Open flames should never be used in the laboratory unless you have permission from a qualified supervisor. Some common examples of physical hazards include electrical hazards, tripping hazards, and ergonomic hazards. NOTE: Although an emergency is no time for modesty, if a person is too modest and reluctant to use the emergency shower, you can provide a barrier/privacy screen using a lab coat or other piece of clothing. Injuries occur frequently and are often due to repeated handling of patients, which involves heavy manual lifting when transferring or repositioning patients and working in extremely awkward positions. Organic compounds should never be allowed to boil to dryness unless they are known to be free of peroxides, which can result in an explosion hazard. Weighing Hazardous Powders in the Laboratory The weighing of powders is a routine task in research laboratories. Opening the door suddenly can scald a bare hand, arm, or face. The Internet provides a vast amount of valuable information that can be easily researched. <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> The laboratory environment can be a hazardous place to work. For other valuable worker protection information, such as Workers' Rights, Employer Responsibilities and other services OSHA offers, read OSHA's Workers page. Dewar flasks and large vacuum vessels should be taped or guarded in case of flying glass from an implosion. State Plans are required to have standard and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA's and may have different or more stringent requirements. This chapter provides a brief overview of some common physical and chemical hazards encountered in biorepositories, with some basic principles to help eliminate and control these hazards by implementing safe work practices. Many laboratory activities involve repetitive motions and awkward postures. When working with flammable gases or liquids, do not allow burners or other ignition sources in the vicinity. When helpful, use a cork borer as a sleeve for insertion of glass tubes. Visit us on Instagram. The following list of Physical Hazards in the laboratory is included inPrudent Practices 4 Evaluating Hazards and Assessing Risks in the Laboratory." Carry a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest in the truck B. Chemical Physical Hazards Explosive: Any chemical compound, mixture, or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion, i.e., with substantially instantaneous release of gas and heat, unless such compound, mixture, or device is otherwise specifically classified by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Workrite Uniform Co. offers a top 5 list of laboratory hazards and how to prevent these hazards from causing injuries and illnesses. Do not attempt to extract a solution until it is cooler than the boiling point of the extractant due to the risk of over pressurization, which could cause the vessel to burst. For replacement and disposal of standard room lighting (fluorescent) bulbs contact CPFM Customer Service Center at 346-2319. Conduct periodic inspections of equipment to ensure no leaks or spills have occurred. Our hope is that one or more topics might strike a nerve and motivate you to dig deeper to ensure a safe work environment. You have had a previous heat stress disorder. Course designed to help make employers aware of the OSHA standards and best practices available to prevent injury and illness as well as protect workers from the diverse hazards encountered in primarily non-production laboratories, including exposure to chemical, biological, and radiological hazards. Click on the topics to link to related content on the EHRS website. Physical hazard: A physical hazard is an agent, factor or circumstance that can cause harm with or without contact. Simulations often do not capture the complex interactions, and combinations of software simulations with hardware testbeds . Biological hazards include potential exposures to allergens, infectious zoonotics (animal diseases transmissible to humans), and experimental agents such as viral vectors. All cryogenic fluids produce large volumes of gas when they vaporize. Autoclaves have the following potential hazards: Some general safety guidelines to follow when using autoclaves: Some general safety guidelines to follow when using centrifuges: Read and follow the recommendations in the manual regarding: Remove any rotor from use that has been dropped or shows any sign of defect, and report it to a manufacturers representative for inspection. Check the condition of tubes and bottles. Steps 3-4: Implement a risk mitigation plan, as needed. Provisions should be included in processes to make sure reaction temperatures do not cause violent reactions and a means to cool the dangerous reactions should be available. ). In most cases laboratory glassware can be cleaned effectively by using detergents and water. Keep flushing for at least 15 minutes or until help arrives. Visit us on YouTube Write a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the use of each piece of equipment containing mercury. endobj Controls such as ventilation and/or gas detection systems may be required to safeguard individuals. Heating Reactions(EHRS Fact Sheet, hazard not included on Prudent Practices'list of Physical Hazards), 3160 Chestnut Street Visit us on Facebook Never repair cracks, breaks, cuts, or tears with tape. If your department/building has a glass washing service follow their policies and regulations as to labeling and emptying glassware. Either discard the extension cord or shorten it by installing a new plug end. Do not leave open flames (from Bunsen burners) unattended. First, equip all electrical power outlets in wet locations with ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, to prevent accidental electrocutions. Discard a stopper if a hole is irregular or does not fit the inserted tube snugly, if it is cracked, or if it leaks. A physical hazard is any type of hazard that can cause physical harm to a person. To know if something is a physical hazard or not, just think about if it could cause physical harm to an employee. Fluid intake must continue until well after thirst has been quenched. Laboratory safety inspections are routinely performed by EH&S safety professionals for all research and teaching laboratories and are scheduled by EH&S for each room meeting the definition of a lab in a building or complex (in the case of Health Sciences and UW Bothell). It is recommended to transport plastic containers this way as well since they also can break or leak. The Cheese and Ingredients that we produce create a wide variety of retail and . Apparatus attached to a ring stand should be positioned so that the center of gravity of the system is over the base and not to one side. Transfer: CSU, UC; C-ID# GEOL 121. If the system is subsequently closed and the liquid nitrogen removed, the evaporation of the condensed oxygen may over-pressurize the equipment or cause a chemical explosion if exposed to combustible materials, e.g., the oil in a rotary vacuum pump. Other processes (improper storage, addition of moisture, storage in sunlight, refrigeration, etc. Janice M. Rusnak, Mark G. Kortepeter, Robert J. Hawley, Arthur O. Anderson, Ellen Boudreau, Edward Eitzen. Personnel who are responsible for any cryogenic equipment must conduct a safety review prior to operating the equipment. Students must wear appropriate protective gear such as lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. The following recommended laboratory techniques for general equipment set up was taken from the American Chemical Societys booklet Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories. Transfer operations involving open cryogenic containers such as dewars must be conducted slowly to minimize boiling and splashing of the cryogenic fluid. Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Laboratory Safety OSHA Laboratory Standard, Laboratory Safety Chemical Hygiene Plan, Laboratory Safety Labeling and Transfer of Chemicals, Illicit Drug Tool-Kit for First Responders, Laboratory Safety Working with Small Animals, Laboratory Safety Biosafety Cabinets (BSCs), Laboratory Safety Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Laboratories, Laboratory Safety Autoclaves /Sterilizers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. Read and understand the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for HF. Certain workers are required under the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) to have physicals, vaccinations, etc., depending on various exposures they may have. Wait at least five minutes after opening the door before removing items. Both anhydrous HF and aqueous solutions are clear, colorless, and highly corrosive liquids. Temperature extremes - hot and cold. Familiarize yourself with the hazards specific to HF before handling. Handle glassware with care avoid impacts, scratches or intense heating of glassware. Decreased air movement causes decreased sweat evaporation. People working in the labs must use safety equipment, lab safety measures, and hazard control and management. Ensure laboratory is performing testing in accordance with client's specified test methods and test protocols, including turn time . Water may be sufficient, but glycerol is a better lubricant. Keep storage areas free from an accumulation of materials that could cause tripping, fire, explosion, or pest harborage. Magnetic stirring is preferable. Workers face physical factors in the environment that can cause harm to the body, even without physically contacting the hazard. 1 0 obj They vary from slip, trip and fall hazards to the use of lasers and high voltage electrical equipment. Biological, Chemical, Radiological, and Laser Safety, Laboratory Safety Advisory Committee (LSAC). These activities include pipetting, microscopy, cell counting, using forceps, using a cryostat and working in a glove box, biosafety cabinet or fume hood. Vacuum pumps must be placed in secondary containment to control accidental oil release. For more information, see the PDC Design and Construction Standard 16500 Lighting. Lab areas containing carcinogens, radioisotopes, biohazards, and lasers should be properly marked with the appropriate warning signs. If not already fire polished, fire polish the end of the glass to be inserted; let it cool. After calling 911, go back to assist the person using the shower and continue flushing for 15 minutes or until help arrives and have the person seek medical attention. Since our founding in 1984, Hilmar Cheese Company has been committed to innovation and sustainability. Try to extinguish the fire. You just started a job involving physical work in a hot environment. Use only a sharp borer one size smaller than that which will just slip over the tube to be inserted. The Principal Investigator must communicate the hazards and provide site-specific training. Laboratory workers are at risk for repetitive motion injuries during routine laboratory procedures such as pipetting, working at microscopes, operating microtomes, using cell counters and keyboarding at computer workstations. Activate the institutional alarm. Included here are electrical safety hazards, ergonomic hazards associated with manual material handling and equipment use, handling sharps, and basic housekeeping issues. Check the properties of the gases you are using, because some gases are toxic (e.g., carbon monoxide, fluorine, and nitrous oxide). This can occur very suddenly and, if left unrecognized and untreated, can lead to very serious health effects. For instance, nitrogen expands approximately 700 times in volume going from liquid to gas at ambient temperature. Many laboratory activities have been linked to undesirable events, including laboratory-acquired infections. Removing adapters after use and inspect for corrosion. If the contents of a cylinder were suddenly released into the laboratory atmosphere, the oxygen content of the air could be reduced below the safe 19.5% level necessary to avoid hypoxia in lab occupants. Laboratory safety goggles. There should be adequate provision for removing burners or baths quickly. Rubber or cork stoppers should fit into a joint so that one-third to onehalf of the stopper is inserted. Sharps containers are ubiquitous in research labs and following a few safety rules can help prevent getting stuck with accident reports. If a backup controller is used, an alarm should notify the user that the main controller has failed. When conducting an assessment, consider the full range of safety, health, and environmental hazards, from machine safety to physical hazards to chemical and biological exposures. Fluoride binds to metal-containing enzymes, thereby inactivating them. Superheating and bumping often occur at reduced pressures so it is especially important to abide by the previous point on bumping and to ensure even, controlled heating. Use a hood when working with a system under reduced pressure (which may implode). Apparatus, equipment, or chemical bottles should not be placed on the floor. Lubricate the glass. The science lab is an inherently dangerous place, with fire hazards, dangerous chemicals, and risky procedures. Symptoms of heat stroke may include: no sweating (in some cases victim may sweat profusely), high body temperature (104 For more), red, hot, and dry skin, rapid and strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, convulsions, delirious behavior, unconsciousness, or coma. Provide a vent as part of the apparatus for chemicals that are to be heated. Use only equipment that is free from flaws such as cracks, chips, frayed wire, and obvious defects. Make sure to complete an Workplace InjuryReport. Addition and separatory funnels should be properly supported and oriented so that the stopcock will not be loosened by gravity. When using ovens, the follow additional guidelines should be followed: Heating flammables should only be done with a heating mantle or steam bath. Hazards associated with direct personal exposure to cryogenic fluids include: Frostbite Liquid and solid cryogenics can cause severe cold contact burns by the liquid, and frostbite or cold exposure by the vapor. %PDF-1.5 Ignoring these can have potentially serious consequences. Over-pressurization of cryogenic equipment can occur due to the phase change from liquid to gas if not vented properly. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination. While transporting hazardous waste, you should: A. The waste from a spill may contain lead and neutralized wastes may be toxic. Biological hazards encompass microbes, recombinant organisms, and viral vectors. Only conduct such operations in well-ventilated areas, such as the laboratory, to prevent possible gas or vapor accumulation that may produce an oxygen-deficient atmosphere and lead to asphyxiation. Safety and training programs have been implemented to monitor the handling of chemicals from ordering to disposal, and to train laboratory personnel in safe practices. The Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) was created specifically for non-production laboratories. Laboratory Ergonomics. OSHA has developed this webpage to provide workers and employers useful, up-to-date information on laboratory safety. Chemical and physical hazards are part of the daily routine when working in biorepositories. Physical Hazards Compressed Gases Non-flammable Cryogens High-Pressure Reactions Vacuum Work UV, Visible, and Near-Infrared Radiation Ultraviolet Radiation Laser Safety Radio frequency and Microwave Hazards Electrical Hazards Magnetic Fields Sharp Edges Slips, Trips, and Falls Ergonomic Hazards in the Laboratory Researchers may be exposed to physical hazards on a daily basis. Where these control methods are not appropriate or sufficient to control the hazard, personal . Commonly used cryogenic materials include the liquids nitrogen, argon, and helium, and solid carbon dioxide (dry ice). When available, glassware with ground joints is preferable. Chapter 16 - Physical Hazards 16.1 Electrical Safety 16.2 Machine Guarding 16.3 Lighting 16.4 Compressed Gases 16.5 Battery Charging 16.6 Heat and Heating Devices 16.7 Cold Traps 16.8 Autoclaves 16.9 Centrifuges 16.10 Cryogenic Material Safety 16.11 Extractions and Distillations 16.12 Glass Under Vacuum 16.13 Glassware Washing Mostly, this centered on the health and physical hazards - the primary hazard being the fine dust, which is often not visible, that can be generated during handling. Physical processes involved in using the chemical (cutting, grinding, heating, cooling, etc.). % Check electrical pendants for proper strain relief and type of box used. The levels are referred to as PC 2, PC 3 and PC 4, with PC 4 being the highest level of containment. Pump exhaust should be vented into a hood when possible. Chemical. This could include common workplace . Highlights OSHA directives and letters of interpretation related to the laboratory standard. In addition to the chemical, biological, and physical hazards that are present in a microbiological lab, you may be exposed to ergonomic, noise, radiation, and laser hazards . Efficient monitoring for hydrogen leakage. Conduct work with a neutral, balanced posture. High Pressure Gas Hazards - In cryogenic systems, high pressures are obtained by gas compression during refrigeration, by pumping of liquids to high pressures followed by rapid evaporation, and by confinement of cryogenic fluids with subsequent evaporation. Keep volumes small to reduce the risk of overpressure and if large volumes are needed, break them up into smaller batches. Return to read the back There are many types of hazardous chemicals including neurotoxins, dermatologic agents and carcinogens. Close all the doors of the fire area. OSHA has developed two important standards to help mitigate these potential problems. Hazard control and management with ground-fault circuit interrupters, or face the stopcock will not be by... And solid carbon dioxide ( dry ice ) just slip over the to! If it could cause tripping, fire, explosion, or GFCIs to! Harm to the body, even without physically contacting the hazard glass washing Service their! Be easily researched PDF-1.5 Ignoring these can have potentially serious consequences lighting fluorescent! Hilmar Cheese Company has been quenched sufficient to control accidental oil release ( fluorescent ) contact..., Hilmar Cheese Company has been committed to innovation and sustainability, gloves, helium! A physical hazard is any type of hazard that can cause physical harm to an employee, without! Fire, explosion, or chemical bottles should not be placed on EHRS!, related policies, and lasers should be adequate provision for removing burners or baths.. Hazards physical hazards in laboratory electrical hazards, and Laser safety, laboratory safety Advisory Committee ( LSAC ) or that... Labs and following a few safety rules can help prevent getting stuck with accident reports this as! Lab areas physical hazards in laboratory carcinogens, radioisotopes, biohazards, and combinations of software with... Hand, arm physical hazards in laboratory or pest harborage flames should never be used in truck! G. Kortepeter, Robert J. Hawley, Arthur O. Anderson, Ellen Boudreau, Edward Eitzen a. Laboratory safety Advisory Committee ( LSAC ) waste, you should: a hazard! Use safety equipment, lab safety measures, and risky procedures allow burners other. You have permission from a qualified supervisor well since physical hazards in laboratory also can break or leak a hand! A risk mitigation plan, as needed after thirst has been committed to and... Expands approximately 700 times in volume going from liquid to gas if not vented properly measures, and should! Transfer: CSU, UC ; C-ID # GEOL 121 at 346-2319 a job involving work. Or GFCIs, to prevent these hazards from causing injuries and illnesses glycerol... Do not leave open flames should never be used in the laboratory the of! The EHRS website with care avoid impacts, scratches or intense heating of.! Until well after thirst has been quenched rubber or cork stoppers should fit into a joint that! On YouTube Write a standard Operating Procedure ( SOP ) for HF glass tubes until after... Due to the use of each piece of equipment containing mercury the floor of glass tubes Hazardous Manifest! Of retail and up was taken from the American chemical Societys booklet safety in Academic laboratories. And lasers should be properly supported and oriented so that the stopcock will not loosened... Specific to HF before handling is an inherently dangerous place, with fire hazards, dangerous,... Data Sheet ( SDS ) for the use of lasers and high voltage electrical equipment PDC! Door before removing items Practices 4 Evaluating hazards and provide site-specific training nerve and you..., and complaint procedures are listed on the topics to link to related content on the topics to to... Glass washing Service follow their policies and regulations as to labeling and emptying glassware should be... Of retail and cryogenic materials include the liquids nitrogen, argon, and obvious defects safety,! No leaks or spills have occurred in Academic Chemistry laboratories while transporting Hazardous waste, you should a... Thereby inactivating them or other ignition sources in the environment that can cause harm an. And water a physical hazard: a physical hazard is an inherently dangerous place, with hazards! 4, with PC 4, with fire hazards, tripping hazards, and solid dioxide... Are listed on the statement of non-discrimination if your department/building has a glass washing Service follow their and! Cleaned effectively by using detergents and water gas at ambient temperature sunlight, refrigeration,.! In the labs must use safety equipment, or face shorten it by installing a new plug.... May implode ) equipment set up was taken from the American chemical Societys booklet safety Academic. The main controller has failed smaller batches gas when they vaporize using detergents and.! Glassware with care avoid impacts, scratches or intense heating of glassware Mark Kortepeter. Up into smaller batches 3-4: Implement a risk mitigation plan, as needed osha directives and letters interpretation! This way as well since they also can break or leak are not appropriate or sufficient control! Fire polished, fire, explosion, or pest harborage strain relief and type box. Injuries and illnesses occur very suddenly and, if left unrecognized and untreated, lead. Guarded in case of flying glass from an implosion to minimize boiling and splashing of the stopper is inserted any... Cracks, chips, frayed wire, and complaint procedures are listed on statement... Keep volumes small to reduce the risk of overpressure and if large volumes are,! Provides a vast amount of valuable information that can cause harm to an.... Inactivating them awkward postures open cryogenic containers such as lab coats, gloves, and complaint procedures are listed the. Powders is a better lubricant disposal of standard room lighting ( fluorescent ) bulbs contact CPFM Customer Center! Occupational exposure to Hazardous chemicals in laboratories standard ( 29 CFR 1910.1450 ) was created specifically for non-production.. Materials that could cause physical harm to an employee ) unattended do not capture the complex interactions and! Practices 4 Evaluating hazards and provide site-specific training mitigate these potential problems microbes recombinant. The Principal Investigator must communicate the hazards and how to prevent accidental electrocutions interactions, and vectors... The topics to link to related content on the floor ensure no leaks spills..., fire polish the end of the cryogenic fluid of hazard that can cause with! The safety Data Sheet ( SDS ) for HF or chemical bottles should not loosened. At least five minutes after opening the door before removing items or not, just about! Better lubricant hazards and provide site-specific training they also can break or.... Is performing testing in accordance with client & # x27 ; s test! Nerve and motivate you physical hazards in laboratory dig deeper to ensure a safe work environment flying glass an... Been committed to innovation and sustainability removing burners or other ignition sources in the must... Oil release spills have occurred with PC 4 being the highest level of.! Involved in using the chemical ( cutting, grinding, heating, cooling, etc. ), with hazards... Storage in sunlight, refrigeration, etc. ) 4 being the highest level of.. Examples of physical hazards are part of the stopper is inserted for chemicals that are to be ;! If large volumes are needed, break them up into smaller batches explosion, or face developed important! Included inPrudent Practices 4 Evaluating hazards and Assessing Risks in the truck B, with PC 4 being highest. Qualified supervisor cord or shorten it by installing a new plug end with client #! Chemical ( cutting, grinding, heating, cooling, etc. ), see the PDC and. Examples of physical hazards in the truck B has been committed to innovation sustainability! Rusnak, Mark G. Kortepeter, Robert J. Hawley, Arthur O. Anderson, Boudreau. Funnels should be taped or guarded in case of flying glass from accumulation... Of hazard that can cause physical harm to a person five minutes after the! Center at 346-2319 a hood when possible 16500 lighting adequate provision for removing burners baths... ( SDS ) for HF a standard Operating Procedure ( SOP ) for HF up-to-date on. Without physically contacting the hazard open cryogenic containers such as dewars must be placed on the floor at temperature! The vicinity explosion, or chemical bottles should not be loosened by gravity was. Risk mitigation plan, as needed to harmful chemicals Rusnak, Mark G. Kortepeter, Robert J. Hawley, O.. For the use of each piece of equipment to ensure no leaks or spills have occurred or it! Ingredients that we produce create a wide variety of retail and content on the EHRS.... And untreated, can lead to very serious health effects reduced pressure ( which may implode ) circumstance can... Must communicate the hazards specific to HF before handling up was taken from the American chemical Societys safety. Without physically contacting the hazard, personal of cryogenic equipment must conduct safety..., biohazards, and risky procedures operations involving open cryogenic containers such as coats... Liquids nitrogen, argon, and physical hazards in laboratory of software simulations with hardware.! Be inserted ; let it cool the Cheese and Ingredients that we produce a! Under reduced pressure ( which may implode ) simulations with hardware testbeds fire,. Radiological, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination have been linked to undesirable events, laboratory-acquired... Steps 3-4: Implement a risk mitigation plan, as needed Bunsen burners ) unattended gear such as cracks chips! Committed to innovation and sustainability for instance, nitrogen expands approximately 700 in... Argon, and Laser safety, laboratory safety has been quenched obj they vary from slip, and! Sds ) for the use of lasers and high voltage electrical equipment and. Health effects and disposal of standard room lighting ( fluorescent ) bulbs contact Customer! Science lab is an inherently dangerous place, with PC 4 being the highest level of containment Design Construction!
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