ROWAN UNIVERSITY POLICY

Title: Laboratory and Environmental Safety

Subject: Facilities and Operations

Policy No: FA: 2015:XX

Applies: University-Wide

Issuing Authority: Senior Vice President for Facilities

Responsible Officer: Assistant Vice President for Facilities and Operations

Adopted: 

Amended: 

Last Revision: 03/03/2015

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to provide safe work practices and procedures to laboratory personnel.

II. ACCOUNTABILITY

Under the direction of the Senior Vice President for Facilities, the Assistant Vice President for Facilities and Operations shall implement this policy. The XX and XX shall ensure compliance with this policy.

III. APPLICABILITY

This

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policy applies to all faculty, staff, students and volunteers working in or assisting in laboratories on a Rowan University campus. 

IV. REFERENCES

A. Federal Laboratory Safety Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450

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E. Hazardous Waste Regulations, NJDEP: Trenton, NJ (current edition)

V. POLICY

A. PEOSH (FEDERAL OSHA) Laboratory Safety Standard - Chemical Hygiene Plan

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E. NJ DEP RCRA Requirements

1. Policies and procedures have been developed to comply with NJDEP, NJPEOSH, and Federal regulations governing safety, storage, and handling of hazardous materials and wastes (see Exhibit 15-1 ). Compliance with these policies and procedures is an individual responsibility.
2. The Safety & EMS section will assist individuals in developing safe work practices in order to comply with the regulatory requirements; however, the Safety section is not responsible, except as an emergency response agency, for the conduct of any individual.
3. Training in these policies and procedures is mandated by NJAC 7:26-1, et seq., Hazardous Waste Regulations.
4. Anyone desiring additional information should contact the Safety Department.

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All hazardous materials will be stored and disposed of in a safe, legal, appropriate manner as outlined in appropriate regulatory codes (e.g., State fire codes, State DEP regulations), or in accordance with GASS (e.g., Prudent Practices for Chemicals in Laboratories).

VI. ATTACHMENTS

A. Attachment 1, Hazardous Waste Program For Rowan University Laboratories

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F. Attachment 6, Emergency/Contingency Planning

ATTACHMENT 1

HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM FOR ROWAN UNIVERSITY LABORATORIES

A. Introduction

1. Each laboratory using chemicals is required to develop its own Chemical Hygiene Plan in accordance with 29 Code of Federal Regulation 1910.1450, Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories.
2. To ensure that University personnel are able to work safely and appropriately with hazardous materials, including hazardous wastes, and are knowledgeable about regulatory requirements (especially disposal) and can respond effectively to hazardous materials emergencies, the following topics will be reviewed in detail:
   1. New Jersey Hazardous Waste Regulations
   2. Basic Safety Information
   3. Emergency Equipment And Information
   4. Emergency/Contingency Planning Information
   5. Emergency Procedures
3. Rowan has a strong commitment to the safety of employees, students, visitors and guests, our facilities, and our surrounding environment.
4. The following training program is designed to increase staff awareness and provide basic informational tools to create a safe working and learning environment. This program is supplemental to the Right-to-Know, Asbestos Management, and other safety programs already in place.
5. Remember, the Right-to-Know Program provides an overview on hazardous materials, the use of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and NJ Hazardous Substances Fact Sheets. Under Federal and State regulations generators of hazardous wastes, such as the University, are required to:
6. Conduct periodic training on hazardous materials or waste operations including the safe handling and use, treatment, storage, and ultimate disposal of hazardous waste materials.
7. Develop an Emergency Contingency Plan, and test that plan on a periodic basis.

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1. These detailed regulations define the legal and technical requirements for the disposal of hazardous wastes. In some instances the NJ Regulations are stricter than those of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency.
2. Hazardous waste must be disposed of legally and safely. One can no longer pour hazardous materials or wastes down a drain or simply throw them in a dumpster. To do so is not only a violation of the law that could subject an individual or the University to heavy penalties, but is morally unconscionable.
3. Detailed technical procedures on how to dispose of hazardous materials or wastes are outlined in the references at the end of this document.
4. Additional information on a case-by-case basis can be obtained from Safety & EMS.

ATTACHMENT 2

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION

Safety is basically common sense; however, there are three safety rules which are violated with great regularity in laboratories, but which must be observed:

1. Never work alone in a laboratory facility. If it is not possible to have two people in the same laboratory, ensure someone else is in close proximity (e.g., the same floor, or an adjacent room).
2. No smoking, eating, or drinking is permitted in laboratories. Toxic material entry routes include inhalation and ingestion. Fire prevention safety prohibits smoking in high hazard areas, such as laboratories.
3. Properly grounded electrical equipment or that especially designed for use in laboratories must be used. Home type equipment, e.g., refrigerators are not explosion proof and approved for laboratory use. 
4. Laboratory workers need to pay special attention to their personal grooming and jewelry items. Long hair must be restrained to prevent its coming in contact with hazardous materials or operations. Watches and rings should not be worn since they could react with hazardous chemicals or materials or get caught in equipment.

ATTACHMENT 3
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

A. The correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can help reduce or minimize injuries to individuals working with hazardous materials or wastes. This apparel is intended to protect normal street clothing or skin from contact with hazardous materials.

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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. 

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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.

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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 6
EMERGENCY/CONTINGENCY PLANNING

A. Emergency/Contingency Planning

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