CLINTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN

version 11.2005

Michael Lawliss

Chemical Hygiene Officer

Original -Adopted:  10/16/2001

Revised - Adopted:  11/22/2005

Janice Padula

Dept. Chairperson

 

Michael Lawliss

Chemical Hygiene Officer

PHONE

EXT # 337  /  Cell – 572-1362

Nicole Allen

College Nurse

PHONE

EXT # 129 /Cell 593-5815

List of authorized personnel:

FACULTY:
Scott Zaremba-Woodward                             Matthew Sheehan
Al Cordes                                                        Janice Padula
Lynn Fowler                                                   Michele Snyder
Michael Gregory                                            Michael Lawliss

A copy of this page to be posted near the phone inside each Laboratory.

CONTENTS:

            Chemical Hygiene Plan:

                        A  -                   Responsibility

                        B  -                   Requirements When Working with Chemicals

                        C  -                  Chemical Procurement, Distribution and Storage

                        D  -                  Safety Equipment

                        E  -                   Provisions for Medical Evaluation/ Consultation

                        F  -                   Signs and Labels

                        G  -                  Information and Training Programs

 

            APPENDIX I  -             OSHA Standard 1910.1450

            APPENDIX II  -            Carcinogen List from OSHA

            APPENDIX III -            Toxic and Hazardous Substances ( List Z-1 and Z-2 )

            APPENDIX IV  -           Resistivity of Common Glove Materials

            APPENDIX V  -            Hazardous Substance Work Data Sheet

            APPENDIX VI -            SOP: Receiving / Removing Chemicals from Inventory

            APPENDIX VII -           SOP: Chemical Waste from Lab to Storage

 

INTRODUCTION

Clinton Community College is committed to providing a safe working and learning environment.   This plan will assist in this endeavor by outlining safe practices and procedures presented by hazardous chemicals and aid all in meeting the requirements of 29CFR1910.1450, Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories. (see Appendix I for this document)  This federal document mandates that this institution: 

 

a.   appoint a Chemical Hygiene Officer 

b.   implement a Chemical Hygiene Plan and

c.   the Chemical Hygiene Officer will annually review the 

      Chemical Hygiene Plan.

 

Also mandated, the Chemical Hygiene Plan must include:

·         Standard operating procedures relevant to safety and health considerations;

·         Criteria to be used to determine and implement control measures, including engineering controls, personal protective equipment, specific hygiene practices for extremely hazardous chemicals;

·         A program be instituted to ensure that protective equipment (e.g. fume hoods) be maintained and tested to ensure proper and adequate function;

·         Provisions for employee information and training requirements;

·         The circumstances under which a particular laboratory operation, procedure or activity shall require prior approval from the employer or the employer’s designee before implementation;

·         Provisions for medical consultation and medical examinations as outlined in appendix 1;

·         Designation of Chemical Hygiene Officer;

·         Provisions for additional precautions when handling (but not exclusive to) substances of acute toxicity, “select carcinogens” and reproductive toxins.

This plan is designed to minimize all chemical exposures.  General safety precautions for handling all laboratory chemicals have been adopted; with separate sections for raw photography chemicals and bulk art supplies.  This plan must be read by all laboratory workers prior to the commencement of lab duties.  The Chemical Hygiene Officer will collect signed statements from each laboratory worker stating that they have read and understand the Chemical Hygiene Plan and turn them over to the Division Chairperson.  A copy of the Chemical Hygiene Plan will be available in each Lab.  OSHA has defined a laboratory as “ a workplace where relatively small quantities of hazardous chemicals ** are used on a non-production basis.”  Work places not covered by the OSHA standard include art studios and photography labs.  Also the laboratory workers referred to in the Lab Standard are employees; defined by OSHA as “ an individual employed in a laboratory workplace who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals in the course of his or her assignments.” ( i.e.  a teaching assistant, research assistant or faculty member instructing an academic lab).  The students in these labs are not considered laboratory workers by OSHA.  However, all instructors will make sure that each student adheres to the safety guidelines given in this plan.

**see app I for definition of hazardous chemical

A:  RESPONSIBILITY

 

The responsibility for chemical hygiene includes the following:

 

A.  Chief Executive Officer - has ultimate responsibility for chemical hygiene within the institution. 

      The Chief Executive Officer appoints the Chair of the Health and Safety Committee, who must with other

      administrators provide resources and continuing support for institutional chemical hygiene; and is also

      responsible for appropriate dissemination of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.

 

                B.  Division Coordinator or supervisor of the department, whose responsibilities include :

 

                                Þ The chemical hygiene in that department;

 

                                Þ Ensure compliance of laboratory workers within this Plan; and,

 

                                Þ Inform and train employees concerning chemical safety as required by this Plan.

                                     Retain records pertaining to this Plan.

                               

                C.  Chemical hygiene officer, who is either the division coordinator, supervisor of the department or an

                     appointed person from that group must:

 

                                Þ Implement this plan within their department;

 

                                Þ Monitor purchase of, use of, and disposal of all chemicals;

 

                                Þ Monitor all routine maintenance schedules for safety equipment;

 

                                Þ Learn the current legal requirements concerning regulated substances; and,

 

                                Þ Continually seek ways to improve safety and reduce exposure to the betterment of this plan.

 

                D.  Laboratory instructor or other instructor, who has overall responsibility for chemical hygiene in the

                     laboratory or the classroom and must:

 

                                Þ Ensure that students know and follow this plan, that protective equipment is available and in

                                     working order, and that appropriate training has been provided;

 

                                Þ Assure that routine regular inspections of safety and emergency laboratory equipment is

                                     performed;

 

                                Þ Assure students are never left alone in the lab;

 

                                Þ Learn the current legal requirements concerning regulated substances;

 

                                Þ Determine the required levels of protective apparel and equipment; and

 

                                Þ Ensure that Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) are available for any materials being used.

 

                E.  Maintenance supervisor, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, who is responsible for:

 

                                Þ Regular routine inspection of safety and emergency laboratory equipment;

 

                                Þ Disposal of hazardous chemical materials in compliance with current state and federal

                                     regulations; and,

 

                                Þ Arrange for service or repair of any malfunctioning Safety Equipment.

 

                F.  Student or laboratory worker, who is responsible for:

 

                                Þ Adhering to the requirements of this plan;

 

                                Þ Report all hazardous conditions to the Laboratory Supervisor;

 

                                Þ Wear or use prescribed protective equipment;

 

                                Þ Report any suspected lab-related injuries or illnesses to the Laboratory Supervisor;

 

                                Þ Refrain from the operation of any equipment or instrumentation with out proper

                                     instruction and authorization; and,

 

                                Þ Request information and training when unsure how to handle a hazardous chemical

                                     or procedure.

B: REQUIREMENTS WHEN WORKING WITH CHEMICALS

 The following must be adhered to for all laboratory work with chemicals:

 ACCIDENTS AND SPILLS

 

The College Nurse and/or Chemical Hygiene Officer must be notified immediately.

 

·          Eye Contact:  Promptly flush eyes with water for 15 minutes, and seek medical attention.

 

·          Ingestion:  Must contact Poison Control Center for appropriate solution to the ingestion of a chemical.  Refer to Emergency telephone number posted in the front of each Lab.

 

·          Skin Contact:  Promptly flush the affected area with water and remove any contaminated clothing.

 

·          Clean Up:  Promptly clean up spills, using appropriate protective apparel and equipment.  Follow the directions in spill kits and dispose of material properly.

 

In the event of a MAJOR SPILL or a SERIOUS ACCIDENT :

            FIRST CALL   9 1 1  /  Then call the appropriate College Employee

             Nurse: Call “0” for switchboard and ask for the Nurse or 593-5815 for cell phone

          Chemical Hygiene Officer: Call “0” for switchboard and ask for the Chemical Hygiene Officer or Call 572 - 1362 for cell phone

THIS WILL ACTIVATE THE COLLEGE'S EMERGENCY ACTIVATION PLAN (EAP)

 see APPENDIX VII For instructions on disposing of substances from the Science Laboratories

BASIC RULES

 #1 - GENERAL

 The following are designed to help reduce each of the following: Inhalation, Skin/Eye Contact and Ingestion Exposures.  Respect and understand the safety and health hazards associated with the chemicals and equipment in your laboratory, and practice the following general safety guidelines at ALL times:

 ·          Authorized Access.  The laboratory supervisor must restrict access to laboratories.  Children (under age 17) are not allowed in laboratories except as authorized by the laboratory supervisor for an officially sanctioned activity (e.g. class or open house).  Pets are also prohibited from laboratories. No students unattended in laboratory areas.

 ·          Containers.  Check the integrity of containers and if damaged or leaking, transfer to an acceptable container.  Observe compatibilities, for example, hydrofluoric acid must not be stored in glass and some oxidizers should not be stored in plastic containers.

 ·          Cylinder Handling.  Use appropriate handcarts to move cylinders. Cylinders must be secured by straps or chains at all times and capped when stored.  Extremely toxic gases (e.g. hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, arsine) should not be moved through regular exit corridors, particularly during business hours.  Always consider cylinders as full and handle them with corresponding care.

 ·          Glass Tubing. Use glassware for its designated purpose. When inserting tubing into stoppers use a 'safety grip' and lubricate tubing to help protect hands from being cut in the event of the tubing slipping and breaking

 ·          No Smoking.   This policy exists throughout the College and applies in all laboratories.

 ·          Unattended Experiments.   Frequently, laboratory operations are carried out continuously or overnight.  For experiments involving hazardous operations, it is essential to plan for interruptions in utility services such as electricity, water and inert gas.  Operations are to be safe and plans made to avoid hazards in case of failure.  If necessary, arrangements for routine inspection of the operation are to be made and, in all cases, the laboratory lights should be left on and an appropriate sign posted on the door.

 ·          Housekeeping.   Exits, aisles and safety equipment must NOT be obstructed in any way with equipment, furniture, etc. Items must not be stored in the corridors.  

 ·          Food, Drink, Cosmetics.   Eating, drinking and the application of cosmetics (including lip balm) are forbidden in areas where hazardous chemicals are used and must be done only in well-defined designated non-chemical areas. Do not store food in the same refrigerator with chemicals, biohazards or radioactive materials.

 ·          Horseplay.   Horseplay, practical jokes or other inappropriate and unprofessional behavior in the laboratory setting is forbidden.  Avoid distracting or startling any other workers.

 ·          Equipment.   Use proper equipment that is in good condition.  For example, never use chipped or cracked glassware.  Shield pressurized or vacuum apparatus and safeguard against bumping or overheating use safe guards when ever possible.

 ·          Disposal of Waste.   It is important to segregate wastes.  Disposal of all laboratory waste must follow prudent procedures for the class of waste being disposed of or stored until disposal. See Standard Operating Procedures binder.

 ·          Handling of Chemicals. Do not taste or smell chemicals. Use chemicals for which the quality of available ventilation is appropriate.  If unsure consult MSDS.

 ·          Hazardous Materials.   Hazardous materials should not be used on open laboratory benches and work should not be done alone.  When working with acutely hazardous materials over an extended period or working with any material that has a rating of 4 in any one of the NFPA Diamonds you must refer to App. V.

 ·          Mouth Pipetting.  Mouth pipetting is forbidden.

#2 - PERSONAL

 ·          Proper Apparel:  Wear a lab coat or apron if possible; at a minimum attire must include sleeves as well as cover the full length of your legs; close-toed shoes must be worn in the lab.  Confine long hair and loose clothing or jewelry.  False fingernails are advised against as they are very flammable.

·          Personal Protective Equipment:  see chart below.  Each Lab Worker, Instructor and student must know the location of and be familiar with all necessary protective equipment.  Each person will inspect any PPE prior to use to ensure that it is functioning and to check its integrity.  ( i.e. look over gloves for holes )

* see Appendix IV

 ·          Personal Hygiene: Do not put your hands in your eyes or mouth.  Make sure your hands are washed before leaving the laboratory area.

 ·          Respirators: In certain situations (i.e. toxic dust, or concentrated vapors) where the fume hood cannot handle such air contaminants the use of a respirator should be enforced (persons must be fit tested for use of respirators prior to use).

#3 HOODS

 Use hoods when working with chemicals that release toxic vapors.  Confirm adequate hood performance before use; a face velocity between 80 - 150 ft/ min.** with a sash height of one foot should be maintained (unless otherwise noted).  The Building and Grounds Dept. must ensure that all hoods and ventilation systems in the labs are working properly.  Any hood not in working order must be taken care of immediately.

** Testing will be done by the Chemical Hygiene Officer semiannually.

 Hoods should not be operated with the sash fully open and should have the sashes closed when not in use.

C:  CHEMICAL PROCUREMENT, DISTRIBUTION AND STORAGE

 CHEMICALS OF VARIOUS CLASSIFICATIONS

 ·          Embryotoxins (example: lead compounds, formaldehyde): If pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, handle these substances in a hood, using appropriate protective apparel.  These chemicals must be stored in an adequately ventilated cabinet and labeled for teratogen.

 ·          Moderate Chronic or High Acute Toxicity (example: hydrofluoric acid, hydrogen cyanide):  Minimize exposure by routine safety lab practices.  Always use in hood areas.  Records should be kept by the Science Lab Assistant confirming quantity and usage (names and dates).  Never work alone.  These chemicals have a health hazard classification of 3 or higher (blue diamond).

 ·          Carcinogens and Suspected Carcinogens (example: dimethyl mercury, benzo-a-pryene): Minimize exposure by routine safety lab practices.  Work area should be restricted to hood, glove box or a portion of the lab designated for use of highly toxic substances.  Records of the amount of substances stored and used is kept by the Chemical Hygiene Officer. 

** For work with any substance found on the list in App. II the Data sheet in App. V must be filled out. **

PROCUREMENT

see APPENDIX VI For detailed instructions on receiving substances for the Science Laboratories

 Before a substance is received, information on proper handling, storage and disposal should be known.  All science laboratory substances are received by the Science Lab Technical Assistant.  All chemicals used for art and photography are received by the Program Director for Art.  All chemicals for the rest of the campus are received by a designated person(s) in the Buildings and Grounds Dept.  Material Safety Data Sheets must accompany each chemical for each area.  The persons responsible for each receiving department will keep the MSDS on file and will submit a copy to the college Health Office.

TRANSPORTATION AND DISTRIBUTION

 All chemicals must be transported in a shatterproof (resistant) container.  Any glass containers of corrosive materials must be transported in a safety carrier.  All chemicals should not be transported on an occupied public elevator.  Freight elevators are recommended.

STORAGE AND STOCKROOMS

Each area should provide a stockroom that has segregated cabinets or shelves with local exhaust ventilation, and shielded from sunlight.  Chemicals should be periodically examined for damage to label, containment or deterioration.

CHEMICAL STORAGE AREA FOR SCIENCE LAB

 See APPENDIX VI

 Chemicals received without proper labels will be labeled prior to storage.  (Sample attached)

                A.  General stock is stored on open shelves in alphabetical order.  No special label is required.

                 B.  Flammable materials are coded with their appropriate fire hazard number (red diamond) and stored in a flame resistant cabinet.

                         #1 FIRE HAZARD

 

                                4 - Below 73 degrees F

               

                                3 - Below 100 degrees F

 

                                2 - Below 200 degrees F

 

                                1 - Above 200 degrees F

               

                                0 - Will not burn

                C.  Teratogens, moderate chronic, high acute toxicity, suspected carcinogens and carcinogens are labeled and stored in a flammable liquids cabinet that is vented to the outside.  All are coded with health hazard number (blue diamond) and designated by a classification on the orange labels. (See Appendix II)

                        #2 HEALTH HAZARD (BLUE DIAMOND)

 

                `               4 - Deadly

 

                                3 - Extreme Danger

 

                                2 - Hazardous

 

                                1 - Slightly Hazardous

 

                                0 - Normal Material

 

                                T - Teratogen, Embryotoxin -- ORANGE LABEL

 

                                PC - Potential Carcinogen -- ORANGE LABEL

 

                                C - Carcinogen -- ORANGE LABEL

 

                D.  Oxidizers are stored separately in a clearly labeled cabinet.

                E.  Metals are stored separately in clearly labeled metal cabinet.

                 F.  Working stock solutions are stored in a closed cabinet.

                 G.  Acids are stored in an acid cabinet.  Nitric acid is segregated in its own cabinet.

                 H.  Ammonium containing chemicals are segregated in their own cabinet.

CHEMICAL STORAGE FOR ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY LABS

                 A.  General stock is stored in cabinets and drawers clearly marked.

                 B.  Flammable materials are coded as described above under the CHEMICAL STORAGE AREA FOR SCIENCE LAB and stored in a flame resistant cabinet in the photo lab or art supply room.

                 C.  Teratogens, moderate chronic, high acute toxicity, suspected carcinogens and carcinogenic chemicals are labeled and stored as described above under CHEMICAL STORAGE AREA FOR SCIENCE LAB.            

                 D.  Oil paints will be segregated in clearly marked drawers.

CHEMICAL STORAGE FOR MAINTENANCE

A.    General stock supplies are stored in the janitorial stock room.  Supplies are stored on open metal shelves.  All supplies are marked and labeled with appropriate labels.

B.       All flammable materials are coded as described under the CHEMICAL STORAGE AREA FOR SCIENCE LAB.  These materials will be stored in flame resistant cabinets.

 C.  All paints are segregated in clearly labeled and marked metal cabinets in designated maintenance rooms.

 D:  SAFETY EQUIPMENT

 MAINTENANCE

 The Director of Buildings and Grounds must ensure that all eye wash stations, safety showers and extinguishers are inspected by the building and grounds department at least as often as the minimum interval allowed by law or if no interval exists, once per semester.  The person testing the equipment will be responsible for ensuring the adequate operation of equipment and signing appropriate documentation that equipment was tested.

 INSPECTIONS

 Chemical hygiene inspections should be on going.  Each laboratory instructor should inspect the lab upon entering to make sure that all is safe and when leaving to ensure that all has been cleaned up.

 

 

These should be available for each laboratory:

 

·          Protective apparel  ( see table in section   B - #2 )

 

·          A safety shower.

 

·          An eye wash station.

 

·          An ABC fire extinguisher.

 

·          Chemical spill kit.

 

·          Fire alarms.

 

·          Fire blankets.

 

·          Poison Control phone numbers and local fire control phone numbers.

 

·          Other items designated by the instructor.

E:  PROVISIONS FOR MEDICAL EVALUATION/ CONSULTATION

 CCC will provide employees who work with hazardous chemicals an opportunity to receive medical attention, including any follow-up examinations the examining physician determines to be necessary, under the following conditions:

 Whenever an employee develops signs and symptoms associated with laboratory chemical exposure;