General Rules for all Laboratory Work with Chemicals 

Avoidance of "Routine" exposure: Follow Standard Operating Procedures to avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals by any route (inhalation, skin or eye cotact, ingestion). Always keep caps and lids on chemical containers when not in use! 

Every laboratory student and lab worker should listen carefully to the professor's prelab safety talk and observe the following rules:

1.   Know the potential hazards and appropriate safety precautions before beginning work.

2.   Ask and be able to answer the following questions:

o    What are the hazards?

o    What are the worst things that could happen?

o    What do I need to do to be prepared?

o    What work practices, facilities or personal protective equipment are needed to minimize the risk?

o    Where is the nearest eyewash and safety shower, and other emergency equipment? 

3.   Never block safety equipment or doors and keep aisles clear and free from tripping hazards.

4.   Familiarize yourself with the emergency response procedures, facility alarms and building evacuation routes.

5.   Use Chemical Fume Hoods when working with toxic chemicals and wear required personal protective equipment (gloves, safety glasses, splash goggles, aprons, lab coats etc.).

6.   Be alert to unsafe conditions and actions and bring them to the attention of your professor or lab manager immediately so that corrections can be made as soon as possible.

7.   Prevent pollution by following waste disposal procedures. Chemical reactions may require traps or scrubbing devices to prevent the release of toxic substances to the laboratory or to the environment.

8.   Position and clamp reaction apparatus thoughtfully in order to permit manipulation without the need to move the apparatus until the entire reaction is completed.

9.   Combine reagents in the appropriate order and avoid adding solids to hot liquids.

10. Always cleanup your area after completing the experiment and storing your glassware. Wash your hands before leaving the lab.

More details are provided in the following sections of the Chemical Hygiene Plan [4.0.2 to 4.9.4]

4.0.2 Accidents, exposure emergencies, and spills: 

a. Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. If not breathing give artificial respiration. Obtain medical attention. 

b. Skin Contact: Immediately flush the affected area with water and remove any contaminated clothing. If symptoms persist after washing, obtain medical attention. 

c. Eye Contact: Immediately flush the eyes for at least 15 minutes, holding eyes open. Obtain medical attention. 

d. Ingestion: Encourage the victim to drink large amounts of water. Do Not Vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water, obtain medical attention. 

e. Clean-up. Promptly clean up small spills, using appropriate protective equipment and follow specific procedures. 

4.0.3 Avoidance of "routine" exposure: Follow Standard Operating Procedures to avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals by any route (Inhalation, skin or eye contact, ingestion). 

a. Do Not smell or taste chemicals. Vent apparatus which may discharge toxic chemicals (vacuum pumps, distillation columns, etc.) in Fume Hoods. Mouth suction: Do not use mouth suction for pipeting or starting a siphon. 

b. Inspect gloves before use. 

c. Do not allow release of toxic substances in cold rooms and warm rooms, since these have contained re-circulated atmospheres. 

Examples of Acute Toxicants 

Asphyxiant: A gas or vapor that can cause unconsciousness or death by suffocation due to lack of oxygen.

Examples: Carbon monoxide, methane, hydrogen sulfide

Irritant: A noncorrosive chemical that causes reversible inflammation at the point of contact with the skin.

Examples: Acetone, heptane, ethyl acetate, sodium carbonate

Neurotoxicant: A chemical that interferes with the peripheral and central nervous systems.

Examples: Mercury, lead, acetone, carbon disulfide  

Organ toxicant: A chemical that adversely affects one or more organs or body systems.

Examples: Toluene, carbon tetrachloride, arsenic, chlorine

Sensitizer/allergen: A chemical that produces its effects by evoking an adverse response in the body’s immune system.

Examples: Formaldehyde, latex

Teratogen or fetotoxicant: A chemical that adversely affects the embryo or fetus.

Examples: Ethanol, ethylene oxide, mercury compounds

Chronic toxicity: Adverse effects resulting from long-term exposure, usually at lower levels, to a substance.

Examples of Chronic Toxicants

Carcinogen

Examples: Ethylene oxide, Cr(VI) formaldehyde, arsenic

Neurotoxicant

Examples: Carbon disulfide, hexane, lead, nicotine, arsenic

Organ toxicant

Examples: Mercury, ethanol, beryllium, chloroform

4.0.4 Personal protection: Assure that appropriate eye protection (Safety Glasses with side shilds or Goggles) is worn by all persons, including visitors, where chemicals are stored or handled. 

a. Wear appropriate gloves when the potential for contact with toxic materials exits; inspect the gloves before each use, wash them before removal, and replace them periodically. (A table of resistance to common glove materials) 

b. Use any other protective and emergency equipment as appropriate. 

c. Avoid use of contact lenses in the laboratory unless necessary; if they are used, inform supervisor so special precautions can be taken. 

d. Remove laboratory coats immediately on significant contamination. 

e. Personal apparel: Confine long hair and loose clothing. Wear shoes that protect the foot, no open toed shoes or sandals. 

4.0.5 Eating, drinking, smoking, etc.: Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, gum chewing, or application of cosmetics in areas where laboratory chemicals are present, wash hands before conducting these activities. Avoid the storage, handling, or consumption of food or beverages in storage areas, refrigerators, glassware or utensils which are also used for laboratory operations. 

4.0.6 Choice of chemicals: Use only those chemicals for which the quality of the available ventilation system is appropriate. 

4.0.7 Equipment and glassware: Handle and store laboratory glassware with care to avoid damage, do not use damaged glassware. Use extra care with Dewar flasks and other evacuated glass apparatus; shield or wrap them to contain chemicals and fragments should implosion occur. Use equipment only for its designed purpose. 

4.0.8 Planning: Seek information and advice on hazards, plan appropriate protective procedures, and plan positioning of equipment before beginning any new operation. 

4.0.9 Horseplay: Avoid practical jokes or other behavior which might confuse, startle or distract another worker. 

4.1. Vigilance: Be alert to unsafe conditions and see that they are corrected when detected. 

4.1.0 Personal housekeeping: Keep the work area clean and uncluttered, with chemicals and equipment being properly labeled and stored; clean up the work area on completion of an operation or at the end of each day. 

4.1.1 Exiting: Wash areas of exposed skin well before leaving the laboratory. Always remember to wash hands as soon as possible, and any areas of exposed skin to prevent possible reactions on skin or an accidental exposure to eyes by contact with contaminated fingers. 

4.2 Standard Operating Procedures 

4.2.0 Use of hood: Use the hood for operations which might result in release of toxic chemical vapors or dust. 

a. Use a hood when working with any volatile substance with a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of less than 50 ppm. 

b. Confirm adequate hood performance before use; keep hood closed at all times except when adjustments within the hood are being made; keep materials stored in hoods to a minimum and do not allow them to block vents or air flow. 

c. Leave the hood “on” when it is not in active use if toxic substances are stored in it or if it is uncertain whether adequate general laboratory ventilation will be maintained when it is “off”. 

4.2.1 Waste Disposal: Assure that the plan for each laboratory operation includes plans and training for waste disposal. Bottle will be labeled for each group or type of experiment waste. (Enter Accumulation Start Date, List Contents and % if known)

4.2.1.1 Deposit chemical waste in appropriately labeled receptacles and follow other waste disposal procedures of the Chemical Hygiene Plan. 

4.2.1.2 Do not discharge to the sewer concentrated acids or bases; highly toxic, malodorous, or lachrymatory substances; or any substances which might interfere with the biological activity of waste water treatment plants, create fire or explosion hazards, cause structural damage or obstruct flow. 

4.2.2 Unattended operations: Leave lights on, place an appropriate sign on the door, and provide for containment of toxic substances in the event of failure of a utility service (such as cooling water) to an unattended operation. 

4.2.3 Working alone: Avoid working alone in a building; do not work alone in a laboratory if the procedures being conducted are hazardous. 

4.2.4 Appendix A. Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories - 8th Edition - ACS 

4.2.5 Appendix B. Gehl-Mulva 1-2-3 Floor Plans 

4.2.6 Appendix C. Ansell Chemical Glove Resistance Guide 

4.2.7 Appendix D. Particularly Hazardous Substances

4.2.8 Appendix E. Reserved 

The Laboratory Safety section provides general principles for working safely with hazardous chemicals. Professors and laboratory workers are encouraged to develop and implement more detailed guidelines for specific operations and chemicals in their laboratories. 

4.3 Training and Information 

All laboratory workers must receive laboratory safety training when they are first assigned to a work area where hazardous chemicals are present and before assignments involving new exposure situations. General laboratory safety training is provided by the Chemical Hygiene Officer. More specific training for particular materials or operations in a particular work area is provided by the Principal Investigators, laboratory staff and teaching assistants. 

The general training offered by the Chemical Hygiene Officer covers the following topics: 

4.3.1 An overview of the OSHA Laboratory Standard. Full text of the standard is available (select link).

4.3.2 The content and availability of the Chemical Hygiene Plan and Laboratory Safety webpage. 

4.3.3 The availability of safety data sheets and how to use them. 

4.3.4 An explanation of permissible exposure limits for chemicals. 

4.3.5 An overview of methods to recognize hazards, how to evaluate hazards, and common methods to prevent and control exposure. 

4.3.6 The use, function and selection of personal protective equipment. 

4.3.7 Emergency procedures for fire, injury, chemical exposure, and chemical spill situations. 

4.3.8 Chemical waste disposal procedures at St. Norbert College. 

Each laboratory worker must be made aware of the following information: 

4.3.2.1 Location of the Chemical Hygiene Plan: The Chemical Hygiene Plan for the Biology and Science Departments is located on Chemical Hygiene Officer internal website - this site also includes separate pages for Emergencies; First aid; Evacuation Procedures; Laboratory Safety; Spills; Biosafety; Laser Safety; Radiation Safety; Working with Compressed Gases; Fire Prevention and Life Safety; Waste Management; Hazardous Waste, Discharge Prohibitions; Universal and Non-Hazardous Waste; any questions? Mark Musser's office is located in GMS room 2125. 

4.3.2.2 Nature and potential health and safety risks of specific hazardous substances used by the laboratory worker. Each Principal Investigator ensures that each individual working in his or her laboratory understands the hazards of and how to properly handle the materials in the laboratory. The PI maintains relevant files in the laboratory. 

4.3.2.3 Proper handling, under all circumstances, of hazardous substances used in the laboratory. 

4.3.2.4 Location and availability of reference materials, including safety data sheets (SDSs) for hazardous chemicals used or stored in the laboratory. 

4.3.9 Training Records: The Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) maintains a database of attendance for training sessions. Records of in-laboratory training provided by individual laboratories are maintained in the CHO office. 

4.4 Signs and Labels, Hazard Information 

Prominent signs and labels of the following types should be posted: 

4.4.1 Emergency telephone numbers of emergency personnel/ facilities, supervisors, and laboratory workers. 

4.4.2 Identity labels, showing contents (including waste receptacles) and associated hazards. Hazardous Waste containers must be properly labeled with the full name of chemical and/or chemicals in the solution to be disposed of. Toxic wastes must remain separate to lower disposal costs (e.g. Mercury). 

4.5 Personal Protective Equipment 

The following items are available in each laboratory: 

4.5.1 Protective equipment compatible with the required degree of protection for substances being handled. 

4.5.2 An easily accessible drench-type safety shower. 

4.5.3 An eyewash fountain  

4.5.4 A fire extinguisher 

4.5.5 Telephone for emergency use are located in hallways (Use Cell Phone)

4.5.6 Other items designated by the laboratory supervisor. 

4.6 Control Measures – Controlling Chemical Exposure 

The following criteria are used to determine and implement control measures to reduce exposures to hazardous chemicals.  

4.6.1 Engineering Controls, are the primary means of control for exposure to hazardous chemicals. Local ventilation, including fume hoods, ducted biosafety cabinets, are the most common types of engineering controls. 

4.6.2 Administrative Controls, It may be necessary to supplement engineering controls and protective equipment with administrative controls, such as restricting access to an area, restricting use of particular chemicals to a limited group of people, or limiting the length of exposure. 

4.6.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, face shields, safety glasses, safety goggles, lab coats and aprons, are used when engineering controls are not sufficient to adequately control exposure. Specifically, this equipment is used to prevent exposure to the skin or eyes. Personal protective equipment is carefully selected to ensure that it is compatible with the chemicals used. Information about selection of appropriate protective equipment is available in the Laboratory Safety Manual. 

4.6.4 Exposure Monitoring 

Exposure monitoring is conducted by Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) upon request if there is reason to believe that exposure levels for a particular substance may routinely exceed either the action level or the permissible exposure limit set forth by OSHA. Individuals may contact the CHO office directly at x4019. The Results of the monitoring will be made available by the CHO to the individual(s) monitored, their supervisors within 15 working days of the receipt of analytical results. 

Based on the monitoring results, periodic monitoring may be scheduled at the discretion of the CHO, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local regulations. 

4.7 Medical Program 

4.7.1 First Aid. Personnel trained in first aid should be available during working hours and an emergency room with medical personnel should be nearby. 

4.7.2 Compliance with regulations. Regular medical surveillance should be established to the extent required by regulations. 

4.7.3 Routine Surveillance. Anyone whose work involves regular and frequent handling of toxicologically significant quantities of a chemical should consult a qualified physician to determine on an individual basis whether a regular schedule of medical surveillance is desirable. 

4.8 Recordkeeping 

4.8.1 Accident records. Detailed records should be written and retained. These records will be reviewed to reduce future incidents and risks. 

4.8.2 Inventory and usage records. Accurate records of substances used, substitute lower-risk substances for higher-risk substances whenever possible. 

4.8.3 Medical Records. All medical records shall be retained by the institution for 30 years. 

4.9 Housekeeping, Maintenance, and Inspections 

4.9.1 Cleaning. Floors should be cleaned regularly. 

4.9.2 Passageways. Stairwells and hallways should not be used as storage areas. Access to exits, emergency equipment, and utility controls should never be blocked. 

4.9.3 Maintenance. Eye wash fountains should be inspected each week. Other safety equipment should be inspected regularly. (e.g. every 3-6 months). Procedures to prevent restarting of out-of-service equipment should be established. 

4.9.4 Inspections. Formal housekeeping and chemical hygiene inspections should be held at least quarterly for units which have frequent personnel changes and semiannually for others; informal inspections should be continual.