Appendix H
Work with Particularly Hazardous Substances
OSHA has established a category of chemicals known as particularly hazardous substances
(PHSs). Particularly hazardous substances include select carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and
substances with a high degree of acute toxicity. Some highly reactive substances (e.g., pyrophoric and
explosive chemicals) may also be considered PHSs. UW-Stout faculty and staff shall complete the
approval steps listed below before beginning work with a PHS.
OSHA has expanded regulatory standards for certain toxic substances with additional compliance
requirements. All of the expanded standard substances are identified in Table H-1 below. Other
significant health hazards must also be considered when working with expanded standard substances.
Since expanded standard substances are also PHSs, UW-Stout faculty and staff shall complete the PHS
approval process before beginning work with expanded standard substances. The Chemical Hygiene
Officer (CHO) will complete an exposure assessment as part of the approval process for work with an
expanded standard substance. Specific expanded standard requirements will be incorporated into
practices outlined in the Particularly Hazardous Substance Approval Form if the exposure assessment
indicates the action level and/or permissible exposure limit or short-term exposure limit may be
exceeded.
Table H-1: OSHA Regulated Toxic and Hazardous Substances
OSHA citation
1910.1001
1910.1003
1910.1004
1910.1006
1910.1007
1910.1008
1910.1009
1910.1010
1910.1011
1910.1012
1910.1013
1910.1014
1910.1015
1910.1016
1910.1017
1910.1018
1910.1025
1910.1026
1910.1027
1910.1028
Chemical
Asbestos
4-Nitrobiphenyl
alpha-Naphthylamine
Methyl chloromethyl ether
3,’-Dichlorobenzidine (and its
salts)
bis-Chloromethyl ether
beta-Naphthylamine
Benzidine
4-Aminodiphenyl
Ethyleneimine
beta-Propiolactone
2-Acetylaminofluorene
4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene
N-Nitrosodimethylamine
Vinyl chloride
Inorganic arsenic
Lead
Chromium (VI)
Cadmium
Benzene
Comment
Known carcinogen
Commonly referred to as the OSHA 13
carcinogens
Known carcinogen (IARC 1)
Known carcinogen (IARC 1)
Possible carcinogen (IARC 2B)
Known carcinogen (IARC 1)
Known carcinogen (IARC 1)
Known carcinogen (IARC 1)
1910.1029
Coke oven emissions
1910.1030
Bloodborne pathogens (BBP)
1910.1043
1910.1044
1910.1045
1910.1047
1910.1048
1910.1050
1910.1051
1910.1052
1910.1096
Cotton dust
1,2,-dibromo-3-chloropropane
Acrylonitirile
Ethylene oxide
Formaldehyde
Methylenedianiline
1,3-butadiene
Methylene chloride
Ionizing radiation
Known carcinogen (IARC 1)
Some BBPs (e.g. hepatitis B and C)
are known carcinogens
Not a suspected carcinogen
Possible carcinogen (IARC 2B)
Possible carcinogen (IARC 2B)
Known carcinogen (IARC 1)
Known carcinogen
Possible carcinogen (IARC 2B)
Known carcinogen (IARC 1)
Possible carcinogen (IARC 2B)
Known carcinogen (IARC 1)
Responsibility for identifying PHSs and complying with the approval process ultimately rests with faculty,
PI or lab instructor. Training on identifying PHSs and the approval process is included in required lab
safety training and is described further in this appendix.
The OSHA Laboratory Standard defines particularly hazardous substances as:


Carcinogens: A carcinogen is a substance capable of causing cancer. Carcinogens are
chronically toxic substances; that is, they cause damage after repeated or long-duration
exposure, and their effects may become evident only after a long latency period. A chemical is
considered a carcinogen, for the purpose of the Laboratory Standard, if it is included in any of
the following carcinogen lists:
o
OSHA-regulated carcinogens as listed in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous
Substances, also known as the OSHA 13 carcinogens (see Table H-1).
o
Listed under the category "known to be carcinogens" in the most current Report on
Carcinogens published by the National Toxicology Program (NTP)
(http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/?objectid=72016262-BDB7-CEBA-FA60E922B18C2540)
o
Listed in Group 1 ("carcinogenic to humans") of the International Agency for Research on
Cancer (IARC) Monographs, latest editions.
(http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/index.php)
o
Listed in IARC Group 2A or 2B or considered "reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens" by
NTP, and causes significant tumor incidence in experimental animals under the following
conditions (this information can be found in the IARC monographs):

After inhalation exposure of 6-7 hours per day, 5 days per week, for a significant
portion of a lifetime to dosages of less than 10 mg/m3;

After repeated skin application of less than 300 mg/kg of body weight per week; or

After oral dosages of less than 50 mg/kg of body weight per day.
Reproductive Toxins: Reproductive toxins are substances that have adverse effects on
various aspects of reproduction, including fertility, gestation, lactation, and general reproductive
performance. When a pregnant woman is exposed to a chemical, the fetus may be exposed as
well because the placenta is an extremely poor barrier to chemicals. Reproductive toxins can
affect both men and women. Male reproductive toxins can in some cases lead to sterility. No
scientific or government agency has established a definitive method for classifying potential
human chemical reproductive toxins as they have for carcinogens. There is therefore no
comprehensive list of reproductive toxins, and very little information on exposure levels at which
the toxins are hazardous. Check the SDS for information on potential reproductive hazards.
Table H-2 lists some reproductive hazard resources.
Table H-2: Reproductive Hazard Resources
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Harvard University)
http://research4.dfci.harvard.edu/ehs/Chem%20and
%20Lab/Reproductive%20Toxins.htm
University of California – San Diego
http://www-ehs.ucsd.edu/lab/pdf/repro_haz.pdf
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/
NIOSH Reproductive Health website
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/repro/
OSHA Safety and Health Topics: Reproductive
Hazards
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/reproductivehazards/inde
x.html

Examples of chemicals known or suspected
to be human reproductive toxins. Not an allinclusive list.
Includes chemicals, drugs, infectious
materials, possible teratogens and physical
hazards. Not an all-inclusive list.
ATSDR publishes information on specific
chemicals. ToxFAQs and toxicological profiles
include information on potential reproductive
effects.
Links to many resources, including NIOSH
publications 99-104 and 96-132 that contain
lists of chemical, physical and infectious
reproductive hazards for women and men in
the workplace. Not all-inclusive lists.
Links to OSHA standards as well as other
resources on chemical, physical and
biological reproductive hazards.
Substances with a High Acute Toxicity: High acute toxicity includes any chemical that
falls within any of the following OSHA-defined categories (this information is usually found in the
Toxicological section of the SDS):
o
A chemical with a median lethal dose (LD50) of 50 mg or less per kg of body weight when
administered orally to certain test populations (rats are preferred). The adverse effects must
occur after a single dose or after multiple doses given with 24 hours.
o
A chemical with an LD50 of 200 mg or less per kg of body weight when administered by
continuous contact for 24 hours to certain test populations (rats or rabbits are preferred).
The adverse effects must occur after a single dose or after multiple doses given with 24
hours.
o
A chemical with a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of 500 parts per million (ppm) by
volume or less of gas, 2 mg per liter or less of vapors, or 0.5 mg per liter or less of dusts
and mists, when administered to certain test populations (rats are preferred) by continuous
inhalation for 4 hours.
Some highly reactive chemicals may also be considered PHSs. Consult the CHO before ordering any
pyrophoric or explosive chemicals, or chemicals that under certain conditions create explosive or highly
flammable hazards (e.g., liquid chemicals that, when dried, are sensitive to shock or reactive to air or
water).
Approval Procedure. Laboratory workers planning to use a PHS shall first receive explicit written
approval from the CHO. The following steps shall be taken:


Laboratory workers shall complete a Particularly Hazardous Substance
Approval Form. The form and a PHS Tip Sheet are available on the UWStout Laboratory Safety website:
o
Cut and paste this link into a browser:
https://www.uwstout.edu/healthandsafety/safety/intranet/laboratory-safety.cfm
o
Login to the UW-Stout Intranet to be taken to the above page.
Information required on the form includes:
o
Identity, physical characteristics and health hazards of the PHS.
o
Consideration of exposure controls such as fume hoods, glove boxes and personal protective
equipment.
o
Designation of an area (hood, glove box, portion of lab, entire lab) specifically for
experimental procedures with the PHS.
o
Plans for storage and secondary containment.
o
Procedures for safe removal of contaminated waste.
o
Decontamination procedures.

The laboratory worker shall submit the form first to their department chair for signature and
then to the CHO for review and approval. The CHO will complete an exposure assessment as
part of the review process for work with any OSHA expanded standard chemical. Work with the
PHS may not begin until approval has been given.

The area(s) where the PHS will be used and stored shall be posted as a designated area(s).
Additional signage may be required for work with expanded standard chemicals. Signs for this
purpose will be provided by the CHO.

The laboratory worker shall proceed with the experiment, following the practices outlined in the
Particularly Hazardous Substance Approval Form and the work practices listed in the section
titled “Working Safely with Particularly Hazardous Substances” found below. Additional
requirements may be added for work with expanded standard chemicals. All work shall be
conducted within the designated area.

The laboratory worker shall decontaminate all equipment and dispose of waste promptly, as
outlined in the Particularly Hazardous Substance Approval Form.
Working Safely with Particularly Hazardous Substances. The increased hazard risk
associated with PHSs calls for more strict operating procedures in the laboratory:



Training and Documentation. All laboratory personnel who work with or may be exposed to
PHSs must be adequately trained. Records of conducted training must be kept on file in the lab
and should include an outline of the topics covered. The CHO will provide a short training
presentation. Continuing training shall be conducted as needed to maintain a working
knowledge of hazards and these requirements for all staff members that work with particularly
hazardous chemicals. Records shall be retained for all training completed. Training shall include
at a minimum:
o
The hazards/ toxicological effects associated with the chemicals being used.
o
Methods and techniques for the safe use of the chemicals.
o
Decontamination practices and procedures (for both emergency and routine use).
o
Emergency practices and procedures.
o
Proper disposal procedures.
o
A review of the SOPs and SDSs.
Work Habits
o
There shall be no eating, drinking, smoking, chewing of gum or tobacco, application of
cosmetics or storage of utensils, food or food containers in laboratory areas where PHSs are
used or stored.
o
All personnel should wash their hands and arms with soap and water immediately after the
completion of any procedure in which a PHS has been used and when they leave the
laboratory, even if gloves were worn.
o
Each procedure should be conducted with the minimum amount of the substance,
consistent with the requirements of the work.
o
The laboratory worker should keep records of the amounts of each PHS used, the dates of
use and the names of the users.
o
Work surfaces, including fume hoods, should be fitted with a removable liner of absorbent
plastic-backed paper to help contain spilled materials and to simplify subsequent cleanup
and disposal.
Engineering Controls
o
Benchtop work with PHSs should be avoided whenever practical in favor of contained
systems (such as fume hoods or glove boxes) and is not permitted if there is a reasonable
likelihood of workers exceeding regulatory exposure limits.
o
Chemical fume hoods used as containment areas for PHSs must have a face velocity of 100
fpm, averaged over the face of the hood, and must be certified annually.


o
Laboratories and rooms where PHSs are used shall have general room ventilation that is at
negative pressure with respect to the corridors and external environment. The
laboratory/room door must be kept closed at all times.
o
Vacuum lines shall be protected by HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters or higher
efficiency scrubbers.
o
Highly toxic gases must be used and stored in a vented gas cabinet connected to a
laboratory exhaust system. Gas feed lines operating above atmospheric pressure must use
coaxial tubing.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PHSs may require more stringent use of PPE. Refer
to the specific chemical’s SDS for information on proper gloves, lab clothing and respiratory
protection.
o
Proper PPE must be worn at all times when handling PHSs.
o
Lab clothing that protects street clothing, such as a fully fastened lab coat or a disposable
jumpsuit, should be worn when PHSs are being used. Laboratory clothing used while
manipulating PHSs shall not be worn outside the laboratory area.
o
When methods for decontaminating clothing are unknown or not applicable, disposable
protective clothing should be worn. Disposable gloves shall be discarded after each use and
immediately after overt contact with a PHS. If PPE has become contaminated with the PHS
it must be disposed of in accordance with applicable hazardous waste regulations.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
o
Stock quantities of PHSs should be stored in a designated storage area or cabinet with
limited access. Segregate the PHSs from incompatible materials. Additional storage
precautions (i.e., refrigerator, ventilated cabinet, flammable liquid storage cabinet) may be
required for certain compounds based upon other properties.
o
Both manufacturer and secondary containers must be clearly labeled.
o
Double containment should also be considered. Double containment means that the
container will be placed inside another container that is capable of holding the contents in
the event of a leak and provides a protective outer covering in the event of contamination of
the primary container.
o
Containers should be stored on trays or pans made of polyethylene or other chemicallyresistant material.
o
Persons transporting PHSs from one location to another should use double containment to
protect against spills and breakage.
o
Additional requirements for the safe storage of a specific chemical may be found in the
manufacturer’s instructions or in the SDS.


Spill and Accident Procedures
o
Immediate measures must be available to prevent the possible spread of contamination
(e.g, spill kit).
o
The contaminated area shall be decontaminated and cleaned as soon as possible.
o
If necessary, the affected area should be evacuated as soon as an emergency is
determined.
o
Call 911 if unable to safely contain and clean up spill.
o
If skin contact is involved, the worker shall be required to shower or flush the affected areas
for a minimum of 15 minutes.
o
Report the spill to CHO and complete an incident report (found in Appendix I).
Decontamination Procedures
o
Laboratory work surfaces shall be decontaminated at the conclusion of each procedure and
at the end of each day.
o
Decontaminate all equipment before removing it from the designated area.
o
Decontamination should be carried out in a glove box or fume hood.
o
Contaminated PPE must not be removed from the designated area until properly
decontaminated or disposed of.
o
After working with these chemicals, immediately remove gloves, wash hands and arms with
soap and water.

Waste Disposal Procedures. Most PHSs are also hazardous waste. Check with the CHO or
Safety and Risk Management for guidance on appropriate hazardous waste disposal methods.

Designated Area
o
Working quantities of PHSs should be kept as small as practical.
o
Designated area(s) for use and storage of PHSs must be established. This may be a specific
work bench or chemical fume hood. When PHSs are present, access to this area shall be
limited to personnel following appropriate procedures who are knowledgeable in working
with these PHSs.
o
Signage is required for the designated work area and storage location. All containers must
be properly labeled in accordance with Appendix C.
o
Work surfaces should be stainless steel, plastic trays, dry absorbent plastic backed paper,
chemically resistant epoxy surfaces, or other chemically impervious material.