Laboratory Safety Guide

Laboratory Safety Guide

and

Chemical Hygiene Plan

State University of New York

College of Environmental Science

and Forestry

January, 2006

Table of Contents

I.Goal ...... 1

II.Ensuring Laboratory Safety ...... 2

A. Laboratory Director ...... …...... 2

III.Safe Laboratory Practices...... 2

A. General Principles ...... 2

B. Health and Hygiene ...... 3

C. Food, Beverages, and Chemical Contamination ...... 4

D. Housekeeping ...... 5

E. Laboratory Equipment Maintenance ...... 5

F. Glassware ...... 6

G. Protective Apparel and Equipment ...... 6

H. Cryogenic Hazards ...... 7

I. Systems Under Pressure ...... 7

J. Warning Signs and Labels ...... 8

K. Unattended Operations ...... 8

L. Working Alone ...... 8

M. Laboratory Security ...... 9

IV.Facility and Operational Safety Rules...... 10

A. Laboratory Fume Hoods ...... 10

V.Handling Chemicals in the Laboratory ...... 11

A. Acute and Chronic Exposure ...... 11

B. Procurement ...... 12

C. Transport ...... 12

D. Storage ...... 12

E. Designated Area ...... 13

F. Approval ...... 13

VI.Chemical Hazards...... 14

A. Caustics and Corrosives ...... 15

B. Toxic Chemicals ...... 16

C. Mercury ...... 17

D. Carcinogens ...... 17

E. Flammables ...... 18

F. Reactives ...... 19

VII.Breaks and Spills ...... 20

A. Reporting ...... 20

B. Personal Safety ...... 20

VIII.Compressed Gases...... 21

A. Handling and Storage ...... 21

IX.Radioactive Hazards ...... 22

X.Biological Hazards ...... 23

XI.Labeling ...... 24 A. Label Requirements ...... 24

B. Chemical Waste Labeling Requirements…………………………… 24

B. Transfer of Chemicals ...... 24

C. Exceptions to Labeling Requirement ...... 25

XII.Fire Prevention, Control and Reporting ...... 26

A. Prevention ...... 26

B. Priorities in Case of Fire ...... 26

C. Fire Control Methods ...... 27

XIII.Waste Disposal ...... 28

A. Disposing of Waste Chemicals ...... 28

XIV.Inspections, Audits, and Reports ...... 29

XV.Training and Information ...... 29

A. Laboratory Personnel ...... 29

B. Laboratory Directors ...... 29

C. Training ...... 29

XVI.Medical Examination ...... 30

XVII.Electrical Safety ...... 31
A. General Instructions ...... 31

B. Static Electricity and Spark Hazards ...... 31

Appendixes

Mercury Policy ...... A

ESF Hazardous Chemical Labeling Program ...... B

Chemical Code Sheets ...... C

Laboratory Ventilation ...... D

Chemical Spill Policy ...... E

Chemicals Established as Hazardous...... F

Compressed Gas Cylinders ...... G

Personal Protective Equipment Plan...... H

Biohazard Procedures ...... I

Laboratory Inspection Program ...... J

Hazard Communication Program ...... K

Chemical Waste Management...... L