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Lab Safety Manual
1st Page
Chapter 1
Emergency
Response
Chapter 2
General
Safety
Chapter 3
Chemical
Hygiene Plan
Chapter 4
Radiological
Safety
Chapter 5
Biological
Hygiene Plan
Chapter 6
Laser
Safety
Chapter 7
Administrative
Concerns
Chapter 8
Standard
& Special Operating Procedures
Chapter 9
Facility
Data
Appendicies
Bibliography
Glossary
Index
On-Campus Contact Information
1st Rule of Lab Safety
Haz-Waste No-No
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Updated January 2003
Chemical Hygiene Plan
Section 3.3 - Chemical Safety
J. Chemical Storage
The principle concerns in achieving proper
storage are to maximize employee safety with regard to chemical compatibility, spill
control, fire/explosion control, to provide security, identification, and provide a
"user friendly" system with respect to point-of-use.
Every chemical in the laboratory should have a definite storage place
and should be returned to that location after each use.
Storage must conform to compatibility restrictions as described in Appendix B. Typically, solvents, acids, bases, reactives,
oxidizers, and toxins will be stored separately. Separation basically refers to physical
separation of containers and isolation of potential spills and releases with the goal of
preventing chemical reactions. Ideally, separate cabinets or isolated areas within a
central storage area should be utilized for segregated storage of incompatibles.
Adequate containment for spills and
accidental releases shall be provided.
Hazardous chemicals should never be stored on
the floor. Containers should be kept on low shelves or in cabinets. The shelves should
have a lip on the forward edge to prevent bottles from slipping off. Chemicals tend to
"creep" toward and over the edge of a shelf. Shelving units should be securely
fastened to the wall or floors. Shelves should not be overloaded.
Utilize a compatible/suitable container
for experiments, stored chemicals and collected wastes. In instances of corrosive wastes
or halogenated solvents, the use of metal containers is often unsuitable, even if the
solvents were originally shipped in metal containers. In these instances, plastic carboys
(high density polyethylene) or lined metal containers may be more suitable. See the
Material Safety Data Sheet for specific information.
There shall be constant vigilance for any sign
of chemical leakage. Containers storing chemical waste must be inspected weekly for any
sign of chemical leakage. Containers of all types should be free of rust and deformation.
Caps and covers for containers shall be securely in
place whenever the container is not in immediate use.
Storage shall be physically secure.
NFPA labeling shall appear on cabinets and room
doors at approximately waist level or lower to allow adequate visualization in dense smoke
conditions.
All containers used for storage (even short term) shall be labeled in
accordance with Hazard Communication regulations and NFPA and University fire codes. At a
minimum, all containers must be labeled with regard to content and general hazard.
Flammable liquids in quantities greater than
one liter should be kept in metal safety cans designed for such storage. The cans should
be used only as recommended by the manufacturer, including the following safety practices:
Flammable liquids shall not be stored in
your laboratory unit in amounts greater than the limits for flammable liquid storage given
in Section 8.1 - "Standard Operating Procedures."
Metal drums used for storage and dispensing of
flammable chemicals shall be properly grounded. Ground cables shall be available and
utilized in any lab using metal storage containers for flammable liquid storage.
Chemicals should be stored as close as
feasible to the point of use in order to maximize efficiency and minimize transport
distance. Chemical storage should be limited only to areas in which the particular
chemical is used. Storage locations must be identified on an emergency floor plan posted
in each work area and should be equipped with a fire extinguisher, spill kit, eye wash,
first aid kit, and telephone or other communication system to allow for adequate emergency
notification.
Small quantities of chemicals can be held at individual work stations if
this quantity is to be promptly used in a test and does not compromise acceptable ambient
organic vapor levels or procedures for spill control and fire safety. These containers
must be properly labeled.
Only limited quantities of chemicals and solvents should be stored in
the laboratory. Large drums or multiple bottles of chemicals should be stored in a
centralized chemical storage area.
Out-of-date chemicals shall be disposed of on a periodic basis to reduce
overall hazard potential and minimize inventory tracking and updating. (See Section 3.4 -
"Chemical Waste")
K. Prior Approval
Employees must obtain prior approval to proceed with a
laboratory task from their laboratory supervisor and/or their Departmental Chemical
Hygiene Officer whenever:
A new laboratory procedure or test is to be carried out.
It is likely that toxic limit concentrations could be exceeded.
There is a change in a procedure or test, even if it is very similar to
prior practices. "Change in procedure or test" means:
There is a failure of any of the equipment used in the process,
especially of safeguards such as fume hoods or clamped apparatus.
There are unexpected results.
Members of the laboratory staff become ill, suspect that they or others
have been exposed, or otherwise suspect a failure of any safeguards. Return
to Chemical Hygiene Plan.
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Chemical Waste
