CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN
1st Draft
MARCH 17, 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.Purpose6
2.Scope6
2.1Employees6
2.2Students6
3.Exclusions7
4.Responsibilities of the University, Employees, Students7
4.1President7
4.2Safety Committees7
4.21Chemical Safety Committee7
4.22Biological Safety Committee7
4.23Radiation Safety Committee8
4.3Research Proposal Review8
4.31Student Research Review8
4.32Faculty Research Review8
4.4Environmental Health Safety / Risk Management & Safety8
4.5Department Chairs9
4.6Principle Investigators (PI) / Research Lab Supervisors (RLS)9
4.7Employees10
4.8Students10
5.Classification of Chemical Hazards11
5.1Physical (Contact) Hazards11
5.11Corrosive Chemicals11
5.12Sensitizing Chemicals11
5.13Irritant Chemicals11
5.2Flammable / Combustible (Fire) Hazards11
5.21Flammable / Combustible Liquids11
5.22Flammable Solids12
5.3Multiple Hazards12
5.31Highly Reactive / Unstable Chemicals12
5.4Particularly Hazardous Chemicals12
5.41 General SOPs12
5.42Highly (Acutely) Toxic Chemicals13
5.43Select Carcinogenic Chemicals13
5.44Reproductive / Developmental Toxins14
5.5Restricted Chemicals14
5.51EPA p-listed Chemicals14
5.52DEA Controlled Chemicals14
5.53DHS Chemicals of Interest14
5.6Cryogenic Liquids14
5.61Cold Burn Hazards14
5.62Asphyxiation Hazards15
5.63Fire and Explosion Hazards15
5.7Cryogenic Liquid SOP15
5.71Required PPE15
5.8Solid Carbon Dioxide (Dry Ice)15
5.81Cold Burn Hazards15
5.82Asphyxiation Hazards15
5.83Flammable Liquid Hazards16
5.9Solid Carbon Dioxide (Dry Ice) SOP16
5.91Required PPE16
5.10Compressed Gases16
5.11Compressed Gas Cylinder SOPs16
6.Reducing Hazardous Chemical Exposures 17
6.1Administrative Controls18
6.11Laboratory Inspections18
6.2Engineering Controls18
6.3Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)19
6.31Choosing PPE19
6.32Using PPE20
7.Laboratory SOPs21
7.1General Teaching Laboratory SOPs21
7.2General Research Laboratory SOPs24
8.Chemical Exposure Assessment and Medical Exams26
8.1Personal Exposure Monitoring26
8.2Frequency of Exposure Monitoring27
8.3Medical Exams27
9.General Chemical SOPs27
9.1Chemical Procurement27
9.2Chemical Inventories27
9.3Chemical Storage and Labeling28
9.4Controlled Substances / P-Listed Chemicals29
9.5Shipment of Chemicals29
10.Hazardous Waste Disposal29
10.1Hazardous Biological Waste30
10.2Chemical Waste31
10.3Radioactive Waste31
11.Safety Training and Information32
11.1General Teaching & Research Employee Training32
11.2Specific Teaching & Research Employee Training33
11.3Information Teaching & Research Employees33
12.Working Autonomously 34
12.1Working Autonomously34
13. Working Unsupervised34
13.1Working Unsupervised34
14.Equipment Operation35
15.Emergency Situations and Evacuations35
15.1Non-life Threatening Accidents35
15.11Non-chemical Burns35
15.12Cuts36
15.13Chemical Burns Eyes36
15.14Chemical Burns Skin < 10 %36
15.15Chemical Burns Skin > 10 %36
15.2Life Threatening Accidents or Situations37
15.3Small Chemical Spills37
15.4Large Chemical Spills37
15.5Natural Disasters or Building Evacuations37
1.PURPOSE
The Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) for the University of Alaska Anchorage provides written guidelines as required by law and for the establishment of a Safety First Approach (SFA). The SFAwillencourage and support the use of ‘Standard and Prudent Practices’ in allteaching and research laboratories. The SFAwarrants the use of personalprotectiveequipment (PPE), and safeand prudent practices in the handling, storage anddisposal ofchemicals. In addition,the SFAwill include the appropriate use of all scientific equipment inteaching and researchlaboratories. The SFA should help to minimizeexposure risks by protecting employees and students from potential health hazards resulting from the use ofhazardouschemicals or while performing hazardous procedures while pursuing their education at UAA.
The CHP is designed to meet the requirements outlined in the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 29 CFR Part 1910.1450. This plan complies with any additional requirements outlined in Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals inLaboratories as adopted by the State of Alaska. These sets of regulations are commonly known as the ‘Laboratory Standard.’
2.SCOPE
2.1Employees
The CHPcovers allemployeeswho use or are exposed to hazardous chemicals in teaching and researchlaboratories at UAA under the Laboratory Standard regulations. Current University policy is outlined in the Administrative Services Manual, EHS / RMS, policies and procedures section, statement #3 at:
Non-laboratory, (custodial, electricians etc.), employees are covered under the OSHA Hazard Communications requirements. Current University policy is outlined in theAdministrative Services Manual, EHS / RMS, policies and procedures section, statement #2 at:
2.2Students
The coverage of students under the Laboratory Standard is not required by law; however, by establishing an SFAthe University can voluntarily extend coverage to students who often end up as employees or student researchers.
3.EXCLUSIONS
The CHP does not directly cover work with radioactive materials or infectious, medical, pathological (animal or animal carcasses), recombinant DNA, and all other types of biological agent wastes. These materials will beaddressed by the Radiation Safety Committee and the Biosafety Committee andthose policies will be added to this CHP in the appendices.
4.UNIVERSITY RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1President
The University president has the legal responsibility for the development and enforcement of the university CHP, program-specific lab Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) andresearch-specific SOPs. The president provides support for the Chemical, Biological and Radiation Safety Committees for the administration and development of the university-wide CHP and program specific lab SOPs.
4.2Safety Committees
Current University policy for the establishment and rules governing safety committees is outlined in the Administrative Services Manual, EHS / RMS, policies and procedures section, statement #1 at:
4.21Chemical Safety Committee
The Chemical Safety Committee has the delegated responsibility of developingthe university CHP related to the use of hazardous chemicals and promoting the adoption of aSFAin all policies. This committee has the responsibility ofreviewing and updating the CHP annually, or as changes in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), or Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) regulations require.
4.22Biosafety Committee
The BiosafetyCommittee has the delegated responsibility of developinggeneral and lab protocol-specific SOPs with regard to the handling, useand disposal of infectious, medical, pathological (animal or animal carcasses), recombinant DNA,and all other types of biological agent wastes, and promoting the adoption of a SFAin all biological policies. This committee has theresponsibility of reviewing and updatingthe biological program specific lab SOPs annually, or as changes in Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or National Institute of Health (NIH) regulations require.
. 4.23Radiation Safety Committee
The Radiation Safety committee has the delegated responsibility of developing general and labprotocol-specific SOPs with regard to the procurement, handling, useand disposal of all radio nuclides, and compounds possessing radio nuclides, and promotingthe SFA to all adopted radiation policies. This committee has theresponsibility of reviewing and updating the radiation lab specific SOPs annually, or as Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations require.
4.3Research Proposal Reviews
4.31Student Research Proposal Review
The Chemical Safety Committee has the delegated responsibility of reviewing all undergraduate / graduate student research grants / proposals. Thecommittee ensures that each proposal has a complete SOP outlining chemical usage, methodology, waste generation, anddisposal forall research projects prior to the ordering of any chemicals.
4.32Faculty Research Proposal Review
The EHS / RMS department is responsible for reviewing all faculty research grants / proposals. This review ensures that each proposal has a complete SOP outlining chemical usage, methodology, waste generation, and disposal for all research projects prior to the ordering of any chemicals. Current University policy is outlined in the Administrative Services Manual, EHS / RMS, policies and procedures section, statement #23 at:
4.4Environmental Health Safety Risk Management Safety (EHS / RMS)
The EHS / RMS department is responsible for compliance and enforcement of EPA, DHS, DEA,CDC, NIH, DEC, and MOA regulations and policies.EHS / RMSis responsible for compliance and enforcement of those policies set forth in the university CHP, department CHP or lab specific SOPs.The department reviews research SOPs to ensure that appropriate risk /hazard assessmentsarecompleted. EHS / RMS ensures appropriate PPE is used in conjunction with available building facilities such as fume hood, and all waste generation / disposal concerns are addressed. The Chemical Safety chair and Radiation Safety chair facilitate EHS / RMS in carrying out departmental duties.
4.5Department Chairs
The Department Chairs and / or Lab Coordinators of each department are responsible for development and enforcement of program-specific labSOPs for teaching labs at the department level. The Department Chairs are responsible for complianceand enforcement of all EPA, DHS, DEA, CDC, NIH, DEC, and MOA regulations and policies applicable to each department.
4.6Principle Investigators (PI) / Research Lab Supervisors (RLS)
The PI is responsible for the health and safety of all persons working in their research laboratory. The PI may delegate safety duties to a RLS. Responsibilities for ensuring that any delegated duties are carried out remain with the PI. Additional responsibilities of the PI / RLS are as follows:
1.Implementing and enforcing a SFA for activities in their laboratory by applying all applicable standard and prudentsafety practices.
- Establishment of general and protocol-specific SOPs for allhazardousactivities in their lab.
- Safety training of all laboratory personnel working with hazardous chemicals / procedures, and operation of potentially dangerous equipment. Written records of safety trainings must be kept on file for aperiod of five years.
- Maintaining an online-chemical inventory for their laboratory.
- Providing laboratory personnel access to the UAA CHP, protocol-specific SOPs, and all other prudent safety information, including reference materials and MSDS sheets.
- Providing necessary and appropriate PPE to all laboratory personnel working in their lab. (ANSI Z87.1-2003 approved goggles, non-permeable gloves etc.). Providing additional recommended PPE by EHS / RMS for specific hazards / risks related to their individual research projects.
- Reporting malfunctioning facilities equipment (eye washes, fume hoods, leaking sinks, light bulb replacement etc.) to appropriate personnel for scheduling repairs or testing asneeded in a timely manner.
- Reporting all accidents or injuries to appropriate personnel andEHS / RMS immediately. Accident forms must be filled out and sent to EHS / RMS within 48 hours.
- Complianceand enforcement of all EPA, DHS, DEA, CDC, NIH, DEC, and MOA regulations and policiespertaining to lab waste disposal.
10.Correct all deficiencies in a timely manner after a lab inspection by EHS / RMS.
11.Inform non-laboratory personnel of any lab-specific hazards prior to working on or repairing any building facilities, (electrical, plumbing etc.) or specialized equipment (refrigerators, freezers etc.). Any identified hazard should be minimized to provide a safe working environment for non-laboratory personnel.
12.Consult EHS / RMS when ordering and using any chemical in the following categories: restricted, particularly-hazardous chemicals, carcinogens, acutely-toxic chemicals, p-listed chemicals, highly reactive chemicals or controlled substances.
13.Consult EHS / RMS for special safety precautions needed whenchanging or scaling upexperimental procedures,which increase the risks / hazards to laboratory personnel.
4.7Employees
Employees are responsible for participating in department-specific safety trainings annually. Employees should be aware of the healthand safety hazards presented by the chemicals and equipment they are working with, or may come in contact with in the laboratory.All accidents or injuries should be reported to the appropriatepersonnel immediately.
4.8Students
Students should observe and practice all safety procedures outlined in the UAA CHP, and any teaching or research lab-specific SOPs. Students should be aware of the health and safety hazards presented by the chemicals and equipment they are working with, or may come in contact with in the laboratory.All accidents or injuries should be reported to the appropriate personnel immediately.
5.CLASSIFICATION OF CHEMICAL HAZARDS
Laboratory personnel must have a clear understanding of the associated physical, chemical, and toxicological properties of any chemical they are using or come in contact with. In addition, compressed gases and cryogenic liquids present unique hazards.
5.1Physical (Contact) Hazards
5.11Corrosive Chemicals
Corrosive chemicals are those that chemically react with living tissue at the point of contact causing destruction and irreversible alterations resulting in permanent damage or scarring. This is most common in the case of skin exposure (visible), but can occur in the respiratory tract (invisible) due to inhalation of corrosive fumes.
5.12Sensitizing / Irritant Chemicals
Sensitizers are those chemicals that cause an allergic response in individuals upon repeated exposure usually by skin contact. This allergic response can be delayed and not be apparent until after a number of repeated exposures.
Irritants are those chemicals when in contact with the skin cause reversible effects at the site such as itching, redness or an inflammatory response.
5.2Flammable / Combustible (Fire) Hazards
5.21Flammable / Combustible Liquids
Substances that readily burn in air are considered flammable. Flammable / combustible liquids are classified according to their flash points. The degree of flammability depends on various factors including flashpoint, boiling point, vapor pressure, fuel-to-air ratios and the available ignition source. Current University policy is outlined in the Administrative Services Manual, EHS / RMS, policies and procedures section, statement #35 at:
5.22Flammable Solids
Substances that may cause a fire through friction,spontaneously ignite upon contact with air, (pyrophoric)and / or self heat to a temperature that supports spontaneous combustion are classified as flammable solids. This includes chemicals labeled ‘Dangerous when Wet.’
5.3Multiple Hazards
5.31Highly Reactive / Unstable Chemicals
Substances that under the right conditions may polymerize, decompose violently or react violently upon contact with another chemical or substance are classified as highly reactive or unstable. These types of chemicals may also react violently under conditions of shock, pressure,temperature, light and other energy sources.
5.4Particularly Hazardous Chemicals (PHC)
High risk materials defined as: highly toxic, select carcinogens, or reproductive toxins are classified as particularly hazardous substances and require additional provisions to ensure employee and student safety when working with these types of chemicals.To ensure the safety and minimize the risks associated with theusage, storage, handling and disposal of PHC and carcinogenic chemicals thefollowing standard and prudent practices outlined below are required. Where warranted, the use of special PPE, techniques or protocols will beaddressed in the lab specific SOPs.
5.41General SOPs
1.Use only the minimum amount of chemical needed for the procedure.
2.Perform all work in a fume hood, glove box, or a designated area when performing the following operations
2.1Volatilizing or dissolving PHCs.
2.2Any manipulation that produces aerosols or fines.
2.3Weighing out PHCs using the tare method with a sealed container.
2.4Use hepa filters, carbon filters or scrubber systems with containment devices to protect effluent and vacuum lines / vacuum pumps.
2.5Decontaminate the area if necessary when done.
2.6Report all exposures of carcinogenic materials immediately.
5.42Highly (Acutely) Toxic Chemicals
Substances that are acutely toxic fall into the exposure values listed:
1.OralLD50 values from 5 50 mg / kg of body weight forhumans.
2.Skin contact < 200 mg / kg body weight.
3.Inhalation LC50< 200 ppm for 1 hr, and inhalation LC50< 2,000 mg / m3for 1 hr, or has OSHA defined permissible exposure limits and thresholdlimit value of 50 ppm used by the American Conference of Governmental Hygienists (ACGIH).
5.43Select Carcinogenic Chemicals
Substances that meet one of the following criteria are regulated by OSHA as carcinogens:
- Listed as a known carcinogen by the National ToxicologyProgram (NTP).
- Listed under groups 1, carcinogenic to humans, 2A, probably carcinogenic to humans, 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans.
- Listed as reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen to humans is classified asa select carcinogen.
Current University policy is outlined in the Administrative Services Manual, EHS / RMS, policies and procedures section statement #16 at: See the current list of carcinogenic chemicals at:
5.44.Reproductive / Developmental Toxins
Substances that cause chromosomal damage (mutagens) and are lethal or cause malformations in fetuses (teratogens) both fall under reproductive / developmental toxins as defined by OSHA.
5.5Restricted Chemicals
Chemicals that fall under the restricted category are all p-listed chemicals, controlled substances and other chemicals that require very specialized safety / hazard assessments to ensure safety to employees and students when used. All chemicals that fall in this category must be approved by EHS / RMS prior topurchase.
5.51EPA P-Listed Chemicals
Those chemicals defined by the EPA as acutely hazardous substances.See the current p-listed chemical list at:
5.52DEA Controlled Substances
Those chemicals listed by the DEA as chemicals that are used in the illegal manufacture of controlled substances (drugs).See the current DEA list at:
5.53DHS Chemicals of Interest
Those chemicals listed by the DHS as chemicals of interest that are used in terrorist activities by internal or external groups. See the current DHS list at:
5.6Cryogenic Liquids
Cryogens are liquefied gases with a boiling point of 110K (-160 °C). The two most common cryogenic liquids are nitrogen and helium. These compounds have additional hazards and require additional safety precautions as outlined below.
5.61Cold Burn Hazards
Skin contact with cryogenic liquids or non-insulated equipment (metallic) parts can cause frostbite or cold burns. Eye contact with cryogenic liquids can cause permanent eye damage.
5.62Asphyxiation Hazards
When large amounts of a cryogen are spilled or are released by failure of a large Dewar, asphyxiation can result due to oxygen deficiency which is undetectable in an unventilated or enclosed room. Thevolumetric expansion rate from the liquid to gaseous phaseranges from 690 – 750 times. Dewars containing liquid nitrogen cannot to be stored or used in any cold room.
5.63Fire and Explosion Hazards
Liquid nitrogen and liquid helium are not flammable; however, they are capable of condensing liquid oxygen out of the air creating an oxygen rich environment which could ignite anyflammable materials in the immediate area.
5.7Cryogenic Liquid SOP
5.71Required PPE
When transferring cryogenic liquids or removingsamples from a Dewar, the PPE listed below must be used:
1.Cryo-gloves
2.Safety Goggles and Face Shield
3.Lab Coat and Long Pants
5.8Solid Carbon Dioxide(Dry Ice) or Dry Ice / Acetone Mixtures
Solid carbon dioxidewith a boiling point of 195 K(-78°C) is a substance that undergoessublimation.
5.81Cold Burn Hazards
Skin contact with a solid carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide / liquid acetone can cause frostbite or cold burns. Eye contact with carbon dioxide / liquid acetone mixtures can cause permanent eyedamage.
5.82Asphyxiation Hazards
Sublimation of large amounts of solid carbon dioxide in an unventilated or enclosed room can result in asphyxiation due to oxygen deficiency. Over exposure to carbon dioxide in an enclosed room is undetectable.
5.83Flammable Liquid Hazards
The acetone used in an acetone / dry ice bath is a flammable liquid.
5.9Dry Ice or Dry Ice / Acetone Mixtures SOP
5.91When using dry ice / acetone solutions the PPE listed below must be used:
1.Cryo-gloves
2.Safety Goggles
3.Lab Coat and Long Pants
5.10Compressed Gases
A gas or mixture of gases contained in a cylinder with an absolute pressure greater than 40 pounds per square inch (psi) at 21°C, 104 psi at 54°C, or any flammable liquid with a pressure exceeding 40 psi at 38°C are defined as compressed gases. The most commonly used compressed gases are hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, argon, acetylene, and methane. Compressed gases are both mechanically and chemically hazardous depending on the type of compressed gas. Mechanical hazards can occur from the pressures causing a cylinder rupture or a regulator failure. Chemical hazards arise from the flammability, reactivity, or toxicity of the gas.