Cedar Mountain Laboratory Standard-Chemical Hygiene Plan

PLAN REVIEW
Reviewer	Date
Eileen Carlson	9/30/2015

 

                                                                Contact: Jacob Cavanaugh

 

LABORATORY STANDARD/CHEMICAL HYGIENE PROGRAM

Purpose

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) laboratory health standard (Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (CFR 1910.1450)) requires employers of laboratory employees to implement exposure control programs and convey chemical health and safety information to laboratory employees working with hazardous materials. Specific provisions of the standard require:

1. Chemical fume hood evaluations;
2. Establishment of standard operating procedures for routine and “high hazard” laboratory operations
3. Research protocol safety reviews
4. Employee exposure assessments
5. Medical consultations/exams
6. Employee training
7. Labeling of chemical containers and,
8. The management of chemical safety information sheets (Safety Data Sheets) and other safety reference materials.

The standard’s intent is to ensure that laboratory employees are apprised of the hazards of chemicals in their work area, and that appropriate work practices and procedures are in place to protect laboratory employees from chemical health and safety hazards. The standard operating procedures (laboratory practices and engineering controls) recommended in this manual identify the safeguards that should be taken when working with hazardous materials.

These safeguards will protect laboratory workers from unsafe conditions in the vast majority of situations. There are instances, however, when the physical and chemical properties, the proposed use, the quantity used for a particular purpose or the toxicity of a substance will be such that either additional, or fewer, controls might be

appropriate to protect the laboratory worker. Professional judgment is essential in the interpretation of these standard operating procedures, and individual laboratories may modify these procedures to meet their specific uses and operational needs.

This document outlines how Cedar Mountain Public Schools is complying with each of the elements in OSHA’s Laboratory Standard.

CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibility for chemical health and safety rests, at all levels, with «Lab», who has ultimate responsibility for chemical hygiene within all Cedar Mountain Public Schools buildings and must, along with other officials, provide continuing support for chemical safety.

Office of Environmental Health and Safety

A.) Responsibility:

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS) is charged with the responsibility for control, review, monitoring and advise with respect to exposure to chemical, radiological, and biological agents used in research and teaching. The office does oversight and control of physical hazards in the workplace, including general and laboratory safety, and chemical waste disposal.

B.) Authority:

The Chemical Hygiene Officer («Lab») has the authority to stop any activity that is immediately hazardous to life or health. The primary function however, is to act in an advisory capacity to the individual departments, and help them provide a safe and healthful workplace.

The Chemical Hygiene Officer, who oversees and manages chemical hygiene for the labs, has the following duties:

Develop and implement components of the Chemical Hygiene Plan to ensure consistent   and well-documented program procedures and policy decisions. Components will typically exclude specific departmental components such as laboratory standard operating procedures, training schedules, and other responsibilities given to department chemical hygiene officer/laboratory supervisors.

Work with department managers and supervisors to develop specific components of the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Special attention will be given to the safe procurement, use, and disposal of chemicals.

Assist department chemical hygiene officers/laboratory supervisors with conducting training sessions for all laboratory workers including supervisors, faculty, principal investigators, etc.

Assist department chemical hygiene officers/laboratory supervisors with required safety audits and the documentation (record keeping) of audits and all employee-training sessions.

Advise department chemical hygiene officer/laboratory supervisors on implementation of all components of the Chemical Hygiene Plan and any specific concerns regarding the appropriate use of audits and all employee-training sessions.

In addition, the Chemical Hygiene Officer will be responsible for knowing the contents of the relevant regulation (Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, 29 CFR 1910.145) and conduct any required updating of the Chemical Hygiene Plan as regulations require.

Departments that will be required to implement the Chemical Hygiene Plan are as follows:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Life Sciences

Each of these departments conduct laboratory work as defined in the OSHA Laboratory Standard.

Laboratory: means a facility where the laboratory use of hazardous chemicals occurs. It is a workplace where relatively small quantities of hazardous chemicals are used on a non-production basis.

Any department not listed here will also be required to implement the Chemical Hygiene Plan if laboratory work is conducted.

Department Chemical Hygiene Officer/Laboratory Supervisor has the responsibility as defined in the OSHA Laboratory Standard and the Chemical Hygiene Plan, to implement the Chemical Hygiene Plan thus ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements and maintaining a safe work environment.

The Department Chemical Hygiene Officer/Laboratory Supervisor has the following duties:

• Ensure that all work is conducted in accordance with the department Chemical Hygiene Plan.
• Work with principal investigator to define the location of work areas where toxic substances potential carcinogens will be used, and ensure that the inventory of these substances is properly maintained.
• Work with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety and principal investigator to obtain, review, and approve standard operating procedures, detailing all aspects of proposed research activities that involve hazardous agents or practices not covered under the General Standard Operating Procedures For Working With Chemicals.
• Ensure that program and support staff receive instructions and training in safe work practices, use of personal protective equipment, and in procedures for dealing with accidents involving toxic substances.
• Ensure that employees understand the training received.
• Act as chair for those departments that have committees as noted above.
• Monitor the safety performance of the staff to ensure that the required safety practices and techniques are being employed.
• Work with principal investigators to arrange for workplace air samples, swipes or other tests to determine the amount and nature of airborne and/or surface contamination, inform employees of the results, and use data to aid in the evaluation and maintenance of appropriate laboratory conditions.
• Assist OEHS when necessary.
• Investigate accidents and report them to the Chemical Hygiene Officer.
• Include procedures that will minimize the repetition of that type of accident.
• Report to the Chemical Hygiene Officer incidents that cause (1) personnel to be seriously exposed to hazardous chemicals or materials, such as through the inoculation of a chemical through cutaneous penetration, ingestion of a chemical or probable inhalation of a chemical, or that (2) constitute a danger of environmental contamination.
• Make copies of the approved Chemical Hygiene Plan available to the program and support staff.

The Principal Investigator has the primary responsibility for chemical hygiene in the laboratory.

He/she is responsible for:

1. Acquiring the knowledge and information needed to recognize and control chemical hazards in the laboratory.
2. Selecting and employing laboratory practices and engineering controls that reduce the potential for exposure to hazardous chemicals to the appropriate level.
3. Informing employees working in their laboratory of the potential hazards associated with the use of chemicals in the laboratory and instructing them in the safe laboratory practices, adequate controls, and procedures for dealing with accidents involving hazardous chemicals.
4. Prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for use of test substances when this use involves alternate procedures not specified in these guidelines.
5. The SOP shall include a description of the alternate controls that will be used.
6. Ensure that all personnel obtain the medical examinations and protective equipment necessary for the safe performance of their jobs.
7. Ensure that action is taken to correct work practices and conditions that may result in the release of toxic chemicals.
8. Supervising the performance of their staff to ensure the required chemical hygiene rules are adhered to in the laboratory.
9. Defining hazardous operations, designating safe practices and selecting protective equipment.
10. Ensuring appropriate controls (engineering and personal protective equipment) are used and in good working order.
11. Obtaining approval, when required, prior to using particularly hazardous substances.
12. Developing an understanding of the current legal requirements regulating hazardous substances used in his/her laboratory.
13. Conducting formal laboratory inspections routinely to ensure compliance with existing laboratory SOP’s.
14. Preparing procedures for dealing with accidents that may result in the unexpected exposure of personnel, or the environment, to toxic substances.
15. Properly disposing of unwanted and/or hazardous chemicals and materials.
16. Documenting and maintaining compliance with all local, state, and federal requirements.

Laboratory workers are responsible for:

1. Being aware of the hazards of the materials she/he is around or working with, and handling those chemicals in a safe manner;
2. Planning and conducting each operation in accordance with established chemical hygiene procedures;
3. Developing good chemical hygiene habits (chemical safety practices and procedures);
4. Reporting unsafe conditions to his/her supervisor, or the department chemical hygiene officer.

The principal investigator and laboratory workers share responsibility for collecting, labeling and storing chemical hazardous waste properly, as well as informing visitors entering their laboratory of the potential hazards and safety rules/precautions.

Employees and Students are responsible for:

1. Attending required training sessions and following all standard operating procedures of working in a laboratory.
2. Wearing personal protective equipment as directed by the principal investigator.
3. At a minimum, wearing safety glasses at all times when in the laboratory.
4. Reporting to the teaching assistant, faculty member, or department chemical hygiene officer/laboratory supervisor any accidents that result in the exposure to toxic chemicals, and any action or condition that may exist which could result in an accident.

DEFINITIONS

Laboratory Definition

For the purposes of this OSHA standard a laboratory is defined as a facility in which hazardous chemicals (defined below) are handled or manipulated in reactions, transfers, etc. in small quantities (containers that are easily manipulated by one person) on a non-production basis. Typically multiple chemical procedures are used.

Hazardous Chemical Definition

The OSHA Laboratory Health Standard defines a hazardous chemical as any element, chemical compound, or mixture of elements and/or compounds that is a physical hazard or a health hazard.

The standard applies to all hazardous chemicals regardless of the quantity.

A chemical is a physical hazard if there is scientifically valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, an explosive, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer or pyrophoric, flammable, or reactive.

A chemical is a health hazard if there is statistically significant evidence, based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees. Classes of health hazards include:

• carcinogens
• irritants
• reproductive toxins
• corrosives
• sensitizers
• neurotoxins (nerve)
• hepatotoxins (liver)
• nephrotoxins (kidney)
• agents that act on the hematopoietic system (blood)
• agents that damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucus membranes

A chemical is considered a carcinogen or potential carcinogen if it is listed in any of the following publications (OSHA uses the term “select” carcinogen):

National Toxicology Program, Annual Report on Carcinogens (latest edition)

International Agency for Research on Cancer, Monographs (latest edition)

OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1001 to 1910.1101, Toxic and Hazardous Substances

A chemical is considered hazardous according to the OSHA standard, if it is listed in any of the following:

OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1 through Z-3

Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents in the Work Environment, ACGIH (latest edition) The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances, NIOSH (latest edition).

Over 600,000 chemicals are considered hazardous by the OSHA definition.

In most cases, the chemical container’s original label will indicate if the chemical is hazardous. Look for key words like caution, hazardous, toxic, dangerous, corrosive, irritant, carcinogen, etc.  Containers of hazardous chemicals acquired or manufactured before 1985 may not contain appropriate hazard warnings.

If you are not sure a chemical you are using is hazardous, review the Safety Data Sheet for the substance or contact your supervisor.

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

Some laboratories may synthesize or develop new chemical substances on occasion. If the composition of the substance is known and will be used exclusively in the laboratory, the laboratory worker must label the substance and determine, to the best of his/her abilities, the hazardous properties (e.g. corrosive, flammable, reactive, toxic, etc.) of the substance. This can often be done by comparing the structure of the new substance with the structure of similar materials with known hazardous properties. If the chemical produced is of unknown composition, it must be assumed to be hazardous and appropriate precautions taken. If a chemical substance is produced for another user outside this facility, the laboratory producing the substance is required to provide as much information as possible regarding the identify and known hazardous properties of the substance to the receiver of the material.

TRAINING & INFORMATION

Chemical Safety Training

All employees exposed, or potentially exposed, to hazardous chemicals while performing their laboratory duties must receive information and training regarding the standard, the chemical hygiene plan and laboratory safety. Our training program for laboratory workers consists of two parts: 1) introduction to the standard and to information not specific to the individual worksite to be conducted by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, and 2) site specific elements of training to be conducted by the Principal Investigator or department chemical hygiene officer/laboratory supervisor. The training and information will be provided when an employee is initially assigned to a laboratory where hazardous chemicals are present, and also prior to assignments involving new hazardous chemicals and/or new laboratory work procedures.

The training and information program will describe the:

• Physical and health hazards of various classes of laboratory chemicals handled;
• Methods/procedures for safely handling and detecting the presence or release of hazardous chemicals present in the laboratory;
• Appropriate response in the event of a chemical emergency (spill, overexposure, etc.);
• Chemical safety policies; and
• Applicable details of the Chemical Hygiene Plan (such as the standard operating procedures for using chemicals).

When an employee is to perform a non-routine task presenting hazards for which he or she has not already been trained, the employee’s supervisor will be responsible for discussing with the employee the hazards of the task and any special measures (e.g. personal protective equipment or engineering controls) that should be used to protect the employee.

Every laboratory worker should know the location and proper use of available protective clothing and equipment, and emergency equipment/procedures. Information on protective clothing and equipment is contained further in this program.

Chemical Safety Information Sources

There are numerous sources of chemical safety information. These sources include:

• Special health and safety reference literature available in the Office of Environmental Health and Safety
• The labels found on containers of hazardous chemicals
• The substance’s Safety Data Sheet and laboratory signs.

In addition, your supervisor is available to provide safety information. Each of these sources is now discussed in greater detail.

Safety Reference Literature

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety maintains a library of reference materials addressing chemical health and safety issues. One of the references contains all applicable chemical workplace exposure standards and recommended exposure levels. Another reference contains a copy of OSHA’s laboratory safety standard and its appendices. Safety Data Sheets received from suppliers are available in your laboratory or a central area designated by your department.

Container Labeling

All containers of hazardous chemicals that could pose a physical or health hazard to an exposed employee must have a label attached. Labels on purchased hazardous chemicals must include:

• The common name of the chemical.
• The name, address and emergency phone number of the school responsible for the product.
• An appropriate hazard warning.

The warning may be a single word – “danger”, “warning” and “caution” – or may identify the primary hazard, both physical (i.e., water reactive, flammable or explosive) and health (i.e., carcinogen, corrosive, or irritant).

Most labels will provide you with additional safety information to help you protect yourself while working with this substance. This includes protective measures to be used when handling the material, clothing that should be worn, first aid instructions, storage information and procedures to follow in the event of a fire, leak or spill.

If you find a container with no label, report it to your supervisor. You should also report labels that are torn or illegible so that the label can be replaced immediately. Existing labels on new containers of hazardous chemicals should never be removed or defaced, except when empty! If you use secondary working containers that will take more than one work shift to empty, or if there is a chance that someone else will handle the container before you finish it, you must label it. This is part of your responsibility to help protect co-workers.

Read the label each time you use a newly purchased chemical. It is possible the manufacturer may have added new hazard information or reformulated the product since your last purchase, and thus altered the potential hazards you face while working with the product.

All employees involved in unpacking chemicals are responsible for inspecting each incoming container to insure that it is labeled with the information outlined above. The principal investigators or department chemical hygiene officer/laboratory supervisors should be notified if containers do not have proper labels.

Laboratory Signs

Prominent signs of the following types should be posted in each laboratory:

• Telephone numbers of emergency personnel/facilities, supervisors, and laboratory workers.
• Signs identifying locations for safety showers, eyewash stations, other safety and first aid equipment, and exits
• Warnings at areas or equipment where special or unusual hazards exist.

CHEMICAL EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT

Regular environmental or employee exposure monitoring of airborne concentrations is not usually warranted or practical in laboratories because chemicals are typically used for relatively short time periods and in small quantities. However, sampling may be appropriate when a highly toxic substance is used regularly (3 or more separate handling sessions per week), used for an extended period of time (greater than 3 to 4 hours at a time), or used in especially large quantities.

Notify the Chemical Hygiene Officer if you are using a highly toxic substance in this manner.

The exposures to laboratory employees who suspect and report that they have been over exposed to a toxic chemical in the laboratory, or are displaying symptoms of overexposure to toxic chemicals, will also be assessed. The assessment will initially be qualitative and, based upon the professional judgment of the Chemical Hygiene Officer, may be followed up by specific quantitative monitoring. A memo, or report, documenting the assessment will be sent to the employees involved and their supervisors within fifteen days of receipt of the results. A copy will be stored in a central exposure records file maintained by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

Individual concerns about excessive exposures occurring in the laboratory should be brought to the attention of your supervisor or the Chemical Hygiene Officer immediately.

MEDICAL CONSULTATION & EXAMINATION

Employees who work with hazardous chemicals will be provided with an opportunity to receive medical attention, including any follow-up examinations which the examining physician determines to be necessary, whenever an employee:

• Develops signs or symptoms associated with excessive exposure to a hazardous chemical used in their laboratory
• Exposed routinely above the action level (or in the absence of an action level, the applicable OSHA work place exposure limit) for an OSHA regulated substance;
• May have been exposed to a hazardous chemical during a chemical incident such as a spill, leak, explosion or fire and referred for medical follow up by the Chemical Hygiene Officer.

Individuals with life threatening emergencies should dial ______________ for emergency transport to the hospital. All accidents resulting in injuries that require medical treatment (including first aid) should be reported immediately to the Chemical Hygiene Officer. Medical examination/consultation visits (non-life threatening) will be handled by ____________________________.  Appointments can be arranged by contacting ______. Medical exams and consultations shall be done by or under direct supervision of a licensed physician at no cost to the employee. Where medical consultations or examinations are provided, the examining physician shall be provided with the following information:

• The identity of the hazardous chemical(s) to which the employee may have been exposed.
• The exposure conditions; and
• The signs and symptoms of exposure the laboratory employee is experiencing, if any.

CHEMICAL FUME HOOD EVALUATION

Every laboratory ventilation hood used for the control of air contaminants shall be tested once per year to assure that adequate airflow is being maintained to provide continued protection against employee over-exposure. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for performing this testing. Laboratory hood airflow shall be considered adequate when the average face velocity equals a minimum of a 100 feet/minute with the hood sash at a working height (14 to 20 inches). Other local exhaust ventilation, such as instrument vents, will also be tested. The criteria for minimal acceptable flow shall be determined by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. Results of laboratory ventilation tests shall be recorded and maintained by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM

Cedar Mountain Public Schools attempts to minimize employee respiratory exposure to potentially hazardous chemical substances through engineering methods (such as local exhaust ventilation) or administrative control. It is recognized, however, that for certain situations or operations, the use of these controls may not be feasible or practical. Under these circumstances, or while such controls are being instituted, or in emergency situations, the use of personal respiratory protective equipment may be necessary. A sound and effective program is essential to assure that the personnel using such equipment are adequately protected.

The District has adopted a written plan for using respirators. This plan outlines organizational responsibilities for the following respirator program components:

• Exposure assessment
• Respirator selection
• Medical approval and surveillance
• Fit testing
• User training;
• Inspection/repair
• Cleaning/disinfection and storage.

Each of these program components is required by OSHA’s respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134) in all situations where respirators are used. If you are using a respirator and are not included in the respirator protection program, or have questions concerning the use of respirators or any of the program components, contact your Chemical Hygiene Officer.

RECORDKEEPING

All exposure assessments and occupational medical consultation/examination reports will be maintained in a secure area in accordance with OSHA’s medical records rule (29 CFR 1910.20).  Individuals may obtain copies or read their reports by making a request in writing to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES AND GOOD WORK PRACTICES/PROCEDURES FOR CHEMICAL HANDLING

General Guidelines:

• Carefully read the label before using a chemical. The manufacturer’s or supplier’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) will provide special handling information.
• Be aware of the potential hazards existing in the laboratory and the appropriate safety precautions.
• Know the location and proper use of emergency equipment, the appropriate procedures for responding to emergencies, and the proper methods for storage, transport and disposal of chemicals within the facility.
• Do not work alone in the laboratory. If you must work alone or in the evening, let someone else know and have them periodically check on you.
• Label all secondary chemical containers with appropriate identification and hazard information (See Section I, Container Labeling).
• Use only those chemicals for which you have the appropriate exposure controls and administrative programs/procedures (training, restricted access, etc.).
• Always use adequate ventilation with chemicals. Operations using large quantities (500 milliliters) of volatile substances with workplace standards at or below 50 ppm should be performed in a chemical fume hood.
• Use hazardous chemicals and all laboratory equipment only as directed or for their intended purpose.
• Inspect equipment or apparatus for damage before adding a hazardous chemical. Do not use damaged equipment.
• Inspect personal protective apparel and equipment for integrity or proper functioning before use.
• Malfunctioning laboratory equipment should be labeled or tagged “out of service” so that others will not inadvertently use it before repairs are made.
• Handle and store laboratory glassware with care. Do not use damaged glassware. Use extra care with Dewar flasks and other evacuated glass apparatus. Shield or wrap them to contain chemicals or fragments should implosion occur.
• Do not dispense more of a hazardous chemical than is needed for immediate use.

Personal Hygiene

• Remove contaminated clothing and gloves before leaving laboratory.
• Avoid direct contact with any chemical. Keep chemicals off your hands, face and clothing, including shoes.
• Never smell, inhale or taste a hazardous chemical.
• Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling any chemical.
• Smoking, drinking, eating and the application of cosmetics is forbidden in laboratories where hazardous chemicals are used.
• Never pipet by mouth. Use a pipet bulb or other mechanical pipet filling device.

Housekeeping

• Keep floors clean and dry.
• Keep all aisles, hallways, and stairs clear of all chemicals. Stairways and hallways should not be used as storage areas.
• Keep all work areas, and especially work benches, clear of clutter and obstructions.
• All working surfaces should be cleaned regularly.
• Access to emergency equipment, utility controls, showers, eyewashes and exits should never be blocked.
• Wastes should be kept in the appropriate containers and labeled properly.
• Any unlabeled containers are considered wastes at the end of each working day.

WHEN NOT TO PROCEED WITHOUT REVIEWING SAFETY PROCEDURES

Sometimes laboratory workers should not proceed with what seems to be a familiar task. Hazards may exist that are not fully recognized. Certain indicators (procedural changes) should cause the employee to stop and review the safety aspects of their procedure. These indicators include:

• A new procedure, process or test, even if it is very similar to older practices.
• A change or substitution of any of the ingredient chemicals in a procedure.
• A substantial change in the amount of chemicals used (scale up of experimental procedures) usually one should review safety practices if the volume of chemicals used increases by 200%.
• A failure of any of the equipment used in the process, especially safeguards such as chemical fume hoods.
• Unexpected experimental results (such as a pressure increase, increased reaction rates, unanticipated byproducts). When an experimental result is different from the predicted, a review of how the new result impacts safety practices should be made.
• Chemical odors, illness in the laboratory staff that may be related to chemical exposure or other indicators of a failure in engineered safeguards.
• The occurrence of any of these conditions should cause the laboratory employee to pause, evaluate the safety implications of these changes or results, make changes as necessary and proceed cautiously.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND LABORATORY SAFETY EQUIPMENT

General Considerations:

Personal protective clothing and equipment should be selected carefully and used in situations where engineering and administrative controls cannot be used or while such controls are being established.

These devices are viewed as less protective than other controls because they rely heavily on each employee’s work practices and training to be effective. The engineering and administrative controls that should always be considered first when reducing or eliminating exposures to hazardous chemicals include:

• Substitution of a less hazardous substance
• Scaling down size of experiment
• Substitution of less hazardous equipment or process (e.g., safety cans for glass bottles).
• Isolation of the operator or the process.
• Local and general ventilation (e.g., use of fume hoods)

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) will list the personal protective equipment recommended for use with the chemical. The SDS addresses worst-case conditions. Therefore, all the equipment shown may not be necessary for a specific laboratory scale task.

Your supervisor, other sections of this manual or the Chemical Hygiene Officer can assist you in determining which personal protective devices are required for each task.  Remember, there is no harm in being overprotected. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided to employees.

Protection of Skin and Body

Skin and body protection involves wearing protective clothing over all parts of the body that could become contaminated with hazardous chemicals. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be selected on a task basis, and checked to ensure it is in good condition prior to use (e.g. no pinholes in gloves).

Normal clothing worn in the laboratory

Where there is no immediate danger to the skin from contact with a hazardous chemical it is still prudent to select clothing to minimize exposed skin surfaces. Employees should wear long sleeved/long legged clothing and avoid short sleeved shirts, short trousers or skirts. A laboratory coat should be worn over street clothes and be laundered regularly. Laboratory coats are intended to prevent contact with dirt, chemical dusts and minor chemical splashes or spills. If it becomes contaminated, it should be removed immediately and affected skin surface washed thoroughly. Shoes should be worn in the laboratory at all times. Sandals and perforated shoes are not appropriate. In addition, long hair and loose clothing should be confined.

Protective clothing

Additional protective clothing may be required for some types of procedures or with specific substances (such as when carcinogens or large quantities of corrosives, oxidizing agents or organic solvents are handled). This clothing may include impermeable aprons and gloves as well as plastic coated coveralls, shoe covers, and arm sleeves. Protective sleeves should always be considered when wearing an apron. These garments can either be washable or disposable in nature. They should never be worn outside the laboratory. The choice of garment depends on the degree of protection required and the areas of the body which may become contaminated. Rubberized aprons, plastic coated coveralls, shoe covers, and arm sleeves offer much greater resistance to permeation by chemicals than laboratory coats and, therefore, provide additional time to react (remove the garment and wash affected area) if contaminated.

For work where contamination is possible, special attention must be given to sealing all openings in the clothing. Tape can be utilized for this purpose. In these instances caps should be worn to protect hair and scalp from contamination.

Chemical resistant gloves should be worn whenever the potential for contact with corrosive or toxic substances and substances of unknown toxicity exists. Gloves should be selected on the basis of the materials being handled, the particular hazard involved, and their suitability for the operation being conducted. Before each use, gloves should be checked for integrity. Gloves should be washed prior to removal whenever possible to prevent skin contamination. Non-disposable gloves should be replaced periodically, depending on frequency of use and their resistance to the substances handled.

Protective garments are not equally effective for every hazardous chemical. Some chemicals will “break through” the garment in a very short time. Therefore, garment and glove selection is based on the specific chemical utilized. General selection criteria are as follows:

GLOVE TYPE SELECTION GUIDE

 

Chemical Family	Butyl Rubber	Neoprene	PVC (Vinyl)	Nitrile	Natural Latex
Acetates	G	NR	NR	NR	NR
Acids, inorganic	G	E	E	E	E
Acids, organic	E	E	E	E	E
Acetonitrile, Acrylonitrile	G	E	G	S	E
Alcohols	E	E	NR	E	E
Aldehydes	E	G	NR	S*	NR
Amines	S	NR	NR	F	NR
Bases, inorganic	E	E	E	E	E
Ethers	G	F	NR	E	NR
Halogens (liquids)	G	NR	F	E	NR
Inks	G	E	E	S	F
Ketones	E	G	NR	NR	G
NitroCompounds (Nitrobenzene,Nitromethane)	G	NR	NR	NR	NR
Oleic Acid	E	E	F	E	NR
Phenols	E	E	NR	NR	G
Quinones	NR	E	G	E	E
Solvents, Aliphatic	NR	NR	F	F	NR
Solvents, Aromatic	NR	NR	F	F	NR

*Not recommended for Acetaldehyde, use Butyl Rubber

S – Superior

E – Excellent

G – Good

F – Fair

NR – Not Recommended

Contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer for personal protection equipment selection assistance or information.

Protection of the Eyes

• Eye protection is required for all personnel and any visitors present in locations where chemicals are handled and a chemical splash hazard exists.
• Safety glasses, goggles and goggles with face shield should be worn in the laboratory based upon the physical state, the operation or the level of toxicity of the chemical used. Safety glasses effectively protect the eye from solid materials (dusts and flying objects) but are less effective at protecting the eyes from chemical splash to the face.
• Goggles should be worn in situations where bulk quantities of chemicals are handled and chemical splashes to the face are possible. Goggles form a liquid proof seal around the eyes, protecting them from a splash.
• When handling highly reactive substances or large quantities of hazardous chemicals, corrosives, poisons, and hot chemicals, goggles with face shield should be worn.
• Contact lenses can increase the risk of eye injury if worn in the laboratory – particularly if they are of the gas permeable variety. Gases and vapors can be concentrated under such lenses and cause permanent eye damage. Chemical splashes to the eye can get behind all types of lenses. Once behind a lens the chemical is difficult to remove with a typical eye wash. For these reasons it is recommended that contact lenses not be worn in laboratories.

Eye and face injuries are prevented by the use of the following:

                        COMPARISON CHART — EYE PROTECTION DEVICES

TYPE	Front splash	Side splash	Front flying object	Side impact	Neck Face	Comfort	User Acceptance
Goggles	E	E	E	E	P	F	P
Glasses (no shields)	G	P	E	P	P	G	VG
Glasses (shields)	G	G	G	F	P	G	G
Face shields(various sizes)	G	G	G	F	P	G	G

E- Excellent

F- Fair

G-Good

P- Poor

VG- Very Good

SOURCE: ANSI Z87.1 (1979) Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, available from American National Standards Institute, Inc., 1430 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10018

Protection Of The Respiratory System

Inhalation hazards can be controlled using ventilation or respiratory protection. Check the label and SDS for information on a substance’s inhalation hazard and special ventilation requirements. When a potential inhalation hazard exists, a substance’s label or SDS contains warnings such as:

• Use with adequate ventilation
• Avoid inhalation of vapors
• Use in a fume hood
• Provide local ventilation

Take appropriate precautions before using these substances. Controlling inhalation exposures via engineering controls (ventilation) is always the preferred method (See Section 2.3.5.1). As with other personal protective equipment, respiratory protection relies heavily on employee work practices and training to be effective.

Use of Respirators

Respirators are designed to protect against specific types of substances in limited concentration ranges. Respirators must be selected based on the specific type of hazard (toxic chemical, oxygen deficiency, etc.), the contaminant’s anticipated airborne concentration, and required protection factors.

Types of respiratory protective equipment include:

• Particle-removing air purifying respirators
• Gas and vapor-removing air purifying respirators
• Atmosphere supplying respirators

Respirators are not to be used except in conjunction with a complete respiratory protection program as required by OSHA. If your work requires the use of a respirator, contact your supervisor or the Chemical Hygiene Officer. See Section 1.9 for additional information.

 Laboratory Safety Equipment

Chemical Fume Hoods

In the laboratory the chemical fume hood is the primary means of controlling inhalation exposures. Hoods are designed to retain vapors and gases released within them, protecting the laboratory employee’s breathing zone from the contaminant. This protection is accomplished by having a curtain of air (approximately 100 linear feet per minute) move constantly through the face (open sash) of the hood. Chemical fume hoods can also be used to isolate apparatus or chemicals that may present physical hazards to employees. The closed sash on a hood serves as an effective barrier to fires, flying objects, chemical splashes or spattering and small implosions and explosions. Hoods can also effectively contain spills that might occur during dispensing procedures particularly if trays are placed in the bottom of the hoods.

When using a chemical fume hood keep the following principles of safe operation in mind:

• Keep all chemicals and apparatus at least six inches inside the hood (behind sash).
• Hoods are not intended for storage of chemicals. Materials stored in them should be kept to a minimum. Stored chemicals should not block vents or alter air flow patterns.
• Keep the hood sash at a minimum height (4 to 6 inches) when not manipulating chemicals or adjusting apparatus within the hood.
• When working in front of a fume hood, make sure the sash opening is appropriate. This can be achieved by lining up to arrows placed on the sash door and hood frame. This sash opening will ensure an adequate air velocity through the face of the hood.
• Do not allow objects such as paper to enter the exhaust ducts. This can clog ducts and adversely affect their operation.

Follow the chemical manufacturer’s or supplier’s specific instructions for controlling inhalation exposures with ventilation (chemical fume hood) when using their products. These instructions are located on the products SDS and/or label. However, it should be noted that these ventilation recommendations are often intended for non-laboratory work environments and must be adapted to suit the laboratory environment as well as the specific procedure or process.

If specific guidance is not available from the chemical manufacturer or supplier, or if the guidance is inappropriate for the laboratory environment, contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer and/or review the hood use guidelines in the table below. These guidelines are based on information readily available on a chemical’s SDS:

1. applicable workplace exposure standards [Threshold Limit Values (TLV) or Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL)];
2. acute and chronic toxicity data (LD50 and specific organ toxicity); and
3. potential for generating airborne concentrations (vapor pressure).

Eyewashes and safety showers

Whenever chemicals have the possibility of damaging the skin or eyes, an emergency supply of water must be available. All laboratories in which bulk quantities of hazardous chemicals are handled and could contact the eyes or skin resulting in injury should have access to eyewash stations and safety showers. As with any safety equipment, these can only be useful if they are accessible, therefore:

• Keep all passageways to the eyewash and shower clear of any obstacle (even a temporarily parked chemical cart).
• Eyewashes should be checked routinely to be certain that water flows through it.
• Showers should be checked routinely to assure that access is not restricted and that the start chain is within reach.
• The flow through the safety showers should be tested periodically to ensure sufficient flow (approximately 60 gallons per minute).

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety will check eyewashes and showers twice yearly to supplement the above work that is to be conducted by lab personnel.

Fire Safety Equipment

Fire safety equipment easily accessible to the laboratory must include a fire extinguisher (type ABC) and may include fire hoses, fire blankets, and automatic extinguishing systems.

CHEMICAL PROCUREMENT, DISTRIBUTION, AND STORAGE

Procurement

Before a new substance that is known or suspected to be hazardous is received, information on proper handling, storage, and disposal should be known to those who will handle it. It is the responsibility of the supervisor to ensure that the laboratory facilities in which the substance will be handled are adequate and that those who will handle the substance have received the proper training. The necessary information on proper handling of hazardous substances can be obtained from the Safety Data Sheets that are provided by the vendor. Because storage in laboratories is restricted to small containers, order small-container lots to avoid hazards associated with repackaging. No container should be accepted without an adequate identifying label as outlined in

Section 1.5.2.2 of this manual.

Distribution

When hand-carrying open containers of hazardous chemicals or unopened containers with corrosive or highly acutely or chronically toxic chemicals, place the container in a secondary container or a bucket. Rubberized buckets are commercially available and provide both secondary containment as well as “bump” protection. If several bottles must be moved at once, the bottles should be transported on a small cart with a substantial rim to prevent slippage from the cart. Wherever available, a freight elevator should be used to transport chemicals from one floor to another.

Chemical Storage in the Laboratory

Carefully read the label before storing a hazardous chemical. The SDS will provide any special storage information as well as information on incompatibilities. Do not store unsegregated chemicals in alphabetical order. Do not store incompatible chemicals in close proximity to each other.

Separate hazardous chemicals in storage as follows:

Solids:

– oxidizers

– flammable solids (red phosphorus, magnesium, lithium)

– water reactives

– others

Liquids:

– acids

– oxidizers

– flammable/combustible

– caustics

– perchloric acid

Gases:

– toxic

– oxidizers and inert

– flammable

Once separated into the above hazard classes, chemicals may be stored alphabetically.

Use approved storage containers and safety cans for flammable liquids. It is preferable to store flammable chemicals in flammable storage cabinets. Flammable chemicals requiring refrigeration should be stored only in the refrigerators and freezers specifically designed for flammable storage.

A good place to store hazardous chemicals is a vented cabinet under the hood. Chemicals of different classes can be segregated by placing them in trays. Do not store chemicals on bench tops or in hoods. Liquids (particularly corrosives or solvents) should not be stored above eye level.

Use secondary containers (one inside the other) for especially hazardous chemicals (carcinogens, etc.). Use spill trays under containers of strong reagents.

Avoid exposure of chemicals while in storage to heat sources (especially open flames) and direct sunlight.

Conduct periodic inventories of chemicals stored in the laboratory (annually) and dispose of old or unwanted chemicals promptly in accordance with the facilities hazardous chemical waste program.

Assure all containers are properly labelled.

Chemical Storage – Chemical Stability

 

Stability refers to the susceptibility of a chemical to dangerous decomposition. The label and SDS will indicate if a chemical is unstable.

Special note: peroxide formers- Ethers, liquid paraffins, and olefins form peroxides on exposure to air and light. Peroxides are extremely sensitive to shock, sparks, or other forms of accidental ignition (even more sensitive than primary explosives such as TNT). Since these chemicals are packaged in an air atmosphere, peroxides can form even though the containers have not been

opened. Unless an inhibitor was added by the manufacturer, sealed containers of ethers should be discarded after one (1) year. Opened containers of ethers should also be discarded within one (1) year of opening. All such containers should be dated upon receipt and upon opening.

See Section 3.2, Highly Reactive Chemicals and High energy Oxidizers for additional information and examples of materials which may form explosive peroxides.

For additional information on chemical stability, contact your supervisor or the

Chemical Hygiene Officer.

Chemical Storage – Incompatible Chemicals

Certain hazardous chemicals should not be mixed or stored with other chemicals because a severe reaction can take place or an extremely toxic reaction product can result. The label and SDS will contain information on incompatibilities. The following table contains examples of incompatible chemicals:

CHEMICAL    KEEP OUT OF CONTACT WITH:

Acetic Acid

Chromic acid, nitric acid hydroxyl compounds, ethylene, glycol, perchloric acid, peroxides, permanganates

Acetone

Concentrated nitric and sulfuric acid mixtures

Acetylene

Chlorine, bromine, copper, fluorine, silver, mercury

Alkali Metals

Water, carbon tetrachloride or other chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and the halogens

Ammonia, anhydrous

Mercury, chlorine, calcium hypochlorite, iodine, bromine,

hydrofluoric acid

Ammonium Nitrate

Acids, metal powders, flammable liquids, chlorates, nitrites, sulfur, finely divided organic or combustible materials

Aniline

Nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, Arsenical materials, Any reducing agent

Azides

Acids

Bromine

Same as chlorine

Calcium Oxide

Water

Carbon (activated)

Calcium hypochlorite, all oxidizing agents.

Carbon tetrachloride

Sodium

Chlorates

Ammonium salts, acids, metal powders, sulfur, finely divided organic or combustible materials

Chromic Acid

Acetic acid, naphthalene, camphor, glycerin, turpentine, alcohol,

flammable liquids in general

Chlorine

Ammonia, acetylene, butadiene, butane, methane, propane (or other petroleum gases), hydrogen, sodium carbide, turpentine, benzene, finely divided metals

Chlorine Dioxide

Ammonia, methane, phosphine, hydrogen sulfide

Copper

Acetylene, hydrogen peroxide

Cumene Hydroperoxide

Acids, organic or inorganic

Cyanides

Acids

Flammable Liquids

Ammonium nitrate, chromic acid, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, sodium peroxide, halogens

Hydrocarbons

Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, chromic acid, sodium peroxide

Hydrocyanic Acid

Nitric acid, alkali

Hydrofluoric Acid

Ammonia, aqueous or anhydrous

Hydrogen Peroxide

Copper, chromium, iron, most metals or their salts, alcohols, acetone, organic materials, aniline, nitromethane, flammable liquids, oxidizing gases

Hydrogen Sulfide

Fuming nitric acid, oxidizing gases, acetylene, ammonia (aqueous or

anhydrous), hydrogen

Hypochlorites

Acids, activated carbon

Iodine

Acetylene, ammonia (aqueous or anhydrous), hydrogen

Mercury

Acetylene, fulminic acid, ammonia

Nitrates

Sulfuric acid

Nitric Acid (concentrated)

Acetic acid, aniline, chromic acid, hydrocyanic acid, hydrogen sulfide, flammable liquids, flammable gases

Nitrites

Acids

Nitroparaffins

Inorganic bases, amines

Oxalic Acid

Silver, mercury

Oxygen

Oils, grease, hydrogen; flammable liquids, solids, or gases

Perchloric Acid

Acetic anhydride, bismuth and its alloys, alcohol, paper, wood

Peroxides, organic

Acids (organic or mineral), avoid friction, store cold

Phosphorus (white)

Air, oxygen, alkalis, reducing agents

Potassium

Carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water

Potassium Chlorate

Sulfuric and other acids

Potassium Permanganate

Glycerin, ethylene glycol, benzaldehyde, sulfuric acid

Selenides

Reducing agents

Silver

Acetylene, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, ammonium compounds

Sodium

Carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide, water

Sodium nitrite

Ammonium nitrate and other ammonium salts

Sodium Peroxide

Ethyl or methyl alcohol, glacial acetic acid, acetic anhydride,

benzaldehyde, carbon disulfide, glycerin, ethylene glycol, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, furfural

Sulfides

Acids

Sulfuric Acid

Potassium chlorate, potassium perchlorate, potassium permanganate (or compounds with similar light metals, such as sodium, lithium, etc.)

Tellurides

Reducing agents

Source: Manufacturing Chemists’ Association, Guide for Safety in the Chemical Laboratory pp.215-217.

 

CHEMICAL SPILLS & ACCIDENTS

General Information

Try to anticipate the types of chemical spills that can occur in your laboratory and obtain the necessary equipment (spill kits and personal protective equipment) to respond to a minor spill. Learn how to clean up minor spills of the chemicals you use regularly safely. A SDS contains special spill clean-up information and should also be consulted. Chemical spills should only be cleaned up by knowledgeable and experienced personnel.

If the spill is too large for you to handle, is a threat to laboratory personnel or the public, or involves a highly toxic or reactive chemical, call for assistance immediately.

Cleaning Up Chemical Spills

If you are cleaning up a small spill yourself, make sure that you are aware of the hazards associated with the materials spilled, have adequate ventilation (open windows, chemical fume hood on) and proper personal protective equipment (minimum – gloves, goggles, and lab coat). Consider all residual chemical and cleanup materials (adsorbent, gloves, etc.) as hazardous waste. Place these

materials in a sealed container (plastic bags) and store in a chemical fume hood. Contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety for disposal instructions.

Minor Chemical Spill

• Alert people in immediate area of spill.
• Increase ventilation in area of spill (open windows, turn on hoods).
• Wear protective equipment, including safety goggles, gloves, and long-sleeve lab coat.
• Avoid breathing vapors from spill
• Use appropriate kit to neutralize and absorb inorganic acids and bases. Collect residue, place in container, and dispose as hazardous chemical waste.
• For other chemicals, use appropriate kit or absorb spill with vermiculite, dry sand, and diatomaceous earth or paper towels. Collect residue, place in container, and dispose as chemical waste.
• Clean spill area with water.

Major Chemical Spill

• Attend to injured or contaminated persons and remove them from exposure.
• Alert people in the laboratory to evacuate.
• If spilled material is flammable, turn off ignition and heat sources. Place other device (plastic bag) over spilled material to keep substance from volatilizing.
• Call Chemical Spill Emergency Response number ________________Close doors to affected area.
• Have a person with knowledge of the incident and laboratory available to answer question from responding emergency personnel.

Mercury Spills

Use a vacuum line with an in-line dry trap attached to a tapered glass tube similar to a medicine dropper to pick up mercury droplets. Advanced Health, Safety and Security has a mercury vacuum available for personnel to use to handle mercury spills. Do not use a domestic or commercial vacuum cleaner. Cover small droplets in inaccessible areas with one of the following:

Powdered sulfur

Powdered zinc

Place residue in a labeled container and dispose of as hazardous chemical waste.

Alkali Metal Spills

Smother with powdered graphite, sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate or “Met-L-X”; call the Chemical Hygiene Officer for assistance.

White Phosphorus

Smother with wet sand or wet “noncombustible” absorbent, call the Chemical Hygiene Officer for assistance.

PERSONAL CONTAMINATION AND INJURY

General Information

Know the locations of the nearest safety shower and eye wash fountain. Report all incidents and injuries to your supervisor.  If an individual is contaminated or exposed to a hazardous material in your laboratory, do what is necessary to protect their life and health as well as your own. Determine what the individual was exposed to. The SDS will contain special first aid information.

• Do not move an injured person unless they are in further danger (from inhalation or skin exposure).
• A blanket should be used immediately to protect the victim from shock and exposure.
• Get medical attention promptly by dialing ________

Chemicals Spills on the Body

• Quickly remove all contaminated clothing and footwear.
• Immediately flood the affected body area in cold water for at least 15 minutes.
• Remove jewelry to facilitate removal of any residual material.
• Wash off chemical with water only. Do not use neutralizing chemicals, unguents, creams, lotions or salves.
• Get medical attention promptly.

It should be noted that some chemicals (phenol, aniline,) are rapidly adsorbed through the skin. If a large enough area of skin is contaminated, an adverse health effect (systemic toxicological reaction) may occur immediately to several hours after initial exposure depending on the chemical. If more than 9 square inches of skin area has been exposed to a hazardous chemical, seek medical attention after washing the material off the skin. If the incident involves hydrofluoric acid (HF), seek immediate medical attention. Provide the physician with the chemical name.

Chemical Splash in the Eye

• Irrigate the eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with plenty of cool water for at least 15 minutes.
• Use eyewash or other water source. Forcibly hold eyelids open to ensure effective wash.
• Check for and remove contact lenses.
• Get medical attention promptly.

Ingestion of Hazardous Chemicals

• Identify the chemical ingested.
• Call for an ambulance by dialing ________
• Call the Poison Information Center by dialing __________
• Cover the injured person to prevent shock.
• Provide the ambulance crew and physician with the chemical name and any other relevant information.
• If possible, send the container, SDS or the label with the victim.

   Inhalation of Smoke, Vapors and Fumes

• Anyone overcome with smoke or chemical vapors or fumes should be removed to uncontaminated air and treated for shock.
• Do not enter the area if you expect that a life threatening condition still exists – oxygen depletion, explosive vapors or highly toxic gases (cyanide gas, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide).
• If CPR certified, follow standard CPR protocols.
• Get medical attention promptly.

Burning Chemicals on Clothing

• Extinguish burning clothing by using the drop-and-roll technique or by dousing with cold water, or use an emergency shower if it is immediately available.
• Remove contaminated clothing; however, avoid further damage to the burned area. If possible, send clothing with the victim.
• Remove heat with cool water or ice packs until tissue around burn feels normal to the touch.
• Cover injured person to prevent shock.
• Get medical attention promptly.

Actions to be Avoided During Emergencies

There are some actions that must not be taken when handling emergencies. These include:

• Do not force any liquids into the mouth of an unconscious person.
• Do not handle emergencies alone, especially without notifying someone that the accident has occurred.
• Do not linger at the accident scene if you are not one of the emergency responders.

FIRE AND FIRE RELATED EMERGENCIES

If you discover a fire or fire-related emergency such as abnormal heating of material, a flammable gas leak, a flammable liquid spill, smoke, or odor of burning, immediately follow these procedures:

• Notify the Fire Department dialing _______.
• Activate the building alarm (fire pull station). If not available or operational, verbally notify people in the building.
• Isolate the area by closing windows and doors and evacuate the building.
• Shut down equipment in the immediate area, if possible.
• Use a portable fire extinguisher to:

1. assist oneself to evacuate
2. assist another to evacuate and control a small fire, if possible.

Provide the fire/police teams with the details of the problem upon their arrival.  Special hazard information you might know is essential for the safety of the emergency responders.

  If the fire alarms are ringing in your building

• You must evacuate the building and stay out until notified to return. Move up wind from the building and stay clear of streets, driveways, sidewalks and other access ways to the building.
• If you are a supervisor, try to account for your employees, keep them together and report any missing persons to the emergency personnel at the scene.

           CHEMICAL WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM

Laboratory chemical waste must be disposed of in accordance with local, state, federal and requirements. These waste management practices are designed to ensure maintenance of a safe and healthful environment for laboratory employees and the surrounding community without adversely affecting the environment. This is accomplished through regular removal of chemical waste and disposal of these wastes in compliance with all regulations and policies. Specific guidance on how to identify, handle, collect, segregate, store and dispose of chemical waste is available from your supervisor or the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

Remember:

• Hoods should not be used for storing of volatile chemicals.
• Drains should not be used for disposal of chemicals.
• Laboratory waste shall be disposed of in a timely manner.
• Waste materials should be accumulated in a designated storage area consistent with applicable regulations.

HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION FOR WORK WITH CHEMICALS OF SPECIFIC HAZARD CLASS

   FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

General Information

Flammable liquids are among the most common of the hazardous materials found in laboratories They are usually highly volatile (have high vapor pressures at room temperature) and their vapors, mixed with air at the appropriate ratio, can ignite and burn. By definition, the lowest temperature at which they can form an ignitable vapor/air mixture (the flash point) is less than 37.8 oC (100oF) and for several common laboratory solvents (ether, acetone, toluene, acetaldehyde) the flash point is well below that. As with all solvents, their vapor pressure increases with temperature and, therefore, as temperatures increase they become more hazardous.

For a fire to occur, three distinct conditions must exist simultaneously:

1. The concentration of the vapor must be between the upper and lower flammable limits of the substance (the right fuel/air mix).
2. An oxidizing atmosphere, usually air, must be available; and
3. A source of ignition must be present.

Removal of any of these three conditions will prevent the start of a fire. Flammable liquids may form flammable mixtures in either open or closed containers or spaces (such as refrigerators), when leaks or spills occur in the laboratory, and when heated.

Control strategies for preventing ignition of flammable vapors include removing all sources of ignition or maintaining the concentration of flammable vapors below the lower flammability limit by using local exhaust ventilation such as a hood. The former strategy is more difficult because of the numerous ignition sources in laboratories. Ignition sources include: open flames, hot surfaces, operation of electrical equipment, and static electricity.

The concentrated vapors of flammable liquids are heavier than air and can travel away from a source a considerable distance (across laboratories, into hallways, down elevator shafts or stairways). If the vapors reach a source of ignition, a flame can result that may flash back to the source of the vapor.

The danger of fire and explosion presented by flammable liquids can usually be eliminated or minimized by strict observance of safe handling, dispensing, and storing procedures.

  Special Handling Procedures

• While working with flammable liquids you should wear gloves, protective glasses, and long sleeved lab coats. Wear goggles if dispensing solvents or performing an operation which could result in a splash to the face.
• Large quantities of flammable liquids should be handled in a chemical fume hood or under some other type of local exhaust ventilation. Five gallon containers must be dispensed to smaller containers in a hood or under local exhaust ventilation. When dispensing flammable solvents into small storage containers, use metal or plastic containers or safety cans (avoid glass containers).
• Make sure that metal surfaces or containers through which flammable substances are flowing are properly grounded, discharging static electricity. Free flowing liquids generate static electricity which can produce a spark and ignite the solvent.
• Large quantities of flammable liquids must be handled in areas free of ignition sources (including spark emitting motors and equipment) using non-sparking tools. Remember that vapors are heavier than air and can travel to a distant source of ignition.
• Flammable substances should never be heated by using an open flame. Instead, use any of the following heat sources: steam baths, water baths, and oil baths, heating mantles or hot air baths.
• Do not distill flammable substances under reduced pressure.
• Store flammable substances away from ignition sources. The preferred storage location is in flammable storage cabinets. If no flammable storage cabinet is available, store these substances in a cabinet under the hood or bench. Five gallon containers should only be stored in a flammable storage cabinet or under a hood. You can also keep the flammable liquids inside the hood for a short period of time. Storage in chemical fume hood is not preferred because it reduces hood performance by obstructing air flow.
• The volume of flammable liquids dispensed in small containers (not including safety cans) in the open areas of laboratories should not exceed 10 gallons in most laboratories. Never store glass containers of flammable liquids on the floor.
• Oxidizing and corrosive materials should not be stored in close proximity to flammable liquids.
• Flammable liquids should not be stored or chilled in domestic refrigerators and freezers but in units specifically designed for this purpose. It is acceptable to store or chill flammable in ultra-temperature units.
• If flammable liquids will be placed in ovens, make sure they are appropriately designed for flammable liquids (no internal ignition sources and/or vented mechanically).

HIGHLY REACTIVE CHEMICALS & HIGH ENERGY OXIDIZERS

General Information

Highly reactive chemicals include those which are inherently unstable and susceptible to rapid decomposition as well as chemicals which, under specific conditions, can react alone, or with other substances in a violent uncontrolled manner, liberating heat, toxic gases, or leading to an explosion. Reaction rates almost always increase dramatically as the temperature increases. Therefore, if heat evolved from a reaction is not dissipated, the reaction can accelerate out of control and possibly result in injuries or costly accidents.

Air, light, heat, mechanical shock (when struck, vibrated or otherwise agitated), water, and certain catalysts can cause decomposition of some highly reactive chemicals, and initiate an explosive reaction. Hydrogen and chlorine react explosively in the presence of light. Alkali metals, such as sodium, potassium and lithium, react violently with water liberating hydrogen gas. Examples of shock sensitive materials include acetylides, azides, organic nitrates, nitro compounds, and many peroxides.

Organic peroxides are a special class of compounds that have unusual stability problems, making them among the most hazardous substances normally handled in the laboratories. As a class, organic peroxides are low powered explosives. Organic peroxides are extremely sensitive to light, heat, shock, sparks, and other forms of accidental ignition; as well as to strong oxidizing and reducing materials. All organic peroxides are highly flammable.

Peroxide formers can form peroxides during storage and especially after exposure to the air (once opened). Peroxide forming substances include: aldehydes, ethers (especially cyclic ether), compounds containing benzylic hydrogen atoms, compounds containing the allylic structure (including most alkenes), vinyl and vinylidine compounds.

Examples of shock sensitive chemicals, high energy oxidizers and substances which can form explosive peroxides are listed at the end of this section.

Special Handling Procedures

Before working with a highly reactive material or high energy oxidizer, review available reference literature to obtain specific safety information. The proposed reactions should be discussed with your supervisor. Always minimize the amount of material involved in the experiment.  The smallest amount sufficient to achieve the desired result should be used. Scale-ups should be handled with great care, giving consideration to the reaction vessel size and cooling, heating, stirring and equilibration rates.

Excessive amounts of highly reactive compounds should not be purchased, synthesized, or stored in the laboratories. The key to safely handling reactive chemicals is to keep them isolated from the substances that initiate their violent reactions. Unused peroxides should not be returned to the original container.

Do not work alone. All operations where highly reactive and explosive chemicals are used should be performed during the normal work day or when other employees are available either in the same laboratory or in the immediate area.

Perform all manipulations of highly reactive or high energy oxidizers in a chemical fume hood. (Some factors to be considered in judging the adequacy of the hood include its size in relation to the reaction and required equipment, the ability to fully close the sash, and the composition of the sash.)

Make sure that the reaction equipment is properly secured. Reaction vessels should be supported from beneath with tripods or lab jacks. Use shields or guards which are clamped or secured.

If possible, use remote controls for controlling the reaction (including cooling, heating and stirring controls). These should be located either outside the hood or at least outside the shield.

Handle shock sensitive substances gently; avoid friction, grinding, and all forms of impact. Glass containers that have screw-cap lids or glass stoppers should not be used. Polyethylene bottles that have screw-cap lids may be used. Handle water-sensitive compounds away from water sources. Light-sensitive chemicals should be used in light-tight containers. Handle highly reactive chemicals away from the direct light, open flames, and other sources of heat. Oxidizing agents should only be heated with fiberglass heating mantles or sand baths.

High energy oxidizers, such as perchloric acid, should only be handled in a wash down hood if the oxidizer will volatilize and potentially condense in the ventilation system. Inorganic oxidizers such as perchloric acid can react violently with most organic materials.

When working with highly reactive compounds and high energy oxidizers, always wear the following personal protection equipment: lab coats, gloves, and protective glasses/goggles. During the reaction, a face shield long enough to give throat protection should be worn.

Labels on peroxide forming substances should contain the date the container was received, first opened and the initials of the person who first opened the container. They should be checked for the presence of peroxides before using, and quarterly while in storage (peroxide test strips are available). If peroxides are found, the materials should be decontaminated, if possible, or disposed

1. The results of any testing should be placed on the container label. Never distill substances contaminated with peroxides. Peroxide forming substances that have been opened for more than one year should be discarded. Never use a metal spatula with peroxides. Contamination by metals can lead to explosive decompositions.

Store highly reactive chemicals and high energy oxidizers in closed cabinets segregated from the materials with which they react and, if possible, in secondary containers. You can also store them in the cabinet under a hood. Do not store these substances above eye level or on open shelves.

Store peroxides and peroxide forming compounds at the lowest possible temperature. If you use a refrigerator, make sure it is appropriately designed for the storage of flammable substances. Store light-sensitive compounds in the light-tight containers. Store water-sensitive compounds away from water sources.

Shock sensitive materials should be discarded after one year if in a sealed container and within six months of opening unless an inhibitor was added by the manufacturer.

List of Shock Sensitive Chemicals

Shock sensitive refers to the susceptibility of the chemical to rapidly decompose or explode when struck, vibrated or otherwise agitated. The following are examples of materials that can be shock sensitive:

Acetylides of heavy metals

Heavy metal azides

Picramic acid

Aluminum ophrite explosive

Hexanite

Picramide

Amatol

Hexanitrodiphenylamine

Picratol

Ammonal

Hexanitrostilbene

Picric acid

Ammonium nitrate

Hexogen

Picryl chloride

Ammonium perchlorate

Hydrazinium nitrate

Picryl fluoride

Ammonium picrate

Hyrazoic acid

Polynitro aliphatic compounds

Ammonium salt lattice

Lead azide

Potassium nitroaminotetrazole

Butyl tetryl

Lead mannite

Silver acetylide

Calcium nitrate

Lead mononitroresorcinate

Silver azide

Copper acetylide

Lead picrate

Silver styphnate

Cyanuric triazide

Lead salts

Silver tetrazene

Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine

Lead styphnate

Sodatol

Cyclotetramethylenetranitramine

Trimethylolethand

Sodium amatol

Dinitroethyleneurea

Magnesium ophorite

Sodium dinitro-orthocresolate

Dinitroglycerine

Wannitol hexanitrate

Sodium nitrate-potassium

Dinitrophenol

Mercury oxalate

Sodium picramate

Dinitrophenolates

Mercury tartrate

Styphnic acid

Dinitrophenyl hydrazine

Mononitrotoluene

Tetrazene

Dinitrotoluene

Nitrated carbohydrate

Tetranitrocarbazole

Dipicryl sulfone

Nitrated glucoside

Tetrytol

Dipicrylamine

Nitrated polyhydric alcohol

Trimonite

Erythritol tetranitrate

Nitrogen trichloride

Trinitroanisole

Fulminate of mercury

Nitrogen tri-iodide

Trinitrobenzene

Fulminate of silver

Nitroglycerin

Trinitrobenzoic acid

Fulminating gold

Nitroglycide

Trinitrocresol

Fulminating mercury

Nitroglycol

Trinitro-meta-cresol

Fulminating platinum

Nitroguanidine

Trinitronaphtalene

Fulminating silver

Nitroparaffins

Trinitrophenetol

Gelatinized nitrocellulose

Nitronium perchlorate

Trinitrophloroglucinol

Germane

Nitrourea

Trinitroresorcinol

Guanyl nitrosamino

Organic amine nitrates

Tritonal

guanyl-tetrazene

Organic nitramines

Urea nitrate

Guanyl nitrosaminoguanylidene-hydrazine

Organic peroxides

List of High Energy Oxidizers

The following are examples of materials that are powerful oxidizing reagents:

Ammonium permaganate

Fluorine

Potassium perchlorate

Barium peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide

Potassium peroxide

Bromine

Magnesium perchlorate

Propyl nitrate

Calcium chlorate

Nitric acid

Sodium chlorate

Calcium hypochlorite

Nitrogen peroxide

Sodium chlorite

Chlorine trifluoride

Perchloric acid

Sodium perchlorate

Chromium anhydride or chromic acid

Potassium bromate

Sodium Peroxide

List of Peroxide Formers

The following are examples of the materials commonly used in laboratories which may for explosive peroxides:

Acetal

Dimethyl ether

Sodium amide

Cyclohexene

Dioxane

Tetrahydrofuran

Decahydronaphthalene

Divinyl acetylene

Tetrahydronaphthalene

Diacetylene

Ether (glyme)

Vinyl ethers

Dicyclopentadiene

Ethylene glycol dimethyl ether

Vinylidene chloride

Diethyl ether

Isopropyl ether

Diethylene glycol

Methyl acetylene

COMPRESSED GASES

General Information

Compressed gases are unique in that they represent both a physical and a potential chemical hazard (depending on the particular gas). Gases contained in cylinders may be from any of the hazard classes described in this section (flammable, reactive, corrosive, or toxic). Because of their physical state (gaseous), concentrations in the laboratory can increase instantaneously if leaks develop at the regulator or piping systems, creating the potential for a toxic chemical exposure or a fire/explosion hazard. Often there is little or no indication that leaks have or are occurring. Finally, the large amount of potential energy resulting from compression of the gas makes a compressed gas cylinder a potential rocket or fragmentation bomb if the tank or valve is physically broken.

Special Handling Procedures

The contents of any compressed gas cylinder should be clearly identified. No cylinder should be accepted for use that does not legibly identify its contents by name. Color coding is not a reliable means of identification and labels on caps have no value as caps are interchangeable.

Carefully read the label before using or storing compressed gas. The SDS will provide any special hazard information.

Transport gas cylinders in carts one or two at a time only while they are secured and capped. All gas cylinders should be capped and secured when stored. Use suitable racks, straps, chains or stands to support cylinders. All cylinders, full or empty, must be restrained and kept away from heat sources.

• Store as few cylinders as possible in your laboratory.
• Use only Compressed Gas Association standard combinations of valves and fittings for compressed gas installations. Always use the correct pressure regulator. Do not use a regulator adaptor.
• All gas lines leading from a compressed gas supply should be clearly labelled identifying the gas and the laboratory served.
• Place gas cylinders in such a way that the cylinder valve is accessible at all times. The main cylinder valve should be closed as soon as the gas flow is no longer needed. Do not store gas cylinders with pressure on the regulator. Use the wrenches or other tools provided by the cylinder supplier to open a valve if available. In no case should pliers be used to open a cylinder valve.
• Use soapy water to detect leaks. Leak test the regulator, piping system and other couplings after performing maintenance or modifications which could affect the integrity of the system.
• Oil or grease on the high pressure side of an oxygen cylinder can cause an explosion. Do not lubricate an oxygen regulator or use a fuel/gas regulator on an oxygen cylinder.
• Never bleed a cylinder completely empty. Leave a slight pressure to keep contaminants out (1 kPa or 25 psi). Empty cylinders should not be refilled in the laboratories unless equipped to prevent overfilling.
• All gas cylinders should be clearly marked with appropriate tags indicating whether they are in use full, or empty. Empty and full cylinders should not be stored in the same place.
• Cylinders of toxic, flammable or reactive gases should be purchased in the smallest quantity possible and stored/used in a fume hood or under local exhaust ventilation. If at all possible, avoid the purchase of lecture bottles. These cylinders are not returnable and it is extremely difficult and costly to dispose of them. Use the smallest returnable sized cylinder.
• Wear safety goggles when handling compressed gases which are irritants, corrosive or toxic.

Special Precautions for Hydrogen

Hydrogen gas has several unique properties which make it potentially dangerous to work with. It has an extremely wide flammability range (LEL 4%, UEL 74.5%) making it easier to ignite than most other flammable gases. Unlike most other gases, hydrogen’s temperature increases during expansion.  If a cylinder valve is opened too quickly, the static charge generated by the escaping gas may cause it to ignite. Hydrogen burns with an invisible flame. Caution should therefore be exercised when approaching a suspected hydrogen flame. A piece of paper can be used to tell if the hydrogen is burning. Hydrogen embrittlement can weaken carbon steel, therefore cast iron pipes and fittings shall not be used. Those precautions associated with other flammable substances also apply to Hydrogen (see Section 3.1).

CORROSIVE CHEMICALS

General Information

The major classes of corrosive chemicals are strong acids and bases, dehydrating agents, and oxidizing agents. These chemicals can erode the skin and the respiratory epithelium and are particularly damaging to the eyes. Inhalation of vapors or mists of these substances can cause severe bronchial irritation. If your skin is exposed to a corrosive, flush the exposed area with water for at least fifteen minutes. Then seek medical treatment.

Strong acids- All concentrated acids can damage the skin and eyes and their burns are very painful.  Nitric, chromic, and hydrofluoric acids are especially damaging because of the types of burns they inflict. Seek immediate medical treatment if you have been contaminated with these materials (particularly hydrofluoric acid).

Strong alkalis- The common strong bases used in the labs are potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and ammonia. Burns from these materials are often less painful than acids. However, damage may be more severe than acid burns because the injured person, feeling little pain, often does not take immediate action and the material is allowed to penetrate into the tissue. Ammonia is a severe bronchial irritant and should always be used in a well-ventilated area, if possible in a hood.

Dehydrating agents- This group of chemicals includes concentrated sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, phosphorus pentoxide, and calcium oxide. Because much heat is evolved on mixing these substances with water, mixing should always be done by adding the agent to water, and not the reverse, to avoid violent reaction and spattering. Because of their affinity for water, these substance can cause severe burns on contact with skin. Affected areas should be washed promptly with large volumes of water.

Oxidizing agents- In addition to their corrosive properties, powerful oxidizing agents such as perchloric and chromic acids (sometimes used as cleaning solutions), present fire and explosion hazards on contact with organic compounds and other oxidizable substances. The hazards associated with the use of perchloric acid are especially severe. It should be handled only after thorough familiarization with recommended operating procedures (see section on reactives & high energy oxidizers).

Special Handling Procedures

Corrosive chemicals should be used in the chemical fume hood or over plastic trays when handled in bulk quantities (> 1 liter) and when dispensing.

When working with bulk quantities of corrosives, wear gloves, face shields, laboratory coats, and rubber aprons.

If you are handling bulk quantities on a regular basis, an eyewash should be immediately available and a shower close by. Spill materials – absorbent pillows, neutral absorbent materials or neutralizing materials (all commercially available) should be available in the laboratory.

Store corrosives in cabinets, under the hood or on low shelves, preferably in the impervious trays to separate them physically from other groups of chemicals. Keep containers not in use in storage areas and off bench tops.

If it is necessary to move bulk quantities from one laboratory to another or from the stockroom, use a safety carrier (rubber bucket for secondary containment and protection of the container).

CHEMICALS OF HIGH ACUTE & CHRONIC TOXICITY

General Information

Substances that possess the characteristic of high acute toxicity can cause damage after a single or short term exposure. The immediate toxic effects to human health range from irritation to illness and death. Hydrogen cyanide, phosgene, and nitrogen dioxide are examples of substances with high acute toxicity. The lethal oral dose for an average human adult for highly toxic substances range from one ounce to a few drops. The following procedures should be used when the oral LD50 of a substance in the rat or mouse is less than 50 milligrams per kilogram body weight for solid materials or non-volatile liquids and 500 mg/kg body weight for volatile liquids or gases.  Oral LD50 data for the rat or mouse is listed in the substance’s SDS. The LD50 toxicity test is usually the first toxicological test performed and is a good indicator of a substance’s acute toxicity.

Substances that possess the characteristic of high chronic toxicity cause damage after repeated exposure or exposure over long periods of time. Health effects often do not become evident until after a long latency period – twenty to thirty years. Substances that are of high chronic toxicity may be toxic to specific organ systems – hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, toxic agents to the hematopoietic system and pulmonary tissue or carcinogens, reproductive toxins, mutagens, teratogens or sensitizers. Specific acute and chronic toxicity information on the substances used in your laboratory can be found on these substances’ SDS.  If you have additional questions, contact the [FACILTIY NAME] Chemical Hygiene Officer.

Special Handling Procedures

Avoid or minimize contact with these chemicals by any route of exposure. Protect the hands and forearms by wearing gloves and laboratory coat. Rinse gloves prior to removing them.

Use these chemicals in a chemical fume hood or other appropriate containment device if the material is volatile or the procedure may generate aerosols (See guidelines for chemical fume hood use in (Section 2.3.5.1). If a chemical fume hood is used, it should be evaluated to confirm that it is performing adequately (a face velocity of at least 100 linear feet per minute (±20%)) with the sash at the operating height.

Store volatile chemicals of high acute or chronic toxicity in the cabinet under the hood or other vented area. Volatile chemicals should be stored in unbreakable primary or secondary containers or placed in chemically resistant trays (to contain spills). Nonvolatile chemicals should be stored in cabinets or in drawers. Do not store these chemicals on open shelves or counters.

Decontaminate working surfaces with wet paper towels after completing procedures. Place the towels in plastic bags and secure. Dispose of them in the normal trash.

Volatile chemicals should be transported between laboratories in durable outer containers.

Vacuum pumps used in procedures should be protected from contamination with scrubbers or filters.

If one or more of these substances are used in large quantities, on a regular basis (three or more separate handling sessions per week), or for long periods of time (4-6 hours) a qualitative and potentially quantitative exposure assessment should be performed. Contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer to perform this assessment.

Lab personnel of childbearing age should be informed of any known male and female reproductive toxins used in the laboratory. An employee who is pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, and who is working with potential reproductive toxins that might affect the fetus, should contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer to evaluate their exposure and inform her personal physician. The Chemical Hygiene Officer can assess potential exposures and work with the employee and laboratory supervisor, if necessary, to adjust work practices to minimize the potential risk.

REGULATED CHEMICALS

General Information

This section establishes supplemental work procedures to control the handling of substances that are known to exhibit unusual acute or long-term chronic health hazards (carcinogens, reproductive toxin and highly acutely toxic substances). This set of procedures applies (as indicated in Appendix A) to chemical carcinogens listed and regulated by the Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and of human carcinogens listed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP).

Appendix A identifies under what conditions and for what substances the special handling procedures listed below should be used. Please note that a key component in controlling the most hazardous substances is the controlled distribution and use of these substances. In some instance special authorization is required before purchasing and using these substances.

 Special Handling Procedures

Use these chemicals only in a chemical fume hood or other appropriate containment device (glove box). If a chemical fume hood is used, it should be evaluated to confirm that it is performing adequately (a face velocity of at least 100 linear feet per minute with the sash at the operating height).

Volatile chemicals should be stored in a vented storage area in an unbreakable, primary or secondary container or placed in a chemically resistant tray (to contain spills). Nonvolatile chemicals should be stored in cabinets or in drawers. Do not store these chemicals on open shelves or counters. Access to all of these chemicals should be restricted.

Volatile chemicals should be transported between laboratories in durable outer containers.

All procedures with these chemicals should be performed in designated areas. Other employees working in the area should be informed of the particular hazards associated with these substances and the appropriate precautions that are necessary for preventing exposures. All designated areas should be posted with a sign that reads:

WARNING

DESIGNATED AREA FOR HANDLING THE FOLLOWING

SUBSTANCES WITH HIGH ACUTE OR CHRONIC TOXICITY:

[list of substances – identify acute or chronic hazard]

[Example: Benzene – carcinogen]

AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY

Vacuum pumps used in procedures should be protected from contamination with scrubbers or filters.

Analytical instruments or other laboratory equipment generating vapors and/or aerosols during their operation, should be locally exhausted or vented in a chemical fume hood.

Skin surfaces which might be exposed to these substances during routine operations or foreseeable accidents should be covered with appropriate protective clothing. Gloves should be worn whenever transferring or handling these substances. Consider using full body protection (disposable coveralls) if the potential for extensive personal contamination exists.

All protective equipment should be removed when leaving the designated area and decontaminated (washed) or, if disposable, placed in a plastic bag and secured. Call the Chemical Hygiene Officer for disposal instructions. Skin surfaces, hands, forearms, and face and neck should be washed immediately.

Work surfaces on which these substances will be handled should be covered with an easily decontaminated surface (such as stainless steel) or protected from contamination with plastic trays or plastic backed paper. Call the Chemical Hygiene Officer for decontamination and disposal procedures; these will be substance specific. Materials that will be disposed of should be placed in plastic bags and secured.

Chemical wastes from procedures using these substances should be placed in containers and disposed of as hazardous chemical waste. The wastes should be stored in the designated area (defined above) until picked up. If it is possible to safely chemically decontaminate all toxic substances to nontoxic materials during or at the end of the procedure, this should be done.

Normal laboratory work should not be conducted in a designated area until it has been decontaminated or determined to be acceptable by the principal investigator or Chemical Hygiene Officer.

If one or more of these substances are used in large quantities, on a regular basis (three or more separate handling sessions per week), or for long periods of time (4-6 hours), a qualitative and potentially quantitative exposure assessment should be performed. Contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer to have this assessment performed. The Chemical Hygiene Officer in conjunction with a Health Center Physician will determine if it is appropriate to establish an ongoing medical surveillance program.

Lab personnel of childbearing age should be informed of any known male and female reproductive toxins used in the laboratory. An employee who is pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, and who is working with potential reproductive toxins that might affect the fetus, should contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer to evaluate their exposure and inform her personal physician. The Chemical Hygiene Officer can assess potential exposures and work with the employee and laboratory supervisor, if necessary, to adjust work practices to minimize the potential risk.

Cedar Mountain Lead Management Plan

PLAN REVIEW
Reviewer	Date
Eileen Carlson	9/30/2015

                                                                Contact: Clay Kleinschmidt

                                                                                   (507) 430-1369

 

           LEAD-IN-WATER AND PAINT MANAGEMENT

Purpose

Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products in and around our schools.  Exposure to lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to, in cases of high level exposure, seizures and death.  The school district has implemented a Lead-in-Water and Lead-in-Paint Management program to reduce the potential for exposure in District buildings.

Background

Since the 1980’s, EPA and its federal and state partners have phased out lead in gasoline, reduced lead in drinking water, reduced lead in industrial air pollution, and banned or limited lead used in consumer products, including paint.  States and municipalities have set up programs to identify and treat lead poisoned children and to rehabilitate deteriorated housing.

Parents, too, have greatly helped to reduce lead exposures to their children by cleaning and maintaining homes, having their children’s blood levels checked, and promoting proper nutrition.  The EPA’s Lead Awareness Program continues to work to protect human health and the environment against the dangers of lead by developing regulations, conducting research, and designing educational outreach efforts and materials.  Other agencies including OSHA, CDC, and the Minnesota Department of Health have all been active in the ongoing attempt to reduce lead exposure in this country.

How does lead get into the school environment?

Lead exists throughout the physical environment.  We are exposed to small amounts each day, usually with no bad health effects.  The major source of lead exposure among U.S. children is lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust found in deteriorating buildings.  Lead-based paints were banned for use in housing in 1978.  However, approximately 24 million housing units in the United States have deteriorated leaded paint and elevated levels of lead-contaminated house dust.  More than 4 million of these dwellings are homes with one of more young children.

Other sources of lead poisoning are related to:

• hobbies (making stained-glass windows)
• work (recycling or making automobile batteries)
• drinking water (lead pipes, solder, brass fixtures, valves can all leach lead)
• home health remedies (arzacon and greta, which are used for upset stomach or indigestion; pay-loo-ah, which is used for rash or fever).

Lead-based paint also exists in non-residential buildings including, of course, schools.  Even buildings built since 1978 have been found to contain lead paint since the bans implemented by the EPA initially affected only residential use of lead in paint.  Accordingly, all paint in the District is considered to contain lead until we test it and confirm it to be lead free.

Pipes and other components in the school plumbing may contain lead.  If they do, lead may dissolve into the water from both pipes and the components.  The longer the water stands idle in the plumbing pipes and components, the more lead can dissolve into the water.

Why is lead a health risk?

Lead is a common metal, which has been used over the years in many consumer products.  It can still be found in lead-based paint and under some conditions in air, soil, household dust, pottery, plumbing pip sand fixtures, and drinking water.  If it is inhaled or swallowed, lead can build up in the body over time.  If too much lead enters the body, it can damage the brain, nervous system, red blood cells, and formula made from contaminated tap water.  Pregnant women and nursing mothers also need to be concerned about lead levels in drinking water since it can be passed on to the unborn child and breast fed baby.

Lead can enter the body in two ways:

• It can be inhaled (breathed in)
• It can be ingested (swallowed) by getting it on the hands, clothes, or beard, or in food, drinks, or cigarettes.

Once lead gets into the body, it can stay there for a long time.  It is stored in three places:  the blood, body organs, and bones.  Lead stays in the blood for about a month, in body organs for several months, but can remain in the bones for years.  If affects the brain and nervous system, reproductive capabilities, the kidneys, the digestive system, and the body’s ability to make blood.

Early signs of lead poisoning:

• Tiredness
• Headache
• Metallic taste
• Poor appetite

Later signs are:

• Aches or pains in stomach
• Constipation
• Muscle and joint pains
• Memory problems

These symptoms may be confused with everyday aches and pains.  It is important to remember that lead may be causing injury to the body even if these symptoms are not felt.

Who is at risk?

• Children under the age of 6 years because they are growing so rapidly and because they tend to put their hands or other objects into their mouths.
• Children from all social and economic levels can be affected by lead poisoning, although children living at or below the poverty line who live in older housing are at greatest risk.
• Children of some racial and ethnic groups living in older housing are disproportionately affected by lead. For example, 22% of black children and 13% of Mexican-American children living in housing built before 1946 have elevated blood lead levels compared with 6% of white children living in comparable types of housing.
• Pregnant women.
• Adults who are exposed to lead on a frequent basis at work.

Can lead poisoning be prevented?

Lead poisoning is entirely preventable.  They key is stopping people from coming into contact with lead and treating those who have been poisoned by lead.

• Lead hazards in an environment must be removed.
• Public and health care professionals need to be educated about lead poisoning and how to prevent it.
• Children who are at risk of lead poisoning need to be tested, and, if necessary, treated.
• Workers who are exposed to, or working in proximity to, lead hazards must be monitored to ensure that their blood lead levels are not elevated.

Student/building occupant lead exposure

Paint that is peeling or chipping poses an immediate safety hazard for young children, since eating even one paint chip can lead poison a child.  Intact lead paint is still a potential problem, because eventually it will deteriorate, and in the meantime it may be releasing lead dust.  Removal of intact paint, however, could release higher levels of lead inside the school than leaving the paint in place.

To address the potential problem, the district has trained personnel monitoring the situation.  The goal of the District is to ensure that lead-based paint is not deteriorating.  As long as lead-based paint is not damaged or deteriorated, interim control measures should adequately protect children and other building occupants from exposure to lead hazards.  However, the District does have clear policies for monitoring and reevaluation of the paint, dust removal, and other forms of maintenance.  Constant vigilance can be an effective short-term approach, but the District does strive to remove of permanently remediate lead-based paint whenever possible.

What is considered to be a potentially hazardous level of lead?

Lead-based paint is defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as any paint that contains more than 0.5 percent lead by weight (or about 1 milligram per square centimeter of painted surface).  This is the “action level” at which the EPA recommends removal of lead paint if it is deteriorating and chipping.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration defines lead-containing paint as paint with any detectable level of lead.

Drinking water is considered a risk if it contains greater than 15 ppb which is the EPA “action level” for lead in water.  Most studies show that exposure to lead-contaminated water alone would not be likely to elevate blood lead levels in most adults, even exposure to water with a lead content close to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) “action level” for lead of 15 parts per billion (ppb).  Risk will vary, however, depending upon the individual, the circumstances, and the amount of water consumed.  For example, infants who drink formula prepared with lead-contaminated water may be at a higher risk because of the large volume of water they consumer relative to their body size.

District Procedures for Reducing Exposure

Currently, the district performs periodic monitoring and testing of potential lead sources in the District.  The procedures vary depending upon the situation:

Lead-in-Paint prior to paint disturbance

Painted surfaces are tested prior to disturbance to determine lead content.  If lead is present, engineering controls are implemented to reduce the release of lead dust into the school environment.  These controls can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Containment of the work area
• Negative pressurization of the work area
• Ventilation of the work area
• Wetting of the painted surface prior to disturbance
• Specialized removal equipment
• Work performed only during non-school hours

In all cases, the District strives to follow Lead Safe Work guidelines as established by the EPA.

Damaged or Deteriorated Painted Surfaces

When damaged or deteriorated paint is identified, the District will follow Lead Safe Work and Lead Hazard Control guidelines.  In general, paint that is peeling, chipping, or otherwise loose will be removed from the substrate and replaced with lead free paint.  The remaining surface will be stabilized with an approved lead-based paint encapsulant.  If the damage is considered extensive, the District will hire a licensed lead remediation contractor to remove and dispose the damaged material.

Smaller areas of damaged may be addressed with Interim Controls.  Actual response actions will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Elevated Lead in Water

When drinking water sources are found to contain 15 ppb of lead or greater, the District will implement a flushing program until the source of the lead can be found and remediated.  Drinking water sources will be flushed individually on a daily basis.  At each source, the water will be allowed to run for a minimum of 10 minutes at the start of each day.

Prohibited Activities

Many traditional methods of preparing a painted surface for repainting, refinishing, or restaining are prohibited since these methods are known to poison both children and workers.  Prohibited methods of paint removal include:

• Open-flame burning or torching
• Machine sanding or grinding without a HEPA vacuum exhaust tool
• Uncontained hydroblasting or high-pressure washing
• Abrasive blasting or sandblasting without a HEPA vacuum exhaust tool
• Heat guns operating above 1,100 degrees F. Dry scraping (except for limited areas) and methylene chloride paint strippers are also not recommended.

General Guidelines for reducing lead exposure

Reduce the use of lead containing materials

• Substitute other materials whenever possible

Control exposure through appropriate local exhaust ventilation

• Be aware of how these systems work, and make sure they are working correctly

Use good housekeeping practices

• Do NOT use compressed air to remove lead-based dust or paint
• Clean up dust and debris on a regular schedule. Do NOT dry sweep.
• Use a vacuum with a high efficiency filter (HEPA) and/or wet cleaning methods

Provide employees with a clean lunchroom separate from the lead abatement work areas

• Do NOT allow eating, drinking, smoking, or storage of food, drinks, cigarettes, or cosmetics in lead abatement work areas
• Have employees wash hands and face before eating
• Clean the lunchroom regularly after each shift

Provide exposed employees with respirators

• Medical evaluations for employees should be provided
• Fit-testing must be conducted
• Provide employees with training about the proper use and maintenance of respirators

Furnish exposed employees with protective clothing

• Work clothing and shoes should NOT be worn home
• Supply gloves

Training

The District holds regular training sessions, at least once a year.  This training is designed to inform workers of:

• The hazards of lead exposure
• Effective control measures such as engineering controls and safe work practices
• Correct methods of using respiratory protection and limitations of respirators
• Good personal hygiene
• Understanding the blood lead levels
• The dangers of bringing lead home from work to their families

Employee Blood Lead Testing

Blood lead levels can rise quickly.  With frequent monitoring of blood lead levels, dangerous exposures can be quickly identified and corrected, workers can be protected, and the need for OSHA-mandated medical removal of workers can be avoided.  A blood lead level over 25 ug/dL shows that substantial exposure to lead is occurring.  There is also increasing evidence that health effects may occur at this blood lead level.

Many federal and state agencies encourage employers to consider more frequent testing than required by OSHA, and the tracking of blood lead levels over time to identify trends.  The district follows a set of guidelines developed in response to those recommendations.  The guidelines meet the OSHA standards and provide more information to the employer and employees to help control dangerous exposures.

Public Schools Guidelines for Employee Medical Monitoring

• First, test each worker before they begin any work involving lead
• Then test that worker every month:
• For the first 3 months of testing, and
• Whenever the previous blood lead level was greater than 25 ug/dL (If the previous blood lead level was at least 50 ug/dL, a follow-up test within 2 weeks and medical removal is required), or
• Whenever an increase of at least 10 ug/dL from the previous test is observed
• After the first three months, continues testing every 2 months:
• When the blood lead levels have remained below 25 ug/dL for 3 months, and
• If an increase of less than 10 ug/dL from the previous test is observed
• Test every 6 months:
  • When the blood lead levels remain below 25 ug/dL for 6 months, and
  • If an increase of less than 10 ug/dL from the previous test is observed

Results of each test should be provided to the worker.  Graphing the test results can help the employer and the worker identify whether blood lead levels are dropping, remaining stable, or increasing.  The employer should also review the test results for all workers to help identify jobs where problems may be occurring.

 

 

Cedar Mountain Lock Out-Tag Out Plan

PLAN REVIEW
Reviewer	Date
Eileen Carlson	9/30/2015

                                                                Contact: Clay Kleinschmidt

                                                                                   (507) 430-1369 

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT

Purpose

Control of Hazardous energy is the purpose of the Lockout-Tagout Program for Cedar Mountain Public Schools. This program establishes the requirements for isolation of both kinetic and potential electrical, chemical, thermal, hydraulic and pneumatic and gravitational energy prior to equipment repair, adjustment or removal. Reference: OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.147, the control of hazardous energy.

Definitions

Authorized (Qualified) Employees are the only ones certified to lock and tagout equipment or machinery.  Whether an employee is considered to be qualified will depend upon various circumstances in the workplace. It is likely for an individual to be considered “qualified” with regard to certain equipment in the workplace, but “unqualified” as to other equipment. An employee who is undergoing on-the-job training and who, in the course of such training, has demonstrated an ability to perform duties safely at his or her level of training and who is under the direct supervision of a qualified person, is considered to be “qualified” for the performance of those duties.

Affected Employees are those employees who operate machinery or equipment upon which lockout or tagging out is required under this program. Training of these individuals will be less stringent in that it will include the purpose and use of the lockout procedures.

Other Employees are identified as those that do not fall into the authorized, affected or qualified employee category. Essentially, it will include all other employees. These employees will be provided instruction in what the program is and not to touch any machine or equipment when they see that it has been locked or tagged out.

Training

Authorized Employees Training

All Maintenance Employees, Department Supervisors and Janitorial employees will be trained to use the Lock and Tag Out Procedures. The training will be conducted by the Maintenance Supervisor or the LOTO Coordinator, «LOTO», at time of initial hire. Retraining shall be held at least annually. The training will consist of the following:

1. Review of General Procedures
2. Review of Specific Procedures for machinery, equipment and processes
3. Location and use of Specific Procedures
4. Procedures when questions arise

     Affected Employee Training

• Only trained and authorized Employees will repair, replace or adjust machinery, equipment or processes.
• Affected Employees may not remove Locks, locking device, or tags from machinery, equipment or circuits.
• Purpose and use of the lockout procedures.

     Other Employee Training

• Only trained and authorized Employees will repair, replace or adjust machinery or Equipment.
• Other Employees may not remove Locks, locking devices or tags from machinery, equipment or circuits

     Preparation for Lock and Tag Out Procedures

A Lockout – Tagout survey has been conducted to locate and identify all energy sources to verify which switches or valves supply energy to machinery and equipment. Dual or redundant controls have been removed.

A Tagout Schedule has been developed for each piece of equipment and machinery. This schedule describes the energy sources, location of disconnects, type of disconnect, special hazards and special safety procedures. The schedule will be reviewed each time to ensure employees properly lock and tag out equipment and machinery. If a Tagout Schedule does not exist for a particular piece of equipment, machinery and process, one must be developed prior to conducting a Lockout – Tagout. As repairs and/or renovations of existing electrical systems are made, standardized controls will be used.

 Routine Maintenance & Machine Adjustments

Lock and Tag Out procedures are not required if equipment must be operating for proper adjustment. This rare exception may be used only by trained and authorized Employees when specific procedures have been developed to safely avoid hazards with proper training. All consideration shall be made to prevent the need for an employee to break the plane of a normally guarded area of the equipment by use of tools and other devices.

Locks, Hasps and Tags

All Qualified Maintenance Personnel will be assigned a lock with one key, hasp and tag. All locks will be keyed differently, except when a specific individual is issues a series of locks for complex lockout-tagout tasks. In some cases, more than one lock, hasp and tag are needed to completely de-energize equipment and machinery.

Additional locks may be checked out from the Department or Maintenance Supervisor on a shift-by-shift basis.

All locks and hasps shall be uniquely identifiable to a specific employee.

SOP: General Lock and Tag Out Procedures

Before working on, repairing, adjusting or replacing machinery and equipment, the following procedures will be utilized to place the machinery and equipment in a neutral or zero mechanical state.

• Preparation for Shutdown. Before authorized or affected employees turn off a machine or piece of equipment, the authorized employee will have knowledge of the type and magnitude of the energy, the hazards of the energy to be controlled, and the means to control the energy.
• Notify all affected Employees that the machinery, equipment or process will be out of service

Machine or Equipment Shutdown

• The machine or equipment will be turned or shut down using the specific procedures for that specific machine.
• An orderly shutdown will be utilized to avoid any additional or increased hazards to employees as a result of equipment de-energization.
• If the machinery, equipment or process is in operation, follow normal stopping procedures (depress stop button, open toggle switch, etc.). Move switch or panel arms to “Off” or “Open” positions and close all valves or other energy isolating devices so that the energy source(s) is disconnected or isolated from the machinery or equipment.

          Machine or Equipment Isolation

All energy control devices that are needed to control the energy to the machine or equipment will be physically located and operated in such a manner as to isolate the machine or equipment from the energy source.

Lockout or Tagout Device Application

• Lockout or tagout devices will be affixed to energy isolating devices by authorized employees.
• Lockout devices will be affixed in a manner that will hold the energy isolating devices from the “safe or “off” position.
• Where tagout devices are used they will be affixed in such a manner that will clearly state that the operation or the movement of energy isolating devices from the “safe” or “off” positions is prohibited.
• The tagout devices will be attached to the same point a lock would be attached. If the tag cannot be affixed at that point, the tag will be located as close as possible to the device in a position that will be immediately obvious to anyone attempting to operate the device.
• Lock and tag out all energy devices by use of hasps, chains and valve covers with an assigned individual locks.

Stored Energy

Following the application of the lockout or tagout devices to the energy isolating devices, all potential or residual energy will be relieved, disconnected, restrained, and otherwise rendered safe.

Where the re-accumulation of stored energy to a hazardous energy level is possible, verification of isolation will be continued until the maintenance or servicing is complete.

Release stored energy (capacitors, springs, elevated members, rotating fly wheels, and hydraulic/air/gas/steam systems) must be relieved or restrained by grounding, repositioning, blocking and/or bleeding the system.

 Verification of Isolation

Prior to starting work on machines or equipment that have been locked or tagged out, the authorized employees will verify that isolation or de-energization of the machine or equipment have been accomplished.

After assuring that no Employee will be placed in danger, test all lock and tag outs by following the normal start up procedures (depress start button, etc.).

Caution: After Test, place controls in neutral position.

Extended Lockout – Tagout

Should the shift change before the machinery or equipment can be restored to service, the lock and tag out must remain. If the task is reassigned to the next shift, those Employees must lock and tag out before the previous shift may remove their lock and tag.

SOP: Release from LOCKOUT/TAGOUT

Before lockout or tagout devices are removed and the energy restored to the machine or equipment, the following actions will be taken:

• The work area will be thoroughly inspected to ensure that nonessential items have been removed and that machine or equipment components are operational.
• The work area will be checked to ensure that all employees have been safely positioned or removed.
• Before the lockout or tagout devices are removed, the affected employees will be notified that the lockout or tagout devices are being removed.
• Each lockout or tagout device will be removed from each energy isolating device by the employee who applied the device.

 SOP: LOTO Procedure for Electrical Plug-Type Equipment

This procedure covers all Electrical Plug-Type Equipment such as Battery Chargers, some Product Pumps, Office Equipment, Powered Hand Tools, Powered Bench Tools, Lathes, Fans, etc.

When working on, repairing, or adjusting the above equipment, the following procedures must be utilized to prevent accidental or sudden startup:

1. Unplug Electrical Equipment from wall socket or in-line socket.
2. Attach “Do Not Operate” Tag and Plug Box & Lock on end of power cord.

An exception is granted to not lock & tag the plug is the cord & plug remain in the exclusive control of the Employee working on, adjusting or inspecting the equipment.

3. Test Equipment to assure power source has been removed by depressing the “Start” or “On” Switch.
4. Perform required operations.
5. Replace all guards removed.
6. Remove Lock & Plug Box and Tag.
7. Inspect power cord and socket before plugging equipment into power source.

Any defects must be repaired before placing the equipment back in service.

NOTE: Occasionally used equipment may be unplugged from power source when not in use.

SOP: LOTO Procedures Involving More Than One Employee

In the preceding SOPs, if more than one Employee is assigned to a task requiring a lock    and tag out, each must also place his or her own lock and tag on the energy isolating       device(s).

SOP: Management’s Removal of Lock and Tag Out

Only the Employee that locks and tags out machinery, equipment or processes may          remove his/her lock and tag.  However, should the Employee leave the facility before     removing his/her lock and tag, the Maintenance Manager may remove the lock and tag.   The Maintenance Manager must be assured that all tools have been removed, all guards have been replaced and all Employees are free from any hazard before the lock and tag are removed and the machinery, equipment or process are returned to service. Notification of the employee who placed the lock is required prior to lock removal.

Contractors

Contractors, working on school property and equipment must use this Lockout -Tagout procedure while servicing or maintaining equipment, machinery or processes.

Cedar Mountain Personal Protective Equipment Plan

PLAN REVIEW
Reviewer	Date
Eileen Carlson	9/30/2015

 

                                                                Contact: Clay Kleinschmidt

                                                                                   (507) 430-1369

 

                      PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

 Purpose

Cedar Mountain Public Schools provides all Employees with required PPE to suit the task and known hazards. This section covers the requirements for Personal Protective Equipment with the exception of PPE used for hearing conservation and respiratory protection or PPE required for hazardous material response to spills or releases that are covered under separate programs.

General Policy

Engineering controls shall be the primary methods used to eliminate or minimize hazard exposure in the workplace.  When such controls are not practical or applicable, personal protective equipment shall be employed to reduce or eliminate personnel exposure to hazards.  Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided, used, and maintained when it has been determined that its use is required and that such use will lessen the likelihood of occupational injuries and/or illnesses.

General Rules

Design

All personal protective clothing and equipment will be of safe design and construction for the work to be performed. Only those items protective clothing and equipment that meet National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards will be procured or accepted for use.

Hazard assessment and equipment selection

Hazard analysis procedures shall be used to assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). These procedures will be carried out by the PPE Program Manager («PPE») or Advanced Health, Safety and Security.

If such hazards are present, or likely to be present, the following actions will be taken:

• Select, and have each affected Employee use, the proper PPE
• Communicate selection decisions to each affected Employee
• Select PPE that properly fits each affected employee.

Defective and damaged equipment

Defective or damaged personal protective equipment shall not be used.

Training

All Employees who are required to use PPE shall be trained to know at least the following:

• When PPE is necessary;
• What PPE is necessary;
• How to properly don, remove, adjust, and wear PPE;
• The limitations of the PPE
• The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE.

Each affected Employee shall demonstrate an understanding of the training and the ability to use PPE properly, before being allowed to perform work requiring the use of PPE.

Certification of training for PPE is required by OSHA and shall be accomplished by using the Job Safety Checklist to verify that each affected Employee has received and understood the required PPE training.

PPE Selection

Controlling hazards

PPE devices alone should not be relied on to provide protection against hazards, but should be used in conjunction with guards, engineering controls, and sound manufacturing practices.

Selection guidelines

The general procedure for selection of protective equipment is to:

a) Become familiar with the potential hazards and the type of protective equipment that is available, and what it can do; i.e., splash protection, impact protection, etc.

b) Compare the hazards associated with the environment; i.e., impact velocities, masses, projectile shape, radiation intensities, with the capabilities of the available protective equipment;

c) Select the protective equipment that ensures a level of protection greater than the minimum required to protect employees from the hazards

d) Fit the user with the protective device and give instructions on care and use of the PPE. It is very important that end users be made aware of all warning labels for and limitations of their PPE.

Fitting the Device

Careful consideration must be given to comfort and fit. PPE that fits poorly will not afford the necessary protection. Continued wearing of the device is more likely if it fits the wearer comfortably. Protective devices are generally available in a variety of sizes. Care should be taken to ensure that the right size is selected.

Devices with adjustable features

Adjustments should be made on an individual basis for a comfortable fit that will maintain the protective device in the proper position. Particular care should be taken in fitting devices for eye protection against dust and chemical splash to ensure that the devices are sealed to the face. In addition, proper fitting of helmets is important to ensure that it will not fall off during work operations. In some cases a chinstrap may be necessary to keep the helmet on an employee’s head. (Chinstraps should break at a reasonably low force, however, so as to prevent a strangulation hazard). Where manufacturer’s instructions are available, they should be followed carefully.

Eye and Face Protection

The majority of occupational eye injuries can be prevented by the use of suitable/approved safety spectacles, goggles, or shields. Approved eye and face protection shall be worn when there is a reasonable possibility of personal injury.

• Each employee shall use appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.
• Each employee shall use eye protection that provides side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects. Detachable side protectors are acceptable.
• Each employee who wears prescription lenses while engaged in operations that involve eye hazards shall wear eye protection that incorporates the prescription in its design, or shall wear eye protection that can be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing the proper position of the prescription lenses or the protective lenses.
• Eye and face PPE shall be distinctly marked to facilitate identification of the manufacturer.
• Each employee shall use equipment with filter lenses that have a shade number appropriate for the work being performed for protection from injurious light radiation.

Typical hazards that can cause eye and face injury are:

• Splashes of toxic or corrosive chemicals, hot liquids, and molten metals
• Flying objects, such as chips of wood, metal, and stone dust
• Fumes, gases, and mists of toxic or corrosive chemicals; and
• Aerosols of biological substances

Prevention of eye accidents requires that all persons who may be in eye hazard areas wear protective eyewear. This includes employees, visitors, contractors, or others passing through an identified eye hazardous area. To provide protection for these personnel, activities shall procure a sufficient quantity of heavy-duty goggles and/or plastic eye protectors which afford the maximum amount of protection possible. If these personnel wear personal glasses, they shall be provided with a suitable eye protector to wear over them.

Eye / Face Protection Specifications

Eye and face protectors procured, issued to, and used by employees, contractors and visitors must conform to the following design and performance standards:

a) Provide adequate protection against the particular hazards for which they are designed

b) Fit properly and offer the least possible resistance to movement and cause minimal discomfort while in use.

c) Be durable.

d) Be easily cleaned or disinfected for or by the wearer.

e) Be clearly marked to identify the manufacturer.

f) Persons who require corrective lenses for normal vision, and who are required to wear eye protection, must wear goggles or spectacles of one of the following types:

1. Spectacles with protective lenses that provide optical correction
2. Goggles that can be worn over spectacles without disturbing the adjustment of the spectacles
3. Goggles that incorporate corrective lenses mounted behind the protective lenses

 Eye & Face Protector Use

Safety Spectacles- Protective eyeglasses are made with safety frames, tempered glass or plastic lenses, temples and side shields that provide eye protection from moderate impact and particles encountered in job tasks such as carpentry, woodworking, grinding, scaling, etc.

Single Lens Goggles- Vinyl framed goggles of soft pliable body design provide adequate eye protection from many hazards. These goggles are available with clear or tinted lenses, perforated, port vented, or non-vented frames. Single lens goggles provide similar protection to spectacles and may be worn in combination with spectacles or corrective lenses to insure protection along with proper vision.

Welders/Chippers Goggles- These goggles are available in rigid and soft frames to accommodate single or two eye piece lenses.

1. Welders goggles provide protection from sparking, scaling or splashing metals and harmful light rays. Lenses are impact resistant and are available in graduated shades of filtration.
2. Chippers/grinders goggles provide eye protection from flying particles. The dual protective eye cups house impact resistant clear lenses with individual cover plates.

Face Shields. These normally consist of an adjustable headgear and face shield of tinted/transparent acetate or polycarbonate materials, or wire screen. Face shields are available in various sizes, tensile strength, impact/heat resistance and light ray filtering capacity. Face shields will be used in operations when the entire face needs protection and should be worn to protect eyes and face against flying particles, metal sparks, and chemical/ biological splash.

Welding Shields- These shield assemblies consist of vulcanized fiber or glass fiber body, a ratchet/button type adjustable headgear or cap attachment and a filter and cover plate holder. These shields will be provided to protect workers’ eyes and face from infrared or radiant light burns, flying sparks, metal spatter and slag chips encountered during welding, brazing, soldering, resistance welding, bare or shielded electric arc welding and oxyacetylene welding and cutting operations.

Head Protection

Hats and caps have been designed and manufactured to provide workers protection from impact, heat, electrical and fire hazards. These protectors consist of the shell and the suspension combined as a protective system. Safety hats and caps will be of nonconductive, fire and water resistant materials. Bump caps or skull guards are constructed of lightweight materials and are designed to provide minimal protection against hazards when working in congested areas. Head protection will be furnished to, and used by, all employees and contractors engaged in construction and other miscellaneous work in head-hazard areas. Head protection will also be required to be worn by engineers, inspectors, and visitors at construction sites. Bump caps/skull guards will be issued to and worn for protection against scalp lacerations from contact with sharp objects. They will not be worn as substitutes for safety caps/hats because they do not afford protection from high impact forces or penetration by falling objects.

Selection guidelines for head protection

All head protection is designed to provide protection from impact and penetration hazards caused by falling objects. Head protection is also available which provides protection from electric shock and burn. When selecting head protection, knowledge of potential electrical hazards is important. Class A helmets, in addition to impact and penetration resistance, provide electrical protection from low-voltage conductors (they are proof tested to 2,200 volts). Class B helmets, in addition to impact and penetration resistance, provide electrical protection from high-voltage conductors (they are proof tested to 20,000 volts). Class C helmets provide impact and penetration resistance (they are usually made of aluminum which conducts electricity), and should not be used around electrical hazards.

Where falling object hazards are present, helmets must be worn. Some examples include: working below other workers who are using tools and materials which could fall; working around or under conveyor belts which are carrying parts or materials; working below machinery or processes which might cause material or objects to fall; and working on exposed energized conductors.

Foot Protection

General requirements

Each affected employee shall wear protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, and where employee’s feet are exposed to electrical hazards.

Selection guidelines for foot protection

Safety shoes and boots provide both impact and compression protection. Where necessary, safety shoes can be obtained which provide puncture protection. In some work situations, metatarsal protection should be provided, and in other special situations electrical conductive or insulating safety shoes would be appropriate. Safety shoes or boots with impact protection would be required for carrying or handling materials such as packages, objects, parts or heavy tools, which could be dropped; and, for other activities where objects might fall onto the feet.

Safety shoes or boots with compression protection would be required for work activities involving skid trucks (manual material handling carts) around bulk rolls (such as paper rolls) and around heavy pipes, all of which could potentially roll over an employee’s feet. Safety shoes or boots with puncture protection would be required where sharp objects such as nails, wire, tacks, screws, large staples, scrap metal etc., could be stepped on by employees causing a foot injury.

Hand Protection

General Requirements

Hand protection is required when employees’ hands are exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasions; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.

Skin contact is a potential source of exposure to toxic materials; it is important that the proper steps be taken to prevent such contact. Gloves should be selected on the basis of the material being handled, the particular hazard involved, and their suitability for the operation being conducted. One type of glove will not work in all situations.

Most accidents involving hands and arms can be classified under four main hazard categories: chemicals, abrasions, cutting, and heat. There are gloves available that can protect workers from any of these individual hazards or combination of hazards.

Gloves should be replaced periodically, depending on frequency of use and permeability to the substance(s) handled. Gloves overtly contaminated should be rinsed and then carefully removed after use.

Gloves should also be worn whenever it is necessary to handle rough or sharp-edged objects, and very hot or very cold materials. The type of glove materials to be used in these situations includes leather, welder’s gloves, aluminum-backed gloves, and other types of insulated glove materials.

Careful attention must be given to protecting your hands when working with tools and machinery. Power tools and machinery must have guards installed or incorporated into their design that prevent the hands from contacting the point of operation, power train, or other moving parts. To protect the hands from injury due to contact with moving parts, it is important to:

• Ensure that guards are always in place and used.
• Always lock out machines or tools and disconnect the power before making repairs.
• Treat a machine without a guard as inoperative; and
• Do not wear gloves around moving machinery, such as drill presses, mills, lathes, and grinders

Selection guidelines for hand protection

Selection of hand PPE shall be based on an evaluation of the performance characteristics of the hand protection relative to the task(s) to be performed, conditions present, duration of use, and the hazards and potential hazards identified. Gloves are often relied upon to prevent cuts, abrasions, burns, and skin contact with chemicals that are capable of causing local or systemic effects following dermal exposure. There is no glove that provides protection against all potential hand hazards, and commonly available glove materials provide only limited protection against many chemicals. Therefore, it is important to select the most appropriate glove for a particular application and to determine how long it can be worn, and whether it can be reused. It is also important to know the performance characteristics of gloves relative to the specific hazard anticipated; e.g., chemical hazards, cut hazards, flame hazards, etc. Before purchasing gloves, request documentation from the manufacturer that the gloves meet the appropriate test standard(s) for the hazard(s) anticipated. Other factors to be considered for glove selection in general include:

(A) As long as the performance characteristics are acceptable, in certain circumstances, it may be more cost effective to regularly change cheaper gloves than to reuse more expensive types.

(B) The work activities of the employee should be studied to determine the degree of dexterity required, the duration, frequency, and degree of exposure of the hazard, and the physical stresses that will be applied.

Selection of gloves for chemical hazards

The first consideration in the selection of gloves for use against chemicals is to determine, if possible, the exact nature of the substances to be encountered. Read instructions and warnings on chemical container labels and SDSs before working with any chemical. Recommended glove types are often listed in the section for personal protective equipment.

All glove materials are eventually permeated by chemicals. However, they can be used safely for limited time periods if specific use and glove characteristics (i.e., thickness and permeation rate and time) are known. The safety office can assist is determining the specific type of glove material that should be worn for a particular chemical.

(A) The toxic properties of the chemical(s) must be determined; in particular, the ability of the chemical to cause local effects on the skin and/or to pass through the skin and cause systemic effects.

(B) Generally, any “chemical resistant” glove can be used for dry powders;

(C) For mixtures and formulated products (unless specific test data are available), a glove should be selected on the basis of the chemical component with the shortest breakthrough time, since it is possible for solvents to carry active ingredients through polymeric materials.

(D) Employees must be able to remove the gloves in such a manner as to prevent skin contamination.

 

 

Cedar Mountain Playground Safety Plan

PLAN REVIEW
Reviewer	Date
Eileen Carlson	9/30/2015

 

                                                                Contact: Clay Kleinschmidt

                                                                                                    (507) 430-1369

PLAYGROUND SAFETY PLAN

PURPOSE

The following plan has been developed as a guide for the implementation of and compliance with ASTM F1487 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use.  The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) published its playground safety standard in response to playground injuries reported by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.  The standard is intended to reduce the potential for injuries in playground areas.  The plan is to provide written guidelines for an effective playground safety program and to increase the safety for children using the playground.

GOALS

1. Reduce playground area safety hazards.
2. Provide checklists and training for staff to perform routine safety inspections.
3. Increase the protection of individuals using the playground facilities.
4. Maintain appropriate documents of training, inspections, and accidents.

POLICY

It is the goal of the district to provide and maintain safer parks and facilities for the public.  In order to meet this goal, the district has developed standard operating procedures to help maintain their facilities and protect the users.  These procedures will not eliminate risk, but will make all attempts to reduce hazards and injuries.  District personnel will follow the following guidelines:

1. Manufacturer’s specifications shall be followed when installing all equipment.
2. The district shall provide adequate resources for maintenance, repairs, and inspections.
3. Inspections, repairs, and maintenance done by trained employees shall be documented and in accordance with current standards.
4. All accidents shall be documented and retained for future reference.

TRAINING

To ensure proper and consistent inspections and maintenance, training sessions for staff involved in the playground safety program are conducted.  The training includes current standards and guidelines put forth by the CPSC and ASTM.  Staff or consultants who perform the playground audits and monthly inspections are Certified Playground Safety Inspectors (CPSI’s) as authorized by the National Playground Safety Institute while the staff responsible for the weekly inspections are trained in the playground safety plan.  All training is documented and retained by the school district.

ACCIDENTS/INJURIES

The purpose of the Playground Safety Management Plan is to reduce playground accidents and injuries and provide the safest environment possible.  When accidents occur, it is necessary to document the nature of the accident to determine its cause, obtain a site report, witness documentation, and any repairs made to the equipment.

AUDITS/INSPECTIONS

Audits and inspections are an important part of the playground safety management plan.  In order to reduce the number of injuries on the playground, the district must inspect the playground environment to identify hazards based on ASTM and CPSC standards.

1. The safety AUDIT is a one-time initial inspection that performs an in-depth analysis of the playground in its entirety. It helps to prioritize repair or removal of equipment and will assist in the development of a long-term strategy for playground safety.  The Department of Children, Families, and Learning requires the audit to be performed by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector in order to use and maintain health and safety funding.
2. Safety inspections are done routinely as a method of preventive maintenance.  The two types of inspections are monthly and weekly.
   1. The monthly inspection is more in-depth and includes a comprehensive look at the entire playground and its equipment.
   2. The weekly inspection is a quick once-over to locate any immediate playground hazards such as vandalism, broken glass, broken equipment, or surface issues.

****All audit and inspection forms will be completed and retained in the PLAYGROUND SAFETY file or CUSTODIAL MANUAL. See the Program Manager or Advanced Health Safety and Security for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cedar Mountain Radon Gas Safety Plan

PLAN REVIEW
Reviewer	Date
Eileen Carlson	9/30/2015

                                                                Contact: Clay Kleinschmidt

                                                                                   (507) 430-1369

 

RADON GAS SAFETY

Introduction

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other major national and international scientific organizations have concluded that radon is a human carcinogen and a serious environmental health problem. Early concern about indoor radon focused primarily on the hazard posed in the home. More recently, the EPA has conducted extensive research on the presence and measurement of radon in schools. Initial reports from some of those studies prompted the Administrator in 1989 to recommend that schools nationwide be tested for the presence of radon. Based on more recent findings, EPA continues to advise U. S. schools to test for radon and to reduce levels to below 4 pCi/L.

Accordingly, Cedar Mountain Public Schools has implemented this program to assist in the management of radon issues.

Health Effects

Radon is a known human carcinogen. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon concentrations causes an increased risk of lung cancer. Like other environmental pollutants, there is some uncertainty about the magnitude of radon health risks. However, scientists are more certain about radon risks than risks from most other cancer-causing environmental pollutants. This is because estimates of radon risk are based on studies of cancer in humans (underground miners). Additional studies on more typical populations are underway.

Not everyone who breathes radon decay products will develop lung cancer. An individual’s risk of getting lung cancer from radon depends mostly on three factors: the level of radon, the duration of exposure, and the individual’s smoking habits. Risk increases as an individual is exposed to higher levels of radon over a longer period of time. Smoking combined with radon is an especially serious health risk. The risk of dying from lung cancer caused by radon is much greater for smoker than it is for non-smokers.

Children have been reported to have greater risk than adults for certain types of cancer from radiation, but there are currently no conclusive data on whether children are at greater risk than adults from radon.

Placing Detectors in a Room

• Do not place detectors near drafts resulting from heating, ventilating vents, air conditioning vents, fans, doors, and windows.
• Place detectors where they are least likely to be disturbed or covered up.
• Do not place detectors in direct sunlight or in areas of high humidity.
• Place detectors at least approximately 50 centimeters (20 inches) from the floor and 10 centimeters (4 inches) from other objects and away from the exterior walls of the building.
• Place detects about every 2,000 square feet for large spaces.
• Do not disturb the test device at any time during the test.

When to Conduct Radon Measurements

Recommendations

The purpose of initial testing is to identify rooms that have a potential for elevated radon levels (e.g., levels of 4 pCi/L or greater) during the school year. To achieve this purpose, EPA recommends that initial measurements be conducted:

• Under closed conditions (closed windows/doors except for normal exit/entry).
• After 12 hours of closed conditions when using a 2- to 5-day test (e.g., initiate testing after a weekend).
• During colder months (October through March, depending on geographical location).
• During weekdays with HVAC systems operating normally when conducting a 2- to 5-day test.

 

Summary of EPA Recommendations

• Initial short-term tests should be made in all frequently occupied, ground-contact rooms.
• Initial testing should be conducted during the coldest months when the heating system is operating and windows and doors are closed (except for normal exit/entry).
• If a school uses a short-term test of 2 to 5 days, the tests should be conducted on weekdays with the HVAC system operating normally.
• If the short-term test shows that the radon level in a room is 4 pCi/L or greater, schools should conduct either a second short-term test or a long-term test to confirm the presence of an elevated radon level.
• EPA does not recommend that schools use a single short-term test result as the basis for determining if action needs to be taken to reduce radon levels.
• Duplicates and blanks should accompany all testing programs (conducted by school personnel or a measurement firm) to provide assurance of the quality of measurement.

Cedar Mountain Respiratory Protection Plan

PLAN REVIEW
Reviewer	Date
Eileen Carlson	9/30/2015

 

                                                                Contact:  Clay Kleinschmidt

                                                                                   (507) 430-1369

 

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

Purpose

In the Respiratory Protection program, hazard assessment and selection of proper respiratory PPE is conducted in the same manner as for other types of PPE. In the control of those occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors, the primary objective at Cedar Mountain Public Schools is to prevent atmospheric contamination. This shall be accomplished as far as feasible by accepted engineering control measures (for example, enclosure or confinement of the operation, general and local ventilation, and substitution of less toxic materials). When effective engineering controls are not feasible, or while they are being instituted, appropriate respirators shall be used. References: OSHA Standards Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134)

Responsibilities

All Employees shall follow the requirements of the Respiratory Protection Program.

 Management

• Implement the requirements of this program
• Provide a selection of respirators as required
• Enforce all provisions of this program
• Appoint a Specific Designated individual to conduct the respiratory protection program

Program Administrator

The Program Manager is qualified by appropriate training or experience that is commensurate with the complexity of the program to administer or oversee the respiratory protection program and conduct the required evaluations of program effectiveness including:

• Review sanitation/storage procedures.
• Ensure respirators are properly, stored, inspected and maintained
• Monitor compliance for this program
• Provide training for affected Employees
• Review compliance and ensure monthly inspection of all respirators
• Provide respirator fit testing

Designated Occupational Health care Provider

Conduct medical aspects of program

Voluntary Use of Respirators

OSHA requires that voluntary use of respirators, when not required by the school, must be controlled as strictly as under required circumstances. To prevent violations of the Respiratory Protection Standard Employees are not allowed voluntary use of their own or school supplied respirators of any type. Exception: Employees whose only use of respirators involves the voluntary use of filtering (non-sealing) face pieces (dust masks).

Program Evaluation

Evaluations of the workplace are necessary to ensure that the written respiratory protection program is being properly implemented; this includes consulting with employees to ensure that they are using the respirators properly. Evaluations shall be conducted as necessary to ensure that the provisions of the current written program are being effectively implemented and that it continues to be effective.

Program evaluation will include discussions with employees required to use respirators to assess the employees’ views on program effectiveness and to identify any problems. Any problems that are identified during this assessment shall be corrected. Factors to be assessed include, but are not limited to:

• Respirator fit (including the ability to use the respirator without interfering with effective workplace performance).
• Appropriate respirator selection for the hazards to which the employee is exposed
• Proper respirator use under the workplace conditions the employee encounters
• Proper respirator maintenance

Record Keeping

The District will retain written information regarding medical evaluations, fit testing, and the respirator program. This information will facilitate employee involvement in the respirator program, assist the District in auditing the adequacy of the program, and provide a record for compliance determinations by OSHA.

Training and Information

Effective training for employees who are required to use respirators is essential. The training must be comprehensive, understandable, and recur at least annually and more often if necessary. Training will be provided prior to requiring the employee to use a respirator in the workplace. The training shall ensure that each employee can demonstrate knowledge of at least the following:

• Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator
• Limitations and capabilities of the respirator
• How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions
• How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check the seals of the respirator
• What the procedures are for maintenance and storage of the respirator
• How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators

The general requirements of this program

Retraining shall be conducted annually and when:

1. Changes in the workplace or the type of respirator render previous training obsolete
2. Inadequacies in the employee’s knowledge or use of the respirator indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite understanding or skill
3. Other situation arises in which retraining appears necessary to ensure safe respirator use.

Training is divided into the following sections:

Classroom Instruction

1. Overview of the School Respiratory Protection Program & OSHA Standard
2. Respiratory Protection Safety Procedures
3. Respirator Selection
4. Respirator Operation and Use
5. Why the respirator is necessary
6. How improper fit, usage, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect
7. Limitations and capabilities of the respirator.
8. How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including respirator malfunctions
9. How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check the seals of the respirator.
10. What the procedures are for maintenance and storage of the respirator.
11. How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators.
12. Change out schedule and procedure for air purifying respirators.

     Fit Testing

Hands-on respirator Training

1. Respirator Inspection
2. Respirator cleaning and sanitizing
3. Record Keeping
4. Respirator Storage
5. Respirator Fit Check
6. Emergencies

Basic Respiratory Protection Safety Procedures

• Only authorized and trained Employees may use Respirators. Those Employees may use only the Respirator that they have been trained on and properly fitted to use.
• Only Physically Qualified Employees may be trained and authorized to use respirators. A pre-authorization and annual certification by a qualified physician will be required and maintained. Any changes in an Employees health or physical characteristics will be reported to the Occupational Health Department and will be evaluated by a qualified physician.
• Only the proper prescribed respirator or SCBA may be used for the job or work levels range environment. Air cleansing respirators may be worn in work environments when oxygen from 19.5 percent to 23.5 percent and when the appropriate air-cleansing canister, as determined by the Manufacturer and approved by NIOSH or MESA, for the known hazardous substance is used. SCBAs will be worn in oxygen deficient and oxygen rich environments (below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent oxygen).
  • Employees working in environments where a sudden release of a hazardous substance is likely will wear an appropriate respirator for that hazardous substance (example: Employees working in an ammonia compressor room will have an ammonia APR respirator on their person.).
• Only SCBAs will be used in oxygen deficient environments, environments with an unknown hazardous substance or unknown quantity of a known hazardous substance or any environment that is determined “Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health” (IDLH).
• Employees with respirators loaned on “permanent check out” will be responsible for the sanitation, proper storage and security. Respirators damaged by normal wear will be repaired or replaced by the School when returned.
• The last Employee using a respirator and/or SCBA that are available for general use will be responsible for proper storage and sanitation. Monthly and after each use, all respirators will be inspected with documentation to assure its availability for use.
• All respirators will be located in a clean, convenient and sanitary location.
• In the event that Employees must enter a confined space, work in environments with hazardous substances that would be dangerous to life or health should an RPE fail (a SCBA is required in this environment), and/or   conduct a HAZMAT entry, a “buddy system” detail will be used with a Safety Watchman with constant voice, visual or signal line communication. Employees will follow the established Emergency Response Program and/or Confined Space Entry Program when applicable.
• Management will establish and maintain surveillance of jobs and work place conditions and degree of Employee exposure or stress to maintain the proper procedures and to provide the necessary RPE.
• Management will establish and maintain safe operation procedures for the safe use of RPE with strict enforcement and disciplinary action for failure to follow all general and specific safety rules. Standard Operation Procedures for General RPE use will be maintained as an attachment to the Respiratory Protection Program and Standard Operation Procedures for RPE use under emergency response situations will be maintained as an attachment to the Emergency Response Program.

Respirator User Policies

Adherence to the following guidelines will help ensure the proper and safe use of

Respiratory equipment

• Wear only the respirator you have been instructed to use. For example, do not wear a self-containing breathing apparatus if you have been assigned and fitted for a half-mask respirator.
• Wear the correct respirator for the particular hazard. For example, some situations, such as chemical spills or other emergencies, may require a higher level of protection than your respirator can handle. Also, the proper cartridge must be matched to the hazard ( a cartridge designed for dusts and mists will not provide protection for chemical vapors)
• Check the respirator for a good fit before each use. Positive and negative fit checks should be conducted.
• Check the respirator for deterioration before and after use. Do not use a defective respirator.
• Recognize indications that cartridges and canisters are at their end of service. If in doubt, change the cartridges or canisters before using the respirator.
• Practice moving and working while wearing the respirator so that you can get used to it.
• Clean the respirator after each use, thoroughly dry it and place the cleaned respirator in a sealable plastic bag.
• Store respirators carefully in a protected location away from excessive heat, light, and chemicals.

Selection of Respirators

The School has evaluated the respiratory hazard(s) in each workplace, identified relevant workplace and use factors and has based respirator selection on these factors. Also included are estimates of employee exposures to respiratory hazard(s) and an identification of the contaminant’s chemical state and physical form. This selection has included appropriate protective respirators for use in IDLH atmospheres, and has limited the selection and use of air-purifying respirators. All selected respirators are NIOSH-certified.

Filter Classifications – These classifications are marked on the filter or filter package

N-Series: Not Oil Resistant

Approved for non-oil particulate contaminants

Examples: dust, fumes, mists not containing oil

R-Series: Oil Resistant

Approved for all particulate contaminants, including those containing oil

Examples: dusts, mists, fumes

Time restriction of 8 hours when oils are present

P-Series: Oil Proof

Approved for all particulate contaminants including those containing oil

Examples: dust, fumes, mists

See Manufacturer’s time use restrictions on packaging

Respirators for IDLH atmospheres

The following respirators will be used in IDLH atmospheres:

• A full-face piece pressure demand SCBA certified by NIOSH for a minimum service life of thirty minutes, or a combination full-face piece pressure demand supplied-air respirator (SAR) with auxiliary self-contained air supply. Respirators provided only for escape from IDLH atmospheres shall be NIOSH-certified for escape from the atmosphere in which they will be used.

Respirators for atmospheres that are not IDLH

The respirators selected shall be adequate to protect the health of the employee and ensure compliance with all other OSHA statutory and regulatory requirements, under routine and reasonably foreseeable emergency situations. The respirator selected shall be appropriate for the chemical state and physical form of the contaminant.

Identification of Filters & Cartridges

All filters and cartridges shall be labeled and color-coded with the NIOSH approval label and that the label is not removed and remains legible. A change out schedule for filters and canisters has been developed to ensure these elements of the respirators remain effective.

Respirator Filter & Canister Replacement

An important part of the Respiratory Protection Program includes identifying the useful life of canisters and filters used on air-purifying respirators. Each filter and canister shall be equipped with an end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) certified by NIOSH for the contaminant; or

If there is no ESLI appropriate for conditions a change schedule for canisters and cartridges that is based on objective information or data that will ensure that canisters and cartridges are changed before the end of their service life.

Filter & Cartridge Change Schedule

Stock of spare filers and cartridges shall be maintained to allow immediate change when required or desired by the employee

Cartridges shall be changed based on the most limiting factor below:

• Prior to expiration date
• Manufacturer’s recommendations for use and environment
• After each use
• When requested by employee
• When contaminate odor is detected
• When restriction to air flow has occurred as evidenced by increase effort by user to breathe normally
• Cartridges shall remain in their original sealed packages until needed for immediate use

Filters shall be changed based on the most limiting factor below:

• Prior to expiration date
• Manufactures recommendations for the specific use and environment
• When requested by employee
• When contaminate odor is detected
• When restriction to air flow has occurred as evidenced by increase effort by user to breathe normally
• When discoloring of the filter media is evident
• Filters shall remain in their original sealed package until needed for immediate use.

Respiratory Protection Schedule by Job and Working Condition

The School maintains a Respiratory Protection Schedule by Job and Working Condition. This schedule is provided to each authorized and trained Employee. The Schedule provides the following information:

1. Job/Working Conditions
2. Work Location
3. Hazards Present
4. Type of Respirator or SCBA Required
5. Type of Filter/Canister Required
6. Location of Respirator or SCBA
7. Filter/Cartridge change out schedule

The schedule will be reviewed and updated at least annually and whenever any changes are made in the work environments, machinery, equipment, or processes or if respirator different respirator models are introduced or existing models are removed.

Permanent respirator schedule assignments are:

Physical and Medical Qualifications

Records of medical evaluations must be retained and made available in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020.

Medical evaluation required

Using a respirator may place a physiological burden on employees that varies with the type of respirator worn, the job and workplace conditions in which the respirator is used, and the medical status of the employee. The school provides a medical evaluation to determine the employee’s ability to use a respirator, before the employee is fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace.

Medical evaluation procedures

The designated Respiratory Protection Contact Person will provide the employee a medical questionnaire.

Follow-up medical examination

The school shall ensure that a follow-up medical examination is provided for an employee who gives a positive response to any question among questions in Part B of the questionnaire or whose initial medical examination demonstrates the need for a follow-up medical examination. The follow-up medical examination shall include any medical tests, consultations, or diagnostic procedures that the Physician deems necessary to make a final determination.

Administration of the medical questionnaire and examinations

The medical questionnaire and examinations shall be administered confidentially during the employee’s normal working hours or at a time and place convenient to the employee. The medical questionnaire shall be administered in a manner that ensures that the employee understands its content. The school shall provide the employee with an opportunity to discuss the questionnaire and examination results with the Physician.

Supplemental information for the Physician

The following information must be provided to the Physician before the Physician makes a recommendation concerning an employee’s ability to use a respirator

1. The type and weight of the respirator to be used by the employee
2. The duration and frequency of respirator use (including use for rescue and escape)
3. The expected physical work effort
4. Additional protective clothing and equipment to be worn
5. Temperature and humidity extremes that may be encountered
6. Any supplemental information provided previously to the Physician regarding an employee need not be provided for a subsequent medical evaluation if the information and the Physician remain the same.

The School has provided the Physician with a copy of the written respiratory protection program and a copy of the OSHA Standard 1910.134

Medical determination

In determining the employee’s ability to use a respirator, the School shall:

• Obtain a written recommendation regarding the employee’s ability to use the respirator from the Physician. The recommendation shall provide only the following information:
  • Any limitations on respirator use related to the medical condition of the employee, or relating to the workplace conditions in which the respirator will be used, including whether or not the employee is medically able to use the respirator
  • The need, if any, for follow-up medical evaluations
  • A statement that the Physician has provided the employee with a copy of the Physician’s written recommendation

If the respirator is a negative pressure respirator and the Physician finds a medical condition that may place the employee’s health at increased risk if the respirator is used, the School shall provide a APR if the Physician’s medical evaluation finds that the employee can use such a respirator; if a subsequent medical evaluation finds that the employee is medically able to use a negative pressure respirator, then the School is no longer required to provide a APR.

Additional Medical Evaluations

At a minimum, the School shall provide additional medical evaluations that   comply with the requirements of this section if:

1. An employee reports medical signs or symptoms that are related to ability to use a respirator
2. A Physician, supervisor, or the respirator program administrator informs the School that an employee needs to be reevaluated
3. Information from the respiratory protection program, including observations made during fit testing and program evaluation, indicates a need for employee reevaluation
4. A change occurs in workplace conditions (e.g., physical work effort, protective clothing, and temperature) that may result in a substantial increase in the physiological burden placed on an employee.

Respirator Fit Testing

Before an employee is required to use any respirator with a negative or positive pressure tight-fitting face piece, the employee must be fit tested with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator that will be used. The School shall ensure that an employee using a tight-fitting face piece respirator is fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator, whenever a different respirator face piece (size, style, model or make) is used, and at least annually thereafter.

The School has established a record of the qualitative and quantitative fit tests administered to employees including:

1. The name or identification of the employee tested
2. Type of fit test performed
3. Specific make, model, style, and size of respirator tested
4. Date of test
5. The pass/fail results for QLFTs or the fit factor and strip chart recording or other recording of the test results for QNFTs

Additional fit tests will be conducted whenever the employee reports, or the School, Physician, supervisor, of program administrator makes visual observations of, changes in the employee’s physical condition that could affect respirator fit. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious change in body weight.

If after passing a QLFT or QNFT, the employee notifies the School, program administrator, supervisor, or Physician that the fit of the respirator is unacceptable, the employee shall be given a reasonable opportunity to select a different respirator face piece and to be retested.

Types of Fit Tests

The fit test shall be administered using an OSHA-accepted QLFT or QNFT protocol. The OSHA-accepted QLFT and QNFT protocols and procedures are contained in Appendix A of OSHA Standard 1910.134.

QLFT may only be used to fit test negative pressure air-purifying respirators that must achieve a fit factor of 100 or less.

If the fit factor, as determined through an OSHA-accepted QNFT protocol, is equal to or greater than 100 for tight-fitting half face pieces, or equal to or greater than 500 for tight-fitting full face pieces, the QNFT has been passed with that respirator.

Fit testing of tight-fitting atmosphere-supplying respirators and tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators shall be accomplished by performing quantitative or qualitative fit testing in the negative pressure mode, regardless of the mode of operation (negative or positive pressure) that is used for respiratory protection.

• Qualitative fit testing of these respirators shall be accomplished by temporarily converting the respirator user’s actual face piece into a negative pressure respirator with appropriate filters, or by using an identical negative pressure air-purifying respirator face piece with the same sealing surfaces as a surrogate for the atmosphere-supplying or powered air-purifying respirator face piece.

• Quantitative fit testing of these respirators shall be accomplished by modifying the face piece to allow sampling inside the face piece in the breathing zone of the user, midway between the nose and mouth. This requirement shall be accomplished by installing a permanent sampling probe onto a surrogate face piece, or by using a sampling adapter designed to temporarily provide a means of sampling air from inside the face piece.

Any modifications to the respirator face piece for fit testing shall be completely removed, and the face piece restored to NIOSH approved configuration, before that face piece can be used in the workplace.

Fit test records shall be retained for respirator users until the next fit test is administered. Written materials required to be retained shall be made available upon request to affected employees.

Respirator Operation and Use

Respirators will only be used following the respiratory protection safety procedures established in this program.

The Operations and Use Manuals for each type of respirator will be maintained by the Program Administrator and be available to all qualified users.

Surveillance by the direct supervisor shall be maintained of work area conditions and degree of employee exposure or stress. When there is a change in work area conditions or degree of employee exposure or stress that may affect respirator effectiveness, the School shall reevaluate the continued effectiveness of the respirator.

For continued protection of respirator users, the following general use rules apply:

• Users shall not remove respirators while in a hazardous environment
• Respirators are to be stored in sealed containers out of harmful atmospheres
• Store respirators away from heat and moisture
• Store respirators such that the sealing area does not become distorted or warped
• Store respirator such that the face piece is protected

Face piece seal protection

The School does not permit respirators with tight-fitting face pieces to be worn by employees who have:

• Facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the face piece and the face or that interferes with valve function; or any condition that interferes with the face-to-face piece seal or valve function.
• If an employee wears corrective glasses or goggles or other personal protective equipment, the School shall ensure that such equipment is worn in a manner that does not interfere with the seal of the face piece to the face of the user.

Continuing Effectiveness of Respirators

The School shall ensure the following that employees leave the respirator use area:

• To wash their faces and respirator face pieces as necessary to prevent eye or skin irritation associated with respirator use
• If they detect vapor or gas breakthrough, changes in breathing resistance, or leakage of the face piece
• To replace the respirator or the filter, cartridge, or canister elements.

If the employee detects vapor or gas breakthrough, changes in breathing resistance, or leakage of the face piece the School will replace or repair the respirator before allowing the employee to return to the work area.

Procedures for IDLH atmospheres

For all IDLH atmospheres, the School shall ensure that:

1. One employee or, when needed, more than one employee is located outside the IDLH atmosphere
2. Visual, voice, or signal line communication is maintained between the employee(s) in the IDLH atmosphere and the employee(s) located outside the IDLH atmosphere
3. The employee(s) located outside the IDLH atmosphere are trained and equipped to provide effective emergency rescue
4. The School or designee is notified before the employee(s) located outside the IDLH atmosphere enter the IDLH atmosphere to provide emergency rescue
5. The School or designee authorized to do so by the School, once notified, provides necessary assistance appropriate to the situation

Employee(s) located outside the IDLH atmospheres will be equipped with:

• Pressure demand or other positive pressure SCBAs, or a pressure demand or other positive pressure supplied-air respirator with auxiliary SCBA; and either Appropriate retrieval equipment for removing the employee(s) who enter(s) these hazardous atmospheres where retrieval equipment would contribute to the rescue of the employee(s) and would not increase the overall risk resulting from entry; or
• Equivalent means for rescue where retrieval equipment is not required.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

The School shall provide each respirator user with a respirator that is clean, sanitary, and in good working order. The School shall ensure that respirators are cleaned and disinfected using the Standard Operating Procedure SOP: Cleaning and Disinfecting.

The respirators shall be cleaned and disinfected when:

1. Respirators issued for the exclusive use of an employee shall be cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to be maintained in a sanitary condition
2. Respirators issued to more than one employee shall be cleaned and disinfected before being worn by different individuals
3. Respirators maintained for emergency use shall be cleaned and disinfected after each use
4. Respirators used in fit testing and training shall be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

Cleaning and Storage of respirators assigned to specific employees is the responsibility of each employee.

Respirator Inspection

All respirators/SCBAs, both available for “General Use” and those on “Permanent Check-out”, will be inspected after each use and at least monthly. Should any defects be noted, the respirator/SCBA will be taken to the program Administrator. Damaged Respirators will be either repaired or replaced. The inspection of respirators loaned on “Permanent Check-out” is the responsibility of that trained Employee.

Respirators shall be inspected as follows:

1. All respirators used in routine situations shall be inspected before each use and during cleaning
2. All respirators maintained for use in emergency situations shall be inspected at least monthly and in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, and shall be checked for proper function before and after each use
3. Emergency escape-only respirators shall be inspected before being carried into the workplace for use

Respirator inspections include the following:

• A check of respirator function, tightness of connections, and the condition of the various parts including, but not limited to, the face piece, head straps, valves, connecting tube, and cartridges, canisters or filters check of elastomeric parts for pliability and signs of deterioration.
• Self-contained breathing apparatus shall be inspected monthly. Air and oxygen cylinders shall be maintained in a fully charged state and shall be recharged when the pressure falls to 90% of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure level. The School program contact person shall determine that the regulator and warning devices function properly

For Emergency Use Respirators the additional requirements apply:

• Certify the respirator by documenting the date the inspection was performed, the name (or signature) of the person who made the inspection, the findings, required remedial action, and a serial number or other means of identifying the inspected respirator.
• Provide this information on a tag or label that is attached to the storage compartment for the respirator, is kept with the respirator, or is included in inspection reports stored as paper or electronic files. This information shall be maintained until replaced following a subsequent certification.

Respirator Storage

Respirators are to be stored as follows:

1. All respirators shall be stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals, and they shall be packed or stored to prevent deformation of the face piece and exhalation valve.
2. Emergency Respirators shall be kept accessible to the work area
3. Stored in compartments or in covers that are clearly marked as containing emergency respirators; and
4. Stored in accordance with any applicable manufacturer instructions.

Repair of Respirators

Respirators that fail an inspection or are otherwise found to be defective will be removed from service to be discarded, repaired or adjusted in accordance with the following procedures:

1. Repairs or adjustments to respirators are to be made only by persons appropriately trained to perform such operations and shall use only the respirator manufacturer’s NIOSH-approved parts designed for the respirator
2. Repairs shall be made according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and specifications for the type and extent of repairs to be performed and
3. Reducing and admission valves, regulators, and alarms shall be adjusted or repaired only by the manufacturer or a technician trained by the manufacturer.

Breathing Air Quality and Use

The School shall ensure that compressed air, compressed oxygen, liquid air, and liquid oxygen used for respiration accords with the following specifications:

• Compressed and liquid oxygen shall meet the United States Pharmacopoeia requirements for medical or breathing oxygen; and
• Compressed breathing air shall meet at least the requirements for Grade D breathing air described in
• ANSI/Compressed Gas Association Commodity Specification for Air, G-7.1-1989, to include:
  • Oxygen content (v/v) of 19.5-23.5%;
  • Hydrocarbon (condensed) content of 5 milligrams per cubic meter of air or less;
  • Carbon monoxide (CO) content of 10 ppm or less;
  • Carbon dioxide content of 1,000 ppm or less; and
  • Lack of noticeable odor.

Compressed oxygen will not be used in atmosphere-supplying respirators that have previously use compressed air  oxygen concentrations greater than 23.5% are used only in equipment designed for oxygen service or distribution cylinders used to supply breathing air to respirators meet the following requirements  cylinders are tested and maintained as prescribed in the Shipping Container Specification Regulations of the Department of Transportation (49 CFR part 173 and part 178)  cylinders of purchased breathing air have a certificate of analysis from the supplier that the breathing air meets the requirements for Grade D breathing air moisture content in breathing air cylinders does not exceed a dew point of -50 deg.F (-45.6 deg.C) at 1 atmosphere pressure breathing air couplings are incompatible with outlets for nonrespirable worksite air or other gas systems.

No asphyxiating substance shall be introduced into breathing airlines.  Breathing gas containers shall be marked in accordance with the NIOSH respirator certification standard, 42 CFR part 84.

Cedar Mountain USTs-ASTs PLAN

 

PLAN REVIEW
Reviewer	Date
Eileen Kirk	4/22/2015
Eileen Carlson	9/30/2015

                                                                Contact: Clay Kleinschmidt

                                                                                   (507) 430-1369

 

UNDERGROUND AND ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANKS

Purpose

The Underground Storage Tank (UST) and Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) Management Program is designed to assist Cedar Mountain Public School administration and/or the Program Contact Person in assuring all USTs and ASTs are managed so that damage to the environment and the financial losses associated with liquid petroleum are prevented or minimized. This program will assure the school and responsible regulatory agencies that the underground and aboveground storage of liquid fuels will be managed in a responsible fashion.

Underground Storage Tanks

Regulatory Requirements

• Only heating oil tanks larger than 1,100 gallons capacity are regulated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
• Because heating oil tanks contain a combustible material, the State Fire Marshall under the Uniform Fire Code also regulates them.

Tank Registration

• Regulated heating oil tanks must be registered with the MPCA. To obtain the required forms call 1(800) 657-3864.).

Tank Installation

• Contractors who install regulated heating oil tanks must be certified by the MPCA. To obtain a list of certified contactors call (800) 657-3864.
• The MPCA must be informed at least ten days in advance of a new tank to be installed.
• The MPCA must be notified of the installation of a regulated heating oil tank within thirty days of completion of the project by use of a notification form.
• If the installation start date changes by more than two days from the original start date, the MPCA must be notified of the new start date.

Tanks Removal

• Contractors that remove heating oil tanks must be certified by the MPCA. Again information on certified contactors may be obtained by calling (800 657-3864).
• The MPCA requests notification ten days prior to tank removal.
• Provisions must be made for disposal of the tank and any leftover contents.
• Once the tank has been removed the school must notify the MPCA within thirty days.
• A site assessment (soil or ground water sampling) is not required, however strongly recommended.
• If the removal start date changes by more than two days from the original start date, MPCA must be notified of the new start date.

Abandoned Tanks

• Heating oil tanks that have been out of service for more than one year are considered abandoned and must be properly closed. Proper closure involves either removing the tank from the ground or closing in place. Closure in place requires prior approval from the local fire official or the State Fire Marshall.

Leak Detection

• There are no leak detection requirements for consumptive-use heating oil tanks in Minnesota. For further information, call the MPCA at (800) 657-3864.
• Owners/operators must report a known or suspected release from a heating oil tank system of any size by calling (800) 422-0798.

Corrosion Protection

• Heating oil systems smaller than 1,100 gallons capacity are unregulated and are not required to have corrosion protection, regardless of the date of installation.
• Heating oil tanks larger than 1,100 gallons capacity are regulated, but must have corrosion protection only if they were installed on or after August 1, 1985. However, there is no corrosion protection testing requirements for such heating oil tanks.
• Regulated heating oil tank systems installed before August 1, 1985 are exempt from corrosion protection requirements for the life of the tank system.

Spill Containment

• Heating oil tanks are not required to be equipped with a spill containment device. smaller than 1,100 gallons capacity are unregulated and are not requir3d to have corrosion protection, regardless of the date of installation.

Overfill Prevention

• Heating oil tanks are not required to be equipped with an overfill prevention device.

Insurance

• The MPCA does not require owners to have pollution liability insurance for heating oil tanks.

Aboveground Storage Tanks

Introduction

The use by public and private schools of aboveground storage fuel tank systems is generally of limited application. However, from time to time aboveground tanks can offer the district a convenient means of petroleum storage. Several criteria exist for establishment and use of above ground tanks. Existing facilities not previously converted, temporary storage, and tanks that may serve as a source of fuel containment for grounds keeping, bussing vehicles, and as a source of fuel to fire boiler facilities to mention a few.

Regulatory Requirements

Notification

• MPCA must be notified about all ASTs with a capacity of greater than 110 gallons with a capacity of greater than 110 gallons within 30 days of installation or change in tank status (Minnesota Statute, Chapter 116.48).
• Owners and operators must complete and submit the AST Notification Form to the MPCA. This form can be obtained on the Internet at http://www.pcs.state.mn.us/cleanup/ast.

Tanks that do not have to be registered include:

• Farm and residential heating oil tanks less than 1,100 gallons capacity
• Tanks used for storing agricultural chemicals
• Tanks that store liquids that are in gas form at atmospheric temperature and pressure (compressed gas tanks)
• Tote tanks
• Temporary tanks
• Tanks less than 110 gallons

Exemptions

• Tanks of 500 gallons or less
• Farm tanks
• Residential tanks less than 1,100 gallons used for noncommercial purposes
• Equipment or machinery containing substances for operational purposes such as hydraulic lift tanks, electrical equipment, and heating and cooling equipment
• Vehicles designed and used to transport substances if they don’t remain at the same location for more than 30 consecutive days or refill at the same site after dispensing the tank’s contents; wastewater treatment facility equipment
• Tote tanks; tanks with greater capacity than 500 gallons capacity, but less than or equal to 1,100 gallons capacity
• Tanks that store liquids that are in gas form at atmospheric temperature and pressure (compressed gas tanks)
• Tote tanks
• Tanks with greater than 500 gallons capacity, but less than or equal to 1,100 gallons capacity that are not within 500 feet of surface water;
• Septic tanks
• A surface impoundment, pit, pond, or lagoon;
• Storm water collection systems;
• Temporary tanks (tanks at a site less than 30 days);and
• Storage tanks with drinking water,

All AST’s greater than 110 gallons must still be registered with the MPCA unless specifically listed under the Notification exemption section above.

REQUIREMENTS for Regulated Tanks with capacity greater than 1,100 gallons

• Be registered
• Be labeled
• Constructed using appropriate industry standards
• Have secondary containment
• Have a facility posted sign
• Have substance transfer area safeguards
• Have internal and/or external corrosion protection
• Have overfill protection
• Be monitored for leaks and regularly inspected
• Be properly maintained
• Have monitoring and inspection records on site;
• Assess releases during operations or at tank removal and report them to the State duty Officer at (800) 422-0798
• Label lines so connections can be identified during substance transfer
• Have underground piping safeguards if utilized and
• Be properly closed if no longer used

Requirements for Temporary Tanks

Tanks larger than 1,100 gallons that store product for longer than 30 days, but less than one year must:

• Label tanks
• Post a facility sign
• Provide secondary containment and
• Perform site maintenance on tanks

 

 

 

Cedar Mountain Welding, Cutting and Brazing PLAN

 

PLAN REVIEW
Reviewer	Date
Eileen Carlson	9/30/2015

 

                                                                Contact: Hannah Wilts

(507) 440-0152

 

Welding, Cutting and Brazing

Introduction

This plan is designed to help the Cedar Mountain School District comply with the requirements of the Minnesota Department of Education with regards to protecting the health and safety of students and employees who weld, cut, and braze in their curriculum or work activity.  Based on OSHA Standards 1910.251-1910.255, this plan has been developed to provide for a safe healthy place for students and staff to learn and work.  It is important to note that this plan is written in conjunction with the Compressed Gas Cylinder Plan and is considered to be supportive of that plan.  Topic items related to oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting will be included in this plan by reference.

Given the complexity of the process involved in this plan, 1910.251 is the reference point for resolution of all safety related issues.

As written, this plan is intended to guide the School District in its efforts to provide safe equipment, work practices and safety procedures, but will need to be reviewed and modified on a regular basis.  The School District is responsible for the enforcement and updating of the plan.  Actual use of this plan is limited to Resource Training and Solutions and to the school districts which it represents.

Overview of OSHA Standard 1910.251

OSHA has developed this standard to list the basic precautions required for proper work processes, fire protection and prevention responsibilities for individuals involved in welding, cutting, and brazing activity.  Special considerations are delineated for individual’s assigned supervisory responsibilities under the standard, which the School District interprets to be the responsible instructor in the curriculum being presented.  The School District has also designated a person who will be held to the highest standards of training, preparation, and competence in this area.

As written, this plan will provide emphasis in the following areas:

1. Fire prevention and protection
2. Safe work practices and procedures
3. Health protection and ventilation
4. Program review

It is the intent of this plan to prevent accidents and injuries through recognition and the reduction of hazards, proper training, safe work practices, staff training, and program review.

 

Definitions

Designated Person-Instructor responsible for administering the safety plan including authorizing welding in the area, safety reviews, and working within defined safe work practices.

Energy Source-Any source of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other energy.  Electrical switches are not the only devices that need to be locked out.  Sources of air pressure, chemicals, steam, etc. must also be effectively isolated.

Eye Protection-Helmets, goggles, glasses, handheld shields designed to protect the welder or others from the effects of adverse exposure to radiant energy, especially the high yellow spectrum or sodium line.

Lock Box-A box which holds keys that have been used to lock energy isolating devices.  The lock box is in turn locked shut by authorized employee’s locks.  It is used to simplify a group lockout.

Job Lock-An extra lock that is placed on an energy isolating device or a lock box to insure lockout continuity between shifts.

Protective Clothing-Personal protective equipment to protect the welder from effects of heat and sparks; may vary with the size, nature, and location of work being performed.

Safe Work Practices-Policies and procedures developed to ensure that welding and related activity are conducted within the safety precautions established by 1910.251 for each welding activity.

Shade-Amount of protection provided by filter lenses selected according to work being performed and welding, cutting, brazing method in use.

Ventilation-A minimum rate of 2,000 cubic feet per minute per welder; can be varied depending upon local conditions such as where local exhaust hoods are provided.

Welder-Any operator of electric or gas welding and cutting equipment.

NOTE:  Additional definitions and hazards are referred to in the School District Compressed Gas Cylinder Plan.

Designated Person

The school district has designated the lead instructor of the metal shop as the responsible person for carrying out the requirements of the plan.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Ensure that good housekeeping methods are practiced, including the immediate removal and proper storage of combustible materials, elimination of trip and fall hazards;
2. During welding operations, ensure no combustible materials are present in the area;
3. Ensure that guards are used if the object to be welded or cut be moved and if all of the combustible materials cannot be moved;
4. Develop and implement safety training in the class curriculum so that students are provided in-depth training prior to operating welding or cutting equipment;
5. Ensure that students and others follow safe operating procedures, including wearing the appropriate PPE; and,
6. Review this plan regularly and at least annually recommend updates or changes to the plan forwarding the plan with recommendations to the Administrator for review by the School Board.

General Requirements

1. Fire Prevention and Protection

In all instances, welding, cutting, and brazing activity will be undertaken when the designated person has given permission for such activity to commence.  Such permission will ensure that the precautions have been taken to eliminate or minimize the possibility of fire or explosion in the immediate work air.  General fire safety practices are followed to ensure that combustible materials are not present in the area where the work activity is scheduled to take place.  In all instances, all combustible materials will be removed from the immediate vicinity and properly stored away from any possible exposure to heat or sparks.  In the event that it is not possible to remove all combustible materials, guards should be used prevent heat, sparks, and slag from radiating away from the heat source and into the surrounding area.  Some areas will require that special precautions be taken to ensure that sparks do not enter closed areas, cracks in floors, holes in walls, or other incidental openings where combustibles might be accidentally ignited.

Fire extinguishers are required to be maintained in the area and in readiness for instant use.  It is assumed that the staff supervising these operations will be trained in the safe use of fire extinguishers or will direct that the area be immediately evacuated in the event of a fire emergency.  Only staff trained in the use of fire extinguishers shall use them if the situation warrants.  The prime directive is to evacuate the area and summon the fire department per district emergency procedures for fire.

2. Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment will be provided to students and staff at no cost.  Personal protective equipment will include welding helmets, gloves, and aprons.  This equipment will be provided to the shop in sufficient quantity to protect all students and staff engaged in activity covered by this plan.  Any other personal protective equipment preferred or requested by student or staff will be provided on an exception only basis and then only with the recommendation of the designated person and approval of the Superintendent or designee.

At the end of each school day in which this personal protective equipment was used, the class instructor will provide time for the proper cleaning and storage of each piece of personal protective equipment, inspecting each piece daily for cleanliness and integrity.  All personal protective equipment will be stored in cabinets, with welding masks hung on provided hooks to prevent them from possible incidental damage.

3. Health Protection and Ventilation

Arc and gas welding create contamination to which students and instructors are readily exposed.  The three factors which govern the amount of exposure include:

1. Dimensions of the space in which the welding activity will be completed and is directly related to the height of the ceiling
2. Number of welders or amount of welding activities taking place
3. Possible dusts, gases, and fumes generated by the material being welded

4. Outside or Contractor Coordination

When an outside contractor or party is used to provide services in the shop areas, the shop instructor will ensure that they are made aware of safe work procedures and combustible hazards present in the area in which they will work.

Oxygen-Fuel Gas Welding and Cutting

1. Ventilation

Maximum allowable concentration can be determined by referring to 1910.1000 which is included as Appendix B of this plan.  In general welding situations, the minimum ventilation shall be at the minimum rate of 2,000 cubic feet per minute per welder.  This exception is where local exhaust hoods and booths with adequate ventilation are provided for each welder.

Ventilation hoods used by welders need to supply a minimum of 100 cubic feet per minute of air flow.  The ventilation requirements will vary depending on the material or size of space in which the material is being addressed.

2. Precautionary Labels

Potentially hazardous materials are frequently include in fluxes, coatings, coverings, and filler metals used in the welding and cutting processes or are frequently released into the atmosphere.  The hazardous materials most commonly used include:  fluorine compounds, zinc, lead, beryllium, cadmium, and mercury.  In instances where these materials may be present, it is the responsibility of the supplier to determine the hazard and to notify the designated person that it exists.  If so notified, the designated person will be responsible for posting appropriate warning labels and ensuring that the lesson plan provides for adequate protection for the students and staff to avoid inhalation hazards.

Arc Welding and Cutting

1. Equipment

Arc welding equipment shall be selected and maintained in compliance with industry standards, including ANSI and NEMA.  Applications need to take into consideration environmental conditions, voltage, and design ensuring maximum safety and least possible exposure to hazards by students and staff.  Terminals should be protected from accidental contact.  Barrier protection will be provided between welding stations to protect students from burns created by sparks and slag.  When the welding operation has been completed, the welding rod shall be removed from the holder and the holder placed in a non-conductive sleeve or other apparatus to provide protection in the event of an accidental activation of the welder.

2. Maintenance and Inspection

Arc welding equipment will be inspected regularly by staff to ensure that the cables and holders are in good working condition.  Defective equipment will be removed from service until repairs have been completed.

Resistance Welding

1. Guarding

All welders shall be equipped with emergency stops and power outage protection in the immediate vicinity of the operator along with lock-out/tag-out procedures established and equipment provided.  A welding-spark splash guard will also be provided along with guards on foot switches to prevent accidental operation.

Training Program

The School District personnel whose job functions include welding, cutting, and/or brazing, whether actually working in the activity or providing student instruction, shall receive training prior to any initial use or work assignments and an annual refresher thereafter.  This training may be combined with the district’s Employee Right-to-Know training program as well with other job related training programs.

Specific topics to be covered during training for employees shall include:

• Fire prevention practices
• Personal Protective Equipment-proper selection, use, and maintenance
• Health Protection
• Proper ventilation
• Labeling
• Equipment-proper selection, use, and maintenance

A sample training log can be found in Appendix A.

Recordkeeping

The school district will retain training records for each employee for a period of five years (minimum).  Training records will include the date the training took place, a copy of the agenda and outline of the training, and a log signed with legible signatures.