General Lab and Fabrication Rules, Procedures, and Safety Guidelines. Date: 8 August 2014 Version: 1.0

Transcription

1 General Lab and Fabrication Rules, Procedures, and Safety Guidelines Date: 8 August 2014 Version: 1.0

2 Contents 1. Introduction Laboratory Security Policy Emergency Procedures Medical Emergencies: Fire Emergencies: Chemical Emergencies: Lab and Fabrication Safety General: Protective Equipment: Equipment and Tool Safety: Electrical Safety: Electromagnetic Safety: Storing, Handling and Disposal General: Chemicals/ Non-Hazardous Waste: Hazardous Waste: Sharps: Exit and Cleaning Procedures General: Additional Responsibilities

3 1. Introduction Celadon, Inc is committed to providing a safe laboratory environment and fabrication space for all staff and visitors. The goal of the this Laboratory Safety document is to minimize the risk of injury or illness to staff by ensuring they have the appropriate training, information, support and equipment necessary in order to complete their work safely in the laboratory and fabrication room. 2. Laboratory Security Policy Safeguarding Celadon resources from unauthorized access, misuse, or removal is a duty of everyone on the Celadon team. In most laboratories, this obligation rests primarily with the Principal Investigator; however, all laboratory personnel working for Celadon have a responsibility to take reasonable precautions against theft or misuse of materials. At a minimum, the Celadon management expects all laboratory personnel to comply with the following security procedures: a) Question the presence of unfamiliar individuals in the lab and report all suspicious activity to Celadon leadership immediately. b) After normal business hours, the lab door must be shut and key code locked when not in use. Exterior office building doors are secured at the 1401 Wilson Blvd. location. To minimize the likelihood of unauthorized access, all after-hours building users should: a) Not provide lab access to unfamiliar individuals. b) Secure all doors behind them upon leaving the lab. Research or other activities involving the use of lab space, materials or equipment without the knowledge and approval of Celadon leadership is strictly prohibited. Violation of this prohibition may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. 3. Emergency Procedures For any emergency, including fires, chemical spills, injuries, accidents, explosions, and medical emergencies, dial 911. Public Safety personnel will respond, determine whether additional assistance is needed and alert others for help. In all cases, emergency incidents should be reported to Celadon management, regardless of severity. 3.1 Medical Emergencies: a) In the event of any injury or illness where assistance is needed, contact Public Safety at 911. b) For non-medical emergencies, first-aid kits are located in both the Celadon laboratory and the Celadon fabrication room. Please identify the location of the first-aid kits prior to the initiation of any work in the noted areas. 3

4 3.2 Fire Emergencies: In all cases, fire incidents should be reported to Celadon management, regardless of severity and the following actions are recommended: 1. If there is a fire emergency and you have been trained in the use of a fire extinguisher, fight the fire from a position where you can escape, only if you are confident you will be successful in extinguishing it. A fire contained in a small vessel can usually be suffocated by covering the vessel with a lid of some sort. 2. If your clothing catches fire, drop to the floor and roll to smother the fire. If a co-worker s clothing catches fire, get the person to the floor and roll him or her to smother the flames. 3. If the fire is large or spreading, activate the fire alarm to alert building occupants. If the fire alarm does not work, or if the building is not equipped with one, notify the building occupants verbally of the need to evacuate. If possible, shut down any equipment which may add fuel to the fire. Close the door behind you to prevent the fire from spreading. 4. Evacuate the building and await the arrival of Public Safety. Be prepared to inform them of the exact location, details of the fire, and chemicals that are stored and used in the area. 5. Do not re-enter the building until you are told to do so by Public Safety or the municipal fire official. 3.3 Chemical Emergencies: The following procedures should be followed in the event of chemical exposure. In all cases, the incident should be reported to Celadon management, regardless of severity. Chemicals on Skin or Clothing 1. Immediately flush with water for no less than 15 minutes. While rinsing, quickly remove all contaminated clothing or jewelry. The closet sink is located in the Ellumen kitchen. Additional sinks are located in the bathrooms. 2. Discard contaminated clothing or launder them separately from other clothing. 3. Do not use solvents to wash skin. They remove the natural protective oils from the skin and can cause irritation and inflammation. In some cases, washing with a solvent may facilitate absorption of a toxic chemical. 4. For flammable solids on skin, first brush off as much of the solid as possible, then proceed as described above. Chemicals in Eyes 1. Immediately flush eye(s) with water for at least fifteen minutes. The eyes must be forcibly held open to wash, and the eyeballs must be rotated so all surface area is rinsed. The use of an eye wash fountain is desirable so hands are free to hold the eyes open. The closest sink is located in the Ellumen kitchen. Additional sinks are located in the bathrooms. 2. Remove contact lenses while rinsing. Do not lose time removing contact lenses before rinsing. Do not attempt to rinse and reinsert contact lenses. 3. Seek medical attention regardless of the severity or apparent lack of severity. If an ambulance or transportation is needed, contact

5 Chemical Inhalation 1. Close containers, open windows or otherwise increase ventilation, and move to fresh air. 2. If symptoms, such as headaches, nose or throat irritation, dizziness, or drowsiness persist, seek medical attention by calling Public Safety or going to the hospital. Accidental Ingestion of Chemicals 1. Immediately call 911 or contact the Poison Control Center for instructions. 2. Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by a health care provider. 4. Lab and Fabrication Safety 4.1 General: a. Know the potential hazards and appropriate safety precautions before beginning work in the Celadon lab or fabrication space. b. Know the location of and how to use emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and nearest washing locations. c. Never block safety equipment or doors and keep aisles clear and free from tripping hazards. d. Familiarize yourself with the emergency response procedures, facility alarms, and building evacuation routes. e. Know the types of personal protective equipment available and how to use them for each procedure. f. Be alert to unsafe conditions and actions and bring them to the attention of your supervisor or lab manager immediately so that corrections can be made as soon as possible. g. Prevent pollution by following waste disposal procedures. h. When possible, work with two people in the lab and fabrication room at all times. i. No food or drink for consumption is to be taken into or stored in the lab or fabrication room. j. Do not engage in unauthorized private experiments. 4.2 Protective Equipment: Personal protective equipment is special gear used to protect the wearer from specific hazards that may become evident during normal use of the lab. It is a last resort protection system, to be used when substitution or engineering controls are not feasible. Protective equipment does not reduce or eliminate the hazard; it merely protects the wearer, and does not safeguard anyone else. Personal protective gear should be worn based on the individual research and hazard that is present. Protective gear that should be used at all times in both the Celadon lab and fabrication space (discretion by experiment) and includes but is not limited to the following: 5

6 1. Closed toe shoes 2. Safety glasses and/or goggles 3. Leather gloves 4. Latex gloves (which should be discarded appropriately). 5. Lab coats 6. Surgical masks and particle respirators 4.3 Equipment and Tool Safety: General: a. Do not operate any equipment you do not know how to use. Ask others who know how to use it to assist you. b. Equipment must be set up and operated according to the manufacturer s specifications. c. Make sure you electrically ground yourself before touching the ports of sensitive equipment. d. Make sure the maximum power levels of the equipment you are working with are not exceeded. e. Do not inhibit any ventilation of the equipment. f. Any damage to equipment and/or accessories should be promptly reported to a manager. g. No equipment may be removed from the lab without permission from a manager. h. Examine any piece of equipment or tool for damage prior to use. i. Be sure to keep good footing and maintain balance when operating any power tools. j. Disconnect tools when servicing them such as for the changing of any blades, bits, or cutters. k. The exposed moving parts of power tools are to be safeguarded with machine guards. Sharps: a. The use of needles, knives, saws, glass pipettes, scalpels, and other sharps should be eliminated when possible. b. Precautions should be taken to avoid any percutaneous injuries. c. Any sharps should be disposed of immediately after handling them by placing them in a puncture-resistant container. d. Clean up all broken glassware immediately and dispose of the broken glass properly. e. If one is using a blade, knife, or other sharp tools, others should take care to stand far away when these tools are being used. f. See section V. Storing, Handling and Disposal for proper disposal of sharps. 4.4 Electrical Safety: The major hazards associated with electricity are electrical shock and fire. Electrical shock occurs when the body becomes part of the electric circuit. This occurs when an individual comes in contact with both wires of an electrical circuit, one wire of an energized circuit and the ground, or a metallic part that has become energized by contact with an electrical conductor. The following practices may reduce risk of injury or fire when working with electrical equipment: 6

7 a. Avoid contact with energized electrical circuits. b. Use guarding around exposed circuits and sources of live electricity. c. Disconnect the power source before servicing or repairing electrical equipment. d. When it is necessary to handle equipment that is plugged in, be sure hands are dry and, when possible, wear nonconductive gloves and shoes with insulated soles. e. If water or a chemical is spilled onto equipment, shut off power at the main switch or circuit breaker and unplug the equipment. f. If an individual comes in contact with a live electrical conductor, do not touch the equipment, cord, or person. Disconnect the power source from the circuit breaker or pull out the plug using a leather belt. g. Inspect the wiring of equipment before each use. Replace damaged or frayed electrical cords immediately. h. Know the location and how to operate shut-off switches and/or circuit breaker panels. Use these devices to shut off equipment in the event of a fire or electrocution. i. Limit the use of extension cords. Use only for temporary operations and then only for short periods of time. j. Place exposed electrical conductors (such as those sometimes used with electrophoresis devices) behind shields. k. Minimize the potential for water or chemical spills on or near electrical equipment. l. Do not attempt to operate any faulty equipment. 4.5 Electromagnetic Safety: Electrical devices and systems produce two different fields: an electric field like the one produced on the surface of a wool sweater on a dry winter day, and a magnetic field like the fields produced by a compass needle, a small magnet or the earth itself. These fields in combination are referred to as electromagnetic fields or EMF. EMF fields associated with electrical devices and appliances are produced only when the device is plugged in and operating. Devices which generate electromagnetic fields include radio or TV station transmitters, microwave ovens, power transmission lines, and electrical appliances. Exposure to the very high intensity electromagnetic fields found in the immediate vicinity of certain sources such as radar installations and TV or radio transmitters can produce electrical shock or a variety of heating effects, which may range from a sensation of warmth to burns and eventual cataract formation. The National Research Council recently conducted a review of the many studies which have examined the effects and risks of exposure to low intensity EMF. The Council s conclusion, in a report released on October 31, 1996, states that, "no clear convincing evidence exists to show that residential exposures to electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are a threat to human health." The nature of most of the exposures to individuals is comparable to residential exposures, i.e., exposures to common electrical devices and appliances which do not produce unusually high intensity EMFs. The federal government has established emission standards for the manufacturers of certain equipment, including televisions and video display terminals to ensure that EMF fields outside the equipment is limited to levels considered to produce no adverse effects or harm. 7

8 Nonetheless, individuals in the lab should take care to not be near electric appliances that are turned on more than is necessary. 5. Storing, Handling and Disposal 5.1 General: a. Protective equipment as described in Section IV. Lab and Fabrication Safety should be utilized at all times when handling chemicals, materials, samples, sharps, and other items in the lab. b. Even though gloves and other protective equipment are utilized, hands should be vigorously washed upon leaving the lab to prevent any possible contamination. c. Keep the work area clean after handling any chemicals and/or waste by utilizing cleaning supplies. 5.2 Chemicals/ Non-Hazardous Waste: Storage: a. Store like chemicals together and away from groups that might cause reactions if mixed. b. Avoid storing chemicals on the floor. c. All chemicals should be labeled and dated. d. Certain chemicals should be discarded after a period of time and not kept in storage. Innocuous material (e.g. sodium chloride) can be stored indefinitely. Untreated chemicals that degrade to unstable forms should be stored for a maximum of one year. e. Ensure that no container holding a chemical is leaking or broken. f. Do not store chemicals and any food that may be used in the lab together. Handling: a. There is no fume hood and no emergency eye wash and shower located in the lab. This should be kept in mind when working with chemicals. b. Avoid direct contact with any chemical and keep it off your hands and clothing. c. Never, smell, intentionally inhale, or taste a chemical. d. Use any hazardous chemicals as directed. e. If any chemicals get into your eyes, flush them out immediately with large quantities of water. Flushing should be continued for fifteen minutes and then prompt medical attention should be obtained. f. Many common reagents, for example, alcohols and acetone, are highly flammable. Do not use them anywhere near open flames and don t heat them. Disposal: a. Many local, state, and federal regulations have specific requirements that affect the handling and storage of chemicals in laboratories, please refer to the local law for guidance. 8

9 b. Any chemicals, liquids, and/or samples that are safe to dispose of by pouring down the sink or placed in the trash should be disposed of in this manner. c. In the case of oil such as vegetable oil, it should be mixed with an absorbent material such as kitty litter or coffee grounds in a sealable container before throwing it in the trash. Do not pour any fat, oil, or grease down the drains. d. In the case of medical waste a company should be used that can help with disposal e. Avoid placing used chemicals/samples with unused chemicals/samples to help prevent contamination. 5.3 Hazardous Waste: Storage: a) In the case of any chemicals, liquids, and/or samples being unsafe to dispose of in the traditional sense, they should be emptied into a separate container which should then later be disposed of following proper county/state guidelines. b) Any container used to store hazardous waste must be labeled with the words "hazardous waste" as soon as accumulation begins. c) Be sure that the container is compatible with the chemical waste. d) Waste containers must be closed at all times, except when being filled. e) No more than one quart of an acutely hazardous waste (P-listed wastes) or 55 gallons of other hazardous wastes may be stored (per waste stream) in the waste storage area. If this threshold quantity is reached, the waste must be transferred to a 90-day storage area or sent to an off-site authorized commercial facility within three days. The container must bear a hazardous waste label with the accumulation date (either the date when the threshold quantity was reached or the date it was placed in the 90-day storage area) marked on the container. f) Like any chemical storage in the laboratory or work area, be sure to segregate the containers according to the type of waste. g) Store hazardous waste away from direct heat and sunlight. Handling: a. Make sure all the containers are labeled properly and the material is in the appropriate container. b. Use the material for their intended purpose. c. Understand emergency procedures in the event of a fire or spill. Disposal: a. Place hazardous waste in sealable containers. Waste disposal cost is based on volume, not weight, therefore, whenever possible, containers should be filled, leaving headspace for expansion of the contents. Often the original container is perfectly acceptable. 9

10 b. The container should not react with the waste being stored (e.g. no hydrofluoric acid in glass). Similar wastes may be mixed if they are compatible (e.g. non-halogenated solvents). c. Whenever possible, wastes from incompatible hazard classes should not be mixed (e.g. organic solvents with oxidizers). Certain metals also cause disposal problems when mixed with flammable liquids or other organic liquids. d. Containers must be kept closed when the waste is being transferred. e. Chemical containers that have been triple-rinsed and air-dried in a ventilated area can be placed in the trash or recycled. If the original contents were highly toxic, the container should be rinsed first with an appropriate solvent and the washings disposed of as hazardous waste. 5.4 Sharps: Storage: a. Sharps should be stored so that they are not exposed to someone who may be looking through drawers and other containers. Handling: a. Never put your fingers into the sharps disposal container. b. The sharps disposal container should be at eye level and within reach. c. If you find a sharp object outside the disposal container, it is safe to pick up only if you can handle the non-sharp end. d. Keep any sharps pointed away from you and others at all times. e. Do not uncover the sharp until it is time to use. f. Handle sharps as little as possible. Disposal: a. Do not place directly into trash receptacles with other general trash or in paper recycling receptacles. b. Place in a puncture-resistant container, such as rigid plastic or corrugated cardboard if possible. c. Seal the container before placing it in the regular trash. d. If sharps have been used on biohazardous materials they must be disposed of in a biohazardous sharps container and must be disposed of in a medical waste box. 6. Exit and Cleaning Procedures 6.1 General: a. Make sure any chemicals, liquids, and/or samples are stored in either the refrigerator or cabinet where they belong or are properly disposed of. b. Turn off all equipment and return it to its original location. 10

11 c. Make sure any smaller accessories are returned to their original locations on the shelves/in storage (such as cables, adaptors, and probes). d. Log off or shut down the computers. e. If you are the last person to use the lab or fabrication space for the day, place the trashcan in the hallway so that it may be emptied. f. Close and lock the door upon leaving the lab and fabrication space. g. Wash your hands shortly after leaving the lab before eating, drinking, or using the bathroom. h. When the floors and work areas of the lab become dirty, individuals using the lab should be responsible for cleaning these areas. Monday properties may be allowed in the lab on Wednesday if they are shown proper cleaning areas. i. When graduated cylinders, beakers, bottles, and other lab chemistry equipment become dirty, they should be rinsed and cleaned in the sink in the kitchen. 7. Additional Responsibilities 1. You must be familiar with all laboratory rules and the proper use of all equipment. Training will be provided when required. 2. An additional document discussing the equipment and how to use the equipment for certain cases is in existence. You should be familiar with this prior to using the lab. 11