STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR WORKING WITH

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SOP No: LSI/SOP/0021

Centre for Life Sciences

Title: CeLS Safe Transportation and disposal of Effective Date: 12th July 2011
waste SOP

Prepared by: Chemical Safety Subcommittee Revision No: 0
Revision Date: 11th July 2012

Approved by: CeLS Safety Committee Pages 15

1.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this document is to standardize procedures for the safe transportation
and disposal of chemicals in the Centre for Life Sciences (CeLS).

2.0 SCOPE

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is applicable to all laboratories in CeLS and
covers safety and health issues that are unique to CeLS.

3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 Principal Investigator (PI)
The PI is responsible for ensuring that this SOP (and other applicable NUS-wide and
nation-wide guidelines, SOPs and regulations) are adopted in his/her research
laboratory; ensuring that his/her staff know where to obtain a copy of this SOP;
determining the necessary training needs, supervising and providing on-the-job training
for all the research staff and students in his/her research group; and preparing specific
SOPs when required for selected research protocols and equipment use.

3.2 Laboratory personnel
All laboratory personnel (staff and students) working with chemicals must be aware of
potential hazards; must be knowledgeable of this SOP and its contents (and other
applicable NUS-wide and nation-wide guidelines, SOPs and regulations); must obtain
necessary training and work under supervision until proficient in the practices and
techniques required to handle such material safely.

3.3 Safety and Health Officer
The Safety and Health Officer should serve as the resource person for all occupants of
CeLS in matters pertaining to laboratory safety and occupational safety and health
matters as well as the liaison person between OSHE and/or other administrative
departments and CeLS in matters pertaining to safety. He/she should promote safety
awareness and conduct safety orientation for all new comers.

3.4 CeLS Chemical Safety Subcommittee
The members of the Chemical Safety Subcommittee, representing individual research
Programmes located in CeLS, are responsible for preparing the CeLS-wide safe
transportation and disposal SOP and reviewing it least annually or more frequently if
required.

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3.5 CeLS Safety Committee

CeLS Safety Committee which has representation from all the relevant
Programmes/units/offices located in CeLS, is responsible for ensuring that the
occupants of CeLS are in compliance with the applicable safety regulations; serving as
liaison body between LSI EXCO and the occupants of CeLS, OSHE and any other body
as required; ensuring that safety issues are addressed adequately; and conducting
periodic inspections of the laboratories. Appendix A contains the CeLS safety Committee
organization structure and the Terms of Reference.

4.0 DEFINITIONS

4.1 Chemicals can fall under these categories:

Drugs:

D1. Registered drugs and endogenous substances
D2. More hazardous drugs e.g. anticancer drugs
D3. Controlled drugs e.g. drug of abuse

For further information on registered medicines refer to Health Sciences Authority and
Singapore Government websites on the Poisons Act:
http://www.hsa.gov.sg/publish/hsaportal/en/health_products_regulation/legislation.html#
Poisons Act
http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/cgi_retrieve.pl?&actno=Reved-
234&date=latest&method=part

Chemicals:

C1. Non toxic chemicals
C2. Gas tanks with pressurized gases
C3. Flammable volatile substances
C4. Corrosive chemicals
C5. Highly toxic chemicals
C6. Carcinogens

For further information on hazardous and controlled substances refer to National
Environmental Agency (NEA) websites:
http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;page=0;query=CompId%3A36a16
399-ca27-4143-a8b6-81b96df4b2d5;rec=0
http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;page=0;query=CompId%3Ab1e40
3d2-8c3b-440a-8928-47d7c0f5ec88;rec=0

http://app2.nea.gov.sg/data/cmsresource/20090316678295639372.pdf

http://app2.nea.gov.sg/legislation.aspx

The OSHE Regulated Chemical Identifier may help you to identify which regulations
apply to the chemicals in your laboratory:

https://inetapps.nus.edu.sg/osh/portal/chemidentifer.html
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4.2 Many products used in the laboratories are mixtures of different chemicals. A
mixture is assumed to present the same or more health hazards as each individual
component, depending on the nature of the chemicals in the mixture.

4.3 Chemical waste is waste that poses a hazard to human health or the
environment and should be disposed only through licensed waste collectors. Refer to
OSHE website for SOP on chemical waste disposal.
https://staffportal.nus.edu.sg/staffportal/portal/safety-security-and-sustainability.html

https://share.nus.edu.sg/corporate/procedures/safety_and_health/Chemical-Safety-
Manuals/Manual-chemical-safety.pdf

https://share.nus.edu.sg/corporate/procedures/safety_and_health/Chemical-Safety-
Procedures/SOP-chemical-waste-disposal.pdf

A list of toxic industrial wastes controlled under the environmental public health (toxic
industrial waste) regulations is available at the NEA website:

http://app2.nea.gov.sg/data/cmsresource/20090316310637867307.pdf

5.0 RISK ASSESSMENT

5.1 As per the requirement of the Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA) which
came into effect on 1 March 2006, all laboratory–based activities require risk
management before commencing the activity. The objective of risk assessment is
to put in place measures to contain the risks. PIs are responsible for completing
the risk assessment exercise BEFORE any new project or task is commenced, or
when there are changes that may affect the safety and health aspects of the
project / task or as and when required by the University. If there are significant
changes to the scope of the work, a new risk assessment will have to be
conducted. Risk assessments must be documented, including the appropriate
risk control measures being implemented. Details of the process can be found on
the OSHE website.

As with all chemical agents users should strive to ensure minimal exposure to
reproductive toxins and teratogens through the implementation of safe systems
of work and risk reduction measures:
https://wws.nus.edu.sg/osh/nus_manuals/sop/SOP_U05_Risk_Assessment.pdf

5.2 Grant-funded projects require OSHE approval before commencement of the
project and release of grant funding.
5.3
5.4 Risk assessments must consider the characteristics of the project team members
that might increase risk, including the health status of the individuals concerned.
For example, special care should be taken in risk assessments for female
researchers planning to become pregnant or currently expecting and for
researchers with conditions that can influence their immune status (e.g.
diabetes).

5.5 Teratogens are capable of producing defects or malformations in exposed
foetuses or embryos. The use of teratogens by pregnant females poses a risk to
their unborn child. Persons working with reproductive toxins or teratogens should
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refer the specific Risk Assessment for general details on the safe handling and
use of chemicals. When teratogens are in use in a lab the user must inform all
female co-workers of their use and ensure that no co-workers are pregnant.

Teratogens may not be used in a lab occupied by a pregnant female or by a
pregnant female unless a full risk assessment has been undertaken.

5.6 It is the responsibility of individuals to inform their Principal Investigators of any
changes in their health status that might alter their susceptibility to potential
hazards. They should discuss their job scope with their Principal Investigator and
Risk Assessments should be reviewed before they continue with their work.

 Females who are planning to have children or are currently expecting, must
bring this to the notice of their Principal Investigator.

 Individuals with any condition that can change immune status, such as
diabetes, who are working with potentially immunocompromising agents must
bring this to the notice of their Principal Investigator.

 If in doubt as to whether their health status might increase their risk,
personnel should always discuss with their Principal Investigators.

6.0 RISK MANAGEMENT

6.1 Use of fume cupboards and Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC)

Hazardous chemicals must be handled in a fume cupboard or appropriate BSC if the
materials are also a biological hazard. BSC’s are equipped to handle only small amounts
of chemicals, fume cupboards should be used for large amounts. Refer to OSHE
guidelines on safe operation of and maintaining fume cupboards and BSCs.
https://wws.nus.edu.sg/osh/nus_manuals/guidelines/CS_GL_01_Fume_Hood.pdf
https://wws.nus.edu.sg/osh/nus_manuals/guidelines/BS_GL_02_BSC.pdf

6.2 Training Requirements:

 All personnel (staff and students) handling hazardous chemicals must be familiar
with the university guidelines and have the appropriate training and departmental
approval before participating in such research activities.
 All new comers to the building will be given a brief orientation by the Safety
Health Officer, which will include advice on the type of training they need to
attend.
 It is compulsory for all laboratory staff handling hazardous chemicals to attend
the chemical safety course conducted by OSHE, PIs are exempted from this
requirement if they have already attended such training in any of their previous
jobs. It is the PIs responsibility to make provisions for training those in their
research group.
 Graduate students should attend a safety course that is part of their curriculum
and this will be sufficient unless the PI/supervisor feels that there is a risk/need
that requires them to attend the OSHE courses.
 Honors students and short term attachment students, should attend a condensed
(half-day) laboratory safety course conducted by the Safety and Health Officer.

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 Vendors, contractors and short term visitors should be oriented about the
chemical safety issues in the laboratory by a senior member of the laboratory,
who will take responsibility for their safety during their visit to the laboratory

6.3 Safe Practices

 Relevant material safety data sheet (MSDS) should be read and understood
before using any chemical is used. Laboratory worker should get advice from
supervisor and or Safety and Health Officer if in doubt.
 There should be adequate ventilation, and the worker should be familiar with the
proper use of equipment such as fume hoods or biological safety cabinets (BSC).
Refer to OSHE’s SOPs for use of fume cupboards and BSC.
https://wws.nus.edu.sg/osh/nus_manuals/guidelines/CS_GL_01_Fume_Hood.pdf
https://wws.nus.edu.sg/osh/nus_manuals/guidelines/BS_GL_02_BSC.pdf
 Wear appropriate personal protective equipment. eg: gloves, lab coats with long
sleeves, safety glasses, and aprons. Hands should be washed after completing
the laboratory work.
 Clothing should cover the skin of the legs (e.g. long trousers). Shorts or other
clothes allowing the skin of the legs to be exposed must not be worn in the
laboratory.
 Open-toed sandals or slippers are not to be worn in the laboratory.
 Do not eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics or contact lenses, or use mouth
suction for pipetting in the laboratory at any time.
 Food and drink should not be stored in refrigerators, freezers, or cabinets within
the laboratories.
 Laboratory materials should not be stored even for short term in pantry or office
areas.
 Before leaving the laboratory clean up your work area and be sure your
chemicals are stored and labeled properly.
 Do not work alone in laboratory when handling hazardous chemicals. If
necessary, inform someone when working alone.
 The location of the nearest eye wash, emergency shower, first aid kit, chemical
spill kit, fire blanket and fire extinguisher must be noted.
 All drugs/chemicals need not be handled in same way. Example protective
gloves, of a type best suited to the particular hazard, should be worn for some
drugs/chemicals. But for other drugs/chemicals, wearing of gloves should be
measured against the loss of dexterity, creating a state of reduced caution and
possible danger of internal contamination through pin holes. It should be noted
that handling of glassware with wet gloves is hazardous.
 Each laboratory will complete and document a safety ‘self assessment’ on a
quarterly basis or more frequently if required. This document should be available
for inspection as and when required by the CeLS Safety Committee. (Appendix B
gives the template for the quarterly assessment).
 Each laboratory should maintain an annually updated list of all the chemicals
kept in the laboratory. Template for the list is given in Appendix C.
 A list of petroleum and flammable material (PFM) should be maintained and
updated six monthly or whenever new materials are added. Appendix D
provides a template for the list. MSDS should be available in the laboratory for
quick reference. Refer to OSHE website for a complete list of PFM
https://wws.nus.edu.sg/osh/resources/fmlist.xls
 Research projects that use highly hazardous chemicals will be flagged by OSHE
at the risk assessment stage. OSHE in discussion with the PIs will require that

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specific SOPs and conditions be implemented. These SOPs and conditions
should be documented and strictly adhered to.

6.4 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

 Gloves, laboratory coats with long sleeves, head and foot coverings, face shields
or masks, eye protection are to be worn when appropriate.
 Clothing should cover the skin of the legs (e.g. long trousers). Shorts or other
clothes allowing the skin of the legs to be exposed must not be worn in the
laboratory.
 Open-toed sandals or slippers are not to be worn in the laboratory.
 Other PPE should be used as appropriate, refer to OSHE website for more
details. https://wws.nus.edu.sg/osh/nus_manuals/guidelines/U_GL_01_PPE.pdf

6.5 Eye wash and Emergency Shower testing

Eye wash and emergency showers should be tested every week and every month
respectively and recorded in the standard sheet provided by OSHE.

6.6 Chemical Spills

In the event of a chemical spill:

 Eye contact: promptly flush eyes with water for 20 minutes continuously and
seek medical attention.
 Ingestion: encourage the victim to drink large amounts of water and seek
medical attention.
 Inhalation: Move the victim to a well-ventilated area away from the spill and
seek medical attention.
 Skin Contact: promptly flush the affected area with water and remove any
contaminated clothing and seek medical attention.
 MSDS: Colleagues should locate the MSDS and bring it to the doctor treating
the patient at the earliest.
 Clean-Up: promptly clean up spills using appropriate protective apparel and
equipment, and proper disposal.

Refer to OSHE guidelines for further information:
https://wws.nus.edu.sg/osh/nus_manuals/guidelines/CS_GL_02_Chemical_Incid
ents.pdf

6.7 Storage of Chemicals

 MSDS should be available for every chemical used in the laboratory.
 All toxic chemicals should be disposed by appropriate means according to
existing guidelines.
 Anti-cancer drugs (D2) should be kept under lock and key. Usage needs to be
recorded with full inventory. They should be handled according to MSDS, in a
fume cupboard, with appropriate PPE.
 Controlled drugs (D3) should be locked in a special cupboard. Updated and
complete inventory, including usage and user information should be maintained.
These inventories and related SOPs are subject to auditing by CeLS Safety
Committee.
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 Flammable and volatile chemicals (C3) should be stored in a flammable cabinet
and away from flames or machinery that can create sparks. In order to prevent
unwanted reactions from occurring in a storage area, chemicals should be stored
in compatible groups. Appendix E indicates which materials may be safely stored
together. Within a group, materials may be stored alphabetically. This list is not
intended to cover all materials. Please refer to MSDS for chemicals not listed
here or call the CeLS Safety and Health Officer or OSHE.
 Corrosive chemicals (C4) are to be stored in special cabinets with spill trays. All
corrosive chemicals are to be placed on spill trays that can hold at least 20% of
the total volume. Appropriate gloves, goggles, mask and other PPE should be
worn according to MSDS when handling these chemicals.

6.8 Labeling Chemicals

 For safety reasons, every storage container, that appears to have a chemical in
it, must be labeled and easily identifiable by every user within the laboratory.
Original manufacturer’s container labels are preferred for storage containers.
 The following labeling convention is to be followed in all laboratories in CeLS:
(1) Name of substance and concentration
(2) Date of preparation
(3)Initial of lab worker
(4) Hazard label if applicable

6.10 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

MSDS must be accessible to all workers and should be produced quickly in the
event of an emergency. MSDS storage may be electronic or hardcopy a copy
should be kept outside the laboratory also. In addition, emergency responders
(ambulance team or treating doctor) may need a hard copy of an MSDS.

6.11 Chemical Waste Disposal Procedure

Laboratory staff should follow the procedure described below when transferring chemical
waste or toxic industrial waste from laboratories to the Chemical Waste Room at
basement 1. Refer to OSHE SOP on chemical waste disposal for further details.
https://wws.nus.edu.sg/osh/nus_manuals/sop/SOP_CS01_Chem_Waste_Disposal.pdf

Responsibility
 Generation, handling and disposal of waste are a part of your experiments.
Conduct risk assessments and plan for waste disposal before starting your
experiment. If in doubt about how to handle the waste that will be generated by
your experiment discuss with your PI/supervisor and/or CeLS Safety and Health
Officer before you start work.
 All waste must be disposed of at least within 2 months of when the waste
container was first used. More frequent disposal may be required for your
experiment. Include assessment of how frequently you must dispose of waste in
your risk assessment. Consider the stability and hazards of the waste and the
volume of waste generated. It is important to minimize storage of waste in the
laboratory and avoid transporting large volumes of waste at one time.
 Laboratory personnel are responsible for collection and removal of chemical
waste from lab areas to the following waste store rooms:
o Chemical Waste Room (CeLS, Basement 1, CeLS-B1-08)
o Chemical Waste Store Room (CeLS, Basement 1, CeLS-B1-07)
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Request for Storage Label and request for waste disposal
The link for requesting a waste storage label and request for disposal is
www.lsi.nus.edu.sg/chemwaste

When you click the link, it directs you to this screen shot as shown below

Select your PI name and click submit. This will direct you to the below page

If you are a first timer, there will no wastes listed under the CURRENT WASTE
SECTION.
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Click on the NEW WASTE STORAGE LABLEL

Select the appropriate values and submit. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU NEED TO
SELECT ALL THE FIELDS OTHERWISE IT WOULD NOT BE ACCEPTED
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For the chemicals that are not mentioned in the pull down list, please choose
others from the Pull down list and type your chemicals in the OTHER
CHEMICAL SECTION.

For Empty Bottles, please select Others from the Pull down option and Write
EMPTY GLASS BOTTLES in the other chemical section.

Once you submit, the LSI/ CeLS safety officer/ management team would
receive a notification of request from the lab for a storage label. The
notification for the requestor would be as below

The safety officer/ back up would print the storage label and pass on to the
requestor.
The storage lablel looks like the below

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The storage label would only have the name of the chemical and the PI lab
name and the deadline date by which the waste has to go down to the
basement store room

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Once you are ready for disposal , go back to the link
www.lsi.nus.edu.sg/chemwaste
Select your PI and submit
You will be directed to this page

Now you can see the CURRENT Wastes under your PI name and there is a tab
on CLICK HERE FOR DISPOSAL. Submit it and you shall get a notification

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The CeLS safety officer/ back up team would receive a notification of your
request for disposal to the basement room.

Segregate waste by hazard class and compatibility
 Chemicals and chemical waste material should be segregated by hazard class.
Only compatible materials should be mixed together.

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 Chemical waste must be segregated, properly labeled and disposed into properly
sealed containers.
 Sharps waste must be treated as sharp waste and should not be thrown in to
containers containing liquid chemical waste. Similarly, waste equipment or
materials (e.g. sample vials etc) can be collected in an empty fresh container and
the whole container is to be designated as the chemical waste (blue waste labels
to be used). Ensure chemical compatibility segregation and hazard labeling
according to the chemicals with which the material being disposed of has come
into contact with.
Use proper waste containers
 Waste containers should be chemically resistant and sealable.
 Original containers or other containers that have previously held chemicals are
not to be reused for the waste disposal.
 Only new, clean containers dedicated for waste disposal are to be used. CeLS
will provide plastic containers for waste disposal.
 Appropriate waste containers must be used at all stages of waste collection,
handling and disposal. This includes collection of waste as it is generated during
your experiment in the laboratory.
Waste must be properly labeled
 All waste containers must be appropriately labeled at all times.
 Label waste containers with the labels provided by CeLS.
 Waste containers must be dated. The container should be labeled with a future
date by which it must be disposed. If the container is supposed to be disposed
by a certian date it should not be left inside the fumehood or any other place in
the lab beyond that date. It should be brought down to the basement room.
 Labelling must clearly identify:
o The hazard classification and class of waste. Appropriate caution labels
indicating the hazard classification and class of waste must be affixed to
the waste containers.
o The details of the PI /PI representative responsible for the waste.
o The complete contents of the waste material (chemical names and where
possible percentage composition).
 When delivered to the chemical waste store room, unidentifiable waste material
will be returned to the laboratory. It is the responsibility of the waste generator to
indicate the components and hazards associated with the materials.
Preparing for transport to the basement
 Lab personnel should indicate and identify all components of chemical waste
material clearly in the Chemical Waste Disposal Form/ LINK (Appendix F).
 The CeLS Safety & Health officer should be notified one day before transporting
the chemicals to the basement chemical waste storage room. At this time the
Chemical Waste Disposal Form must be submitted with a complete inventory of
the waste. Once all the labs are migrated to the online link, the inventory would
be generated by the CeLS Safety Officer and the people bringing the wastes
down would have to sign off at the basement.
 Waste will not be accepted in the basement room, if prior declaration (one Day
before) has not been made.
 A risk assessment must be conducted for the waste in your laboratory to
determine whether there is risk of pressure build up prior to transport. If
appropriate for the nature of the waste, prior to bringing down to the basement
ensure that there is no build up of gases in the container. To achieve this open
the containers in the fumehood and let the gas be released before putting them
in the trolley for the waste disposal.

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 Ensure that during transport the waste containers are sealed to avoid spillage
and risk of mixing of incompatible chemicals.
Transport to the basement
 Hazardous chemicals should be transported in a safe manner.
 It is the responsibility of the individual lab members to identify the nature and the
compatibility of the chemicals when it comes to a mixture of chemical wastes.
Appropriate risk assessments must be conducted prior to transport.
 Two people must be involved in the disposal of the chemicals to ensure that in
case anything happens, the second person knows the nature of the chemical
hazards involved and how to deal with the situation.
 Wear appropriate PPE when transporting waste. Conduct a risk assessment for
the specific hazards of your waste and wear the appropriate PPE. The minimum
allowable PPE for all waste disposal consists of lab coat with long sleeves,
googles or face shield, gloves (select appropriate material for chemical content of
waste), long trousers and covered shoes.
 Secondary and/or tertiary containers should be used depending on the distance
transported and the seriousness of the chemical hazard. Advice should be
obtained from PI/supervisor and/or CeLS Safety and Health Officer when
required.
 The waste should be transported in designated trolleys in a safe manner with
secondary containment trays to minimize chances of accidents & to contain any
spills or leaks.
 Ensure that waste containers sit upright and flat in their secondary containment.
Do not overload the trolley. If necessary, make more than one journey to the
basement chemical waste store. Dispose of waste regularly to avoid
accumulation of waste.
 Do not keep the incompatible wastes together when transporting. Segregate
waste containers according to chemical compatibility during transport. For
example, place incompatible materials in separate secondary or tertiary
containment as appropriate, place incompatible materials on different levels in
the trolley, or if necessary make more than one trip to the basement to transport
incompatible materials at different times.
 Plastic waste bottles provided by CeLS must be used with immediate effect.
However, if for some reason waste is transported in glass bottles, cushioning
(e.g. cardboard, Styrofoam or corrugated plastic sheets) must be provided
between the bottles. This will reduce the risk of the bottles cracking on transport.
 Chemical waste should be transported to the chemical waste room only in the
goods/service lift.
 The lift is going to be manually operated during the time of the waste disposal.
 Personnel should not travel in the lift with the waste. UNDER NO
CICUMSTANCES, DOES ANYBODY ENTER THE LIFT WHEN THE
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES ARE BEING TRANSPORTED.
 One personnel pushes the trolley into the cargo lift and selects where the lift
needs to go, locks the lift and allow it to go to the designated level. Gloves
should not be used on the buttons in the lifts.
 Once the lift reaches the designated level (i.e. the basement), the second person
waiting there pushes the trolley out of the basement room and brings to the store.
 CeLS Safety & Health officer should wait at the basement chemical waste
storage room to identify lab personnel & grant access to the store room.
 The basement chemical waste room and cytotoxic waste room will be opened on
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
 Lab personnel should place the waste in the “chemical waste area” in chemical
waste storage room.

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 CeLS Safety & Health officer should lock the door to chemical waste storage
room.
 CeLS Safety & Health officer should inform licensed waste collector to dispose
waste.

6.13 Incident Reporting

All accidents and injuries must be reported within 24 hours to your PI, the CELS safety
Health Officer and to OSHE. More details can be obtained from
https://staffweb.nus.edu.sg/oshe/notice.htm

7.0 REFERENCES

 The University Safety Manual has several sections relevant to chemical safety.
Members of the department are encouraged to access the Safety Manual on
OSHE’s web site. http://www.nus.edu.sg/osh/

 The Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA) came into effect on 1 March 2006
and is an essential part of the new framework to cultivate good safety habits in all
individuals so as to engender a strong safety culture in our workplace. A copy
can be obtained at:
http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal/en/legislation/Occupational_Safety_a
nd_Health/workplace_safety_and.html

 Fire Safety (Petroleum & Flammable Materials) Regulation 2005, SCDF
http://www.scdf.gov.sg/General/FAQ/index.html

 NEA guidelines on the hazardous and controlled chemicals and related
documents and the Chemical Weapons Prohibition Act are available at:
https://wws.nus.edu.sg/osh/nus_manuals/sop/SOP_CS02_CWC_Storage_and_
Disposal.pdf

 Environmental Pollution Control Act, NEA
http://app.nea.gov.sg/cms/htdocs/article.asp?pid=1528

8.0 APPENDIX
A. CeLS Safety Committee Organization Structure and Terms of Reference
B. Template for quarterly assessment
C. Template for list of chemicals
D. Template for list of petroleum and flammable materials
E. Compatibility table
F. Chemical Waste Disposal Form

Dr Basappa Date:
CeLS Chemical Safety Sub Committee Chair

Loo Eng Kiat Alvin Huang Shan Hong, Shery
CeLS Chemical Safety Subcommittee members

Dr Gavin Dawe
CeLS Safety Committee Chair

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Appendix A: CeLS Safety Committee Organization Structure and Terms of
Reference

For CeLS Safety Committee Organization chart refer to
https://share.nus.edu.sg/lsi/cels_matters/Safety%20Information/Forms/AllItems.aspx

Terms of Reference

1. Shall consist of representatives of both the employees (i.e laboratory officers or
research assistants and the management (i.e. PIs)
2. To promote cooperation between management and employees in achieving and
maintaining safe and healthy working conditions.
3. To develop policies, general guidelines, procedures and practices to improve the
safety of the work environment.
4. To be in compliance with the University Policies, Standard Operating Procedures
(SOPs) & Guidelines. (i.e. adhering to MOM, MOH, SCDF regulations, OSHE
directives)
5. Conducting periodic safety inspections/ audits.
6. Monitoring the follow-up on all reported incidents and accidents concerning
breach of safety issues.
7. Monitoring the effectiveness of safety programs and procedures.
8. Participate in development and implementation of programs to protect the
employee’s safety and health.
9. Set up and promote programs to improve employee’s training and education.
10. Make recommendations to management for accident prevention and safety
program activities.
11. Ensuring the maintenance and monitoring of injury and work hazard records.

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Appendix B: Template for quarterly assessment

Chemical Safety checklist (to be carried out by LO and stored in Laboratory ‘box’ for
inspection by CeLS Safety Committee)

Laboratory: ______________

Reviewer: ______________ Yes No/give reasons

Chemicals
List of toxic chemicals updated? [ ] [ ]
List of MSDS updated? [ ] [ ]
Securely locked? [ ] [ ]
Appropriate hazard stickers in place? [ ] [ ]

Storage
Inflammables/inorganics segregated in
appropriate cupboards? [ ] [ ]
Flammables stored according to compatibility
Compatibility table displayed on flammable cabinets [ ] [ ]

Risks identified and corrective actions taken

1.
2.
3.

Accidents/incidents
Any accidents/incidents from chemicals reported? [ ] [ ]
Written report sent to CeLS safety team? [ ] [ ]

List Corrective action taken

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

______________________________________________________________________
_
Signature

______________________________________________________________________
Name of person performing the assessment

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Appendix C: Template for list of chemicals (to be updated quarterly)

Chemical Inventory

Prepared By: Email:
PI:
Programme:
Date Contact number :

Storage In
UN location Type of storage locked
Chemical CAS number Purity / (eg 04- cabinet cabinet
Period name number (if any) Qty Concentration 44) F/FZ/FC/CC/PC/OS Y/N Expiry date

1st
quarter

2nd
quarter

3rd
quarter

4th
quarter

CAS and UN numbers for a chemical are available on the Safety Data Sheet.

Type of storage cabinet
F= Fridge
FZ=
Freezer
FC= Yellow metal flammables cabinet
CC= Corrosives cabinet
PC= poisons cabinet
OS= open shelving (includes benchtop)
If none of the above, please specify

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Appendix D: Template for Flammable Chemical Inventory

Quarterly PFM inventory (Due on the 1st of January, April, July, October)
PI:
Programme:
Contact
Prepared by: number Email:
Date:
Max
Lab quantity
Location / that will be
Qty or Vol Cabinet stored
Chemical (litre) inside Name (e.g outside the
name Physical Form Supplier cabinet 01-11 /FC 2) cabinet Expiry date

Lab
Gas Type of gas Location/
Name/Mixture (Oxidising/toxic/ Qty or Vol Storage
(%) flammable) Supplier (litre) location Remarks Expiry date

Note: Please paste this list on each flammable cabinet so that the amounts of flammables stored the cabinet may be summed up at any time.

To achieve this, users will need to enter/strike off no. of bottles on the list as you purchase/use them up so that the inventory stays current.

It is important that inventory is kept as low as practicable to ensure that the amounts stored on each floor
does not exceed the SCDF imposed storage limit.
Please inform the safety officer if you wish to purchase additional flammable cabinets for storage or wish to move an existing flammable cabinet.
This will require prior permission from the SCDF.

The modified limits per CeLS floor are given below:
Level 1 --- 0 litres : Level 2 --- 540 litres ; Level 3 --- 592 litres ; Level 4 --- 547 litres ; Level 5 --- 472
litres
Basement 1---750 litres(chemical store room)+70 litres (radioactive room)
Additional information may be found at
https://wws.nus.edu.sg/osh/nus_manuals/guidelines/pfml.pdf

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Appendix E: Chemical compatibility table

A wide variety of chemicals react dangerously when mixed with certain other materials.
Some of the more widely-used incompatible chemicals are given below, but the absence
of a chemical from this list should not be taken to indicate that it is safe to mix it with any
other chemical!

If there is no link from this page to MSDS data for a chemical in which you are
interested, try the main page on this web site. through which you can access MSDS data
for a large number of chemicals. Click here to get to the Safety web pages of the
Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford University.

Chemical Incompatible with
acetic acid chromic acid, ethylene glycol, nitric acid, hydroxyl
compounds, perchloric acid, peroxides, permanganates
acetone concentrated sulphuric and nitric acid mixtures
acetylene chlorine, bromine, copper, fluorine, silver, mercury
alkali and alkaline earth metals water, chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, halogens,
alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids
aluminium (powdered) chlorinated hydrocarbons, halogens, carbon dioxide, organic
acids.
anhydrous ammonia mercury, chlorine, calcium hypochlorite, iodine, bromine,
hydrofluoric acid
ammonium nitrate acids, metal powders, flammable liquids, chlorates, nitrites,
sulphur, finely divided organic combustible materials
aniline nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide
arsenic compounds reducing agents
azides acids
bromine ammonia, acetylene, butadiene, hydrocarbons, hydrogen,
sodium, finely-divided metals, turpentine, other
hydrocarbons
calcium carbide water, ethanol
calcium oxide water
carbon, activated calcium hypochlorite, oxidizing agents
chlorates ammonium salts, acids, metal powders, sulphur, finely
divided organic or combustible materials
chromic acid acetic acid, naphthalene, camphor, glycerin, turpentine,
alcohols, flammable liquids in general
chlorine see bromine
chlorine dioxide ammonia, methane, phosphine, hydrogen sulfide
copper acetylene, hydrogen peroxide
cumene hydroperoxide acids, organic or inorganic
cyanides acids
flammable liquids ammonium nitrate, chromic acid, hydrogen peroxide, nitric
acid, sodium peroxide, halogens
hydrocarbons fluorine, chlorine, bromine, chromic acid, sodium peroxide
hydrocyanic acid nitric acid, alkali
hydrofluoric acid aqueous or anhydrous ammonia
hydrogen peroxide copper, chromium, iron, most metals or their salts, alcohols,
acetone, organic materials, aniline, nitromethane, flammable
liquids, oxidizing gases
hydrogen sulphide fuming nitric acid, oxidizing gases
hypochlorites acids, activated carbon

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iodine acetylene, ammonia (aqueous or anhydrous), hydrogen
mercury acetylene, fulminic acid, ammonia
mercuric oxide sulphur
nitrates sulphuric acid
nitric acid (conc.) acetic acid, aniline, chromic acid, hydrocyanic acid,
hydrogen sulphide, flammable liquids, flammable gases
oxalic acid silver, mercury
perchloric acid acetic anhydride, bismuth and its alloys, ethanol, paper,
wood
peroxides (organic) acids, avoid friction or shock
phosphorus (white) air, alkalies, reducing agents, oxygen
potassium carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water, alcohols, acids
potassium chlorate acids
potassium perchlorate acids
potassium permanganate glycerin, ethylene glycol, benzaldehyde, sulphuric acid
selenides reducing agents
silver: acetylene, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, ammonium compounds,
fulminic acid
sodium carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water
sodium nitrate: ammonium salts
sodium nitrite: ammonium salts
sodium peroxide: ethanol, methanol, glacial acetic acid, acetic anhydride,
benzaldehyde, carbon disulfide, glycerin, ethylene glycol,
ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, furfural
sulphides: acids
sulphuric acid: potassium chlorate, potassium perchlorate, potassium
permanganate (or compounds with similar light metals, such
as sodium, lithium, etc.)
tellurides: reducing agents
zinc powder: sulphur

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Appendix F: Chemical Waste Disposal Form

Contact
Department / Program Group PI's Name Details Lab/Room No

Container Total
Chemical 2 Waste Type Volume(L)
S/N 1 Physical State 3
Name Type (Bottles / Number of / Weight
Carboys) Bottle/Carboy (kg)

Note
1
Chemical name- Proper Chemical Name. Do not use abbreviations, formulas or brand
name. For mixtures, list each chemical component and indicate concentrations or amounts
of each component i.e. v/v %,ppm or grams/litre
2
Physical State- Solid (S), Liquid (Liq) or Sludge (Sldg)
3
Waste Type - Poison, Flammable Solvent, Flammable Solid, Carcinogen, Oxidizer, Acid,
Alkali, Irritant, Reactive or Others (Please specify the type if none of the above)

PI / PI rep
Name PI / PI Rep. Signature Date

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