NOTICES TO EMPLOYEES

Your employer is required to advise you of your rights regarding the Chemical Right to Know Act:

This Manual meets the requirement in part. In addition, standard "Notice to Employee" forms are posted at locations where notices are normally posted. It is to your advantage to know your rights. Take time to read the "Notice to Employee" form posted.

EMPLOYEE RIGHTS

Employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals are guaranteed access to the following: Written Hazard Communication Program, Work place chemical lists, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), Chemical exposure information.

In addition, employees shall receive training on the hazards of chemicals and on the measures they can take to protect themselves from those hazards.

An employer must provide its employees with appropriate personal protective equipment.

An employee has a right to file a complaint against his employer regarding alleged violations of the Chemical Right to Know Act. If one files a complaint, the Act protects him from: Discharge, Cause for discharge, Discipline, Discrimination, Loss of pay, position, seniority or benefits.

Alleged violations of the Act should be referred to ones supervisor, the Personnel Department, or the Environmental Health & Compliance Department EH&C (3803). However, one always has the right to file a complaint with the Arkansas Department of Labor, (501) 682-4541.

Providing hazardous chemical information does not affect the liability of ones employer with regard to the health and safety of employees. The employer still has the responsibility to take action to prevent the occurrence of occupational disease and unnecessary exposure.

HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL

The Public Employees Chemical Right to Know Act defines a Hazardous Chemical (substance) as: any element, chemical compound, or mixture of elements or compounds, which is a physical hazard or a health hazard. A Hazardous Chemical is also defined as a chemical listed in any of the following:

A physical hazard is defined as: a chemical for which there is scientifically valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, an explosive, a flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive.

A health hazard is defined as: a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees. Included are: toxic, highly toxic, carcinogens, irritants, reproductive toxins, corrosives, sensitizers, radioactive materials, neurotoxins (nerve), biohazards, heptotoxins (liver), nephrotoxins (kidney), agents that act on the hematopoietic system (blood), agents that damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucus membranes.

A Carcinogen or Potential Carcinogen is defined as a chemical listed in any of the following:

·         National Toxicology Program, "Annual Report of Carcinogens" (latest edition)

·         International Agency for Research on Cancer, "Monographs" (latest edition)

·         OSHA, 29CFR1910, Subpart Z, "Toxic and Hazardous Substances"

EXEMPTIONS TO THE ACT

The Public Employee Right to Know Act does not apply to chemicals in the following categories: Any article formed to a specific shape that does not release hazardous chemicals under normal use products intended for personal consumption. Any food, food additive, drug, cosmetic or distilled spirits, wines or malt beverages packaged for sale to consumers. Foods, drugs, or cosmetics intended for personal consumption by employees while in the work place. Any consumer product or hazardous substance, as those terms are defined in the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.) and Federal Hazardous Substance Act (15 U.S.C. 1261 et seq.) respectively, where the employer can demonstrate it is used in the work place in the same manner as normal consumer use, and which use results in a duration and frequency of exposure which is not greater than exposure experienced by consumers.

If you are not sure a chemical in your work area is exempted, contact your supervisor or EH&C (3803).

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

The University must provide, at least annually, an education and training program for employees using or handling chemicals. Additional instruction is required whenever the potential for exposure to hazardous chemicals is altered or whenever new information concerning a chemical is received. New or newly assigned employees must be provided training before working with or in a work area containing hazardous chemicals.

Training programs shall include, as appropriate, the following:

Interpreting labels and MSDS; Waste Disposal; Location of hazardous chemicals; Clean up procedures; Personal Protective equipment; Safe handling procedures; Acute and chronic effects of chemicals In the event a large variety of hazardous chemicals are stored or in use, the University may substitute generic training for chemical specific training. The contents of this pamphlet meet, in part, the generic training requirements. Your supervisor will provide additional training as necessary.

The University is required to keep a record of training sessions provided to employees. You may be required to sign a ledger verifying your attendance at a training session.

If you do not understand the material provided or discussed, contact your supervisor or EH&C (3803).

LABORTATORY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

All laboratories must have the following:

  1. Primary Responsible Person (PRP), Department, Phone number (PRP), Emergency Phone number (PRP)
  2. General function of the lab (organic research, gen. chem., zoology, physical chem., instrumentation, etc.
  3. Chemical Inventory including location in lab and maximum quantity (an MSDS must be available for each chemical).
  4. Operational procedures for safe handling and appropriate disposal of hazardous chemicals (this may be by class and type of chemical).
  5. Hazards (flammable storage, water reactive chemicals, extremely toxic materials) this is for fire fighters and spill response.

Items 1,2 & 5 must be posted at each entrance. A copy of the SOP must be retained in departmental office as well as with EH&C.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY SAFETY POLICY

This manual has been written to acquaint all laboratory personnel with an important phase of their responsibility-safety, or accident prevention. Accident prevention must be included in the performance of every task. It cannot be considered a separate entity but is an integral part of everyone's work. Safety is made possible by careful planning of all work based on an understanding of the hazards involved and a knowledge of the work area and safe working procedures. The policy of Arkansas State University, as outlined in the document "Policies and Guidelines for Chemical Biological Safety," is to provide a safe and healthy work environment and to prevent injury to personnel and loss or damage to property.

Accident prevention pays in the injuries it prevents, the research time it saves and the healthy attitude it creates. It also assures us that we will return home safely after each day's work.

The objective of this manual is two-fold:

1. To provide guidelines and recommendations for safe laboratory practices

2. To comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's law on laboratory safety      This book is not intended to be, nor can it be, complete and all-inclusive.

RESPONSIBILITY

The implementation of this policy is the responsibility of the managerial and supervisory staff of the University. Vice Presidents, Deans, Chairpersons, Directors, Heads of Units, Laboratory Supervisors, Principal Investigators and all other supervisory personnel will be accountable for the health and safety of employees engaged in activities under their supervision. This responsibility cannot be delegated. Supervisors must realize that it is their responsibility to ensure that workers are educated about safety issues and comply with safety rules. Supervisors must simultaneously promote safety and insist upon it.

Environmental Health and Compliance will assist supervisory personnel in establishing and maintaining a safe working environment. This department will initiate the establishment of standards and regulations for safety, education, information monitoring and recommendations for improvements. Environmental Health and Compliance will also maintain and provide facilities to ensure laboratory safety.

INDEX

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES/RESPONSE

CHAPTER 2 SAFETY RULES FOR LABORATORIES

CHAPTER 3 HEALTH HAZARDS

CHAPTER 4 WASTE DISPOSAL

CHAPTER 5 SPECIAL LABORATORY PROCEDURES

Figure 1 Chemical Waste Disposal/Recycle Form
APPENDIX
GLOSSARY
REFERENCES
CHAPTER 1 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES/RESPONSE

EMERGENCIES

Each laboratory should develop its own protocol for emergency situations, taking into account the following information:

ASU EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Numbers

GENERAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

IN CASE OF AN INJURY OR CHEMICAL SPLASH

Remove the source of the chemical hazard and any contaminated clothing.

FIRST AID PROCEDURES

These first aid tips are intended as emergency measures only. Promptly consult the Student Health Center after first aid is applied. All minor non-trivial injuries should be reported to responsible personnel, such as department heads or safety coordinators, and Workers' Compensation.

·         Bleeding. Rubber gloves must be worn when handling bleeding individuals. Control bleeding by direct pressure with the hand over a gauze or cloth. Elevating a bleeding arm or leg may be helpful. Apply pressure to pressure points between the wound and heart, if necessary. Some people have a mild shock reaction when they see their own blood. If this happens, have the person lie down and elevate their legs.

·         Burns. Application of ice or cold water can lessen the amount of pain and blistering. Do not apply ointments, butter, or similar substances. Major burns require medical care.

·         Electric shock. Disconnect power to device or apparatus before touching victim. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and external cardiac massage (cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR) may also be required. This should be done ONLY by trained people. Dial 9-911 for an ambulance.

·         Inhalation of Toxic Materials (gases, vapors, fumes, mists and dusts). Anyone who has inhaled irritating or toxic materials should be immediately removed to fresh air and emergency medical services should be called to the scene (call 9-911). Do not give mouth to mouth resuscitation.

·         Head injuries. If the victim is dazed or unconscious, call 9-911 for an ambulance.

·         Back injuries. The patient should not be moved unless a life-threatening situation exists. Call 9-911 for an ambulance.

·         Shock. A person in shock should lie down with legs elevated, unless there is bleeding from the head. Keep the victim warm.

·         Eye Splash. Flush eyes immediately with running water for 15 minutes at an eyewash station. If contact lenses are worn, remove them before flushing eyes. The injured person should then be sent to medical services.

·         Small cuts and abrasions. Clean with soap and water and cover with a band-aid or sterile dressing.

HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL SPILLS

Accidents involving hazardous chemicals require special consideration. The following steps MUST be taken:

Evacuate affected area at once.  Call Environmental Health and Compliance at 3803.

DO NOT REENTER THE AREA UNTIL Environmental Health and Compliance has arrived and indicates that it is safe to do so.

·         The importance of keeping everyone out of the room where the accident occurred cannot be overemphasized. If a hazard exists and the area must be entered, personnel from Environmental Health and Compliance can do so in protective clothing that allows them to work safely in contaminated environments.

·         Remember that even though an area looks safe, it may still be dangerous. Chemical spills may evaporate and be swept away rapidly or may remain for a long time. Probability of fire or explosion is high when flammable solvents are spilled and ignition sources are present.

·         Any incident in the Student Health Center or surrounding Hospital Emergency Rooms which involves ASU personnel, must be reported to Occupational Safety 3217.

Post signs "DANGER- DO NOT ENTER, CONTAMINATED AREA. Notify EH&C, 3803, of the circumstances and that the sign has been posted.

·         EH&C will assist supervisors in cleaning up the spill and directing exposed persons to treatment and check-up facilities.

·         Supervisors are responsible for submitting appropriate accident reports to Occupational Safety and the Student Health Center.

DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES

CHEMICAL SPILL RESPONSE GENERAL

Spills of many innocuous laboratory chemicals can be handled by laboratory personnel with appropriate procedures outlined below. If laboratory personnel have knowledge of the chemical involved and can discern that the spill does not pose any hazards, clean up may begin without the presence of EH&C. If at any time there is any doubt as to the nature or extent of the hazard, call EH&C (3803).

CHEMICAL SPILLS

 

GENERAL INFORMATION:

·         Anticipate spills by having the proper safety equipment on hand.

·         Alert personnel in the area that a spill has occurred.

·         Do what is necessary to protect life.

·         The MSDS will contain special spill clean-up information, if applicable.

·         Confine the spill if possible.

·         If the spill is too large for you to handle; is a threat to personnel, students or the public;  involves an infectious agent; or involves a corrosive, highly toxic, or reactive chemical, call for assistance:  EH&C (3803)

·         If there is the slightest doubt as to how to proceed, do not hesitate to call for assistance.

·         For specific spill clean-up information, contact your supervisor or the EH&C (3803).

 

LOW HAZARD MATERIAL SPILLS:

·         No fire hazard; not particularly volatile, toxic or corrosive (e.g. salt solutions).

·         Use an absorbent material that will neutralize the spill if available i.e.

Trisodium phosphate

Sand

Sodium bicarbonate for acids

Powdered citric acid for bases

"Oil-Dri", "Zorb-All", "Speedi-Dri", etc.

Paper towels

·         A dustpan and brush should be used and rubber gloves and goggles should be worn.

·         Decontaminated area with soap and water after clean-up.

·         Place residue in a container for waste collection.

·         Contact your supervisor or the EH&C (3803) for disposal information.

 

VOLATILE, FLAMMABLE OR TOXIC MATERIAL SPILLS:

·         Notify all personnel in the area

·         Extinguish flames and all sources of ignition such as brush-type motors.

·         Maintain fume hood ventilation.

·         Vacate the area and call for assistance.

·         The following compounds are very hazardous.  You should NOT clean them up yourself:

Aromatic amines                            Nitro compounds

Bromine                                           Carbon disulfide

Hydrazine                                        Cyanides

Nitriles                                             Ethers

Organic halides

If you spill a highly toxic material, immediately contact the EH&C (3803).

 

ACID CHLORIDE SPILLS:

·         Absorb spill with "Oil-Dri", "Zorb-All", "Speedi-Dri" or other clay type absorbent.

·         Avoid contact with skin.

·         Place residue in container for waste collection.

·         For specific clean-up information, contact your supervisor or EH&C (3803).

 

MERCURY SPILLS:

·         Use a trapped vacuum line attached to a tapered glass tube similar to a medicine dropper to pick up mercury droplets.

·         Do not use a domestic or commercial vacuum cleaner.

·         Cover small droplets in accessible areas with one of the following:

Sodium polysulfide solution

Powdered sulfur

Silver metal compounds

·         Place residue in container for waste collection.

·         For specific clean-up information, contact your supervisor or the EH&C (3803).

 

ALKALI METAL SPILLS:

·         Smother with powdered graphite or "Met-L-X".

·         Call for assistance.

·         For specific clean-up information, contact your supervisor or the EH&C (3803).

 

WHITE PHOSPHORUS:

·         Smother with wet sand or wet absorbent.