VA New Jersey Health Care System September 2009

1. Laboratory Safety Training VA New Jersey Health Care System September 2009

2. New Jersey HealthCare System This training presentation has been created for those who work in a laboratory environment. Due to the fact that each laboratory is different the material contained will be supplemented by the policies and procedures in your specific laboratory.

3. Introduction • Laboratory safety is the key to reducing injury and illness. • Due to its nature there are many types of exposures in the laboratory that can pose a hazard to your health and safety. • Proper training is essential so you, as the employee, will be aware of the potential dangers that may threaten your health or life

4. Introduction • As you proceed with this training module, you should develop a better understanding regarding the concept of safety and how the basic concept of safety should be a part of every aspect of your life. • NJHCS has an obligation to protect every individual working at the facility. • In addition, there are various regulations and regulatory agencies that impact on the NJHCS. Compliance is not only mandatory but essential to protect the health and safety of all individuals and also protect our environment.

5. Agency Information • Lets take a look at several of the different agencies that are involved with our work at the NJHCS. National Institute of Health (NIH) Regulates laboratories that use or contain recombinant DNA. They specify the practices for constructing and handling the rDNA.

6. Agency Information Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Regulates laboratories that use or contain infectious agents. They are focused on protecting personnel and the laboratory environmental from exposure to infectious agents. They also focus on preventative measures by adhering to strict containment guidelines.

7. Agency Information OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration ) OSHA primarily monitors Hazardous Materials, Hazard Communication, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories . OSHA guidelines require monitoring work conditions and eliminating physical and health hazards at the work place.

8. Agency Information Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) The EPA regulates the chemicals and wastes that we generate and store. Many hazardous chemicals are used in laboratories that can pose a threat to humans, animals, plants, and the environment if not disposed of properly. There are also biohazard wastes that are regulated and must be properly disposed of. This responsibility may be delegated to or shared with the NJ State DEP.

9. Agency Information NJHCS Safety Section and GEMS Program The Safety Office and the GEMS Program plays a large role in overseeing the various activities that take place at each facility. They both serve as a resource and can assist in the interpretation of laws and regulations, and maintain up-to-date records of current health and safety standards. The duties range from fire safety , general and laboratory safety, environmental compliance and emergency response.

10. Why Training? Training is by far the most important aspect of safety. Training not only reduces illness/injury but also increases worker efficiency and awareness. Training is required by regulation and NJHCS is committed to fulfilling this requirement. Eliminating hazards and increasing awareness is our goal

11. Who is in Charge of Training? Everyone has a role to play in training. Each individual is responsible for participation in the training, comprehending the information, and utilizing the information for their specific duties. Your supervisor is in charge of providing proper and effective training. The Safety Office and GEMS Program can provides assistance to departments in achieving regulatory compliance and developing proactive strategies.

12. Introduction to the Laboratory

13. Let’s Get Started! Working in a laboratory can be an exciting experience. It can also pose many threats and hazards. That is why it is important to know your surroundings. Know where the exits to your work area are located. There may be more than one exit which could be critical in the case of an emergency. Your supervisor will review the emergency action plan including the escape route procedures for your room.

14. Know Your Surroundings Know the location of the fire extinguishers and any other equipment such as fire blankets in your laboratory. In order to fight a fire one must undergo the proper training. NJHCS personnel are encouraged to not fight fires. In the event of a fire, follow the procedures outlined in the hospital policy and procedures. Essentially the first response is to activate the fire alarm and evacuate the area. Use any phone to dial X3000 to notify the VA Police. It is their job to dispatch the fire department.

15. Know Your Surroundings Know where the fire alarm is in proximity to your laboratory. Is it right down the hall? If there is a fire, a quick response is the best response. Have your supervisor show you the closest alarm. Your fire safety training will detail the safety procedures for your lab.

16. Know Your Surroundings Many laboratories contain hazardous substances. A hazardous substance is defined as a material/substance that poses a physical or health hazard. This includes both chemicals and biological agents. A Biohazard is defined as any organism that is capable of replication and is capable of causing disease in human, animal or plant. There are differences between a physical hazard and a health hazard. Let’s take a look.

17. Know Your Surroundings A health hazard has the following characteristics: • Carcinogen • Toxic or highly toxic • Reproductive Toxins • Irritants • Corrosives • Sensitizers • Hepatotoxins • Nephrotoxins • Neurotoxins

18. Know Your Surroundings A physical hazard has the following characteristics: • Explosive • Flammable • Oxidizer • Pyrophoric • Organic peroxide • Compressed gas • Combustible liquid • Unstable (Reactive) • Water-reactive

19. Know Your Surroundings When physical hazards and health hazards exist, it is very important to know where the eye wash/safety shower is located. Unexpected accidents do occur and knowing where to go at the time of an emergency can reduce injury/illness.

20. Know Your Surroundings First aid kits have a variety of quick relief items. If your lab has a first aid kit, find out where it is. If more than first aid is needed, it is recommended to go to Employee Health Clinic or the Emergency Room for further treatment.

21. Know Your Surroundings When there are chemical, biological, or radioactive agents being used, an emergency spill kit should be available. If there is a spill kit in your lab, find its location. Further Spill information will be addressed later in this presentation.

22. Know Your Surroundings Each laboratory has a telephone in a designated area for use. . The emergency contact numbers are posted on the “Basic Staff Response to Disaster/Emergency Events, or System Failure Sheets” that are posted throughout each facility and the information is also available on our web page.

23. Know What Hazards are Present

24. Hazards in your Lab Each lab is faced with different hazards. There could be exposure to biological, chemical, or radioactive material, which may pose a variety of physical and/or health hazards. This training will be primarily focusing on biological hazards and some chemical hazards. Let’s look at these hazards a little closer.

25. Hazards in your Lab A biological hazardincludes an organism or material of biological origin that could potentially cause harm to humans, animals, or plants. An infectious agent is an organism capable of producing infection or disease in human, animal or plant. Recombinant DNA (rDNA) is defined as molecules that are constructed outside living cells by joining natural or synthetic DNA segments to DNA molecules that can replicate in a living cell or molecules that result from the replication of those described above.

26. Hazards in your Lab Infectious agents pose a threat because these agents can cause illness or death to both people and animals. Special precautions must be taken to reduce the potential release of these agents. Each laboratory that is using an infectious agent must conduct additional lab specific training which will inform you about the hazards of the specific agents used in your laboratory.

27. Hazards in your Lab Infectious agents fall under CDC guidelines. The proper safety precautions to take will depend on the organism you are working with or exposed to. These are designated at different Biosafety Levels (BSL). The more pathogenic the agent, the more stringent the safety precautions are.

28. Hazards in your Lab In labs that work with infectious agents the safety precautions will vary depending on the Biosafety Level (BSL). Different Biosafety Levels may require different safety equipment, the facility (lab) design, and different procedures and protocols.

29. Hazards in your Lab Biosafety levels will be discussed in detail by your supervisor during your Lab Specific Training.

30. Hazards in your Lab rDNA can also poses a threat to human and animal health. Depending on the molecules that are being manipulated, the hazards will vary. rDNA can be manipulated using cultures, animals, plants, and also humans. The risk will depend on several factors including the organism and the media being used. The containment levels will depend on the organisms that carry the recombinant DNA.

31. Hazards in your Lab The term containment in the laboratory setting is defined as the confinement of a biohazardous agent that is being cultured, stored, manipulated, transported, or destroyed in order to prevent or limit its contact with people and/or the environment. Methods used for containment include physical and biological barriers and inactivation using physical or chemical means. The requirements for containment methods are integrated into the biosafety levels.

32. Hazards in your Lab Chemicals can pose a significant hazard. They should be limited to the use under a properly working fume hood. Chemicals can release hazardous fumes which not only harm the environment, but they can be a major health threat. They must be handled carefully and disposed of properly.

33. Hazards in your Lab When a chemical is in the laboratory, the hazards of that chemical must be communicated to you. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) is required to relay information regarding procedures, equipment, PPE, and work practices that are capable of protecting employees from health hazards. Your supervisor is responsible for providing the information contained in the CHP to you.

34. Lab Safety The following guidelines have been established to minimize the hazards in a laboratory setting. It is important to take responsibility for your actions and to keep in mind that irresponsible acts could have lasting future effects. The next portion of the training is a review of laboratory protocols and is meant to remind you of responsible conduct in a laboratory setting. As the hazards increase, the risks increase, and your responsibility must increase.

35. Lab Attire You should remember the following: • No open-toed shoes • No shorts unless a lab coat is used • Restrain hair when working with hazardous materials • Remove protective clothing in when you leave the lab • Use the proper Personal Protective Equipment for the job

36. Personal Habits Personal habits play a large role in minimizing hazards. The following measures must be taken: • Do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum or apply cosmetics, or remove/insert contact lenses while in the laboratory • Do not store food or beverages in the lab or in chemical refrigerator • Do not mouth pipette • Wash hands before leaving laboratory and after handling contaminated material

37. Safe Practices These safe practices should be followed to ensure safe working conditions: • Do not use chipped or cracked glassware • When working with hazardous materials, have a second person nearby • Know emergency procedures • Keep the laboratory neat and clean • Use hazardous chemicals under a fume hood and biohazardous materials in a biosafety cabinet (BSC) • Decontaminate as needed • All procedures should be performed to minimize aerosol

38. Know details/location of your vital Laboratory Information!

39. Laboratory Information Each lab contains an Emergency Action Plan which is required for emergency situations. This is used to inform staff of the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.

40. Laboratory Information The labs that are using infectious agents and/or rDNA are also required to have the Biosafety Manual available. Specific guidelines for research are outlined in this manual. If any questions arise regarding regulations, this manual should be used as a resource.

41. Laboratory Information The Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) is similar to the Hazard Communication Program, but this is specifically for laboratories with chemicals. The plan is meant to provide information regarding procedures, equipment, PPE, and work practices that are capable of protecting employees from health hazards. For example, if you are working with acids, it would be nice to know what personal protective equipment is necessary and what health hazards are associated with it.

42. Chemical Hygiene According to the laboratory standard, for those labs that have chemicals the following training topics must be addressed: • Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemicals. • Physical and health hazards • Measures employees can take to protect themselves from hazards • Details of the CHP

43. Chemical Hygiene Plan Methods and observations used to detect the presence or release of chemicals will be specific to your lab. A good indication of the presence of a chemical is to rely on your senses. Can you see it or smell it? Is a monitoring device needed to detect it? This can be important information if the chemical is an asphyxiant and pushes oxygen out of the room you are in.

44. Chemical Hygiene Protection against chemicals is a combination of work procedures or practices, emergency procedures, and PPE. Some chemicals can only be handled under certain conditions. It is important to use proper handling procedures and practices as advised. The emergency procedures for chemical accidents is to first evacuate the area and then notify your supervisor, VA Police and the Safety Section if necessary.

45. Chemical Hygiene Each lab that has chemicals will have a lab specific Chemical Hygiene Plan. This plan will detail the procedures and practices for your specific location. It is your responsibility to make sure that you review the CHP.

46. Labeling It is important to know as much about a chemical as possible. Therefore, proper labeling is the most important source of information. The most dangerous substance is the one that has no label. Communicating information is essential in the field of science.

47. Labeling Labeling is also required for chemicals that are in a secondary container unless it is to be used only by you during your shift. When labeling the secondary container the following information must be included: • Identity of the hazardous chemical • Appropriate hazard warnings • Name and address of the chemical • manufacturer, importer, or other responsible • party.

48. MSDS Besides labeling, the Laboratory Standard also requires the use of a document called an MSDS. Let’s look more closely at the MSDS and see what it contains. MSDS

49. MSDS The second most important type of communication regarding hazards is the MSDS. MSDS is the acronym for Material Safety Data Sheet. This will communicate the information necessary regarding hazards associated with chemicals and also biological agents.

50. MSDS So what is an MSDS? An MSDS is a document that relays vital information about certain chemicals and biological agents. Let’s look at the content of the MSDS!