(15) Work with Particularly Hazardous Substances
15.1 - OSHA Requirement
The Chemical Hygiene Plan must include . . . provisions for additional employee protection for work with particularly hazardous substances. These [substances] include "select carcinogens," [45] reproductive toxins, and substances which have a high degree of acute toxicity. Specific consideration shall be given to the following provisions which shall be included where appropriate: establishment of a designated area; use of containment devices such as hoods or glove boxes; procedures for safe removal of contaminated waste; and decontamination procedures.
15.2 - Chemistry Department Implementation of the OSHA Requirement
Specialized hazards differ from lab to lab. For this reason, each PI must ensure
that appropriate measures are taken to minimize risks and prepare for emergencies.
Section 15 [46] is the plan for dealing with these
hazards.
15.3 - Designation of Areas for Work with High-Hazard Substances
a. Each laboratory utilizing these substances must designate an area for this purpose and mark this area with an appropriate hazard sign. The designated area may be an entire laboratory, an area of the laboratory, or a device such as a hood or glove box. The designated area should be marked with a "danger (specific agent), authorized personnel only," or comparable warning sign.
b. An emergency response plan should be posted at the designated area.
c. Detection equipment may be required in laboratories where highly toxic chemicals (especially poisonous gases) are used.
15.4 - Use of Containment Devices such as Fume Hoods or Glove Boxes
a. Work with carcinogens, reproductive toxins and acutely toxic chemicals should be performed within a functioning hood, glove box, sealed system, or other containment device designed to minimize exposure to these substances. The exhaust air from the ventilation systems may require scrubbing before being released into the atmosphere. In all cases, work with these types of chemicals should be done in such a manner that the OSHA PELs or similar standards are not exceeded.
b. The ventilation efficiency of the containment device, and the operational effectiveness of mechanical and electrical equipment used to contain or manipulate these special substances, should be evaluated periodically by the laboratory personnel at intervals determined by the PI.
c. Compressed gas cylinders that contain acutely toxic chemicals should be kept in ventilated gas cabinets.
15.5 - Personnel
a. It is the responsibility of the PI to train all workers in the high-hazard area with regard to symptoms and deleterious effects of exposure. The training is required for all those who may be exposed, even if they do not actually work with the substances.
b. Laboratory workers using these substances must have access to appropriate personal protective equipment (available at no expense to the workers) and must be trained on how to properly utilize this equipment.
c. If respirators are to be worn, special training is required - contact EHS (see section 5.7).
15.6 - Specialized Handling Procedures
a. Quantities of these chemicals used and stored in the laboratory should be minimized, as should their concentrations in solution or mixtures.
b. Special precautions to avoid release of and exposure to these chemicals should be observed. For instance, volatile substances should be kept cool and contained. Gas cylinders should have properly functioning valves, check valves, regulators, containment which can withstand pressure buildup, and appropriate piping. Dispersive solids should be kept in closed containers and used in places with minimal air currents. Appropriate contact materials should be used to avoid static charging.
c. Emergency response planning for releases or spills should be prepared by the PI and included in the training of the lab workers and others who may be affected in the building. EHS and the fire department should be involved in this planning.
15.7 - Procedures for Safe Removal of Contaminated Waste and Decontamination
a. Procedures must be reviewed and approved by the PI.
b. Treatment of waste products to lessen or eliminate their toxicity as part of the experimental protocol is encouraged as a way of minimizing health hazards and the amount of waste, only if such treatment can be performed safely.
c. Before initiating disposal, treatment, or recycling of a hazardous waste, generators must contact EHS to ensure that the process meets safety, regulatory, and record keeping requirements.
d. The designated working area shall be thoroughly decontaminated and cleaned at regular intervals determined by the PI.
15.8 - Hazardous Procedures
In his or her own lab area, the PI is responsible for establishing policies
for operations that may present special hazards, such as the use of lasers or
high-pressure systems.
References:
[45] The term "select carcinogens" is defined in Section 2 of the CHP