Laboratory & Research Safety

Russell Vernon, Ph.D.Russell Vernon, Ph.D.Laboratory / Research Safety & Integrated Waste ManagerLaboratory / Research Safety & Integrated Waste Manager

University of California, RiversideUniversity of California, Riverside951-827-5119, 951-827-5119, russell.vernon@ucr.edu

AgendaResearch & Teaching Synergy (Whole greater than sum of parts)

Involves chemicals, infectious agents, animals, plants, people, radioactive hazards, machines, lasers, etc…and People

Labs are different…Hazard Communication & Laboratory StandardEmployees vs. volunteers & students

Field Work & SafetyTeachingResearch

ISEM – core functions Five Steps

RESEARCH & TEACHINGSynergy

Synergy – Research & Teaching90 % communication

Why do students go to college?What motivates graduate students?

Why are Faculty here?What motivates faculty & staff?

10 % informationAh the hazards:

Health & physicals hazards

Chemical, Physical, Biological, Radioactive…

University Mission

Teaching

Research

Public Service

Research, Grants & PublicationsTeachingPublic Service

04/21/23 7

Involves & relies on

Lab/Research Community Safety

TeachingLaboratories

LaboratoryResearch

FieldResearch

Chemical Hygiene Officer

Radiation & Bio Safety OfficersFire Prevention, Building Design &

Maintenance, Industrial Hygienists etc.

04/21/23 8

Departments Involved(UCR Example)

Air Pollution Research Center RAnthropology TRF

Biochemistry TR

Bioengineering TR

Biology TRF

Biomedical Sciences TR

Botany & Plant Sciences TRF

Cell Biology TChemical Engineering TChemistry TR

CE-CERT RF

Center for Conservation Biology RF

Cell Biology & Neurosciences TR

Earth & Planetary Sciences TRF

Electrical Engineering TR

Entomology TRF

Environmental Engineering TChemical & Environmental Engineering TRF

Environmental Science TRF

Environmental Toxicology T

Inst Geophysics Planetary Physics R

MS&E TR

Mechanical Engineering TR

Nematology TRF

Neuroscience TPlant Pathology & Microbiology TRF

Physics and Astronomy TRF

Psychology RF

Soil and Water Science TRF

Education Abroad FSociology F

T = Teaching LabsR = Research LabsF = Field Work

04/21/23 9

Community Metrics

The normally the most hazardous activity

Throughout US and several foreign countries

Thousands of trips UC-wideUnknown number field trips annually(at least > 200 at UCR alone)

Fieldwork

04/21/23 10

Grants $/Assignable Square Foot

$95.34

$82.43

$78.11

$71.75

$64.65

$62.33

$54.87

$52.72

$42.16

$40.83

$39.84

$38.44

$27.96

$22.34

$8.88

$4.16

$1.58

$0.00

Water Resources Board

Biochemistry

Biology

Physics

Air Pollution Research Center

Entomology

Earth Sciences

Nematology

Chemistry

Environmental Sciences

Botany and Plant Sciences

Plant Pathology & Microbiology

Institute of Genomics

Cell Biology and Neuroscience

Mathematics

College of Natural and Agricultural Science

Agricultural Operations

Statistics

$601.07

SpecializationPrograms

Laboratory & Research Safety

Chemical & Laboratory

Safety

Laboratory Safety

Inspections

Radiation Safety

Biological Safety

Laboratory Design Safety

Agricultural, Field, Marine

Safety

Craig Maxwell

Brenda Wong

04/21/23 12

Chemical Hygiene Plan

Exposure Assessment

Standard Operating Procedures

Nanomaterial safety

High hazard materials safety

Laboratory ergonomics

Departmental Contacts

Campus Policymakers

Chemical safety & fire code segregation

Specialized areaChemical & Laboratory Safety

Synergy – hazards are just tools

Researchers select to use chemicals based upon project needs, familiarization & level of effort required

Chemical Hazard TypesHealth & physical hazards (OSHA)

Laboratory Standard only applies to health hazards

Chemicals, biohazards, radioactivesObvious overlap exists

Health Hazards - Chemicals“statistically significant evidence” that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees

carcinogens

toxic or highly toxic agents

reproductive toxins

irritants

corrosives

sensitizers

hepatotoxins

nephrotoxins

neurotoxins

hematopoietic damaging agents

anything that damageslungs, skin, eyes or mucous membranes

Physical Hazards - Chemicals

“scientifically valid evidence” it iscombustible liquidcompressed gasexplosiveflammableorganic peroxideoxidizerpyrophoricunstable (reactive)water-reactive

Chemical Hazard Classes

Corrosives

Flammables

Oxidizers

Toxins

Reactive Chemicals

LABS ARE DIFFERENT…

Labs are DifferentCal/OSHA Lab Standard

OSHA & Cal/OSHA Lab Standard are essentially identical

www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/5191.html

EPA Academic Lab RuleNot yet adopted by California

Flexibility afforded academic laboratories:delay in making waste determinations, longer accumulation times, labeling simplified, encourages lab cleanouts – useful for small quantity generators

www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/generation/labwaste

Cal/OSHA Laboratory Standard

Occupational regulations for labs that uses chemicals is the “Laboratory Standard”

Requires:Employer limit exposure

www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/5155table_ac1.html

Initial and periodic exposure monitoring

Written Chemical Hygiene PlanCapable of protecting employees from health hazards

Capable of keeping exposures below the limits

Readily available to employees04/21/23 19

Lab Standard RequiresStandard operating procedures

Criteria determine & implement controls

Fume hoods shall function properly

Employees shall be trained

Circumstances requiring prior approval

Medical consultation and examinations

Chemical Hygiene officer & Committee

04/21/23 20

Particularly Hazardous MaterialsSpecial provisions required for:

Select carcinogens

Reproductive toxins

Highly acute toxic substances1. Establishment of a designated area

2. Use of containment devices such as fume hoods or glove boxes

3. Procedures for safe removal of contaminated waste

4. Decontamination procedures

04/21/23 21

Issues with ComplianceWho is responsible?

Who is the ‘Employer?’Who is doing the work?

Who is the supervisor? Is there a “supervisor”?

Who’s going to pay?Fines

Controls & protection (engineering through PPE)

Exposure monitoring (initial & periodic)

Written documents

Signs

Equipment

Laboratory Safety Orientation, 2009

23

Hazard Controls

OSHA hierarchy of controlsEngineering controls

Work practices

Administrative controls

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Laboratory Safety Orientation, 2009

26

Engineering Controls

Local Exhaust VentilationFume hoods

Snorkels

Down-drafttables

Glove boxes

Biosafety cabinets

Laboratory Safety Orientation, 2009

27

Fume Hoods …..Exhaust

Sash ….

Fresh Air…..

Bypass Grill….

…..Baffles

Airfoil…..

Laboratory Safety Orientation, 2009

28

Fume Hood Function & Failure

FunctionDraw air contaminants away from operator

Sweep breathing zone with clean air

Impediments to proper operationDo not use front 6 inches

Do not block air flow - slots

Laboratory Safety Orientation, 2009

29

On-line Training from UCBhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4AHxLnByts

Laboratory Safety Orientation, 2009

30

Biological Safety Cabinets

BSCs are designed to provide both a clean work environment and protection for the user

BSCs use airflow to create a barrier to airborne particles, such as microorganisms

BSCs use High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters to clean air going into the work area and out to the environment

BioSafety Cabinet (Class IIB2)

Laboratory Safety Orientation, 2009

33

Laminar Flow toward Contamination Source (operator)

NO operator protection

Protects sample & work

DO NOT USE for hazardous material

Clean Benches(a.k.a. Tissue culture hoods)

Laboratory Safety Orientation, 2009

34

Work PracticesEducation

Hazard recognition and control methods.

TrainingProper techniques; emergency response & drills

Supervision - good safety performanceHousekeepingPersonal hygiene

Laboratory Safety Orientation, 2009

35

Administrative ControlsWorker exposure

Initial placement, worker rotation for some hazards.

MedicalSurveillance and immunization.

Hazard IdentificationSigns - notifications, etc.

Laboratory Safety Orientation, 2009

36

Personal Protective Equipment

The Strategy of The Strategy of Last ResortLast ResortRespiratory ProtectionEye, Face, Hand, FootProtective ClothingHearing Head ProtectionBarrier creams

Laboratory Safety Orientation, 2009

37

The Failure of a Glove

Karen Wetterhan at Dartmouthwww.dartmouth.edu/~toxmetal/home/tribute/karen.html

www.dartmouth.edu/~ehs/hazard_wetterhahn.html

Laboratory Safety Orientation, 2009

38

Glove SelectionChemical Compatibility

http://www.ehs.okstate.edu/hazmat/gloves.htm

www.northsafety.comhttp://www.showabestglove.com/site/chemrest/www.ansell-edmont.com/download/Ansell_7thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf

Example

Safety Audits& Inspections Regulatory Scope

Labs inspected for compliance with California Fire Code

Cal/OSHA Lab StandardChemical Hygiene Plan

Hazardous, Medical and Radioactive WasteLabeling, Storage & Segregation

Radioactive isotope use

Biohazardous materials use

Electrical Code

Audit Process OptionsContact department and/or lab representative

Schedule audits for that dept/lab

Occupants presentYes – can ask more – takes longer – better result

No – limited to physical conditions only

Paper or paperless processTime to inspect, time to create reports

Consistency between auditors & inspections

Automating report creations, summary reports $, FTE, expertise, priorities, accountability

04/21/23 41

04/21/23 42

Human pathogensBSC Certification Oversight

Biosafety Risk Assessments

Biosafety Audits

Bloodborne Pathogen

Exposure Control Plan

IBC (BUAs, Select Agents, rDNA)

Biosafety Level 3 Facilities

Public HealthBiological Spill Response

Communicable diseases

Plant & animal pathogens

Specialized area Biological Safety

Medical ResearchMedical Waste Management Plan

Medical Waste Treatment Permit

Autoclave validation

Containment & labeling

Animal (vertebrates)IACUC

Animal Use Authorizations

Vivarium (Consultation, Inspection, AAALAC)

Insects, arthropod

Invertebrate researchNematodes, Insects, arthropods

04/21/23 43

Radioactive Use Authorizations

Inspection

Delivery

Radiation exposure monitoring

Surveys

Dosimetry

Radiation Producing Machines

Irradiator Security

Equipment Clearance

Specialized area Radiation Safety

Non-ionizingLaser Safety

Registration 3b & 4

Microwaves

UV

Strong Magnetic Fields

TrainingInitial

Refresher

Radiation Safety CommitteeBroad scope license

Enforcement

Laser use

Class 3B & 4 Lasers are hazardous

Pulsed beam concentrates greater amounts of energy than continuous wave of the same average wattage.

“Nothing Leaves the Table”

Curtain that burnedLaser

Synergy – hazards are just tools

Check out the BioBrick ContestMIT & UCSF

Using BioBrick™ standard biological parts, a synthetic biologist or biological engineer can, to some extent, program living organisms like a computer scientist can program a computer

http://bbf.openwetware.org

Registry of Standard Biological Parts

Biosynthesis: Parts involved in the production or degradation of

chemicals and metabolites are listed here

Cell-cell signaling and quorum sensing: Parts involved in intercellular

signaling and quorum sensing between bacteria

Cell death: Parts involved in killing cells

Coliroid: Parts involved in taking a bacterial photograph

Conjugation: Parts involved in DNA conjugation between bacteria

Motility and chemotaxis: Parts involved in motility or chemotaxis of

cells

Odor production and sensing: Parts the produce or sense odorants

DNA recombination: Parts involved in DNA recombination

FIELD WORK & SAFETY

Travel Safety Plus…https://www.uctrips-insurance.org

Field Safety PlansTransportation

People; Samples, Materials, Supplies, Equipment; and Hazardous Materials

Medical Considerations

Security

Communications

Activities:Before, while there, when you get back

Pierce's DiseaseBacterial infection (Xylella fastidiosa)

spread by bugs that feed on grapevinesglassy winged sharpshooter

Infected grapevines die

SAFE LABORATORY DESIGNhttp://www.ehs.ucr.edu/forms/laboratorysafetydesign.pdf

UC Laboratory Safety Design Guide1. General Requirements for Laboratories 2. Electrical Safety 3. Laboratory Ventilation and Fume Hoods 4. Emergency Eyewash and Safety Shower Equipment 5. Pressure Vessel Components and Systems and Compressed

Gas Cylinders6. Hazardous Materials Storage Cabinets 7. Biosafety Laboratories 8. Additional Requirements for Radioactive Material

Laboratories 9. Additional Requirements for Laboratories with Irradiators

and/or Radiation-Producing Machines 10. Additional Requirements for Laboratories Using Non-Ionizing

Radiation Sources, Including Lasers 11. Ergonomics Design and Laboratory Spaces

Timely IssuesU.S. Green Building Council

www.usgbc.org

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System™ (LEED)

Labs 21www.labs21century.gov

International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories

www.i2sl.org

Sustainable design…Heated and cooled air flowing takes energy

Laboratories have ‘single pass’, non-recirculated air to minimize

personnel exposure and

concentration of flammable vapors

Standard Practice a decade ago was 6 to 12 air changes per hour

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers changed guidelines

International Building Codes are being adopted

The ChallengeSafe Labs

What is ‘safe’?

Who decides?

How to inform occupants?

How to manage change?

Save EnergyImportant but not primary function

Fair comparison of alternatives

Who pays the energy bill?

ISEMIntegrated Safety & Environmental Management

Management of Health, Safety and the Environment

achieving excellence in providing a healthy and safe working environment

supporting environmentally sound practices in the conduct of University activities

comply with all applicable health, safety, and environmental protection laws, regulations and requirements

www.ucop.edu/riskmgt/bsas/presidentialpol.pdf

Guiding Principles

1. Management Commitments and Involvement of Faculty, Staff, and Students

2. Management Responsibility for Safety and the Environment

3. Establishing Clear Roles and Responsibilities

4. Ensuring Competence Commensurate with Responsibilities

5. Balanced Priorities

Guiding Principles (continued)

6. Identification of Safety and Environmental Standards and Requirements

7. Encouraging Stakeholder Participation

8. Adapting Hazard and Operational Controls to Specific University Activities

9. Obtaining Authorization Prior to Conducting an Activity

Laboratory Safety Orientation, 2009

63

5 Steps of ISEM (Core Functions)

1. Define scope of activity

2. Identify & analyze hazards

3. Develop & implement controls

4. Perform activity within controls

5. Provide feedback & make improvements