NISTIR 7389 

 

MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIMEN BANK:

Clean Room and Specimen Bank Protocols 

 

 Rebecca S. Pugh1 

Michael B. Ellisor1

Amanda J. Moors1

Barbara J. Porter2

Paul R. Becker1

1

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory 

Hollings Marine Laboratory 

Charleston, SC 29412 

2

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory 

Gaithersburg, MD 20899 

January 2007 

 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

Carlos Gutierrez, Secretary 

 National Institute of Standards and Technology 

 William A. Jeffrey, Director 
ii 

CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................iii

LIST OF FIGURES...................................................................................................................... iv

DISCLAIMER.................................................................................................................................v

THE ROLE OF NIST IN ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIMEN BANKING.......................... 1

MARINE ESB, HOLLINGS MARINE LABORATORY..................................................... 4

Location................................................................................................................................. 4 

Clean Room Properties.......................................................................................................... 4 

ANTE-ROOMS, ISO CLASS 6 ............................................................................................... 8

FREEZER ROOM, ISO CLASS 7........................................................................................ 10

Liquid Nitrogen Piping System........................................................................................... 11 

Archival Protocols and the Specimen Tracking Database .................................................. 13 

Biological Dry Shippers ...................................................................................................... 14

REFERENCE MATERIALS PRODUCTION FACILITY, ISO CLASS 7...................... 15

Movement of Large Equipment into the Marine ESB ........................................................ 16 

CLEAN ROOM, ISO CLASS 5............................................................................................. 16

Exhaust Hood Usage/Cleaning of Teflon and Titanium ..................................................... 18 

Cryogenic Homogenization................................................................................................. 18 

Equipment ........................................................................................................................... 18 

Homogenization (Individual Sample) ................................................................................. 21 

SAFETY................................................................................................................................... 24

Hurricane Evacuation.......................................................................................................... 25 

Centron Environmental Monitoring and Control System ................................................... 27 

MAINTENANCE OF CLEAN-AIR LABORATORIES .................................................... 27

REFERENCES........................................................................................................................ 30

APPENDIX A.......................................................................................................................... 32

MARINE ESB DATA SHEETS ......................................................................................... 32 

APPENDIX B .......................................................................................................................... 33

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLEANING TEFLON AND TITANIUM SUPPLIES................ 42 

APPENDIX C.......................................................................................................................... 44

HOLLINGS MARINE LABORATORY POLICY ON USE OF THE LIQUID 

NITROGEN FILL STATION............................................................................................. 44 

APPENDIX D.......................................................................................................................... 46

HOLLINGS MARINE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUALS AND FORMS............... 46 

 

 
iii 

LIST OF TABLES 

Table 1. Programs providing specimens to the National Biomonitoring Specimen Bank (NBSB) 

 and the Marine Environmental Specimen Bank (Marine ESB)....................................... 2 

Table 2. Equipment in the Freezer Room and Reference Materials Production Room at the 

 Marine ESB.................................................................................................................... 12 

Table 3. Equipment in the Clean Room....................................................................................... 17 

Table 4. Safety Equipment located in the Marine ESB ............................................................... 25 
iv 

LIST OF FIGURES 

Figure 1. The Hollings Marine Laboratory: Entrance View.......................................................... 5 

Figure 2. The Marine Environmental Specimen Bank: First Floor of the Hollings Marine 

 Laboratory...................................................................................................................... 6 

Figure 3. ISO Class 6 Ante-Room ................................................................................................. 8 

Figure 4. ISO Class 7 Freezer Room ........................................................................................... 10 

Figure 5. Marine ESB Vertical Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tank................................................... 11 

Figure 6. Biological Dry Shippers; Cryo Shipper XC (left) and SC14/2V (right) ...................... 14 

Figure 7. Vibrating Cryomill (left) and Freeze-Dryer (right) Located in the Reference Materials 

 Production Facility....................................................................................................... 15 

Figure 8. Double Doors and Vinyl Strip Shield Curtain in the ISO Class 7 Clean Room .......... 16 

Figure 9. Liquid Nitrogen Vapor-phase Freezer and TS-250 Teflon Disc Mill Shaker.............. 19 

Figure 10. Compressed-Air Smashing Machine........................................................................... 19 

Figure 11. TS-250 Teflon Disc Mill Shaker with Teflon Disc Mill Mounted.............................. 20 

Figure 12. Teflon Materials Needed for Homogenization............................................................ 21 

Figure 13. Sample of Tissue in Fragment Form and Frozen Powder Form ................................. 23 
v 

DISCLAIMER 

Certain commercial equipment or instruments are identified in this paper to specify adequately 

the experimental procedures. Such identification does not imply recommendations or 

endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology nor does it imply that the 

equipment or instruments are the best available for the purpose. 
1 

THE ROLE OF NIST IN ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIMEN BANKING

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been involved in long-term 

biological and environmental specimen banking for over 20 years. In 1979, the National 

Biomonitoring Specimen Bank (NBSB) was established in Gaithersburg, Maryland, at what is 

now the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR). The NBSB is a direct result of a pilot 

Environmental Specimen Bank Program that was sponsored by the Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) (Wise and Zeisler, 1985). More recently (2001), NIST completed the construction 

of the Marine Environmental Specimen Bank (Marine ESB). The Marine ESB is located in the 

Hollings Marine Laboratory in Charleston, South Carolina, and is devoted to the cryogenic 

banking of well-documented and preserved environmental specimens collected as part of 

ongoing research and monitoring programs conducted in the marine and coastal environment. 

NIST operates both the Gaithersburg and Charleston facilities as a single environmental 

specimen bank program. NIST personnel from both the NBSB and the Marine ESB collaborate 

in specimen bank project planning, development of banking protocols, and day-to-day operations 

of the facilities. Specimens maintained in both banks have been collected as part of other agency 

research and monitoring programs (Table 1). 

Specimen banking provides researchers with the ability to look at environmental trends over long 

periods of time through retrospective analysis of archived samples. Over the last ten years, the 

specimen bank inventory has included primarily marine samples, with the majority of the tissues 

from marine mammals (Becker et al., 1997). Three ongoing environmental monitoring programs 

that have provided a large percentage of these samples are the Alaska Marine Mammal Tissue 

Archival Project (AMMTAP), the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program 

(MMHSRP), and the Seabird Tissue Archival and Monitoring Project (STAMP). 

The AMMTAP was initiated in 1987 with sponsorship from the U.S. Department of the Interior, 

Minerals Management Service (MMS). The project is now conducted as a collaboration among 

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service 

(NOAA/NMFS), the U.S. Geological Survey’s Biological Resources Division (USGS/BRD) and 

NIST. The goal of this program is to establish a representative collection of marine mammal 

tissues taken during Alaska Native subsistence hunts for future contaminant analyses and 

documentation of long-term trends in environmental quality (Zeisler et al., 1992). Detailed 

descriptions of the project and protocols have been published (Becker et al,. 1991; 1993). 

The MMHSRP was initiated in 1990 by NOAA/NMFS to collect marine mammal tissues and 

bank them for long-term storage. In 1992, the National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank 

(NMMTB) was formally established by Federal Legislation (Public Law 102-587) and a portion 

of tissues collected by NMFS’s MMHSRP as well as the samples collected by AMMTAP are 

archived in the NMMTB. The MMHSRP obtains specimens from individual and mass 

strandings of marine mammals and from animals taken incidentally during commercial fishing 

operations. This program emphasizes contaminant monitoring and information management. 

Detailed descriptions of the MMHSRP have been published (Lillestolen et al., 1993 and Becker 

et al., 1994). 
2 

Table 1. Programs providing specimens to the National Biomonitoring Specimen Bank 

(NBSB) and the Marine Environmental Specimen Bank (Marine ESB)

Bank Specimens Program (Sponsor)1

NBSB Human 

livers 

Human Liver Specimen Bank (EPA) 

NBSB Food 

specimens 

Nutrients in Human Diet Program (FDA) 

NBSB Human 

blood spots 

Human Blood Spot Collection (DOD) 

NBSB Human 

blood 

serum 

Human Blood Serum Collection (NCI) 

NBSB 

 & 

Marine 

ESB 

Mussels Mussel Watch Program (EPA) 

National Status and Trends Program (NOAA) 

EXXON VALDEZ Damage Assessment Program (NOAA) 

NBSB Oysters National Status and Trends Program (NOAA) 

NBSB Fish 

tissues2

National Status and Trends Program (NOAA) 

EXXON VALDEZ Damage Assessment Program (NOAA) 

NBSB Marine 

sediments 

National Status & Trends Program (NOAA) 

EXXON VALDEZ Damage Assessment Program (NOAA) 

NBSB 

 & 

Marine 

ESB 

NMMTB:3

marine 

mammal 

tissues4

Marine Mammal Health & Stranding Response Program 

(NOAA) 

Alaska Marine Mammal Tissue Archival Project 

(NOAA/USGS) 

Marine 

ESB 

Bird eggs Seabird Tissue Archival & Monitoring Project (USGS; 

USFWS; BIA; NPRB) 

Peregrine Falcon Monitoring Plan (USFWS) 

Marine 

ESB 

Bird 

feathers 

Peregrine Falcon Monitoring Plan (USFWS) 

1

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

 U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) 

 National Cancer Institute (NCI) 

 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 

 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 

 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 

 Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) 

 North Pacific Research Board (NPRB) 

2

liver and muscle 

3

National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank (NMMTB) 

4

liver, kidney, fat, blubber, muscle, blood 
3 

The third major contributor to the Marine ESB is STAMP, which was designed and implemented 

in 1999 to serve as a systematic, long-term program to identify and track anthropogenic contaminants 

in Alaskan seabirds over a timeframe of decades. This project is being conducted with financial 

support from and collaboration with the U.S. Department of the Interior, USGS/BRD, U.S. Fish 

and Wildlife Service Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (USFWS/AMNWR), Bureau of 

Indian Affairs (BIA), and, most recently, the North Pacific Research Board (NPRB). An 

important part of STAMP is the archival of a representative collection of seabird eggs from 

Alaskan colonial seabird species for future contaminant analyses and documentation of longterm trends in environmental quality. Currently, seabird eggs from colonies of common murre 

(Uria aalge), thick-billed murre (U. lomvia), black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), 

glaucous-winged gulls (Larus glaucescens), and glaucous gulls (L. hyperboreus) are collected 

and banked. Additional species and types of biological specimens will be collected in the future. 

A description of this project with protocols has been published (York et al., 2001). 

Other projects with specimens archived at the Marine ESB include the American Peregrine 

Falcon Project (APFP) and the NOAA National Status and Trends Program, Mussel Watch 

Project (NS&T/MWP). The APFP was established in 2003 through an agreement between the 

USFWS and NIST. NIST provides support to the Monitoring Plan for the American Peregrine 

Falcon (USFWS, 2003) by cryogenically archiving peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) egg 

contents and feathers for future chemical analysis. 

The NS&T Program was initiated by NOAA in 1984 as a result of concerns about the condition 

of the Nation’s coastal and estuarine ecosystems (Lauenstein et al., 1987). One element of the 

NS&T Program was to archive samples for retrospective analyses. Two monitoring components 

were initiated by this program: the National Benthic Surveillance in 1984 and the Mussel Watch 

Project in 1986. The goal of these two components is to provide highly reliable data on 

concentrations of toxic chemicals in marine fishes, shellfishes, and sediments; to measure 

biological parameters that accurately reflect anthropogenic stress; and to assess and recommend 

Federal actions needed to maintain or improve marine environmental quality. NOAA, in 

collaboration with NIST, developed protocols specifically for the NS&T Specimen Bank for 

collecting, processing, and archiving samples from both components of the NS&T Program 

(Lauenstein et al., 1987, 1996). For the Mussel Watch Project, mussel tissue, oyster tissue, and 

sediment were collected from approximately 30 sites per year, three stations within a site, and 

two batches of approximately 16 to 18 mussels or two batches of 10 oysters per station. 

Specimens were collected in conjunction with ongoing NS&T sampling efforts for monitoring 

from 1986 through 1992 from over 250 sites (Lauenstein et al., 1996). The banking component 

of the NS&T Program was discontinued in 1992. In 2005, NOAA resumed banking mussels and 

oysters from the Mussel Watch Project at the Marine ESB. Protocols developed in 1984 for 

collection, processing, and archiving are being followed. 

In addition to the protocols developed by NIST for the collection, processing, and banking of 

environmental samples, NIST personnel have referred to the best practices for repositories 

guideline (ISBER, 2005) developed by the International Society of Biological and 

Environmental Repositories (ISBER) members for day-to-day activities. This document 

provides a wide-range of information and successful strategies for setting up and maintaining a 

specimen bank. The NBSB and the Marine ESB are members of the ISBER. 
4 

MARINE ESB, HOLLINGS MARINE LABORATORY 

In 1995, an agreement was signed between NIST and NOAA/NMFS establishing the National 

Marine Analytical Quality Assurance Program (NMAQAP) to assess and improve the quality of 

analytical measurements in the marine environment. As part of this agreement, NIST was asked 

to improve capabilities of assessing trends in marine environmental quality by expanding 

environmental specimen banking activities. In response, construction of the Marine ESB in 

association with the Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, South Carolina, was completed in 

2001. 

The Marine ESB is dedicated to banking marine environmental specimens through many 

different programs. Because specimen banking must ensure that the sample does not become 

contaminated or change in chemical composition during collection, processing, storage, and 

homogenization procedures, it is important that all protocols be followed precisely. Although 

the NBSB facility in Gaithersburg and the Marine ESB in Charleston maintain identical 

operating procedures for the handling of the same kind of matrices (tissues, eggs, mussels, etc.), 

the following information specifically applies to the Marine ESB. 

Location 

The Marine ESB is located in the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML) on the Fort Johnson 

Marine Resources Research Center campus at 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, South 

Carolina (Fig. 1). The HML is a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary laboratory operated by 

NOAA. It provides science and biotechnology applications to sustain, protect, and restore 

coastal ecosystems, emphasizing linkages between the environment and the health of marine 

organisms and humans. In addition to NOAA and NIST, the South Carolina Department of 

Natural Resources, the Medical University of South Carolina, and the College of Charleston are 

partners in execution of programs of the HML and have employees and contractors located there. 

The Marine ESB occupies approximately 356 m2

 (3,832 ft2) of the HML first floor. This 

includes office space, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Class 5 clean-air 

space for processing samples, ISO Class 7 clean-air space for the production of analytical 

reference materials, and a freezer room with ISO Class 7 clean-air conditions (Fig. 2). Refer to 

section below, Clean Room Properties, for definition of ISO class clean rooms. 

Clean Room Properties 

The classification and certification of the Marine ESB clean-air laboratories follow the 

guidelines provided by the International Organization of Standardization, ISO 14644-1: Clean 

rooms and associated controlled environments – Part 1: Classification of air cleanliness (ISO 

14644-1: 1999(E)). This document replaces the Federal Standard 209 (E) document (U.S. 

General Services Administration, 1992; Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology, 

1997). An ISO Class 5 clean room is designed to provide clean filtered air, exhaust particulate 

matter as fast as possible, and maintain ISO Class 5 air quality when there is a minimum of 

activity in the room. ISO Class 5 air is defined as a measurement of no more than 3,520 particles 

per m3

 (100 particles per ft3) that are 0.5 μm in diameter or larger. ISO Class 6 air is defined as a 
5 

Figure 1. The Hollings Marine Laboratory: Entrance View 
6 

Figure 2. The Marine Environmental Specimen Bank: First Floor of the Hollings Marine Laboratory 

NOS Core SpaceDNR Core SpaceUOCC SpaceNIST Core Space (Marine Env. Specimen Bank)Shared SpaceMUSC Core SpaceAdministrativeMechanicalModular OfficesTo be Determined

Marine Environmental

Specimen Bank

NOS Core SpaceDNR Core SpaceUOCC SpaceNIST Core Space (Marine Env. Specimen Bank)Shared SpaceMUSC Core SpaceAdministrativeMechanicalModular OfficesTo be DeterminedNOS Core SpaceDNR Core SpaceUOCC SpaceNIST Core Space (Marine Env. Specimen Bank)Shared SpaceMUSC Core SpaceAdministrativeMechanicalModular OfficesTo be DeterminedNOS Core SpaceDNR Core SpaceUOCC SpaceNIST Core Space (Marine Env. Specimen Bank)Shared SpaceMUSC Core SpaceAdministrativeMechanicalModular OfficesTo be Determined

Marine Environmental

Specimen Bank
7 

measurement of no more than 35,200 particles per m3

 (1,000 particles per ft3) that are 0.5 μm in 

diameter or larger. ISO Class 7 air is defined as a measurement of no more than 352,000 

particles per m3

 (10,000 particles per ft3) that are 0.5 μm in diameter or larger 

The Marine ESB has been designed to contain an ISO Class 5 Clean Room for sample 

processing, an ISO Class 7 Freezer Room where specimens are cryogenically stored, an ISO 

Class 7 Reference Material Production Facility, and two ISO Class 6 ante-rooms. These cleanair laboratories control the concentration of airborne particles to specified limits and are essential 

in minimizing contamination of samples during processing. The ISO Class 5 Clean Room 

provides a clean sample preparation work area for materials that will be analyzed for organic and 

inorganic constituents. At present, organic analyses are performed primarily for chlorinated 

pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and brominated flame 

retardants (polybrominated biphenyl ethers and hexabromododecane). The inorganic analyses 

includes the determination of trace and ultra-trace quantities of elements, with particular 

attention being given to metals and trace element speciation. 

As mentioned above, the purpose of the Marine ESB is the long-term preservation of specimens 

that are representative of the environment or organism immediately prior to collection. A major 

concern of specimen banking efforts is that the samples are collected, processed, and stored 

under conditions that minimize contamination of specimens or any other changes in their 

chemical composition (Wise and Koster, 1995). Clean technique allows the sample to be 

processed while minimizing inadvertent contamination and protects the sample’s integrity from 

possible extraneous addition of the chemical analytes of interest. Clean technique is often 

confused with sterile technique, which is used to prevent the transfer of a bacteriological or viral 

species to an individual or medium that does not contain this agent. 

 

Since it is impossible to point out every source of contamination that may be encountered, some 

of the most obvious sources will be described to provide a general awareness of the problem. 

For example, a 1 μg flake of stainless steel contains approximately 100 ng of nickel (National 

Bureau of Standards, 1986). The natural occurrence of nickel in human liver is at levels of 1 

ng/g to 2 ng/g of sample. Approximately 1 g of sample is used for analysis; therefore, a 

microgram flake of stainless steel in the sample could produce an analytical result which is 50 to 

100 times higher than the true value of nickel in the sample. 

In the clean room the air, implements, bench tops, working personnel, and documents providing 

processing protocols are all potential sources of contamination. The air may contain vapors of 

contaminants as well as particles of dust, cigarette ash, and wear particles from motors. 

Cigarette ash contains relatively high amounts of cadmium and organic compounds. Cigarette 

smoke also contains trace quantities of hundreds of organic compounds. Implements and 

working surfaces may be contaminated with chemicals used for cleaning and salt and oils from 

human contact. Also, a common contaminant introduced by human hands is gold from jewelry. 

The dust-free vinyl gloves that are used should be changed frequently as they are easily 

contaminated. For example, picking up a pen to record a mass contaminates the gloves. 

Grasping a Teflon bottle, adjusting eyeglasses, and touching one’s face, touching the outside of 
8 

the bag that contains the clean Teflon sheets or bags also contaminates the gloves. Therefore, 

caution should be taken at all times while inside the clean areas. 

Each of the rooms that make up the Marine ESB serves a different purpose. It is important to 

know the function and the types of equipment that are used in each room. 

ANTE-ROOMS, ISO CLASS 6 

There are two ISO Class 6 ante-rooms (Rooms C102 and D103) (Fig. 3), one that provides 

access to the Clean Room and the other that provides access to the Freezer Room. These anterooms are used by Marine ESB personnel to change into proper ‘clean’ garments before entering 

the clean-air laboratories. Disposable laboratory coveralls, hoods, and shoe covers are provided 

in this room and must be worn at all times while in the clean-air spaces. The material used to 

make these garments is non-woven Tyvek, a highly effective contamination control fabric that is 

resistant to penetration by airborne particles. These garments are processed and packaged in a 

clean environment by the manufacturer and are disposable, but can be worn several times before 

soiling and tears occur. 

Figure 3. ISO Class 6 Ante-Room 

Extreme caution must be taken while working in the clean-air laboratories to prevent further 

contamination of samples; therefore the following precautions should be taken before entering an 

ante-room and proceeding to the Clean Room or Freezer Room: 
9 

• Do not use cosmetic substances such as excessive makeup, alcohol based perfumes, 

or after shave products. 

• Avoid clothing with excessive lint, such as sweaters, turtlenecks, torn and frayed 

clothing, or any item that has been worn in a dusty environment. 

• Do not bring in items that may cause further contamination, such as lead pencils, dirty 

chemical bottles, paper towels, cardboard boxes, paper products, or other particulate 

products. 

• Do not smoke, chew gum or tobacco, bring in food or drink, or bring personal items 

to all specimen bank areas. 

• Do not use pencils or erasers, only use ballpoint pens in all areas of the Marine ESB. 

The following gowning and de-gowning procedures (in numerical order) must be followed in 

ante-rooms before entering and exiting the Clean Room or Freezer Room. 

 

Gowning Procedure: 

1. Wash hands thoroughly before entering an ante-room.

2. Upon entering, step onto the sticky mat to remove loose particles on street shoes.

3. Place the hood over the head, making sure all hair is inside the hood.

4. Choose the closest fit coverall size and put it on, making sure to secure the hood 

inside of the coverall when zipping up.

5. Place disposable shoe covers carefully over shoes and legs of coverall.

6. If facial hair is present, place a beard cover on, over the hood, again making sure all 

hairs are inside the cover.

7. Step onto the second sticky mat and enter the Clean Room or Freezer Room.

De-gowning Procedure: 

1. From the Freezer Room or Clean Room, step into the ante-room, remove gloves, and 

dispose of them in the trash can provided. 

2. Remove the beard cover, if applicable, and dispose of it in the trash can. 

3. Remove the hood and inspect it for heavy soiling or damage. If it is dirty or 

damaged, discard it in the trash can. If it is clean, hang it on a hook or hanger 

provided. 
10 

4. Remove the shoe covers and again, inspect for damage or excessive amount of dirt. 

If dirty or damaged, discard the covers in the trash can; if clean, place them near or in 

the supply cabinet. 

5. Remove the coverall and inspect it. If it is dirty or damaged, discard it in the trash 

can; if not, hang it on the hook or hanger provided. 

Some of the cleaning supplies are stored in the ante-rooms. These include a clean-room mop, 

water bucket, sticky roller, lint-free cloths, aerosol cans of isopropyl alcohol (Deconahol), and a 

high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered vacuum cleaner. The proper use of these cleaning 

materials is discussed in detail in the Maintenance Section. All items that are brought into the 

Marine ESB clean-air laboratories, either through the ante-rooms or the set of double doors in the 

Reference Materials Production Facility, must be vacuumed before wiping down with the lintfree cloth and Deconahol and then vacuumed a final time. 

FREEZER ROOM, ISO CLASS 7 

Specimens that are collected for long-term banking are archived in liquid nitrogen vapor-phase 

freezers (-150 oC) that are located in an ISO Class 7 Freezer Room (Room D104) (Fig. 4). This 

Freezer Room is connected with the ISO Class 7 Reference Materials Production Facility. Along 

with the liquid nitrogen vapor-phase freezers, there are also -80 oC upright electric freezers and 

several other pieces of equipment that are either used or stored inside this room (these are listed 

in Table 2). 

Figure 4. ISO Class 7 Freezer Room 
11 

Liquid Nitrogen Piping System 

All freezers in the Freezer Room are connected to a liquid nitrogen in-line piping system. This 

system provides vacuum-jacketed insulated piping along with a cryovent device located in the 

specimen bank to ensure that the entire pipeline is kept at cryogenic temperatures. The system is 

monitored by a Gordinier Electronics Keep Cold (Model 279) thermocouple sensor controller, 

located on the wall inside the specimen bank. Liquid nitrogen is brought into the specimen bank 

through an intricate piping system that distributes liquid nitrogen to multiple freezer stations. 

Each freezer station consists of a single supply line with either one or two connection valves, 

totaling forty-one connection valves. These valves provide liquid nitrogen to 30 liquid nitrogen 

vapor-phase -150 oC freezers, 10 ultra-cold -80 oC electric freezers, and one cryogenic vibrating 

mill (in the Reference Materials Production Facility). The ultra-cold electric freezers are 

connected to the liquid nitrogen piping system as a part of a back-up system. The liquid nitrogen 

bulk storage tank for the Freezer Room, Reference Material Production Facility, and Clean 

Room operations is stored behind the HML building in a 12 m3 (3,170 gallons) vertical storage 

tank with a telemetry system to the commercial supplier (Fig. 5). The main distribution lines are 

equipped with multiple flow valves strategically placed to ensure safety. The Centron System: 

Monitoring, Alarming, and Data Management System is used to ensure correct temperatures and 

liquid nitrogen levels are maintained for each freezer. In general, a node is located above each 

freezer that has three probes/channels to monitor the temperatures at the top and center inside 

each freezer and one dry contact connected to each individual control panel on each freezer. See 

the Safety section of this manual for a full description of this system.

Figure 5. Marine ESB Vertical Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tank
12 

Equipment Type Quantity Purpose

MVE XLC 1841 and 1830HE Liquid Nitrogen 13 Permanently store archived environmental samples  (-150 oC) Vapor-Phase FreezersThermo Forma Model 8500 Series (-80° C) Ultra-Cold 10 Store Standard Reference Materials and control materials Electric FreezerAcid Storage Cabinet 1 Store hydrochloric and nitric acids, used for cleaning Teflon PC for Database Management 1 Database provides specimen management, storage managem

 system administration functions for samples archived at the 

MVE Cryo Shipper 10 to 12 Shipment of samples to and from the Marine ESBMVE SC 14/2V, 4/2V 10 to 12 Shipment of homogenized materials to and from the Marine Centron Monitoring System 3 Probes per liquid nitrogen vapor-phase freezer

1 Probe per -80 oC upright freezer

2 each Temperature, humidity and oxygen sensors

Gordinier Model 279 Keep Cold Controller 1 Maintains/controls liquid nitrogen in pipeline and vents exceNilfisk Vacuum Cleaner 1 Four-stage filtration system for best performance in cleanrooCompressed Air Smashing Machine 1 Smashes large tissues into fragments during the homogenizatPolypropylene Storage Cabinet 2 Store Teflon jars prior to cleaning; store cleaning suppliesAir Compressor 1 Provides air to smashing machine and Teflon heat sealerClean Room Depot Teflon Heat Sealer 1 Seals Teflon and fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP) bagsCryo-Cyl 230 LP 1 Stores excess liquid nitrogen for emergency purposesVinyl Strip Shield Curtain 1 Minimizes particle exchange between the Storage Room and 

 Material Production Room

Vinyl Strip Shield Curtain 1 Provides an ante-room between double doors and Reference 

 Production Room for cleaning large pieces of equipment

Palla S.T.C. Cryogenic Vibrating Mill 1 Cryo-homogenize large quantities of frozen material into freMillrock Quanta Series Freeze-Dryer PC\PLC 1 Freeze drying system for large quantities of frozen materialsMVE XLC 1841 Liquid Nitrogen (- 150° C) 1 Working freezer for cryogenically homogenizing materials Vapor Phase Freezer

Table 2. Equipment in the Freezer Room and Reference Materials Production Room at the Marine ESB 
13 

Archival Protocols and the Specimen Tracking Database 

The specimen tracking database that was first used at the Marine ESB was the Archival 

Specimen Tracking Retrieval Operation (ASTRO) database system. ASTRO is a PC-based 

graphical program that resembles other Windows-based applications allowing one to point and 

click to communicate with the software. It was designed for the Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC) to ensure that sample collections are properly maintained and managed. The 

ASTRO system automated data entry and data query operations to facilitate admission of 

specimens, cataloging of collections, specimen retrieval, specimen tracking, data sharing, 

allocation and tracking of available storage space, and overall storage facility management 

(Ayal, 1999). A user’s guide (Ayal, 1999) was produced that introduced the database. 

Unfortunately this system was unable to store additional data, including analytical data that are 

generated after a sample is cryogenically homogenized and transferred out of the tissue bank. A 

system that is able to provide that capability, along with other sample management features, is 

Freezerworks Unlimited (FUL), a relational database model that was developed by Dataworks 

Development, Inc. Dataworks Development also provides technical support and scheduled 

maintenance releases and upgrades. Therefore, the Marine ESB facility is now using this system 

as the specimen tracking database. 

After a sample(s) is collected according to the protocol for that specific project, it is shipped 

frozen, in a biological dry shipper, to the Marine ESB for archival. For the NMMTB, STAMP, 

and APFP projects a field datasheet is completed and shipped with each sample (see Appendix 

A). For other projects, an Excel file with sample collection information that corresponds with 

the samples arriving at the facility is sent from the field collector to the Marine ESB. Once the 

shipper is received on site, the samples are checked to ensure that they are still in a frozen 

condition and that they are properly marked and correspond with the information on the field 

datasheets. All samples are temporarily placed inside a stainless steel basket in a liquid nitrogen 

vapor-phase freezer until a permanent archival location is determined. Each sample is assigned a 

NIST storage identification number according to the diagram shown below: 

MM 16 L 240 C

A NIST Storage Datasheet is completed using the newly assigned storage ID number (see 

Appendix A), and a permanent location is chosen by determining the next space available inside 

the freezer according to the FUL database. The NMMTB, STAMP, and APFP samples are 

placed in pre-labeled cardboard tubes and the NS&T mussels are placed in pre-labeled stainless 

steel baskets. There is a different data entry screen for each project based on the original

Program: MM-AMMTAP 

 NM-MMHSRP 

 ST-STAMP 

 AP-APFP 

Year of 

the 

Program

 Tissue Type: 

L-Liver E-Egg 

K-Kidney M-Embryo 

B-Blubber F-Feather 

nth tissue in the bank 

for that project 

Location of tissue: 

C-Charleston 

G-Gaithersburg
14 

information that is collected in the field. Detailed information from that field data sheet is 

entered into the FUL database along with the location of the samples. 

The tissue samples that are collected for the NMMTB are divided in two 150 g portions each, A 

and B. Portion A is collected for long-term storage (i.e., decades) and portion B is used for 

multiple analyses for different analytes. Additionally, these portions are stored in separate 

freezers to minimize the possibility of sample loss due to equipment failure. Currently, most of 

the NMMTB ‘A’ subsamples are archived at the NBSB and all ‘B’ and the remaining ‘A’ 

subsamples are located at the Marine ESB. After the samples have been properly stored, a report 

is printed from that shipment. A copy of each shipment report is then placed in a binder for 

permanent storage. For the NMMTB project, the field data sheet and NIST storage data sheet 

information is also entered into a national database system in Oracle. This is being developed by 

the primary sponsor of the project, NOAA/NMFS. The data is backed up nightly and a copy of 

the tape is taken to an off-site location for storage. The STAMP project will be included in this 

database in the future. 

Biological Dry Shippers 

The biological dry shippers are designed to transport biological samples at cryogenic 

temperatures and provide a reasonable holding time, three to ten days depending on the size of 

the shipper. There are primarily two sizes of shippers that are used, the MVE Cryo Shipper XC, 

which holds 10 L of liquid nitrogen and the MVE SC14/2V, which holds 8.7 L of liquid nitrogen 

(Fig. 6). The protocol to properly charge a biological dry shipper or liquid nitrogen dewar at the 

HML Fill Station is described in Appendix C. 

Figure 6. Biological Dry Shippers; Cryo Shipper XC (left) and SC14/2V (right) 
15 

REFERENCE MATERIALS PRODUCTION FACILITY, ISO CLASS 7 

Within the Marine ESB is the Reference Materials Production Facility (Rooms C104 and C105) 

with ISO Class 7 clean-air conditions. This area is used to produce large quantities of frozen 

materials for the preparation of Certified and Standard Reference Materials, as well as control 

materials for intercomparison exercises. The materials are cryogenically homogenized using a 

Palla S.T.C. Vibrating Cryomill (Fig. 7). The final product is a fresh frozen powder that is stored 

in -80 oC upright freezers. The material can also be freeze dried using the large capacity 

Millrock Quanta Series Freeze-Dryer PC/PLC (Fig. 7) that is also located in the facility. 

 

Figure 7. Vibrating Cryomill (left) and Freeze-Dryer (right) Located in the Reference 

Materials Production Facility 
16 

Movement of Large Equipment into the Marine ESB 

Within the Reference Materials Production Facility is a set of double doors that is used as an 

emergency exit directly into the hallway. The doors are also used to bring large pieces of 

equipment into the Specimen Bank. In order to maintain clean-air conditions, a vinyl strip shield 

curtain was hung from the ceiling to the floor along an open area to create a 3.66 m x 2.74 m 

(12’ x 9’) ante-room for cleaning large equipment before bringing it into the clean room area 

(Fig. 7). In addition to the positive pressure of the clean rooms, the strip shield is a secondary 

precaution to minimize particle flow from the hallway into the ISO Class 7 clean room. See 

Maintenance of Clean-Air Laboratories section for details on the proper cleaning procedures of 

large pieces of equipment. 

Figure 8. Double Doors and Vinyl Strip Shield Curtain in the ISO Class 7 Clean Room 

CLEAN ROOM, ISO CLASS 5 

The Clean Room is an ISO Class 5 (Room C103) clean area that is used for cleaning Teflon 

supplies (i.e., cryo-mills, jars, smashers, etc.) and for preparation of samples for analyses. The 

cleanliness level of this room is critical because it is in this room that samples are exposed to 

airborne particles through the homogenization process. There are many pieces of equipment 

needed for the preparation before and during homogenization, and these items along with other 

equipment used in the Clean Room are listed in Table 3. 
17 

Table 3. Equipment in the Clean Room 

Equipment Type Quantity Purpose

MVE XLC 1211 Liquid Nitrogen (-150 °C) 1 Working freezer for cryogenically homogenizing materials

 Vapor-Phase FreezerTS-Specialized 250 Disk Mill 2 Grind small particles of tissue into powder, for use with m

 Teflon disk mills

Solvent Storage Cabinet 1 Store ethyl alcohol and chloroform, used for cleaning Tefl

Centron Monitoring System 3 each Probes per liquid nitrogen vapor-phase freezer

1 each Temperature, humidity and oxygen sensors

Polypropylene Laminar Flow Fume Hood 2 Teflon and titanium materials are cleaned under this hoodVertical Laminar Airflow Hood 1 Cleaned Teflon and titanium materials are placed in the hoMarble Table and Analytical Balance 1 Weigh homogenized aliquotsBalance 1 Weigh samples >1 kgMet One Particle Counter 1 Measures airborne particles in a number of size rangesDesiccator Cabinet 1 Air-tight cabinet to store freeze-dried materialsPolypropylene Storage Cabinet 1 Store clean Teflon materials and other suppliesDiaphragm Liquid Pump 2 Transfer chemicals/water from storage tank to bottles for cPolypropylene Acid/Solvent Cart 2 Tranfer chemical bottles safely from storage cabinet to fumMilli-Q Synthesis A-10 Filtration System 1 Water filtering system for cleaning and processing sample
18 

Exhaust Hood Usage/Cleaning of Teflon and Titanium 

Two polypropylene exhaust hoods are provided in the ISO Class 5 Clean Room for the cleaning 

of supplies. Cleaning procedures for Teflon and titanium materials are posted near each exhaust 

hood (see Appendix B). The date that the solvent/acid bottle was opened is documented on the 

label of the bottle. Water from the Milli-Q Synthesis A-10 filtration system is used for all water 

rinses. The chemicals can be used for approximately 6 to 8 cleaning sessions before disposal. 

See the Chemical Hygiene Plan (Appendix C) for proper solvent and acid disposal procedures. 

Solvent, acid, and strong alkali solutions can not be poured down any sink in the Marine ESB. 

Cryogenic Homogenization 

Cryogenic homogenization is a process that transforms a solid frozen tissue into a particulate 

powder and provides identical (i.e., homogenous) sample aliquots. Identical sample aliquots are 

necessary to allow for valid comparison of data between various researchers and analytical 

techniques. The Teflon disk mill is recommended as an effective device for size reduction and 

homogenization of biological tissue. Operation at cryogenic temperatures reduces loss of 

volatile components and changes in composition during the size reduction step. 

Cryogenic homogenization is performed in the Clean Room following strict clean-room 

procedures. All equipment used during the homogenization process is made of titanium or 

Teflon. This reduces the sources of unavoidable contamination to two types of materials, 

titanium from the knives and perfluorinated compounds from the Teflon supplies. Additionally, 

the titanium and Teflon equipment is precleaned, as mentioned above, to eliminate any surface 

contamination. The following list of equipment and instructions pertain to the homogenization 

of a single sample (i.e., liver, kidney, blubber, egg contents). 

Equipment 

The following pieces of equipment are used for cryogenic homogenization and should be 

checked to see that everything is in proper working condition the day before homogenizing is 

conducted: 

 

Liquid Nitrogen (-150 oC) Vapor-phase Freezer (Fig. 9) 

Compressed Air Smashing Machine (Fig. 10) 

Air Compressor 

TS-250 Disk Mill Shaker (Figs. 9 and 11 ) 

Lint-free Cloths 
19 

Figure 9. Liquid Nitrogen Vapor-Phase Freezer and TS-250 Teflon Disc Mill Shaker

Figure 10. Compressed-Air Smashing Machine 

40.8 kg weight

Controller

Safety Bar
20 

Clamp/Arm

Steel Plates

Teflon Disk Mill

Figure 11. TS-250 Teflon Disc Mill Shaker with Teflon Disc Mill Mounted 

The items below require cleaning and cooling to liquid nitrogen vapor-phase temperature before 

homogenization is conducted: 

Teflon disk mill (Figs. 11 and 12) 

Teflon smasher (Fig. 12) 

Teflon jars (15 mL) or bags 

Teflon scraper and scoop (Fig. 12) 

Teflon-handled titanium bladed knife 

Stainless steel plates for shaker (Fig. 11) 
21 

Figure 12. Teflon Materials Needed for Homogenization 

Homogenization (Individual Sample) 

Locate the sample that is to be homogenized and move it to the working LN2 vapor-phase 

freezer. Make sure all equipment to be used during the homogenization has been cleaned 

properly following the NIST cleaning procedures (See Appendix B). With a pre-cut lid label, 

properly label 24 15 mL Teflon jars with the NIST Storage ID Number and the Aliquot Number 

(B001, B002,..., B024). Preweigh all Teflon jars with lids and labels in place on a 4-place 

analytical balance and record the masses in a laboratory notebook using indelible ink. Put all of 

the small items (Teflon jars, scraper, scoop, and knife) in a Teflon-lined plastic tray and place the 

tray in the LN2 freezer to cool overnight. Place the Teflon smasher, disk mill, and shaker plates 

at the bottom of the same freezer but place them on small boxes so they can be easily lifted out 

of the freezer. 

On the day of homogenization, remove the sample that is to be homogenized from the working 

LN2 freezer and follow the steps below: 

Teflon Disk Mill Teflon Smasher

Teflon Spatula and Scoop

Lid

Puck

Ring

Lid/Puck

Base

Ring

Mill

Teflon Disk Mill Teflon Smasher

Teflon Spatula and Scoop

Lid

Puck

Ring

Lid/Puck

Base

Ring

Mill
22 

1. Remove the puck (lid) from the Teflon smasher and place it inside the freezer. 

2. Remove sample (tissue) from Teflon jar and place approximately 150 g to 200 g inside 

the Teflon smasher. 

3. Place the puck of the smasher on top of the fragments and place the smasher at the 

bottom of the compressed air smasher. 

4. Remove the safety bar and press the UP button until the 40.8 kg weight is released onto 

the Teflon smasher. This will fracture the sample into small fragments. (Fig. 13) 

5. Press the DOWN button until the claw has clamped onto the 40.8 kg weight. 

6. Press the UP button until the safety bar can be replaced. 

7. Quickly put the smasher back inside the freezer. 

8. Remove the lid and inner puck from the disk mill and place them inside the freezer. 

9. Remove the puck from the smasher and with the Teflon spatula, carefully scrape the 

fragments from the bottom of the puck into the disk mill. Scrape remaining pieces off of 

the bottom plate of the smasher into the disk mill. Set the smasher aside in the freezer. 

10. Scrape all pieces inside the disk mill into the outer ring area. Do not force tissue 

fragments into this area; if a fragment is too large, place it back in the smasher and repeat 

Steps 2 through 7. Once all pieces are placed loosely in the outer ring, place the inner 

puck back in the center of the disk mill and place the lid securely on top. 

11. Remove the shaker plates from the freezer and place the bottom plate on the TS-250 disk 

mill shaker. Quickly place the disk mill onto the shaker plate, place the top shaker plate 

on top of the disk mill, and fasten the shaker clamp, making sure it is on tight (Fig. 11). 
23 

Figure 13. Sample of Tissue in Fragment Form and Frozen Powder Form 

Tissue in Fragment Form Tissue in Powder Fo
24 

12. Close the lid and set the timer for 3 minutes (2 minutes for egg contents). Turn the 

machine on and wait for it to stop. 

13. Once the machine has stopped, place the shaker plates and the Teflon disk mill back in 

the freezer, remove the mill lid, and scrape any tissue remaining on the lid into the disk 

mill. Verify that the tissue is sufficiently homogenized and has completely turned in to 

powder. If the tissue is still in fragments there is probably a piece of tissue that is 

jammed between the mill and the ring (Fig. 13). Remove the puck from the disk mill and 

move the fragments back into the inner ring area with the spatula until the inner ring is 

loose enough to be removed from the disk mill completely. Move all pieces toward the 

center of the disk mill and replace the inner ring, making sure there are no pieces 

underneath the ring. Repeat steps 8, 9, 10, and 11. Repeat these steps until the tissue is 

in powder form (Fig. 13). If there are any hard pieces found after repeating the steps 

several times, the equipment or material is too warm to work with and you must stop 

homogenizing and wait several hours for the sample and equipment to cool down. 

14. Using the Teflon scoop, fill all jars in numerical sequence, making sure the lids are 

placed on tightly. Wipe down each jar individually with a lint-free cloth just prior to 

placing on a 4-place analytical balance. Record the masses in the laboratory notebook. 

Place the jars in a storage box and return to a LN2 vapor-phase freezer for long-term 

storage. 

15. Fill out the sample storage form including the homogenization date, the masses of each 

sample, any comments necessary, and identify the permanent storage locations. 

16. Update all databases that contain the sample storage data form with the same new 

information, including the FUL, Excel, and Word databases. 

Note: When removing the Teflon disk mill lid and smasher puck, place them upside-down inside 

the freezer so that the side of the lid that touches the tissue does not come in contact with any 

part of the freezer or other items in the freezer. Also, all work should be completed with the 

equipment inside of the working freezer, except when transferring Teflon equipment to and from 

the smashing unit and the TS-250 disk mill. Because the cold temperatures of the equipment and 

the tissue are critical, it is important to work quickly to keep these items inside the freezer as 

much as possible. 

SAFETY 

The Marine ESB has been equipped with several safety features throughout each of the rooms to 

ensure safe laboratory operating procedures (Table 4). And because the Marine ESB is located in 

a NOAA Facility, all personnel must abide by NOAA safety rules and policies. NIST and 

NOAA are both federal government agencies under the Department of Commerce therefore 

many of the safety rules and policies are similar. The rules and policies referred to in this 

document as a part of the appendix are that of the HML facility. The HML Safety Committee 

has written a Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan and Emergency Preparedness Plan that are 
25 

Room Name Room Number Safety Feature

Ante Rooms C102 and D103 Chemical Spill Kit

First Aid Kit

Material Safety Data Sheets

Job Hazard Analysis Form

Chemical Inventory

Freezer Room D104 Centron Monitoring System

Smoke Detector

Fire Alarm Strobe Light

Humidity and Oxygen Sensor

Liquid Nitrogen In-Line Piping System

Telephone

Incoming Page Speaker

Reference Material C104 and C105 Centron Monitoring System

Production Facility Smoke Detector

Fire Alarm Strobe Light

Humidity and Oxygen Sensor

Liquid Nitrogen In-Line Piping System

Acid Storage Cabinet

Incoming Page Speaker

Eyewash Station

Emergency Exit (set of double doors)

Clean Room C103 Centron Monitoring System

Smoke Detector

Fire Alarm Strobe Light

Humidity and Oxygen Sensor

Liquid Nitrogen In-Line Piping System

Eyewash Station

Teflon-lined Fume Hoods

Solvent Storage Cabinet

Incoming Page Speaker

Telephone

Table 4. Safety Equipment Located in the Marine ESB 

strictly enforced throughout the entire laboratory (see Appendix D). A Job Hazard Analysis 

Form has also been designed (see Appendix D). This form must be filled out for each individual 

laboratory and it must be posted outside of the laboratory. This form includes information on the 

work activities that are completed in the laboratory and what Personal Protective Equipment 

(PPE) is required to be worn during those activities. All personnel who work in that laboratory 
26 

must sign this form. Also, a list of chemicals that are used in the laboratory must be posted 

outside the entrance of that laboratory (see Appendix D). In addition to those two lists, Material 

Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals used in each laboratory must be placed in an easily 

accessible area near the chemicals. In the Marine ESB, these sheets have been posted inside 

each of the two ante-rooms on the wall. All forms must be updated every 6 months. 

Hurricane Evacuation 

The Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30. Special actions must be taken in 

order for the Marine ESB to be prepared for a hurricane evacuation. If a mandatory evacuation 

is announced, the following steps must be followed before leaving the HML building: 

1. The computers in the Freezer Room and in the NIST Offices must have the latest back up 

of files on the NIST designated server. These include the FUL database inventory and all 

Paradox files with completed field data sheets for all samples inventoried. This server 

will be taken out of the building by authorized information technology (IT) personnel. 

2. A hard copy of the Marine ESB inventory must be printed from the FUL database for all 

freezers. This will ensure that if a freezer has a mechanical breakdown and the inside of 

the freezer does not maintain cryogenic temperatures, those samples can be labeled 

properly. This hard copy must be taken out of the building. 

3. All -150 °C liquid nitrogen freezers must be filled with liquid nitrogen to the ‘High Level 

Fill’ mark just before evacuation. 

4. All temperatures and liquid nitrogen levels must be recorded in the black NIST 

Laboratory notebook and taken with personnel out of the building. 

5. The binder that contains information on miscellaneous items that are stored in the Marine 

ESB must be taken out of the building. 

6. The Cryo-Cyl 230LP must be filled with liquid nitrogen and brought into the Freezer 

Room. 

7. All computers and other electrical equipment must be covered with plastic in case of 

water leaks due to roof damage. 

Updates on facility status and campus access will be posted on the Fort Johnson campus voice 

mail system. To access the voice mail system from an off-site telephone, dial (843) 762-8888. 

Follow the automated instructions by entering your mailbox extension and password followed by 

# when prompted. In addition to the voice mail system employees can also obtain updates via the 

NOAA toll free hotline at 1-888-662-2911 or information can be accessed online at 

www.homelandsecurity.noaa.gov or www.noaa.gov. 
27 

Centron Environmental Monitoring and Control System 

The Centron System: Environmental Monitoring and Control System, created by Rees Scientific 

Corporation, has been installed to continuously monitor the temperatures of all freezers located 

in the Marine ESB as well as monitor the room conditions: temperature, percent humidity, and 

oxygen levels. Three probes have been placed in each of the LN2 vapor-phase freezers, 2 probes 

record the top and center temperatures of each freezer and one probe is a dry contact to the 

freezer’s individual computer monitoring system. Each individual liquid nitrogen freezer has its 

own computer monitoring system that monitors more than just the temperatures of the freezer, 

for instance, it also monitors the time it takes to fill a freezer. If the freezer fills for more than a 

half hour, the computer will alarm, indicating that the freezer may be overfilling. When the 

freezer’s computer goes into alarm, for whatever reason, it will trigger the Centron probe to 

alarm. One probe has also been placed at the top of each of the -80 °C ultra-cold upright 

freezers. An alarm will sound if pre-set condition ranges are exceeded. The phone alarm 

notification system is designed to notify remote users of any alarms that are triggered. The 

Centron system uses several phone lists that were created by personnel. The Day list is activated 

Monday through Friday from 0800 to 1700 hours, the Evening List is activated Monday through 

Friday from 1701-0759 hours and the Weekend List is activated Saturday and Sunday from 0800 

to 0759 hours. The Day List includes the office/laboratory phone numbers of Marine ESB 

personnel, the Evening and Weekend Lists include home and cellular phone numbers of Marine 

ESB personnel. The system will continue calling the entries until a user has acknowledged the 

call by entering his/her individual password and inhibiting the probe that is in alarm for a 

designated time period. Each alarm can be inhibited for 0 to 999 hours. This allows the person 

time to reach the laboratory and repair the freezer or if necessary, move samples from the 

damaged freezer into another freezer. The system ensures that trained personnel will be able to 

correct the problem or error within the Marine ESB before any damage has occurred. The 

Centron System stores all information that is provided by the trained user (i.e., the date and time 

the alarm was acknowledged, the probe that went into alarm, and comments from the user that 

answered the alarm which includes cause of the alarm event). 

 

MAINTENANCE OF CLEAN-AIR LABORATORIES 

In general, cleaning should begin in areas that require the most critical level of cleanliness and 

proceed toward areas of less critical requirements. The following cleaning methods are to be 

followed to ensure that each room maintains the ISO Class 5, 6, and 7 levels. Basically, the 

preferred clean room cleaning protocol is to vacuum an area, wipe that area with a cleanser and 

lint-free cloth and vacuum the area again. 

1. Vacuum ceiling panels using a dry vacuum with a soft brush attachment. To protect the 

HEPA filters, only the grid surrounding the filters should be cleaned, using overlapping 

strokes following the grid pattern in one direction only. Remove spots with a commercial 

cleanser, deionized (DI) water, and lint-free cloth and then vacuum again to remove any 

loosened particles. 
28 

2. Vacuum lighting units with a soft brush attachment. Open the unit and wipe the bulbs 

with a lint-free cloth dampened with DI water, vacuum horizontal surfaces, and close 

unit. Wipe all trim pieces. 

3. Vacuum walls first, starting at the ceiling and working in vertical lines toward the floor. 

Next, use a sticky roller to wipe the wall, using overlapping movements from the ceiling 

towards the floor. Vacuum again using a soft brush attachment. 

4. Clean doors, frames, and components using a vacuum, followed by wiping with a lintfree cloth that has been moistened with Deconahol and DI water. Doors should be 

cleaned while they are ajar. 

5. Wipe glass surfaces and windows with a lint-free cloth that has been dampened with 

Deconahol. With a dry wiper or squeegee, dry the window starting at the top and move 

vertically towards the bottom. 

6. Use a lint-free cloth dampened with Deconahol and DI water to clean piping systems. 

Wipe from top to bottom, using overlapping strokes. Vacuum pipes with a curved pipe 

attachment and then re-wipe the pipe, if necessary, to remove stubborn grime and spots. 

7. Vacuum freezers with a soft brush attachment. Use a lint-free cloth dampened with DI 

water to clean the top and sides of the freezer, use overlapping strokes to wipe the top of 

the freezer and then from top to bottom for the sides of the unit. Re-vacuum with a soft 

brush attachment to pick up any loose particles. 

8. Wipe work stations/bench tops with a lint-free cloth moistened with Deconahol and DI 

water. Start at the rear of the work surface and use overlapping strokes in one direction 

only. Use a new area of the wiper for each stroke. 

9. Vacuum the surface of the floor first, place the sticky mop or vacuum on the floor and 

pull toward you, lift and move the vacuum so that the next stroke starts adjacent to and 

slightly overlaps the first stroke. Next, wash the floor with a solution of DI water and 

floor cleanser using a clean mop head. Rinse with DI water and a new mop head, leaving 

the rinse water on the floor long enough to completely saturate any film build-up. Mop 

up the rinse water, making sure to change the water after mopping every 10 to 15 square 

feet of floor surface. Because the floor is the dirtiest part of the clean room, it is 

important to keep the wash water and rinse water clean by changing it after 10 to 15 

square feet of surface has been mopped. After the floor is dry, vacuum again, using the 

same movement as described above. 

10. All supplies and equipment that are brought into the Marine ESB are to be cleaned using 

these same protocols. Vacuum all items using a dry vacuum with a soft brush 

attachment, inside and outside if necessary. Wipe items with a lint-free cloth that has 

been moistened with Deconahol and vacuum again. 
29 

The cleaning schedule for the Marine ESB will depend upon the amount of work being 

conducted in the rooms and the number of particles that are detected on the particle counter that 

is stored in the Class 5 Clean Room. A monthly particle count is taken to ensure the rooms 

maintain the ISO Class 5, 6, and 7 levels. The particle counter is a portable laser counter that is 

pre-set to count 0.3 μm and 0.5 μm particles over a programmable time period. For the Marine 

ESB, the instrument is placed in four separate areas of each room for a 5 minute time period and 

the data are stored inside the particle counter. It can be exported into a separate format if needed. 

If the particle counts are above the class levels required, a thorough cleaning should be 

conducted using the above cleaning procedure. Because the Clean Room is two class levels 

higher than the Freezer Room, entry from one room to the next should be kept to a minimum. A 

sticky mat with 30 adhesive layers has been adhered to the floor in front of the door leading from 

the Class 5 to the Class 7 to trap any particles that are on the bottom of the shoe covers. This 

will help minimize the number of particle exchanges between the two rooms. When the top 

layer of the sticky mat is dirty, it is removed to expose the next sticky layer. The sticky mat is 

replaced with a new mat when all layers have been removed. 
30 

REFERENCES 

Ayal, N. 1998. Archival Specimen Tracking Retrieval Operation User’s Guide. Center for 

Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. 

Becker, P.R., Wise, S.A., Koster, B.J., and Zeisler, R. 1991. Alaska Marine Mammal Tissue 

Archival Project: Revised Collection Protocol, NISTIR 4529, USDOC, National Institute of 

Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD. 

Becker, P.R., Koster, B.J., Wise, S.A., and Zeisler, R. 1993. Biological specimen banking in 

Arctic research: an Alaska perspective. Sci. Total Environ. 139/140: 69-95. 

Becker, P.R., Wilkinson, D. and Lillestolen, T.I. 1994. Marine Mammal Health and Stranding 

Response Program: Program Development Plan. USDOC, NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-OPR94-2, Silver Spring, MD. 

Becker, P.R., Wise, S.A., Thorsteinson, L., Koster, B.J., and Rowles, T. 1997. Specimen banking 

of marine organisms in the United States: current status and long-term prospective. 

Chemosphere, 34(9/10): 1889-1906. 

Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology, 1997. IEST-RP-CC006.2: Testing 

Cleanrooms. Contamination Control Division, Institute of Environmental Sciences and 

Technology, 35 pp. 

International Society of Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER), 2005. Best 

Practices for Repositories I: Collection, Storage, and Retrieval of Human Biological Materials 

for Research. Cell Preservation Technology, 3(1): 48. 

Lauenstein, G.G., Wise, S.A., Zeisler, R., Koster B.J., Schantz, M.M., and Golembiewska, S.L. 

1987. National Status and Trends Program for Marine Environmental Quality Specimen Bank 

Project: Field Manual. NOAA Tech. Mem. NOS OMA 37. National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, Rockville, Maryland, 30 pp. 

Lauenstein, G.G., Cantillo, A.Y., Koster, B.J., Schantz, M.M., Stone, S.F., Zeisler, R., and Wise, 

S.A. 1996. National Status and Trends Program Specimen Bank: Sampling Protocols, Analytical 

Methods, Results, and Archive of Samples. NOAA Tech. Memo. NOS ORCA 98. National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland. 158 pp.

Lillestolen, T.I., Becker, P.R., and Wilkinson, D. 1993. The National Marine Mammal Tissue 

Bank and Stranding Network Program. Coastal Zone 93: Proceedings of the 8th Symposium on 

Coastal and Ocean Management (New Orleans, LA), O.T. Magoon, W.S. Wilson, H. Converse, 

and L.T. Tobin, eds., ASCE, New York, NY, 3: 2494-2504. 

National Bureau of Standards. 1986. Certificate of Analysis, Standard Reference Material 101g, 

18 Cr-10 Ni Steel (AISI 304L). http:www.nist.gov/srm, National Bureau of Standards, 

Gaithersburg, MD, 2 pp. 
31 

U.S. General Services Administration. 1992. Federal Standard 209E: Airborne Particulate 

Cleanliness Classes in Cleanrooms and Clean Zones. Institute of Environmental Sciences and 

Technology. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003. Monitoring Plan for the American Peregrine Falcon, A 

Species Recovered Under the Endangered Species Act. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Divisions 

of Endangered Species and Migratory Birds and State Programs, Pacific Region, Portland, OR. 

53 pp. 

Wise, S.A., and Zeisler, R. 1985. The U.S. Pilot Environmental Specimen Bank Program. In: 

International Review of Environmental Specimen Banking. National Bureau of Standards 

Spec. Pub. 706, Wise, S.A., and R. Zeisler, eds., Gaithersburg, MD. 34-45. 

Wise, S.A., Koster, B.J., Langland, J.L., and Zeisler, R. 1993. Current activities within the 

National Biomonitoring Specimen Bank. Sci. Total Environ. 139/140:1-12. 

Wise, S. A. and Koster, B.J. 1995. Considerations in the Design of an Environmental Specimen 

Bank: Experiences of the National Biomonitoring Specimen Bank Program. Environ. Health 

Perspect. 103 (Suppl. 3): 61-67. 

York, G.W., Porter, B.J., Pugh, R.S., Roseneau, D.G., Simac, K., Becker, P.R., and Wise, S.A. 

2001. Seabird Tissue Archival and Monitoring Program: Protocols for Collecting and Banking 

Seabird Eggs, NISTIR 6735, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, 

MD. 

Zeisler, R., Koster, B.J., and Wise, S.A. 1992. Specimen Banking at the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology. In: Analytical Approaches as Related to Specimen Banking. 

Rossbach, M., and J.D. Schladot, eds., Stuttgart: Springer Verlag, 37-49. 
32 

APPENDIX A 

MARINE ESB DATA SHEETS 

NMMTB Field Datasheet 

STAMP Field Datasheet 

APFP Field Datasheet 

NIST Storage Data Sheet 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 
40 

 
41 
42 

APPENDIX B 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLEANING TEFLON AND TITANIUM SUPPLIES 
43 

Teflon and titanium supplies are cleaned using the following steps. The supplies are placed in a 

polythylene storage tank located under a fume hood. They are soaked in each chemical or MilliQ Synthesis 18.2 MΩ·cm resistivity water (H2O) rinse for a designated time period. 

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and nitric acid (HNO3) are both diluted with Milli-Q Synthesis 18.2 

MΩ·cm resistivity H2O at the ratios listed below. The chemicals are transferred back into the 

bottles by using a chemical-resistant electric pump. Old chemical bottles are used to store hoses 

from the pump after each use, one bottle for acids and one bottle for solvents. 

TEFLON

Chemical/Water Time in Liquid

Chloroform (CHCl3) 1 h 

Ethyl Alcohol (EtOH) 1 h (older bottle) 

Milli-Q Synthesis 18.2 MΩ·cm resistivity H2O rinse 

HCl/H2O (1:2) 4 h 

Milli-Q Synthesis 18.2 MΩ·cm resistivity H2O rinse 

HNO3/H2O (1:2) 4 h 

Above soaks, excluding water rinses, should completely cover the items in the vat. 

Milli-Q Synthesis 18.2 MΩ·cm resistivity H2O rinse 

Ethyl Alcohol Rinse (can be used approximately 4 times before disposal) 

Milli-Q Synthesis 18.2 MΩ·cm resistivity H2O rinse - First Rinse 

Milli-Q Synthesis 18.2 MΩ·cm resistivity H2O rinse - Final Rinse 

Above soaks, excluding H2O rinses, use one bottle of liquid. 

TITANIUM

Chemical/Water Time in Liquid

EtOH 1 h to 2 h 

Milli-Q Synthesis 18.2 MΩ·cm resistivity H2O rinse Overnight 

HC)/ H2O (1:10) 1⁄2 h 

HNO3/ H2O (1:10) 1⁄2 h 

Milli-Q Synthesis 18.2 MΩ·cm resistivity H2O rinse 
44 

APPENDIX C 

HOLLINGS MARINE LABORATORY POLICY ON USE OF THE LIQUID NITROGEN FILL STATION 
45 

Hollings Marine Laboratory Policy on Use of the

Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) Fill Station

The liquid nitrogen (LN2) fill station, located at the back of the Hollings Marine Laboratory 

(HML), is available for use to all HML researchers. The fill station is connected to the NISTowned 3,000 gallon LN2 bulk tank. This tank is set up with a telemetry system that is linked 

directly to the LN2 supplier so that when the liquid level falls below a certain point, the supplier 

delivers more LN2 automatically. This is important because the bulk tank provides LN2 to all of 

the freezers located in the Marine Environmental Specimen Bank, ten -80 oC upright freezers, 

and fifteen LN2 vapor-phase freezers. In order to use the fill station, the researcher must obtain a 

code number for the lock on the gate from the HML front desk and follow the procedures below: 

• Use only containers that have been designed and manufactured according to all 

applicable codes and specifications for liquid-nitrogen temperatures and pressures (i.e., 

dewar, shipper, cryogenic tank, cylinder) 

• Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when filling a container. Safety 

glasses or goggles and cryogenic gloves (thermal insulated gloves) shall be worn at all 

times when handling cryogenic liquids or when in the proximity of someone handling 

cryogenic liquids. There should always be a pair of cryo-gloves and a face shield located 

inside of the cage; if that PPE is missing, please contact Rick Meitzler, x8842 or Raluca 

Semeniuc, x8870. 

• Other PPE that must be worn when handling liquid nitrogen includes a long-sleeved 

garment (i.e., shirt or lab coat), long pants, and closed-toed shoes. 

• Individual sets of ear plugs are also provided on the wall next to the fill station. These 

plugs are not required but are provided for your comfort to block the excessive noise that 

comes from the fill hose when filling a container or to protect your ears if there is a valve 

leak. 

• To fill an open container, remove the fill line (hose) from the left polyvinyl chloride 

(PVC) pipe that is attached to the wall. The fill lines should always have a diffuser on 

the end of it, if it does not, contact Rick Meitzler, x8842 and/or Cleve Robertson, x8934. 

Place the fill line in the container and open the top valve. It will take several minutes for 

the nitrogen gas to be vented from the fill line. The fill line will dispense liquid after the 

gas has been pushed through and the piping and fill line are at the proper temperatures. 

Someone must be in attendance at the fill station at all times during the transfer operation. 

• To fill a closed container, remove the fill line (hose) from the right PVC pipe that is 

attached to the wall, this fill line does not have a diffuser on the end of it. Then follow 

the instructions that were provided by the manufacturer for your closed container of 

choice. 

 

For problems with the fill station immediately contact: 

Rebecca Pugh (x8952) or 

Cleve Robertson (x8934) 

HML Liquid Nitrogen Fill Station
46 

APPENDIX D 

HOLLINGS MARINE LABORATORY SAFETY MANUALS AND FORMS 

Chemical Hygiene Plan 

Emergency Preparedness Plan 

Job Hazard Analysis Form 

Chemical Inventory for Rooms C103 and C104 
CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN

HOLLINGS MARINE LABORATORY

CHARLESTON, SC

National Ocean Service 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

Department of Commerce 

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 

Medical University of South Carolina 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

University of Charleston 

November 2006, Revision F 
ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page # 

INTRODUCTION 1 

I. PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES 3 

 A. ALL LABORATORY STAFF 

 B. SAFETY COMMITTEE 

 C. LABORATORY SUPERVISOR 

 D. LABORATORY DIRECTOR 

II. RULES FOR SAFE PRACTICE 5 

 A. GENERAL SAFETY 5 

1. Fundamental Rules 

2. Safety Equipment 

3. Fire Regulations & Extinguishers 

4. Lighting & Noise Levels 

5. Electrical & Thermal Equipment 

6. Centrifuges 

7. Pipetting 

B. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND DEFINITIONS 10 

1. Flammable Liquids 

2. Corrosive Chemicals 

3. Explosive Chemicals 

4. Toxic Chemicals 

5. Compressed Gases 

C. GENERAL HANDLING & STORAGE 12 

1. Flammable Chemicals 

2. Corrosive Chemicals 

3. Explosive Chemicals 

4. Toxic Chemicals & Unknown Toxicity 

5. Carcinogenic Chemicals 

6. Compressed Gases 

D. GENERAL HANDLING OF SPILLS 18 

E. CHEMICAL EXPOSURES 20 

F. WASTE DISPOSAL 21 

III. INFORMATION AND TRAINING 26 

A. INFORMATION PROGRAM OUTLINE / EXPOSURE LIMITS 

B. TRAINING PROGRAM PARAMETERS 

IV. CRITERIA FOR CONTROL MEASURES 27 

A. SPECIFIC HANDLING PRACTICES 

B. PERSONNEL PROTECTION 

C. RECORDS 

D. SIGNS AND LABELS 

E. HOUSEKEEPING 
iii

F. AIR MONITORING 

V. LABORATORY VENTILATION 31 

VI. PRIOR APPROVAL 32 

VII. MEDICAL PROGRAM 32 

A. EXPOSURE MONITORING 

B. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE 

C. MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM 

VIII. CHEMICAL INVENTORIES / LABORATORY SPECIFIC PRACTICES 37 

APPENDICES 39

APPENDIX A 39 

APPENDIX B 40 

APPENDIX C 41 

APPENDIX D 43
1

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the HML Chemical Hygiene Plan is to establish uniform, safe, and efficient 

practices in the laboratories and to assist in the safety instruction of new laboratory employees. 

The contents of the manual are general in nature. Specific problems should be referred to the 

Area Safety Representative or laboratory supervisor. Additional specifics are included in 

Section VIII. 

It is the policy of the HML to do all that is reasonable to prevent injury to persons, and damage 

to property, and to protect the employees, facility, the environment, and the public from injury, 

fire or other damage. In order to achieve these goals the HML has instituted a comprehensive 

safety program. The Director urges the active cooperation and commitment of all branches and 

employees. Ongoing dialogue and feedback is encouraged. HML’s management supports this 

program in its promotion of employee safety and health. Aspects of the overall safety program 

include: 

 • Safety policies and procedures 

 • Incident reporting and investigation 

 • Emergency preparedness 

 • Hazardous materials and hazardous waste management programs 

 • Fire protection 

 • Safety education and training 

These facets of the facility safety program are also incorporated by reference into the Chemical 

Hygiene Plan. 

The employees who work with chemicals bear the primary responsibility for safety on the job, 

not only for themselves but also for fellow employees. They must obey all safety rules; they 

must report unsafe conditions to the Safety Committee, and if they are not certain about proper 

safety procedures, they must consult their supervisors. 

The attitude of the employee is the key to employee and environmental safety. If he/she is 

interested and willing to follow the simple safety rules outlined in this manual, there will be little 

chance of injury or damage from material being handled in the laboratory. 

The Safety Committee and management expect that all laboratory staff from all of the Joint 

Partnership Institutions (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National 

Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 

(SCDNR), Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and College of Charleston (CofC)) 

will live up to the spirit and intent of this manual and make their laboratory a safer and better 

place to work. 
2

CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN

 The following written chemical hygiene plan has been established for the: 

HOLLINGS MARINE LABORATORY

to comply with the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450, Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories 

and other applicable regulations issued by DOC. 

The senior official at this site has primary responsibility for this location’s chemical hygiene 

program. Functional responsibility has been delegated to: 

 To be determined and assigned by each lab user group’s Area Safety Representative (ASR) 

All tenant components at this site are covered by the program as such: NOAA employees, 

MUSC employees, SCDNR employees, NIST employees, and College of Charleston employees 

and all of the above designated representative. 

Upon request, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National 

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) shall have access to this written plan at the 

following location: 

http://hmlintranet/safety/ (the latest version of the plan) and/or in each HML laboratory. 

Familiarize yourself with the plan’s location nearest your lab and list same on your Job Hazard 

Analysis (JHA) posted form. 
3

PART ONE 

PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES

HML has established a chain of command to handle specific safety responsibilities within the 

facility. The HML Safety Committee, in conjunction with individual laboratory supervisors, 

holds primary responsibility for developing and maintaining a safe working environment for 

laboratory workers. 

The responsibilities of various staff positions are described below. 

A. ALL LABORATORY STAFF 

 All laboratory staff is expected to obey the safety rules and to report all unsafe conditions 

and all accidents. Each person working with or around chemicals must be properly trained and is 

responsible for remaining aware of the hazards associated with these chemicals and handling 

them in a safe manner. If there is any doubt as to the specific hazards associated with a material, 

or to the proper method of handling, the employee is expected to ask his or her supervisor or the 

Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Officer for the appropriate information. 

B. SAFETY COMMITTEE 

 The Safety Committee is responsible for overall coordination of safety policies within 

HML including routine inspections. The Safety Committee is chaired by the HML EH&S 

Officer, with member representation from each of the Joint Partnership Institutions 

(NOAA/National Ocean Service (NOS), NIST, SCDNR, MUSC, and CofC). 

C. LABORATORY SUPERVISOR 

1. Provide assistance, information, or instruction to employees regarding safety issues 

identification of hazards or potential hazards, and ensure that adequate supervision is provided. 

2. Provide laboratory employees with information, as applicable, to allow an effective review 

of existing procedures and policies in regard to safety issues. 

3. Ensure that workers comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and that they 

carry out all prescribed safety measures and procedures. 

4. In addition to posting a copy of the Occupational Health and Safety Act poster in a 

conspicuous place in the HML copier/fax room # A-108, post a copy of any OSHA inspection 

reports and responses to orders issued. 

5. Ensure that all equipment, whether leased, rented, or owned outright is maintained in good 

condition. 
4

6. Ensure that proper facilities, equipment, protective devices, or services are provided and 

maintained in good order for safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and biological 

materials or wastes. 

7. Maintain a list of all hazardous materials used in the lab and keep the Chemical Inventory 

List up to date. 

8. Ensure compliance with legislative requirements regarding dangerous drugs, radioactive 

isotopes, hazardous chemicals or reagents, biological materials, or wastes in conjunction with the 

EH&S Officer. 

9. Ensure that workers are familiar with the Chemical Hygiene Plan and comply with all its 

requirements. 

10. Enforce proper procedures in chemical handling, storage, dispensing, and transportation 

within the lab and any related bulk chemical storage rooms, as appropriate. 

11. Ensure that all new employees are properly trained, adequately supervised, and familiarized 

with all aspects of lab safety to ensure adherence to Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) protocols for 

their lab areas. 

12. Be involved in clean-up of significant lab chemical spills and ensure that proper procedures 

and precautions are carried out. Carry out all required reporting of spills or releases. 

13. Ensure that waste is disposed of in an appropriate manner. 

D. LABORATORY DIRECTOR 

Under the OSHA Laboratory Standard, the Laboratory Director of the facility has ultimate 

responsibility for the implementation of this plan and must, with other administrators, provide 

continuing support for institutional chemical hygiene (CFR 1910.1045 OSHA law).
5

PART TWO 

RULES FOR SAFE PRACTICE

A. GENERAL SAFETY

1. Fundamental Rules

a. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or apply cosmetics in the laboratory, as per OSHA 

mandates. 

b. Do not put any objects, i.e., pencils, fingers, swabs, etc. in the mouth, ears, or 

nose. 

c. Do not bring food into the laboratory. Food and beverages are prohibited from lab 

entry. 

d. Mouth pipetting is forbidden. 

e. Keep your lab coat buttoned while working in the laboratory. When leaving the 

laboratory remove your coat and wash your hands. Lab coats should not be worn 

outside of the lab or work area and must be changed at least once a week (more 

frequently if soiled). 

f. Cover all cuts, abrasions, open sores, and bruises with waterproof band aids or 

disposable gloves and report all injuries to your supervisor. 

g. Read all labels and warning signs. Adhere to strict product labeling for all 

laboratory products. 

h. Hair should be tied back, if shoulder length or longer. Jewelry may need to be 

removed if working with machinery or instruments. 

i. Keep the work area tidy and free of unnecessary equipment and materials. 

j. Shoes with open toes or open heels are prohibited in all areas. Full shoe covering 

required. 

k. Conduct only authorized work; no horseplay is permitted to take place in the 

laboratory. 

l. Clean up all spills and leakages immediately. See instructions for clean-up of 

specific spills. 

m. All electrical equipment should be grounded and kept in good condition. 

n. Keep all corridors, doorways, and emergency exits accessible and free from 

hazards. 

o. Acquaint yourself with local procedures in case of fire, accident, explosion, or 

other emergency by learning the layout of your building and the location of the 

emergency exits, telephones, fire fighting equipment (and how it works), and first aid 

equipment. 

p. Eye protection must be worn inside of the laboratories at all times. JHA’s should 

indicate when and what type of eye protection is appropriate for activities within each 

lab. 

WARNING: Employees who wear contact lenses should be aware that fumes 

from concentrated acids and solvents can cause eye irritation and damage to 

lenses. Should eye irritation occur, remove lenses immediately and rinse eyes 

with clean water. 
6

q. Appropriate gloves are recommended when handling any chemicals. Be sure that 

gloves are resistant to the particular material being handled. Such guidance is often 

available on the MSDS for that particular chemical. For questions please contact the 

EH&S Officer at extension 8842. 

r. When it is not practical to wear gloves, extra care should be taken to avoid 

exposure. 

s. Report all injuries, spills, and other releases of hazardous materials to the Lab 

Supervisor and or the Safety Committee Representative. Additionally, notify the 

safety and/or facility offices at extension’s 8808, 8934 & 8842. 

NOTE: Never let reporting interfere with seeking of emergency medical care in 

case of an actual medical emergency.

2. Safety Equipment 

Safety and emergency equipment is an integral and important part of each laboratory. 

This equipment includes fire extinguishers, fire blankets, eyewash fountains, safety 

showers, laboratory hoods, laboratory sinks, and first-aid and spill kits. 

 Safety Equipment required for a general laboratory includes: 

 

1. Eye Wash Fountains 

An eyewash fountain should be capable of providing a gentle stream or spray of 

aerated water for an extended period of time, usually 15 minutes, although 30 minutes 

may be required. The minimum flow rate should be at least 1.5 liters per minute for 

15 minutes. 

The eyewash should be located as close to the safety shower as possible, so that the 

eyes may be rinsed while the body is being showered. Plumbed eyewash units must 

be activated weekly to flush the line and to verify proper operation. 

 

2. Safety Showers 

Safety showers are for immediate first-aid treatment of personnel contaminated with 

hazardous materials and for extinguishing clothing fires. Every laboratory worker 

should be familiar with the location and proper operation of safety showers. Each 

shower must be activated weekly (where drains are installed) to flush the line and to 

verify proper operation. The certification card should be inspected to ensure showers 

have been tested in the last 30 days. 

The shower should be equipped with a quick-opening valve that can remain open 

without being held and requires manual closing. The minimum recommended time of 

operation is 15 minutes. 

 

3. Laboratory Fume Hoods 

When properly used, laboratory hoods can act as a barrier between the laboratory 

worker and potential hazards, such as chemical splashes, fires, and minor explosions. 

 

4. Laboratory Sinks 

The laboratory sink is essential for safety in the laboratory. Employees must wash 
7

their hands with soap and water after removal of gloves, before leaving the 

laboratory. 

 

5. First Aid Kits 

A first aid kit should be clearly marked and available to all laboratory workers. The 

kit should be inspected periodically and the contents replenished as needed. An 

attached tag or sticker can serve as documentation of inspection. 

 

6. Spill Clean-Up Kit (kept in the HML hallways for shared use) 

Suggested Items for Small-Spill Kit: 

• Safety goggles 

• Lab coat 

• Heavy gloves appropriate for the material (see MSDS sheets for information) 

• 5 gallon plastic bucket 

• Small bag of absorbent (kitty litter) 

• Acid/Base neutralization materials: 

 Acid spill - sodium bicarbonate 

Base spill - monosodium phosphate 

• Small broom and dustpan 

 

 7. Fire Extinguishers (See #3 below). 

3. Fire Regulations & Extinguishers 

a. Fire extinguishers - 5 lbs. (2.5 kg) dry-chemical type (at least 10BC rating) 

suitable for class ABC fires except in areas containing machinery with integrated 

circuits. These areas should have a CO2-type extinguisher. Placement should be at 

the exit of each room, or as required, permanently mounted to a wall, cupboard, or 

similar. There should be approximately one extinguisher located every 30 feet (9.144 

m) with discretion used in sharing between one or more rooms. The above outline is 

provided only as a general guide. Please refer to 29 CFR 1910.157 and/or Fire 

Prevention Code regulations to verify compliance with requirements. To report a fire 

incident in HML dial 9 - 911. 

NOTE: HML is a fully automated fire sprinkler facility. 

b. Fire blankets - Should be available in areas containing open flames, flammable 

liquids, flammable gases, and corrosive chemicals rated as fire hazards. Blankets 

should be located at exits or adjacent to fire extinguishers. Travel routes should be 

free from obstruction and travel distance no greater than 70 feet (21.34 m). Learn the 

location of your nearest fire blanket in HML.

c. Safety cans - flammable chemicals > 4 gallons (15.1 L) should be kept in ULapproved safety containers having a spring-loaded cap and a flame arrester. 

d. Safety pumps - must be used when dispensing from containers larger than 5 

gallons (18.9 L). 

NOTE: Safety pumps with flame arresters are required when dispensing 

flammable materials from a metal container to a metal container.
8

e. Flammable storage cabinets - for storage of flammable or combustible liquids 

only. Do not store corrosive materials in these cabinets. 

4. Lighting and Noise Levels

a. Lighting - it is essential that each work area have sufficient lighting. 

b. Noise levels - should not exceed those recommended by OSHA, generally 85 dB. 

If the noise level is in excess of the standard, efforts must be made to reduce the level. 

(Possible solutions are: enclosing noisy equipment, acoustical treatment of walls or 

ceiling, vibration damping of noisy machines, replacing metal-metal contact with 

synthetic material-material contact). For a noise determination survey contact the 

EH&S Officer at extension # 8842. 

 

 A. Electrical Equipment 

a. Always read the instructions before attempting to assemble apparatus or to 

operate it. 

b. All equipment must be UL approved and have three-prong plugs. 

c. Do not use cords with worn insulation. Replace connections immediately when 

there is any sign of thinning insulation.

d. Make sure the prongs are dry before plugging into any circuit. 

e. Electrical units which are to be operated in an area where flammable vapors 

may be present should be explosion proof. 

f. Disconnect all electrical equipment before servicing. Electrical service supply 

should be well grounded with adequate circuit protection. 

g. Bench tops made of conducting material (e.g. stainless steel) should be 

grounded. 

h. No connections to the main service lines should be made by anyone but a 

licensed electrician. 

i. Multiple adapters that can lead to overloading and bad connections should 

never be used. 

j. Fuses or circuit breakers of the correct rating should be used on all equipment 

at all times but "ground" connections must never be fused. 

k. Labs should have sufficient outlets, suitably spaced to allow for convenient 

connection of each item of electrical equipment likely to be used at one time.

The following signals are indicative of electrical hazards and should be 

corrected if found: 

• Shock received when touching any part of electrical equipment. 

• Power receptacles that are the non-grounded type (two-wire instead of 

three-wire) or are cracked or do not hold the plug securely. 
9

• Power plugs having only two prongs that are connected to a receptacle 

through a "cheater" (grounding plug to non-grounded receptacle adapter) or 

have bent or broken prongs. 

• Power cords that are frayed, burned, nicked, cracked, or otherwise 

damaged or are so short that they require an extension cord. Power cords 

having lengths in excess of the distance between the equipment and the 

electrical outlet must be neatly coiled. Power cords running across the floor 

where personnel must walk are a hazard and are not permitted. 

• Equipment that is dirty or shows evidence of fluid spillages or has been 

obviously damaged. 

• Multiple electrical equipment attached to an adaptor. 

• Electrical noise shown on meter readings, scope patterns, and strip chart 

recorder traces making them difficult or impossible to read. 

• Wet or moist surfaces on electrical equipment. Ground fault circuit 

interrupter (GFCI) circuits that buzz or trip regularly. 

B. Thermal Equipment 

a. Heating baths - be sure the thermoregulator works properly. Water baths 

must be checked daily for temperature and water level. 

b. Autoclaves/ovens - avoid steam and heat burns by being familiar with good 

operating techniques. 

c. Outlets 

 1) Should be checked for grounding using a circuit tester every three (3) 

months by the Safety Team as part of routine laboratory inspection. Call ext. 8808 

if questions or need testing sooner. 

NOTE: Electrical Shock - Turn off electricity first. If the patient is not breathing, 

phone for emergency assistance dial 9-911 and, if trained, begin CPR 

immediately.

6. Centrifuges

 Centrifuges should be securely anchored either by strong suction cups or wheel 

brakes and should be located where vibration will not cause items to fall off nearby 

shelves. 

 Any centrifuge that does not have an interlocking device to prevent: 

• The lid from being opened while the centrifuge is still in motion and; 

• The head from spinning while the lid is open. 

must have a sign affixed to it or near it stating: 

"DO NOT OPEN LID WHILE CENTRIFUGE HEAD IS IN MOTION."

Centrifuges are dangerous unless operated correctly; therefore, the following procedures 

should be strictly followed: 
10

a. Balancing 

Accessories and contents should be carefully balanced and the load distributed 

symmetrically around the head before starting. Containers should be the right size for 

swing out heads; buckets must always be properly seated in the heads. 

b. Starting and Stopping 

The lid must be closed before use and remain closed until the head has stopped 

rotating. Changes in speed should be made gradually so as not to destroy the motor 

and the maximum speed recommended must not be exceeded. The centrifuge must 

be stopped by turning the speed control knob (rheostat) to zero.

c. Breakage 

When a breakage occurs, at least 10 minutes (preferably 30) should be allowed for 

aerosols and droplets to settle before clean-up is attempted. If practical, the buckets, 

broken tube(s) and contents, trunnions, and head should be autoclaved or immersed in 

100% Lysol® for 10 minutes. Decontaminate the inside of the bowl with Lysol, 

allowing 10 minutes for disinfection, rinse with water and allow to dry, then 

reassemble for use. Disposable gloves and respirator should be worn for clean-up 

procedure. Daily cleaning of the inside of the centrifuge bucket with Lysol is 

recommended. Immediate clean up of any blood splattered inside the centrifuge is a 

must. The unit should be unplugged before cleaning to avoid electrical shock. 

7. Pipetting

Mouth pipetting is prohibited. The use of safety bulbs and other mechanical pipettors is 

mandatory. A disposable wipe should be used to remove excess fluids from the tip of a 

pipette. Fluid should not be drawn up to the top of the pipette. Contents should be 

expelled gently down the wall of the receptacle to avoid splashing and aerosol formation. 

Soiled pipettes should never be placed on benches but placed gently into hypochlorite 

solution with tips down and cotton plugs removed, the pipette being completely 

immersed. 

B. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND DEFINITIONS

1. Flammable Liquids

Since flammable liquids can be found in most laboratories, knowledge of the properties 

of flammable liquids is important for all laboratory personnel. Flammable liquids are 

volatile, and it is the vapor of these flammable chemicals, not the liquid, which ignites 

and burns. The vapors are often heavier than air and tend to settle on the floor and to 

flow down stairways, air ducts, elevator shafts, etc. Frequently, ignition of this vapor 

trail with its resultant flashback can occur at some distance from the source of the vapor. 

Common sources of ignition are electrical equipment, open flames, hot surfaces, 

cigarettes, and static electricity, etc. Since flammable liquids such as carbon disulfide are 

immiscible in and denser than water, they can settle in the bottom of drains, e.g. the U 

section of a sink drain, and be ignited not only by the above sources of ignition, but also 

by certain chemicals such as perchloric and nitric acid. 
11

NOTE: To report a fire, call 9-911 or pull an alarm box located at the 

Emergency Exit egress in the HML corridors. 

Certain flammable solvents such as ethyl ether, isopropyl ether, dioxane, and 

tetrahydorfuran will form peroxides, which explode if allowed to concentrate by 

evaporation or by distillation. Improper handling of most flammable liquids can lead to 

health hazards - skin reactions and inhalation illnesses. 

The meaning of certain words should be understood by everyone who works with 

flammable chemicals: 

a. Flammable liquid is a liquid that has a flash point of less than 37.8 o

C, e.g. acetone, 

ethyl alcohol, and xylene. 

b. Combustible liquid has a flash point equal to or greater than 37.8 o

C but not 

exceeding 93.3 o

C, e.g., fuel oil, kerosene and varsol. 

c. Flash point is the temperature at which a liquid gives off vapors sufficient to form an 

ignitable mixture with the air near the surface of the liquid. For example, the flash 

points of acetone, diethyl ether, and xylene are approximately -15 o

C, -45 oC and 24 o

C respectively. A good source for flash point information is NFPA 325M (National 

Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA). Each MSDS also has 

data. 

d. Ignition temperature is the temperature to which a mixture must be raised to initiate 

combustion. Only a small part of a flammable vapor-air mixture need be heated to 

the ignition temperature to result in self-sustained combustion. A static electric spark 

lasting only a fraction of a second is sufficient. Some organic solvents have 

dangerously low ignition temperatures, e.g., diethyl ether 185 oC; carbon disulfide 

100 oC, etc. 

A type-B portable fire extinguisher is the extinguisher of choice for putting out fires 

involving flammable solvents. The discharge should be directed at the base of the fire, 

but care must be exercised not to spread the burning flammable liquid. ABC-rated 

extinguishers are also used for such fires universally. All extinguishers at HML are ABC 

rated and hands-on training is available through the Safety Office on a regular basis. 

(Contact ext. # 8842). 

2. Corrosive Chemicals

Concentrated acids and bases must be added to water to minimize the possibility that the 

heat of reaction will cause eruption of the corrosive. Never add water to a concentrated 

acid or base as the water will layer on the top of the more densely concentrated acid or 

base. The extreme heat produced may boil and project the upper layer. Since the fumes 

of concentrated corrosives can cause severe external and internal burns, these solutions 

should be handled in a fumehood with the employee wearing rubber gloves, rubber 

apron, and safety glasses. If a spill occurs, neutralize spills of concentrated acid with dry 

sodium carbonate or bicarbonate, and neutralize spills of concentrated alkali with citric or 

boric acid. Keep a supply on hand. 

Drips of acids or alkalis on the sides of containers are best cleaned off with paper towels. 

Plastic stoppers are better than glass stoppers for glass bottles holding an alkaline 
12

solution. Alkalis tend to bind glass to glass making it sometimes impossible to remove a 

glass stopper. For safe transportation of corrosives, protective packaging should be used. 

When a corrosive chemical is to be disposed of, it should first be neutralized before being 

flushed down the drain with large volumes of water. Disposal must be in compliance 

with waste disposal policies as well as state and local regulations. 

3. Explosive Chemicals 

Explosive chemicals are those chemicals which have a higher propensity to explode 

under a given set of circumstances (extreme heat, pressure, mixture with an incompatible 

chemical, etc.) than other chemicals. MSDSs are a good resource for this determination. 

4. Toxic Chemicals 

Several toxic chemicals are commonly used in the laboratory at HML. It is best to 

review the Material Safety Data Sheet prior to handling new chemicals introduced to the 

laboratory. For additional information and special details concerning materials suspected 

of being toxic or otherwise having potential harm consult the EH&S Officer or the 

Laboratory Supervisor. 

5. Compressed Gases 

A compressed gas is defined as a gas having pressure in the container of 40 psi 

(275,790.3 pascal) or greater at 70 oC. Also, any flammable liquid having a Reid vapor 

pressure exceeding 40 psi (275,790.3 Pa) at 38 oC is classified as a compressed gas. (The 

regulations define the minimum pressure but not the maximum pressure in a cylinder that 

can be above 6000 psi (41,368,543.68 Pa) for non-condensable gases.) 

The gas pressure within a cylinder depends on its physical state. For example, 

"permanent" gases exert a pressure proportional to the amount of gas in the cylinder; 

while gases that are liquefied in the cylinder, e.g., carbon dioxide, propane, ammonia, 

etc., exert vapor pressure as long as liquid remains. 

1. Flammable Chemicals

 A) NO SMOKING 

 B) Know the location of and the proper use of each type of fire extinguisher in your area. 

Flammable liquids must not be stored in domestic-type refrigerators; an explosion may 

result. To report a fire call 9-911 when in HML. 

a. Flammable liquids in glass are best stored in approved storage cabinets. They should 

never be stored with oxidizing agents, e.g., nitric, perchloric, and sulfuric acids. 

Safety cans should be used whenever possible but should not be subjected to extreme 

changes in pressure or temperature. If there is any sign of a vapor or liquid leak, 

transfer the liquid to another approved container. 

b. After opening of container, flammable liquids in excess of 4 liters must be stored in 

safety cans or safety cabinets. One liter glass bottles or smaller should be used when 

contamination from the safety can may interfere with analytical or clinical results. 

Safety cans with a spring-action cover have five important functions: 
13

a. Pressure relief valve; 

b. To prevent leakage or spillage if the can is dropped; 

c. To minimize vapor escape; 

d. To prevent a fire from entering a safety can; and 

e. To smother a fire inside the safety can. 

Normally, this cover should prevent leakage of a liquid when the safety can is 

inverted. Safety cans should not be stored in closed compartments that are subject to 

extreme changes in pressure or in temperature. The pressure release feature of a 

safety can may cause flammable vapors to leak into the closed compartment. The 

purpose of the flame arrester is to prevent propagation of a flame into a safety can and 

ignition of the vapors inside the can. 

c. The glass bottles should never be more than 75% full; leaving a vapor space of at 

least 25% for expansion. 

d. When dispensing flammable liquids (metal-metal), the dispensing container and 

safety can must be well grounded and bonded. 

e. Static electricity is generated when liquids, especially flammable liquids, move in 

contact with other materials, e.g., pouring, pumping, etc. If the static electric charge 

becomes sufficiently great, a spark can occur from one metal container to the other 

container and ignite the vapor-air mixture. Good wire-metal electrical contacts must 

be made. The purpose of the bonding is to minimize the potential differences 

between the dispensing drum and the safety can; grounding is to minimize the 

potential differences between the containers and the ground. 

f. 500 mL is the maximum recommended volume of any type of flammable liquid that 

should be stored on a laboratory shelf. 

g. All containers must be well labeled. No abbreviations are permitted; use the common 

name of the chemical product as listed on the MSDS sheet. 

h. Flammable liquids should never be heated with an open flame, hot plate, or 

uninsulated resistance heater. The preferred sources of heating are a heating mantle, 

steam bath, or hot water bath. Know your pre-planned emergency actions just in case. 

i. When shaking flammable liquids in closed containers, e.g., separatory funnels, 

release the pressure frequently or the stopper may be forced out and the worker will 

be sprayed with the chemical. 

j. All spills must be cleaned up immediately. 

k. Flammable liquids must not be exposed to potential sources of ignition, e.g., electric 

motors, Bunsen burner flames, bacticinerators, etc. 

l. OSHA-approved fume hoods with explosion-proof fans should be used where 

possible when handling volatile substances, e.g., for organic solvent extractions. 

m. Keep inventory control of all flammable chemicals in the laboratory and storage 

areas. 

n. The maximum amount of flammable liquid that may be stored at any one time in a 

location is 235 liters. Liquids may be stored in vented UL-approved safety cabinets 

or in sealed containers of no more than 23 liters capacity each. (Sealed means closed 

by a lid or other device from which no liquid will escape at normal room temperature 

and which has not been opened since it has been filled and sealed by the supplier). 

o. Flammable or combustible liquids should never be stored in a basement or below 

ground. 
14

2. Corrosive Chemicals

a. Before transporting a carboy of acid or base, check to make certain the neck of the 

bottle is not broken. Use proper transport containers or Department of Transportation 

(DOT) legal secondary transport containers. 

b. Never store strong acids with bases or either of the two with flammable liquids or 

oxidizing chemicals. Perchloric acid should be stored by itself. Keep sealed when 

not in use. Corrosive chemicals are best stored in special ventilated cabinets. 

c. On-site storage of corrosives should be limited in quantity. 

d. All acid or alkali solutions must be clearly labeled. Glass containers storing alkaline 

solutions should have plastic rather than glass stoppers as alkali tends to bind glass. 

e. Strong acids or bases should be handled in fumehoods with glass partitions lowered 

to provide protection to hands and face. Bottles should be placed in a sink with 

absorbent cloth or towel covering the neck when opening. 

f. Safety glasses, rubber aprons, rubber gloves, and lab coats are necessary when 

handling concentrated acids or alkalis. 

g. Never add water to acids or alkalis; always add a concentrated acid or base to water, a 

small portion at a time. Using moist paper towels clean off any acid or alkali drips 

remaining on the outside of a container. Pour with container below eye level to avoid 

eye injury and with label up to avoid drips contaminating the label. 

h. Neutralize spills of concentrated acid with sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate 

and neutralize spills of concentrated alkali with monosodium phosphate. 

i. Ensure all glassware used to hold corrosive chemicals is well rinsed with water before 

sending to wash-up. 

NOTE: ACID AND ALKALI BURNS - The burned areas must be washed with large volumes 

of water, for a period of five times longer than is necessary to stop the burning sensation. The 

area must then be covered with sterile dressing and then aluminum foil or plastic wrap to 

prevent exposure to air. 

No ointments, creams, baking soda, or other substances should be applied. Severe burns 

should be examined by a physician. An incident report shall be filed using the HML facility's 

incident report form.

3. Explosive Chemicals 

a) Ethers 

Ethyl ether is a highly volatile and flammable solvent requiring special storage and 

disposal procedures. With exposure to air, peroxides will form. When the peroxides 

are concentrated by evaporation of the ether, an explosion will occur. 

Isopropyl ether and other ethers also form peroxides readily. The following 

precautions must be adhered to: 

• Ethyl Ether is preferably obtained in metal cans, and stored in safety containers as 

opposed to glass bottles. 

• All opened bottles must be dated when opened and expiration date sealed. 

• "Inhibited" grades, i.e., containing small amounts of water or alcohol, can be used 

longer (no more than 6 months) than the pure "non-inhibited" grade which must be 

disposed of within a few weeks following exposure to air. The latter often contains 

butylated hydroxytoluene. 
15

• It is not advisable to leave a container around with very little ether left in it. Such 

containers must be promptly disposed of to minimize the risk of explosion. Empty 

containers will be picked up by HML’s hazardous waste contractor. 

• Store all ether cans in a cool place and away from direct heat and sunlight. 

Explosion-proof refrigerators only may be used. 

• Stabilization of peroxided ether: 

• To the container add approximately 100 mL of a 5% ferrous sulfate solution 

for each liter of ether. For smaller volumes adjust the amount accordingly, 

i.e., 1 mL 5% ferrous sulfate solution for each 10 mL ether. 

• Mix (do not shake) 

4. Toxic Chemicals and Unknown Toxicity

If there is any uncertainty about the hazards of a chemical, contact the Area Safety 

Representative or Laboratory Supervisor. 

Chemicals of special interest are shown below:

a. Azide Solutions - Sodium azide is a preservative commonly used in many in vitro 

diagnostic products. Continual discharge of wastes into drains can bathe the drain 

pipeline with solutions of sodium azide and therefore is not permitted. Over a period of 

time, the azide reacts with copper, lead, brass, or solder in the plumbing system to form 

an accumulation of lead and/or copper azide. Both of these compounds are extremely 

explosive. Solutions containing sodium azide should not be discharged down drains. 

b. Cyanide - Avoid contact of cyanide solutions with acids. Acids react with cyanides 

to produce hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid) vapor which is potentially lethal. 

c. Mercury - Mercury is extremely toxic. Every laboratory should do a mercury 

assessment and include it as part of the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Mercury should be 

stored in plastic, air-tight containers, away from direct heat or sunlight, and at as low an 

ambient temperature as possible. Contact the HML EH&S Officer if you have or use 

mercury containing products at HML. (We are eliminating mercury use in labs, contact 

ext 8842). 

d. Pesticides - Pesticides are neurotoxic agents and are highly toxic. Any laboratory 

using pesticides should conduct a pesticide assessment and include it as part of the 

Chemical Hygiene Plan. This plan should address appropriate storage conditions for 

pesticide stocks and disposal of spent wastes. 

NOTE: Contact the Lab Supervisor and/or the EH&S Officer for proper clea- up procedures 

if a spill occurs. (If in doubt, always contact for clarification and proper disposal verification). 

5. Carcinogenic Chemicals

Currently regulated by OSHA as carcinogenic: 

2-Acetylaminofluorene 

4-Aminodiphenyl 

Benzene 

Bis-chloromethyl ether 

3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine (+ salts) 

Ethylene oxide 

Acrylonitrile 

Asbestos 

Benzidine 

1,2-Dibromo-3-

chloropropane 

4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene 
16

Inorganic arsenic 

a- Naphthylamine 

4-Nitrobiphenyl 

B-Propiolactone 

Ethyleneimine 

Methyl chloromethyl ether 

b- Naphthylamine 

N-Nitrosodimethylamine 

Vinyl chloride 

Other recognized carcinogens: 

Analgesics with Phenacetin 

Myleran 

Chromium and certain compounds 

Cyclophosphamide 

Melphalan 

Mustard gas 

Azathioprine 

Chlorambucil 

Conjugated estrogens 

Diethylstilbestrol 

PUVA (Methoxsalen with 

Ultraviolet A Therapy) 

Thorium dioxide 

Suspected carcinogens: 

Adriamycin 

2-Aminoanthraquinone 

1-Amino-2-methylanthraquinone 

o-Anisidine hydrochloride 

Beryllium and some compounds 

1,3 Butadiene 

Carbon tetrachloride 

Chlorinated paraffins 

1-(2-Chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-

nitrosourea 

4-Chloro-o-phenylenediamine 

p-Cresidine 

Dacarbazine 

2,4-Diaminoanisole sulfate 

1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane 

1,4-Dichlorobenzene 

3,3'-dichlorobenzidine HCL 

Methylene chloride 

Diepoxybutane 

Diethyl sulfate 

3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine 

Dimethylcarbamoyl chloride 

Dimethyl sulfate 

1,4-Dioxane 

Direct blue 6 

Estrogens (not conjugated) 

Ethylene oxide 

Formaldehyde gas 

Aflatoxins 

o-Aminoazotoluene 

Amitrole 

Benzotrichloride 

Bischloroethyl nitrosourea 

Cadmium and some compounds 

Chlorendic acid 

Chloroform 

3-Chloro-2-methylpropene 

C.I. Basic red 9 mono HCL 

Cupferron 

1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(pchlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) 

2,4 Diaminotoluene 

1,2 Dibromoethane 

3,3'-dichlorobenzidine 

1,2-Dichloroethane 

1,3-Dichloropropene 

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate 

Diglycidyl resorcinol ether 

3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine 

1,1-Dimethylhydrazine 

Dimethylvinyl chloride 

Direct black 38 

Epichlorohydrin 

Ethyl acrylate 

Ethylene thiourea 

Hexachlorobenzene 
17

Carcinogenic materials should always be handled with care. Use protective equipment 

such as gloves when handling, and avoid breathing vapors. 

6. Compressed Gases (e thru u)

e. The cylinder contents must be clearly identifiable. 

f. Cylinders must be handled carefully and not rolled, slid, or dropped; large cylinders 

should be transported on a wheeled cart; do not lift a cylinder by its cap. 

g. Cylinders must always be securely fastened whether in storage, transit or use. 

h. The cylinder valves must not be tampered with. Never force connections or use 

homemade adapters. Use only approved equipment. Never repair or alter cylinders, 

valves, or safety relief devices. 

i. Compressed gas cylinders should only be used with a regulator. Close the cylinder 

valve when the compressed gas is not being used. 

j. When a compressed gas cylinder is "empty", turn off the cylinder valve and label the 

cylinder as "empty". Store separately from full cylinders. Current cylinder status 

tags must be attached to the tanks at all times. 

k. Compressed gas cylinders should be stored in well-ventilated areas away from 

ignition sources, heat, flame, and flammable chemicals. Cylinders should never be 

artificially cooled. Cylinders must never be placed where they can become part of an 

electrical circuit. 

l. Never completely empty a compressed gas cylinder. 

m. Empty gas cylinders must never be refilled on laboratory premises. Never attempt to 

mix gases in cylinders. 

n. If a gas cylinder leaks, close the valve and clearly identify the cylinder as unusable 

and hazardous. Remove the cylinder outdoors to a well-ventilated location away 

from possible sources of ignition if the gas is flammable. Contact the supplier. 

o. The protective caps should be kept on the cylinders at all times except when the 

cylinders are in active use. 

p. Avoid using a wrench on valves equipped with hand wheels. Never hammer a valve 

to open or to close it. 

q. Use only soapy water to check for gas leaks. Extended lines must be marked every 8 

feet. 

r. It is best not to store cylinders containing flammable gases with oxygen cylinders. 

They should be separated by a minimum of 20 feet (609.6 cm). 

s. Hydrogen should be handled with care as it ignites easily. 

t. Compressed air tanks should have an air pressure of less than 30 pounds per square 

inch (206,842.7184 Pa). 

u. Small propane fuel tanks when exhausted are not to be refilled and should be 

disposed of according to the facility hazardous waste disposal plan.
18

D. GENERAL HANDLING OF SPILLS

 

 All spills should be promptly evaluated to determine the following: 

1. What is the material, and what are the hazards? 

2. Does the employee have the ability to handle the problem? 

3. Is there a risk to other employees? 

 For any spill, regardless of its size or type of chemical involved, first alert fellow 

employees and visitors that a spill has occurred. If extreme danger is present due to 

flammability and/or noxious fumes, evacuate all personnel from the affected area. Secure 

the area if necessary. 

 Before attempting to contain or clean up a chemical spill, determine the appropriate 

level of protective equipment required and put it on! Appropriate protection might 

include safety goggles, apron, gloves, and/or respiratory protection. Next, determine the 

appropriate method of handling by reviewing the Material Safety Data Sheet, label, or 

other source of information. 

 Spillages of organic solvents, acids, or alkali are effectively cleaned up with "Spill 

Control Pillows". These pillows contain highly absorbent silica which is capable of 

retaining up to 1 liter of liquid. Be aware that these pillows do not reduce the toxicity or 

flammability hazard of the material - they are to absorb the material and prevent further 

spreading. Strong oxidizing acids will destroy the pillow fabric. Some chemicals, e.g., 

strong acids, will have to be neutralized or diluted before they can be absorbed onto the 

pillow. 

Clean Up Procedure

i. Initiate any appropriate action to prevent a larger problem. If the liquid is flammable, 

all sources of ignition (electrical, open flame) must be shut off. To reduce irritant 

vapors the area of the spill should be well ventilated. 

ii. Alert all staff to avoid area of spill. 

iii. Wear protective clothing when cleaning up spill (chemical resistant gloves, eye 

protection, respirator, etc. based on the specific hazards of the material). 

iv. Determine the volume of the spill. For each liter of liquid spilled use one Spill 

Control Pillow. Large spills with flowing liquid should be diked to prevent further 

spread. Small spills (under 100 mL) can be easily handled with absorbent paper 

towels and copious rinsing with water. 

v. Clean-up. Press the pillow into the spill and allow absorbent action of the silica to 

absorb the spill. Do not use a "wiping" action to clean-up the spill. 

vi. Disposal. Spill Control Pillows cannot be re-used or used to clean up spills of 

different solvent as violent chemical reactions can occur. Used pillows should be 

containerized, placed in a appropriate container, labeled, and held for disposal. 

vii. Decontamination. Rinse the area with water and dry. Check yourself to determine 

whether or not you have spilled any chemical on yourself or your clothing. If so, 

discard clothing or clean as appropriate. After the area is clean and fumes have 

dissipated, evacuated personnel may return to the room and normal operations may 

resume. 
19

Note the following special precautions: 

a) Acid and Alkalis - Spill Control Pillows do not neutralize acid or alkali. It is 

important to first neutralize acid spills with dry sodium carbonate (or 

bicarbonate).Neutralize alkali spills with boric acid. Add until bubbling ceases. 

Flush with copious amounts of water. 

b) Organic Solvents 

As the Spill Control Pillow does not eliminate the fire hazard associated with organic 

solvents it is recommended that the Pillows be placed in a fume hood until they can 

be properly containerized prior to disposal. 

c) Mercury 

Spills of mercury must be cleaned up immediately to prevent toxic vapors from 

entering the air and to prevent contamination of surface or water systems by large or 

microscopic droplets. If traces of mercury are left in laboratories as the result of 

mercury spills, worker health can be affected over a period of time. In areas of spills, 

mercury vapor in the air can exceed 20 mg/m3

 (threshold limit values (T.L.V.) is 0.05 

mg/m3

) depending on the conditions in the lab and the amount spilled. 

It is recommended that each branch with equipment containing mercury stock a 

Mercury Spill Control Kit. In addition, all other locations should stock Mercury 

Absorbent Sponges to handle small spills. 

The Mercury Spill Control Kit contains: 

• A hand operated suction pump to pick up large quantities of mercury. 

• Mercury absorbent sponges for swabbing up small particles from benches, floors, and 

other smooth surfaces. 

• An absorbent powder that reacts with mercury to form a harmless amalgam. This 

powder is suited for collecting mercury from rugs, crevices and other poorly 

accessible areas. If additional supply is needed, it can be made by mixing equal 

parts of zinc powder and sulfur powder. 

• Protective eye glasses. 

• Plastic, disposal bag. 

Large Spills (>1 lb. (0.4535924 kg)) - Wear protective plastic gloves, respirator, and 

chemical-resistant clothing. Use the suction pump to pick up puddles and 

droplets of mercury. For efficient operation of the pump, keep the reservoir at 

about the same level as the spill. The stainless steel adapter tube is useful for 

picking up mercury droplets in crevices. Transfer all mercury in the reservoir to 

a plastic container with a screw cap. Seal tightly and label "Waste Mercury". 

After removal of large mercury droplets with the suction pump, use either the 

sponges or the powder to complete clean-up (see below). 

Small Spills - On flat surfaces use the mercury absorbent sponges. Dampen the sponge 

and slowly wipe the contaminated area. Allow for complete absorption of all 

free mercury. Return the used sponge to its plastic bag, seal tightly, and label 

"Mercury Waste". Waste material should be held for disposal according to the 
20

facility Waste Disposal Plan. For spills that are difficult to access, sprinkle the 

contaminated area with a fine layer of the mercury absorbent powder. Overlay 

the powder with wet paper towels to moisten the powder. Allow 10 to 15 

minutes for the mercury to react with the powder and form an amalgam. As the 

amalgam lowers the vapor pressure of mercury, it can then be cleaned up by 

conventional means (e.g., a vacuum cleaner) and disposed with the routine 

waste. 

E. CHEMICAL EXPOSURES

CHEMICAL BURNS 

If you witness or are made aware of an accident where an individual receives a chemical 

burn: 

1. Remove the individual from chemical contact as promptly and completely as 

possible. Contaminated clothing should be removed immediately. 

2. The affected area should be flushed with water by emergency shower, face flush, or 

whatever means is quickly available. If the individual is wearing safety goggles, do not 

remove them until the face area has been flushed. When chemical is splashed in the eyes, 

the lids should be forcibly held apart so that the entire surface of the eye is flushed. 

3. Do not use neutralizing agents, buffering agents, or chemical antidotes. 

4. When the affected area has been flushed extensively, the employee should be taken to 

the emergency unit. If a stretcher is necessary to transport the employee, call 9-911 for 

an ambulance. 

5. The Supervisor, if not present, should be contacted immediately. 

CHEMICAL INHALATION

When an individual inhales chemical gases, vapors, fumes, or mists and exhibits any 

symptoms of adverse exposure: 

a. Remove the victim from exposure immediately. If located in a confined space or the 

chemical is irritating, a gas mask or Scott Air Pack should be used in the rescue and is 

located in room E112. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THIS EQUIPMENT UNLESS 

YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED IN ITS PROPER USE. Inform a supervisor immediately 

if assistance is required. Dial 9-911 for emergency assistance. 

b. Dilute the concentration of the material in air by opening windows and nearby laboratory 

hoods. 

c. Keep the victim warm and lying down. 

d. If the victim has stopped breathing, begin artificial respiration. CPR 

(CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION) SHOULD ONLY BE ADMINISTERED 

BY CERTIFIED PERSONNEL). Select someone to dial 9-911 for an EMS ambulance. 
21

e. If the victim has not stopped breathing, they should be taken to the Emergency Unit for 

additional medical treatment. If a stretcher is needed, call 9-911. 

f. The source of the chemical gas or vapor should be cut off. Depending on the type of 

chemical, respiratory protection equipment may be required. 

g. Contact the Supervisor immediately.

F. WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN 

It is the policy of HML to comply with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding the 

proper storage, handling, labeling, transportation, and disposal of all regulated wastes, 

including hazardous (chemical), infectious, and radiological materials. The HML Hazardous 

Waste Management Plan is administered by the Area Safety Representative. The plan 

addresses the management of chemical and residual wastes, and is incorporated by reference 

into this Chemical Hygiene Plan. Specific aspects of the plan as they affect waste 

management generated by the laboratory are summarized in this section. 

PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES

 In the laboratory, specific responsibilities apply to all employees and 

supervisors from each Joint Partnership Institution (NOS, NIST, SCDNR, MUSC and 

CofC). These responsibilities are described below. 

ALL LABORATORY WORKERS

 The individual laboratory worker bears the primary responsibility for proper 

waste management practices, as control over the proper labeling, storage, and 

minimization of wastes is best implemented at the point of generation. Workers are 

responsible for proper labeling and identification of chemical, infectious, and 

radiological wastes, and should be aware that improper disposal presents potential 

liability to the individual as well as the facility. Federal, state, and local controls 

prohibit the disposal of regulated hazardous wastes without specific permitting. No 

hazardous wastes should be combined with municipal trash or poured down the sink. 

 All hazardous wastes should be properly containerized, labeled, and stored prior 

to transfer to the storage, under the direction of the EH&S Officer. 

 There are a few specific exemptions to this policy and they are detailed below: 

i. Acids or alkalis should be neutralized and diluted with water before being poured 

down the drain. 

ii. Non-regulated, non-liquid chemical wastes, ion-exchange resins and nonregulated powdered dyes and stains may be disposed of in the normal trash. Any 

questions on waste determination should be directed to the Safety Committee. 
22

Chemical wastes should be considered hazardous if they have the characteristics of 

ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or if they are specifically listed. 

iii. Non-regulated, non-volatile, water-soluble liquids may be poured down the drain 

with copious amounts of water. Any questions about the proper identification of 

these materials or procedures for proper dilution should be directed to the Area Safety 

Representative. 

iv. Flammable liquids must be collected in safety cans for off-site disposal. Do not 

pour these materials down the drain.

v. All wastes should undergo a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) 

hazard determination prior to any disposal or mixing with other wastes. Hazardous 

wastes should be stored properly according to hazard class, with an accumulation date 

being placed on each container once accumulation begins. Hazardous wastes may not 

be stored on site for more than 90 days. A qualified waste management company 

must handle all hazardous wastes generated by the laboratory. All wastes must be 

labeled immediately upon placement in a storage container. 

vi. Each employee should attempt to minimize wastes generated by utilizing good 

housekeeping practices and by buying only what supplies are needed. Avoid buying 

excessive quantities of any chemical, particularly those with expiration dates. 

 

vii. Chemicals should not be evaporated in fume hoods for the purpose of disposal. 

Particular care should be taken when evaporating solvents in the hood for any 

purpose; certain materials, such as ethers, may form explosive peroxides when 

evaporated to dryness. 

LABORATORY SUPERVISOR

 The Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for overall direction of the hazardous 

waste disposal plan within the laboratory. 

AREA SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE

 The Area Safety Representative assists in making waste determinations, reviews 

requests for on-site disposal approval, advises laboratory personnel on regulatory 

compliance, and is responsible for the overall hazardous waste management program, 

in conjunction with the EH&S Officer. 
23

TO BE FOLLOWED IN ALL LAB ACTIVITIES 

Hollings Marine Laboratory 

Safety and Health Rules 

Authorized persons only are permitted in the laboratory. All visitors must register and must be 

accompanied by a responsible employee. No visitors under age 18 without advance coordination 

as limited by law.

1. Approved eye protection must be worn by all persons in laboratories at all times. Visitors’ 

spectacles will be available for use by those not having suitable glasses. 

2. Persons handling corrosive or highly toxic substances must wear gloves impervious to the 

material. 

3. Laboratory coats are furnished to employees and are to be worn whenever performing 

laboratory work. 

4. Good personal hygiene shall be practiced at all times. Samples, chemicals, solvents, 

biologicals or other hazardous materials contacted by the hands or other parts of the body must 

be washed off immediately. Safety showers shall be used in case of a major chemical contact. 

5. Smoking is not permitted in the laboratories or within any federal building, structure, or 

vehicle by law. 

6. No eating or drinking can be permitted in laboratories. Never use laboratory glassware for 

food or beverage. 

7. Long hair must be tied up or worn under a cap, especially around machinery, heat sources, or 

aerosols. 

8. Wearing of jewelry is discouraged. Rings can be damaged and can lead to irritation from 

chemicals retained under them. Jewelry may be required to be constrained and/or removed. 

9. Employees shall do no laboratory work while alone in the building, except with specific 

approval of their supervisors. 

10. Horseplay and practical joking are not permitted. 

11. Full shoes are required inside all labs. No open toe or heels permitted. 

12. All driving on government business must be within legal limits and in conformance with all 

applicable regulations. Defensive driving should be practiced at all times. 

13. All injuries, no matter how slight, must be reported to the laboratory supervisor. 

14. Know your nearest escape route for use in an emergency. Be familiar with fire and 

evacuation alarms. 
24

15. Know where your nearest fire extinguisher and fire blanket is located. Be sure you know 

how to use it. 

16. Know where your nearest safety shower and eye wash fountains are located. Be sure you 

know how to use them. 

17. Wipe up spills on bench or floor promptly. Correct other hazards or report them to your 

supervisor. 

18. Label all containers for positive identification. Add hazard warnings when contents are 

flammable, corrosive, toxic, radioactive, etc. This includes proper chemical identification and 

hazard information date, name of researcher, and other appropriate information. 

19. Maintain complete, valid records of all samples, reagents, analyses, and results. Protect 

records from damage or loss. 

20. Handle glassware carefully to avoid injury. Discard broken glassware into the designated 

container. 

21. Avoid pressure or vacuum in glassware unless it is specifically designed for the conditions. 

22. Use autoclaves, steam sterilizers, and other pressurized equipment strictly according to 

written procedure. Safety relief devices and controls must function properly. 

23. Gas cylinders must be secured with a strap or chain when being stored, used, or transported. 

Adapters between cylinder valves and regulators may not be used. Caps must protect valves 

when cylinders are not in use. 

24. Use the hood for all operations involving toxic or flammable materials. Verify hoods are 

tested for flow rate at least once a year. The face velocity should range between 100 and 200 

feet per minute (0.508 and 1.016 meter per second). 

25. Flammable materials (flashpoint 100 oF ore less) are best kept in safety cans. Glass bottles 

containing flammable and when preferred for purity, must be kept in a flammable liquids 

cabinet; OSHA regulations limit the size of glass bottles for flammables. Secondary containers 

are always a plus toward preventing breakage. 

26. Use syringes in accordance with proper procedures. Do not use excessive force on a syringe. 

Dispose of syringes and needles in sharps container. 

27. Dispose of all samples and test materials in accordance with the facility waste disposal plan. 

Avoid putting hazardous materials into the sewer unless instructed to do so. Avoid purchasing 

excess materials that will have to be disposed of. Always verify any questions with the EH&S 

Officer and your Lab Supervisor. 

28. All electrical equipment must be grounded by a ground fault circuit interrupter. Equipment 

or cords with poor insulation or base terminals must be repaired before reuse. Extension cords 

are prohibited. All wiring is to be done by a qualified electrician. 
25

29. Learn how to lift properly to avoid back injury. Get help for heavy loads!
26

PART THREE 

INFORMATION AND TRAINING

Introduction

Safe operation of the laboratory is largely contingent upon personnel awareness and knowledge. 

These skills apply to the ability of employees to obtain information and use it in the performance of 

their duties. It applies to familiarity with procedures as well as the hazards of chemicals and 

equipment in the laboratory. 

The OSHA Lab Standard requires the laboratory to provide information and training to verify 

employees are aware of the hazards of chemicals present in their work areas. Information is to be 

provided at the time of an employee's initial assignment to a work area and prior to assignments 

involving exposures to chemicals they have not worked with before. Refresher training is to be 

provided on a schedule determined by the EH&S Officer. 

A. INFORMATION PROGRAM OUTLINE/EXPOSURE LIMITS

The following information is provided on exposure to hazardous chemicals in the laboratory: 

• Signs and symptoms associated with exposures to hazardous chemicals used in the 

laboratory 

• Permissible exposure limits or other recommended exposure limits 

• Location of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and other available reference material on 

hazards, safe handling, storage and disposal of the hazardous chemicals used in the laboratory. 

At present, MSDSs are available online at www.msdsonline.com (ID:noaamsds; Password: 

msds). 

B. TRAINING PROGRAM PARAMETERS

The following information is included in the required training program: 

• Physical and health hazards of chemicals in the work area 

 - Measures that employees can take to protect themselves from these hazards, including 

specific procedures such as work practices, personal protective equipment to be used, and 

emergency procedures 

 - Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of 

hazardous chemicals 

• Updated training requirements. 

All new employees will receive this training prior to working unsupervised in the laboratory. Any 

employees transferred from other work areas to the laboratory will also receive training. Annual 

refresher training will also be provided. Training will be implemented through a combination 

lecture/audio-visual presentation format. 

The HML Chemical Hygiene Training Program is administered through the Area EH&S Officer. 

Laboratory Supervisors are expected to inform the Area Safety Representative when new chemicals 

are introduced to the laboratory and when job changes are instituted requiring additional training for 

employees. 
27

 NOTE: Maintain a record of training 

PART FOUR 

CRITERIA FOR CONTROL MEASURES

Criteria for determining what control measures are needed to assure safe handling of hazardous 

materials in the laboratory include the following: 

• Description of operations that must be conducted within laboratory hoods or with an enclosure 

or exhaust ventilation 

• Description of specific handling practices 

• Description of personal protective equipment to be used 

• Air monitoring to determine exposure levels and establish respiratory protection requirements. 

In particular, control measures for the handling of extremely hazardous chemicals must be 

described. For example, highly toxic materials may require special protective measures. Several 

sources are used for making these determinations. Following is a list of sources that are available to 

all laboratory employees: 

• "Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices", American Conference of 

Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Cincinnati, OH. (1990 or later edition). 

• "Right to Know Pocket Guide for Laboratory Employees", Genium Publishing, Schenectady, 

NY, 1991. 

• "Condensed Chemical Dictionary", Van Nostrand & Reinhold, NY, NY. (11th or later edition). 

A. SPECIFIC HANDLING PRACTICES

 All employees from each Joint Partnership Institution (NOS, NIST, SCDNR, MUSC, and CofC) 

are urged to follow the general safety rules regarding the handling of chemicals and chemical 

containers. These rules are referenced in PART TWO of the Chemical Hygiene Plan. 

B. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

 Most personal protective clothing and equipment is provided by the laboratory to employees and 

visitors when and where this is necessary. It is the responsibility of each employee to be certain that 

the appropriate clothing is worn as necessary. The most fundamental piece of personal protective 

clothing is provided by each employee for his/her own use. This is the normal clothing worn in the 

laboratory. Clothing should be worn to minimize skin surfaces available for direct contact through 

splashing. Therefore, all employees should wear long sleeve and long legged clothing or long lab 

coats and oxford style shoes or sneakers. Avoid short sleeve shirts, short trousers or skirts, and 
28

open-toed shoes or sandals. Additional personal protective gear available includes: (such as, but not 

limited to) 

 Eye Wear Face Shields 

 Gloves Full foot coverings 

 Aprons Radiation monitors 

 Respirators 

C. RECORDS

Accident records, including recommendations to prevent a recurrence, will be retained in the 

Administrative Office (Nancy Davey) and by the EH&S Officer (Rick Meitzler). Employees 

incurring an accident or illness believed to be work related will complete and file a Form CD-137 

(Report of Accident/Illness within 24 hours). OSHA 300 forms are required by law by each user 

agency and postings as by law annually. 

Additionally, these agencies will continue to adhere to their internal reporting policies. 

1. Chemical Hygiene Plan records will document that facilities and precautions are compatible 

with current knowledge and regulations. 

2. An inventory of Room 266, volatile solvents storage, will be recorded each year and purchase 

restrictions applied to specific items, if needed. 

3. Records of hazardous chemicals stored in individual work areas will be posted inside the 

entrance to each room and periodically updated. Once a year workers will be instructed by Division 

Chiefs to update their lab inventories. Any chemical with one or more NFPA (diamond) Codes 

rated at 2 or above may be considered hazardous. MSDS data is a separate listing from a chemical 

lab inventory. 

4. Records of high-risk substances (e.g., toxins or HCN) will be maintained in the laboratories by 

Project Leaders, and will include amounts on hand, amounts used, and names of workers involved. 

5. Medical records will be retained by the Laboratory in accordance with the requirements of state 

and federal regulations and who may elect to track such records. 

D. SIGNS AND LABELS

1. All containers shall be labeled as to contents and date prepared, generated, or purchased. This 

includes reagent bottles, chemical waste containers, and receptacles. The labels on purchased 

chemical containers, including hazard and first-aid information, shall not be removed. If you add it 

or transfer it to another container you must label it, even if it is water.

2. Emergency telephone numbers will be posted for supervisors, emergency personnel, and 

workers responsible for equipment and facilities. 

3. There will be prominent signs for locating fire extinguishers, exits safety showers, eyewash 

fountains, and other safety and first aid equipment. 
29

4. There will be warnings at areas or equipment where special or unusual hazards exist. 

E. HOUSEKEEPING

 General housekeeping is an integral part of chemical hygiene and good safety practice. A 

clean work area is much safer than a cluttered or dirty one. Some appropriate housekeeping 

measures include: 

• Keep all aisles, hallways, and stairs clear of all chemicals. 

• Keep all work areas, especially work benches, clear of all clutter and obstructions. 

• All working surfaces and floors should be cleaned regularly. 

• Access to emergency equipment, showers, eyewashes, and exits should never be blocked. 

• Wastes should be kept in the appropriate containers and labeled promptly and properly. 

• Laboratory staff should be considerate and aware of housekeeping staff. The typical 

housekeeping staff is not properly trained in the handling of chemicals and should not face 

situations where they must make decisions regarding the proper handling, storage, or disposal of 

chemicals. Therefore, all chemicals should be placed in proper storage areas by the end of each 

workday; all spills should be promptly cleaned up with arrangements made for waste disposal; and 

all chemicals should be properly labeled. 

F. AIR MONITORING

 HML has established an Air Quality Monitoring Program to ensure a safe work environment for 

all employees. This program is summarized below: 

Personnel Responsibilities

 All laboratory supervisors are responsible for the following: 

• Knowledge of air quality regulations applicable to their department 

• Informing employees of the hazards associated with chemicals used in the department, 

providing information on known air quality, and advising employees of air monitoring 

performed 

• Reporting suspected air quality problems to the Health & Safety Manager 

• Maintain air quality standards as required and implement corrective action as necessary. 

 All laboratory personnel are responsible for the following: 
30

• Report suspected air quality problems 

• Follow policies and procedures designed to maintain air quality, such as replacing lids on 

containers and working in fume hoods 

• Correctly use and maintain personal protective equipment. 

 The Area Safety Representative is responsible for the following: 

• Assist laboratory supervisors in determining air monitoring requirements in each workplace 

• Arrange for air monitoring via the HML safety office for appropriate devices in each testing 

area 

• Ensure that air monitoring meets regulatory requirements and implement corrective action as 

required 

• Review results with laboratory supervisors and any impacted laboratory personnel. 
31

PART FIVE 

LABORATORY VENTILATION

 Laboratory ventilation is a key factor in controlling employees’ exposure to hazardous 

substances. Ventilation is provided in two ways: through the facility's heating and air conditioning 

system, and through fume hoods utilized in the laboratory. OSHA defines a fume hood as a "device 

located in the laboratory which is enclosed on five sides with a moveable sash or fixed particle 

enclosure on the remaining side. It is constructed and maintained to draw air from the laboratory 

and to prevent or minimize the escape of air contaminants into the laboratory. It allows chemical 

manipulation to be conducted in the enclosure without insertion of any part of the body other than 

the hand and arm. Walk-in hoods with adjustable sashes meet the above requirements if the sashes 

are adjusted during use so that the airflow and the exhaust of air contaminants are not compromised 

and employees do not work inside the enclosure during the release of airborne toxic substances." 

Following are additional requirements applying to fume hoods in the laboratory: 

 Ventilation will not be obstructed or modified except by qualified mechanical engineers. 

Ventilation in areas where noxious fumes or flammable liquids are handled should provide a 

minimum of six air changes per hour. Ventilation in areas where fungal, mycobacterial, or viral 

specimens are handled should provide a negative air pressure with respect to the rest of the 

laboratory. 

 Fume hoods are used for the safe handling of noxious, corrosive, or volatile chemicals. Fume 

hoods are not be used as a substitute for Biological Safety Cabinets (laminar flow hoods). The 

following policies concerning fume hoods in the laboratory will apply: 

 Construction: No fume hoods constructed of flammable materials will be permitted in the 

laboratory. Although specialty hoods for select agents are of lab-grade composite materials, open 

flame sources are not permitted in these hoods. 

 Toxic fumes: Whenever toxic substances, corrosive aerosols, carcinogens, mutagens, or 

teratogens are handled in a fume hood, the minimum face velocity must be 100 cubic feet per 

minute (fpm). For hoods not meeting this requirement, the velocity may be increased by lowering 

the sash. If the velocity cannot be increased, the hood may not be used for the aforementioned 

materials. For effective use, materials should be handled at least six inches away from the hood 

opening. 

 Inspection: All hoods will be inspected at least annually by a qualified, contracted engineer. 

Anytime a fume hood’s air handling system is altered or serviced, the hood must be inspected before 

being placed in service. Any new fume hoods installed must be inspected by the contracted 

engineer before being placed in service. Inspected hoods shall have a sign affixed to them stating 

the inspection interval, last inspection date, average face velocity, location of the fan that serves the 

hood, and the inspector's name and dated initials. 
32

PART SIX 

PRIOR APPROVAL FOR USE OF SPECIAL HANDLING of CHEMICALS with Legal 

Restrictions of Various Laws in Health, Safety, Environmental and Terrorism Mandates.

The OSHA Laboratory Standard requires that if a particular laboratory operation, procedure, or 

activity requires prior approval from the employer or any supervisor, the circumstances and the 

approval procedure must be described in the plan. 

The following require written prior approval from the Laboratory Supervisor, Center Director 

and EH&S Officer:

• Radio-isotopes

• PCBs

• Pesticides 

• Highly Infectious Agents 

• Extremely Hazardous Specialty Gases 

PART SEVEN 

MEDICAL PROGRAM

A. EXPOSURE MONITORING 

The OSHA Laboratory Standard requires the Chemical Hygiene Plan to describe the conditions 

under which the employer is required to provide laboratory employees who work with hazardous 

chemicals the opportunity to receive medical attention and any follow-up examinations that the 

examining physician determines to be necessary. The three conditions under which medical 

consultation and medical examinations must be provided without cost, without loss of pay, and at a 

reasonable time and place are as follows: 

• Whenever an employee develops signs or symptoms associated with a hazardous chemical to 

which the employee may have been exposed in the laboratory 

• Whenever an event takes place in the work area such as a spill, leak, explosion, or other 

occurrence resulting in the likelihood of a hazardous exposure 

• Whenever exposure monitoring reveals an exposure level routinely above the permissible 

exposure limit (PEL) or action level for an OSHA-regulated substance for which there are exposure 

monitoring and medical surveillance requirements. 

B. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE 

Material Safety Data Sheets, labels, and various reference materials describe potential signs and 

symptoms of exposure to chemicals. Following is a partial summary of symptoms or signs that are 

indicative of overexposure to hazardous materials: 

 

 Abdominal cramps 

 Alopecia (loss of hair) 
33

 Amenorrhea (stoppage of menstruation) 

 Amnesia 

 Analgesia (loss of sensitivity to pain) 

 Anesthesia (loss of feeling) 

 Angina pectoris (chest pain) 

 Anorexia (loss of appetite) 

 Anosmia (loss of sense of smell) 

 Anuria (lack of urination) 

 Anxiety 

 Aphasia (inability to talk coherently) 

 Apnea (breathing temporarily stopped) 

 Areflexia (loss of reflexes) 

 Argyria (blue colored tissue from silver) 

 Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) 

 Arthralgia (joint pain) 

 Asphyxia (suffocation) 

 Asthenia (loss of strength or energy) 

 Asthma (difficulty in breathing) 

 Ataxia (incoordination, unable to walk straight) 

 Athetosis (slow writhing movements of fingers) 

 Atrophy (reduction in size or function of body parts) 

 Blindness 

 Blurred vision 

 Bradycardia (slow heart beat) 

 Bronchitis 

 Burn (tissue damage) 

 Cancer (abnormal tissue growth) 

 Cataracts 

 Changes in body/breath odor 

 Cheilitis (inflammation of the lips) 

 Chemical pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs) 

 Chills 

 Chloracne (reddish skin rash) 

 Chorea (jerky uncontrolled movements of limbs) 

 Colic (abdominal pain due to intestinal gas) 

 Collapse 

 Coma 

 Confusion 

 Conjunctivitis (inflamed and reddened eyes) 

 Constipation 

 Convulsions 

 Coughing 

 Coughing blood 

 Cyanosis (blue to purple skin color) 

 Dark urine 

 Dehydration (excessive loss of body water) 

 Delirium (mental confusion) 

 Dental erosion 
34

 Depression, mental 

 Dermatitis (inflamed and reddened skin) 

 Diaphoresis (profuse perspiration) 

 Diarrhea 

 Disequilibrium (inability to maintain balance) 

 Disordered gait (change in walking pattern) 

 Dizziness 

 Drooling 

 Drowsiness 

 Dysarthria (difficulty in speaking clearly) 

 Dysosmia (impaired sense of smell) 

 Sysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) 

 Dyspnea (difficulty in breathing) 

 Dysuria (painful or difficult urination) 

 Eczema (itching and burning skin) 

 Edema (fluid retention, swelling) 

 Emaciation (extreme low weight) 

 Embolism (obstruction of a blood vessel) 

 Emphysema (difficulty breathing) 

 Epistaxis (nosebleed) 

 Erythema (reddened skin) 

 Euphoria (exaggerated feeling of well-being) 

 Fasciculation (muscle twitching under skin) 

 Fainting 

 Fatigue 

 Fever 

 Fibrillation (rapid muscle contractions) 

 Fluorosis (darkening of the teeth) 

 Footdrop (dragging of the foot while walking) 

 Frostbite 

 Gangrene (tissue death) 

 Gasping (difficulty catching breath) 

 Gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestine) 

 Giddiness (dizziness, silliness) 

 Glossitis (tongue swelling) 

 Halitosis (foul-smelling breath) 

 Hallucination 

 Headache 

 Hematuria (blood in the urine) 

 Hemiparesis (paralysis of one side of the body) 

 Hemorrhage (bleeding) 

 Hyperemia (congestion of blood in a body part) 

 Hyperkinesis (excess activity or motion) 

 Hyperpigmentation (excessive coloring of the skin) 

 Hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) 

 Hyperventilation (sudden rapid breathing) 

 Hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency of the blood) 

 Hypothermia (lowered body temperature) 
35

 Hypoxia (insufficient oxygen) 

 Icterus (tissue discoloration) 

 Impotence (loss of sexual ability) 

 Incoordination 

 Inflammation (swelling, redness) 

 Inflexibility (rigidity, inability to move) 

 Insomnia (inability to obtain normal sleep) 

 Interstitial fibrosis (scarring of the lungs) 

 Involuntary defecation 

 Involuntary urination 

 Iridocyclitis (inflammation of the iris) 

 Irritability 

 Itch 

 Jaundice (yellow discoloration of skin or eyes) 

 Keratosis (horny growths on skin) 

 Lacrimation (excessive eye tearing) 

 Lassitude (sense of weariness) 

 Lesion (injury to tissue) 

 Lethargy (sluggish feeling) 

 Lightheadedness (dizziness) 

 Lipid granuloma (inflamed lung tissue) 

 Lipid pneumonia (from aspiration of oily materials) 

 Malnutrition 

 Melena (black tarry vomit or stools) 

 Menstrual changes 

 Metallic taste 

 Miosis (pupil contraction) 

 Miscarriage 

 Myotonia (temporary muscle rigidity and spasm) 

 Narcosis (stupor or uncontrolled sleeping) 

 Nasal ulceration (perforation of nasal tissue) 

 Nausea 

 Necrosis (localized death of tissue) 

 Neoplasm (abnormal tissue growth) 

 Nephrotoxin (poisonous to the kidney) 

 Nervousness 

 Neuritis (inflammation of the nerves) 

 Nocturia (excessive urination at nighttime) 

 Numbness 

 Ochronosis (dark spots on skin) 

 Oliguria (decreased urination) 

 Opisthotonos (spasms with body arched from head to heels) 

 Oxide pox (dermatitis from oxide contact) 

 Pallor 

 Palpitations (forceful heartbeat) 

 Paralysis 

 Paresthesia (abnormal tingling) 

 Paroxysm (sudden recurrence of disease) 
36

 Perforation (opening through a tissue) 

 Pharyngitis (sore throat) 

 Phlebitis (swollen, painful vein) 

 Photophobia (inability to tolerate light) 

 Photosensitization (allergic reaction to light) 

 Phototoxicity (irritant reaction to light) 

 Pneumoconiosis (material particles in the respiratory track) 

 Prostration (marked loss of strength) 

 Proteinuria (presence of protein in the urine) 

 Ptosis (drooping of upper eyelid) 

 Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) 

 Pyorrhea (swollen, bleeding gums) 

 Pyuria (pus in urine) 

 Respiratory distress 

 Rhinorrhea (excessive nasal discharge) 

 Salivation (discharge of saliva) 

 Scotoma (blind spot in field of sight) 

 Seizure 

 Sensitization (allergic reaction) 

 Shock (depression of all bodily functions) 

 Siderosis (lung and tissue damage from iron particles) 

 Silicosis (lung condition from silica dusts) 

 Spasms 

 Stomatitis (swelling of the mouth lining) 

 Strabismus (lack of coordinated eye movement, crossed eyes) 

 Sweating (excessive moisture on skin) 

 Swelling (of tissues) 

 Tachycardia (abnormal rapid heartbeat) 

 Tachypnea (increased respiratory rate) 

 Tetany (intermittent muscle spasms) 

 Tick (skin twitch) 

 Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) 

 Tracheobronchitis (coughing, difficulty breathing) 

 Tremors (shaking, trembling) 

 Tumor (swelling or growth) 

 Ulceration (tissue destruction) 

 Urticaria (skin eruption) 

 Vertigo (feeling of whirling motion) 

 Vesiculation (blisters) 

 Vomiting 

 Wheezing 

 Wrist drop (inability to extend hand at wrist) 

C. MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM (NOAA has no programs for line offices. 

Each must establish its own, if necessary)
37

PART EIGHT (Federal OSHA Mandatory Action) 

CHEMICAL INVENTORIES / LABORATORY SPECIFIC PRACTICES 

CHEMICAL INVENTORIES 

Chemical Inventories are maintained by each laboratory supervisor and the overall yearly 

inventory is posted by the lab supervisor in an area designated by the NOAA Facility EH&S 

Officer. Each of the Joint Partnership Institutions (NOS, NIST, SCDNR, MUSC and CofC) will be 

responsible for updating and maintaining current chemical inventories for their researchers within 

the HML. The posting of such inventories will be placed at the laboratory primary entrance in 

addition to posting the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for each lab room (such data must be kept 

current at a minimum of annually). Contact the HML EH&S Officer for assistance (Ext. #8842). 

LABORATORY - SPECIFIC PRACTICES 

Detailed manuals specific to the lab and its activities will be prepared prior to the action of such 

activities. In full compliance with CDC guidelines, OSHA and NIOSH standards, Toxic or 

Extremely Hazardous Substances Registration Laws, and directions of policy as promulgated by the 

HML Executive or Science Boards and in conjunction with the Principal Investigator’s a written 

request for authorization to conduct any such regulated activities within the HML facility (Blank 

forms are on the HML intranet) must be completed. 

Written investigation requests must be submitted and approved in writing starting with the HML 

director for authority to conduct any regulated activities at HML. The director will review the 

application request and pass the application to all parties of interest prior to the final activities being 

approved / disapproved for start up at the HML facility. This coordination may involve and follow 

collaborative agencies’ internal review processes when seeking approval, in addition to the HML 

considerations. 

Questions that affect the approval process will be coordinated for the best resolution through the 

director and any final discrepancies may be set with the director for consideration to the HML 

Science Board or Executive Committee. The director will be the responsible and coordinating 

authority at the HML. 

NOTE: No work of any kind may start prior to the final approval of such written request by all 

parties of interest and fully signed by those parties. 
38

Operations of Biological Safety Level Three (BSL3) Laboratories

 The HML has two primary BSL3 Suite pairs sharing anterooms that are special built containment 

facilities. BSL3 laboratories may be operated and used for research involving highly toxic chemicals 

(natural and anthropogenic) and/or highly infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, biotoxins). Research 

conducted in BSL3 will follow procedures and protocols outlined by the U.S. Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention (CDC) as specified in Appendix D, via written approval prior to any agents 

being introduced: Each user/applicant protocol request will be reviewed by the HML Biosafety 

Committee on an individual basis with replies forwarded to the Center Director and Science Board 

as well as to the applicant user for review and concurrence (To be completed by the BioSafety 

Committee and EH&S Officer, verifying CDC guidelines). 

All actions must conform to the requested guidance of the BioSafety Committee prior to any 

activities being permitted. 
39

APPENDICES 

APPENDIX A

CONVERSION CHARTS 

METRIC/ENGLISH 

TEMPERATURE 

From oC to oF oF = 1.8 X o

C + 32 

From oF to oC oC = 0.556 X oF - 17.8 

VOLUME 

1 mL = 0.0338 fluid ounces 1 oz = 29.573 mL 

1 liter = 2.1134 pints 1 pint = 473.166 mL 

1 liter = 1.0567 quarts 1 quart = 946.332 ml 

1 cc = 0.06102 cubic inches 1 ci = 16.3872 cc 

WEIGHT/MASS 

1 gram = 0.03527 ounces 

1 oz = 28.3495 g 

1 kilogram = 35.274 ounces 

1 oz = 0.0283 kg 
40

APPENDIX B

HML HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL SPILL/DISCHARGE REPORT 

PURPOSE 

This form should be completed following hazardous chemical spills. The objectives of this form 

include: 1) an effective review of applicable regulatory reporting requirements, 2) investigation of 

ways to prevent a reoccurrence, and 3) to verify that all resultant hazardous wastes are properly 

handled. 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION 

This form should be completed for all spills meeting any of the following conditions: 

a. An employee was injured as a result of the spill or release 

b. The release resulted in evacuation of a work area 

c. The release is believed to have resulted in an employee's exposure to an OSHA 

1910.1000 air contaminant above the allowable STEL (short-term exposure limit) or PEL 

(permissible exposure limit) level 

d. Staff members other than employees stationed in the immediate area were involved in spill 

cleanup 

Only spills of regulated hazardous or infectious substances need to be reported. Contact the Safety 

Committee if there is any question on the regulatory status of a material. 

NOTE: A hazardous substance becomes a hazardous waste when spilled, under normal 

circumstances.
41

APPENDIX C 

GLOVE SELECTION FOR COMMON LABORATORY CHEMICALS 

SUBSTANCE PREFERRED GLOVE ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATIVE

Acetaldehyde NT NP, NH 

Acetic acid NR, NT, NP 

Acetone BR TF 

Acrylonitrile NP 

Ammonium hydroxide NP,NT, PVC 

Aniline NT NP, PVC 

Benzaldehyde NT PVC 

Benzene PVA, VT 

Benzyl chloride TF 

Bromine TF 

Butane NP 

Butyraldehyde BR, TF NP, PVC 

Cadmium oxide NP, NT 

Calcium hypochlorite NP, NT 

Carbon disulfide PVA 

Carbon tetrachloride PVA, VTR NT 

Chlorine NP, SX BR, NT 

Chloroacetone NP 

Chloroform PVA, VT NT 

Chromic acid PVC, BR 

Cyclohexane NP, NT, VT 

Dibenzyl ether NP 

Dibutyl phthalate BR, NT, PVA, VT 

Diethanolamine NP, PVC, BR, PVA TF 

Diethyl ether NT NP 

Dimethyl sulfoxide BR, NP 

Ethanol BR NP, TF 

Ethyl acetate BR, PVA, TF 

Ethylene dichloride TF, VT PVA 

Ethylene glycol NT, PVC NR, NP 

Fluorine NR, NP 

Formaldehyde BR, NT, PE, VT 

Formic acid NP,NT, PVC 

Freon 113 NT, TF VT 

Furfural BR PVA 

Glutaraldehyde BR, NP, VT 

Glycerol NT, PVC 

Hexane NT, PCA, TF, VT 

Hydrobromic acid NP, PVC 

Hydrochloric acid BR, SX NR, NP, NT, PVC 

Hydrogen peroxide PVC NR, NP, NT 
42

Iodine SX PE 

Isopropyl alcohol NT NP, TF 

Maleic acid NR, NP, NT, PVC 

Methylamine BR, NT, VT NP 

Methyl cellosolve BR 

Methyl chloride PVA, NP 

Methyl ethyl ketone BR, TF NP, NT 

Methylene chloride PVA NT 

Monoethanolamine BR, NP, NT, VT PVC 

Morpholine BR PVA 

Naphthalene TF NT 

Nitric acid BR, SX NP 

Oxalic acid BR, NR, NP, NT, PVC, VT 

Perchloric acid NR, NP, NT, PVC 

Peroxyacetic acid BR BT 

Phenol BR, VT NP 

Phosphoric acid NR, NP, NT, PE, PVC 

Potassium hydroxide BR, NP, NT, PVC NR 

Propylene dichloride None appropriate 

Sodium hydroxide BR, NR, NP, NT, PVC 

Sodium hypochlorite NR, NP,NT, PVC 

Sulfuric acid BR, NR, NP, PE, PVC, TF 

Toluene PVA, TF, VT 

1,1,1-Trichloroethane PVA, VT 

Trichloroethylene PVA, VT 

Tricresyl phosphate BR, PVA, PVC VT 

Triethanolamine BR, NP, NT, PVA, PVC 

Trinitrotoluene NP 

KEY

PE = polyethylene 

PVA = polyvinyl alcohol 

PVC = polyvinyl chloride 

SX = Saranex 

TF = Teflon 

VT = Viton 
43

APPENDIX D 

PROCEDURES AND PROTOCOLS FOR OPERATION OF BIOLOGICAL SAFETY 

LEVEL 3 LABORATORIES (CDC)

Those procedures and protocols can be found at: http://bmbl.od.nih.gov/

as well as any and all required/documented approvals/registrations as per CDC mandates. 

Other useful links are: http://www.absa.org/

 http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/msds-ftss/index.html#menu? 

 http://www.absa.org/resriskgroup.html
 

 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN 

 HOLLINGS MARINE LABORATORY 

U.S. DEPARTMENT of COMMERCE 

NOAA, NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY 

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA 

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 

COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON 

 

 May 2006 (Rev. E)
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

GENERAL EVACUATION INFORMATION ................................. 1 

EMERGENCY PERSONNEL ............................................................. 2 

FIRE EVACUATION PROCEDURES ............................................... 3 

OTHER EVACUATIONS (Chemical Spill, Bomb Threat) ............. 5 

INTRUDER ON PREMISES ............................................................... 6 

FREEZER TRAPPED ALARM ............................................................ 6 

NATURAL DISASTER RESPONSE ............................................ 7 

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS ........................................................ 7 

PERSONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS TIPS........................ 10 

HOMELAND SECURITY INCIDENTS................................... 11 

SHELTER IN PLACE GUIDE............................................... 11 

 GENERAL EVACUATION INFORMATION

Persons Authorized to Order Evacuation

Center Director - Fred Holland (Director) 

Office of Administration – Susan Smith/Pat Luck/Tammie Herrin 

General Supervisory Engineer - Martin Burnett/Cleve Robertson 

 
 

Notification for Emergency Evacuation

Fire - Fire Horns and Strobe Lights 

Explosion or Gas Leak - Fire Horns and/or Public Address by Speaker Phone Ext # 74 

Suspicious Object - Phone Address Announcement by Speaker Phone Ext # 74 

Bomb Threat - Phone Address Announcement by Speaker Phone Ext # 74 

Major Chemical Spill - Phone Address by Speaker Phone Ext # 74 or Fire Horns 

Reporting Site

Fire / Explosion / Suspicious Object / Major Chemical Spill: 

All employees should report to the parking lot in front of the building near the HML 

Building main parking lot. If a fire alarm is set off during a thunderstorm and no fire is 

apparent, employees should report to the front lobby and await further instruction. 

Bomb Threat: All employees report to the guard shack just inside the main gate where 

facility personnel will conduct a head count and verification. 

Building Re-entry

Re-entry to the building will be announced by the Center Director or designated official. 

EMERGENCY PERSONNEL

Designated Official 

Fred Holland, Center Director 

Occupant Emergency Coordinator 

 Donna Owens / Pat Luck / Susan Smith/ Tammie Herrin 

Team Coordinator 

 Martin Burnett, Facility Security Officer- # 762-8808 

Richard Meitzler, Safety Officer -#762-8842 / 7842 or Raluca Semeniuc- IH- #762-8870 

NIST Coordinator - Paul Becker -#762-8861 / 8916 NIST lab 

MUSC Coordinator - Darlene Middleton -#762-8851 

UofC Coordinator - Jack DiTullio -#762-8858 / 8945 lab 

SCDNR Coordinator Bob Chapman -#762-8860, 8882 lab; Brandon Eleby #762-8886 
Area Monitors Area 

Donna Owens / Susan Smith/Tammie Herrin Administration (Rm.A100 - 135) 

Mike Sellers Open Office Area (Rm. A200 - 231) 

Mats Lundqvist Section B 1st Floor (Rm. B101 -122) 

Ed Wirth Section B 2nd Floor (Rm B201 - 214) 

Rebecca Pugh / Michael Ellisor Section C 1st Floor (Rm C101 - 114) 

Steven Christopher Section C 2nd Floor (Rm C201 - 213) 

Steve Morton Section D 1st Floor (Rm D101 - 119) 

Peter Moeller Section D 2nd Floor (Rm D201 - 221) 

Cleve Robertson Section E 1st Floor (Rm E101 - 124) 

Cleve Robertson/ Kevin Corcoran Section E 2nd Floor (Rm E201 - 204) 

Lou Burnett / Erin Burge Section F (Rm F101 - 138) 

Colden Battey / John Siegling Aquatic Production 

Safety Officer - R.Meitzler / Raluca Semeniuc BSL3

Disabled Staff Monitor Pat Luck / Susan Smith 

Damage Control Team Martin Burnett, Cleve Robertson, Kevin Corcoran and Safety OfficerR. Meitzler / Raluca Semeniuc- IH 

 

FIRE EVACUATION PROCEDURES 

1. Be prepared for a fire emergency by making note of the nearest fire extinguisher and the 

route to nearest emergency exit from your work area. Our fire alarm consists of loud horns 

and strobe lights. Most alarms will be activated by one of the smoke detectors or heat 

detectors located throughout the building. 

2. Upon detection of a fire, regardless of size, do the following immediately and in sequence, 

 unless there are others available to permit simultaneous execution. 

• Attempt to extinguish the fire immediately using the closest available fire extinguisher 

only if you judge the fire small enough to be controllable and you have been trained 

to use a portable extinguisher and you have a safe way out and anticipate no undue 

harm to you. (Always keep a means of escape) 

• If a fire is too large, or the fire extinguisher is inadequate, leave the area immediately.
• Activate the fire alarm (if it has not sounded) by pulling one of the alarm pull stations 

which are located by each exit door and in the main hallways in the building. Leave the 

building immediately. The James Island Fire Department will be notified directly once 

the fire alarm is activated. 

3. Upon hearing a fire alarm, personnel will: 

• Stop work immediately. Terminate all meetings or telephone calls and if time permits, 

close doors, turn off lights, and turn off equipment except those marked “Do Not Turn 

Off”. Do not attempt to remove personal belongings or records. 

 

• Evacuate the building. Proceed without delay to the closest emergency exit, or an 

alternate exit if necessary to avoid the fire location. There is a fire exit door at the 

following locations, A101 Lobby, A130 Stair Well, D119 Stair Well, rear of E101 

Hallway, E114 Hallway, F101 Entrance, F115 Entrance and F 133 Entrance. Additionally 

there are three exits in the Brood Conditioning Rooms F118, F119 and F120. 

Area Monitors should assist in evacuating personnel. Check to see that lights are off, 

doors are closed, and people are out. If the alarm sounds when you are far from your 

area, leave the building by the nearest exit. 

Upon exiting the building, go to the paved parking lot in front of the building by the 

HML Building and or the rear of the building depending on location relative to the 

nearest exit and join the other employees. All driveways and roadways must be kept 

clear for emergency vehicles and fire equipment. (Be prepared for a roll call of all 

occupants) 

• Visitors and Handicapped Employees. Area Monitors and/or employees nearest 

visitors will ensure that visitors are aware of alarms and evacuate the building with 

employees. Area Monitors will make sure that handicapped employees are assisted in 

leaving the building safely in the event of a fire alarm. (Ensure that the roll call 

accountability includes each visitor) 

4. Return to the building only after an official all clear is given by management authority. 

 
 

 This Page Intentionally Left BLANK- BLANK by Intention 
 OTHER EVACUATIONS

1. Chemical Spill. In the event of a chemical spill, notify others in the area of the problem. 

Do not walk through the spill and do not attempt to clean it up without proper protective 

equipment. Notify the Safety Officer and / or the Facilities Manager. If it is a minor liquid spill, 

use the appropriate absorbent from your lab or from one of the spill cleanup kits in the hallways. 

Seal the contaminated absorbent material in a plastic bag and label it for disposal. If it is a 

major spill that is immediately hazardous, close the door, notify others, and if there is a major 

fire hazard pull the fire alarm as you exit the building. Air handlers shut off automatically with 

the fire alarm, and fire personnel will have adequate personal protective equipment to clean up 

the spill. Fire personnel with self-contained breathing respirators can also handle toxic spills if it 

is decided that they are needed. 

2. Bomb Threat. If a bomb threat against HML is received by an employee, it shall be reported 

immediately to the front desk (8811). The receptionist will notify the Center Director or 

designee ( Director or Administrative Officer) for appropriate action. There will always be 

someone at the front desk to answer the phone. If a decision is made to evacuate the building, 

the Center Director or his representative will make the following announcement over the public 

phone address system ext #74, (NOTE: The fire alarm system will not be used for a bomb 

threat): 

Attention Staff. The Laboratory has received a bomb threat. Please turn off all nonessential equipment and utilities, close your door and leave the building by the nearest 

exit. Go to the guard shack just inside the main gate and remain there until further notice. 

 This is not a test. Do not stay in the building. Repeat.

The Center Director or designee will call 911 for the police and fire authority. No evacuation

order will be given without the approval of the Center Director or Acting Director. 

However, when there is an immediate danger, such as an actual fire or explosion, the 

premises shall be evacuated at once by sounding the fire alarm system (at any pull station if not 

already sounding), leaving by the nearest exit, and proceeding to the assembly point near the 

main gate. 

If you receive a call from a person stating there is a bomb in the building, keep the caller

on the line as long as possible unless you have reason to believe a detonation is imminent (use 

judgement). Be alert to the telephone number shown on the phone screen you are using & copy 

the displayed number for authorities.

• Ask the caller to repeat the message. 

• Record (write), if possible, every word spoken by the person making the call. 

• Attempt to inform a coworker of the situation through hand signals and notes. 

• Try to get word of the threat to the receptionist at the front desk. 

9 If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the time of possible detonation, 

you should ask the caller to provide the information. 

9 Pay particular attention to any strange or unusual noises such as motors running, 
background music, or any other noises which might indicate where the call is being made. 

Listen closely to the voice (male - female), voice quality, accents or speech impediments. 

9 Immediately after the caller hangs up, the person receiving the call should report this 

information to the Center Director and the Administrative Officer.

9 In the event you see a suspicious looking object during or before an evacuation, do not 

disturb the object. Notify the Center Director (ext.8813) or the Receptionist (ext.8811) and 

inform them of its location. 

INTRUDER ON PREMISES 

In the event an intruder(s) is/are observed on the premises during working hours, 

• Call the reception desk (ext.8811) stating nature of intrusion (demonstration, vandalism, 

theft, bomb, arson etc.) and whether intruder has a weapon. 

• The receptionist will call the County Police (911) or MRRI Security (762-5044). Do not 

attempt to apprehend an intruder. 

• If possible record appearance of individual(s), sex, race, clothes, hair, behavior etc., and 

means of escape ( foot, car, bike etc.) 

• Record license plate number if possible. 

 

TRAPPED IN FREEZER ALARM

There are four locations of alarms in the building to alert others of a person trapped in one of the 

walk-in freezers. Flashing red lights and high pitched audible alarms are located in Section B outside 

Room’s B118 and B208, Section D outside Room D108, Section E outside Room E104 and Section 

F outside Room F106. When one of these alarms sounds, check walk-in freezers in the following 

order to determine if anyone is trapped inside. 

1. Check the main walk-in freezers, Rooms E104, F106 and B208. 

2. Check Environmental Chambers Rooms B118, D108 and F106. 

If you should find yourself trapped in a freezer (unable to open the door), press in the large red 

button beside the exit door. This will set off the audible / visible alarms described above. As a 

general rule, do not enter a freezer alone unless someone else is aware of it. If it is after hours or on a 

weekend you should definitely not enter a freezer unless someone else is keeping a close watch. If 

you push the alarm button accidentally, pull it back out and let someone know. If after hours, page 

the on-call maintenance person (numbers are posted on doors to Room=s E105, E201 and F116 

hallway door.) and let them know that an emergency trip to the lab is not needed. 

NATURAL DISASTER RESPONSE 

Hurricanes are our most common natural disaster, but we can expect to have adequate 

warning so that we can make preparations (as described below) and be elsewhere when it arrives. 

Tornadoes are most likely to occur during a hurricane, but there is a chance of a life threatening 

tornado during a thunderstorm and a remote but real chance of a severe earthquake. 

• The Center Director (or designee) shall assess the situation and advise the Administrative 
Officer and/or Receptionist of any specific information or instructions to be issued to Area 

Monitors and employees in general. 

• The Receptionist will make the following announcement: 

May I have your attention. A tornado (or high winds, earthquake aftershocks etc.) is 

expected momentarily. Please turn off all non-essential equipment and utilities and go to 

the nearest interior shelter area until further notice. Repeat.@

• Preferred shelter areas in the main lab building are located in the main hallways. Avoid the 

more hazardous labs, or use hallways in Section A - Interior windowless rooms and 

maintenance areas. Close all doors and proceed to a shelter area. Find a place along a wall 

and wait for further instructions from Area Monitors. The first floor laboratory hallway 

offers the better protection area when the end doors are closed. 

 HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

Responsibilities

• Center Director - is responsible for decisions related to implementation of this plan during 

an emergency. 

• HML Science Board - is responsible for overseeing the emergency planning process and 

ensuring their respective branches are secure. 

• Chief, Office of Administration - is responsible for operational elements of the plan prior 

to, during, and following an emergency situation, will notify major local television and radio 

stations of employee work dismissal. 

• NOAA Supervisors and Supervisory Scientists from NIST, SCDNR, MUSC and UofC - 

are responsible for ensuring that employees are familiar with this plan and comply with its 

policies and procedures. 

• Employees - are responsible for securing their areas such as covering items with plastic 

cover, removing critical equipment from low/floor areas, and securing all related personal 

items. 

• HML Safety Committee - is responsible for updating the plan, along with Rick Meitzler 

(ext. 8842). 

Hurricane Preparations

• Hurricanes will be monitored via television and the Internet to provide advance warning of 

any potential threat to the Charleston area. When a hurricane watch is issued, preparations 
will be made to secure the laboratory. Prior to a weekend or holiday, preparations will be 

initiated at an earlier stage of the hurricane threat. The weather conditions may be clear 

during early readiness. 

• Normal supervisory channels will be maintained and special instructions transmitted through 

supervisors. Each employee will be responsible for securing his/her work area and adjacent 

unoccupied areas. Computers will be backed up and plastic sheeting will be distributed to 

cover critical instruments and records. Records and computers will be raised off the floor if 

possible and protected with plastic sheeting. 

• Assist as needed to remove and/or secure loose objects outside the building such as empty 

drums or materials on the loading dock. Ensure that trash dumpster is closed. 

• Government vehicles will be moved to high ground, away from trees. Laboratory boats will 

be filled with water and/or tied down if they have not been moved to a location for safe 

haven. 

• Check to insure that all gas and water faucets, including the main distilled water faucet in the 

mezzanine, are shut off. Shut off unnecessary electrical equipment and ensure that all 

equipment that must remain operable is supplied by emergency power. 

• All employees will leave the building and the Fort Johnson premises when dismissed by 

their supervisors and return only after the hurricane threat has passed. Inside doors will be 

closed but not locked. Outside doors will be locked. 

• If a hurricane threat develops rapidly over a weekend, supervisors or their designees will 

request that employees come in to the Laboratory and secure their areas. Normally, 

preparations will have been made in advance, allowing all employees to secure their homes 

and to evacuate the area if they so choose. No personnel or tenants shall remain on site to 

ride out any hurricane threat. 

Communication Procedures

If employees have been dismissed, or are off duty as a hurricane approaches, they will be 

expected to check the HML/CCEHBR telephone voice mail system for instructions. Information will 

be distributed through the voice mail message center (762-8888). Should our phone system fail, 

there is a backup system (via SC Public Information Phone System) PIPS at 1-866-246-0133. 

Follow the menu selections. 

Official NOAA Weather Service Hurricane Watch/Warnings for the Greater Charleston Area 

will be used for the decision making process. Charleston County Emergency Preparedness 

Advisories for the Greater Charleston Area will be adhered to, especially those advisories affecting 

coastal islands. 

Dismissing Employees

During Work Hours - During a Hurricane Watch and after Center facilities are secured, there 

will be a liberal leave policy, allowing employees to secure their homes and make travel plans. 

After Center facilities are secured and a Hurricane Warning is imminent, Administrative Leave will 

be 

granted. 

During Non-Work Hours - All employees will utilize the HML voice mail system to obtain 
instructions from the Center Director. If Laboratory facilities have not already been secured, 

employees will be expected to report to duty to secure facilities under a Hurricane Watch unless 

excused by their supervisor (weather conditions permitting). If a Hurricane Warning is issued, 

employees will be on Administrative Leave and will not be expected to report to work. 

Resumption of Operations

All employees should check the HML voice mail regularly (or the 800 number if 

necessary) for instructions. Employees will be expected to report back to duty upon the lifting of 

Hurricane Warnings, with the following exceptions: 

1. If severe damage to the area occurs, instructions will be given by voice mail. 

2. If less than four hours remain in the standard day (8:00 - 4:30) employees may choose to take 

 advantage of the liberal leave policy to meet personal obligations. 

Supervisors will assess the damage in their respective areas and submit a written report to the 

Chief, Office of Administration as soon as possible after the emergency. The HML will inspect for 

structural damage and/or mechanical failure and advise the Facilities Manager/General Supervisor 

Engineer and/or Administrative Officer and supervisors as soon as possible. 

Information on the Web

The attached information on hurricane preparedness (modified), and additional information 

on various types of storms, can be found at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ 

For useful information on local conditions, forecasts, warnings, and facilities for evacuation, 

try the Charleston National Weather Service and add the appropriate zip code for any specific area: 

http://www.erh.noaa.gov/ifps/MapClick.php?CityName=Charleston&state=SC&site=CHS

For the South Carolina Emergency Management Division office of the SC Adjutant General: 

Contact: http://www.scemd.org (803) 737-8700 

South Carolina DOT: http://www.scdot.org

SC American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/sc/lowcountry

SC State web site: http://www.myscgov.com

FEMA: http://www.fema.gov

Weather-NWS at Charleston: http://weather.noaa.gov/chs

 

Recommendation: Add these sites to your Bookmarks or Favorites list. 

 Are You Ready for a Hurricane?

Know What Hurricane WATCH and WARNING Mean

• Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the Watch, usually within 

36 hours. 

• Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the Warning, usually 

within 24 hours. 

Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan

• Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places: 
a friend’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter. 

• Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places, as well as a road map of your locality. 

You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if roads are closed or clogged. 

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If 

you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately. 

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

• First-aid kit and essential medications 

• Canned food and can opener 

• At least three gallons of water per person (one gallon per day per person for three days) 

• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags 

• Battery -powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries 

• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members 

• Written instructions for how to turn off gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. 

(Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn them back on) 

Prepare for High Winds

• Install hurricane shutters or precut 3/4 inch marine plywood for each window. Install anchors 

and pre-drill holes in the plywood so you can put it up quickly. 

• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased or damaged limbs, then strategically 

removing branches so that wind can blow through. 

Know What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH is Issued 

• Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so. 

• Complete preparation activities. 

• If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors away from windows. 

• Be aware that the calm ‘eye’ is deceptive; the storm is not over. High winds resume from the 

opposite direction once the eye passes over. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects 

damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds whose force is 

opposite the first winds. 

• Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during and after a hurricane passes over. 

Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows. 

• Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another 

way. Cars are easily swept away by flood waters. 

Know What to Do After a Hurricane Is Over

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions. Check the 

NOAA Voicemail Message Center (843-762-8888) or the Emergency Message Center at 1-

866-246-0133 – PIPS (public information phone system via SC EMD (803-797-8300). 

HOMELAND SECURITY INCIDENTS

During the occurrence of bioterrorism acts or homeland security incidents that may pose a 

threat to the safety and security of Hollings Marine Laboratory ( HML), precautions will be 

taken to secure the safety of HML including: 

• Activation of the Ft. Johnson 5 (NOAA, NIST, SC DNR, MUSC and UofC) to secure the Ft. 

Johnson Campus including securing and possible closure of the Front Gate. 
• Activation of HML Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) which includes: (1) Notification 

of the NCCOS Director to Activate the COOP; (2) The NCCOS Director will then notify the 

NOAA Deputy Acting Administrator to inform NOS Management; (3) The NCCOS Director 

will then have the NCCOS Deputy Director to notify other Centers. 

• The HML COOP Team will include the Center Director (Fred Holland), Deputy Director 

(Paul Sandifer), Building Supervisor (Martin Burnett), Human Resources (Nancy Davey), 

Safety Officer (Rick Meitzler), and Branch Chiefs along with appropriate representatives 

from SC DNR, MUSC, U of C, NIST with NOAA. As may be warranted and threat 

influenced other appropriate fire and law enforcement departments within the area who may 

confer and decide on the appropriate levels of response to take to secure the facility and 

safety /security of HML staff . 

• Employees will be dismissed and granted Administrative Leave according to the level of 

threat posed by the particular incident or act. A liberal leave policy will be granted during 

such events to ensure that employees are able to address security concerns of their family 

members. All threat alert phases will coincide with the Homeland Security Advisory System 

to manage the risk incident or threats. 

 

• Shelter in place procedures also utilize the above guidance and will be based upon direction 

from Headquarters and / or Local Emergency Management Authorities. All such directives 

will be authenticated by on-site management and coordinated with HQ and local 

jurisdictional authorities for status confirmation. 
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS 

Hollings Marine Laboratory 

Program: National Institute of Standards and Technology

Area Supervisor: Paul Becker

Room number: C102-C105

I. Work Activities: (list below)

1) Samples will be homogenized inside of liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapor phase freezers 

2) Cleanup of Teflon and titanium materials using chemicals (acids and solvents) 

3) Processing and sub-sampling of marine animal tissues 

II. Listing of protective equipment that may be required for these tasks: 

Equipment Applicable Work Activity Number 

a. Closed Toe Shoes 1, 2 and 3 

b. Lab Coat 

c. Safety Goggles 2 and 3 

d. Gloves 1, 2 (cryogenic or laboratory gloves), and 3 

e. Fume Hood 2 

f. Apron 

g. Dust Mask 

h. Radiation Badge 

i. Face Shield 

j. Hearing Protection 

k. Other: Coverall w/ hood, booties 

l. Other: Oxygen Monitor* 

1, 2 and 3 

1, 2 and 3 

 * May be required

III. Location of the nearest emergency equipment for this area: 

1. Fire: Fire pull alarm is near the exterior door in hallway, near room inside Room C103_. 

 Fire extinguisher mounted on the wall near door to room C108. 

2. Eyewash and safety shower: Eyewash is in the sink in room C103_. 

 Shower is in room outside Room C106. 

 3. MSDS sheets are on the lab bench and mounted in hallway area near B121.

 4. Spill Kit and First Aid Kit is in Room C102. 

 

This analysis has been identified for the activities in the area by: 

Supervisor: ______________________________________________Date__________ 

Area Safety Representative: _________________________________Date__________ 

 I have been informed of the possible hazards in this work area and of the Personal Protective 

Equipment that is required. Before undertaking any new task which does not appear to be specifically 

addressed by this hazard analysis, I will seek guidance from my immediate supervisor. 

Signed: _________________________________________________Date___________ 

(Person Working in the Laboratory) 

Signed: _________________________________________________Date___________ 

(Person Working in the Laboratory) 

Signed: _________________________________________________Date___________ 

 (Person Working in the Laboratory) 

Signed: _________________________________________________Date___________ 

 (Person Working in the Laboratory) 

Signed: _________________________________________________Date___________ 

 (Person Working in the Laboratory) 

For questions concerning completion of this form, call Martin Burnett @ 762-8808. 
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS 

Hollings Marine Laboratory 

Program: National Institute of Standards and Technology

Area Supervisor: Paul Becker

Room number: D104

I. Work Activities: (list below)

1) Samples will be placed inside liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapor phase freezers and -80° C 

 upright freezers for archival. 

2) Marine animal tissues will be freeze dried 

3) Samples will be homogenized inside of liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapor phase freezers 

II. Listing of protective equipment that may be required for these tasks: 

Equipment Applicable Work Activity Number 

a. Closed Toe Shoes 1, 2 and 3 

b. Lab Coat 

c. Safety Goggles 1, 2 and 3 

d. Gloves 1, 2 and 3 (Cryogenic gloves) 

e. Fume Hood 

f. Apron 

g. Dust Mask 

h. Radiation Badge 

i. Face Shield 

j. Hearing Protection 

k. Other: Coverall w/ hood, booties 

l. Other: Oxygen Monitor* 

1, 2 and 3 

1, 2 and 3 

 * May be required

III. Location of the nearest emergency equipment for this area: 

1. Fire: Fire pull alarm is near the exterior door in hallway, near room inside Room D104. 

 Fire extinguisher mounted on the wall near door to room D109. 

2. Eyewash and safety shower: Eyewash is in the sink in room C105. 

 Shower is in room outside Room C106. 

 3. MSDS sheets are on the lab bench and mounted in hallway area near D120.

 4. Spill Kit and First Aid Kit is in Room C102

This analysis has been identified for the activities in the area by: 

Supervisor: ______________________________________________Date__________ 

Area Safety Representative: _________________________________Date__________ 

 I have been informed of the possible hazards in this work area and of the Personal Protective 

Equipment that is required. Before undertaking any new task which does not appear to be specifically 

addressed by this hazard analysis, I will seek guidance from my immediate supervisor. 

Signed: _________________________________________________Date___________ 

(Person Working in the Laboratory) 

Signed: _________________________________________________Date___________ 

(Person Working in the Laboratory) 

Signed: _________________________________________________Date___________ 

 (Person Working in the Laboratory) 

Signed: _________________________________________________Date___________ 

 (Person Working in the Laboratory) 

Signed: _________________________________________________Date___________ 

 (Person Working in the Laboratory) 

For questions concerning completion of this form, call Martin Burnett @ 762-8808. 
NIST - Chemical Inventory 1/13/07

Room No. Cas No. Chemical Size # Units Conta

C103/C104 7647-01-0 Hydrochloric Acid 2.5 L 11 Rebecca Pugh (x8952)/MC103/C104 7697-37-2 Nitric Acid 2.5 L 10 Rebecca Pugh (x8952)/MC103/C104 7647-01-0 Hydrochloric Acid 4 L 5 Rebecca Pugh (x8952)/MC103/C104 7697-37-2 Nitric Acid 4 L 10 Rebecca Pugh (x8952)/M

C103 7647-01-0 Hydrochloric Acid 5 gal. 1 Rebecca Pugh (x8952)/M

C103/C104 7647-01-0 Hydrochloric Acid 2.5 gal. 1 Rebecca Pugh (x8952)/MC103/C104 7697-37-2 Nitric Acid 4 L 1 Rebecca Pugh (x8952)/M

C103 67-66-3 Chloroform 4 L 16 Rebecca Pugh (x8952)/MC103 64-17-5 Ethyl Alchohol - 200 proof 4 L 25 Rebecca Pugh (x8952)/M

C103/C104/D104 Liquid nitrogen Rebecca Pugh (x8952)/M

Water with trace amounts of 4 L 6 Rebecca Pugh (x8952)/M

Hydryochloric acid

Water with trace amounts of 4 L 9 Rebecca Pugh (x8952)/M

Nitric acid