gl safety seminar june 10, 2013 gl safety committee
TRANSCRIPT
GL Safety Seminar
June 10, 2013GL Safety Committee
Safety Informationhttps://www.gl.ciw.edu/safety
OutlineI. General laboratory rules and safety (Strobel ≈10 min)
II. Compressed gasses (Strobel ≈10 min)
III. Radiation and laser safety (Struzhkin ≈10 min)
IV. Biohazard safety (Steele ≈5 min)
V. Cryogen / fire safety (Cody ≈10 min)
VI. Electrical safety (Goldey ≈5 min)
VII. Questions / discussion
SAFETY AT THE GEOPHYSICAL LABORATORYIt’s not just a good idea, it’s the law
I. General Laboratory Safety Rules: 1) You are the person most responsible for your personal safety.
2) If you observe others around you operating in an unsafe manner you are required to inform them of the problem. If they continue, bring the issue up with your supervisor or members of the Safety Committee.
GL Safety CommitteeTim Strobel (Chair)
Reini BoehlerGeorge Cody
Dave MaoAndrew Steele Viktor Struzhkin
Paul GoldeyKathrine Crispin
https://www.gl.ciw.edu/safety
3) All laboratories and facilities on the Broad Branch Rd. campus are controlled areas. Access to, and permission to operate in, any laboratory must be granted by the person in charge of the laboratory or facility. 4) Specific safety training is required prior to working in any laboratory or facility.
Action Items:
For Everyone:Check to make sure that you have filled out proper safety forms for all the labs that you work in. Consult with PI of lab to obtain lab-specific training.
For PI’s:Know who is working in your labs. Check that forms and training are up to date. Update lists of authorized users on lab doors.
5) Prior to working with any chemicals, study the MSDS sheets to gain awareness of toxicity, reactivity, and other potentially dangerous properties of a given chemical.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Comes with every chemical you purchaseAlso available on the web, e.g.,
http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
If you don’t have one and do not know how to get one, contact the Safety committee
You are required to study the MSDS every time you work with a new chemical
Make sure your chemical inventory lists and MSDS sheets are up to date!
6) If you have any concerns regarding the safety of specific laboratory procedure, stop immediately and consult with the laboratory supervisor. If safety concerns persist, contact the GL Safety Committee.
7) All chemical waste must be stored in properly labeled containers until chemical waste pick-up is arranged.
8) All containers in laboratories must be labeled clearly, for example, a flask containing water must be labeled “Water” or “H2O”.
Use secondary containment for waste storage
Label all containers with name, date, and contents
9) Never pour any chemicals into sink-drains.
10) Proper attire, including proper personal protective equipment, is required in all laboratories.
11) Food and drink are not permitted in laboratories, unless otherwise stated by the person responsible for the laboratory.
12) Report all accidents and near accidents to GL Safety committee.
13) Check specific laboratory procedures regarding working alone in the laboratory after normal business hours. 14) Understand emergency procedures and know where to find emergency contact information for each controlled space.
Safety Diamonds: All laboratories have them
0-4 (Hazard level)0=no hazard4=extreme hazard
Blue: Health Hazard0=olive oil, 4 = HCNRed: Flammability0=water, 4=methaneYellow: Reactivity0=LN2, 4=TNTWhite: speciale.g., no water
Hazard Signs: If you see these outside of a laboratory: Note and understand them
If you do not understand the hazard sign do not enter room.
All laboratories should have relevant hazard warnings.
II. Compressed Gas Cylinders
1)Safety issues2)GL cylinder policy
WHEN PURCHASING COMPRESSED GAS…
•Always consult with supervisor about plans for compressed gasses.
•Ask questions of the suppliers when purchasing gaseous materials - especially with regards to waste disposal and their cylinder return policy. Only purchase cylinders from companies that will accept the cylinder back for disposal. The cost of disposal for gas cylinders is dependent upon the material, but even non-hazardous cylinders can be costly to dispose.
* Don't purchase a larger cylinder size than necessary, excess reactant can be a problem for disposal, increases the risk to a larger area if accidentally released, is more difficult to store in a ventilated area if required, and takes up more room in the hood or on the floor.
* NFPA sets limitations on the number of cylinders that should not be exceeded in a laboratory. Do not acquire more than: • three 10" x 50" flammable gas or oxygen cylinders and • three 4" x 15" cylinders of toxic gases (such as arsine, chlorine, fluorine, hydrogen cyanide, nitric oxide) * Make sure you have adequate ventilation to bring in and work with toxic gases. Plan accordingly!
Be familiar with the guidelines on safe transport of high pressure cylinders:
* when the cylinder is not in use, the valve protection cap must be in place to protect the valve * never drag, slide or roll the cylinder - get a cylinder cart or truck and use it; * always have the protective cap covering the valve during transport - never transport with the regulator in place. Make sure the cylinder is secured to the cart during transport.
A DROPPED GAS CYLINDER IS POTENTIALLY DEADLY, PARTICULARLY IF THE VALVE STEM IS NOT PROTECTED WITH CAP!!!
Special precautions are also required when storing cylinders:
* cylinders must be secured at all times to a fixed location - a wall, the lab bench, etc.; * they must be secured at a point approximately 2/3 of its height, using appropriate material - chain, plastic coated wire cable, commercially available cylinder straps, etc.; * as with any hazardous material, you may not store gas cylinders in public hallways or other unprotected areas; * cylinders should be secured individually, i.e., one restraint per cylinder. * cylinders must be segregated in hazard classes while in storage, at the minimum, oxidizers (such as oxygen) must be separated from flammable gases, and empty cylinders should be isolated from filled cylinders.
Before the cylinder is first used the following precautions should be taken:
* make sure the cylinder is equipped with the correct regulator. Always use the regulator designed for the material in use, and be especially careful that under no circumstances is grease or oil used on regulator or cylinder valves because these substances may cause an adverse, dangerous reaction within the cylinder.
* the cylinder should be placed so that the valve handle at the top is easily accessible at all times.
* open the valve slowly and only with the proper regulator in place - the valve should be opened all the way. Never leave a valve part way open - either open it all the way or close it all the way.
* the valve should never be left open when equipment is not in use, even when empty; air and moisture may diffuse through an open valve, causing contamination and corrosion within the cylinder.
* if using a toxic or irritating gas, the valve should be opened only while the cylinder is in a working fume hood and even so, it would also be prudent to direct the valve and potential gas flow away from lab personnel.
When cylinders are in use consider the following:
* never heat the cylinder to raise the pressure of the gas - this may defeat the safety mechanisms built in by the supplier.
* keep the cylinder clear of all sparks, flames and electrical circuits.
* never rely on the color coding to identify the gas! Different manufacturers may use different coding systems.
* never refill a cylinder - mixing of residual gases in a confined area may result in a serious and devastating reaction.
* don't use oxygen in place of compressed air.
* don't use copper fittings or tubing on acetylene tanks - explosion may result.
* wear safety equipment appropriate for the hazard potential of the material you are working with. Wear safety glasses when working with compressed gas.
If a leak is detected, consider the following options:
* if the cylinder contains a flammable, inert or oxidizing gas, remove it to an isolated area, away from incompatible materials. Allow it to remain isolated until the gas has discharged, making certain that appropriate warnings have been posted.
* if the gas is corrosive, remove the cylinder to an isolated, well-ventilated area, away from incompatibles. The stream of leaking gas should be directed into an appropriate neutralizing material. Be careful of any reaction product that may be formed as the leaking gas and neutralizing material react! Be especially cautious that the reactant is not allowed to be sucked back into the cylinder where further dangerous chemical reaction could occur.
* if the material is toxic, the cylinder should be removed to an isolated, well-ventilated area, but only if this is possible while maintaining personal safety. It may be necessary to call for a general evacuation of the facility and the cylinder approached only by trained emergency response personnel wearing protective apparel and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs).
* if the leak is at the junction of the cylinder valve and cylinder - DO NOT try to repair! Instead, contact the supplier and ask for response instructions.
After the cylinder is no longer needed, the following steps should be taken:
* never completely empty the cylinder; always leave a residual gas pressure of 30psi.
* if the research experiment is over and the cylinder still contains hazardous material, the cylinder should be submitted for disposal.
* do not keep hazardous materials in the lab beyond the time they are needed. Cylinders have a finite life expectancy. This is especially true for cylinders containing corrosive materials. If you are not using it - get rid of it!
* if the cylinder is empty, replace the cap and remove it to the storage area for empty cylinders. Mark it "MT" or label in some other fashion that will allow everyone to know its status. YOUR ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING SURE THE EMPTY CYLINDER IS RETURNED.
*** Remember - the greatest physical hazard represented by the compressed gas cylinder in the laboratory is the tremendous force that may be released if it is knocked over! ***
GL Cylinder Policy1. Ordering Process
a. PO’s are submitted to the GL business office ([email protected]) and cc’d to Michelle Scholtes ([email protected]). When PO is approved, Michelle will order the gas.
b. All orders need to be placed by Michelle.c. When orders arrive, flammable gases are stored outside in the cylinder cage;
non-flammable / oxidizing gases are stored inside within the storage rack. The person who signs the delivery slip must bring it to Michelle.
d. Michelle will notify PI of the gas delivery and label the cylinder with the PO number and PI name. The delivery slip will be forwarded to the business office.
e. PI will pick up tank in a timely manner.
2. Empty Tanks• PI brings empty tank to the empty cylinder storage area, marks empty and
notifies Michelle right away with gas type and PO number. • Michelle coordinates pickup of empty cylinders.• Accountability: new orders will not be placed for those who do not follow 2a,
i.e., accumulating tanks in the empty storage area.
Cylinder Storage
Non-flammable / Oxidizerse.g., Argon, Helium, Oxygen
Stored inside hallway by loading dock
Flammablee.g., Hydrogen, Methane
Stored outside in cages on loading dock(key hanging on bulletin board near exit).
Emptye.g., depleted cylinders
Stored inside receiving room, behind loading dock. Secure cylinders to wall with straps and label empty.
Full cylinders will be stored and labeled for you. You are responsible for bringing them to your lab.
You are responsible to bringing empty cylinders here. YOU MUST NOTIFY MICHELLE when you do.
III. Radiation and Laser Safety
General Information About X-raysX-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation
X-rays are an ionizing form of radiationIonizing radiation can cause changes in biological tissue. These changes can lead to cell
death, cell transformation and damage which cannot be repaired
People are not able to sense radiationInjury possible without initially knowing it
Electromagnetic spectrum
Ionizing radiation
X-ray induced tissue damage
Ionizing Radiation is Used at GLThe X-ray crystallography lab (R108) uses X-ray radiationMössbauer spectroscopy lab (G26A) uses gamma raysBe aware!
Radiation Trefoil
These symbols indicate the presence of radiation and are posted on relevant
laboratory doors.
Radiation dose limits
Area Annual Dose (Rem)
Whole body 5
Hands, arms, skin of whole body 50
Typical X-ray beams
Beam Dose rate (Rem/min)
Primary beam 400,000
Diffracted beam 80
Annual radiation dose limit is easily exceeded by exposure to X-ray beam.
Ionizing Radiation
GL X-ray Safety Policy
• All X-ray laboratories are controlled spaces.• All users must have specific training to work in the
XRD lab and operate equipment.
ALARA stands for As Low As reasonably Achievable. It is an individual worker’s responsibility to perform tasks to keep radiation exposure as low as possible.
Worker’s are responsible for knowing all hazards and safety practices that relate to the equipment in use.
At GL, we are committed to ALARA
GL X-ray Safety Policy• X-ray laboratory users are required to wear radiation
dosimetry badges to monitor exposure.– Contact Tim Strobel to obtain badge
• Minimize exposure to radiation by:– Decreasing time – Increasing distance– Increasing shielding
• Instruments are designed with shielding and safety interlocks to minimize exposure – never tamper with or disable these mechanisms.
• Pregnant workers must declare pregnancies before working near radiation.
don’t look into the laser beamwith your remaining eye
Laser Safety at the Geophysical Laboratory
Do not enter any laser laboratory if you do not have specific training for that lab unless you are guided by a qualified lab personnel.
laser classes:
1……………….. safe2…………… …..max. 1 mW3 R………………max 5 mW (low risk)3 B and 4…… eyewear required
OD (LB) value OD 3 means reduction by factor 1000 OD 4……………………………… …….. 10000
D……refers to CW lasers or average Power Density (exposure time > 0.25s)
I…….refers to lasers with pulse lengths between 1 ms and 0.25s
R……refers to lasers with pulse lengths between 1ns and 1ms
M…..refers to lasers with pulse lengths less than 1ns
DIR 1000-1300 LB5: This eyewear delivers LB5 protection for D,I and R type beams across the wavelength range 1000-1300nm.
IV. Biohazard Safety
BioHazard – Level 1Biohazard Level 1: Bacteria and viruses includingBacillus subtilis, canine hepatitis, Escherichia coli, varicella (chicken pox), as well as some cell cultures and non-infectious bacteria. At this level precautions against the biohazardous materials in question are minimal, most likely involving gloves and some sort of facial protection. Usually, contaminated materials are left in open (but separately indicated) waste receptacles. Decontamination procedures for this level are similar in most respects to modern precautions against everyday viruses (i.e.: washing one's hands with anti-bacterial soap, washing all exposed surfaces of the lab with disinfectants, etc.). In a lab environment, all materials used for cell and/or bacteria cultures are decontaminated via autoclave.
Forward contamination - bringing in contamination.
Becoming contaminated – hand washing, don’t borrow glassware.
Do not work in lab unless taken the safety course. Adhere to posted safety rules.
Do not use cultures elsewhere without instigating the correct safety procedures – Talk to me.
Lab coat, gloves, safety specs (if necessary) masks (if necessary), WASH YOUR HANDS.
ALL BACTERIA ARE DANGEROUS CONCENTRATED / GROWING IN THE WRONG PLACE.
Report cuts immediately.
Report spills and use spill kits immediately.
Use red autoclave bags and phlebotomy boxes for contaminated materials
Do not enter lab unless invited.
V. Cryogen and Fire Safety
Cryogen Safety: liquid N2, Ar, and He
Four Types of Hazards
1)Extreme Frostbite (-195.8 °C, -320.4 °F2)Asphyxiation-with out warning3)Explosion (1:694 volume expansion)4)Fire (oxygen boils at 90.2 K, nitrogen at 77.2 K)
Never fill a LN2 dewar with a transfer line if you have not been specifically trained to do so
Outcome of a Liquid N2 explosion at Texas A&M
Emergency Evacuation PlanGeophysical Laboratory, Department of Terrestrial Magnetism
If you hear the fire alarm or see flashing lights…
•Immediately stop what you are doing.•Calmly leave the building through the nearest exit.•Remind anyone you see to exit the building.•Rendezvous in the center of campus (indicated by the red arrow in the picture below).
Meet here
•Check around for others that you know are on campus and notify senior staff and/or fire personnel if you notice anyone missing.•Even if the alarm turns off, do not enter the building until either the fire department or BBR staff gives an all clear. The "all clear" to re-enter the building will be given ONLY after BBR has determined there is no fire or danger. This "all clear" will be given by one of the Building Engineers in this order: 1) Roy Dingus, 2) Gary Bors, 3) Bill Key. If the fire department is on the scene they will advise us when and if we can re-enter the building.
Fire Prevention and Awareness• Typical hazards in a lab:
– Paper– Flammable liquids– Compressed gases– Electrical
• Know where the nearest fire extinguisher is located– What type is it?
• Fire alarm box? Fire blanket? Safety shower?
In the event of a fire…..• Assist any person immediately in danger
– STOP, DROP, ROLL– Fire blankets, safety showers
• Fight or flee?– Small, contained, non-toxic fires with clear egress
only!!– Proper extinguisher is close at hand– P - A - S – S
• Evacuate and close doors behind you (but don’t lock them)
VI. Electrical Safety
VII. Questions / Discussion