Laboratory Safety Plan Adapted from: University of Maine System Laboratory Safety Plan Model and Guide University Environmental Health and Safety 2 Laboratory Safety Plan UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE POLICY The policy of the University of Maine System is to comply with all Federal or State laws pertaining to the safety of University employees and the elimination of unnecessary safety hazards from the workplace. This policy includes requirements under Federal OSHA regulations, regulations issued by Federal and State agencies covering hazardous chemicals, asbestos, radioactive waste materials, and any other substance potentially harmful to employees or students. The Chancellor is directed to take the actions necessary to assure that all units of the University of Maine System are in compliance with this policy and with all pertinent Federal and State regulations. The Chancellor or a delegated representative is authorized to review and approve plans developed by individual campuses or other organizational units prior to their implementation to assure compliance with this policy. -Adopted by the Board of Trustees May 19, 1984 University Environmental Health and Safety 3 Laboratory Safety Plan TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION CONTENT 1. Introduction (Sub-sections A – F) 2. Standard Operating Procedures 3. Criteria for Implementation of Control Measures 4. Laboratory Safety Equipment 5. Information and Training 6. Required Approvals 7. Medical Consultation and Examination 8. Campus Contacts University Environmental Health and Safety 4 Laboratory Safety Plan APPENDICES A. General Standard Operating Procedures for the Laboratory A-1 General Procedures for Safe Laboratory Practice A-2 Protective Apparel for the Laboratory A-3 Safety Equipment for the Laboratory A-4 Electrical Equipment in the Laboratory A-5 Working with Acutely Toxic, Chronically Toxic and Corrosive Substances A-6 Handling Flammable and Explosive Substances A-7 Ordering and Procurement of Chemicals A-8 Storing Chemicals in Storerooms and Stockrooms A-9 Distributing Chemicals from Stockrooms to Laboratories A-10 Storing Chemicals in Laboratories A-11 Handling Spills A-12 High and Low Pressure Experiments A-13 Handling of Compressed Gases B. Use and Types of Laboratory Hoods C. Testing Procedures for Certification of Laboratory Fume Hoods D. Annual Preventive Maintenance for Laboratory Fume Hoods E. Recommendations for New Laboratory Fume Hoods F. Procedures For Disposing Of Chemicals In Laboratories G. General Emergency Procedures H. Emergency Response Plan For This Laboratory I. Emergency Contact Numbers J. Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories (Chemical Hygiene Standard) 1910.1450 K. Additional Protection for Work with Particularly Hazardous Substances L. Review and Update M. References University Environmental Health and Safety 5 Laboratory Safety Plan SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION A. PURPOSE This laboratory safety plan sets forth policies, procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment, and work practices that are capable of protecting University personnel and students from the health and safety hazards inherent in laboratories. The primary goal of this plan is to assist in making the laboratory a safer place to work. The secondary goal of this plan is to meet various state and federal regulations such as Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 1910.1450, "Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories." A copy of this standard may be found in Appendix A. Sections of this plan that have evolved as a result of this standard will be crossed referenced at the beginning of the section [example 29 CFR 1910.1450 (a)]. This laboratory safety plan is equivalent to the chemical hygiene plan described in the standard. B. SCOPE All laboratories within the University of Maine System must have a laboratory safety plan that is specific for each laboratory. Laboratories may include but are not limited to academic, research, photographic processing, art, and any other situation where hazardous chemicals or substances are used. This laboratory safety plan has been developed from general guidance documents produced by the University of Maine System's Office of Facilities. Some components of this plan are required by the above referenced OSHA regulation and other pertinent State and Federal regulations. Other components have been incorporated that are currently considered as prudent practice to promote safety in the laboratory. C. RESPONSIBILITIES University of Maine System Office of Facilities Develop and update as needed a general guidance document outlining the format and subject matter that should be covered as required by pertinent regulations in all laboratory safety plans. Offers technical guidance and assistance to campus chemical hygiene officers. Maintain resources that may be used by individual campuses through the Chemical Hygiene Officer to assist in the implementation of training requirements outlined in this plan. Random inspections of laboratories to ensure laboratory safety plans are in place, effective, and being followed. Conduct safety audits of laboratories on request and make recommendations to improve safety within the laboratory. University Environmental Health and Safety 6 Laboratory Safety Plan Chemical Hygiene Officer – John R. Reed Ensures each department that is responsible for laboratories has developed a written laboratory safety plan for each laboratory under their responsibility. Assists departments in the development of laboratory safety plans and ensures plans are in accordance with or equivalent to the University of Maine System's guidance document. Ensures any laboratory safety plan not in accordance with or equivalent to the System's guidance document still meets the requirements set forth by OSHA's General Industry Standards (29 CFR 1910). Reviews laboratory safety plans before being implemented and on an annual basis after implementation to ensure they are complete and effective. Acts as a campus resource for departments with laboratories that require assistance in technical guidance, training, and/or implementation of the provisions of the plans. Department of Facilities Management (or Physical Plant) Provide routine maintenance of laboratory safety equipment (such as laboratory ventilation hoods, emergency eyewash and shower stations, and general laboratory ventilation) as needed or on request by the department having such equipment. Department having jurisdiction over a particular laboratory Ensure necessary safety and personal protective equipment (such as spill kits, laboratory ventilation hoods, emergency showers and eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, safety shields, safety glasses, proper gloves, respirators, and other necessary apparel) is provided prior to any operation that may require such equipment. Ensure each laboratory within the department has an effective laboratory safety plan that is followed by persons working in the laboratory on a routine basis. Ensure proper training is provided as described in this plan. Maintain documentation as to who has been trained in laboratory safety as required by this plan and ensure that copies of this documentation are forwarded to the campus Department of Human Resources for inclusion in the affected individuals personnel file. Ensure this laboratory safety plan is updated when procedures or experiments change or are introduced. University Environmental Health and Safety 7 Laboratory Safety Plan Laboratory Manager or Supervisor Provide for regular formal safety and housekeeping inspections at least quarterly in addition to continual informal inspections. Ensure each laboratory's safety plan is effective and addresses practices and procedures used in the laboratory. Update laboratory procedures within the laboratory safety plan as processes or experiments change and inform department and Chemical Hygiene Officer of such changes. Ensure all new personnel, as part of their orientation, have reviewed the laboratory safety plan, understand its requirements, and follow those requirements. Ensure all laboratory personnel have been trained in the proper use of safety equipment (such as laboratory ventilation hoods, fire extinguishers, emergency showers and eyewash stations). Document all student and employee training. See Lab Plan Training Sheet at end of this section. Ensure new personnel have been properly equipped with personal protective equipment (if necessary) and trained in its proper use. Advises personnel as to emergency procedures to be used in the event of a fire, spill, toxic release, personal injury, or other accident Ensure adequate emergency equipment is available and in proper working order. Provide training to laboratory personnel in the proper use of emergency equipment Inform personnel about special or unusual hazards related to non-routine work. Laboratory Workers (and students) Review the laboratory safety plan prior to conducting any laboratory work. Ensure that laboratory work will be conducted with good safety practices and be prepared in advance for possible accidents by knowing what emergency aids are available and how they are to be used. Advise any new employees or students in the laboratory of the laboratory safety plan, necessary safety equipment, and emergency procedures, Practice good personal safety habits. University Environmental Health and Safety 8 Laboratory Safety Plan D. LAB SAFETY PLAN The purpose of this plan is to provide a safe laboratory work environment for the employees and students