Introduction to the Biotechnology Workplace Chapter 9 Introduction to a Safe Workplace

Safety Is defined as the elimination of potential threats to human health and well-being It is also defined as the acceptability of risk All work places have accidents All employees may encounter emergencies Accidents are unexpected and usually sudden events that cause harm Emergencies are situations requiring immediate action to prevent an accumulation of harm of damage to people or property.

Hazards and Risk Assessment All laboratories are filled with hazards Are the equipment, chemicals, and conditions that have a potential for harm. Risk is a measure of safety in the workplace Is the probability that a hazard will cause harm Risk assessment is an attempt to estimate potential for injury or property damage Risk assessments are used to develop safety guidelines However, major accidents are rare in labs!!! Hazards include heavy equipment chemicals electricity, animals, infectious agents Safety guidelines are procedures that are designed to prevent accidents by reducing the risk of hazards in situations where the hazards cannot be eliminated.

Responsibility for safety Safety is everyone’s business. Universal rule in the lab is cleanliness Safety first is the best attitude Employees have the right to work in a safe environment Continual awareness is the key

Laboratory Safety Management Regulatory agencies Standards are operating principles or requirements related to many areas in addition to safety Many standards are voluntary Regulations are operating principles required by law

Regulatory categories Worker safety Environmental Protection The use and handling of animals Regulation of Radioisotopes ANSI, UL, NFPA

Institutional Responsibility OSHA Part of Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration Monitors workplace safety Federal Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), regulates use of hazardous materials in industrial workplaces Right To Know law (HCS) p-23

Right To Know Law Provides for: Workplace hazard ID A written hazard communication plan MSDS for all hazardous chemicals Clear labeling of all chemicals Worker training for the safe use of all chemicals

Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) Written manual that outlines the specific information and procedures necessary to protect workers from hazardous chemicals Institutions have considerable latitude in developing their CHP Table 2.2, p 23. All work related injuries and health problems must be reported to OSHA

Environmental Protection EPA has primary responsibility for the enforcement of laws to prevent environmental contamination with hazardous materials TSCA, Toxic substance control act, was designed to regulate chemicals that pose health and environmental risk RCRA tracks hazardous waste from creation to disposal (include transport, storage, emergency procedures and waste management for toxics (Resource Conservation & recovery act)

Laboratory Responsibility Each lab must have its own amendments to the CHP. Each lab (of more than 3 people) must have a designated safety officer Safety officer or committee will: Serve as safety advisor to lab Ensure documentation and understanding of safety procedures

Continued Act as a liaison with the institutions safety officers Communicate policy changes to co-workers Coordinate internal safety inspections Ensure that equipment is maintained properly Keep records of hazards and problems within the laboratory

Lab: Labeling and documentation Labeling of hazardous chemicals is required by HCS All containers of hazardous chemical must be clearly labeled Lack of labeling is most common OSHA citation MSDS, Material Safety Data Sheet, must be available for each chemical in the lab MSDS is a required legal document supplied by chemical suppliers that describe chemical properties

MSDS May come in a number of forms and formats Typical contents are shown in Table 9.4 Figure 9.3 shows an example of a MSDS for acrylamide

Additional Requirements Labs must be labeled with signs that indicate other hazards in the lab. Do Not Enter No Smoking Lab procedure documentation Job Safety Analysis, JSA, is a detailed analysis of each step in a procedure, identifying hazards and outlining accident prevention strategies

Housekeeping Good house keeping can prevent hazards Staff familiar with the lab should clean counters and lab equipment each day (before and after work) Bench tops and shelves should not be cluttered Objects in a work area should be a few as possible

Cleanup Should include decontamination and rinsing of glassware in preparation for dishwashing Regular inspections for housekeeping and safety regulations should be made Need system of waste collection and disposal May be difficult and expensive for unidentified materials Reduce environmental concerns

Emergency Response Everyone must be aware of emergency procedures One person trained in first aid and CPR First aid kit accessible and stocked Protective devices marked and accessible Fire extinguishers, eyewash station, showers Emergency numbers and procedures posted Evacuation routes clear of clutter

Personal Responsibility Personal Hygiene No eating, drinking, smoking, gum or application of cosmetics in the lab Never store food in lab or pockets Remember that open packs of cigarettes can absorb fumes Wash hands Tie long hair back Beards are not preferred

Continued Do not apply or adjust contact lenses in lab Wear lab goggles Use protective gloves and coats Never work alone Never work when impaired, tired, or distracted Don’t wear lab apparel or gloves into public areas (remove gloves for non lab activities)

Safety Training Keys to training are for workers to: Contents Understand risks in their jobs Recognize personal susceptibility to accidents Learn preventative measures Accept personal responsibility Contents Specific Hazards of the job Minimizing risks to workers