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E. Attachment 5, Emergency Equipment and Information

F. Attachment 6, Emergency/Contingency Planning

ATTACHMENT 1

HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM FOR ROWAN UNIVERSITY LABORATORIES

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H. Non-Emergency Respiratory Protection

  1. There are several types of non-emergency respirators available for protection in atmospheres that are not immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH), but could be detrimental to an individual after prolonged or repeated exposure to a toxic atmosphere or substance.
  2. These respirators must be used only in atmospheres where the oxygen level is within normal range (19.5% approximately). Generally, use of a respirator will require the use of some other PPE (e.g., protective coveralls and gloves to protect skin from splashes of corrosives or materials that can be absorbed through the skin). Some types of common respirators are outlined below:
    1. Chemical Cartridge Air Purifying Respirators (APR) are designed for protection only against a particular individual or class of vapors or gases as specified on the cartridge. These units work by absorbing or filtering the contaminants out of the air. Activated charcoal is probably the most common type of absorbent. Because breakdown of the material of which the respirator is constructed is possible, it is important that the user know the type of hazardous material they are working with and any odors associated with the material. These respirators can be of complete or half-face coverage.
  3. Dust, Fume and Mist Respirators:
    1. These can be used only for limited protection against a particular class of dusts, fumes and mists; as specified by the manufacturer. These respirators trap toxic materials in a filter of fiber material. These are disposable units which are discarded when you can no longer easily breathe through them. 
    2. Mask type respirators, such as surgical masks," are of little value and offer unsatisfactory protection in a laboratory environment. These types of respirators will not be used in Rowan laboratories. 
    3. All respirators have certain drawbacks. For example, difficulty in breathing when the filter becomes clogged (a sign the filters must be changed), or over breathing. Over breathing occurs when the face piece collapses against the wearer's face because of insufficient airflow through the filters. This results from an improperly fitted face piece. 
    4. An improperly fitted face piece will allow contaminated air into the wearer's respiratory system.
  4. Emergency Respirators: 
    1. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) are for trained emergency response personnel and are not available to employees, students, or guests. These devices consist of: An air supply cylinder, generally 5-30 minutes, a harness assembly to strap the unit on the wearer's back, and a regulator, which is hooked to the air supply cylinder.
    2. A protective ensemble is always required when wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus.

ATTACHMENT 4
GENERAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT

A. All laboratories or storerooms in which chemicals are used should have certain routine safety equipment available; for example, safety showers, eye wash stations, first aid kits, lab sinks, fume hoods, and portable shields are required. Each laboratory worker (employee or student) needs to know the location of and proper use of each piece of safety equipment in the lab and should inspect each piece of equipment daily to ensure it will perform properly. 

 

B. Examples of General Safety Equipment and Its Use Safety Showers and Eye Wash Units

 

  1. Safety Showers must be tested periodically.
  2. Eye wash units must be capable of providing a soft stream or spray of water at no greater than 30 psig for an extended period (15-30 minutes). Insure that access to safety showers and eyewashes is not blocked or obstructed. 
  3. First Aid Kits are required to be on hand in each laboratory for the prompt treatment of accidental injuries. 
  4. Fume hoods are designed to remove noxious fumes from the work area. These hoods need to be inspected daily and before each use to insure the fans are operating. They should be tested at least semiannually to ensure that the design criteria are still met (e.g., to deliver 100 cfm of air across the face of the hood). A hood that is not operating cannot be used. Of course, fume hoods are not approved storage locations for hazardous materials; however, apparatus may be kept erected within a hood. 
  5. Portable safety shields should be used whenever spattering, spraying, or explosion of chemicals or apparatus may occur.
  6. Vacuum distillation or other pressure related operations require the use of a portable shield.

ATTACHMENT 5
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND INFORMATION

A. Typical safety and emergency equipment in laboratories and related facilities are: portable fire extinguishers, automatic suppression or extinguishing systems, fire hose, fire blankets, and spill control equipment.

 

B. Fire Classification: It is important to understand the fire classification system, because fire extinguishers use the same system.

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  • CLASS A fires leave ash or debris, for example, a trash can fire with wood, cloth or paper.
  • CLASS B fires are burning liquids such as gasoline, solvents, paints, and oils or cooking fats.
  • CLASS C fires are electrical fires such as an electric heater or computer. Once the electric power is shut off to the unit, the fire is reclassified into the appropriate type for whatever is burning; for example, a burning computer after the power is shut off is a Class A fire.
  • CLASS D fires are special metals. Magnesium, Thermite, and Phosphorous are examples of these metals.

 

C. Portable Fire Extinguishers

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  1. All fire extinguishers have certain things in common. Each fire extinguisher has:
    1. A container with an extinguishing agent inside.
    2. A means of activation with a safety pin, seal and shutoff device.
    3. A discharge nozzle or hose.
    4. An instruction or identification plate, and label which tells the fire extinguisher classification and instructions for use.
  2. Class A fire extinguishers are used only on class A fires. On the Rowan campus these are 2 1/2 gallon water extinguishers.
  3. Class B and C fire extinguishers are a combination unit. These can be Carbon Dioxide, Dry Chemical (baking soda or potassium soda), or Halon 1211 agent.
  4. Class D fire extinguishers are filled with a special powder or highly refined sand. These cannot be used on any other class of fire.
  5. Multi-Class A,B,C, fire extinguishers are filled with a multi-purpose dry chemical powder and can be use on any of these classes of fire.
  6. Note: Bosshart Hall
    • In Bosshart Hall, the portable fire extinguishers mounted in the hallways are Class A (the large chrome containers), and Multi-class ABC (the smaller red containers). Extinguishers must be inspected monthly by the building staff and the inspection tag dated and initialed on the back. The Safety Office will arrange for annual inspection of all portable extinguishers. Each laboratory user should inspect the fire extinguisher in their laboratory prior to each use of the lab, to insure it is serviceable. If the safety pin has been pulled, if the safety seal destroyed, if the gauge shows that the operating pressure is under or over limits, if there is some obvious defect, or if an extinguisher is missing, contact the Safety & EMS section for a replacement.
    • Automatic fire suppression systems: Bosshart Hall's volatile storage room on the ground floor has a Halon 1301 system. Staff members concerned with working within that room will receive special instructions on the capabilities and use of this system.
  7. Fire Hoses: The University is no longer required to keep fire hoses on the campus.
  8. Fire Blankets: Many laboratories still have "fire blankets." These are now used only for first aid for shock, not for fire suppression or extinguishing of a person whose clothing is on fire. A person who has their clothes on fire should stop, drop and roll on the floor or ground, or use a safety shower if available, to extinguish the fire.

ATTACHMENT

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6
EMERGENCY/CONTINGENCY PLANNING

A. Emergency/Contingency Planning

  1. In the event of an emergency such as a fire, explosion, spill of hazardous material or wastes, or personal injury, it is important to have emergency plans and procedures in place to limit injuries and minimize damage to the facility and the environment.
  2. The first step in establishing emergency procedures is preplanning and training. Rowan Staff will be offered training in the use of fire extinguishers, first aid, and spill control techniques at a later time.
  3. You should be aware that the University works closely with the emergency management team of Glassboro community to ensure appropriate support and response to emergency situations. Drills of mutual benefit will be conducted.
  4. Preplanning, for chemical spills will minimize exposure of personnel and property, as well as protecting the environment. Each laboratory and supply room should have a supply of spill containment equipment on hand. PPE must be utilized whenever cleanup of a spill is undertaken.
  5. A small spill should be able to be dealt with by University staff. In the event that this cannot be accomplished, or the spill is a large one, the University's emergency spill contract service will be called. Individual laboratory users are not authorized to call the service directly. This number is on file with the main stockroom, security, and safety departments.
  6. In addition to PPE necessary for each worker involved in routine cleanup operations, routine spill control supplies should be maintained in each laboratory and stockroom to handle up to a 2 1/2 gallon spill of each class or type of material within the room.
  7. For example, if liquid acids and solvents are stored or used within the room on a regular basis, supplies for a spill of 2 1/2 gallons of each material would be necessary.
  8. NOTE: It takes approximately 50 pounds of clay (e.g. Kitty Litter, Oil Dry, etc.) to absorb one gallon or 3 Liters of liquid. 
  9. Generally, spill control supplies include neutralizing agents such as sodium carbonate or bisulfate, and absorbents such as vermiculite, sand, dry clay, or commercially available spill pillows, booms, or agents. Non-corrodible buckets or pails, brooms or brushes, scoops or shovels, mops, and blotting or wiping clothes suitable for use with hazardous materials must also be included in spill control operations.
  10. If a spill occurs, a competent, qualified staff member must immediately decide if the spill can be handled in-house. If this cannot be done, the contract spill control service must be called. The spill control service must be called by notifying the Safety & EMS section at Public Safety, 256-4922, or the Emergency Line, 256-4911.

B. Emergency Procedures

  1. The following information has been developed to provide guidance in case of an emergency situation arising in the facility.
  2. The first procedure outlined is for general use. Other more specific procedures are also provided. Remember, a single procedure cannot cover every possible situation; however, certain steps can be applied to many different situations.

 

C. General Emergency Procedure

In the event of a emergency such as a fire, explosion, hazardous materials/waste spill or leak, or personal injury accident:

  1. Call the PUBLIC SAFETY EMERGENCY LINE 856-256-4911 and provide the following information:
    1. Your name and the telephone number from which you are calling.
    2. The location of the fire or emergency (e.g. Bosshart Hall, second floor stockroom, etc.).
    3. Describe the situation (e.g. smell of smoke, fire, deep cut and bleeding, spill of chemicals, etc.).
    4. If possible, describe what is burning (e.g. wastebasket, fume hood, etc.); or what has spilled (e.g. acid, solvents, etc.).
    5. Hang up the phone only after the emergency operator has done so, if you are not in great personal danger. You may need to supply additional information.
  2. All others in the area should leave the area unless designated to assist with emergency actions. They should leave by the nearest EXIT. Do Not Use the elevator. If you can do so safely, attempt to use a portable fire extinguisher to contain a small fire. Small is a wastebasket or piece of apparatus, or an extremely small container of materials that is not subject to explode. If the emergency cannot be immediately contained, initiate a fire alarm by pulling the nearest FIRE ALARM BOX, to start building evacuation. Close the door of the room(s) involved on your way out of the room. If possible, shut off all utilities into the room, but don't waste time attempting to do so.
  3. Move well away from the building. Emergency Response Teams need room to work. Warn others to stay out of the building. Render First Aid if needed. Follow all instructions given by uniformed members of the Emergency Response Teams. Be prepared to assist response team. Do not reenter the building until told to do by a uniformed team member from the campus emergency response team.

 

D. Spill Emergency Procedures

  1. General Rules for small spills of 2 1/2 gallons or less:
    1. Notify persons in the area about the spill, request their help in initiating emergency actions.
    2. Attend to anyone who may have been contaminated or injured.
    3. Evacuate all non-essential personnel from the spill area. If you are in danger you should also leave the area.
    4. Avoid breathing vapors of spill. Use a respirator if one is available, along with all other necessary PPE.
    5. Take appropriate action regarding ventilation.
    6. Secure spill control equipment and initiate cleanup if a small spill and control or cleanup is possible; or initiate emergency spill response and attempt to confine spill if possible.
    7. Handle all debris as contaminated until it has proven to be otherwise. Dispose of all in accordance with appropriate regulations.
    8. Report the spill to the Public Safety Department.
  2. Handling of large spills (more than 2 1/2 gallons):
    Initiate evacuation of area; make primary notifications and request assistance. Secure the building to prevent unauthorized entry and protect others from accidental exposure. 
    Handling of spilled liquids (Small Spills):
    1. Confine or contain spill to a small area. Do not allow it to spread outside of the room or area.
    2. For small quantities of inorganic acids or bases, use a neutralizing agent, or an absorbent mixture. For small quantities of other materials absorb the spill with a non-reactive material (such as vermiculite, spill pillows, dry sand or clay).
    3. If the spilled material is extremely volatile, let it evaporate and be exhausted by the ventilation system (provided the hood and exhaust systems are spark-proof). If the material is flammable, turn off ignition and heat sources within the area.
    4. Clean up debris and residue, dispose of as contaminated material, in accordance with appropriate regulations.
  3. Handling of spilled solids (small quantities):
    1. Sweep or otherwise confine spill to as small an area as possible. Do not allow it to spread.
    2. For small quantities of inorganic acids or bases, use a neutralizing agent, or an absorbent mixture. For small quantities of other materials, absorb the spill with a non-reactive material such as vermiculite or spill control pillow.
    3. If the spilled material is extremely volatile, let it evaporate and be exhausted by the mechanical ventilation system (provided the system is spark proof). If the spilled material is flammable, turn off ignition and heat sources.
    4. Clean up residue and surrounding area. Disposed of debris as contaminated materials in accordance with appropriate regulations.
  4. Handling Leaking Compressed Gas Cylinders:
    Occasionally a cylinder or one of its component parts develops a leak. Most such leaks occur at the top of the cylinder in areas such as valve threads or stem, safety devices or outlets. If a leak is suspected, do not use a flame for leak detection; use a flammable gas leak detector, soapy water or other suitable solution. If a leak is found and it cannot be remedied by tightening a valve gland or packing nut, Emergency Procedures should be initiated and the supplier of the cylinder telephoned for emergency assistance.
  5. Leaking Cylinder Emergency Procedure
    1. Place a shroud (e.g. heavy plastic bag, rubber apron, or similar material) over the top of the cylinder, or leak, and tape it in place with duct tape.
    2. Follow any instructions given by the vendor regarding safe handling of the cylinder.
    3. Using an appropriate handcart, secure the cylinder to the handcart and remove it from the building, to the loading dock area.
    4. Secure the cylinder upright to prevent it from falling. Guard the cylinder, or post warning signs with the appropriate basic safety information: Danger [Type of material in cylinder], Leaking Cylinder, No Smoking (if appropriate).
  6. The following information is provided for general guidance.
    1. Flammable, inert, or oxidizing gases: Move the cylinder to an isolated area (away from combustible or reactive material if the gas is flammable or an oxidizer).
    2. Corrosive gases: May increase the size of the leak as they are released through the leak. Some corrosives are also oxidizers, or flammables. Move the cylinder to an isolated, well-ventilated area, and if possible, use a suitable means to direct the gas into an appropriate chemical neutralizer.
    3. Toxic gases: Follow the above procedure for corrosive gases. NOTE: PPE may require the use of a self- contained breathing apparatus. If this is the case, do not attempt to move the cylinder, initiate evacuation and make appropriate emergency notifications.