"Safety is a collective responsibility that requires the full cooperation of everyone in the laboratory. However, the ultimate responsibility for safety rests with the person actually carrying out some type of procedure. In the case of an academic laboratory, that is usually the student....." ACS Safety Guide
LSU OFFICE OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY (CAMPUS SAFETY)
EMERGENCY AND EVACUATION PLAN FOR CHOPPIN HALL
ALL TELEPHONES IN CHOPPIN HALL HAVE STICKERS WITH EMERGENCY NUMBERS
In any emergency, phone LSU Campus Police (8-3231) or 911.
Evacuation procedures:
Whenever the fire alarm goes off, you must leave the building. Put your experiments in a safe condition, and shut off computers if it can be done quickly. Turn off all flammable gas sources (ie. bunsen burners). Close all doors in your area on your way out. Do not use elevators. Do not linger near the building, and keep all roads and parking lots clear for emergency vehicles. Congregate by the northeast corner (parking lot near Life Sciences Annex building) or southwest corner (Fred Frey Computing Services building). Hall monitors (including all faculty) are assigned on each floor. These people check the floor, make sure no one is in immediate danger, and close all doors before leaving.
Re-entering the building: Campus Police or Campus Safety must certify the building safe for re-entry after a fire alarm. Do not re-enter until informed it is safe to do so. Turning off the alarm is by itself not an indication that it is safe to re-enter.
If you discover an obvious emergency, such as a large fire:
Pull the nearest fire alarm. The alarm sounds at the LSU police station, and they will respond automatically. Attempt to put out the fire only if it is small and you are confident you can. Then leave the building.
In case of a less serious emergency, such as flood, strange smell, chemical spill, etc.:
During business hours: (7:30 am to 4:30 pm), call the departmental office (8-3361). They will then decide the correct response to the emergency.
During non-business hours: phone LSU campus police (8-3231) or 911. They will then respond and contact Campus Safety, the fire department, etc., as appropriate.
In case of medical emergency: In case of a serious injury (contain bleeding, flush chemical exposure with water, electrocution, burn, chemical burn, etc.), begin obvious first aid. Contact LSU Campus Police 8-3231 or 911 (or have a bystander make the call), describing the medical emergency and required emergency response. All LSU police officers are trained in first aid.
Eyes
Wear safety glasses and check the eyewash stations periodically!
Chemicals: Wash immediately, in the laboratory, with lots of water, for at least 15 minutes. Notify the laboratory supervisor immediately.
Glass: Wash if chemicals were present, then bandage both eyes. In both cases, notify laboratory supervisor immediately and go to the Student Health Center.
Cuts
Wash with water if chemicals were present. Notify laboratory supervisor immediately. Use a bandaid; if it is serious: apply pressure to the pressure points. These are found on the side of every finger and on the upper arm for wrist wounds. Apply a pressure bandage if one is available, but do not use a tourniquet. Avoid contact with blood; use latex gloves. Bring all students with open wounds to the Student Health Center.
Skin
Acids: Wash with water immediately, in the laboratory, for at least 15 minutes and neutralize with soap if necessary. Notify the laboratory supervisor immediately.
Bases: Wash with water immediately, in the laboratory, for at least 15 minutes. Notify the laboratory supervisor immediately.
Organic solvents: Wash with water and soap for at least 15 minutes. Notify the laboratory supervisor immediately.
Severe chemical burns require immediate notification of the laboratory supervisor and a visit to the Student Health Center.
Burns
Run cold water for at least 10 minutes over the burned area. Do not use ice cubes! Notify the laboratory supervisor. Large area 2nd degree (blister) and open skin burns require a visit to the Student Health Center.
Inhalation
Noxious Gases: Fresh air. Gases like HCl, Cl2 and phosgene give delayed (12 -24 hrs) effects. Observation in a hospital may be indicated. For emergency O2 administration, place a bucket over the head of the victim, and deliver O2 via a tube near the mouth, not in the mouth,e.g., i n the case of CO poisoning.
Ingestion
Induce vomiting, except in the case of strong acids, bases, and organic solvents.
Electrocution
Do not touch person nor apparatus. First, locate circuit breaker box in laboratory and disconnect power. High voltage/wattage apparatus should be positioned where they will not be flooded. All electrical equipment must be properly grounded.
General
Know where the nearest telephone is. Remember the emergency numbers: 8-3231 or 911. The first-floor and second-floor stockrooms have some first aid supplies. The telephone number of the Student Health Center is 8-6271.
NOTE: WHENEVER AN ACCIDENT OCCURS AND/OR A PERSON IS INJURED THE LABORATORY SUPERVISOR MUST BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY AND AN ACCIDENT REPORT MUST BE COMPLETED. FORMS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE (232 CHOPPIN).
At LSU all hazardous waste is disposed of through the office of Campus Safety's Hazardous Waste Program. No chemical waste should be disposed of through the sanitary sewer or the regular trash without prior approval from the Office of Campus Safety.
The guiding principle for disposing should be the answer to the question: "If I dump this chemical in the trash or down the drain, do I poison the landfill or interfere with operation of the sewerage treatment plant?" With that in mind do not dispose of heavy metals, water immiscible organic solvents, or other toxic compounds through the sewer or trash. Campus Safety will collect and dispose of these compounds. Furthermore, innocuous compounds with a disagreeable odor should not be disposed of through the drain; the odor is likely to cause discomfort on another floor. Acids and bases can be washed down the drain after dilution and/or neutralization. Acetone is very flammable and large amounts are best given to Campus Safety. Small amounts (a few milliliters from rinsing glassware) can be flushed down the drain with copious amount of water. Acetonitrile is also miscible, but given its toxicity this solvent is best disposed of via Campus Safety. As a general rule, up to 100 g of water miscible organic compounds can be washed down the drain if they contain fewer than 5 carbon atoms.
There is an additional consideration, namely the safety of the custodial workers. They will be suspicious if they find a large amount of a chemical in the trash can. They are likely to call their supervisor who, in turn will call Campus Safety. After several man hours have been wasted it will be determined that the chemical is indeed harmless. Therefore, leave the chemical in its original container, and give it to Campus Safety .
Broken glassware too can endanger the custodial workers when thrown in the regular trash. Therefore, broken or not, no glass, sharps (needles) or syringes are to be thrown in the trash.
Use either glass containers (or sharps containers) sold by Scientific Stores, or put the sharps in a strong cardboard box, seal it with tape when full, label the box as "Broken Glassware" and dispose of the box in the dumpster. Always be sure to completely decontaminate all glassware before disposal.
The following rules apply at the point of waste generation (in the laboratory):
1. The waste container must be labeled as Hazardous waste. The label should also list the chemicals in the container, amounts, and other pertinent information such as the hazard classification (i.e., toxic, flammable, corrosive, reactive, etc.). The person responsible (professor), the room/bldg no. and telephone no. should also be on the label.
2. The waste container must be segregated from new or in-use chemicals (non- waste).
3. The waste container must be stoppered when not in use. The container cannot remain open with a funnel in it. Waste bottles may explode from pressure build up or improper chemical mixtures. Do not add incompatible chemicals.
4. The waste must be removed at a regular frequency. There should be no old bottles containing waste from past months/years. Additionally, at no time should there be any unknown chemical in the lab. Notify Campus Safety if any unknown chemicals are found so they can be promptly removed.
NOTE: While disposal of chemicals down the drains is not allowed, odors from one lab can still travel through the building drain system to other labs and then enter the labs through dry drain traps. To prevent vapors/odors from entering labs where classes are being held, teaching assistants should regularly pour water down the floor drains and sink drains in the lab. This will ensure the drain traps contain water to stop the passage of odors into the room. This is a good practice for all lab workers in the building, not just teaching assistants.
Safety Rules for the Teaching Laboratory
There shall be only a limited number of rules for the laboratory, but they shall be rigidly and impartially enforced and willful noncompliance shall result in dismissal or suspension from the laboratory.
The following are suggested rules for students in all laboratories:
1. Eye protection is required at all times in the laboratory and where chemicals are stored and handled.
2. Horseplay, pranks, or other acts of mischief are especially dangerous and shall be absolutely prohibited.
3. Work with materials only when the flammability, reactivity, corrosiveness, and toxicity properties are known.
4. Laboratory areas shall not be used as waiting, eating or drinking places.
5. Unauthorized experiments are prohibited.
6. Mouth suction shall never be used to fill pipettes, to start siphons, or for any other purposes.
7. Never perform experimental work in the laboratory alone or at least without another person within easy call. Always inform someone that you are in the laboratory if you are to be alone. There shall be a time limit of no more than one hour for contact between working laboratory personnel and an outside person. Students at the entry level such as college freshman or first year organic chemistry students shall never be permitted to work alone.
Responsibility for Safety
The faculty and staff of the chemistry (or science) department are responsible for the administration of the safety program. Each individual is responsible for performing his/her job safely. Untrained students or outsiders shall not be permitted to work with chemicals except under adequate supervision. An instructor shall be responsible for no more than 25 students in a laboratory at one time; he shall be in the laboratory for the entire laboratory period for college entry level courses.
Every instructor or laboratory supervisor shall:
1. Set a good example by:
a. Knowing and observing all rules and recommendations.
b. Wearing protective equipment where recommended.
c. Being enthusiastic about safety.
2. Be alert for unsafe conditions.
3. Inspect often and intelligently.
4. Take effective corrective action promptly.
5. Maintain discipline and enforce rules.
6. Prohibit use of laboratory glassware as a food or beverage container. Use of laboratory glassware as food or beverage containers, even if clearly marked, is a dangerous practice. See "Refrigerators....."
7. Assume responsibility for visitors and require that they follow the same rules as students and other laboratory workers.
8. Carefully review all laboratory experiments for possible safety problems before the experiments are assigned to students. Minimize chemical wastes.
9. Maintain a file of publications on laboratory safety readily available to students, visitors, and others and encourage its use. All laboratory workers must read and become familiar with the department safety guidelines.
10. Locate a MSDS sheet for each chemical used in an experiment before performing an experiment.
SAFETY PRACTICES AND FACILITIES
General
All chemistry laboratories shall have access to safety showers, eyewash fountains, dry chemical powder, and/or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, fume hoods, numerous laboratory wash sinks (provided with drainage, separate from sanitary drainage), and a well-marked and unimpeded evacuation route from the laboratory. These facilities shall be conveniently located and shall be tested frequently. A general alarm system for the entire building which alerts LSU Police shall also be provided. Automatic smoke and fire alarms are now in common use in many laboratories.
All items of the proper safety equipment such as showers, fire extinguishers, and an unrestricted telephone shall be readily available, operable, and known to all persons in the laboratory.
The laboratory shall be equipped with properly functioning, adequately designed facilities and with safety shields and respirators for use where toxic chemicals are being used, or where there is a possibility for splashing or breakage especially when glass apparatus is being used at reduced or increased pressures.
Before using an open flame or spark-producing equipment such as motors and open heaters, all laboratory personnel shall assure that no flammable vapors are in the area.
Suitable temporary or permanent signs shall be posted in areas where hazardous operations are being carried out or where toxic or highly flammable chemicals are being used.
Hazard Communication
It is important to evaluate, identify, and communicate the hazards associated with the process or material being used. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are ideal for this purpose. MSDS's come with every shipment of a hazardous material. They should be kept by the individual responsible for safety information and contain spill and risk information.. Always refer to the MSDS for proper handling techniques. They are available at the Department Office, the Campus Safety Office, and electronic databases.
Links to MSDS databases:
Proper labeling is another important aspect of hazard communication. All material shall be labeled, at a minimum, with the following information: Name, Quantity, and Hazards of the material. If the material is a mixture, percentages shall be indicated. All unstable material, such as Ether or Tetrahydrofuran, shall be dated as to the date of purchase.
Protective Clothing
Aprons, lab coats, gloves, or other protective clothing preferably made of chemically inert material shall be readily available during certain types of chemical experimentation. Exposure of corrosive materials such as strong acids or bases requires use of goggles or face shields. Gloves shall provide arm protection which will minimize the chance for spilled chemicals to make contact with the skin. Protection for legs and feet shall be provided by lab coat and shoes. Foot covering which exposes toes or any portion of the foot shall not be worn when working with or handling chemicals.
Fume Hoods
Laboratory fume hoods shall be operating properly and operations where flammable gas, toxic vapors, or noxious odors are given off shall be performed in these hoods. The specifications of flow of air through a fume hood shall be monitored on the basis of the substances and amounts being used. Flow varies markedly near the surface. Increased flow can be achieved by use of a restriction in front of the hood such as a window or safety shield. (Velometers shall be posted on hood face.) Fans shall be located on the roof so that all ductwork in the building is under negative pressure. There shall be no recirculation of the air from fume hoods into the laboratory.
Sinks
Drainage from laboratory sinks shall be separate from sanitary drainage to facilitate independent treatment of each type of waste where this is appropriate and necessary.
Safety Showers
The valve handle of safety showers shall be rigidly fixed and plainly labeled. The valve shall open readily in either direction and remain open until intentionally closed. Water flow pressure shall be sufficient to drench the subject rapidly. The shower area shall be kept clear of obstructions. Water of drinking purity shall be used in safety showers. The shower shall be tested on a regular basis and a record kept of such tests.
Air Mask (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus)
At least two self-contained breathing devices (not canister or filter gas masks) shall be available for emergency control where high concentrations of toxic vapors, gases, smokes, or oxygen-deficient atmospheres are frequently or periodically present. Specific training and practice in the use and limitations of any of these devices shall be given to instructors.
Storage
Safe storage and transport of chemicals, particularly liquid glass bottles of one liter or more, shall be provided, and incompatible chemicals shall not be stored in close proximity to each other or allowed to react accidentally. Check shipping regulations before sending chemicals through public surface or air freight.
Disposal
A carefully planned disposal procedure for chemicals shall be set up. Usually small quantities of water soluble, neutral nontoxic substances may be flushed down the drain with relatively large quantities of running water. Water immiscible materials require special handling. Some may be recoverable in adequate purity for reuse by distillation, extraction, etc. Others may be collected in metal or plastic safety containers for disposal by incineration or landfill. Plans for safe recovery or disposal of chemicals used in laboratory experiments shall be an integral part of written procedures and carefully observed. Disposal shall follow EPA rules or other generally accepted practices.
Electrical Outlets
All electrical outlets shall carry a grounding connection requiring a three-pronged plug. All electrical equipment except glasscloth heaters and certain model oscillographs requiring a floating ground shall be wired with a grounding plug. Continuity of grounding connections including leads to building ground itself shall be checked periodically by an authorized inspector. The National Electrical Code shall be followed in all installations. This includes proper grounding as well as proper equipment for hazardous areas.
Hearing Protection-Noise Control
Hearing conservation shall be practiced through controls at the time of design, modifications of existing sources of noise, and the use of ear protection. OSHA regulations allow noise levels for exposure times as follows:
| Noise Level(dBA) | Exposure Time (hours) |
| 90 | 8 |
| 95 | 4 |
| 100 | 2 |
| 105 | 1 |
| 110 | 1/2 |
| 115 | 1/4 |
Eye Protection
1. Most states require the wearing of eye protective devices in school and college shops and laboratories. Although state laws differ, all laboratories shall require eye protection to prevent injuries or blindness from accidents. The American Chemical Society endorses this objective and encourages general acceptance of eye protection in laboratories. Laws do not name specific devices because administrators have widely differing interpretations of the requirements for chemical laboratories.
2. The type of eye protection needed depends on the particular operation to be performed. For most laboratory work, safety glasses with clear side shields are adequate as long as safety showers or eyewash facilities are near at hand. Suitable clip-on side shields are available for use with prescription safety glasses. Where there is danger of splashing chemicals or flying particles, goggles are recommended. For example, goggles shall be worn when working with glassware under reduced or elevated pressure and with glass apparatus used in combustion or other high temperature operations.
3. A US Food and Drug Administration regulation requires that all eyeglass and sunglass lenses sold to the general public be of shatter-resistant material. Although this regulation improves the protection to the general public, such eyeglasses cannot be considered adequate for laboratories (and shops) which require industrial quality eye protective devices. American National Standard (A87.1-1968), "Practice for Occupational Safety" and Educational Eye and Face Protection requirements shall be considered the minimum protection. The principle difference is that the ANSI standard requires hardened lenses with a minimum thickness of 3mm, lens-retaining frames, non flammable frames, and other attributes not covered by the FDA regulation.
4. Prior to any work in the chemical laboratory, plans and facilities shall be established for action to be taken in the event of splashing of chemicals in or near the eye. For chemical splashes, immediately flush the eye with clean water from a gently flowing source for at least fifteen minutes. Hold the eye open to wash thoroughly behind the eyelids. An eyewash fountain shall be used, but if one is not available, injured persons shall be placed on their backs and water gently poured into the eye. This shall be followed by prompt treatment by a member of the medical staff or an Ophthamologist who may issue standing instructions to staff medical personnel. All injuries, especially eye injuries, shall be treated and reported to insure maximum attention and feedback to be used in programs designed to prevent future recurrence.
5. Considerable discomfort can be produced in the eye by exposure to ultraviolet light. The absorption of this radiation by the outer layers of the eye (cornea and conjunctiva) produces conjunctivitis (sensation of "sand in the eyes"). Protective glasses shall be worn by all personnel whenever they may be exposed to erythemally effective radiation.
EMERGENCY SHOWERS AND EYEWASH STATIONS
Since it has been conclusively proven that immediate washing of the skin and eye with a generous amount of water is the most effective first aid treatment for chemical burns, all chemistry laboratories and areas where faculty, staff, students, or visitors are exposed to harmful chemicals shall be provided with safety showers and eyewash fountains. These facilities shall be conveniently located and tested frequently, readily available, operable, and known to persons concerned.
The valve handle of safety showers and eyewash fountains shall be rigidly fixed and plainly labeled. The valve shall open readily in either direction and remain open until intentionally closed. Water flow pressure shall be sufficient to drench the subject rapidly or gently flow in the case of eyewash fountains. The shower and eyewash fountain area shall be kept clear of obstructions. Water of drinking purity shall only be used in safety showers and eyewash fountains.
Emergency eyewash fountains shall deliver a gentle flow of clean, aerated water. A hand-held eyewash spray with a five foot hose is more adaptable to unusual situations including head and body splashes, but shall not be located where it can be contaminated by waste materials. It shall be understood by all that eye protection is infinitely more important than eyewashes. For chemical splashes, very complete irrigation is indicated. (A 15 minute flush is recommended.) Immediately flush the eye with a copious amount of water under gentle pressure checking for and removing contact lenses at once. (Use of contact lenses shall only be permitted in the laboratory with protective goggles.) An eyewash fountain shall be used if available. Forcibly hold the eye open to wash thoroughly behind the eyelids. In the absence of an eyewash fountain, the injured shall be placed on his back and water gently poured into the eye. The injured eye shall be held open. The injured shall be given prompt medical attention, regardless of the severity of the injury. Keep both eyes immobilized with clean, wet, cold pads while transporting the injured to medical attention. Neutralizing agents shall not be used for chemical burns to the eye. Experiments have indicated that neutralizing agents increase the eye damage.
The emergency shower and eyewash fountains shall be tested on a regular basis and a record kept of such tests. The tests shall concern the operation of the unit to determine sufficient water flow and valve operation. Observe physical condition of unit and be sure unit is kept clear of obstructions.
Portable Eye Wash Stations
Monthly inspect each station to make sure it is properly filled and ready to use. Check to see if the unit is full. Change the water once a month with water of drinking purity. Test the unit's operation monthly. Also, the unit shall always be clearly visible and there shall be no obstructions to interfere with its use.
REFRIGERATORS , FOOD AND BEVERAGE CONSUMPTION
No employee, student, visitor, etc., shall knowingly consume any food or beverage that has been stored in a chemical storage refrigerator (and labeled as such), nor shall food or beverages be stored or consumed in any area containing toxic materials.
Use of domestic refrigerators in a laboratory setting constitutes a unique hazard in that explosions may occur when they are used for storage of volatile or unstable chemicals. Domestic (household) refrigerators shall not be used for chemical storage unless they have been modified in accordance with National Electric Code, Article 501.
Chemicals stored in refrigerators shall be sealed and labeled with the name of the material, the date it was placed in the refrigerator, and the name and phone number of the person who stored the material.
In accordance with Labeling of Refrigerators Located in the Laboratories, refrigerators in which any toxic materials are stored shall bear a label located on the outside of the refrigerator door stating "No Food or Drink To Be Stored in This Refrigerator." As indicated, no food or beverages of any kind shall be stored in the same refrigerator as chemicals.
INSPECTION OF CHEMISTRY LABORATORIES
The assignment of inspection personnel depends upon the type of inspection and the area to be covered. Safety of assigned areas is inherently the responsibility of the supervisor or professor in charge of research/teaching. To detect unsafe conditions, he/she may assign inspection duties to sub-ordinates or use available staff inspection groups. In any event, the final responsibility rests with the supervisor.
To help with the inspection process, an inspection report form has been developed that indicates items construed to be important by both the National Institute of Health and the American Chemical Society regarding safety in the chemistry laboratory.
The following information will hopefully give a clear indication of how the report is to be filled out.
Once finalized, the report shall be turned over to the department head/chairperson and a copy sent to the Office of Campus Safety.
The department head/chairperson shall review the report and respond to and/or have measures taken to comply with corrective recommendations.
It is important that the inspected area be identified by building name, department (chemistry, biochemistry, chemical storage, etc.), floor on which it is located, and room number. Further, the area shall be identified as used for teaching, research, both, or neither, as would be the case in chemical storage and/or hazardous waste holding areas.
In grading the conditions of the area, assign the following legend to the item inspected:
A adequate, it presents no hazard or it meets required standards;
I inadequate, it is hazardous, it does not meet the standards and a recommendation is made to correct the problem;
N/A not applicable, the item simply does not apply to the inspection.
The inspection form deals with five (5) areas of concern, including a section designated Miscellaneous to allow an investigator to identify items that he/she feels are important but are not covered on the form.
1. Personnel Practices include such items as protective clothing (lab coats and gloves, eye protection--glasses, goggles, faceshields). Are they required for and available for those who work or study in the lab? Is eating, drinking, or smoking specifically prohibited in the lab? Are refrigerators labeled against flammables being placed within (unless explosion proof)? Are portable body shields available that could be placed in front of a work area (such as a fume hood) to protect an individual from injury due to explosion? It is not necessarily advocated that shields be part of each work area's equipment. It is important that such shields be available and used if highly reactive materials are part of the chemical process.
2. Operational Procedures are items related, to a certain extent, to how we practice safety when teaching or doing research. University laboratory safety regulations shall be available for review when needed as well as an inventory of carcinogenic materials. It is important that bulk flammable liquids be stored in appropriate safety containers along with approved amounts to be stored (NFPA No. 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquid Code). Additionally, if hazardous wastes are collected and kept within the lab, they shall be containerized and labeled according to the University's hazardous waste program. Work areas that support flammable and/or combustible chemicals shall be posted against smoking. CHOPPIN HALL IS A NONSMOKING AREA . Chemicals shall be properly shelved with smaller, lighter containers toward the upper shelves and larger ones toward the lower shelves. Shelves shall have a 1/4" raised lip on the edge of the shelf to stop "creeping." Chemicals shall be properly labeled regardless of amount. Good housekeeping is a must. A check shall be made for extraneous materials on bench tops and floors. Walking areas shall be kept clear of wires, holes and boxes. Broken glass and other sharps shall be properly contained, labeled, and kept in a safe place until disposal.
3. Equipment shall function properly and safely. Fume hoods shall provide adequate airflow to prevent leakage of fumes and vapors. The hood shall draw at least 85 lfpm with open sash. There shall be no leaks in the top of the hood or the duct work. The hood shall be equipped with explosion-proof lights and a water source--all shall work. Compressed gas cylinders shall be secured, and empties and spares shall have protective caps on. Do not move gas tanks unless the regulator has been removed and the protective cap attached Electrical receptacles and plugs shall be grounded. Extension cords shall be limited and those in use shall not be frayed or broken. Equipment such as vacuum pumps shall be equipped with beltguards.
4. Emergency Protection Equipment within the lab shall include a fire extinguisher properly mounted, easily accessible, and visible. The extinguisher shall be serviced and ready for immediate use. A fire blanket shall be available, easily accessible, and visible. Safety shower and/or eyewash station shall be in working order. Emergency numbers shall be posted prominently in lab or on telephone.
5. Care must be taken moving chemicals into and out of laboratories. All large glass containers of solvents, acids, etc. must be carried in protective carriers.
No chemicals nor gases must be transported in the passenger elevators in Choppin Hall - use the well ventilated freight elevator.
1. "Guide for Safety in the Chemistry Laboratory, Manufacturing Chemists Association."
2. "Safe Storage of Laboratory Chemicals" by David A. Pipitone.
3. "Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Public Health Service, National Institute of Health--Laboratory Safety Evaluation Survey."
I. Reasons for this Guide
This section presents certain safety requirements for handling specific hazardous microorganisms. These requirements are based on present knowledge and shall change as research continues and new standards are developed. The operational requirements serve, in part, to indicate what facilities and resources should be made available to minimize hazards in work with specific microorganisms.
II. General Requirements
A. Authorized Personnel
Only authorized employees, students, and visitors shall be allowed to enter infectious disease laboratories or utility rooms.
B. Autoclaving
1. All infectious or toxic materials, equipment, or apparatus shall be autoclaved or otherwise disinfected before being washed or disposed of. Each individual working with infectious material shall be responsible for its disinfection before disposal.
2. Infectious or toxic materials shall not be placed in autoclaves overnight in anticipation of autoclaving the next day.
3. Autoclaves shall be checked for operating efficiency if spore formers are used.
C. Building Vacuum Line
When the building vacuum line is used, suitable traps or filters shall be interposed to insure that pathogens do not enter the fixed system.
D. Centrifuging, Sonication, Separation--Aerosol Pre- cautions
1. Before centrifuging, inspect tubes for cracks; inspect the inside of the trunnion cup for rough walls caused by erosion of adhering matter; and carefully remove bits of glass from the rubber cushion. A germicidal solution added between the tube and trunnion cup not only disinfects the outer surface of both of these but also provides an excellent cushion against shocks that might otherwise break the tube.
2. Avoid decanting centrifuge tubes. If you must do so, wipe off the outer rim with a disinfectant afterwards; otherwise, the infectious fluid will spin off as an aerosol. Avoid filling the tube to the point that the rim becomes wet with culture.
3. A ventilated and filtered safety centrifuge cabinet is recommended to house and safeguard all centrifuging of infectious substances. Use a safety centrifuge cup. Centrifuging shall always be done in closed containers and, whenever possible, in closed centrifuge heads. When centrifuging is done in a ventilated glove box, the glove panel shall be in place with the glove ports covered. A centrifuge in operation creates reverse air currents that may cause escape of agent from an open cabinet.
4. An aerosol containment hood or enclosure shall be provided for sonicators, cream separators, and similar aerosol producing apparatus.
E. Containers--Protective
1. Ensure that all virulent fluid cultures or viable powdered infectious materials in glass vessels are transported, incubated, and stored in easily- handled, non-breakable, leak-proof containers that are large enough to contain all fluid or powder in case of leakage or breakage of the glass vessel.
2. All inoculated Petri plates or other inoculated solid media shall be transported and incubated in leak-proof pans or other leak-proof containers.
F. Emergencies
1. No person shall work alone on an extremely hazardous operation. Use the "buddy system.
" 2. Prepared solutions of suitable disinfectants, along with instructions for use, shall be maintained in each laboratory in a conspicuous location. The location shall be labeled "Disinfectants for emergency Use."
3. An Emergency Notification Sign, available from the Office of Campus Safety, shall be posted by the responsible researcher on the exterior door of each lab giving instructions to follow in the event of an emergency such as a fire or spill. Instructions shall emphasize precautionary measures.
G. Floors and Other Surfaces
1. Floors, laboratory benches, and other surfaces in the buildings in which infectious substances are handled shall be disinfected with a suitable germicide as often as deemed necessary by the supervisors. After completion of operations involving planting, pipetting, centrifuging, lyophilizing, and similar procedures with infectious agents, the surroundings shall be disinfected.
2. Floor drains throughout the building shall be flooded with water, glycol, or a safe disinfectant at least once a week in order to fill traps and prevent back up of sewer gases.
3. Floors shall be swept with push brooms only. The use of a floorsweeping compound is recommended because of its effectiveness in lowering the number of airborne organisms. Water used to mop floors shall contain suitable disinfectants. Elimination of sweeping through use of vacuum cleaners utilizing absolute filters or through wet mopping only is highly desirable. Custodial services shall be performed by laboratory personnel only--not by Physical Plant or University contractors.
H. Hygiene
1. Develop the habit of keeping your hands away from your mouth, nose, eyes, and face. This may prevent self-inoculation.
2. Deepfreeze and dry ice chests and refrigerators shall be checked and cleaned out periodically to remove broken ampoules, tubes, etc., containing infectious material. A tray can be used to line the bottom of the refrigerator or freezer to catch and retain broken containers.
3. Library books and journals shall not be taken into rooms where work with infectious agents is in progress.
4. An effort shall be made to keep all other surplus materials and equipment out of these rooms.
5. According to the level of risk, the wearing of laboratory or protective clothing may be required for persons entering infectious disease laboratories. Likewise, showers with a germicidal soap may be required before exit.
6. Contaminated laboratory clothing shall not be worn in clean areas or outside the building.
I. Labeling
All laboratory rooms containing infectious substances shall designate separate areas or shelters labeled: "INFECTIOUS--TO BE AUTOCLAVED," or "NOT INFECTIOUS--TO BE CLEANED."
All infectious disease work areas including cabinetry shall be prominently marked with the Biohazard Warning Control Cultures shall be labeled with the name of the agent, researchers' names, and date.
J. Membrane Filters
Care shall be exercised in the use of membrane filters to obtain sterile filtrates iof infectious materials. Because fof the fragility of the membrane and other factors, such filtrates cannot be handled as non infectious until culture or other tests have proved their sterility.
K. Personal Protective Equipment
1. A respirator or gas mask shall be worn when changing glove or gloves attached to a safety cabinet if an infectious aerosol may possibly be present in the cabinet.
2. Diagnostic serum specimens carrying a risk of serum hepatitis shall be handled with rubber gloves.
L. Pest Control
All laboratories shall be sprayed with insecticides as often as necessary to control flies and other insects. Consult Physical Plant pesticide control personnel for spraying. Advise them of hazards in the laboratory before work begins.
M. Pipettes
1. No infectious materials shall be pipetted by mouth or blown out of a pipette. Do not use a pipette for mixing or for bubbling air through an infectious mixture. Hand pipetting devices shall be used to pipette all microorganisms, tissue, cell cultures, caustic or corrosive chemicals, poisons, organic solvents, radioactive materials, mutagens, carcinogens, or teratogens.
2. Contaminated pipettes shall be placed horizontally in a pan containing enough suitable disinfectant to allow complete immersion. They shall not be placed vertically in a cylinder. The pan and pipette shall be autoclaved as a unit and replaced by a clean pan with fresh disinfectant.
N. Syringes
1. Only syringes of the Luer-Lok type shall be used with infectious materials.
2. Use an alcohol-soaked pledget around the stopper and needle when removing a syringe and needle from a rubber-stoppered vaccine bottle.
3. Expel excess fluid and bubbles from a syringe vertically into a cotton pledget soaked with disinfectant or into a small bottle or cotton.
4. Syringes and needles shall be autoclaved and destroyed before disposal into special waste containers (not into the "trash"). Blunt needles (cannulas) shall be used wherever sharp needles.
O. Shakers
1. A safety box or safety shaker tray shall be used to house or safeguard all containers of infectious substances on shaking machines.
2. Broth cultures shall be taken in a manner that avoids wetting the plug or cap.
P. Smoking, Eating, and Drinking
1. Food, candy, gum, or beverages for human consumption shall not be taken into infectious disease laboratories.
Smoking shall not be permitted in any area in which work with infectious or toxic substances is performed. Employees who have been working with infectious materials shall wash and disinfect their hands thoroughly before smoking, eating, or drinking.
2. Industrial water from lab sinks shall not be used for human consumption.
Q. Sterilization and Disinfection Methods
Use approved methods and substances for a particular system such as autoclaving.
R. Storage
To minimize hazard to fireman, maintenance personnel, or emergency crews at the close of each workday, all infectious or toxic material shall be: (1) placed in the refrigerator, (2) placed in the incubator, or (3) auto-claved or otherwise disinfected before the building is closed.
S. Wastes
1. No infectious substances shall be allowed to enter a building drainage or refuse disposal system without proper sterilization.
2. Mechanical garbage disposal units shall not be installed for use in disposing of contaminated wastes. The units release considerable amounts of aerosol.
T. Water Baths and Warburg Baths
Water baths and Warburg baths used to inactivate, incubate, or test infectious substances shall contain a suitable disinfectant. For cold water baths, 70% propylene glycol is recommended.
NOTE: For detailed information on radiation safety, contact the University Radiation Safety Officer at 388-4400. Any work with radioactive and radiation emitting chemicals/equipment requires adequate and documented training.
In the event of radiation leak or spill:
1. Clear area.
a. Go to the closest safe place to avoid contamination.
b. Get everyone out.
c. Carefully help anyone who is injured.
2. Seal off area.
a. Post guards to keep people away.
b. Turn hoods and water off before leaving.
c. Close doors behind you.
3. Call for help.
a. Radiation Safety Office 388-4400
b. LSU Police 388-3231
4. Tell what happened.
a. Major spill.
b. Exposed source.
c. Air-borne contamination.
d. Fire or explosion.
e. Badly contaminated major injury.
5. Give location and you name. Wait close by.
Currently regulated by OSHA as carcinogenic:
NTP Human Cancer Suspect Carcinogen List
National Institutes of Health Carcinogen List