Laboratory safety
Laboratory safety is the key to reducing injury and
illness. There are many exposures in the
laboratory that pose a hazard to your health and you may have never considered
them as a hazard before. It is important
to have proper training so you, as the employee, are aware of the potential
dangers that may threaten your health or life.
The Laboratory:
Working in a
laboratory can be an exciting experience.
It can also pose many threats and hazards that a traditional classroom
does not. That is why it is important to
know your surroundings. Know where the
exits to your room are. There may be
more than one exit which could be critical in the case of an emergency. Your supervisor will go over the emergency
action plan including the escape route procedures for your room.
It
is also recommended to be aware of the fire extinguishers in location to your
laboratory. In order to fight a fire one
must undergo the proper training. In the event of a fire, the first response is
to evacuate the area and notify the fire department! Any campus phone will initially direct calls
to the ISU Police Dept. and from there the fire dept. will be dispatched. Do
not wait any longer than necessary to call, time is of the essence!
Know where the
fire alarm is in proximity to your laboratory.
Is it right down the hall or is it in the stairwell? If there is a fire, a quick response is the
best response. Have your supervisor
show you the closest alarm. The fire
safety training will detail the safety procedures for your lab.
Many laboratories contain hazardous substances.
A
hazardous substance is defined as a material/substance that poses
a physical or health hazard. This
includes both chemicals and biological agents.
A
Biohazard is defined as any organism that is capable of
replication and is capable of causing disease in human, animal or plant.
There are differences between a physical
hazard and a health hazard. Let’s take
a look.
A physical
hazard has the following characteristics:
Ø
When physical
hazards and health hazards exist, it is very important to know where the eye
wash/safety shower is located.
Unexpected accidents do occur and knowing where to go at the time of an
emergency can reduce injury/illness.
Ø
First aid kits
have a variety of quick relief items. If
your lab has a first aid kit, find out where it is. If more than first aid is
needed, it is recommended to go to Student Health Services for further
treatment. In an event that would
require more than first aid to be treated, report it to the EHS office within
the next 24 hours.
Ø When there are chemical, biological, or radioactive
agents being used, an emergency spill kit should be available. If there is a spill kit in your lab, find its
location. Further Spill information will
be addressed later in this presentation.
Ø Each laboratory has a telephone in a designated area
for use. The emergency contact numbers
are posted near the phone in every laboratory on the ISU campus.
Know What Hazards are Present in your Lab
Chemicals
can pose a significant hazard. They should be limited to the use under a
properly working fume hood. Chemicals
can release hazardous vapors which not only harm the environment, but they can
be a major health threat. They must be handled carefully and disposed of
properly.
When a chemical is in the laboratory,
the hazards of that chemical must be communicated to you. According to Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) is required to relay information
regarding procedures, equipment, PPE, and work practices that are capable of
protecting employees from health hazards.
Your
supervisor is in charge of providing the information contained in the CHP to
you.
Lab Safety
The
following guidelines have been established to minimize the hazards in a
laboratory setting. It is important to
take responsibility for your actions and to keep in mind that irresponsible
acts could have lasting future effects.
The
next portion of the training is simply review and is meant to remind you of
responsible conduct in a laboratory setting.
As the hazards increase, the risks increase, and the responsibility must
increase.
Lab Attire
Ø
No open-toed
shoes
Ø
No shorts unless
a lab coat is used
Ø
Restrain hair
when working with hazardous materials
Ø
Remove protective
clothing and gloves in public
Ø
Use the proper
Personal Protective Equipment for the job
Personal Habits
Ø Do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum or
apply cosmetics, or remove/insert contact lenses while in the laboratory
Ø Do not store food or beverages in the
lab or in chemical refrigerator
Ø Do not mouth pipette
Ø Wash hands before leaving laboratory
or after handling contaminated material
Safe Practices
These safe practices should be followed
to ensure safe working conditions:
Ø Do not use chipped or cracked
glassware
Ø When working with hazardous materials,
have a second person nearby
Ø Know emergency procedures
Ø Keep the laboratory neat and clean
Ø Use hazardous chemicals under a fume
hood and biohazardous materials under a biosafety cabinet (BSC)
Ø Decontaminate as needed
Ø All procedures should be performed to
minimize aerosol generation
Ø Know details/location of your vital
Laboratory Information!
Each lab contains an Emergency Action Plan which is required
for emergency situations. This is used
to inform faculty/staff/students of the procedures to follow in the event of an
emergency. This includes the following information:
The Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) is similar
to the Hazard Communication Program, but this is specifically for laboratories
with chemicals. This is to relay information regarding procedures,
equipment, PPE, and work practices that are capable of protecting employees
from health hazards. If you are working with acids, it would be nice to know
what personal protective equipment is necessary and what health hazards are
associated with it.
Chemical Hygiene
Methods
and observations used to detect the presence or release of chemicals will be
specific to your lab.
A good indication of the
presence of a chemical is to rely on your senses. Can you see it or smell it?
Is a monitoring device needed to
detect it?
This can be important information if the
chemical is an asphyxiant and pushes oxygen out of the room you are in.
Protection
against chemicals is a combination of work procedures or practices, emergency
procedures, and PPE.
Some chemicals can only be handled under
certain conditions. It is important to
use proper handling procedures and practices as advised.
The emergency procedures for chemical
accidents is to first evacuate the area and then notify your supervisor, ISU
campus police and EHS office if necessary.
Each
lab that has chemicals will have a lab specific Chemical Hygiene Plan. This plan will detail the procedures and
practices for your specific location. It
is your responsibility to make sure that you review the CHP.
Labeling
It is
important to know as much about a chemical as possible. The most dangerous substance is the one that
has no label. Communicating
information is essential in the science field.
MSDS
In
addition to labeling in a laboratory, the next most important type of
communication regarding hazards is the MSDS.
This is the acronym for Material Safety Data Sheet. This will communicate the information
necessary regarding hazards associated with chemicals and also biological
agents.
So what is an MSDS? An MSDS is a document that
relays vital information about certain chemicals and biological agents.
Reading the MSDS
Each
component of the MSDS is broken down into sections. Each section goes into detail about what
precautions to take and the characteristics of the substance. This is for both chemicals and biological
agents.
Why is an MSDS important? When you know characteristics about a
substance it can aid in precautionary measure to take when using it. Also, if there is a spill either on a surface
or on your skin, the MSDS can supply you with the information needed for first
aid.
MSDS
The MSDS
to every chemical in your lab must be available to you. It may be in a notebook in your labor
available over the internet. Make sure
you find the location of the MSDSs in your room.
When to use PPE
Chemical
usage poses a variety of hazards. They
can be flammable, corrosive, even toxic just to name a few. Taking all precautions to avoid physical
and/or health problems is the number one
goal. You can never be too cautious!
Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Knowing
how to properly use PPE can be the key to adequate protection. Not only do you want to make sure it is the
proper size for you, but also make sure you are wearing it properly. If it is too big or too small, it is not
right for you! Let your supervisor know
if you need a different size.
Location & Availability of PPE
Each Lab
should have a designated area for the PPE that is used. The PPE should also be readily available when
working with materials that require it.
If the proper equipment is not available, you should not proceed with
the work. Notify your supervisor when
you need to order PPE. Give an advanced
notice when possible due to shipping time.
Always consider in advance what you will need when conducting research.
What is a Sharp?
What is a “Sharp”?
A sharp is
defined as any instrument, tool, or item that has rigid, acute edges,
protuberances or corners capable of cutting, piercing, ripping or puncturing
such as syringes, blades, and broken glass. Items that have the potential for shattering
or breaking are also considered sharps.
Safe Practices
When using
a sharp there is a risk of being cut by the object and possible infection
occurring depending on what the sharp was used for. If hypodermic needles are used, special
precautions must be taken to reduce the risk of a needlestick. After use of the needle do not recap,
place directly in the sharp container.
Disposal of Sharps
All
sharps must be placed into a rigid, puncture and leak-resistant container that
is also impervious to moisture. The
sharps container must be labeled either with “Biohazard” or “Infectious Waste”.
Do not over fill the sharps container.
When
the sharps container is full it must be collected by the EHS office. A waste pick-up form can be completed and a
collection can be scheduled. A waste
pick-up form can be obtained from the EHS office (438-8325).
Signs and Labeling
Labeling
Chemical
labeling has been briefly touched on earlier One must remember that if any
chemical is transferred to a secondary container, this container must be
labeled. If the chemical will be used by
the end of the work shift, then labeling is not necessary. Good science practices would encourage you to
label all containers.
Signs
Signs
are a way of communicating important information. It is a way to heighten awareness about
hazards that exist.
There
may be signs on laboratory refrigerators reminding you that no food or drink
can be stored in it. There may be
radioactive or biological materials that could possibly be absorbed in food.
There
may also be signs which denote that PPE must be used.
Signs
Labs which
use recombinant DNA and infectious agents must have a sign posted on the
outside of the door. Before someone
enters the lab, they will have the information they need to protect
themselves. Always read the signs
carefully so you know what precautions to take.
Practices and Techniques
Safety
Equipment
Primary Barriers
Primary
barriers are referring to protective measures including engineering
controls. This includes not only PPE
that has already been covered, but it also includes safety cabinets, fume
hoods, vaccines and autoclaves.
Primary Barriers
Let’s look at the following barriers:
a.
Fume
hood
b.
Biological
Safety Cabinet (BSC)
c.
Autoclave
Fume Hood
The fume
hood is used with chemicals. The main
function is to exhaust the vapors and gases that are generated in the hood to
the outside. The hood is designed to
minimize your exposure to airborne contaminants. This is not to be used with
biohazardous materials.
Fume Hood Use
When
using the fume hood you first need to make sure the exhaust blower is operating
and air is entering the hood.
Remember, do not put your face inside the hood!
Minimize
storage of chemicals in the hood
Clean
spills immediately
Work
with the sash at the proper operating level as indicated by the arrows
Biological Safety Cabinet
The
biological safety cabinet (BSC) is used as a containment for infectious
agents. The BSC has a HEPA filter in the
exhaust system to protect the environment and yourself.
The
(HEPA) filter is a high efficiency particulate air filter. It is able to remove particles at a size of
0.3 mm with an efficiency of 99.97%. It
is also able to remove both smaller and larger particles.
BSC
There are
3 classes of BSC that are used. The
higher the risk group and biosafety level, the higher the class of cabinet that
is used.
If there
is an infectious agent being used, whether it is used in research animals or
cultured, it must be manipulated inside the BSC.
PPE
When
using this containment device, remember to also use the proper personal
protective equipment. The following PPE
should be considered depending on the BSL that is required for the organism
that you use.
Use of PPE
Always
make sure that the BSC has been decontaminated both before and after use. Decontamination methods vary depending on the
infectious agent being used. Once the
decontamination of the cabinet is complete, place the waste in a biohazard bag
for autoclave.
Use of BSC
Do not
bring contaminated materials out of the cabinet until they have been surface
decontaminated. If you are unable to
decontaminate, place the material into a closed container to transfer it to the
autoclave
Work Practices for the BSC
Remember
to follow the work practices:
a.
Work
in such a way that your face is above the front opening
b.
Wait
for 1 minute after placing hands/arms inside the cabinet to stabilize the air
flow
c.
Work
at least 4 inches from the inside edge of the front of the grille
d. Work Practices for the BSC
e. Remember to place all materials as far back in the
cabinet as possible
f. Limit the storage within the cabinet
Autoclave
An
autoclave is used to treat infectious material and recombinant DNA. As a standard for the University, all
material of this nature must be autoclaved as a safety precaution. The autoclave is able to render the material
as non-infectious.
The
autoclave is able to reach a high temperature to sterilize the agent. It is important to know the standard
operating procedures (SOP) for the autoclave.
The SOP is located next to each autoclave. If the temperature or pressure is inadequate,
the bag is overfilled, or the peak time is not long enough the material will
not be properly decontaminated.
The
autoclave is sensitive to time, temperature, pressure, water content, type of
container being used and the type of waste being sterilized. When using the autoclave there are a few
important point to remember in order for the process to be effective.
Procedures
The
material being autoclaved must be placed inside an autoclave red bag or in a
pan (Do not overfill the bag).
Add
~250-500ml water to the bag or pan for steam to generate and properly circulate
A
spore strip or other approved tape must be placed on the outside of the bag or
pan to verify that the heat treatment was successful. You will have to verify that a color change
took place.
Procedures
The
autoclave must reach a temperature of 121°C (250 °F) for at least ½ hour at a
pressure of 15psi
After
successfully being autoclaved, the material can be placed in regular trash.
Sharps
must be incinerated. When the container
is full, a pick up can be scheduled through EHS and from there Student Health
Services will incinerate the sharps container for proper disposal
Autoclave Log
Each
time the autoclave is used, the log must be completed by the individual using
it. The log is to be located at the site
of the autoclave.
The information contained within the log is as
follows:
The log is
required by EPA and it must be maintained for 3 years by the department.
The
purpose of the log is to ensure that proper decontamination is taking place
If a new
log is needed at the autoclave, contact the biology department or EHS.
Facility Design
The Secondary Barriers
Secondary
barriers are the facility design and construction. These barriers are to provide protection for
the individuals outside the lab, the community, and the environment.
An
example of a Secondary barrier would be a laboratory. It is separate from the classroom and has
limited access.
The
animal room has limited access and is only available to authorized personnel.
The
autoclave is set away from the normal traffic.
The
hand washing facilities are located within the lab and not accessible by the
outside students.
Decontamination
Decontamination
is the removal or neutralization of toxic agents or the use of physical or
chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy living organisms. This includes both sterilization and disinfection.
Decontamination is the
responsibility of all laboratory workers. Failure to decontaminate can result in
exposure to infectious agents which can cause great illness. Most decontamination can be done by
chemicals. This technique is used only
when autoclaving is not possible. Continue on to see what would be best for
your lab.
Chemicals
There
are a variety of chemicals that can be used as an effective method of
decontamination. Depending on the agent
being used, the method to use may vary along with the contact time. For most organisms, a 1:100 chlorine solution
for 10-30 minutes is adequate. The
Biosafety Manual has a list of sterilizers/ disinfectants that can be
used.
Autoclave
The
autoclave is the most effective method to use for decontamination
purposes. As a general rule of thumb,
autoclave all materials that are considered infectious agent, recombinant DNA,
or resemble components of this nature. When
in doubt, AUTOCLAVE! If a material is
not capable of autoclave because of its size, material, or it is stationary,
then rely on chemical disinfectant as a second option.
Spills and Accidents
Spills and
accidents can pose a serious health and safety threat. When a spill occurs, an aerosol can be
created which can make the material several times more potent. The best measure to take in order to protect
yourself is to be prepared. There should
be standard operating procedures for this type of situation in your lab.
What to Do?
Being able
to recognize the hazards, mitigate the spill, and notifying response
authorities can be your best defense.
The first response to a spill should be to evacuate the immediate area
until the scope of the hazard has been addressed. Seek medical attention if necessary. Allow sufficient time for the aerosol to
settle before considering entering the room.
If you are responsible for clean up, proper training shall be
addressed.
How to Report
When a
spill occurs, it must be reported. Report to your supervisor all spills. If medical attention is needed, it is
suggested to go to Student Health Services.
All injuries that are a result of a spill must be reported to EHS.
Waste Management
Waste
v Hazardous and biohazardous waste has special
guidelines for proper disposal. It is
important to properly dispose of waste to ensure human and environmental
health. EPA regulates the waste that is
generated at ISU.
v Waste can be classified as either
hazardous or biohazardous. Let’s take a
closer look at the differences.
v Hazardous Waste- This is a waste which contains the characteristics of
being any of the following:
v A biohazardous waste is any waste that
is considered infectious and/or because of its biological nature it can cause
physical or health hazards in humans, animals, plants or the environment. This includes recombinant DNA and other
genetically altered organisms and agents.
Proper Disposal
Waste that
is considered biohazardous can be disposed of in regular trash once it has been
rendered non-infectious. If a
biohazard labeled bag is used, make sure it is either placed in a secondary bag
or a completely new bag that is not red.
Hazardous
waste must be disposed of through the Environmental Health & Safety
office.
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