Chemical Safety and Waste Management Manual

Chemical Safety and Waste Management Manual University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Occupational Health & Safety Chemical Safety Division 2002 EDITION 1. INTRODUCTION In a comparatively short time, the University of Alabama at Birmingham has gained significant recognition as a center of excellence for teaching, medical services and research programs. This is a highly commendable achievement and one that could not have been realized without the continued support and dedication of faculty, staff members, and employees. Similar unfailing cooperation and support are necessary for the institution to be equally successful in its development of a comprehensive occupational health and safety program for the protection of University personnel, students, and the surrounding community. An important part of this program is concerned with the safe and prudent handling of chemicals and their proper legal disposal as regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). Almost every laboratory and many allied and support personnel at UAB use chemicals in their daily activities. It is the purpose of this manual to describe the operation of the Chemical Safety Program and to provide guidance in establishing safe work practices for the use of chemicals. This program applies to all work operations at this University where employees may be exposed to hazardous substances under normal working conditions or during an emergency. The Chemical Safety and Waste Management Manual combines both the Chemical Hygiene Plan for laboratories and the Hazard Communication Program for maintenance, environmental services, and other support personnel. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard may be found at : http://www.osha- slc.gov/OshStd_data/1910_1200.html. The policies and procedures outlined herein are considered the standard of care for chemical safety and environmental health and have been adopted as official University Policy. 3 2. RESPONSIBILITIES 2.1 Chemical Safety Director The Chemical Safety Director is a member of the Department of Occupational Health & Safety staff and is primarily responsible for the implementation of the UAB Chemical Safety and Waste Management Program in all areas on UAB premises. Major duties or activities include the following: 2.1.1 Assisting in the preparation and periodic updating of the UAB Chemical Safety and Waste Management Manual which is in accordance with University policy and consistent with governmental regulatory statutes. 2.1.2 Providing consultation to investigators on matters relating to laboratory safety, appropriate storage and handling of chemicals and their proper disposal (excluding radioactive materials). 2.1.3 Aiding investigators in the development of appropriate emergency procedures for dealing with accidental spills and containment of non-radioactive chemicals. 2.1.4 Surveying laboratories in which hazardous chemicals are used, particularly in large quantities or those of unusual hazard potential, to ensure compliance with prescribed safety guidelines or governmental regulations. 2.1.5 Investigating accidents or incidents involving hazardous chemicals (excluding radionuclides) to determine probable cause and any violation of safety guidelines or breach of containment. Upon completing the investigation, the Chemical Safety Director will prepare a written report of findings for review and action, if any, by the UAB Chemical Safety Subcommittee. 2.1.6 Coordinating the UAB Hazard Communication and Chemical Safety and Waste Management Programs. The Chemical Safety Director, upon concurrence by the chairperson of the UAB Chemical Safety Subcommittee or, in his/her absence, by at least three other technically qualified members of the Committee, may stop any work involving the use of hazardous chemicals that creates an indisputable risk or danger to personnel or involves experiments prohibited by the Institution. The entire Committee then will review the problem and forward written 5 recommendation(s) to the President of UAB or his designee for final action. 2.2 Department Chairpersons/Directors Major duties or activities include the following: 2.2.1 The chief administrator of each Department, Research Institute or Center is responsible for the general safety of faculty, staff, and students working with chemicals in his/her overall area of jurisdiction. It should be emphasized that this responsibility is reduced in no way by activities of the Institutional Biosafety Committee, Radiation Safety Committee, and safety directors. 2.2.2 The chief administrator shall ensure that each principal investigator in his/her area or jurisdiction is provided with access to the UAB Chemical Safety and Waste Management Manual and should stress the importance of compliance with the guidelines therein. 2.2.3 The chief administrator and the principal investigator are mutually responsible for informing Chemical Safety of work involving hazardous chemicals and reporting accidents or incidents involving chemicals to the Chemical Safety Director. 2.2.4 The department chairpersons and faculty members who supervise teaching laboratories are mutually responsible for informing students of proper precautions to be taken when working with hazardous chemicals. 2.2.5 The department chairperson and the principal investigators or supervisors are mutually responsible for ensuring that employees under their direct supervision are properly trained about the potential hazards of the chemicals they use in their work area and trained in the proper use of equipment needed to safely handle these materials. 2.2.6 The department chairperson is responsible for appointing a chemical hygiene officer who will ensure compliance with the Chemical Safety Program and serve as a contact with our office. 2.3 Principal Investigator/Supervisor The principal investigator or supervisor is responsible for the following: 6 2.3.1 Complying with the UAB Chemical Safety and Waste Management Manual and all applicable regulations. 2.3.2 Ensuring that all persons directly involved in using hazardous chemicals are thoroughly trained in methods to minimize exposure and understand the potential health risk associated with their use. Ensure that documentation of such training is made and kept on file. 2.3.3 Establishing emergency procedures to be followed if there is an overt spill or accident involving chemicals. These procedures should be posted in a prominent place in the laboratory. It is recommended that a responsible member of the laboratory staff be designated to handle emergencies whenever the principal investigator is absent from the premises. 2.3.4 Reporting any unusual incident, such as a spill or release of a hazardous chemical, to the Chemical Safety Director and either the department chairperson or director, whichever is appropriate. Furthermore, in case of injury or suspected injury, an Accident/Incident Report Form should be completed (Appendix F). 2.3.5 Procuring all chemicals used in the department and the equipment needed to safely use, store, and handle the materials. 2.3.6 Working through the Chemical Safety Director and arranging for medical surveillance of laboratory personnel if deemed appropriate by The Workplace. 2.3.7 Ensuring that a current chemical inventory of hazardous materials is being used or stored in the laboratory or work area. 2.3.8 Cooperating with the Chemical Safety Director or his designated representative during inspection visits. 2.4 Hazardous and Regulated Materials Manager Major duties or activities include the following: 2.4.1 Ensuring the safe transport of surplus chemicals and chemical waste to the Hazardous Materials Facility. 2.4.2 Ensuring the safe and legal disposal of all hazardous waste from the Hazardous Materials Facility. 7 2.5 Chemical Hygiene Officer Under the direction of the department chairperson and/or the principal investigator, the chemical hygiene officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with the chemical safety program within the department. He/she functions as a liaison with the Chemical Safety Director. He/she may appoint a Designee to conduct the routine duties outlined below; however, the chemical hygiene officer is responsible for the completion of these tasks. 2.6 Designee A designee, appointed by the chemical hygiene officer, is responsible for the following: 2.6.1 Creating and maintaining a chemical inventory. 2.6.2 Maintaining access to MSDSs. 2.6.3 Conducting and maintaining records of training. 2.7 Employees Employees are responsible for the following: 2.7.1 Practicing safe procedures in the workplace as outlined in the Chemical Safety and Waste Management Manual. 2.7.2 Notifying their supervisor of unsafe conditions or practices observed. 8 3. BASIC SAFETY RULES FOR WORKING WITH CHEMICALS 3.1 General Rules To be used for essentially all laboratory or clinical work with chemicals. 3.1.1 Avoid "Routine" Exposure: Minimize exposure by any route. Do not smell or taste chemicals. Minimize skin contact. Vent any apparatus that might give off toxic chemicals (i.e., vacuum pumps, distillation columns) into local exhaust system. Inspect glove boxes and gloves before use. 3.1.2 Avoid "Horseplay": Do not engage in any behavior that may distract another worker. 3.1.3 Personal Protection: Safety glasses with side shields or goggles should be worn by all persons in the lab including visitors. Wear appropriate gloves, inspect, and replace them as necessary. If possible, do not wear

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