Exposure should be limited to levels published by OSHA’s PELs and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist’s (ACGIH) TLVs. These levels should not be exceeded in the laboratories at Fort Lewis College when following recommended work practices. Chemical Hygiene / Laboratory Safety Responsibilities President of Fort Lewis College. The President has ultimate responsibility for chemical hygiene and laboratory safety at the college and must provide continuing support for the college’s programs. Faculty and the Chemical Hygiene Officer. These individuals play a crucial role in the support and efficiency of this program. Their responsibilities include the following: Work with other administrators and departments to further develop and implement appropriate chemical and laboratory policies and practices Supervise procurement, use and disposal of chemicals used in their labs Participate in audits and inspections Help students develop appropriate behaviors relative to chemical and laboratory safety Maintain proficiency in requirements regarding regulated substances Follow continuous improvement process relative to this program Laboratory Supervisors. Whether student, staff or faculty, has the overall responsibility for chemical safety in the laboratory, including the following; Ensure that students and lab workers know and follow the chemical hygiene rules, that protective equipment is available and maintained in good working order and that appropriate training has been provided and documented. Provide daily housekeeping inspections including periodic inspection and testing of emergency equipment. Provide constant, positive reinforcement of safe chemical and laboratory safety behaviors by students and lab workers. Keep current on legal requirements concerning regulated materials Determine appropriate type and kind of personal protective equipment (PPE) for general biology as well as for more hazardous chemical exposures. Insure PPE training is documented and used by students as required. Insure facilities and training for use of any new materials or hazards is adequate. Students and Lab Workers. Take responsibility for planning and conducting each task or lab according to the appropriate directions and proper lab safety protocols identified by the laboratory supervisor. Learn, develop and put into practices the safe work practices taught in the classroom or laboratory.
Every student and lab worker should know the location and proper use of available protective equipment and apparel. Full time employees should know every procedure applicable in this regard, including how to use a fire extinguisher. First aid training, CPR and AID training is offered and full time employees should avail themselves to attend the training and maintain their certifications. Training should be conducted on a regular basis in conjunction with the academic calendar. Training should be part of a continuous effort, and not just an annual or singular event. Information on training topics should be readily available to students and lab workers. Waste Disposal Program The goal of the waste disposal program is to insure that Fort Lewis College follows the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment’s rules and regulations relative to the handling, storage and disposal of laboratory hazardous wastes. A properly managed program assures minimal harm to students, employees, visitors, the general public and the environment. Fort Lewis College has published guidelines and procedures relative to the how hazardous waste should be collected, segregated, stored, and transported. This information is posted on the college’s internet and can be located on the EH&S website. Unlabeled containers of chemicals and solutions should be disposed of promptly via our established procedures Disposal via floor drains or sinks is strictly prohibited. Disposal via hood evaporation is strictly prohibited. All chemicals for disposal should be handled by the EH&S department. Records Accident reports and near-miss incidents reports should be retained for three years in the department. Copies are required by Human Resources. Assistance with completing an accident report can be coordinated with the EH&S department. Inventory and usage records for high-risk or highly toxic chemicals should be kept as specified by State or federal law. Physical and Health Hazards, Routes of Exposure & Control Methodologies Physical Hazards Combustible Liquids – any liquid or mixture with >1% or more of a liquid, with a flashpoint at or above 1000 F but below 2000 F. Compressed Gas – a gas or gas mixture with an absolute pressure exceeding 40 p.s.is at 700 F, or exceeding 104 p.s.i. at 1300 F, or a liquid having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 p.s.i. at 1000 F as determined by the ASTM D-232-72, a standard of the American Society of Testing and Materials.