Laboratory Safety 7-12 The most important responsibility of any science educator.

“I don’t have to worry about that, I have never had an accident.”

Three things you never want to have to say when it comes to safety.  I thought that worked.  What do I do now?  That never happened before!

Accident Prevention  Realize that an accident can happen!  Plan for the worst.  Be prepared to respond properly to an emergency.  Training

Types of Negligence MMMMalfeasance: Doing that which should not have been done, i.e., forcing an employee or student to assume an unnecessary risk. MMMMisfeasance: Improper performance of a lawful act, i.e., improper first aid or instruction. NNNNonfeasance: Failure to perform a required act, i.e., instruction or warning.

Safety Plan  Locate resources  Do a needs assessment of your facilities.  Make prioritized goals for improving your facilities based on needs assessment.  Solicit administrative buy-in.  Develop a written safety plan.  Develop a chemical hygiene plan.  Do annual evaluations of your safety and chemical hygiene plans and facilities.

Eye Safety  Always wear appropriate eye protection. ANSI Z R ANSI Z R  Splash goggles when working with chemicals.  Face Shields Used in addition to safety glasses or goggles. Used in addition to safety glasses or goggles.  Eyewash fountains. Temperate water Temperate water 0.4 gpm flow 0.4 gpm flow Test weekly (Acanthamoeba) Test weekly (Acanthamoeba) Inspect monthly Inspect monthly  Contact lenses  Portable Shields

AB C

Chemical Labeling  Minimum Label Information Identity Identity Hazard warning Hazard warning Information source Information source  It is illegal to deface or remove chemical labels as long as the container still contains the chemical. You may add your own You may add your own  Types of Labels Manufactures Manufactures NFPA (704 diamond *problem: made for firefighters wearing personal protective gear) NFPA (704 diamond *problem: made for firefighters wearing personal protective gear) Shipping Shipping Waste Waste

Waste  Pouring chemicals down the drain or evaporating in a fume hood is not always a good idea (even when the provider recommends this action). Always check local regulations and sewage treatment plant for capacity before disposing of anything down the drain. Always check local regulations and sewage treatment plant for capacity before disposing of anything down the drain. If your waste water is not treated, DO NOT POUR ANYTHING DOWN THE DRAIN, check with EPA. If your waste water is not treated, DO NOT POUR ANYTHING DOWN THE DRAIN, check with EPA.  Public school laboratories are not licensed to treat waste. Write neutralization into lab procedure. Write neutralization into lab procedure.

Four Simple Questions WWWWhat are the hazards? WWWWhat are the worst things that can happen? WWWWhat do I need to do to be prepared? WWWWhat are the prudent practices, protective facilities, and productive equipment needed to minimize risk?

AAA Approach  Awareness  Assessment  Action