Introduction to Laboratory
Health & Safety Management
Chulee C. Grove
Honolulu Community College
University Of Hawaii
Tel: 808-845-9434
chulee@hcc.hawaii.edu
Work-related incidents cause:
• 5000 DEATHS EACH DAY
• 270 million accidents each year
• 160 million illnesses each year
• $12.5 billion loss each year
• 12,000 deaths of children each year
• 340,000 deaths from HazSub each year
Source: International Labor Organization, 2003
Accident Classification
Struck by
fallen objects
Struck against
a container
causing a spill
Contacted by
a corrosive chemical
Contact with
a sharp object
Trapped in
a trench
His ear is caught on
a protruding nail
on the ladder
Caught between
a reversing forklift
& loading dock
Same-level fall
Different-level fall
Exposure
to airborne
contaminants
Overexertion
Accident Classification
Struck by
Caught on
Struck against
Caught between
Contacted by
Difference level fall
Contact with
Same level fall
Trapped in
Exposure
Overexertion
Class Exercise
• List as many consequences of this
accident as possible.
• For each consequence, estimate the
amount, and identify who will pay for it.
Accident Costs: Tip of an Iceberg
Direct Cost:
Workers’ Compensation
Wage replacement
Medical costs
Indirect Cost:
Down time
Investigation
Retraining/Rehiring
Employees’ morale
Public image
Injured worker’s family
Health & Safety Practices
Academic Laboratories
Health and Safety Management
Health & Safety
Office
Written
HS Program
Security
• Responsibility & accountability
• Hazard identification & control
• Hazard reporting & correction
• Injury and illness reporting
• Incident investigation
• Enforcement policy
• Training
• Recordkeeping
Essential Elements
Designated responsible persons
Written safety plans
Enforcement
Pollution prevention
Training
Chemical Management System
Waste Management System
Written Safety Plans
 Chemical Hygiene Plan
 Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control
 Chemical Emergency Preparedness &
Response
 Emergency Action Plan
 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1 (Permissible
Exposure Limits)
 Chemical-specific Standards
 Waste Management
Chemical Hygiene Plan
 Chem Hygiene Officer
 Medical Exams
 Responsibilities
 Training &
 Inventory
Communication
 Engineering Control
 PPE
 Emergency Procedures
 SOPs (Standard Operation
 Storage
 Signs & Labels
 MSDS
 Exposure Monitoring
Procedures)
Bloodborne Pathogens
Exposure Control Plan
• BioSafety officer
• Written program
• Access control
• Exposure determination
• Exposure control
• Post-exposure procedures
• Labeling & warning
• BioWaste management
• Training
Chemical Emergency
Preparedness & Response
• Roles & lines of authority
• Hazard inventory
• Response capability & equipment
• ER recognition & prevention
• Notification & response procedures
• Site security & control
• Evacuation routes & procedures
• ER medical treatment
• Training & communication
• Outside help
Emergency Action Plan
• Responsibility & lines of authority
• Emergency Notification Procedures
• Emergency Evacuation Procedures
• Fire Prevention Plans
• Training & communication
• Recordkeeping
Waste Management
• Waste stream identification & inventory
• Generator level determination
• Waste Manifest & tracking
• Waste accumulation
• Transportation
• Disposal
• Emergency preparedness
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)
“The maximum allowable concentration of
an airborne contaminant to which a worker
can be exposed over an 8-hr workday and
40-hr workweek.”
http://www.osha.gov
PEL
(ppm)
Ammonia
50
Benzene
1
Carbon tetrachloride
10
Hexane
500
Methanol
200
Toluene
200
Chemical-Specific Standards
Benzene
Benzidine
Methylene Chloride
Formaldehyde
Acrylonitrile
Etc.
Chemical Management System
Chemical Management
Inventory Control
Chemical Storage
Other Issues
Inventory Control
 Designate responsibilities
 Provide training
 Require prior approval
 Require monthly inventory
 Purchase limited amount
 Choose least hazardous chemicals
 Inspect regularly & conduct periodic audits
 Establish chemical tracking system
Chemical Storage: General Rules
Proper ventilation
Shelving system
Eye level
Secured
No floor storage
Anti-roll lips
Chemical Storage: General Rules
Master controls
Emergency communication
Emergency equipment:
Fire extinguisher
Spill kit
Eye washer/shower
Storage Principles
Supervision & security
DO NOT store alphabetically
Separate/segregate by compatibility
Spill containment
Segregation
Review MSDS & safety information
Assign classes
Prevention of fire, explosion, toxic exposure
Manageable number of classes
Initial classes: toxic, flammable, reactive,
corrosive, low hazards
Example: Storage Segregation Scheme
Class
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Types
Flam/Combus, toxic, low toxic
Compatible with water
Same as 1, but non-compatible with water
Oxidizer, non-flam/non-combus, toxic, low toxic
Compatible with water
Same as 3, but non-compatible with water
Air sensitive
Require refrigeration
Compressed gas cylinder
4 groups: oxidizer, reducer, corrosive, toxic
2 subgroups: empty, full
Unstable (explosives, short shelf life, etc)
Storage in Laboratory
Small amounts
Sealed and secured
Limited access
Label and warning signs
Segregation
Storage in Laboratory
Flammable & combustible liquids
Minimize amounts
Safety cans
Flammable cabinet
Stockroom
 Two exits
 Diked floor
 Fire sprinkler & fire
 Emergency
alarm
 PPE & emergency
equipment
 Ventilation
shower/eye washer
 Explosion proof
electrical lights,
ventilation motors,
etc.
Spill Containment
Drip pan
Lips on shelves
Drum containment
Dikes on floor
YOUR SAFETY FIRST!
• Attend to injured/
contaminated victim
SMALL
SPILLS
• Turn on fume hoods
• Open windows
• De-energize electrical devices
• Select proper PPE
• Neutralize acids and bases
• Absorb liquids
• Collect and contain residue
• Decontaminate area & equipment
• Document incident
Other Issues
Labels
Accessibility control
Housekeeping & floor storage
Compressed gas cylinders
Emergency showers/eye washers
Example: Label
Toluene (Toluol)
WARNING! Flammable
Vapor Harmful
3
2
0
Flash Point 4°C
(40 °F)
Keep away from heat and open flame.
Keep container closed.
Use only with adequate ventilation.
Avoid prolonged breathing of vapor.
Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin.
Do not dispose of in building drains.
NFPA 704
Colors
 Blue: Health hazards
 Red: Flammability hazard
 Yellow: Reactivity hazard
 White: Special information
Numbers
 0 to 4
 The higher the number, the greater the hazard
NFPA: National Fire Protection Association
Accessibility Control
Authorized personnel only
Entry secured
Contact information posted
Basic Safety for Gas Cylinders
Know the hazards
Use proper footwear
Use cylinder cart to transport
Do not drop, roll
Secure when storing and close valves
when not in use
Mark empty cylinder
Emergency Shower/Eyewash
Available near corrosives
Access not blocked
Weekly checks
Personnel trained on usage
Lab Safety & Health Management
Written policies & procedures
Responsible persons
Chemical & waste management
Emergency planning
Education & training
Waste Management System
Pollution Prevention
 Small-scale chemistry
 Inventory control and tracking system
 “Just-in-time” purchase
 Substitution
 Waste exchange
 Establish waste reduction goal
 Periodic self-audit
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Waste identification & inventory
Proper storage
Emergency preparedness
Transport & disposal
Recordkeeping
Hazardous Waste Classification
Characteristic Waste
Ignitable, Corrosive, Reactive, Toxic
Listed Waste
40 CFR 261
“Mixture” & “Derived From” Rules
(US EPA)
SOLID WASTE
HAZARDOUS WASTE
Characteristic
Wastes
Listed
Wastes
•Ignitable
•Corrosive
•Reactive
•Toxic
40 CFR
Part 261.30
through
Part 261.33
40 CFR 261
“Mixture” &
“Derived from”
Rules
Mixed with
or derived from
listed wastes
On-site Treatment
Armour, M. Hazardous Laboratory Chemicals
Disposal Guide. Lewis Publishers. 1996.
Korenaga, T. et al. Hazardous Waste Control in
Research and Education. Lewis Publishers.
1994.
(http://www.crcpress.com)
Laboratory Hazards
Laboratory Hazards
Routes of entry
Types of hazards
Chemical
Biological
Radiological
Ergonomics
Routes
of Entry
Inhalation
Injection
Ingestion
Absorption
Chemical Hazards
Chemical Hazards
Flammable
Irritant
Corrosive
Sensitizer
Reactive
Carcinogen
Toxic
Mutagen
Asphyxiant
Teratogen
Narcotic
Fire Hazards
Flammables & Combustibles
Flashpoint
Explosive Limits
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL)
Flash Point:
The minimum liquid temperature at which enough
vapors are present above the liquid to ignite
Substance Flash Point ( F)
Benzene
Gasoline
Malathion
Naphtha
Toluene
12
-45
>325
100-109
40
Methane
LEL
TOO LEAN
UEL:
Highest ignitable
concentration of
substance in air
UEL
TOO RICH
LEL:
Lowest ignitable
concentration of
substance in air
0
5
15
% Atmospheric Concentration
100
Substance
LEL (%)
UEL (%)
Acetylene
3
82
Acetone
2.5
12.8
Ammonia
15
28
Carbon monoxide
12.5
74
Ether
1.85
48
Methane
5
15
% O2
23.5
Oxygen-rich
21.0
Ambient air level
19.5
Minimum safe entry level
12-16
Disturbed respiration, emotional upsets,
abnormal fatigue
10-11
Increased respiration/heart rate,
euphoria, headache
6-10
Nausea, vomiting, fainting
<6
Gasping, respiration stops, cardiac
arrest, death in minutes
Biological Hazards
Biological Hazards
Plants, animals, animal products,
microorganisms
Routes of entry
Bloodborne pathogens
HIV, HBV, HCV
HIV
HBV
Transmission:
Blood, semen
vaginal secretion
breast milk
Mainly blood
Strength:
10-50
1 million-100 million
(Viral particles/cc blood)
Up to 100 times
easier to catch than HIV
Outside Survival: A few hours
Up to 7 days
Vaccination:
Available – 3 doses
Not available
Radiation Hazards
Radiation Hazards
Ionizing Radiation
Alpha, beta, gamma, X-ray
Non-ionizing
Radiofrequency, Microwave, etc
60
106
1013
1017
1018
103
Electric
Power
Infrared
UV
1023
Freq (Hz)
10-6  (1010 m)
Gamma
Cosmic
Radio, Radar,TV
Visible
X-rays
Induction Heating
Energy (eV)
10-13
10
Electromagnetic Spectrum
1010
Atom
Ionization
Ion Pairs
e
Electron
e
++
Positive Ion
Routes of Entry
Inhalation
Ingestion
Dermal absorption
Broken skin
Radiation Hazards
Biological effects
Somatic effects
Genetic effects
Acute exposure
Mutagen, Carcinogen, Teratogen
Exposure Limits (OSHA)
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL),
whole body
5 rems/yr
1.25 rems/quarter
Ergonomics
Definition
“A science whose main purpose is
to design workspaces and tools
that help people do their jobs and
use their tools and other products
comfortably and safely”
(Oregon OSHA, 2008)
Risk Factors
Repetitive activities Vibration
Awkward postures
Inadequate rest
Excessive force
Individual physical
Contact stress
status
Examples of Lab Activities at Risk
Pipettes
Microscope
Lab hoods & biosafety cabinets
Centrifuges
Work areas & computer stations
Laboratory Exposures
Hazardous chemicals & wastes
Biological agents
Radiations
Ergonomics
Class Exercise
1. Form groups
2. Conduct safety survey of a laboratory
3. Identify hazards in each category:
• Chemical
• Biological
• Radiological
• Ergonomics
4. Document the results. Rank the hazards
based on the degree of seriousness.
(Present results tomorrow.)
Principles of Hazard Controls
“Employers should institute all feasible
engineering, workplace practice, &
administrative controls to eliminate or
reduce hazards BEFORE using PPE
to protect employee against hazards.”
(OSHA 3151, 2000)
Priority of Hazard Controls:
OSHA’s Requirement
Engineering
Administrative
Personal Protective
Equipment
• Design
• Ventilation
• Policies
• Housekeeping
• Work hrs reduction
• Training
Controls of Chemical Hazards
Controls of Chemical Hazards
Engineering
• Laboratory fume hood
Administrative
• Chemical Hygiene Plan
• Safe work practices
• Work rotation
Personal Protective
Equipment
Fume Hood: Safe Practices
NEVER STORE CHEMICALS IN HOOD
Make sure that hood is working
Do not put head inside hood
Keep apparatus at least 6” inside hood
Avoid swift movements
Keep sash as low as possible
Do not use extension cord inside hood
Keep sash closed when hood is not in use
Other Admin Controls
Housekeeping
Chemical purchasing policy
Lab clean-out policy
Enforcement of safety rules
Education & Training
Controls of Biohazards
Controls of Biological Hazards
• Biosafety cabinets
Engineering
Administrative
• Bloodborne Pathogen
Exposure Control Plan
• Biosafety program
Personal Protective
Equipment
Containment
Primary barrier:
Biosafety cabinets (BCSs)
Secondary barrier:
Facility design
Work practices & decontamination
Waste management
Primary Barrier: Biosafety Cabinets
Class I
Partial containment
Protects personnel & environment
Class II
Protects personnel, materials, & environment
Class III
Totally enclosed, -ve pressure, gas-tight
Biosafety Levels: Infectious Agents (CDC/NIH)
BSL-1
BSL-2
BSL-3
BSL-4
CDC: Center for Disease Control and Prevention
NIH: National Institute of Health
BioSafety Levels
BSL-1
• Minimal hazards -- high school/college labs
• Standard microbiological practices
BSL-2
• Potential hazards -- research/analytical labs
• BLS-1+ limited access, sign, special training
• Waste decon, med surveillance
• BCSs I or II
BioSafety Levels
BSL-3
BSL-4
• Potential aerosol transmission
• Serious/lethal diseases
• BSL-2 + lab clothing decon, secondary barriers
• BCS I or II
• High risk – life threatening diseases
• Aerosol transmission
• BLS-3+ change before entering, shower
before exit, all materials decon before exit
• BCSs III or I/II w/ TECP & +ve ASR
• Isolated facility, dedicated ventilation/decon
system
Controls of Radiation Hazards
Protection Measures: External Sources
Time
Direct relationship: dose & exposure duration
Distance
Inverse square law (D = 1/t2)
Shielding
Half-value layer
Radiation Protection Factors
Time
Distance
1 hr, 100 mrem
2 hrs, 200 mrem
4 hrs, 400 mrem
15
62
1/64
1/16
250
¼
1000 mrem
1
8 hrs, 800 mrem
8m
Shielding
4m
2m1m
1HVL
500 mR/hr
250 mR/hr
2HVL
Source: Cobalt-60
Shields at 3 ft from source
500 mR/hr
125 mR/hr
3HVL
500 mR/hr
62.5 mR/hr
Safe Practices
 Know properties of isotopes
 Wear PPE and monitor badges
 Use remote handling tools
 Clean up contamination promptly
 Use hood
 Do not store contaminated materials in desk area
 Survey frequently
Controls of
Ergonomics-Related Hazards
Pipetting
Keep arm close to body
Keep head & shoulder in neutral
position
Rotating pipetting activities (hands,
tasks, people)
Take micro-breaks
Microscope
 Five hrs/day maximum
 Keep microscope close to maintain upright position
 Raise microscope at an angle to look directly into
eyepiece
 Use armrests to support forearms
 Keep spinal curves at natural position
 Use adjustable chair
 Keep space under worksurface open
 Use footrest
Hood:
• Keep mateials/instruments as close as possible
• Keep body in neutral position
• Take micro-brakes
Centrifuge:
• Get help when lifting/removing rotors
• Use cart to transport rotors
Lifting Safely
Plan the lift
Get help
Bend at the knees
Both hands under load
Keep the load close
Pivot
Workstations Ergonomics
Workstation components
Monitor, chair, desk, keyboard, mouse,
printer, telephone, etc
Workstation arrangement
Forceful exertion, awkward postures
Working Position
Head
Shoulders
Arms, elbows, wrists, hands
Back
Legs, knees, feet
Personal Protective
Equipment
PPE
“Employers should institute all feasible
engineering, workplace practice, &
administrative controls to eliminate or
reduce hazards BEFORE using PPE
to protect employee against hazards.”
(OSHA 3151, 2000)
PPE
Chemical goggles & face shield
Gloves & apron
Respiratory protection
Do you know….
Appropriate type of PPE for your work?
The types of PPE available?
Locations of nearest emergency equipment?
PPE Standards
Face & eye protection
American National Standard Institute (ANSI)
ANSI Z.87
Respirators
National Institute for Occupational Safety &
Health (NIOSH)
Gloves
Manufacturer’s glove chart
PPE Safety
Select the right type
Keep it clean
Do not reuse disposable
Recognize limitations
Decontamination
Face & Eye Protection
(ANSI Z87.1-1989)
Chemical resistant
Chemical goggles: primary protection
Faceshields: secondary protection
Gloves
Select gloves appropriate for the task
Check for leaks
Double if necessary
Be alert to unusual hand sensations
Do not touch face, etc with gloved hands
Use clean hand / dirty hand technique
Wrong Gloves Led to Acid Burns
“A Post-Doctorate Fellow was working
with concentrated Sulfuric Acid. She
splashed some of the acid onto her
latex gloves and it quickly burned a hole
through the gloves and caused a small
second-degree burn. She removed her
gloves and ran her hand under water for
fifteen minutes.”
Respirators
Air-Purifying
Respirators (APR)
Air-Supplying
Respirators (ASR)
Half-face APR
Supplied Air
Respirator (SAR)
Full-face APR
Self-contained
Breathing
Apparatus (SCBA)
Powered APR
Escape
Selection
Types:
Gases/Vapors, Particulates
Oxygen Levels:
Deficiency: O2<19.5%
Approved by NIOSH
Concentration of toxic substance
Highlights: Respiratory Protection
Hazard Assessment
Medical Evaluation
Fit Testing
Respirator Use
End-of-service-life indicator (ESLI)
Training
Emergency Planning
Potential Emergencies
Medical
Fires & explosions
Accidental releases
Emergency Planning
Written plan & pre-ER planning
Plan’s manager & responders
Notifications & evacuations
Training & drills
Spill kit & emergency equipment
Outside assistance
Emergency Response Procedures
 Notification
 Authority & Responsibility
 Evacuation
 First aid
 Risk assessment & response
 Evaluation & documentation
 Outside assistance
Emergency Evacuation
• Where is the nearest exit?
• How do I get to the exit safely?
• Where will I meet my co-workers?
• How do we know if someone is trapped inside?
• Who will rescue occupants trapped inside?
First Aid
Spill on body:
• Remove contaminated clothing
• Flood exposed area with running water, at least 15 min
• Seek medical help
Splash in eye:
• Rinse eyeball & inner surface of eyelid with water
continuously for 15 min. Forcibly hold eye lid open.
• Seek medical help
Fire Extinguisher
A (think: Ashes) = paper, wood, etc
B (think: Barrel) = flammable liquids
C (think: Circuits) = electrical fires
Using a Fire Extinguisher
Sound the alarm
Identify evacuation path
Select appropriate type
P.A.S.S
Back away
Evacuate
RISK ASSESSMENT: FIRE
Fire too big?
•Fight: Fire has not spread, flames not higher than your head
•Flee: Fire involve flammable solvents, > 60 ft2, partially hidden
Air safe to breathe?
•Fight: Adequate oxygen, small quantities of toxic gases
•Flee: Need respiratory protection
Too hot or too smoky?
•Fight: Temperature raised slightly, good visibility, PPE not needed
•Flee: Too hot within 10-15 ft of fire, need to crawl, poor visibility
Safe evacuation path?
•Fight: Clear path behind you as fighting fire
•Flee: Fire is not contained; fire, heat, smoke may block path
Maintenance
Monthly inspection
Location
Nameplate
Pressure gauge
Pin & tamper seal
General condition
Spill Response: Simple Spill
YOUR SAFETY FIRST!
• Attend to injured/
contaminated victim
• Turn on fume hoods
• Open windows
• De-energize electrical devices
• Select proper PPE
• Neutralize acids and bases
• Absorb liquids
• Collect & contain residue
• Decontaminate area & equipment
• Document incident
Biohazardous Spill Cleanup
• Put on PPE
• Disinfect area with 1:10 bleach, 10 min
• Remove spill with sorbent towels
• Dispose of towels in a red bag
• Dry area with sorbent towels
• Dispose of towels in read bag
• Dispose of gloves in read bag
• Wash hands well
• Dispose of gown in red bags
Summary
Hazard Controls
Chemical
Biological
Radiological
Ergonomics
PPE
Emergency Planning
Class Exercise
• Work with the same group
• Return to the same lab as yesterday
• Identify existing control methods for each
hazard found yesterday
• Assess effectiveness of the controls
• Report the results. Provide
recommendations.