Chemical Safety Plan: University of Alberta
Chemical Safety Plan: University of Alberta
Chemical Safety Plan: University of Alberta
Table of Contents
PURPOSE .... ...... ... ... ............ .......... ....... .. ..... ..... .............. .... .. ... ... .......... ....... ........ ..... ..... .. ... ..... ........ .. 3
SCOPE ..... ... .... ... ... ......... ..... ... ......... ...... ........ .......... .... ........ ... ..... ... ..... ... .... .... ..... ........ ... ... ........ .... ..... 3
RESPONSIBILITIES ... .. ... .... ....... ... ....... ... .. ... ... .... .... .... .... ... .. ...... ........ ... ......... ....... ... .......... .... ... ...... .... . 3
Principal Investigator/Laboratory Supervisor ..... ... ... ............ ..... .... ...................... ... .......... ........ 2
Laboratory Workers .... ......... ...... .. ....... ... ..... .......... ... .............. ................ ......... ... .. .... .................. ... 2
LABORATORY CONTACT INFORMATION .. .. ..... .... ...... ........ ...... .... .. .... .. .... .. .. .... .. .... .. .......... ... ... .. .. .. .. . 5
CHEMICAL INVENTORY ......... .... ....... .. ........... ............... ..... .. .... ..... .... .. ... ... ... .. ..... .. .. .... ........ ... ..... .... .. 6
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDSs) .. .. .. ........ .. .......... .. ...... .. .............. .... .. .... .... ...... .. ............... 6
CONTAINER LABELING .......... ... ...... ...... ...... ... ... ... .......... ......... .... ..... ...... ... ... ... .... .. ... .. .... ... ...... .. .. ... ... 6
HAZARD MANAGEMENT ...... .. ........ .. ......... ....... ... ... .... .. .... .... ...... ... .. ... .... ... ...... ... ... .... .... ... ... ..... ........ 6
HAZARD CONTROL METHODS ...... ... ... .... ...... .. ..... ...... .. .. ..... ... ... ..... .... ... .... .. .... .... ... .. ..... .. .... .... .... ... 10
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT .. .. ......... ...... .. .. .. ......... .... ......... .. ........ ...... .... ...... .. .... ........ ..... 10
Respiratory Protective Equipment ............... ........ ..................... .... ............ ............ .. ............. ..10
LABORATORY SPECIFIC SAFETY TRAINING .... .. .... .... .. .. .. .. .. .. .... .. .... .... .. ...... .. ...... .... .. .. .. ...... .. .... .... .. . 11
EXPERIMENT PLANNING ....... .. ... ...... ... .... .... ... .... ... ... ... ..... ..... ... ........ ... .. .. ... ..... ...... ... ... .. ... ... ...... ... .. 12
WORKING ALONE .. .. .. ..... ........ .......... .. ............ ...... ... ..... .... .... ...... ... ............ ... ....... ...... ...... ............ ... 13
LABORATORY HAZARD SIGNS ..... ........ ...... .... .... ..... .... .. .... .... .... ...... .... ......... ..... .... .... ..... .. ... ........ ... . 13
LABORATORY CLOSE-OUT & CLEARANCE PROCEDURES .. .... ........... ...................... .. .... .... .... .. .. .. .... 13
CHEMICAL STORAGE .. ... ........... ... .. .... ........ ..... ... ..... .... .. .. ............. ... ....... ... ... .... .... ....... ... ...... .... .. ..... 13
FUME HOODS .... ....... ... ...... .... ............ ....... ......... ..... .......... ... .... ...... ....... .. ...... .. .......... ........... .... .... ... 14
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES .... .. ............ .. .... .... ... .. .... .... ........ .. ........ .... .... ...... .. ..... .. ..... ... 15
INCIDENT REPORTING & INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES .. .. .. ........ .. ...... .. .................. .. ........ .. ......... 16
LABORATORY INSPECTIONS ......... ... ...... ..... ..... .. ... ........ ... .... ... ...... ........ .... ... ... ............. ...... .. .. ..... .. .. 16
HAZARDOUS WASTE ... ... ..... ....... ..... ... ... ............................. .. ... ... .... .. ... .... ........ ..... .... ... ... ... ...... ..... .. 16
APPENDIX A: LABORATORY SAFETY TRAINING CHECKLIST ........ .. .............. .. .. ........ .... .. .. ........ .... .... 17
APPENDIX B: SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE .. .. .. .. .. .. ........ .. .. .. .. .. .... .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .... .. ...... .. .. .... .... .. .. .... 20
APPENDIX C: CHEMICAL LABORATORY INSPECTION CHECKLIST ...... .. .... .. .. ...... ... .. .. ................... ... 22
APPENDIX D: LABORATORY HAZARD SIGN ORDER FORM ............ .. .. .. .... ...... .. .. ............ ..... .. .... .. .. .. 24
APPENDIX E: LABORATORY CONTsAINER LABELS - SAMPLES .......... .. .. .... .. .... .. .. ...... .. .... .... .. ......... 25
APPENDIX F: BLANK HAZARD ASSESSMENT FORM .. ..... .. ..................... .... .. ...... .. .. ........ .. .... .......... ...... ...25
PURPOSE
The purpose of a Chemical Safety Plan (CSP) is to provide a framework to establish a written
program that can be used by all laboratory workers to carry out their work activities safely.
The University's Laboratory Chemical Safety Manual provides general information on safe use,
storage and disposal of chemicals in University of Alberta Laboratories. All laboratory
supervisors are responsible for developing laboratory-specific CSP that reflects work activities
within their laboratories. All laboratory workers are required to follow the safe practices
outlined but not limited to the information in the CSP.
The information provided in this document will assist you to develop and implement safe
laboratory work practices specific to your laboratory that will protect you, your staff and
students, your research experiments and the laboratory property. This template is by no means
all -inclusive and as such may be supplemented as necessary to meet the needs of individual
laboratories
SCOPE
The Chemical Safety Plan applies to all University of Alberta laboratory personnel who handle
chemicals in research and teaching laboratories at the University of Alberta.
RESPONSIBILITIES
As per the University of Alberta's Health & Safety Responsibilities Procedure, the Principal
Investigator/ Laboratory Supervisor and laboratory workers are responsible for:
Laboratory Workers
1. Observe established safety policies and procedures established by the University and
any safe work procedures or guidelines established by the laboratory supervisor.
Department:
Emergency Phone#:
List all other laboratories and rooms (excluding offices) with your Research Group:
CHEMICAL INVENTORY
Each laboratory should maintain an inventory of chemicals and update it as new chemicals are
added; chemicals are used up or disposed . A recommended template (Excel spreadsheet) is
available on Department of Environmental Health & Safety website. A laboratory may create an
alternate template provided the following fields of information are included:
Chemical Name, Quantity, Hazard Class (es); Date Received; Location; MSDS available and Date
removed from inventory.
CONTAINER LABELING
All chemical containers must be labelled according to the requirements of Workplace Hazardous
Materials Information System (WHMIS). Two major types of labels are defined within WHMIS:
supplier and work site labels . Labels provide health and safety information to help protect the
user and others in the laboratory. If chemicals are transferred from the original supplier
container to a secondary container, the secondary container must be labeled -the label can be
just the name of the chemical, or if it takes more than one work shift to use of the contents of
the secondary container or someone else in the laboratory may handle the container, then it
must be labelled with a work site label that includes health & safety information . Sample labels
are presented in Appendix E. For more information refer to the Laboratory Chemical Safety
Manual.
HAZARD MANAGEMENT
Identifying, assessing and managing hazards in the workplace are key components in
maintaining a safe environment. A hazard is defined as a condition or behaviour that has the
potential to cause injury or loss. The Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Code requires
employers to conduct hazard assessments. A blank form available on EHS website can be used
to document hazards and corresponding corrective measures and the hazard management
procedure provides some useful information to conduct hazard assessments. A blank copy is
included in Appendix F.
Most hazards can be classified into three main categories: chemical, biological or physical.
Exposure to chemicals can occur during use or due to improper storage. The potential for harm
is significant if chemicals are misused or mishandled. Similarly biological hazards have the
potential to cause harm if misused or mishandled. Physical hazards such as electrical safety,
noise, equipment use and ergonomic concerns due to static postures or improper material
handling also require attention. Hazards commonly encountered in research laboratories are
listed in Tables 1 & 2. This is by no means an all-inclusive list. It is expected that laboratories will
use this as a guide to identify hazards in their laboratories.
• Engineering Controls - This is the preferred method of control because the hazard is
eliminated or minimized at the source by substitution, isolation, automation or exhaust
ventilation e.g. fume hoods or other local exhaust ventilation.
Sometimes a combination of two or more of the above control methods may be required to
adequately control the hazard. A safe work procedure template is available on EHS website.
• Closed-toe shoes
• Appropriate gloves - No single glove type will protect against all chemicals. Gloves must
be selected based on the type of chemical being used, duration of use and the method
of use. Disposable gloves such as latex and nitrile gloves are commonly used in
laboratories. The use of latex gloves is discouraged because they do not provide
protection against many chemicals and also there is concern regarding development of
allergies or aggravating existing allergies. Nitrile gloves are generally more chemical
resistant. Disposable gloves generally provide protection against incidental contact;
more specific (non-disposable) gloves are required when extended contact with
chemicals is expected. Glove manufacturers provide glove selection charts to assist with
selection of an appropriate glove. Examples of manufacturers' glove selection tools:
o Ansell
Occupational Hygiene & Chemical Safety Divi sion - September 2011 Page 10
Chemical Safety Plan
o Best Glove
Respiratory protective equipment is used to protect against exposure to airborne dusts, gases,
vapours, mists and aerosols. Respirators are used as a means of protection only after it has been
determined that the airborne hazard cannot be controlled using engineering or administrative
methods. The following steps assist in determining the need for a respirator:
• Can safe work procedures and training be used to minimize the hazard?
Once it is determined that a respirator is required then, the following procedure must be
followed prior to using a respirator:
• EHS personnel will then contact the respirator wearer to arrange a fit test. A fit test is
done to ensure an appropriate respirator that fits properly and is comfortable to wear.
The results of the fit test are shared with the user and their supervisor.
• Instructions on the proper use, care, maintenance and limitations of the respirator are
also provided at that time.
WHMIS legislation requires all workers working with or in proximity to controlled products be
trained in the safe use, handling storage and disposal of the controlled products. Workers are
also required to know how to read and prepare labels and be able to understand information
presented in MSDSs. Generic training is provided through the online generic WHMIS course
through EHS. To supplement this training, Principal Investigators/Laboratory supervisors shall
ensure that all workers in their laboratories receive health & safety training specific to the
hazards present in the laboratory. Where a laboratory or core piece of equipment is shared by
multiple user groups, the Principal Investigators/Laboratory Supervisors of these groups shall
work together to provide cross-training to the groups on the various hazards associated with
their individual projects. Each department shall provide general department-wide training on
WHMIS and other safety related information.
laboratory. The checklist is also available on EHS website. The training may be completed by the
laboratory Supervisor or their delegate.
The checklist is divided into various Sections. Below is a brief description to assist you in the
provision of applicable training:
Safety Resources: This Section lists the documentation, manuals, Material Safety Data Sheets,
and other safety resources that are available to the worker and information that the worker
should be aware of and refer to as necessary. Lab-specific safe operating procedures identifying
hazards associated with a specific experiment or process.
Emergency & Safety Equipment: This Section lists the emergency equipment and personal
protective equipment. It is extremely important that all workers are aware of the location of
emergency equipment and know how to operate it before they start working with hazardous
materials so they are able to access it without delay in the event of an emergency.
Chemical, Radiation and Biosafety: These Sections list the training and instruction that is
required for workers working with chemicals, radioisotopes or biohazardous materials.
Hazardous Waste Disposal: This Section identifies the need to discuss hazardous waste storage
and disposal procedures in the lab with the users that will be generating the waste .
Laboratory Equipment: Use this Section to train lab workers on the use of laboratory equipment
that the worker will require to use, for example, centrifuges, ovens, rotoVaps, UV or x-ray
emitting devices.
The supervisor and the worker must sign and date this document. The lab supervisor should
retain a copy for record keeping and future review.
The checklist is designed to assist the laboratory Supervisor in the prov1s1on of laboratory
specific training for new workers. It is recommended this checklist be reviewed with workers on
a regularly scheduled basis e.g. during their annual performance review as a means to update
and ensure that the worker is trained to perform all identified tasks and/or job duties.
EXPERIMENT PLANNING
Assess each experiment or process prior to execution to ensure that appropriate control
measures are used to protect the health and safety of the workers. Identify hazards at each step
and implement appropriate controls for each step. Engineering (e .g. substitution for a less
hazardous material, exhaust ventilation) and administrative controls should be considered first
when reducing or eliminating associated hazards. Personal protective equipment should be
selected carefully based on the hazard.
Discuss all new experiments and any changes (e.g. increase in quantities of reactants) with your
supervisor prior to conducting the experiment.
WORKING ALONE
Every effort must be made to ensure workers do not perform hazardous laboratory work alone .
A working alone procedure is required when workers work alone in the laboratory. Information
on establishing a working alone procedure is available on EHS website.
In cases where laboratory renovations are limited to a confined area of the lab, or for
maintenance in laboratories, the Clearance to Work in Hazardous Areas procedure must be
followed. Further information on this procedure is available at the Department of
Environmental Health and Safety website.
CHEMICAL STORAGE
It is preferable to store chemicals in appropriate acid and flammable storage cabinets.
If storage cabinets are not available, then store chemicals on shelves that are sturdy, and made
of material that is resistant to the chemicals being stored .
• Perchloric Acid, Hydrofluoric Acid, and Concentrated Nitric Acid are separated
from all other materials (including each other)
• Inorganic acids (except as noted above)
• Bases
• Water reactive chemicals
• Pyrophoric chemicals
• Strong oxidizing agents
• Strong reducing agents
• Flammable and combustible liquids
Refer to the University's Laboratory Chemical Safety Manual for more information on storage of
chemicals.
FUME HOODS
Fume hoods are the most common engineering control in laboratories. Their sole purpose is to
protect laboratory workers from exposure to airborne hazardous materials. Before beginning
any work in the fume hood, confirm that the hood is operational. Check that the local ON/OFF
switch is in the "ON" position . Adequate airflow and the absence of excessive air turbulence are
necessary for the safe operation of a fume hood. To ensure continued safe operation:
• Sash openings should be kept as far down as possible, while working in the fume hood .
When the fume hood is not in use, the sash should be completely closed .
• Do not block the air baffles at the back of the fume hood . Do not place anything closer
than 3 em (1 inch) from the back of the inside of the fume hood .
• Keep apparatus at least 15 em (6 inches) away from the front of the fume hood. Use
stands to elevate bulky apparatus so as to avoid disrupting the air flow through the
fume hood.
• Keep the fume hood clean and uncluttered. Apparatus and chemicals should normally
be kept in the fume hood only if they are a component of the operation for which the
hood is being used .
• Do not use fume hoods for long-term storage of chemicals or apparatus.
• Do not modify the interior of the hood (e.g ., installing shelves). Some of the older fume
hoods may have asbestos-containing liners.
• Minimize foot traffic around the fume hood. A person walking past a fume hood can
create turbulence, causing contaminants to flow out .
• Keep windows and doors near fume hoods closed. Open windows and doors can disrupt
airflow.
• Do not use fans near fume hoods. Fans in the laboratory can cause turbulence that can
disrupt proper air flow throughout the fume hood .
• Read and understand fume hood operations manual prior to using fume hood .
Chemical Contact/splash
Eyes: Flush with water 15 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention.
Skin: Flush with water for 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing. Seek medical
attention .
Ingestion: Drink water and seek medical attention. Do not induce vomiting.
Inhalation: Remove the victim from exposure and move to fresh air. If person is not breathing or
experiencing breathing difficulty, seek medical attention.
Chemical Spill
Develop spill clean-up protocols for the chemicals in the laboratory.
Ensure a spill kit with appropriate spill cleaning supplies and equipment is readily accessible in a
conspicuously marked location .
Ensure all workers in the laboratory are trained in the proper spill clean-up protocols.
Refer to the University's Spill Response Guideline for more information.
Fire
In the event of a fire:
• Warn others in the immediate area of the fire or explosion.
• Activate the building fire alarm system.
• Contain the fire by closing doors and fume hoods in the area of the fire .
• Evacuate the area of the fire or explosion and the building. Use stairs, not the elevator.
• Call 911 and provide details of the fire
• Meet emergency personnel at the main entrance to the building
LABORATORY INSPECTIONS
Regular workplace inspections play a key role in preventing accidents and injuries by identifying
hazards, implementing corrective measures, and monitoring the effectiveness of the controls . it
is recommended that laboratory supervisors conduct inspections of their work areas on a
monthly basis. A generic inspection checklist is included in Appendix C. Customize this form so
as to meet the specific circumstances of your own laboratory. The generic checklist is also
available on the Department of Environmental Health & Safety's website.
HAZARDOUS WASTE
At the University, all hazardous waste is collected, transported to the University's Waste
Management Facility, and disposed of centrally as part of the University's Hazardous Waste
Management System. As a general rule, all the precautions followed when handling, storing, and
using laboratory chemicals apply to hazardous waste. Waste containers should be kept closed at
all times, except when contents are being added . Do not leave filter funnels in the open necks of
containers, even if the waste is in a fume hood. Fume hoods are not to be treated as a worry-
free method of waste containment or disposal.
To obtain your access password to the CHEMATIX system please email Lois Dvorsky
([email protected] )- University of Alberta CCID is also required.
CHEMATIX Online Portal: https://www.hazchem.ualberta.ca/Chematix/
Sharps
Sharps should be disposed of in specially designed sharps disposal unit, or another appropriate
puncture proof container with a lid. Sharps include needle/syringe assemblies, broken
glassware, hard plastic, and any object with a jagged or sharp edge that can puncture a plastic
bag or potentially cause injury to someone handling the material.
Glassware
Clean glassware can be disposed in specially provided glass collection containers. Contaminated
glassware that cannot be effectively de-contaminated and cleaned must be disposed as
hazardous waste.
Name: Supervisor:
Department: Lab Number:
Date:
This Checklist is to be completed prior to the worker working in the laboratory.
Please check all items on which training, information or safe work procedures have been read
and understood. For items that are not applicable, please indicate as N/A.
WHMIS training D D
Instruction on safe storage of chemicals in this lab D D
e.g. Storage by compatibility groups
Instruction on handling and storage of specialized D D
chemicals e.g. air reactive chemicals
Instruction on specific processes/experiments e.g. use of D D
hydrofluoric acid, solvent distillation
Instruction on clean up of chemical spills D D
Instruction on proper use of fume hood e.g. sash as far D D
down as possible when not in use
Safe handling, use and transport of compressed gas D D
cylinders
D. Radiation Safety
Process:
Prepared By:
Supervisor: Phone#:
Engineering Controls:(List engineering controls e.g. fume hood, glove box, special enclosure,
automatic shut-off)
Administrative Controls :( List Specific Work Procedures e.g. handling water sensitive chemicals,
necessary training/certification to conduct this process or operate equipment, alarms etc.)
Personal Protective Equipment: (List appropriate gloves, safety glasses, face shields, blast
shields, lab coats, aprons etc. required)
Hazardous Waste Disposal Procedures:(All hazardous waste shall be disposed through the
University hazardous waste management system. Hazardous waste pick-up requests can be
made through Chematix)
B. Housekeeping
Are benches and sinks clean and tidy?
APPENDIX D: LABORATORY HAZARD SIGN ORDER FORM (One form required for each room)
After Hours Phone: 0 Cell 0 Home After Hours Phone: 0 Cell 0 Home
Number: Number:
Workplace Label - used for products decanted from original supplier container.
HYDROCHLORI C ACID
Corrosive - Causes severe burns
Avoid skin and eye contact
Wear safety glasses with side
shields or safety goggles
Wear neoprene (Solvex) gloves
MSDS located on Shelf #1
Hydrochloric Acid
John Smith
Task Existing and Potential Hazards {Include Hazard Controls (Include Engineering, Administrative and PPE) Are Controls in
both health and safety hazards) Classification Risk Value Place? If not, how
and when?
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Chemical Safety Plan
Name of Hazard Assessment Team Leader Signature of Hazard Assessment Team Leader Date
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Task Existing and Potential Hazards (Include Hazard Controls (Include Engineering, Administrative and PPE) Are Controls in
both health and safety hazards) Classification Risk Value Place? If not, how
and when?
(Include Chemical,
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Physical, X
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Chemical Safety Plan
Name of Hazard Assessment Team Leader Signature of Hazard Assessment Team Leader Date
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Name of Reviewing Manager Signature of Reviewing Manager Date
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Risk level > 11, High Risk (take immediate action to eliminate the risk or implement appropriate controls to lower the risk)
= 4-11, Medium Risk (take timely action to implement appropriate controls to lower or minimize risk)
< 4 Low Risk (continued operation is permissible with minimal controls)
Instructions:
• Tool must be completed by individual(s) who are completing the task identified.
" Tool can be used to evaluate all tasks for a specific occupation or all tasks associated with a specific activity.
" List all work activities in the first column (tasks). It is acceptable to group activities together when the hazards encountered are the same for all of the activities
• List the existing and potential hazards associated with each task in the second column, include both health and safety hazards.
• List the type of hazard encountered in the third column. The hazards are Chemical, Biological, Physical, Ergonomic, Radiation, and Psychosocial.
" Complete the risk analysis and determine the overall risk level by assigning the Incident Probability (column 4), Incident Severity (column 5) and enter the Risk Level in column 6.
" List the current or proposed controls for each hazard identified in column 7. The complexity of the controls should be proportional to the overall risk level.
• Identify if the controls are already in place and complete in column 8. It is the responsibility of the Supervisor or designate to ensure controls are put in place in a reasonable timeframe
based on the overall Risk Level.
" Individuals completing the hazard assessment must sign off on the document.
,. Supervisor must review and sign off on the document.
'" The document must be kept on file by the supervisor or designate.
" The supervisor or designate must ensure that the results of the hazard assessment including identified controls are communicated to any impacted employee.
• The hazard assessment must be reviewed when there is an operating or infrastructure change. Only the relevant portions of the hazard assessment need to be reviewed at this time.
" The entire hazard assessment also must be reviewed at 3 year intervals.
" The EHS department has generic hazard assessments on their websites. Groups can review these hazard assessments but must ensure that their hazard assessments are specific for
their activities. Groups wishing to share their hazard assessments can submit to EHS