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NORMAN V . STEERE,
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University Program in Laboratory Management and Safety Peter A. Breyrre, Research Instrudor, Environmental Health Division, Deportment of Preventive Medicine, University of Washington down prodwts developed through heating or aging. Laboratory personnel should have an acquaintance a t lemt wit,h the modes of entry, the physiologicel responses, both acute and chronic, and methods of roughly assessing t,he hazards potential of chemicals they are using.
The increasing number of laboratory accident? and the ever present accident potential associated with laboratories indicate an obvious need for a formal m i versity program in laboratory management and safety education. A teaching program designed to provide safety indoctrination for faculty, staff, and students must encompass more than simple safety training and should include the rudiments of lahora.totory management, of which safety is an i m p d a n t aspect. An effectivecmwie can be designed aronnd a seminar-type presentation directed toward rmdergradnste seniors and graduate students, in a variety of disciplines, especially for teaching and research fellows, and efforts should be made to attract personnel from private, commercia.1, industrial, and governmental laboratories. High-school science instructors should he encouraged to attend and Sanitarians, public health engineers, industrial hygienists, and safety engineers may also find the program profitable hecmse of their close association with laboratories and safety.
Ionieing rsdiztion is widely i~tilieed. There are high- and low-level isotope labs, each type requiring its own proteetive meamres. I11 many of the low-level installations, chemical snd other type hazards are of greater concern than the radiation dangers.
Safety Course
5. Biological Hazards
A wide range of stlbject matter is available for m e within the framework of a university course in laboratory management and safet,y. The subjects must be selected so as to be of greatest value to those attending and must he kept applicable to a rapidly changing technology. The following topics are suggested for inclusion in the course, depending upon the d o t t e d time.
Biological hazards are nnmerow, especially within t,he health sciences. These hazards include contart with mirroorganisms with the hazards potent,ial ranging from low to extremely high.
Past experiences, both on college campuses and in other teaching or research establishments, bring into focus the overall problems of laboratory management and safety. Laboratory supervisors should be familiar with their responsibilities and liahilitiq particularly in view of the increasing number of court eases involving lahoratory accidents.
2. Chemical Hazards All laboratories, whether they be biological, chemical, or rrtdiological, utilize hazardous chemicals. The hassrd may result from utilizing the "raw" product or from products of a chemical reaction between two or mare mbstnnces ar break-
3. Nonionizing Radiafion Hazards Nonionizing radiation includes ultrs, violet, infrared, uuise, microwaves, ultrasonics, and lasers and masers. All require special proteclive measures which mnst be underst,ood and used. Lasers and masers are gaining in prominence and can he extremely dangerow if not handled properly.
4. Ionizing Radiafion Hazards
6. Electrical Hazards and Managemenf The problem of handling electricity is probably one of the mast ignored facets of safety, yet earh year many needless deaths and injuries are raused through carelessness in handling even low voltages. I t is also of importance t,o recognise that electrical equipment can act as an ignition source t,o act,ivate a fire or explosion. Static eleetricit,y should be considered in this category.
Peter A. B r e y a x received the Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of ldoho in 1952, the Master of Science degree in Sanitary Engineering from Warhington Stote College in 1954, and the Morter of Public Health degree in O~cupotionol Heolth from the University of Pitt.burgh in 1957. Mr. Breyrre worked or a Sanitory Engineer for the Stote of Washington during 1953, and as o Public Heolth Engineer for the Montana State Board of Health from 1 9 5 4 to 1956. Since 1 9 5 7 Mr. Breyse hos been Research lnrtructor in the Deportment of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Univerrily of Washington m d had responsibilities in providing ocrupational heolth services to industry in the Stote of Washington. Mr. Breyrre ir affiliated with American ndurtriol Hygiene Association, Sigma Zi, American As~ociotion of Univerdty Professors, Americon Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Americon Acodemy of lndurtriol Hygiene and the Campus Sofety 4wxiotion. Mr. Breyrse har written extensively on xcupationol heolth and safely, including mrticles on industrial Scuba diving and per:hlorate-contaminated hood dimantling, end f editor of the Occupotionol Heolth News'etter, published by the Environment01 Health )ivision, Department of Preventive Medicine, jchool of Medicine, University of Wash"gton.
7. Pressure-Hazards Pressure equipment, either high or low (vacuum), is a part of most laboratories. High-pressure apparatus such as gas cylinders, if improperly handled, can be very dangerous. This is especially true of oxygen. Prerautionz are necessary in handling, tmnaporting, and in storing. T-aam~mequipment, throilgh implosions,
can be every hit ni dangerous as highpressure esplr,sions.
8. Cryogenic Hazards Cryogenics or the use of low-Lernperature refrigerants require a knowledge of
(Contintterl on Page A944)
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the behaviur of these maberials 11nder laboratory uses. I t is impossible to understand the design oi a piece ui cryogenic equipment or cryogenic experiment without an appreciation for the principles of insdatiuu or the significance of extremely law temperatures. Misuse can result in severe injury.
9. Flammable Chemicols-Hazards Fires and explosions sccaunt for the most dangerntw and the most expensive types of l a b m ~ t u r yatcidents. A knowledge of the flammable properties of chemical.; along ait,h an understanding of potential sources of ignition is extremely vital. Storage and handling of these materials also requires special sttentian.
10. General Safety Considerations A number of accidents and injwies in laboratories conld very well result from improper lifting, falls, and lacerations from improper handling of glassware. Preventive measures in these areas aFe worthy of mention.
1 1. Ventilation The principal method of hazards control in the laborrtt,ory involves the effective use of ventilation, both general and exhaust. An example of exhala1 ventilation is the fume hood which if improperly designed or used fails to give the desired protect,ioo. Observations indicate that the Rtnction of this equipment is not entirely understood and 8. nrmber of misuses have been witnessed.
12. Laboratory Sanitation Poor laboratory sanitation practices may be the cause of contaminating potable water supplies through temporary cross connections. At times, poor housekeeping practices may be dangerous because of blocking passages or by providing tripping hazards. Many chemicals are kept well beyond their usefulness, causing containers to deteriorate and leak, or chemicals to become unstsble. Disposal of flammable and toxic chemicals also presents a problem.
13. Protective Equipment All lahrataries require that protective equipment of one type or another be immediately avaihhle. These devices may iuclndeeye wash, emergency shower, safety glasses, eye shields, protective clothing, and respiratory protection. Knowledge of the proper usage and limitations of such equipment is extremely important. At times, injury or death may result from improper selection and application of protective equipment.
14. Reports and Records Reports and records are necessary adjuncts to any safety program and should he complete, accurate, and disseminated to the appropriate administrators. Accident
(Continued a page A947)
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reports are of little v a h e unless periodically examined and tahdated in order tc ohtain a picture of local m d overall prohlem.
15. Emergencies The initial procedures one follows in an emergency oftentimes determine the ult,imate outcome of the acrident, both to the individuals and to the installstion. The rudiments of first aid, fire fighting and reporting are vital. Personnel have to he cuntinually instructed on procedures for medical and fire emergenries and how and where to make these initial conbarts. Such procedures are critical, especially when working alone.
16. Training lor Subordinates I n every laboratory environment it i~ essential that all employees he eontinidly reminded of the hseards they may encounter and how t,o properly utilize the safety equipment. Such s program should commence with employment and continue throqhout employment. In all likelihood the course ~naterialran he presented by "experts" in the varione areas drawn from the university's faculty and staff. Off aampos aid may also he desirable or necessary and information and lecture personnel may be available from agencies such as the American Industrial llygiene Assacistion (local sections), the American Society of Safety Engineem florsl sections), Nat,ional Safety Connril'~ local afiiliates, National Association af Sanitarians (local aliiliates), fire departments, Casualty Insurance Companies, and health and snfety organizntions of local industries. Shoti Course Besides a formal conrze oflering, a lnboratory safety short conrse for terhnicianr should he organized and periodically present,ed by a ntnrleus of the ahove mentioned staff. This informntian may he presented annually or semianmially in one 3-hr session. Subjects to be rovered rauld include p& laboratory experiences, chemical health hazards, fires and explnsiuns, physical hazards, general safet,y, and emergency procedures. The closer one can relate this portion of the pmgrum directly t,o the gronp involved the more effective it will he. The Environmental Health Division of the lhpartment of Preventive 3ledicine inatignrated a one-hmtr course iu labor:\tory management and safety during the winter quarter of 1065-10fifi, which was attended by twenty-four gmduale chemistry students. The course oulline is in the Appendix. Lecturers inrloded rampla and off-campns personnel. -4 n~imberof these same people were utilized for a threehour lahoratory safety short coorse for terhnieims within the Health Sciences Complex. Fifty-four laboratory terhnirisns attended s. lahoratory snfetl- short course. Edncation levels in the two g r o u p ranged (Continued on page .4.5.$8)
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from high-school to college graduates, a d rollege majors induded: Chemistry Microbio1og.y Medical Technology Psychology Biology Zoalqg
Nursing Bot,any Pre-AIediciue Electrical Engr. Languages hhlsir
In order to gain some insight into the knowledge and experienre of people attending the regular one rredit course and the short courses, a. pre-evahlnation examination (appended)was given as part of the collrse in(rodnction. Of the 63 persons answering, 54 had no formal safety training and 28 had no informal safety training. Chemistry graduate students had from 3 to 14 incorrect answers, averaging 9 wrung, and the laboratory technirians had from 5 to 18 wrong averaging 10 NrOllg. Based on the test results, it is evident that college graduates and employees in the scientific disciplines have a limited knowledge of laboratory management and nafety. Editors l\-ole: Readers areinvited tosee how closely bheir answers agree with the answers provided at the end of the test by hIr. Breysse.
Laboratory Safety Management Test An arcident is (a) an unfort~rnateincident (b) an unforeseen mishap ( c ) a, physical injury ( d ) osuslly someone else's fault The hasir: respansibilit,y for safety in the IabomLory rests with (a) the Department Chairman (b) the Laboratory Snpervisor (a) the Laboratory Technician (d) the Safety Division In an emergency, if all of the following conditions exist a t the same time, whirh should be treated fimt? (a) unconsciousness (b) not breathing ( c ) shack (d) arterial bleeding The lowest temperalure a t which there are stlfficient vapors to form a flammable mixture near the s~irfaceof a liquid is it's (a) flash point (b) explosive range ( e ) auto-ignition temperature (d) fire paint value The Interstate Commerce Commission Red Label (ICC), which appears on shipping cartons for many chemicals, means that the compound has ( a ) itu ooeu cno flash ooint of 80'F or less ( b ) a closed cup flashrpoint of 80°F or Less ( c ) corrosive properties (d) oxidizing properties If acid is splashed into the eyes (a) report immediately to the medical facilities for treatment (Cmtinued on page A9.50)
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( b ) wash the eyer with a netlbrsliaer (c) wash the eyes with water fur a t least, 15 minntes (d) apply ointment to t,he eyes 7. I n the event of electrical chock the first thing t,o do is (a) remove virtim from d w h k l (:"llt&~t (h) shut off cwrent (I:) apply artificial respiration ( d ) keep victim v a r m 8. I n selecting a respirator the most. impart,ant. criteria is (a) will it, protect against the mats* rials you are using? (h) will it pmvide protet.iion againsl. ou*Ken defirient atmospheres? (r.) does it contain s U.S. Borean of Mines approval for proleetion against the chemicals you are using? (d) does it fit comfnrialdy? 9. I n order t,o provide adeq~lalepro1,erlion against esrape of rhemirals from x ll~borntorv hood the mi1h11m face velocity k t o the hood with the sash comple1,ely open should be (a) 10 feet per minute ( h ) 25 feet per mimlte ( c ) 100 feet per minute (d) 50 feet per minilte 10. The sperifieatium for c ~ m s t r ~ r l i o n , inspertion, and testing of compressed gas cylinders are developed and em forced by (a) hlantdaetnring Chemists Association
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15. When moving into a laboratory used by others you can determine the contents of an old compressed gas cylinder by (a) the color code (b) the label on the cylinder (c) the laboratory records (d) no reliable method 16. Long-term storage of ethers are dangerous because (a) the container may rupture (b) dangerous peroxides can be formed ( e ) dangerous pressures e m bnild up in the container (d) ethers decompose making them useless 17. Labels should be used on iai . . chemicals in their orieinal containen only (b) all chemical containers ( c ) toxic chemicals and flammable chemicals only (d) all containers larger than 250 cc 18. A solvent fire should be extinguished with which of the following type of extinguisher? (a) carbon tetrachloride (b) pressurized water ( e ) carbon dioxide (d) dry sand 19. As a resolt of mercury's extremely luw vapor pressure the likelihood r,f reaching a tosir qnantiby in n. I d , oratory is (a) remote (b) very likely with spillages (c) impossible (d) only when large quantit,ies arc spilled 20. A chemical is considered danperm~s only if it (a) is flammable (b) is toxic ( c ) may he eit,her flammable ur toxic or both (d) none of the above 21. Regulations which govern the safe use of radioactive materials in ind~lstrial, medical, and educational laboratorie* are issued by (a) U.S. Public Health Service (b) individual states ( c ) U.S. Atomic Energy Cnmmission (d) U S . Bureau of Standards 22. Hasards which result from ingested radioactive compounds are associated with levels of activity of (a) 0.01 to 100 mieromicrae~vies (b) 0.01 to 100 microcuries (c) 0.01 to 100 millicuries (d) 0.01 to 100 curies 23. A cross connection in a laboratory water mpply may result when (a) an air space is provided between the supply and the water reservoir (b) a. vacuum breaker is wed a? part of the supply system (c) pressure in the water supply line goes below atmospheric pressure (Calinued n page A955)
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( d ) nwler trap in draitt line is slloaed to dry out 24. Which of the following specific items of documentation are no1 legally required for radioisotoped lab operation? (a) grsdnate degree i l l science or engineering (h) a lireox or authorization from civil and/or militavy ~llthorit,ies ((.) ~ P I X U I I I Id0simetl.y ~ rerords far employees (d) a radimrtive m:ttel.inls calltion sigu 25. Disposal rrf hiologiral agents should be accomplished hy (a) placing i n garbage can ib) den
