SUKESHI MEHTA COORDINATOR, CHEMICAL SAFETY OFFICE OF RADIATION, CHEMICAL & BIOLOGICAL SAFETY FRIDAY OCTOBER 3 RD, 2014 Laboratory Legacy Chemicals

Legacy Chemicals Abandoned laboratory chemicals  Chemicals are kept beyond their expiration date  Passed through generations of researchers  No real inventory for most of these laboratories

The Legacy Chemical Problem Department obtains responsibility for the unknown  No real inventory system to identify the chemicals and responsible parties ORCBS = Office of Radiation, Chemical & Biological Safety Lack of communication ORCBS notified when:  A researcher leaves  Space is needed for a new researcher  A new researcher arrives and needs assistance removing old chemicals

Legacy Chemical Case Study #1 Abandoned for 1 year after the death of the Principal Investigator Initial hazard assessment  Large amount of legacy chemicals  Old chemical containers, some visibly contaminated Arsenic, mercury, manganese and lead  Visible contamination of chemical fume hoods, bench tops, etc.  Potential for exposure

Legacy Chemical Case Study #1 Further hazard evaluation required  Monitoring confirmed heavy metal contamination Arsenic and Mercury Actions taken:  Collection of compressed gases  Collection and disposal of legacy chemicals  Decontamination of laboratory by a contracted third party

Legacy Chemical Case Study #2 Abandoned for 2 years after the death of the Principal Investigator  New researcher needed the lab space  Distinct “odor” from a freezer reported to ORCBS  Key-controlled access Initial hazard assessment  Combination of chemical and biological hazards  A lot of legacy chemicals in fair condition  Biological samples left in 4 freezers  One freezer was broken, its’ contents thawed ORCBS = Office of Radiation, Chemical & Biological Safety

Legacy Chemical Case Study #2 Actions taken:  Chemicals segregated, inventoried and packaged  Collection of legacy chemicals and disposal  Collection of biological material into designated waste containers  Decontamination of freezers  Disposal of biological material

Our Directive for Change The ORCBS received a directive from the Senior Vice President for Research:  Proactively address legacy chemical issues  Institute a method of communication between our office, other departments and researchers to allow for structured closeouts  Prevent abandonment of labs and overwhelming lab closeouts

The Legacy Chemical Process General legacy chemical process:  Notified legacy chemicals were found  Hazard assessment performed  Legacy chemicals segregated, packaged and inventoried  Collection request submitted  Collection and final disposal of chemicals  Compressed gases collected by the Cryogenic & Gas Facility

Implementing the Legacy Chemical Process Incorporation of information into the Laboratory Chemical Safety Manual, website and annual inspection lists Success possible due to:  High visibility – multiple visits per year by different groups  Internal and external communication  Implementation of a laboratory inventory requirement Laboratory closeouts : 14 Total legacy chemical processes : 34

Legacy Chemical Case Study #3 Accumulation of chemicals in the lab over time  High turnover of instructors  Identified during the chemical inventory process Laboratory requested assistance during a regular inspection Chemicals were segregated, packaged and inventoried within one week Laboratory submitted request for collection

Future Steps Further integration into the research culture  Will be completed with implementation of the new Laboratory Chemical Safety Program Development of an online inventory system of hazardous chemicals for every lab Work with UA departments to identify abandoned labs or storerooms with legacy chemicals Institute a safety culture in which the labs feel comfortable contacting ORCBS for assistance with unwanted chemicals

Any Questions?