Cal-OSHA 5209 LISTED CARCINOGENS

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE TEMPLATE

Type of SOP: ProcessHazardous ChemicalHazard Class

OVERVIEW

This SOP deals with the carcinogens listed in the Cal-OSHA regulation Title 8, Subchapter 7, Group 16, Article 100, section 5209:

Chemical Name / CAS Number
2-Acetylaminofluorene / 53-93-6
4-Aminobiphenyl / 92-67-1
Benzidine (and its salts) / 92-87-5
3,3’-Dichlorobenzidine (and its salts) / 91-94-1
4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene / 60-11-7
-Naphthylamine / 134-32-7
-Naphthylamine / 91-59-8
4-Nitrobiphenyl / 92-93-3
N-Nitrosodimethylamine / 62-75-9
-Propiolactone / 57-57-8
Bis-Chloromethyl ether / 542-88-1
Methyl chloromethyl ether / 107-30-2
Ethyleneimine (aziridine) / 151-56-4

These 13 entities are the most strictly regulated chemicals addressed by Cal-OSHA and OSHA. A majority of the regulatory requirements described for these chemicals do not apply to laboratory use, as the laboratory use of chemicals is instead covered in Title 8, Subchapter 7, Group 16, Article 109, section 5191, commonly referred to as the Laboratory Standard. The laboratory standard overrides most other regulations, with the exception of the following:

  • The requirement to limit employee exposure to the specific exposure limit for a chemical.
  • When that particular regulation states otherwise, as in the case of Section 5209(c)(6). – see below
  • Prohibition or prevention of eye and skin contact.
  • When the action level is exceeded as determined by exposure monitoring.
  • ‘Report of use’ requirements (EH&S function)

As such, the requirements described in 5209(c)(6) must be complied with, as described below.

5209(c)(6): Requirements applying to research and quality control activities involving the use of the above listed carcinogens:

  • Mechanical pipetting aids shall be used for all pipetting procedures.
  • Experiments, procedures, and equipment which could produce aerosols shall be confined to laboratory type hoods or glove boxes. Hoods must maintain an average airflow of 150 fpm.(campus hoods are normally at 100 fpm, so 150 fpm requires EH&S coordination/approval).
  • Laboratory work surfaces on which these carcinogens are handled shall be protected from contamination.
  • Contaminated wastes and animal carcasses shall be collected in impervious containers which are closed and decontaminated prior to removal from the work area. Such wastes and carcasses shall be incinerated in such a manner that no carcinogenic products are released.
  • All other forms of these carcinogens shall be inactivated prior to disposal.
  • Laboratory vacuum systems shall be protected with high efficiency scrubbers or with disposable absolute filters except that only high efficiency scrubbers shall be used with -propiolactone, bis-chloromethyl ether, methyl chloromethyl ether, or ethyleneimine.
  • Employees shall be provided with, and shall be required to wear, a daily change of clean, protective laboratory clothing, such as a solid-front gown, surgical scrub suit or lab coat.
  • Prior to each exit from a regulated area, employees shall be required to remove and leave protective clothing and equipment at the point of exit and, at the last exit of the day, to place used clothing and equipment in impervious containers at the point of exit for decontamination/disposal. Containers shall be labeled as to their contents.
  • Employees shall be required to wash hands, forearms, face and neck upon each exit from the regulated area.
  • A current inventory of these carcinogens shall be maintained
  • Lab hoods and other ventilation equipment shall be tested at least semi-annually.

Labelling

Reproductive hazards and carcinogens are now identified by the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Newer chemical containers manufactured after the implementation of GHS will have this symbol

Respiratory sensitization; germ cell mutagenicity; carcinogenicity reproductive toxicity; specific target organ toxicity; aspiration hazard.

Secondary and non-manufacturer containers of these carcinogens must be properly labelled with the identity of the material and the relevant hazards. Labels can be generated using the UC MSDS database at:

WORKING WITH 5209 regulated carcinogens

All of the above materials have in common the fact that direct contact must be avoided. Careful handling and stringent controls are essential in order to minimize risk to researchers and the environment. Therefore, in addition to the 5209-specific requirements listed above, the requirements outlined in the following sections must be followed rigorously.

Note that this standard operating procedure describes the baseline requirements for handling these classes of compounds. Additional information about working with hazardous chemicals can be found in Prudent Practices in the Laboratory, National Research Council, 2011 Chapters 4-6.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

See the PPE information under Sec. II of the UCSB Chemical Hygiene Plan regarding:

  • the UC PPE Policy and policy summary (what PPE is needed and when/where to use)
  • obtaining your PPE via use of the Laboratory Hazard Assessment Tool
  • glove selection criteria
  • respirator use, etc.

At minimum, complete protection of the eyes and skin is essential.

ENGINEERING/VENTILATION CONTROLS

These substances should always be used in a fume hood, glove box, or in totally-sealed containers. Fume hoods must be specially designated for use of these carcinogens, and maintain an average flowrate of 150 fpm. For further information see the following pages in Sec. II of the UCSB Chemical Hygiene Plan:

  • Fume Hood Usage Guide
  • Criteria for Implementing Engineering Controls

SPECIAL HANDLING PROCEDURES

  • Never work alone with extremely hazardous materials.
  • Eliminate or substitute for a less hazardous material when possible.
  • Design your experiment to use the least amount of material possible to achieve the desired result.
  • Do not exceed the scale or deviate from the experimental parameters which may be outlined in the lab-specific informationsection below without the approval of the PI.
  • Perform adequate hazard analysis and risk assessment before beginning the experiment, as described in in Prudent Practices in the Laboratory, National Research Council, 2011 Chapters 4-6.

STORAGE REQUIREMENTS

All hazardous materials must be labeled with their identity as well as all applicable warning statements. Manufacturer labels will contain all the necessary information. However, if material is repackaged or synthesized in the laboratory, please follow the protocols described in the CHEMICAL LABELLING section in Section II of the UCSB Chemical Hygiene Plan.

SPILL AND INCIDENT PROCEDURES

See directions under the “Chemical Incident” tab of the UCSB Emergency Information Flipchart – should already be posted in all labs.

DECONTAMINATION

Using proper personal protective equipment as outlined above, decontaminate equipment and bench tops using soap and water and properly dispose of all chemical and contaminated disposables as hazardous waste following the guidelines below.

WASTE DISPOSAL

See “Chemical Waste Disposal” in Sec. II of the UCSB Chemical Hygiene Plan.

PRIOR APPROVAL/REVIEW REQUIRED

As they deem necessary, the PI/supervisor should insert here any prior approval or review needed before an individual can do the operation.

DESIGNATED AREA

As they deem necessary, the PI/supervisor should insert here any information about whether a special use-area is designated for this material/process.

SAFETY DATA SHEETS

Found online at:

LAB-SPECIFIC INFORMATION (required)

Add appropriate lab-specific information here describing how this material(s) is generally used. E.g., name of protocol, frequency done, scale, temperature, etc.