Laboratory Safety Webinar:Creating a Culture of SafetyDecember 5, 20133:30-4:30pm

Session Objectives•To identify relevant information in OSHA

Laboratory Standard Appendix A and recommended resources

•To identify strategies that encourage a “Culture of Safety” through training and ongoing support

OSHA Laboratory Standard (29 CR 1920.1450)https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10106

•Appendix A provides employers assistance in developing an appropriate Chemical Hygiene Plan https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10107

•Based on the National Research Council’s (NRC) 2011 edition of “Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Management of Chemical Hazards” http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12654 or www.nap.edu for additional free resources

•Appendix B provides a list of references

What does Appendix A tell us about a culture of safety?Let’s go back to the document introduction https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10107

How do we establish a culture of safety?A. General Principles1. Minimize All Chemical Exposures and

Risks2. Avoid Underestimation of Risk3. Adhere to the Hierarchy of Controls4. Provide Laboratory Ventilation5. Institute a Chemical Hygiene Program6. Observe PELs and TLVs

1. Minimize Exposure & Risks• Perform risk assessments for hazardous

chemicals and procedures prior to lab work:▫Identify chemicals to be used, amounts

required and circumstances of use in the experiment.

▫Evaluate the hazards posed by the chemicals and the experimental conditions.

▫Reaction scale-ups pose special risks.▫Select appropriate controls to minimize

risks.

1. Minimize Exposure & Risks5 questions:

1. What are the hazards?2. What is the worst thing that could

happen?3. What can be done to prevent this from

happening?4. What can be done to protect from these

hazards?5. What should be done if something goes

wrong?

2. Avoid Underestimation of Risk•Even for substances of no known

significant hazard, exposure should be minimized.

•Reference the MSDS/SDS for each chemical.

•Before working with chemicals, know your procedure for accidental spill or fire, emergency numbers, and the location of all safety equipment.

3. Adhere to the Hierarchy of Controls•(most to least effective)

▫Engineering controls (remove it- fume hoods, barriers, etc.)

▫Administrative controls (scheduling)▫Work practices (designated procedures

to minimize hazard)▫PPE (safety goggles, gloves, lab

coats/aprons)

4. Provide Laboratory Ventilation•Chemicals should not be evaporated or

stored in the fume hood.•Chemical hoods should be maintained,

monitored, and routinely tested.•Laboratory air should not recirculated but

exhausted directly outdoors.

5. Institute a Chemical Hygiene Program•“A comprehensive chemical hygiene

program is required. It should be designed to minimize exposures, injuries, illnesses and incidents. There should be a regular continuing effort that includes program oversight, safe facilities, chemical hygiene planning, training, emergency preparedness and chemical security. The chemical hygiene program must be reviewed annually and updated as necessary…”

6. Observe the PELs and TLVs•OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits

(PELs) must not be exceeded.•The American Conference of

Governmental Industrial Hygienists’ Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) should also not be exceeded.

Appendix A also includes…B. ResponsibilitiesC. The Laboratory FacilityD. Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)E. General Procedures for Working with

ChemicalsF. Safety Recommendations—Physical

HazardsG. Emergency PlanningH.Emergency ProceduresI. Laboratory Security

Recommendations• Make a topic of laboratory safety an item on every group

meeting agenda.• Periodically review the results of lab inspections with the

entire group.• Require that all accidents and incidents, even those that

seem minor are reported so that the cause can be identified.

• Review new experiment procedures with students and discuss all safety concerns. Consider less hazardous materials and procedures.

• Make sure that all safety rules are followed from the instructor to visitors.

• Recognize and reward students and staff for attention to safety.

Questions

Other Information•NSTA Position Statement−

“Liability of Science Educators for Laboratory Safety” http://www.nsta.org/about/positions/liability.aspx

Contact InformationJami InmanSecondary Science ConsultantSafety ContactK-12 Science SectionCurriculum & Instruction DivisionNC Department of Public Instruction

Contact Information:E-mail: jami.inman@dpi.nc.govPhone: 919.807.3607