College of Life Sciences
General Laboratory Training for Chemical and Biological
Safety
Training Requirements
Individuals using multiple chemical procedures or chemicals in a
laboratory must receive:

General Laboratory Safety training
 Laboratory Safety Training specific to lab in use
Questions? Contact College Safety Officer 422-687522
Training Requirements
General Safety Training Objectives
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Awareness of government regulations
Chemical handling and storage
Biohazard handling and storage
Disposal regulations
College safety policies
Questions? Contact College Safety Officer 422-687533
Government Regulations
OSHA Laboratory Standard
OSHA Laboratory Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450 requirements:
 Limiting exposure to airborne contaminants
 Assessing exposure to regulated contaminants
 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for all chemicals
 Training requirements for laboratory workers
 Medical consultation and exam
 Record keeping
 Content requirements for Chemical Hygiene Plans
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Outline hazard information
 Describe physical and chemical properties
 Recommend precautions for handling, storage, and disposal
Always read MSDS before working with Chemicals
Information on MSDS include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Supplier information
Chemical name & CAS number
Physical & chemical properties
Physical hazards
Health hazards
Toxicity data
7. Storage & handling procedures
8. Emergency & first aid procedures
9. Disposal considerations
10.Transportation information
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Supplied by manufacturer
 Written and electronic versions available
 No MSDS, contact manufacturer (see container label)
 No info on label, go online http://hazard.com/msds/
 In lab all MSDS copies for chemicals maintained & available
 Written copies of highly toxic, explosive, or reactive chemicals must
be maintained in laboratory
 Online access to all others
 If shipping chemicals must also ship MSDS
University Regulations
General Laboratory Training from
Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)
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Applies to all laboratories on campus using chemicals
Explains how BYU is in compliance with OSHA laboratory standard
Includes Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) -- mandatory practices
Review CHP prior to working in laboratory using chemicals
Access CHP http://lifesciences.byu.edu/safety/ChemicalHygienePlan1.pdf
Hazardous Materials Exposure
Hazardous materials include:
 Chemicals recognized to be harmful to people
 Infectious biological agents
 Radioisotopes / ionizing radiation emitted at
harmful levels
 Chemical, biohazard, and radiation waste
Hazardous materials enter the body via:
 Inhalation*
 Skin absorption*
 Ingestion
 Injection
* Most common
pathways for
exposure
Methods to Control Hazardous
Material Exposure
3 methods to minimize exposure:
1.
2.
3.
Work Practice Controls
Personal Protective Equipment
Engineering Controls
Work Practice Controls: Lab
Reduce exposure duration, frequency, and severity to
hazardous chemicals:
 Adoption of SOPs
 Post hazard signs outside laboratory doors
 Post signs on computers, printers in lab if gloves necessary to operate
equipment
 Minimize exposure time when working with hazardous materials
 Restrict access where hazardous materials used
- Isolate lab areas carcinogenic/reproductive hazardous chemicals
 Wash hands when leaving lab
 Limit lab access to authorized individuals
 Keep doors close when lab not in use
Work Practice Controls: Lab
 No children allowed
 Prior written approval needed for child between 12 -18 years to enter
 No food consumption, storage in a refrigerator or freezer allowed
 No application of cosmetics including chap stick/lip balm
 No Pets allowed in the labs
 Prior approval is needed for guide dogs
 Avoid touching your face and nose while wearing gloves
 Avoid using your cell phone while wearing gloves
Report:
1. Unusual occurrences
2. Unknown people showing interest in laboratory
3. Ask who someone is, what doing in lab, if you
don’t know him/her
4. If someone doesn’t belong in lab, report him/her
to supervisor, the department, college safety
coordinator, or University Police
Work Practice Controls: Clothing
Requirements
DO NOTs
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No sandals or open-toed shoes
No loose or hanging clothing
No shorts
Do not wear clothing that
exposes any skin other than
your arms or face
DOs
 Use appropriate
personal protective
equipment ( i.e gloves,
lab coat, etc)
 Increased hazards
requires additional
clothing
 Wear clothing like fitted
cotton shirts, long denim
pants, closed toes shoes
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Necessary to prevent potential body injury or impairment
1. Gloves: Latex and Nitrile
 NEVER WORN IN HALLWAYS OR ELEVATORS
 Compatible with chemical or process used
 Chemical compatibility and manufacturer information:
http://risk.byu.edu/safety/Gloves.php
 fit snuggly –no bagging at fingers or wrist
 Double gloving with radioisotopes, carcinogens, etc.
2. Splash Goggles and Face Shields
 Impact, chemical or UV protection
 Select the correct type for process being used
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Necessary to prevent potential body injury or impairment
3. Lab Coat or Apron
 Protect against minor spills / splashes
 Removed before exiting lab
4. Respiratory Protection
 Highly toxic chemicals or biological hazards
 Special training and fit required
 Does not include surgical / dust masks
Engineering Controls
Physical barriers minimize exposure, risk or
injury
Controls can include:
 Chemical hoods
 LRC video - “Using Chemical
Hoods—A Laboratory Safety
Test”
 Biosafety cabinets (BSC)
 Radiation shields
Biosafety cabinet
 Directional air ventilation
 Positive or negative pressure
 Gas tank anchors
 At 2/3 up (2nd at 1/3 if
possible)
Radiation shield
Gas tank
Signs and Labels
NFPA Hazard Warning System
(National Fire Protection Association)
The NFPA diamond gives general hazard information
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Blue – Health Hazard
Red – Flammability
Yellow – Chemical Reactivity
White – Special Hazard
 W - water contact hazard
 BIO - biological hazard
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- radiation hazard
 NFPA ratings for specific chemicals
found in MSDS or on most primary
containers
 Rating system is from 0 to 4
 0 - no hazard
 4 - severe hazard (can be lethal
etc.)
Laboratory Hazard Signs
Laboratory hazard signs are provided for emergency responders
 Contact information
 General hazard information
 Created by lab supervisor
Container Labeling
There are two types of containers, each is labeled differently:
Primary Containers:
Container shipped from
manufacturer with
manufacturer’s label
Labels on a primary container
MUST NOT BE:
Removed
Refaced
Scribbled out / written over
Correctly labeled
primary container
Improperly
labeled primary
container
Container Labeling
There are two types of containers, each is labeled differently:
Secondary Containers:
Container holds contents of a primary
container and bears a label by the lab
If contents will be used immediately
label is not needed
Labels on a Secondary Container MUST
HAVE:
 Content’s chemical name as on
MSDS (non abbreviated)
 Indication of relative hazards of
contents i.e. flammable, reactive,
oxidizer, corrosive, target organs,
etc.
Correct label for secondary
container
Improperly labeled
secondary container
Chemical Storage
Chemical Storage
Storage basics:
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Group by compatibility
Store dry and liquid chemicals separately
Store in accordance with temperature requirements
Store flammable chemicals away from ignition sources (i.e., computers,
hotplates, burners)
Oxidizers should not be stored on combustible shelving or next to
organic chemicals (fuels)
Shelving used for chemical storage must have a lip, rail, or door
 Lip keeps chemicals from falling off shelves during earthquakes
 Glass panel doors do not qualify
Chemical Storage
Improper Storage
1. Incompatible chemicals together
2. Oxidizers and fuel sources
together
3. Liquid and dry chemicals on
same shelf
Proper Storage
Liquid Chemical Storage
Liquid chemicals should be stored at or below shoulder level to minimize
the potential for liquid spills.
Flammable Liquids: Store in a flammable liquids cabinet. Flammable
liquids that require refrigeration must be stored in a fireproof refrigerator or
freezer which does not contain any ignition sources.
Liquid Acid and Bases: Store in a corrosives cabinet. Within the cabinet,
the acids and bases should be stored in separate plastic tubs or other
compatible secondary container.
Just-In-Time Acquisition of Chemicals

Get rid of all un-needed chemicals
 Contact Chemicals Management at 422-6156 to get rid of old
chemicals.
 When ordering chemicals, only order the amount currently needed for
that semester - don’t order excess.
Note: Some chemicals are more dangerous the longer they are stored (i.e.
peroxide forming chemicals like ethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran).
Benefits:
 Minimization of accidents, fires, or other events.
 More efficient use of storage space.
 Lowered expense (consider - less inventory, storage facilities, spill
response measures and equipment, etc.)
BioSafety
Principles of Biosafety
Lab Practices and Techniques:
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Knowledgeable supervisor
Personnel
 Aware of potential hazards
 Proficient in practices/techniques
Biosafety manual specific to lab
Decontaminate work surfaces daily
Always wash hands when leaving
Restrict or limit access to the lab when working
Principles of Biosafety
Safety Equipment (Engineering Controls):

Biosafety cabinets (BSCs)
 Not the same as chemical hoods
 Certified for different organisms types (level 2 or 3)
 Personal protective clothing
 Gloves
 Gowns
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Pipetting devices – No mouth pipetting permitted.
Safety centrifuge cups and rotors
Eye and face protection
BSL3 level only:
 Respiratory protection
 Double door entry
 Directional inward airflow
 Single-pass air
Principles of Biosafety
Biosafety Levels 1-3
 Biosafety Level 1 (BSL1): The basic level for agents that are not known to
be human pathogens in normal healthy humans.
 Examples used here at BYU: E. Coli K12
 Level of most teaching labs in the College
 Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2): Moderate-risk agents that cause human disease.
These diseases are not usually fatal. Infection path is most commonly
through ingestion or mucous membrane exposure.
 Examples used here at BYU: Staph, Strep A, E. Coli O157:H7
 Some research and teaching labs
 Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3): High-risk agents that have potential for serious
and potentially lethal infections as a result of exposure by the inhalation
route in humans. Most agents can be treated with antibiotics or vaccines.
 Examples used here at BYU: HIV
 Biosafety Level 4 (BSL4): High-risk agents that pose a high individual risk
of aerosol-transmitted infections which cause severe to fatal disease in
humans for which no known treatments are available.
Biosafety Level 1
Suitable for work involving well-characterized agents not known
to cause disease in healthy humans and of minimal potential
hazard to laboratory personnel and the environment.
Safety Equipment and Standard Safety Practices
 Personal protective clothing:
 Gloves, lab coats, eye protection
 Work is generally conducted on open bench tops using standard
microbiological practices
 Wash hands when done
 Wash work surfaces daily
 Limit lab access to authorized personnel
 Eating, drinking and applying cosmetics are prohibited
Examples: E. Coli K12, Varicella (Chicken Pox)
Biosafety Level 2
Suitable for work involving agents of moderate potential hazard to
personnel and the environment. Includes various bacteria and viruses
that cause only mild disease to humans, or are difficult to contract via
aerosol in a lab setting
Safety Equipment and Standard Safety Practices:
 Access to the lab is limited when work is being conducted. Doors must
be closed at all times
 Extreme precautions are taken with contaminated sharp items
 Biosafety cabinets (class II) for work with infectious agents involving:
 Aerosols and splashes
 Large volumes
 High concentrations
 Biosafety manual specific to lab
 Immunizations may be required by your Faculty mentor before working
in the lab
Examples: Measles virus, E. Coli O157:H7, Salmonellae, Hepatitis A, B, and
C
Biosafety Level 3
Suitable for work with infectious agents which may cause
serious or potentially lethal disease as a result of exposure by
the inhalation route.
Safety Equipment and Standard Safety Practices: BSL1 and 2 plus
laboratory personnel have specific training in handling pathogenic and
potentially lethal agents
 Separate, isolated zone with double door entry
 Directional inward airflow with signal-pass air
 Restricted access, always
 Criteria for entry (e.g. immunization)
 Biosafety cabinets class III
 Annual medical testing (e.g. TB skin test)
 Know symptoms of pathogens you are working with in laboratory
 Maintain lab entry log
Examples: M. tuberculosis, B. anthracis(anthrax), HIV. Infection serious,
possibly lethal. Treatments or immunizations are available
Spills and Waste Disposal
Clean Release / Spills
What Can and Cannot be Cleaned up
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Some chemical, biological, or radioisotope releases can be cleaned up,
whereas other releases create an emergency (evacuate).
 Laboratories must determine what can and cannot be cleaned up should a
release occur.
 Materials used to clean-up spills must be treated as hazardous waste,
placed in the proper container, labeled, and provided to Chemicals
Management.
 Do not place paper towels or other materials used for clean-up in the trash.
For help, contact Risk Management and Safety 422-4468, Chemicals
Management 422-6156, or College Safety Coordinator 422-6875
Hazardous Releases / Spills
BE PREPARED
A spill kit, adequate with supplies needed to clean up materials
that may spill, needs to be created and ready to use in the lab
at all times.
A basic spill kit generally consists of:
 Spill Pillows
 Inert absorbent material (sand will usually work)
 Dust Pan & Broom
 Splash Goggles
 Pair of Chemical Resistant Nitrile Gloves
 Pair of Booties
 A Lab Apron
 Properly Labeled Waste Disposal Bags
Regulated Waste Disposal
Most waste generated in a laboratory qualifies as regulated waste
which can not be disposed of in the normal trash.
Chemicals Management will dispose of:
 Chemical waste
 Aqueous
 Solid
 Other
 Biohazardous waste
 Radioactive waste
 Sharps
 In sharps container only
 Other Wastes
 Batteries
 Oil-bearing devices
 Circuit boards
 Aerosol cans
Chemicals Management can not dispose of:
 Mixed waste (any mix of the above wastes)
Regulated Waste Disposal
Most waste generated in a laboratory qualifies as regulated waste
which can not be disposed of in the normal trash.
Glass: Dispose in a sturdy cardboard box –not the trash
 Rinsed empty chemical bottles
 Large pieces of broken glass
 When full – seal tightly and mark broken glass for custodians
to remove
 If from acutely hazardous material it is managed as hazardous
waste
Contact Chemicals Management for waste storage containers and
waste pickups at: 422-6156 or http://risk.byu.edu/environmental/
Click on “Hazardous Waste Pickup”
Disposing of Chemical Waste
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Use waste containers provided by Chemicals Management
Label waste containers with the proper labels (those provided by
Chemicals Management)
 Have waste containers removed from the lab within 3 days of being filled.
 Containers must be closed at all times except when adding or removing
waste.
 Incompatible wastes must be kept segregated.
Contact Chemicals Management (422-6156) for waste disposal
Disposing of Biohazardous Waste
Liquid Biohazardous Waste: Autoclave or disinfect with bleach and flush
down the drain. Then disinfect the sink with additional bleach
Solid Biohazardous Waste: All waste should, except sharps, be double
bagged before being disposed
 Must be packaged in either a red biohazard bag, or a bag which is
labeled as biohazardous and displays the biohazard symbol.
 All Sharps are treated as a biohazard and should be disposed of in a
sharps container separate from other biohazard waste.
 All Petri dishes are treated as a biohazard, even if they are clean, and
should be disposed in a biohazard bag. DO NOT PLACE IN THE
NORMAL TRASH!
 Low-risk biohazardous waste can be picked up by Chemicals
Management. Request a biohazardous container.
 High-risk biohazardous waste must be autoclaved and then received
by Chemicals Management.
 Animal remains or specimens must be frozen by the lab before
disposal by Chemicals Management
Disposing of Radioactive Waste
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All radioactive waste must be segregated by isotope
 Containers must be labeled with the isotope, the amount in
microcuries, the lab number, and the date.
 Liquids: Call Chemicals Management for more information
 Solids: Must contain NO liquid (including droplets)
 Collect waste in clear plastic bags. Insure that the bags are labeled
(see above) and closed before being received by Chemicals
Management for disposal.
 Radioactive sharps need to be separate from Biohazardous sharps.
Do not use a red biohazard sharps container for radioactive sharps.
Other Safety Issues
Housekeeping
A well kept lab coincides with better research and a safe work
environment
 Keep carcinogenic and / or reproductive hazardous chemicals in a
designated area to minimize exposure and contamination
 Dispose of trash when it is generated. Prevent accumulation of
waste
 Don’t place empty bottles and other trip hazards in a walkway.
 Keep chemicals and glassware away from the edge of counters.
 Spills need to be cleaned up when generated.
Good
Housekeeping
Poor Housekeeping
Emergency Equipment
Eyewash/ Shower
Suitable eyewash/shower stations must be immediately accessible and
usable to lab personnel that are using chemicals that could injure the
eyes/skin.
 Rinse for 10-20 minutes
 Remove contacts (if present) while washing eyes
 Seek medical help as soon as possible
Not Suitable
Suitable
Specific Laboratory Training
Lab training must include:
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The physical and health hazards of the chemicals being used in the
laboratory
How individuals can protect themselves while using hazardous
materials
Which PPE is required for the lab
How to detect a release of chemicals or biohazards
What to do if a release occurs (clean-up or evacuate the
lab/building?)
Specific lab training provided by those in charge of the lab
End of Safety Training
Document Your Training

Document and receive credit for your training by completing the
General Life Sciences Laboratory Safety Test online.
 Log into blackboard
 Quiz is located in the Life Sciences Safety and Compliance
Organization
 80% score needed to be pass
 If you have any questions please contact Rebecca Scholl, Life
Sciences Safety Coordinator (422-6875)
rebecca_scholl@byu.edu
 Lab specific training must also be documented.