Western Carolina University –
Chemical Hygiene Plan
The Chemical Hygiene Plan is intended to highlight general university wide laboratory practices that are
obligatory for protecting employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals. Western Carolina University shall
take all reasonable precautions to protect its employees, students, and environment against the danger of
hazardous materials. This policy presents information regarding the safety, procurement, handling, storage
and use of hazardous materials not covered in other sections. Other applicable chapters and supplements in
the Western Carolina University Safety Manual should be consulted for information regarding asbestos,
bloodborne pathogens, hazardous drugs, reproductive hazards, and waste management. In addition, each
laboratory will develop a written laboratory specific chemical hygiene plan that will be made available to all
laboratory staff.
Office of Safety and Risk Management
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
(A larger copy is available at the end of this document to post by your laboratory telephone or door)
Phone
227-7443
Hours
8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday-Friday
University Police Department
• Work Related Injuries
(After Normal Business
Hours)
Police Services - 227-7301
Emergency Line - 227-8911
24 hours
Fire or Smoke
911 or
University Police 227-8911
24 hours
Medical Emergencies
911 or
University Police 227-8911
24 hours
1-800-84 TOXIN
(1-800-848-6946)
24 hours
Safety and Risk Management
Office
• Work Related Injuries
(Normal Business Hours)
• Gas Leaks or Odors
• Chemical Spills
• General Inquiries
NC Poison Control Center
Safety and Risk Management Office Scope of Service
The Safety and Risk Management Office is composed of professionals trained in the field of occupational and
environmental health and safety to provide support for University activities and to assure a safe and healthful
environment for employees, students, and visitors. The Safety Office’s responsibilities include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Biological Safety - The Safety Office provides general surveillance over activities involving biohazardous agents,
monitors and reviews the performance and maintenance of containment systems, provides consulting services
on aspects of biological safety, biosafety cabinet and laboratory chemical hoods
Chemical Safety – The Safety Office works to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and control personnel exposures to
chemical hazards. Consultative services to laboratory personnel on proper handling and storage of hazardous
chemicals, engineering controls, safety equipment, and personal protective clothing are available.
Environmental Affairs and Hazardous Waste Management – The Safety Office has responsibility for oversight of
environmental permitting and compliance activities, such as underground/above ground storage tank
management, storm water management, environmental assessments and hazardous waste disposal programs.
Fire and Emergency Response – The Safety Office is responsible for enforcing the North Carolina Building and
Fire Codes, investigating fire incidents, developing evacuation procedures and maintaining fire alarm and
extinguishing systems and coordinating the Emergency Response Team.
Indoor Air Quality – Although specific regulations have not been developed for indoor air quality (IAQ) in the
work place the Safety and Risk Management Office considers recommendations from the American Conference
of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), and the
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and is committed to
providing a work environment that is free of recognized hazards and to investigate complaints that may be
related to poor IAQ.
Occupational and Environmental Hygiene – The Safety Office inspects University work environments to
anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and control personnel exposures to chemical and physical hazards, including
(but not limited to) asbestos, lead based paint, and manages personnel monitoring programs.
Radiation Safety – The Safety Office provides services that include authorization for use of radioactive materials
and irradiators, personnel monitoring, x-ray safety surveys, sealed-source leak tests, and laboratory safety
inspections.
Workplace Safety – The Safety Office offers expertise in maintenance, construction projects, ergonomics,
respiratory protection, safety training, and workers compensation.
Risk Management and Insurance – The Safety & Risk Management Office handles 25 different types of property
and liability insurance policies for Western Carolina University. These include coverage for buildings, state
vehicles, study abroad, medical malpractice, Student Internship Liability and others.
Condensed Laboratory Safety Information for Research
Personnel
Safe use of hazardous materials requires knowledge of risks to the researcher, campus community, and
environment. Researchers learn to handle hazardous materials safely during their scientific training and
experience, as well as through information and training provided by their supervisors and the University’s Safety
and Risk Management Office. This section summarizes some key requirements, and the subsequent chapters of
this Chemical Hygiene Plan expand on these requirements.
Environmental, health, and safety policies and procedures have been established to minimize risk and comply
with state and federal laws. These policies and procedures are captured within this document as well as others,
such as the Biological Safety Manual, the OSHPAC, and the Laser Safety Manual. All policies and procedures are
available through the Safety and Risk Management website. Although many of these policies and procedures
are directed at laboratories, any research involving hazardous materials must comply. Principal Investigators
(PIs) must ensure that their research complies with these policies and procedures and that their personnel
receive appropriate safety information and training.
Laboratories Must Have a Lab Safety Plan
State and federal laws require that each laboratory have a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP). At Western Carolina
University, this consists of this Chemical Hygiene Plan as well as a Laboratory Specific Chemical Hygiene Plan.
The University Chemical Hygiene Plan covers general policies and procedures for laboratories, while each
principal investigator prepares a Laboratory Specific Chemical Hygiene Plan to address the hazards and
precautions specific to his or her laboratory. The Lab Specific CHP includes personnel, procedures, engineering
controls, safe work practices, and emergency response, and is covered in Chapter 3 of this manual.
Safety and Risk Management Office Inspections
As required by state and federal law, the Safety and Risk Management Office inspects and surveys all campus
laboratories biannually, and sometimes more frequently. These surveys are comprehensive and address record
keeping, fire safety, egress, engineering controls, personal protective equipment, work practices, and where
appropriate, chemical, biological, and radiation safety. The Safety Office sends inspection findings to the
department head and lab PI’s. Lab safety inspections are available to all laboratory personnel by request.
Previous inspection reports are a good measure of addressing safety issues and eliminating laboratory risks.
Contact the Safety Office with questions about inspection reports or environmental, health, and safety policies
and procedures.
Summary of Documents Available to Laboratory Personnel
The following documents must be available to and/or completed by laboratory personnel. Review these with all
new staff before working in the laboratory and annually thereafter, and document these reviews.
1. Chemical Hygiene Plan
2. Laboratory Specific Chemical Hygiene Plan
3. Applicable Standard Operating Procedures
g. Highly Acutely Toxic
a. General Use SOP
Materials
(Particularly for
h. Irritants
chemicals/procedures that
i. Reactive Materials
pose unique health hazards
j. Reproductive Toxins
that are not addressed in
k. Sensitizers
the general category SOPs)
l. Tax-Free Ethanol
b. Carcinogens
m. Anesthetic Gases
c. Compressed Gas
d. Corrosives
e. Cryogenic Liquids
f. Flammable and
Combustible Materials
4. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals used routinely. Researchers should consult the SDS
when using a particular compound for the first time. The University permits electronic
access or storage, but there must be no immediate barriers to employee access when an
SDS is needed.
If applicable, the Principal Investigator must also keep the following documents accessible in the
laboratory:
1. Biological Safety Manual – describes safe handling procedures for pathogens, includes
procedures and forms for registering r-DNA experiments with the Institutional Biosafety
Committee (IBC). Also includes the Exposure Control Plan for bloodborne pathogens.
• BSL-2 SOP Template
2. Laser Safety Manual – provides an orientation on lasers (non-ionizing radiation) and
describes the laser safety policies and procedures (particularly for class III(b) and IV lasers)
• Laser Registration Forms
• Laser SOP
3. Occupational Safety and Health Program for Personnel with Animal Contact (OSHPAC)
• ABSL-2 SOP Template
All forms, as well as additional information and safety training modules are available by accessing the
Safety and Risk Management website. The Safety and Risk Management office continually updates the
website to best serve Western Carolina University.
WCU Chemical Hygiene Plan Table of Contents
Section 1: Definitions .........................................................................................................................1
Section 2: Responsibilities ..................................................................................................................3
Section 3: Laboratory Specific Chemical Hygiene Plan .........................................................................5
Section 4: Chemical Hazard Information and Training .........................................................................5
4.1 Hazard Symbols and Labeling ............................................................................................................ 6
4.2 Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) ................................................................................................................... 8
4.3 Required Hazard Training ................................................................................................................... 8
Section 5: Risk Reduction ...................................................................................................................8
5.1 Engineering Controls ........................................................................................................................... 9
5.2 Administrative Controls ...................................................................................................................... 9
5.3 PPE and Attire ................................................................................................................................... 10
Section 6: General Laboratory Safe Work Practices ...................................................................12
6.1 Furniture Selection............................................................................................................................ 12
6.2 Unattended Experiments .................................................................................................................. 16
6.3 Housekeeping.................................................................................................................................... 16
6.4 Food, Drink, Tobacco Use, Cosmetic Application, Drug Consumption ............................................. 16
6.5 Personal Hygiene .............................................................................................................................. 16
6.6 Chemical Storage .............................................................................................................................. 16
6.7 Special Storage, Handling, and Labeling Considerations – Standard Operating Procedures ........... 17
Section 7: Emergency Preparedness and Response ...........................................................................17
7.1 Written Plan ...................................................................................................................................... 17
7.2 Types of Incidents ............................................................................................................................. 17
7.3 Eyewashes and Safety Showers ........................................................................................................ 17
7.4 Spill Response ................................................................................................................................... 18
7.5 Chemical Exposure ............................................................................................................................ 19
7.6 Fire Extinguishers .............................................................................................................................. 19
7.7 Antidotes ........................................................................................................................................... 19
Section 8: Hazardous Waste .............................................................................................................20
8.1 General .............................................................................................................................................. 20
8.2 Definition .......................................................................................................................................... 21
8.4 Waste Reduction ............................................................................................................................... 22
8.5 Disposal Methods.............................................................................................................................. 22
8.6 Inventory List .................................................................................................................................... 22
8.7 Quantity Limits .................................................................................................................................. 22
8.8 Individual Waste Streams ................................................................................................................. 22
8.9 Procedures for Specific Wastes......................................................................................................... 22
8.10 Drain Disposal of Chemicals ............................................................................................................ 23
8.11 Landfill Restrictions ......................................................................................................................... 25
8.12 General Chemical Waste Guidelines ............................................................................................... 26
Section 1: Definitions
Definitions for selected terms used in this policy are included below. Please see paragraph (b) of OSHAs Hazardous
Chemicals in Laboratories Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) for additional definitions related to the CHP.
Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) – A written program developed and implemented by the Safety Office which sets forth
work practices, procedures, equipment, and PPE that meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1450 and are capable of
protecting employees from the health hazards associated with hazardous chemical use.
Carcinogen – A carcinogen is any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that is an agent directly involved in causing
cancer. A chemical is considered to be a carcinogen if:
• It has been evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and found to be a carcinogen
or potential carcinogen; or
• It is listed as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen in the Annual Report on Carcinogens published by the National
Toxicology Program (NTP) (latest edition); or,
• It is regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen.
Combustible Liquid - Combustible liquids are those liquids having a flash point at or above 100°F. Combustible liquids
are divided into subclasses as follows:
Class
Class II
Class IIIA
Class III B
Flashpoint
At or above 100°F but below 140°F
At or above 140°F but below 200°F
At or above 200°F
Compressed Gas - A compressed gas is any mixture or material in a container with either an absolute pressure
exceeding 40 psi at 70°F or an absolute pressure exceeding 104 psi at 130°F. Any liquid flammable material having a
vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi at 100°F is also considered to be a compressed gas.
Corrosive – A corrosive substance is a chemical that produces destruction of skin tissue, namely, visible necrosis through
the epidermis and into the dermis, in at least 1 of 3 tested animals after exposure up to a 4-hour duration. Corrosive
reactions are typified by ulcers, bleeding, bloody scabs and, by the end of observation at 14 days, by discoloration due to
blanching of the skin, complete areas of alopecia and scars.
Cryogens - Cryogens are gases which have been cooled to the point of liquefaction or solidification that have a boiling
point below -200°F. In addition to their ability to freeze tissue, they may also present toxicity, flammability, or other
hazards. Commonly used cryogens include liquid nitrogen, liquid helium, liquid argon, and solid carbon dioxide (dry ice).
Designated Area – An assigned area used to work with particularly hazardous substances. The area can be an entire
laboratory, or an area or device within the lab (such as a fume hood).
Explosives – Any chemical compounds, mixtures, or devices for which the primary or common purpose is to function by
explosion, i.e., with substantially instantaneous release of gas and heat.
1|WCU Chemical Hygiene Plan – Office of Safety and Risk Management
Flammable Liquid - Flammable liquids are liquids having a flashpoint below 100°F. Flammable liquids are also known as
Class I liquids and are divided into subclasses as follows:
Class
Class IA
Class IB
Class IC
Flashpoint
Below 73°F
Below 73°F
73-99°F
Boiling Point
Below 100°F
100°F or above
N/A
Health Hazard – Criteria for determining whether a chemical is classified as a health hazard are described in Appendix A
of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450. It includes chemicals that pose one of the following effects: acute toxicity (any route of
exposure); skin corrosion or irritation; eye damage or irritation; sensitization to the skin or respiratory system;
carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, specific organ toxicity, or aspiration hazard.
High Risk Procedure – Use of substances that require medical surveillance, exposure monitoring, vaccination, or special
antidotes and operations that pose considerable risk of explosion, fire, or exposure to personnel if a malfunction were to
occur (utility outage, broken container, runaway reaction, etc.). Any procedure that is likely to require engineering
controls beyond those found in the standard laboratory is considered a high risk procedure.
Highly Toxic -A chemical falling within any of the following categories:
• A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 50milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when
administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
• A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 200milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when
administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of
albino rabbits weighing between 2 and 3 kilograms each.
• A chemical that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of 200 parts per million by volume or less of gas
or vapor, or 2 milligrams per liter or less of mist, fume or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for
one hour (or less if death occurs within 1 hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
Laboratory – A facility where research, testing, or scientific work is carried out. Small quantities of hazardous chemicals
are utilized on a non-production basis.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) - Any material which is composed predominately of propane, propylene, butane and
butylenes, and is under sufficient pressure to maintain a liquid state.
Nanomaterials - Materials having one or more external dimensions, or an internal structure of 100 nm or less, which
could exhibit novel characteristics compared to the same material without nanoscale features.
Organic Peroxides – Organic compounds that contain the bivalent -O-O-structure and which may be considered to be a
structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide where one or both of the hydrogen atoms has been replaced by an organic
radical.
Oxidizers – Chemicals other than blasting agents or explosives that initiate or promote combustion in other materials,
thereby causing fire either of themselves or through the release of oxygen or other gases.
Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHSs) – select carcinogens, reproductive toxins, highly acute toxins, highly reactive
substances, substances on the Department of Homeland Security’s list of Chemicals of Interest and/or are included on
the EPA’s list of Extremely Hazardous Substances.
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Physical Hazard – Criteria for determining whether a chemical is classified as a health hazard are described in Appendix
B of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450. It includes chemicals that pose one of the following effects: flammable (gases, liquids,
solids, or aerosols); oxidizer (solids, liquid, or gas); explosive; pyrophoric (solid or liquid); self –reactive; self-heating;
organic peroxides; corrosive to metal; pressurized gasses; water reactive (creates flammable gas); combustible dusts.
Pyrophoric – A chemical that will ignite spontaneously in air at a temperature of 130°F (54.4°C) or below.
Reproductive Toxins – Chemicals which affect the reproductive capabilities including chromosomal damage (mutations)
and effects on fetuses (teratogens).
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) – Written or printed material garnished by the producer of a hazardous chemical that details
associated hazards. Must be prepared in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450.
Sensitizer - A chemical that causes a substantial proportion of exposed people or animals to develop an allergic reaction
in normal tissue after repeated exposure to the chemical.
Toxic – A chemical falling within any of the following categories:
i) A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 50 milligrams per kilogram, but not more than
500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200
and 300 grams each.
ii) A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 200 milligrams per kilogram but not more
than 1,000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours
(or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between 2 and 3
kilograms each.
iii) A chemical that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of more than 200 parts per million but not
more than 2,000 parts per million by volume of gas or vapor, or more than 2 milligrams per liter but not
more than 20 milligrams per liter of mist, fume or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for 1
hour (or less if death occurs within 1 hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
Unstable (Reactive) - A chemical which in the pure state, or as produced or transported, will vigorously polymerize,
decompose, condense, or will become self-reactive under conditions of shocks, pressure or temperature.
Water Reactive - A chemical that reacts with water to release a gas that is either flammable or presents a health hazard.
Section 2: Responsibilities
Department Heads:
• Ensure compliance with Laboratory Safety Manual and OSHA Hazard Communication Standard requirements for
chemical safety within their respective departments.
• Provide direction on departmental approach to development and implementation of laboratory specific Chemical
Hygiene Plans.
• Ensure that proper storage areas are provided.
Principal Investigators/Supervisors:
• Identifying hazardous conditions or operations in the lab, determining safe procedures and controls, and
implementing and enforcing standard safety procedures.
• Establishing standard safety operating procedures.
3|WCU Chemical Hygiene Plan – Office of Safety and Risk Management
•
•
•
•
•
•
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•
•
•
•
Consulting with the Safety Office on use of higher risk chemicals, such as Particularly Hazardous Chemicals or highly
reactive chemicals or conducting higher risk experimental procedures so that special safety precautions may be
taken.
Maintaining chemical inventory for the laboratory.
Providing laboratory personnel under his/her supervision with access to the CHP, the laboratory specific CHP, and all
applicable SOPs and SDS’s.
Training laboratory personnel he/she supervises to work safely with hazardous chemicals and operations, and
maintain records of training provided locally.
Maintaining in functional working order appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, goggles).
Prompt reporting of laboratory accidents and injuries to the Office of Safety and Risk Management.
Making available required medical surveillance or medical consultation/examination for laboratory personnel.
Informing facilities personnel, other non-laboratory and any outside contractors of potential lab-related hazards
when they are required to work in the laboratory environment. Identified potential hazards should be minimized to
provide a safe environment for repairs and renovations.
Identifying hazardous conditions or operations in the lab, determining safe procedures and controls, and
implementing and enforcing standard safety procedures.
Develop and document the Laboratory Specific CHP.
Ensure training and coordinating audits are completed.
Laboratory Employees and Students:
• Following the CHP and all specific laboratory safety documents.
• Following oral and written laboratory safety rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures required for the
tasks assigned.
• Keeping the work areas safe and uncluttered.
• Reviewing and understanding the hazards of materials and processes in their laboratory research prior to conducting
work.
• Utilizing appropriate measures to control identified hazards, including consistent and proper use of engineering
controls, personal protective equipment, and administrative controls.
• Understanding the purpose, capabilities, and limitations of personal protective equipment issued to them.
• Gaining prior approval from the PI/Laboratory Supervisor for the use of Restricted Chemicals.
• Consulting with PI/Laboratory Supervisors before using certain higher risk chemicals, such as Particularly Hazardous
Chemicals or highly reactive chemicals, or conducting certain higher risk experimental procedures.
• Promptly reporting accidents and unsafe conditions to the PI/Laboratory Supervisor.
• Completing all required health, safety and environmental training.
• Participating in the medical surveillance program, when required.
• Informing the PI/ Laboratory Supervisor of any work modifications ordered by a physician as a result of medical
surveillance, an occupational injury or exposure.
Added Duties of Laboratory Personnel Working Autonomously.
In addition to the above responsibilities, laboratory personnel working autonomously or performing
independent research are also responsible for:
• Providing the PI/Laboratory Supervisor with a written scope of work for their proposed research.
• Notifying and consulting with the PI/Laboratory Supervisor, in advance, if they intend to deviate
from their written scope or scale of work.
• Providing appropriate oversight, training and safety information to laboratory personnel they
supervise or direct.
Note: Generally, it is prudent to avoid working in a laboratory building alone. Under normal working
conditions arrangements should be made between individuals working in separate laboratories outside of
working hours to crosscheck periodically. Alternatively, police may be asked to check on the laboratory
4|WCU Chemical Hygiene Plan – Office of Safety and Risk Management
worker. Experiments known to be hazardous should not be undertaken by a worker who is alone in a
laboratory.
Office of Safety and Risk Management:
• Assisting PI/Laboratory Supervisors in the selection of appropriate safety control requirements, which include
laboratory practices, personal protective equipment, engineering controls, and training.
• Maintaining in functional working order appropriate work place engineering controls (e.g., fume hoods) and safety
equipment (e.g. emergency showers/eyewashes, fire extinguishers), with emphasis on controls for particularly
hazardous substances.
• Assisting with hazards assessments, upon request.
• Maintaining area and personal exposure-monitoring records.
• Reviewing and providing advice on Laboratory SOPs, upon request.
• Providing technical consultation and investigation, as appropriate, for laboratory accidents and injuries.
• Helping to determine medical surveillance requirements for laboratory personnel.
• Coordinating with University Health Services when laboratory personnel request to review their medical records.
Office of Safety and Risk Management does not have access to medical records, for privacy reasons.
• Reviewing plans for installation of engineering controls and new laboratory construction/renovation, as requested.
• Reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of the Chemical Hygiene Plan at least annually and updating it as
appropriate.
University Health Services:
• Provide medical consultation and surveillance as needed.
• Provide medical care for employees suffering injury or illness from hazardous agents in the lab.
Section 3: Laboratory Specific Chemical Hygiene Plan
Laboratory specific chemical hygiene plan must contain the following information. Departments are required to utilize
the Laboratory Specific Chemical Hygiene Plan template to ensure all requirements are met and to promote consistency
campus wide. The Laboratory Specific Chemical Hygiene Plan template has been designed for ease of use and includes
fill in the blank sections for all of the required information.
• Building and Room number of Laboratory, Department Head, Principal Investigator or Director, and any other
person responsible for implementation of the site specific CHP.
• Contact information and emergency numbers for responsible parties.
• Emergency action plan
• Chemical Inventory, with denotation of which substances are PHSs.
• Location of SDSs
• Lab-specific SOPs for hazards not covered in this section.
• Documentation of Safety Office approval for chemical high risk procedures.
• Description of procedures for in-lab management of chemical waste disposal.
• Documentation of laboratory-specific training
• Sign off page to indicate CHP is accurate and has been reviewed annually.
Section 4: Chemical Hazard Information and Training
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is an international system for
standardizing and harmonizing the classification and labeling of chemicals. It is a logical and comprehensive approach to:
• Defining health, physical and environmental hazards of chemicals;
5|WCU Chemical Hygiene Plan – Office of Safety and Risk Management
•
•
Creating classification processes that use available data on chemicals for comparison with the defined hazard
criteria; and
Communicating hazard information, as well as protective measures, on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
4.1 Hazard Symbols and Labeling
Following GHS new labeling on chemical containers now must include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Product Identifier: the name or number used to identify the chemical on the label and the SDS.
Hazard Pictograms: Convey health, physical and environmental hazard information, assigned to a GHS hazard
class and category
Signal words: The signal words “Danger” or “Warning” are used to emphasize hazards and indicate the relative
level of severity of the hazard, assigned to a GHS hazard class and category. “Danger” indicates that the hazard
associated with a chemical is more severe, while “Warning” signifies that the chemical is less severe.
Hazard Statements: Statements assigned to a hazard class and category that describe the nature of the
hazard(s) of a chemical, including, where appropriate, the degree of the hazard.
Precautionary Statement: A phrase that describes recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or
prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous chemical or improper storage or handling.
Supplier Identification: The name, address, and telephone number of the manufacturer, importer, distributor,
or other responsible party.
6|WCU Chemical Hygiene Plan – Office of Safety and Risk Management
New GHS labeling includes nine pictograms:
GHS Pictograms and Hazard Classes
Acute toxicity (severe)
Corrosives
Environmental Toxicity
Explosives
Self Reactives
Organic Peroxides
Flammables
Self Reactives
Pyrophorics
Self-Heating
Emits Flammable Gas
Organic Peroxides
Gases Under Pressure
Carcinogen
Respiratory Sensitizer
Reproductive Toxicity
Target Organ Toxicity
Mutagenicity
Aspiration Toxicity
Irritant
Dermal Sensitizer
Acute toxicity (harmful)
Narcotic Effects
Respiratory Tract
Irritation
Oxidizers
All chemicals arriving from the manufacturer or distributor will come with GHS
compliant labels. Employees are expected to know how to read and
understand these labels.
If chemicals are transferred to any secondary container (spray bottles, buckets,
vials, etc.) they will need to be labeled with a secondary label that adequately
depicts the chemicals identification and relative associated hazards. An
example of a compliant secondary label is depicted to the right.
Except for a few cases, secondary containers must be labeled. If in doubt,
label it. One common case where you do not have to label a secondary
container is if the container is portable and will be used only by the person
who transferred the chemical into that container, and will be used within one
shift.
•
Example: you pour a concentrated disinfectant into a bucket and
dilute it with water, and then immediately use it (or pour it into
7|WCU Chemical Hygiene Plan – Office of Safety and Risk Management
smaller spray bottles to be used later in the day), that mixing bucket does not have to be labeled (but the spray
bottles do).
4.2 Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
SDSs are written or printed material prepared in accordance with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. They
must be obtained or created by all chemical manufacturers and importers for every hazardous chemical they produce.
SDS’ were formerly referred to as MSDS. New SDS is now standardized in 16 sections and all manufacturers are required
to use the same standardized 16-section format.
SDSs are available electronically for most major manufacturers. Smaller companies may distribute paper copies with the
product. Laboratories must retain copies of any SDSs that they receive, and ensure that employees are granted access
to them. Electronic accessibility of these documents is an acceptable substitute to paper copies only if the PI has
ensured all laboratory personnel have demonstrated the ability to locate the necessary information and there is a
backup means for obtaining an SDS in the case that the electronic system fails.
Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) are airborne concentrations that have been set as safety limits for employees for a
set period of time (8 hour working day). OSHA has published Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) for many chemicals.
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), a professional organization, has published
Threshold Limit Values (TLVs). PELs and TLVs, as well as exposure limits published by other countries, may be specified in
the SDS. Employees must be familiar with these terms and limits for the chemicals in use in the lab. If an employee
suspects that their exposure may exceed the OEL they should contact the Safety Office immediately for exposure
monitoring.
4.3 Required Hazard Training
General Lab Safety Training: Each laboratory employee and student is required to take the general laboratory safety
course online before beginning work in the lab and every five (5) years thereafter, or following any significant change.
General Lab Safety Training will cover Hazard Communication and GHS in more depth.
Laboratory Specific Hazard: The PI shall conduct laboratory-specific hazard awareness training for each employee or
student working in the lab before that person begins work. Training must cover all items specified in the laboratory
specific training checklist located at the end of the Laboratory Specific Chemical Hygiene Plan template. This hazard
awareness training shall be reviewed and updated any time a new hazard is introduced.
Section 5: Risk Reduction
Use a hierarchy of controls that places emphasis on keeping hazards out of the workplace when possible. Below is the
hierarchy, by order of effectiveness (with one being the most effective).
1. Elimination: Eliminate the need for the hazardous material. An example would be purchasing precast
polyacrylamide gels to avoid potential exposure to acrylamide powder (a PHS).
2. Substitution: Substitute the hazardous material for a less hazardous one. An example would be substituting
xylene or toluene based reagents with citric acid based reagents.
3. Engineering Controls (Safeguarding Technology): Engineering controls place a barrier between the worker and
the hazard. An example would be chemical fume hoods or sound proof rooms for noisy equipment.
8|WCU Chemical Hygiene Plan – Office of Safety and Risk Management
4. Administrative Controls (Training and Procedures): Work practices can help reduce your chance of coming in
contact with a hazard. Not working alone is an example of an administrative control.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE is the least effective control measure when evaluating risk because it
is the last line of defense between the hazard and the employee. PPE types and usage will be discussed below.
If a hazard assessment has indicated that PPE is necessary, ensure that you use the appropriate PPE to prevent
contact with skin and mucous membranes.
5.1 Engineering Controls
Chemical fume hoods: Primary containment device used to protect personnel from hazardous chemicals that may
become airborne through volatization or aerosolization.
Use a chemical fume hood when working with:
• Powdered Particularly Hazardous Substances
• Any volatile compounds
• Chemicals with a strong odor
• Other materials as indicated by the lab specific SOP or chemical SDS
When working with a fume hood:
• Ensure your fume hood has been certified within the last year. If not contact the Safety Office so they can
arrange for the maintenance provider to do so. Costs associated with this certification are the responsibility
of the department that the fume hood belongs to.
• Perform work tasks 6-8 inches behind the hood opening.
• Keep the fume hood clear of clutter. Excessive materials can affect the hoods air flow and cause eddy
currents, compromising employee safety.
• If your fume hood is not functioning properly, stop working in the hood, close the sash, and label the hood
to indicate that it is not working. Contact the Safety Office for repairs. If you believe that a hazardous
situation could be caused in the room (even with the sash down), leave the room and contact the Safety
Office immediately at 227-7443.
Local exhaust: Can be used when there is a localized source of chemical vapors that can be captured. Examples include
snorkle type exhaust and down draft sinks.
Isolation devices: Can be combined with local exhaust, these devices are often sealed plexiglass boxes, and offer a
physical separation to a contaminant generating process.
Process modification: Changing the temperature, pressure, or utilizing an inert gas during an experiment to reduce the
likelihood of exposure.
Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs): These cabinets are primarily intended to protect employees from biological hazards
and should not be used for chemical hazards. Contact the Safety Office for special permission and guidance following
extenuating circumstances.
Safe use of laboratory equipment: Laboratory equipment should only be used for its designated purpose, and used in
accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines. Inspect equipment for damage before use, and do not use damaged
equipment.
5.2 Administrative Controls
Scheduling: Scheduling can be used to reduce the intensity of exposure that any given employee has to a task in the
laboratory. By scheduling a variety of tasks, supervisors are able to reduce ergonomic risk factors from static postures or
9|WCU Chemical Hygiene Plan – Office of Safety and Risk Management
repetitive motion. Engineering controls and work practices should be used to control chemical exposures wherever
possible, but when those means have been exhausted, task schedules and employee rotation can reduce exposures.
Limiting access to the laboratory: Laboratory work areas with hazardous chemicals should be secured when
unattended, and laboratory visitors must be accompanied by laboratory personnel.
Work removal: In some instances, it may be necessary to remove an employee from a work area or restrict employees
from performing specific laboratory tasks that may adversely affect their health (particularly in the case of sensitivity,
allergens, or pregnancy).
5.3 PPE and Attire
Eye Protection: Non-prescription eye protective devices issued to employees, students, and visitors remain the property
of the University and are to be returned when the use of the devices is no longer necessary. For students this will
normally be at the end of each semester and for employees it will be on termination of employment or change in duties
where eye protection is no longer required. Glasses damaged during normal wear and use may be replaced without
charge to the employee or student at the discretion of the department head or designated administrative officer. Lost
or stolen devices will be replaced by the employee or student to whom they were issued. Eye protection devices must
be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before being reissued to another person. Information on disinfection procedures
is available from the Safety Office (7443).
• Safety Glasses: At a minimum, safety glasses are required for all persons in the laboratory and must be worn
where chemicals are used or stored. Safety glasses shall meet the impact requirements of ANSI Z87.1 or
equivalent. Lenses and frames shall be marked with the manufacturer's symbol to indicate compliance with
ANSI Z87.1. The use of approved lenses in unapproved frames is not acceptable. Tinted lenses in safety glasses
for minimizing solar glare are permissible only when used outdoors during daylight hours unless approved by
the Safety Office. Prescription safety glasses can be worn by personnel whose vision requires the use of
corrective lenses. Scheduling and payment for eye examinations to obtain prescriptions and professional fittings
for safety glasses are the responsibility of the employee and/or student. Frames and lenses for prescription and
non-prescription safety glasses will be paid for by the University from a selection currently on a statewide
contract. Only those items listed on the state contract will be furnished by the University.
• Side shields are required on safety glasses worn in eye-hazard areas and operations, unless it has been
specifically determined for a particular operation that it is not possible for injurious objects or energies to enter
the wearer's eyes from the side or that the reduced peripheral vision would pose a greater hazard to the
employee. Side shields shall not be easily detachable from the frames; snap-on or slip-on types of side shields
are not acceptable unless secure.
• Chemical Goggles: Chemical goggles shall be worn to protect against dust particles, liquids, splashes, mists,
spray, and injurious radiation. They shall be designed to protect the eye sockets and the facial area around the
eyes, thus protecting the wearer from side exposure. They can be worn over corrective eye glasses if they do not
disturb the adjustment of the glasses, or corrective lenses can be incorporated into the goggle by mounting
behind the protective lens. Chemical goggles must be worn when:
o Performing a chemical transfer/handling operation
o Performing any other operations that have any likelihood for chemical splash or spray
o When working with glassware under reduced or elevated pressures.
o When working with corrosive or hot liquids or fine particles capable of penetrating the ventilation holes
in dust goggles.
o When contact lenses must be worn to prevent dissolved vapors and dust particles from creeping behind
the lens. It is recommended that contact lenses are not worn where eye hazards exist when possible.
• Face Shields: Face shields shall be worn to protect the face and front of the neck from flying particles and sprays
or splashes of hazardous liquids. Face shields must be worn in conjunction with appropriate eye protection
devices and do not represent sufficient protection as a standalone device.
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Foot Protection
• Shoe Selection: Employees and students are required to wear closed toe shoes with a heel of 1 inch or less.
• Slip Resistant Shoes: shoes with a slip resistant tread composition and tread pattern designed to give better
traction than standard shoes on slippery surfaces shall be worn to prevent slips and falls in wet environments.
• Overshoes: Rubber or neoprene overshoes are designed to protect against splashing liquids or chemicals and
may be necessary where gross contamination may occur.
Hand Protection
Before and after each use reusable gloves should be inspected for discoloration, punctures, and tears. Discolored, stiff,
torn, or damaged gloves should be replaced immediately. Disposable gloves should be replaced when chemical contact
occurs or when damage is suspected. Before removal, gloves should be washed, if the material is impermeable to
water (even when double gloving). Remove gloves before you leave the lab and before handling objects such as
doorknobs, telephones, or keyboards. Always wash hands after removing gloves.
• Disposable Gloves: Disposable gloves are typically sufficient for incidental chemical contact. They are
available in latex rubber, nitrile, polyethylene, PVC, neoprene, vinyl and other synthetic materials. Latex
is gradually being replaced by other suitable alternatives because of the latex allergy concern and should
be avoided whenever a suitable alternative exists. Disposable gloves must be replaced following
contamination or if visible damage occurs.
• Chemical Resistant Reusable Gloves: The appropriate glove material must be selected that provides
resistance to the specific chemical hazard that will be encountered, such as acids, alcohols, oils,
corrosives, and solvents. Consult the chemical SDS as well as glove manufacturing guidelines when
selecting chemical resistant gloves. Contact the Safety Office if further assistance is needed.
• Cut-Resistant Gloves: When working with sharps and glassware it is important to protect your hands
from cuts and scratches because broken skin is more susceptible to chemical exposure. It is
recommended that in these situations, employees wear cut-resistant gloves over their chemicals gloves.
• Electrical Gloves: Rubber and leather insulating gloves, mittens, and sleeves are designed to protect the
worker from electrical hazards such as fire ignition, electric shock, arc flash and blast. The proper gloves
shall be chosen in accordance with the NFPA 70E (2009) Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
and tested to appropriate voltage meeting ASTM D120-09 Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating
Gloves.
Protecting the Body and Clothing
Protective clothing includes coveralls, aprons, sleeves, leggings, and garments that cover the body. These items are
intended to protect the wearer against heat, cold, moisture, toxic chemicals, acids, corrosives, electricity, biological and
physical hazards such as sharp objects, flying objects, excessive dust, grease, etc. Protective clothing worn on the job
shall not be worn or taken away from the premises by employees, since this may expose other persons to unnecessary
risk caused by contaminated clothing. The Department will be responsible for cleaning and drying special clothing
contaminated with or exposed to hazardous materials or for proper disposal in the event contaminated clothing needs
to be discarded.
• Always wear lab coats when hazardous chemicals are in use and remove lab coats immediately upon discovery
of significant contaminations. Laboratory coats are intended to prevent contact with dirt and minor chemical
splashes or spills. The clothing may itself present a hazard (e.g., combustibility) to the wearer; cotton and
synthetic materials such as Nomex or Tyvek are satisfactory; rayon and polyesters are not.
• Additional protective equipment can include lab aprons, jump suits, and gauntlets. Most equipment is available
in reusable or disposable formats.
o Plastic or rubber aprons provide better protection from corrosive or irritating liquids but can complicate
injuries in the event of fire. Furthermore, a plastic apron can accumulate a considerable charge of static
electricity and should be avoided in areas where flammable solvents or other materials could be ignited
by a static discharge.
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Disposable outer garments (e.g., Tyvek) may, in some cases, be preferable to reusable ones. One such
case is that of handling appreciable quantities of known carcinogenic materials, for which long sleeves
and the use of gloves are also recommended.
o Disposable full-length jump suits are strongly recommended for high-risk situations, which may also
require the use of head and shoe covers. Many disposable garments, however, offer only limited
protection from vapor penetration and considerable judgment is needed when using them. Impervious
suits fully enclosing the body may be necessary in emergency situations.
Note: Laboratory workers should know the appropriate techniques for removing protective apparel, especially
any that has become contaminated. Chemical spills on leather clothing or accessories (watchbands, shoes, belts
and such) can be especially hazardous because many chemicals can be absorbed in the leather and then held
close to the skin for long periods. Such items must be removed promptly and decontaminated or discarded to
prevent the possibility of chemical burn.
o
Respirators – In situations where the laboratory fume hood or local exhaust does not adequately prevent inhalation
exposure, respirators may be necessary. Use of respirators requires medical clearance, annual training, and an annual fit
test (in most cases). Contact the Safety Office if you believe you may need a respirator so that exposure monitoring may
be considered. The decision to conduct exposure monitoring will be based on the presence of over exposure indicators
(such as odors or symptoms of exposure), the type and effectiveness of control measures in place, the amount of
chemical used, and the hazards associated with that chemical.
Miscellaneous
• Long hair, including long facial hair, and loose clothing must be restrained.
• Finger rings can react with chemicals, cause a hazard around equipment that has exposed moving parts or
electrical components and should be avoided.
• Long pants should always be worn in the laboratory.
Section 6: General Laboratory Safe Work Practices
6.1 Furniture Selection
The following guidelines should be used when selecting new furniture for laboratories. If there is a question on furniture
selection, contact the Safety Office. No furniture used in laboratories that has been exposed to corrosive, toxic, or
flammable chemicals or biological hazards may be repurposed for use in an office setting. Furniture that is no longer
needed must be disposed of or relocated to another laboratory that its design and construction is suitable for.
A. Casework Materials:
• Metal or hardwood (such as oak or other approved equivalent) may be used in general research and teaching
laboratories where humidity and temperature will be normal (standard for occupied rooms), and where
biohazardous, flammable, corrosive, or toxic substances will not be absorbed into the surface.
• Plastic laminate may be used in miscellaneous storage and workrooms requiring base or wall storage facilities,
and where the infusion of appropriate colors may be architecturally desirable.
• Only non-combustible and non-reactive chemical resistant laminates and resins may be used where
biohazardous, flammable, corrosive, or toxic chemicals are to be used or stored.
• Millwork shall not be considered for new construction. Variances may be considered on renovation projects on
a case by case basis.
B. Counter Tops:
• Chemical Reaction and Abuse Resistance – for chemical resistance work surfaces, either of the following shall be
used:
o Type 1: Composition Stone with a chemical resistant resin finish
o Type 2: Natural Quarry Stone with a chemical resistant resin finish
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Type 3: Solid Resin- for chemical resistant surfaces and in the bottom of general purpose fume
hoods.
• General Purpose – Areas where neither chemical nor physical abuse is expected and where no liquids or
biological hazards are to be used (such as writing surfaces, instrument support surfaces, or storage areas) shall
use either of the following:
o Type 4: Wood Core- A wood fiber or wood particle board core with chemical resistant finish on all
exposed surfaces.
o Type 5: Plastic Laminate – Plastic laminate surface with a wood particle core; may be self-edged or
post-formed.
• Radiation and Other Special Uses – areas where radioactive materials or other special uses are approved shall
use the following:
o Type 6 – Stainless Style – Type 316 polished stainless steel counter top surfaces may be approved on
a case-by-case basis.
• Physical Abuse Resistance – areas where abrasive physical abuse is expected; Physics, Earth Sciences, Geology
shall use:
o Type 3 – Solid Resin with a chemical resistant surface, or
o Type 7 – Composition Stone with a low gloss vinyl sealer.
• Fume Hood Work Surfaces – shall be selected as follows:
o General Purpose Hoods – Type 3: Solid Resin (chemical resistant)
o Radiation Hoods – Type 6: Type 316 Stainless Steel
o Perchloric Acid Hoods – Type 6: Type 316 Stainless Steel
o Special Purpose Hoods – Type 3, Solid Resin (chemical resistant)
C. Chairs:
Laboratory seating should be upholstered with vinyl or be constructed of solid materials such as plastic or wood that has
been sealed to render it non-porous. Finishes shall be as resistant as possible to the corrosive chemical activity of
chemicals used in the laboratory, as well as disinfectants. Natural or synthetic fabric upholstery is not acceptable for
use in a laboratory.
• Chairs for working at laboratory benches, computer workstations, or biological safety cabinets should have the
following adjustments:
o Pneumatic height adjustment
o Adjustable lumbar support
o Adjustable foot ring
o Adjustable seat pan depth (preferred)
• If the chair has arms, the arms should have the following adjustments:
• Adjustable height arms (small “T” style)
• Adjustable arm width (preferred)
o
6.1.2 Furniture and Equipment Surplus or Disposal
All laboratory equipment and potentially contaminated furniture used in a laboratory must be cleared by the Safety and
Risk Management Office prior to disposal through Facilities Management or surplus. The first step in the process is
determining whether or not you need to have your equipment cleared by the Safety Office. For example, if the
equipment was used in an office and had no potential for exposure to chemical, biological, or radioactive materials,
clearance through the Safety Office is not necessary. All other equipment must be certified that it is free of
contamination prior to disposal as follows.
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•
•
•
•
•
Any equipment that contains a radioactive source or that potentially came in contact with radioactive
materials must be tested and cleared by a Safety Officer from the Safety and Risk Management Office prior
to handling for disposal.
Equipment that has been used in experiments involving biological materials must be decontaminated with a
10% bleach solution or approved EPA disinfectant by laboratory personnel prior to handling for disposal. All
exposed surfaces of the equipment or potentially contaminated furniture must be wiped down with the
bleach solution. In addition, if your laboratory is disposing of a Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) that has been
used with infectious agents, you will need to contact your BSC service vendor for decontamination. The
Safety Office can provide guidance as needed.
In general, most other laboratory equipment can be decontaminated with soap and water solution or mild
detergent. If your equipment appears too contaminated to perform decontamination safety, contact the
Safety Office for guidance.
Any equipment that contains oil must be properly drained of its contents prior to disposal. Collected oil will
be retained for disposal. Contact the Safety Office for guidance if necessary.
If the unit to be cleared is a refrigerator or freezer, the unit must be unplugged, defrosted, and wiped dry.
DO NOT defrost freezers with Radioactive Material stickers without first obtaining Radiation Safety
clearance. When defrosting, place absorbent materials (pads, paper towels) around the unit and monitor
periodically to prevent water from collecting onto the floor. Additionally, all samples should be removed
prior to unplugging refrigerators or freezers to reduce the generation of offensive odors.
The next step in the process is to have the equipment or furniture “cleared” by the Safety Office. Contact the Safety
Office at 7443 and request an equipment clearance. A Safety Officer will visit your laboratory to verify the equipment
has been decontaminated as described above and affix a “Clearance Form” to the equipment, as well as provide one to
the PI and the surplus department for their records. This process will indicate that it is safe to handle and dispose of or
surplus the equipment.
Once items have been cleared by the Safety Office, follow normal surplus or disposal procedures, found here. A flow
chart depicting this process can be found on the following page.
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WCU Surplus Lab Equipment Process Flow Chart
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6.2 Unattended Experiments
If circumstances dictate that an experiment must be run when the lab is not occupied, seek the approval of the PI in
advance, and ensure that contact information for the person familiar with the experiment is on site so they may be
contacted if the need arises.
6.3 Housekeeping
General housekeeping is imperative in ensuring the safety of laboratory employees.
• Wipe down benchtop surfaces whenever there is visible contamination and before leaving the laboratory to
avoid contaminating the work, yourself, or other employees’ clothing.
• Keep items off the floor (especially chemical storage containers) so that housekeeping can clean effectively, and
to reduce the risk of trips/falls (and knocking over and spilling containers).
• Never obstruct access to exits and emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, safety showers, eyewash stations,
etc.)
• Remove all unnecessary items from the work area (broken/unused equipment, empty boxes, etc.)
• Use cable management devices to eliminate trip hazards from cords and cables, and to bundle them together
when excess is present (especially under desks and lab benches.)
6.4 Food, Drink, Tobacco Use, Cosmetic Application, Drug Consumption
All of the previous are not permitted to be used/consumed or stored within the laboratory (unless for laboratory use).
This is an effort to prevent accidental ingestion of a hazardous substance. If food or drugs are to be used in the
laboratory, they must be labeled “FOR LAB USE ONLY, DO NOT CONSUME.” Any household appliance used in the
laboratory (refrigerator, microwave, blender, etc.) must be labeled “NOT FOR FOOD USE.”
6.5 Personal Hygiene
•
•
•
Wear all required PPE as described in Section 5.3 PPE and Attire while in the lab and remove it before leaving
the laboratory area.
Always wash hands before donning and after removing gloves. Wash hands any time they may be
contaminated. Remove gloves and wash hands before touching common items (doorknobs, keyboards,
telephones, etc.) and before leaving the laboratory area.
Wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, or applying cosmetics (after you have left the laboratory).
6.6 Chemical Storage
•
•
Store chemicals in as low of quantities as practical.
Ensure all chemical containers are properly labeled. Laboratories may not remove or deface these labels.
Chemical containers complying with the previous version of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard need
not be re-labeled. Containers for use only within the laboratory need to be labeled with the required
information on the original container OR the product identifier AND words, pictures, symbols, or combination
thereof, which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemical and will provide
employees with specific information regarding the hazards of the chemical. All commercial containers of
hazardous chemicals must be labeled with the following information:
⋅ product identified
⋅ signal word
⋅ hazard statement(s)
⋅ pictograms(s)
⋅ precautionary statement(s)
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•
•
•
⋅ name, address, and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor.
Store chemicals in compatible storage groups. Compatibility information should be included on the
chemical’s SDS. In general you should store acids and bases separately, flammables and oxidizers
separately, corrosives away from metal (and not under the sink), and store all water reactives away from
sinks and water-based solutions.
Use unbreakable secondary containers such as bins or bottle jackets for high hazard materials (including all
PHSs)
Periodically inspect stored chemical containers for damage and label legibility. Damaged containers should
be disposed of. Illegible labels should be replaced.
6.7 Special Storage, Handling, and Labeling Considerations – Standard Operating Procedures
Chemical SOPs will address specific storage, handling, labeling, and controls. The following SOPs are available from the
Safety Office and are required to be read and adhered to in laboratories where the chemicals are being used. SOPs are
available online here.
• Carcinogens
• Compressed Gases
• Corrosives
• Cryogenic Liquids
• Flammables and Combustibles
• Highly Acutely Toxic Materials
• Irritants
• Reactives
• Reproductive Toxins
• Sensitizers
• Tax-Free Ethanol
• Anesthetic Gases
Section 7: Emergency Preparedness and Response
7.1 Written Plan
Where a response will be needed at the time of an emergency, a written plan describing the actions that are to be taken
and including an emergency contact list for laboratory employees must be encompassed in the Laboratory Specific
documentation by the PI, describing the actions that are to be taken, either in the Laboratory Specific Chemical Hygiene
Plan or through a distinctive Standard Operating Procedure.
7.2 Types of Incidents
Each lab should consider the types of incidents that could have a negative effect on people, property, the environment,
and/or research efforts and participate in planning efforts to mitigate the impact of an emergency and the required
response for each situation (ex. Backup power for critical lab equipment). For emergencies that may impact building
integrity and/or harm people, evacuate the immediate area and call 911. For other incidents/accidents that do not pose
immediate danger to people or the environment, call x7443 to report the incident and illicit assistance as needed. If
maintenance support is required, contact the facilities management division.
7.3 Eyewashes and Safety Showers
OSHA (29 CFR 1910.151(c)) requires that, “where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious
corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within
the work area for immediate use.
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• All emergency eyewash and shower equipment shall conform to and be installed in accordance with the
requirements listed in ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 (most recent revision), American National Standard for Emergency
Eyewash and Shower Equipment, developed with the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA).
• Devices must deliver tepid water (60-100°F).
• Devices must be installed in a location and configuration so that they are protected from contamination and do
not present additional hazard during use (location cannot expose the user to electrical hazards, sharp edges,
etc.)
• Eyewash placement:
o Nozzles must be installed at least 6 inches from the wall (or nearest obstruction)
o Nozzles must be located 33-45 inches in height above the surface on which the user stands.
• Shower placement:
o The valve actuator for showers shall be within 69 inches of the surface on which the user stands.
o The top of the water column shall be between 82 and 96 inches from the floor with the center of the
spray at least 16 inches from any obstruction
• When large quantities (greater than 1 gallon) of corrosive or toxic materials are present, combination safety
showers and eyewash stations are necessary and must be installed where they require no more than 10
seconds to reach.
• Eyewash and Shower Inspections:
o Eyewashes and safety showers that have an accessible plumbed drain should be flushed weekly and
documented on an accessible sheet or an attached tag. If, due to their configuration/location,
eyewashes and safety showers do not have an accessible plumbed drain, users should flush the
equipment quarterly and capture water in a bucket for disposal. The PI should perform these duties, or
designate a laboratory employee to do so.
o Report any problems to the Facilities Management department.
o During annual inspection of emergency safety showers, the Safety Office shall:
 Ensure the path to the equipment is not obstructed, is in a well-lit area, and is identified by a
highly visible sign.
 Inspect components for corrosion and damage.
 Verify nozzle caps are in place and that nozzles, nozzle caps, and bowl/sink are clean and
sanitary.
 Actuate valve to full open position. Water must flow within 1 second.
 Verify nozzle caps come off when eyewash is activated
 Verify water flows continually and without requiring the use of the operators hands (until
manually turned off)
 Flush until water is clear
 Put nozzles back in place
 Annually: Safety Office will perform flow test. Flow must be at last .4 gallons per minute for
eyewashes and 20 gallons per minute for showers. Ensure temperature is in required range.
7.4 Spill Response
Spill kits with appropriate instructions, PPE, and adsorbents must be available in the lab so that laboratory employees
may safely clean up minor chemical spills. It is the responsibility of the PI to ensure that it is stocked with needed
supplies, and that all employees know where the kit is and how to use it. Laboratory employees should be familiar with
the hazards of the chemicals they work with and should have a sense of the need for spill clean-up assistance from the
Safety Office.
•
Minor Chemical Spills (can be handled by laboratory staff without assistance). Refer to SDS for spill clean-up
instructions and follow these general guidelines:
o Avoid breathing vapors from the spill
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o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
•
Alert people in the immediate area of the spill
If spilled material is flammable turn off ignition and heat sources
Reference SDS for appropriate PPE, spill response, and first aid measures
Put on all appropriate PPE
Confine spill to small area
Use appropriate kit to neutralize and absorb acids and bases
Use appropriate kit or spill pads for other chemicals
Collect residue, place in appropriate container, label and dispose as chemical waste
Clean spill area with water
Major chemical spills
o Alert people in the area to evacuate
o If spilled material is flammable turn off ignition and heat sources
o Call 911
o Attend contaminated persons and remove them from exposure
o Have a person knowledgeable of the area assist emergency personnel
7.5 Chemical Exposure
Chemical Spill on Body
• Flood exposed area with running water for at least 15 minutes. If in eyes, rinse eyeball and inner surface of
eyelid with water, forcibly holding eye open to effectively wash behind eyelids.
• Remove all contaminated clothing and shoes.
• If medical attention is needed, proceed to University Health Services for medical care. Provide medical
professionals with SDS sheets to ensure proper first aid and diagnosis. If immediate medical care is needed call
911.
• Report incident to supervisor and complete a Report of Work-related Accident, Injury, or Illness.
7.6 Fire Extinguishers
Since fire is a common hazard that one faces in a science and engineering laboratory, it is important to be prepared and
to know how to deal with a fire emergency. Fire extinguishers are a first line of defense, only if used properly, and under
the right conditions. Fire extinguishers are appropriate for small, incipient stage fires, no bigger than a wastepaper
basket. University policy states that individuals are not required to fight fires, but that those who choose to do so must
have been trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers. Training is provided by the Safety Office to faculty and staff
upon request. Students are discouraged from attempting to use fire extinguishers, and are not offered training on their
use. Fires are classified based on the type of fuel that is burning, and fire extinguishers are classified based on the type
of fire they are designed to extinguish.
⋅ Class A – Wood, paper, cloth, trash, and plastic (sold combustible materials that are not metals
⋅ Class B – Flammable liquids
⋅ Class C – Electrical equipment
⋅ Class D – Combustible Metals such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium, as well as organometallic reagents
such as alkyllithiums, and diethylzine
⋅ Class K – Cooking media such as vegetable oil and grease.
Labs have been provided with Class ABC Dry Chemical extinguishers. Labs using potentially flammable metals should
contact the Safety Office to obtain an appropriate Class D extinguisher. Any time an extinguisher needs to be utilized,
the Safety Office must be notified to collect information about the incident and provide a new extinguisher.
7.7 Antidotes
Some chemicals have acute exposure effects that may be relieved or minimized by an antidote (Ex. calcium gluconate
gel is to be used as first aid in case of a hydrofluoric acid burn.) Using an antidote does not negate the need to seek
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medical attention immediately. Refer to SDS information to know if antidotes need to be stocked in the lab, or contact
the Safety Office.
Section 8: Hazardous Waste
8.1 General
As a generator of small amounts of Hazardous Waste the University is required to comply with Federal Standards
promulgated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). These regulations cover the storage, handling
and documentation of transfer of hazardous waste from the point of generation to final disposal. Figure 1 depicts a flow
chart expressing a general waste streams guide. The information provided in the flow chart will be discussed in detail in
the following sections.
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Figure 1: Office of Safety and Risk Management Waste Streams Guide
8.2 Definition
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Hazardous waste is a solid material, chemical, fuel or compressed gas which is harmful to human health or the
environment and is no longer useful and is intended to be discarded. It may be identified by name in chemical lists in the
Federal Code, 40 Part 261, or if not specifically listed, by the characteristic of the waste material. Essentially if the waste
material is ignitable, corrosive, reactive or toxic, it is subject to hazardous waste regulation. A second more limited
category of hazardous waste is acutely hazardous waste which is all listed materials.
8.4 Waste Reduction
The most significant impact that individual departments can have on hazardous waste costs is to reduce the volume of
waste required to be handled. Faculty and supervisors are encouraged to consider ways of reducing the volume of
waste or preserving the reuse of the materials through the redesign of experiments and work processes. Recyclable
materials should be kept separate from other waste. Efforts should be made to decontaminate, detoxify, neutralize, or
otherwise render the waste non-hazardous. Different waste materials should be kept segregated whenever possible.
8.5 Disposal Methods
Hazardous waste materials must be handled by means of one of the following:
• For Reagents: treatment by the originating laboratory to render the waste non-hazardous.
• Recycled for energy recovery or other uses.
• Exchanged as a useful material for other industry or laboratories.
• Packaged for pick-up and incineration by a licensed hazardous waste firm.
It is unlawful to discharge any chemical product or oil into storm sewers, creeks or on the ground or to discharge
hazardous chemicals such as strong corrosives, reactives, oils, varnishes, kerosene, gasoline insecticides, etc. into the
sanitary sewer. Also hazardous chemicals should not be placed in the ordinary trash for pick-up by Facilities
Management.
8.6 Inventory List
An essential step in the processing of hazardous waste materials is to develop and maintain an inventory list of stored
hazardous waste materials. This list must include the chemical identity, quantity, container type and originator for each
substance. Also, the chemical identity and originator must be affixed to each container. Without this information the
material cannot be picked-up for disposal.
Each inventory list should be forwarded to the Safety Officer semi-annually so that the current aggregate amount and
type of stored waste can be determined for the University and commercial pick-up can be arranged when necessary.
8.7 Quantity Limits
The University is currently classified by the EPA as a "conditionally exempt small quantity" generator which allows it to
be excluded from some of the more cumbersome recordkeeping and training aspects of the law. To maintain this
classification, the university must never generate more than 100 kg (220 lbs.) of hazardous waste in a month and never
store more than 1000 kg (2,200 lbs.).
8.8 Individual Waste Streams
A waste stream generated from a laboratory procedure or shop process should not be combined with other chemical
wastes. The fewer the number of chemicals associated with a waste, the more economical is the disposal method for
that waste. If this is not practical, the Safety Officer should be consulted about which wastes can be combined.
8.9 Procedures for Specific Wastes
•
Non-Halogenated Flammable Solvents: Non-halogenated flammable solvents are sent to an incinerator or
recycler and must be free of heavy metals and reactive materials, e.g. sodium metal. Disposal of solvents to the
sanitary sewer is limited to low-toxicity solvents, miscible in water, diluted to non-flammable concentrations.
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Halogenated Solvents: Halogenated solvents are disposed of separately and must not be combined with
flammable non-halogenated solvents. Examples of halogenated solvents include methylene chloride,
chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride
Acids and Bases: Acids with a pH of greater than five can be diluted and discharged to the sanitary sewer. Small
volumes of bases can be discharged to the sanitary sewer, but followed by flushing with copious volumes of
water. Acids and bases containing heavy metals must not be disposed to the sewer system.
Oils: Oils are sent to a recycler. Only trace quantities of oils associated with cleaning and washing operations
should be released to the sanitary sewer. Oil wastes from vacuum pumps, transformers, motors, etc., should be
accumulated for pick-up. Oily rags should be sent to a cleaning service.
Biocides: Concentrated solutions are not to be released to the sanitary sewer. Disposal is to be limited to one
gallon of "working strength" solution per laboratory per day. This applies primarily to germicides and occasional
disposal of pesticides. Chemicals which are persistent in the environment should be released only in trace
quantities.
Sodium Azide: Solutions containing sodium azide, commonly used as a preservative in many in-vitro diagnostic
products and with automatic blood cell counters, can be discharged to the sanitary sewer if done so with
generous amounts of water and where drain lines are lead and copper-free. The accumulation of lead and/or
copper azide in the drain pipes can produce a potentially explosive situation.
Toxic, Carcinogenic, Oxidizer, and Explosive Waste: These substances are picked up for disposal. Mark
container as hazardous waste and transport to satellite accumulation area.
Compressed Gas Cylinders: Cylinders containing hazardous gas should be shipped back to the vendor.
Uncontaminated glass: Uncontaminated glass should be discarded in a broken glass collection box. Use an
appropriately labeled container that indicates box contains glass. DO NOT use boxes with “biohazard” symbols
printed on them. Do not overfill boxes; attempt to keep under thirty (30) pounds. When full: tie bag, tape lid
closed, and place in the hall for housekeepers to remove.
Biological Wastes and Sharps: Please refer to WCU’s Biosafety Guide.
Infectious and Radioactive Waste: These guidelines do not apply to infectious or radioactive waste. Consult the
Safety Officer for these types of waste.
8.10 Drain Disposal of Chemicals
Limited quantities (generally not more than a few hundred grams or milliliters) can be disposed of in the sanitary sewer,
but never in a storm sewer system. The disposal should be performed by flushing with at least 100-fold excess water at
the sink, so that the chemicals become highly diluted. Only those compounds that are water soluble to at least 3% and
present a low toxicity hazard are suitable for drain disposal. If a PI is unsure of the exact quantities and properties of a
substance, they should forego drain disposal and follow normal disposal procedures found in Section 8.12 General
Chemical Waste Guidelines. The following list comprises compounds that are suitable for drain disposal. In general,
compounds that are not listed are not suitable.
Organic Chemicals
Alcohols
Aldehydes
Compounds suitable for drain disposal
•
Alkanols with less than 5 carbon atoms
•
t-Amyl alchohol Alkanediols with less
than 8 carbon atoms
•
Glycerol Sugar and sugar alcohols
•
Alkoxyalkanols with less than 7 carbon
atoms
•
2-Chloroethanol
•
Aliphatic Aldehydes with less than 5
carbon atoms
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Amides
•
RCONH2 and RCONHR with less than 5
carbon atoms
•
RCONR2 with less than 11 carbon atoms.
•
Aliphatic amines with less than 7 carbon
atoms
•
Aliphatic diamines with less than 7
carbon atoms
•
Benzylamine
•
Pyridine
•
Alkanoic acids with less than 6 carbon
atoms
•
Alkanedoic acids with less than 6 carbon
atoms
•
Hydroxyalkanoic acids with less than 6
carbon atoms
•
Aminoalkanoic acids with less than 7
carbon atoms
•
Ammonium, sodium, and potassium salts
of the above acid classes with less than
21 carbon atoms
•
Chloroalkaneoic acids with less than 4
carbon atoms.
•
Ethers with less than 5 carbon atoms
•
Isopropylacetate
•
Tetrahydrofuran
•
Dioxolane
•
Dioxane
Ketones
•
Ketones with less than 6 carbon atoms
Nitriles
•
Acetonitrile
•
Propionitrile
•
Sodium or potassium salts of most
sulfonic acids are acceptable
•
Those with an offensive odor (such as
dimethylamine, 1,4-butranediamine,
butyric acids, and valaric acids) should be
neutralized and the resulting salt
solutions flushed down the drain diluted
with at least 1000 volumes of water.
Amines
Carboxylic Acids
Ethers
Sulfonic Acids
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Inorganic Chemicals
This list comprises water-soluble compounds of low-toxic-hazard cations and low-toxic-hazard anions. Compounds of
any of these ions that are strongly acidic or basic should be neutralized before disposal down the drain.
Cations
Anions
Al3+
BO33-,B4O72
Ca2+
Br-
Cu2+
CO32-
Fe2+,3+
Cl-
H+
HSO3-
K+
OCN-
Li+
OH-
Mg2+
I-
Na+
NO3-
NH4+
PO43-
Sn2+
SO42-
Sr2+
SCN-
Ti3+,4
Zn2+
Zr2+
8.11 Landfill Restrictions
Aside from chemical components, some common items which are not ordinarily thought of as harmful when handled
are included as hazardous waste because they “leach” small quantities of toxic material when disposed of in a landfill for
long periods of time. These items must not be placed in the ordinary trash; instead they must be collected for recycling.
The Facilities Management or surplus property collects these items and should be contacted for pickups when
necessary:
• Batteries
• Circuit Boards
• Computers and Monitors
• Fluorescent Lights (except “green” tip)
• Electronic Equipment
• Scrap Metal
• Thermostats
• Lamps (Hid, mercury vapor, sodium, metal halide)
• Articles Coated with Lead Base Paint
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8.12 General Chemical Waste Guidelines
Stillwell, Natural Science
• Choose a waste container.
o Containers are available in the stockroom (NS 202)
o Containers must be capped securely. Never use a beaker or flask for a waste container
o Containers must be proper size – Fill waste containers to 90% capacity
o Containers must be compatible with their contents
o Return empty chemical bottles to the stockroom so that they can be removed from inventory and
properly disposed of or used as waste containers
• Label waste container.
o Always label with a red & white hazardous waste sticker
o Do not use hazardous waste labels for waste that will be neutralized or is safe to go down the drain.
o Be specific. Describe the contents of the waste container. Include the following:
 Chemical Name
 Any known hazards (flammable, etc.)
 Concentration or other important information (pH, molarity, % by mass)
 Solvent type, if applicable
 Date
 Class the chemical is being prepared for
• Waste containers must remain capped at all times (other than when waste is being added). Evaporation of
waste is not a legal means of disposal.
• Waste containers should be brought to the stockroom at the end of each week or if the container is full.
o Enter information in the Chemical Waste Log
o Store properly
 Flammable waste: Solvent room
 Liquid mercury waste: Stockroom hood
 Solid mercury waste: Under the hood
REFERENCES
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29, Part 1910.101 - 111 (OSHA), Hazardous Materials
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29, Part 1910.1200 (OSHA), Hazard Communication (including Appendices)
National Fire Protection Association
30, Flammable Liquids Code
58, LP Gas Storage and Use
59, LP Gas, Utility Plants
99, Health Care Facilities
North Carolina State Building Code
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Parts 171 - 179 (DOT), Hazardous Materials Regulations
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Prudent Practices in the Laboratory 2011
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EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Phone
227-7443
Hours
8:00am 5:00pm
MondayFriday
University Police Department
• Work Related Injuries
(After Normal Business
Hours)
Fire or Smoke
Police Services 227-7301
Emergency Line 227-8911
911 or
University Police
227-8911
24 hours
Medical Emergencies
911 or
University Police
227-8911
24 hours
NC Poison Control Center
1-800-84 TOXIN
(1-800-848-6946)
24 hours
Phone
Hours
Safety and Risk Management
Office
• Work Related Injuries
(Normal Business Hours)
• Gas Leaks or Odors
• Chemical Spills
• General Inquiries
24 hours
Lab Supervisor Contact
Name
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