LABORATORY

SAFETY
Environmental
Health and Risk
Management
EHRM

243-4503

http://www.umt.edu/research/eh/

Introduction

Part 1. Laboratory Hazards &

Safety Practices

Hazard Communication
Chemical & Physical Hazards
Biological Hazards
Hazardous waste

Part 2. Emergency Procedures

Hazard Communication Program

5 Elements of your RTK Program

Training &
Safety
Awareness

Chemical
Inventory

Material
Safety Data
Sheets

Labeling

Written
Program

Hazard Communication
Chemical Inventory

Chemical Inventory

CHEMICAL INVENTORY
Each Lab must have an inventory list of all

chemicals present in the lab

Sample Lab Chemical Inventory

Hazard Communication Labeling

Labeling

Original Container Labels

The label from the manufacturer must have

the following:

The chemical name

Hazards of the chemical

The manufactures name and address

Target organ effects

Original Container Label Example

Secondary Container Labels

All chemicals (including
solutions and chemicals
transferred from their
original containers)
should be labeled with
their names*,
concentrations and
additional information
such as: date received,
date opened, date of
expiration may also be
recorded.
*required

Label should also include: All

appropriate hazard warnings

National Fire Protection Association

(NFPA) Hazard Labels
What are the health hazards?
What are the fire hazards?
What are the reactivity hazards?
Are there any special hazards?
4 = Severe Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
2 = Moderate Hazard
1 = Slight Hazard
0 = Minimal Hazard

NFPA Hazard Label Examples

Perchloric Acid

Xylene

Hazardous Material Identification

System (HMIS) Labels

HMIS Label Example

Globally Harmonized System (GHS)

Pictograms

Environmental

Acute Toxicity

Systemic Health Effects

Gases

Other Health Effects

Corrosives

Globally Harmonized System (GHS)

Pictograms

Explosives

Oxidizing Substances

Flammable

GHS Transport Labels

Hazard Communication MSDS

Material Safety Data Sheets

MSDS Components
1. Identification of the
substance or mixture and
of the supplier
2. Hazards identification
3. Composition information
on ingredients
4. First aid measures
5. Firefighting measures
6. Accidental release
measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure controls
/personal protection

9. Physical and chemical

10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

properties
Stability and reactivity
Toxicological information
Ecological information
Disposal considerations
Transport information
Regulatory information
Other information

Product Information

You must know where to access the MSDS for chemicals in

your lab. There may be hard copies or your lab may use
online access or both. Be sure you know what your policy
requires and how to follow it.

Hazard Communication Written Policies

Written Policies

Sample Laboratory Safety Plan

(Chemical Hygiene Plan)
Your lab should already have a
Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) in
place and you should read it, ask
any questions you might have
about safe use of chemicals and
sign the acknowledgement page
in the plan for your lab.
For new labs, a sample plan can
be found at:
http://www.umt.edu/research/eh/C
HEMICAL%20HYGIENE%20PLA
N.doc

Develop a
CHP
appropriate
for your
laboratory
and make
sure that all
workers are
familiar with
the plan

Recommendations for Language to

Include in Laboratory Safety Plan
No eating,
drinking or
smoking in
laboratory
where
chemicals
are
present

Recommendations for Language to

Include in Laboratory Safety Plan
No applying
cosmetics or
handling contacts
lenses in work
areas where there is
a possibility of
exposure

Recommendations for Language to

Include in Laboratory Safety Plan
Wear approved eye protection

when handling chemicals and/or

glassware
Footwear that completely covers
the feet is required, because of
the danger of broken glass and
the possibility of chemical spills.
Secure the lab when unoccupied
Two or more people in lab at all
times

Hazard Communication
Program Training

Training & Safety

Awareness

Laboratory Health Hazards

"Health hazard" means a chemical for which

there is statistically significant evidence

that acute or chronic health effects may
occur in exposed employees.
Examples include:

Carcinogens
Toxic agents
Irritants
Corrosives
Sensitizers

Routes of Entry
Eyes
Skin

Inhalation
Ingestion
Injection

Routes of Entry

Inhalation:

The
major route of entry
when working with
solvents. Great
rapidity of absorption

Routes of Entry

Absorption:

May

produce systemic
poisoning. Condition of
skin determines rate of
entry. Examples: organic
lead, solvents, (xylene,
methylene chloride)
organo phosphate
pesticides, cyanides

Routes of Entry

Ingestion:

Usually accidental
or due to poor
hygiene practices

Health Conditions
Medical Conditions and
Symptoms
You should talk with your supervisor or
doctor if you are working with hazardous
chemicals and you:
Are taking medication
Are pregnant
Have a medical condition such as a chronic

allergy or asthma. Asthma is a common condition

which can be exacerbated by breathing noxious
chemicals.

First Aid - Chemical Burns (Eyes)

Forcibly open eyelids to

ensure effective washing

behind eyelid

Wash from nose out to ear to

avoid washing chemicals

back into eye or into an
unaffected eye

Flood eyes and eyelids

with water/eye solution
for minimum of 15
minutes

First Aid - Chemical Burns (Eyes)

Remove contact
lenses immediately
to rinse eyes of
harmful chemicals
Cover eyes with clean
or sterile gauze
Call 4000 or proceed
directly to the
Emergency Room

Make sure you know the

location of the nearest
eyewash station

Eye Wash Maintenance

Eyewashes are periodically
checked by EHRM, but are
not flushed

A responsible party in each

lab should be designated to
flush the eyewash for one
minute each week

Chemical Burns - Skin

Remove any
contaminated clothing
Chemicals may collect
in shoes, remove
shoes, if appropriate
Rinse area with large
quantities of water for
at least 15 minutes
(sink, shower or hose)

First Aid - Chemical Burns - Skin

DO NOT apply burn
ointments/spray to affected
areas
Cover with dry clean or
sterile material

For large affected areas, call

4000
If possible, bring the name
of the chemical and/or its
MSDS along with you to the
evaluating medical facility.

Report all injuries,

no matter how small
(investigations of
near misses lead to
fewer future injuries)

First Degree Thermal Burns

In general first degree burns have
redness only, no blister or more
extensive tissue damage.
Run cool water over area of burn
or soak in cool water for at least 5
minutes.
Cover burn with a sterile bandage
or clean cloth.
DO NOT APPLY ANY OINTMENTS,
SPRAYS OR SALVES.

Note: Burns can at first appear to be first degree, but blisters may develop
over the next several hours. When in doubt, seek medical attention

Second and Third Degree Thermal

Burns
Second and Third Degree burns are
burns that have blisters or more extensive
tissue damage.
If victim is on fire, put fire out.
Call 4000
Do not remove any burnt clothing unless it
comes off easily.
Cover burns with dry sterile or clean
bandaging.
DO NOT APPLY ANY OINTMENTS,
SPRAYS OR SALVES.

First Aid - Wounds

Wounds -- Significant bleeding
Call 4000 IMMEDIATELY

Calm and reassure victim

Lay victim down. (Reduces chance of fainting)

DO NOT remove any objects impaled in victim

Put direct pressure on wound with a sterile bandage or

clean cloth
If direct pressure does not control bleeding, elevate
wound above the heart if possible
If bleeding is severe elevate victims legs about 12 inches,
and cover victim with a blanket
DO NOT APPLY TORNIQUET

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wear Eye Protection When Using:

Glassware under reduced pressure
Cryogenic materials

Glassware under elevated pressure

Explosives

Caustics, Irritants or Corrosives

Biohazards

Radioactive Materials
UV Light

Toxic Chemicals
Carcinogens

Flammable Materials
Lasers

Eye Protection

Wear goggles when using

acids or whenever there is
potential for a splash
hazard

Wear safety glasses at other

times when chemicals are
present and when handling
glassware

Face Protection
Face protection should be worn when there

is a possibility of a chemical splash to the

face. A face shield is not a substitute for eye
protection..safety glasses or goggles must
be worn in conjunction with a face shield.

US&A (v 2/07)

Gloves
Gloves

Cotton
Leather
Latex
Viton
Butyl
Neoprene
PVC
Nitrile
Other

Gloves
Be sure you
know which
type of
glove is
appropriate
for the
chemical
you are
using

Example of wrong glove having

been used

Gloves
Remove soiled
gloves. If gloves
become soiled or
contaminated
during experiment,
stop, and remove
carefully.
Wash your hands and put on new pair of gloves.
If you double-glove, remove soiled glove, replace
outer glove with new one, and continue your
work.

Gloves

Fisher Scientific
Safety Manual also
includes information
on:
Choosing size
Proper removal
Care and handling

Gloves
Check Chemical
Resistance Guide
in safety catalog
for degradation
rating and
permeation
breakthrough
information for
various chemicals
(Xylenes: Nitrile)
(Perchloric Acid:
Nitrile, or PVC)
Neoprene

Chemical Storage
Separate chemicals
into compatible
groups

Designate separate
storage for highly
toxic chemicals

Do not store more chemicals than you will need

over a reasonable time

Storage (continued)
Store corrosive,
toxic, and highly
reactive chemicals
in a wellventilated area
Store chemicals that can ignite at room
temperature in a flammables cabinet

Flammable Gas
Store in cool, dry,

well-ventilated
surroundings,
away from
flammable
substances
including oil,
grease and
gasoline

Storage (continued)
Never store

liquid
hazardous
chemicals
above eye
level

Storage (continued)

Chemicals stored overhead should be kept

on shelves with raised edges.

Storage (continued)
Dont store
water reactive
chemicals
under sink
Store heavy
chemical
containers on
lower shelves
and not on
floor

Storage (continued)
Never store peroxide formers longer than 6
months. Examples:
Picric acid-make

sure it stays wet

Ethyl ether (diethyl

ether)-label when
opened

Evaporation may

lead to explosive
compounds

Examples of Poor Storage

Never store a chemical with
a missing or obscured label

Leaks and Spills

Chemical Spills -- Minor

Spill
considered
minor only if
person who
spilled it is
familiar with
chemical,
knows
associated
hazards and
knows how to
clean up spill
safely

Chemical Spills -- Minor

Minor Spills

Alert coworkers and

proceed to clean up spill

Contact Environmental

Health and Risk

Management for
disposal of spill clean-up
materials x4503

Chemical Spills -- Major

Major
Spills

Anything beyond
minor spill and
requiring help
from outside of
the lab group

Chemical Spills -- Major

Alert coworkers

Move to safe location

Call 4000 to report

situation

Chemical Spills -- Major

If you have specific
information about the
spill, remain available
and identify yourself to
firefighters, Public
Safety or EHRM

Spill Response

Be prepared

for
emergencies

Chemical Spills -- Absorbent

Absorb free liquid with an appropriate absorbent:
- Caustic - use polypropylene
pads or diatomaceous earth.
- Oxidizing acid - use
diatomaceous earth.

- Mineral acid - use baking

soda or polypropylene pads.

- Flammable liquids - use

polypropylene pads.

Neutralize residues and

decontaminate the area.

 For larger spills

EHRM has a mercury
vacuum to assist in
clean-up
Avoid potential for
mercury spills by
using mercury free
devices and
procedures

Mercury Spills

Hazardous Waste Disposal Rules

Minimize
Containerize
Label
See UM rules:

http://umt.edu/media/resea
rch/Eh/Materials/Hazardo
us/INFO%20%20UM%20Haz%20Mat%
20Plan/hazplanmarch2010
%20(2).doc

Hazardous Waste Disposal Rules

Minimize

Containerize

(Chemical waste in

general, and hazardous

waste in particular, must
be stored in sturdy
container, free of leaks.)

Label

Hazardous Waste Disposal Rules

Minimize

Containerize
Label (All

hazardous waste
containers must be
properly labeled.)

Hazardous Waste Disposal Rules

Do not use

chemical symbols
or abbreviations
when labeling
your containers

Biohazardous Waste Disposal

Autoclave or chemically
disinfect Infectious
Waste
or Contact EHRM at

x4503 for disposal

Fire Safety Lab Fires

Small Lab Fire (extinguishable
immediately):
Cover fire with inverted beaker
or wet paper towels.
If this fails use fire extinguisher
if properly trained and are
familiar with hazardous
decomposition products:
P-

Pull the pin

A-

Aim hose at base of fire

S-

Squeeze the handle

SSweep hose back and

forth

Fire Safety

Acetone

Keep in mind that

liquids with low flash
points may ignite if
they are near heat
sources such as hot
plates, steam lines or
lab equipment which
might produce a spark
or heat.

Physical Hazards:

Autoclaves

Refrigerators
and Freezers

Electrical

Housekeeping

Centrifuges
Cylinders

Fume Hoods
Microwaves
Radiation

Ergonomics

Broken Glass
Sharps

The major hazards are:

1. Burns resulting from

physical contact.
2. Steam burns arising from
contact with steam issuing
from the apparatus.
3. Explosive breakages of glass
vessels during opening and
unloading.
4. Burns arising from careless
handling of vessels
containing boiling liquids.

Autoclaves

 Rotors on highspeed centrifuge and

ultracentrifuge units
are subjects to
powerful mechanical
stress that can result
in rotor failure.
In addition,
improper loading
and balancing of
rotors can cause the
rotors to break loose
while spinning.

Centrifuges
Everyone using this
type of equipment
needs to know the
proper operating
procedures for the
specific unit being
operated, including
how to select, load,
balance and clean
the rotor.

A Cornell University laboratory was seriously damaged

when the rotor of an ultracentrifuge failed while in use.

Flying metal fragments

damaged walls, the ceiling

and other equipment. The
shock wave blew out the
laboratory's windows and
shook down shelves.
The explosion completely
destroyed the centrifuge.
The safety shielding in the
unit did not contain all the
metal fragments.

Centrifuge

 Do not locate where objects

may strike or fall on

cylinders

Secure in upright position

except hoisting or carrying

Do not place where cylinder

may become part of an

electrical circuit

Use cylinder truck, chain,

and/or other steadying

device to keep cylinders
from being knocked over
while in storage or use.

Cylinder Safety

Cylinder Safety
Secure cylinders with
a strap or chain.
Regulators shall be
removed and valve
protection caps put in
place when not in use.

Cylinder Safety
Always move
cylinders with a
cylinder cart and with
the cap attached.

Compressed Gas
Lecture Bottle Labels:
Flammable: flame on red
label

Non-flammable: gas
canister on green
background

Poisonous: skull and

crossbones

Oxygen-containing:
flaming letter O

Chlorine: labels distinctly

marked

Electrical Safety

QUESTION:

At 100 volts what current

level is sufficient to deliver a lethal shock?

25 mA
250 mA
2.5 amps
25 amps
ANSWER:

25 mA can be life threatening. Make sure

power is off before making connections. Beware of loose
connections. If you feel a tingle when you touch the unit,
stop using until it is repaired.

Electrical Safety
Eliminate frayed or

worn wiring

Never stretch wires

across floor or other

equipment.

Staff should know

location of circuit
breakers

Electrical Safety
Match size of extension
cord to appliance power
cord to prevent cord
overheating.
Extension cords are not
intended for
"permanent"
installations -appliances shall be
connected to
permanently wired
receptacles.

Electrical Safety

Electrical "octopuses" can

result in overloaded
circuits and fire.

Use only 15 amp fused

power strips.

Replace damaged wires

Match appliance power

requirements to circuit
power.

Use GFCIs when working

with electrical equipment

near water

 Only use extension cords with

three prongs
Tape down on floor or cover with
rubber channels to eliminate
tripping hazard
Avoid use with high temperature,
over sharp edges, or in traffic
areas
Inspect and test cords and outlets
regularly
Use with GFCIs, outdoors and in
wet or damp areas, and in
construction

Electrical
Safety

Electrical Safety
Maintain 3 clearance in front of circuit breaker
panels.

Blocked

Unblocked

Fume Hoods
Place apparatus and

equipment as far back

as possible in hood for
safety and optimal
performance.
Equipment should be
placed a minimum of 6
inches inside the hood.
Keep electrical
connections outside of
hood.

Fume Hoods
Ensure that
equipment or
materials do not
block the baffle
vents in the back of
the hood.

Fume Hoods
When using a large
apparatus inside the
hood, place the
equipment on blocks,
when safe and practical,
to allow air flow beneath
it.

US&A (v 2/07)

 Do not make quick

motions into or out
of the hood, use
fans, or walk
quickly by the hood
opening.
All will cause
airflow
disturbances which
reduce the
effectiveness of the
hood.

Fume Hoods

 Do not remove
stops from sliding
sash hoods.
Use sliding sash
for partial
protection during
hazardous work.

When not in use,

the sash should be
within 1-2 inches
of full closure.

Fume Hoods

 For information on the

campus radiation safety
program or other
radiation related topics
please contact the
Radiation Safety Officer
at 2881.

Radiation Safety

Microwave Ovens
Microwave
ovens are
used in the
workplace
for various
applications
including
sample
preparation
procedures
in research
labs.

Injuries may also result from items being

heated or from explosions from pressure
built up in sealed containers or ignition
of volatile materials.

Refrigerators and Freezers

Ordinary household

refrigerators and freezers

constitute a hazard when used
for storage of flammable or
unstable chemicals. These units
produce sparks that can lead to
explosions.
Domestic refrigerators should
not be used for flammable
chemical storage.
"Lab-safe" refrigerators and
freezers (designed for storage
of flammable liquids) must be
used for flammable chemicals.

 All chemicals should be sealed

and labeled with the name of the

material, the date it was placed
in storage, and the name of the
person storing it there.
Refrigerators and freezers
should be cleaned on a regular
schedule, and old chemicals
should be properly discarded
through the UM waste disposal
program.
DO NOT store food in any
refrigerator used to store
chemicals.

Refrigerators
and Freezers

Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the study of designing

equipment and devices that fit the human

body, its movements, and its cognitive
abilities.
Proper ergonomic design and work
practices are necessary to prevent repetitive
strain injuries
Please contact EHRM at 4503 for assistance
with ergonomic concerns.

Ergonomics

Biosafety Cabinets:

May compromise the human neutral position,

including chair design, foot support and overall

design

Newer BSCs incorporate footrests and height-

adjustable work surfaces

Pipettes:

Have evolved

over the years

from mouth
pipetting to
rubber suction
balls to electronic
pipette
dispensers.
Whatever the
mechanism,
repetitious
movements
occur.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics
Microscopes by nature
are not designed for
workers. Predominant
ergonomic hazards
include:
Neck flexion
Back flexion
Rounding of back and

shoulders

Ergonomics
Ergonomic improvements
begin with chair, arm and
leg interface. Utilize
adjustable chairs, analyze
work height , adequate
arm/hand rests and
micro-breaks to reduce
repetitive stress injuries
(RSIs)

 Spending long
blocks of time at
computer can lead
to repetitive
stress injuries
(RSIs)
There are many
devices available
designed to
minimize this
potential.

Ergonomics

Reduce your potential risk of RSIs by taking occasional

micro breaks. Schedule a short break after
approximately 15 minutes of continuous computer keying

Housekeeping
Keep your work
area neat at all
times.

 Do not force a rubber

stopper onto glass
tubing or
thermometers.
Lubricate the tubing
and the stopper with
glycerol or water.
Use paper or cloth
toweling to protect
your hands.
Grasp the glass close to
the stopper.

Housekeeping -Laboratory Glass

Laboratory Glass

Clean laboratory glassware at the

conclusion of your experiment. Make
sure glassware racks do not interfere
with eye wash station access.

Housekeeping -- Broken Glass

Broken,
contaminated
glassware can cause
chemical exposure
Do not use broken,
chipped, starred or
cracked glassware.
Broken glass must
be placed in a
separate container.

Take special
precautions
when handling
contaminated
glassware

Housekeeping -- Broken Glass

Do not pick up
broken glass with
bare hands

Dispose in a sealed
container.
Separate sharps:
scalpel blades
razor blades
needles

Sharps
Use needles, capillary
tubes, scalpels and
other sharp
instruments with
extreme caution to
prevent punctures and
cuts

Sharps -- Recapping
Recapping is not

recommended and is not

necessary for disposal

If recapping is imperative,

the correct procedure is:

Keep one hand behind the

back, use other hand to

scoop cover onto needle

Sharps Disposal
Put sharps in punctureresistant, leak-proof,
sharps container.
Label the container
with the word,
"SHARPS.

If not biohazardous,
deface any
"BIOHAZARD"
markings or symbols.

Seal container tightly.

Contact EHRM x4503 for pickup.

Hazardous Material Shipping

If you are going to ship hazardous materials

to another location, you must have

Department of Transportation training. The
requirements can be met by completing the
materials found at:
http://www.umt.edu/media/research/eh/
Materials/Hazardous/INFO%20%20for%20UM%20Laboratories/hazmattr
ansport.pdf

More Information
Most accidents including those in the lab working with

chemicals are caused by a lack of understanding of the

properties of the materials you are working with or a lack
of attention to detail or a combination of both.

If you have any questions about materials you are

working with, be sure and ask the responsible person in

your lab.

Please see the OSHA new guidance document on

Laboratory Safety
http://www.osha.gov/Publications/laboratory/OSHA34
04laboratory-safety-guidance.pdf

Emergency Procedures

Question: What should

you do in an emergency?
For Fire?
For Chemical Spills ?
Other emergencies?

Answer:

Call 4000
from any campus phone

Emergency Procedures
Follow the University of Montana

Emergency Procedure Guide posted in each

Lab.

US&A (v 2/07)

Fire Safety Procedures

Alert persons in area of fire

Close doors to confine fire
Activate fire alarm
Evacuate through nearest
exit
Do not use elevators
Move away from the
building.

Quiz
You need to print and complete the following quiz. Once

done, give it to the person in charge of your lab. They

will correct it and once corrected, file it in the notebook
containing the Chemical Hygiene-Lab Safety plan for
your lab.

Right click this link to open the quiz in Microsoft word:

http://www.umt.edu/media/research/eh/Materials/Haza
rdous/INFO%20%20for%20UM%20Laboratories/safetyquiz.doc

Final Steps
The final steps in this process require you to read

through the Chemical Hygiene-Lab Safety Plan for your

lab, ask your lab supervisor about any questions you
might have regarding the plan and sign the
acknowledgement page in the plan notebook.

In the course of the discussion with your lab

supervisor about the plan, you should be made aware

any special or unusual hazards in your work area.

You will not have to re-visit this training until such

time as a new hazard is introduced in your work area.

A new hazard may be a different chemical class or type
of instrument.