Chemical safety is accomplished by first, BEING AWARE OF THE CHEMICAL HAZARD; second, by HANDLING THE MATERIAL APPROPRIATELY WITH THE USE OF PPE and third, by KEEPING THE CHEMICAL UNDER CONTROL THROUGH A VARIETY OF ENGINEERED SAFEGUARDS. Proper use and function of all safeguards should be clearly understood when working in the lab.

A. Ventilation

REPORT ALL NON-OPERATIONAL FUME HOODS IMMEDIATELY TO BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS Open doors and windows provide one means of ventilation and should always be kept in mind as a source of ventilation Regular maintenance and inspection will help ensure working fume hoods

Chemical characteristics provide the guideline by which to use a fume hood. All low Threshold Limit Value (TLV)/Premissible Exposure Limit (PEL) or high vapor pressure chemicals should be handled in a hood that provides at least 80-100 linear foot per minute of air flow. By lowering the fume hood sash, air flow will be increased.

Remember that fume hoods are not storage areas and should be clean and free from obstruction. In addition, chemicals have specific density characteristics which determine how they will be vented, so be sure to review the MSDS or other information sources prior to beginning work. In cases of power failures or when fume hoods are not operational, i.e., with at least 80-100 linear foot draw, no work should be performed in the lab.

B. Storage Areas/Access to Chemicals

Each lab should establish procedures for chemical storage

Establish when the labs will be open, locked and who has the key. Limited and controlled access can be accomplished by assigning an individual the responsibility. Faculty members have been assigned specific laboratory space and are responsible for limiting and controlling access to their labs.

The lab should be well ventilated. Do not overload cabinets. Ocassional inspections should be performed for signs of leakage or spillage. Original labels should be checked and resecured with clear tape if necessary. Remember compatibility is a prime concern. Suitable storage space or stockroom areas should be used in order to minimize storage of chemicals in laboratories.

C. Eyewashes and Safety Showers

These pieces of safety equipment are the first defense for immediate first aid in the event of a chemical splash accident or clothing fire.

Keep free from obstruction.Check routinely for operable valves and in order to remove debris build-up.

D. Protective Apparel

DO NOT WEAR CONTACT LENSES IN THE LABORATORY WHEN WORKING WITH CHEMICALS

Goggles provide protection from chemical splashes and from glassware that may explode, implode or simply break by accident. Gloves should be made of a compatible material to the chemicals in use. This is especially true when working with solvents. Thin, disposable gloves may be used when a physical barrier is needed for skin protection. Check the integrity of the glove prior to use.

Lab coats are recommended and serve as a minimum protection from chemical splashes, providing a barrier and offering time in order to remove the coat. Coats will also protect street clothes from any accidential acid spill. If you think a process is potentially explosive, work behind a safety shield and use only small quantities of the reactants.

E. Dust, Fume and Mist Masks

These masks are for use only where particulates are a concern and should be used in accordance with the manufaturers specifications

They are typically NIOSH approved and effective against benign dust.

Remember they are not 100% efficient and are dependent upon the concentration of the contaminant.

F. Vapor Detection

ODOR is not the primary method of vapor detection

Often the odor threshold can be greater than the TLV. Regular instrumental monitoring of airborne chemical concentrations is not usually justified or practical in general undergraduate laboratories.Depending on a number of factors (the sampling objective, nature of the contaminant, laboratory conditions and the equipment available), either the services of an outside contractor or the purchase of a monitoring device will be recomended.

NOTE: There is a combustible gas indicator available for determining natural gas leaks. In the event of a suspected natural gas leak, contact the University Fire Marshall, Mr. Albert Williams at EXT 5777. or report to University Security. Ventilate and evacuate the area in the meantime.

G. Signs and Labels

Prominent signs and labels will be posted to include:

Emergency phone numbers on all telephones (5666).

Container content labels including waste receptacles with a minimum of the chemical name and hazard.

Chemical storage areas should be posted - Areas for authorized personnel only.

Location of first aid equipment.

Warnings where special or unusual hazards exist like lasers,  x-ray equipment, etc.

General warnings like no smoking, no food storage.

Person/phone number to contact in the event of an emergency.

For further evaluation of laboratories and rooms for NFPA code compliance, Responder Signs and HAZCOM signs, contact Mr. Albert Williams at 727-5777.

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