1. Ordering Acute Toxins
By Samer Alam

2. Outline Background of issue Risk assessment
Specific solution and implementation plan
Metric to track the effectiveness of solution

3. Chemical needed Purchase form submitted PI signs form Chemical used
Background of issue
While Chemical Hygiene Plan and a Standard Operating Procedure req, purchasing procedure is same as regular items:
Chemical
needed
Purchase form
submitted
PI signs
form
Chemical
used
Chemical
received
Order
placed

4. Background of issue, cont’d
Students may not be aware of the hazard
PI is the only checkpoint; may not know the name of every toxin
Clear designation of ‘particularly hazardous substance’ in the CHP is lacking*
Establishment of a designated area
Use of containment devices
Procedures for safe removal of contaminated waste
Decontamination procedures *

5. Risk assessment
Catastrophes could happen if PI does not catch the order
Acute toxin not recognized
EH&S wouldn’t be able to help since they are not made aware
User/other personnel/environment can be affected
Poisoning can be fatal

6. Specific solution and implementation plan
Checkpoints before and after ordering acute toxin:
Chemical
needed
Purchase form
submitted
PI signs
form
Chemical
used
Chemical
received
Order
placed

7. Specific solution and implementation plan, cont’d
Before ordering
CHP needs to have a ‘particularly hazardous substance’ designation
Students should be made aware of the hazards and proper procedures
Attach a simple form to any purchase form involving ordering acute toxins
After ordering the toxin, but before using it
Safety managers made aware of the acute toxin order upon receiving it

8. Additional
individual
new student
training

9. Lab PI: _________________ Lab Safety Manager: _________________
Person requesting order: _________________
Particularly Hazardous Substance: ______________
Amount of substance: _________________
Vendor: _________________
Date: _________________
Particularly Hazardous
Substance ordering
slip to attach to
purchase form

10. Tracking the effectiveness of solution
Could be tested during annual lab biosafety inspections
During annual project renewal
Random purchase form checks