Table of Contents

Introduction

Juniata strives to provide a learning, teaching, and research environment free from recognized hazards. Pursuant to Occupational Safety and Health Administration Regulations (29 CFR 1910.1450), commonly known as the Laboratory Standard, the College establishes this Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) to protect employees and students from potential health hazards associated with hazardous chemicals in laboratories.

A.  Scope

The safe storage, use and disposal of chemicals in the laboratory require policies for the protection of students, employees, and the environment. Juniata’s Chemical Hygiene Plan applies to all laboratories of the College. All Juniata employees and students engaged in the laboratory use of hazardous chemicals are required to comply with this document. The CHP is available to all laboratory workers at all times.

The purpose of the Chemical Hygiene Plan is to provide the chemical user with basic safety information regarding the use of chemicals. Where the scope of hazards is not adequately addressed by this document, the laboratory supervisor must develop specific Standard Operating Procedures.

Biological Safety
The safe use of biological organisms requires control measures similar to those found in chemical safety. However, biological agents may have the added dimension of self-replication. See the Juniata College Biosafety Protocol for proper work practices involving biological agents.

Radiation Safety
The safe use of radioactive materials requires control measures similar to those found in chemical safety. However, the use of radioactive materials has additional requirements. See the Juniata College Radiation Safety Manual for safe work practices involving radioactive materials.

B. Responsibilities

  1. The President of Juniata College has the ultimate responsibility for chemical safety within the institution. General oversight responsibility is assigned to the Provost of the College.
  2. The Chemical Hygiene Officer is appointed by Juniata’s President and:
    • Works with administrators and other employees to develop and implement appropriate chemical hygiene policies and practices.
    • Monitors procurement, use, and disposal of chemicals.
    • Helps laboratory supervisors develop precautions and adequate facilities.
    • Annually reviews the Chemical Hygiene Plan and updates it as necessary.
    • Maintains current knowledge concerning the legal requirements regarding safety in the laboratory.
    • Monitors the program for the collection, storage and disposal of chemical wastes.
    • Presents Juniata Laboratory Safety Training sessions.
  3. Department Chairpersons are responsible for establishing and maintaining compliance with the CHP.
  4. Laboratory Supervisors are the faculty or staff members under whose instruction chemicals are used and/or stored in the laboratory. The supervisor has the overall responsibility for compliance with the CHP in his or her laboratory and ensures that:
    • Laboratory workers and others entering the laboratory know and follow chemical hygiene rules.
    • Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided and is in working order.
    • Appropriate training has been provided to all occupants of the laboratory.
    • Unsafe acts, conditions or inadequate facilities are reported to the Chemical Hygiene Officer or the Department Chairperson.
  5. Individual Laboratory Workers are responsible for:
    • Planning and conducting each operation in accordance with the procedures outlined in this CHP
    • Developing good laboratory hygiene habits.
    • Reporting unsafe acts or conditions to their supervisor or the Chemical Hygiene Officer.

 

Hazard Identification

A. Safety Data Sheets

Chemical manufacturers or distributors perform an assessment of the physical and health hazards of each chemical they produce. This information is included in a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and, in part, on container labels.

Safety data sheets must be maintained and made readily accessible to laboratory workers. Electronic copies of Safety Data Sheets are available on the P: drive under VLlab and BAClab. Additional laboratory safety resources are available from the Chemical Hygiene Officer.

B. Hazardous Chemicals

The following classifications shall be assigned when they are identified on the SDS or container label, or when substances meet the respective criteria in the OSHA Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) or Hazard Communication Standard (CFR 1910.1200 Appendix A).

Contact hazards are substances which cause health effects via contact with skin or eyes and include:

  • Allergens
  • Irritants
  • Sensitizers

Corrosivity hazards are substances which destroy living tissue on contact and include:

  • Strong acids
  • Strong bases
  • Some oxidizers

Fire hazards are substances which give off vapors that can readily ignite and include both:

  • Flammables: those with a flash point < 100* F, and
  • Combustibles: those with flash points between 100 and 200* F

Reactivity hazards are substances which are chemically unstable, and include materials identified as any of the following:

  • Reactive
  • Oxidizer
  • Unstable
  • Explosive
  • Dangerous when wet
  • Pyrophoric
  • Organic peroxide

Toxic hazards are substances which are hazardous to health when breathed, swallowed, or contact the skin. In addition to materials specifically identified as toxic, substances with unknown toxicological properties shall be assumed to be toxic.

 

Standard Operating Procedures for Laboratories

A. Chemical Procurement

  1. The decision to procure a chemical shall be a commitment to handle and use the chemical properly from initial receipt to ultimate disposal. Amounts or concentrations procured should be as small as practical. In general, individuals should purchase only the amounts expected to be used during the subsequent 6-12 month period.
  2. Chemical purchases must be authorized by the Chemical Hygiene Officer. For new chemicals, personnel initiating request of the material will be responsible for alerting those involved in handling the material as to any unique hazards that may be associated with receipt, handling, or storage.
  3. Recipients of chemicals will adhere to the following guidelines: 1) insuring that the labeling of the material is appropriate, 2) insuring that a SDS is available, 3) placing the chemical into appropriate storage.

B. Chemical Storage

Proper chemical storage begins with purchasing the minimum amounts necessary. Minimized inventories provide safer workplaces, reduce the risks from spills, reduce disposal costs, and protect the environment.

  1. Carefully read the label before storing a hazardous chemical. The MSDS will also provide any special storage and incompatibility information.
  2. Chemicals in laboratories shall be stored in appropriate cabinets or on designated shelves. Chemicals should not be stored on the floor or on high shelves.
  3. Segregate chemicals by hazard classification and compatibility. Segregation is best achieved using: 1) physical barriers such as cabinets and plastic bins, and 2) distance. Do not store un-segregated chemicals in alphabetical order or incompatible chemicals in close proximity to each other.
  4. The following major classes of hazardous chemicals require segregation:
    1. Fire Hazards (Flammables & Combustibles)
    2. Oxidizers
    3. Corrosives
      1.  acids
      2. bases
    4. Highly Reactive Materials
    5. Highly Toxic/Regulated Materials
    6. Low Hazard Materials
    7. Once separated into hazard classes, chemicals may be stored alphabetically
  5. Segregate compressed gases as follows: 
    1. Toxic gases
    2. Flammable gases
    3. Oxidizing and inert gases
  6. Minimize storage of chemicals at the lab bench or other work areas.
  7. Avoid exposure of chemicals to heat or direct sunlight.
  8. Flammables require an approved storage cabinet if more than 10 gallons are present at any one time.
  9. Restricted access is recommended for highly toxic chemicals to prevent unauthorized use.
  10. Stored chemicals must be examined at least annually under the direction of the laboratory supervisor for replacement, deterioration, and container integrity.
  11. Laboratory supervisors shall provide annual inventories of chemicals to the Chemical Hygiene Officer.

C. Chemical Handling

Each laboratory employee shall develop and implement work habits consistent with this CHP to minimize chemical exposures.

  1. General guidelines for the safe handling and use of all chemicals are: 
    • Know the physical and health hazards associated with the chemicals you are using. Carefully read the label and Material Safety Data Sheet before using a chemical for the first time.
    • Use required personal protective equipment.
    • Avoid direct contact with any chemical. Wear disposable nitrile gloves to prevent skin exposure.
    • Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling any chemical and whenever you leave the lab.
    • Never smell, inhale, or taste a chemical.
    • Always use chemicals with adequate ventilation or in a chemical fume hood. Refer to the SDS and/or standard operating procedure to determine what type of ventilation is needed.
    • Inspect equipment or apparatus for damage before adding a hazardous chemical. Do not use damaged equipment.
  2. Guidelines for the safe handling of corrosivity hazards are: 
    • Eye protection and rubber gloves should always be used when handling corrosives. A face shield, rubber apron, and rubber boots may also be appropriate, depending on the work performed.
    • Never add water to acid. When mixing concentrated acids with water, add the acid slowly to water.
  3. Guidelines for the safe handling of fire hazards are: 
    • Eliminate ignition sources such as open flames, hot surfaces, sparks from welding or cutting, and static electricity.
    • Store materials in NFPA approved flammable liquid containers or storage cabinets.
    • Ensure appropriate fire extinguishers are in the area where the procedure will be carried out.
  4. Guidelines for the safe handling of reactivity hazards are: 
    • Ensure there are no extraneous materials in the area of an experiment which could become involved in a reaction.
    • Minimize quantities used during initial experiments to assess the levels of energy released and potential control problems.
    • Use shields to isolate materials if the reaction is potentially violent or explosive.
    • Do not expose any part of the body to potential injury. Personal protective equipment may include a face shield, heavy gloves, and a laboratory coat.
  5. Guidelines for the safe handling of toxic hazards are: 
    • Conduct all procedures involving toxic materials in an operating fume hood or other suitable containment device.
    • Use personal protective equipment in accordance with recommendations given in the SDS.
    • Wash hands and arms after working with toxic materials.

D. Chemical Labeling

  1. All containers in the laboratory shall be labeled. The label shall be informative and durable, and at a minimum, will identify contents and indication of hazard(s).
  2. All peroxide forming chemicals and explosive or shock-sensitive materials must be labeled with the date of receipt and opening. It is considered good laboratory practice to date all chemicals upon receipt. Exemptions for labeling requirements shall be made for chemical transfers from a labeled container into a container which is intended only for the immediate use of the employee who performed the transfer.
  3. The labeling program shall be periodically inspected by the laboratory supervisor or the Chemical Hygiene Officer.

E. General Laboratory Safety Principles

  1. Know the location and proper use of emergency equipment including fire extinguishers, fire alarms, eyewash stations and safety showers.
  2. Always be alert to unsafe conditions and actions and call attention to them so that corrective actions can be taken.
  3. Food and drinks are prohibited in laboratories.
  4. Bare feet are prohibited in laboratories.
  5. Dispose of broken glass in designated Broken Glass Containers. Do not dispose of hazardous materials or contaminated glassware in such containers.
  6. Dispose of needles, razor blades, scalpel blades, and other sharp materials in designated Sharps Containers.

F. Housekeeping

Laboratory safety is closely connected with laboratory cleanliness. It is the responsibility of each laboratory worker to maintain a clean work place.

  1. Each laboratory worker is directly responsible for the cleanliness of his or her work space, and jointly responsible for common areas of the laboratory.
  2. The following procedures apply to the housekeeping standards of the laboratory:
    • All spills on lab benches or floors shall be immediately cleaned and properly disposed of.
    • The lab benches shall be kept clear of equipment and chemicals except those necessary for the work currently being performed.
    • The work area shall be cleaned at the end of each operation.
    • All floors, aisles, exits, fire extinguishers, eyewashes, safety showers, emergency disconnects, and other emergency equipment shall remain unobstructed.
    • All labels shall face front.
    • Chemical containers shall be clean, properly labeled and returned to storage upon completion of usage.
    • All chemical wastes will be disposed of in accordance with prudent waste disposal practices.
  3. The syllabus for each laboratory course may allocate a percentage of the total laboratory grade of each student based on the safety and cleanliness of the laboratory at the end of a semester. It is suggested that the instructor obtain another faculty member or the Chemical Hygiene Officer to assign this portion of the grade.

G. Emergency Contacts and Signs

  1. Telephone numbers of emergency personnel, laboratory supervisors and other workers as deemed appropriate shall be posted outside laboratories.
  2. Location signs for safety and emergency equipment shall be posted.

H. Sanctions for Non-Compliance

Unsafe activities are often the result of inattention, and appropriate communication is ordinarily the only action necessary to mitigate safety problems. This section lists the stronger recourses available when other actions become necessary.

  1. Either the faculty supervisor or the Chemical Hygiene Officer may remove laboratory access privileges of any student for behaviors deemed willfully unsafe or destructive.
  2. Sanctions for disobedience of CHP rules by students enrolled in a course shall include the possibility of expulsion from the course with a grade of F.
  3. The Chemical Hygiene Officer may immediately suspend laboratory activities deemed to be imminent and substantial dangers to students or employees. Consultations with the Provost and the respective department chairperson will subsequently be undertaken to determine the corrective course of action.
  4. All employees of the College are responsible for following the procedures and implementing the appropriate responsibilities of the CHP. Failure to do so is a serious breach of College policy and subject to disciplinary action which might include termination of employment.

Controls

A. Engineering controls

Engineering controls are the primary means of controlling exposure to hazardous chemicals. Local ventilation, including fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, glove boxes, vented storage cabinets, and vented canopies are the most common types of engineering controls. Upon request, the Chemical Hygiene Officer provides assistance in determining the appropriate type of engineering controls for specific operations.

Improper function of engineering controls must be reported to the Chemical Hygiene Officer immediately; systems shall be taken out of service until proper repairs have been performed. No modification of engineering controls may occur unless testing indicates that worker protection will continue to be adequate.

The following work practices shall apply to the use of fume hoods:

  • Confirm adequate fume hood ventilation performance prior to opening chemical containers inside the fume hood.
  • Minimize the storage of chemicals and equipment inside the fume hood.
  • Minimize foot traffic and other forms of potential air disturbances near the face of the fume hood.
  • Keep the sash closed when the fume hood is not in use.
  • Do not allow sources of ignition inside the fume hood when flammable liquids or gasses are present.
  • Fume hood face velocities shall be maintained between 90 and 110 feet per minute. A record of each inspection shall be maintained by the Chemical Hygiene Officer.

B. Personal Protective Equipment

Protective equipment including gloves, face shields, safety glasses, safety goggles, lab coats and aprons are used to supplement engineering controls or when engineering controls are not sufficient to adequately control exposure. This equipment does not eliminate the hazard, protects only the wearer, and does not protect anyone else. Personal protective equipment must be carefully selected to ensure that it is compatible with the chemicals used.

  1. Eye Protection
    1. The use of proper eye protection is essential for everyone who enters a chemical work area. Eye protection must be made available to all employees or visitors to laboratories where chemicals are used or stored. Laboratory supervisors must establish the level of eye protection needed per laboratory activity.
    2. Safety glasses meeting ANSI Z87.1 are the minimum eye protection necessary for laboratory work.
    3. Chemical splash goggles offer the best eye protection from splashes. Chemical splash goggles and/or a full face shield should be worn when working with large volumes of corrosives (e.g., > 1L) and for other handling operations where splash hazards exist.
    4. Face shields protect the face and neck from flying particles and splashes. A face shield and cryogenic gloves shall be worn when dispensing liquid nitrogen from a pressurized vessel.
  2. Protective Clothing
    1. When the possibility of chemical contamination exists, protective clothing that resists physical and chemical hazards should be worn over street clothes. Lab coats are appropriate for minor chemical splashes and spills, whereas plastic or rubber aprons provide the best protection from corrosive or irritating liquids. Excessively loose clothing, shorts, open-toed or perforated shoes, and unrestrained hair may pose hazards in the laboratory.
  3. Gloves
    1. Protective gloves should be worn when handling hazardous chemicals and very hot or very cold materials. Inspect all gloves for signs of degradation or puncture before use. Change disposable gloves when there is any sign of contamination.
    2. Disposable nitrile gloves offer protection from incidental splashes or contact with many laboratory chemicals and are appropriate under most circumstances. When working with particularly hazardous substances, corrosives in high concentrations, handling chemicals for extended periods of time, or immersing all or part of a hand into a chemical, the appropriate glove materials should be selected based on chemical compatibility.  See Appendix A for a glove selection guide or consult the SDS.
  4. Respirators
    1. A respirator may only be used when engineering controls, such as general ventilation or a fume hood, are not feasible or do not reduce the exposure of a chemical to acceptable levels. Any worker who believes that respirator protection is needed must contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer for evaluation of the hazard.  For more information on respirator use, contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer.

C. Administrative Controls

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

  1. Chemical Waste Management
    1. Defining Hazardous Waste
    2. Collection, Labeling, and Containment
    3. Segregation of Wastes
    4. Prohibited Materials
    5. Sewer Disposal Guidelines
    6. Waste Pickup
    7. Waste Minimization
  2. Emergency Procedures
    1. Fire
    2. Chemical Spills
    3. Chemical Exposures
    4. Injuries and Illnesses
  3. Prior Approval for Laboratory Operations
    1. Off-hours Work Procedures
    2. Sole Occupancy
    3. Unattended Operations
  4. Employee and Student Information and Training
    1. Information
    2. Training
  5. Monitoring
    1. Permissible Exposure Limits and Action Levels
    2. Initial and Periodic Monitoring
    3. Employee Notification
    4. Medical Consultations and Examinations
    5. Physician's written Opinion
  6. Recordkeeping
  7. References and Recommended Reading
  8. Appendix A: Glove Selection Guide
  9. Appendix B: U-Listed Wastes
  10. Appendix C: P-Listed Wastes