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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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)

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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)

21. 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