Risk Assessment: for the Use of a Potentiostat

RISK ASSESSMENT LABORATORY USE OF A POTENTIOSTAT

PURPOSE To evaluate and reduce the risks associated with the use of electrical equipment in the laboratory, and to identify and control all possible hazards the equipment may pose to laboratory workers. Potentiostat use involves the application of potentials and the passage of currents through solutions of electrolytes. While minimal and dependant on the type of instrument used, there are risks associated with the combination of an electrical appliance and a conducting fluid medium. There are always risks associated with the use of conducting metal ion solutions when degassing happens in a confined volume. In many cases, the potentiostat is computer driven or controlled; and therefore the positioning of a second electrical appliance involves additional risk that must also be evaluated.

HAZARDS The hazards associated with the use of any electrical appliance coupled with the presence of an electrolyte solution may consist of:  Electric shock due to the presence of non-insulated contact points as well as exposed electrode surfaces.  Burns due to the passage of currents through the body or contact with electrical current.  The formation of gases as a by-product of electrochemical reactions in the confined volume of the cell may cause an explosion and injury from flying glass and other debris as well as the possibility of skin or eye injury from the spill or splatter of the reaction media.  If used, compressed gas cylinders may present considerable danger to lab staff if not handled correctly as they may contain toxic, asphyxiating or flammable gases at high pressure and would expose employees to the following: o Injury/negative health effect from exposure to a toxic or asphyxiating gas. o Serious physical damage when one is exposed to the full force of the escaping gas. o Gas cylinder valves if broken can turn the cylinder into a lethal projectile.

There are also ergonomic hazards associated with the use of computers and would include:  Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) due to frequent and awkward use of computer keyboard. RSI symptoms include pain, swollen soft tissue, restricted joint movement, and possible loss of function.  Eye Strain  Fatigue and stress.

Additional Info on laboratory and Office Ergonomics maybe reviewed at http://www.d.umn.edu/ehso/ergonomics PRECAUTIONS Electrical equipment users should ensure that:  All wiring is in accordance with pertinent code and that care must be taken to avoid and protect against the hazards discussed above.  Depending on instrument, proper protective equipment (PPE) should be used to reduce the risk of eye and skin exposure, if the potential of exposure to chemical vapors exist, care must be taken to ensure all operations are conducted in well ventilated areas, or in a fume hood.  Necessary hands on training must be provided to all lab staff.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Laboratory employees are entitled to, and required to receive 1) proper research and lab specific–specific training to familiarize them with the lab equipment, types of hazards encountered in the lab, and 2) general occupational health and safety-related training as required by the OSHA Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in the Laboratory Standard 29 CFR 1910. 1450 (see the University Lab Safety Plan: http://www.d.umn.edu/ehso/safety/lsp.html

1. Lab Equipment-Related Training:

 Employees should familiarize themselves with the relevant references and user manuals and operate the equipment in strict compliance with manufacturer's instructions  Be trained and operate the equipment in accordance with any pertinent OSHA standards that may cover the use of such equipment.

2. Lab Standard: employees should familiarize themselves with the UMD Lab Safety Plan http://www.d.umn.edu/ehso/safety/lsp.html and take the following online training

 Introduction to Research Safety  Chemical Safety If hazardous chemicals wastes will be generated in the Lab the following training is required:  Chemical Waste Management Emergency Preparedness: All laboratory employees should attend a Laboratory Emergency Preparedness and Response training to familiarize themselves with UMD emergency procedure and what to do in case of an accidental exposure or injury.  https://www.d.umn.edu/ehso/safety/emergency_preparedness

Additional Training may be found at: http://www.d.umn.edu/ehso/safety/lsptrain.html

RECORD KEEPING:

4/6/2018 Training records must be kept for all trainings with a description of what the training entailed.

4/6/2018