Working with Hazardous Chemical AGENTS Supplement B
Instructions
The following instructions are supplemental to those found in the EHS Laboratory Safety Manual and associated
training classes. Please observe all standard safety procedure alongside of these special instructions.
Please change the name of AGENT to your compound by using replace. If you have multiple agents list them
together in the header and leave AGENT in the body of the test. There is no limit to the number of compounds you
may list so long as they are listed on the attached substance chart.
Check the attached substance list to determine if your compound is on it. If it is then follow the recommendations
on the chart for the amount of time that disposable caging needs to be used and the type of disposal that is
required. Read the MSDS to understand the hazards associated with the compound. If you have questions contact
Environmental Health hand Safety at 368-2907.
This form will be used when you attend orientation in the ARC. The Veterinarian Technician with go over
requirements for housing and handling with you.
Investigational and Proprietary Compounds
If your compound is a proprietary compound, Investigational drug, or simply not listed on the attached chart, you are
required to contact Environmental Health and Safety to determine the parameters to use for this protocol.
If the metabolic half-life or the general toxicology of the compound is not known but is know not to be volatile then
assume the use of disposable caging for the duration of the experiment/ life of the animal and collect all waste for
incineration.
Volatile Chemicals
If your compound is a volatile chemical such as (AOM, Chloroform, Carbon Tetrachloride, Urethane gas), contact
Environmental Health and Safety to establish the procedure to be used.
Drugs
There is a second chart listing commonly used drugs. Most drugs do not require special handling and the chart will
note this. If your drug is an exception follow this protocol as described. Most drugs that require special handling
should already be listed on the first chart. All chemotherapeutics require special handling and disposal.
Anesthetics
There is a special handling protocol for the use of anesthetics. Please follow that protocol in these use situations.
Biological
There is a special handling protocol for the use of Biological materials. Please follow that protocol in those
situations.
Radiation
The use of radiological isotopes or the use of radiation is covered by a separate submittal to the radiation safety
committee. Please see their website for further information or contact Radiation safety at 368-2906.
According to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for AGENT special precautions must be taken when working
with this chemical. Below are some of the characteristics of AGENT followed by recommendations for handling the
chemical, and finally any paperwork needed in order to use the chemical in the laboratory and animal facility.
Research staff must inform Laboratory Animal Care in advance of the intended time of use to make arrangements
for animal housing.
Handling instructions:
Preparing AGENT solutions:
Always handle AGENT inside a certified chemical fume hood
Wear proper personal protective equipment: gloves, lab coat, eye protection, dust respirator, and
appropriate lab attire.
Always wash hands after removing gloves following handling AGENT
Clean areas where AGENT has been handled by adding water and placing paper towels on top. Following
with a soap and water wash. The paper towels will then be placed into a ziploc bag with a label for toxins.
Follow the Hazardous Waste dispoal requirement in the Laboratory Safety Manual.
Materials prepared in a syringe for transport to the ARC require transport in a sealed container.
Do not walk the halls holding a syringe or ride elevators without containment.
Injecting animals with (AGENT):
Fresh cages will be used for the animals at the time of administration
Wear PPE as above and 2nd pair of nitrile gloves
Animals will be injected IP with AGENT within a hard-ducted/Class II
Type B Biosafety cabinet or designated chemical fume hood
All needles will be disposed of in sharps container – do not recap or bend needles
Cage handling:
All cage cards MUST be labeled with toxin labels after the animals have been injected
Cages are considered hazardous for a minimum of (see chart) days after each administration of AGENT
The first cage change after each drug administration is to be done by the Principal Investigator’s staff no
sooner than 3 days after administration. The bedding is considered contaminated and requires special
handling. ARC Husbandry does not handle cages until the chemical or radioactive hazard is gone.
Transfer of animals to clean cages:
Replace the tops on the soiled cages and place in a heavyweight plastic bag.
Twist the ends of full bags, goose-neck, and seal with tape.
Label with wide tape or other type of label marked AGENT.
Remove the sign from the door of the room housing the animals and the hazard labeled cage cards.
Investigative staff will transport the bags of soiled cages to a HEPA filtered dumping station that draws air
away from the user. All contaminated bedding will be labeled as hazardous materials and handled
accordingly (incinerated) .
All Animal carcasses will be incinerated.
(see chart) days after the last AGENT no need for further special precautions to be taken regarding the
animal’s cages, or bedding as long as the animals have not received any more AGENT.
The use of disposable cages is required for the length of time indicated on the substance chart.
Exposures:
Follow procedure in Laboratory Safety Manual.
In case of eye exposure: check for and remove contacts, go to eyewash station and rinse eyes for 15
minutes, then seek medical attention
If inhaled: remove to fresh air, seek medical attention immediately
If absorbed: through skin, immediately flush with plenty of water, remove contaminated shoes and clothing,
seek medical attention immediately
If ingested: Do NOT induce vomiting, loosen tight clothing, and seek medical attention immediately.
In case of a spill:
Follow procedure in Laboratory Safety Manual.
Avoid creating dust (add liquid to solid if safe to do so)
Place spilled solid in appropriate waste disposal container or dissolve and absorb onto paper.
Larger Spills:
Evacuate immediate area Call DOES @ 368-2907/2906 (if there is no answer, call Police @ 368-3333)