Chemical Hygiene Plan Safety Procedure and Policy
Tour Lab
Rice University
Last modified 26 June 2017 by Gladys Anahí López-Silva
Contents
Emergencies 4
Major Medical Emergencies 4
Minor Emergencies 4
Minor Medical Emergencies 5
Reporting Accidents 5
Chemical Hygiene Plan 6
Standard Operating Procedures 6
Personal Hygiene 9
Protective Clothing and Equipment 10
Housekeeping 10
Lab Cleanup 11
Prior Approval 12
Spills and Accidents 12
Procedure-Specific Safety Procedures 12
Procedure for Toxic Chemicals 13
Procedure for Flammable Chemicals 13
Procedure for Reactive Chemicals 14
Procedure for Corrosive Chemicals and Contact-Hazard Chemicals 14
Ventilation 15
Flammable-Liquid Storage 15
Eyewash Fountains and Safety Showers 16
Respirators 16
Vapor Detection 16
Carcinogens, Reproductive Toxins, Substances with High Acute Toxicity 16
Using the Parr Hydrogenator 17
Nitrations 18
Responsibility of the Last Person to Leave the lab 19
Responsibility of the Last Person to Leave the lab 19
Disability Clause 19
Chemical Hygiene Plan - Tour Lab
Emergencies
Major Medical Emergencies If it is not prac-cal to move the ill or injured individual, call the Rice University Police and they will obtain an ambulance and escort it to the loca-on of the emergency.
DO NOT PLACE A 911 CALL -‐ THE RICE UNIVERSITY POLICE WILL DO THIS.
For job sustained injury/illness, all pa-ents should be taken to Hermann Hospital's Emergency Room, 6411 Fannin (713-‐704-‐4060) or their own hospital of choice. Hospital personnel should be told it is an on-‐the-‐job injury for Rice University, if applicable. Proof of Rice employment, such as a campus ID card, will be required. A First Report of Injury Form must also be filed with the Risk Manager, VP for Investments/Treasurer.
For emergencies that would require ambulance transport, HFD is the transpor-ng agency in this area and they will take you to the closest appropriate (and open) emergency room. Almost always, this is one of the emergency rooms in the medical center:
Memorial Hermann – 713-‐704-‐4060 Ben Taub General Hospital – 713-‐873-‐2000 Methodist Hospital – 713-‐394-‐6000 St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital – 832-‐355-‐2121
For emergencies involving serious chemical exposure/spill/inhala-on injury, Memorial Hermann is the best facility in the area that can manage these injuries, and REMS/HFD will always recommend this facility.
Minor Emergencies Minor emergencies, injuries, or illnesses, any of the emergency rooms are fine, and there are also three stand-‐alone emergency rooms in the area that are frequented by Rice personnel:
St. Luke’s Urgent Care (2727 West Holcombe Blvd.; Phone: 832-‐355-‐7525) Elite Care (2500 Rice Blvd.; Phone: 713-‐955-‐1216) Methodist Urgent Care (2615 Southwest Freeway; Phone: 713-‐441-‐ 3724).
When the injury or illness involves a chemical, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) should accompany the vic-m to the hospital (SDS available at hdps://ehs.ucop.edu/sds/#/msdscse). The procedure outlined above applies to all individuals receiving pay from Rice University who are injured or become ill while performing an ac-vity that directly benefits Rice University. If transporta-on is
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unavailable within the injured's department, a request may be made to the Campus Police to provide such. Undergraduate students who are injured/become ill and who might require hospitaliza-on should go to Park Plaza Hospital's Emergency Room (713-‐527-‐5129, Rice ID required) or the hospital of their choice.
Minor Medical Emergencies
On-‐the-‐job, minor medical injuries/illness (i.e., falls, cuts, sprains and strains) involving employees should be reported immediately to the injured's supervisor. The supervisor should fill out a First Report of Injury Form (available from Human Resources or the Environmental Health & Safety Department). If medical aden-on is required, the injured should be taken to Hermann Hospital's Emergency Room, 6411 Fannin (713-‐704-‐4060) or their physician of choice. Undergraduate students who incur a minor injury during normal class/working hours should be referred to the Student Health Services at Brown College, x4966 or x2326.
Reporting Accidents To report an accident, "near miss" or hazardous situa-on on campus not involving an injury, contact the Environmental Health & Safety Department, x4444. Complete an Accident/Incident Report Form and submit it to your Department Head and the Environmental Health & Safety Department. Forms are available from EH&S Emergency procedures (hdps://safety.rice.edu/Procedures/Emergency_Procedures/).
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Chemical Hygiene Plan
Standard Operating Procedures 1. Avoid working alone in a laboratory or chemical storage area. When you must, take extra
precau-on to ensure your safety. When working in the solvent storage area in the third floor laboratory, prop the door open as wide as it can be opened to permit proper airflow. When working in the liquid nitrogen holding area on the second floor, prop at least two doors all the way open before entering or else asphyxia-on can result. Use the provided door stoppers. If they are not to be found, then use another type of adequate door stopper and order a new set of door stoppers to replace the old ones.
2. Wear appropriate eye protec-on at all -mes; see Protec've Clothing and Equipment. 3. When working with flammable chemicals, be certain that there are no sources of igni-on
near enough to cause a fire or explosion in the event of a vapor release or liquid spill. 4. Use a blast shield for protec-on whenever an explosion or implosion might occur. 5. If working with pyrophoric materials such as alkyllithiums, alkylaluminums, or compounds
that easily ignite surrounding solvent when exposed to air such as potassium metal, sodium/potassium alloy, etc., be equipped with a fire-‐resistant lab coat. Read the following:
• hdp://chemjobber.blogspot.com/2009/05/if-‐i-‐were-‐working-‐with-‐tert.html • hdp://blink.ucsd.edu/safety/research-‐lab/chemical/chua/hazard-‐control-‐plan/index.html#Pyrophoric-‐materials
6. Upon first working in a lab, and renew the process each six months, walk around the lab and place your hand on every safety shower handle, and every fire ex-nguisher. This should become a second nature process to locate these facili-es in an emergency.
7. If you are ever on fire, get under the lab shower immediately, even if a small fire. If you see someone on fire, pull them under the lab shower immediately and pull the handle for them. If you ever get chemicals in your eyes or on your skin, go to the eye wash immediately or under the lab shower—DO NOT GO HOME to shower. Shower immediately in the lab, stripping your clothing, and just using another’s lab coat to cover yourself aoerwards. Call the campus police for medical help so that you can be properly treated on site or in the hospital, as directed. Or have another call for you.
8. If there is a small lab fire, adempt to put it out while shou-ng “fire”. But if at all out of control, shout, “fire” and flee the lab and pull the fire alarm on the way out of the building. The hoods are fire safe, so if there is a fire raging in the hood, just shut the sash and pull the fire alarm on the way out, or call Rice Police at x6000 aoer leaving the lab, shou-ng “fire!”. Watch the following video:
• hdps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLjoWjCrDqg
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9. We gather outside the building in the athle-c field next to the parking lot for head count. 10. You are required to ALWAYS wear lab glasses or goggles and a lab coat and closed-‐toe shoes
in the lab. 11. Never put your head in a hood. Always have your hood sash down when you are not using
your hood at that moment. If using your hood, be sure to keep it as low as possible so that just your hands can enter. If an explosion hazard exists, also use a blast shield in front of you. No reac-ons are permided on the bench-‐top, only in the hood with sash down.
12. For those working with strong acids (pH < 2) and bases (pH > 10), or strong oxidizers such as Piranha etch or potassium permanganate or 30% hydrogen peroxide or perchlorate, it is required that you wear lab coat, rubber lab smock, safety glasses and face shield—we have all this equipment in the labs. Recall, be very careful with these acids and bases and oxidizers. One drop in your eye and you are blind. A splash in your face and you will be DISFIGURED FOR LIFE! This is serious business; take it seriously. See the following links:
• hdps://ehs.utoronto.ca/wp-‐content/uploads/2017/01/Handling-‐and-‐using-‐Piranha-‐Solu-on-‐Updated.pdf
• hdp://qb3.berkeley.edu/bnc/wp-‐content/uploads/2016/03/Cleanroom-‐Safety-‐and-‐Protocol_2008_Sep_9.pdf
13. For those of you working with potassium and Na/K alloys, you must rinse all glassware in the hood, very carefully, before bringing it out to the sink. Please consult the manual for safely working with alkali metals and how to rinse and properly deac-vate this material. Please do this! You are required to do so. See the following links:
• hdp://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ie50554a022 • hdp://www.chemengr.ucsb.edu/~ceweb/faculty/scod/Chemical%20SOPs/Sodium.pdf
14. Be careful with the s-lls! Read this: • hdp://safetyservices.ucdavis.edu/safetynet/solvent-‐s-lls
15. No open flames in the lab. 16. No running in the lab except in an emergency. No horse-‐play or wrestling in the lab. 17. f working with alkyllithium or other alkylmetals, be sure you understand how to use a
syringe or cannula properly and how to properly transfer these materials and how to quench these compounds. You must follow proper safety clothing precau-ons and handing instruc-ons. See Professor Tour if ques-ons; he has worked for many years and he can train you. Read the following for instruc-ons and observa-ons about handling these reagents from experienced lab personnel. Read the following links:
• hdp://chemjobber.blogspot.com/2009/05/if-‐i-‐were-‐working-‐with-‐tert.html • hdp://blink.ucsd.edu/safety/research-‐lab/chemical/chua/hazard-‐control-‐plan/index.html#Pyrophoric-‐materials
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18. Leaking manifolds allow air to enter a vacuum system. The liquid nitrogen trap can condense the oxygen into a liquid state. The danger presents itself when the liquid nitrogen either runs dry or the Dewar is removed. The liquid oxygen can quickly form back into gas with enough internal pressure to cause the vacuum manifold system to literally explode. Although it rarely occurs to that extent (if vacuum lines are maintained well) all lab workers should be aware of the hazard and course of ac-on below. If you remove a filled N2 Dewar from your system and no-ce liquid inside the trap:
1. Assume it is oxygen and first “REPLACE DEWAR IMMEDIATELY!” 2. Turn off vacuum pumps. 3. Place a shield in between you and the Dewar. 4. Release vacuum and open system to atmosphere through largest (and closest) ports
available. 5. Leave shielded and untouched un-l all N2 and O2 has returned to gas form and
vented out the hood. NOTE: If it can be done easily (while s-ll in filled N2 Dewar with ports open fully) disconnect trap from the system and move all to a shielded fume hood with all valves open. Post a sign indica-ng the situa-on and let the vacuum trap warm un-l no liquid remains inside it.
6. Read the following: hdp://chemistry.mit.edu/department-‐resources/environmental-‐health-‐safety/safety-‐notes/liquid-‐nitrogen (from where the informa-on above is taken).
19. If working with high voltage or moderate current sources, please consult with Carter Kidrell or other electronics technician for safety instruc-ons before proceeding. Contact of other equipment, wires, conduc-ve materials and/or body parts with high voltages can lead to shorted equipment, sparks that produce fires, electrocu-on and death. So please be very careful. If you have never used the high voltage instrument or equipment before, obtain training from someone who knows how to use it. Always wear shoes and stay out of contact with other conductors when working with such equipment. Set all variacs on a cork ring so that it is elevated above the hood’s bench surface. That way, if the hood’s bench-‐top becomes flooded, the variac will not be si|ng in water.
20. We have a weekly lab safety session at the start of every group mee-ng. Take this seriously. We cover every page in our lab manual during the course of these mee-ngs, so you must pay aden-on. It is your job and responsibility to comply with the safety regula-ons. All previous safety presenta-on slides are posted on the group safety website page for your review as needed.
21. When you start working in the lab, you must read the chemical hygiene plan and this laboratory plan in total and sign the verifica-on that you read and agreed to strictly follow these prac-ces. The verifica-on sheet can be obtained here: hdps://docs.google.com/forms/d/1TQN1GJA0A1_HPGVw6LKqp4I9ESAG-‐EkZqVeoubIDmfg/edit. This Hygiene plan
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must be re-‐read every 12 months and the verifica-on must be re-‐signed. This applies to anyone that will conduct any research in the Tour-‐group laboratories.
22. Our number one reason for this document is to provide a safe environment for all laboratory workers. Therefore, compliance with this Chemical Hygiene Plan is not op-onal. It is mandatory. Failure to comply with the Chemical Hygiene Plan will result in a warning with a no-ce inserted in the HR files, and possible termina-on. A second viola-on could result in your termina-on.
23. If anyone working in the laboratory no-ces unsafe prac-ces by others, or inadequate safety equipment being provided, they are obliged to inform Professor Tour, the Laboratory Manager, Rice Health and Safety or the Human Resources Office. Efforts will be made to ensure proper equipment or training are applied and implemented.
1. All gas cylinders, whether they have a regulator affixed or not, must be strapped to a sturdy bench or table using a table-‐strap fixture, or to a mounted wall brace, using approved fabric or nylon straps or chains. Tubing is not an approved strapping material.
2. For the chemicals they are working with, all employees and students should know and constantly be aware of:
• The chemicals’ hazards, as determined from the SDS and other appropriate references.
• Appropriate safeguards for using that chemical, including personal protec-ve equipment.
• The loca-on and proper use of emergency equipment. • How and where to properly store the chemical when it is not in use. • Proper personal hygiene prac-ces.
• The proper methods of transpor-ng chemicals within the facility. A rubberized or plas-c carry jacket must be used when transpor-ng chemicals out of the designated laboratory area. If several items must be transported at once, they must be placed on a rimmed cart.
• Appropriate procedures for emergencies, including evacua-on routes, spill cleanup procedures and proper waste disposal.
Personal Hygiene 1. Wash promptly whenever a chemical has contacted the skin. 2. Avoid inhala-on of chemicals; do not “sniff” to test chemicals. 3. Do not use mouth suc-on to pipede anything; use suc-on bulbs. 4. Wash well with soap and water before leaving the laboratory; do not wash with solvents. 5. Do not drink, eat, smoke, or apply cosme-cs in the laboratory.
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6. Do not bring food, beverage, tobacco, or cosme-c products into chemical storage areas or use areas. 7. Do not discard food wrappers or waste in the laboratory trash bins.
Protective Clothing and Equipment 1. Eye protec-on worn when working with chemicals should meet the requirements of the
American Na-onal Standards Ins-tute (ANSI) Z87. Wear goggles such as type G, H, or I at all -mes. When working with more than 30 mL of a corrosive liquid, also wear a face shield, type N, large enough to protect the chin, neck, and ears, as well as the face.
2. When working with corrosive liquids, also wear gloves made of material known to be resistant to permea-on by the corrosive chemical and tested by air infla-on (do not inflate by mouth) for the absence of pin-‐hole leaks.
3. When working with chemicals, shorts and short-‐sleeve shirts will only be permided with the use of either a high-‐necked, calf-‐ or ankle-‐length, rubberized laboratory apron or a long-‐sleeve, calf-‐ or ankle-‐length laboratory coat as indicated by Rice University’s Environmental Health and Safety office.
4. When working with allergenic, sensi-zing, or toxic compounds, wear gloves made of material known to be tested and found to be resistant to permea-on by the chemical and tested for the absence of pin holes.
5. Always wear low-‐heeled shoes with fully covering “uppers”. Do not wear shoes with open toes (this includes sandals).
6. Whenever exposure by inhala-on is likely to exceed the threshold limits described in the MSDS use a hood; if this is not possible a respirator must be worn. Consult with your supervisor before doing any such work.
7. Carefully inspect all protec-ve equipment before using. Do not use defec-ve protec-ve equipment and report all defec-ve equipment to the lab safety officer.
8. A laboratory coat is required at all -mes when working in the laboratory. We have two fire-‐retardant lab coats available for your use if you are working with pyrophorics such as alkyl metals, metal hydrides, or with sodium or potassium or other elements or compounds that can easily combust when in contact with air, water, or solvents or combina-ons thereof. If there is any possibility regarding a fire hazard, please wear the fire resistant lab coats.
9. If you are feeling sick or nauseated, cease working in the laboratory and seek medical aden-on as outlined above.
Housekeeping 1. Access to emergency equipment, showers, eyewashes, and exits should NEVER be blocked
by anything, not even a temporarily parked chemical cart or cluder around the sink area.
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2. To avoid a flood, dirty glassware should never be leo in the bodom of the sink. 3. Liquids should never be stored above 5’6” or above any solid chemicals. 4. All chemical containers must be labeled in English with at least the iden-ty of the contents
and the hazards those contents present to the users. 5. Keep all work areas, especially laboratory benches, clear of cluder. 6. Keep all aisles, hallways, and stairs clear of all chemicals. 7. All chemicals should be placed in their assigned storage areas at the end of each workday. 8. At the end of each workday, the contents of all unmarked containers are to be considered
wastes. 9. Wastes should be properly labeled and kept in their proper containers. 10.Promptly clean up all spills; properly dispose of the spilled chemical and cleanup materials.
Contact the Environmental Safety Office at x4444 for assistance. 11.All working surfaces and floors should be cleaned regularly. 12.No chemicals are to stored in aisles or stairwells, on desks or laboratory benches, on floors
or in hallways, or to be leo overnight on the workbenches. 13.Horseplay and running in the laboratory are strictly forbidden. 14.Each lab member has a responsibility to report and address unsafe prac-ces. Contact
persons are: • Dus-n James, Ph.D. Email: [email protected] Office: 713-‐348-‐6247 Cell: 832-‐265-‐4347
• Professor Tour Email: [email protected] Office: 713-‐348-‐6246 Home: 713 668 9815
•Mrs. Tour’s Cell Phone: 713 539 4908 (she can ooen access Prof. Tour aoer hours).
• Prof. Tour’s cell phone (only carried when on travel out of town): 713 539 4886
• Rice University Health and Safety Office: 713-‐348-‐4444 • Rice University Human Resources Email: [email protected] • Office: 713-‐348-‐2514
• To report the presence of unknown or unauthorized persons in the lab, fires or other immediate safety concerns, call the Rice Police Department, 713-‐348-‐6000.
Lab Cleanup 1. Lab cleanups are scheduled three -mes per year. All group members are expected to be
present and on -me. During cleanup, the following areas must be addressed: • Glassware, benches, and desks must be thoroughly cleaned.
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• Samples must be removed from common areas (instrument room, balances etc.).
• Safety issues listed in Sec-on 1.4 must be addressed.
• Common areas must be cleaned. Each lab member is also responsible for cleaning the instrument/equipment for which they are responsible, as well as the area around the instrument.
• All trash must be removed from the lab.
• Never discard glass or needles in the normal trash bins. Use only the approved glass trash bins or the sharp device discard boxes.
Prior Approval Laboratory employees and students must obtain prior approval to proceed with a laboratory task from the principle inves-gator whenever:
1. A new laboratory procedure is to be carried out. 2. It is likely that toxic limit concentra-ons could be exceeded or that other harm is likely. 3. There is a change in a procedure or test, even it is very similar to prior prac-ces. “Change in
a procedure or test” means: • A 10% or greater increase or decrease in the amount of one or more chemicals used.
• A subs-tu-on or dele-on of any of the chemicals in a procedure. • Any change in other condi-ons, such as temperature or pressure, under which the procedure is to be conducted. 4. There is a failure of any of the equipment used in the process, especially of safeguards such as fume hoods or clamped apparatus.
4. There are unexpected results. 5. Members of the laboratory staff become ill, suspect that they or others have been exposed,
or otherwise suspect a failure of any safeguards.
Spills and Accidents Spills of toxic substances or accidents involving any hazardous chemical should be resolved immediately. Read the following link:
• hdps://www.egr.msu.edu/eceshop/cleanroom/sop/ERC%20Clean%20Room%20Standard%20Opera-ng%20Procedure%20Chemical%20Spill.pdf
Procedure-Specific Safety Procedures All laboratory procedures must contain a wriden descrip-on of specific safety prac-ces incorpora-ng the applicable precau-ons described in this sec-on. Employees should read and understand these prac-ces before commencing a procedure.
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Procedure for Toxic Chemicals The SDSs for many of the chemicals used in the laboratory will state recommended limits or OSHA-‐mandated limits, or both, as guidelines for exposure. Typical limits are threshold limit values (TLV), permissible exposure limits (PEL), and ac-on levels. When such limits are stated, they will be used to assist the chemical hygiene officer in determining the safety precau-ons, control measure, and safety apparel that apply when working with toxic chemicals.
When a TLV or PEL value is less that 60 or 100, the user of the chemical must use it in an opera-ng fume hood, glove box, vacuum line, or similar device, which is equipped with appropriate traps and/or scrubbers. If none are available, no work should performed using that chemical.
If a TLV, PEL, or comparable value is not available for that substance, the animal or human median inhala-on lethal concentra-on informa-on, LC50, will be assessed. If that value is less than 200 ppm or 2000mg/m3 (when administered con-nuously for one hour or less) suggested, then the chemical must be used in a opera-ng fume hood, glove box, vacuum line, or similar device, which is equipped with the appropriate traps and/or scrubbers. If none are available, no work should be performed using that chemical.
Whenever laboratory handling of toxic substances with moderate or greater vapor pressures will be likely to exceed air concentra-on limits, laboratory work with such liquids or solids will be conducted in an opera-ng fume hood, glove box, vacuum line, or similar device, which is equipped with the appropriate traps and/or scrubbers. If none are available, no work should be performed using that chemical.
Procedure for Flammable Chemicals In general, the flammability of a chemical is determined by its flash point, the lowest temperature at which an igni-on source can cause the chemical to ignite momentarily under certain controlled condi-ons.
• Chemicals with a flash point below 200 F (93.3 C) will be considered “fire-‐hazard chemicals”.
• OSHA standards and the Na-onal Fire Protec-on Associa-on (NFPA) guidelines on when a chemical is considered flammable apply to the use of flammable chemicals in the laboratory. In all work with fire-‐hazard chemicals, follow the requirements of 29 CFR, subparts H and L; NFPA Manual 30, “Flammable and Combus-ble Liquids Code”; and NFPA Manual 45, “Fire Protec-on for Laboratories Using Chemicals”.
• Fire-‐hazard chemicals should be stored in a flammable-‐solvent storage area or in storage cabinets designed for flammable solvents.
• Fire-‐hazard chemicals should be used only in vented hoods and away from sources of igni-on.
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Procedure for Reactive Chemicals The most complete and reliable reference on chemical reac-vity is found in the current edi-on of “Handbook of Reac-ve Chemical Hazards” by L. Bretherick, published by Buderworths. Reac-vity informa-on is some-mes given in the manufacturers SDS and on labels. Guideline on which chemicals are reac-ve can be found in regula-ons promulgated by the Department of Transporta-on (DOT) in 49 CFR and by the Environmental Protec-on Agency (EPA) in 40 CFR. Also see NFPA Manual 325M, “Fire Hazard Proper-es of Flammable Liquids, Gases, Vola-le Solids”; Manual 49, “Hazardous Chemical Data”; and Manual 491M, “Manual of Hazardous Chemical Reac-ons”.
A reac-ve chemical is one that: • Is described as such in Bretherick or the SDS, • Is ranked by the NFPA as 3 or 4 for reac-vity, • Is iden-fied by the DOT as:
• An oxidizer • An organic peroxide, or • An explosive, Class A, B, or C,
• Fits the EPA defini-on of reac-ve in 40 CFR 261.23 • Fits the OSHA defini-on of unstable in 29 CFR 1910.1450, or • Is known or found to be reac-ve with other substances.
Handle reac-ve chemicals with all proper safety precau-ons, including segrega-on in storage and prohibi-on on mixing even small quan--es with other chemicals without prior approval and appropriate personal protec-on and precau-ons.
Procedure for Corrosive Chemicals and Contact-Hazard Chemicals Corrosivity, allergenic, and sensi-zer informa-on is some-mes given in manufacturers’ MSDS and on labels. Also, guidelines on which chemicals are corrosive can be found in other OSHA standards and in regula-ons promulgated by DOT in 49 CFR and the EPA in 40 CFR.
A corrosive chemical is one that: • Fits the OSHA defini-on of corrosive in Appendix A of 29 CFR 1910.1200, • Fits the EPA defini-on of corrosive in 40 CFR 261.22 (has a pH greater that 12 or less that 2.5), or
• Is known or found to be corrosive to living -ssue. • A contact-‐hazard chemical is an allergen or sensi-zer that: • Is so iden-fied or described in the MSDS or on the label, • Is so iden-fied or described in the medical or industrial hygiene literature, or • Is known or found to be an allergen or sensi-zer.
Except as noted in 2.1.3(1), handle corrosive substances with all proper safety precau-ons, including wearing both safety goggles and face shield, gloves tested for absence or pin holes and known to be resistant to permea-on, and a laboratory apron or coat.
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Ventilation Laboratory ven-la-on should be not less that six air changes per hour (calculated). This flow is not necessarily sufficient to prevent accumula-on of chemical vapors. Work with toxic chemicals that have low air concentra-on limits, or that have high vapor pressures, should always be done in a hood.
Fume hoods should provide 70 to 90 linear feet per minute of air flow. The hoods in the lab are equipped with a monitor that con-nuously monitors the air flow and will sound an alarm if the air flow drops too far. If this occurs, immediately stop all chemical work, close chemical containers, lower the sash and contact Facili-es at 713-‐348-‐2485.
Laboratory employees should understand and comply with: • A fume hood is a safety backup for condensers, traps, or other devices that collect vapors and fumes. It is not used to “dispose” of chemicals by evapora-on unless the vapors are trapped and recovered for proper waste disposal.
• The apparatus inside the hood should be placed on the floor of the hood at least six inches away from the front edge.
• Fume hood windows should be lowered (closed) at all -mes except when necessary to raise (open) them to adjust the apparatus inside the hood.
• The hood fan should be kept “on” whenever a chemical is inside the hood, whether or not any work is being done in the hood.
• Personnel should be aware of the steps to be taken in the event of power failure or other hood failure.
• Inspect hood vent ducts and fans at frequent intervals to be sure they are both clean and clear of obstruc-ons.
• Hoods should never be used as storage areas for chemicals, apparatus, or other materials.
Flammable-Liquid Storage Fire-‐hazard chemicals (see paragraph 2.2.2a) in quan--es greater that 4 L should be kept in metal safety cans designed for such storage. The cans should be used only as recommended by the manufacturer, including the following safety procedures:
• Never disable the spring loaded closure. • Always keep the flame-‐arrestor screen in place, replace if punctured or damaged.
Cabinets designed for the storage of flammable materials should be properly used and maintained. Read and follow the manufacturer’s informa-on and also follow these safety prac-ces:
• Store only compa-ble materials inside a cabinet. • Do not store paper or cardboard or other combus-ble packaging material in a flammable-‐liquid storage cabinet.
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• The manufacturer establishes quan-ty limits for various sizes of flammable-‐liquid storage cabinets, do not overload a cabinet.
Eyewash Fountains and Safety Showers Laboratories are equipped with eyewashes and safety showers. These are located so they can reached from any point in the laboratory, as specified in ANSI Z358.1.
Check the func-oning of eyewash fountains weekly and the func-oning of safety showers annually. Promptly report any facility with low water flow requirements to the work control center at x2485.
Be sure that access to eyewash fountains and safety showers is not restricted or blocked by temporary storage of objects or in any other way.
Respirators Employees should wear respirators whenever it is possible that engineering controls or work prac-ces could become or are ineffec-ve and that employees might be exposed to vapor or par-culate concentra-ons greater than the PEL, ac-on level, TLV, or similar limit, whichever is lowest.
The requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134 should be followed, including in par-cular: wriden standard opera-ng procedures governing the selec-on and use of respirators. All employees who are likely to need to use respirators must be trained in their proper use, inspec-on, and maintenance. (See “NIOSH Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protec-on”, DHHS Publ. No. 87-‐0116, NIOSH, Cincinna-, 1987, for details.)
Vapor Detection Do not use odor as a means of determining that inhala-on exposure limits are or are not being exceeded. Whenever there is reason to suspect that a toxic chemical inhala-on limit might be exceeded, whether or not a suspicious odor is no-ced, no-fy the supervisor. Laboratory workers should wear a respirator suitable for protec-on against the suspect chemical un-l measurements of the concentra-on of the suspect vapor in the air show that the limit is not exceeded. Under this circumstance and if there is no reason to an-cipate an increase in the concentra-on of the chemical, and if the supervisor approves, the respirator can be removed and the work may con-nue.
Carcinogens, Reproductive Toxins, Substances with High Acute Toxicity Follow the procedures described in this sec-on when performing laboratory work with greater than 100 mg of any carcinogen, reproduc-ve toxin, substance that has a high degree of acute toxicity, or a chemical whose toxic proper-es are unknown.
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The following defini-ons will apply: • Select carcinogen: Any substance defined as such in 29 CFR 1910.1450 and any other substance described as such in the applicable MSDS.
• Reproduc-ve toxin: Any substance described as such in the applicable MSDS • Substances with a high degree of acute toxicity: Any substance for which the LD50 data described in the applicable MSDS cause the substance to be classified as a “highly toxic chemical” as defined in ANSI Z129.1.
• Chemical whose toxic proper-es are unknown: A chemical for which there is no known sta-s-cally significant study conducted in accordance with established scien-fic principles that establishes its toxicity.
• For the purposes of the CHP, chemicals in these four categories will be called “inimical”.
• Designated area: A hood, glove box, por-on of a laboratory, or an en-re laboratory room designated as the only area where work with quan--es of inimical chemicals in excess of the specified limit shall be conducted.
Designated areas should be posted and their boundaries clearly marked. Only those persons trained to work with inimical chemicals will work with those chemicals in a designated area. All such persons will:
• Use the smallest amount of chemical that is consistent with the requirements of the work to be done.
• Use high-‐efficiency par-culate air (HEPA) filters or high-‐efficiency scrubber systems to protect vacuum lines and pumps.
• Store inimical chemicals or remove them from storage. • Decontaminate a designated area when work is completed • Prepare wastes from work with inimical chemicals for waste disposal in accordance with specific disposal procedures consistent with the Resource Conserva-on and Recovery Act (RCRA) and as designated by Rice University’s hazardous waste officer.
Store all inimical chemicals in locked and enclosed spaces with a slight nega-ve pressure compared to the rest of the building.
Because the decontamina-on of jewelry may be difficult or impossible, do not wear jewelry when working in designated areas.
Using the Parr Hydrogenator Hydrogena-on is a common synthe-c tool and ooen requires the use of a Parr hydrogenator. The following procedures must be used when working with this apparatus to minimize injury to yourself or others due to a flash fire. Always an-cipate that a fire could occur. Typically, when a fire is contained within the bodle, a watch glass or beaker can be placed over the opening and
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the fire will ex-nguish. DO NOT PANIC! BE READY FOR THE POSSIBILITY THAT A FIRE CAN OCCUR BEFORE BEGINNING.
• Always wear goggles, gloves, and a lab coat when se|ng up any hydrogena-on reac-on. Always assume a flash fire is likely to occur.
• Methanol should be avoided as the solvent when using a palladium catalyst since a fire is almost always likely. If you must use methanol, and water is not a problem, wet the catalyst before adding the methanol.
• Clear the work area before beginning your work and remove flammable objects. Ensure the reac-on flask is clamped down before adding any reagents.
• In the hood, first add the catalyst to the bodle, then with a slow nitrogen purge add the solvent down the side of the bodle and cover the catalyst. Never fill the bodle more than half full. Next, add the compound you wish to hydrogenate and stopper the flask before removing it from the hood.
• Do not pressurize the bodle to more than 40 psi, unless it is a new bodle. Even then, do not pressurize above 50 psi and never pressurize a 500 mL bodle or larger with more than 40 psi.
• Always keep the high-‐pressure tank closed and do not leave the apparatus unadended un-l the possibility of pressure from a heated or poten-ally exothermic reac-on has stabilized.
• Ensure a blast shield is securely in place in the event of a sudden explosion. • Aoer hydrogena-on is complete and the reac-on has cooled to room temperature, add a blanket of nitrogen twice to the flask before the bodle is removed from the shaker.
• Filter the reac-on mixture through celite because it does not burn and wash with methylene chloride.
• Dispose of the used catalyst and celite in the solid waste container in the lab.
Nitrations When running or working up a nitra-on you must use a blast shield, safety glasses, face shield, rubber gloves, and rubber apron. The first -me a new compound is nitrated, do not exceed 1 g of star-ng material. Run the nitra-on mul-ple -mes at 1 g before scaling up. 10 g is the upper limit when running a nitra-on.
When drying a nitrated aroma-c compound, ensure this happens in the hood behind a blast shield. It is common for explosions to occur upon drying, use them as “wet” compounds if at all possible.
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Responsibility of the Last Person to Leave the lab If you are the last person to leave the lab at night, ensure the following tasks are completed and sign and date the sign out sheet on the door.
• All nitrogen bubblers have a flow rate of less than 1 bubble per second or less. • All hood sashes in the lab are completely closed. • All water lines are secured with copper wire via two rota-ons of wire around the connec-on nipple and then firm securing with pliers making a double twist. If unclear, see Professor Tour and he will teach you. Most laboratory floods occur by failure to properly secure tubing to condenser nipples.
• All faucets are tuned off (except those used for reac-ons in progress). • All variacs are on cork rings. • All s-lls are turned off and the THF s-ll is on low. • All the lights are turned off, including the lights in the hoods. • All the lab doors are locked, including the doors to the instrument and computer rooms.
Responsibility of the Last Person to Leave the lab Everyone in the lab must make a conscious effort to adhere to the safety guidelines established herein; otherwise the following disciplinary ac-on will be brought against them.
Mistakes will be made and things will be forgoden, that is understandable. However, if it becomes apparent that a student consistently and willfully fails to follow the guidelines established in this document, as determined by the lab safety officer and/or the principle inves-gator, the following ac-ons will be taken:
• A leder of reprimand will be filed with the principle inves-gator and Rice University’s Environmental Health and Safety Office indica-ng refusal to follow lab safety protocol.
• The student(s) will be no-fied that such ac-on has taken place in hopes to prevent a future viola-on.
• Viola-ons of this nature could result in termina-on from the group.
Disability Clause In the event you are unable to conform to the safety guidelines established herein due to a medical or psychological reason, a physician’s note on office lederhead must be filed with the lab safety officer before beginning work.
For further reference please see “The Tour Group Research Handbook” at www.jmtour.com as well as www.rice.edu/ehs. The Department of Chemistry Safety web site is at hdp://chemistry.rice.edu/safety/, where the Department of Chemistry Safety Manual is posted along with Materials Safety Data Sheets.
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