Laboratory Safety Orientation for New Employees

1. Laboratory Safety Orientation for New Employees USDA Agricultural Research Service Pacific West Area Date Updated: November 2007

2. Training Guides Return to the beginning of current module Return to the table of contents Replay the slide audio Reference to the information pamphlet Module 0: Introduction

3. Training Modules • Administrative Information • Laboratory Ergonomics • Laboratory Hazards and Safety • Chemical Exposure • Hazard Communication • Exposure Control Methods Video Presentation Module 0: Introduction

4. Training Modules • Chemical Management • Shipping and Transport • Hazardous Waste • Environmental Management System • Emergency Response Challenge Exam Module 0: Introduction

5. Course Objectives • Follow USDA safety and security policies • Practice good ergonomic work habits • Identify laboratory hazards and apply proper protective measures • Handle and store chemicals safely • Dispose of hazardous waste properly • Know what to do in the event of an emergency on-site Module 0: Introduction

6. Administrative Information Safety and Security Policies Roles and Responsibilities Module 1: Administrative Information

7. Sign in and escort guests at all times Brief guests on important information Employees must wear ID badges Do not hold open doors Be mindful of pedestrians in the parking lot Safety and Security Module 1: Administrative Information

8. Roles and Responsibilities Employees • Properly use protective equipment and clothing • Promptly report accidents, injuries and releases to supervisors • Complete required training Supervisors and Managers • Ensure employees are properly trained • Provide employees access to health and safety documentation • Conduct general inspections of laboratories • Provide procedures for particularly hazardous operations Module 1: Administrative Information

9. Roles and Responsibilities Senior Management • Provide administrative management in program implementation • Ensure proper reporting, investigation and follow-up of incidents and accidents Safety Contact • Recommend goals to reduce accidents and incidents • Conduct inspections and audits • Help managers/supervisors implement policies and procedures • Investigate reports of unsafe/unhealthy conditions Module 1: Administrative Information

10. Module Checkpoint • Do your part to provide a safe working environment • Apply training to communicate effectively with your supervisor or manager Module 1: Administrative Information

11. Laboratory Ergonomics Musculoskeletal Disorders Ergonomic Pipetting Practices Reporting Injuries Module 2: Laboratory Ergonomics

12. Result as a function of: • Force • Frequency • Posture • Overuse of muscles and tendons • Lack of recovery time • Injuries develop gradually Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Module 2: Laboratory Ergonomics

13. Avoid excessive reaching with “Comfort Zone” • Elbows at about 90 degrees • Nominal reaching with the upper arm • Keep footspaces clear of storage • Interrupt repetitive motions with mini-breaks • Interrupt static postures by stretching • Use proper lifting techniques Ergonomics at the Working Surfaces Module 2: Laboratory Ergonomics

14. Keep pipettors in good mechanical condition • Service units that become difficult to operate • Avoid long durations of pipetting • Allow time for mini-breaks • If you feel discomfort when pipetting, inform your supervisor Ergonomic Pipetting Practices Module 2: Laboratory Ergonomics

15. Reporting Injuries • Inform your supervisor and Human Resources department • Helpful Injury Information • Location(s) of discomfort • Type of discomfort(broad, sharp, tingling, cold, numbing) • Recurrence(all the time, only at certain times) • History of the injury • Tasks Module 2: Laboratory Ergonomics

16. Module Checkpoint • Do your part to reduce your risk to ergonomic injuries • Position materials and supplies to reduce reaching • Take breaks when working for extended periods of time • Keep your equipment well-maintained • Report any discomfort from repetitive tasks to your supervisor Module 2: Laboratory Ergonomics

17. Laboratory Hazards and Safety Physical Hazards Protective Measures Module 3: Laboratory Hazards and Safety

18. Physical Hazards Module 3: Laboratory Hazards and Safety

19. Physical Hazards in the Laboratory • Sonicators and Machinery • Hearing protection (ear plugs or earmuffs) • Ultraviolet Light (direct) • Polycarbonate faceshield • Cover exposed skin Module 3: Laboratory Hazards and Safety

20. Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure Symptoms • Eyes: inflammation, dry or scratchy feeling • Long-term exposure may cause corneal damage • Skin: resembles mild sunburn • Long-term exposure may possibly cause melanoma Safety Practices • Use handheld units in biosafety cabinets • PPE is mandatory (especially for face/eyes) Module 3: Laboratory Hazards and Safety

21. Glass Under Pressure Sources of Pressurization: • Changes in temperature • Chemical reaction • Direct application of a gas Laboratory Precautions: • Inspect glassware before and after use • Note pressure rating • Wrap glassware with tape Enclosed environments in glass present an explosion or implosion hazard! Module 3: Laboratory Hazards and Safety

22. Physical Hazards in the Laboratory • Autoclaves – Heat and Steam • Heat-resistant gloves • Lab coat or apron • Cryogens (Liquid Nitrogen) • Thermal gloves • Lab coat • Faceshield Module 3: Laboratory Hazards and Safety

23. Module Interactive In the space provided, list the physical hazards you expect to encounter in your laboratory work. Next to each item, identify the personal protective equipment (PPE) that you will need to safely work with these hazards. Module 3: Laboratory Hazards and Safety

24. Module Checkpoint • Do your part to reduce your exposure to physical hazards in the lab. • Identify work that poses a physical hazard. • Use the protective equipment available to guard against these hazards. Module 3: Laboratory Hazards and Safety

25. Chemical Exposure Physical and Health Hazards Exposure Routes Toxicity Module 4: Chemical Exposure

26. Chemical Burns(acids and caustics) • Physical Burn (flammable/ combustible) • Explosion (chemical reaction or compressed gases) • Asphyxiation (lack of oxygen) Physical Hazards Module 4: Chemical Exposure

27. Irritant • Allergen/Sensitizer • Reproductive/Developmental Toxin • Carcinogen • Target Organ Effects • Chemical Asphyxiant Health Hazards Module 4: Chemical Exposure

28. Inhalation • Absorption • Ingestion • Injection Routes of Exposure Module 4: Chemical Exposure

29. Pinholes compromise the permeability of the glove Fumes from volatile solvents can be breathed in Working with potentially contaminated gloves A cut from contaminated glass provides direct chemical contact Module 4: Chemical Exposure

30. Module Interactive • What is the rationale for this rule? • By which route(s) could contaminated gloves lead to exposure? Avoid wearing gloves to open doors or touch door handles, for the safety of others. Module 4: Chemical Exposure

31. Chemical Toxicity “All substances are poisons; there is none which is not a poison. The right dose differentiates a poison from a remedy.” -Paracelsus (1493-1541) Module 4: Chemical Exposure

32. Exposure Limits • OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) • 8-hour time weighted exposure for a worker’s lifetime • Based upon chemical toxicity • Quantitative assessments are only safe means to determine exposure • Smells and Odors are not good indicators of exposure Module 4: Chemical Exposure

33. Module Interactive • A burning sensation in the eyes from an ammonia splash • Numbness of the hands from decades of work with n-hexane • Tremors and coma from dermal absorption of an organophosphorous insecticide • Hepatitis from daily exposure, over a period of years, to chloroform Identify whether the condition is the result of acute or chronic exposure. Module 4: Chemical Exposure

34. Module Checkpoint • Know how to protect yourself from exposure to chemicals in the lab • Understand routes of exposure • Understand that chemicals can have acute and chronic health effects Module 4: Chemical Exposure

35. Hazard Communication Chemical Hygiene Plan Chemical Labeling Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Module 5: Hazard Communication

36. The Lab Standard • OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.1450“Occupational Exposure to Chemicals in the Laboratory” • Defines requirements for laboratories: • Chemical Hygiene Plan • On-the-job training for employees • Hazard data of chemicals used(Material Safety Data Sheets) Module 5: Hazard Communication

37. Chemical Hygiene Plan • Found on the EHS website • in Tab 6 of the Location Safety Manual • http://webster/EHS/safety.html • Defines safe practices for chemical handling • Identifies exposure control measures implemented • Lists facility policies for treatment of exposure Module 5: Hazard Communication

38. Visible labeling on cabinets containing • Acids or corrosive materials • Flammable or combustible materials • Entrances to areas containing hazards should identify • Hazards present • Area supervisor and contact number Storage Cabinet and Room Labeling Module 5: Hazard Communication

39. Examples of EU pictoral warning symbols on chemical containers. Hazard Warnings • Know the hazards before handling chemicals • Harmful or Toxic • Flammable or Combustible • Corrosive • Oxidizer • Peroxidizable • Reactive • Particularly Hazardous Substances (carcinogens, teratogens, mutagens) Module 5: Hazard Communication

40. Labeling Hazardous Chemicals • Labeling is required on all containers • Manufacturer’s original container • Secondary/dispensing containers • Waste containers • Labeling on USDA secondary containers must include • Complete name(s) of chemicals and concentrations • Hazardous warning statement • Date opened (for peroxidizable chemicals) • Labels must be readable at all times; replace worn/degraded labels • Check solvent container labels Module 5: Hazard Communication

41. Chemical Labeling • Specific hazards are defined in the white portion of the diamond. Module 5: Hazard Communication

42. Hazard Communication • Hazards and precautions • Physical and chemical incompatibilities • Emergency action procedures(First aid, accidental release) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Module 5: Hazard Communication

43. Module 5: Hazard Communication

44. Module Interactive • Which section has first aid information? • List the fire extinguishers recommended for use. • What is the NFPA health hazard rating for acetonitrile? • Identify the exposure limit for this chemical. • What chemicals should not be stored with acetonitrile? The MSDS in this presentation is in your informational pamphlet. Use the MSDS to answer the following questions. Module 5: Hazard Communication

45. MSDS and Informational Sources • http://webster/EHS/page9.html • Main Building, 3rd Floor computer room(electronic data files) • ToxNet – Additional source for chemical hazard data • http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/ Module 5: Hazard Communication

46. Module Checkpoint • Recognize warnings on chemical containers and take necessary precautions • Recognize warnings on doors and cabinets • Refer to MSDS to learn important facts about the chemicals, especially hazards and exposure response procedures Module 5: Hazard Communication

47. Exposure Control Methods Engineering Controls Administrative Controls Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Module 6: Exposure Control Methods

48. Exposure Controls • Control Hierarchy • Engineering Controls • Administrative Controls • Substitution • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Module 6: Exposure Control Methods

49. Chemical Fume Hood • Used for all work with volatiles • Optimal air flow conditions: • Keep baffles clear • Hood sash at recommended setting • Adjust baffles settings accordingly • Work at least 4-6 inches into the hood • Not for chemical storage • Keep ignition sources out Module 6: Exposure Control Methods

50. Ventilation Controls • Local Exhaust Systems • Fume Hoods • Balance Enclosures • Snorkels • Dilution Ventilation • Low Toxicity Contaminants • Diffuse Contaminant Sources Module 6: Exposure Control Methods