1. Initial Laboratory Safety Training (GPILS) Updated 06/12/19 S. Houng

2. Who We Are Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)
We Enhance the Safety of our Community through EDUCATION and SERVICE
714 W. Lombard St. Baltimore MD 21201
(410) or from a campus phone

3. EHS Programs Biosafety Chemical Safety Radiation Safety Fire Safety
Hazardous Waste Removal
Injury Reporting and Occupational Health

4. Services and Resources
Training (BBP, Lab Chemical Safety, Hazardous Waste, Radiation Safety) as well as optional training (DOT infectious and biological material shipping, reactive chemicals) - MyEHS
Research Registration for Biosafety and Radiation safety – review protocols for safety and health hazards and ensure that you obtain the proper training – CICERO IBC and RSC
Perform general and radiation safety audits – SHAREPOINT
Provide hazardous waste removal including chemical, radioactive, and special medical waste
Administrate Injury reporting and Workers compensation in the case of an incident

5. Key EHS Contacts
Steven C. Deck, DM, MBA, ARM, CIH, CSP, CHMM, CBSP- Director
Kenneth Brenneman, PhD- Radiation Safety Officer
Melissa A. Morland, MS, MBA, RBP, CBSP, SM(NRCM)- Assistant Director and Biosafety Officer ;
Simone Houng- Research Safety Specialist

6. Training Topics Covered Today
Bloodborne Pathogens
Chemical Safety in the Laboratory
Hazardous Waste Management
Emergency Procedures
Note that annual refresher training on these topics is required and can be accessed on the EHS website

7. Bloodborne Pathogens
“Pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans.”
(as defined by Occupational Safety and Health Administration- OSHA)
Includes:
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
HIV
Many other viral and bacterial pathogens

8. Other Potentially Infectious Material (OPIM)
In additional to blood the standard covers:
Human body fluids (cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, synovial fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva from dental, semen, and vaginal secretions)
Any unfixed tissue or organ from a human
Human cell or tissue cultures

9. OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
Mandates:
Development of a written exposure control plan
Implementation of engineering controls and safe work practices
Use of personal protective equipment
Hepatitis B Vaccination –provisions or declination
Post exposure evaluation and follow-up
Information and training
Record Keeping

10. UMB BBP Exposure Control Plan
Available on the EHS website and covers:
Exposure Determination
Methods of Compliance
Personal Protective Equipment
Work Practice Controls
Housekeeping
Hepatitis B Vaccination Program
Communication of Hazards
Information and Training
Recordkeeping
Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-up

11. Jobs at the University with Potential Exposure to Blood or OPIM
Health Care Workers
Researchers
Housekeepers
Maintenance Staff
Police Officers

12. Hepatitis B Virus(HBV)
What is the Hepatitis B Virus?
HBV is a disease of the liver
CDC estimates that 1.2 million people in the United States are chronically infected with HBV
Dry blood can contain HBV up to 7 days
Symptoms occur on average 12 weeks after exposure
Symptoms occur in about 70% of patients
Risk of infection after an injury from a contaminated needle is from 6% to 30% (unvaccinated)
Vaccine is available
Symptoms might include:
Yellow skin or yellowing of the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
Tiredness
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Abdominal discomfort
Dark urine
Clay-colored bowel movements
Joint pain

13. HBV Vaccination
Required to be offered to employees, students, or volunteers reasonably anticipated to have contact with blood or OPIM in performance of their duties at a UMB facility
This includes assigned work, volunteer tasks, academic programs, and practicum experiences
To obtain the vaccine, contact UMaryland Immediate Care (UMIC) at (667)
To decline the vaccination, complete the Hepatitis B vaccine declination form on the EHS website and give a copy to your supervisor
If you have previously obtained the vaccine or have any questions, contact UMIC

14. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
What is the Hepatitis C Virus?
HCV is a disease of the liver , most common blood disease in the United States
Leading indication for liver transplants in the United States
CDC estimates 3.2 million people in the United States are infected with HCV
Can survive outside the body up to 4 days
Currently there is NO vaccine available
Symptoms might include:
jaundice
fatigue
dark urine
abdominal pain 
loss of appetite
nausea

15. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV is the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
HIV effects the immune system and decreases the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers
1.1 million people in the United States live with HIV/AIDS
HIV does not survive more then a few hours in dried blood
Some people may be symptom free for several years, 1 in 5 may not be aware that they are infected.
Currently there is NO vaccine available
Warning signs include:
Rapid weight loss
Dry cough
Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
Profound and unexplained fatigue
Swollen lymph glands
Diarrhea lasting more than a week
Unusual spots on the tongue, mouth, or throat
Pneumonia
Blotches on the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
Memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders

16. How can I be infected at work?
Contact between mucous membranes and infected blood or body fluids (eyes, nose, or mouth)
Contact between broken or damaged skin and infected blood or body fluids
Injury with a contaminated needle or sharp

17. Always Use Universal Precautions
OSHA defines universal precautions as an approach to infection control in which all human blood and certain body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for bloodborne pathogens

18. Handling Sharps Always point sharps away from yourself and others
Do NOT bend, break, shear off, or attempt to recap needles into the sheath
Sharps must be disposed of in an appropriate sharps container
Made of heavy duty plastic
Able to be closed with a tight fitting, puncture resistant lid that does not allow sharps to come out
Upright and stable during use
Leak resistant
Properly labeled outside to warn of sharps/hazardous contents
Do not overfill sharps container (no more than ~ ¾ full)
If you have contaminated broken glass, do NOT use your hands to pick up, use a broom and dustpan for disposal
Request pickup of full container through EHS website

19. Sharps with safety features
When possible, use devices with safety controls built in, such as syringes with Luer lock fittings.
Retractable needle system
Luer-lock systems

20. If no alternative to recapping or removal of the needle is possible, a one-handed technique or mechanical device must be used and justified to the Institutional Biosafety Committee
One-handed technique

21. Engineering Control: Biosafety Cabinets (BSC’s)
Provides laminar/directed air flow, creating an air curtain behind the sash
VERY IMPORTANT not to block airflow and to work behind the curtain (~6” behind sash)
Class II provides personnel, environmental, and product protection
Must be certified annually or whenever moved

22. Clean Air Bench (not appropriate)
Directed airflow TOWARD the user
Provides only product protection
DO NOT USE WITH INFECTIOUS MATERIAL

23. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Always wear appropriate PPE, which, at a minimum, includes:
Gloves when hand contact is expected
Protective clothing (laboratory coat) when the potential for splattering body fluids exists
Eye protection when the potential for splashes or sprays exist
General rules for using PPE:
Make sure it fits properly
Check for damage before use
If damaged during use, remove and replace immediately
Do not wear sandals or perforated shoes
Remove PPE when leaving the laboratory

24. Gloves
Glove selection should be based on resistance to the materials you are working with
They are intended for incidental contact, not extended contact. If extended contact with a hazardous material is anticipated, consider thicker reusable, purpose-specific gloves
Gloves frequently used in labs are disposable (thin, sold in boxes, for single use). Some lab operations require use of thicker reusable gloves (cryogenic, heat-resistant, cut-resistant, etc)
Do NOT reuse thin single-use gloves. Do not blow on them to reinflate, twirl around rapidly to reinflate, pull on the potentially contaminated outside to reinflate, wash and dry to use again
Dispose of all used disposable gloves in a biohazard box

25. When not to wear your PPE
In the lunchroom
In the bathroom
Using your office computer
Using your cellphone
On the UM shuttle

26. What about between lab spaces?
If you are moving materials or equipment between labs or buildings,
Where possible, use secondary containment like a bucket
“one glove policy”- one glove on to hold the material, one ungloved hand to open doors, push elevator buttons, etc.
If you cannot hold the material in one hand, use a cart and/or request help from a lab mate

27. Work Practice Controls
Wash your hands immediately after removing your gloves
Do not eat, drink or apply cosmetics in the laboratory
Follow University guidelines for disposing of biomedical waste
Maintain the laboratory in a clean and orderly manner
Promptly clean-up spills of biological material
All procedures involving blood or OPIM must be performed in a manner that minimizes spraying, splattering or generation of aerosols

28. Labeling and Waste
Equipment, containers, and waste must be properly labeled; this includes
Containers of regulated waste
Refrigerators & freezers
Containers used to store, transport or ship blood or OPIM
Centrifuges
Any potentially contaminated waste should be disposed of through the special medical waste stream at UMB EHS; biohazard boxes and bags are provided by request at or on the EHS website
No chemical, radioactive, or liquid waste should be placed in the biological waste disposal containers

29. Decontamination
Anything that comes in contact with blood or OPIM must be decontaminated or sterilized before next use or in the event of a spill. Always wear appropriate PPE when cleaning up. Use a 1:10 dilution of household bleach, let stand for at least 10 minutes, then clean off with water or 70% ethanol. An EPA- approved disinfectant may also be used. ( )

30. What to do if you have an exposure
Stop work immediately, inform others in your area
If a splash or spill: Wash exposed area with soap and water for 15 minutes; irrigate mucous membranes with water for 15 minutes
Seek medical care if needed.
During business hours, on or near campus
UMB Immediate Care (UMIC) 408 W. Lombard St., (667) , Open M-F 7am to 5pm.
After hours, seek attention from the UMMC Emergency Room, your personal physician, or a local hospital
Report the incident to your supervisor/sponsor and EHS ASAP, but do not delay medical treatment if needed
In an emergency, call 711 (campus police) or 911 (police)

31. Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
Any work with any human materials (including human cell lines)/recombinant DNA/viruses must be registered with the IBC. All personnel working on these materials must also be listed. Does my research need to be registered with the IBC? Contact EHS at , we’ll let you know! How do I submit a protocol? Use the CICERO research evaluation portal at Note for ANIMAL work: please be aware that the IACUC will not approve your protocol until you have received IBC approval Biosafety questions? Contact Melissa Morland, Biosafety Officer, at

32. Questions about Bloodborne Pathogens?

33. Chemical Safety in the Laboratory
OSHA Standard for Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories
Requires that the University provide:
Written chemical hygiene plan
Chemical exposures assessments
Information and training on working with chemicals
Medical consultation
Proper labeling of chemical containers
Access to information on chemical health hazards
Designation of a chemical hygiene officer
Recordkeeping

34. UMB Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)
The Standard requires employers to establish methods to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals, to communicate physical and health hazards of chemicals in the lab environment, identifies measures employees can use to protect themselves.
These elements are summarized in the University CHP, available online, which includes:
Safe work practices
Personal hygiene
Storing chemicals
Transporting chemicals
Compressed gas cylinders
Leaving operations unattended
Laboratory safety equipment
Labeling chemicals
Chemical hazards
Emergency and spill response procedures
Reporting injuries or illnesses
Medial consultation
Personal Protective Equipment

35. The GHS
As of March 2012, the U.S. adopted the UN’s Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Subsequently, OSHA revised the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the majority of the elements of the GHS. The GHS is an internationally standardized approach to hazard communication that provides a harmonized system of classification and labeling and revised organization of safety data sheets (SDSs).

36. What does this mean to you?
Three main areas of standardization:
Classification of hazards
Labeling requirements
Safety data sheets

37. GHS Labeling
Chemicals will now be labeled using the following elements when applicable:
Pictograms (9) – graphic element encompassed by a red diamond
Signal Words – “Danger” or “Warning” to signify relative severity of the hazard
Hazard Statements – to describe the nature and degree of the hazard
Precautionary Statements - to describe recommended measures to minimize or prevent adverse events

43. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
16 sections under GHS:
Identification
Hazard(s) identification
Composition/information on ingredients
First-aid measures
Fire-fighting measures
Accidental release measures
Handling and Storage
Exposure controls/personal protection
Physical and chemical properties
Stability and reactivity
Toxicological information
Ecological information
Disposal considerations
Transport information
Regulatory information
Other information
OSHA does not regulate sections 12-15

44. Routes of Body Exposure for Chemicals
Inhalation
Ingestion
Absorption
Injection

45. Carcinogens
Carcinogens can cause the disease we call cancer. Simply stated, cancer is uncontrolled cell growth
Examples include:
Aflatoxin, benzene, benzidine, ethylene oxide, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, 1,3-Butadiene and formaldehyde
Always use a fume hood when working with carcinogens

46. Corrosives Damage skin and eyes upon contact
Damage your respiratory tract if inhaled
Examples include:
Hydrochloric acid and Sulfuric acid
Sodium hydroxide and Ammonium hydroxide
Store corrosives below eye level
Use eye protection, wear protective gloves and a laboratory coat
If airborne exposure is suspected, use a fume hood
If splashed in your eyes or on your body, wash the effected area with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention

47. Flammable Liquids Have flash points below 100oF
Minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off vapor in sufficient concentration to ignite if exposed to a source of ignition
Examples:
Hexane
Toluene
Xylene
Benzene
Ethanol
Isopropyl alcohol
Ethylene glycol
Ethers such as diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran
Acetone
Ethyl acetate and butyl acetate

48. Handling flammable liquids
Keep away from sources of ignition
Refrigerators used to store flammables must be explosion proof
Cold rooms are not appropriate storage locations for flammable liquids
Should be stored in a flammable storage cabinet

49. Oxidizers Oxidizers are chemicals that support combustion
Oxidizers should never be stored with flammable liquids
Examples include
Oxygen, chlorine, peroxides, nitric acid, perchlorates, and permanganates

50. Cryogens
Cryogens are chemicals that have temperatures below NEGATIVE 100oF. Examples include helium and nitrogen
Can cause severe damage to your skin or eyes
Wear gloves designed for working with cryogens and a face shield

51. Peroxide-Forming Chemicals
Can be an explosive hazard
Examples include:
Diethyl Ether
Tetrahydrofuran
Should be dated upon receipt and opening, stored away from light, heat, and contact with atmospheric oxygen
Should be disposed of within 6 months of opening or by the expiry date, whichever comes first
If you use peroxide-forming chemicals in your lab, please take EHS training on Working with Reactive Chemicals

52. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is covered by the OSHA Formaldehyde Standard 29 CFR
Additional information can be found on the OSHA Formaldehyde Fact Sheet
Individuals using formaldehyde and/or its derivatives (paraformaldehyde, formalin) must contact EHS for additional training

53. Chemical Storage and Incompatible Chemicals
Chemicals should not be stored based on alphabetical order
Examples of incompatible material:
Acids and bases
Oxidizers and flammable liquids
Acids with bleach, cyanides, nitrites, and sulfides
See EHS website for resources to help with Chemical Segregation

54. Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety
Cylinders are both physical hazards as well as hazards due to their contents
Secure them to wall or vertical clamp
Use a cylinder cart with a chain restraint in place to move
Valve protection caps should be installed on cylinders at all times when not in use
NEVER stick anything into the cylinder cap holes in an attempt to loosen the cap
Use an adjustable strap wrench to remove stuck caps
If the cap is still difficult to remove, attach a tag or label to the cylinder identifying the problem and return the cylinder to the supplier
Report a leaking cylinder
CO2 and N2 are oxygen displacers- do not use in confined spaces, ensure adequate ventilation
N2 is a cryogen
O2 is an oxidizer (will make other material more likely to explode or react)

55. Engineering Control: Fume hoods
Used for chemical work
Do not store material in a fumehood
Tested annually by EHS
If fume hood fails testing, remove all materials from the hood, discontinue use, and post a sign indicating that hood may not be used
If the fume hood alarm sounds or lacks adequate air flow, contact Facilities Management for repair

56. Keep Fume Hoods and Biosafety Cabinets Clear Of Storage and Unnecessary Material

57. Door Signage System
Check and make sure doors into your lab are appropriately signed, with emergency contact information, and appropriate hazard symbols
New or updated door signs may be requested for free at MyEHS

58. Labeling Chemical Containers
Anytime you transfer a chemical into a separate container, the new container must be labeled with the full name and percentage of all components and any hazard information associated
Ensure that labels on chemicals are not removed or become illegible

59. General Good Practices when Working with Chemicals
Read and understand the University CHP
Learn about chemical hazards associated with your research by looking up the SDS
Post and follow any warning signs
Use proper PPE – gloves, eye protection, lab coat
Assume that any unfamiliar chemical is hazardous
Consider that a mixture of chemicals is at least as hazardous as its most hazardous element
Do not use any unlabeled substances

60. Where to find more information
The EHS website and Chemwatch SDS system
Your supervisor
Your fellow labmates
Call EHS! We’re happy to help x6-7055

61. Keep Areas Around Safety Equipment Clear

62. Eye Wash Stations
Check weekly to ensure clear water flow

63. Safety Showers
Keep area under safety showers clear of all material

64. Electrical Panels
Electrical Panels must be kept free from obstructions
Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment.

65. Questions about Chemicals Safety in the Laboratory?

66. Who is required to receive this training?
Hazardous Waste Management Program
Who is required to receive this training?
If you…
Decide which wastes are hazardous wastes
Add or remove hazardous waste to or from accumulation containers
Respond to spills, fires, explosions involving hazardous waste
Conduct tasks involving occupational exposure to hazardous waste

67. What does this training entail?
What is hazardous waste?
How do I accumulate hazardous waste?
How do I get rid of hazardous waste?
Waste Minimization/Pollution Prevention
How do I respond to emergencies involving hazardous waste?
Special Medical Waste (SMW) Disposal

68. What is Hazardous Waste?
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
defines hazardous waste as any waste that exhibits at least one of four hazardous characteristics or appears on one of the four hazardous wastes lists
Generally applied to “solid wastes”, which has a very broad definition, so consider most chemical waste generated in your lab to fall under this regulation
The Federal government enacted a law called the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which defines hazardous waste as any waste that exhibits at least one of four hazardous characteristics or appears on one of the four hazardous wastes lists.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the governing body that regulates the management of these wastes

69. Four Characteristics and Four Lists
ignitable
corrosive
reactive
toxic
Lists:
P and U list: Hazardous waste from pure or commercial grade chemical products; P is “acute” hazardous waste – generated in labs
F and K list: Hazardous waste from manufacturing or industrial processes, where K generated from specific processes and F from non-specific – not generated in labs

70. Characteristic: Ignitable
A liquid that has a flash point of less than 60oC (140oF),
Non-liquids capable of causing fire through friction, absorption or moisture, or spontaneously changes and when ignited burns so vigorously and persistently that it creates a hazard,
An ignitable compressed gas, or
An oxidizer
Note that some aqueous solutions (at least 50% water by weight) that have less than 24% alcohol content lose their ignitability designation by EPA standards so do not need to be sent to EHS

71. Examples of Ignitable Wastes
Organic solvents (i.e. xylene, methanol or ethanol greater than 24%, hexane)
Paint thinner
Activated carbon
Ether
Silver Nitrate
Ammonium Persulfate

72. Characteristic: Corrosive
Aqueous or liquid wastes with a pH less than or equal to 2 or greater than or equal to 12.5; or
Liquid that corrodes steel at a rate greater that 6.35 mm per year at 55oC

73. Examples of Corrosive Wastes
Hydrochloric acid
Acetic Acid
Sodium Hydroxide
Ammonium Hydroxide
Battery Acids

74. Characteristic: Reactive
Materials that, under normal conditions, are:
Unstable and readily undergo violent change;
React violently with water;
May give off toxic gases; or
May be capable of detonation or explosion

75. Examples of Reactive Wastes
Butyl Lithium
Lithium Aluminum Hydride
Potassium Cyanide
Nitrophenylhydrazine
Sodium metal
A cyanide or sulfide bearing waste which when exposed to pH conditions between 2 and 12.5 can generate toxic gases, vapors or fumes

76. Characteristic: Toxic
One of 41 chemicals in a concentration equal to or greater than the respective value listed in 40 CFR
8 metals (As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, Se, Ag)
33 herbicides, pesticides, other organics

77. Examples of Toxic Wastes
Paint wastes containing lead, chromium or silver
Mercury waste from dental amalgams
Silver waste from x-ray processing equipment
Chloroform

78. P & U Listed Wastes
Many of the chemicals used in University research labs may fall under the P or U-listed waste categories, as discarded Commercial Chemical Products
Examples include:
Osmium Tetroxide (P)
Cyanide salts (P)
Sodium Azide (P)
Phenol (P)
Nitrophenol (U)
Acrylamide (U)
Lead Acetate (U)
Tetrahydrofuran (U)

79. Waste Mixtures
The EPA also regulates waste mixtures, which are defined as:
A mixture of a non hazardous solid waste and one or more listed hazardous wastes
A mixture of a non hazardous solid waste and one or more characteristic hazardous wastes, unless the mixture does not exhibit any of the hazardous waste characteristics

80. Hazardous Waste Accumulation Requirements
Hazardous Waste may be accumulated at the site of generation until either…
55 gallons of hazardous waste are accumulated; or
1 quart (~1L) of acutely hazardous waste (P-listed) are accumulated

81. Hazardous Waste Accumulation Requirements
All waste generated in the laboratories must be under the control of the operator of the process generating the waste.
Waste containers must be at or near the process generating the waste.
Incompatible wastes cannot be placed into the same container if the placement could lead to a hazardous chemical reaction
Containers holding hazardous waste must be kept closed except when it is necessary to add or remove waste.
Containers must be managed to avoid releases
Do not completely fill containers
Keep ignitable and reactive wastes away from ignition sources
Use secondary containment as required

82. Hazardous Waste Labeling
Any container used to contain or accumulate hazardous waste MUST be labeled with:
The words “Hazardous Waste”
The date waste was initially added to the container
All chemical constituents and their concentrations (% by weight, add up to 100%)
no abbreviations, chemical formulas, or trade names
written in English

83. Examples of correctly labeled Hazardous Waste

84. Containers to hold Hazardous Waste
Commercial containers may be reused to hold hazardous waste if:
The container is in good condition;
Waste placed into a container is compatible with the container;
The original label has been completely obscured or removed; AND
The original container did not contain a P-listed waste
EHS can also provide hazardous waste containers (plastic only)- call or request on the chemical waste removal online form

85. How to Dispose of Waste
Submit a request for hazardous waste removal from EHS at Waste will be removed within three working days

86. Special Instructions for Removal
Make sure to include both building name and room number on your request form
Do not place hazardous waste in areas accessible to the general public, in the general trash or an area where it may be mistaken for trash
Segregate hazardous waste from chemicals in use, in a safe but conspicuous location

87. Special note: Unknown Waste
Without an accurate description, chemicals can not be disposed of in a safe manner.
Analysis of unknowns can cost several hundred dollars.
EHS does reserve the right to institute a charge-back program for the charges associated with the analysis.
To prevent costly analysis, always make sure all containers in your lab are appropriately labeled

88. Special note: Ethidium Bromide (EtBr)
While EtBr is not regulated by the EPA, the University does handle disposal as though it is regulated
Turn contaminated aqueous solutions into EHS for disposal
For contaminated solid gels, they can be disposed of in the red biohazard bags, to be collected by EHS

89. Special note: Broken Glass
EHS does not provide broken glass boxes; they can be purchased from multiple vendors
Do NOT use Biohazard boxes for broken glassware
Do not dispose of special medical waste or biohazards in broken glass boxes as they enter the regular waste stream

90. Special note: Empty chemical bottles
In general, empty chemical containers that are not broken may be disposed of through regular housekeeping streams, provided:
They are completely empty
All labels have been obscured and can no longer be read
They do not contain any potential biohazards
They never contained an acutely toxic chemical (P-list)

91. University Policy on Waste Minimization
The reduction to the extent feasible, of hazardous wastes generated prior to treatment, storage, and disposal, through any source reduction or recycling activity that results in
reduction of the total volume of hazardous waste, or
reduction of the toxicity of the hazardous waste.
What this means to you?
Consider if your research activity can be performed without generation of hazardous waste
Only purchase what you need for your work for a reasonable amount of time

92. University Policy on Pollution Prevention
Relates to the use of raw materials, processes, or practices that reduce or eliminate the creation of pollutants or wastes at the source, including practices that reduce the use of hazardous and non-hazardous materials, energy, water, or other resources as well as those that protect natural resources through conservation or more efficient use.
What this means to you?
Consider if your research activity can be performed without the use of materials that may pollute or cause waste streams to the environment
Use your resources efficiently and make sure you dispose of materials appropriately to reduce impact on the environment

93. Chemical Spill Response
For small spills:
Notify others in your area of the spill
Leave the room and close the door to control access
Wear appropriate PPE (eye protection, lab coat, gloves, respirator if needed)
Control the source of the spill
Control the spread of the spill
Absorb any free standing liquid that has spread behind or under equipment
Dispose of any spill debris and clean up material as hazardous waste
Restock spill response supplies
If the spill is beyond your capability
CALL 711
If anyone is injured
CALL 911

94. Special Medical Waste Disposal
Special Medical Waste (SMW) is defined as :
Cultures and stocks of infectious agents and associated biologicals, or
Human pathological waste including tissues, organs and body parts and body fluids and specimens of body fluids and their containers
Human blood and blood products including items saturated and/or dripping with human blood and their containers (intravenous bags)
Sharps that have been used in animal or patient care or treatment and broken or unbroken glassware that were in contact with infectious agents (slides and cover slips)

95. Special Medical Waste Disposal
Sharps must be placed into a puncture resistant sharps container
Laboratory materials, blood soiled articles, Petri plates, and other dry stock/culture materials- place into a pre-lined SMW disposal box (burn box)
Whole blood or blood components can be disposed down the sanitary sewer
Animal carcasses must be double bagged and frozen

96. How to Dispose of Special Medical Waste
The large grey carts are generally removed from your area on a set schedule
If the cart has not been picked up or is full, please call EHS at
Burn boxes and sharps containers- submit a request for special medical waste removal from EHS at
Specify your building and room number, ensure the containers are fully sealed and it is clear which container is to be removed. Waste will be removed within three working days

97. Questions about Hazardous Waste Management?

98. What to do in an Emergency

99. Fire Evacuation Plan You should:
Know the location of exits, fire alarms, and your building’s muster station
Identify your floor’s emergency warden
Be familiar with your building’s Evacuation Plan
What to do in case of FIRE:
Remove Alarm Contain Evacuate
Activate a manual pull station
Call 711 (Campus police)
Evacuate the building in an orderly manner, as directed by your fire warden
Do not re-enter the building until directed to do so by emergency personnel

100. Safe Evacuation Practices
Walk, don’t run
Stay in single file in stairways
Obey Fire Wardens
Don’t Panic

101. Don’t Use Elevators

102. Campus Emergency Notification System
In the event of a campus emergency, information will be posted at and on the emergency information phone line at Sign up for text message alerts for up-to-date campus emergency information.

103. Lab Security
Laboratory doors should be closed to maintain negative pressure in the labs, especially when the lab is unoccupied
If no one is in the lab and/or it is after hours, laboratory doors should be closed and locked
If you see something, say something. Behavior or circumstances that may warrant a call to campus police:
Someone unfamiliar in your lab space or floor with no legitimate cause
A suspicious and unattended package
Anyone forcibly entering a space, or tampering with property
Suspicious or noxious odors

104. “Homework” after this course
Know how to find information on the EHS website:
How to access SDSs
How to report an injury
Read the University Chemical Hygiene Plan
Know your lab:
Look around- where are your chemicals stored? Do you work with any particularly hazardous materials? What are the procedures for disposing of biological and hazardous chemical waste? Where is your PPE and how do you replace it or get it cleaned? Where is the emergency equipment and first aid kit?
Ask your PI:
Whether you need additional training on Radiation Safety, Reactive Chemicals, DOT infectious and biological materials shipping
Are you doing any work with human materials? Recombinant DNA? Radiation? Animals? Have you been registered with the appropriate committees?
If you expect to work with any bloodborne pathogens and have not or don’t know if you have received the HBV vaccine, contact UMIC to obtain or fill out a declination form

105. Thanks!
If you have any questions after the course or need more information (410)