# Presentation: 606921

## Research Laboratory Safety Training

- Medical Research Service
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
- University Drive and Highland Drive Medical Centers
- Pittsburgh, PA

## Research Laboratory Safety Training

- The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to providing a safe environment for all employees, patients, volunteers and visitors. All employees must be aware of the risks they may face in carrying out their duties, the work practices that will minimize these risks and the procedures to follow in the event of an accident. Toward this end, the VA has mandated safety training for all of its employees. Medical research employees face unique risks associated with the laboratory setting. The information presented herein, will help researchers to:
- Prevent occupational injury due to accidents in the laboratory,
- Prevent occupational illness caused by overexposure due to hazardous material,
- Prevent occupational illness due to physical factors in the work environment,
- Prevent fires that result in injury, death and damage to property,
- Prevent the loss or corruption of valuable scientific data,
- Safeguard the materials and property that have been entrusted to their care.
- The lessons that follow contain general information concerning safe laboratory practices. To complete this on-line training, read through the materials and complete the Quiz. To verify your completion of this course, forward  your Quiz answer sheet to Beth Toth 151U-H, or bring it to her in 9E143, or e-mail _Elizabeth.Toth2@va.gov_ **.**
- It is ultimately the responsibility of the principal investigator or laboratory supervisor to make certain that all staff assigned to them are properly trained in general safe laboratory practices as well as specific practices unique to their laboratory setting.  Please talk with them when you have any questions or concerns about the materials you are using or the conditions in your laboratory that impact the safety of your work environment.
***[We acknowledge and thank the Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI for sharing these materials]***

## Contents

- _[Implementing Safety ](slide4.xml)__ _
- _[Responding to a Fire](slide7.xml)_
- _[Electrical Hazards](slide9.xml)_
- _[Avoiding Electrical Accidents](slide10.xml)_
- _[Biohazards](slide11.xml)_
- _[Controlling Biohazards](slide13.xml)_
- _[Biohazard Safety Equipment](slide15.xml)_
- _[Chemical Hazards](slide16.xml)_
- _[Types of Chemical Hazards](slide17.xml)_
- _[Controlling Chemical Hazards](slide18.xml)_
- _[Storing and Using Chemicals](slide19.xml)_
- _[Flammable Liquids in Laboratories ](slide22.xml)_
- _[Disposing of Chemicals](slide23.xml)_
- _[Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)](slide24.xml)_

- _[Hazard Communication Program](slide25.xml)_
- _[MSDS Role in the Hazard Communication Program](slide26.xml)_
- _[Radiation Hazards](slide27.xml)_
- _[Using Radioactive Materials](slide28.xml)_
- _[Controlling Radiation Hazards](slide29.xml)_
- _[Storage and Disposal of Radioactive Materials](slide30.xml)_
**Physical Hazards: Microwave Heaters, Ultrasonic Devices, and Lasers**
**Physical hazards:  Ultraviolet Radiation**
**Responding to an Emergency**
**After an Accident (Investigation, Reporting and Correcting)**
**Research Laboratory Security**
**Information and Assistance**
**Additional Resources**

## Implementing Safety

- It is important that all persons working in the laboratory be familiar with established safety procedures and follow them. To ensure safety procedures are implemented:
-      *All projects must be approved by the Research Safety/Biosafety Subcommittee before work can start (complete and submit to the Research Office “Part II:  Research Safety/Biosafety Protocol Survey” to begin this process.
- _Follow general safe laboratory practices:_
- No eating or drinking or evidence of food consumption in labs.
- No inappropriate activities (e.g. applying or storing cosmetics or chapstick in lab).
- Wear clothing and footwear that provide adequate protection.
- Wear a lab coat.
- No pipetting by mouth.
- Know emergency alert signals, appropriate responses and who to call in an emergency.

## Implementing Safety

- Maintain a clean, organized work area with as little clutter as possible.
- Be sure necessary fixed equipment (e.g. hoods, vents, special cabinets) are in good working order and available as needed.
- Be sure personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, masks, safety glasses, aprons) is available as needed.
- Dispose of waste safely (broken glass in a metal container designated "for glass only", sharps in a red sharps container).
- Post warning signs on doors of laboratories using radioisotopes, infectious agents, flammable materials, carcinogens, corrosive chemicals or toxic agents(HMIS rating included). This is also for the protection of non-laboratory personnel who may be entering.
- Publish and post S.O.P. (Safe Operating Procedures) for ready reference by all workers and amend and update them as needed.
- Invite the participation of others to increase employee participation and awareness (e.g. safety self-inspections).
- Provide the necessary safety training on an on-going basis as part of staff meetings.
- Investigate accidents thoroughly and apply what is learned to the program to prevent a recurrence.

## Implementing Safety

_**Emergency Phone Numbers:**_	 _University Drive_            _Highland Drive_
- 			Fire		          333                              333
- 			Police/Security	    412-688-6911	       412-365-4911
- 			Cardiac Arrest	          333	                              333
- 			Hazardous Spill	  5704; 5703; 6138         5704; 5703; 6138
- 			After Hours Help	    412-688-6000	       412-365-4900
_**Safety Phone Numbers:**_
**	****	**Joanne Faas, Safety Manager:  412-688-6000 ext 5703
- 		Steven Baker, Industrial Hygienist:  412-688-6000 ext 5704
- 		Marge Engwer. Safety Specialist (HD): 412-365-4460
- 		Robert Sloma, Safety Specialist:  412-688-6000 ext 5630
- 		John Campbell, Safety Specialist:  412-688-6000 ext 5705
-                 Dr. Ying Hsu, Radiation Safety Officer:  412-688-6381

## Responding to a Fire

- The **R.A.C.E.** system should be used in implementing the fire
- emergency plan for any area of the Medical Center. In responding
- to a fire, the proper sequence of steps to follow is:
**[R]** **Rescue** anyone in immediate danger, and call out Code Orange.
**[A]** **First**, activate the fire **Alarm**. Alarm boxes are located near all stairwell doors and exit doors. **Second**, call 333. When calling, give your name, the location of the fire, and an indication of what is burning.
**[C]** **Contain **the fire. Close the door to the fire area to contain the fire. Close all corridor doors in the smoke zone. Doors should provide 20 minutes of fire resistance when closed.
**[E]** **Evacuate** the area. Do not use elevators unless directed by fire department personnel.

## Responding to a Fire

- If the fire is sufficiently small and well confined, use of a fire extinguisher may be
- appropriate. It is important to:
*Know the location of fire extinguishers in your research area.*
- Remember the three elements of a fire are **fuel**, **heat** and **oxygen**. Removing any one element
- will extinguish the fire.
- Use a fire extinguisher appropriate for the fire:
**[A]** Ordinary combustible material such a paper, use water (A extinguisher) or ABC dry chemical extinguisher.
**[B]** Flammable liquid such as gasoline or oils, use CO2 (B) extinguisher or ABC dry chemical extinguisher.
**[C]** Energized electrical equipment or wire, use Halon CO2 (C) extinguisher or ABC dry chemical extinguisher.
- Use the **PASS** procedure to extinguish the fire if appropriate:
_**P**_ull             Pull the Pin
_**A**_im            Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
_**S**_queeze   Squeeze the handle
**S**weep      Sweep the nozzle from left to right across the base of the fire

## Electrical Hazards

**Electrical Hazards **Electrical hazards are inherent to the laboratory environment. To prevent electrical
- accidents, laboratory personnel should keep in mind that:
- Every live electrical outlet, every worn wire connection, every overloaded circuit and every piece of apparatus using electricity represents a potential hazard to the laboratory personnel.
- Circumstances that permit a connection to be made between a person and a live source of electricity will result in a shock that could have serious, even fatal consequences.
- It is not necessary to touch a live wire directly to be shocked. Even a thin film of water on the floor or on a bench-top can complete the circuit with the same results.
- Some types of electrical equipment contain components which transform ordinary line voltages to much higher voltages (e.g., electrophoresis apparatus). Such equipment can be extremely dangerous if shock hazards are not properly eliminated.
- A combination of explosive flammable vapors and an electrical spark can have devastating effects in a confined environment. Volatile solvents should only be stored in refrigerators that are explosion proof, or in storage areas equipped with safety lights, explosion-proof switches and anti-static flooring.
- Remember that portable heaters, coffee pots with automatic shutoffs or timers, toasters, and hot plates are prohibited.
- Refer to the “Occupational Safety Health, and Fire Protection Manual” for additional information.
** **

## Avoiding Electrical Accidents

- Recognizing the potential for electrical accidents, steps must be taken to minimize the risk of accident and injury. Important steps include:
- Be sure all electrical equipment (including personal appliances) has been inspected by Biomedical Engineering prior to use.
- Be on the lookout for old frayed wiring, brittle insulation, situations where wires can be rubbed or pinched and damaged, or ill-fitting plugs and receptacles. These should be repaired immediately.  Call the Research Office, 412-365-4274, to place a work order for the repair.
- Protect wires and equipment against immersion or spills. All spills should be wiped up promptly. If they are close to electrical equipment, the equipment should be unplugged before beginning the spill clean up. Motors or other pieces of equipment that have become wet should be promptly disconnected and thoroughly dried before reuse.
- Repair electric motors that spark or emit an ozone-like odor.  (Place a work order through Charlene as noted above)
- Identify high voltage equipment with a "warning" sign.
- Do not leave high voltage equipment running unattended and disconnect when not in use.
- Fit all electrical equipment with grounded (three pronged) plugs.
- Avoid working with electrical equipment when the floor or workbench is wet.

## Biohazards

- "Biohazard" refers to living agents that may be hazardous to health. It includes bacteria, viral agents, fungi, protozoan parasites and the like.   Part of the risk to laboratory personnel from infectious agents stems from the fact that they are invisible to the naked eye and hence their presence may be unsuspected. Another risk is their infectious nature, allowing them to spread from person-to-person. Thus, an infection acquired in the laboratory may be disseminated to people and places far from the original source. To minimize the risk of exposure to biohazards, it is important to remember that:

## Biohazards

- Laboratories specializing in infectious disease studies provide a high risk. In this case, the personnel may be fully aware of the risks and specifically trained in the proper procedures in handling the disease agent safely.
- Personnel in laboratories in which studies are being conducted on specimens from potentially infected patients, or animals may also present increased risk. Because some diseases may be transmitted by persons who do not exhibit the symptoms of the infection, all specimens from patients (e.g., blood, saliva, urine, feces, exudated tissues, and tissue cultures) should be handled with the same precautions as if they were known to be infected.
- People entering laboratories where infectious material is present, such as clerical, administrative or maintenance personnel, as well as those who handle papers, glassware or supplies from these laboratories, are also under risk of exposure.
- Some infectious agents may survive and be transported for long distances in air currents or dust. Consequently, it is necessary that any spills within the laboratory be promptly and effectively disinfected with freshly diluted 10% bleach solution and any procedures avoided that would result in the formation of infectious aerosols avoided.
- Laboratory animals are a potential source of infection. Although strict precautions are taken in the VA Animal Facility to minimize this danger by purchasing animals from certified suppliers and through quarantine, it cannot be assumed that risks are completely absent. When someone is bitten by a "healthy" animal, it can cause severe and painful infection.
- Hypodermic and surgical needles and surgical blades, and other "Sharps" materials, are frequent causes of injuries and may transmit infections to those using them and to housekeeping personnel who encounter them in trash containers, or other improper containers.  Thus all “Sharps” must be disposed of in anti-spill Sharps containers.
- All Personnel involved in the shipment and receipt of biohazards must complete mandated training;  contact Stephanie Partee, 412-365-4274 for access to training CD or web based training.  Training must be updated every three years.

## Controlling Biohazards

- Safety precautions against biohazards begin with the preparation of the research protocol. Any project involving the use of biohazards should be reviewed by the Research Safety/Biosafety Subcommittee who will determine if the available or proposed facilities, equipment, and personnel are adequate to carry out the project in a completely safe fashion. Safety practices include:
- Posting appropriate warning  [biohazard, including the designated Biosafety Safety Level (BSL) of the work area] signs.
- Routine sterilization of working areas and equipment with disinfectants before and after usage, as well as decontamination of any accidental spills which may occur with freshly prepared 10% bleach.
- Instruction and supervision of all personnel involved, regardless of prior experience, in the proper methods of carrying out their procedures.

## Controlling Biohazards

- Placing all syringes, needles, containers and glassware that contact human specimens in anti-spill Sharps containers.  Placing all specimens and non-Sharps material that were in contact with human specimens in RED biohazard bags in preparation for proper pick-up and disposal [contact  Environmental Management, Robert A. Huchel, at 412-688-6000, ext 5685].
- Never recapping needles.
- Storing infectious materials in clearly marked separate containers with proper identification of their nature and the name of the principle investigator. Infectious materials should be stored in commonly used refrigerators or cold rooms only if necessary.
- Not allowing eating, drinking or smoking in areas where infectious agents are present. Glassware for eating or drinking or the storage of foodstuffs in laboratory refrigerators or cold rooms is not allowed.  Food items are to be stored in refrigerators marked “For Food Only”.
- Not wearing laboratory garments home or in public places such as a library, auditorium or cafeteria. A different (clean) lab coat should be worn when you are outside the lab.
- Taking special precautions when working with human tissues and specimens where the infectious status is unknown and aerosols may be created.
- Paying special attention to the selection of glassware used for centrifugation of specimens or cultures. It must be able to withstand the centrifugal forces used without breaking. Advance instructions for appropriate procedures to decontaminate centrifuge heads or other equipment resulting from a spill/breakage shall be provided to all personnel concerned.
- Remembering that some of the simplest practices are still the most effective safety measures, such as frequent and thorough washing of hands, washing work bench surfaces and making certain the working area is ample and not cluttered.  Hands must be thoroughly washed following removal of gloves and before leaving the laboratory area.

## Biohazard Safety Equipment	

- Safety equipment includes biological safety cabinets (BSCs), enclosed containers, and other engineering controls designed to remove or minimize exposures to hazardous biological materials.  The biological safety cabinet (BSC) is the principal device used to provide containment of infectious splashes or aerosols generated by many microbiological procedures.  There are three types of BSCs:
- Open-fronted BSC Class I is a primary barrier that offers significant levels of protection to laboratory personnel and to the environment when used with good microbiological techniques.
- Open-fronted BSC Class II also provides significant protection to personnel and the environment.  In addition, BSC Class II also provides protection from external contamination of the materials (e.g. cell cultures, microbiological stocks) being manipulated inside the cabinet.
- The gas-tight BSC Class III provides the highest level of protection to personnel and the environment.
- [See attachments B and C in _[Part II:  Research Safety/Biosafety Protocol Survey](http://www.research.vares-pitt.org/pages/general_information/forms_page/safety/research_protocol_safety_survey.doc)_ for a more complete description and uses of BSCs]
- Another example of safety equipment is the safety centrifuge cup, an enclosed container designed to prevent aerosols from being released during centrifugation.
- Safety pipettors (instead of mouth pipetting) protect against accidental ingestion. The contents of pipettes and syringes should be expelled slowly to avoid the formation of aerosols in transferring infectious material.
- Safety equipment also includes personal protective equipment, including gloves, coats, gowns, shoe covers, boots, respirators, face shields, safety shields or goggles.  In situations where it is impractical to work in a BSC, personal protective equipment may act as the primary barrier.

## Chemical Hazards

- 	As a group, chemical substances constitute the most numerous and varied hazards
- found in research laboratories. It is essential that those who use hazardous
- chemicals be trained in safe handling procedures including personal protection
- equipment and fixed equipment required, safe disposal methods and recognizing
- signs of exposure. Personnel should be aware of the toxic effects of the chemicals
- they are using. It is the responsibility of the principal investigator/laboratory
- supervisor to ensure all laboratory employees have received proper training in the
- use of hazardous chemicals.
- 	In addition to the inherent toxic properties of many chemical agents, laboratory
- personnel must also guard against accidents caused by improper use of
- apparatuses employed in carrying out chemical procedures. Laboratory procedures
- should be designed with safety in mind. In the event of fire, alternate and
- unimpeded escape routes must be available. Emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers,
- safety blankets, drench showers, and eye washers must be readily accessible and personnel
- should be trained in their use. Fume hoods should be used in handling dangerous chemicals
- and they should have adequate powerful explosion-proof exhaust fans to remove toxic,
- explosive or flammable vapors effectively and safely, even when the front panel is raised.

## Types of Chemical Hazards

- The following is a list of the general classes of potential chemical hazards with some examples of each type. It should be noted
- that this list is only partial. Investigators are responsible for ascertaining in advance the safety characteristics of the chemical
- agents which are employed in their laboratories and for setting up safe handling procedures for them.
*Corrosives.* Strong acids, strong alkalis, phenol, bromine, fluorine, phosphorus and sodium.
*Volatile and explosives.* Ethers, acetone and other solvents, freons, perchlorates, sodium, ammonium nitrate, hydrogen and oxygen.
*Cumulatively toxic metals.* Lead, cadmium, strontium and mercury.
*Respiratory hazards.* Ammonia, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, chlorine, hydrocyanic acid, concentrated acetic acid, acetic anhydride, peracetic acid, acetyl chloride, hydriodic acid, sulfur dioxide, ether, bromoform, chloroform, and pyridine.
*Narcotics and poisons.* Barbiturates, morphine, venom, toxins, cyanide, fluorides, iodoacetate, mercurials, organo-phosphates, vitamin and amino acid analogs, coumarin digitalis, pilocarpine, strychnine and many other therapeutic agents if ingested in large amounts.
*Carcinogens, teratogens and mutagens.* Aflatoxins, benzidines, nitrobenzens, naphthylamines, nitrosylamines, benzanthrancenes, methylcholanthrene, diphenylamines, diethylstibesterol, estrogens, beta-propriolactone, ethyleneimine, asbestos fibers, ethane sulfonate, flavine and triphenyl methane dyes, thalidomides, actinomycin D, purine and pyrimidine analogs.
*Contact irritants and allergens.* Pollens, molds, antibiotics, horse serum, poison ivy toxin, histamine, seratonin, bradykinin, formalin, iodides, picryl chloride, isocyanates, and dinitochlorobenzene.

## Controlling Chemical Hazards

- When using chemicals, you need to know the properties of the materials with which you're working.  Read the label on the chemical container each time you use the chemical.  If uncertain of the chemical's properties, check the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).  There are certain elementary safety precautions to be practiced routinely when using chemicals:
- Never hand-carry hazardous agents from the storeroom; use a safety bucket or cart.
- Never use open flames in areas where volatile, flammable or explosive materials are being used.
- Never pipette solvents or solutions of toxic materials directly by mouth; always use safety pipetting devices.
- Never use laboratory glassware for eating or drinking. Do not eat or drink in areas where toxic materials are being used.
- Never work with volatile toxic materials in a poorly ventilated area such as a cold room.
- Never put your head into a dry-ice box; carbon dioxide can asphyxiate you.
- Wear your lab coat in the lab when working with chemicals. Take your lab coat off or change to a clean coat when leaving your lab area.
- Always try to keep a physical barrier between you and potentially dangerous substances. Use goggles, gloves, hoods, safety shields, safety tongs and safety aprons whenever appropriate or whenever you are in doubt about safety.
- Always neutralize spills and clean up promptly; keep a bucket of sand or other dry absorbent on hand for corrosive spills.
- Always make certain that gas cylinders are transported on a hand truck with restraining chains or cables. They should be securely mounted in safety holders in the laboratory.
- Don't wear contact lenses in laboratory situations in which corrosive fumes may be generated.  They may become concentrated and retained in the interface between lens and eye.
- Label everything. For example, a sink that is set aside for disposal of radioactive wastes, or a shelf or cabinet set aside to store dangerous chemicals, or a container where contaminated glassware is kept prior to sterilization. It is important to remember that maintenance or custodial personnel may be entering the laboratory when no one is present to warn them of the danger.

## Safe Storage of Chemicals	

- The following safety measures should be followed when storing chemicals:
- All chemical containers should be labeled with the chemical name, the date the chemical was received, and the name of the principal investigator.  If applicable, additional information may include signal words (e.g. caution, poison), physical hazards, health hazards, precautions, accident procedures, first-aid instructions and handling, storage and disposal details.
- Store no liquid chemicals on shelves at a height higher than shoulder level of the shortest person working in the lab.
- Never store organics together with strong mineral acids or strong acids next to strong bases.  Nitric acid must be apart from other acids.
- Do not store flammable materials in non-explosion proof refrigerators or freezers.
- Do not store chemicals or specimens with food.
- Never keep large amounts of toxic, corrosive, explosive or flammable material in the laboratory.
- Never store containers of these agents on high shelves or any place where they may fall and break.
- Store explosive and volatile solvents only in designated storage areas or in refrigerators equipped with explosion-proof lights, switches and motors.
- Gas cylinders must be firmly secured to ensure they remain in an upright position.
- The stocks of chemicals in the laboratory should be surveyed periodically and those no longer used or which have illegible labels should be discarded. Contact Steve Baker, Industrial Hygienist/Safety Officer at ext. 5704 for procedures to remove from your laboratory.

## Safe Use of Chemicals

***Good laboratory practices and procedures are to be followed when working with hazardous chemicals.  Precautions to be used include:***
- Post warning notice signs on the doors of laboratories where radioisotopes, flammable materials, carcinogens, corrosive chemicals or toxic gases pose risks including the HMIS (_H_azardous _M_aterials _I_dentification _S_ystem) label.
-  Use protective gloves when working with hazardous substances.  Wash your hands after removing your gloves.
- Wear safety goggles or face shield when working with any volume of hazardous chemical that may splash.
- Clean up the work site immediately after use of a hazardous substance.  Sweep up any spills in the hood or use a solvent capable of removing contamination.
- Mark and label all waste containers with contents.
- Know what you are working with - Read the MSDS.
- Read the label on the container each time you use a chemical.  Replace illegible labels.  Information on the label should include all HMIS information, that is Health, Flammability, Reactivity, and Personal Protection information.
- Additional applicable information may include:
-                  Signal words, i.e. caution, danger, warning, poison		Precautions
-                  Information on physical hazards			Accident procedures
-                  Information on health hazards                                                                 	First-aid instructions

## Safe Use of Chemicals

- Handling, storage, and disposal details
- Know what fixed equipment is required, i.e. fume hood, biological safety hood, special cabinet.  Use a fume hood when working with a substance that can become airborne.
- Know what personal safety equipment is required, i.e. gloves, safety glasses, goggles, masks, gowns, face shields, aprons AND use them!
- NEVER mouth pipette.
- Wear your lab coats in the lab when working with chemicals.  Take your lab coat off or change to a clean lab coat when leaving your lab area.
- ABSOLUTELY no eating, drinking, or cosmetic application, including chapstick, in labs.
- Picric acid and perchloric acid are known explosive chemical hazards and therefore are not to be used in Research Service without prior approval of the Research Safety Subcommittee.
- Clean up small spills by using absorbent material and bagging the waste while wearing appropriate protective equipment.  Most spills inside a hood may be considered as small.  Large spills should be controlled by evacuating the area and closing the door to the lab. Contact the Safety Officer/Spill Coordinator at 412-688-6000, ext#5704, (page#2850), ext #5703, or ext #6138.  The Safety Officer may also be contacted at Highland Drive, 412-365-4460 (Page #1190) for incidents at that facility.
- Do not attempt to clean-up a _large_ or _unknown_ spill.
**After Administrative Hours (3:30 PM - 07:00 AM):  **In case of spills  or other emergencies requiring assistance, notify the facilities operator by dialing (0) or 412-688-6000.  Employees at Highland Drive will contact the operator by dialing (0) or  412-365-4900. The Operator/AOD will contact the UD telephone operator(s) to initiate the chain call system to address the problem

## Flammable Liquids in Laboratories

- When purchasing, storing, using and disposing of flammable and combustible liquids in research laboratories, the following procedures must be followed:
- Flammable and combustible liquids shall be handled by personnel trained to minimize all associated hazards.
- Flammable liquids should NOT be used in the presence of open flames, heating elements, hot surfaces or spontaneous heating.
- Flammable and combustible liquids shall not be stored (including flammable liquid storage cabinets) or transferred in any corridor, stairs or where any exit doorway or route would be impaired or endangered.
- Flammable and combustible liquids should be kept in their factory sealed containers or in DOT containers, and stored in yellow flammable liquid storage cabinets.
- Less than 10 gallons total of flammable liquids may be stored outside of a flammable cabinet if necessary.  Consult the Safety Officer, ext 5704.
- If it is necessary for flammable liquids to be refrigerated, the containers shall be stored only in explosion proof refrigerators. No explosion proof refrigerator shall store more than 8 liters total and no single container shall exceed 1 liter total.
- All transfers from bulk containers of 5 liters or less should be done in an operating laboratory fume hood (fan on), with no heat sources.
- Liquids with flash points under 200 degrees (F) shall be heated only in an operating laboratory hood, if/when the material is heated to within 30 degrees (F) of the flash point.
- Steam, hot water, or UL approved mantle type heaters shall be used to heat flammable liquids. No open flame devices or appliances shall be used.
- Flammable liquids and all water insoluble flammable liquid shall be transferred to flammable liquid safety cans for disposal.  Materials will be held for pickup and disposal by the chemical waste hauler.  Arrangements for chemical waste pick up should be made with Industrial Hygienist, Steve Baker, at 412-688-6000 ext 5704.

## Disposing of Chemicals

- When disposing of chemical wastes, always consider the safety of others who may come in contact with the materials (e.g., the glass washer or the trash collector). The following safety measures should be followed when disposing of chemicals:
- Read disposal instructions on the MSDS carefully, and refer to the “Occupational Safety, Health and Fire Protection Manual:  Handling and Disposal of Hazardous Chemicals” for more information on waste disposal.
- Use a covered safety container for disposal of solid chemical wastes or contaminated towels.
- Never dispose of chemicals in the wastebasket.
- Small (daily laboratory or clinical disposal) of one pint or less per occurrence, of water soluble liquid chemical solutions, such as some lab reagents, may be disposed of into the sanitary sewer via the lab sink, if diluted 100x volume with cold water, provided they contain no prohibited contaminants.
- Do not dispose of any material (liquid or solid) which is water insoluble, water reactive or contains heavy metals in the sink.
- For chemicals and solvents that cannot be disposed of in the lab, notify the Industrial Hygienist, Steve Baker, at Ext. 5704. Keep an inventory of what you have to be picked-up.

## Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

**A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) must be available for every chemical in your lab’s chemical inventory. The MSDS contains the following information concerning the chemical:**
**	****1.** Identification of the chemical.
**	****2.** Physical data, i.e., boiling point, specific gravity, etc.
**	****3.** Fire and Explosion data, i.e., how flammable is it and how do you put it out.
**	****4.** Toxicity--irritation data, toxicity data, carcinogen status, target organs, etc.
**	****5.** Protective clothing, equipment, ventilation required for safe handling.
**	****6.** First aid data.
**	****7.** Reactivity data--how stable is it? Incompatibilities?
**	****8.** Disposal methods.
**	****9. **Spill and leak procedures.
- You should obtain a chemical's MSDS whenever new substances are introduced into the area.  Consult the MSDS whenever you are not familiar with the properties of a chemical or the proper safety procedures to use in handling the chemicals.

## Hazard Communication Program

- Hazard Communications is a program that aims to ensure every employee who handles or is in some way exposed to hazardous chemicals has the knowledge required to handle chemicals in a safe manner. The Hazard Communication Program requires that:
- Each laboratory has an up-to-date inventory of all of its chemicals. These inventories should indicate the room location of the chemicals and should be updated continually as new chemicals come into the lab, and the updated inventory is to be sent to Steve Baker, Industrial Hygienist, annually.
- Each laboratory must maintain current MSDSs for each chemical in the lab. These MSDSs are to be filed and readily accessible in case of emergency or routine use by all staff or review by Safety personnel.
- All technicians, lab workers, and the principal investigators must:
- Know where the MSDS binder is kept.
- Know how to read and interpret the MSDS.
- Know the safe handling procedures for that chemical.
- Know what personal protective equipment is required for handling the chemical and how to properly wear such equipment.
- Know what to do in case of an accident or spill.
- Know proper disposal procedures.
- Further information is available in the VAPHS “Hazardous Chemical Laboratory Policy” and the “Chemical Hygiene Plan”.

## MSDS Role in the Hazard Communication Program

- MSDSs are tools in the Hazard Communication Program that must be available to employees so that anyone unfamiliar with the dangers of a chemical and unsure of the safe handling procedures, can look up the MSDS for that chemical. The MSDS should not be considered the only source of information concerning a particular chemical. In some instances it may not even be the best source. Keep in mind:
- The MSDS is based on information *currently available*. The toxicity of a significant number of chemicals used in research is unknown. In instances where the toxicity is unknown, the chemical should be treated *as if it is toxic*.
- In some instances, the hazards described in the MSDS are related to the quantity of material involved. The amount of a chemical used for research purposes may be small compared to that used commercially, for example. Smaller amounts may or may not involve lower risk. Therefore, information provided by the supplier or found in the literature should also be used in risk assessment.

## Radiation Hazards

- The principal radiation hazards in the research laboratory are caused by the use of radioisotopes, although there are a number of other types of radiation that can cause injury. No matter how low a level of radioactive material is used and no matter how safe it may appear, all radiation has potentially harmful effects on tissues. Some things to keep in mind when working with radioactive materials are:
- Some of the most common isotopes in laboratory use (e.g., 14C ) are among the most long-lasting emitters of radiation.
- When using a radioactive isotope, one must consider not only the types of radiation emitted by the original material but also the radiation emitted from its decay products which, in some cases, might be more damaging.
- Because the presence of radioactive materials is difficult to detect, contamination of instruments, tools, work surfaces, glassware, air, dust, biological specimens and the hands and clothing of personnel, can quickly and unwittingly spread from these sites.
- Once radioisotopes gain entrance into the body, their removal is exceedingly difficult and stringent precautions must be taken to avoid this possibility.
- Individuals working with radioactive isotopes should treat them with the same respect and precautions as they would a pathogenic virus.
- Contact the Radiation Safety Officer, Dr Ying Hsu at 412-688-6381 for further information.

## Using Radioactive Materials

**Use** of radioisotopes is strictly controlled by mandatory Federal regulations. *A separate training program is provided for users of radioactive materials.  *
**In** this Medical Center the use of any radiochemical by an investigator must have prior approval of the Radiation Safety Committee. The investigator then has a legal obligation to comply fully with the conditions that this Committee establishes for the use of the isotope in the protocol.
**No** new radioactive materials may be brought into the laboratories without prior clearance from the Radiation Safety Committee and the Radiation Safety Officer.
**Areas** in which radioisotopes are used should be clearly marked and restricted to qualified personnel only.
**Radioisotopes** shall not be stored in common cold rooms.
**Radioactive** materials must be stored in a locked cabinet, refrigerator or freezer at all times.
**Individuals** who have not had formal training in the properties, uses and handling of isotopes are not allowed to work with these substances. All personnel who are going to use radioactive materials must attend radiation safety training. Personnel are prohibited from handling radioactive materials until this class has been completed. In addition, users must attend a refresher session each year.

## Controlling Radiation Hazards

- The following summarizes practices and procedures that must be followed to minimize Radiation Hazards:
- Disposable protective gloves, safety pipettors and tongs should be used to handle these materials.
- All containers must be labeled with the standard radiochemical warning decal. The label should also list the isotope, its radiation level and any radioactive decay products that may result.
- Areas where radioisotopes are used should be clearly marked and restricted to qualified personnel only.
- Working areas should be clear of extraneous equipment and covered with removable absorptive material. Alternatively, stainless steel trays may be used to contain spills and facilitate decontamination. To expedite decontamination, the underlying workbench surface should be nonporous or treated with an appropriate nonporous finish.
- Routine and rigorous decontamination practices should be established and followed. Disposable workbench coverings should be replaced at frequent intervals. Trays and glassware should be washed with surfactants suitable for removal of radioactive residues.
- Radioactive glassware to be reused must be thoroughly washed with detergents capable of removing residual activity and rinsed with copious amounts of water. A special wash room or sink should be reserved for this process, and the personnel involved should be trained in handling these materials safely.
- Radiation dosimeters (TLD and/or film badges) should be worn if issued by the Radiation Safety Officer, and work areas should be monitored regularly to detect contamination.
- Eating, drinking and smoking in areas where isotopes are being used or stored is strictly prohibited. Lab coats or protective clothing used in these laboratories should not be worn in public areas of the hospital (e.g., cafeteria, library, conference rooms) or to and from home.

## Storage and Disposal of Radioactive Materials

- Proper procedures must be followed for storage and disposal of radioactive materials.
- All containers must be labeled with the standard radiochemical warning decal. The label must also list the isotope, its radiation level and any radioactive decay products that may result.
- Special provisions must be made for the safe storage of isotopes. To guard against breakage, loss or misplacement, the original containers should be stored in a second clearly labeled closed container. If required, appropriate shielding should be provided.
- Radioisotopes should not be stored in common cold rooms. No food is permitted in refrigerators where they are stored.
- Refrigerators, cabinets or containers used to store radioisotopes should carry a warning label together with information on procedures to be taken by station security personnel in the event of fire or other after-hours emergency.
- Security of radioactive materials must be maintained *at all times.  *Radioactive materials must be stored in a locked cabinet, refrigerator or freezer, or the room in which they are stored must be locked whenever authorized users are not present.
- Handling of Solid waste will depend on the nature of the materials and the isotope involved, and will include storage for decay and/or storage for later shipment to a disposal site. Contact Dr Hsu, Radiation Safety Officer, (extension 6381) to establish the plan for your particular laboratory’s isotope/disposal, or to modify that plan when/if new materials are introduced into the lab.
- Liquid wastes that are water soluble or biological shall be either collected by the Radiation Safety Officer for disposal or, when approved by him, put into the sewer system. Contact Dr Hsu for sink disposal allowances and reporting procedures for your specific laboratory isotope use.

## Other Physical Hazards:Microwave Heaters, Ultrasonic Devices, and Lasers

**Microwave Heaters:**
- Radiation of this type can cause deep burns in unprotected tissues.
- These devices can interfere with equipment that depends on the transmission of electronic signals (e.g., pacemakers or oscilloscopes).
- To avoid these problems, microwave emitters should be shielded, both electrically and thermally.
- Microwave ovens are commonly used at VAPHS; Clean them routinely to maintain safe operating conditions.
**Ultrasonic Cleaning Devices or Cell Disintegrators:**
- If improperly tuned, these devices can cause hearing damage. Even in the normal working range they may emit an annoying sound that disturbs mental concentration and that, in itself, can be a safety hazard.
- These devices should be acoustically shielded and, if possible, used in an area where few people are likely to enter.
**Lasers:**
- Lasers can cause burns to tissues, their energy emissions are especially harmful to the eye.  They generate high voltages that can be a shock hazard and the beam may ignite any combustible material it strikes, causing a fire hazard.  Beams from lasers that operate in the infrared are invisible to the human eye and hence are especially dangerous.
- Protective goggles or glasses should be worn when working with lasers, but since they are only partially effective, every precaution must be taken to stay away from the laser beam, the pump source, or specular reflections of the beam.  Never aim the beam with the naked eye.  Do not let the laser beam strike exposed skin surfaces or combustible materials.
- Any personnel working in an area of use of accessible laser beams must complete annual laser safety training.

## Other Physical Hazards: Ultraviolet Radiation

- In excess amounts, UV radiation can cause eye injuries, cutaneous burns and even incite malignant skin lesions.
- The most common laboratory source of this type of radiation is leakage from UV light sources in microscopes, spectrophotometers and column monitors. Another source is "Sterilization lamps" used in microbiological safety hoods or sterile rooms.
- Protection against these hazards requires sealing all light leaks in the equipment.
- Fluorescent microscopes can be fitted with a plastic shield to protect the eyes of the user from stray radiation.
- If it is necessary to use "black" light, the material should be examined in a safety viewing box with a UV absorbing window; hands and arms should be kept covered, goggles should be worn and exposure time kept to a minimum.
- Sterile hoods or rooms should be fitted with a safety interlock switch that turns off the UV lamp whenever someone enters the room.
- Never look into a UV light source with the naked eye or without protective goggles. The eye is extremely susceptible not only to direct UV radiation but also to reflected radiation. Individuals attempting to adjust or align the UV light sources on fluorescent microscopes or other instruments without using proper precautions take grave risks of serious eye damage. In addition, some UV lamps (like the mercury arc lamps) are under very high pressure and therefore may be an explosive hazard. The safest procedure is to have a qualified expert make whatever lamp adjustments are required.

## Responding to an Emergency

- Emergency situations sometimes occur despite the best safety plans. If an emergency occurs, it is highly unlikely that there will be an opportunity to consult a safety handbook to find out what should be done. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative to know something about the steps to be taken well before there is a need to apply them:
- Plan ahead. Know the escape routes from your area. Know the location of showers, fire blankets, eye washers, sand buckets, fire extinguishers, fire alarms and first aid equipment.
- Get the tools. Make certain that emergency equipment is available in or near your laboratory.
- Know how to use the tools. This includes fire and first aid equipment as well as safety devices and spill kits in the laboratory. Picture what you would do in a hypothetical emergency; for example, if a colleague splashed acid in his eye or her clothing caught fire, or s he suddenly lost consciousness, how would you react?
- For **FIRES**, activate the fire alarm located near all exits, or dial 333 at University Drive and Highland Drive to report the location of the fire..  Follow the fire emergency plan posted by the fire alarm. Do not take undue risks to fight fires. Fire Dept. will arrive in less than 4 minutes.
- For **INJURIES**, call the Employee Health Clinic, ext. 5546 or go to 1N113 at University Drive;  at Highland Drive, go to Bld 1, 2nd floor, 2099E;  at Heinz go to Bld 50, Ground N. After regular working hours report to Urgent care..
- For **CARDIAC OR RESPIRATORY ARREST**, dial 333 and give the location and nature of the accident to the operator.
- Do whatever you can to aid the victim of an accident, but make sure you also summon help either from the Police (UD 688-6891; HD 365-4911), or Employee Health (UD ext 5546:  HD 365-4409; Heinz ext 3522.

## After an Accident (Investigation, Reporting, Correcting)

- It is very important to investigate accidents thoroughly and to apply what is learned to the program to prevent a recurrence. Also, it is very important that any accident resulting in injury or illness be reported using the proper forms.
- See that any injured person receives prompt medical attention.  If the accident requires First Aid, the VAPHS worksheet, 10-0114g, should be filled out and the employee should report to Employee Health or the Urgent Care Physician.  Remember to continue with any necessary follow-up care.
- If hazardous materials are present in a damaged or burned out laboratory, have a qualified person oversee clean-up operations. Notify Steve Baker, ext. 5704, 7:00 AM to 3:30PM. All other hours notify 688-6000. Notify the Radiation Safety Officer if any radioisotopes are involved at ext. 6381.
- Investigate accidents thoroughly and take corrective action to prevent recurrences.
- Employees are responsible for reporting all accidents **to their supervisors** as soon as possible after the occurrence.  "Accidents" to be reported include:
- any accident involving themselves and/or equipment used by them, whether or not an injury results or actual damage to property occurs.
- any fire whether or not property damage results from the fire.
- any accident involving a government motor vehicle being driven or used by themselves.  Any sudden breakage or malfunction of equipment should be considered an accident and reported.
- Refer to the VAPHS “Occupational Safety, Health & Fire Protection Manual”  (Accident Investigation and Reporting)
- Whenever employees incur work-related injuries or illnesses, a claim form must be submitted within two days of the occurrence.
- VA employees must use the ASISTS program in VISTA to complete the appropriate form.  Form CA-1 (traumatic injury) or Form CA-2 (occupational disease/illness) MUST be completed by both the injured employee and the employee's supervisor.  Both must sign a printed copy of the completed form. The completed form must be submitted to Human Resources.
- Non-VA employees (WOCs) should report to the Research Office, 9E144 at University Drive to fill out a VA Form 2162 (*Accident Report*).

## VAPHS Research Laboratory Security

- Research laboratories and inventory will be secured in keeping with the intent and scope of _[VHA Handbook 1200.6](http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/health/handbook/1200.6HK6-15-04.pdf)__._
- The Administrative Officer for R&D (AO/R&D) is responsible for maintaining lab security and hazardous agent access and inventory control policies in keeping with the VAPHS Hazardous Agent Control Program.  Click here to review this policy.  Critical elements include:
- (1)  Access to research labs is limited to authorized individuals with authorization contingent on initial education and ongoing training in safe handling and security of all materials used in the lab.
- (2)  No research labs are open to the public.
- (3)  Laboratory access is controlled on a 24-hour/7-day per week
- Schedule with entry via a keycard     system which generates permanent, dated records identifying those entering the lab
- To obtain a keycard allowing access to a research lab you must:

## VAPHS Research Laboratory Security

- Be a VAPHS employee (compensated or WOC) and thus have passed the appropriate background and security checks.
- Complete all training related to your research activities/responsibilities and update as required.
- Submit “Application for Access to Research Secured Area” to the AO/R&D.
- It is your responsibility as an Authorized individual to:
- Wear your valid VA ID/keycard above the waist at all times
- Use your keycard only for personal entrance into the secured area.
- Use your keycard on each entry into the secured area.
- Not allow any individual to follow you through the door.
- Report any security violations, including unauthorized individuals, to the AO/R&D or Police Service.
- Turn in your keycard to the AO/R&D immediately when laboratory access is no longer necessary.

## Information and Assistance

**Safety Manager. **The Safety Manager for this Medical Center is Joanne Faas (138S-U). She can be reached at 412-688-6000 extension #5703.
**The Research Safety/Biosafety Subcommittee**. The membership of the Research Safety/Biosafety Subcommittee is constituted to cover practical knowledge of a range of laboratory safety problems. Anyone having a question or observing a possible safety hazard in his work environment may contact any member of the Subcommittee for advice. The Membership of the Research Safety/Biosafety Subcommittee and their general areas of expertise are as follows:

| Name | Expertise | 412-688-6000 Extension |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Miguel Estevez, MD, PhD	Chair | Molecular Biology; Transgenic Animals; recombinant DNA | 6185 |
| Steve Baker, Industrial Hygienist | EPA Regulations, Hazardous Waste, storage, transport and disposal, chemical emergencies, OSHA regulations, worker safety | 5704 |
| Nori Kurihara, DDS, PhD | Molecular Biology; Recombinant DNA Issues | 4990 |
| Noreen Keane | General Lab Safety | 6107 |
| Deborah Galson, PhD | Molecular Biology; Recombinant DNA Issues | 3134 |
| Richard Bodnar | General Lab Safety | 5426 |
| Jeffrey K. Yao, PhD | Research Career Scientist | 412-365-5911 |
| Robert L. Bonner | AFGE Union Representative | 4255 |
| Ken Petrene | IACUC Representative, Animal Safety | 4306 |
| Alan Smith | Community Representative |  |

## Your Responsibilities	

- Review & sign  Research Lab Safety/Biosafety Manual & Chemical Hygiene Plan Annually.
- Complete Annual Training by June 30.
- Provide complete Chemical Inventory to Steve Baker during annual laboratory inspection.
- Be prepared for Annual inspections.  _[Click here](http://www.research.vares-pitt.org/pages/subpages/research_safety/files/chemical_hygeine_evaluation.xls)_ to review the Chemical Hygiene Evaluation checklist that will be used during the inspection of your lab.
- Maintain compliance with all safety standards and be prepared for an inspection at any time.
- Complete the _*VAPHS Research Laboratory Hazardous/Select Agent Certification*_** **and submit to the AO/R&D biannually.
- Do not use your key card to provide access to labs or the Animal Research Facility for unauthorized individuals.
- Notify the AO/R&D promptly when you no longer need access to a research laboratory.

## Additional Information

**Additional Resources**
**VAPHS Hazardous Chemical Laboratory Policy **
- _[VAPHS Occupational Safety, Health & Fire Protection Manual](http://www.research.vares-pitt.org/pages/subpages/research_safety/files/occupational_safety_healt_fire_manual.htm)_
**VAPHS Radiation Safety Policy and Procedures**
- _[VHA Handbook 1200.6](http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/health/handbook/1200.6HK6-15-04.pdf)__ Control of Hazardous Agents in VA Research Laboratories_
**VAPHS Research Laboratory Hazardous Agent Control Program**
- _[CDC-NIH “Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories](http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/bmbl4/bmbl4toc.htm)__”_
- _[NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules](http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/rac/guidelines/guidelines.html)__ _

- Quiz time