Saep 46
Saep 46
Saep 46
Contents
1 Purpose............................................................. 2
2 Scope ................................................................ 2
3 Objective ........................................................... 2
4 Applicable Documents ...................................... 2
5 Glossary of Terms............................................. 4
6 Chemical Hygiene Program Responsibilities .... 5
7 Laboratory Design ............................................. 7
8 Elements of Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) .... 10
Revision Summary................................................. 13
1 Purpose
2 Scope
This procedure applies to all Saudi Aramco laboratory operations, analytical facilities and
research technology centers where hazardous materials are used/stored or generated.
Any conflicts between this document and other applicable Mandatory Saudi Aramco
Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be addressed to the EK&RD Coordinator.
Any deviation from the requirements herein shall follow internal company procedure
SAEP-302.
3 Objective
The objective of this procedure is to provide a framework for proponents to create and
implement a Chemical Hygiene Plan. The CHP sets forth requirements and procedures
for equipment, personal protective equipment and work practices capable of protecting
employees from the health hazards presented by hazardous chemicals used in
laboratories.
4 Applicable Documents
The requirements contained in the following documents apply to the extent specified in
this procedure:
5 Glossary of Terms
Carcinogen: A substance that causes cancer in humans, or, on the basis of causing
cancer in animal experiments, is suspected of being able to cause cancer in humans.
Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP): A written plan developed and implemented by the
facility which sets forth responsibilities, procedures, work practices and personal
protective equipment requirements, to protect laboratory employees from the health
hazards presented by hazardous chemicals used/stored in the laboratory.
Glove Box (GB): A box consisting of a small chamber with sealed openings fitted with
arm-length gloves. The materials are placed inside the chamber and handled using the
gloves.
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): A term used to express the average airborne
concentration of a substance to which persons may be exposed without suffering any
adverse health effects. This is normally based on an eight hour time weighted average
concentration. These are developed by the United States Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) and serve as Saudi Aramco standards for exposure.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Any devices or clothing worn by the worker
to provide protection against hazards in the environment and or workplace. Examples
are respirators, gloves, and chemical goggles.
An essential element of any chemical hygiene plan is to clearly define the roles and
responsibilities of all the stakeholders who work in, supervise or manage areas where
chemicals are present. Clarifying roles and responsibilities for implementing the CHP
will ascertain accountability, simplify processes, enhance health and safety, and avoid
confusion in meeting the plan’s objectives. Individual responsibilities include, but are
not limited to, the following:
7 Laboratory Design
A laboratory building, where hazardous chemicals are stored or used, shall be designed
in accordance with Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard (SAES-K-001) for Heating
Ventilation and Air Conditioning system. The guidelines provided in ANSI Z9.5 and
ASHRAE Guidelines shall be followed.
The ventilation for chemical storerooms shall be designed in line with Saudi
Aramco Construction Safety Manual (CSM) Vol. 2, Chs 1-7 & 1-10, and shall
meet the recommended storage conditions as specified in applicable National
Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) codes NFPA 30, 58, and 495, and in the
relevant SDS.
Routine cleaning and maintaining of clean rooms shall meet ASTM E2042 /
E2042M-09.
Chemical Fume Hoods (CFHs) are the primary method used to control potential
exposure to hazardous substances in a laboratory and to ensure that toxic
A well designed laboratory fume hood shall have an average face velocity
capability of between 0.41-0.51 m/s (80-100 ft/min). CFH face velocities in
excess of 0.61 m/s (120 ft/min) are not allowed as they may cause disruptive air
turbulence at the edge of the hood opening. To ensure CFHs perform at
acceptable efficiencies and protect workers from exposure, large pieces of
equipment should not be stored or used in hoods. (Refer to ACGIH Industrial
Ventilation, a Manual of Recommended Practice 26th Edition).
Specially designed, totally enclosed CFHs and ventilated glove boxes, are
recommended for handling extremely hazardous materials. This will fully
contain any potential contaminants and prevent the release into the laboratory.
7.5 Maintenance
The CHP shall specify rules and procedures that are necessary for safe handling
of hazardous substances. These rules and procedures shall include, but are not
limited to the following:
General Rules
a) Work involving chemicals in Saudi Aramco laboratories must be conducted
using the SOPs.
b) Employees shall not undertake laboratory tasks unless they have been
properly trained and are authorized to do so.
c) Pipetting by mouth is prohibited.
d) Appropriate PPE shall be used in laboratory areas.
e) Eye protection shall always be worn in laboratories when hazardous
chemicals are used. Wearing contact lenses in laboratory is prohibited.
f) Access to laboratory areas shall be controlled.
g) Develop and follow appropriate laboratory housekeeping procedures.
h) Follow waste disposal procedures as specified in CU-22.03 and
SAHWC-Chapters-1-12.
i) Laboratory policy shall provide safety requirements for working alone in
the laboratory.
j) Purchase the minimum quantity of chemicals needed. No chemical
container shall be received without proper labelling.
k) Develop and implement a formal chemical inventory accounting and
management system.
l) Follow Saudi Aramco procedures for procurement, distribution, and storage
of hazardous substances in accordance with materials supply manual.
At the time of the medical evaluation or referral, the following information shall
be provided to the clinician:
a) The identity of the hazardous chemical(s) to which an employee(s) may
have been exposed;
b) A description of the conditions under which the exposure(s) occurred;
c) A description of the signs and symptoms of exposure, if any; and
d) A copy of the appropriate (CHB or SDS).
The recommended PPE shall be specified in SOPs and available for the
substances being handled. Guidelines for employee training, the use, storage
and care of the PPE shall be outlined in detail. Consult relevant SDSs and/or
CHBs for additional information.
8.5 Records
A written emergency plan and spill control policy shall be developed and
communicated to all affected personnel. Employees engaged in emergency
response activities shall be properly trained prior to responding to any
emergency situation.
The waste disposal elements of the CHP shall detail how waste is collected,
segregated, stored, transported, and disposed.
Revision Summary
01 June 2017 New Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure required to specify the mandatory requirements of
a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) to protect workers from exposure to hazardous chemicals and
reflect the applicable government/national regulations.
10 June 2018 Editorial revision to change standards committee from Environmental to Health Protection.
7 October 2019 Editorial revision to revise the next revision date.
28 July 2020 Editorial revision to rename policy from INT-5 to CP-23.
Air velocity measurements (in m/s or fpm) at the hood face opening:
Deficiencies Noted:
Low Flow Rate [< 0.41 m/s (80 fpm) ± 10%]
High Flow Rate [> 0.51 m/s (100 fpm) ± 10%]
Flow Blocked by Equipment Inside
Flow Blocked by Equipment Outside
Sash Inoperative or Not Working Properly
None
Other ______________________________________
Average Face Velocity at sash opening of 18” (457 mm) _________ fpm (m/s)
Pass _________ Fail _________
Average Face Velocity at sash opening upon retesting _________ fpm (m/s)
Pass _________ Fail _________
If upon repositioning the sash, the hood passes, this position then represents the proper working sash
position and the hood should be marked accordingly.