Tufts University
Annual
Safety
Training
What Will Be Covered
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General Safety and Contact Information
Hazardous Communication
Hazardous Waste (RCRA)
Chemical Hygiene
Quiz
General Safety
Training
Updated 2009
Environmental Health & Safety
Staff
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Agnes (Aggie) Barlow - Radiation Safety Officer
Julian Farland - Biosafety Officer
Kathy Joseph - Biosafety Officer
Thomas Kelley – Lab Safety Coordinator
Stephen Larson – Director
Peter Nowak - Industrial Hygiene & Occ. Safety Specialist
Kimberly Parker - Biosafety Manager
Shaun Savage – Lab Support & Compliance Specialist
Natalie Viernes - Administrative Assistant
Contacting EH&S
• Non-Emergencies:
• Posner Hall Room 105
• Individual Extensions
• Main Number x6-3615
• Emergencies:
• Contact campus police at x6-6911 or
(617) 636-6911
• 24 hours day/7 days week
Additional Important Numbers
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Fire Marshals Office:
Emergencies: x6-6911 or (617) 636-6911
Non-Emergencies: x7-3922
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Campus Police:
Emergencies: x6-6911 or (617) 636-6911
Non-Emergencies: x6-6610 (Boston)
Emergency Response
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Contact Tufts University Police!
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Fire (fire alarms)
Chemical Spills
Suspicious Person
Medical Emergency
Information to Provide:
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Name and extension of the person calling
Exact location of emergency
Description of emergency
Extent of injury if any
Type of chemical if a spill has occurred
Correct spelling of the spilled chemical
Emergency Evacuation
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Unless otherwise instructed by police or emergency
personnel, evacuate when the alarm sounds.
1. If possible and without jeopardizing personal safety, shut off
equipment.
2. Proceed to the closest exit; closing lab/office doors behind you.
Note: Do not use elevators.
3. Proceed to designated area of gathering, away from the building.
4. Do not re-enter the building until directed by authorized personnel.
Know Your Work Area!
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Fire Alarms
Fire Extinguishers
Safety Eyewash
Safety Showers
Multiple Exits
Fire Extinguisher
Hazardous Communication
Updated 2009
Why Are You Here?
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200
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Established in 1983 by the Federal Government to protect employees
from hazardous materials.
The standard requires companies which produce or use hazardous
materials to provide employees with information and training on the
proper use and handling of these materials.
The primary objective is for the employee to know how and where to
find specific information on hazardous materials.
• Everyone working with or around hazardous materials
has the right and responsibility to know the hazards in
their work area!
Why Me?
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Research
Clinical
Analytical
Darkroom
Printing
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Maintenance
Construction
Administration
Custodial
Shipping/Receiving
Hazard Communication Plan
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Responsibilities
Chemical Inventories
Training
Labeling
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Primary Responsibilities
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EH&S:
• Development and maintenance of the hazard
communication program
• Providing technical information and recommendations
concerning hazardous chemicals, carcinogens and
infectious agents.
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Supervisors:
• Training on specific job hazards prior to beginning work.
• Notifying EH&S of the use and acquisition of hazardous materials
Primary Responsibilities
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Employees:
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Adhere to established safety policies/procedures and to conduct operations
in a safe manner.
• Report unsafe conditions to supervisors and the EH&S.
You have the right to a safe and healthy workplace;
exercise this right, and understand that the ultimate
responsibility for your health and safety lies with you.
Hazards
There are two general hazard classes that must be
evaluated when assessing the safety of a material:
Physical Hazards
Health Hazards
Physical Hazards
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Compressed Gas – A gas that is stored under intense pressure in
cylinders.
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Flammability – A solid or liquid chemical that can serve as fuel
sources to support a fire.
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Reactivity – A substance’s susceptibility to undergo a chemical
reaction or change that may result in an explosion, burning, and
corrosive or toxic emissions.
Examples:
Air sensitive chemicals
Water reactive chemicals
Shock sensitive chemicals
Light sensitive chemicals
Health Hazards
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Carcinogens – A substance that causes cancer.
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Corrosives – A substance that causes visible destruction of living
tissue at the site of contact.
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Irritants – A substance that causes reversible inflammation of skin,
eyes, or nasal passage.
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Sensitizers – A substance that causes allergic reaction after repeated
exposures. Note: Individual sensitivities vary.
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Systemic Toxins – A toxin that targets a specific organ or system.
Examples: Hepatotoxin-liver
Nephrotoxins-kidneys
Neurotoxins-nervous system
Reproductive toxins-reproductive system
Exposure
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Primary routes of exposure:
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Inhalation
Dermal Absorption
Ingestion
Injection
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Working with or around hazardous substances does not necessarily
mean that a person’s health will be effected.
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Exposures can be controlled or eliminated by understanding the
properties of chemicals in use. Utilizing protective equipment, ppe
and/or substituting less-hazardous chemicals are examples.
Labels and Signs
Stock Chemicals:
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It is the responsibility of the manufacturer or distributor to label each container
containing a hazardous material with the following information:
Name of hazardous substance
Name and address of manufacturer
The words “caution” or “danger”
Statement of hazards
First aid procedures
Solutions:
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It is the responsibility of the employee to label each container with the following
information:
Name of hazardous substance
The words “caution” or “danger”
Statement of hazards
Signs:
• Hazard signs should note area of hazard such as a cabinet or lab.
Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS)
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Manufacturers of chemicals
and/or products must
provide an MSDS!
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Locating an MSDS:
• Hardcopy provided with
shipment.
• Manufacturers website
• General websites (EH&S
website)
MSDS Information
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Identity of material, chemical name, and synonyms
 Hazardous components
 Physical data
 Physical and health hazards
 Exposure levels
 Symptoms of exposure and primary route of entry
 Fire Fighting Measures
 Safe handling and storage
 Control measures, PPE
 Spill and disposal procedures
 Miscellaneous Information
“You have the right to a safe and healthy
workplace; exercise this right, and
understand that the ultimate responsibility
for you health and safety lies with you!”
Hazardous Waste Training
(RCRA)
Updated 2009
Why Are You Here?
• Environmental Protection Agency 40 CFR 260-281
• Resource Conservation Recovery Act, RCRA, 1976
• Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments, 1984
• Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
310 CMR 30.00
• Tufts University Internal Policy
Tufts Generator Status
• Large Quantity Generator
• 90 day storage limit
• Boston
• Small Quantity Generator
• 180 day storage limit
• Medford, Grafton, HNRC, 200 Boston Ave., RBL
What is a Hazardous Waste?
• EPA listed waste:
• D List, F List, K List, U List, P List
• Characteristics:
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Ignitable (Flashpoints below 140˚F)
Corrosive (pH 2 or below & 12.5 or higher)
Toxic (Fail TCLP Testing)
Reactive (Unstable compounds capable of violent chemical
change)
• Massachusetts Regulated Waste
• University Policy
When is it considered Waste?
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Chemicals have become obsolete because of
questionable purity or discontinued usage.
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Shelf-life expiration dates have been exceeded.
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Chemicals are stored in old, bulging, badly
decomposed or damaged containers.
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Chemicals have undergone visible change.
Inherently Waste-Like
Waste Storage (MAA)
• There are multiple Main Accumulation Areas
(MAA) located throughout the University for the
long-term storage of chemical waste.
• Free standing building, designated rooms, or flammable
cabinets.
• Additional measures to prevent release.
• Managed by EH&S or designated personnel.
Waste Storage (SAA)
• Each site of generation
will have a satellite
accumulation area (SAA).
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Secondary containment
Signage
Weekly inspection checklist
Labels
SAA Management (Labeling)
• All containers must have a
completed hazardous waste
label.
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Contain “Hazardous Waste”
Full Chemical Names
Dated Full
Hazard
SAA Management
(Containers)
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Containers should be located in secondary
containment.
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Containers should be in adequate condition. No
leaks.
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Containers should be tightly closed. No parafilm or
foil.
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Containers should be compatible with waste.
SAA Management
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Non-waste material should not be located in the SAA.
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Dated waste containers should be picked up and transported to
a MAA within 3 days. Contact EH&S at x6-7615 for
assistance.
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There should not be multiple containers of the same waste in a
SAA.
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Keep SAA free of obstructions.
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Updated inspection checklist. Date and Sign Weekly.
Waste Pick-Up
• Waste Pick-Up is needed when:
• There is no longer a need for the container.
• The container is old.
• The container is roughly 85% full.
• Contact EH&S at x6-7615 for assistance.
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Name/make up of waste.
Quantity
Building room and number
Principal investigator/contact name and extension.
Palm Pilot Program
• Internal inspection program focused on:
• Assuring compliance
• Educating personnel
• Simplify hazardous waste management
• Conducted unannounced every 2-3 months.
• Conducted by outside contracted vendor.
• Provide EH&S and principal investigators/supervisors with
report.
Universal Waste
• Universal Waste Rule 40 CFR 273
• Provides less stringent management standards for:
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Mercury containing lamps.
Batteries
Pesticides
Mercury devices.
Ballasts
• Contact EH&S for assistance at x6-7615.
Conclusion
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This is a required annual training for personnel
who generate or manage hazardous waste.
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Failure to comply with protocols outlined in this
training could result in criminal and monetary
penalties against the university and/or individual.
Chemical Hygiene Basic
Training
Updated 2009
Introduction
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) enacted the Occupational Exposure to
Chemicals in Laboratories Standard in 1990. This
standard applies to all employees engaged in the
laboratory use of hazardous chemicals at
Tufts University.
Roles and Responsibilities
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Provost- The University Provost has the ultimate legal responsibility and
accountability for chemical hygiene within the institution.
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Director Of Health and Safety appoints Chemical Hygiene officers, works
with Provost to determine needs and directions for Chemical Hygiene at Tufts.
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Chemical Hygiene Officer(s) Work with the Laboratory Safety Committee,
administrators and other employees to develop and implement appropriate
chemical hygiene policies and practices;
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Supervisors Ensure that laboratory workers know and follow the chemical
hygiene rules, that protective equipment is available and in working order, and
that appropriate training has been provided;
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Laboratory Worker Planning and conducting each operation in accordance
with the institutional chemical hygiene procedures;
Employee Information and
Training
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Employee safety information and training program
is reviewed regularly.
• Chemical Hygiene training should be conducted
prior to working in the lab.
• Basic refresher training is offered annually by the
Environmental Health and Safety Department,
either on line or via traditional classroom style
trainings.
• It is the responsibility of the PI or Supervisor to
conduct lab and tasks specific training that builds
on the general concepts identified in the basic
chemical hygiene trainings.
Chemical Fume Hoods
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Chemical Fume Hood:
• Do you understand how your hood works to protect
you?
• Can you distinguish between a biological safety cabinet
and a chemical fume hood?
• Do you know that an open lab door, high winds, or
even heavy traffic in front of the hood can reduce
performance?
• Will you know if it stops working? And who to
contact?
 Never leave experiments unattended.
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Emergency Drenching
Facilities
Eyewash Station:
• Do you know where the nearest eyewash station is
located?
• Do you know how to use it?
• Is it free from obstructions?
• Is the eyewash being flushed weekly to drain sediment
buildup and rust?
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Drench Shower:
• Do you know where the nearest eyewash station is
located? And is it within 10 seconds from your work
area?
• Is it free from obstructions?
• Are there any electrical hazards in the area?
• Is it being inspected semi-annually by the Facilities
Dept?
Safety Showers
Chemical Spill Kit
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Every laboratory has at least one chemical spill kit.
• Absorbent socks
• Absorbent pads
• Hazardous waste label
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Know the location of the spill kit and assure it
is constantly stocked.
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Understand which chemicals can and cannot be cleaned
up safety.
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Contact EH&S for assistance.
Personal Protective Equipment
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Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, and
lab coats should be provided by the lab or department.
Gloves:
• No one glove material is best for all chemicals.
• Choose the glove with the lowest permeability for
the chemical you are using.
• Glove-Chemical compatibility charts
• Material Safety Data Sheets
• Environmental Health and Safety Department
• Reusable gloves should be inspected prior to use.
• Remove lab gloves and dispose appropriately to avoid exposure.
Personal Protective Equipment
Goggles/Glasses:
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Similar to gloves, be sure eye protection is appropriate for the hazard.
Safety glasses alone are not always enough to protect against chemical
splashes and flying debris. Goggles or face shields may be needed.
Prescription are not enough to protect against chemical
splashes and flying debris.
Lab Coats:
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Lab coats, coveralls, or aprons should be used where there is danger to
the skin.
Every person working in a laboratory must be wearing a lab coat.
Lab coats should not be worn in common areas such as halls, elevators,
and lunch rooms.
Laundry services should be provided by the lab or department.
General Lab Hygiene
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Do not eat or drink in a laboratory.
• Do not wear open toe shoes in a laboratory.
• Do not wear skirts or shorts that expose your legs when
working in a laboratory.
• Loose clothing and long hair should be confined.
• Understand potential hazards associated with wearing
jewelry.
• Mouth pipetting is prohibited.
• Wash and clean work areas when work is complete.
Cryogenic Liquids
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Always wear adequate protective clothing, eye and face
protection and heat resistant gloves when dealing with
cryogenic liquids.
Store liquid nitrogen, dry ice and any other liquefied gases
in well-ventilated areas.
Do not store in walk-in cold rooms, as these are not
ventilated
Seal sample tubes tightly before storing in liquid nitrogen.
Improper sealing of tubes can cause an explosion upon
removal from liquid nitrogen temperatures.
Shipping Materials
No one should ship or participate in the packaging or
preparation of biological or chemical material without
completing the required training. Failure could result in
penalties of $30,000.
Pending the content, various levels of training is needed.
Training for shipment of hazardous material can be arranged
through the EH&S Department. Scheduling of this
training should be done well in advance of the projected
shipment date.
We thank you for your time and cooperation in
helping Tufts University and yourself maintain
continued compliance with applicable regulatory
requirements.
Completion of this training is an annual
requirement. All material will be updated as
required.
Questions or comments can be directed to the
Environmental Health and Safety Dept. x6-3516.