LABORATORY
SAFETY
Environmental
Health and Risk
Management
EHRM
243-4503
http://www.umt.edu/research/eh/
Introduction
Part 1. Laboratory Hazards &
Safety Practices
 Hazard Communication
 Chemical & Physical Hazards
 Biological Hazards
 Hazardous waste
Part 2. Emergency Procedures
Hazard Communication Program
5 Elements of your RTK Program
Training &
Safety
Awareness
Chemical
Inventory
Material
Safety Data
Sheets
Labeling
Written
Program
Hazard Communication
Chemical Inventory
Chemical Inventory
CHEMICAL INVENTORY
 Each Lab must have an inventory list of all
chemicals present in the lab
Sample Lab Chemical Inventory
Hazard Communication Labeling
Labeling
Original Container Labels
 The label from the manufacturer must have
the following:
 The chemical name
 Hazards of the chemical
 The manufacture’s name and address
 Target organ effects
Original Container Label Example
Secondary Container Labels
All chemicals (including
solutions and chemicals
transferred from their
original containers)
should be labeled with
their names*,
concentrations and
additional information
such as: date received,
date opened, date of
expiration may also be
recorded.
 *required
Label should also include: All
appropriate hazard warnings
National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) Hazard Labels
What are the health hazards?
What are the fire hazards?
What are the reactivity hazards?
Are there any special hazards?
4 = Severe Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
2 = Moderate Hazard
1 = Slight Hazard
0 = Minimal Hazard
NFPA Hazard Label Examples
Perchloric Acid
Xylene
Hazardous Material Identification
System (HMIS) Labels
HMIS Label Example
Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
Pictograms
Environmental
Acute Toxicity
Systemic Health Effects
Gases
Other Health Effects
Corrosives
Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
Pictograms
Explosives
Oxidizing Substances
Flammable
GHS Transport Labels
Hazard Communication MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheets
MSDS Components
1. Identification of the
substance or mixture and
of the supplier
2. Hazards identification
3. Composition information
on ingredients
4. First aid measures
5. Firefighting measures
6. Accidental release
measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure controls
/personal protection
9. Physical and chemical
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
properties
Stability and reactivity
Toxicological information
Ecological information
Disposal considerations
Transport information
Regulatory information
Other information
Product Information
You must know where to access the MSDS for chemicals in
your lab. There may be hard copies or your lab may use
online access or both. Be sure you know what your policy
requires and how to follow it.
Hazard Communication Written Policies
Written Policies
Sample Laboratory Safety Plan
(Chemical Hygiene Plan)
Your lab should already have a
Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) in
place and you should read it, ask
any questions you might have
about safe use of chemicals and
sign the acknowledgement page
in the plan for your lab.
For new labs, a sample plan can
be found at:
http://www.umt.edu/research/eh/C
HEMICAL%20HYGIENE%20PLA
N.doc
Develop a
CHP
appropriate
for your
laboratory
and make
sure that all
workers are
familiar with
the plan
Recommendations for Language to
Include in Laboratory Safety Plan
No eating,
drinking or
smoking in
laboratory
where
chemicals
are
present
Recommendations for Language to
Include in Laboratory Safety Plan
 No applying
cosmetics or
handling contacts
lenses in work
areas where there is
a possibility of
exposure
Recommendations for Language to
Include in Laboratory Safety Plan
 Wear approved eye protection
when handling chemicals and/or
glassware
 Footwear that completely covers
the feet is required, because of
the danger of broken glass and
the possibility of chemical spills.
 Secure the lab when unoccupied
 Two or more people in lab at all
times
Hazard Communication
Program Training
Training & Safety
Awareness
Laboratory Health Hazards
 "Health hazard" means a chemical for which
there is statistically significant evidence
that acute or chronic health effects may
occur in exposed employees.
 Examples include:





Carcinogens
Toxic agents
Irritants
Corrosives
Sensitizers
Routes of Entry
 Eyes
 Skin
 Inhalation
 Ingestion
 Injection
Routes of Entry
 Inhalation:
The
major route of entry
when working with
solvents. Great
rapidity of absorption
Routes of Entry
 Absorption:
May
produce systemic
poisoning. Condition of
skin determines rate of
entry. Examples: organic
lead, solvents, (xylene,
methylene chloride)
organo phosphate
pesticides, cyanides
Routes of Entry
 Ingestion:
Usually accidental
or due to poor
hygiene practices
Health Conditions
Medical Conditions and
Symptoms
 You should talk with your supervisor or
doctor if you are working with hazardous
chemicals and you:
 Are taking medication
 Are pregnant
 Have a medical condition such as a chronic
allergy or asthma. Asthma is a common condition
which can be exacerbated by breathing noxious
chemicals.
First Aid - Chemical Burns (Eyes)
 Forcibly open eyelids to
ensure effective washing
behind eyelid
 Wash from nose out to ear to
avoid washing chemicals
back into eye or into an
unaffected eye
• Flood eyes and eyelids
with water/eye solution
for minimum of 15
minutes
First Aid - Chemical Burns (Eyes)
• Remove contact
lenses immediately
to rinse eyes of
harmful chemicals
• Cover eyes with clean
or sterile gauze
• Call 4000 or proceed
directly to the
Emergency Room
Make sure you know the
location of the nearest
eyewash station
Eye Wash Maintenance
 Eyewashes are periodically
checked by EHRM, but are
not flushed
 A responsible party in each
lab should be designated to
flush the eyewash for one
minute each week
Chemical Burns - Skin
• Remove any
contaminated clothing
• Chemicals may collect
in shoes, remove
shoes, if appropriate
• Rinse area with large
quantities of water for
at least 15 minutes
(sink, shower or hose)
First Aid - Chemical Burns - Skin
• DO NOT apply burn
ointments/spray to affected
areas
• Cover with dry clean or
sterile material
• For large affected areas, call
4000
• If possible, bring the name
of the chemical and/or its
MSDS along with you to the
evaluating medical facility.
Report all injuries,
no matter how small
(investigations of
near misses lead to
fewer future injuries)
First Degree Thermal Burns
In general first degree burns have
redness only, no blister or more
extensive tissue damage.
•Run cool water over area of burn
or soak in cool water for at least 5
minutes.
•Cover burn with a sterile bandage
or clean cloth.
•DO NOT APPLY ANY OINTMENTS,
SPRAYS OR SALVES.
Note: Burns can at first appear to be first degree, but blisters may develop
over the next several hours. When in doubt, seek medical attention
Second and Third Degree Thermal
Burns
Second and Third Degree burns are
burns that have blisters or more extensive
tissue damage.
•If victim is on fire, put fire out.
•Call 4000
•Do not remove any burnt clothing unless it
comes off easily.
•Cover burns with dry sterile or clean
bandaging.
•DO NOT APPLY ANY OINTMENTS,
SPRAYS OR SALVES.
First Aid - Wounds
Wounds -- Significant bleeding
• Call 4000 IMMEDIATELY
• Calm and reassure victim
• Lay victim down. (Reduces chance of fainting)
• DO NOT remove any objects impaled in victim
• Put direct pressure on wound with a sterile bandage or
clean cloth
• If direct pressure does not control bleeding, elevate
wound above the heart if possible
• If bleeding is severe elevate victims legs about 12 inches,
and cover victim with a blanket
• DO NOT APPLY TORNIQUET
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Wear Eye Protection When Using:
 Glassware under reduced pressure
 Cryogenic materials
 Glassware under elevated pressure
 Explosives
 Caustics, Irritants or Corrosives
 Biohazards
 Radioactive Materials
 UV Light
 Toxic Chemicals
 Carcinogens
 Flammable Materials
 Lasers
Eye Protection
Wear goggles when using
acids or whenever there is
potential for a splash
hazard
Wear safety glasses at other
times when chemicals are
present and when handling
glassware
Face Protection
 Face protection should be worn when there
is a possibility of a chemical splash to the
face. A face shield is not a substitute for eye
protection…..safety glasses or goggles must
be worn in conjunction with a face shield.
US&A (v 2/07)
Gloves
 Gloves









Cotton
Leather
Latex
Viton
Butyl
Neoprene
PVC
Nitrile
Other
Gloves
 Be sure you
know which
type of
glove is
appropriate
for the
chemical
you are
using
Example of wrong glove having
been used
Gloves
Remove soiled
gloves. If gloves
become soiled or
contaminated
during experiment,
stop, and remove
carefully.
Wash your hands and put on new pair of gloves.
If you double-glove, remove soiled glove, replace
outer glove with new one, and continue your
work.
Gloves
“Fisher Scientific
Safety Manual” also
includes information
on:
 Choosing size
 Proper removal
 Care and handling
Gloves
 Check “Chemical
Resistance Guide”
in safety catalog
for degradation
rating and
permeation
breakthrough
information for
various chemicals
 (Xylenes: Nitrile)
 (Perchloric Acid:
Nitrile, or PVC)
 Neoprene
Chemical Storage
 Separate chemicals
into compatible
groups
 Designate separate
storage for highly
toxic chemicals
•Do not store more chemicals than you will need
over a reasonable time
Storage (continued)
Store corrosive,
toxic, and highly
reactive chemicals
in a wellventilated area
Store chemicals that can ignite at room
temperature in a flammables cabinet
Flammable Gas
 Store in cool, dry,
well-ventilated
surroundings,
away from
flammable
substances
including oil,
grease and
gasoline
Storage (continued)
 Never store
liquid
hazardous
chemicals
above eye
level
Storage (continued)
 Chemicals stored overhead should be kept
on shelves with raised edges.
Storage (continued)
 Don’t store
water reactive
chemicals
under sink
 Store heavy
chemical
containers on
lower shelves
and not on
floor
Storage (continued)
Never store peroxide formers longer than 6
months. Examples:
• Picric acid-make
sure it stays wet
• Ethyl ether (diethyl
ether)-label when
opened
• Evaporation may
lead to explosive
compounds
Examples of Poor Storage
Never store a chemical with
a missing or obscured label
Leaks and Spills
Chemical Spills -- Minor
 Spill
considered
minor only if
person who
spilled it is
familiar with
chemical,
knows
associated
hazards and
knows how to
clean up spill
safely
Chemical Spills -- Minor
Minor Spills
 Alert coworkers and
proceed to clean up spill
 Contact Environmental
Health and Risk
Management for
disposal of spill clean-up
materials x4503
Chemical Spills -- Major
Major
Spills
 Anything beyond
minor spill and
requiring help
from outside of
the lab group
Chemical Spills -- Major
 Alert coworkers
 Move to safe location
 Call 4000 to report
situation
Chemical Spills -- Major
 If you have specific
information about the
spill, remain available
and identify yourself to
firefighters, Public
Safety or EHRM
Spill Response
 Be prepared
for
emergencies
Chemical Spills -- Absorbent
Absorb free liquid with an appropriate absorbent:
- Caustic - use polypropylene
pads or diatomaceous earth.
- Oxidizing acid - use
diatomaceous earth.
- Mineral acid - use baking
soda or polypropylene pads.
- Flammable liquids - use
polypropylene pads.
Neutralize residues and
decontaminate the area.
 For larger spills
EHRM has a mercury
vacuum to assist in
clean-up
 Avoid potential for
mercury spills by
using mercury free
devices and
procedures
Mercury Spills
Hazardous Waste Disposal Rules




Minimize
Containerize
Label
See UM rules:
http://umt.edu/media/resea
rch/Eh/Materials/Hazardo
us/INFO%20%20UM%20Haz%20Mat%
20Plan/hazplanmarch2010
%20(2).doc
Hazardous Waste Disposal Rules
 Minimize
 Containerize
(Chemical waste in
general, and hazardous
waste in particular, must
be stored in sturdy
container, free of leaks.)
 Label
Hazardous Waste Disposal Rules
 Minimize
 Containerize
 Label (All
hazardous waste
containers must be
properly labeled.)
Hazardous Waste Disposal Rules
 Do not use
chemical symbols
or abbreviations
when labeling
your containers
Biohazardous Waste Disposal
Autoclave or chemically
disinfect Infectious
Waste
 or Contact EHRM at
x4503 for disposal
Fire Safety – Lab Fires
Small Lab Fire (extinguishable
immediately):
Cover fire with inverted beaker
or wet paper towels.
If this fails use fire extinguisher
if properly trained and are
familiar with hazardous
decomposition products:
P-
Pull the pin
A-
Aim hose at base of fire
S-
Squeeze the handle
SSweep hose back and
forth
Fire Safety
Acetone
 Keep in mind that
liquids with low flash
points may ignite if
they are near heat
sources such as hot
plates, steam lines or
lab equipment which
might produce a spark
or heat.
Physical Hazards:
 Autoclaves
 Refrigerators
and Freezers
 Electrical
 Housekeeping
 Centrifuges
 Cylinders
 Fume Hoods
 Microwaves
 Radiation
 Ergonomics
 Broken Glass
 Sharps
The major hazards are:
1. Burns resulting from
physical contact.
2. Steam burns arising from
contact with steam issuing
from the apparatus.
3. Explosive breakages of glass
vessels during opening and
unloading.
4. Burns arising from careless
handling of vessels
containing boiling liquids.
Autoclaves
 Rotors on highspeed centrifuge and
ultracentrifuge units
are subjects to
powerful mechanical
stress that can result
in rotor failure.
 In addition,
improper loading
and balancing of
rotors can cause the
rotors to break loose
while spinning.
Centrifuges
 Everyone using this
type of equipment
needs to know the
proper operating
procedures for the
specific unit being
operated, including
how to select, load,
balance and clean
the rotor.

A Cornell University laboratory was seriously damaged
when the rotor of an ultracentrifuge failed while in use.
 Flying metal fragments
damaged walls, the ceiling
and other equipment. The
shock wave blew out the
laboratory's windows and
shook down shelves.
 The explosion completely
destroyed the centrifuge.
The safety shielding in the
unit did not contain all the
metal fragments.
Centrifuge
 Do not locate where objects
may strike or fall on
cylinders
 Secure in upright position
except hoisting or carrying
 Do not place where cylinder
may become part of an
electrical circuit
 Use cylinder truck, chain,
and/or other steadying
device to keep cylinders
from being knocked over
while in storage or use.
Cylinder Safety
Cylinder Safety
 Secure cylinders with
a strap or chain.
Regulators shall be
removed and valve
protection caps put in
place when not in use.
Cylinder Safety
 Always move
cylinders with a
cylinder cart and with
the cap attached.
Compressed Gas
Lecture Bottle Labels:
 Flammable: flame on red
label
 Non-flammable: gas
canister on green
background
 Poisonous: skull and
crossbones
 Oxygen-containing:
flaming letter “O”
 Chlorine: labels distinctly
marked
Electrical Safety
QUESTION:
At 100 volts what current
level is sufficient to deliver a lethal shock?
25 mA
250 mA
2.5 amps
25 amps
ANSWER:
25 mA can be life threatening. Make sure
power is off before making connections. Beware of loose
connections. If you feel a tingle when you touch the unit,
stop using until it is repaired.
Electrical Safety
 Eliminate frayed or
worn wiring
 Never stretch wires
across floor or other
equipment.
 Staff should know
location of circuit
breakers
Electrical Safety
 Match size of extension
cord to appliance power
cord to prevent cord
overheating.
 Extension cords are not
intended for
"permanent"
installations -appliances shall be
connected to
permanently wired
receptacles.
Electrical Safety
 Electrical "octopuses" can
result in overloaded
circuits and fire.
 Use only 15 amp fused
power strips.
 Replace damaged wires
 Match appliance power
requirements to circuit
power.
 Use GFCIs when working
with electrical equipment
near water
 Only use extension cords with




three prongs
Tape down on floor or cover with
rubber channels to eliminate
tripping hazard
Avoid use with high temperature,
over sharp edges, or in traffic
areas
Inspect and test cords and outlets
regularly
Use with GFCIs, outdoors and in
wet or damp areas, and in
construction
Electrical
Safety
Electrical Safety
•Maintain 3’ clearance in front of circuit breaker
panels.
Blocked
Unblocked
Fume Hoods
 Place apparatus and
equipment as far back
as possible in hood for
safety and optimal
performance.
 Equipment should be
placed a minimum of 6
inches inside the hood.
 Keep electrical
connections outside of
hood.
Fume Hoods
 Ensure that
equipment or
materials do not
block the baffle
vents in the back of
the hood.
Fume Hoods
When using a large
apparatus inside the
hood, place the
equipment on blocks,
when safe and practical,
to allow air flow beneath
it.
US&A (v 2/07)
 Do not make quick
motions into or out
of the hood, use
fans, or walk
quickly by the hood
opening.
 All will cause
airflow
disturbances which
reduce the
effectiveness of the
hood.
Fume Hoods
 Do not remove
stops from sliding
sash hoods.
 Use sliding sash
for partial
protection during
hazardous work.
 When not in use,
the sash should be
within 1-2 inches
of full closure.

Fume Hoods
 For information on the
campus radiation safety
program or other
radiation related topics
please contact the
Radiation Safety Officer
at 2881.
Radiation Safety
Microwave Ovens
 Microwave
ovens are
used in the
workplace
for various
applications
including
sample
preparation
procedures
in research
labs.
•Injuries may also result from items being
heated or from explosions from pressure
built up in sealed containers or ignition
of volatile materials.
Refrigerators and Freezers
 Ordinary household
refrigerators and freezers
constitute a hazard when used
for storage of flammable or
unstable chemicals. These units
produce sparks that can lead to
explosions.
 Domestic refrigerators should
not be used for flammable
chemical storage.
 "Lab-safe" refrigerators and
freezers (designed for storage
of flammable liquids) must be
used for flammable chemicals.
 All chemicals should be sealed
and labeled with the name of the
material, the date it was placed
in storage, and the name of the
person storing it there.
 Refrigerators and freezers
should be cleaned on a regular
schedule, and old chemicals
should be properly discarded
through the UM waste disposal
program.
 DO NOT store food in any
refrigerator used to store
chemicals.
Refrigerators
and Freezers
Ergonomics
 Ergonomics is the study of designing
equipment and devices that fit the human
body, its movements, and its cognitive
abilities.
 Proper ergonomic design and work
practices are necessary to prevent repetitive
strain injuries
 Please contact EHRM at 4503 for assistance
with ergonomic concerns.
Ergonomics
 Biosafety Cabinets:
 May compromise the human neutral position,
including chair design, foot support and overall
design
 Newer BSCs incorporate footrests and height-
adjustable work surfaces
Pipettes:
 Have evolved
over the years
from mouth
pipetting to
rubber suction
balls to electronic
pipette
dispensers.
Whatever the
mechanism,
repetitious
movements
occur.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics
 Microscopes by nature
are not designed for
workers. Predominant
ergonomic hazards
include:
 Neck flexion
 Back flexion
 Rounding of back and
shoulders
Ergonomics
Ergonomic improvements
begin with chair, arm and
leg interface. Utilize
adjustable chairs, analyze
work height , adequate
arm/hand rests and
micro-breaks to reduce
“repetitive stress injuries”
(RSIs)
 Spending long
blocks of time at
computer can lead
to “repetitive
stress injuries”
(RSIs)
 There are many
devices available
designed to
minimize this
potential.
Ergonomics
Reduce your potential risk of RSIs by taking occasional
“micro breaks.” Schedule a short break after
approximately 15 minutes of continuous computer keying
Housekeeping
 Keep your work
area neat at all
times.
 Do not force a rubber
stopper onto glass
tubing or
thermometers.
 Lubricate the tubing
and the stopper with
glycerol or water.
 Use paper or cloth
toweling to protect
your hands.
 Grasp the glass close to
the stopper.
Housekeeping -Laboratory Glass
Laboratory Glass
Clean laboratory glassware at the
conclusion of your experiment. Make
sure glassware racks do not interfere
with eye wash station access.
Housekeeping -- Broken Glass
 Broken,
contaminated
glassware can cause
chemical exposure
 Do not use broken,
chipped, starred or
cracked glassware.
 Broken glass must
be placed in a
separate container.

Take special
precautions
when handling
contaminated
glassware
Housekeeping -- Broken Glass
 Do not pick up
broken glass with
bare hands
 Dispose in a sealed
container.
 Separate sharps:
 scalpel blades
 razor blades
 needles
Sharps
Use needles, capillary
tubes, scalpels and
other sharp
instruments with
extreme caution to
prevent punctures and
cuts
Sharps -- Recapping
 Recapping is not
recommended and is not
necessary for disposal
 If recapping is imperative,
the correct procedure is:
 Keep one hand behind the
back, use other hand to
scoop cover onto needle
Sharps Disposal
 Put sharps in punctureresistant, leak-proof,
sharps container.
 Label the container
with the word,
"SHARPS”.
 If not biohazardous,
deface any
"BIOHAZARD"
markings or symbols.
 Seal container tightly.
•Contact EHRM x4503 for pickup.
Hazardous Material Shipping
 If you are going to ship hazardous materials
to another location, you must have
Department of Transportation training. The
requirements can be met by completing the
materials found at:
 http://www.umt.edu/media/research/eh/
Materials/Hazardous/INFO%20%20for%20UM%20Laboratories/hazmattr
ansport.pdf
More Information
 Most accidents including those in the lab working with
chemicals are caused by a lack of understanding of the
properties of the materials you are working with or a lack
of attention to detail or a combination of both.
 If you have any questions about materials you are
working with, be sure and ask the responsible person in
your lab.
 Please see the OSHA new guidance document on

Laboratory Safety
http://www.osha.gov/Publications/laboratory/OSHA34
04laboratory-safety-guidance.pdf
Emergency Procedures
Question: What should
you do in an emergency?
•For Fire?
•For Chemical Spills ?
•Other emergencies?
Answer:
Call 4000
from any campus phone
Emergency Procedures
 Follow the University of Montana
Emergency Procedure Guide posted in each
Lab.
US&A (v 2/07)
Fire Safety Procedures
•Alert persons in area of fire
•Close doors to confine fire
•Activate fire alarm
•Evacuate through nearest
exit
•Do not use elevators
•Move away from the
building.
Quiz
 You need to print and complete the following quiz. Once
done, give it to the person in charge of your lab. They
will correct it and once corrected, file it in the notebook
containing the Chemical Hygiene-Lab Safety plan for
your lab.
 Right click this link to open the quiz in Microsoft word:
http://www.umt.edu/media/research/eh/Materials/Haza
rdous/INFO%20%20for%20UM%20Laboratories/safetyquiz.doc
Final Steps
 The final steps in this process require you to read
through the Chemical Hygiene-Lab Safety Plan for your
lab, ask your lab supervisor about any questions you
might have regarding the plan and sign the
acknowledgement page in the plan notebook.
 In the course of the discussion with your lab
supervisor about the plan, you should be made aware
any special or unusual hazards in your work area.
 You will not have to re-visit this training until such
time as a new hazard is introduced in your work area.
A new hazard may be a different chemical class or type
of instrument.