General Lab Safety for Chemistry Students (2024) PDF

Safety in Chemistry labs at Concordia University of Edmonton Updated – July 2024 In Chemistry labs at Concordia, you will be exposed to both physical and chemical hazards. Strict safety precautions and instructional steps are implemented to reduce the risk to you, those around...

Safety in Chemistry labs at Concordia University of Edmonton Updated – July 2024 In Chemistry labs at Concordia, you will be exposed to both physical and chemical hazards. Strict safety precautions and instructional steps are implemented to reduce the risk to you, those around you and the environment. A combination of Engineering Controls, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Good Lab Practices will help to further reduce your risk to hazards. The importance of being prepared BEFORE coming to your lab must never be overlooked. Inappropriate and dangerous behavior will not be tolerated in labs. 2  What is WHMIS? It is a comprehensive system for providing health and safety information on hazardous products intended for use, handling, or storage in Canadian workplaces. – Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. The main components of WHMIS are hazard identification and product classification, labelling, safety data sheets, and worker education and training. In Canada, WHMIS regulations are laws. WHMIS has aligned with the worldwide hazard communication system known as GHS – the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. Aligning with GHS provides many benefits, including: Hazard classification criteria are more comprehensive which improves ability to indicate severity of hazards. New hazard classes are included. Physical hazard criteria are consistent with the Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG regulations). Standardized language (hazard and precautionary statements). Standardized SDS format and more comprehensive requirements. Further information can be found on the Government of Canada’s CCOHS website https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/whmis_ghs/general.html 3  WHMIS 2015 WHMIS stands for: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System The current system was updated in 2015 to include a global standard for chemical labelling. This is commonly referred to as the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Each pictogram represents a Hazard Class. There are 10 different Hazard Classes. Hazard classes are further divided by Category. The Category provides more specifics on the product of question. 4 GENERIC EXAMPLE of a pictogram - Hazard Pictogram – “FLAME” - Hazard Class – “FLAMMABLE MATERIAL” - There are many Categories of flammable materials. - Only the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) will provide the specific category related to a chemical. SPECIFIC EXAMPLE - SDS for Magnesium Powder - Listed as a category 1 flammable solid and gas - Listed as a pyrophoric solid. NOTE: When reviewing a SDS, If you do not understand the information presented to you, you should not proceed with touching or working with a reagent. 5 Please review the WHMIS 2015 Pictograms which show the Hazard Class and some example categories. 6 Please review the WHMIS 2015 Pictograms which show the Hazard Class and some example categories. All WHMIS 2015 pictograms show a red square on point except for the biohazard symbol. If you see any different symbols, they would have been from a previous outdated version of WHMIS. 7  GHS Label Requirements In the lab, you will work with a combination of reagents. Solids, liquids, commercially prepared reagents, internally prepared solutions. As required by Federal Legislation, we at CUE are required to follow the up-to-date labelling requirements as described within WHMIS 2015 and the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) Any hazardous reagent you work with in the lab is required to present this information in the form of pictograms and written statements. 8  6 GHS Label Requirements https://www.bradyid.com/applications/ghs-labeling-requirements 1. Signal Word 2. GHS Symbols (Hazard Pictograms) - black out “empty ones” 3. Manufacturer Information 4. Precautionary Statements / First Aid 5. Hazard Statements 6. Product Name or Identifiers 9  GHS Label Requirements Permanent GHS labels are required for permanent storage containers. Labels are not required when the following criteria are met: The material is used within the work shift of the individual who makes the transfer The worker who made the transfer is in the work area the entire time during use The container stays within the work area and in the possession of the worker who filled the container During your lab, you do not need official labels. But you should be labelling things temporarily to keep track of them. 10  The full picture Hazard pictograms and written instructions on bottles only represent a portion of the available information related to chemical labelling and hazards. One part of being prepared, is knowing the hazards that are associated with reagents to be used. These details can be found in Safety Data Sheet’s (SDS) which are publicly available on- line. (Ex: Google – “Acetonitrile SDS”) A Safety Data Sheet provides much more information than a label on a bottle! Always review the SDS before working with a chemical. A Safety Data Sheet will also show Categories within the Hazard Class. All labs are equipped with laptops if you have forgotten to look. 11  Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Is a 16-part document that details information on chemicals: Name, Hazard Identification, Composition, First-Aid Measures, Fire-Fighting Measures, Accidental Release Measures, Handling and Storage, Exposure Controls/Personal Protection, Physical and Chemical Properties, Stability and Reactivity, Toxicological Information, Ecological Information Disposal Considerations, Transport Information Regularity Information, Other Information It is the responsibility of a chemical supply company to ensure that Safety Data Sheets are prepared and up to date It is the end user’s responsibility to look up and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS) prior to working with a chemical. Safety Data Sheets are publicly available documents that can be accessed via the internet Example SDS for Methanol from Sigma-Aldrich 12  Entering a Lab Space The first thing to note before entering any lab space is the signage on the door. This summarizes things to note before entering the space such as: 1. Hazards you will find in the space 2. PPE requirements necessary for entering the space such as clothing, lab coat, safety glasses, etc. 3. Emergency contacts in the event of an incident in the lab space. 13  Entering the Lab - PPE Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is protective equipment and/or clothing that are designed to minimize the risk of exposure to hazards. Come to lab appropriately dressed While in the lab, you should have NO SKIN EXPOSED Wear full length pants and closed toed shoes Jeans with holes are NOT PERMITTED Leggings are not an appropriate substitute for pants Come prepared with the following basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Personally owned Lab coat – store this in a plastic bag when not in the lab Personally owned safety glasses NOTE: contact lenses should not be worn in the lab. There is increased risk of eye damage if chemicals were to get in the eye. NOTE: some lab manuals may state that lab coats and https://health.ucdavis.edu/medresearch/safety/Documents/4-3-poster-for-ppe-and-lab-attire safety glasses are supplied – this is NOT the case 14  Entering the Lab - PPE Basic PPE (lab coat and safety glasses) are the responsibility of lab users, but there will be times where advanced PPE is required. Additional PPE will be provided when required Nitrile Gloves Acid aprons Hot hands Chemical Resistant Gloves UV resistant face shields Other Equipment as Required If you have forgotten your PPE, or have not come appropriately dressed, consult your lab instructor immediately as they may be able to loan certain items. PPE and appropriate clothing are entry requirements for lab spaces. You must come prepared. https://health.ucdavis.edu/medresearch/safety/Documents/4-3-poster-for-ppe-and-lab-attire 15 Entering the Lab – What NOT to Do Strict rules in the lab are in place for your safety and for the safety of those around you. NOT permitted in any laboratories: Eating Drinking Smoking/Vaping Handling contact lenses Storing food and drink Lockers or shelf space will be available for students to store any personal items like backpacks or jackets during the lab period. Open drinks will be stored outside of the lab doors to prevent any contamination. Students may step out at any time to take a break or have a drink whenever needed. If stepping out, remember to remove your PPE. 16 Operational Practices Hand Hygiene Hands must be washed before and after working in the lab. We want to keep chemicals and lab materials contained inside. Washing hands for at least 20 seconds: – wash with soap and water, leaving hands wet – cover with soap which is worked into a lather to cover the skin for at least thirty seconds – rinse with water Before putting on nitrile gloves: – Cuts, abrasions, lesions or dermatitis must be covered by a waterproof dressing for extra protection 17 Operational Practices Donning and Doffing of gloves 18  Operational Practices There is a reason you are wearing gloves, consider what you are touching when wearing them and why you don’t want that on other surfaces. Do NOT touch door handles, sink taps, or other high-touch surfaces like your phone, while wearing gloves. Gloves must be removed before leaving the lab space. https://ehs.unl.edu/safety-posters/laboratory-safety-posters 19 Lab Doors & Ventilation Lab doors are to always remain closed. They serve as a fire break. They are instrumental to air balancing which will prevent air, or gases, from leaving the lab. If air balancing is not achieved, fume hoods and other types of ventilation do not operate properly. Air balancing is determined via pressure sensors. A propped open door creates a breach in lab safety and causes the ventilation systems to operate improperly. Your instructors will unlock door handles for entry during lab periods, but doors will remain closed. 20  Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV’s) Fume hoods: An example of an Engineering Control to be used for working with volatile agents (ex. solvents) and particulates (ex. Silica dust) Try to work 6” inside the hood Lower the sash height to maximize air draw and protect your upper body Be aware of walking quickly past a fume hood, as a disruption of the airflow may occur https://ehs.wisc.edu/labs-research/chemical-safety/chemical-safety-guide/fume-hoods/ Snorkels not as effective as fume hood more susceptible to air flow disruption SOURCE of vapors/fumes needs to be within 8” (20cm) for most effective removal https://www.psalaboratoryfurniture.com/FumeHoodTypes/Snorkel 21  Safety Shower and Eyewash In the event that something gets in your eyes, immediately go to the eye wash station and rinse thoroughly for 15 minutes. Alert you instructor. (1) (2) (3) Some labs are equipped with a rotating eyewash station It functions as a normal tap, until you rotate the end piece If your lab coat or clothing becomes saturated in some chemical or catches fire, use the safety shower. 1. https://www.fishersci.ca/shop/products/haws-model-7620-axion-eyepod-faucet-mounted-eyewashra/19033732 2. https://www.grainger.com/product/WATERSAVER-FAUCET-COMPANY-Plumbed-Eyewash-Eyes-Coverage-2DCJ8 3. https://rifftsafety.co.nz/product/emergency-shower-free-standing-plastic-shower-head/ 22  Spills in Laboratories Accidents happen and small amount of reagent or solvent may be spilled on the bench or floor. In most cases, wiping it up with paper towel and rinsing it down with water will be sufficient. If hazardous materials are spilled (concentrated acids/bases, corrosive materials, etc.), alert your instructor immediately and do not touch it. A spill kit may be needed. Labs are equipped with spill kits and instructions for these are found within the kits, and lab staff understand https://www.airliquide.ca/allwik-universal-portable-spill- the required steps. kit/product/A0963929?skuRepositoryId=A0963929 Spills of hazardous materials (>50mls) need to be reported. 23  Hazards Thermal hazards - Open flames (ex. Bunsen burners) - Exothermic reactions - Hot liquids - Hot plates – some are equipped with caution lights to indicate if caution is required Use tongs and hot hands or let things cool down while being aware Cut hazards - Glassware that is chipped needs to be replaced immediately. Glassware that is broken needs to be cleaned up immediately. - Razor blades need proper handling and disposal Electrical Hazards - Do not operate equipment near open water - Do not overload circuits, power bars are not acceptable in labs 24  Handling and Disposing of Sharps When handling needles, be very careful not to poke yourself. An injection hazard is very serious as natural body defenses are avoided (internal exposure). Do NOT recap a used needle. Dispose of it directly into a sharp's container while attached to the syringe, do NOT separate https://www.medsupplies.co/needles-syringes-ivs/sharps-containers/ these before disposal. https://www.shutterstock.com/search/needle-cap 25 Glass Waste and Handling Broken Glass If glassware is chipped or broken, alert your lab instructor. They will be able to clean up and replace the item. Every lab is equipped with a broom and dustpan to clean up any broken glass and a glass waste disposal box. It is important to keep broken, contaminated glass out of the regular garbage for the protection of lab and custodial staff. https://www.fishersci.ca/shop/products/fisherbrand-glass- disposal-boxes-5/p-2378523 26  Chemicals Waste Proper chemical waste disposal is very important. Solid waste When excess solid chemical is dispensed at the balance, place inside a solid waste container. Do NOT return to stock container. Any solid waste or product must go in these containers. Weigh papers/filter papers go in regular garbage, NOT solid waste Liquid/Solvent waste: There are three separate liquid waste containers: 1. Halogenated organic waste 2. Non-halogenated waste 3. Heavy metal inorganic/aqueous waste Your instructor and the lab manual will specify what waste container is used for different solutions. If you notice a waste container getting full, alert your instructor. Do NOT overfill. 27  First-Aid Kits Any incident that involves opening and using a first aid kits needs to be reported to lab instructor and an incident report must be completed. In the event of a manageable cut or burn, alert lab instructor and seek first aid. Always use best judgement and contact https://www.mediband.com/ca/catalog/product/view/id/1302 /s/st-john-workplace-wall-mount-first-aid-kit-677501/ emergency services (911) if necessary. 28  Accidents / Occurrence Reporting Injuries, which occur in the laboratory must be immediately treated. – Please contact Security Services (5555 from an internal phone) or 780-479-8481 immediately – For serious accidents or injury phone 911 Injuries requiring first aid may be treated using the eyewash station, safety shower or first aid kit provided in the lab. Emergency transport (ambulance) shall be contacted to respond to injuries requiring more extensive treatment. All injuries shall be investigated by the employee's immediate supervisor (or designate) and reported to the Biosafety officer. Lab incidents (without injury) should also be reported and reviewed with the Biosafety officer. Occurrence Reporting at CUE is currently done through Health and Safety – As a member of the CUE Community, if you are involved in a health and safety incident, accident or injury on campus, or during the course of your duties off campus, you must complete the Occurrence Report. – The Occurrence Report can be accessed here or at https://bit.ly/CUE-Occur. You will need your CUE faculty, staff or student credentials to log-in to access the Occurrence Report. – Please forward the completed Occurrence Report to your Supervisor for review and signature. Your Supervisor will review, sign and forward the Report to [email protected]. – As a Worker, you may also need to also complete a WCB Worker Report of Injury or Occupational Disease. This can be 29 done on the Alberta WCB website at https://www.wcb.ab.ca/claims/report-an-injury/for-workers.html.  Leaving the Lab When your work is completed in the lab, take note of the following before leaving: Follow proper chemical and material waste disposal instructions Remove and dispose of used gloves Wash hands before leaving the lab Return clean glassware and materials to locker or storage space Clean bench and check in with your instructor before leaving 30  Final Steps There is a mandatory quiz to complete in Moodle. Completion of this material is a lab entry requirement. – Minimum passing grade of 75% A certificate will be generated automatically when the passing criteria is met. Show this certificate to your lab instructor by the start of the second lab visit. Come prepared, be safe and learn some hands-on skills! 31  Literature cited Ansell - https://www.ansell.com/-/media/f30e6572b71646d3b3a889d4777ea017.ashx CCOHS - https://www.ccohs.ca/products/posters/handwashing.html CCOHS- https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/whmis_ghs/pictograms.html Eyewash station- https://www.fishersci.ca/shop/products/haws-model-7620-axion-eyepod-faucet-mounted-eyewashra/19033732 PPE- https://health.ucdavis.edu/medresearch/safety/Documents/4-3-poster-for-ppe-and-lab-attire.pdf Public Health Agency of Canada. 2022. Canadian biosafety standard for facilities handling or storing human and terrestrial animal pathogens and toxins. 3rd ed. Ottawa (ON): Public Health Agency of Canada. Publication No.: 220463; [updated 2022 Nov 24]. https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/migration/cbsg-nldcb/cbs-ncb/assets/pdf/canadian-biosafety-standard-third- edition.pdf. University of Nebraska Lincoln EH&S - https://ehs.unl.edu/safety-posters/laboratory-safety-poster Any additional images take by Devin Hughes. 32