Safety Moment Collection of the Joint Safety Team at the University of Minnesota, Department of Chemistry and Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Science.

Use these safety moments as you see fit. Feel free to adapt a safety moment to meet the specific needs and time constraints of an audience or occasion; this may mean using only a portion of the prepared slides for a topic or including additional resources for an in-depth discussion.

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Non-PPE Controls

Hierarchy of Controls More than PPE

Eliminate/Minimize Hazards 6 *Using PPE as a primary hazard control is a poor safety practice.

How to Eliminate/Minimize Hazards How can you eliminate or minimize the identified risks? Standard methods include: 1. Substitution - Use a less hazardous reagent in place of a hazardous one 2. Administrative Control - Modify your procedure or reaction scheme to minimize the risk the hazardous step 3. Personal Protective Equipment* – Use appropriate PPE *A last resort when other methods fail. Using PPE as a primary hazard control is considered a poor safety practice. 7

Engineering Controls Redesigning workplaces to reduce hazards

Control Systems l * Multiple layers to hazard reduction

Engineering Controls Emergency override buttons Blast shield Workspace design Fume hood Include designs or modifications to laboratories, equipment, ventilation systems, and processes that reduce exposure -CCOHS blink.ucsd.edu

Chemical Substitutions To eliminate / minimize hazards Common Substitutions and Evaluating a Potential Substitution

Common Chemical Substitutions Instead of :Consider: BenzeneToluene, Cyclohexane, Ketones Carbon tetrachloride1,1,1- trichloroethane or Isopropyl alcohol Diethyl ether (extractions)Hexanes Chromate ion (oxidation)Hypochlorite ion Formaldehyde (bio preservation)Ethanol or commercial product (ex. Formalternate) MethanolEthanol, anhydrous Mineral oilSilicon oil K or Na (reactive group 1 metals)Ca or Mg Strong Acid (HCl) / Base (OH - )Acetic acid / bicarbonate Benzoyl peroxide (catalyst)30% Hydrogen peroxide or Lauroyl Peroxide 12 Chemical Substitution. Health Canada, Environmental and Workplace Health. Accessed 8 Jan Stroud, L.M. Substitution of a more hazardous chemical by a less hazardous chemical. Science and Safety Consulting Services. Accessed 8 Jan

Considering a Potential Substitute 13 Substitution of Chemicals – Considerations for Selection. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Updated 1 March Accessed 8 Jan Is the replacement less hazardous ? (health, fire, corrosivity, reactivity, etc.) Ensure one hazard is not exchanged for another. Hazards Read SDS Does it meet the process requirements? Is it likely to work? Effectiveness Evaluate & Compare Is the new substance adequately controlled by the existing system? (ventilation, vapor pressure, temperature, flash point, flammability, etc.) Control Measures Does it interfere or react with other materials or the equipment? Compatibility

More Resources Transitioning to Safer Chemicals. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Accessed 8 Jan 2014, IC2 Safer Alternative Assessments. Accessed 8 Jan 2014, Chemical Substitution. Health Canada, Environmental and Workplace Health. Accessed 8 Jan 2014, travail/whmis-simdut/substitution-eng.phphttp:// travail/whmis-simdut/substitution-eng.php Stroud, L.M. Substitution of a more hazardous chemical by a less hazardous chemical. Science and Safety Consulting Services. Accessed 8 Jan 2014,

Administrative Controls Laboratory policies to minimize hazards

16 – Written operating procedures (SOPs) – Training requirements Before working in the lab / General Specific chemicals or procedures – Lab policies and practices Working alone / buddy system Unattended reactions Housekeeping standards – Limiting time exposure to hazards – Posting signage to identify hazards Administrative Controls Laboratory Information Building & Room Principal Investigator, phone/ Lab Safety Officer, phone/ Description Minimum PPE Required Hazards In an emergency, call 911. In non-emergency situations, contact the LSO or PI.

Classes of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper Lab Attire

Proper Lab Attire Clothing must cover the arms and legs – Tights/leggings are not appropriate – Short sleeves are okay if lab coat is worn Loose or draping clothing (i.e. scarves) is unsafe Long hair should be tied back 19

Proper Lab Attire Shoes with traction are preferable Steel-toed shoes are required when transporting heavy equipment Socks should cover ankles. 20 Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Management of Chemical Hazards (2011), Section 6.c Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology (BCST)BCST X

21 Shoes Shoes must cover the entire foot Leather or synthetic leather is best Thick sole to protect from broken glass Chemical Hygiene Plan, Department of Chemistry. Carleton College. Available at Accessed 28 Jan

Gloves: The basics Best practices for wearing disposable gloves

Gloves Select gloves made of material known to be resistant to permeation by the substances in use. – Lab Safety Supply Company provides chemical compatibility guide for gloves at Check gloves (even new ones) tears or pinholes. Select gloves of the correct size and fit – Too small  uncomfortable and may tear – Too large  low dexterity Remove rings and jewelry that can tear gloves UofM, Department of Environmental Health and Safety. Bio Basics Fact Sheet: Glove Selection and Use

Gloves Replace gloves when – Contaminated – Permeated by solvent – Torn – You have been wearing them awhile Some gloves, especially lightweight disposables, may be flammable – Keep hands well away from flames or other high temperature heat sources Consider double gloving, if working with – A highly hazardous compound – Radioactive materials – Situations were there is a high potential for spills or splashes UofM, Department of Environmental Health and Safety. Bio Basics Fact Sheet: Glove Selection and Use

Gloves Remove gloves before leaving lab area. – Remove in a way that avoids skin contact contaminated glove exterior Dispose of gloves in non-hazardous (normal) trash – If radioactive chemicals were used, place in radioactive waste. UofM, Department of Environmental Health and Safety. Bio Basics Fact Sheet: Glove Selection and Use Wash hands Do not attempt to re-use disposable gloves. – Increased risk for contamination protective-Equipment/Hand-Protection

Gloves UofM, Department of Environmental Health and Safety. Bio Basics Fact Sheet: Glove Selection and Use If you are transporting a chemical in the hallway, only wear a glove on one hand. To prevent the unintentional spread of hazardous substances, when wearing gloves don’t touch – Anything used outside the lab Doorknobs, personal telephones, pens, etc. – Your face or clothes Have a policy (gloves or no gloves) for lab computer use. – Post your policy on the computer to remind visiting researchers.

Gloves: Chemical Compatibility

Glove Comparison Chart 28 selection-and-usage.html Incidental contact: little or no direct contact with the hazardous material. Extended contact: handling highly contaminated materials; submerging hands in a chemical or other hazardous substance; need for physical protection from temperature extremes or sharp/piercing objects

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32 Water based solution, organic solvents, acids and bases, halogenated hydrocarbons

Glove Usage Wear gloves of a material known to be resistant to permeation by the substances in use. Look for an expiration date on individual packages of gloves. Before use, check gloves (even new ones) for physical damage such as tears or pinholes. Check reusable gloves for previous chemical damage. Dispose of gloves when they show any sign of leakage or deterioration. Select gloves of the correct size and fitting. Some gloves, especially lightweight disposables, may be flammable: keep hands well away from flames or other high temperature heat sources. Replace gloves periodically, depending on the frequency of use and their permeation and degradation characteristics relative to the substances handled. Remove gloves before handling objects such as doorknobs, telephones, pens, and computer keyboards. When removing gloves, do so in a way that avoids skin contact with a possibly contaminated glove exterior. Always wash hands after removing gloves. Dispose of contaminated gloves properly. Do not attempt to re-use disposable gloves. 33

Handling the Heat OSHA (U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration) – Select gloves that provide guarding and insulation 34 Heat resistant gloves (attention: never wet the gloves when you put the autoclaves in water; water is a heat conductor)

Prevention and protection Read SDS and learn about the temperatures, then select appropriate PPE and employ additional controls 35 Diethyl ether

Types of eye protection

Eye Protection Overview Text Boston Medical Center, EHS and Laboratory Safety Committee. July Safety Glasses Impact resistant (shatter proof) and UV shielding lenses Use when splash potential is low to prevent solvent or object from entering eyes Splash Goggles Seal around the face and are impact resistant Use when there is a potential for a splash from a hazardous material Can wear over prescription glasses Face Shield Use when working with large volumes of hazardous materials (solvents or particles). Use in conjunction with safety glasses or goggles.

Eye Protection Options

Googles vs. Safety Glasses

Goggles vs. Safety Glasses Photos courtesy of Michaela Roslawski, Sasha Schrandt, Kei Fuchigami (Photographer) St. Olaf College

The Test Photos courtesy of Michaela Roslawski, Sasha Schrandt, Kei Fuchigami (Photographer) St. Olaf College

Goggles Photos courtesy of Michaela Roslawski, Sasha Schrandt, Kei Fuchigami (Photographer) St. Olaf College

The Test Photos courtesy of Michaela Roslawski, Sasha Schrandt, Kei Fuchigami (Photographer) St. Olaf College

Goggles Photos courtesy of Michaela Roslawski, Sasha Schrandt, Kei Fuchigami (Photographer) St. Olaf College

Goggles Photos courtesy of Michaela Roslawski, Sasha Schrandt, Kei Fuchigami (Photographer) St. Olaf College

The Test: Safety Glasses Photos courtesy of Michaela Roslawski, Sasha Schrandt, Kei Fuchigami (Photographer) St. Olaf College

Safety Glasses Photos courtesy of Michaela Roslawski, Sasha Schrandt, Kei Fuchigami (Photographer) St. Olaf College

Flame Resistant Sleeves A great alternative to a flame resistant lab coat 48

Flame Resistant Sleeves 49 elastic-s02grrg02.html#details $11.00 per pair vs. ~$100 for a full lab coat Fits over normal lab coat sleeve Protects part of arm most likely to come in contact with flammables while working in the hood

Cover your arms Make sure sleeves don’t inhibit work Be conscious of longer street clothes sleeves that stick out of a lab coat Sleeves

Respiratory Protection Is a respirator needed? How can you get one? 51

52 Aerosolization during common lab procedures – e.g., weighing solids for making solutions – Tris, SDS, Ascorbic acid, MES hydrate. Harmful/irritating to the eyes and lungs. PPE Gloves, goggles, lab coat. In general read MSDS before using any chemicals, and possibly respiratory mask. Upon exposure Eyes : Rinse at the eye shower Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical aid if experiencing discomfort Respiratory hazards

Respiratory Protection Program Check the MSDS to determine if a respirator is needed for the chemicals you are working with. If use of a respirator is required, DEHS will provide you with information to enroll in the University’s Respiratory Protection Program through the Office of Occupational Health Information on the Respiratory Protection Program can be found at: Minimum requirements for the program include filling out a health survey and a fit test for the type of respirator you will be using Additional information is available through the website /asset/ahc_asset_ pdf

Lab Coat Material Compatibility

Splash Protection 55 Less flammable than blends Stock room Less susceptible to acids than 100% cotton ~$20 Splash barrier 100% Cotton Polyester/ Cotton Blend Lab Coat Information Table. Columbia University EHS, Laboratory Coat Selection, Use, and Care. MIT EHS, *All costs estimated from Amazon.com (2014)

Flame Resistance 56 Lab Coat Information Table. Columbia University EHS, Laboratory Coat Selection, Use, and Care. MIT EHS, Breathable Flame resistant Launder without bleach ~$40 Less bulky than Nomex® fabric ~$100 Recommended for pyrophorics Nomex® 100% cotton + Flame Retardant (FR) *All costs estimated from Amazon.com (2014)

Lab Coat Compatibility *On Amazon.com Major Hazard Protection Coat MaterialCost*Special Benefits Solvent splashPolyester/Cotton Blend ~$20Better splash and corrosive protection, cheap Solvent splash100% Cotton~$20Lower flammability, cheap Fire100% Cotton + Flame Retardant (FR) ~$40Breathable, flame resistant (FR) Fire, pyrophoricsNomex IIIA~$100Better heat and FR, recommended for pyrophorics Particles contamination, biological fluid, static Microbreathe~$140Ideal for clean-room use or static dissipation Non-hazardous messPolypropylene~$10Disposable

Acid Aprons

Acid Aprons Nitrile blend aprons are resistant to acid and base They should be used when working with concentrated acid or base, especially when in large amounts Aprons are available in the stockroom 59 Don’t forget your goggles and acid resistant gloves!

PPE Protocol

Personal Protective Equipment Where – and where not – to wear it!

Wear PPE when: Lab coat is okay to wear when walking from lab to lab, unless is it known to be contaminated with a particularly hazardous substance. Working in laboratory spaces When using a “gloves on” keyboard Wear gloves when using this keyboard. Wear gloves when using this keyboard.

NOT When NOT to wear PPE When using a “gloves off” keyboard When using mobile phones Offices/ non-lab spaces OutsideBathrooms

When NOT to wear PPE When quenching your thirst. 64 Don’t risk ingesting chemicals and spreading them to drink containers. Is a beverage container only touched with gloves on? Note: Labs where hazardous chemicals are used have air changes per hour.  Increased thirst

Transporting Chemicals Use secondary containment (bucket) One gloved hand, one ungloved hand Carry other needed PPE if moving between labs

PPE and Chemical Packages 66

Opening Chemical Packages PPE required to transport chemicals within and between labs Best practice suggests PPE should be worn when opening packages containing chemicals – Packaging is form of engineering control – PPE protects in case that control fails 67

Lab Coat Laundering System

Wearing a seriously soiled lab coat is like wearing hazardous waste! Chemistry department now offers a FREE lab coat laundering service Monthly service Importance of a Clean Lab Coat 69

How it works Every 4 th Wednesday Drop off dirty lab coats to Smith S18 Make sure your name is written on the pocket (not collar) There will be two hampers: – Coats that DO have the vendor’s barcode in the collar – Coats that DO NOT have the vendor’s barcode in the collar. Look for a monthly reminder Thursday afternoon, 4 weeks later Pick up your clean lab coat from Smith S18

Available Resources

DEHS Contact Anna Sitek (Englund) Phone: (612) Office W Research Safety Specialist assigned to our department, and newly-created DEHS safety contact for our entire college. She will serve as a member of our department Safety Committee and will work with the JST. Feel free to contact her with any questions!

JST website

Dow Safety Academy

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Have a safety moment? Contribute it to this collection. Send safety moments to with Safety Moment in the subject line. Please put content in the provided template and cite reliable, credited sources. Thank you!

Templates

Safety Moment Title

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