CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN AND
LABORATORY GUIDE

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
ehs.ua.edu
September, 2013

The University of Alabama is committed to full compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding hazardous materials. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) has overall responsibility for policies and procedures for hazardous materials management on campus. The Assistant Director of Compliance at Environmental Health and Safety is the University's Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) with responsibility for oversight of hazardous materials management and the Chemical Safety Manager (CSM) is responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs for chemical safety. The CHO and CSM are responsible (1) for developing and maintaining University policies related to the purchase, receipt, storage, security, transportation, use, and disposal of all hazardous materials and (2) for designing and conducting training programs for University personnel regarding hazardous materials management.

Colleges, schools, departments, or other units using or generating

hazardous materials are responsible for maintaining accurate records to track hazardous materials from their purchase or generation through  their storage or disposal and for getting proper review or approval before ordering or using these materials. Colleges, schools, departments, or other units may develop policies or procedures for dealing with hazardous materials within their units, but these policies are subject to review by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety and must be consistent with University policies.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE

I.	General Requirements

A.	Definitions and Scope

B.	Basic Rules

C.	Housekeeping

D.	Maintenance

E.	Guarding and Shielding

F.	Glassware

G.	Flammable Hazards

H.	Design

I.	Record-keeping

J.	Electrical Hazards
A.	
K.	Gas Systems and Reactions

L.	Compressed Gases

M.	Cryogenics

N.	Animal Care

O.	Ionizing Radiation Hazards

P.	Non-ionizing Radiation Hazards

Q.	Ventilation

R.	Right to Know

S.	Chemical Disposal

T.	Bloodborne Pathogens

U.	Biological Safety

V.	Material Safety Data Sheets

W.	Visitors

II.	Safety Equipment and Procedures

A.	Standard Operating Procedures

B.	First Aid

C.	Personal Protective Equipment

D.	Emergency Safety Equipment
A.	
E.	Fire Safety

F.	Spill Policy

G.	Evacuation

H.	Noise

I.	Signs and Labeling

J.	Lockout/Tagout

K.	Working Alone Policy

III.	Procedures for Working with Toxic Materials

A.	Precautions

B.	Chemicals of High Chronic and Acute Toxicity

C.	Carcinogens

D.	Teratogens and Mutagens

E.	Allergens and Embryotoxins

F.	Animal Work with Chemicals of High Chronic Toxicity

G.	Pesticides

H.	Epoxy Resin Components

I.	Peroxide Formers

J.	Acute Respiratory Hazards
A.	
K.	Corrosive Chemicals

IV.	Chemical Management

A.	Chemical Procurement and Storage

B.	Incompatibles

C.	Chemical Inventory

D.	New Compounds

E.	Labeling

F.	Transport of Chemicals

G.	Experimentation Unattended

V.	Program Requirements

A.	Responsibilities

B.	Monitoring

C.	Training

D.	Medical Surveillance

Appendix A Peroxide Forming Chemicals Appendix B Personal Protective Equipment Appendix C Formaldehyde Program Appendix D Carcinogens

Appendix E TSCA

I.	GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A.	DEFINITIONS AND SCOPE

1.	"ADEM" means the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

2.	"Hazardous Chemical" means a chemical for which there is evidence based on at least one study that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed individuals

3.	"HEPA" means a high efficiency particulate absolute filter capable of trapping 99.97% of all particles with a diameter greater than 0.3 microns.

4."Laboratory" means a facility where the laboratory use (bench scale) of potentially hazardous materials or chemicals occurs.

5.	"OSHA" means the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

6.	"PEL" means the permissible exposure level based upon an 8 hour day as established by OSHA.

7."TLV" means the threshold limit value based upon an 8 hour day as established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist.

8.	"Potentially Hazardous" means that due to the characteristics of the material or the methods or equipment used, there is a significant potential for an accident or injury to occur.

9.	The Chemical Hygiene Program will cover all science-related laboratories on the University of Alabama campus that present any chemical, radiological, biological or physical hazards. Specific plans for these hazards are supplements to this plan.
8.	
B.	BASIC RULES

1.	Avoid skin and eye contact with all chemicals.

2.	Minimize all chemical exposures.

3.	Assume that all chemicals of unknown toxicity are highly toxic.

4.	Post warning signs when unusual hazards, such as radiation, laser operations, flammable materials, biological hazards, or other special problems are present.

5.	Avoid distracting or startling persons working in the laboratory.

6.	Use equipment only for its designated purpose.

7.	Combine reagents in their appropriate order.

8.	Avoid adding solids to hot liquids.

9.	A continued emphasis should be placed by all laboratory personnel on safety and chemical hygiene at all times.

10.	Never leave containers of chemicals open.

11.	Unlabeled chemicals should never be used. All containers must have appropriate labels.

12.	Do not taste or intentionally sniff chemicals.

13.	Employees and students must not smoke, consume food or beverages, apply cosmetics or store food and beverages in areas where hazardous chemicals are used or stored.

14.	Mouth suction for pipetting or starting a siphon shall not be used.

15.	Wash exposed areas of the skin prior to leaving the laboratory.
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16.	Long hair and loose clothing must be confined.]

17.	Safety glasses should be worn in any area where chemicals are used or stored. They should also be worn any time there is a chance of splashes or particulates to enter the eye.

18.	Closed toe shoes shall be worn at all times in the laboratory. Perforated shoes or sandals are not considered appropriate.

19.	Determine the potential hazards and appropriate safety precautions before beginning any work.

20.	Procedures should be developed which minimize the formation and dispersion of aerosols.

21.	If a chemical is produced in the laboratory whose composition is unknown, it shall be assumed the material is hazardous.

22.	Keep all sink traps (including cup sink traps) filled with water by running water down the drain at least monthly. Do NOT utilize the sewer for chemical waste disposal.

23.	Perform work with hazardous chemicals in a properly working fume hood to reduce potential exposures.

24.	Avoid working alone in a building; do not work alone in a laboratory if the procedures being conducted are hazardous. See working alone policy for more details.

25.	The OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) the Threshold Limit Values (TLV) as established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH) shall be observed in all areas.

26.	Each Lab Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) must develop and have readily available a Lab Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) for each
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laboratory he/she supervises, and shall review and update it at least annually.

27.	Access to a laboratories and support areas such as stockrooms, specialized laboratories, waste areas, etc., should be limited to approved personnel only.
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C.	HOUSEKEEPING

1.	Work areas shall be kept clean and free of obstructions.

2.	Waste shall be deposited in appropriate receptacles. All lab personnel must be instructed about the different kinds of waste generated and appropriate methods for disposal.

3.	Sharps such as needles, scalpels, broken glass, etc. shall be placed in approved sharps containers prior to disposal. When the container is ready for disposal, it is the responsibility of the Lab CHO to secure the container and remove it from the lab.

4.	Surfaces should be kept clean of spilled liquids.

5.	Access to exits, emergency equipment, utility controls and other safety equipment must never be blocked.

6.	Hallways and stairways must not be used as storage areas.

7.	Chemicals, especially liquids, should never be stored on the floor. Large bottles (2.5L or larger) or heavy items (greater than 5 lbs) should never be stored above the bench top (over 6 feet).

7.	Work areas shall be cleaned at the end of the operation or and at the end of each work day.

8.	Reagents, solutions, glassware, or other materials shall not be stored in hoods.
7.	
D.	MAINTENANCE

1.	All equipment should be regularly inspected for wear or for deterioration.

2.	All defective equipment should be repaired or replaced prior to further use.

3.	Centrifuges should be equipped with a cover lock which does not release until spinning has stopped.

4.	A written log should be maintained of all equipment inspections.
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E.	GUARDING AND SHIELDING

1.	All mechanical equipment should be adequately furnished with guards to prevent access to electrical connections or moving parts.

2.	Safety shielding should be used for any operation having the potential for an explosion or to minimize exposure to a potential hazard.
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F.	GLASSWARE

1.	Tubing should be fire polished or rounded and lubricated prior to insertion into rubber stoppers.

2.	Only glassware designed for vacuum work shall be used for that purpose.

3.	Glass vacuum dewars shall be wrapped with tape to prevent flying glass on implosion.

4.	Hand protection should be used when picking up broken glass.

5.	Glassware with small chips should be discarded.

6.	Each laboratory shall have a specified container for broken glass/sharps.

7.	Conventional laboratory glassware must never be pressurized.
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G.	FLAMMABLE HAZARDS

1.	Do not use an open flame to heat a flammable liquid or to carry out a distillation process under reduced pressure.

2.	Use an open flame only when necessary and extinguish it when no longer needed.

3.	Prior to lighting a flame, remove all flammable substances from the immediate area.

4.	Store flammable materials in an approved flammable cabinet.

5.	When volatile materials are present, use only non-sparking explosion- proof electrical equipment such as explosion-proof refrigerators.

6.	Laboratory desks and furniture should be constructed of fire-retardant materials.
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H.	DESIGN

1.	Laboratories shall be well lighted.

2.	All laboratories should have at least two exits. For those which do not, additional exits shall be provided in the event of scheduled renovation projects.

3.	Steam lines must be adequately covered and insulated.

4.	Modifications to the laboratory facility must not be undertaken without consultation with Construction Administration (8-5950) and EHS.
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I.	RECORDKEEPING

1.	Records including monitoring results, medical exams, training documentation, laboratory and equipment inspections, chemical inventories, etc. must be maintained in the affected department, and EHS for a period of thirty years after the last day of association with the institution.

2.	Records shall be made available to the EHS, ADEM, OSHA or any other agency or University department which has a legal right to review this documentation.

3.	Records must be maintained in accordance with records policies approved by relevant agencies.
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J.	ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

1.	Master shut-offs should be available in each laboratory for gas, electricity, and any other services that might involve danger should an accident occur.

2.	Master shut-off switches should be easily accessible and properly labeled.

3.	All electrical outlets shall be grounded and facilities should be available for grounding all electrical equipment.

4.	Outlets should never be placed flush in the laboratory table top.

5.	All cords and plugs shall be maintained in a safe condition.

6.	Do not use cords in wet locations or in areas where chemical damage may result.

7.	Extension cords shall not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.

8.	Electrical cords or other lines shall not be suspended unsupported across rooms or passageways. Do not route cords over metal objects such as emergency showers, overhead pipes or frames, metal racks, etc.
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K.	GAS SYSTEMS AND REACTIONS

1.	Gases shall not be purified by circulation over a liquid alloy.

2.	Teflon coated stirrers should not be used to agitate liquid alkali metal in gas systems.

3.	Unknown reactions shall be initially run on a small scale.

4.	A reagent should not be added faster than it is being consumed.

5.	Precaution shall be taken to control unexpected exotherms whenever a reaction is being scaled up or run for the first time.

6.	Reactions shall not be scaled up more than one order of magnitude for each time the reaction is run.
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L.	COMPRESSED GASES

Many laboratory operations require the use of compressed gases for analytical or instrument operations. Compressed gases present a unique hazard. Depending on the particular gas, there is a potential for simultaneous exposure to both mechanical and chemical hazards. Gases may be combustible, explosive, corrosive, poisonous, inert, or a combination of hazards. If the gas is flammable, flash points lower than room temperature compounded by high rates of diffusion (which allow for fast permeation throughout the laboratory) present a danger of fire or explosion. Additional hazards of reactivity and toxicity of the gas, as  well as asphyxiation, can be caused by high concentrations of even "harmless" gases such as nitrogen. Since the gases are contained in heavy, highly pressurized metal containers, the large amount of potential energy resulting from compression of the gas makes the cylinder a potential rocket or fragmentation bomb. In summary, careful procedures are necessary for handling the various compressed gases, the cylinders containing the compressed gases, regulators or valves used to control gas flow, and the piping used to confine gases during flow. Gas cylinders must be handled in the following ways:

1.	Storage shall be in a level, fire resistant area, which is well ventilated and dry.

2.	Storage areas must be located away from sources of ignition or excess heat.

3.	Cylinder temperature must never exceed 51 degrees C (124o F).

4.	Cylinders must always be stored upright.

5.	Cylinders shall be chained or strapped in place to prevent falling, even if they are assumed to be empty.

6.	Cylinder caps shall be in place at all times when not in use.
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7.	Old, empty, or unusable cylinders shall be returned to the supplier or disposed of in a manner in accordance with all federal, state, local and incorporated guidelines.

8.	Hand trucks shall be used to transport cylinders.

9.	All cylinders must be labeled in a conspicuous manner as to content.

10.	Acetylene should never be used under pressure in unbarricaded equipment.

11.	All cylinders must be inspected for valid hydrostatic pressure tests before being accepted from the vendor.

12.	Oxygen cylinders, full or empty, shall not be stored in the same vicinity as flammable gases.

13.	A cylinder should never be emptied to a pressure lower than 172 kPa (25 psi/in2) (the residual contents may become contaminated if the valve is left open).

14.	Gases which are flammable or are toxins or poisons shall be stored in approved gas cabinets and piped to the location of use.
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M.	CRYOGENICS

A number of hazards may be present from the use of cryogenic liquids in the laboratory. Employees should be properly trained in these hazards prior to use. The transfer of liquefied gases from one container to  another should not be attempted for the first time without the direct supervision and instruction of someone experienced in the operation.

1.	Fire/Explosions

a.	Neither liquid nitrogen nor liquid air should be used to cool a flammable mixture in the presence of air because oxygen can condense from the air and lead to a potentially explosive condition.
b.	Adequate ventilation must always be used to prevent the build-up of vapors of flammable gases such as hydrogen, methane, and acetylene.
c.	Adequate ventilation is also required when using gases such as nitrogen, helium, or hydrogen. In these cases, oxygen can be condensed out of the atmosphere creating a potential for explosive conditions.
2.	Pressure

Cylinders and other pressure vessels used for the storage and handling of liquefied gases should not be filled to more than 80% of capacity, to prevent the possibility of thermal expansion and the resulting bursting of the vessel by hydrostatic pressure.

3.	Embrittlement of Structural Materials

Appropriate impact-resistant containers must be used that have been designed to withstand the extremely low temperatures.

4.	Contact With and Destruction of Living Tissue

a.	Even very brief contact with a cryogenic liquid is capable of causing tissue damage similar to that of thermal burns. Prolonged
a.	
contact may result in blood clots that have potentially serious consequences. In addition, surfaces cooled by cryogenic liquids can cause severe damage to the skin.
b.	Gloves and eye protection (preferably a face shield) should be worn at all times when handling cryogenic liquids
c.	Gloves should be chosen that are impervious to the fluid being handled and loose enough to be tossed off easily. Appropriate dry gloves should be used when handling dry ice.
d.	"Chunks" or cubes should be added slowly to any liquid portion of the cooling bath to avoid foaming over.

5.	Asphyxiation

As the liquid form of gases warm and become airborne, oxygen may be displaced to the point that employees may experience oxygen deficiency or asphyxiation. Any area where such materials are used should be well ventilated. For this same reason, employees should avoid lowering their heads into a dry ice chest. (Carbon dioxide is heavier than air, and suffocation can result.)

N.	ANIMAL CARE

1.	All procedures involving live animals shall be governed by all applicable federal guidelines and proper procedures for animal care and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC).

2.	Only properly trained personnel, as determined by the Animal Facility Director, shall be allowed to handle and dispose of animals.

3.	Radioactive or toxic animals must receive special handling according to federal, state, and all applicable guidelines, the Radiation Control Advisory Committee (RCAC) and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).

4.	Approval and consultation must be received from the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) prior to animal work related to recombinant DNA or biological agents.
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O.	IONIZING RADIATION HAZARDS

1.	Each entrance to an area containing an ionizing radiation source must be posted with appropriate signage as directed by the UA Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).

2.	The storage, use and management of radioactive material shall be consistent with the guidelines established by the Radiation Control Advisory Committee (RCAC) and the UA RSO.

3.	All users of radioisotopes and sources of ionizing radiation must be approved prior to work, by the U of A RCAC.
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P.	LASERS AND NONIONIZING RADIATION HAZARDS Lasers
1.	Each entrance to an area containing an hazardous laser (class 3B or 4) must be posted with appropriate signage as directed by the UA Laser Safety Officer (LSO).

2.	The storage, use and management of lasers shall be consistent with the guidelines established by the UA LSO and the Laser Safety Subcommittee (LSC) of the RCAC.

3.	All users of lasers and those potentially exposed to laser hazards must be trained and approved prior to work by the LSO and the LSC.

4.	Appropriate eye protection must be worn when working with lasers.

Procedures for Use of Non-ionizing Radiation Sources

1.	Personal

a.	Proper eye protection must be worn when working with sources such as ultraviolet and high intensity visible light which are capable of producing eye damage.
b.	Protective clothing must be worn with sources such as ultraviolet which are capable of producing skin burns.

2.	General Laboratory

a.	Interlocks are to be used whenever possible on chambers containing hazardous sources of non-ionizing radiation. For example, opening a door to a chamber should de-energize the source and it should be possible to reenergize the source only through a specific action such as pressing a switch. When an experimental procedure calls for overriding the interlocks the procedure must be approved by EHS.
a.	
b.	Warning signs approved by EHS are to be prominently displayed where hazardous sources of non-ionizing radiation exist. Administrative procedures are to be prominently displayed where interlocks do not exist or where they are overridden.

Types of Non-ionizing Radiation Hazards found in labs:

1.	LASERS - Refer to the Laser Safety Manual for specific information.

2.	MAGNETIC FIELDS - Exposure should not exceed 60 mT/day (ACGIH). Magnetic fields of 0.0017 T or greater should be posted with signage. This is the threshold level for initiating asynchronous mode of a pacemaker.

3.	50/60 Hz ELECTRICAL FIELDS - Exposures should not exceed 10 kV/m (World Health Organization). Fields of greater than 10kV/m should be posted with signage restricting access to the lab.

4.	RADIOFREQUENCY RADIATION - Exposures should not exceed 100 W/m2 averaged for a 0.1 hour period duration over an eight hour day for the 10 mHz to 100 Ghz range (OSHA). Areas with an exposure of greater than 100 W/m2 should be posted with signage restricting access  to the lab.

5.	ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION - For the near ultraviolet spectral region (320-400 nm) total irradiance incident upon the unprotected skin or eye should not exceed 1 mW/cm2 for periods greater than 103 seconds (approximately 16 minutes) and for exposure times less than 103 seconds should not exceed one J/cm2. For more information, see Appendix A.

6.	RADIOFREQUENCY/MICROWAVE    RADIATION

a.	Sources not confined in a shielded chamber are to be operated such that exposure intensities to anyone near the apparatus is less than the guidelines listed in the latest edition of the "Threshold Limit
a.	
Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices (Appendix A).
b.	Clearly visible warning signs approved by EHS are to be posted in areas where electromagnetic sources exist that could possibly interfere with heart pacemakers.
c.	Microwave ovens shall be maintained as follows: No person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit the use of a microwave oven manufactured after October 6, 1971 that radiates in excess of 5mW/cm2 at any point 5 cm or greater from any external surface of the oven.
1.	No person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit the use of a microwave oven manufactured before October 6, 1971 that radiates in excess of 10 mW/cm2 at any point 5 cm or greater from any external surface of the oven.
2.	Measurements shall be made with the microwave oven operating at its maximum output and with a container of 275+/- 15 ml of tap water at an initial temperature of 20 ± 5° C placed on the carrying surface provided by the manufacturer.
7.	VISIBLE LIGHT The information of Threshold Limit Values reflected in Appendix Arefer to visible and near-infrared radiation in the wavelength range of 400 nm and represent conditions under which it is believed that nearly all workers may be exposed without adverse effect.

8.	INFRARED RADIATION To avoid possible delayed effects upon the lens of the eye, the infrared radiation (wave lenngh=770 nm) should be limited to 10 mW cm-2. See Appendix A for details.

Q.	VENTILATION

1.	General ventilation of each room should have a performance level of at least six (6) room air changes per hour.

2.	General ventilation provides a source of air for breathing and makeup air for local ventilation devices, it must not be relied upon for protection from toxic substances released into the laboratory.
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3.	General air flow should not be turbulent and should be relatively uniform throughout the laboratory.

4.	Quality and quantity of general ventilation should be evaluated at installation, whenever a change in the local or general ventilation is made, whenever significant structural modifications are made in the laboratory and at least annually.

5.	Ventilation system alterations shall only be made if testing and analysis indicates that worker protection from toxic contaminants will continue to be adequate.

6.	A laboratory hood with 2.5 linear feet of hood space per person shall be provided for every two workers or students if they spend most of their time working with chemicals.

7.	Each hood should have a device which continuously monitors hood performance. Do not disable alarms. Know what they mean, act on what they indicate, and report the discrepancy for corrective maintenance.

8.	Face velocity for Variable Air Velocity (VAV) hoods must be a minimum of 70 linear feet per minute with the sash fully open and a minimum of 100 linear feet per minute with the sash one-half open. Different minimums may be acceptable for high efficiency hoods. These will be posted on the hoods. Variable Flow Vortex (VFV) hoods must have a face velocity of at least 40 fpm.

9.	Vertical hood sash should be as low as practical during use and should be closed when not in use. Combination sashes should be closed and the horizontal windows stacked in front of the user.

10.	Hoods which are used to store chemicals temporarily shall operate continuously. Hoods shall not be used as permanent storage cabinets for chemicals and equipment. If a hood is too crowded it will not function properly.
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11.	Ventilated storage cabinets and canopy hoods should be provided as needed. Canopy hoods are designed to address odors and heat exhaust, not hazardous materials.

12.	Exhaust air from glove boxes and isolation chambers shall be passed through scrubbers, filtration or adsorption media prior to release.

13.	The general ventilation system shall be designed to avoid the intake of contaminated air.

14.	Do not start a laboratory procedure if you suspect the ventilation system cannot handle the chemical emissions.

15.	Apparati such as vacuum pumps, distillation columns, chromatographs, etc. which may discharge toxic amounts of hazardous chemicals, shall be vented into a local exhaust or hood system.

16.	Glove boxes and gloves shall be inspected prior to each use.

17.	Negative pressure glove boxes must have a ventilation rate of at least 2 volume changes per hour.

18.	EHS should be contacted immediately anytime the ventilation systems are not operating properly.
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R.	RIGHT TO KNOW

1.	Instruction shall be provided by the departmental or laboratory chemical hygiene officer, or a departmental representative, to all employees and students regarding the hazards of the specific chemicals being used or stored, handling procedures, disposal procedures, a review of each Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), exposure prevention and emergency procedures.

2.	Right to Know Training shall be provided at least annually.

3.	Additional training shall be provided whenever procedures, conditions, chemicals, facilities, etc. change in such a manner as to alter the right to know information.
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S.	CHEMICAL DISPOSAL

1.	Unwanted chemicals or waste chemicals must have a completed EHS Unwanted Chemicals Disposal label or the original commercial label on each container.

2.	Containers of unwanted chemicals must be removed by EHS. Pickup requests should be submitted via the chemical inventory system.

3.	Chemicals must not be poured down the drain or treated in any way.

4.	The Hazardous Material Management Program (HMMP) document is available from EHS and contains specific information concerning hazardous material management and disposal.
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T.	BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

1.	Work procedures and methods, as outlined in the University of Alabama Bloodborne Pathogen Policy, shall be utilized when working with, or potentially exposed to bloodborne pathogens.

2.	A copy of the UA Bloodborne Pathogen Policy is available on the EHS website.

3.	Any waste which is contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials shall be treated as Medical Waste as defined by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). Both the UA Bloodborne Pathogen Policy and the Institutional Biosafety Manual provide additional information on Medical Waste.
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U.	BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

Approval and consultation must be received from the Institutional Biological Safety Committee (IBC) prior to any work related to recombinant DNA or biological agents. All requirements of the Biological Safety Manual must be satisfied when working with any biological agent.

V.	SAFETY DATA SHEETS

1.	Safety Data Sheets (SDS), previously known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be available for each chemical stored or used. UA maintains SDS information via the ChemWatch system.

2.	Safety Data Sheets shall be made available to any employee or student who must work with or in the immediate vicinity of chemicals.

3.	Along with a copy of the SDS, employees and students shall receive an explanation covering the information on the SDS for each chemical used, prior to initial use.

4.	In addition to the ChemWatch system, manufacturers must provide SDS with each shipment. Also, there are multiple sites on the Internet that are excellent resources for MSDS's.
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W.	VISITORS

Visitor Access Policy for Laboratories and Workshops Where Hazardous Chemicals, Physical Agents, Biological Agents or any Hazardous Processes are used is as follows:

Access to University of Alabama laboratories, workshops, and other areas housing hazardous chemicals, physical agents, or machinery is limited to trained and authorized faculty, staff and students of the UA. It is the obligation and responsibility of personnel who arrange for visits to hazardous or potentially hazardous areas to contact the individual or department in charge of the space prior to entry. The person responsible for visitors must ensure that those entering any of these areas are adequately protected from hazards and are informed about the safety and emergency procedures relevant to their activities. Other persons, in particular children under the age of 16, are not permitted in hazardous work areas such as laboratories, with the exception of University sanctioned tours and visits or visits authorized by a Department. In these instances, careful supervision must be exercised by the tour leader or other knowledgeable personnel.

Exceptions to the foregoing, such as cooperative use of UA facilities and equipment by university and corporate researchers or use of university facilities and equipment by visiting scholars, must be approved by appropriate college and university officials, and must be documented by written agreements MOA (Memorandum of Agreement), Sponsored Research Agreement, etc., signed by an authorized UA official.

II.	SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES

A.	STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

1.	The Chemical Hygiene Officer will develop generic standard operating procedures relevant to safety and health considerations to be followed when laboratory work involves the use of hazardous chemicals.

2.	Departments, department safety and health committees, and supervisors will develop written standard operating procedures for any work with hazardous chemicals in laboratories. Other chemical classes (such as explosives, peroxide formers, or pyrophoric materials) should also have written SOPs.

3.	Standard operating procedures must be provided to affected employees.

4.	EHS will collect, maintain, and update, a library of SOPs for hazardous chemicals.

5.	EHS will also provide guidelines for composing and creating SOPs for individual laboratory-specific chemical hygiene plans.

6.	Standard operating procedures should include the following provisions:

A.	circumstance of use
B.	potential hazards
C.	engineering controls
D.	work practice controls
E.	Personnel protective equipment (PPE)
F.	Transportation and storage
G.	Unwanted chemical/waste disposal
H.	Spill procedure
I.	Training of personnel
A.	
J.	Signature and date space
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B. FIRST AID

1.	Each individual department must establish a policy for first aid response. This policy must be posted in the lab area and all workers must be informed of its content.

2.	First aid supplies should be kept and maintained in each laboratory if consistent with individual departmental policy.

3.	Recommended first aid treatment for chemical exposure is immediate and copious flushing of the area with water, for at least 15 minutes, followed by medical evaluation.

4.	All laboratory personnel and students shall have access to emergency equipment, a fire alarm and telephone for use in an emergency.

5.	If a person is injured in the laboratory, a departmental representative should immediately contact UAPD (348-5454) and EHS (348-5905).
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C.	PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

1.	Protective equipment including coveralls, eye protection, gloves, respirators, etc., appropriate for the degree of hazard present in the laboratory shall be worn at all times. The Lab CHO must perform risk assessment for the proper selection of PPE and is responsible for the proper selection and maintenance of PPE.

2.	All personnel shall be informed of PPE requirements and trained in the proper use of PPE.

3.	All PPE shall be regularly checked for integrity and maintained in clean, functional order.

4.	PPE shall be readily available for use at all times. If it is stored in an enclosed area, then the area must be designated by signs or labels.

5.	Respirator use shall be consistent with the University of Alabama's Respiratory Protection Program.

6.	Eye protection shall be worn at all times by personnel and students in laboratories a) where hazardous chemicals are used or stored and b) where, because of the materials used or processes utilized, a significant potential for eye injury exists.
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D.	EMERGENCY SAFETY EQUIPMENT

All laboratory personnel and students shall have access to emergency equipment, a fire alarm and a telephone for use in an emergency.
Personnel should be familiar with the safety facilities and procedures in the lab. All lab workers are expected to know where the fire alarm pulls, safety showers, eye washes, spill clean-up kits and emergency exits are located.

1.	Approved eyewash stations shall be available in each laboratory that utilizes hazardous chemicals or materials/equipment which might cause a significant eye injury.
2.	Safety showers shall be provided in each laboratory that utilizes hazardous chemicals or materials/equipment which might require drenching to remove the hazard from an individual.
3.	The only exception to II (C)(2) is in the event that the overall hazard of the laboratory would be increased by the presence of a shower unit coupled with existing instrumentation (i.e. electrical shock hazard due to the presence of instrumentation, etc.). In this case, a shower in an adjacent area shall be designated for use by the occupants of the affected laboratory.
4.	Fire extinguishers must be available, charged, and hung in a location that is immediately accessible. IF DISCHARGED, contact EHS to get the extinguisher serviced and returned.
5.	All laboratory safety equipment and furnishings such as showers, eyewashes, and hoods,shall be inspected at least annually by the Office of EHS and at least monthly by the responsible laboratory chemical hygiene officer or supervisor.
6.	Written documentation of all inspections shall be maintained by the responsible department and EHS.
1.	
E.	FIRE SAFETY

1.	Extinguishers shall be checked at least once per month to insure that they are mounted in the designated area and have not been discharged. If an extinguisher has been discharged, notify EHS.

2.	Dry sand and/or other applicable materials should be present for pyrophoric metals in case of fire.

3.	Before using an open flame, make sure there are not flammable vapors in the area.

4.	Gas burner tubing should be examined periodically for wear.

5.	All laboratory users must be knowledgeable of the operation of fire safety equipment.

6.	When transferring flammable liquids from one metal container to another, containers shall be bonded and grounded.
1.	
F.	SPILL POLICY

1.	Spills of a potentially hazardous nature should be reported immediately to EHS, extension 8-5905, or extension 8-5454 after hours, on weekends, or during holidays.

2.	EHS personnel will handle the containment and removal of the hazardous material with the assistance of a knowledgeable supervisor from the laboratory associated with the spill.

3.	EHS personnel will determine the need for any further action, such as ventilation of the area, summoning the fire department or evacuation.

4.	If the spill is of such a nature as to be life threatening, evacuation should take place immediately.

5.	Each department shall maintain a spill containment kit that is to be used when it is deemed inadvisable to wait for EHS personnel.

6.	The chemical spill kit should contain: sodium bicarbonate or commercial acid neutralizer; vermiculite; citric acid or commercial caustics neutralizer, rubber gloves, pH papers, safety glasses/goggles, rubber boots and several "area closed" signs. Containment pillows and/or socks may be substituted for use in spill containment.

7.	For labs with biological agents, a basic biological spill kit should include disinfectant, absorbent material, waste containers, PPE, and mechanical tools.

8.	If a lab has the potential for a radiological spill, then a radiation decontaminant, such as Rad Con, should be available for decontamination.

9.	The area in which a potentially hazardous spill occurs should be  closed immediately and signs posted to that effect at each entrance of the area.
1.	
10.	Personnel involved in cleaning a hazardous materials spill, must utilize appropriate protective equipment and supplies.

11.	Waste generated from a spill clean-up must be handled appropriately.
1.	
G.	EVACUATION

1.	There must be a posted evacuation diagram, indicating routes of egress.

2.	All lab workers must be trained on the evacuation procedure and this training must be documented.

3.	Immediate evacuation is necessary under the following conditions:  fire alarm, notification by authorized personnel or an immediate threat to life and health.

4.	If evacuation is necessary, stop all work.

5.	Extinguish all flames and heat sources.

6.	Proceed to the nearest exit.

7.	Do not use elevators.

8.	If conditions permit, supervisors should check to determine if the area is vacated.

9.	Do not re-enter until instructed to do so by authorized personnel.
1.	
H.	NOISE

1.	Engineering methods should be utilized at the time of design in order to reduce noise.

2.	Engineering controls are the preferred technique for hearing conservation.

3.	Hearing protection should only be used if engineering controls are not applicable and must be approved by EHS. If hearing protection is necessary, a medical surveillance program is required.

4.	The allowable noise levels for exposure times are as follows:

Noise Levels (dBA)	Exposure Time (hrs)	
85	8	
95	4	
100	2	
105	1	
110	1/2	
115	1/4	

5.	If engineering controls are implement and the noise level is determined to still exceed the allowable noise level for exposure time, a hearing conservation program is required.
1.	
I.	SIGNS AND LABELING

1.	Emergency signs shall be conspicuously posted in each area where hazardous chemicals are used or stored.

2.	All containers, receptacles, etc. must be labeled with contents and hazard information.

3.	Safety showers, eyewashes, fire equipment, respiratory equipment, emergency telephones, etc. should be designated by signage.

4.	Laboratories or areas with unusual hazards such as a magnetic field, radioactivity, biological hazards, heat, cold, molten metals, high electrical energy, etc. shall have warning signs posted at each entrance.

5.	Laboratories or areas where solvents or other flammable fire risk materials are used shall have signs posted at each entrance restricting the use of open flames and clearly stating the flammability hazard.

6.	All laboratories shall be posted with signs restricting smoking and food consumption.

7.	Signs shall be posted at the entrance to and throughout laboratories requiring the use of eye protection in the laboratory.
1.	
J. LOCKOUT/TAGOUT

The purpose of the Lockout/Tagout policy is to prevent injuries to employees/users engaged in service or maintenance activities of machines, equipment, or processes where the release of stored energy may put them at serious risk. However, as relates to laboratory safety, lockout/tagout procedures also function to protect the worker from exposure to hazardous conditions.

Some examples:

1.	Whenever a fume hood is not functioning properly it should be tagged with a warning sign that indicates it should not be used until the tag is removed.
2.	Refrigerators or equipment potentially exposed to radioactive material or biological agents must be decontaminated before being serviced. Any equipment with these potential hazards must be tagged with instructions for maintenance personnel before they can be serviced or moved according to the directions in the decommissioning guidelines.
3.	Any equipment that could exhibit unexpected energizing, start-up or the release of stored electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal or other energy must undergo lockout.
1.	
K.    WORKING ALONE POLICY

These policies apply to laboratory work performed in the following buildings: Shelby Hall, SEC, Bevill, SERC, NERC, and other areas deemed necessary. Departments or individual faculty members may establish more restrictive policies for spaces under their control.

Independent Student Laboratory Research 

A student may work alone in a laboratory facility for independent research only if the Principal Investigator or faculty member has reviewed the student’s experimental procedures, assessed associated hazards, and determined if the student possesses adequate training for experimental and emergency procedures.  Students are responsible for performing all their work in accordance with those reviewed and approved procedures. 
They must report all accidents, chemical spills, and unsafe conditions to the supervising Principal Investigator or faculty member. Certain laboratory operations require that a faculty member be present or that another person be present regardless of the time of day.  Procedures that involve the use of pyrophoric material, HF, Perchloric acid, energetic materials, DEA/ATF explosives, x-ray, laser, or radioactive materials, may not be performed alone at any time. The Principal Investigator or faculty member will determine what operations require special precautions, inform the students, and make necessary provisions. Students working with chemicals must also complete required safety training provided by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety.

Students must have written permission from the Principal Investigator or faculty member prior to working alone in a laboratory.  See the “Permission to Work Independently” form. The permission form must be completed and on file in both the student’s lab notebook and in the Principal Investigator or faculty member’s office.

If the alone work involves the use of chemicals, the permission form must indicate chemical type, chemical/experimental procedures in which it will be used, and safety training completed. The Office of Environmental Health & Safety provides certification of successful training completion at the time of training.

Faculty/Staff in the Laboratories

There are no restrictions on the use of laboratories by faculty, full time professional or technical staff.  They are expected to avoid working alone whenever possible and to use good judgment about performing hazardous procedures when working alone. This in no way implies that other safety requirements are waived; on the contrary, the use of good judgment implies expert knowledge of safe procedures and practices.

III.	PROCEDURES FOR WORKING WITH PARTICULARLY HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

A.	PRECAUTIONS

In addition to the general safety guidelines, special precautions are needed when handling carcinogens, organ specific toxins, reproductive toxins and chemicals with a high degree of acute toxicity. A minimum set of guidelines that should be followed are listed below. The lab supervisor should ensure that these and other precautions designed to minimize risk of exposure to these substances are taken.

1.	Quantities of these chemicals used and stored in the laboratory should be minimized, as should their concentrations in solution or mixtures.

2.	Work should be performed within a functioning fume hood, ventilated glove box, sealed system, or other system designed to minimize  exposure to these substances.

3.	Compressed gas cylinders which contain acutely toxic chemicals must be kept in ventilated gas cabinets.

4.	Each laboratory utilizing these substances must designate an area for this purpose and must sign or mark this area with an appropriate hazard warning. The designated area may be an entire laboratory, an area of the laboratory or a device such as a fume hood or glove box. The designated area should be marked with a DANGER, specific agent, AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY or comparable warning sign.

5.	Chemicals that are known human carcinogens, mutagens and teratogens shall be used only in designated areas in the laboratory. These areas must be posted and their boundaries clearly marked.

6.	Only those persons trained in the use of these chemicals can work in the designated area. Pregnant women are urged to consult with EHS before working with mutagens or teratogens.
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7.	All such persons wishing to work with these chemicals will:

a.	Use the smallest amount of chemical that is consistent with the requirements of the work to be done.
b.	Use the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and/or charcoal filters or high efficiency scrubber systems to protect vacuum lines, pumps and fume hood exhaust.
c.	Decontaminate a designated area when work is completed.
d.	Prepare wastes from work with adverse chemicals for waste disposal in accordance with specific disposal procedures consistent with the waste management policies from EHS.

8.	Laboratory workers must be trained in the hazards associated with these chemicals and the precautions to take, including proper selection and use of PPE.

9.	Employees must be informed of the signs and symptoms associated with exposures to hazardous chemicals used in the laboratory.

10.	Storage of all adverse chemicals in locked and enclosed spaces with a slight negative pressure compared to the rest of the building is preferred.

11.	Do not wear jewelry when working in designated areas, because toxic chemical decontamination of jewelry may be difficult or impossible.
Wear long-sleeved clothing and gloves known to be resistant to permeation by the chemicals to be used when working in designated areas.

12.	Detection equipment may be required in laboratories where chemicals (especially poisonous gases) with a high degree of acute toxicity are utilized.

13.	All wastes contaminated with these substances should be collected and disposed of in a timely manner.
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14.	The designated working area shall be thoroughly and appropriately decontaminated and cleaned at regular intervals.

15.	Emergency response planning for releases or spills shall be prepared by the lab supervisor and included in the training of the laboratory workers and others who may be affected in the building.
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B.	CHEMICALS OF HIGH CHRONIC AND ACUTE TOXICITY

Laboratory workers use a variety of chemicals as part of their daily work routine. Many of these substances are potentially hazardous to a person's health. The actual hazards that a chemical may present depend not only on the properties of the chemical, but also on the manner in which it is used, and the resulting exposure to the worker. With the proper  handling, even highly toxic or dangerous chemicals can be used safely.
On the other hand, chemicals that are not highly toxic can be extremely hazardous if handled improperly.

Whether or not a chemical exposure will result in injury depends on many factors. In addition to the dose, the outcome of exposure is determined by the way in which a chemical enters the body, the properties of the chemical itself, and the susceptibility of the individual receiving the dose.

Acute Toxicity	Chronic Toxicity	
Single short exposure	Effects usually delayed	
Effects usually appear quickly	Repeated exposure	
Effects often reversible	Usually irreversible	

1.	Work with high chronic or acutely toxic chemicals shall be done in a controlled or restricted access laboratory.

2.	All glassware, equipment, fixtures, etc., must be thoroughly decontaminated prior to removal from the controlled laboratory.

3.	Vacuum pumps should be protected from contamination by scrubbers or HEPA filters.

4.	Contaminated equipment, supplies, glassware, etc. shall be decontaminated or managed as hazardous waste. Contaminated equipment must be labeled indicating which portion of the equipment
1.	
remains contaminated if any.

5.	The controlled laboratory must be decontaminated prior to the resumption of normal activity.

6.	When exiting a controlled laboratory, remove any protective clothing, place it in a designated waste container and thoroughly wash hands, arms, face and neck.

7.	Only wet cleaning methods and/or a HEPA filter equipped vacuum must be used for housekeeping.

8.	If cancer causing substances are used, a medical surveillance program should be initiated.

9.	Controlled laboratories shall be marked on the exterior of all entrances with signs stating "WARNING RESTRICTED ACCESS".
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C.	CARCINOGENS

For more information on Carcinogens and Probable Carcinogens, go to the Environmental Health Information Service website, at  http://ehis.niehs.nih.gov/roc/toc9.html

2.	Federal regulations govern work with all listed carcinogens. All precautions outlined in Section III A must be observed.

3.	Containers of waste from experiments involving appreciable amounts of weak, moderate or controlled carcinogens should be labeled as to content and the warning: "CANCER SUSPECT AGENT".

4.	Refer to Appendix G for the UA Formaldehyde Program.
2.	
D.	TERATOGENS AND MUTAGENS

1.	Mutagens and teratogens may affect the embryo or fetus or may affect the genetic makeup of the exposed person in such as way as to produce cancer or disease in later generations.

2.	Strict safety precautions, such as not allowing the chemicals to touch the skin or to be inhaled, must be used.

3.	
Benzene	Vinyl Chloride	Hydrogen sulfide	
Toluene	Formaldehyde	Carbon disulfide	
Xylene	Dimethylformamide	Carbon monoxide	
Analine	Dimethyl sulfoxide	Nitrates	
Nitrobenzene	N,N-Dimethylacetamide	Nitrites	
Phenol	PCB	Lead	
Mercury	Nitrous Oxide	Formamide	

Some common chemicals that are known to or are highly suspected to affect the embryo or fetus include but are not limited to:

4.	If the storage container is breakable it must be kept in an impermeable, unbreakable, secondary container having sufficient capacity to retain the material should the primary container be broken.

5.	Each container should be labeled as to the specific toxin contained.
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E.	ALLERGENS AND EMBRYOTOXINS

1.	Wear appropriate protective apparel to prevent skin contact.

2.	Embryotoxins shall only be used in a functional fume hood.

3.	Wash hands and arms thoroughly after chemical usage
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F.	ANIMAL WORK WITH CHEMICALS OF HIGH CHRONIC TOXICITY

1.	Whenever possible, administer chemicals by injection or gavage instead of feeding the chemical in the diet.

2.	A caging system with HEPA filtration under negative pressure shall be utilized.

3.	Procedures to minimize the formation of air contaminants from urine, feces and the animal feeding system must be developed and used.

4.	Wet methods and/or a HEPA filtered vacuum shall be used for cleaning and disposal of contaminated bedding.

5.	Animal food treated with chemicals of high chronic toxicity shall be mixed in a closed container or under a hood.

6.	Gloves and disposable clothing shall be worn.

7.	If total suppression of aerosols and/or dust cannot be achieved, appropriate respirators and full body disposable coveralls shall be worn.

8.	All waste shall be disposed of in a manner consistent with federal and state regulations. Contact EHS for assistance.
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G.	PESTICIDES

The use of chemicals in Pest Control is regulated by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) as well as the EPA Worker Protection Standard (WPS) 40 CFR Part 170. Under certain circumstances an investigator is required to apply to EPA for permit to conduct experimentation with pesticides or chemicals used as pesticides and to subsequently meet certain requirements in laboratory practices. If there is any question about having to satisfy these conditions, contact EHS.

H.	EPOXY RESIN COMPONENTS

1.	All potentially exposed persons shall be instructed as to the potential health hazards.

2.	All skin contact with the components must be eliminated.

3.	If any skin contact occurs, immediately wash area with soap and water.

4.	Soap should be acidic or neutral.

5.	If any component contacts clothing, remove the garment immediately and wash the effected skin under the area.

6.	All epoxy resin work should be done in exhaust ventilated enclosures or hoods.

7.	Ovens used for curing must have their vents exhausted to the outside of the building.

8.	Disposable containers and stirring rods shall be used to mix and work the resin.

9.	Disposable items shall be discarded in containers specifically for epoxy resin waste.

10.	Containers used for waste must be labeled as containing epoxy resin waste.

11.	All epoxy resin waste must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

12.	All non-disposable items used with the resin components shall be cleaned immediately after use.
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I.	PEROXIDE FORMERS

Lab personnel should minimize the hazards associated with peroxidizable compounds. Commonly used solvents such as ether, dioxane, and tetrahydrofuran (THF) can form explosive peroxides after exposure to air. Peroxide formers should be labeled with the date the container is opened. Store the compounds in an obvious location where they will not be forgotten and where they can be readily checked. Check peroxide formers for peroxides every six months after opening, or dispose of them. Since these chemicals may be packaged in an air atmosphere, peroxides can form even though the container has not been opened, necessitating careful handling. See Appendix C for a list of materials which may form peroxides.

1.	Date all peroxidizables upon receipt and upon opening. Dispose of or check for peroxide formation after the recommended time, 3-months to one year depending on the chemical. See Appendix C for additional information on time limits.

2.	Do not open any container which has obvious solid formation around the lid.

3.	Addition of an inhibitor to quench the formation of peroxides is recommended.

4.	It is recommended to chemically test for peroxides on a regular schedule.

5.	Follow the same basic handling procedures as for flammable materials.

6.	Metal spatulas shall not be used with peroxidizables.

7.	Glass containers with glass stoppers must not be used.

J.	ACUTE RESPIRATORY HAZARDS
J.	

Acetyl Chloride	Fluorine	Diborane	
Ammonium hydroxide	Hydriodic acid	Methyl fluorosulfonate	
Anhydrous ammonia	Hydrobromic acid	Dimethyl oxychloride	
Arsine	Hydrochloric acid	Phosgene	
Bromine	Hydroflouric acid	Sulfur dioxide	
Carbon monoxide	Hydrogen selenide	Stibine	
Chlorine	Hydrogen sulfide	Thionyl Chloride	
Chloroform	Hydrogen telluride		

The below listed chemicals are some common acute respiratory hazards and should not be used in a confined area. They should be dispensed and handled only in a hood. This should not be considered an exhaustive  list.

K.	CORROSIVE CHEMICALS

General Information

The major classes of corrosive chemicals are strong acids and bases, dehydrating agents, and oxidizing agents. These chemicals can erode the skin and the respiratory epithelium and are particularly damaging to the eyes. Inhalation of vapors or mists of these substances can cause severe bronchial irritation. If your skin is exposed to a corrosive, flush the exposed area with water for at least fifteen minutes. Then seek medical treatment.

Strong acids

All concentrated acids can damage the skin and eyes and their burns are very painful. Nitric, chromic, and hydrofluoric acids are especially damaging because of the types of burns they inflict. Seek immediate medical treatment if you have been contaminated with these materials (particularly hydrofluoric acid).

Strong alkalis

The common strong bases used in the labs are potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and ammonia. Burns from these materials are often less painful than acids. However, damage may be more severe than acid burns because the injured person, feeling little pain, often does not take immediate action and the material is allowed to penetrate into the tissue. Ammonia is a severe bronchial irritant and should always be used in a well-ventilated area, if possible in a hood.

Dehydrating agents

This group of chemicals includes concentrated sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, phosphorus pentoxide, and calcium oxide. Because much heat is evolved on mixing these substances with water, mixing should always be done by adding the agent to water, and not the reverse, to

avoid violent reaction and spattering. Because of their affinity for water, these substances cause severe burns on contact with skin. Affected areas should be washed promptly with large volumes of water.

Oxidizing agents

In addition to their corrosive properties, powerful oxidizing agents such as perchloric and chromic acids (sometimes used as cleaning solutions), present fire and explosion hazards on contact with organic compounds and other oxidizable substances. The hazards associated with the use of perchloric acid are especially severe. It should be handled only after thorough familiarization with recommended operating procedures.

Special Handling Procedures

1.	Corrosive chemicals should be used in the chemical fume hood, or over plastic trays when handled in bulk quantities (> 1 liter) and when dispensing.
2.	When working with corrosives wear gloves, goggles, long sleeved lab coat and closed toe shoes.
3.	Handling of bulk quantitites of these chemicals requires use of rubber aprons and the combined use of face shields and goggles. If you are handling bulk quantities on a regular basis an eyewash should be immediately available and a shower close by.
4.	Spill materials - absorbent pillows, neutral absorbent materials or neutralizing materials (all commercially available) should be available in the laboratory.
5.	Store corrosives in cabinets, under the hood or on low shelves, preferably in the impervious trays to separate them physically from other groups of chemicals.
6.	Keep containers not in use in storage areas and off bench tops.
7.	If it is necessary to move bulk quantities from one laboratory to another or from the stockroom use a safety carrier (rubber bucket for secondary containment and protection of the container).
Perchloric acid. If perchloric acid is heated above ambient temperature

it may evaporate and condense on ductwork in the form of explosive perchlorates. Hence, when heating perchloric acid above ambient temperature, a perchloric acid fume hood with a water wash down system or a local scrubbing or trapping system must be used.

Hydrofluoric Acid – Emergency Procedures

First aid must be started within seconds in the event of contact of any form!

Skin Exposure to HF

1.	Immediately flood the affected body area with cool water for a minimum of 5 minutes, if calcium gluconate is available. If no calcium gluconate is immediately available, continue rinsing the affected area until emergency medical responders arrive, using copious amounts of water. Remove contaminated clothing or footwear while rinsing.
2.	Call or have a co-worker call for medical assistance. Be sure to indicate that you were exposed to hydrofluoric acid.
3.	Gently rub calcium gluconate ointment onto the affected area. Continue applying until emergency medical responders arrive.
4.	Inform responders and all others that the exposure involved hydrogen fluoride/hydrofluoric acid.

Eye or Inhalation Exposures to HF

1.	Flush eyes with plenty of cool tap water for 15 minutes
2.	Move inhalation exposure victim to clean air.
3.	Call or have a co-worker call for medical assistance.
4.	Await emergency medical responders, informing them and all others that the exposure involved hydrogen fluoride/hydrofluoric acid. Hydrogen fluoride and hydrofluoric acid cause severe, deeply penetrating burns to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Although concentrated forms of these compounds are readily perceived by a
1.	
burning sensation, more dilute forms are often imperceptible for many hours. This potential time delay between exposure recognition and treatment can lead to insidious and difficult-to- treat burns. If you work with hydrogen fluoride or hydrofluoric acid, make certain you and your co-workers familiarize yourselves with these first aid procedures, and keep an updated supply of 2.5% calcium gluconate ointment in the work area.

IV.	CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT

A.	CHEMICAL PROCUREMENT AND STORAGE

1.	Before a chemical is received, information on the proper handling, storage and disposal procedures shall be known to any personnel or students who will be involved with its use.

2.	Chemicals must not be accepted without an adequate identifying label.

3.	Stockrooms and/or storerooms should not be used as preparation area.

4.	Stockrooms and/or storerooms should be open during normal University hours, shall have an employee assigned responsible for the area and shall be a controlled access area.

5.	Stored chemicals shall be examined periodically by the appropriate lab chemical hygiene officer for deterioration, container integrity, and possible need for replacement.

6.	Stockroom and/or storerooms must have a storage methodology which allows for segregation of different classes of materials (i.e. acids, bases, flammables, reactives, highly toxic, etc.).

7.	Chemicals shall not be stored on bench tops.

8.	Toxic chemical storage areas should be clearly designated by signage or placarding.

9.	Chemicals that are highly toxic shall be in unbreakable secondary containers.

10.	Check the integrity of containers. Observe compatibility of the chemical with the type container used. For example, hydrofluoric acid must not be stored in glass and some oxidizers should not be stored in
1.	
plastic containers.

11.	If chemicals are hand carried, the chemicals shall be placed within an unbreakable secondary container.

12.	All chemical purchases shall be made through the purchasing agent designated by the University as responsible for buying chemicals for each department.

13.	All chemical purchases should be checked against the Chemicals Requiring Prior Approval list, maintained by EHS. Items on this list cannot be ordered without prior approval by EHS. These items should be delivered to EHS.

13.	Do not store unnecessary chemicals in the hood. Highly toxic chemicals, chemicals with a foul odor, etc. may be stored in a hood if a vented storage cabinet is not available.

14.	Chemicals shall not be stored higher than eye level, generally accepted to be six feet.

15.	All containers must be labeled as to content and hazard.

16.	Shelving should be equipped with ledges.

17.	Items that are not on the prior approval list should be received at the individual department or area by a person so designated for this responsibility by the department or area.

18.	Chemicals shall be segregated by hazard classification and compatibility and then arranged alphabetically within chemical families.

19.	Chemicals, equipment, and lab supplies at The University of Alabama are not available for sale to the general public.

Chemical Segregation/Compatible Storage

To avoid unwanted reactions, keep chemicals separated by hazard class whenever possible. EHS recommends the following hazard classes for separating chemicals, but other approaches can be used:

1	Acids

2	Bases

3	Flammables

4	Oxidizers

5	Reactives

Laboratories with large numbers of hazard classifications may choose to further segregate mineral/organic acids, unstable compounds, heat sensitive compounds, gases, etc.

B.	INCOMPATIBLES

Many chemicals, when mixed with other materials, can produce effects which are harmful to human health and the environment, such as heat or pressure, fire or explosion, violent reactions, toxic dusts, mists, fumes, or gases, or flammable fumes or gases. Precautions should also be taken not to store these chemicals together.

Following are examples of potentially incompatible chemicals and materials along with the harmful consequences which result from mixing materials in one group with materials in another group.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive. A more comprehensive listing is available from the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

In the following lists, the mixing of a Group A material with a Group B material may have the potential consequences as noted.

Group 1-A

Alkaline caustic liquids Alkaline cleaner
Alkaline corrosive liquids

Corrosive alkalines Lime and water Spent caustic

Group 1-B

Acid sludge Acid and water
Chemical cleaners

Pickling liquor and other corrosive acids

Spent acid

Spent mixed acid

Electrolyte, acid

Etching acid liquid or solvent

Spent sulfuric acid

Potential consequences: Heat generation reaction

Group 2-A

Aluminum Beryllium Calcium Lithium
Other reactive metals and metal hydrides

Magnesium Potassium Sodium zinc powder

Group 2-B Any materials in Group 1-A or 1-B
Potential consequences: Fire or explosion; generation of flammable hydrogen gas

Group 3-A

Alcohols Water
Group 3-B

Any concentrated material in Groups 1-A or 1-B Calcium

Lithium

Metal Hydrides Potassium
SO2CL2, SOCL2, PCL3, CH3, SiCL3

Potential consequences: Fire, explosion, or heat generation; generation of flammable or toxic gases.

Group 4-A

Alcohols Aldehydes
Halogenated hydrocarbons Nitrated hydrocarbons Unsaturated hydrocarbons
Other reactive organic compounds and solvents

Group 4-B Concentrated Group 1-A or 1-B materials Group 2-A materials
Potential consequences: Fire, explosion, or violent reaction

Group 5-A Spent cyanide and sulfide solutions

Group 5-B

Group 1-B wastes

Potential consequences: Generation of toxic hydrogen cyanide or hydrogen sulfide gas.

Group 6-A

Chlorates Chlorine Chlorites Chromic acid Hypochlorites

Nitrates

Nitric Acid, fuming Permanganates Peroxides
Other strong oxidizers Group 6-B

Acetic acid and other organic acids Concentrated mineral acids
Group 2-A materials Group 4-A materials
Other flammable and combustible materials

Potential consequences: Fire, explosion, or violent reaction.

C.	CHEMICAL INVENTORY
A.	
Chemical inventory must be maintained via the inventory system approved for use by EHS. EHS will set up the initial inventory and will reconcile the inventory information annually. During the year, it is the responsibility of lab personnel to keep the inventory data current.

Access to the inventory system is granted once training is completed. Training is required for all full time faculty and staff who own chemicals. Once this training is completed, they can then request training for any other individuals who work in the laboratory. Training completion accounts are run weekly and inventory accounts are created based on completion reports.

D.	NEW COMPOUNDS

Some laboratories may synthesize or develop new chemical substances on occasion. If the composition of the substance is known and will be used exclusively in the laboratory, the laboratory worker must label the substance and determine, to the best of his/her abilities, the hazardous properties (e.g., corrosive, flammable, reactive, toxic, etc.) of the substance. This can often be done by comparing the structure of the new substance with the structure of similar materials with known hazardous properties. If the chemical produced is of unknown composition, it must be assumed to be hazardous, and appropriate precautions taken.

If a chemical substance is produced for another user outside this facility, the laboratory producing the substance is required to provide as much information as possible regarding the identity and known hazardous properties of the substance to the receiver of the material. All chemicals must be adequately labeled upon arrival in the lab.

E.	LABELING

1.	All chemicals must be prominently and accurately labeled as to content. The full chemical name must be in English. Formulas and abbreviations are not acceptable.

2.	Unlabeled chemicals must not be used.

3.	All chemicals transferred to secondary containers should be labeled with appropriate hazard identification information.

4.	Label all secondary containers with the chemical name and appropriate hazards.

5.	Make sure all labels are legible and in tact.

6.	Date all peroxidizable and other chemicals that may become unstable over time. They should display both the arrival date and date opened.
1.	
F.	TRANSPORT OF CHEMICALS

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Customs Office require that all chemicals (including chemical samples) imported into or exported out of the U.S. must be certified. The type of certification required depends on whether the chemical is listed by EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). International  shipments of chemical samples require a TSCA certification. Contact EHS for if you intend to import or export any chemical.

G.	EXPERIMENTATION LEFT UNATTENDED

If lab workers initiate equipment or experimentation that is potentially dangerous, and must leave it unattended for a long period of time or even overnight, then generally acceptable safety procedures should be met. These are:

1.	Approval by immediate supervisor – generally this would be the Principal Investigator. The Department Chair should be informed of all unattended experiments.
2.	Any necessary arrangements must be finalized prior to experimentation – Someone should check the lab periodically. If the procedure involves continuous utilities such as water, power, etc. then confirm that your department has not received any notices from Maintenance regarding cut-offs.
3.	Observe all fire precautions - No open flames should be used unattended. Over-temperature cutoff devices should be used on heated oil baths which run unattended.
4.	Post a notice on or near the experiment – Describe possible malfunctions, emergency shutoff procedures and the nature of the hazards.
5.	Place an appropriate warning sign on the door (listing the nature of the experiment in progress, and include the name and phone number of the person responsible for the experiment.).
6.	Provide for the containment of toxic substances in the event of failure of a utility service (such as cooling water) to an unattended operation.
7.	Whenever possible, use automatic shutoff devices on long term or unattended operations, such as a loss of cooling water shutoff, over-temperature shutoff, etc.

V.	PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
IV.	
A.	RESPONSIBILITIES

1.	The President of The University of Alabama has the ultimate responsibility for enforcing the Chemical Hygiene Plan and shall, with other administrators, provide continual support for the institutional Chemical Hygiene Program. The Vice President of Research is the named Institutional Official for compliance in research activities.

2.	The supervisor or chair of the department or other administrative unit is responsible for chemical hygiene in that unit.

3.	The laboratory supervisor (Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Officer) has overall responsibility for chemical hygiene in the laboratory, including responsibility to:

A.	Develop and implement a Lab Chemical Hygiene Plan for each lab.
B.	Ensure that workers and/or students know and follow the chemical hygiene and safety guidelines.
C.	Ensure that protective apparel and equipment are available and appropriate for the potential exposure.
D.	Ensure that appropriate training has been provided.
E.	Provide regular chemical hygiene, housekeeping and emergency equipment inspections.
F.	Ensure that facilities and training are adequate for the use of any material that is present in the lab.
G.	Implement and enforce the use of safety procedures.
H.	Ensure the availability of Safety Data Sheets and relevant reference materials.
I.	Meet all requirements of the Lab Decommissioning Guidelines whenever a lab is emptied for any reason.

4.	The laboratory employee and/or student is responsible for:

A.	Planning and conducting each operation in accordance with the
A.	
Chemical Hygiene Plan and any other applicable safety guidelines.
B.	Complying with all practices, procedures and policies of the chemical hygiene program.
C.	Participating in training programs concerning the requirements of the chemical hygiene program and other applicable environmental, safety and health regulations.
D.	Request information or training when unsure about how to handle a hazardous chemical.
E.	Following all health and safety procedures.
F.	Reporting all hazardous conditions to the supervisor.
G.	Wearing or using prescribed personal protective equipment.
H.	Reporting any job-related injuries or illnesses to supervisor immediately.

5.	The Office of Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for:

A.	Working with administrators and laboratory personnel and/or students to develop and implement appropriate chemical hygiene policies and practices.

B.	Monitoring procurement, use and disposal of laboratory chemicals.

C.	Ensuring that adequate documentation is maintained by the individual departments.

D.	Conducting laboratory safety surveys.

E.	Assisting with training programs as needed or requested.

F.	Providing assistance to departments, administrators, laboratory personnel or students and the campus community as needed.

G.	Providing industrial hygiene monitoring and services as needed.
A.	
IH Serving as the University documentation depository and information source.

6.	Lab Safety Committee (LSC) 

The Laboratory Safety Committee (LSC) is charged with providing consultation to the Lab Safety Program of EHS regarding the impact of safety and environmental regulations on academic and/or research activities at The University of Alabama. The committee will provide information to their colleagues and serve to represent their departments in discussions regarding new and changing regulations. They will assist EHS by collecting or providing feedback that can be utilized in formulating University responses to specific issues. The LSC can serve as subject matter experts and provide guidance and assistance with assessing extremely hazardous materials if needed. They will review lab accidents, incidents, and near misses and may take recommendations for changes to policies or procedures as a result of such reviews. While it is not the purpose of the committee to set policy, they may be called upon to mediate issues involving noncompliance. 

	This committee will meet quarterly, more often if needed.

B.	MONITORING

1.	Employee exposure monitoring shall be provided by EHS if there is reason to believe that exposure levels exceed the action levels previously described.

2.	Regular monitoring shall be conducted by EHS in laboratories where actuely hazardous chemicals are routinely used.

3.	Monitoring and analysis shall be conducted in a manner consistent with NIOSH National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) methodology or recognized competent practices.

4.	EHS shall within 15 work days after the receipt of any monitoring results, notify the affected employees or students in writing, either individually or by posting the results in an area accessible to the employees and/or students.
1.	
C.	TRAINING

1. Initial training sessions related to the UA Chemical Hygiene Plan and General Lab Safety will be required for all employees and students working in UA labs.	Refresher training on lab safety is required annually.

3.	The Lab CHO will be responsible for training/informing lab workers regarding the following matters:

a.	Content of Lab CHP.

b.	Availability and location of CHP’s (UA, Dept., Lab)

c.	Availability of reference material describing laboratory hazards i.e. SDS’s, Bloodborne Pathogen Policy, Biological Safety Plan, Laser Safety Guidelines, Radiation Safety, etc.

d.	Location and proper use of emergency equipment.

e.	Response to a fire, including evacuation plan and use of emergency equipment, as well as emergency plans for each area.

4.	As employees and/or students are affected by the requirements of the chemical hygiene program they shall receive initial training prior to any assignment that places them in a laboratory covered by these requirements.

5.	Training related to the hazards, chemical usage, procedures, SDS’s, etc. for a specific laboratory shall be provided to affected personnel and/or students by the laboratory chemical hygiene officer or by EHS upon request of the laboratory chemical hygiene officer.

6.	Additional training shall be provided by the laboratory or the departmental chemical hygiene officer whenever procedures, conditions, chemical usage, facilities, etc. change in a manner that may alter the
3.	
chemical hygiene plan.

7.	EHS shall assist in the initial and annual training sessions and provide training information and further assistance as requested.
3.	
D.	MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE

1.	An employee and/or student shall be provided medical consultation and examination whenever:

A.	An employee or student develops signs or symptoms associated with a hazardous chemical to which they may have been exposed in the laboratory.
B.	Exposure monitoring reveals a level routinely above the action level, PEL or TLV.
C.	An event such as a spill, leak, explosion, etc., occurs resulting in the likelihood of a detrimental exposure.

2.	All medical exams and consultations shall be performed by a licensed physician and provided without cost to the employee or student without a loss of pay.

3.	The employer or department (in the case of students) shall provide the following information to the physician:

A.	The identity of the hazardous chemicals to which the employee or student may have been exposed.
B.	A description of the conditions under which the exposure occurred, including quantitative exposure data, if available.
C.	A description of the signs and symptoms of exposure that the employee or student is experiencing, if any.

4.	The employer or department (in the case of a student) and EHS shall obtain from the examining physician a written opinion which shall include the following:

A.	Recommendations concerning further medical follow-up.
B.	The results of the medical exam and any associated tests,
C.	Any medical condition, which may place the employee or student
A.	
at an increased risk as a result of exposure to a hazardous chemical in the laboratory, and
D.	A statement that the employee or student has been informed by the physician of the results of the medical exam and the need of any further exams or treatment.

5.	The physician's written opinion shall not reveal findings or diagnoses unrelated to the exposure.

6.	Employees shall be sent to University Medical Center for evaluation and examination. On the Job Injury documentation should be completed and submitted to the Office of Risk Management.

7.	Students shall be sent to Russell Student Health Center for evaluation and examination. Student injury reports should be completed and submitted to EHS.
1.	
APPENDIX A

Peroxides Forming Chemicals
Class I: Unsaturated materials, especially those of low molecular weight, may polymerize violently due to peroxide initiation. Discard or test for peroxides after 6 months (liquids) or 12 months (gases).

acrylic acid acrylonitrile butadiene
chlorobutadiene (chloroprene) chlorotrifluoroethylene methyl methacrylate
styrene

tetrafluoroethylene vinyl acetate
vinyl acetylene vinyl chloride vinyl pyridine vinylidene chloride

Class II: The following chemicals are a peroxide hazard upon concentration (distillation / evaporation). A test for peroxides should be performed if concentration is intended or suspected. Discard or test for
peroxides 6 months after container is opened.

acetal cumene cyclohexene cyclooctene

dioxane (p-dioxane)

ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (glyme) furan
methyl acetylene

cyclopentene diacetylene dicyclopentadiene
diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (diglyme) diethyl ether

methyl cyclopentane methyl-I-butyl ketone tetrahydrofuran tetrahydronaphthalene vinyl ethers

Class III: Peroxides derived from the following compounds may explode without concentration. Discard 3 months after opening
container.

Organic

divinyl ether divinyl acetylene isopropyl ether vinylidene chloride

Inorganic potassium metal potassium amide
sodium amide (sodamide)

Note: Lists are illustrative, but not exhaustive.

Source: National Research Council. Prudent Practices in the Laboratory. National Academy Press. Washington, D.C. 1995.

Peroxide Detection Tests

The following test can detect most (but not all) peroxy compounds, including hydroperoxides. NONE of these tests should be applied to materials (such as metallic potassium) that may be contaminated with inorganic peroxides.

Add 1-3 ml of the liquid to be tested to an equal volume of acetic acid,

add a few drops of 5% aqueous potassium iodide solution, and shake. The appearance of a yellow to brown color indicates the presence of peroxides.

Alternatively:

Addition of 1 ml of a freshly prepared 10% solution of potassium iodide to 10 ml of an organic liquid in a 25 ml glass cylinder should produce a yellow color if peroxides are present.

Add 0.5 ml of the liquid to be tested to a mixture of 1 ml of 10%  aqueous potassium iodide solution and 0.5 ml of dilute hydrochloric acid to which has been added a few drops of starch solution just prior to the test. The appearance of a blue or blue-black color within a minute indicates the presence of peroxides.

Peroxide test strips, which turn to an indicative color in the presence of peroxides, are available commercially. Note that these strips must be air dried until the solvent evaporates and then exposed to moisture for proper operation.

Source: National Research Council. Prudent Practices in the Laboratory. National Academy Press. Washington, D.C. 1995.

APPENDIX B UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
FORMALDEHYDE WRITTEN PROGRAM OCTOBER 2000

SCOPE

This written program addresses each of the individual sections of the OSHA standard with referral to supplementary materials.

The standard applies to all occupational exposures to formaldehyde gas, formaldehyde solutions, and formaldehyde.

DEFINITIONS

Formaldehyde means the chemical substance, HCHO, Chemical Abstracts Service Registry No. 50-00-0.

Permissible exposure limit (PEL) is the exposure limit for a substance established by OSHA. The PEL indicates the permissible concentration of air contaminants to which workers may be repeatedly exposed to for 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week over a working lifetime of 30 years without adverse health effects. No employee may be exposed to airborne formaldehyde exceeding the 8 hour time weighted average of 0.75 parts per million (ppm), as set by the standard. In areas where airborne formaldehyde levels exceed 0.75 ppm, the controls to be discussed must be instituted.

Short-term exposure limit (STEL) is the concentration to which workers can be continuously exposed for short periods of time without suffering from:

1)	irritation

2)	chronic or irreversible tissue damage, or

3)	narcosis of sufficient degree to increase the likelihood of accidental injury, to impair self-rescue or to materially reduce work efficiency – provided also that corresponding TWA has not been exceeded.

STELs are usually 15 minutes. No employee may be exposed to airborne formaldehyde exceeding the STEL, which is set at 2.0 ppm. Exposures  to airborne formaldehyde above the STEL require the use of controls.

Time weighted average (TWA) is the employee’s average airborne exposure in any 8-hour work shift of any 40-hour week to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed, day after day, without suffering any adverse effects. It is a value that shall not be exceeded.

Action Level (AL) is an 8-hour time weighted average concentration for which there is only a 5% risk of having more than 5% of the employee workdays involve an exposure level greater than the relevant PEL-TWA. This value is more frequently set at or near 50% of the PEL-TWA. The action level for formaldehyde means a concentration of 0.5 part formaldehyde per million parts of air (0.5 ppm) calculated as an 8-hour time weighted average concentration.

EXPOSURE MONITORING

EHS shall monitor employees for formaldehyde exposure when exposure is to formaldehyde gas, mixtures or solutions with more than 0.1% formaldehyde or materials capable of releasing formaldehyde into the air under normal conditions where the concentration is equal to or exceeds 0.1 ppm. Health complaints possibly associated with formaldehyde exposure also trigger a requirement to monitor. If objective data can document that the presence of formaldehyde cannot cause exposure above the action level or STEL, exposure monitoring is

not required.

When exposures exceed the action level, monitoring is to be conducted at least every six months. When the STEL is exceeded, monitoring is repeated at least once a year under worst conditions. Monitoring can be terminated when two consecutive and statistically representative samples, at least seven days apart, show exposure to be below the action level and the STEL. Employees must be notified of results in writing within 15 days of EHS receiving results. When exposure is over the 8- hour TWA or the STEL, EHS shall develop a plan of corrective action. Employees have a right to observe monitoring and to have appropriate protective gear made available by the University while doing so.

RESTRICTED AREAS

When formaldehyde exposure exceeds the 8-hour TWA or STEL, the area is to be designated as a restricted area. Entrances must be posted and access restricted to authorized personnel with appropriate training. These restrictions must be communicated to employees of other employers, such as construction contractors, with operations at the worksite in question.

METHODS OF COMPLIANCE

These methods must be used when either the 8-hour TWA or STEL is exceeded. These methods include, in order of descending primacy, engineering controls, work practice controls, respirators and other personal protective equipment. When feasible, engineering and work practice controls cannot reduce exposure below either of the PELs, appropriate respirators may be used as a supplement.

Employees should work with formaldehyde only in an approved chemical fume hood. Supervisors should exhaust all engineering controls and work practice controls prior to implementation of respiratory protection.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

Such equipment, when required, must be supplied at no cost to the employee. EHS must be consulted before respirator usage is implemented. At that time, training, fit testing, and cartridge/canister selection and replacement will be discussed.

The UA Respiratory Protection Program requirements must be met prior to respirator use.

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING

Protective equipment also must be provided at no cost to the employee. Any contact of eyes and skin with liquids containing 1% or more of formaldehyde must be prevented by the use of protective equipment and clothing. Only formaldehyde impervious clothing (i.e. tyvek, coveralls), goggles and face shields appropriate to the operation must be used.

Contact EHS for help in proper selection, usage, and equipment maintenance.

HYGIENE PROTECTION

Changing facilities, eye washes and drench showers are required under this section. Immediate access to such equipment must be provided.

Most laboratories have eyewashes and showers. However, if a laboratory does not have an eyewash and shower, contact EHS personnel to help evaluate your degree of compliance to this requirement.

HOUSEKEEPING

Regular visual inspection for leaks and spills should be conducted. Provisions must be made for spill containment, work area decontamination and waste disposal. Sealed containers holding debris from spills must be labeled to indicate the presence and associated

hazards of formaldehyde.

EMERGENCIES

EHS can assist with emergency response for various types of accidents. The MSDS also contains relevant information.

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE

The University shall institute medical surveillance programs for all employees who are exposed to formaldehyde at concentrations at or exceeding the action level or the STEL and for any employees who develop signs and symptoms of over exposure to formaldehyde. All medical procedures shall be performed by a licensed physician and according to details outlined in the standard.

HAZARD COMMUNICATION

All sections of the formaldehyde MSDS must be reviewed by the laboratory/area supervisor in detail with all formaldehyde users. The MSDS will contain the following information specific to formaldehyde:

◦	material identification
◦	toxicity hazards*
◦	health hazards*
◦	physical data*
◦	fire and explosion hazards
◦	reactivity
◦	spill or leak procedures
◦	handling and storage precautions
*Emphasize these sections, especially formaldehyde’s potential carcinogenicity.

Formaldehyde containers must be labeled to identify formaldehyde and its hazards. MSDSs must be kept up-to-date. The occupational health

hazards of formaldehyde are primarily due to its toxic and irritant effects after the inhalation, direct contact with the skin or eyes or after  ingestion. Acute effects of exposure by ingestion would produce severe irritation and inflammation of the mouth, throat, and stomach. Inhalation of formaldehyde would lead to irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes. Concentrations above 20 ppm would lead to heavy tearing, difficult breathing, cough, and burning of the nose and throat and could lead to severe respiratory injury. Dermal contact causes while discoloration, burning, drying, and possible cracking and scaling of the skin. Previously exposed persons may react to future exposure with an allergic eczematous dermatitis or hives. Eye contact by splashing can result in severe permanent corneal clouding and possibly loss of vision. Transient irritation may result from high ambient air levels.

TRAINING

Training must describe specific operations in the work area where formaldehyde is present and must explain safe work practices appropriate for limiting formaldehyde exposure in each procedure. Formaldehyde users shall be provided training at the time of initial assignments, and whenever exposure to formaldehyde is introduced. Training shall be repeated at least annually. It is the responsibility of the lab/area supervisor to insure all applicable employees and students receive training from EHS.

Workers shall be shown specific operations in the workplace involving HCHO by their supervisors.

RECORD KEEPING

Records, must be kept for exposure measurements; medical surveillance and respirator fit testing. Exposure records must be kept for 30 years, medical records for the duration of employment plus 30 years, and respirator fit testing records for the period until a more recent record is generated. These records must be made available to affected employees

upon request.

APPENDIX C CARCINOGENS
Known Carcinogens

Substances or groups of substances, occupational exposures associated with a technological process, and medical treatments that are known to be carcinogenic*.

Aflatoxins

4-Aminobiphenyl (4-Aminodiphenyl)

2-Aminonaphthalene (see 2-Napthylamine) Analgesic Mixtures containing Phenacetin
Arsenic (Inorganic) (under Arsenic and Certain Arsenic Compounds) Asbestos
Azathioprine Benzene Benzidine
Bis(chloromethyl)Ether

Busulfan [1,4-Butanediol Dimethylsulfonate (Myleran)] 1,4-Butanediol Dimethylsulfonate (Myleran, Busulfan) Chlorambucil
1-(2-Chloroethyl)-3-(4-methylcyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea     (MeCCNU)

Chloromethyl Methyl Ether

Chromium Hexavalent (under Chromium Certain Chromium Compounds)

Coal Tar (under Soots, Tars, and Mineral Oils) Coke Oven Emissions
Creosote (Coal) (under Soots, Tars, and Mineral Oils) Creosote (Wood) (under Soots, Tars, and Mineral Oils) Cyclophosphamide
Cyclopsporin A (Cyclosporine A; Ciclosporin) Diethylstilbesterol
Erionite

Lead Chromate (under Chromium and Certain Chromium Compounds) MeCCNU [see 1-(2-Chloroethyl)-3-(4-methylcyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea] Melphalan
Methoxsalen with Ultraviolet A (PUVA) Therapy (Methoxsalen not carcinogenic alone)

Mineral Oils Mustard Gas
Myleran (see 1,4-Butanediol Dimethylsulfonate)

2-Naphthylamine (B-Napthylamine; 2-Aminonapthalene)

Piperazine Estrone Sulfate (under Conjugated Estrogens) Radon
Sodium Equilin Sulfate (under Conjugated Estrogens) Sodium Estrone Sulfate (under Conjugated Estrogens) Soots
Strontium Chromate (under Chromium and Certain Chromium Compounds)

Tars

Thiotepa [Tris (1-aziridinyl) phosphine sulfide)] Thorium Dioxide
Tris (1-aziridinyl) phosphine sulfide (Thiotepa) Vinyl Chloride
Zinc Chromate (under Chromium and Certain Chromium Compounds)

*For the purpose of this list, "known carcinogens" are defined as those substances for which the evidence from human studies indicates that there is a causal relationship between exposure to the substance and human cancer.

Probable Carcinogens

Substances or groups of substances, and medical treatments which may reasonably be anticipated to be carcinogens**.

Acetaldehyde

2-Acetylaminofluorene Acrylamide Acrylonitrile
Adriamycin (Doxorubicin hydrochloride) 2-Aminoanthraquinone
o-Aminoazotoluene

1-Amino-2-methylanthraquinone Amitrole
o-	Anisidine Hydrochloride Aroclor (Under PCBs) Aroclor 1254 (Under PCBs) Aroclor 1260 (Under PCBs) Azacitidine (5-Azacytidine)
BCNU [See Bis(chloroethyl Nitrosource) Benz[a]anthracene
Benz[b]fluoranthene Benz[j]fluoranthene Benz[k]fluoranthene Benzo[a]pyrene

Benzotrichloride

Beryllium Aluminum Alloy Beryllium Chloride Beryllium Fluoride Beryllium Hydroxide Beryllium Oxide
Beryllium Phosphate Beryllium Sulfate Tetrahydrate Beryllium Zinc Silicate
Beryl Ore

Bis(chloroethyl) Nitrosourea (BCNU) Bis(dimethylamino) benzophenone Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate
[see Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate] Bromodichloromethane
1,3-Butadiene

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) Cadmium
Cadmium Chloride

Cadmium Oxide Cadmium Sulfate Cadmium Sulfide Carbon Tetrachloride
Ceramic Fibers (Respirable Size) Chlorendic acid
Chlorinated Paraffins (C12, 60%Chlorine)

1-(2-Chloroethyl)-3-cyclohyxyl-1-nitrosourea    (CCNU) Chlordecone (Kepone)
Chloroform

3-Chloro-2-methylpropene

4-Chloro-o-phenylenediamine p-Chloro-o-toluidine
p-	Chloro-o-toluidine Hydrochloride Chlorozotocin
C.I. Basic Red 9 Monohydrochloride Cisplatin
p-Cresidine Cristobalite (see Silica)

Cupferron Dacarbazine Danthron DDT
Decabromobiphenyl (Under PCBs) DEHP (see Di(2-ehtylhexyl) Phthalate) DEN (see N-Nitrosodiethlamine)
2,4-Diaminoanisole Sulfate

Diaminodiphenyl Ether (see 4,4-Oxydianiline) 2,4-Diaminotoluene
Dibenz[a,h] acridine (PAHs) Dibenz[a,j] acridine (PAHs) Dibenz[a,h] anthracene (PAHs)
7H-Dibenzo[c,g] carbazone (PAHs) Dibenzo[a,e] pyrene (PAHs) Dibenzo[a,h] pyrene (PAHs) Dibenzo[a,i] pyrene (PAHs) Dibenzo[a,l] pyrene (PAHs)
1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane

1,2-Dibromoethane (Ethylene Dibromide; EDB) 1,4-dichlorobenzene (p-Dichlorobenze)
3,3-Dichlorobenzidine

3,3-Dichlorobenzidine Dihydrochloride Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroehtane (DDT) 1,2-Dichloroethane (Ethylene dichloride) Dichloromethane (Methylene Chloride) 1,3-Dichloropropene (Technical Grade) Diepoxybutane
N,N-Diethyldithiocarbamic Acid 2-chloroallyl ester (see Sulfallate) Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Diethylnitrosamine (see N-Nitrosodiethylamine) Diethyl Sulfate
Diglycidyl Resorcinol Ether

1,8-Dihydroxyanthraquinone (see Danthron) 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine
4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine Dimethylcarbamoyl Chloride

1,1-Dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) Dimethylnitrosamine    (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) Dimethyl Sulfate
Dimethylvinyl Chloride 1,6-Dinitropyrene
1,8-Dinitropyrene 1,4-Dioxane Direct Black 34
Direct Blue 6

Disperse Blue 1

DMN (see N-Nitrosodimethylamine) Doxorubicin hydrochloride (see Adriomycin)
ENU [see N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (N-Ethyl-N-nitrosourea] Epichlorohydrin
Estrogens (Not Conjugated): 1.Estradiol-17b
2.Estrone 3.Ethinylestradiol Ethyl Acrylate

Ethyl Carbamate (see Urethane)

Ehtyl Dibromide (see 1,2-Dibromoethane) Ethylene Dichloride (see 1,2-Dichloroethane) Ethylene Oxide
Ethylene Thiourea Ethyl Methanesulfonate
N-Ethyl-N-Nitrosourea [see N-Nitroso-Nnitrosourea] FireMaster BP-6 (under PBBs)
FireMaster FF-1 (Hexambromobiphenyl; under PCBs) Formaldehyde (Gas)
Furan

Glass wool (Respirable Size) Glycidol
Hexabromobiphenyl (FireMaster FF-1; under PCBs)

Hexachlorobenzene

a-	Hexachlorocyclohexane (under Lindane and Other Hexachlorocyclohexane Isomers)

b-	Hexachlorocyclohexane (under Lindane and Other Hexachlorocyclohexane Isomers)

g-Hexachlorocyclohexane (under Lindane and Other

Hexachlorocyclohexane Isomers)

Hexachlorocyclohexane (under Lindane and Other Hexachlorocyclohexane Isomers)

Hexachloroethane Hexamethylphosphoramide Hydrazine
Hydrazine Sulfate Hydrazobenzene
Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (under PAHs) Iron Dextran Complex
Kanechlor 500 (under PCBs) Kepone (Chlordecone)
Lead Acetate Lead Phosphate
Lindane (under other Lindane and Other Hexachlorocyclohexane Isomers

MBOCA [4,4'-Methylenebis (2-chloroaniline)] Mestranol (under Estrogens, not conjugated)
2-Methylaziridine(Propyleneimine) 5-Methylchrysene (under PAHs)

4,4'-Methylenebis(2-chloroaniline)    (MBOCA) 4,4'-Methylenebis    (N,N-dimethylbenzenamine) Methylene Chloride (see Dichloromethane) 4,4'-Methylenedianiline
4,4'-Methylenedianiline Dihydrochloride Methyl Methanesulfonate
N-Methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine

N-M	ethyl-N-nitrosourea (see N-Nitroso-N-methylurea) Metronidazole
Michler's Ketone [4,4-(Dimethylamino) benzophenone] Mirex
Nickel

Nickel Acetate Nickel Carbonate Nickel Carbonyl Nickel Hydroxide Nickelocene Nickel Oxide Nickel Subsuflide

Nitrilotriacetic Acid o-Nitroanisole
6-Nitrochrysene Nitrofen
Nitrogen Mustard Hydrochloride 2-Nitropropane
1-Nitropyrene 4-Nitropyrene
N-N	itroso-n-butyl-N-(3-carboxypropyl) amine (under N-Nitrosodi-n- butylamine)

N-Nitroso-n-butyl-N-(4-carboxybutyl) amine (under N-Nitrosodi-n- butylamine)

N-Nitrosodi-n-butylamine N-Nitrosodiethanolamine
N-Nitrosodiethylamine (Diethylnitrosamine; DEN)

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (Dimethylnitrosoamine; DMN) N-Nitrosodi-n-propylamine
N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (N-Nitroso-N-nitrosourea; ENU)

4-(N-Nitrosomethylamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone     (NNK) N-Nitroso-N-methylurea    (N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea)

N-Nitrosomethylvinylamine N-Nitrosomorpholine
N-Nitrosonornicotine N-Nitrosopiperidine N-Nitrosopyrrolidine N-Nitrososarcosine
NNK [see 4-(N-Nitrosomethylamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone] Norethisterone
Ochratoxin A

Octabromophbiphenyl (under PBBs) 4,4'-Oxydianiline
Oxymetholone

PAHs (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) PBBs (Polybrominated biphenyls)
PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) Perchloroethylene (see Tetrachloroethylene)
Phenacetin (See Analgesic Mixtures Containing Phenacetin) Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride
Phenoxybenzamine Hydrochloride

Phenytoin

Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) 1.Benz(a)anthracene 2.Benzo(b)fluoranthene 3.Benzo(j)fluoranthene 4.Benzo(k)fluoranthene
5.Benzo(a)pyrene 6.Dibenz(a,h)acridine 7.Dibenz(a,j)acridine 8.Dibenz(a,h)anthracene 9.7H-Dibenzo(c,g)carbazole 10.Dibenzo(a,e)pyrene 11.Dibenzo(a,h)pyrene 12.Dibenzo(a,i)pyrene 13.Dibenzo(a,l)pyrene 14.Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene 15.5-Methylchrysene

Procarbazine Hydrochloride Progesterone
1,3-Propane Sultone b-Propiolactone Propylene Oxide
Propylenimine (see 2-Methylaziridine) Propylthiouracil
Quartz (under Silica, Crystalline • Respirable Size) Reserpine
Saccharin Safrole  Selenium Sulfide
Silica, Crystalline (Respirable Size): 1.Cristobalite
2.Quartz 3.Tridymite Streptozotocin Sulfallate
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin    (TCDD)

Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene) Tetranitromethane
Thioacetamide Thiourea
Toluene Diisocyanate o-Toluidine
o-Toluidine Hydrochloride Toxaphene
2,4,6-Trichlorophenol 1,2,3-Trichloropropane
Tridymite (under Silica, Crystalline • Respirable Size) Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) Phosphate
UDMH (see 1,1-Dimethylhydrazine) Urethane (Urethan; Ethyl carbamate) 4-Vinyl-1-cyclohexene Diepoxide
**For the purpose of this Report, substances "which may reasonable be anticipated to be carcinogens" are defined as those for which there is a limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans or sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals.

APPENDIX D

TOXIC SUBSTANCE CONTROL ACT (TSCA)
The Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) gives EPA broad authority to regulate the manufacture, use, distribution in commerce and disposal of chemical substances. Under TSCA, "manufacturing is defined to include "importing", and thus all requirements applicable to manufacturers apply to importers as well. TSCA classifies chemical substances as either "existing" chemicals or "new" chemicals. How a substance is classified must be determined by consulting the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory which lists "existing" substances. Any substance that is not on the Inventory is classified as a new chemical. If a substance is "new", it can be manufactured for a commercial purpose only if it is subject to an exemption from Premanufacture Notice (PMN) reporting or a TSCA reporting exclusion (for example, a Low Volume Exemption, or exclusion as a naturally-occurring material). Searches of the nonconfidential, public Inventory, are available at: Cornell University's TSCA Inventory (http://msds.pdc.cornell.edu/tscasrch.asp) or through purchased lists or CD rom access. Searches of the confidential Inventory require an "EPA Bona Fide Search." (http://www.epa.gov/oppt/newchems/) For substances which are "existing", the Inventory can be used to determine if there are  restrictions on manufacture or use under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). There are approximately 75,000 chemical substances, as defined in §3 of the TSCA, on the Inventory at this time.

A major objective of TSCA is to characterize and evaluate the risks posed by a chemical to humans and the environment before the chemical is introduced into commerce. TSCA accomplishes this through the requirement that manufacturers (or importers) perform various kinds of health and environmental testing, use quality control in their production processes, and notify EPA of information they gain on possible adverse

health effects from use of their products. Requirements of TSCA:
1.	Premanufacture Notice (PMN): TSCA Section 5 regulates  anyone who plans to manufacture or import a "new"  chemical substance for commercial purposes. (The term ''commerce'' means trade, traffic, transportation, or other commerce between a place in a State and any place outside of such State, or which affects trade, traffic, transportation, or commerce described in clause (A).) A PMN must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the activity. New  chemicals include certain genetically modified microorganisms. Manufacturers (or importers) must also submit information on "significant new uses" of existing chemicals to EPA for its review. Again, the TSCA Inventory establishes what are existing uses. After its review of the PMN or Significant New Use information, EPA may choose among a broad range of options that may limit, restrict, or prohibit the manufacture, use, distribution, and/or disposal of the chemical substance.
2.	Testing Requirements: TSCA Section 4 requires manufacturers, importers and processors of chemicals and mixtures to conduct testing on the health and environmental effects of chemical substances and mixtures, unless they are exempt. Testing requirements cover existing chemicals (but not new chemicals, since these are addressed in the PMN process), and also cover mixtures as well as individual substances. EPA has established a "Master Testing List" that lays out testing priorities, based on risk and exposure potential.
3.	Protection Against Unreasonable Risk: TSCA Section 6 regulates certain hazardous chemical substances and mixtures and authorizes EPA to take regulatory action to protect against unreasonable risk of injury to human health or the environment due to the manufacture, import, processing,
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distribution in commerce, use or disposal of a chemical substance or mixture. For example, EPA has promulgated regulations under section 6 of TSCA applicable to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and asbestos. Various guidance materials on these chemicals can be found at the TSCA publications webpage. Specific requirements can be found in 40 CFR Parts 745, 747, 749, 750, 761, and 763.
4.	Imminent Hazards: TSCA Section 7 authorizes EPA to commence a judicial action for seizure of a chemical substance, mixture or article which EPA has determined is imminently hazardous and/or for other relief against any person who manufactures, imports, processes, distributes in commerce, uses or disposes of an imminently hazardous chemical substance or mixture. For the purposes of this section, the term ''imminently hazardous chemical substance or mixture'' means a chemical substance or mixture which presents an imminent and unreasonable risk of serious or widespread injury to health or the environment. Such a risk to health or the environment shall be considered imminent if it  is shown that the manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use, or disposal of the chemical substance or mixture, or that any combination of such activities, is likely  to result in such injury to health or the environment.
5.	Data Gathering and Reporting: TSCA Section 8, 12(b) and 13 mandate data gathering activities to provide data that EPA and others can utilize to identify, assess, manage and reduce actual or potential risks posed by exposure to existing chemical substances and include import and export reporting requirements. Section 8 of TSCA authorizes EPA to require persons engaged in the manufacture (including importing), processing, and distribution of TSCA-covered chemical substances and mixtures to perform certain record-keeping and reporting activities. This includes, among other things:
a.	Inventory Update Rule (IUR) - Companies that manufacture or import more than 10,000 lbs. of certain
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chemicals that are included on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory (primarily organics) are required to report current data on the production volume, plant site, and site-limited status of these chemicals.
b.	Preliminary Assessment Information Rule (PAIR) - Companies must report site-specific information on the manufacture or importing for commercial purposes of any chemicals listed at 40 CFR 712.30. The information includes: quantity of chemical, amount lost to the environment during production or importation, quantity of releases (controlled and non-controlled) of the chemical, and per release worker exposure information.
c.	Allegation of Significant Adverse Reactions Rule - Companies are required to keep a file of allegations of significant adverse reactions (to human health or the environment) of any chemical they manufacture, import, process or distribute. Companies must also provide this information to EPA upon request.
d.	Unpublished Health and Safety Studies Rule - Companies may be required to submit to EPA a list and/or copies of unpublished studies that address the health or safety issues of certain listed chemicals.
e.	Substantial Risk Information Requirement requires that EPA be notified within 15 days of any new information which reasonably supports the conclusions that a chemical manufactured, imported, processed or distributed presents a substantial risk of injury to health or the environment. If any worker suspects that a chemical has caused an adverse effect to his/her health, the following steps should be taken:
1.	Immediately report the incident to the laboratory supervisor. If the laboratory supervisor is not available, report to the department chair or a designated representative.
2.	If medical attention is needed, employees should go to
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Capstone Medical Center and students should go to Russell Student Health Center.
3.	The departmental person who was notified should immediately complete a form to report the incident to EHS. EHS will evaluate the situation and notify EPA, if necessary.
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6.	Under certain circumstances chemicals are subject to export notice requirements. If a chemical substance or mixture is subject to export notice, an exporter must notify EPA of the country of destination the first time the chemical is shipped to the country during a calendar year.

7.	TSCA Section 13 requires that any chemical substance, mixture, or article containing a chemical substance or mixture be in compliance with TSCA and, in addition, EPA requires import certification. Additional information regarding import requirements can be found in the Introduction to the Chemical Import Requirements of the Toxic Substances Control Act

Exemptions

There are certain exemptions for many of the TSCA requirements reviewed above. It is important to review the regulations to determine applicability to any particular circumstances. If there is any question about having to satisfy TSCA requirements, contact EHS.