazardous. At a minimum, when working alone anywhere, ensure someone knows of your whereabouts, preferably someone in a nearby location. 8.5.15.2 Working with Chemicals that Have Special Toxicity Chemicals that are known or suspect allergens, carcinogens, embryotoxins, genotoxins, or have moderately chronic toxicity or high acute/chronic toxicity need to be handled with utmost care. Wearing personal protective apparel to prevent skin contact and washing after use is very important. It is also important to prevent inhalation by working in a well-operated hood, glove box, or other effective means of local exhaust ventilation and containment. Page 28 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Some additional precautions to take, depending on circumstances, include:     Use and store these substances in areas of restricted access with special warning signs. Use unbreakable secondary containers. Store materials and work on chemically resistant trays; also mount apparatus above such trays or cover work or storage surfaces with removable, absorbent, plastic backed paper. Conduct all transfers and work with highly toxic substances in a "controlled area" which includes a restricted access hood, glove box, or designated portion of a laboratory. All people with access to controlled areas must be aware of the substances being used and must take necessary precautions. When special handling is necessary, develop written procedures for the storage, use, and disposal of highly toxic materials. Review your procedures with your laboratory supervisor and Environmental Health & Safety. Continually evaluate the continued need for the especially toxic substance. Switch to using a less hazardous material if possible. Protect vacuum pumps against contamination by scrubbers or HEPA filters and vent them into the hood. Decontaminate vacuum pumps or other contaminated equipment, including glassware, in the hood before removing them from the controlled area. Decontaminate the controlled area before normal work is resumed there. On leaving a controlled area, remove any protective apparel, placing it in an appropriate, labeled container for cleaning or disposal. If using toxicologically significant quantities of chemicals of high chronic toxicity on a regular basis (e.g., 3 times per week), consult with Environmental Health & Safety and Personnel concerning desirability of regular medical surveillance. If an incident, such as a spill or exposure occurs, notify your supervisor immediately. Ensure that cleanup personnel wear suitable protective apparel and equipment. If a major spill occurs, evacuate the area, and inform Public Safety immediately. For cleanup, use a wet mop or a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter instead of dry sweeping if the toxic substance is a dry powder. Maintain records of the amounts of highly toxic materials on hand, amounts used, and the names of people involved with their use. Since a waste chemical may potentially be contacted by outsiders with little knowledge of the chemical's hazards, it is important to package waste properly. Contact Environmental Health & Safety for assistance in developing waste handling procedures.            8.5.15.3 Animal Work with Chemicals of High Toxicity Supervision of animal care facilities is administered by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee appointed by the Executive Vice President. This committee should be consulted prior to use of any animal for research or teaching purposes. Page 29 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Care and use of certain animals used for teaching or research and covered by the Animal Welfare Act (7USC2143) should strictly adhere to the guidelines described in that Act. Facilities housing animals covered by this act must be registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal Inspection Service. Such facilities must file an annual report (US 18-23) with the USDA and should be inspected at least twice a year by the University's Consulting Veterinarian. The University's Consulting Veterinarian must be licensed to practice in either the State of Maryland or Virginia or the District of Columbia. The Veterinarian receives an adjunct appointment in the Department of Biology. The rules of the preceding section also apply to animal work involving highly toxic chemicals. Some additional rules are as follows:   For large scale studies, special facilities with restricted access are preferable. When possible, administer the substance by injection or gavage instead of in the diet. If administration is in the diet, use a caging system under negative pressure or under laminar air flow directed toward HEPA filters. Devise procedures which minimize formation and dispersal of contaminated aerosols, including those from food, urine, and feces (e.g., use HEPA filtered vacuum equipment for cleaning, moisten contaminated bedding before removal from the cage, mix diets in closed containers in a hood). When working in the animal room, wear plastic or rubber gloves, fully buttoned laboratory coat or jumpsuit and, if needed because of incomplete suppression of aerosols, other apparel and equipment (shoe and head coverings, respirator). Plan for disposal of contaminated animal tissues and excreta by incineration; otherwise, package the waste appropriately for burial in an EPA-approved site. Coordinate these services with Environmental Health & Safety.    8.5.16 PERSONAL PROTECTION Refer to section 8.18 for requirements of CUA's personal protective equipment program. Use personal protective devices only where engineering and administrative controls cannot be used or made adequate, or while controls are being implemented. Engineering and administrative controls to reduce or eliminate exposures to hazardous chemicals include:       Substitution with a less hazardous substance Substitution with less hazardous equipment or process (e.g., safety cans for glass bottles) Isolation of operator or the process Local and general ventilation (e.g., use of fume hood) Hazard education Job rotation An MSDS recommends personal protective equipment for use with the chemical. The MSDS usually addresses "worst case" conditions; therefore, all the equipment shown may not be necessary for a specific job. Page 30 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Your supervisor or Environmental Health & Safety will determine which personal protective devices are required for each task. However, use common sense; there is no harm in being overprotected. Your department must provide you with the personal protective equipment you need to safely perform the work. Also check the MSDS for special ventilation requirements, such as:     Use with adequate ventilation Use in a fume hood Avoid inhalation of vapors Provide local ventilation Ventilation recommendations must be adapted to the workplace and the specific process. 8.5.16.1 Protection Against Inhalation Hazards Respirators are designed to protect only against certain specific types of substances and in certain concentration ranges, depending on the type of equipment used. Respirator selection is based on the hazard and the protection factors required. Types of respiratory protective equipment include:    Particle-removing air purifying respirators Gas and vapor-removing air purifying respirators Atmosphere supplying respirators Familiarize yourself with the limitations of each type of respirator you will use and the signals for respirator failure (odor breakthrough, filter clogging, etc.). Respirators are not to be used except in conjunction with a complete respiratory protection program. If your work requires the use of a respirator, you must receive special training from your supervisor or Environmental Health & Safety. Do not use a respirator, until you have received proper training. (Refer to section 8.10 of this manual.) 8.5.16.2 Protection of Skin and Body Skin and body protection involves protective clothing and includes protection of various parts of the whole body either completely or partially as may be required. Eye and face injuries are prevented by the use of the following:    Safety glasses with side shields for dust and flying object protection Chemical splash goggles for chemical splash, spray and mist protection Face and neck shields for head and neck protection from various hazards (must be used with safety glasses or goggles) Lab coats, coveralls, aprons or protective suits must be used where there is immediate danger to the skin or personal clothing from contact with a hazardous chemical. General categories of contaminants include: Page 31 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual      Toxic dust Lab chemicals Radioactive materials Bacteriological agents Dirt and grease Do not remove protective garments from the workplace. For heavily contaminated work, give special attention to sealing all openings in clothing; use tape for this purpose. Wear caps to protect hair from contamination. Exposure to strong acids, acid gases, organic chemicals, oxidizing agents, radioactive material, etiological agents, carcinogens, and mutagens requires the use of protective equipment that prevents skin contamination. Use impervious protective equipment such as:     Rubber gloves Rubberized suits Rubber boots Special protective equipment Protective garments are not equally effective for every hazardous chemical. Some chemicals will "break through" the garment in a very short time. Therefore, garment selection is based on the specific chemical used. General selection criteria are as follows: S - Superior E - Excellent G - Good F - Fair NR - Not Recommended Determine what chemicals you will use, then contact your supervisor or Environmental Health & Safety for information regarding chemical protective clothing. 8.5.16.3 Eyewashes and Safety Showers Emergency eyewashes and showers must be available, accessible, and operative where there is a potential for contamination of the eyes, face, or body by irritant, corrosive, flammable, radioactive, or other injurious materials. Immediate flooding with large amounts of water can minimize serious injury. Emergency showers may be omitted only when an eyewash fountain alone is judged adequate to treat injuries that can be reasonably expected to occur in an area. Locate the eyewash/shower as close as possible to the hazard without physically causing another hazard (e.g., electrical shock). The maximum time to reach the fixture should be determined by the potentially hazardous effect or degree of hazard of the materials being used. Normally the maximum distance to the eyewash/shower is 25 feet (8 meters). However, if the situation justifies it, the distance can be extended up to 100 feet (30.5 meters). Maintain free access to the eyewash/shower all times. Keep an area of at least 36 x 36 inches (1 x 1 meter) clear in front of the units. Test eyewashes frequently to make sure water is flowing freely from both sides. 8.5.17 CHEMICAL STORAGE Page 32 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Carefully read the label before storing a hazardous chemical. Also read the MSDS which will provide any special storage information and incompatibilities. Some safe storage tips:         Assure that all containers are properly labeled. Label a chemical container with the date received. Use approved storage containers and safety cans for flammable liquids. Use spill trays under containers of strong reagents. Dispose of old chemicals promptly. See waste disposal section of this manual. Store liquids no higher than eye level. When storing significant quantities of chemicals, use chemical storage cabinets. These are commercially available for flammable and corrosive materials. Separate incompatible chemicals. Do not a store chemicals strictly by alphabetical order. Separate hazardous chemicals in storage as recommended below. Once separated into hazard classes, chemicals may be stored alphabetically. - flammables - water reactives Solids - oxidizers - general chemicals Liquids - acids - perchloric acid - caustics - flammables/combustibles - oxidizers - general chemicals Gases - toxics - corrosives  - flammables - inerts - oxidizers When there is a need to store chemicals in a refrigerator, the refrigerator must not be used to store food or drink. Indicate with a label or sign on the refrigerator that storage of food and beverages are prohibited.  Flammable liquids that require refrigeration must be stored in an explosion-proof refrigerator or freezer. 8.5.18 CHEMICAL SPILLS 8.5.18.1 General Procedure for All Spills Prepare for spills by having the proper safety equipment on hand. In the event of a spill, take the following steps:    Alert personnel in the area that a spill has occurred. Do what is necessary to protect life. Review the MSDS for special spill clean-up information, if necessary. Page 33 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  gloves and chemical goggles.   Confine the spill with sorbents, if possible. If the spill is too large for you to handle, is a threat to personnel or the public, involves an infectious agent or a corrosive, highly toxic, or reactive chemical, call Public Safety to obtain assistance on x-5111. In addition, Environmental Health & Safety is equipped to handle most spills that can occur at the University. If there is the slightest doubt as to how to proceed, call for assistance on x-6112 or x-4461. Wear appropriate protective gear. As a minimum use impermeable  If a spill involves radioactive materials, also contact the Radiation Safety Officer on x-5206. 8.5.18.2 Low Hazard Material Spills No fire hazard; not particularly volatile, toxic or corrosive (e.g., salt solutions). Use a sorbent material, such as one of the following, that will neutralize the spill if possible.       Trisodium phosphate Sand Sodium bicarbonate for acids Powdered citric acid for bases "Oil-Dri," "Zorb-All," "Speedi-Dri," Bentonite, etc. Paper towels For pick up, use a dust pan and brush and wear rubber gloves and goggles. Decontaminate area with soap and water after clean-up. Place residue in a container for waste collection. Contact Environmental Health & Safety for disposal information. 8.5.18.3 Volatile, Flammable or Toxic Material Spills Notify all personnel in the area. Extinguish flames and all sources of ignition such as brush-type motors. Maintain fume hood ventilation. Vacate the area and call Public Safety (x-5111) for assistance. The following compounds are very hazardous. You should not clean them up yourself.  aromatic amines  cyanides  nitriles  bromine  ethers  nitro compounds  carbon disulfide  hydrazine  organic halides If you spill a highly toxic material, immediately contact Public Safety (x-5111) or Environmental Health & Safety (x-6112). 8.5.18.4 Acid/Base Spills Absorb spill with "Oil-Dri," "Zorb-All," "Speedi-Dri," Bentonite or other clay type sorbent. Prevent contact with skin and clothing by wearing rubber gloves, apron, goggles and/or face shield, rubber booties, as needed. Place residue in container for waste collection. For specific clean-up information, contact your supervisor or Environmental Health & Safety (x-6112). Page 34 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual 8.5.18.5 Mercury Spills Call Environmental Health & Safety (x-6112)for prompt cleanup of spilled mercury (or disposal of surplus mercury). If assistance is unavailable at the time of the spill (e.g., on a weekend), use a mercury spill kit if it is available or follow the procedure below to minimize the extent of air contamination resulting from the spill: Use a trapped vacuum line attached to a tapered glass or plastic tube, similar to a medicine dropper, to pick up mercury droplets. (In order to minimize waste disposal costs, as much of the mercury as possible should be recovered by vacuum.) Do not use a domestic or commercial vacuum cleaner. 8.5.18.6 Alkali Metal Spills Smother with powdered graphite or "Met-L-X." 8.5.18.7 White Phosphorus Smother with wet sand or wet sorbents. 8.5.19 WORKPLACE CHEMICAL LISTS The University is required to compile and maintain a workplace chemical list for all chemicals that require a Material Safety Data Sheet. The list provides information regarding the types and quantities of hazardous chemicals in each work area. The chemical list contains the following information:    Trade name, chemical name, and/or common name Work area where the chemical is normally used or stored Typical amount of the chemical that is generally on hand New or newly assigned employees are to be made aware of the chemicals in their work area, as part of their learning of the nature of the hazards in their workplace. Departments are to update their chemical list annually. 8.5.20 WASTE MINIMIZATION AND POLLUTION PREVENTION The Catholic University of America is committed to the protection of human health and the environment. As part of meeting these commitments, the University promotes minimizing the quantity and toxicity of wastes generated. While these efforts increase protection of the public and the environment, they also benefit the University by reducing:      8.5.20.1 Page 35 of 120 waste management costs compliance costs use of resources chemical inventory releases of hazardous chemicals. Environmental Health and Safety Manual Scope Waste minimization and pollution prevention pertains to all activity on campus, including research, teaching labs, facility maintenance, custodial activity, and grounds maintenance and pest control. 8.5.20.2 Management Do not stockpile chemicals. Audit chemical supplies and use inventory control. Obtain and stock only the chemicals and the quantities required for the specific work, experiment, research project, or what is reasonably expected to be consumed in one year. This is particularly critical when dealing with chemicals that have a shelf life and degrade, e.g., ethers. Dispose of chemicals no longer needed. 8.5.20.3 Purchasing Purchase only the quantity of chemicals needed. Find the minimum unit required for the work planned and order accordingly. Due to the high cost of chemical disposal, any savings realized by purchasing chemicals in bulk quantities are quickly erased when even a portion of the chemicals cannot be used and must be discarded. 8.5.20.4 Chemical Redistribution Unopened and uncontaminated, unused portions of chemicals that you no longer need may find use elsewhere in the University. Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) collects unneeded chemicals, stores them, and offers them for redistribution on campus free of charge. Call EH&S on x4461 to have a chemical you no longer need picked-up or to get a list of available chemicals. Note that chemicals include maintenance supplies (e.g., paint thinner, antifreeze, paints, etc.) and copier chemicals (e.g., toner). 8.5.20.5 Process Modification and Product Substitution Look for ways to decrease the quantity and/or toxicity of chemicals you use. There are many cases in which this can be done without compromising research, teaching in the laboratories, or in performing maintenance activities. Try to:      modify experiments or standard processes use micro and semi-micro techniques use water-based instead of organic solvent-based materials clean with detergents and enzymatic cleaners rather than sulfuric acid/potassium dichromate cleaning solutions or ethanol/potassium hydroxide cleaning solutions. use citrus-based cleaners/degreasers instead of flammable/toxic solvents like acetone/benzene.  avoid using known carcinogens, mutagens, or extremely hazardous chemicals. 8.5.20.6 Recycling Determine if there are ways your used chemicals can be re-used or recycled rather than disposed. EH&S collects some precious metals and valuable chemicals for recycling by outside contractors to reduce waste treatment costs. Also, some campus departments are involved in the reclamation of precious metals and chemicals from laboratory processes. Call EH&S on x4461 for guidance if you have materials that you think may be recyclable. Some Page 36 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual examples are:   Reclamation of silver from photo fixing chemicals Collection of mercury for distillation by an outside recycler  Reprocessing of vacuum pump oil. 8.5.20.7 End of Process Treatment Include waste chemical minimization and treatment techniques as part of standard operating procedures for maintenance, research projects and teaching labs. A laboratory example would be to neutralize (to pH between 6 and 10) an acid with a base or vice versa and thus eliminating the hazardous characteristic of corosivity. Since waste treatment may be regulated, consult with EH&S prior to attempting any chemical treatment. 8.5.20.8 Waste Disposal In collecting wastes for disposal, do not mix hazardous wastes with nonhazardous waste, since this unnecessarily increases the volume of the hazardous waste generated and increases waste disposal costs. Also, do not mix different types or classes of waste together unless required as part of the job or experiment (e.g., flammables with nonflammables, chlorinated with non-chlornated hydrocarbons, inorganics with organics, etc.) Accurately label waste bottles as to their exact content and approximate percentages. Segregation and characterization simplifies the waste stream thus minimizing the cost of disposal. If the waste is not properly characterized by chemical constituents and estimated percentage of each, it may be necessary to analyze the waste prior to disposal. This analysis can cost up to $1,000 per container. 8.6 - TOXICOLOGY REVIEW 8.6.1 CHEMICAL TOXICITY Toxicology is the study of the nature and action of poisons. Toxicity is the ability of a chemical molecule or compound to produce injury once it reaches a susceptible site in or on the body. A toxicity hazard is the probability that injury will occur considering the manner in which the substance is used. 8.6.2 DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS The potential toxicity (harmful action) inherent in a substance is manifest only when that substance comes in contact with a living biological system. A chemical normally thought of as "harmless" will evoke a toxic response if added to a biological system in a sufficient amount. The toxic potency of a chemical is thus ultimately defined by the relationship between the dose (the amount) of the chemical and the response that is produced in a biological system. 8.6.3 ROUTES OF ENTRY INTO THE BODY There are three main routes by which hazardous chemicals enter the body:  Absorption through the respiratory tract through inhalation. This is usually the most important in terms of severity. Page 37 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  occupational disease (dermatitis).  Absorption through the digestive tract. Can occur through eating, smoking, or applying cosmetics with contaminated hands or in contaminated work areas. Absorption through the skin. This accounts for most Most exposure standards, Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), are based on the inhalation route of exposure. They are normally expressed in terms of parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) concentration in air. If a significant route of exposure for a substance is through skin contact, the MSDS will have a "skin" notation. Examples: pesticides, carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, dioxane, mercury, thallium compounds, xylene, hydrogen cyanide. 8.6.4 TYPES OF EFFECTS Acute poisoning is characterized by rapid absorption of the substance, and the effect of exposure is sudden and severe. Normally, a single large exposure is involved. Examples: carbon monoxide or cyanide poisoning. Chronic poisoning is characterized by prolonged or repeated low level exposures of a duration measured in days, months or years. Symptoms may not be immediately apparent. Examples: lead, mercury, or pesticide poisoning. Local refers to the site of action of an agent and means the action takes place at the point or area of contact. The site may be skin, mucous membranes, the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal system, eyes, etc. Absorption does not necessarily occur as in the case of strong acids or alkalis. Systemic refers to a site of action other than the point of contact and presupposes absorption has taken place. For example, an inhaled material may act on the liver. Other examples: arsenic affects the blood, nervous system, liver, kidneys and skin; benzene affects bone marrow. Cumulative poisons are characterized by materials that tend to build up in the body as a result of numerous chronic exposures. The effects are not seen until a critical body burden is reached. Example: heavy metals. Substances in Combination: When two or more hazardous materials are present at the same time, the resulting effect can be greater than the effect predicted based on the individual substances. This is called a synergistic or potentiating effect. Example: exposure to alcohol and chlorinated solvents. 8.6.5 OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING TOXICITY Rate of entry and route of exposure (how fast the toxic dose is delivered and by what means) may affect toxicity. Age can affect the capacity to repair tissue damage. Previous exposure can lead to tolerance, increased sensitivity, or make no difference. State of health, physical condition and life style can affect the toxic response. Preexisting disease can result in increased sensitivity. Environmental factors such as temperature and pressure are factors, as are host factors including genetic predisposition and the gender of the exposed individual. 8.7 - RADIATION SAFETY Only persons, projects, and facilities approved by the Radiation Safety Officer are authorized to use radioactive material or sources of ionizing or non-ionizing radiation. The exception to this is consumer products, such as microwave ovens, which are purchased to be used in a manner that a consumer would use them. Individuals interested in using radioactive material or radiation sources must contact the Radiation Safety Officer at x5206 Page 38 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual prior to purchase. Dictates for use of radioactive material and ionizing radiation sources are contained in the CUA Radiation Safety Manual. Uses in undergraduate and graduate teaching laboratories must be under the direct supervision of an individual approved by the Radiation Safety Officer. Individuals authorized to use sources of radiation are to receive specific training from their supervisor or the Radiation Safety Officer. Project managers, who intend to contract with outside firms or individuals to do work on campus that involves radioactive materials or sources, must have their projects reviewed by the Radiation Safety Officer. 8.8 - WASTE DISPOSAL Disposal of hazardous waste, including chemicals, radioactive materials, and biological agents, must be in accordance with procedures established by Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S). 8.8.1 CHEMICALS – HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN Store waste chemicals with identifying labels and segregate them from incompatible materials. Call EH&S for disposal on a routine bases to avoid accumulating large quantities of materials. Unless approved by EH&S, do not dispose of chemicals via the sanitary sewer system. Consult the MSDS, because it may contain special information on waste handling, storage, and disposal, if applicable. For additional guidance, see section 8.5.20, Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention. 8.8.2 RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS Disposal of radioactive material requires special procedures. Contact the Radiation Safety Officer for instructions. 8.8.3 BIOLOGICAL WASTES Etiological agents/cultures are another group of substances requiring special disposal consideration. Contact EH&S to determine the appropriate means for disposal of your specific materials. 8.9 - BIO-SAFETY 8.9.1 INTRODUCTION This section provides information and guidance on safe laboratory practices. It contains University policies and procedures which have been adopted to promote laboratory safety and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. This section also contains the University's Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan. Principal Investigators and supervisors need to supplement this information with instruction and guidance on specific practices and procedures unique to the work being done in their laboratories. 8.9.2 BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN EXPOSURE CONTROL Page 39 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Section 8.9 of this document serves as the University's Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan in accordance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (BPS), 29 CFR 1910.1030 (OSHA). This standard applies to all CUA employees who have reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucosal, or parenteral contact with human blood or bloodborne pathogens. University employees working in laboratories potentially impacted by the BPS include, but are not limited to, Nursing, Medical Technology, Biology, and Biomedical Engineering. Non-laboratory employees potentially covered by the BPS may include, but are not limited to, Custodial Service employees and CPR/first aid providers such as campus police officers, pool life guards, athletic trainers, and some athletic coaches. 8.9.2.1 HIV and HBV Research Laboratories and Production Facilities The BPS has specific requirements for HIV and HBV Research Laboratories and Production Facilities (i.e., labs that are engaged in the culture, production, concentration, experimentation, and manipulation of HIV or HBV; it does not include clinical or diagnostic labs engaged solely in the analysis of blood, tissue, or organs). There are no such labs currently or proposed at CUA. Nevertheless, since it is prudent to the protection of the health and safety of CUA employees, sections of this manual were written such that the manual can address the requirements of HIV and HBV Research Laboratories and Production Facilities. 8.9.2.2 Exposure Determination CUA performed an exposure determination to identify employee classifications that may entail occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. This exposure determination was made without consideration to the use of personal protective equipment (i.e., employees are considered to be exposed even if they wear personal protective equipment). No job was found in which all employees may be reasonably anticipated to incur such occupational exposure, regardless of frequency. Below are listed the job classifications in which some employees may have occupational exposure. Since not all the employees in these categories would be reasonably anticipated to incur exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, tasks or procedures that would cause these employees to have occupational exposure are listed in order to understand clearly which employees in these categories are considered to have occupational exposure. The job classifications and associated tasks for these categories are: Job Classification Athletic Trainer Athletic Trainer (Student)* Athletic Coach* Pool Lifeguard* Police Officer Nursing Faculty Nursing Faculty Biology Faculty Biology Faculty & Research Staff Biomedical Engineering Faculty & Research Staff Custodial Services Staff Housing & Residential Services Staff, including Area Coordinators, Resident Directors, and Resident Assistants Tasks/Procedures Providing first aid/CPR Providing first aid/CPR Providing first aid/CPR Providing first aid/CPR Providing first aid/CPR Teaching undergraduate clinical sequence Teaching graduate nurse practitioner sequence Teaching clinical laboratory science courses Conducting research involving potentially infectious materials Conducting research involving potentially infectious materials Handling and disposing waste Handling and disposing waste Page 40 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual *Note: According to correspondence dated 1 July 1992 from P.K. Clark, Director of OSHA Compliance Programs, to all Regional OSHA Administrators, persons in the indicated job classifications are not required to be offered the pre-exposure HBV vaccine. This is because of their much reduced exposure risk due to first aid being a collateral duty, rather than a primary duty as is the case for designated first aid providers. 8.9.2.3 Hepatitis B Vaccine Employees identified in the Exposure Determination as having reasonably anticipated occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, are to be offered the Hepatitis B vaccine. The Hepatitis B vaccine is available at no cost to the employee through the University's Office of Health Services. The first vaccination of the series is to be offered within 10 working days of the employee's initial assignment to work involving the potential for occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. Those persons employed as pool lifeguards, athletic coaches, and student athletic trainers are not required to receive Hepatitis B vaccine, since their rendering of first aid is only a collateral duty, and they do not render first aid assistance on a regular basis. Employees have the prerogative to decline the Hepatitis B vaccine. Those so declining must sign a waiver that uses the exact wording in Appendix A of the OSHA standard. Employees, who initially decline the vaccine but who later wish to receive it, will still have the vaccine provided at no cost. It is the responsibility of the Department of Human Resources (or the Office of the Provost for academic appointments) to assure 1) that the appropriate employees are informed that they are eligible to receive HBV immunization, and 2) that either the vaccine series is received or waivers are signed. Copies of these documents are to be regularly forwarded to Environmental Health & Safety for document maintenance. It is the responsibility of an individual's supervisor to verify whether the employee's work duties exempt the employee from requirements of the BBP standard. In such cases where there is no reasonably anticipated exposure to bloodborne pathogens, a BBP Exposure Exemption Certificate, signed by the supervisor, must be provided in lieu of the HBV vaccination records. 8.9.2.4 Universal Precautions Universal precautions must be observed by CUA employees in order to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. All such materials are to be considered infectious regardless of the perceived status of the source individual. Universal precautions are as follows:  Use appropriate barrier precautions to prevent skin and mucous-membrane exposure when contact with blood or other body fluids is anticipated. Wear gloves for touching blood and body fluids, mucous membrane, or non-intact skin of patients, for handling items or surfaces soiled with blood or body fluids, and for performing venipuncture and other vascular access procedures. Change gloves after contact with each patient. Wear a mask and protective eyewear or face shield during procedures that are likely to generate droplets of blood or other body fluids. Wash hands and other skin surfaces immediately and thoroughly if contaminated with blood or other body fluids. Wash hands immediately after gloves are removed. Take precautions to prevent injuries caused by needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments or devices during procedures; when cleaning used instruments; during disposal of used needles; and when handling sharp instruments after procedures. To prevent needlestick injuries, do not re-cap needles, purposely bend or break them by hand, remove them from disposable syringes, or otherwise manipulate them by hand. After they are used, place disposable syringes and needles, scalpel blades, and other sharp items in puncture-resistant containers for disposal; locate the puncture-resistant Page 41 of 120   Environmental Health and Safety Manual containers as close as practical to the use area. Place largebore, reusable needles in a puncture-resistant container for transport to the reprocessing area.  Although saliva has not been implicated in HIV transmission, to minimize the need for emergency mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, have mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, or other ventilation devices available for use in areas in which the need for resuscitation is predictable. If you are a health-care worker who has exudative lesions or weeping dermatitis, refrain from all direct patient care and from handling patient-care equipment until the condition resolves. Pregnant health-care workers are not known to be at greater risk of contracting HIV infection than health-care workers who are not pregnant; however, if a health-care worker develops HIV infection during pregnancy, the infant is at risk of infection resulting from perinatal transmission. Because of this risk, if you are a pregnant health-care worker, be especially familiar with and strictly adhere to precautions to minimize the risk of HIV transmission.   8.9.2.5 Engineering and Work Practice Controls Use engineering and work practice controls to eliminate or minimize exposures. Where occupational exposures remain after institution of these controls, also wear personal protective equipment. Use the following controls when appropriate and where feasible:       Sharp containers Biosafety cabinets Sinks Eye wash stations Automatic pipettes Autoclaves  Universal biohazard sign and labels Examine and maintain these control items on a regular schedule. Corroboration is provided by the CUA Laboratory Safety Committee during its laboratory safety inspections. 8.9.2.6 Housekeeping Techniques     Clean and decontaminate all equipment and work areas as soon as possible after contact with blood or potentially infectious fluids. Use pliers, tongs or a broom and dustpan to pick up broken glass or metal scraps. Never pick them up with your hands, even if you're wearing gloves. Isolate the area to be cleaned and disinfected by placing a tape barrier or other barrier around the site and by posting warning signs. Remove the barrier and signs when the area is completely dry Wash the floor and other contaminated surfaces with soap and water followed by a disinfectant. Page 42 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  For general housekeeping in areas where blood or body fluids may be present (e.g. disposal of sanitary napkins from restrooms), it is important to wear gloves. 8.9.2.7 Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up If you have an exposure incident, report it immediately to your supervisor and the Department of Environmental Health & Safety. During normal operating hours, immediately notify University Health Services (UHS) by phone (x5744) and follow the instructions given for first aid. Subsequent medical evaluation, treatment, and counseling will be provided at UHS. If the exposure occurs when UHS is closed, contact Public Safety (x5111) to arrange transportation to Providence Hospital Emergency Room for initial evaluation and treatment. Any employee incurring an exposure incident will be offered post-exposure evaluation and follow-up in accordance with the OSHA standard. This follow-up is to include the following elements:   Environmental Health & Safety, in collaboration with those persons involved in the incident and their supervisors, will document the route of exposure and the circumstances related to the incident. If applicable, the identification of the source individual will be determined, and consent will be obtained to draw a sample of blood to test for HIV/HBV infectivity. If consent is obtained, the blood sample is drawn. Results of serologic testing of the source individual will be made available to the exposed employee with the exposed employee informed about the applicable laws and regulations concerning disclosure of the identity and infectivity of the source individual. Exposed employees will be offered the option of having one's blood collected by UHS for testing of HIV/HBV serological status. The blood sample will be preserved for up to 90 days to allow the employee to decide if the blood should be tested for HIV serological status. However, if the employee decides prior to that time that testing will or will not be conducted, then the selected action will be taken and the blood sample discarded. The employee will be offered post-exposure prophylaxis through an infectious disease physician referred by UHS in accordance with the current recommendations of the U.S. Public Health Service.     The employee will be given appropriate counseling by UHS or the referred infectious disease physician concerning precautions to take during the period after the exposure incident. The employee will also be given information on what potential illnesses to be alert for and to report any related experiences to appropriate personnel. Unvaccinated first aid providers (i.e., pool lifeguards, athletic coaches, and student athletic trainers) who have rendered assistance in any situation involving the presence of blood or other potentially infectious materials (regardless of whether an actual "exposure incident" occurred) must do the following:    Report all first aid incidents involving the presence of blood or other potentially infectious materials to your supervisor as soon as possible. Includethe names of all first aid providers who rendered assistance in the report and fully describe the incident including time and date. The supervisor must provide the report as soon as possible to Environmental Health & Safety to determine whether or not an "exposure incident" as defined by OSHA occurred. In cases where Page 43 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Environmental Health & Safety determines that exposure did occur, the unvaccinated first aid provider is to immediately comply with the Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up requirements of this Plan.   All unvaccinated first aid providers who rendered assistance are then eligible to receive within 24 hours, and at no cost, the hepatitis B vaccination series. Environmental Health & Safety will maintain a record of all such first aid incidents and, upon request, make this available to employees with reason to know and OSHA. 8.9.2.8 Interaction with Health Care Professionals A written report or opinion will be obtained from the health care professional who evaluates or treats CUA employees in the two following instances.  Prophylactic Vaccination: A written report from the Office of Health Services or other appropriate health care provider will be obtained when an employee is sent to obtain the Hepatitis B vaccine. In this case, the written report will indicate that the employee has completed the vaccination series. Post-exposure Evaluation and Follow-up: A written opinion will be obtained whenever an employee is sent to a health care professional following an exposure incident. In this case, the written opinion will be limited to whether the employee was informed of the results of the evaluation, and that the employee was told about any medical conditions resulting from exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials which require further evaluation and treatment. All other medical findings or diagnoses not relevant to the exposure incident will remain confidential and will not be included in the written report.  8.9.2.9 Training Training for employees must be conducted prior to initial assignment to tasks where reasonably anticipated occupational exposure may occur. Retraining must occur at least annually thereafter. Content must be appropriate to the educational level, literacy, and language of potentially exposed employees and is to include an explanation of each of the following elements:         The OSHA standard for bloodborne pathogens; Epidemiology and symptomatology of bloodborne diseases; Modes of transmission of bloodborne pathogens; This Exposure Control Plan, i.e. points of the plan, lines of responsibility, how the plan is to be implemented, etc.; Procedures that might cause exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials at CUA; Control methods which will be used at CUA to control exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials; Personal protective equipment available at CUA and who should be contacted concerning selection and use; Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up; Page 44 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual     Hepatitis B vaccine program at CUA; Information on emergency procedures to follow exposure incidents, including incident reporting and post-exposure medical evaluation and follow-up; and An opportunity to ask questions regarding protection from bloodborne pathogens. Signs and labels used at CUA; All employees in job classifications listed under the Exposure Determination section of this plan must certify that they have received the new-employee training described above. In specific cases where employees in the job classification are not reasonably anticipated to have occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, the employee may substitute a BBP Exposure Exemption Certificate signed by their immediate supervisor. 8.9.2.10 Recordkeeping All records required by the OSHA standard must be regularly provided by Personnel Services, the Office of the Provost, and the Office of Health Services for maintenance by Environmental Health & Safety.  Medical Records: Must be kept confidential and must not be disclosed or reported, without the employee's explicit written consent, to any person within or outside the workplace except as may be required by law. The University must maintain medical records relative to bloodborne pathogen exposure incidents for at least the duration of employment plus 30 (thirty) years. Training Records: Must be maintained for three years from the date on which the training occurred. These training records must be provided upon request for examination and copying to employees, to employee representatives, and to OSHA.  8.9.3 GENERAL BIOHAZARDOUS MATERIALS PROCEDURES 8.9.3.1 Biohazard Sign and Biohazard Labeling   Display the Universal Biohazard Symbol on a sign at the entrance to all areas where these materials are used, on applicable storage cabinets, and as a label on individual containers. Affix Universal Biohazard Labels to containers by adhesive, wire, or other method that prevents unintentional removal of a label.  Red bags or red containers may be substituted for labels on waste containers. 8.9.3.2 Start of New Programs  On all major and/or unique programs using biohazardous materials, hold a preliminary planning session with a representative of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC) to discuss the possible impact of the anticipated program on the health and safety of the employees who may be involved, and to evaluate if the laboratory facility is adequate to safely conduct the research. Within 14 days of notification of approval, the Principal Investigator or Laboratory Director must provide the IBSC with a protocol describing the safety measures to be employed in performing the work.  Page 45 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  The IBSC along with the Vice President for Administration will provide assistance to the Principal Investigator for assuring that the facility meets all safety requirements for the new program.  The Principal Investigator of each new program is responsible to see that necessary precautions are clearly understood by the technical personnel before start of the study and that the required safety practices and procedures are observed throughout the course of the study. 8.9.3.3 Biohazardous Materials Laboratory Access  Display the Universal Biohazard Symbol at the entrance to all laboratories in which biohazard research is in progress. List on the warning sign: the name of the infectious agent; special requirements for entry (gloves, face protection, respirators, etc.); and, the name and telephone numbers of the principal investigator or other appropriate supervisor. Unauthorized individuals must not enter laboratories where potentially hazardous biological, chemical, or radioactive materials are being used. Neither visitors nor family members are allowed to move about unaccompanied in a biohazardous materials laboratory.   8.9.3.4 Food, Drink, and Cosmetics in the Biohazardous Materials Areas  Do not eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics or lip balm, shave, or handle contact lenses in any University laboratory or in any other area where there is a reasonable potential for pathogen or body fluid exposure. Do not store food or drink, even temporarily, in refrigerators, freezers, shelves, cabinets, or upon counter tops or benches where biohazardous materials or body fluids are present.  8.9.3.5 Spill/Accident Reporting  Immediately report all spills or accidents that result in eye, mouth, mucosal, non-intact skin or peritoneal contact with potentially infectious materials, including human blood and body fluids to your supervisor and to the Department of Environmental Health & Safety. Housekeeping staff, since they are not trained on biohazards, must not clean-up a biohazard spill. If a spill is too large to handle, presents a threat to personnel or the public, or you are unsure how to proceed with clean-up, call Public Safety at x-5111. There is a dispatcher on duty 24-hours at this extension who will inform the appropriate emergency response personnel. All injuries, whether they involve biohazardous materials or not, must be reported to one's supervisor as soon as possible.   8.9.3.6 Sanitation/Housekeeping   Ensure that your laboratory work site is maintained in a clean and sanitary (decontaminated) condition. The laboratory supervisor must develop and implement an appropriate written schedule for cleaning and a method of decontamination. Sanitation in laboratories is the responsibility of laboratory staff and not that of the housekeeping staff. Page 46 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  Collect all biohazardous waste only in orange/red bags specially labeled for such use or in metal covered containers specially designed for autoclaving. The biohazard waste bags must incorporate sterilization indicators and meet the standards for both ASTM D 1922-67 for tear resistance (>480 g) and ASTM D 1709-85 for impact resistance (>165 g). If metal reusable containers are used, they must be labeled as containing biohazardous waste and have an autoclave-sensitive sterilization indicator.  Sterilize all biohazardous waste by autoclaving prior to disposal. Autoclave waste contained in metal autoclavable containers on the same day that the waste is collected. Store biohazardous waste contained in biohazard bags in the room of generation until the autoclave is available for sterilization, and then immediately sterilize it. Do not allow non-sterilized biohazardous waste to accumulate in the autoclave room. Biohazardous waste can be legally disposed of only after sterilization. The investigator or a trained student/technician is to place waste from sterilized reusable containers directly into opaque bags and dispose of the waste through Custodial Services. Similarly, waste in sterilized biohazard bags or disposable biohazards sharps containers must be placed into opaque bags for disposal through Custodial Services. Place only biohazardous waste into biohazard or any orange/red bags. All wastes in these bags will be assumed to be biohazardous and must be sterilized before disposal.   8.9.4 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT USE IN BIOHAZARDOUS MATERIAL AREAS Refer to section 8.18 for requirements of CUA's personal protective equipment program. Appropriate personal protective equipment (such as, lab coats, face shields/masks, eye protection, CPR mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, pocket masks, etc.) must be provided to potentially exposed CUA employees at no cost and must be readily accessible at the work area. Supervisors must ensure that employees use personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever warranted. 8.9.4.1 Protective Clothing and Gloves   All employees and authorized visitors must wear the protective clothing prescribed for the area(s) in which they work or visit. Wear disposable plastic or rubber gloves whenever biohazardous materials are handled (be it in tubes, pipettes, flasks, bottles, or plates), centrifuged, fractionated, lyophilized, etc. Glove use is mandatory whenever hand contact is possible with potentially infectious human tissues including all blood, mucus membranes, and non-intact skin. Completely change clothing and wear gloves, head covers, shoe covers, and filter masks whenever working in rooms that house animals inoculated with or exposed to biohazardous materials classified as BL3. (See the following appendices in the NIH Guidelines for a discussion of physical containment for biological agents, Biosafety Level 1 (BL1) through Biosafety Level 4 (BL4):   Appendix G: physical containment for standard laboratory experiments, and   Appendix K: physical containment guidelines for large scale (greater than 10 liters of culture) research or production involving viable organisms containing recombinant DNA molecules. Wear surgical caps/hoods and shoe covers in addition to other required protective equipment when working in areas where gross contamination can reasonably be anticipated (e.g., autopsies, orthopedic surgery). Page 47 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  Do not wear laboratory clothing and other personal protective equipment outside the immediate work areas.   If any garment is contaminated by infectious materials including blood, immediately remove the garment and store it in a red bag. Autoclave contaminated clothing prior to laundering it. Handle contaminated laundry as little as possible, and place it in a labeled container or red-bag it for transportation. Wear protective gloves and other PPE as necessary when handling contaminated laundry. Replace disposable gloves when the gloves become contaminated, torn, or otherwise compromised. Discard them into a red bag.  8.9.4.2 Eye and Face Protection  Wear safety goggles or face shields in those areas and/or during activities that constitute an eye or face hazard. Contact lenses provide no protection, and wearers must follow all requirements for eye protection (safety glasses, goggles, face shields, etc., as appropriate). Wear masks in combination with eye protection devices whenever splashes, spray, spatter, or droplets of blood or other potentially infectious materials may pose eye, nose, or mouth contamination hazards.  8.9.4.3 Eye Wash Station   Equip each area using biohazardous materials with a readily available eye wash station. Following contact of eyes or other mucus membranes with potentially infectious materials, flush affected areas with water immediately or as soon as feasible. 8.9.4.4 Handwashing   Equip each area using biohazardous materials with a readily accessible handwashing facility. Wash hands immediately after removal of gloves or other personal protective equipment. Following contact of hands or other skin surfaces with potentially infectious materials, wash affected body areas with soap and water immediately or as soon as feasible. 8.9.4.5 Respirators  Certain experiments may require the use of respiratory protection to prevent exposure to biohazardous dust or other hazardous aerosols. Contact Environmental Health & Safety prior to using respirators and for questions relating to the selection of respiratory protective equipment. 8.9.5 BIOLOGICAL SAFETY CABINETS 8.9.5.1 General Criteria for the Use of Biological Safety Cabinets   Perform work involving biohazardous agents in laminar flow biological safety cabinets. Do not conduct work with potentially infectious materials on an open bench. Confine the inoculation and necropsy of infected experimental animals to a primary barrier such as a Class I or Class II ventilated cabinet. Page 48 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  Confine all work with Class 4 agents to an absolute primary barrier system, i.e., Class III cabinets.  Annually test and certify all biosafety cabinets for adequate air flow and/or containment using a qualified testing laboratory. (Environmental Health & Safety will secure the services of a qualified contractor to annually certify the cabinets.) Do not use volatile toxic compounds, flammable solvents, or radioisotopes in laminar flow safety cabinets, unless the appropriate exhaust and/or filter systems are installed. Take adequate precautions, with consideration for both equipment and operating practices, to reduce the potential hazards of aerosol generating processes such as centrifugation, sonication, grinding, fractionation, etc. Operate smaller laboratory equipment, that may generate aerosols, in the appropriate safety cabinet, as determined by risk.   8.9.5.2 Effectively Using Biological Safety Cabinets Use Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) effectively by following these procedures:   Keep the laboratory meticulously clean. Minimize the storage of unnecessary materials such as boxes and supplies, particularly near the BSC. Wash hands thoroughly before and after working in the BSC. Wearing a clean lab coat and gloves while working in a BSC increases personal safety and helps reduce contamination of research materials. The effectiveness of a BSC is a function of directional airflow, inward and downward, through a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Anything that disrupts the airflow pattern reduces cabinet effectiveness. Examples include: rapidly moving one's arms in and out of the BSC, allowing people to walk rapidly behind you, drafts from ventilation systems, and drafts from open laboratory doors. Understand how the cabinet works. Plan your work. Protect yourself, your research, and your coworkers.   8.9.5.3 Recommended Protocol for the Operation of Biological Safety Cabinets       Put on a clean lab coat. Thoroughly wash your hands. Put on gloves, if appropriate. Turn on the BSC. Wipe the work surface with 70% ethanol. Allow the cabinet to run at least five minutes before beginning work. Wipe off each item needed for the procedure and place it in the cabinet. Do not place objects over the front air intake grille; do not block the rear exhaust grille. Perform work at least six inches back from the front air intake grille. Segregate contaminated and clean items. Minimize movement of contaminated items over clean ones. Remember . . . "work from clean to dirty." Follow good microbiological techniques, such as holding open tubes and bottles as horizontal as possible. Page 49 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual         Always use pipetting aids. Never use a mouth pipette. When working in a BSC, use horizontal pipette discard pans containing appropriate disinfectant. Do not use vertical pipette discard canisters on the floor outside cabinet. It is inadvisable to flame items. The flame creates thermal turbulence in airflow which may compromise sterility and safety; excessive heat buildup may damage the filters. If you need to remove or introduce items within the BSC, move your arms slowly in and out of the BSC to minimize disruption of the airflow. If you use equipment that creates air turbulence in the BSC (such as a centrifuge, blender, sonicator, etc.), place the equipment in the back 1/3 of the cabinet. Stop other work while equipment is operating. Protect all vacuum systems from biohazard contamination by placing a liquid disinfectant trap and a HEPA cartridge filter between the vacuum trap and the vacuum source in the cabinet. Clean all spills in the cabinet immediately. Wait 3-5 minutes before resuming work if procedures allow. Remove all materials and wipe all interior surfaces with 70% alcohol when you are finished working. Let the cabinet fan run 10 minutes before turning it off. Examine the tray under the work surface, disinfecting and cleaning as necessary. Discard waste materials appropriately (autoclave, etc.).   Remove lab coat and wash hands thoroughly before leaving biohazardous materials area. 8.9.6 OTHER EQUIPMENT USED IN THE BIOHAZARDOUS MATERIALS LABORATORY 8.9.6.1 Pipettes    Do not pipette by mouth. Do not blow air out of pipettes, as this can generate a hazardous aerosol. Completely immerse contaminated reusable pipettes in an appropriate disinfectant bath. When BL3 agents are used, employ a horizontal bath containing disinfectant in a hood. Autoclave the covered container of pipettes as a unit before cleaning. (If sodium hypochlorite has been used as the disinfectant, use sodium thiosulfate to neutralize the chlorine before autoclaving.) When plastic or discardable glass pipettes are used, place them in a horizontal autoclave bag that is sealed prior to removal. In the case of disposable Pasteur pipettes or broken pipettes, carefully place material in a sharps container to decrease the risk of cuts or punctures.   Dispose of pipettes 1 ml and smaller as sharps. 8.9.6.2 Syringes and Needles  Do not bend, recap, or remove contaminated needles, syringes, and other sharps. Such activities are notorious for causing needle-stick injuries and are specifically forbidden by OSHA regulation. Page 50 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  Never shear or break a contaminated needle. This could easily generate dangerous aerosols and is a specific violation of OSHA regulation.  After use, immediately place contaminated needles and other sharps in sharps containers for disposal or processing as necessary. A safe sharps container is puncture resistant, leak-proof, labeled with the biohazard symbol, and readily accessible. Replace the sharps container regularly; do not overfill the container. If leakage of the primary sharps container is suspected or likely to occur when moving the container from the area of use, place the primary container in a closable, leak-proof, labeled, secondary container. For reusable glass syringes, use only the Luer-Lock type. Decontaminate all syringes and needles by total submersion in a disinfectant before autoclaving. Do not remove needles or otherwise manipulate them before autoclaving. Alternatively, use special sharps containers designed for syringe disposal. Never overfill such containers. Do not withdraw needles from a vial or ampule without first surrounding the point of removal with a cotton pledget moistened with a suitable disinfectant. Do not expel the contents of a syringe into an open room. Expel into a cotton pledget moistened with disinfectant.      8.9.6.3 Centrifuges   Operate a centrifuge only if you know how to properly do so. Consult your supervisor for guidance. Before centrifuging, inspect glass tubes for chips or cracks. Since cracked or chipped glass compromises the strength of a tube, it is more liable to shatter under centrifugal force. To eliminate shattering, use plastic centrifuge tubes when appropriate. Use centrifuge trunnion cups with screw caps or an equivalent safety seal. Inspect the trunnion cups for obvious wear and for the presence of adhering material that may result in cap leaks. Carefully remove any bits of glass from under the rubber cushion. Periodically pressure-check trunnion cups for leaks. Use only tightly sealed tubes. Fill tubes (be careful not to overfill) and cap them in a laminar flow cabinet or other biohazard cabinet as required. After tubes are filled and sealed, wipe the surface with a disinfectant. In the case of highly infectious or toxic materials, a germicidal solution or inactivating liquid may be added between the trunnion cup and centrifuge tube to inactivate the material if the tube should break. After centrifugation of hazardous material, open the cups in the safety cabinet. Avoid pouring (decanting) from centrifuge tubes, since this usually leadsto surface contamination and aerosol generation. Use a pipette to transfer contents.      Immerse contaminated cups and tubes in a disinfectant immediately after use. 8.9.6.4 Vacuum Systems  Protect all vacuum systems from biohazard and chemical contamination. In the case of vacuum systems involving microbiological samples, install a liquid trap of concentrated disinfectant and an Page 51 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual absolute biological filter (HEPA) in the vacuum system between the collecting flask or the point of application and vacuum source. If a collecting flask is used, autoclave and replace it daily or when full.   For non-microbial samples, install a chilled vapor trap before the vacuum source to prevent contamination of the vacuum source and the environment. To avoid vessel implosion, flasks used as collecting reservoirs or as traps are to be made of plastic or heavy-duty glass specifically made for use in vacuum systems. Use only side-arm flasks designed for use under vacuum. For lyophilizers, decontaminate both the condenser and vacuum trap after each use. Allow for controlled re-equilibration in vacuum manifolds or lyophilizers.  8.9.6.5 Roller and Shaker Equipment  Place shaker flasks or bottles containing biohazardous agents in unbreakable pans deep enough to hold the contents of the flasks should breakage occur. To reduce aerosol spread from broken flasks, cover the pans with a top having an absolute filter. Hold flasks or bottles securely in place to prevent breakage.   Manipulate cultures in such a manner as to prevent wetting of the plugs or caps. 8.9.6.6 Blenders, Homogenizers, Grinders, Sonicators, and Lyophilizers  Blenders, homogenizers, grinders, sonicators, and lyophilizers create considerable amounts of aerosols when processing materials. Therefore, always operate and open this equipment in a safety cabinet when working with biohazardous agents. To reduce the amount of aerosol generated, wait 30 seconds or more after the equipment has been turned off before opening and removing the processed material. The preparation, handling, and use of lyophilized microorganisms presents a potentially severe hazard, since the accidental release of such powders can result in aerosols of very high concentration. Cross contamination can readily occur, therefore, handle the powders in a ventilated cabinet. Heavy contamination also can occur at the air exhaust port or manifold outlets of a lyophilizer. Always wear appropriate protective equipment when removing materials from the lyophilizer.  8.9.6.7 Water Baths  All apparatus containing water baths used to inactivate, incubate, or test infectious substances must contain a disinfectant. For cold water baths, 70% propylene glycol is recommended. Renew the disinfectant regularly. 8.9.6.8 Refrigerators, Freezers, and Dry Ice Chests  Periodically check, clean, and defrost refrigerators, freezers, and dry ice chests to remove any containers of infectious or toxic materials that may have leaked or become broken during storage. Wear a lab coat, rubber gloves and respiratory protection while cleaning. Store breakable containers containing infectious material in leak-proof trays. Clearly label all materials stored in refrigerators or freezers with the names of the materials, dates of storage, and the names or initials of the individuals storing the material. Secure labels with permanent Page 52 of 120  Environmental Health and Safety Manual transparent tape.  With regard to refrigerators, attach a BIOHAZARD sign for pathogenic agents until the unit is decontaminated.  Do not store food in refrigerators or freezers containing biohazardous materials. 8.9.6.9 Incubators  For reasons of safety and quality control, decontaminate incubators on a routine basis. Also, store breakable containers containing infectious material in leak-proof trays when placing them into an incubator. 8.9.6.10 Storage of Pathogenic Specimens  Store potentially infectious materials, including blood and other body fluids, in a leak- proof container that is identified with the biohazard term and symbol (red bags or red containers may be substituted for the label). If outside contamination of the primary container is suspected or likely to occur, place the primary container in a leak-proof, labeled, secondary container. If the specimen could puncture the primary container, place it into a puncture-resistant, leak-proof, labeled, secondary container.   8.9.7 DISINFECTION AND STERILIZATION PROCEDURES 8.9.7.1 Scope and Responsibility Decontaminate all apparatus, equipment, or waste contaminated with biohazardous materials before washing, reuse, servicing, shipping, or disposal. Each individual working with such material is responsible for proper decontamination. 8.9.7.2 Disinfectant Efficacy Place all laboratory ware, and similar items such as pipettes, syringes, vials, serum bottles, centrifuge tubes, etc., contaminated with biohazardous agents, in covered containers and autoclave them prior to disposal. Wipe contaminated items too large for immersion in a liquid disinfectant with a disinfectant-saturated towelette before transporting for sterilization (see Disinfectant Efficacy Chart). 8.9.7.3 Autoclaves  The NAS/NRC Committee on Hazardous Biological Substances in the Laboratory recommends that since infectious wastes have high levels of organic matter, sterilization of such wastes in gravity displacement autoclaves be performed at 121°C for a minimum of 60 minutes. All autoclaves must bear a sign indicating the maximum working pressure. All double door autoclaves must have automatic door interlocks or indicator lights to prevent accidental removal of material from an autoclave before it has been sterilized. Do not leave material in an autoclave overnight without sterilizing it. Page 53 of 120    Environmental Health and Safety Manual  line.   Place waste material containing infectious agents in autoclavable containers, clearly labeled with the universal biohazard symbol, or in a red or orange/red bag. Maintain a record of autoclave function. Use commercial ampules, which test autoclave function, to verify effectiveness every week. Run ampules with other material as directed by standard operating procedures. Periodically remove and clean the screen in the autoclave drain  Do not overfill autoclaves. 8.9.7.4 Disinfection of Work Surfaces in Biohazardous Materials Areas   Disinfect work surfaces before and after each major operation. Disinfect work surfaces as soon as feasible when work surfaces are overtly contaminated or after any spill of blood or other potentially infectious materials. Housekeeping staff are expressly prohibited from cleaning such spills or work surfaces. Remove and replace protective coverings, such as biosafety cabinet disposable liners, as soon as feasible when they become overtly contaminated.  8.9.7.5 Disinfection of Floors in Biohazardous Materials Areas Damp mop floors in biohazardous materials areas periodically with a disinfectant and always after spills with infectious agents. Do not dry sweep, vacuum, or dry mop since such operations generate airborne dusts, which may be contaminated with biohazardous materials. Housekeeping staff are expressly prohibited from cleaning such spills. 8.9.7.6 Disinfection of Drains in Biohazardous Materials Areas Periodically flush all drains in biohazardous materials laboratories with disinfectant . 8.9.8 BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL 8.9.8.1 Definition of Biohazardous Waste Laboratory waste consists of combustible and non-combustible materials that are either:   Non-contaminated and present no biological hazard, or, Contaminated with biohazardous materials, such as virus suspensions, cell extracts, radioactive material, inoculated animals, bedding, disposable supplies, etc., and represent varying degrees of hazard. OSHA specifically includes: contaminated sharps (items that can pierce skin); pathological and microbiological wastes containing human blood or other infectious materials; items that could release human blood or other infectious materials in a liquid state if compressed; and items that are caked with dried blood or other infectious materials and are capable of releasing airborne pathogens when handled. Note that some non-laboratory operations can generate contaminated waste, e.g., medical procedures, first aid, and others. 8.9.8.2 Contaminated Waste Handling Page 54 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  Place waste comprised of or contaminated with potentially infectious materials in appropriate containers for disposal or processing as necessary. A biohazardous waste container is safe if it is: closable, puncture resistant, leak-proof, labeled with the biohazard symbol or red-bagged, and readily accessible.  If leakage of the primary container is suspected or likely to occur when moving the container of waste from the area of generation, or if outside contamination of the primary container occurs, place the primary container in a closed, leak-proof, labeled, secondary container. Sterilize contaminated, noncombustible refuse such as broken glassware, empty bottles, disposable metal trash, etc., by autoclaving or with sterilizing gas before disposal. Collect sharps including broken glass, hypodermic syringes and needles (disposable or non-disposable) that are being discarded in a rigid plastic or puncture proof sharps container for autoclaving and subsequent disposal. Use a separate, properly labeled sharps container for sharps contaminated with radioactive material. Do not pick up broken glass and similar sharps with your hands; use mechanical means such as tongs, forceps, dust pan, etc. Inspect and decontaminate trash receptacles intended for reuse which have a reasonable likelihood for becoming contaminated on a regularly scheduled basis. Decontaminate them as soon as feasible when they become contaminated.    8.9.8.3 Non-contaminated Waste Handling  When size permits, non-contaminated dry combustible refuse such as writing paper, paper towels, cardboard cartons, etc., may be placed in plastic lined waste baskets for removal by the housekeeping staff. Sharps that are not contaminated with biohazardous materials (e.g., broken glassware) can still pose laceration/puncture hazards to persons handling the waste. To prevent such injuries, place all noncontaminated glass waste (broken or intact) into a closable, puncture-resistant container labeled uncontaminated sharps only. Biohazard labeling or red bagging is not necessary. Uncontaminated needles and syringes may also be disposed via these containers.  8.9.8.4 Aerosol Containers Pressurized aerosol containers present a potential hazard and must not be placed in an autoclave or incinerator, since they may explode on heating. Discard aerosol containers with other non-burnable trash. Be certain that potentially contaminated cans are immersed or wiped down with an appropriate disinfectant before discarding. 8.9.8.5 Solvents and Flammable Liquids Collect flammable liquids contaminated with infectious agents in safety containers and dispose of them via Environmental Health & Safety. Small amounts of contaminated water-miscible flammables may be poured into a flammable waste can after suitable decontamination with a disinfectant. 8.9.8.6 Bulk Chemicals and Radioactive Wastes See the Chemical Safety section of this manual and the Radiation Safety Manual for specific instructions. 8.9.8.7 Sewage Page 55 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  Do not allow biohazardous substances under investigation to pass into the sewage system without prior sterilization.  Disposal of radioactive biohazardous material is very complicated. When isotopes are used with biohazardous materials or in animals, their disposal must be reviewed and approved by the Radiation Safety Officer. 8.9.8.8 Contaminated Air   Filter air from safety cabinets before being exhausting to the atmosphere. HEPA filters are use for particulate matter and adsorbent filters for gases. Keep doors and windows of biohazardous materials laboratory rooms closed when an infectious agent is used. 8.9.8.9 Dead Animals Place small dead animals previously inoculated with infectious agents in non-permeable containers marked "dead animals" and autoclave before disposal in properly marked containers. Store the animals in the cold until they are picked up. 8.9.9 EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS 8.9.9.1 Identification of Experimental Animals Mark and identify all animals and/or caging to be used in an experiment as one of the three following:    8.9.9.2 Cages    Un-inoculated Inoculated with non-hazardous materials Inoculated with infectious or hazardous agents (identify the agent on the tag or label). Carefully handle cages housing animals inoculated with biohazardous materials to minimize the dispersion of dust from animal or cage refuse. Sterilize cages before reuse. Examine individual cages each morning, evening and at feeding times, so dead animals may be removed immediately and moribund animals treated appropriately. As in other areas of the biohazardous materials laboratory, limit access to animal rooms to specifically authorized persons only. 8.9.9.3 Care and Handling of Experimental Animals  Use protective clothing, gloves and a respirator or mask when feeding, watering, removing or otherwise handling infected or dead animals. Under no circumstances should you place your bare hand into a cage containing inoculated animals. When animals are being dosed with biohazardous agents, both the animal handler and technician administering the material must wear protective clothing, including a mask or respirator, unless the Page 56 of 120  Environmental Health and Safety Manual agent is being administered in a biosafety cabinet.  Minimize movement of animals inoculated with biohazardous materials. When it is necessary to move animals from the animal holding room to a laboratory, or from one laboratory to another, place the animals in a closed container, the external surface of which has been decontaminated. Segregate sick and infected animals as soon as possible to prevent the spread of infection. Ideally, each animal room should have a small isolated enclosure or isolation chamber in which to house sick animals.  8.9.9.4 Handling and Necropsy of Potentially Infectious Animals      Only a qualified veterinary pathologist or experienced prosector must perform necropsies. Always wear rubber gloves, face protection, and a gown or apron as protection against skin contact. Immobilize animals adequately before the necropsy is begun, and wet the fur with a suitable disinfectant to reduce surface spread of viable organisms. Take care take not to contaminate specimen jars. Disinfect them before leaving the laboratory. At completion of the necropsy, place carcasses and all potentially contaminated material, instruments, etc., in suitable containers and disinfect them immediately with an acceptable germicide or by autoclaving. Do not remove papers or records from the necropsy area when the animals have been infected with Class 3 or 4 agents. Voice record findings and transcribe them later.  8.9.9.5 Animal Waste and Bedding  Autoclave animal waste and cage bedding from animals that have been inoculated with biohazardous agents before disposal. Dispose of waste which is known or suspected to be contaminated with radioactive material in accordance with requirements established by the Radiation Safety Officer. For transfer of potentially contaminated waste outside the biohazardous materials laboratory, including disposable cages, place in a double-lined, leak-proof, sealable, red plastic bag. Depending on the degree of hazard, "dip sterilize" bags prior to placing them in covered metal containers for transfer. Place all dead animals in leak-proof, sealable bags for disposal. Autoclave animals inoculated with infectious agents in a red bag before removal from the building. Treat all animal waste and bedding from experimentally inoculated animals as potentially containing microorganisms capable of causing subclinical or overt cross-infection in the same species, or one or more different species. Therefore, remove such animal wastes and bedding from cages or enclosures in a manner which minimizes the production of aerosols or distribution of such materials.    8.9.9.6 Animal Facility Housekeeping   Immediately clean spilled animal waste and bedding, since waste litter can attract vermin, such as roaches, flies and stray rodents, which may spread disease. Frequently disinfect floors, walls, and cage racks, since they may become contaminated with animal excreta. Equip each common-activity area with its own set of housekeeping equipment, and disinfect it Page 57 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual frequently. General housekeeping staff are expressly prohibited from cleaning animal facilities.  Do not allow buckets with waste water and mops to stand overnight. They can become a reservoir for organisms as the strength of disinfectant weakens. Never wring out mops with bare hands, since mops frequently harbor bits of broken glass or splinters. Keep hallways and aisles clear of clutter. Immediately remove disposable containers, shipping cartons, etc., and place them in proper waste receptacles.   Disinfect gloves and boots after each use. 8.9.10 SHIPPING PATHOGENIC MATERIALS 8.9.10.1 General There are special requirements for shipping biohazardous materials. These may include packaging, registration, labeling, identification on shipping papers, etc. Additional requirements may apply to imports/exports and to radioactive materials. Contact Environmental Health & Safety for assistance. 8.9.10.2 Interstate Shipment of Etiologic Agents The agents listed in Appendix A of 42 CFR Part 72 are regulated as part of the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996. As spelled out in 42 CFR Part 72, CUA must register with an entity authorized by the Secretary of the Department of Health & Human Services to receive or ship these agents. Registration - Request an Application The registration process includes:     Sufficient information to show that the facility is capable of handling the agents at Biosafety Levels (BSL) 2, 3, or 4, depending upon the agent and work being done; Inspection of the facility; Issuance of a unique registration; Payment of fees;  Follow-up inspections to ensure the facility meets standards and recordkeeping requirements. The requirements for BSL-2, 3, and 4 operations are contained in the CDC/NIH publication, " Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories." CDC Form EA-101 Before the transferring any of these agents, complete CDC Form EA-101. The information required is:    Name of the requestor and requesting facility; Names of the transferor and transferring facility; Names of the responsible facility officials for both the transferor and requestor; Page 58 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual     Requesting facility's registration number; Transferring facility's registration number; Name of the agent(s) being shipped; Use of the agent(s); and  Quantity of the agent(s) being shipped (number of containers and amount per container). The form must be signed by the transferor and requestor, and the responsible facility officials representing both the transferring and requesting facilities. Verification of Registration Before transferring any of these agents, verify that:   The requesting facility has a valid, current registration; The requestor is an employee of the requesting facility; and  The use of the agent by the requestor is correctly indicated on CDC Form EA-101. If the information cannot be verified or there is suspicion that the agent may not be used for the requested purpose, immediately notify CDC. Shipping/Receiving Comply with any packaging and shipping requirements of all applicable regulations. The requesting facility must acknowledge receipt of the agent by notifying the transferring facility by phone or electronic message within 36 hours of receipt, and provide a paper copy or facsimile transmission of receipt to the transferor within 3 business days of the receipt. After acknowledgment of receipt, the transferor must provide a completed paper copy or facsimile transmission of CDC Form EA-101 within 24 hours to the registering entity. Recordkeeping A copy of CDC Form EA-101s must be retained by both transferring and requesting facilities for a period of five years after the date of shipment or for five years after the agents are consumed or properly disposed, whichever is longer. Disposal When an agent is no longer needed:    Store it in accordance with prudent laboratory practices, Transfer it to another registered facility, or Destroy it on-site by autoclaving, incineration, or another recognized sterilization or neutralization process. When a transferred agent is consumed or destroyed, the facility must formally notify the registering entity. The formal notification must be noted on CDC Form EA-101 and a copy kept on record for five years. Page 59 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual 8.9.11 BIO-SAFETY CONTAINMENT AND BIO-SAFETY LEVELS 8.9.11.1 Containment The purpose of containment is to minimize or eliminate exposure of laboratory workers and the outside environment to potentially hazardous agents. The three elements of containment include laboratory practice and technique, safety equipment, and facility design. A risk assessment of the work to be done with a specific agent will determine the appropriate combination of these elements. The most important element of containment is strict adherence to safe practices and techniques. The Principle Investigator or other person in charge must train or arrange for training of individuals working in the lab on the hazards that will be encountered and on practices and techniques required to handle materials safely. Each laboratory should develop biosafety operating procedures that identify hazards that will or may be encountered, and that specify practices and procedures that will minimize or eliminate exposures to these hazards. 8.9.11.2 Bio-Safety Levels The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifies four biosafety levels of laboratory operation in its publication Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 4th Edition, May 1999. The levels are combinations of practices, laboratory facilities, and safety equipment to be used to protect researchers, the public, and the environment. These four biosafety levels are summarized in the table below. Summary of Recommended Biosafety Levels for Infectious Agents Facilities Safety Equipment (Secondary BSL Agents Practices (Primary Barriers) Barriers) 1 Not known to Standard Microbiological None required Open bench top consistently cause Practices sink required disease in healthy adults 2 Associated with BSL-1 practice plus: Primary barriers = Class I or BSL-1 plus: human disease, hazard • Limited access II BSCs or other physical Autoclave = percutaneous injury, • Biohazard warning signs containment devices used for available ingestion, mucous • "Sharps" precautions all manipulations of agents membrane exposure • Biosafety manual defining that cause splashes or any needed waste aerosols of infectious decontamination or medical materials; PPEs: laboratory surveillance policies coats; gloves; face protection as needed 3 Indigenous or exotic BSL-2 practice plus: Primary barriers = Class I or BSL-2 plus: agents with potential • Controlled access II BCSs or other physical • Physical for aerosol • Decontamination of all containment devices used for separation from transmission; disease waste all open manipulations of access corridors may have serious or • Decontamination of lab agents; PPEs: protective lab • Self-closing, lethal consequences clothing before laundering clothing; gloves; respiratory double-door access • Baseline serum protection as needed • Exhausted air not recirculated • Negative airflow into laboratory 4 Dangerous/exotic BSL-3 practices plus: Primary barriers = All BSL-3 plus: agents which pose • Clothing change before procedures conducted in • Separate building Page 60 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual high risk of lifeentering threatening disease, • Shower on exit aerosol-transmitted • All material decontaminated lab infections; or on exit from facility related agents with unknown risk of transmission Class III BSCs or Class I or II BSCs in combination with full-body, air-supplied, positive pressure personnel suit or isolated zone • Dedicated supply and exhaust, vacuum, and decon systems • Other requirements outlined in the text 8.9.12 RECOMBINANT DNA RESEARCH 8.9.12.1 General The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has developed guidelines that specify practices for construction and handling of recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules, and organisms containing recombinant DNA molecules. The Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines) apply to all recombinant DNA research that is conducted at or sponsored by an institution that receives any support for recombinant DNA research from the NIH. It is the policy of CUA to comply with NIH guidelines. 8.9.12.2 Risk Groups Biological agents known to infect humans as well as selected animal agents that may pose theoretical risks if inoculated into humans are classified under the following Risk Groups (RGs): Risk Group 1 (RG1) Risk Group 2 (RG2) Risk Group 3 (RG3) Agents that are not associated with disease in healthy adult humans Agents that are associated with human disease which is rarely serious and for which preventive or therapeutic interventions are often available Agents that are associated with serious or lethal human disease for which preventive or therapeutic interventions may be available (high individual risk but low community risk) Agents that are likely to cause serious or lethal human disease for which preventive or therapeutic interventions are not usually available (high individual risk and high community risk) Risk Group 4 (RG4) A listing of agents under the various RGs may be found in the NIH Guidelines under Appendix B. 8.9.12.2 Reviewing Bodies Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC): A public advisory committee that advises the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary, the DHHS Assistant Secretary for Health, and the NIH Director concerning recombinant DNA research. The RAC consists of 25 members appointed by the DHHS Secretary or the secretary's designee. Office of Recombinant DNA Activities (ORDA): The office within the NIH that is responsible for reviewing and coordinating all activities relating to the NIH Guidelines. Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC): A committee established by CUA to review recombinant DNA work. The IBSC must consist of at least five members that collectively have experience and expertise in recombinant DNA technology, the capability to assess the safety of recombinant DNA research, and the ability to identify any potential risk to public health or the environment. At least two members are to represent the interest of the surrounding community and must not be affiliated with CUA. A Biological Safety Officer is mandatory and is Page 61 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual to be a member if CUA is conducting recombinant DNA research at BL3, BL4, or large scale (greater than 10 liters) research. CUA has an IBSC that is a subcommittee of the Laboratory Safety Committee. The subcommittee meets as dictated by business requirements. 8.9.12.3 Experiments Requiring Review and Approval Experiments that require approval are divided into four categories: 1. Experiments that require Institutional Biosafety Committee Approval, Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC) Review, and NIH director approval before start-up.  Major actions under the NIH Guidelines The deliberate transfer of a drug resistant trait to microorganisms that are not known to acquire that trait naturally.  2. Human gene transfer experiments. Experiments that require NIH/ORDA and IBSC approval before start-up  Experiments involving the cloning of toxin molecules with LD50 of less than 100 nanograms per kilogram of body weight. 3. Experiments that require IBSC approval before start-up      Experiments using Risk Group 2, Risk Group 3, Risk Group 4, or restricted agents as hostvector systems Experiments in which DNA from Risk Group 2, Risk Group 3, Risk Group 4, or restricted agents is cloned into nonpathogenic prokaryotic or lower eukaryotic host-vector systems Experiments involving the use of infectious DNA or RNA viruses or defective DNA or RNA viruses in the presence of helper virus in tissue culture systems Experiments involving whole animals Experiments involving whole plants 4.  Experiments involving more than 10 liters of culture. Experiments that require IBSC notice simultaneous with initiation   Experiments involving the formation of recombinant DNA molecules containing no more than two-thirds of the genome of any eukariotic virus Experiments involving whole plants. 8.9.12.4 Exempt Experiments 1. Those that are not in organisms or viruses Page 62 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual 2. Those that consist entirely of DNA segments from a single nonchromosomal or viral DNA source, though one or more of the segments may be a synthetic equivalent 3. Those that consist entirely of DNA from a prokaryotic host including its indigenous plasmids or viruses when propagated only in that host (or a closely related strain of the same species), or when transferred to another host by well established physiological means Those that consist entirely of DNA from a eukaryotic host including its chloroplasts, mitochondria, or plasmids (but excluding viruses) when propagated only in that host (or a closely related strain of the same species) Those that consist entirely of DNA segments from different species that exchange DNA by known physiological processes, though one or more of the segments may be a synthetic equivalent Those that do not present a significant risk to health or the environment as determined by the NIH Director, with the advice of the RAC, and following appropriate notice and opportunity for public comment. 4. 5. 6. 8.10 - RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM 8.10.1 INTRODUCTION This program provides a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the safe use of respiratory protective equipment and is to be observed by all CUA Faculty, Staff and Students. The most effective way to control potentially hazardous air contaminants is through sound equipment design, effective ventilation, and careful use of materials that can generate airborne contaminants. Rely on respirators to reduce exposure to airborne contaminants only if these engineering and administrative controls fail to maintain safe exposure levels. 8.10.2 PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) is responsible for administering and otherwise maintaining an effective CUA respiratory protection program. Specifically, EH&S:     Evaluates potential health and safety hazards upon request of individuals or upon EH&S discretion. Recommends engineering/administrative controls, when reasonable, in preference to respiratory protection. Assists in selecting appropriate respiratory protection. Conducts periodic audits of the CUA Respiratory Protection Program and informs accountable parties of actions to take to correct deficiencies. Louis P. Alar, Occupational Safety and Health Specialist, is CUA's Respiratory Protection Program Administrator, phone x5789 or e-mail: alar@cua.edu. Department Chairs/Directors are responsible for implementing this program for their areas of responsibility. Specifically, they must ensure all appropriate personnel are made aware of and comply with CUA respiratory protection requirements. Supervisors are responsible for direct implementation of this program, with technical assistance from EH&S. Page 63 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Supervisors must:  Oversee work sites and employee work practices to minimize airborne exposures and reduce airborne contaminants by engineering controls, substitution of materials, or administrative controls in order to reduce or eliminate the need for respiratory protection. Conduct a hazard evaluation of suspected health hazards to determine best means of control. (EH&S will assist in this evaluation upon request.) Review hazard assessments and the information in this procedure, or contact EH&S for technical assistance, in order to determine compliance with the respiratory protection program and selecting respiratory protection equipment. Ensure employees receive appropriate training. Prohibit employees from wearing respiratory protection until all procedures and guidelines for required use and voluntary use of respiratory protection have been completed. Regularly check that workers properly wear, clean, maintain, and store respirators. Never permit an employee to enter an IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health) atmosphere. Never permit an employee to enter an unknown atmosphere until it has been rendered safe.       Employees are responsible for complying with the requirements of this program:      Participate in required training prior to wearing a respirator. Use respirators in accordance with these procedures and manufacturers' recommendations. Properly wear, clean, maintain, and store respirators. Notify your supervisor of conditions in which you feel you are being overly exposed to an airborne contaminant. Never enter an IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health) or unknown atmosphere until it has been rendered safe. 8.10.3 ASSESSING THE NEED FOR RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT A job hazard assessment will determine if respiratory protection is needed. Initial hazard assessments were completed for all work sites and were distributed to departments. Contact EH&S if a new work procedure is developed or any other change in work conditions occur that may produce a hazard requiring a new hazard assessment. Flow charts and checklists at the end of this procedure will guide you in the selection and use of respiratory protection. 8.10.4 MEDICAL EVALUATIONS Before employees may wear cartridge-type air purifying respirators (either voluntary use or required use), they must receive a medical examination at no cost to them. Voluntary use of filtering face pieces (dust masks) do not require a medical evaluation. View the following to assist you in the steps required for medical evaluations: Page 64 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual   Medical Evaluation Questionnaire Medical Evaluation Checklist All persons that have been medically approved to wear a respirator must complete the medical evaluation form annually. Forms must be completed confidentially and mailed or presented to a preselected health care professional. 8.10.5 RESPIRATOR SELECTION Respirators are designed to protect against specific air contaminants. Different respirators protect against different contaminants. Also, cartridge-type respirators are available in a number of sizes and styles. No one respirator will fit all people. Using the wrong respirator may provide little or no protection and may cause illness or injury. Review the Respirator Selection Checklist and consult EH&S to select the right respirator. 8.10.6 FIT-TESTING Respirator fit-testing is required when OSHA regulations or your department require the use of cartridge type respirators. Contact EH&S to schedule fit-testing. Fit tests are recorded on the Respirator Fit Test Record form. Persons voluntarily wearing respirators may also schedule fit-testing through EH&S. Note: Respirators are assigned exclusively for your use. Do not exchange respirators with someone else. 8.10.7 RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS CUA personnel are not authorized to wear respiratory protection while working with radioactive materials under this program. Respiratory protection for use with radioactive materials must be coordinated with the Radiation Safety Officer. 8.10.8 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS Facial Hair: To get a good face to facepiece seal and ensure maximum protection, be clean- shaven when wearing a respirator. A beard, long sideburns, mustache, or stubble interferes with the facepiece seal. Eye Glasses: If you wear eye glasses and must wear a full-facepiece respirator, corrective lenses can be mounted inside the facepiece. This should enable you to obtain a good fit. Generally, wearing eye glasses or protective goggles does not disturb the seal of a half-facepiece respirator. Clothing: Do not wear clothing or head covering between the face and facepiece. Put hoods, hats and other head coverings on after putting on your respirator. 8.10.9 RESPIRATOR PROGRAM ATTACHMENTS/CHECKLISTS Use the following as guides in your departments's respiratory protection program:   Respiratory Protection Decision Flow Chart Medical Evaluation Checklist Page 65 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  (Appendix C) (Mandatory)         Respirator Selection Checklist Respirator Protection Training Acknowledgement Required Use of Respirators (Mandatory) Information for Employees Using Respirators When not Required Under Standard (Appendix D) Voluntary Use of Filtering Facepieces (Dust Masks) Voluntary Use of Half-Face Cartridge Respirators Respirator Proper Use Checklist Respirator Maintenance and Care Checklist OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire 8.11 - CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY SOURCES (LOCKOUT/TAGOUT) 8.11.1 PURPOSE This program provides a standard operating procedure to control hazardous energy sources for the servicing and maintenance of equipment where unexpected energization or start-up could harm employees. 8.11.2 SCOPE This program applies to all CUA employees who service and maintain equipment. Contractors who do work for CUA must have their own lockout/tagout program and provide their own locks and tags to ensure compliance with the OSHA standard and the CUA Contractor Safety Guide. 8.11.3 BACKGROUND The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under 29 CFR 1910.147 and 1910.333 regulates the servicing and maintenance of equipment where unexpected energization or start-up of the equipment could harm employees. To control the unexpected energization of equipment, energy sources must be locked out and tagged out prior to servicing and maintenance. Examples of common energy sources are:         Electrical Mechanical Gravity Hydraulic Fluid & Gases Thermal Pneumatic Water under pressure Page 66 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Examples of the type of work to which this standard applies are:      Repairs Renovation Replacement of parts Adjustments Removal or by-passing of equipment guard(s) during servicing 8.11.4 DEFINITIONS Affected Employee: A staff, student or faculty member whose job requires the operation of equipment subject to lockout/tagout. Someone who works in an area where lockout/tagout is used. Authorized Employee: A staff, student or faculty member who physically locks or tags out equipment for servicing or maintenance work. This individual is not necessarily the person who normally operates the equipment. Energized: Connected to an energy source or containing residual or stored energy. Energy Source: Any source of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other energy. Lockout: Process of blocking the flow of energy from a power source to a piece of equipment and keeping it blocked out by means of a lockout device. Lockout Device: Lock, block, or chain which keeps a valve, disconnect switch, or lever in the off or closed position. Lockout locks are provided by your department. Use them only for lockout/tagout purposes. Tagout: The placement of a tagout device on a power source. The tag acts as a warning not to restore energy; it does not serve as a physical restraint. Tagout Device: A prominent warning device, such as a tag and a means of attachment, which can be securely fastened to a power source. The tag must clearly state DO NOT OPERATE or another similar message. 8.11.5 RESPONSIBILITIES Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S):    Maintain the written program. Facilitate training for affected departments. Audit the program annually; update as necessary.. Department Directors and Managers:    Ensure that all employees working with machines or equipment which contain hazardous energy sources understand and comply with all lockout/tagout procedures and receive training. Ensure compliance with all aspects of the lockout/tagout program. Identify authorized employees. Page 67 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  contractors. Employees:  Comply with all aspects of the lockout/tagout program. Communicate the CUA lockout/tagout program to potential  Receive training in lockout/tagout procedures and work safely. 8.11.6 TRAINING All authorized employees must be trained in the following:    Recognition of hazardous energy sources, Specific energy sources within the work place, Show how to isolate and control this energy. All affected employees must be trained in the purpose and use of lockout/tagout and the importance of not restarting locked out or tagged out equipment. Retraining is necessary when there is a change in procedures, equipment, job duties. EH&S will record and maintain a file of all trained personnel listing the employee name and date of training. 8.11.7 REQUIREMENTS FOR LOCKOUT/TAGOUT DEVICES A lockout device (such as a padlock) used in lockout procedures can work with a key or with a combination. The lockout device must meet the following requirements:    Durable enough for the heat, cold, humidity, or corrosiveness in the area where it's used, for as long as it's needed. Strong enough so it can't be removed without heavy force or tools like bolt cutters. Used only for lockout procedures. Tagout devices act as a warning not to restore energy; they are not a physical restraint. Tagout devices must meet the following requirements:       8.11.8 Page 68 of 120 Strong and resilient enough to prevent accidental loss or removal. Used only for tagout. Strong enough so it won't release with less than 50 pounds of applied force. Attachable by hand. Contain space to identify the authorized employee, date, and time. Have a printed warning such as "Danger" or "Do Not Operate". Environmental Health and Safety Manual LOCKOUT/TAGOUT PROCEDURE The lockout/tagout procedure to follow for maintenance and repairs depends on whether the equipment is   Facilities Equipment or Research Equipment (pilot plant, laboratory, etc.). Use the Lockout/Tagout Procedure form for writing procedures for specific machines or individual equipment. 8.11.9 GROUP LOCKOUTS/TAGOUTS In cases where more than one person will service or maintenance a piece of equipment or machinery that requires lockout/tagout, a multiple lockout adapter must be used. This device can hold several locks and tags. Each authorized employee will place his or her lock on the adaptor. Only the person who placed a lock on the device may remove the lock. The only exception allowed would be if a person discontinued working on a job. In this situation the supervisor must remove the lock and tag. 8.11.10 SHIFT CHANGE In cases where the next shift of personnel will continue to work on a locked-out piece of equipment, the employee reporting for duty must apply his or her lock and tag first, then the employee who is leaving may remove his or her lock and tag. 8.12 - LASER SAFETY 8.12.1 INTRODUCTION The laser represents a class of light emitting devices with unique characteristics. Certain of these characteristics can result in significant hazards. The light from a laser is collimated, coherent, can be of high intensity, and can cause burns to the eyes or skin or ignite flammable material. Laser power supplies frequently have high voltages at potentially lethal current levels. Some lasers employ potentially hazardous cryogenic fluid for cooling purposes. Manufacturing standards have been established which provide some safety features for lasers which include warning labels, beam shutters, power supply interlocks, and enclosures. In the research laboratory, it is sometimes necessary to defeat some of these safety features to perform maintenance or repairs or make modifications to the laser. In addition it is often necessary to work with unenclosed beams of moderate or high power to obtain or adjust an experimental setup. This situation can present potentially hazardous conditions which must be minimized by proper experimental design, engineering controls, personal protective equipment (such as eyewear) and proper training. These guidelines are provided to protect CUA employees and students operating lasers and other personnel likely to be exposed to their hazards. A consensus standard for laser safety has been developed by the American National Standards Institute --- ANSI Z136.1 --- and that consensus standard is the basis for these guidelines. 8.12.2 Page 69 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual RESPONSIBILITIES 8.12.2.1 Laser Supervisor/Principal Investigator To ensure that all safety aspects are considered, the principal investigator must inform Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) of any intent to purchase, fabricate, or otherwise acquire a laser. EH&S will review with the user the hazards of the proposed operation and make recommendations regarding the specific safety requirements that pertain to the proposed use, including procedures, laser control areas, training, and protective equipment. The responsibility for laser safety is primarily that of the investigating scientist under whose direction the laser is being used. The guidelines that follow are intended as an aid in determining the minimum requirements for the safe laboratory use of lasers at CUA. The flexibility required in a laboratory limits the ability to establish fixed rules governing laser use and, thus, the guidelines indicate an approach recommended to minimize hazards. The basic approach is summarized as follows:      Thoroughly evaluate the hazards associated with the specific laser and its use; Adequately train personnel in the safe use of lasers; Define and provide appropriate protective equipment; Reduce laser beam intensities to the minimum required to perform a desired procedure; Implement the guidelines given in section 8.12.4 for the class of laser involved. The principal investigating scientist must also investigate all eye exposures and suspected eye exposures and report them to EH&S. 8.12.2.2 Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) EH&S performs the following functions:       Maintains the University's laser safety program. Reviews and provides technical advice and safety approval for all laser operations. Determines potential laser eye hazards and advises laser users and supervisors on appropriate eye protection. Maintains an inventory of all lasers at CUA. Assists in laser safety training. Investigates all instances of suspected laser eye exposure.  Assists in classifying custom-built and modified lasers, and in complying with safety standards. 8.12.2.3 Laser Users Page 70 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Laser users must:     Complete required safety training. Know and follow the safe procedures developed for the use of the laser they work with. Use required safety devices and personal protective equipment. Report any suspected eye exposures to the laser supervisor. 8.12.3 LASER CLASSIFICATIONS Lasers are classified according to the level of hazard associated with their light emission. Appropriate safe operation guidelines correlate with the following five classes of lasers.      Class 1: Cannot emit accessible laser radiation at known hazard levels (typically continuous wave [CW] <0.4 micro W at visible wavelengths). Class 2: Low power visible spectrum lasers which emit above Class 1 power levels but do not exceed 1 mW. Class 2A: Special-purpose lasers, not intended for viewing. Their power output is less than 1 mW. Many barcode readers fall into this category. Class 3A: Intermediate power lasers (CW power of 1 to 5 mW). Class 3B: Moderate power lasers (CW power of 5 to 500 mW or pulsed power to 10 J/cm2).  Class 4: High power lasers (CW power > 500 mW). 8.12.4 LASER SAFETY GUIDELINES In an industrial environment, laser safety is provided primarily by engineering safety features which limit the possibility of exposure to laser hazards. This is possible because of well-defined and controlled applications of the laser. In contrast, in the research laboratory a large degree of flexibility is often required to obtain a desired result. This exposes personnel to potential and perhaps unnecessary hazards unless the experiment is wellplanned. In the laboratory one is often forced to rely more heavily on administrative safety procedures than on engineered protections. The primary hazard of lasers is eye damage due to intrabeam viewing. The well-collimated coherent laser beam can be focused to a very small spot on the retina and cause destruction of the retina. For lasers with power less than 1 mW (Class 2) the natural brightness aversion reflex will normally protect the eye from serious injury. For higher power lasers, however, the injury can be instantaneous and permanent. For lasers with power near 0.5 W (and higher) merely the diffuse scattering of the beam can cause serious damage to the eye. It is essential, therefore, to evaluate all possible hazards associated with moderate and high power lasers to limit beam exposure. Because of the flexibility often needed in a laboratory, two of the most important factors in a safe laser laboratory entail adequate safety training of personnel and a careful evaluation of potential hazards. 8.12.4.1 Class 1 Lasers This class of lasers is exempt from any precautions. As a matter of good practice, however, unnecessary exposure to Class 1 laser light should be avoided. Page 71 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual 8.12.4.2 Class 2 Lasers Precautions are required to prevent continuous staring into the direct beam or a beam reflected from a mirrorlike surface. In most cases with Class 2 lasers, the natural brightness aversion reflex (blinking) generally provides protection from visible laser light. It is possible, however, to overcome the blink reflex and to stare into a Class 2 laser long enough to damage the eye. 8.12.4.3 Class 2A Lasers This class of lasers causes injury only when viewed for more than 1,000 seconds. 8.12.4.4 Class 3A Lasers In addition to the requirements of Class 2 lasers, precautions are required to prevent intrabeam viewing or specular beam reflections which may enter the eye. Class 3A lasers pose severe hazards when viewed through optical instruments (e.g., microscopes and binoculars). 8.12.4.5 Class 3B Lasers Class 3B lasers will cause injury upon direct viewing of the beam or specular reflections. In addition to the requirements of Class 3A lasers, use the following engineering controls:     A protective housing, Protective housing interlock systems that prevent emission of laser radiation when the housing is opened, Viewing portals in the protective housing with filters and attenuators to preclude the emission of laser light at harmful levels, For all optical instruments intended for viewing a laser or laser system, suitable means (e.g., filters, attenuators, or interlocks) to preclude the transmission of laser light in harmful levels under all conditions of operation and maintenance. Operate lasers only in controlled areas in order to confine the laser hazards to well- defined spaces that are entirely under the control of the laser user. The area must be posted with appropriate warning signs that indicate the nature of the hazard and appropriate control measures.  When the use of uncontained beams is unavoidable, observe the following precautions:    Wear protective eyewear. Place an appropriate laser hazard warning at all entrances to the area when the laser beam is operating, and limit access to the area to authorized personnel. Terminate the laser beam at the limit of its useful distance. A dull black (highly absorbing/low reflectance) surface is recommended for visible frequency lasers. Beam traps or terminators with total absorbers appropriate to the wavelength of UV and IR lasers are recommended for those wavelength ranges. Minimize specular reflecting surfaces in or near the beam path. Page 72 of 120  Environmental Health and Safety Manual    Light the space containing the laser well to constrict pupils. Position the laser and contain the beam, such that the beam does not exit the area of use. When it is necessary to align the beam, reduce its intensity as much as practical to reduce hazard potential. 8.12.4.6 Class 4 Lasers Follow the requirements for Class 3B plus institute the following additional safeguards:                Equip all Class 4 lasers with a removable master key switch. The laser must not be operable when the key is removed. Install electrical connections that allow the laser to be controlled by an area interlock system and remote shut-off devices. Provide an integral or permanently attached beam stop or attenuator capable of preventing the emission of laser light at hazardous levels. Conduct a hazard review before using a Class 4 laser. Write operating procedures based upon this review. Limit access during operation of the laser to authorized personnel. Employ a warning device at the area entrance to indicate the presence of the laser beam. Enclose the beam path except when beam access is required. Use appropriate protective eyewear unless the beam intensity has been reduced to a non-hazardous level. Take procedural steps necessary to ensure that hands, arms, or other parts of the body do not intersect the beam. Provide for a means to quickly disengage the laser power source from the electrical main during an emergency. Use a highly absorbent beam trap of fire retardant materials to terminate the beam. For infrared lasers (since the beam is invisible), protect areas which are exposed to reflections of the beam by fully enclosing the beam and target area. For ultraviolet laser beam radiation, provide a beam shield which attenuates the radiation to acceptable levels. Use a countdown procedure to signify the firing of single pulse lasers to ensure all present are aware of the firing of the laser. Wear appropriate laser protective eyewear. Clearly label the eyewear with optical density values and wavelengths for which protection is afforded. Wear the eyewear whenever operational conditions may result in potential eye hazard. Page 73 of 120 8.12.5 Environmental Health and Safety Manual NON-LASER BEAM HAZARDS As mentioned above, lasers may have associated hazards not related to the laser beam itself. Listed below are some of these hazards and the recommended protective measures. 8.12.5.1 Electrical Hazards Laser power supplies often involve potentially lethal voltage and current combinations. Even when the power supply is disconnected, capacitor banks may have dangerous stored electrical energy. Therefore, only qualified personnel shall perform service or maintenance on lasers and their power supplies. At times, access to the laser cavity is required for maintenance of optical components or other purposes while the system is operating. Personnel must be acutely aware of the voltages present within the laser cavity and which components may be energized in order that precautions be taken to avoid contact. 8.12.5.2 Vaporized Target Materials When the laser beam is capable of vaporizing target material, it may emit toxic contaminants into the laboratory atmosphere. If this is possible, provide suitable local exhaust of laser target areas. 8.12.5.3 Laser Gases Some lasers employ flowing gas systems. These gases may be toxic (e.g., CO, HF, etc.) Properly exhaust such gases and otherwise treat them as appropriate to their toxicity or hazard. 8.12.5.4 Cryogenic Coolants Some lasers employ cryogenic coolants, and these materials must be properly handled. Address the hazards to skin or eyes associated with direct contact with ultra cold fluid. Also, provide proper exhaust of evaporating cryogenic liquid if sufficient cryogen is present to create a toxic or oxygen deficiency hazard. 8.12.5.5 Pump Lamps Some pump lamps, such as high pressure arc lamps, may be hazardous due to the possibility of lamp explosion. Use appropriate lamp housings when lamps are operating. When handling the lamps, wear appropriate protective clothing and face/eye protection. In addition, some lamps emit substantial amounts of UV or other harmful wavelengths of radiation. Employ proper shields, filters, or personal protective equipment to limit exposure. 8.12.5.6 Chemical Hazards Some lasers, such as dye lasers, employ chemicals that may be toxic. Follow the precautions given in the chemical safety section of this manual when using such lasers. 8.12.5.7 Ionizing Radiation Potentially hazardous x-radiation may be generated from high voltage (>15 kV) power supply tubes. Appropriate shielding is required -- contact the Radiation Safety Officer, x5206. 8.12.6 REFERENCES American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers, ANSI Z-136.1 (1986) American National Standards Institute. Guidelines for Laser Safety and Hazard Assessment, OSHA PUB 8-1.7 (1992) Occupational Safety and Health Page 74 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Administration, Washington, DC. Health & Safety Manual, PUB-3000, Lawrence Berkeley laboratory (1995) Laser Safety Guide (1989) Laser Institute of America, Orlando Florida. 8.13 - ELECTRICAL SAFETY 8.13.1 Introduction The danger of injury from electricity exists in most instances where electric energy is used. Injuries can happen through electric shock, electrically-induced fires or heat burns. Under certain conditions people can be injured severely even from relatively low voltages (coupled with high current flows). The amount of current necessary to seriously harm or kill a person is small (<10 milliampere alternating current), and it is particularly easy to reach dangerous levels of current flow if the skin is wet or even damp with perspiration. Although contact with high voltage at low current flow is not necessarily lethal, it can still produce severe tissue damage at the site of contact. 8.13.2 General Safe Work Practices  Immediately stop using electric equipment that runs erratically or when its use produces an electrical tingle, as these are warnings that an electrical problem exists which could cause dangerous shock injuries. Tag the equipment as defective and have it repaired before reuse. Circuit breakers are not designed to protect people from electric shock; their function is to prevent wiring overloads leading to fires. Similarly, equipment fuses are designed solely to protect equipment and are generally worthless in terms of personal protection. Do not overload circuits with multiple attachments to a single outlet. For fire prevention, keep all combustible items (plastics, fabric, lumber, solvents, etc.) at least 18 inches away from electric heaters or other heat-producing equipment. When operating energized electric equipment or flexible cord sets in highly conductive environments (e.g., areas inundated with water) use only equipment which is specifically designed to operate safely in such environments. Ground fault circuit interruption devices may be sufficient in some cases. Do not energize electric equipment capable of releasing sufficient electric or heat energy to ignite a flammable air mixture, until sufficient ventilation is established to prevent the accumulation of ignitable fuel/air concentrations. Such flammable fuels include solvents, paints, glues, and other volatile combustible materials. Wear ANSI-approved eye and face protection whenever there is danger of injury to eyes or face from electric arcs, flashes, or flying objects resulting from electric explosion.       8.13.3 Flexible Electric Cords  Use only flexible cords and cables containing an equipment grounding conductor (a three-prong plug) to power electrical equipment that is not hard-wired. This does not include portable tools protected Page 75 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual through built-in double insulation.   Do not alter or modify attachment plugs or receptacles in any manner that disrupts continuity of the equipment grounding conductor. Do not use plug adapters which interrupt the continuity of the equipment grounding connection with tools or equipment designed with grounding prongs. However, plug adapters with pigtails attached to an electric ground are allowed. Before each new use, visibly inspect all flexible cord sets, including extension cords, for external damage (e.g., dry-rotted casings, loose plug heads, cut casings, missing ground pins, etc.) Do not use defective cords; dispose or repair them as appropriate. Do not unplug an electric device by pulling the cord as this stress can cause internal cord short circuits. To prevent internal damage leading to electrical shorts, do not use electric cords to hoist or lower electric equipment or tools. For the same reason, do not fasten flexible cords with staples or locate them in areas where doors, drawers or other equipment could pinch and damage insulation.    8.13.4 Working With Test Instruments/Equipment   Test electric circuits only if you are qualified to use test equipment and work safely on energized circuits. De-energize live components before starting work on them. Exceptions would be if de- energizing components increases hazards or is infeasible due to equipment design or with circuits operating at less than 50 volts to ground when there is no risk from arc-induced burns or explosions. Use proper lockout/tagout procedures. Complete a function test of de-energized equipment with test instruments before working on circuits or components of electrical systems. When working near exposed circuit parts that are or may become energized, assume that all exposed conductors and circuit components are energized and dangerous. Use suitably insulated tools and equipment when working near exposed energized conductors or circuit components where it is possible for the tools or equipment to make accidental contact with the conductor or component. Visibly inspect test instruments/equipment and all associated leads, cables, power cords, probes and similar connectors for damage before each new use. Do not use defective items; dispose or repair them, as appropriate. Use fuse handling equipment, suitably insulated and rated for the circuit voltage, to install or remove fuses from electric components. Do not wear conductive articles of jewelry and clothing (e.g., rings, watch bands, bracelets, necklaces, key chains, metallic aprons, metal headgear, etc.) where they present an electrical contact hazard with exposed energized components. Handle conductive materials and equipment that are in contact with any part of your body in a manner that will prevent accidental contact with exposed energized conductors or circuit parts. Such materials Page 76 of 120        Environmental Health and Safety Manual and equipment include pipes, tubing, hoses, ropes, metal lined rules, steel tapes, chains, etc.   Do not reach blindly into areas which may contain energized components. Use protective shields, barriers, or appropriate insulating materials to protect yourself from shock, burns, or other electrically-induced injuries when working near exposed energized components or where dangerous electric heating or arcing is possible (includes fuses and circuit breakers). Do not use metal ladders or ladders with longitudinal metal reinforcement when working on or in the proximity of exposed energized circuits.   Maintain a safe distance from conductors when working near energized overhead lines. 8.13.5 Isolation of Electrically Hazardous Areas   Use nonconductive barricades in conjunction with safety signs wherever it is necessary to prevent access to areas with un-insulated energized conductors or circuits. Guard live parts of electric equipment operating at 50 volts or higher against accidental contact by using suitable housings and insulation or by location in enclosures/rooms accessible only by qualified personnel. Use lockout/tagout procedures when working on electrical circuits or electrically powered devices.  8.14 - HAND TOOLS AND POWERED EQUIPMENT 8.14.1 TOOL AND MACHINERY SAFETY Injuries from improper use of machines and tools can be severe. So it is important to thoroughly consider potential hazards associated with every machine or tool and to act to eliminate or minimize those hazards before doing a job. Often this simply means thinking through how the job is to be done. Check a machine or tool before using it. If tool or machine is damaged, remove it from service and report it to your supervisor. If you are ever unsure about the safe use of a tool or machine, ask your supervisor for advice. 8.14.2 GENERAL SAFETY RULES Take the following precautions whenever working with tools:      Thoroughly check every machine or tool before using it to ensure it is in good operating condition. Take the time necessary to perform a job safely -- never hurry a job. Never leave a machine running unattended. Maintain unobstructed and clean passageways through the work area. Regularly sweep or vacuum the floor. Accumulation of sawdust, wood shavings and other waste can make floors extremely slick. Page 77 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  When feeding stock through machines such as table saws, jointers, or wood shapers, stand to one side, never directly in line with the stock being fed. Kick-back injuries can be severe.          Repair or replace dull or worn tools. They can be dangerous. Make sure tool guards are in place and are working properly before using a power tool. Wear safety goggles when chipping or doing other work that may cause particles to fly. Report all injuries to your supervisor immediately. Use a tool or machine only for its intended purpose. Do not use excessive force or pressure when using a tool. Store tools properly -- do not leave them lying around. Do not carry tools in your pockets -- use a kit or tool belt. Sheath pointed or edged tools. Horseplay, practical jokes and the like are not acceptable in CUA shops and are grounds for disciplinary action. 8.14.3 HAND TOOLS Hand tools are non-powered and include many things from axes to wrenches. In most cases the danger posed by hand tools results either from misuse or improper maintenance. General safe practices with hand tools are listed below. 8.14.3.1 Wrenches     Use the proper size wrench for the job; metric-sized and English-sized wrenches are not interchangeable. It is generally safer to pull a wrench than push it; but if you have to push, use your open palm as this decreases the chance of injury to fingers. When wrench work is above your head, reduce the chance of head injury by standing to one side as you pull on the wrench. When using an adjustable wrench, exert pressure toward the moveable jaw.  Never substitute pliers for a job that calls for a wrench. 8.14.3.2 Hammers    8.14.3.3 Page 78 of 120 Use a machinist's hammer for machine work and a claw hammer for carpentry work. Check that people and objects are not in the path of your swing. Do not use hammers, mallets, axes, etc. with split handles or loose heads. Environmental Health and Safety Manual Screwdrivers and Chisels         8.14.3.4 Saws     8.14.3.5 Files   Use screwdrivers with insulated handles when working near electrical equipment. Do not substitute flat head and Phillips head screwdrivers for each other. Do not use undersized screwdrivers to turn large screws. Do not substitute a screwdriver for a chisel or use it as a pry. Holding a job in your hand is dangerous. If the screwdriver slips, it could cause a serious puncture wound. Dress mushroom heads on chisels, punches, etc., properly prior to use. Do not use chisels for prying or wedging. Always drive wood chisels away from the body. Keep saws free of rust and wood resin. A clean saw is less likely to bind or jump a cut. Make the initial cut of a wood saw or hacksaw by drawing the blade backwards. Do not use a rip saw for crosscutting, nor vice versa. Secure the material before sawing. Equip all files with handles. Secure the material before filing.  Do not use a file for prying; they break very easily. 8.14.4 POWER TOOLS      Wear ANSI-approved eye protection (safety glasses with side protection or goggles) whenever in a shop area or when working with power tools outside the shop. Inspect machines regularly for safe operation and cleanliness. Whenever possible, ground all power tools. For grounded tools, check for a functional electric ground before using the tool. Have a power shut-off switch within easy reach of the operator. Allow the machine to perform the work -- it can be very dangerous to use excessive pressure or force to speed the operation of a power tool. Page 79 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  Shut-down a machine before adjusting, cleaning, lubricating, repairing, etc. Use Lockout/Tagout procedures (See section 8.11.8).      Do not remove or make ineffective any machine safeguards, such as drive belt covers. Keep transparent guards clean and replace them when cracked or otherwise broken. Use a brush or air pressure to remove chips, dust, shavings or other such materials from stock. Keep fingers clear of a machine's point-of-operation by using appropriate devices such as push bars. Proper clothing and caution are important when working with revolving machines, since revolving shafts can easily snag loose clothing, gloves, hair, jewelry or cleaning rags. Roll shirt sleeves above the elbow, do not wear neckties and jewelry, and confine long hair under a hat. Allow a machine to stop fully before making any adjustment or repair. Check for the location of concealed electrical, water and similar utility lines prior to drilling or cutting into walls. Do not operate power tools when standing on wet surfaces.     Keep power cords clear of the work area. 8.14.4.1 Circular Table Saws          With the motor off, adjust the height of the blade to extend 1/8 to 1/4 inch above stock. Always use splitter and anti-kickback fingers when ripping. Hold the stock firmly against a miter gauge or saw fence. Always use a push stick when ripping narrow stock. Move the rip fence out of the way when cross-cutting. Do not use the rip fence as a cut-off gage when cross-cutting. Never reach behind a saw blade to pull stock through. Never saw "freehand", always use a ripping fence or miter gage, as appropriate. Do not use a ripsaw for crosscutting, nor a crosscut saw ripping.  Use a roller stand or other table extension device to support work when cutting long stock. 8.14.4.2 Radial Arm Saws   Before energizing the motor, adjust the saw to an appropriate depth of cut that is not too deep into the table. Set-up the saw so the cutting head will return gently to the back of the table when released. Page 80 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  cut.      When cross-cutting, be sure that stock lies flat on the saw table with the back edge of the stock firmly against the fence. Hold stock firmly against the table guide strip. Use a push stick when ripping, cutting grooves, or cutting rabbets. When ripping, feed the stock from the end opposite the anti-kickback guard. Never attempt to rip stock without getting a straight edge on the stock. Allow the blade to reach full operating speed before starting a  Use a roller stand or other table extension device to support work when cutting long stock. 8.14.4.3 Band Saws           Before using a band saw, rotate the handwheel by hand to show that the blade tracks properly within guide channels. Check that the saw blade clears the upper guide by 1/4 inch. Keep the blade guard in place and keep both upper and lower housing doors closed during operation. Feed stock into the saw blade slowly but firmly. Use a push stick or guide for cuts near the blade. Make curved cuts gradually; use relief cuts when possible. Never use excessive force to speed cutting. Do not back out of a cut; it may pull the blade off a wheel. Do not attempt to saw stock that is not held flat on a table or positioned in a safe jig. If a "clicking" noise develops while sawing, stop the machine immediately. Noise may indicate the saw blade has cracked and is liable to break. If a blade breaks, step back and shut off the power. Do not touch the blade until both wheels have stopped. 8.14.4.4 Jig, Saber, and Scroll Saws      Securely clamp stock to be cut on a saber saw. Check that the teeth of a scroll saw point down. Also check for adequate blade tension. Before energizing the motor, adjust the hold-down device of a scroll saw so that it barely clears stock. Allow the blade of the saw to reach full operating speed before starting the cut. Handle the stock being cut with a scroll saw with both hands. Page 81 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  reach underneath stock when sawing. 8.14.4.5 Jointers         Check that the guard has sufficient tension to cover the part of the cutter head not covered by stock. Do not use a jointer with dull knives. Do not attempt to joint stock that has knots, nails, etc. Do not use a jointer to plane stock shorter than 10", narrower than 2", or thinner than 3/8". With power off, check that blades are flush with the out-feed table and securely fastened in the cutter head. Feed stock into a jointer "with the grain". Keep a firm grip on stock to prevent kickback. Position your body to the side of the machine; never stand to the front (feed side) of the table. Do not allow fingers to drag behind or along edges of stock. Keep fingers and clothing well away from the saw line. Never  Do not use a jointer to plane the grain-end of stock that is narrower than 12". 8.14.4.6 Drill Presses      When drilling or tapping material, securely clamp the stock to prevent spinning or climbing the drill. In no case rely solely on your hands to secure the stock. If stock should slip from the table clamp, turn off the drill. Do not attempt to slow it with your hands. Tighten the chuck of the drill and remove the key before energizing the machine. Never leave the key in the chuck. Do not use dull bits. Run the drill at speeds appropriate to the work. Feeding a bit too fast can break the bit and cause serious injury. 8.14.4.7 Abrasive Wheels     Always wear face shields when using grinding wheels. Equip grinding wheels with tool rests to hold the stock stable. Adjust the tool rest close to the wheel, with a maximum gap of 1/8 inch. Use cover guards on the abrasive wheels. Keep the cover guards clean so that the work is visible. Check abrasive wheels for defects before use. Replace wheels that are cracked, out of balance, or otherwise broken. Page 82 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  bench top as appropriate.   8.14.4.8 Lathes     Adjust tool-rest to conform to stock prior to energizing the lathe. Securely clamp tailstock, toolholder, and stock prior to energizing lathe motor. Never leave a chuck wrench in a chuck. Do not attempt to screw a chuck onto the spindle with the motor turning; it may easily become crossthreaded or otherwise cause injury. Instead, stop the machine, place a board under the chuck, then hand screw the chuck onto the spindle. When filing stock on a lathe, file with the right hand over the lathe while facing the head stock. If lefthanded, reverse the rotation of lathe spindle and file from the "back" side of lathe. Hold the tool firmly in both hands. Keep your hands a good distance away from the chuck rim when the lathe is turning. Use a lathe at slow speed for initial, rough turning; increase the speed as work smooths out. When possible, use a pipe sleeve to cover stock protruding from end of lathe. Stop the lathe to measure or caliper stock. Never operate a grinder at a speed that exceeds the maximum rpm rating of the abrasive wheel. Do not use the side of an abrasive wheel for grinding, unless it is a special wheel designed for that purpose. Securely mount pedestal and bench grinders to the floor or       Remove the tool bit before removing stock from lathe. 8.14.4.9 Portable Belt Sanders    Check for adequate lubrication before using. Disconnect the sander from the power outlet when changing the abrasive belt, making adjustments, maintaining it, or when it is not in use. Hold sander off stock when energizing or de-energizing the motor.  Lay the belt sander on its side when it is not in immediate use. 8.14.4.10 Portable Routers   Before plugging in your router, check that the bit is inserted at least _ inch into the chuck. Turn it by hand to establish that it clears the router base. Do not use a dull blade; disconnect from power outlet and replace with sharp blade. Page 83 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  Disconnect the router from the power outlet when changing bits, making adjustments, doing maintenance or when the router is not in use.    Maintain a firm grip on the router when energizing it to overcome start-up torque. Keep the router base flat on the stock. Feed from left to right when cutting straight edges; feed counter-clockwise when cutting curved edges.  Keep the motor clean and the intake/exhaust vents free of shavings and dirt. 8.14.4.11 Portable Circular Saws        Disconnect the power outlet when changing blades, making adjustments, doing maintenance, or when the saw is not in use. Do not use a dull blade; disconnect the saw from the power outlet, and replace the blade with a sharp one. Use a blade that is appropriate for the job. Use a guide when rip cutting. Allow the blade to reach full speed before starting a cut. If you must retract the lower blade guard, use the retracting lever. Never tie back the lower blade 8.15 - WELDING, CUTTING, BRAZING, AND SOLDERING 8.15.1 INTRODUCTION Welding, cutting, brazing, and soldering produce a variety of hazards including metal fumes, gases, dusts, ultraviolet radiation, noise, and heat stress. Toxicity of the airborne contaminants depends on the materials involved, and exposures may vary greatly. Exposures are to be minimized primarily by engineering controls including local exhaust ventilation, dilution ventilation, surface preparation of metals, and isolation of operations. Other important controls include operational procedures, administrative measures, and personal protective equipment (hoods, shields, eye and ear protection, respirators, and special clothing. 8.15.2 OPERATIONS AND HAZARDS 8.15.2.1 Arc Welding Arc welding is the coalescence of metals produced by heat developed from an electric arc between an electrode and the metal of the work piece. Filler metal and pressure may be used. There are different varieties of arc welding including shielded metal arc, submerged arc, gas-tungsten arc (TIG), gas metal arc (MIG), arc-spot, and carbon arc. Page 84 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual In general, arc welding hazards may include:     Metal fumes from base metals, coatings, or electrode filler metal (welding rods) Gases from electrode coating, flux Ultraviolet rays Ozone and nitrogen oxides  Alpha and some gamma radiation from thorium. 8.15.2.2 Gas Welding Gas welding is the coalescence of metals by heating with a gas flame, with or without filler metal and use of pressure. Types of gas welding include oxyacetylene, oxyhydrogen, oxygen-propane, natural gas, and methylacetylene propadiene. Hazards include:   Asphyxiation from high concentrations of fuel gases Explosiveness of fuel gases, particularly in confined spaces  Metal fumes from base metals, coatings, or electrode filler metal 8.15.2.3 Resistance Welding Resistance welding is the coalescence of metals produced by heat generated by the resistance of the work to electric current. Filler metals and fluxes and metals are not used. Resistance welding includes spot, seam, projection, flash, and upset welding. Hazards are:  Metal fume from base metal  Metal dusts from grinding or machining of the welded areas (flash removal) 8.15.2.4 Brazing and Soldering Brazing is the process of coalescing metal by heating a filler metal above 800°F (412°C) but below the melting point of the base metals. The filler metal distributes itself among the closely fitted surfaces of the joint by capillary action. Soldering is the same as brazing except that the filler metal has a melting point below 800°F (412°C). Brazing and soldering in common use include torch, induction, dip, resistance, and soldering iron processes. Hazards include:   Metal fumes from base metal, coatings, fillers, or solder. Cadmium and lead are commonly used in solders. Gases from fluxes, commonly fluorides and other halides. Page 85 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  8.15.2.5 Cutting Metal cutting with heat uses gas flames or electric arc. Types include oxyacetylene, propane, natural gas, plasma arc, and air arc. Hazards encountered during cutting are:     Large quantities of metal fume Fume particles with high velocity and specific direction Intense ultraviolet light Ozone and oxides of nitrogen Burns from contacting hot irons.  High noise levels 8.15.3 SPECIFIC HAZARDS 8.15.3.1 Light Rays Electric arcs and gas flames both produce ultraviolet and infrared rays which harm the eyes and skin. Ultraviolet light "sunburns" the surface of the eye, which is painful and disabling, although temporary in most cases. However, permanent eye injury may result from looking directly into a very powerful arc without eye protection. Exposure of the skin to ultraviolet produces the same effects as severe sunburn. Infrared rays heat tissue and only cause harm if the heat is intense enough to causea thermal burn. Whenever possible, isolate arc welding operations so that other individuals are not exposed to either direct or reflected rays. Use shields, barriers, and enclosures. 8.15.3.2 Fire Fires are mainly caused by molten metal and sparks. Sparks may be showered up to 30 feet or more away. These sparks will retain their heat for several seconds which is often enough time to ignite combustible material. Have suitable fire extinguishing equipment or material ready to use in the immediate vicinity of the work. At a minimum, a portable extinguisher must be readily available. When cutting or welding in a location where a fire might easily develop, have a helper to keep a fire watch. In some cases it may be necessary for the watch to continue after the work is done. A fire watch is mandatory whenever welding or cutting is performed in locations where other than minor fires may develop or when the following conditions exist:    Appreciable combustible material, in building construction or contents, closer than 35 feet (10.7 m) to the point of operation Appreciable combustibles are more than 35 feet (10.7 m) from the operation but they are easily ignited by sparks Wall or floor openings within a 35-foot (10.7 m) radius expose combustible material in adjacent areas including concealed spaces in walls or floors Page 86 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  Combustible materials are adjacent to the opposite side metal partitions, walls, ceilings, or roofs and are likely to be ignited by conduction or radiation When welding or cutting must be done near combustible materials, take special precautions to prevent sparks or hot slag from reaching these materials. Move the work or move the combustible material if possible. Otherwise, cover the combustibles with a flameproof curtains or sheet metal. Before welding or cutting near wooden floors, sweep them clean and cover them with sheet metal or other non-combustible material. Do not let hot metal or slag to fall through cracks in the floor or other openings. 8.15.3.3 Floors and Combustible Materials When you must weld or cut near combustible material, take precautions to prevent sparks or hot slag from reaching such material and starting fires. Move the work if possible or try to move the combustible material a safe distance away. Otherwise cover the material with fire-proof curtains or sheet metal. If the welding area has wooden floors, sweep them clean before welding, and cover them with metal or other noncombustible material where sparks or hot metal may fall. Do not allow hot metal or slag to fall through cracks in the floor or other openings, nor into machine tool pits. Cover cracks or holes in walls, open doorways, and open or broken windows with fire-proof curtains or sheet metal. If it is necessary to weld or cut close to wood construction or near combustible material which cannot be removed or protected, have water or sand and a portable fire extinguisher available. Station a fire watcher with a portable fire extinguisher nearby to see that sparks do not lodge in floor cracks or pass through floor or wall openings. The watch should be continued for at least 30 minutes after the job is done to make sure that smoldering fires have not been started. 8.15.3.4 Flammable and Combustible Chemicals Do not do hot work in or near rooms containing flammable or combustible vapors, liquids, or dusts. Ventilate these rooms thoroughly before beginning work and while the work is taking place. Closed tanks or other containers that held flammable or combustible material are also hazardous. Eliminate all fire and explosion hazards by cleaning them thoroughly. As an added precaution, purge/fill the tank or container with inert gas, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide, prior to working on it, particularly if it is uncertain that flammable or combustible vapors or gases will not be released. 8.15.3.5 Halogenated Hydrocarbons Do not perform inert gas metal arc welding within 200 feet of where chlorinated solvents (e.g., trichloroethylene or perchloroethylene) are being used. If surfaces to be welded are prepared with a chlorinated solvent, make sure the surface is thoroughly dry before proceeding with the work. The action of ultraviolet light or heat on the chlorinated solvent may form phosgene which is a very toxic gas. Restrict the use of other halogenated compounds, even though not chlorinated, because they decompose to form acid gases. 8.15.3.6 Fumes, Gases, and Dusts All processes that heat metal above the melting point produce metal fumes. Gases are generated from heating fluxes and from certain reactions with air. Dusts come from grinding and machining of metals. To protect from exposure to these airborne substances, use adequate local exhaust or dilution ventilation. 8.15.3.7 Page 87 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Noise When present, noise exposure may be continuous or intermittent. For routine operations, contact Environmental Health & Safety for a noise level evaluation and recommendations for hearing protection. 8.15.4 PERSONAL PROTECTION Refer to section 8.18 for requirements of CUA's personal protective equipment program. Use engineering and operational controls as much as possible to control hazards. For hazards which cannot be eliminated in this way, use personal protective equipment. 8.15.4.1 Respiratory Protection Soldering and brazing may produce harmful fumes particularly from lead and cadmium solders. Usually these are easily controlled by local exhaust ventilation. Welding and cutting may generate toxic gases, fumes, and dusts. What is produced depends on the type of electrode used, the base metal being welded or cut, and whether or not the base metal is coated. In open-air or in large well-ventilated areas, minimum health hazards exist when clean carbon steel is welded or cut with bare or coated carbon-steel electrodes and without inert gas shielding. In confined areas such as tanks, pressure vessels, etc., use local exhaust or an adequate general ventilation system to keep airborne gases, fumes, and dusts below toxic levels. If adequate ventilation cannot be provided, wear a respirator that will protect from the toxic airborne materials. A supplied air or self-contain breathing apparatus may be necessary, particularly if there is an oxygen deficiency. When welding involves coatings or fluxes containing base metals that contain elements such as zinc, fluorine, beryllium, lead, or cadmium, and their compounds, provide local exhaust ventilation or adequate general ventilation to keep airborne concentrations at a safe level. When welding or cutting outdoors and lead, mercury, or cadmium are involved, wear appropriate respiratory protection. Inert-gas shielded arc welding requires respiratory protection. Depending on a number of factors, including the particular variety of gas-shielded arc welding to be done, the nature of the materials to be welded, and the location of the work, there will be a need for positive ventilation, local exhaust ventilation, a respirator, or a combination of the above. Note that if you need to wear a respirator, training and fit-testing is first required. Refer to section 8.10, Respiratory Protection Program. 8.15.4.2 Hearing Protection Wear ear plugs or ear muffs whenever noise has been determined to be above acceptable levels. Air arc and plasma arc operations are high noise level operations. 8.15.4.3 Eye Protection Use goggles, helmets, and shields that give maximum protection for the specific job. The equipment is to be worn both by workers using the equipment and by helpers. A guide for selecting filter lenses for protecting against ultraviolet light follows for various operations: Page 88 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual OPERATION Shielded metal-arc welding, up to 5/32 in. (44 mm) electrodes Shielded metal-arc welding, 3/16 to 1/4 in. (4.8 to 6.4 mm)electrodes Shielded metal-arc welding, over 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) electrodes Gas-shielded arc welding (nonferrous), up to 5/32 in. (44 mm) electrodes Gas-shielded arc welding, (ferrous), up to 5/32 in. (44 mm)electrodes Gas tungsten-arc welding Atomic hydrogen welding Carbon arc welding Torch soldering Torch brazing Light cutting, up to 1 in. (25 mm) Medium cutting, 1 to 6 in. (25 to 150 mm) Heavy cutting, 6 in. (150 mm) and over Gas welding (light) up to 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) Gas welding (medium) 1/8 to 1/2 in. (3.2 to 12.7 mm) Gas welding (heavy) 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) and over 8.15.4.4 Protective Clothing Use the following items when welding or cutting:      Flame-resistant gauntlet gloves, except on very light work Aprons of leather or other flame-resistant material to withstand radiated heat & sparks Fire-resistant leggings, high boots, or similar protection for heavy work Safety shoes wherever heavy objects are handled. Do not use low-cut shoes with unprotected tops because of the spark hazard. For overhead work, capes or shoulder covers made of leather or other suitable material. Leather or flame-resistant skull caps may be worn under helmets to prevent head burns. Also wear protectors to cover the ears. Hard hats or other head protection against sharp or falling objects. SHADE NUMBER 10 12 14 11 12 12 10 to 14 14 2 3 or 4 3 or 4 4 or 5 5 or 6 4 or 5 5 or 6 6 or 8  Keep all part of the body which could be exposed to the ultraviolet and infrared radiation covered to protect against skin burns. Dark clothing is preferable to light-colored clothing because it reduces reflection to the operator's face underneath the helmet. Wool or leather lothing is preferable to cotton, because it is more resistant to deterioration from ultraviolet radiation. Wool is not as readily ignited as cotton and protects better from changes in temperature. 8.15.5 COMPRESSED GAS USE Compressed gases are dangerous if handled or stored improperly. If compressed gas cylinders are damaged, gas can escape with great force and the vessel itself can explode or act like a rocket with enough force to break through concrete walls. Look for these danger signals when handling compressed gases: Page 89 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual       Corrosion Cracks or burn marks Contaminated valves Worn or corroded hoses Broken gages or regulators Leaking gas (you may be able to hear or smell it) Gases may cause dizziness, unconsciousness, or suffocation. Some are toxic if inhaled or may produce toxic byproducts when burned. Oxygen is not flammable itself but promotes combustion in flammable or combustible materials. Flammable gases include acetylene, hydrogen, propane, and natural gas; they may ignite from heat, spark, or flames, or flash back if the gas travels to an ignition source. Below are some rules to follow when handling gases.               Do not use compressed gases if you are not familiar with them. Carefully read the label before using or storing compressed gas. The MSDS will provide any special hazard information. Minimize banging and clanking of the cylinders. Don't let cylinders fall or have things fall on them. Do not expose cylinders to temperature extremes. Never expose any part of a compressed gas cylinder to temperatures above 51.7° (125°F). When storing or moving a cylinder, have the cap securely in place to protect the stem. Keep cylinders secured and upright. Use suitable racks, straps, chains or stands to prevent cylinders from falling. (But never secure a cylinder to conduit carrying electrical current.) Because of the way the contents are stored in an acetylene cylinder, it is important to keep it upright. When accepting an acetylene cylinder delivery, make sure it arrived upright. Store oxygen cylinders at least 20 feet from flammables or combustible or separate them by a 5 foot, fire-resistant barrier. Always use the correct regulator. Do not use a regulator adaptor. Use an appropriate cart to move cylinders. Never drag or roll cylinders. Before transporting, close the cylinder valve and screw on the cylinder cap. Never bleed a cylinder completely empty. Leave a slight pressure to keep contaminants out. Do not lubricate an oxygen regulator or use a fuel gas regulator on an oxygen cylinder. Oil or grease on the high pressure side of an oxygen cylinder can cause an explosion. Always wear eye protection when handling compressed gases. Page 90 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  Mark empty cylinders "MT" or "Empty." 8.15.6 TORCHES, REGULATORS, AND GAUGES Clean clogged torch tip openings with proper cleaning wires or other devices designed for this purpose. Inspect the torch at the beginning of the project for leaking shut off valves, hose couplings or tip connections. Do not use defective ones. Light torches only with friction lighters and not any other means. Store torches in areas where they will not get damaged. Make sure oxygen and fuel gas pressure regulators and their gauges are in proper working order while in use. Keep oxygen cylinder fittings away from oil and grease and do not handle them ith oily hands or gloves. Inspect all hoses before use. Do not use hoses which have caused flashback or which show evidence or severe wear or damage. 8.15.7 OTHER SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS When welding or cutting in confined spaces, leave gas cylinders outside. Remove all hoses and burning tips from the confined space when not in use to prevent the possible buildup of gases due to leaks. Securely block heavy portable equipment mounted on wheels to prevent accidental movement. Refer to section 8.16 for mandatory confined space entry requirements. Never use oxygen to ventilate a space or area. Use only clean air. Keep welding cables away from passageways, ladders, and stairways. When involved with work on platforms, scaffolds, or runways, protect all workers from falling by use of effective safeguards such as use of railings, safety belts, or lifelines. 8.16- CONFINED SPACE 8.16.1 PURPOSE The purpose of this program is to ensure that CUA employees who enter and perform work in confined spaces found on campus are protected from the hazards associated with confined space entry. 8.16.2 SCOPE This program must be observed by all CUA employees authorized to participate in confined space entry operations. NOTE: CUA employees may NOT enter permit-required confined spaces. However, employees may enter a permit space which has been re-classified as non-permit required. 8.16.3 BACKGROUND The Occupational Safety and Health Administration under 29 CFR 1910.146 established requirements for practices and procedures to protect employees from the hazards of entry into confined spaces. Examples of confined spaces found on campus include underground storage tanks, boilers, manholes, crawl spaces, electrical vaults, and cooling towers. The hazards that may be associated with these spaces include but are not limited to: Page 91 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual hazardous atmospheres, explosive vapors, toxic chemicals, extreme temperatures, risk of drowning, or electrocution. 8.16.4 DEFINITIONS Attendant: An individual stationed outside one or more permit spaces who monitors the authorized entrants and who performs all attendant's duties as assigned by this program. Authorized Entrant: An individual authorized to enter a permit space. Confined Space: A space that: 1. 2. 3. Is large enough and so configured that an individual can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit; and Is not designed for continuous human occupancy. Entry: The action of passing through an opening into a confined space. Entry includes work activities in that space and occurs as soon as any part of the entrant's body breaks the plane of an opening into the space. Entry Permit (permit): The written or printed document that is provided by the employer to allow and control entry into a permit space and that contains specific information for entering the space safely. Entry Supervisor: The individual responsible for authorizing entry into a permit space, determining if entry conditions are acceptable, overseeing entry operations, and for terminating or revoking the entry permit. NOTE: An entry supervisor may also serve as an authorized entrant, provided the supervisor is trained and equipped as required. Also, the duties of entry supervisor may be passed from one individual to another during the course of an entry operation. Non-permit-required confined space: A confined space that does not contain or, with respect to atmospheric hazards, have the potential to contain any hazard capable of causing death or serious physical harm. Permit-Required Confined Space or Permit Space: A confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: 1. 2. 3. It contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere. It contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant. It has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section. It contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard. 4. 8.16.5 RESPONSIBILITIES Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S):  Establish the CUA Confined Space Program in accordance with OSHA's, 29 CFR 1910.146. Page 92 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  Assist Power Plant, Building Maintenance Directors and other affected personnel in evaluation of confined spaces.       Compile and maintain a database of confined spaces and associated hazards. Provide instruction and training on the Confined Space Program. Provide guidance in the proper selection and use of equipment required by this program. Evaluate and measure the air and/or train personnel to perform routine measurement of the air in confined spaces. Audit the implementation of the program and revise as necessary. Maintain employee training records for the Confined Space Program. Department of Public Safety:   Request rescue and emergency services when notified of a confined space emergency. Guide rescue services to the work site. Power Plant and Building Maintenance Departments:     Identify, evaluate, and classify confined space hazards prior to employee entry. Implement measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry into permit spaces. Conduct site inspections to review unit compliance with confined space entry procedures. Ensure contractors performing permit space entry have their own confined space programs. Employees:    Receive training in, and comply with the Confined Space Program. Report any observed program deficiencies and equipment malfunctions to a supervisor. Under no circumstance, enter a confined space that is suspected of having a non-respirable atmosphere, even to rescue a fellow employee. Employing Contractors:  When contracting work that involves or may involve entry into a confined space, require bidders to provide a copy of their Confined Space Program as part of their bid package. Consult with EH&S prior to awarding the contract. 8.16.6 PRECAUTIONS & REQUIREMENTS Barriers, railings, or temporary covers erected to guard confined space openings must be sufficient to prevent a fall through the opening and to protect employees from foreign objects entering the space. Page 93 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Atmospheric testing equipment must be calibrated, direct-reading, and capable of measuring:     Oxygen content in the range 19.5% and 23.5%, Flammable gases and vapors 10% of its LFL, Carbon monoxide levels >35 parts per million (ppm), and Hydrogen sulfide levels >10 ppm Gasoline or diesel powered equipment located in near proximity to confined space entry points will be placed (or its exhaust ducted) to ensure that exhaust gases do not enter into or contaminate the atmosphere within the confined space. Where the potential exists to encounter flammable and/or explosive substances or atmospheres, all lighting and electrical equipment will be Class 1, Division 1 rated per National Electrical Code. Lockout/Tagout of all energized equipment on which maintenance is to be performed will be in accordance with Section 8.11 "Control of Hazardous Energy Sources (Lockout/Tagout)" of this manual. 8.16.7 IDENTIFICATION & CLASSIFICATION OF CONFINED SPACES Power Plant and Building Maintenance Department Directors will identify all confined spaces that fall within their area of supervision. The confined spaces must be evaluated for hazards (both known and potential) and subsequently classified as one of the following: (a) Non-Permit-Required Confined Space, or (b) Permit-Required Confined Space (Permit Space). The confined space will be classified as a Permit-Required Confined Space (Permit Space) if it is known or suspected to present one or more of the following hazardous conditions:             Oxygen deficient atmosphere (<19.5 percent) Oxygen enriched atmosphere (>23.5 percent) Airborne combustible dust at a concentration > its LFL/LEL Flammable atmosphere (gas, vapor, or mist >10% of its LFL/LEL) Atmospheric toxin > its PEL or TLV Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health Machinery/equipment hazards Extreme temperature hazards Engulfment hazards Electrocution hazards Extreme noise hazards Any other hazards capable of causing death or serious injury CAUTION: In the course of identifying and evaluating confined spaces, DO NOT ENTER any space known or suspected of containing any hazard listed above. A database of campus located confined spaces that lists for each space: a brief description of the space, its location on campus, its classification, the associated hazards reported, and the name and telephone number of Page 94 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual the Department Director or Manager who controls entry into the space, is accessible on line by authorized personnel (e.g. EH&S, Managers and Directors). 8.16.8 PREVENTION OF UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY INTO PERMIT SPACES Power Plant and Building Maintenance Department Directors or Managers will inform employees of the existence, location, and dangers posed by permit spaces by posting a warning sign at the entrance to the permit space. The sign will read: DANGER CONFINED SPACE PERMIT-REQUIRED ENTRANCE ONLY Where it is not possible to post a warning notice visible from outside the entry point (e.g., manholes) the sign will be posted at a location that is immediately visible upon opening of the entry point. CUA employees are not authorized to enter any permit spaces. 8.16.9 CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PROCEDURES The hazards associated with entry to a confined space vary in degree (from least to most severe) as follows:     A non-permit space which, by definition, does not contain any serious safety hazard, A permit-required space in which all hazards are eliminated prior to any entry, A permit space wherein the only hazard is atmospheric, and for which continuous, forced-air ventilation alone is sufficient to control, and A permit space that contains or has the potential to contain, both atmospheric and non-atmospheric (physical) hazards. 8.16.9.1 Entry into a Non-Permit-Required Confined Space A non-permit-required confined space, by definition, poses no hazard to an employee more serious than its restricted means of entry and exit. Therefore, provided that the work to be performed lacks any potential to create a prohibited or unacceptable condition, entry to a Non-Permit-Required confined space may proceed as described below. Prior to entry: 1. 2. 3. 4. Review the work order to determine requirements for personal protective equipment, If applicable, establish traffic control at the entry point, Eliminate any condition making it unsafe to remove the confined space entry cover, and Once the entry cover is removed, promptly guard the entry point with a temporary barrier to prevent an accidental fall through the opening and to protect employees working in the space from foreign objects entering the space. NOTE: If the work to be performed in the space has potential to create a prohibited or unacceptable condition, do NOT enter the space. 8.16.9.2 Page 95 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Reclassification from Permit-Required to Non-Permit-Required, Prior to Entry Under certain conditions the Entry Supervisor may temporarily reclassify a permit space as non-permitrequired. This action can facilitate entry to the space by reducing the entry requirements. The specific conditions necessary to allow this temporary reclassification are that: (a) All hazards within the permit space be eliminated prior to entry, and (b) The space poses no atmospheric hazard (actual or potential) during entry. Condition (a) calls for elimination of all hazards through isolation techniques such as lockout/tagout, line blocking, purging, etc., which must be accomplished without having to enter the space. (See Section 8.16.10, Atmospheric Testing). Condition (b) requires that any atmospheric hazard eliminated by condition (a) remain eliminated throughout the duration of the entry operation. Note that the use of continuous forced air ventilation to control an atmospheric hazard does not "eliminate" the hazard and thus, does not constitute compliance with this condition. The Entry Supervisor must prepare a Permit Space Reclassification Certificate that documents the basis for determining that all hazards in the space have been eliminated. The certification is then made available to all employees entering the space by posting of the certificate at the entry point to the space. The reclassification remains valid only for as long as the hazards remain eliminated. If a hazard arises within a declassified space, all employees must exit the space immediately and the space be reevaluated to determine whether it must once again be classified as permit-required. Entry into a permit space reclassified as Non-Permit-Required will proceed as detailed below. Prior to entry, the Entry Supervisor will: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prepare a Permit Space Reclassification Certificate Post the Permit Space Reclassification Certificate at the entry point. If applicable, establish traffic control at the entry point. Eliminate or isolate all hazards within the space prior to removal of the permit space entry cover. Once the entry cover is removed, promptly guard the entry point with a temporary barrier to prevent a fall through the opening and to protect employees working in the space from foreign objects entering the space. NOTE: If any prohibited condition is detected during entry, all employees will immediately evacuate the space and the Entry Supervisor will:   Evaluate the space to determine how the prohibited condition developed, and Implement measures to eliminate the prohibited condition and prevent its recurrence before any subsequent re-entry. Upon completion of entry, the Entry Supervisor will: Page 96 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual 1. service. 2. 8.16.10 RECLASSIFICATION CERTIFICATE A Reclassification Certificate is used to conduct safe entry into permit spaces reclassified as non-permitrequired. The Entry Supervisor performing a reclassification as detailed in Section 8.16.9.2 will prepare a Reclassification Certificate prior to any initial entry into the permit space. Copies of the certificate are available from EH&S. 8.16.10.1 Duration of Reclassification Certificate Unless revoked for cause by the Entry Supervisor, a Reclassification Certificate remains valid for the duration of the entry operation or for a single, eight-hour work shift. If necessary, the certificate may be extended for over-time work performed by the same entry crew. 8.16.10.2 Revocation of Reclassification Certificate The Entry Supervisor will immediately revoke the Reclassification Certificate and notify employees to evacuate the space upon detection of a prohibited condition in or around the space. Likewise, the certificate will be immediately revoked and evacuation ordered if work activities deviate from those described on the certificate in a manner that threatens to introduce a hazard in or around the permit space. 8.16.10.3 Posting of Reclassification Certificate The Reclassification Certificate will be made available for review by all employees actively involved with the entry operation by posting the certificate at the permit space entry point. 8.16.10.4 Termination and Disposition of Reclassification Certificate The Entry Supervisor will terminate (cancel) the Reclassification Certificate upon completion of the entry operation and forward the canceled certificate to EH&S. Each canceled certificate will be retained for at least 1 year by EH&S to facilitate the review of the Confined Space Program. Any problems encountered during an entry operation will be noted on the pertinent certificate so that appropriate revisions to the program can be made. 8.16.11 ATMOSPHERIC TESTING Atmospheric testing is required to evaluate the hazards of the permit space, to verify that acceptable atmospheric conditions exist in the permit space prior to entry, and to ensure that atmospheric conditions remain acceptable throughout the duration of the entry operation. 8.16.11.1 Specification of Acceptable Atmospheric Conditions Acceptable atmospheric conditions in CUA permit spaces will meet the following specifications:  Oxygen Content: must fall within the range 19.5% through 23.5%, Terminate the Reclassification Certificate and forward it to EH&S. Ensure that the space is properly closed and returned to Page 97 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  Flammability: must not exceed 10% of the lower flammable limit (LFL) for the particular gas, vapor, or mist that is present in the atmosphere,     Airborne Combustible Dust: must not meet or exceed the LEL for the particular combustible dust that is present in the atmosphere, Carbon Monoxide: must not exceed 35 ppm (parts per million), Hydrogen Sulfide: must not exceed 10 ppm, and Other Toxins: must be below the dose or exposure limit for the particular material, as published in 29CFR1910 Subpart G, Occupational Health and Environmental Control, or in Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances. NOTE: For air contaminants for which OSHA has not determined a dose or permissible exposure limit, other sources of information, such as Material Safety Data Sheets, published information, and internal documents can provide guidance in establishing acceptable atmospheric conditions. 8.16.11.2 Evaluation/Verification Testing To re-classify a permit space as non-permit required, the atmosphere of the space will be analyzed using a calibrated, direct reading, gas monitor of sufficient sensitivity and specificity to identify and evaluate any hazardous atmospheric condition that is known or suspected to exist. At a minimum, tests will be conducted to evaluate: 1. 2. 3. Oxygen Content Flammability Toxicity (carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide) Toxicity tests for substances other than carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide will be required only if other toxins are known or suspected to be present in the permit space. 8.16.12 CONTRACTOR CONFINED SPACE ENTRY Contractor entry operations into a CUA permit-required confined space will be performed under the contractor's own Confined Space Program. Contractors will be required to submit to the CUA Project Manager a copies of their Confined Space Programs prior to any entry. It is the responsibility of each contractor who performs entry operations to obtain any available information regarding confined space hazards and entry operations from CUA. Contractors must also coordinate entry operations with CUA when both CUA and contractor personnel will be working in or near permit spaces. 8.16.12.1 Coordinating Entry Operations The CUA Project Manager will inform contractors of CUA's safety rules and emergency plans which may be applicable to the contractors' employees. Contractors and their employees must not be allowed to enter a permitrequired confined space until the provisions of this program have been satisfied. When both CUA and contractor personnel are working in or near permit-required confined spaces, entry operations must be coordinated to avoid endangering any personnel. All contractors performing entry into a permit-space will be informed of any fire, explosion, health or other safety hazards of that confined space. This information will be based on current or past history of the confined space and the nature of the work being performed by the contractor. 8.16.13 Page 98 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual RESCUE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES Each contractor who enters a permit required space is responsible for rescue operations in case of an emergency. In addition, the Washington, D.C. Fire Department will be notified of the emergency and will be made aware of the hazards they may confront when called on to perform rescues. Upon request, CUA will provide the Fire Department with access to all permit-required confined spaces from which rescue may be necessary so that they can develop appropriate rescue plans and practice rescue operations. If an injured entrant is exposed to a substance for which a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or other similar written information is required to be kept at the work site, that MSDS or written information will be made available to the medical facility treating the exposed entrant. 8.16.14 TRAINING The Department of Environmental Health and Safety will provide training so that all employees whose work is regulated by this program acquire the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned. Training will be provided to each affected employee: a. b. c. Before the employee is first assigned duties. Before there is a change in assigned duties. Whenever EH&S has reason to believe either that there are deviations from the Confined Space Program entry procedures or that there are inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of these procedures. Training will ensure employee proficiency in the duties required by 29 CFR 1910.146 and will include new or revised procedures, as necessary, to maintain compliance with this program. EH&S will certify that the training required by the previously mentioned paragraphs has been accomplished. The certification will contain each employees's name, the signatures or initials of the trainers, and the dates of training. The certification will be available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives. However, employees will not be trained to enter permit required confined spaces. 8.16.15 CONFINED SPACE PROGRAM REVIEW EH&S will review entry operations when there is reason to believe that the measures prescribed in the Confined Space Program may fail to protect employees and revise the program to correct deficiencies found to exist before any subsequent entries are authorized. Examples of circumstances requiring review of the program are:     Any unauthorized entry to a permit space, The occurrence of an injury or "near-miss" during entry, A change in the use or configuration of a confined space, and Employee complaints about the effectiveness of the program. Page 99 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual EH&S will perform an annual review covering all entries performed in the twelve month period prior to the review. 8.17 - EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING 8.17.1 DEFINITIONS "Competent person" means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings, or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. "Excavation" means any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in an earth surface, formed by earth removal. "Trench (Trench excavation)" means a narrow excavation (in relation to its length) made below the surface of the ground. In general, the depth is greater than the width, but the width of a trench (measured at the bottom) is not greater than 15 feet (4.6 m). If forms or other structures are installed or constructed in an excavation so as to reduce the dimension measured from the forms or structure to the side of the excavation to 15 feet (4.6 m) or less (measured at the bottom of the excavation), the excavation is also considered to be a trench. 8.17.2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Many on-the-job-accidents are a direct result of inadequate up-front planning. Correcting mistakes in shoring and/or sloping after work has begun slows down the operation, adds to the cost, and increases the possibility of an excavation failure. Before starting a job, it is a good idea to develop a safety checklist and have all items that are needed on hand. The following site conditions should be taken into account:       Traffic Nearness of structures and their conditions Soil Surface and ground water The water table Overhead and underground utilities  Weather 8.17.3 SPECIFIC EXCAVATION REQUIREMENTS 8.17.3.1 Surface Obstacles Remove obstacles on the surface that may create a hazard to people. 8.17.3.2 Underground Installations Page 100 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Before starting an excavation, estimate the location of utility installations such as sewer, telephone, fuel, electric, water lines, or any other underground installations. Contact utility companies within established response times. (Note that on campus "Miss Utility" will only locate telephone lines.) If the exact location of the utility installations cannot be found, proceed with caution, using detection equipment or other acceptable means to locate the utility installations. When excavation operations approach the estimated location of underground installations, determine the exact location of the installations by safe and acceptable means. While the excavation is open, protect, support or remove underground installations as necessary to safeguard employees. 8.17.3.3 Access and Egress Construct ramps for access to or exit from excavations in accordance with designs developed by a person competent to do so. When constructing ramps and runways, use structural members of the same thickness and connect the structural members together to prevent movement. Attach members used to hold runway parts together on the bottom of the ramp or runway. To prevent slipping, attach cleats to structural ramps used in place of steps. Provide a stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of exiting trench excavations that are 4 feet (1.22 m) or more in depth, so as to require no more than 25 feet (7.62 m) of lateral travel for employees. 8.17.3.4 Vehicular Traffic Provide employees exposed to public vehicular traffic with warning vests or other suitable garments marked with or made of reflectorized or high-visibility material. 8.17.3.5 Falling Loads Do not allow employees to be underneath loads handled by lifting or digging equipment. Stand away from any vehicle being loaded or unloaded to avoid being struck by any spillage or falling materials. Operators may remain in the cabs of vehicles being loaded or unloaded when the vehicles have adequate protection for the operator during loading and unloading operations. 8.17.3.6 Warning System for Mobile Equipment When operating mobile equipment next to an excavation or when approaching the edge of an excavation, and the operator does not have a clear and direct view of the edge of the excavation, use a warning system such as barricades, hand or mechanical signals, or stop logs. If possible, the grade should be away from the excavation. 8.17.3.7 Hazardous Atmospheres It is necessary to consider that there may be harmful levels of atmospheric contaminants in an excavation, and an acceptable breathing atmosphere must be present prior to entry. To assure acceptable atmospheric conditions, do the following:  Before entering an excavation greater than 4 feet (1.22 m) deep, test the atmosphere where oxygen deficiency (less than 19.5 percent oxygen) or a hazardous atmosphere exists or could reasonably be expected to exist. An example is an excavation in an area where hazardous substances are stored nearby. Enter an oxygen deficient or other hazardous atmosphere only if wearing proper respiratory protective equipment or only after adequately ventilating the space. Page 101 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual  In an atmosphere that contains flammable gas concentration in excess of 20 percent of the lower flammable limit, take adequate precautions such as providing ventilation.  When using controls to reduce the level of atmospheric contaminants to acceptable levels, conduct testing as often as necessary to ensure that the atmosphere remains safe. 8.17.3.8 Emergency Rescue Equipment Have emergency rescue equipment readily available where hazardous atmospheric conditions exist or may reasonably be expected to develop during work in an excavation. Emergency rescue equipment includes items such as a breathing apparatus, a safety harness and line, or a basket stretcher. When entering bell-bottom pier holes, or other similar deep and confined footing excavations, wear a harness with a lifeline securely attached to it. Lifelines must be separate from any line used to handle materials, and must be individually attended at all times while the person wearing the lifeline is in the excavation. 8.17.3.9 Protecting from Water Accumulation Hazards Do not work in an excavation in which there is accumulated water or in which water is accumulating, unless adequate precautions are taken. The precautions would vary with each situation, but could include special support or shield systems to protect from cave-ins, water removal to control the level of accumulating water, or use of a safety harness and lifeline. If water is controlled or prevented from accumulating by the use of water removal equipment, monitor the equipment and operations to ensure proper operation. If excavation work interrupts the natural drainage of surface water (such as streams), use diversion ditches, dikes, or other suitable means to prevent surface water from entering the excavation and to adequately drain the adjacent area. Excavations subject to runoff from heavy rains require an inspection by a competent person to evaluate water accumulation hazards. 8.17.3.10 Stability of Adjacent Structures Where the stability of adjoining buildings, walls, or other structures is endangered by excavation operations, provide support systems such as shoring, bracing, or underpinning to e nsure the stability of such structures. Do not excavate below the level of the base or footing of any foundation or retaining wall if it could pose a hazard unless:    A support system, such as underpinning, is provided to ensure the safety of employees and the stability of the structure; The excavation is in stable rock; A registered professional engineer has determined that the structure is sufficiently removed from the excavation so as to be unaffected by the excavation activity, or that such excavation work will not pose a hazard to employees. Do not undermine sidewalks, pavements, etc., unless a support system or other protection is provided to protect employees from the collapse of such structures. 8.17.3.11 Protecting Employees from Loose Rock or Soil Safeguard employees from loose rock or soil that could fall or roll from an excavation face. This protection must consist of scaling to remove loose material; installation of protective barricades at intervals as necessary on the face to stop and contain falling material; or other means that provide equivalent protection. Page 102 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Protect employees from excavated or other materials or equipment that could fall or roll into excavations. Place and keep such materials or equipment at least 2 feet (.61 m) from the edge of excavations, or use retaining devices that will prevent materials or equipment from falling or rolling into excavations, or combine both if necessary. 8.17.3.12 Inspections On a daily basis, a competent person must inspect excavations, the adjacent areas, and protective systems for evidence of a situation that could result in possible cave-ins, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions. Inspections must be conducted prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the shift. Inspections must also be made after every rainstorm or after any other occurrence that may increase hazards. These inspections are only required when employee exposure is anticipated. If the competent person finds evidence of a situation that could result in a possible cave-in, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions, remove exposed employees from the hazardous area until the necessary precautions are taken to ensure safety. 8.17.3.13 Fall protection Install walkways where employees or equipment will cross over excavations. Provide guardrails where walkways are 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels. Provide barriers at all remotely located excavations. Barricade or cover all wells, pits, shafts, etc. Backfill temporary wells, pits, shafts, etc., upon completion of exploration and other similar operations. 8.17.4 PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS 8.17.4.1 Protecting Employees in Excavations Protect each employee in an excavation from cave-ins with a well-designed protective system except when the excavations are:   Made entirely in stable rock, or Less than 5 feet (1.52 m) in depth and examination of the ground by a competent person provides no indication of a potential cave-in. Protective systems must have the capacity to resist, without failure, all loads that are intended to be or could be applied or transmitted to the system. 8.17.4.2 Design of Sloping/Benching, Support, Shield, and Other Protective Systems Designing a protective system can be complex because of the number of factors involved- soil classification, depth of cut, water content of soil, changes due to weather and climate, or other operations in the vicinity. When constructing protective systems for excavations, consult OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.652, Appendices A through F for guidance. These appendices include information on the following:   Appendix A: Soil classification Appendix B: Sloping and benching Page 103 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual    Appendix C: Timber shoring for trenches Appendix D: Aluminum hydraulic shoring for trenches Appendix E: Alternatives to timber shoring One method of ensuring the safety of workers in an excavation is to slope the sides to an angle not steeper than one and one-half horizontal to one vertical (34 degrees measured from the horizontal). A slope of this gradation is considered safe for any type of soil. The following figures summarize the requirements contained in the OSHA standard for excavations 20 feet or less in depth. Protective systems for use in excavations more than 20 feet in depth must be designed by a registered professional engineer. Page 104 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual 8.17.4.3 Materials and Equipment For protective systems, use materials and equipment that are free from damage or defects that might impair their proper function. When using manufactured materials and equipment, use and maintain them in a manner that is consistent with the recommendations of the manufacturer and in a manner that will prevent employee exposure to hazards. When material or equipment that is used for protective systems is damaged, a competent person must examine the material or equipment and evaluate its suitability for use. If the competent person cannot assure the material or equipment is able to support the intended loads or is otherwise suitable for safe use, then the material or equipment must be removed from service. It must then be evaluated and approved by a registered professional engineer before being returned to service. 8.17.4.4 Installation and Removal of Support Securely connect members of support systems together to prevent sliding, falling, kickouts, or other failure. Install and remove the systems in a way that protects employees from cave-ins, structural collapses, or from being struck by members of the support system. Do not exceed design loads on individual members of support systems. Before beginning temporary removal of individual members, take additional precautions to ensure the safety of employees, such as installing other structural members to carry the loads imposed on the support system. Begin removal and progress from the bottom of the excavation. Release members slowly so as to note any indication of possible failure of the remaining members of the structure or possible cave-in of the sides of the excavation. Backfill as support systems are removed from an excavation. At times it is acceptable to excavate material to a level no greater than 2 feet (0.61 m) below the bottom of the members of a support system. This applies only if the system is designed to resist the forces calculated for the full depth of the trench, and there are no indications while the trench is open of a possible loss of soil from behind or below the bottom of the support system. Closely coordinate installation of support systems with the excavation of trenches. 8.17.4.5 Sloping and Benching Systems Do not work on the faces of sloped or benched excavations at levels above other employees except when employees at the lower levels are adequately protected from the hazard of falling, rolling, or sliding material or equipment. 8.17.4.6 Shield Systems Do not place loads on shield systems that exceed design. Install shields so as to restrict lateral or other hazardous movement of the shield in the event of the application of sudden lateral loads. Protect employees from the hazard of cave-ins when entering or exiting the areas protected by shields. Do not enter shields when they are being installed, removed, or moved vertically. It is sometimes acceptable to excavate material to a level no greater than 2 feet (0.61 m) below the bottom of a shield system. This is true only if the shield is designed to resist the forces calculated for the full depth of the trench, and there are no indications while the trench is open of a possible loss of soil from behind or below the bottom of the shield. Page 105 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual 8.18 - PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT PROGRAM 8.18.1 PURPOSE Personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) shield or isolate individuals from the chemical, physical, radiological, and biological hazards that may be present in the workplace. The objectives of our PPE program are to protect students, faculty, and staff from safety and health hazards and to prevent injury through proper use of PPE. OSHA regulates the use of PPE in Subpart I of part 29 CFR 1910, Personal Protective Equipment. Although the purpose and scope of this regulation is universal and includes all PPE, the standard specifically addresses: eye and face protection, respiratory protection, head protection, foot protection, electrical protective equipment, hand protection, and hearing conservation. Respiratory and hearing protection are further regulated and have additional requirements. These are covered in other sections of this manual. Contact Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) for details. 8.18.2 SCOPE This program applies to all students, faculty and staff who may be exposed to chemical, physical, biological, or radiological hazards while performing their regular duties. 8.18.3 RESPONSIBILITIES 8.18.3.1 The University It is the responsibility of the University to assess the various "workplaces" (i.e., shops, laboratories, mechanical rooms) to determine if hazards are present (or likely to be present) which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment. Conducting a hazard analysis accomplishes this requirement. If hazards have been identified, the University must:     select the PPE that will protect people from the hazards; communicate selection decisions to all people affected; select PPE that properly fits; train affected personnel in the use, care and maintenance of the PPE. The University is required to verify that the hazard assessment was performed by means of a written certification that identifies:    the work area evaluated; the person certifying that the evaluation was performed; the date(s) of the hazard assessment. The University must also ensure defective or damaged PPE will not be used and also provide retraining whenever: it believes that anyone who has received training does not have the understanding and skill required to properly use and care for personal protective equipment; changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete; changes in the types of PPE render previous training obsolete. Page 106 of 120    Environmental Health and Safety Manual 8.18.3.2 Environmental Health & Safety EH&S develops and maintains the program, consistent with regulations. It facilitates training and coordinates the implementation of the program among departments. 8.18.3.3 Department Chairs, Directors, and Deans Department chairs, directors, and deans appoint representatives from each department to receive training on and to conduct the hazard analysis. They also ensure that those who work in their departments are trained on what PPE to use, how to use it properly, its limitations, and proper care and maintenance. 8.18.3.4 Faculty, Staff, and Students Faculty, staff, and students participate in training, and use and care for personal protective equipment as instructed. 8.18.4 HAZARD ASSESSMENT 8.18.4.1 Training Training for persons selected to assess the need for PPE includes:     requirements of the OSHA standard; assessment and documentation of job or process hazards; use of the CUA hazard assessment form (see end of this chapter); selection of PPE based on the assessment and preparation for employee training in the use, care, and maintenance of the equipment. 8.18.4.2 Hazard Assessment Guidelines   Review prior injuries, accidents, and health issues in your work areas. Complete walk-through survey, looking for the following types of hazards - impact - chemical - noise - penetration - heat/cold - biological - compression - harmful dusts/mists/fumes/vapors - radiation (ionizing & non-ionizing) And for the following sources of hazards: Motion - machinery or processes where any movement of tools, machine elements or particles could exist, or movement of personnel that could result in collision with stationery objects; High and low temperatures - could result in thermal or freezer burns, eye injuries, or ignition of protective equipment; Chemical exposure - handling of chemicals, or exposure from a spill or leak; Page 107 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Dusts/mists/fumes/vapors - cutting metal, concrete work, welding, lab experiments; etc.; Radiation - welding, brazing, or cutting processes; furnaces; heat treating; high intensity lights; x-ray machines; radioactive materials; etc.; Falling or dropped objects - man lifts in warehousing, stacked pallets, use of dollies, shipping and receiving areas; Sharp objects (that might pierce the feet or cut the hands) - working with machinery, food handling and storage, sawing and cutting; Rolling or pinching objects (that could crush the feet) - moving stock, such as steel drums; Electrical hazards - general servicing and maintenance; Co-workers - people who work in the immediate vicinity of others can present hazards from their presence or the operations with which they are involved. 8.18.5 DATA ANALYSIS After the walk-through survey is completed, organize the data for analysis. The objective is to match the hazard to the proper personal protective equipment. Be especially aware of work areas that contain several potential hazards. NOTE: Do not rely on PPE as the only means to provide protection against hazards. When possible, abate hazards first through engineering controls. PPE is to provide protection against hazards which cannot otherwise be reasonably abated. 8.18.6 SELECTION GUIDELINES As you review the basic hazards:     Estimate the type, risk level, and seriousness of potential injuries. Review the type of personal protective equipment in use and compare it with the hazards of the work area. If the personal protective equipment is not adequate for the hazards present, select the proper gear and make sure the device is fitted to the worker. Pay close attention to proper fit. A worker is more likely to wear a piece of personal protective equipment if it fits comfortably. 8.18.7 REASSESSMENT Reevaluate workplace hazards on an ongoing basis. This requires individual departments to monitor hazards and keep current with operational changes. Revise the PPE to be used if necessary and re-train personnel. Also review department accident records on a regular basis, and evaluate the suitability of previously selected personal protective equipment. 8.18.8 EMPLOYEE TRAINING Upon selection of the PPE, train all personnel who are required to use it. The training must include: Page 108 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual      What PPE is necessary; When to wear it; How to wear it; Limitations of the PPE; Proper care, maintenance, disposal and the useful life of assigned PPE. Manufacturers' literature typically has most of the pertinent information. Personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the training material and the ability to use the PPE properly, before they are allowed to perform work requiring the use of the equipment. The supervisor must certify in writing that personnel have received and understand the PPE training. Use the sign-off sheet at the end of this chapter. If there is reason to believe a person does not have the understanding or skill required to properly use the PPE, the individual must be retrained. Retraining may be required when changes occur in the workplace, or changes in the types of PPE to be used render previous training obsolete. 8.18.9 CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE It is important for the employee to properly clean, maintain, and store all assigned PPE. Cleaning is particularly important for eye and face protection where dirty or fogged lenses could impair vision. PPE is to be inspected, cleaned, and maintained by employees at regular intervals as part of their normal job duties. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring compliance. If PPE is for general use, supervisors have the responsibility to ensure the equipment is properly cleaned, maintained, and stored. If the piece of PPE is in need of repair or replacement, bring it to the immediate attention of your supervisor. Do not use PE that is in disrepair or cannot perform its intended function. 8.18.10 EYE AND FACE PROTECTION If the hazard assessment indicates that eye and/or face protection is required, review the following section to assist in selecting PPE. Once the PPE has been selected, the user must be trained in its proper fit, use, and care. 8.18.10.1 Workplace Hazards to the Eye and Face Eye and face protection is essential to guard against the following types of hazards:      flying objects (particles, nails, etc.) hot liquids (e.g., molten metal) liquid or particulate chemicals (acids, caustics, organics, etc.) chemical gases, vapors, fumes light radiation (resulting from welding, brazing or soldering operations; ultraviolet light, lasers, etc.) 8.18.10.2 Types of Eye and Face Protection  Safety glasses: The the most commonly used item for eye and face protection. They are designed primarily to protect from flying objects that may strike the eyes from the front. Safety glasses can be equipped with side shields or eye-cup shields. Side shields offer additional protection from flying objects that may enter the eye from the side. Example Page 109 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual tasks: using drill press, carving. Note: Clip-on slide-on shields may be used on safety glasses if they meet requirements as outlined in the attached eye and face protection selection chart. Eye cup side shields offer protection from the front, side, top or bottom. Example tasks: sawing, lathe work, pipe fitting, nailing. Warning: Street-wear eyeglasses are not designed to be safety glasses and should never be used as such.  Goggles: Protect the eyes from hazards that may strike from any angle. They are available with regular ventilation or hooded ventilation. Straps on goggles adjust to ensure proper fit. Regular ventilation protects eyes against dust, sparks, flying objects approaching from any angle. Hooded ventilation protects eyes against chemical splashes in addition to dust, sparks, and flying objects. Note: If you wear glasses with prescription lenses, you can wear eye protection with a built-in prescription or safety glasses or goggles over regular lenses (if both glasses fit properly).  Face shields and welding helmets: Both devices are designed to be worn over safety glasses or goggles to protect exposed facial skin against: splashes, heat, glare and flying objects. In addition, welding helmets protect against the intense light radiation from welding operations. For proper fit, adjust straps on face shields and welding helmets as needed. Note: These devices may not provide adequate protection without the use of safety glasses or goggles. 8.18.10.3 Proper Fit, Care and Maintenance of Eye and Face Protection Safety glasses will last longer and offer more protection with proper care:     Adjust the frame periodically to prevent the glasses from sliding down the nose and to keep the lenses directly in front of the eyes. Always put safety glasses on and remove them with both hands. Using one hand can loosen the frames, which could impair your vision over time. Regularly check eye protection for damage and keep the lenses clean. When not in use, store the eye protection in a clean, dry place. Before cleaning glasses, flush them with clean water. This removes dirt or grit that could be ground into the lens and result in a scratch as you wipe the lens. If you cannot flush the lens, blow on the lens surface to remove dirt. Promptly replace any item that does not fit properly or becomes scratched, bent, or broken. All eye and face protection must:       be adequate for the hazard; fit snugly; not interfere with wearers' movements; be durable, easy to clean, and capable of being disinfected; be kept in good repair; be distinctly marked with the name or logo of the manufacturer; Page 110 of 120  Environmental Health and Safety Manual  8.18.10.4 Selection of Eye and Face Protection Review the Eye and Face Protection Selection Chart at the end of this chapter to assist in the proper selection of eye and face protection. 8.18.10.5 Contact Lenses Most workers can safely wear contact lenses on the job. In hazardous environments however, contacts can only be worn along with additional eye protection. Workplaces where there may be exposure to chemical fumes, vapors, splashes, intense heat or molten metals are not suited for contact lens use. Remove contacts immediately if any of the following occur:    redness of the eye; blurring of vision; pain. meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. 8.18.11 FOOT PROTECTION If the hazard assessment indicates that foot protection is required, review the following section to assist in selecting PPE. Once the PPE has been selected, the user must be trained in its proper fit, use, and care. 8.18.11.1 Workplace Hazards to the Feet The toes, ankles and feet are exposed to a wide range of injuries at work. Wearing the proper foot protection helps to guard against:       injuries from objects falling onto or rolling over the feet injuries from objects that could pierce the sole of a shoe or boot electrical hazards chemicals and solvents temperature extremes fungal infections caused by wetness 8.18.11.2 Types of Protective Footwear  Safety shoes or boots: The basic safety shoe or boot is designed to guard against impact, compression, or puncture: Impact protection is used by workers who handle heavy materials or tools that could be dropped on the feet. Compression protection helps prevent injuries from heavy objects such as carts, pipes or paper rolls that could roll over the feet. Puncture resistant footwear is used by carpenters, metal workers and others who could step on nails, scrap Page 111 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual metal, or other sharp objects. Some common features of protective footwear include:     safety toe - protects against falling objects or weight pressing against the toe. cushion between the toe cap and the foot - offers comfort and insulation steel insole - for puncture protection special soles - made from assorted materials for protection against a variety of hazards; e.g., special insulating/conducting for protection against electrical hazards; static dissipative, designed for areas where small discharges of electricity could damage electronic equipment; also protects against some ranges of high voltage. Other options in protective footwear include:       shoes or boots with instep protection insulated boots for protection against extreme temperatures boots with built-in ankle protection rubber or plastic safety boots (effective against water, oil, acids, corrosives and chemicals) foundry shoes with elastic gores rather than laces to provide easy removal in case sparks or hot metal get inside add-on protection such as metatarsal guards, shoe covers, rubber spats, strap-on cleats, and puncture-proof steel inserts 8.18.11.3 Proper Fit and Selection of Foot Protection The most important element in a good safety boot or shoe is how well it fits the wearer. Since proper fit is so important, select safety shoes or boots at the end of the day when the feet are a bit swollen and have both feet measured. The best fit will be the length of the longer foot and the width of the wider one. If possible, before making a selection, try to walk on the type of surface on which you work. 8.18.12 HAND PROTECTION If the hazard assessment indicates that hand protection is required, review the following section to assist in selecting PPE. Once the PPE has been selected, the user must be trained in the proper fit, use, and care of the PPE. 8.18.12.1 Work Place Hazards to the Hand We use our hands, fingers, and thumbs to do almost every type of work. Because of this, the hands are exposed to many hazards in the workplace, such as:      harmful substances that can be absorbed into the skin materials or processes that could cause severe cuts, lacerations, abrasions or punctures chemicals that could irritate/burn the skin or enter the blood stream temperature extremes irritating substances that could result in a dermatitis. Note: Machine guards are placed on equipment to protect the hands and fingers from moving parts. They should not be altered or removed. Page 112 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual 8.18.12.2 Types of Hand Protection Gloves are the most common type of hand protection, but there are other devices that are mainly used to protect the fingers. These include: Finger cots to protect fingers or fingertips. Mitts which have two divisions, one for the thumb and another for fingers. Thimbles which protect the thumb or the thumb and first two fingers. Hand pads to protect the palm of the hand from cuts, friction, and burns from hot objects. These cannot be used where manual dexterity is required. Sleeves or forearm cuffs which protect arms and wrists from heat, splashing liquids, impact, and cuts. Hand lotions and creams which are best used with gloves or finger protection, not as a substitute for gloves. 8.18.12.3 Gloves No one glove can protect a worker against all hazards, so gloves must be selected for a particular job. Glove selection should be based on the following:       the hazard(s) present how often the worker is exposed to the hazard how long the worker is exposed to the hazard dexterity - how much hand and finger movement is needed grip pattern needed for the job length - determined by how much of the arm is exposed (e.g., to chemical splashes) Note: In certain settings it may be more cost effective to regularly change cheaper gloves than to reuse more expensive types.     When gloves are used to protect against chemical hazards, consider the following in the selection process: the toxic properties of the chemical(s) including local effects on the skin and systemic effects generally, any "chemical resistant" glove can be used when working with dry powders for mixtures, select gloves based on the chemical component with the greatest resistance to permeation and glove degradation select gloves that can be removed without contaminating the skin. Reference the Glove Selection Chart at the end of this chapter to assist in selecting protective gloves. 8.18.12.4 Proper Fit, Care and Maintenance of Hand Protection Whenever gloves are worn, wash the hands often to prevent a build up of sweat and dirt. This helps prevent skin irritation. To care and maintain hand protection:   check gloves for cracks and holes, especially at the tips and between the fingers, replace worn or damaged gloves promptly, Page 113 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual      keep gloves clean and dry, have a spare pair of gloves for use while the other pair dries, make sure gloves fit properly - a small glove tires the hand and a large one is clumsy to work with, check the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for any chemical that is handled to see if a particular glove is recommended, cover all cuts before putting on gloves. 8.18.13 HEAD PROTECTION If the hazard assessment indicates that head protection is required, review the following section to assist in selecting PPE. Once the PPE has been selected, the user must be trained in the proper fit, use and care of the PPE. 8.18.13.1 Workplace Hazards to the Head A bump on the head can be a serious matter. Use the proper protection to shield against falling objects, bumping against a fixed object, and electrical shock hazards when working near exposed electrical conductors. 8.18.13.2 Head Protection Equipment The traditional protective helmet, the hard-hat, is comprised of an outer shell and a suspension system. The outer shell absorbs the force of impact, deflects falling items, prevents sharp objects from penetrating the head, and protects the front, sides and back of the head. The suspension system consists of a headband and crown straps that hold the suspension system to the shell and spread the force of impact over a wider area of the head. Protective helmets are available by type and class. Types Type 1: Full brim, not less than 1 1/4 inches wide. Type 2: Brimless, with a peak extending forward from the crown. Classes Class A: General service, limited voltage protection. This design offers impact protection and is commonly used in mining, construction, shipbuilding, lumbering and manufacturing. Impact resistance: 850 pounds average; 1000 pounds maximum. Penetration resistance: 3/8 inch maximum. Class B: Utility service, high-voltage protection. Designed to protect the head from impact, penetration of falling objects, and high voltage shocks and burns. Used extensively by utility workers. Impact resistance: 850 pounds average; 1000 pounds maximum. Penetration resistance: 3/8 inch maximum. Class C: General service, no voltage protection. Lightweight helmets (usually made of aluminum) that offer impact protection but no protection against high voltage. Worn in oil refineries, chemical plants and manufacturing areas where there are no electrical hazards. Page 114 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual Impact resistance: 850 pounds average; 1000 pounds maximum. Penetration resistance: 7/16 inch maximum. 8.18.13.3 Proper Fit, Care and Maintenance of Head Protection To offer protection, a hard hat or safety helmet must fit properly. To ensure best fit:  adjust the headband to the proper size so there is adequate clearance between the shell and the headband,  adjust the chin strap (if provided) to keep it in place so the helmet stays firmly on the head. Check protective headgear every day for signs of cracks, penetration or other damage. Do not drill or punch holes in the helmet shell to gain ventilation. This only serves to reduce the helmet's ability to sustain impact. Do not set a safety helmet on the rear window shelf of a vehicle, as sunlight and heat can reduce the degree of protection. Materials used in helmets must be water-resistant and slow burning. Helmet liners may be used in cold weather. Consult the manufacturer regarding the use of paint or cleaning materials for helmets. Some paints and thinners can damage the shell and reduce its protective ability or its electrical resistance. 8.19 - FORMALDEHYDE 8.19.1 PURPOSE The purpose of this program is to ensure that no CUA employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of formaldehyde which exceeds the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 0.75 parts per million (ppm) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) and/or to an airborne concentration of formaldehyde which exceeds 2 ppm as a 15-minute Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL). 8.19.2 SCOPE This program applies to workplaces at CUA where employees may be subject to ANY occupational exposure to formaldehyde, formaldehyde gas, it's solutions, and materials that release formaldehyde. 8.19.3 BACKGROUND AND APPLICATION The OSHA under 29 CFR 1910.1048 has established exposure monitoring and training requirements to prevent occupational exposure to formaldehyde. When an employee's exposure is determined from representative sampling, the measurements used will be representative of the employee's full shift 8-hour) or short-term (15 minute) exposure to formaldehyde, as appropriate. Formaldehyde gas, all mixtures or solutions composed of greater than 0.1% formaldehyde, and materials Page 115 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual capable of releasing formaldehyde into the air under reasonably foreseeable conditions of use, at concentrations reaching or exceeding 0.1 ppm are subject to the requirements of hazard communication. The Hazard Communication section of this program will adress the subjects of labels and other forms of warning, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and employee information and training. 8.19.4 DEFINITIONS Action Level Airborne concentration of 0.5 part per million (ppm) of formaldehyde calculated as an eight-hourtime-weighted average (TWA). Emergency Any occurrence, such as but not limited to, equipment failure, rupture of containers, or failure of control equipment that results in an uncontrolled release of an significant amount of formaldehyde. Employee Exposure Exposure to airborne formaldehyde which would occur without corrections for protection provided by any respirator that is in use. Formaldehyde The chemical substance, HCHO, Chemical Abstracts Service Registry No. 50-0-0. Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) 1. Time-Weighted Average: No employee will be exposed to an airborne concentration of formaldehyde that exceeds 0.75 parts formaldehyde per million parts of air (0.75 ppm) as an 8-hour TWA. Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL): Airborne concentration of formaldehyde of 2 ppm over a 15minute exposure. 2. 8.19.5 EXPOSURE MONITORING (See diagram at End of Chapter) When an employee's exposure is determined from representative sampling, the measurements used will be representative of the employee's full shift (8-hour) or short-term (15-minute) exposure to formaldehyde, as appropriate.  Employees who may be exposed at or above the action level or at or above the STEL are to be monitored to determine exposure to formaldehyde. However, if objective data indicates that the presence of formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing products in the workplace cannot result in airborne concentrations of formaldehyde that would cause any employee to be exposed at or above the action level or the STEL, then exposure monitoring is not required. This data will be documented.   If an employee is exposed at or above the action level, monitoring of affected employee will be repeated at least every 6 months. If an employee is exposed at or above the STEL, CUA will repeat monitoring of affected employee at least once a year under worst conditions. If CUA receives reports of signs and symptoms of respiratory or dermal conditions associated with formaldehyde Page 116 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual exposure, CUA will monitor the affected employee's exposure. CUA will notify affected employees, in writing, of monitoring results within 15 days of receiving the results. The written notice will contain a description of the corrective action being taken by the employer to decrease exposure. Periodic monitoring may be discontinued if results from two consecutive sampling periods taken 7 days apart reveal exposure below the action level and the STEL. 8.19.6 REGULATED AREAS All entrances and accessways into areas where the concentration of airborne formaldehyde exceeds the TWA (0.75 ppm) or STEL must be posted with the signs bearing the following information: DANGER FORMALDEHYDE IRRITANT AND POTENTIAL CANCER HAZARD AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY Access to regulated areas, as above, will be limited to authorized persons who have been trained to recognized the hazards of formaldehyde. Engineering controls and work practices will be instituted to reduce and maintain employee exposure at or below the TWA and the STEL. Respirators will be supplemented if it is established that feasible engineering controls and work practices cannot reduce the exposure to or below the TWA or the STEL. (Refer to CUA Respiratory Protection Program prior to respirator use). 8.19.7 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) Supervisors will select the appropriate protective clothing based upon the form of formaldehyde to be encountered, the conditions of use, and the hazard to be prevented. Use chemical protective clothing made of material impervious to formaldehyde and other PPE, such as goggles and face shields, when working with liquids containing 1% or more formaldehyde. If there is a danger of formaldehyde reaching the eye area, use chemical safety goggles and a face shield. Clean or launder PPE and clothing that have become contaminated with formaldehyde before its reuse. 8.19.8 HYGIENE PROTECTION Emergency eyewashes and showers are conveniently located within the work area for emergency use. The supervisor is responsible to conduct a program to detect leaks and spills, including regular visual inspections, for operations involving formaldehyde liquids or gas. Perform preventative maintenance of equipment at regular intervals. Place formaldehyde-contaminated waste and debris in sealed containers bearing a label warning of formaldehyde's presence and or the hazards associated with formaldehyde. (See section 8.19.11.1, Labels) 8.19.9 MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE A medical surveillance program will be instituted for all employees exposed to formaldehyde at concentrations at or Page 117 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual exceeding the action level or exceeding the STEL. Medical surveillance will be available for employees who develop signs and symptoms of overexposure to formaldehyde and for all employees exposed to formaldehyde in emergencies. 8.19.10 MEDICAL REMOVAL If a physician selected by CUA finds that significant irritation of the mucosa of the eyes or of the upper airways, respiratory sensitization, dermal irritation, or dermal sensitization result from workplace formaldehyde exposure and recommends restrictions or removal, CUA will comply with the restrictions or recommendation of removal. CUA will remove the affected employee from the current formaldehyde exposure, and if possible, transfer the employee to work having no or significantly less exposure to formaldehyde. When an employee is removed, CUA will transfer the employee to comparable work for which the employee is qualified or can be trained in a short period (up to 6 months), where the formaldehyde exposures are as low as possible but not higher than 0.5 ppm. CUA will arrange for a follow-up medical examination to take place within six months after the employee is removed. 8.19.11 HAZARD COMMUNICATION 8.19.11.1 Labels Hazard warning labels should be affixed to all containers of formaldehyde gas, all mixtures, or solutions composed of greater than 0.1% formaldehyde, and materials capable of releasing formaldehyde into the air, under reasonably foreseeable conditions of use, at concentrations reaching or exceeding 0.1 ppm. For all materials capable of releasing formaldehyde at levels of 0.1 ppm to 0.5 ppm, labels will identify that the product contains formaldehyde, list the name and address of the responsible party, and state that physical and health hazard information is readily available from the supervisor and material safety data sheets (MSDS). For materials capable of releasing formaldehyde at levels above 0.5 ppm, labels will address all hazards, including respiratory sensitization and the words "Potential Cancer Hazard." Warning labels which impart the same information as the required warning statements may be used. 8.19.11.2 Material Safety Data Sheets Material safety data sheets for formaldehyde will be located in the workplace where it is used and will be readily accessible during each work shift. The MSDS must be in English and contain the identity of the chemical and it's chemical and common name(s). The name, address and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer who can provide additional information on the chemical and appropriate emergency procedures, if necessary, must be listed on the MSDS. Chemical manufacturers and distributors will ensure that CUA is provided an appropriate MSDS with the initial shipment, and with the first shipment after a MSDS is updated. 8.19.11.3 Employee Information and Training The supervisor will ensure that all employees who are assigned to workplaces where there is exposure to Page 118 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual formaldehyde will participate in a training program annually. However, training is not required, if objective data shows that employees are not exposed to formaldehyde at or above 0.1 ppm. Information and training will be provided at the time of initial assignment, and whenever a new exposure to formaldehyde is introduced into the work area. Affected employees will be informed of the location of written training materials which will be made readily available. 8.19.11.4 Training Program (See Diagram at End of Chapter) The training program will include the following:          A discussion of the contents of this standard and the contents of the MSDS; The purpose for and a description of the medical surveillance program required by this standard; A description of the potential health hazards associated with exposure to formaldehyde and description of the signs and symptoms of exposure to formaldehyde; Instructions to immediately report to the supervisor the development of any adverse signs or symptoms that could be attributable to formaldehyde exposure; Description of operations in the work area where formaldehyde is present and an explanation of the safe work practices appropriate for limiting exposure to formaldehyde in each job; The purpose for, proper used of, and limitations of personal protective clothing and equipment; Instructions for handling spills, emergencies, and clean-up procedures; An explanation of engineering and work practice controls for employee protection, and A review of emergency procedures including the specific duties or assignments of each employee in the event of an emergency. As a minimum, specific health hazards that will be addressed are:     8.19.12 Cancer, Irritation and sensitization of the skin and respiratory system, Eye and throat irritation, and Acute toxicity. RECORDKEEPING All monitoring measurements of employee exposure to formaldehyde will be maintained by EH&S. Page 119 of 120 Environmental Health and Safety Manual When monitoring is not required, a record of the objective data relied upon to support the determination that no employee is exposed to formaldehyde at or above the action level will be maintained by EH&S. Please find out more about “Environmental Health And Safety Manual” on Amazon: Handbook of Chemical Health and Safety (ACS Handbooks) Hazardous Materials: Awareness and Operations Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, 5th Edition, Fifth Edition (Sittig's Handbook of Toxic & Hazardous Chemicals & Carcinogens) Page 120 of 120