SECTION I - SECTION II - SECTION III - SECTION IV - SECTION V (APPENDICES)
V.Cover | V.A | V.B | V.C | V.D | V.E | V.F | V.G | V.H | V.I | V.J | V.K | V.L | V.M | V.N | V.O | V.P | V.Q

Appendix C

Laboratory Chemical Safety - Supplemental Information

1. General Hygiene Practices
2. Chemical Procurement and Storage
3. Laboratory Chemicals
4. Chemical Hazard Lists
5. Incompatible Chemicals
6. Waste Disposal
7. Chemical Spill Management

Many laboratory safety references cite general laboratory hygiene practices which are typically unspecified in laws and regulations. Nevertheless, these practices are important and necessary to laboratory work in a safe and healthful environment; therefore the following information has been provided in this Appendix (C) to assist in the development of your Chemical Hygiene Plan.

1. GENERAL HYGIENE PRACTICES
   
   
   1. Ingestion
      
      Laboratory workers must be protected from inadvertent ingestion of hazardous materials. Food and beverages are not permitted to be stored or consumed in any laboratory where there is a potential of contamination with chemical, radioactive, or biological hazardous materials. After handling hazardous materials, protective clothing and gloves should be removed, and any potentially contaminated body surface (such as hands) should be thoroughly washed prior to consumption of food or beverages.
      
      Glassware or utensils that have been used for laboratory operations shall not be used to prepare or consume food or beverages. Laboratory refrigerators and cold or heated rooms shall not be used for food or beverage storage.
      
   2. Mouth Suction
      
      Mouth suction must never be used to pipette chemicals or to start a siphon. Use a pipette bulb, aspirator bulb, or another source of vacuum for such procedures.
      
   3. Smoking
      
      Smoking is prohibited in all campus laboratories. After handling hazardous materials, hands and face should be washed prior to smoking in an approved area.
      
      
   4. Eye Protection
      
      Laboratory Workers must be protected from contamination of sensitive body surfaces by hazardous materials. Eyes shall be protected in every laboratory setting in which liquid, granular or finely ground chemicals are used. Eyes shall also be protected against impact of shattered glass or other projectiles which may be generated during the handling of glassware or through grinding, burnishing or cutting procedures used in processing laboratory materials.
      
      
      • Goggles or face shields designed to protect the eyes and/or face from chemical splash shall be used whenever there is risk of splash or release of caustic or corrosive materials. Proper eye/face protection must also be used whenever a liquid containing toxic materials which can be absorbed through body surfaces is used (the eye is especially sensitive to absorption).
      • Goggles, glasses or face shields designed to protect the eyes and/or face from impact of projectiles shall be used whenever a risk of such damage is present in a laboratory.
      • Contact lenses are not recommended for use in laboratories in which liquid hazardous materials are handled. Laboratory supervisor or PI should always be informed when an employee is wearing contact lenses under these laboratory conditions.
        
        
   5. Skin Exposure
      
      Laboratory workers must be protected from skin exposure to hazardous materials from sharp utensils, glassware, and other mechanical or equipment hazards. Properly designed laboratory coats or aprons shall always be worn when handling hazardous materials.
      
      
   6. Feet
      
      Proper foot covering must always be worn in laboratories. Bare feet or exposed foot surfaces are prohibited in University laboratories (e.g. thongs, sandals, etc.). Shoes or boots worn in laboratories should be durable and cover the foot entirely. If heavy equipment or glassware is handled, the employee should have foot covering designed to prevent damage if the equipment or glassware is dropped.
      
      
   7. Hands
      
      Proper gloves should be worn by laboratory employees to protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and punctures which might occur during handling of laboratory equipment or glassware. If chemicals are handled, gloves should be selected which are made of materials which prevent or minimize breakthrough of the hazardous chemical and resultant skin contact. Double-layering of gloves (one kind of glove worn over another) should be considered when mixtures of hazardous chemicals are handled, or when highly hazardous materials are handled. Double-layering of gloves should also be considered when hazards associated with both chemical toxicity and sharp or abrasive equipment are present. The inner glove is designed to protect against chemical contact with the skin and the outer glove is a sturdy glove designed to resist puncture and abrasion.
      
      The following guidelines apply to the selection and use of protective gloves:
      
      
      • Wear gloves of a material known to be resistant to permeation by the substances in use. Wearing the wrong type of glove can be more hazardous than wearing no gloves at all, because if a chemical seeps through, the glove can hold it in prolonged contact with the wearer's hand.
      • Inspect gloves for small holes or tears before use.
      • Wash gloves appropriately before removing them. (Note: some gloves, e.g., leather and polyvinyl alcohol, are water-permeable.)
      • In order to prevent the unintentional spread of hazardous substances, remove gloves before handling objects such as doorknobs, telephones, pens, computer keyboards, etc.
      • Replace gloves periodically, depending on the frequency of use and their permeation and degradation characteristics relative to the substances handled. (See Appendix F – Chemical Degradation Chart For Common Glove Material.)
        
        
   8. Jewelry
      
      Hand jewelry may interfere with proper glove use and should not be worn with gloves. Necklaces and bracelets may be damaged by chemicals, or may be caught in laboratory equipment, and therefore should not be worn in laboratories.
      
      
2. CHEMICAL PROCUREMENT AND STORAGE
   
   It is important for the principal investigator or lab supervisor to exert control over access, storage, and use of hazardous chemicals in the laboratory environment. This is because hazardous chemical exposures to employees and hazardous waste management problems present a direct liability to those in charge of the laboratory environment. It is highly recommended that:
   
   
   1. An inventory control system be established and continually updated. Inventory control has a number of advantages, some of which include:
      
      
      • The ability to determine if MSDSs and other hazard information is available for each hazardous chemical used in the lab,
      • The ability to determine if chemical substances are present which require special controls or surveillance (e.g., if ethers are stored, they should be disposed of on a regular basis),
      • The ability to determine which chemicals are necessary to laboratory operation and which are not, reducing inventories of unneeded chemicals,
      • The ability to control theft and abuse of laboratory chemicals.
        
        
   2. A storage system established, including periodic inspection of stored chemical substances. This allows:
      
      
      • A determination of storage space needs for specific kinds of chemicals (e.g., flammable solvents) to be ascertained and used in planning,
      • A means of managing incompatible chemical substances to be established,
      • A means of monitoring of highly hazardous substances and/or controlled substances to be established.
        
        
   3. A waste management system established, including records of chemical spills/releases and records of disposal practices. This allows:
      
      
      • Protection of employees and lab supervisors against liabilities associated with waste management regulations,
      • Responsible protection of the waste handling personnel and the environment.
        
        
3. LABORATORY CHEMICALS
   
   
   Chemicals used in laboratories have a variety of hazards associated with them. Some chemicals present a high degree of toxicity, or present a danger to laboratory workers because they are explosive, highly flammable, or corrosive to tissue.
   
   
   1. Reactive/Explosive
      
      Unstable chemicals such as those classified as Class A Explosives (e.g., picric acid), highly reactive (e.g., strong reducing agents [sodium metal]) or oxidizing agents (e.g., perchloric acid), or chemicals which, over time, form explosive peroxides, must be inventoried. Whenever new chemical stocks are received by the laboratory, they should be dated and periodically inspected at intervals no greater than 6 months to insure storage compatibility and the integrity of the chemical substance.
      
      
   2. Class A Explosives
      
      Class A Explosives are stabilized by the addition of water (typically 11+ %), and so become unstable as dehydration occurs. These materials may become very sensitive to impact or heat if dehydrated or if contaminated with a reducing agent (organic material or metal). If during periodic inspection, any contamination of the chemical is noted, if it has become discolored or other physical characteristics have changed, do not move the material, and contact EH&S immediately at 335-3041.
      
      
   3. Oxidizers
      
      Inadvertent or intentional mixing together of strong oxidizing agents with moderate (flammable liquids) or strong (alkali metal or hydride) reducing agents can cause a fire or explosion. Similarly, mixing of a strong reducing agent with a moderate (water, air) or strong (oxo-compound) oxidizing agent may produce the same effect. These types of chemicals should never be stored together and chemical stocks should be inspected and inventoried at least annually to insure proper segregation. Very strong (Class IV) oxidizers (e.g., 73% perchloric acid) are typically stabilized by water and may become unstable with age or with contamination by reducing agents. Class IV oxidizers which have become unstable may detonate without warning. If such chemicals are found to be discolored, or the physical characteristics have changed, do not move the material and contact EH&S immediately at 335-3041.
      
      
   4. Peroxides
      
      Chemicals which spontaneously form peroxides (with or without the presence of air) should be inspected at least every six months. Ethers (including dioxane and tetrahydrofuran) spontaneously form peroxides, even without the presence of air. Exposure to air seems to accelerate peroxide formation in ethers. Peroxide residues from oxidized ether are violently explosive. Peroxides are stabilized by the presence of water or un-oxidized organic materials (typically 30+ %). Peroxide formation in ethers may be inhibited by the addition of small amounts of hydroquinone, diphenylamine, pyrogallol, and commercial substances. In addition to ether, peroxides may form in olefins and in aromatic and saturated hydrocarbons, although generally more slowly than in ethers. All chemicals in which peroxides form should be stored, handled, and utilized according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The expiration date should be clearly marked on the container prior to first opening. Chemicals that form peroxides on aging should only be purchased in quantities that can be used within the shelf life, and not kept beyond that shelf life. If you discover containers of ether or other peroxidizable chemicals to be more than one year old, do not move the material, and contact EH&S immediately at 335-3041.
      
      
   5. Flammables
      
      If highly flammable materials such as Class A Flammable Solvents are used in laboratory processes in volumes greater than one liter, employees must be informed of the dangers of accidental fire. Further, as many of these solvents are also toxic to some degree, laboratory workers should be trained to recognize toxic effects. Employees should be thoroughly trained in emergency procedures to eliminate or minimize health impacts of contact with flammable solvents.
      
      
      • If large quantities of highly flammable materials are used, laboratory employees must never work alone with them. All employees must be trained in emergency procedures relative to the use of highly flammable materials.
      • In laboratories in which large quantities of highly flammable materials are used, appropriate fire suppression devices of sufficient number and quantity must be present. Consult with WSU Fire Services (335-1766) or the EH&S (335-3041) for information if questions arise.
        
        
   6. Corrosives
      
      Highly corrosive materials such as concentrated acids and bases can cause serious injury or death even in very small amounts. Strong acids and salts containing fluorine are not only very corrosive, but also highly toxic. Some organic compounds, like phenol, are not only highly toxic, but corrosive as well. Laboratory employees handling strong corrosives must always wear proper eye- and skin-protective clothing and equipment. These employees must be informed of the dangers of tissue contact with corrosives, and should be thoroughly trained in emergency procedures to eliminate or minimize health impacts of contact with corrosives.
      
      
      • If highly corrosive materials are used, laboratory employees must never work alone with them. All employees must be trained in emergency procedures relative to the use of corrosive materials.
      • Properly designed and easily accessible eye wash facilities and deluge showers must be present in any laboratory in which any quantity of concentrated corrosive materials is used. Contact EH&S for specific information regarding these devices.
        
        
   7. Toxic Chemicals
      
      Highly toxic chemical substances (such as cyanide, phenol, and compounds containing fluorine) must be recognized by all laboratory personnel who may come into contact with them. Specific emergency procedures for treatment of exposed laboratory workers must be understood by all personnel involved in handling toxic materials.
      
      
      • If highly toxic materials are used, laboratory employees must never work alone with them. All employees must be trained in emergency procedures relative to the use of highly toxic materials.
        
        
   8. “Particularly Hazardous Substances” (See SECTION IV: STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES)
      
      The laboratory safety standard identifies certain chemical substances used in laboratories as “particularly hazardous substances” (WAC 296-828-2005). These substances have characteristics of (1) a high degree of acute toxicity, (2) carcinogenicity and/or (3) causing reproductive effects.
      
      High degree of acute toxicity is defined as (1) “an albino rat LD 50 of 50 mg/kg, administered orally,” (2) “an albino rabbit LD 50 of 200 mg/kg, dermal administered for 24 hours,” or (3) “an albino rat LC 50 of 200 ppm, administered by continuous inhalation for one hour” (WAC 296-62-05421).
      
      Select carcinogen is defined as (1) regulated by WISHA as a carcinogen, (2) listed under the category “known to be carcinogens” by NTP in its Annual Report on Carcinogens, (3) listed as Group I (“carcinogenic to humans”) by the IARC, or (4) is listed as Group 2A or 2B by IARC or “reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens” by NTP and meeting the following criteria in causing statistically significant tumor incidence:
      
      
      • Inhalation exposure 6-7 hrs/day, 5 days/week, over significant portion of lifetime to 10 mg/m3
      • Repeated skin application of 300 mg/kg per week
      • Oral dosages of less than 50 mg/kg of body weight per day
        
        
      In addition to the above criteria, for purposes of laboratory chemical use on the WSU campus, it is the policy of the University to include the category “confirmed” (A1) or “suspected” (A2) human carcinogens as listed in the most current version of ACGIH Threshold Limit Values.
      
      Reproductive toxin is defined as a chemical which affects reproductive capabilities, including chromosomal damage (mutations) and effects on fetuses (teratogenesis). (WAC 296-62-40003(24)) If “particularly hazardous substances” are used in the laboratory, the laboratory safety standard requires:
      
      
      • The establishment of a “designated area.” A designated area is defined by the PI or laboratory supervisor. It delineates the work area in which a particularly hazardous substance can be used.
      • The use of containment devices such as laboratory hoods or glove boxes when handling the chemical.
      • The establishment of procedures for safe removal of contaminated waste.
      • The establishment of effective decontamination procedures.
        
        
4. CHEMICAL HAZARD LISTS
   
   
   1. Acutely Hazardous Chemicals
      
      Certain chemicals are regulated under hazardous waste rules at the time they are discarded. Washington Dangerous Waste Regulations (WAC 173-303) limit the amount of hazardous chemical waste which can be stored in the laboratory in which they are generated. The Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) places “dangerous wastes” into two categories; dangerous waste and acutely hazardous waste. Containers of dangerous waste can be stored in quantities up to 55 gallons. Acutely hazardous waste can only be stored in a quantity up to one quart before it must be removed, within three days, to a properly designed waste accumulation storage area or permitted facility. See S70.40 for a specific list of these chemicals.
      
      
   2. Potentially Explosive Chemicals
      
      Some chemical and reagent combinations have the potential for producing a violent explosion when subject to shock or friction. The following links contain tables that list some common laboratory reagents that can produce explosions when they are brought together or that generate reaction products which can explode without any apparent external initiating action.
      
   Shock Sensitive Compounds
   Potentially Explosive combinations of some Common Reagents
   Peroxidizable Chemicals
   Polymerizable Chemicals
   
   
5. INCOMPATIBLE CHEMICALS
   
   In order to safely manage chemicals in a laboratory (or non-laboratory) setting, it is important to consider chemical reactions which may result from mixing together of chemical species. Mixing of chemicals may occur during a designed process, or it may occur inadvertently (e.g., mixing waste chemicals in a waste container, incompatible storage of chemicals). Three things should be considered in reference to chemical compatibility:
   
   
   1. Chemical Knowledge
      
      Know the properties of the chemicals used. The chemical incompatibilities discussed below are by no means exhaustive. As a result, it is crucial for laboratory personnel to thoroughly research the properties of the chemicals used. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) all have sections on chemical incompatibility, and while the quality of MSDSs varies from one manufacturer to another; they should serve as a primary resource for information on avoiding contact with incompatible compounds. A more detailed reference is the Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards, available for review through EH&S, the Owen Science Library, and various science departments on campus.
   
   
   
   2. Waste Mixing
      
      Avoid mixing incompatible waste materials. Use separate waste containers for each generated waste stream. Consult the WSU SAFETY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL S70.40 (Appendix E - Chemical Hygiene Plan) or EH&S at 335-3041.
   
   
   
   3. Storage
      
      Store incompatible chemicals separately. Surveys of chemical storage practices in laboratories have revealed a number of potentially serious problems. The most serious of these is the storage of oxidizing materials (especially oxidizing acids) with flammable solvents. Contact of a concentrated oxidizing acid with a flammable solvent would likely result in a fire or an explosion. Storage of chemicals in alphabetical order on shelves often results in incompatible chemicals being stored together. For example, an alphabetical arrangement could result in hydrogen peroxide (a strong oxidizer) being stored next to a hydrazine (a strong reducer). If the shelf was jarred and these chemical containers broke together, a violent reaction may occur.
   
   
   
   4. Chemical Classes
      
      Storage of chemicals by class rather than alphabetically ensures that individual chemicals receive the proper storage measures warranted by their reactivity. Incompatibilities between classes can be anticipated and protected against. Alphabetizing within a group is then acceptable. An added benefit to this type of storage is that knowledge of chemical reactivity is transmitted to users of chemicals, who observe the proper storage practices.
      
      
      • Acids: Segregate acids from active metals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc. Segregate oxidizing acids from organic acids, flammable solvents, and combustible materials. Some strong oxidizing acids, such as perchloric acid, should be stored separate from any other chemical and double containerized in compatible containers. Segregate acids from chemicals which could generate toxic or flammable gases upon contact, such as sodium cyanide, iron sulfide, calcium carbide, etc. Acids should be segregated from bases.
      
      
      • Bases: Segregate bases from acids, metals, explosives, organic peroxides, and easily ignitable materials.
      
      
      • Flammables: Store in approved safety cans or vented cabinets. Segregate from oxidizing acids and oxidizers. Keep away from any source of ignition: heat, sparks, or open flames.
      
      
      • Oxidizers: Store in a cool, dry place. Keep away from combustible and flammable materials. Keep away from reducing agents such as zinc, alkali metals, and formic acid. Do not store oxidizers in or on wooden or metal shelves or cabinets (coating the shelf or cabinet surface with epoxy or other material which does not react with oxidizers is suggested). Some strong oxidizers will react violently on contact with other strong oxidizers. If this is the case, separate storage of these materials is advisable. Double-containerizing the individual containers to preclude inadvertent contact may be helpful.
        
      • Cyanides: Segregate from acids and oxidizers.
      
      
      • Water Reactive Chemicals: Store in a cool, dry place away from any water source. Have a Class D fire extinguisher available in case of fire.
      
      
      • Pyrophoric Substances: Store in a cool, dry place making provisions for an airtight seal.
      
      
      • Light Sensitive Chemicals: Store in amber bottles in a cool, dry, dark place.
      
      
      • Peroxidizable Chemicals: Store in airtight containers in a dark, cool, dry space. Label containers with receiving, opening, and disposal dates.
      
      
      • Toxic Chemicals: Store according to the nature of the chemical, using appropriate security where necessary.
        
   
   
   5. Incompatible Storage Chart
      
      The link below shows a chart which lists some specific guidelines for the storage of hazardous chemical substances. The chart information is combined from various sources which can be obtained by contacting the EH&S, 335-3041.
      
      Incompatible Storage Chart
      
      
6. Waste Disposal
   
   
   Chemical waste disposal laws are very complex and are inclusive of the majority of chemicals used in the laboratory. Improper storage and disposal of hazardous chemical wastes presents a direct liability to any person directly involved in storage and disposal. This liability is associated with imprisonment and/or large monetary fines. Supervisors and administrative officials share in that liability. See WSU Safety Policies and Procedures Manual, Section 70.40 for information about proper chemical waste management procedures. In general, it is against the law to:
   
   
   • Dilute a hazardous chemical waste substance in order to reduce its concentration below regulated limits,
   • Dump a hazardous chemical waste substance down a drain or into the environment,
   • Dispose of a hazardous chemical waste in a waste basket, dumpster or landfill.
     
     
   Consult with EH&S at 335-3041 regarding any questions about hazardous chemical waste disposal. (Also see Section II, General Chemical Hygiene and Safety: Policies and Recommendations: K. Hazardous Waste Disposal)
   
   
7. Chemical Spill Management
   
   A chemical spill or uncontrolled release represents the single greatest potential for employee overexposure to a hazardous chemical. Many laws and regulations specify stringent requirements for training of employees expected to clean up spills of hazardous chemicals. Employees must be specifically trained if there is an expectation that they will manage spilled or released hazardous chemical materials. Contact EH&S for further information. See the WSU Safety Policies and Procedures Manual, Section 70.45 for further details. (Also see Section II: General Chemical Hygiene and Safety: Policies and Recommendations - I. Reporting Chemical Spills and Accidents)

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