I. INTRODUCTION
II. POLICY
III. RESPONSIBILITIES
IV. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
V. WORKPLACE MONITORING
VI. RESPONDING TO ACCIDENTS
VII. EMPLOYEE INFORMATION AND TRAINING
VIII. REQUIRED APPROVALS
IX. MEDICAL CONSULTATION
X. PERSONNEL
XI. EMPLOYEE PROTECTION/HAZARDOUS SUB
XII. RECORD KEEPING
XIII. REVIEW AND UPDATE OF CHP

Appendix A Departmental Standard Operating Procedures
Appendix B UND Chemical Code or
Appendix C Substances Requiring Special Approvl
Appendix D Occupational Injury Guidelines
Appendix E OSEHO Organizational Chart/Information
Appendix F Tables of: Carcinogens, Reproductive Toxins, Chemicals with highly acute toxicity, Peroxide forming substances, Shock sensitive chemicals, Poisonous Gases, Pyrophoric Chemicals.

 

I. Introduction:

A. Purpose

Attention: Each Laboratory Safety Coordinator (LSC) or Principle Investigator (PI) must review the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) and decide how to apply pertinent sections to the chemicals and procedures used in the laboratory. If changes, deletions and/or modifications are necessary, the (LSC) and/or the (PI) or designee must modify the text to address local hazards, policies and procedures.

The University of North Dakota has developed and implemented a written Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) in conjunction with the Institutional Biosafety Committee, University Loss Control Committee and the Radiation and Hazardous Chemical Waste Committee.

This Chemical Hygiene Plan describes policies, procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment and work practices that are capable of protecting employees from the hazards presented by many hazardous chemicals used in laboratories. This Plan is intended to meet the requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard, Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories.

This Chemical Hygiene Plan is intended to safely limit laboratory workers' exposure to hazardous substances. Laboratory workers must not be exposed to substances in excess of the permissible exposure limits (PEL) specified in OSHA rule 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances.

The Occupational Safety and Environmental Health Office (OSEHO) has overall responsibility for the administration of the University's Chemical Hygiene Plan. The OSEHO is available to provide assistance to all departments who may be effected by the Chemical Hygiene Plan.

Attention: Pay particular attention to the following paragraph. If you, as a Laboratory Safety Coordinator (PI or designee) suspect exposure concentrations exceed allowable levels, please contact the OSEHO for air monitoring assistance.

An employee's workplace exposure to any regulated substance must be monitored if there is reason to believe that the exposure will exceed an action level or a PEL. If exposures to any regulated substance routinely exceed an action level or permissible exposure level there must also be employee medical surveillance.

B. Scope and Application

Attention: In this section, specify which researchers and laboratories in the department are covered by this standard. The text below provides guidance. Some departments have provided a list of (PI's) and locations, and a phrase describing of the type of research occurring in each area.

This plan applies where "laboratory use" of hazardous chemicals occurs. Laboratory use means handling or use of chemicals in which all of the following conditions are met:

1. the handling or use of chemicals occurs on a "laboratory scale", that is, the work involves containers which can easily and safely be manipulated by one person,

2. multiple chemical procedures or chemical substances are used, and

3. protective laboratory practices and equipment are available and in common use to minimize the potential for employee exposures to hazardous chemicals.

At a minimum, this definition covers employees (including student employees, technicians, faculty, supervisors, lead researchers and physicians) who use chemicals in teaching, research and clinical laboratories at the University of North Dakota. Certain non-traditional laboratory settings may be included under this standard at the option of individual departments within the University. The (LSC) or designee must ensure that laboratory students, while not legally covered under this plan, will be given training commensurate with the level of hazard associated with their laboratory work.

This plan does not apply to laboratories whose function is to produce commercial quantities of material. Also, where the use of hazardous chemicals provides no potential for employee exposure, such as in procedures using chemically impregnated test media and commercially prepared test kits, this standard will not apply. When laboratory work is limited to use of these commercially available kits, a Chemical Hygiene Plan is not required.

II. Policy:

The University strives to provide a safe and healthy environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors. All faculty, supervisors and other persons in authority, are enjoined to provide for safety in the environment and operation under their control. This is accomplished as much as practical with acceptable engineering and administrative controls. The University subscribes to recognized national standards of safety as defined in published material from organizations such as the North Dakota Worker's Compensation Bureau, the state Fire Laws, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation and the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). The Occupational Safety and Environmental Health Office has been assigned the responsibility of administering the University's safety program.

III. Responsibilities:

Attention: Implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan at the University is a shared responsibility. Employees, supervisors, department heads, deans, administrative staff, and OSEHO staff all have roles to play. These roles are outlined below. The Department Heads should tailor these general descriptions to fit the reality of the distribution of responsibility within the department.

A. Department Chair/Division Heads: Are responsible for ensuring implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan to their departments. Also to ensure:

1. That the CHP is customized for each department/division for implementation as a departmental chemical safety program.

2. That a Laboratory Safety Coordinator (PI or designee) is assigned for the department, division or work area.

3. That employees are trained or otherwise qualified with respect to the potential health hazards in their workplace and the measures to be taken with regard to their protection.

4. That laboratory students not covered under this standard are given training commensurate with the level of hazard associated with their laboratory work.

B. Principal Investigators: Are responsible for assuring that activities conducted under their supervision are reviewed for environmental, and safety and health problems. Also to ensure:

1. That known hazards are identified and labeled with the appropriate hazard warnings.

2. The OSEHO or Department Chair/Division Head is notified if any unforseen hazards are encountered through the course of work.

C. Occupational Safety and Environmental Health Office: Is responsible for working closely with departments to ensure effective implementation of this Chemical Hygiene Plan. In addition (OSEHO) shall:

1. Appoint a Chemical Hygiene Officer to provide technical guidance in the development and implementation of the provisions of this Chemical Hygiene Plan.

2. Maintain a central file of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's) for hazardous chemicals. Any additional MSDSs that are specifically requested by employees or supervisors will also be maintained.

3. Audit for compliance with the (CHP).

D. Laboratory Safety Coordinator: Is responsible for serving as a focal point for laboratory health and safety activities within the unit. In addition, the LSC shall:

1. Act as a liaison with the OSEHO

2. Submit a copy of the modified CHP to the Chemical Hygiene Officer.

3. Conduct routine inspections to ensure compliance with the customized CHP.

4. Coordinate any updates or changes to the customized CHP as directed from the
Chemical Hygiene Officer.

IV. Standard Operating Procedures:

Attention: Insert the name of the college/department/division in the title and first sentence, and identify the designated Laboratory Safety Officer. Note whether the Chemical Hygiene Plan pertains to the named division, department or entire college. Note that the plan has been modified to incorporate location-specific information.

This section summarizes laboratory-specific SOPs. The full text of these SOPs is included in Appendix A, or can be obtained from the referenced PI, or from the Laboratory Safety Coordinator, , for the Department of .

A. Criteria for Implementation of Control Measures:

Attention: This section should not require extensive tailoring. However, laboratory safety coordinators for some departments have provided descriptions and floor plans that identify the location of equipment such as fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, glove boxes, showers, eye washes, fire extinguishers, etc.

Engineering controls, personal protective equipment, hygiene practices, and administrative controls each play a role in a comprehensive laboratory safety program. Implementation of specific measures must be carried out on a case-by-case basis, using the following criteria for guidance in making decisions. Assistance is available from the OSEHO.

Principle investigators/supervisors are responsible for the health and safety of persons in the laboratories/workplaces under their supervision. The following general rules and practices will assist in carrying out this responsibility:

1. Laboratory operations:

a. All work being conducted and its scale must be appropriate to the available physical facilities and especially to the quality of air ventilation.

b. A serious working atmosphere needs to be maintained. Absolutely no horseplay, fooling around or practical jokes will be allowed.

c. Maintenance of a safe and clean work area (personal housekeeping) is the responsibility of each lab worker and lab supervisor under response for all employees.

d. Assume any unfamiliar chemical is hazardous.

e. Clean up your work area prior to leaving the laboratory.

f. Wash hands, face, and arms thoroughly if contaminated and always wash before leaving the laboratory.

g. Always wash before eating, drinking, smoking or applying make-up after working in a laboratory.

h. Never taste a chemical.

i. Check odors only if instructed to do so, by gently wafting some of the vapor towards your nose with your hand over the open container top.

j. Pipetting by mouth is forbidden.

k. Work with corrosive agents such as acids and bases should be conducted with particular care to avoid skin and eye contact.

l. Report broken thermometers to the lab supervisor.

m. Always add acid to water.

n. Think twice before lighting a Bunsen burner and verify that no flammable vapors are present.

o. If any chemical is splashed or spilled on your skin or body, immediately wash off the chemical and rinse for 15 minutes.

p. Compressed gas cylinders must be secured at all times to a fixed object.

q. All chemicals should be stoppered or capped at all times when not in immediate use. This includes hazardous waste.

1. Laboratory operations (cont.):

r. Hazardous chemicals stored in breakable containers should be provided with secondary containment.

s. Absolutely no chemicals or chemical materials are to be put down the drain or placed in the trash without prior authorization.

t. Beware of broken glass. Do not use damaged, cracked or broken glassware.

u. Dispose of broken glassware and dangerous items such as syringes in special containers as directed by your LSC. Do not place in the regular trash.

v. Do not store equipment, backpacks, coats, chemicals or other materials on the floor or in other places where laboratory workers can trip or knock over the item, or in places that would block fire exits.

w. Electrical equipment always means the chance of shock or fire. Do not touch with wet hands or while standing on a wet floor.

2. Ventilation Requirements: The best way to prevent exposure to airborne substances is to prevent their escape into the working atmosphere by use of hoods and other engineering controlled ventilation devices.

a. Fume Hoods: The laboratory fume hood is a major protective device available to laboratory workers. Hoods are designed to capture airborne concentrations of chemicals that escape from their containers or apparatus and to remove them from the laboratory environment before they can be inhaled. Characteristics to be considered in requiring fume hood use are physical state, volatility, toxicity, flammability, eye and skin irritation, odor, and the potential for producing aerosols. A fume hood should be used if a proposed chemical procedure exhibits any one of these characteristics: (1) airborne concentrations might approach the action level or permissible exposure limit, (2) flammable vapors might approach one tenth of the lower explosion limit, (3) materials of unknown toxicity are used or generated, or (4) the odor produced is annoying to laboratory occupants or adjacent units.

Procedures that can generally be carried out safely outside the fume hood include those involving (1) water-based solutions of salts, dilute acids, bases, or other reagents, (2) very low volatility liquids or solids, (3) closed systems that do not allow significant escape to the laboratory environment, and (4) extremely small quantities of otherwise problematic chemicals. The procedure itself must be evaluated for its potential to increase volatility or produce aerosols.

Hoods should not be used for chemical storage; bottles sitting in a hood interfere with the proper air flow.

In specialized cases, fume hoods will contain exhaust treatment devices, such as water wash-down for perchloric acid use, or charcoal or HEPA filters for removal of particularly toxic or radioactive materials.

3. Protective Equipment:

a. Safety Shields: Safety shields, such as the sliding sash of a fume hood, are appropriate when working with highly concentrated acids, bases, oxidizers or reducing agents, all of which have the potential for causing sudden spattering or an explosive release of material. Reactions carried out at non-ambient pressures (vacuum or high pressure) require safety shields, as do reactions that are carried out for the first time, including reactions significantly scaled up from normal operating conditions. High strength barriers coupled with remote handling devices may be necessary for safe use of extremely shock sensitive or reactive chemicals.

b. Glove boxes or vented gas cabinets: may be required when it is necessary to provide an inert atmosphere for the chemical procedure taking place, when capture of any chemical emission is desirable, or when the standard laboratory fume hood does not provide adequate assurance that overexposure to a hazardous chemical will not occur. The presence of biological or radioactive materials may also mandate certain special containment devices.

c. Localized exhaust ventilation: such as is usually installed over atomic absorption units, may be required for instrumentation that exhausts toxic or irritating materials to the laboratory environment. Ventilated chemical storage cabinets or rooms should be used when the chemicals in storage may generate toxic, flammable or irritating levels of airborne contamination.

d. Fire Extinguishers: must be located in all laboratory facilities."A-B-C" type fire extinguishers can be used on most types of fires, but never endanger your life or the lives of other by using them. Even if the fire has been put out with fire extinguishers, the Fire Department still must be called to determine that the fire has been completely extinguished.

e. Emergency Eyewash and Shower Stations: must be available whenever injurious or corrosive materials are present in the workplace. For further information, please refer to the Standard Practice for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Stations.

f. Carts, trays, boxes or other containers: must be used to transport materials between the stockroom and labs or between labs.

4. Personal Protective Equipment: Individuals, who work with hazardous chemicals must be provided with proper protective equipment, by the department. The equipment to be used is determined by the Laboratory Safety Coordinator or Chemical Hygiene Officer or competent persons, upon review of the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and procedures. Individuals in labs must be trained in the proper use of the appropriate protective equipment that is relevant to their particular hazardous chemical. This protective equipment may include, but is not limited to:

a. Eye Protection:

i. Safety Glasses
ii. Safety Goggles
iii. Face Shields

Eye protection is required for all personnel and any visitors whose eyes may be exposed to chemical or physical hazards. Side shields on safety glasses provide some protection against splashed chemicals or flying particles, but goggles or face shields are necessary when there is a greater than average danger of eye contact. A higher than average risk exists when working with highly reactive chemicals, concentrated corrosives, or with vacuum or pressurized glassware systems.

Contact lens users shall wear required eye protection (glasses, goggles, or face shields) in hazardous areas. Soft contact lenses shall not be worn in any area where toxic fumes are capable of damaging the eyes. Employees who wear contact lenses shall notify their supervisors. Employees should be aware of the following known facts regarding contact lenses: Contact lenses provide little protection to the eye from external forces; they may even compound the severity of an injury. Contact lenses may trap toxic or dangerous substances that are harmful to the eye; they also decrease the effectiveness of emergency eyewash fountains. Soft contact lenses may absorb and be contaminated by chemical regents and fumes. LSC or CHO may determine the wearing of contact lenses unacceptable in some work environments. Unacceptable environments include chemical fumes, vapors, or splashes; intense heat; or a very dusty atmosphere.

b. Full-body splash protection:

i. Lab Coats
ii. Aprons
iii. Cover-alls with the appropriate chemical resistance

Lab coats or other similar clothing protectors are strongly encouraged for all laboratory personnel.

c. Hand and Foot Protection:

i. Gloves with appropriate chemical resistance
ii. Gloves with thermal protection
iii. Abrasion resistant gloves
iv. Closed-toed shoes
v. Shoe covers

Gloves made of appropriate material are required to protect the hands and arms from thermal burns, cuts, or chemical exposure that may result in absorption through the skin or reaction on the surface of the skin. Gloves are also required when working with particularly hazardous substances where possible transfer from hand to mouth must be avoided. Thus gloves are required for work involving pure or concentrated solutions of all carcinogens, reproductive toxins, substances which have a high degree of acute toxicity, strong acids and bases, and any substance on the OSHA PEL list carrying a "skin" notation.

Gloves should be carefully selected using guides from the manufacturers; however, glove-resistance to various chemical materials will vary with the manufacturer, model and thickness. Therefore, review a glove-resistance chart from the manufacturer you intend to buy from before purchasing gloves.

Bare feet are not permitted in any laboratory. Sandals and open-toed shoes are also discouraged in all laboratories and are not permitted in any situation where lab coats and gloves are required. All persons in labs must also wear long pants where lab coats and gloves are required.

Supervisors shall designate areas, activities, and tasks which require specific types of personal protective equipment as described above.

d. Respiratory Protection:

Employees of the University of North Dakota who wear respirators must be pre-approved by the OSEHO, and be under a medical surveillance program. Individuals who wear, or need to wear respirators must comply with the University's Respiratory Protection Program.

V. Workplace Monitoring of Safety Equipment:

Attention: Each LSC should identify the safety equipment to be used in the laboratory, and ensure that all employees are properly trained in its use. Since no two fume hoods operate exactly alike, be sure you and your staff understand the operating principals and use safe operating procedures. Please call OSEHO for assistance. The LSC should insert the phone number of the Physical Plant which serves the laboratories in the department.

Laboratory fume hoods must be vented with the exhaust located in such a position not to contaminate air being drawn into the general ventilation system. Each laboratory fume hood will be inspected, monitored and annually tested by the OSEHO. Fume hood performance evaluations will be conducted by the Occupational Safety and Environmental Health Office. Fume hoods must be monitored daily by the user to ensure that air is moving into the hood. Any malfunctions must be reported immediately to the OSEHO office. The hood should have a continuous reading device, such as a pressure gauge, to indicate that air is moving correctly. Users of older hoods without continuous reading devices should attach a strip of tissue or yarn to the bottom of the vertical sliding sash. The user must ensure the hood and baffles are not blocked by equipment and bottles, as air velocity through the face may be decreased. OSEHO staff will measure the average face velocity of each fume hood annually. If, during the annual check, a hood is not operating properly, OSEHO staff may request that you check to ensure the baffles are adjusted properly, and that the exhaust slots are not blocked by bottles and equipment. If these adjustments do not help, OSEHO staff will report the deficiency to the Physical Plant for servicing. All fume hood testing and maintenance will be done in accordance with the University's Standard Operating Procedures for Fume Hoods.

Quality: General air flow should not be turbulent and should be relatively uniform throughout the laboratory, with no high velocity or static areas; air flow into and within the hood should not be excessively turbulent.

Eye washes must be flushed weekly, and showers monthly. This will ensure that the emergency equipment is working, and that the water is clean, should emergency use become necessary. The Laboratory Safety Coordinator should coordinate with the OSEHO to ensure that emergency showers and eye washes are flushed. Fire extinguishers will be checked annually. The user is responsible for checking regularly to ensure that other protective equipment is functioning properly. The OSEHO staff can assist with these evaluations, should assistance be necessary.

Any laboratory equipment that could potentially be contaminated with a hazardous chemical, radiation or a biohazard, must be decontaminated and released for maintenance/repair. This process is coordinated through the OSEHO.

A. Modifications and New Systems:

Often times the modification of safety equipment must occur to ensure the safety of faculty, staff and students working in the laboratories. These changes must be made when appropriate testing of the existing equipment confirms a problem, or when new processes warrant additional safety equipment. When new safety equipment, is installed in University facilities, specific procedures for its use must be developed. The LSC must promptly train employees on the use of new safety equipment. The OSEHO is available as a resource to assist with these processes.

B. Procedures and Rules for Working with Chemicals:

1. Material Safety Data Sheets:

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's) are documents which inform the user
of the specific hazards involved in the handling of a chemical. It is required
that a chemical manufacturer or importer have a MSDS for each hazardous material. The (MSDS) should be sent the first time a hazardous material is ordered, or when a change in the composition of the material has occurred. The MSDS's must be readily available and accessible for review by any employee, as a source document, to provide the necessary information during any work day. A copy of the MSDS is to be forwarded to the OSEHO, where a central file of all MSDS's exists.

The following requirements apply to chemical substances that are developed in the laboratory:

a. If the composition of a chemical substance which is produced exclusively for the laboratory's use is known, the principal investigator/lab supervisor must determine if it is a hazardous chemical (e.g., through knowledge or literature search). If the chemical is determined to be hazardous, the principal investigator/lab supervisor must provide appropriate training to protect personnel who use the substance.

b. If a chemical produced is a byproduct of unknown composition, the principal investigator/lab supervisor must assume that the substance is hazardous and must comply with the applicable requirements contained in this CHP.

c. If a chemical substance is produced for another user outside a UND laboratory, the laboratory has become a manufacturer for that particular substance. All such substances must comply with the labeling and MSDS requirements contained in OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

2. Labeling and Signs:

Signs and labels of the following types shall be posted in all laboratories, or areas of concern where necessary:

a. Emergency telephone numbers of University and local emergency response facilities.

b. Identification labels on all containers that contain or are associated with
hazardous materials (including waste receptacles).

c. Location signs for eyewash stations, safety showers, fire extinguishers.

d. Exit signs at the exit of the facilities.

e. Warning signs and labels on/in areas or equipment that have potential
hazards.

3. Labeling:

All containers of hazardous materials must be identified when ever left unattended for extended periods such as breaks or overnight. Containers of non-hazardous substances should be labeled also to avoid the high costs associated with identification and disposal of unknown substances. Minimum identification requirements are as follows:

a. Do not remove or deface the manufacturer's labels on incoming hazardous material containers.

b. All peroxide forming chemicals must be labeled as "Peroxidizable" and they must contain the date the container was opened.

c. Hazard warnings (e.g. flammable, corrosive, carcinogen, etc.) should be included on all containers of hazardous materials.

d. Labels would be dated and they should identify the person in charge of the material.

e. The chemical name or common name of the substance should be used in lieu of abbreviations or formulas.

f. If there are large quantities of containers of samples, prepared solutions, or similar, with the same hazardous substance, batch labeling of a tray, cabinet, or refrigerator will suffice.

g. When containers are too small to be labeled with the preceding information and when batch labeling is not viable, then a log reference where the log contains the information regarding contents, the person in charge and the date is acceptable. Log references should include hazard warning statements for hazardous materials.

h. All hazardous chemical waste containers must be labeled with the words "Hazardous Waste," content, and the accumulation start date. See the UND Management and Disposal of Hazardous and Chemical Wastes guidebook.

i. Labels must be legible and in English. Departments having employees who speak other languages may add the information in their language.

4. Chemical Receiving:

a. Before a substance is received at the University, MSDS information on
proper handling, storage, and disposal shall be made available to those who
will be involved with that substance. This includes the following people, the Chemical Hygiene Officer, Department Heads, Faculty, Teaching Assistants, Custodian(s), Students, and Stockroom Clerks.

b. No containers will be received without the proper MSDS forms.

5. Storage of Chemicals:

All chemicals should be stored according to the specific hazards of the chemical. UND uses the following color coding system to assist departments with chemical storage.
Note: See Appendix B, The UND Chemical Code.

BLUE: for health hazards

RED: for flammable hazards

YELLOW: for reactivity hazards

WHITE: for contact hazards

GREEN: for low or no hazard

Group chemicals with similar color coding together. For example, flammable solvents, marked with a red label, should be stored by themselves, ideally in a flammable liquid storage cabinet.

a. All chemicals should be purchased in the smallest possible quantities consistent with the manner in which they are used.

b. Some non-reactive chemicals having long shelf lives may be purchased in larger amounts, providing adequate storage facilities exist.

c. The accumulation of excess chemicals can be avoided by purchasing the minimum quantities necessary for a project.

d. All chemicals should be stored with attention to incompatibilities, so that if containers break in an accident, reactive materials do not mix and react violently.

6. Working with Hazardous Chemicals:

Minimizing the exposure to chemicals is essential when working in an environment with chemicals. Precautions should be taken to avoid exposure by the principle routes, they are as follows:

a. Avoiding Eye Injury: Eye protection should be required for all personnel and visitors in all locations where chemicals are stored or used. (See "Personal Protective Equipment", Section IV.A.4).

b. Avoiding Ingestion of Hazardous Chemicals: Eating, drinking, gum
chewing, applying cosmetics, and taking medicine in areas where hazardous chemicals are used is strictly prohibited. Laboratory refrigerators, ice chests, cold rooms, ovens, and so forth must not be used for food storage or preparation. Wash hands with soap and water immediately after working with any laboratory chemicals, even if gloves have been worn.

c. Avoiding Inhalation of Hazardous Chemicals: Toxic chemicals or compounds of unknown toxicity should never be smelled. Procedures involving volatile toxic substances and operations involving solid or liquid toxic substances should be conducted in a laboratory fume hood.

d. Avoiding Injection of Hazardous Chemicals: Syringes are often used for transferring solutions of chemicals and in conjunction with biohazardous materials. Many of these syringes are fitted with sharp needles. The risk of inadvertent injection is significant, and vigilance is required to avoid a needle stick. All needles must be properly disposed of in sharps containers. Other sharps such as broken glass, etc., must also be disposed of in puncture proof containers.

7. Minimizing Skin Contact:

Wear gloves whenever handling hazardous chemicals, sharp-edged objects, very hot or very cold materials, toxic chemicals, and substances of unknown toxicity.

8. Clothing and Protective Apparel:

Long hair and loose clothing or jewelry must be confined when working in the laboratory. Unrestrained long hair, loose or torn clothing, and jewelry can dip into chemicals or become ensnared in equipment and moving machinery. Clothing and hair can catch fire.

9. Transport of Chemicals:

Chemicals being transported outside the laboratory or between stockrooms and laboratories must be in break-resistant containers or break-resistant secondary containers, or on carts that have a raised edge to prevent containers from falling off, or to contain a spill. Secondary containers commercially available are made of rubber, metal, plastic, etc. that are equipped with carrying handles, and are large enough to contain the substance in the event of breakage. If chemicals must be shipped, the OSEHO can be contacted for assistance.

10. Disposal of Chemicals:

Chemical waste generated at the University is disposed of either as a non-hazardous waste or as a hazardous waste. The determination of a hazardous waste is based upon the potential hazards of the chemical to the environment. To dispose of chemical waste, a Waste Disposal Form/Manifest must be completed and submitted to the OSEHO. Upon receipt of the Waste Disposal Form/Manifest, OSEHO staff will pick up the wastes. For further information regarding the disposal of chemicals, the UND Guidebook, The Management and Disposal of Hazardous and Chemical Wastes, should be referenced.

VI. Responding to Accidents and Emergencies:

A. Preparation for Emergencies:

All laboratory personnel should know what to do in case of an emergency. Laboratory work should not be undertaken without knowledge of the following points:

1. How to report and initiate emergency response in case of a fire, injury, chemical spill, or other emergencies.

2. The location of emergency equipment such as safety showers and eyewashes.

3. The location of fire extinguishers and spill control equipment.

4. The locations of all available exits for evacuation from the laboratory.

B. Handling the Accidental Release of Hazardous Substance:

In the event of a laboratory scale spill, the following general guidelines for handling it should be followed:

1. Call 9-911 (or 911) when the situation poses immediate danger to people, property or process.

2. Notify other laboratory personnel of the accident and, if necessary, evacuate the area.

3. Tend to any injured or contaminated personnel and, if necessary, request emergency help.

4. Take steps to confine and limit the spill if this can be done without risk of injury or contamination.

5. Report the release/spill to the OSEHO at 7-3341, during daytime hours, or 7-3491 or 7-2591 after hours for assistance. If the OSEHO determines that the department or LSC can safely clean up the spill, appropriate procedures should be used. Dispose of contaminated materials properly as chemical waste.

C. Responding to Fires:

Fires are one of the most common types of laboratory accidents. Accordingly, all personnel should be familiar with general guidelines to prevent and minimize injury and damage from fires. At the department's request, hands-on experience with common types of extinguishers can be coordinated through the OSEHO.

VII. Employee Information and Training:

Attention: All employees including PIs must be trained on the information contained in the Chemical Hygiene Plan. The OSEHO provides a Laboratory Safety Course for all employees working in labs. This formal training must occur at initial hire. The Chemical Hygiene Plan itself, will serve as the primary part of the Laboratory Safety Training Manual. In addition, each PI or designee is responsible for ensuring that laboratory employees are provided with training about the specific hazards of chemicals present in their laboratory work area, and methods to control exposure to such chemicals. Such training must be provided at the time of an employee's initial assignment to a work area where hazardous chemicals are present and prior to assignments involving new potential exposure situations. All training must be properly documented with the records maintained by the OSEHO.

All employees of the University of North Dakota must receive training and have information available to them on the hazards of chemicals in their work area. In addition to the Laboratory Safety Training Course, the OSEHO will also provide Right-To-Know training, to all non-laboratory departments using hazardous chemicals, and a four hour training course, as needed for any users of radioactive materials at UND.

A. MSDS Files: Each lab should have a MSDS file for chemicals present in that laboratory. The MSDS should list the physical and health hazards for that chemical. A copy of the chemical hygiene plan should be accessible to all employees.

B. Training: Departments that engage in the laboratory use of hazardous chemicals are responsible for identifying employees who require training and for coordinating such training.

Employee training programs must include, at a minimum, the following subjects:

1. Detection: Methods of detecting the presence of hazardous chemicals (observation, odor, real-time monitoring, air sampling, etc.);

2. Basic toxicological principles: including toxicity, hazard, exposure, routes of entry, acute and chronic effects, dose-response relationship, LD50, threshold limit values and permissible exposure limits, exposure time, and health hazards related to classes of chemicals;

3. Good laboratory practice: including: general techniques designed to reduce personal exposure by controlling hazards, as well as specific protective mechanisms and warning systems used in individual laboratories. Appropriate use of fume hoods is to be specifically addressed;

4. Description of information available: including Material Safety Data Sheets;

5. Emergency response actions appropriate to individual laboratories;

6. Applicable details of the departmental Chemical Hygiene Plan: including general and laboratory-specific Standard Operating Procedures;

7. An introduction to the Hazardous Chemical Waste Management guidebook;

VIII. Required Approvals

Attention: Certain laboratory operations, procedures or activities may warrant prior approval from a designated supervisor. The PIs in the department must consider the toxicity of the chemicals used, the hazards of each procedure, and the knowledge and experience of the laboratory workers, and decide which will require pre-approval. These procedures must be identified when the CHP is modified for a particular department. If no such pre-approvals are warranted, a memo to this effect shall be placed in the Departmental CHP. Tables containing information about some specific materials can be found in Appendix C.

A. OSEHO Approval: Prior approval is required for certain hazardous materials. OSEHO approval is required for all Radioactive material, and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) listed Controlled Substance orders.

B. Users of Duty-free alcohol: must also consult the OSEHO to verify that such material is being utilized in accordance with the University's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms permit.

C. Biohazardous Materials: Prior approval from the Institutional Biosafety committee is required for the use of certain Biohazardous Materials.

D. DEA listed Essential or Precursor Chemicals: Some chemical suppliers of may require the submission of an authorization form with the purchase order. The OSEHO can authorize such purchases, or a departmental employee can be listed as an authorized buyer with such suppliers.

If a department has identified procedures requiring prior approval in addition to those special conditions mentioned above, a written record of approvals must be kept within the department.

IX. Medical Consultation and Examination:

Attention: This section requires minimal tailoring. PI's must be aware of when an employee is entitled to receive medical attention, and must ensure employees are also aware of the process that will be followed.

A. All employees who work with hazardous chemicals will have an opportunity to receive medical attention, including any follow-up examinations which the examining physician determines to be necessary, under the following circumstances:

1. Whenever an employee develops signs or symptoms associated with a hazardous chemical to which the employee may have been exposed.

2. Where exposure monitoring reveals an exposure level routinely above the action level (or in the absence of an action level, the PEL) for an OSHA regulated substance for which there are exposure monitoring and medical surveillance requirements.

3. Whenever an event takes place in the work area such as a spill, leak, explosion or other occurrence resulting in the likelihood of a hazardous exposure.

The Chemical Hygiene Officer must be contacted whenever the need for medical consultation or examination occurs, or when there is uncertainty as to whether any of the above criteria have been met.

B. All medical examinations and consultations must be performed by the University's Designated Medical Provider (DMP), unless an individual has specified a different DMP in writing to the OSEHO prior to injury. When emergency and after-hours medical attention is required, dial 9-911 and request an ambulance. Employees must inform their supervisors of injuries within 24 hours. A UND Incident Report form and Supervisor's Incident Investigation form(Appendix D) must be filled out for any incident or near incident as soon as possible, and must be submitted to the OSEHO.

C. The OSEHO will provide the examining physician with the following information:

1. The identity of the hazardous chemical(s) to which the employee may have been exposed;

2. A description of the conditions under which the exposure occurred including quantitative exposure data, if available; and

3. A description of the signs and symptoms of exposure that the employee is experiencing, if any.

The above information must be collected and transmitted by the employee's supervisor or department to the Occupational Safety and Environmental Health office.

D. Reports: The examining physician will provide to the Occupational Safety and Health office a written report including the following:

1. Any recommendation for further medical follow-up;

2. The results of the medical examination and any associated tests;

3. Any medical condition which may be revealed in the course of the examination which may place the employee at increased risk as a result of exposure to a hazardous chemical found in the workplace; and

4. A statement that the employee has been informed by the physician of the results of the consultation or medical examination, and any medical condition resulting from a workplace chemical exposure that may require further examination or treatment.

The written opinion will not reveal specific findings of diagnoses unrelated to occupational exposure. The Occupational Safety and Environmental Health office will notify the employee's department of any required actions that could result from the medical consultation or examination.

X. Personnel:

Attention: Compliance with the Laboratory Safety Standard is a shared responsibility. In Subsection 2, note whether the CHP covers an entire college, a department or a specific laboratory only. Provide the name of the Laboratory Safety Coordinator (LSC), and describe the LSC's assigned responsibilities. In Subsection 3, note whether or not a safety committee has been formed, and if so, what its responsibilities are.

The following individuals and groups have responsibilities for implementation of various aspects of the University of North Dakota's Chemical Hygiene Plan.

A. Chemical Hygiene Officer: The University of North Dakota's Chemical Hygiene Officer is Jason Uhlir, Occupational Safety and Environmental Health Office. Address: Aux. Service building, PO Box 9031 (701)-777-3341.

B. College or Departmental Laboratory Safety Coordinator: The name of the college or departmental Laboratory Safety Coordinator should be listed here. The specific duties of each LSC will be determined at the college or departmental level.

C. College or Departmental Safety Committee: The designation of a safety committee to assist the safety officer in his/her required duties is encouraged. If a committee has been formed, it's members and functions should be listed here.

D. Occupational Safety and Environmental Health Office: The OSEHO offers assistance in a wide range of health and safety issues. A departmental organizational chart, list of services offered, and staff phone numbers are included in Appendix E.

XI. Additional Employee Protection for Work with Particularly Hazardous Substances:

Attention: This section requires tailoring. The PIs in the department must consider the toxicity of the chemicals
used and the hazards of each procedure, and decide whether the procedure requires the use of additional
protective measures. The additional protective measures should be incorporated in the Standard Operating
Procedure. Each PI should forward a list of these SOPs to the departmental LSC for reference in this section of
the CHP. If none of the SOPs require additional protective measures, the PI should note this fact and forward a
brief explanation to the LSC. OSEHO staff are available to help PIs evaluate the need for additional protective
measures.

Additional employee protection will be considered for work with particularly hazardous substances. These include: select carcinogens, reproductive toxins, peroxide forming substances, shock sensitive substances, poisonous gases, pyrophoric chemicals, substances with the threat of rapid polymerization and substances which have a high degree of acute toxicity (see Appendix F). Procedures involving particularly hazardous chemicals must be evaluated for the level of employee protection required. Specific consideration will be given to the need for:

A. Planning;

B. Establishment of a designated area;

C. Access control

D. Special precautions such as:

1. use of containment devices such as fume hoods or glove boxes;
2. use of personal protective equipment;
3. isolation of contaminated equipment;
4. practicing good laboratory hygiene; and
5. prudent transportation of very toxic chemicals.

E. Planning: for accidents and spills;

F. Special storage and waste disposal practices.

1. Carcinogens: Are defined as those substances for which the evidence from human studies indicates that there is a causal relationship between exposure to the substance and human cancer. Without establishing PEL's, OSHA promulgated standards in 1974 to regulate the industrial use of 13 chemicals identified as potential occupational carcinogens. Exposures of workers to these 13 chemicals are to be controlled through the required use of engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment, including repirators.

2. Reproductive Toxins: Any substance described as such in the applicable MSDS, or any substance identified as a reproductive toxin by the Oak Ridge Toxicology Information Resource Center (TIRC), (615)-576-1746, or, for teratogen only, any substnace identified as such in Thomas H. Shepard, Catalog of Teratogenic Agents, 6th Ed., Johns Hopkins Press, 1989.

3. Substances that have a high degree of Acute Toxicity: Any substance for which the LD50 data described in the applicable MSDS, cause the substance to be classified as a highly toxic chemical as defined in ANSI Z129.1.

4. Peroxide forming substances: Certian chemicals can form explosive peroxide crystals, and therefore require special handling procedures after the container is opened.

5. Shock sensitive substances: Certian chemicals may explode when subjected to shock or friction. Therefore, users must have appropriate laboratory equipment, information, knowledge and training to use these substances safely.

6. Poisonous gases: Certian gases have an extremely high potential for causing significant harm if not adequately controlled.

7. Pyrophoric chemicals: Certian chemicals readily oxidize and ignite spontaneously in air. Users must demonstrate that they have the appropriate laboratory equipment, information, knowledge and training to use these substances safely.

8. Chemicals of Unknown Toxicity: Chemicals whose toxic properties are unknown, a chemical for which there is no known statistically significant study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that establishes its toxicity.

XII. Record keeping:

A. Exposure evaluation:

Any records of exposure evaluation carried out by individual departments (including continuous monitoring systems) will be kept within the department and also sent to the Occupational Safety and Environmental Health office. Results of exposure evaluations carried out by OSEHO will be kept by OSEHO and sent to the affected department. Raw data will be kept for one year and summary data for the term of employment plus 30 years.

B. Medical consultation and examination:

Results of medical consultations and examinations will be kept by the DMP for a length of time specified by the appropriate medical records standard. This time will be at least the term of employment plus 30 years as required by OSHA.

C. Training:

Employee training should be documented by a class sign-in sheet that bears the following information: A description of the training; the name of the instructor; the date the training was conducted. This documentation must be forwarded to the OSEHO, and copies should be kept in the individual's department or college for at least five years.

D. Fume hood monitoring:

Data on annual fume hood monitoring will be kept in the OSEHO.

XIII. Review and Update of Chemical Hygiene Plan:

On an annual basis, this Chemical Hygiene Plan will be reviewed and evaluated for effectiveness by the Radiation Safety and Hazardous Chemical Waste Committee, and updated as necessary. Any changes in the Chemical Hygiene Plan will be transmitted to college and departmental Laboratory Safety Coordinator, who are responsible for carrying out a similar review and modification of their plans. Revised CHP's shall be submitted to the Chemical Hygiene Officer.