COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Department of Chemistry
Laboratory Safety
C2507-2004
Luis Avila
455 Chandler Labs
avila@chem.columbia.edu
Standards for Occupational Exposure to
Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories
1.
The Hazard Communication Standard
2.
Proper Work Practices
3.
Engineering Controls-Chemical fume hoods
4.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
5.
Hazardous Chemical Waste Procedures
6.
Medical Emergencies
7.
Emergencies Involving Hazardous Materials
8.
Fire Safety
The Hazard Communication Standard
•NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Hazard Identification System
http://www.nfpa.org/Home/index.asp
NFPA Hazard Diamond
• Lab Safety Supply Inc. http://www.labsafety.com/
HMIG (Hazardous Material Identification Guide)
•MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets)
http://www.msdssearch.com/DBLinksN.htm
NFPA 704 Hazard Identification System
NFPA Hazard Diamond
Flammability
Reactivity
Health
Special Precautions
Flammability
Number
Properties
Example
0
Will not burn
Water
1
Pre-heated before ignition can occur
Melting point
apparatus oil
2
Relatively high ambient temperature before Diesel fuel oil
ignition can occur
3
Can be ignited under almost all ambient
temperature conditions.
Ethyl ether
4
Rapidly vaporize at normal conditions, or
that are readily dispersed in air and that
will burn readily
Aluminum
chloride
Health
Number
Properties
Example
0
1
Harmful on exposure under fire
Corn oil
On exposure would cause irritation with
minor residual injury
Chloroform
2
Intense or chronic exposure could cause
temporary incapacitation or possible
residual injury
Ammonia gas
3
On short exposure could cause serious
temporary or serious injury
Chlorine gas
4
On very short exposure causes death or
major residual injury
Hydrogen
Cyanide
Reactivity
Number
Properties
Example
0
1
Normally stable even under fire
Liquid nitrogen
Becomes unstable at elevated temperature and
pressures
Red or white
phosphorus
2
Violent chemical change at elevated temperatures
and pressures or which reacts violently with water,
or which may form explosive mixtures with water
3
Detonation or explosive decomposition. Requires a
strong initiating source or which must be heated
under confinement before initiation or which reacts
explosively with water
4
Capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or
reaction at normal temperatures and pressures
Calcium metal
Sodium azide
Trinitrotoluene
(TNT)
Special Precautions
Symbol
OX
ACID
Properties
Example
Unusual reactivity with water
Alkali metals
Unstable at elevated temperature and pressures
Ammonium nitrate
Acidic material
ALK
Alkaline material
COR
Corrosive Material
Radioactive material
Hydrochloric acid
Sodium hydroxide
Chromic acid
Plutonium Metal
Hazard Material Identification
System (HMIG Label)
Lab Safety Supply Inc.
Dust respirator
Vapor respirator
Face shield
Apron
Airline hood or mask
Splash Goggles
Dust and Vapor respirator
PPE symbols used in HMIG
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
X
Ask supervisor or EHRS specialist
http://www.hr.columbia.edu/ehrs/html/msds.html
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Section 1: Chemical Identity
The material's chemical and common names, and a list of all hazardous ingredients.
Section 2: Ingredients and Occupational Exposure Limits
Legal exposure limits (OSHA and other recommended limits). This frequently includes toxicity information
Section 3: Physical Data
Physical and chemical characteristics such as vapor pressure, flash point, density, boiling point
Section 4: Physical Hazards
Fire and explosion data. Reactivity data. Signs and symptoms of exposure.
Section 5: Reactivity Data
Section 6: Health hazard data
Carcinogenicity
Summary of Risks
Primary Entry Routes. The route(s) by which the material could most likely enter the body
Section 7: Spill, leak, and disposal procedures: Hygienic practices, protective measures required during
handling of contaminated equipment, and procedures for clean-up of spills and leaks.
Section 8: Special Protection data
Any control measures known to the party preparing the MSDS, such as engineering controls, work
practices, or personal protective equipment.
Section 9 Special Precautions and comments: Storage requirements, engineering controls, administrative
controls
Toxicity Values found in MSDS
Material
LD50 (mg/kg)
subject, route
Pointer
Sucrose
29700
rat, oral
MSDS
Sodium bicarbonate
4220
rat, oral
MSDS
Sodium chloride
3000
rat, oral
MSDS
Ethanol
2080
rat, oral
MSDS
Caffeine
192
rat, oral
MSDS
Sodium cyanide
6.4
rat, oral
MSDS
Sarin (nerve agent)
2.4
human, percutaneous
MSDS
VX (nerve agent
0.14
human, percutaneous
MSDS
Proper Work Practices in the Laboratory

Attire

Conduct, Behavior

Proper Handling of Chemicals and Equipment
Proper Work Practices in the Laboratory



Do not store chemicals or equipment on the floor
Maintain adequate aisle space
Know location of protective equipment
-Fire extinguisher
-Safety Shower
-Eye Wash
-Spill Response Kit
-First Aid Kit
Equipment Handling
Lasers (Power & Wavelenght)
•
•
•
Class I < 0.9mW
(CAUTION)
Class II 0.9mW
(CAUTION)
Class IIIa 4mW
(CAUTION)
Class IIIb 50mJ
(DANGER)
Class IV 50W
(DANGER)
Avoid reflective surfaces
Wear Safety Goggles with low band pass filter (Ex. 1.064µ)
Avoid skin contact
Equipment Handling

Valve regulators

Gas Cylinders

Venting Hoods

Power Supplies

Vacuum and High Pressure Lines
Accessibility


Maintain clear access to all protection equipment
Keep lab door closed
Chemical Fume Hoods
Keep hoods free of unneeded
chemicals and apparatus
 Work in hoods with sash set to
proper height
Check that fume hood is in
proper working order before
using
 Have all required and
necessary hazard placards

Gas Cylinders




Store cylinders not being used in
designated areas, not in the Lab
Do not secure cylinders to electric
conduits or plumbing
Keep all cylinders secured and
standing upright
Transport cylinders with proper
hand trucks and with the cap on
Hazardous Chemical Waste Procedures
Environmental Health and Radiation Safety
(EHRS) Division at Columbia University
http://www.hr.columbia.edu/ehrs/html/hazardous_regulated_waste.html
General EHRS Office Numbers: X4-8749, X44658
Fire Safety. Combustion
http://www.hr.columbia.edu/ehrs/html/fire_safety.html
Oxidizer
Reducer
Heat
Reporting a Fire

Incidents not related to Columbia University Dial 911

Campus Rolm phone system Dial 99

Manual Pull Stations Located at Exits
Medical Emergencies

Incidents not related to Columbia University Dial 911

Campus Rolm phone system Dial 99

Columbia Area Volunteer Ambulance
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cava/home.html
When to Sound a Fire Alarm

ANY Fire or Smoke Condition

Dangerous Situation
Crime in Progress, Suspicious activities

For Emergency Building Evacuation
Laboratory Evacuation Procedures

Turn Off All Apparatus Within Reach That Can Be
Safely Turned Off

Close Fume Hood Sash

Close All Chemical Containers That You Are
Working With
Laboratory Evacuation Procedures

Know Location Of Fire Exit, Count Number of Doors

Look For Exit Sign

Use Nearest Stair

Do Not Use Elevator
Exit Building And Move Away From Door To Allow Security
And Fire Department Access
In the Event of a Real Fire

Feel Door, If Hot, Do not Open

If Smoke or Heat is Present, Remain in Room, Close Door,
and Seal Cracks

If Possible Phone Security and Give Your Location

Stand at Window to Signal Security Or Fire Dept



Report any People That Might Still Be Inside
If You Catch Fire, Stop-drop-and-Roll
Never Jump Or Climb Out A Window
Fire Extinguisher Types
Class Of Fire
Class A, Combustibles, Paper
Class B, Grease And Oil
Class C,D Electrical
Extinguisher Types
Pressurized Water
CO2 Class B -C
Dry Chemical, B-C Or
A-B-C-D Check Label.