Orientation to the Laboratory Environment

Environmental Health and Safety


Required for all new laboratorians or lab staff prior to beginning work in the lab environment

Orientation to the Laboratory Environment


Goals

• This training satisfies these initial training requirements• Hazard Communication• General Chemical Safety• General Biosafety• Fire and Life Safety• Lockout/Tagout Awareness

EHS Staff

• Dr. Kristin Long-Witter, Director• Cassandra Freeman, Administrative Specialist• Kathleen Ingram

• Chemical & Radiological Safety Specialist• Thomas Verrault

• Fire & Life Safety and Emergency Management Specialist• Dr. Zuzana Drobna

• Biological Safety Specialist


EHS Mission Statement

• Facilitate University’s mission of research, teaching, and service by ensuring health, safety, and regulatory compliance

• Qualified, knowledgeable team members are recognized as trusted subject matter experts and are committed to providing excellent service and leadership to campus partners

• Enables and empowers NCCU to adopt a culture of safety in which innovation, discovery and positive change are fully supported by safety professionals

Regulatory Requirements• EHS is responsible for ensuring compliance with many different regulations

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)• NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)• NC Department of Health and Human Services Radiation Protection Section• Office of State Human Resources• NC Fire Prevention Codes• National Fire Protection Act (NFPA) • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

• General Duty Clause• Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standard (29 CFR 1910.132) • Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) • Eye and Face Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.133) • Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) • Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134) • Hand Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.138) • Control of Hazardous Energy standard (29 CFR 1910.147)

Responsibilities• EHS has administrative responsibility for the laboratory safety program• Everyone involved in laboratory operations - from the highest administrative level

to the individual laboratorians - has a responsibility to themselves and to colleagues to plan and execute laboratory operations in a safe manner.

• Specific responsibilities which will foster research and ensure safety and compliance are assigned to each group.

• A positive safety culture is built on empathy and compassion and strives to encourage high quality, safe research. A positive safety culture does not blame or reprimand others, rather laboratorians recognize that administrators and faculty place their well-being above all.

EHS• Provide and document training for laboratory personnel• Inspect laboratories at least annually for safety and health hazards and for

compliance with state and federal regulations• Investigate potential safety and health hazards identified by laboratory employees• Monitor personnel as needed for chemical, biological, physical, and radioactive

hazards• Advise laboratory personnel on proper disposal of waste chemicals, biologicals

and other hazardous materials• Consult with faculty, staff, students, and University Safety Committee on safety

matters

Principal Investigator/Lab Manager• PI may delegate many duties to Lab Manager

• PI retains all responsibility for ensuring compliance and safety • Prepare a Laboratory-Specific Safety Plan • Ensure that laboratory personnel meet all laboratory safety training requirements• Ensure that proper safety supplies and equipment, such as gloves, safety glasses and/or

goggles, lab coats, etc. are available for all people in the laboratory. • Notify EHS of accidents, spills, or conditions that may warrant further investigation and/or

monitoring.• Train staff on location of safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals used in the laboratory • Keep accurate laboratory chemical inventory• Post appropriate hazard information • Conduct an “exit interview” with laboratory workers prior to their departure from the lab to

ensure that they have properly labeled and prepared hazardous materials

Laboratorians and Staff• Submit a NCCU Laboratory Worker Registration Form to EHS at hire and

whenever there is a change in work location or laboratory assignment. • Familiarize yourself with Laboratory Safety Manual and your Laboratory-Specific

Safety Plan• Work with PI or designee to complete all required initial and annual training.

Submit the NCCU Initial Laboratory Training Record to EHS for approval within 30 days of hire

• Follow safety guidelines when handling hazardous materials, including the proper use of personal protective equipment

• Notify PI/Lab Manager of all accidents, spills, or other safety incidents

https://nccu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gEQis6VGbt3oSW

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NCCU Laboratory Safety Manual

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is committed to providing a safe and healthful environment for all persons including staff, students, visitors, and the surrounding community. Personnel conduct a vast array of research utilizing

hazardous materials on the campus.

This manual provides basic information about hazards that may be encountered in the laboratory and safety precautions to prevent laboratory accidents and minimize

exposure to hazardous chemicals, radioactive materials, environmental issues, biological materials, and infectious agents.

Lab-Specific Safety Plans• Each principal investigator must prepare a Laboratory-Specific Safety Plan for

which addresses the hazards and precautions specific to the laboratory. NCCU provides a template Plan for use by individual laboratories.

• The OSHA document, 29 CFR 1910.1450 Laboratory Standard, requires a written Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) to help protect people working in a laboratory setting• At NCCU, each laboratory’ CHP consists of the Laboratory-Specific Safety Plan and

the NCCU Chemical Safety Plan. P mandated by the Laboratory Standard are listed below along with the location.

• Each lab has designated a Chemical Hygiene Officer

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=10106&p_table=STANDARDS


Documents Available to Lab Personnel

• NCCU Laboratory Safety Manual• NCCU Chemical Safety Plan• Laboratory-Specific Safety Plan (See PI)• Access to online or printed Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for those

chemicals used routinely (See PI) • As needed

• Respiratory Protection Plan• Radiation Safety Plan• Exposure Control Plan

https://myeol.nccu.edu/documents/document/2080237829




Risk Assessment and Hazard Mitigation


Risk Assessment• Hazard Identification - identify hazards and risk factors that

have the potential to cause harm or damage• Analysis - evaluate the risk associated with that hazard• Mitigation - Determine appropriate ways to eliminate the hazard

or control the risk


Hierarchy of Controls

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) hierarchy of controls for safety measures

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hierarchy/



Elimination

• Complete elimination of hazards would often defeat the purpose of the research being done inside of a laboratory

• Laboratorians should work to eliminate chemicals, materials, processes, and equipment that are unnecessary to specific experiments




Substitution

• Think about the hazards you are exposed to. • Can you reduce the amount of chemical and still achieve the desired

result? • Can you substitute one biological hazard for a lesser hazard (i.e. is there a

BSL-1 agent that could substitute in early experiments for a BSL-2 agent)? • Switch out processes, equipment, material, or other components

where possible




Engineering Controls

• Physically separate the laboratorian from the hazardMechanism of Control Description Example

Isolate Reduce or remove hazards by separation in time or space.

• Restrict access to lab during some experiments

• Schedule time for high-risk experiments

Enclose Put hazards or processes into a closed system

• Sealed centrifuge cups/rotors

Shield Separate people from chemical, biological or physical hazards

• Biosafety cabinet• Fume Hood




Engineering Control – Biosafety Cabinet• Prevent exposure of laboratory personnel and contamination of the lab

from hazardous biological aerosols using three mechanisms:• air barrier• physical separation• high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration.

• BSCs can also provide a clean work environment to protect cell cultures or sterile materials (product)

• There are three classes of BSCs• Class I and II cabinets protect personnel and environment• Class II cabinets also provide a HEPA-filtered laminar flow air to the work surface to

protect product• Appendix A of the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories

has further details• OSHA BSC fact sheet

https://www.cdc.gov/labs/BMBL.html

https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHAfactsheet-laboratory-safety-biosafety-cabinets.pdf


Engineering Control- Biosafety Cabinet

• Class II, Type A2 BSC• (A) front opening• (B) sash• (C) exhaust HEPA filter • (D) supply HEPA filter• (E) common plenum• (F) exhaust blower

BMBL 6th Edition


Engineering Control- Biosafety Cabinet• Air Barrier

• Directional movement of room air past the laboratorian, and into the BSC via the work opening.

• Class II BSCs provide protection of product using HEPA filtered air flowing over the work area

• Disruption of the airflow in the BSC can compromise the integrity of the containment for both personnel and product

• HEPA Filtration• Filters that can capture 99.97% of particles ≥0.3 µm diameter• Removes virtually all particulates, including hazardous microbiological and

some chemical aerosols, in the air stream passing through the filter• Not effective in capturing chemical vapors, and are not considered protective

against gases or vapor-phase solids/liquids.


Biosafety Cabinet Best-Practices • Never work in a BSC that does not have current certification

• Plan work in advance• Place everything needed for the procedure in the BSC prior to beginning hazardous or sterile work• Arrange materials so that clean and contaminated materials are segregated• Conduct research in a ‘clean to dirty’ work pattern• Remove any materials or equipment not necessary for the particular procedure

• Ensure sash remains at correct height while working in BSC

• Avoid placing materials on the air intake grille at the front of cabinet as this disrupts the protective air barrier

• Perform manipulations of hazardous materials at least 4 inches inside the cabinet and as far back in the work area as possible

• Decontaminate all items with appropriate disinfectant before removing from BSC if hazardous work is being performed

• Disinfect interior of cabinet with approved disinfectant after each use

• Limit access to BSC to one person at a time – excessive movement in and out can disrupt the protective air barrier

• Do not use an open flame in a BSC as it disrupts airflow and could damage the HEPA filter


Engineering Control - Laminar flow bench/cabinet

• Provide product protection but no personnel protection• Exhaust air passes over the working bench exits the unit

towards the operator


Engineering Controls – Fume Hood• Designed to minimize exposure to hazardous

chemical vapors by drawing harmful vapors away for filtration to remove dangerous vapors, and then either exhausted outside of the building or recirculated back into the lab.

• The fume hood works by using a glass shield (sash) that opens or closes to contain vapors

• Keeps vapors away from the user’s face and the rest of the laboratory

• Blowers draw in air from the room, through a filter within the fume hood and towards an exhaust area

• OSHA Chemical Fume Hood QuickFact Sheet

https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHAquickfacts-lab-safety-chemical-fume-hoods.pdf


Working Safely in a Fume Hood• Reduce obstructions to allow adequate air flow across the working surface with minimum

turbulence.• Keep at least 50% of the working surface clear, if possible• Place containers and equipment toward the sides of the hood • Elevate equipment and containers two to three inches above the working surface using perforated or

slotted shelving• Always work with chemicals at least six inches into the hood from the sash• Check the airflow indicator prior to use to ensure the fume hood is drawing air. If an

airflow monitor is not installed, test the hood airflow with a piece of tissue or chemwipe at the sash.

• Keep the sash at 18 inches or less from the working surface while working in the hood• Keep laboratory doors and windows closed and limit movement in front of the hood.• If your hood is not working properly, do not use until the problem has been fixed. Place

signage on the hood indicating it is out of service.• Never place your head inside the fume hood when working with chemicals.


Administrative Controls

• Safety rules and protocols for workers in the lab to follow • Standard operating procedures and checklists• Safety Plans and Manuals• Training• Warning signage




Administrative Controls• Contamination of food, drink, tobacco products, and cosmetics is a

potential route for ingestion of a hazardous substance. • University policy prohibits smoking inside or within 25 feet of any University

building• Designate non-laboratory areas, such as break rooms, lounges or conference

rooms, as food storage and eating areas for laboratory personnel.• Designated food item areas must be free from all research-related items, including PPE • Wash food containers, dishes, and utensils only in sinks exclusively designated for food

utensils. • Do not use glassware or utensils used for laboratory operations for food or

beverages.• Do not use laboratory refrigerators, ice chests, and cold rooms for food

storage. All lab cold storage should be posted with proper signage.


Administrative Control –Hazard Communication Signage• Hazard Communication Sign must be present on all laboratory doors and other room

doors where hazardous materials may be present• The CDC/NIH Biosafety in the Microbiology and Biomedical Laboratory, 6th edition

(BMBL) calls for a biohazard sign to be posted at the laboratory entry where biohazardous materials are present.

• NFPA 704 Fire Diamond communicates hazard of chemicals that could occur as the result of a fire, spill, or similar emergency.

• The radiation trefoil symbol needed when radioactive materials are stored or used in the laboratory.

• The laser symbol is incorporated when Class 3B or Class 4 lasers are present. Do not enter unless accompanied by lab personnel.

• Equipment with strong magnetic fields in laboratory. Do not enter unless accompanied by lab personnel, and limitations of entry are understood.


Example of Hazard Sign


Administrative Control - Laboratory Clothing• The clothing you wear in the laboratory affects your safety• Do not wear loose or torn clothing that can get caught in

equipment, flames or chemicals • Avoid clothing which exposes skin (e.g. shorts, skirts) not• Restrain long hair to keep it clear of fire or chemicals and

equipment• Sturdy, closed-toed shoes should be worn at all times

• Do not wear perforated shoes or sandals• High heels can create a trip and fall hazard• In some labs cloth shoes may be prohibited to protect against chemical

spills and splashes


Administrative Controls - Equipment• Research requires specialized

equipment• Procurement and installation may

require changes to electrical, HVAC, noise/vibration dampening, structural loading and technology

• May also trigger required inspections, safety protocols/training, PPE, specialized maintenance, etc.

• Signed copy of Laboratory Equipment & Instrumentation Pre-Purchase Checklist must be attached to all requisitions

• If the acquisition requires structural changes complete and submit the Facility Modification Request Form

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Administrative Controls - Equipment• Lab equipment leaving the

laboratory for surplus or disposal should be completely disinfected and defaced

• Attach a completed Equipment Safety Clearance Formattached after laboratory equipment is decontaminated and prior to:

• Requesting service or repair of laboratory equipment by non-laboratory personnel

• Removing any equipment from the laboratory for surplus or disposal

Faculty/Staff Name: Click or tap here to enter text. Department: Click or tap here to enter text. Building /Room Number: Click or tap here to enter text.

Equipment (manufacturer/model): Click or tap here to enter text. Serial Number: Click or tap here to enter text. NCCU Property ID: Click or tap here to enter text. This is to certify that the laboratory equipment and/or room listed above is considered safe for maintenance work and/or occupancy. All hazardous materials have been removed. All potentially contaminated surfaces have been decontaminated in accordance with Environmental Health & Safety requirements.

Hazardous materials removed Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A ☐ Cleaned Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A ☐ Decontaminated Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A ☐ Rad safety survey conducted Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A ☐ <600 dpm/100 cm2 ☐ OR <0.05 mR /hr or 500 cpm ☐ Additional info: Click or tap here to enter text. Hazard/warning signage removed/defaced Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A ☐

Da te completed: Click or tap to enter a date. Name of Principal Investigator or Authorized Designee: _________________________


Occupational Health Considerations

• Hazard mitigations are based on risks to healthy adults• Immune compromised laboratorians may be at increased risk of

illness and/or more serious side effects of illness • NCCU encourages immunosuppressed individuals to consult

with their health care provider to determine if accommodations or restrictions are necessary

• Students can contact Student Health for a risk consultation


Conceptus Protection Program

• Available to all laboratory personnel for concerns regarding biological, chemical or radiological risks to pregnancy or fetus

• Employee must declare actual, suspected, or planned pregnancy to Supervisor and EHS to be afforded extra protection

• Exposure monitoring• Review of lab safety

• Contact [email protected] with any questions

mailto:[email protected]


Lab Injuries and Illnesses• It is the responsibility of the PI to ensure that employees and students receive prompt

treatment of any injuries and evaluation of any known or potential lab-acquired infections or exposures

• If treatment requires more than first aid, campus police or 911 should be called to request medical care and/or transport

• Never send an injured employee to seek medical attention for an injury on their own or transport them yourself

• If the injured is an NCCU student, the incident occurred during normal business hours and emergency care is not needed, the student will be triaged by Student Health Services.

• Outside business hours, students should contact University Police for transport to the closest hospital emergency room

• Students must report all lab-associated incidents to the Office of Student Affairs• If the injured is an NCCU employee, the incident occurred during normal business hours

and emergency care is not needed, the employee should seek treatment at Duke Occupational Health Medicine

• If the incident requires emergency care, contact University Police for transport to the closest hospital emergency room


Reporting and Injury or Illness

• Any state employee who experiences an occupational illness or injury including exposure is required to complete the Workers’ Compensation Employee Statement Form

• Supervisors must complete the Supervisor’s Accident/Incident Investigation Report Form.

• Forms must be submitted to the Workers’ Compensation Administrator within 24 hours of a workplace incident.




Personal Protective Equipment

• Although PPE is the least effective of control measure, it should absolutely be used, in case other control measures fail

• The success of PPE depends in large part on whether or not laboratorians comply and utilize it properly

• Eye protection and protective clothing (e.g., lab coats and gloves) are the most recognizable and most used PPE in the lab.


PPE - Protective Apparel• Lab coats

• Primarily a protection for clothing• Cotton and synthetic materials are satisfactory, whereas rayon and polyesters are not• Do not significantly resist penetration by organic liquids• NCCU utilizes a vendor to launder and return all laboratory coats – never take them

home.• Plastic or rubber aprons

• Provide better protection from corrosive/irritating liquids• Rubber aprons offer protection when handling hot liquids• Plastic aprons accumulate a considerable charge of static electricity, so avoid use in

areas with flammable solvents or other ignitable materials• Know the appropriate techniques for removing protective apparel if contaminated. • Chemical spills on leather clothing or accessories (watchbands, shoes, belts,

etc.) may readily absorb into the leather and hold the chemical close to the skin for long periods.

• Remove such items promptly to prevent or minimize chemical burns. If possible, decontaminate these items and if that is not possible discard as hazardous waste.


PPE- Eye & Face Protection• Students, faculty, staff, and visitors in laboratories must wear eye protective

devices while in the laboratory space (regardless of anticipated eye hazards) with the exception of within desk areas where no hazards are present.

• The type of safety device required is determined by risk assessment based on the nature of the hazard and the frequency with which the wearer encounters it. PIs must determine the appropriate level of eye protection for particular tasks, and enforce eye protection rules.

• OSHA requires that the employer provide eye and face protection devices without cost to students, employees and visitors. Each department is responsible for funding its eye and face protection program. If prescription safety glasses are necessary, the employee and/or student are responsible for scheduling and payment for eye examinations to obtain a current prescription. Prescription safety glasses are available for State Employees at a discounted rate from Correction Enterprises.

• Contact lenses do not provide adequate eye protection for hazardous operations and must be worn in conjunction with approved safety eyewear.

https://www.correctionenterprises.com/state-employees/optical.php


PPE- Safety Glasses

• Must be hardened-glass or plastic safety spectacles with side shields that comply with the Standard for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection (Z87.1) established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This standard specifies a minimum lens thickness of 3 mm, impact resistance requirements, passage of a flammability test, and lens-retaining frames.

• Do not wear photogrey (transition) lenses indoors in laboratory environments, because the percentage of light transmitted under normal light conditions is below ANSI standards.


PPE - Goggles• Goggles provide a tighter face seal than safety glasses, and are not

for general laboratory use • Use when there is a hazard from splashing chemicals or flying

particles. • When using glassware under reduced or elevated pressure• Using glass apparatus in combustion or other high temperature operations

• Impact-protection goggles have perforated sides to provide ventilation and reduce fogging of the lens, but do not offer full protection against chemical splashes

• Use chemical goggles with splash-proof sides for protection from harmful chemical splash.


PPE – Face Shields• When you need to protect the face

and/or throat from flying particles and harmful liquids

• Consider using a face shield or mask when operating a vacuum system (which may implode), or conducting a reaction with the potential for mild explosions.

• Always use a UV-blocking face shield when working with transilluminators or other devices that produce ultraviolet radiation


PPE- Gloves

• Wear proper protective gloves for potential contact with hazardous materials, sharps, and hot or cold materials

• It is the responsibility of the PI to provide the proper gloves for each task in the lab and to enforce the lab glove policy including glove types and proper disposal

• OSHA has guidance on glove selection and chemical resistance• Always remove gloves before contacting “clean” areas such as

food area surfaces, or common equipment such as telephones, computer keyboards, and photocopiers.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjOx8O9t5LvAhWNUt8KHQ1jD4EQFjAAegQIAhAD&url=https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha3151.pdf&usg=AOvVaw02gfyE7KSO9fDl9pn_WQgs


Glove Best Practices• Consider double gloving when handling highly hazardous, toxic, or

carcinogenic materials• Before each use, inspect gloves for discoloration, punctures, and tears• Dispose single-use gloves after you remove them – never reuse single-

use disposable gloves• You can dispose gloves in the regular trash if they are not contaminated with

biohazards, chemicals or radionucleotides. For gloves contaminated with these substances, dispose in the proper waste stream. Do not dispose of contaminated gloves in a manner that could expose other personnel

• Never wear gloves outside of the laboratory –remove gloves and wash hands before exiting the lab

• Use secondary containment for items transported outside of the lab that should not be handled with bare hands

• Remove gloves even if you believe they are non-contaminated, as others do not know if you might have handled hazardous materials with your gloved hand(s)

• Do not use gloves past the expiration date


Latex Allergy• One of the most common chemicals in a lab• Allergy occurs after repeated direct contact• Sensitivity reaction may range from localized dermatitis (skin

irritation) to an immediate, possibly life-threatening reaction • OSHA PPE standard 29 CFR 1910.132

• Employer must ensure that appropriate PPE is accessible at the worksite or issued to workers.

• Latex-free gloves must be available to workers• If you know you have a latex allergy – discuss with your PI and

EHS to make sure that proper protections can be put in place


Laboratory Safety Equipment

• Eye wash & shower• Indoors, emergency eyewash and safety showers are

required within a 10-seconds travel distance and not more than 75 feet from where corrosive chemicals are used.

• Must be on the same level as the chemical area; there can be no stairs/ramps or blockages between the hazard and the eyewash and/or safety shower.

• First Aid Kit• Class A kits in labs provide a basic range of products

to deal with common injuries including minor burns, wounds, and eye injuries.


Chemical Safety


Lab Specific Chemical Training• Required by OSHA Laboratory standard• Laboratory must train you in the following before you start work

• location of the Chemical Hygiene Plan; • permissible exposure limits (PELs) for OSHA-regulated substances, or

recommended exposure levels for other hazardous chemicals where there is no applicable standard;

• signs and symptoms associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals in the laboratory;

• location of SDS forms and other reference materials;• how the presence or release of a hazardous chemical is detected;• physical and health hazards of chemicals in the laboratory work area; and• Measures taken to mitigate hazard exposure including protective equipment,

appropriate work practices, and emergency procedures

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1450


Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200

• Requires that employees be informed of chemical hazards that they work with or are present in their work area

• See full regulation here

https://www.osha.gov/hazcom/HCS-Final-RegText


Elements of Hazard Communication

• Ensuring chemicals are labeled• Maintaining current and accurate chemical inventories• Maintaining current and complete Safety Data Sheets (SDS)• Training of personnel by Supervisor on the chemicals that are

used or are in the workplace


2012 Changes to Hazard Communication

• Hazard classification• Provides specific criteria for classification of health and physical

hazards, as well as classification of mixtures• Labels

• Manufacturers must provide labels that include a harmonized signal word, pictogram, hazard statement(s), and precautionary statement(s)

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)• Standardized format in 16 required sections

• Employers are required to train workers on label elements and SDS format


Hazard Classification

• Appendix A defines health and physical hazards• Appendix B includes additional parameters to evaluate health

hazard data• Appendix F pertains to carcinogens


Labels• Chemical manufacturers and importer must include

following on labeling: • Supplier information• Harmonized product identifier• Pictogram• Signal word• Hazard statement• Precautionary statements

• Any chemical transferred from a manufacture’s labeled chemical container to another container must have the same label information as the original container


Example of Compliant Labeling


Distinct Hazard

• Chemical in which there is scientific evidence that a health, physical and/or environmental hazard may occur

• Health – acute or chronic health affects may occur if exposed• Physical – a combustible liquid, compressed gas, explosive,

flammable, organic peroxide, oxidizer pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive

• Environmental – poses risk or danger to the environment


Hazard Statement

• Describes the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical including, where necessary, the degree of hazard


Pictograms

• Alerts users to chemical hazards to which they may be exposed

• 9 pictograms• Symbol on white background framed

within red border


Signal Words

• Used to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard and alert user to a potential hazard on the label

• Danger – used for more severe hazards• Warning – used for less severe hazards


Precautionary Statements

• Describes recommended measure that should be used to minimize or prevent adverse effects.


Safety Data Sheets

1. Identification2. Hazard(s) identification3. Composition/information on

ingredients4. First-aid measures5. Fire-fighting measures6. Accidental release measures7. Handling and Storage8. Exposure controls/personal

protection

9. Physical and chemical properties10. Stability and reactivity11. Toxicological information12. Ecological information13. Disposal considerations14. Transport information15. Regulatory information16. Other information

• Formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)• Standardized formatting and information to 16 sections


Formaldehyde standard 29 CFR 1910.1048 • Any persons who work with or

around formaldehyde must complete the NCCU Formaldehyde Training before working with the chemical

• Employers must ensure that no worker is exposed to an airborne concentration of formaldehyde which exceeds 0.75 parts formaldehyde per million parts of air (0.75 ppm) as an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA).

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Cryogens and Dry Ice

• Cryogen - substance used to produce temperatures below -153°C (-243°F)

• Liquid nitrogen (LN2) which has a boiling point of -196°C (-321°F),• Solid carbon dioxide or dry ice

• Converts directly to carbon dioxide gas at -78°C(-109°F)


Working with Cryogens/Dry Ice• Avoid skin contact – never handle dry ice or LN2 with bare hands

• Use cryogenic gloves which are designed for working below-80°C • Gloves need to be loose-fitting for easy removal if splashed

• Always use appropriate eye/face protection• Vapors of LN2 and dry ice can reduce oxygen below 19.5% which

may cause unconsciousness and asphyxiation • Do not use or store dry ice or LN2 in confined areas without ventilation (i.e.

cold rooms, etc.)• Never place on tile or laminated counters as the adhesive may be

destroyed • Never store a cryogen in a sealed, airtight container above the

boiling point temperature


Reproductive Toxins

• Reproductive toxins – have deleterious effects to DNA in the egg or sperm and/or are harmful or lethal to fetus

• Teratogenic – harmful or lethal to fetus• Mutagenic – harmful to genetic materials (chromosomes)

• Developing fetus may be adversely affected by lower doses than adults

• Examples• Lead, arsenic, benzene and mercury containing compounds


Air Contaminants standard 29 CFR 1910.1000• Rules for protecting workers from airborne exposure to over 400

chemicals – several of which are commonly used in labs include: toluene, xylene, and acrylamide


Chemical Spills• Labs must be equipped with protective clothing and spill

cleanup materials to respond to small low-hazard chemical spills

• Laboratories with mercury or mercury containing items must have special spill kit and training


Control Spill Area & Evaluate Hazard• Evacuate personnel from the immediate spill area• Remove any injured personnel from spill area

• Remove contaminated clothing, flush skin with water, use eyewash and/or safety shower, etc. and seek medical attention

• Block off immediate spill area to restrict access• Post signage, “Spill Area – Keep Out”.• Eliminate any fire hazard if spill is flammable or combustible• Make preliminary evaluation of hazard and risks and decide whether

you should call EHS. • If you are comfortable with clean up and can do it safely, continue with clean

up


Clean Spill Area

• Contain the spill• Use spill pads to absorb liquid

• Clean the spill surfaces • Replace used materials in spill kit • Place all contaminated disposable materials in large plastic bag

• Double bag if necessary• Submit request for hazardous waste pick-up

• Report spill to PI/Supervisor


Emergency Response to Chemical Spills• Do not try to clean up any chemical incident that involves any of the

following:• Respiratory hazard• Threat of fire or explosion• More than 100 mL of an OSHA regulated chemical carcinogen or a highly toxic

chemical• More than 1 liter of a volatile or flammable solvent• More than 1 liter of a corrosive (acid or base) liquid

• As best as possible, try and determine the contents and potential hazards and call EHS (919-530-7125) immediately to report during work hours and University Police after hours (919-530- 6106).

• The EHS Chemical Safety Specialist or another trained EHS Specialist will immediately respond, assess the situation, remove the container or spill or leave in place and sequester the area until it can be safely removed.


Hazardous Waste Collection & Disposal

• It is against most State and Federal regulations to dispose of chemicals or radioactive materials down the drain

• Complete a Hazardous Waste Pickup Request for removal of laboratory chemical waste. Labs should take care to not accumulate more than 10 bottles of chemical waste

• Refer to the Radiation Safety Manual for more information on radioactive waste pick up

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Remember......• Always ask to see the SDS for a chemical BEFORE you work with it the

first time• SDS sheets must be accessible to employees at all times


Radiation Safety

• Contact EHS Radiation Safety Officer if you will be working with radioactive materials or radiation containing equipment


UV Spectrum• Humans can not perceive UV directly

• The lens of the eye blocks most radiation in the range of 300-400 nm• The cornea blocks shorter wavelengths

• American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists• Recommends exposure not exceed 01. μWatts/cm2


UV Sources in a Lab• Transilluminator - actinic range 200-315 nm

• Can cause severe eye and skin burns

• Crosslinker - actinic range 200-315 nm• Never disable or override the door safety interlocks

• Biosafety cabinet / PCR or clean workstation• Turn off the UV light before using• Close the sash when the UV light is on

• It is safe to work near BSC when the light is on if the sash is closed

• Wear PPE including eye and skin protection• Fully buttoned lab coat and gloves• For open UV sources

• Full face shield marked with the ANSI Z87.1-1989 UV certification• Anyone near open UV source should wear the same PPE as user

• If you develop skin or eye irritation or pain after working with a UV source, notify your Supervisor and seek medical attention


Biological Effects of UV Exposure - Eye

• Photokeratitis - not felt until several hours after the exposure• Photokeratitis is very painful and produces the sensation of having

sand in your eye • Also causes an aversion to bright light• Tearing • The effects typically last up to 48 hours but will disappear as the cells

of the cornea are replaced• Long-term effects

• UVA absorption by the lens can alter proteins in the lens and result in cataract formation


Biological Effects of UV Exposure - Skin

• Excessive UV exposure in the actinic range (200-315 nm) produces symptoms that are comparable to sunburn

• Redness, swelling, pain, blistering, and peeling of the skin.• You will recover from short-term skin damage, but chronic

exposure to UV may increase your risk of skin cancer.


Chemical Exposure Terms• Local toxicity – chemical active at the point of contact• Systemic toxicity – chemical is absorbed into the bloodstream

and distributed throughout the body, affecting one or more organs.

• Acute health effects - last for a relatively short time and then disappear

• Chronic health effects - not reversible• Acute exposure - short period of exposure.• Chronic exposure – repeated exposure to chemical over time


Dermal Chemical Exposure

• Dermal• Most common chemical exposure route in laboratory setting • Commonly result in localized irritation or dermatitis• Can lead to systemic exposure• Main portals of entry through the skin are hair follicles, sebaceous

glands, sweat glands, and cuts or abrasions• Chemicals can also enter the body when contaminated hands touch

the mouth, nose, eyes, sores or cuts.


Inhalation Chemical Exposure• Inhalation of toxic vapors, mists, gases, or dusts can produce

poisoning by absorption through the mucous membrane of the mouth, throat and lungs

• Can cause serious damage locally and may pass rapidly through the capillaries of the lungs and enter the circulatory system

• Can result from • Dusts and particulates becoming airborne when transferred from one

container to another. • Grinding and crushing procedures • Splashes created from spills and vigorous shaking/mixing including

centrifugation


Injection Chemical Exposure

• Accidents involving needles and syringes can result in injection of toxic materials through the skin

• Containers of toxic chemicals may break, resulting in hazard from contact with contaminated broken glass


Ingestion Chemical Exposure

• Can occur when contaminated hands come in contact with the mouth, or with food items

• The laboratory environment can contaminate food items and utensils.

• NEVER mouth pipette


Ocular Chemical Exposure

• Can occur via splash, or rubbing eyes with contaminated hands• Few substances are innocuous with eye contact, and several

can cause burns and loss of vision• The eyes have many blood vessels, and rapidly absorb many

chemicals• Any ocular exposure should immediately be treated by 15

minutes of the exposed eye to clean water using the nearest emergency eyewash


Biological Safety


Biosafety in Microbiological & Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), 6th ed.• The BMBL is a code of practice for biosafety • Agent summary statements are included for agents that meet one or more of the following

three criteria:• a proven hazard to laboratory personnel working with infectious materials;• high potential for causing LAIs even though no documented cases exist; and • causes grave disease or presents a significant public health hazard.

• Agent summary statement describe hazards, recommended precautions, and levels of containment appropriate for handling human and zoonotic pathogens in the laboratory and in facilities that house laboratory vertebrate animals

• Risk assessments/summary statements are included in the Lab Specific Safety Plan • Must review the hazard statement or risk assessment to learn about the risks associated with the

biological agents and have this review documented. • Other sources of pathogen risk assessment

• Pathogen Safety Data Sheet• Lab-specific agent-specific risk assessment performed by PI

https://www.cdc.gov/labs/BMBL.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/laboratory-biosafety-biosecurity/pathogen-safety-data-sheets-risk-assessment.html


Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030

• Designed to protect workers from the health hazards of exposure to bloodborne pathogens (blood or OPIM)

• If your work involves these material you must complete BBP training at hire and annually

https://nccu-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/klongwit_ad_nccu_edu/ERq5VG95MdRFoO6OWeM7BAsB6O8JsvQM8L-WazyPIGdBVg


BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN RISKS• Blood

• Human blood or blood components

• Products derived from or containing human blood

• Human-derived cell lines• Unfixed tissues or organs

• Other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) • semen

• vaginal secretions

• cerebrospinal fluid

• synovial fluid

• pleural fluid

• peritoneal fluid

• amniotic fluid

• saliva

• Any body fluid visibly contaminated with blood


Disinfection and Decontamination

• Contact time is the amount of time an EPA-registered disinfecting product needs to be present on a surface in order to be effective against the microorganisms listed on its label.

• Allow disinfectant to remain WET on surfaces for the appropriate contact time

• Disinfectants are detailed in the Lab Specific Safety Plans.

https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/selected-epa-registered-disinfectants


Biological Spill Procedures

• Spills involving biological materials, including recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids

• All personnel who perform clean-up must be properly trained in the hazards present.

• If personnel do not feel comfortable cleaning up any spill, evacuate the area and call EHS.


Biological Spill Outside Primary Containment• EVACUATE all personnel from the room and close the door if aerosols are a concern – wait 30 minutes to allow

aerosols to settle before attempting to clean up the spill.• ALERT others to avoid contamination (post spill sign from spill kit)• REMOVE any contaminated clothing or personal protective equipment and place in a biohazard bag for

decontamination and/or disposal. Wash your hands!• PUT ON clean gloves, lab coat, and eye/face protection.• REMOVE any solid/sharp objects using tongs, dustpan and broom or other mechanical device contained in spill kit.• CLEAN UP the spill • Place absorbent material (paper towels) over spill• Gently pour/spray disinfectant from the outer rim of the spill inwards until absorbent material is completely saturated. • Allow disinfectant to stand for appropriate contact time.• Clean up the spill working in a circular motion from the outer rim of the spill to the center.• Rinse area with 70% ethanol or water if bleach is used to remove any corrosive residues.• Dispose of absorbent materials as biohazard waste. • Wash hands with soap and water. • REPORT incident to supervisor


Biological Spill Inside Biosafety Cabinet• Leave the biological safety cabinet blower on and begin cleanup immediately.• Do not place your head in the cabinet to clean the spill, keep your face behind the view screen.• REMOVE any solid/sharp objects using tongs, dustpan and broom or other mechanical device contained in spill kit.• CLEAN UP the spill • Place absorbent material (paper towels) over spill• Gently pour/spray disinfectant from the outer rim of the spill inwards until absorbent material is completely saturated. • If necessary, flood the work surface as well as the drain pans and catch basins below the work surface, with disinfectant; be sure the drain

valve is closed before flooding the area under the work surface. • Wipe cabinet walls, work surfaces, and inside the view screen with disinfectant.• Lift the front exhaust grill and work surface; wipe all surfaces with disinfectant.• Allow disinfectant to stand for appropriate contact time.• If necessary, place a container under the drain valve and drain the disinfectant under the work surface into the container. • Rinse area with 70% ethanol or water if bleach is used to remove any corrosive residues.• Dispose of absorbent materials as biohazard waste. • Wash hands with soap and water. • REPORT incident to supervisor


Biological Spill Procedure - Centrifuge• For BSL2 agents, always use sealed safety-caps, sealed buckets or sealed rotors with O-rings• Wait 5 minutes before opening the centrifuge following the end of a run with potentially hazardous biological material. If a spill is identified

after the centrifuge lid is opened, carefully close the lid. Let aerosols settle for 30 minutes.• Remove any contaminated protective clothing and place into a biohazard bag. Wash hands and any exposed skin surfaces with soap and

water.• PUT ON clean gloves, lab coat, and eye/face protection.• CLEAN UP SPILL• Keep rotors and buckets closed and transfer them to a biological safety cabinet.• Carefully retrieve any broken glass from inside the centrifuge and/or rotor or bucket using forceps and discard into a sharps container.

Smaller pieces of glass may be collected with forceps. • Immerse rotor/buckets in 70% ethanol or a non-corrosive disinfectant for appropriate contact time. Allow to completely air dry.• Intact tubes may be wiped down with disinfectant and placed into a new container. • Wipe the inside of the centrifuge with disinfectant.• If bleach is used, follow with 70% ethanol to remove any corrosive residues.• Dispose of absorbent materials as biohazard waste. • Wash hands with soap and water. • REPORT incident to supervisor


Biohazard Waste• All biological waste generated during laboratory research must be

deactivated by autoclaving or chemically treated before disposal• Biohazard waste includes:

• Materials contaminated or potentially contaminated during the manipulation or clean-up of material generated during research and/or teaching activities requiring biosafety level 1 or 2 or animal biosafety level 1 or 2.

• Human liquid blood and body fluids. • Human tissue and anatomical remains. • Materials contaminated with human tissue or tissue cultures (primary and

established)• Animal carcasses, body parts, blood, fluids and bedding from animals

infected with BSL2 agents.


Liquid Biohazard Waste

• Liquid wastes may be autoclaved for a minimum of 30 minutes at 121°C and 15psi

• Chemical disinfection using an approved, agent-specific disinfectant for the manufacturer’s recommended contact time.

• Most liquid wastes can be deactivated with a 1:10 final dilution (vol/vol) of household bleach – though its important to remember that bleach is a corrosive chemical and requires an eye wash and other chemical management and training


Solid Biohazard Waste• Solid biological waste, e.g., pipettes, tissue culture flasks, and

multi-well plates, is typically deactivated by autoclaving. • Collect solid biological waste directly into double autoclave bags

inside solid container marked with biohazard symbol• Do not seal the bag tightly so that steam is able to enter the bag

during the sterilization process • Use a secondary container for all autoclave bags in autoclave• Ensure the autoclave operates for at least 30 minutes at 121°C

and 15psi• Once autoclaved dispose of waste in regular trash


Autoclave Safety

• Autoclave use can pose physical hazards (e.g. heat, steam and pressure) and biological hazards (e.g. improperly disinfected hazardous waste.

• All persons who work in a lab that has an autoclave must complete the one-time NCCU Autoclave Safety Training and quiz and received training on the specific make and model used in the laboratory before operating an autoclave.

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Biological Exposures• Known exposure

• Needle sticks or cuts with contaminated sharps• Bite from infected animal• Contact of infectious materials with mucous membranes (i.e. eye, nose, mouth)• Contact of infectious materials with broken skin• Aerosol generating event outside of primary containment with respiratory pathogens

• Potential exposure• Failure of personal protective equipment or primary containment with no known

aerosol risk• Direct contact with infectious materials, spills, needle stick, or cut with object not

known to be contaminated• Employee experiencing symptoms associated with pathogen that they have worked

with or near• Ingestion – eating or drinking in lab areas, handling food or cosmetics with

contaminated hands or gloves


ALWAYS REPORT KNOWN OR POTENTIAL EXPOSURES IMMEDIATELY!

Between 2007-2012, 60% of reported lab-associated infections had an unknown cause


Biological Exposure Response• Percutaneous exposure (needle sticks, cuts, animal bites)

• Mucous membrane exposure• Flush eyes for at least 15 minutes using an emergency eye wash station• Report to Supervisor and EHS immediately


Fire and Life Safety


Laboratory Fire Safety• Flammable substances are among the most common hazardous

materials found in laboratories• Avoid accumulation of vapors and control sources of ignition• Requires knowledge of flammability characteristics of materials

encountered in the laboratory


Properties of Flammable/Combustible Liquids

• Flash point - lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off vapor in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air

• Many common laboratory solvents and chemicals have flash points below common room temperature

• Acetone, benzene, ethanol, methanol• It is actually the vapor, not the liquid, which burns• The rate at which different liquids produce flammable vapors depends

on their vapor pressure


Flammable/Combustible Liquids

• Flammable liquids • Flash point below 100 °F (37.7 °C)• Vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psi (276 kPa)

• Class IA: flash points below 73°F (22.8°C) and boiling point below 100°F (37.8°C)• Class IB: flash points below 73°F (22.8°C) and boiling point at or above 100°F

(37.8°C)• Class IC: flash point at or above 73°F (22.8°C) and below 100°F (37.8°C)

• Combustible liquids • Flash point ≥ 100°F (37.7 °C)

• Class II: flash points at or above 100°F (37.8°C) and below 140°F (60°C)• Class III: flash points at or above 140°F (60°C)


Properties of Flammable/Combustible Solids

• Flammable Solid (Class 4.1)• Self-reactive materials that are thermally unstable and

can undergo a strongly exothermic decomposition even without participation of oxygen; and desensitized explosives

• Spontaneously Combustible Material (Class 4.2)• Pyrophoric (air-reactive) materials or self-heating

materials, likely to self-heat when in contact with air and without energy supply

• Dangerous when wet material (Class 4.3)• Liable to spontaneously combust or give off

flammable/toxic gas when in contact with water


Properties of Flammable/Combustible Gases

• Flammable gases (Class 2.1)• Gases at 20° C (68° F) or less and 101.3 kPa (14.7 psi) of pressure,

AND• Are ignitable at 101.3 kPa (14.7 psi) when in a mixture of 13% or less

by volume with air; OR• Have a flammable range at 101.3 kPa (14.7 psi) with air of at least 12%

regardless of the lower limit.


Ignitability• Auto-ignition temperature for solid, liquid or gas

• Minimum temperature required to initiate self-sustained combustion independent of the heat source.

• A steam line or a glowing light bulb may ignite carbon disulfide (ignition temperature 80°C [176°F]). Diethyl ether (ignition temperature 160°C [320°F]) can be ignited by the surface of a hot plate. Silane gas (ignition temperature 21°C [69.8 °F]) can spontaneously ignite at or near room temperature

• Spontaneous ignition or combustion• A substance reaches its ignition temperature without the application of external heat. • Consider the possibility of spontaneous combustion, especially when materials are

stored or disposed. • Materials susceptible to spontaneous combustion include organic materials mixed

with strong oxidizing agents (such as nitric acid, chlorates, permanganates, peroxides and persulfates), the alkali metals (lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium), finely divided metal powders, and phosphorus.


Sources of Ignition• Potential sources of spark, flame, or heat in laboratories can ignite

flammable substances• Consider open flames, static electricity, lit matches and hot surfaces. • Vapors of flammable liquids are heavier than air, and can travel considerable

distances. • Flammable vapors from substantial sources such as spills can descend into

stairwells and elevator shafts and ignite on a lower story. If the path of vapor is continuous, the flame can propagate itself from the point of ignition back to its source.

• Properly bond and ground all metal lines and vessels dispensing flammable substances to discharge static electricity. When nonmetallic containers (especially plastic) are used, the bonding can be made to the liquid rather than to the container


Flammable Substance HandlingBest Practices• Handle flammable substances only in areas free of ignition sources• Do not heat flammable substances with an open flame• When you transfer flammable liquids in metal equipment, avoid

static-generated sparks by bonding, and the use of ground straps• Ventilation is one of the most effective ways to prevent the formation

of flammable mixtures. Use fume hood when you handle appreciable quantities of flammable substances

• Containers of flammable liquids shall not be drawn from or filled within buildings without provisions to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapors in hazardous concentrations


• Store flammable and combustible liquids only in approved containers• Flammables stored in the open in the laboratory work area shall be kept to

a minimum• Safety refrigerators are recommended and should be labeled for

flammable material storage• Domestic refrigerators in labs must have signage which states that no flammable

storage is permitted

• Do not locate flammable storage cabinets near an exit or in egress pathways

• Keep flammable liquids away from heat and direct sunlight

Flammable Substance StorageBest Practices


Flammable/Combustible Storage

• Maximum allowable size of containers for flammable and combustible liquids are set by NFPA

Container Type Class IA Class IB Class IC Class II Class IIIA

Glass 1 pt. (0.47 L)

1 qt. (0.95 L)

1.3 gal. (4.92 L)

1.3 gal. (4.92 L)

5.3 gal. (20 L)

Metal or Approved Plastic

1.3 gal. (4.92 L)

5.3 gal. (20 L)

5.3 gal. (20 L)

5.3 gal. (20 L)

5.3 gal. (20 L)

Safety Cans

2.6 gal. (10 L)

5.3 gal. (20 L)

5.3 gal. (20 L)

5.3 gal. (20 L)

5.3 gal. (20 L)


OSHA Fire Guidance

IF clothing catches fire……..


Types of Fire Extinguishers

• Most chemical laboratory fire hazards require multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers (ABC) located in hallways.

• “Gas” extinguishers containing carbon dioxide (CO2) offer a first defense against flammable liquids or electrical fires without leaving a powder residue that could harm electronic equipment.

• Class D extinguishers are also located in select labs, they can be identified by label and color (yellow).

• EHS coordinates monthly checks of all fire extinguishers. Please report any problems or missing extinguishers to [email protected].

Type Materials Description Label Pictogram

A Ordinary Combustibles

Fires in paper, cloth, wood, rubber, and many plastics require a water or dry chemical type extinguisher

B Flammable Liquids

Fires in solvents and other flammable liquids require dry chemical, or CO2 extinguisher

C Electrical Equipment

Fires in wiring, fuse boxes, energized equipment and other electrical sources require a dry chemical or CO2 extinguisher

D Metals Combustible metals such as magnesium and sodium require special extinguishers

K Cooking Oils and Fats

Wet chemical extinguishers specially designed to put out fires of cooking oils or fats; unlikely needed in a laboratory setting.



Means of Egress ComponentsBoth OSHA and Fire Code provide requirements regarding the maintenance of egress routes and access. The maintenance of these routes is essential as they provide the means by which occupants can safely exit in the event of a fire or other emergency

Egress routes are divided into three sections, exit access, exit, and exit discharge.

- An exit access is a portion of a building (room, hallway, aisle, etc.) that leads to an exit route- An exit is a protected (fire rated) pathway by

which occupants may move to an exit discharge- An exit discharge is a way by which occupants leave an exit, leading from the building to a public way

All exit components (access, route, and discharge) must be maintained so as to permit their immediate use by building occupants in the event of an emergency.


Mean of Egress MaintenanceExits and the entries to exits will be marked by overhead, illuminated exit signs and in some cases emergency lighting

Exit access (hallways, aisles, etc.) that lead to the protected exit are required to be kept clear at all times –their width is determined by both OSHA and NC Fire Code• OSHA 1910.36(g)(2) indicates a minimum width of 28”• NC Fire Code (Section 1018.3) sets additional requirements – if

fewer than 50 occupants, width must be at least 36”

Items must not be stored within either the exit access or exit as such storage may reduce the component to below the required width – combustible items may not be stored in any quantity within an exit


Storage Height and ContentsCare must be taken when storing items on shelving within laboratories. Items stored at too great of a height are not only difficult to access but may also impede the operation of the automatic sprinkler system in the building

Generally, items may not be stored within 18” of the sprinkler head (NFPA 13 10.2.8.2)• One exception – items stored on shelving against walls

may exceed the 18” clearance provided they do not impede sprinkler operation

In a non-sprinklered building, storage must not be within 24” of the ceiling (NCFC Section 315)


Laboratory Emergency Procedures – Posted in Laboratories near exit Building: Click or tap here to enter text. Room: Click or tap here to enter text. Designated Lab Safety Coordinator: Click or tap here to enter text.

The following emergency equipment is located in this room: Emergency Shower Fire Extinguisher Spill Kit Emergency Eyewash

First-aid Kit The following emergency equipment is not located in this room, but can be found at: Click or tap here to enter text.

FIRE 1. If you see smoke and suspect a fire, activate the closest fire pull station. Fire pull stations are located Click or tap here to enter text. 2. Evacuate the building using the route described below. Warn everyone on your way out. 3. Proceed to your external assembly point

Emergency Evacuation Route:

Briefly describe evacuation routes and meeting areas

SEVERE WEATHER During a Severe Weather Watch: 1. Be prepared to shut down experiments or equipment in case you need to evacuate.

Take into account possible power or other utility outages following a storm. During a Severe Weather Warning: 1. Initiate critical lab shutdown procedures below if you are not in immediate danger. 2. Proceed to the designated internal gathering point closing doors as you exit 3. Emergency notifications are sent via email/text and calls. You must receive an “all clear” before leaving the safety area or returning to work.

Severe Weather Safe Area:

Briefly describe the directions to the internal assembly point.

CHEMICAL SPILL If there is a spill of chemicals or other hazardous substances: 1. Evacuate personnel the spill area. 2. Close doors and isolate the area. Prevent people from entering the spill area. 3. If you are trained and able to clean up the spill safely, do so. If not: 4. From a safe location, call 919-530-7125 (or 919-530-6106 after hours). Tell them: Where is it (Fume hood, inside a lab, or in a public area)? What is it (flammable, toxic, corrosive, low hazard, oxidizer, reactive)? How much (< 1 L, > 1 gal, or still expanding)? 5. Do not re-enter the spill area until notified that it is safe to return.

CRITICAL LABORATORY SHUTDOWN PROCEDURES Turn off all flames and ignition sources Turn off all electrical equipment Secure all hazardous materials Close all fume hoods and biosafety cabinets Other Lab Specific Click or tap here to enter text.

This form is completed and posted near laboratory exit doors for awareness of lab specific procedures.


Electrical Safety• Periodic inspections should check that

• All sources with electrical potential have proper grounding or circuit breaking

• Cords and plugs are in a safe condition• Multi-outlet power strips may be used for computers but NOT for lab

equipment • Possible electrical hazards include

• Spliced or worn cords• Cords with missing ground pins• Cords near hot plates or flames• Cords used near water that are not protected with ground fault circuit interrupter


Control of Hazardous Energy standard 29 CFR 1910.147

• Also referred to as lockout/tagout• Procedures to shut down equipment or isolate it from its energy

source to prevent injury while maintenance and servicing activities are being performed.

• For awareness – never remove a lock, tag or other device placed on equipment to prevent energization that you did not place on the equipment


Additional Training Opportunities


NCCU Safety Materials/Trainings• Compressed Gas Safety Training (required initial training)• Ergonomics Information Sheet• Electrical Safety Sheet• Formaldehyde Safety Training (required initial training)• Exposure Control (Bloodborne Pathogens) Training (required initial

and annual training)• NCCU Autoclave Safety Training (required initial training)

• 2021 Biosafety and Chemical Safety Manuals & Training

https://myeol.nccu.edu/sites/default/files/2020-04/Compressed-gas-safety.pdf

https://myeol.nccu.edu/sites/default/files/2020-04/Ergonomics-guidelines.pdf

https://myeol.nccu.edu/sites/default/files/2020-04/Electrical-Safety.pdf

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Safety Training at CDC TRAIN

• Requires free account• Provides certificate of completion

https://www.cdc.gov/safelabs/trainings.html


Questions

Department of Environmental Health and Safety(919) 530-7125

[email protected]

EHS Website

To complete this training you are required to pass a short quiz with a score of ≥ 80%

Click here to begin


https://nccu.edu/administration/administration-and-finance/environmental-health-and-safety

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