Environment Health Health and and

Transcription

SCHOO
SCHOOL of
CHEMISTRY
Environment
Health and
Safety Manual
201
2014
Version 4.13 30-JAN-14
Authorised: EHS Officer
To be revised: January 2015
Page 1 of 44
Uncontrolled when printed
Contents
Page
3
5
6
7
8
8
8
10-11
11-12
13
16
Topic
Glossary of Terms
Environmental policy
School of Chemistry Safety Committee
General safety regulations
Supervision and Working in Laboratories
Hazardous Operations
Working After-Hours
Emergency Telephone Numbers and Trained First Aiders
Incident & Hazard reporting
Emergency Evacuation Team and Emergency Escape routes
Emergency Procedures (Inc. Evacuations, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus,
First aid, Fire, Chemical Spills, Flood, Discovery of Unconscious Person, Biological
Incidents, Threat of Aggressive Behaviour, Bomb Threat, Suspicious Mail)
22
22
23
25
25
26
27
28
29
30
30-31
31
32
33
33
33-34
34
38
39
40
40
40
42
43
44
Unattended experiments
Handling of Hazardous Chemicals and Risk Assessments
Risk Assessments
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Safe Handling of Chemicals
Hazards of Toxic Chemicals
Hazards of Common Organic Solvents
Chemical storage and segregation
Working with Cyanides, Scheduled Poisons
Handling Diethyl ether
Handling Sodium and Potassium metals
Scheduled Carcinogens and Hazardous Substances requiring health
monitoring
Cryogenic liquids
Gas cylinders
Imported biological chemicals
Decanting & Labelling of chemical containers
Chemical Waste Disposal, unwanted chemicals, non-chemical waste
Handling of glassware
Ionising Radiation and Radioactive Materials
Lasers
Gas, Electricity, Water
Use of Ducted Fume Cupboards
Housekeeping Policy
Apparatus running out of hours form
Bibliography
The latest version of this manual is
http://safety.chemistry.unimelb.edu.au/.
information.
located on the
This site contains
School Safety Website at
a large collection of safety
University Occupational Health and Safety policies & procedures are available at:
http://safety.unimelb.edu.au/publications/procedure/
Page 2 of 44
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following definitions are terms referred to in this Safety Manual as well as other EHS references.
ADG Code Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail.
ASxxxx Australian Standard number. All Australian Standards can be viewed through the University
library by searching for the SAI Global database.
Carcinogen means an agent which is responsible for the formation of a cancer.
Carcinogenic means capable of causing cancer.
CAS Number or CAS No. (Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number) means a unique number
assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Corrosive means having a pH of 2.0 or less or a pH greater than 11.5 causing the destruction of, or
damage to, materials or living tissue on contact; and/or meets the criteria of corrosive under the ADG
Code.
Dangerous Goods means those goods that:
(a) are named in a specific entry in Column 2 in Appendix 2 of the ADG Code and satisfy the criteria in
Column 2 or 9 in Appendix 2 of the ADG Code,
(b) have immediate physical and chemical effects on property, the environment, and people. eg fire,
explosion, corrosion, poisoning.
Dermatitis means an inflammation of the skin. Irritant contact dermatitis is direct damage to the skin,
which is due to contact with the irritant substance, for example, acids, alkalis or organic solvents in
sufficient concentration and for sufficient time.
Dose means the amount of test substance administered. Dose is expressed as mass (grams or
milligrams) or as mass of test substance per unit mass of test animal (e.g. milligrams per kilogram
body mass).
Explosive limits has the same meaning as flammable limits (q.v).
Exposure standard means an airborne concentration of a particular substance in a person’s breathing
zone, as established by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission’s Exposure Standards
for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment [NOHSC:1003].
Flammability means the conditions under which a material will burn.
Flammable means being capable of being ignited and burning in air; see also ‘flammable liquid’ and
‘combustible liquid’.
Flammable limits means the range of concentrations of a flammable vapour in air at which a flame
can be propagated or an explosion will occur, if a sufficient source of ignition is present. Normally
expressed as upper and lower limits of this range, as a percentage of the volume of vapour in air. The
term ‘explosive limits’ has the same meaning as ‘flammable limits’.
Flammable liquid means a liquid which is capable of being ignited and burning in air and which meets
the criteria of the ADG Code (liquids with a flashpoint of not more than 60.5°C closed-cup test, or not
more than 65.6°C open-cup test).
Flash Point is the lowest temperature at which a volatile liquid can vaporise to form an ignitable
mixture in air. Measuring a liquid’s flashpoint requires an ignition source.
Hazard means a material or process capable of causing harm.
Hazardous substance means a substance which:
(a) is listed on the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission’s List of Designated Hazardous
Substances [NOHSC:10005];
(b) has the potential to harm human health by immediate or long-term health effects eg poisoning,
irritation, chemical burns, cancer, birth defects, sensitisation, or organ diseases (Kidneys, lungs, liver)
Hazchem Code means an emergency action code of numbers and letters which gives information to
emergency services. Its use is required by the ADG Code for Dangerous Goods in bulk.
Hygroscopic Readily taking up and retaining moisture.
Ignition Temperature means the minimum temperature required to start or cause self-sustained
combustion in any substance in the absence of an ignition source, such as a spark or a flame.
Incompatibility means a situation where any substance or residue, which by combining chemically
with the incompatible substances or promoting self-reaction or decomposition of the incompatible
substances, may create a hazard.
Irritant means a substance that will produce local irritation or inflammation on contact with tissues
and membranes, such as skin or eyes, or that will, after inhalation, produce local irritation or
inflammation of nasal or lung tissue.
Page 3 of 44
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) means a document that describes the properties and uses of a
material, that is, identity, chemical and physical properties, health hazard information, precautions for
use and safe handling information.
Mutagenic means able to produce a mutation.
National Exposure Standard means an airborne concentration of a particular material in the worker’s
breathing zone, exposure to which, according to current knowledge, should not cause adverse health
effects nor cause undue discomfort to nearly all workers. The exposure standard can be of three forms:
time-weighted average (TWA); peak limitation; or short term exposure limit (STEL).
Packing Group, as defined by the ADG Code means the division of Dangerous Goods of Classes 3, 4,
5, 6.1, 8 and some Class 9 into three groups according to the degree of hazard they present: ‘I’ (great
danger), ‘II’ (medium danger) and ‘III’ (minor danger).
pH means a value representing how acidic or alkaline a solution is. (0.01 M hydrochloric acid has a pH
of 2. 0.01 M sodium hydroxide has a pH of 12. 0.1 M acetic acid, a weak acid, has a pH of 3 and 0.1 M
ammonium hydroxide, a weak alkali, has a pH of 11).
Physical state/form means whether a material is in the solid, liquid or gaseous state at a specified
temperature and pressure.
Poisons Schedule means a listing of substances requiring specific labelling and precautions in use.
The Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (SUSDP) is published by the Australian
Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC).
ppm means parts per million. ppm (w/v) in water = mg/L; ppm (w/w) in solids = mg/kg.
Risk means the likelihood that a material will cause harm in the circumstances of its use.
Risk Phrase means a phrase describing the hazard of a substance as provided in the National
Occupational Health and Safety Commission’s Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances
[NOHSC:1008].
Safety Phrase means a phrase describing the safe handling, storage or use of personal protective
equipment for a material.
Solubility means a measure of how soluble a substance is. Solubility in water is usually expressed as
g/L. Other units include g/l00 cm3, percent w/v or ppm of water.
Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (SUSDP) means the standard
prepared by the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC). Used to categorise poisons and
medicines.
Subsidiary risk (sub-risk) means a risk in addition to the class to which Dangerous Goods are
assigned and which is determined by a requirement to have a subsidiary risk label in accordance with
the ADG Code.
Teratogenic means able to produce abnormalities in a developing foetus, ie, causing birth defects.
Toxic effect means the property of a substance producing damage to an organism. This usually refers
to functional (systemic) damage but may be developmental in respect of tissue and skeleton in the
case of the embryo. The damage may be permanent or transient.
Toxicity means the capacity of a substance to produce damage to an organism. This usually refers to
functional (systemic) damage but may be developmental in respect of tissue and skeleton in the case
of the embryo. The damage may be permanent or transient.
United Nations (UN) Number means a system of four digit numbers assigned by the United Nations
Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. UN Numbers are assigned to one material
or to a group of materials with similar characteristics. They are not necessarily unique to one material,
and may cover a group of materials with similar hazardous properties.
Vapour density means the ratio of the density of the vapour compared to the density of air. The
density of air is nominally set to 1.0. Vapours with a vapour density greater than 1.0 will tend to stay
close to the floor, whereas vapours with a vapour density less than 1.0 will tend to rise.
Volatile means able to pass readily into the vapour state.
Page 4 of 44
Environmental Policy
Guiding Value
The University of Melbourne, in its role as an international teaching and research based University
offering undergraduate and postgraduate education, is committed to embracing environmental
management goals within University activities. These goals will extend to providing community
leadership on environmental issues through quality research and education programs and to the
provision of expert advice on environmental matters of public interest.
Academic Programs
The University recognises its role in educating future leaders who will be in a position to make
decisions enhancing Australia's environmental sustainability. As the University plays a part in
shaping environmental values, Faculty Deans will be responsible for ensuring that programs are
made available to enable students and staff to be aware of and to actively support environmental
education programs and research.
Environmental Impact Reduction
Programs and quantitative targets will be established to minimise pollution and to meet principal
environmental challenges including improved efficiency of resource use, minimising waste
generation and reducing discharges to the environment from University activities.
Management and Reporting
The University is committed to developing and sustaining a fully documented Environmental
Management System (EMS). This system will provide the framework to comply with legislative
requirements, contractual obligations and the measurement of continual improvement targets and
outcomes. The University aspires to be an exemplary model for other institutions. The ViceChancellor will report to Council on environmental performance at least twice yearly, and will
provide an annual environmental report available to the public.
Communication and Involvement
The involvement of regulatory authorities, suppliers, contractors, academic colleagues, students and
community groups will be sought in documenting and achieving environmental objectives and
targets. The University supports the promotion of environmental awareness within the wider
community.
Accountabilities
The Vice-Chancellor is accountable for communication of this policy and for compliance with its
undertakings. A Senior Executive Officer of the University will ensure effective implementation,
management and monitoring of the environmental management system and its subsequent
outcomes. Heads of budget divisions will provide necessary support for environmental plans within
their areas. The University will provide for staff and students of the University community a process
for identifying and managing environmental risks associated with their activities.
The Staff Environment Advocate for Chemistry is Bryan McGowan ext.44027 Room 252 West
Building.
Page 5 of 44
SCHOOL OF CHEMISTRY
ENVIRONMENT HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE
The aim of the committee is to ensure and improve the safe working conditions of all who work and
study within the School. This involves both increasing the awareness of potentially hazardous
circumstances and taking appropriate measures, where possible, to overcome these situations. The
committee meets regularly, and if any person has any questions or comments, or feels that there
are dangerous circumstances within the School, they should contact the School's Safety Officer or
one of the members of the committee.
Committee Position
Name
Room No
Telephone
Committee Chair
Prof M. Ashokkumar
279
47090
School Safety Officer
Mr Bryan McGowan
252
44027
Environment Advocate
Mr Bryan McGowan
252
44027
Elected Health & Safety
Representative
Ms Jennifer Scott
285
47623
Precinct Fac. & Op. Mgr
Mr Paul Beardsley
Faculty
45065
Deputy EHS Officer and
Technical and Laboratory
Staff Rep
Mrs Sioe See Volaric
382
46472
Bio21 Rep
Dr Paul Donnelly
506 Bio21
42399
School Laser Safety
Officer
A/Prof Trevor Smith
269
46272
School Radiation Safety
Officer
Dr Robert Gable
268
46471
B11
48163
Post Grad Student Rep
Research Only Staff Rep
Mr Michael Leeming
Dr Vik Dryza
The University’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy (MPF1205) can be found on the Safety
notice board and online at https://policy.unimelb.edu.au/MPF1205
In short, the Policy affirms the University’s commitment to a safe and healthy working environment.
The University aims to eliminate risks to health and safety and where elimination is not reasonably
practicable, to reduce these risks so far as is reasonably practicable. The Policy also specifies
objectives aimed at fulfilling these commitments.
Page 6 of 44
SCHOOL OF CHEMISTRY SAFETY REGULATIONS
Before any work, research or new process can be started in a laboratory by staff or students, a Risk
Assessment of that work must be carried out by the person or their area supervisor. All hazards
associated with the work must be addressed and the risk levels reduced to a low level. This Risk
Assessment must be documented and signed by the supervisor. After this has been done and any
special requirements or equipment purchased, then the following regulations also apply.
•
SUITABLE CLOTHING must be worn. Long trousers are recommended for men and dresses or
slacks for women, particularly if corrosive or highly toxic chemicals are being used.
•
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) is the responsibility of the individual laboratory to
purchase and maintain for its members. A supply of laboratory coats, safety glasses and gloves
are available from the chemistry store for purchase by internal University requisition.
•
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING must be worn for protection in case of fire or chemical spillage. It is
usually a knee-length white lab coat, but for some hazardous operations more elaborate
protection may be required.
•
SOUND, FULLY ENCLOSED FOOTWEAR must be worn. Thongs, sandals, ballerina flats, clogs,
scuffs and other open-style shoes are PROHIBITED in labs.
•
SAFETY GLASSES are compulsory and must be worn at all times in the lab. Glasses must
conform to Australian Standard 1337. When handling corrosive liquids (especially strong acids
and alkalis) and when decanting liquid nitrogen, a face shield with a chin guard complying with
AS 1337 must be worn. Persons who normally wear prescription glasses should obtain a pair of
prescription safety glasses fitted with side shields for use when in the lab or undertaking any
work where there is a risk of objects entering the eye. These can be obtained from University of
Melbourne Eye Care (9347-1714) http://www.university-eyecare.org.au/ or from their own
optometrist. If prescription safety glasses are not available, goggles or safety glasses designed
to fit over prescription spectacles must be worn.
•
SAFETY GOGGLES must be worn by persons wearing contact lenses. Persons working in
laboratories where there is a risk of exposure to chemicals are strongly advised against wearing
contact lenses, as chemicals can penetrate the layer of tear fluid between the lens and the
cornea of the eye. Removal of contact lenses can be very difficult and the risk of eye injury is
greatly increased.
•
The storage and/or consumption of FOOD and DRINK in labs and other areas where chemicals
are stored and/or used is prohibited. No food containers are to be used to store chemicals.
•
Long HAIR must be safely tied back.
•
VISITORS to laboratories must wear SAFETY GLASSES and a LAB COAT at all times.
•
Laboratory coats, gloves and other protective clothing should be removed when exiting the lab
and must not to be worn in amenities rooms, kitchens, student lounges, etc. Gloves hands
should never come in contact with light switched, lift buttons, etc.
•
All Chemical containers in laboratories must be labelled with a full chemical name and a hazard
diamond where applicable. Where a container is too small or there are many sample vials of the
same or similar compounds, the box, rack, drawer etc or sample holder must be labelled with
the name and hazard diamond. In some cases a lab system of abbreviations can be used for
small vials, provided there is a clearly posted key on the wall of the lab indicating what each
abbreviation stands for.
•
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be obtained before using a chemical. These are
available
from
ChemFFX,
the
University’s
MSDS
utility,
at
http://safety.unimelb.edu.au/unimelb-only/chemffx.html A University username and password
are required to access the system. There are also some useful links on the Chemistry Safety
web site for access to various sites providing MSDSs. An MSDS provides information on any
Page 7 of 44
hazards associated with the use and storage of a chemical. It will also provide information on
what to do in the event of a spill, protective equipment to wear while using it, incompatibilities
with other substances, disposal, toxicological information and any special requirements for use.
Hard copies of MSDSs are not required if immediate access to ChemFFX or individual electronic
MSDSs is available to all lab members. Chemical users are required to have access to the
manufacturer-specific MSDS.
SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING IN LABORATORIES
1. All undergraduate students must be supervised by a staff member at all times while working in a
laboratory. No undergraduate student should have access to the building after normal working
hours. 399 students must be supervised by a member of the academic staff while carrying out
project work in a laboratory. However, if a 399 student carries out this work in a research laboratory
the academic supervisor can delegate the close supervision to a responsible and senior PhD student
(after consultation with the PhD student).
2. Honours students should not work alone in a research laboratory. On a daily basis a member of
the academic staff or a responsible and senior PhD student should supervise them (after
consultation). Honours students are allowed access to the building after normal working hours but
should never work alone at these times. It is their responsibility to arrange their work so that it
coincides with the presence of another research student or member of staff in the same laboratory.
3. All Staff, Masters and PhD students are not to carry out experimental work alone in the
laboratory at any time. Students should arrange their work times so that there is always one other
student or member of staff present in the same laboratory. Under no circumstances should a
student carry out a potentially hazardous operation after normal working hours when access to
emergency help is limited. It is the responsibility of supervisors to ensure that students are aware of
these rules.
HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS
Research workers must organise their experimental work so that operations with more significant
risk are carried out WITHIN NORMAL WORKING HOURS. This is to ensure that help is more readily
available in the event of a problem.
WORKING AFTER-HOURS
Staff and students should be aware of their responsibilities when working out of hours. Please
ensure that when using laboratories, study areas and other core facilities outside the hours of 7:45
am -- 6.00 pm (Masson) or 7:30 am -- 7:30 pm (Bio21) Monday to Friday, or on weekends and
public holidays, that all safety precautions are followed.
The University After-Hours Risk Management Procedure
http://safety.unimelb.edu.au/publications/procedure/after-hours/ should be consulted prior to staff
and students undertaking work out of hours, and the following guidelines complied with:
1. When working after-hours all staff and students must record their name, location, entry and
exit time and date in the After Hours Register located in the East Wing foyer and Reception
area of the Bio21 Building. Failure to do so will result in withdrawal of access privileges.
2. Only people directly affiliated with the School are given access to the buildings after-hours.
They include staff, post-grad students and accredited visitors. Casual staff requiring after
hours access must first receive authorisation from the Head of School. Family members and
friends are generally not permitted in the building after-hours, but in the rare event that they
need to be present, they must be escorted at all times, must never be permitted to
enter a laboratory and should be strictly limited to one person.
3. Working in the lab alone after-hours is not permitted. If you need to work in the lab afterhours you must coordinate with another member of the research group so that there are at
least two group members present. If you are working alone in an office after-hours you
should inform someone of your presence in the school and your expected time of departure.
Page 8 of 44
4. Staff and students should have access to a phone in case of emergency to call Security. If
possible, carry a mobile phone at all times. University Security Emergency 8344 6666. In
the Chemistry Building emergency phones are located in the East Wing (levels 1, 3, 5) and
West Building (levels 1, 2, 3) near the lifts. These phones provide a direct link to University
Security and will continue to operate during a network failure that affects desk phones.
5. Staff and Students must ensure that they carry their Identification Card at all times. Security
has the right to escort people out of the building for failing to produce University
identification.
6. Ensure non-standard activities have a documented Risk Assessment and that High Risk*
activities are not undertaken alone or after hours. Control measures should be adequate to
reduce the risk to medium or low. Copies of general risk assessments for the research group
must be kept in an areas accessible to all lab members, such as a Safety binder inside the
door.
*High-Risk Activities (Not to be undertaken alone or after hours alone)
High-risk refers to risk rating before implemented controls. No activity rated
high-risk after implemented controls should ever be carried out.
Examples of some activities that may be considered high-risk before implemented controls
are:
•
Work with or near, highly toxic or corrosive substances where there is a significant risk of
exposure to the substances, taking into account the volume used.
•
Using apparatus or reactions that could result in explosion, implosion, or the release of high
energy fragments or significant amounts of toxic or environmentally damaging hazardous
material.
•
Unshielded operation or alignment of lasers of Class 3B and above.
7. Areas should have regular inspections using the Office or Laboratory Inspection Checklist.
Inspections should be completed with as many members of the group as possible and
supervisors must ensure inspections are completed on time for their areas.
8. When vacating the laboratory/office area, even for a short break, ensure you lock your door
behind you. For safety and security reasons laboratories and instrument rooms must remain
locked at all times if they are unoccupied. There are times on weekends or evenings where
there are functions on and visitors present in the building who may wander around
unchecked.
9. The After Hours Equipment form must be completed and posted near any lab equipment that
is operating unattended. This form must contain information on safe shutdown of the
apparatus and list 24 hour contact details for persons with knowledge of the apparatus.
http://safety.chemistry.unimelb.edu.au/rtf_files/Apparatus%20Running%20After%20Hours%
20Form%20v1.7.doc
Personal Safety
Security escorts are available on campus and surrounding areas to accompany staff and students
working in unsupervised areas and after hours to public transport or their vehicles. Staff and
students can make arrangements for this service by contacting University Security on 8344 4674 or
Free call 1800 246 066.
Page 9 of 44
EMERGENCY TELEPHONES
FIRE BRIGADE
POLICE
AMBULANCE
}
}
}
Dial 0-000.
Ask for service required.
24 Hour Security
University Security
Bio21 Security room G57
8344-6666 (4-6666 internally)
4-2481 or 0425 762 513
Poisons Information Centre
0-131-126
Royal Melbourne Hospital
0-9342-7000
Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
0-9929-8666
Alfred Hospital ER
Student Health Service
Chemistry EHS Officer
Facilities & Operations Manager
Deputy EHS Officer
Faculty of Science EHS Manager
Bio21 EHS Coordinator
Bio21 Emergency
Bio21 EHS Manager
University Radiation Protection Officer
University EHS Adviser - Chemicals
Chemistry Radiation Safety Officer
Chemistry Laser Safety Officer
0-9276 2000, for information on chemical burns
ext 4-6904, 4-6905
(138-146 Cardigan Street Carlton)
Mr Bryan McGowan, ext 4-4027 (0431 688 447)
Mr Paul Beardsley, ext 4-5065 (0466 655 014)
Mrs Sioe See Volaric ext 4-6472
Mr Sam Montalto, ext 4-6924 (0425 800 085)
Mr Christian Rantzau ext 4-2207 (0401 171 097)
0407 779 524
Dr David Keizer, ext 4-2218 (0417 162 386)
Mr S.Guggenheimer, ext 4-3052 (0411 111 265)
Mr John Carmichael, ext 4-9249 (0414 878 028)
Dr Robert Gable, ext 4-6471
A/Prof Trevor Smith, ext 4-6272
EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE REQUESTS
24 hour Maintenance Hotline
Chemistry Client Services Officer
Chemistry Client Relationship Coord.
Bio21 Building Services Engineer
ext. 4-6000
Greg Massey 0425 850 983
Michael Barbadonis 0425 867 305
Tony White
EMERGENCY FIRST AID - MASSON BUILDING
Name
Ext.
Room/Lab
Location
ALMEIDA, Maria Ines
46813
Room 266
Level 2 West
BOSKOVIC, Colette
44971
Room 272
Level 2 West
DRYZA, Viktoras
48163
Room B11
Basement East
DORONILA, Augustine
46813
Room 266
Level 2 West
ELLIS, Greg
45856
Room 382
Level 3 West
Fu, Qiang
47471
Level 5 East
Level 5 East
KLAHN, Andrew
42979
Room B61
Basement West
LEUNG, Andy
47473
Level 5 East
Level 5 East
McGOWAN, Bryan
44027
Room 252
Level 2 West
MORNANE, Pat
46813
Room 266
Level 2 West
MOYLAN, Mick
46465
Room 154
Level 1 West
SECURITY
46666
SINGH, Ranjeet
58765
Level 4 East
Level 4 East
VOLARIC, Sioe See
46472
Room 382
Level 3 West
Page 10 of 44
XIAO, Penny
58765
Level 4 East
Level 4 East
EMERGENCY FIRST AID - Bio21 BUILDING
Name
David Keizer
Christian Rantzau
Security
Saravanan Dayalan
Michael Blake
Shaun Scanlon
Eric Hanssen
Nadine Dudek
Tich-Lam Nguyen
Fleur Sernee
David Stanton
Trent Perry
Laila Roisman
Jennifer Chambers
Emma Blackham
Catrin Goeschen
Max Walker
Shiralee Whitehead
Ext.
Mobile
Room
42218
42207
42481
42388
42246
42247
42449
42286
42421
42351
42567
42362
42558
42394
42426
42425
42456
42454
0407 779 524
0401 171 097
0425 762 513
G27
G27
G57
B31
G57
G57
133
205
285
333
369
503
535
535
INCIDENT REPORTS
Every occurrence that can be classed as an accident or security risk, e.g. fire, flood, explosion,
liberation of toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, personal injury or cases of sudden illness, theft,
should be reported without delay to the School Safety Officer and an Incident Report (S3 form,
located in the Amenities Room and on the Safety Web page) filled out in hard copy. Research
Students should also inform their supervisor. Undergraduate students should report all accidents to
the Senior Demonstrator in charge of a laboratory.
Accident reporting is necessary to enable proper statistics to be kept so that unforseen hazards can
be identified and eliminated. It is important to report all accidents or incidents as soon as possible
regardless of whether medical aid is sought. Reporting of near misses, cuts and bruises may help to
prevent a serious accident in the future.
The scene of an incident or accident must never be interfered with, without first
consulting the Safety Officer. In some instances an accident scene must be left intact until a
Worksafe inspector visits.
Failure to report injuries or damage to property could result in loss of insurance benefits.
Page 11 of 44
HAZARD and MAINTENANCE REPORTING
All routine Chemistry Building maintenance issues (plumbing, structural, electrical) are either
reported to Bryan [email protected] or emailed to the Client Services contact at [email protected] (and copied to Bryan) so that follow up by the University
can be tracked. If issues in your area are reported and not fixed after a reasonable period of time,
please be proactive and let Bryan know.
Non-urgent faults after hours or on weekends should be reported by email.
Urgent faults after hours or on weekends can be reported directly to the 24-hour Maintenance
section hotline on 4-6000.
Chemical spills, fumes or smells within the Chemistry Building should be reported to the Safety
Officer, Mr Bryan McGowan on Ph 4-4027 Rm 252. At Bio21 these issues should be reported to the
local EHS team on 0407 779 524.
Black and yellow “Caution Do Not Use” tags must be used to label any broken or faulty equipment
(instruments, machinery, electrical devices, tools, furniture, etc) including items that are to be
repaired or disposed of via the university hard rubbish collection. Tags should be placed in an
obvious position (over the controls) and whenever possible electrical equipment should be
unplugged so that others will not use it. If faulty equipment is sent to the workshops for repair, it
should have a “Caution” tag attached to it. Faulty electrical equipment for disposal should have its
power cord cut off and the plug prongs bent to prevent use and possible injury to someone else.
Page 12 of 44
FLOOR WARDENS
The following is a list of current Chemistry Floor Wardens and the areas they cover in the event of an
emergency. Floor Wardens wear Yellow Hard Hats.
EAST WING
Level 5
Edgar Wong / Paul Gurr – All areas
Level 4
Ranjeet Singh / Penny Xiao – All areas
Level 3
Chris Ritchie / Stephen Best– All areas
Level 2
Opening Soon - TBA
Level 1
Dehong Chen – All areas
Basement
Viktoras Dryza – All areas
WEST BUILDING
Level 3
Alex Wu – North & West Corridors, Sr. Theatre
Sioe See Volaric / Greg Ellis – Teaching Lab and associated rooms, Kolev
Lab, South Corridor offices and Male Toilet
Level 2
Jennifer Scott / Alf Meilak – Teaching Lab and associated rooms & offices,
Resonance Lab, Female Toilet
Doug Taylor – All main corridor rooms, Amenities Room, Meeting Rooms
Level 1
P. Mills / G. Thomson - Level 1 Teaching Lab and associated rooms &
offices, Masson Theatre, Cuming Theatre
D. Odgers - Labyrinth, Main Lobby area, West & South Corridor Rooms
Basement
Ross Lineham / Joe Tyler – Store and associated rooms
Robert Gable – X-Ray Lab, ITS spaces
Building Chief Warden is Bryan McGowan
Deputy is Greg Ellis
You are requested to cooperate with the Floor Wardens so as to ensure a swift evacuation of
buildings. The duties of the Floor Wardens in an emergency situation are as follows:
1. On hearing the alarms the wardens will instruct all persons in their areas to leave the buildings
by the most practical route ensuring that lifts are not used.
2. The Building Emergency Controller (BEC) Bryan McGowan will locate source of the alarm if
possible and direct the Fire Brigade if necessary.
Page 13 of 44
3. Within their designated areas Floor Wardens will inspect all rooms (including toilets, etc)
confirming total evacuation and checking that smoke and fire doors have been closed.
4. When they are satisfied that their area is clear they will report personally to the BEC Bryan
McGowan or Deputy BEC Greg Ellis at the foyer of the Old Building and then exit.
PREFERRED ESCAPE ROUTES
CHEMISTRY BUILDING
1. Proceed calmly to the closest exit on your level in order to evacuate the building via the
emergency stairwells or open staircases (only if smoke free). DO NOT USE LIFTS IN AN
EMERGENCY. Emergency stairwells are located on each floor at both the north & south ends
in the East Wing (break glass panel to push button and release doors) & at the rear of the
West Wing.
2. Proceed to the nearest safe stairwell to exit at the ground level and leave building. Building
escape doors are fitted with white break glass panels that must be broken to push the button
and release the doors.
3. Proceed to the designated assembly area at MacFarland Court (grassy area between
Chemistry and the Old Quad). The alternate assembly area is east of Building 161.
Chemistry Building Emergency Exits
Between 7:45 AM and 6:00 PM all normal entry doors are unlocked and can be used to evacuate the
building on the sounding of the alarm system. Outside these hours all exit doors from the two
Chemistry buildings are programmed to open on the alarm system being activated. If for any reason
an automatic door does not open in an emergency, use the white break glass exit button box
located adjacent to the door. East Wing emergency stairwells remain locked and must be opened by
activating the break glass buttons.
Page 14 of 44
Bio21 Emergency Wardens
BEC- David Keizer
* Level 2 North
R. Good/A. Strich
* Level 4 South
N. Williamson/J. Hickey
* Level 4 North
D. Jones/N. Wallis
* Level 5 South
S. Williams/J. Muth
* Level 5 North
S. Hickey/C. Donner
PREFERRED ESCAPE ROUTES
BIO21 BUILDING
1. Proceed calmly to the closest exit on your level in order to evacuate the building via the
emergency stair wells. DO NOT USE LIFTS OR THE ATRIUM STAIRS IN AN EMERGENCY.
Emergency stair wells are located on each floor at both ends of the corridor (refer to green
arrows on Diagram 1).
2. Follow the emergency stairwell to exit at the ground level and leave building.
3. Proceed to the designated assembly area.
Bio21 – Emergency Stairwells located at both ends of corridors on all levels
Page 15 of 44
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE
1.
Once the signal for evacuation has sounded, the evacuation must be completed, even if it is
discovered that the alarm is false. Evacuation routes and floor plans are on display in the lift
lobby East Wing and the front stairs in the West Building and on notice boards (Bio21).
2.
In all cases observe these points:
(a)
Turn off gas and electricity to your experiment and at the mains, if nearby.
(b)
If you happen to be located where you’re personal possessions are immediately at hand
then take them with you.
(c)
Follow your evacuation route immediately but without panic. Do not wait for a warden to
instruct you to evacuate.
(d)
Follow instructions from your floor warden (identified by a yellow hat).
(e)
LIFTS must NOT be used under any circumstances.
(f)
When outside move well away from the building to the assembly point, keeping the
roads clear for emergency vehicles. DO NOT CROWD NEAR DOORWAYS.
(g)
DO NOT re-enter the building when the alarm stops ringing. Permission to re-enter the
building will be given by the Fire Officer in charge to the Building Emergency Controller.
SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS (SCBA)
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is kept in the School of Chemistry for the use in Spill
control and clean-up procedures and for rescue of persons in an emergency eg fire, release of toxic
gas. Staff and Postgraduate students volunteering or asked to undertake training in the use of
must be subject to the following selection and training process:
1. An assessment of their physical ability to use the SCBA and to rescue a person is to be carried
out by the School Safety Officer.
2. They must be prepared to undertake formal training in the use of SCBA every 12 months and
training in spill control measures.
3. They must be informed of the potential hazards involved in using the SCBA to rescue another
person and to clean up a chemical spill.
4. They must be willing to practise the use of SCBA every 12 months.
There are two sets of SCBA in the Chemistry building. These sets must only be used in an
emergency situation and ONLY by trained persons who are provided access to them.
Page 16 of 44
FIRST AID
Carry out procedures below and in the case of MAJOR INJURIES promptly get help by contacting
AMBULANCE (Tel. 0-000) and then persons trained in FIRST AID. For accidents involving chemicals,
provide information about the chemical involved.
Serious Bleeding – Call 0-000. Attempt to control by applying pressure (with a pad) to the area.
Extensive Burns – Call 0-000. Wash off any residual chemical. Cover injuries with STERILE non
adhering bandage, towel or sheet.
Leave clothing where it is. Leave neck and head uncovered.
Wait for trained help and ambulance. DO NOT apply any oils, creams or jelly.
Minor Burns - Cool the burnt area under running cold water. Go to Student Health or Hospital
Casualty for treatment.
Cryogenic Burns - immediately flush the affected area with water and remove any clothing, gloves
and footwear saturated with fluid. If burn is severe, call 0-000 to get victim to hospital quickly. DO
NOT rub affected area. DO NOT expose to radiant heat.
Eye Injuries - Chemicals splashed in the eye - immediate and prolonged (~ 20 minutes) gentle
flushing with water from the nearest eye wash or tap. DO NOT use neutralising solution.
COMPULSORY - take victim by car, taxi or ambulance to EYE AND EAR HOSPITAL. Splinters of glass
or metal in the eye - Get medical help as soon as possible.
Chemical Injuries - spillages on skin and clothes. Wash off IMMEDIATELY with copious amounts
of cold water (at least 10 minutes). Organic materials can be absorbed through the skin and in
these cases follow the cold water washing by a thorough washing with warm water and soap.
Contaminated clothing should be removed as soon as possible and thoroughly washed.
Breathing Failure - Call 0-000. Call person trained in First Aid to attempt to restore breathing.
Cardiac Arrest – Call 0-000. Call several first aiders, who can provide assistance. The Chemistry
Building is equipped with an Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED) that can be used by first aiders
to restart the heart. The AED is located immediately inside the front door (Masson Road side) of
Chemistry West.
Clothing on Fire - Put the victim on the floor and roll him/her to smother the flames. Use a fire
blanket, fire extinguisher, or a laboratory coat if accessible. Douse flames with a safety shower, if
immediately accessible, but DO NOT allow the victim to stand, to prevent rising flames from
reaching the head. If your own clothes are on fire, drop to the floor and smother the flames with a
rolling action.
Inhalation of Toxic Vapours - If severe and patient unable to remove himself/herself from danger
area call a person trained in the use of self-controlled breathing equipment. Loosen victim's
clothing. Call 0-000 to GET MEDICAL HELP QUICKLY. For milder cases of poisoning go to Student
Health or Hospital Casualty. Be sure to provide information on the toxic substance involved, the
time of the exposure, and treatment given.
Poisons Swallowed - GET MEDICAL HELP PROMPTLY by calling 0-000. Identify the poison and the
time of exposure.
Poisons Information Centre 0 131 126
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person or to a person in convulsions.
Acid / Alkali or Hydrocarbon Solvents Swallowed – Call 0-000. Follow the instructions from
the Poisons Information Centre or MSDS until help arrives.
Other Poisons Swallowed – Call 0-000. Induce vomiting by tickling the back of the throat with a
strip of clean paper or finger. After vomiting give more water. If vomiting not easily induced, give
plenty of water.
Page 17 of 44
FIRE
1.
If a fire occurs, as well as operating the extinguishers, gas and electricity to the bench or fume
hood should be turned off. Renovated labs have emergency isolation buttons near the entry
doors which turn off natural gas and power point electricity to the entire room. If the fire is in
the fume cupboard, immediately push the red emergency button (to turn off gas supply and
electricity) and close the damper to the fan (if applicable on older models). This will minimise
the severity of the fire. The lever for this damper is situated above the door of the cupboard.
Then use fire extinguisher on the fire.
2.
If the fire is not being brought under control, sound the fire alarm by activating a break glass
alarm and evacuate immediately.
Break-glass alarms are located outside the main
laboratories and near the staircases on each floor of both buildings.
3.
If the thermal sensors activate the alarm bells, but the fire is being brought under control,
then continue to fight the fire. Once extinguished, leave the building.
4.
If the fire alarm bells sound for an emergency evacuation and continue to ring for more than
10 seconds, and you are not involved in fighting the fire, turn off gas and electricity to your
experiment and evacuate the building by the route allocated for that area.
5.
Never endanger your own life to fight a fire.
CHEMICAL SPILLS
Staff and students should put personal safety first - keep clear of a spill unless trained in spill
control and clean up. Ensure only trained and competent staff attempt to clean up a chemical
substance spill
Each laboratory must have containers of vermiculite and sodium bicarbonate for spills. In the
Masson Building there are MOBILE SPILL STATIONS containing the above compounds, gloves, safety
glasses, sealable bucket and a brush and pan situated at:
East Wing: Level 3, adjacent to the lift.
West Wing: Level 3 corridor near room 361.
Acid Spillage - Cover the area of spillage with excess of solid sodium bicarbonate. Leave until
neutralisation is complete. Sweep and collect the neutral solid. Small amounts of residue can be
dissolved in water and flushed down the drain. Large amounts should be placed in the bucket with
the lid.
Alkali Spillage - Cover with vermiculite, collect into the bucket with the lid. To neutralise large
spills sodium bicarbonate can be used instead of vermiculite:
Cover the spill with sufficient sodium bicarbonate to neutralise alkali. Collect the residue into the
bucket with the lid. Wash the floor (or other surface) with water, making sure that the washings are
neutral (litmus) before disposal down a sink.
Noxious, volatile, organic chemicals - Cover with sufficient vermiculite to absorb the entire
spilled compound. Sweep and place into the bucket and cover tightly with the lid.
Gas Leaks – If possible without risking your safety, turn off the source of the leak by closing the
cylinder control valve. Evacuate the lab. For reticulated gases, there is often a bank of isolation
valves near the lab exit door. These can be accessed by pulling out the clear plastic panel and
closing the appropriate valve. These are usually outside the lab door to allow shutdown during the
evacuation process. Contact the Safety Officer to provide information about the leak. If the leak
poses a serious safety risk beyond the local evacuation area (risk of explosion, accumulation of toxic
gas, etc) activate the break glass alarm to evacuate the building.
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Mercury - Spills must be cleaned up immediately to prevent long term exposure to toxic vapours.
Contact the Safety Officer who can provide access to a mercury spill kit with absorbent powder.
Fine sulphur powder can also be used to form an amalgam with large spills. Sulphur will require at
least 24 hours to amalgamate (it will form dark brown/black balls) with the mercury and the lab
should not be occupied during this time. Mercury absorbent powder should also be spread into
cracks and crevices in the spill area to assist with collection of hidden mercury. These powders will
also aid in reducing mercury vapours by covering the surface of the spill. All mercury, absorbent
powders used in cleanup, and other items that touch mercury must be disposed of as hazardous
waste in tightly sealed containers. For small spills, such as broken mercury thermometers,
commercial kits with absorbent collection sponges are available for purchase from the Chemistry
store. If you use mercury or mercury thermometers in your lab, serious consideration must be
given to substituting these items for non-mercury alternatives. If mercury is required, risks of its
use must be considered and documented on a risk assessment. Users must ensure that a spill kit is
kept on hand. Spills onto hot surfaces or into ovens pose a much higher risk as they produce a lot
of toxic vapour. In these cases the lab must be immediately evacuated, sealed off, and the air
recirculation turned off to prevent spreading the contamination.
General Spill clean-up procedure:
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
• Clear the area
• Check for any persons involved
• Isolate the spill (if safe to do so)
• Contact the area supervisor or Safety Officer
The Primary concern is to protect health and safety. No action should be taken during an emergency
response that directly or indirectly violates this principle.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR EVACUATION
• Uncontrolled open flame
• Uncontrolled compressed gas release
• Any situation which poses imminent threat to human health or safety
When the alarm sounds, all persons should immediately exit the building and report to their
assigned assembly area. Elimination of potential sources of ignition should only be done if it can be
accomplished without personal risk. This can often be achieved by pushing the large red emergency
stop buttons near lab exit doors. These shut down all power points and the natural gas supply to
the area. After evacuating, DO NOT LEAVE THE ASSEMBLY AREA unless informed that it is OK to do
so. Your detailed knowledge of the incident may be of use the emergency responders.
HIGH RISK SPILLS
1. Contact the Emergency Services Team by calling 0-000 or Security on 46666 and explain the
situation.
2. Determine who will take responsibility for the spill, ie Contractor, Fire Brigade, other Emergency
Service.
3. Ensure the Safety Officer is advised of the situation.
4. Follow any advice or information provided by the Emergency Response Team.
LOW RISK SPILLS
1. Have at least 2 trained staff to handle the spill
2. Use the proper protective equipment
3. Ensure fire protection is available for flammable spills
4. Control the source
5. Contain free liquids by damming, absorbing if appropriate
6. Place all spill residues in an appropriate container
7. Decontaminate the affected area using an appropriate material
8. Decontaminate the salvage equipment
9. Analyse the area to ensure proper decontamination has taken place
10. Examine walkways, floors, stairs equipment etc for other hazards or damage
DEBRIEFING
All emergency personnel involved in the spill response should be debriefed after the spill has been
resolved. All spill control supplies should be restocked. All damaged or used equipment should be
repaired or refilled. When the area is deemed clear, it can be re-opened for operations.
Page 19 of 44
FLOOD
When a flood is encountered, the following procedure should be employed:
1. Turn off water at source if possible.
2. Isolate electrical sources at the mains if safe to do so. Power points and natural gas to the entire
lab can be stopped remotely by pressing the large red emergency button near the exit door.
3. If possible, place a spill tray or empty rubbish barrel under the leak.
4. Isolate area by closing doors.
5. If the flood occurs after normal hours, call security on 8344 6666 and maintenance on 8344
6000.
6. Consider evacuation if human safety is in jeopardy:
• Partial evacuation of floor by word of mouth
• Building evacuation - initiated by pressing a break glass alarm. (This alerts the Building
Evacuation Team and also alerts the Fire Brigade and Maintenance.)
DISCOVERY OF AN UNCONSCIOUS PERSON
Under no circumstances should a person enter a room/lab to rescue an unconscious person, lest
they themselves fall victim by unwittingly entering an oxygen-depleted atmosphere or a lab with a
toxic gas leak. Immediately ring 0-000, then contact a person trained in the use of SCBA and the
Safety Officer. (Notify Security x46666 if after hours). Only a person wearing SCBA is to enter a
room to rescue an unconscious person. In some cases the Safety Officer can use the oxygen level
meter/gas detector to determine oxygen levels or presence of toxic gases.
INCIDENTS INVOLVING BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
Needle-stick injuries, blood splashes, and other spills of potentially infectious material require that
the Safety Officer be notified.
For small, contained spills, a solution of bleach and disposable paper towels can be used to clean up
blood and other matter. Appropriate gloves should be worn. Waste materials should be disposed of
in a labelled biohazard bag. When in doubt leave it as is and call the Safety Officer who will refer it
to Cleaning Services.
For sharps, and instrumentation that is contaminated, use an appropriate sharps container. It is
the responsibility of the lab using that infectious material to arrange to safely clean the area with
disinfectant.
Where infectious biological material may require the evacuation or barricading off of an area, the
BEC should be notified. Security can also be notified on 4-6666 to provide assistance with cordoning
off an area. If safe to do so, a lab member should remain outside the area to prevent entry by
unauthorised personnel until proper barricading can be set up.
THREAT OF AGGRESSIVE OR VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR
If possible, remove yourself immediately from the vicinity. Move calmly. Do not challenge the
person, and avoid direct eye contact. Once clear, notify the first person you see who is known to
you, that there is an aggressive person on the premises. If confronted, be firm but polite with the
person and let them know that their behaviour is not acceptable. If you cannot remove yourself
from the vicinity without closing with the person, lock yourself in the nearest secure room with a
telephone and call SECURITY on ext. 46666 (24 HOURS) then call reception on ext. 47137 or after
hours call the Police on 0 - 000 (security must be alerted to let police into the building after hours).
You should not feel obliged to rectify the situation on your own. The Security staff is trained to
handle these situations.
•
•
As soon as possible, report the incident to the Safety Officer (use S3 incident report form).
If the situation is not immediately threatening, ring Security on ext. 46666, give details and
ask for assistance.
Page 20 of 44
•
•
•
•
In an extreme emergency, out of hours, where you are in physical danger and you cannot
ring the police, activate the fire alarm. This will bring professional help within minutes.
If you wish to be escorted from the building between 4 p.m. and 7 a.m., call ext. 46666.
Information on escort service is available.
Abusive phone calls: hang up the phone and notify your supervisor. If calls persist, contact
the Manager, Telephone Systems on 47111.
Security telephones, placed at strategic points on campus, are identified by a blue light and
connect direct to security at central control 24 hours a day.
BOMB THREAT PROCEDURES
While most bomb threats received by telephone turn out to be hoaxes, they must be taken
seriously. The following procedure will assist you if a bomb threat is received by telephone.
Recording the Call
If a bomb threat call is received, it is important that the person receiving the call try to remain calm
and does not hang up the phone even if the caller hangs up. This 'open' line may assist in tracing
the origin of the call. The more information you obtain from the caller, the better the threat can be
assessed. Keep talking to the caller for as long as possible. Examples of questions to ask are: Where
is the bomb? When will it go off? What does it look like? What is your name? Also try to pick up
hints such as an accent or background noise.
Reporting the Call
Immediately report the call using another telephone to the University Security Officer on 8344 6666
and the bomb threat to the area supervisor. The University Security Officer, police or fire brigade
will advise whether a building evacuation is necessary. However, if there is any difficulty contacting
the Security Officer, or the bomb threat caller indicated that the bomb will go off in the immediate
future, the affected area (or building) should be evacuated using the normal building evacuation
procedures.
Unidentified Packages
If what appears to be a bomb is found e.g. an unidentified package then:
• under no circumstances should it be touched;
• clear the immediate area;
• report the incident to the area supervisor;
• ensure that the University Security Officers are alerted on extn. 46666.
SUSPICIOUS MAIL AND PACKAGES
This procedure is to be followed if you receive mail or packages of which you are suspicious.
1. If the item is unopened, do not open it
2. If you have opened the item and it contains powder, liquid, or other substance DO NOT HANDLE
IT ANY FURTHER.
3. Avoid contact with the substance, and do not touch eyes, nose or mouth
4. If possible wash hands and lower arms with soap and cold water
5. Place the item in a sealed plastic bag or cover with a large container such as a rubbish bin
6. Place any other items exposed to the mail or package in a second bag
7. Stay in the immediate area and prevent others from entering to reduce changes of contamination
8. Call Security on 46666 and notify them of the situation giving details of location etc
9. Notify the Area Supervisor or Head of Department
10. Notify Maintenance on 46000 to shut down any ventilation equipment
11. Await Security and the Emergency Services, they will take on responsibility of the situation
12. Emergency Services will arrange decontamination of the areas exposed
13. Self decontamination should be conducted under the guidance of the emergency services
14. Evacuate the building when directed to do so, ensure that staff stay in the assemble area
Identifying Suspicious Packages:
• Oily, stained, discoloured or smelly envelopes
• Protruding wires, foil or tape
• Excessive postage or wrapping
• Excessive weight
Page 21 of 44
•
•
•
•
Poorly identified addressee
Lopsided or uneven envelopes
Postage that does not match the return address
Foreign or unexpected mail
RELEASE OF NOXIOUS/TOXIC SUBSTANCES INTO ATMOSPHERE
If noxious/toxic substances are accidentally released into the atmosphere of the Chemistry or Bio21
buildings, the buildings should be evacuated by ringing the alarm bells (break-glass alarm),
situated on every level of both buildings near staircases.
UNATTENDED EXPERIMENTS
No unattended experiment may involve running water to condensors, rotary evaporators,
waterbaths or other equipment in labs due to the water waste and the risk of floods.
Recirculating chilled water or other means must be used instead.
For other unattended experiments or apparatus the following rules must be followed:
(a) See that the apparatus is first checked by an AUTHORISED* person.
(b) Fill in the APPARATUS RUNNING OUTSIDE NORMAL HOURS FORM+ for experiments left
unattended after normal working hours. This form must be signed by the OPERATOR and by the
AUTHORISED PERSON who has checked the apparatus. The signed form must be attached to the
apparatus or posted nearby. It must include contact phone numbers and emergency shutdown
procedures.
* Authorised persons: lab heads, senior teaching lab staff, research fellows and senior associates.
+Available from the mailbox next to Postgraduate student mail boxes in the Amenities room, the
end of this manual, and the safety page on the school web site.
HANDLING of HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS and RISK ASSESSMENT
This information is designed to assist areas in complying with Part 4.1 of the Hazardous Substances
and Materials Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007.
The regulations aim to minimise the risk to health from work with hazardous substances by:
• ensuring adequate information about the substance is always given to employers, students and
employees
• stipulating that risk assessments must be done to determine if there is a risk of exposure to
hazardous substances
• if there is a risk of exposure, that it is controlled
• providing for the training of workers who could be exposed to hazardous substances in order
that they may assess their level of risk, and assess and control their exposure.
The Hazardous Substances Regulations involve –
a. Identification of the hazardous substance,
b. Assessing whether the use of the substance is a significant risk to workers health, and if so • Provide adequate induction and training,
• Implement appropriate control measures,
• Provide workplace monitoring if relevant,
c. Provide health surveillance if required under the regulations
d. Keep appropriate records including a ‘Hazardous Substances’ register.
RISK ASSESSMENT
Page 22 of 44
In addition to observing the general safety rules in the laboratory, a RISK ASSESSMENT must be
carried out before commencing any experimental procedure. For each experiment the result of the
risk assessment process must be documented and filed with the experimental details in laboratory
notebooks. These must be kept for later reference.
The risk assessment process requires an examination of materials and processes as shown below:
1. The available information on all substances to be encountered during the experimental procedure
should be examined and reviewed, (use Material Safety Data Sheets, product labelling, other
technical references, and consultation with supervisors or demonstrators)
2. Assessment of the risk to health using any hazardous substance or process under the
experimental conditions proposed.
3. A decision as to the level of risk associated with the experiment is made and an appropriate
procedure is decided upon. Specific hazards and precautions must be listed on the risk
assessment sheet and both supervisors and students must sign the sheet before work is
commenced.
4. Specific consideration must be given for how to safely stop a reaction that is beginning to get out
of control. This information should be integrated into the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
and the After Hours Equipment Form (if applicable).
All staff and students working in the lab MUST complete a risk assessment for ALL experiments. The
correct form can be printed from the School of Chemistry safety website at:
http://safety.chemistry.unimelb.edu.au/pdf/Blank%20form%20VIII.pdf
Old single page risk assessment forms are NOT to be used under any circumstances. Green
Laboratory Notebooks which already contain the correct Risk Assessment form can be purchased
from the School of Chemistry Store and are highly recommended for all chemical reaction risk
assessments. The Chemical Hazard Risk Assessment form in the green book is designed to record
both chemical hazard information and experimental details from laboratory work. If you are using
another notebook you must print the Chemical Risk Assessment form and paste it into your
notebook for EACH experiment. Risk Assessments completed for single instances, such as a special
experiment, should be maintained for a period of 2 years. It is acceptable to refer back to a
previous form containing experimental and safety data to prevent repetition of information, but if
reactions are scaled up and the safety and risk implications change, this must be taken into account
with a new risk assessment.
A guide for using the Chemical Hazard Risk Assessment form
For Substances Used enter full names, including solvents. Use the columns headed MW, mmol,
Density, Mass and Vol as appropriate. (Shaded; not compulsory) The Hazards section can be
completed using Risk and Safety Phrase numbers. Risk and safety data for a particular substance
can be acquired from an appropriate chemical catalogue, material safety data sheets (MSDS) or on
the School Safety website at http://safety.chemistry.unimelb.edu.au/pdf/RiskSafetyPhrases.pdf
The Reaction Hazards section is intended to help you assess and identify what can potentially go
wrong during your experiment, so you can better prevent or control such occurrences. If it is
reasonably foreseeable that a spillage or leak may exceed the lower explosion limit of a substance,
then a more detailed risk assessment will be required. If your procedure has safety and risk
implications beyond those listed, you should complete the Additional Safety Implications section.
There are several procedures for which this MUST be done. For example,
1. If your assessment has identified a manual handling hazard, a separate manual handling risk
assessment may need to be carried out.
2. If your reaction involves the use of Scheduled Poisons for which the School of Chemistry
does not hold a permit, you must inform the Safety Officer BEFORE beginning the
experiment.
The selected Reaction Hazards should be entered into the risk assessment table so they can be
quantified using the Likelihood/Consequence criteria. The information below provides guidance.
Page 23 of 44
Step 2 – Consider the Consequences
What are the consequences of this incident occurring?
Consider what could reasonably have happened as well as
what actually happened. Look at the descriptions and choose
the most suitable Consequence.
LIKELIHOOD
CONSEQUENCES
Likelihood
Description
A
Will occur on an annual
Almost certain basis
B
Not unusual. Has occurred
Likely
several times before
C
Unusual but possible. Might
Possible
occur once in your career
D
Does occur somewhere
Unlikely
from time to time
E
Heard of something like the
Rare
event occurring elsewhere
Consequence
Description
1
No treatment. Low level, short term
injury. Negligible disruption.
First aid treatment, minor injury. Minor
disruption of operations.
Medical treatment for moderate injury.
Moderate disruption of operations.
Death/permanent disability. Major
damage requiring corrective action.
Insignificant
2
Minor
3
Moderate
4
Major
5
Extreme
Severe health effects leading to multiple
fatalities. Cessation of activities.
Step 3 – Calculate the Risk
1.Take step 1 rating and select the correct column
2.Take Step 2 rating and select the correct line
3.Circle the risk score where the two ratings cross
on the matrix below.
VH = Very High, H = High, M = Medium, L = Low
Risk Score = ……………….
CONSEQUENCES
LIKELIHOOD
Step 1 – Consider the Likelihood
What is the likelihood of this incident
occurring? Consider this without new or interim
controls in place. Look at the descriptions and
choose the most suitable Likelihood.
1
2
3
4
5
A
M
H
H
VH
VH
B
M
M
H
H
VH
C
L
M
H
H
H
D
L
L
M
M
H
E
L
L
M
M
H
The Control Measures section has listed some of the most common control measures. If your
procedure requires any further controls (such as the neutralisation of stench from a thiol by
destroying it with Sodium hypochlorite) these should be specified in the space provided.
Under Additional Emergency Procedures you should indicate what is required in addition to
general safety equipment already provided in your lab. If you are using materials that have special
first aid requirements in the case of exposure (such as HF or cyanide), this should be entered as
appropriate. In the event of a spill or uncontrolled release, you and other people working in the
laboratory are at risk of being exposed to hazardous material. You should be aware of the location
of chemical spill kits, emergency procedures and be prepared to evacuate the area if necessary.
Where there is a possibility of an explosive reaction or chemical release, consideration should be
given to restricting access to the area while the reaction is taking place, use of a blast shield, etc.
Risk assessments should consider what to do in the event that things do not go as planned (i.e. how
to stop an uncontrolled reaction).
Waste Disposal contains the most common methods of disposal for a wide range of chemicals. It is
recommended that you consult the waste procedure later in this manual, for guidelines regarding
the disposal of chemical waste.
In some cases the hazards of compounds created in a research lab are not entirely known.
Consideration must therefore be given to the Management of End Product. I.e., how it may be
further used or what is the most appropriate way to store the product and for how long.
All Risk Assessments MUST be signed off by your supervisor or a suitably qualified person
authorised by your supervisor. Students CANNOT sign off on other students’ risk assessments
under any circumstances.
2D and 3D Risk Assessment Forms
The Chemical Risk Assessment form above is designed for reaction experiments but is not
appropriate for other commonly performed procedures or activities. The 2-D or 3-D Risk Assessment
Forms should be used for such procedures.
The 2-D and 3-D risk assessment forms are located on the University’s OHS & Injury Management
website at: http://safety.unimelb.edu.au/publications/guidance/ This site contains many other
forms such as those for plant, manual handling, etc.
Page 24 of 44
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOPs)
What is an SOP?
An SOP is a detailed list of the safety requirements and specific steps that must be completed when
performing a task. It should be kept at the point of use.
When do I need to have an SOP?
An SOP should be developed for any task that is designated medium or high risk before the
implementation of risk controls. In addition, tasks involving radioactivity or Class 3 or 4 lasers and
those occurring in an OGTR certified laboratory (such as PC2) must have an SOP generated. When
generating SOPs for your lab, begin with tasks that have the highest level of risk.
More specifically, SOPs should exist where:
(a) there are activities carrying a health and safety risk (including those stated in legislative
requirements) unique to the local area - these may include hazardous work premises and processes,
working environments, use of hazardous substances and construction work;
(b) the absence of such instruction would adversely affect health and safety performance; or
(c) there are local area requirements for specific emergency procedures; the approval of processes
and equipment; or the certification of personnel to work on certain equipment or be involved in the
conduct of certain processes.
Information on SOPs including a template, instructions, and sample SOPs from the School of
Chemistry can be found at: http://safety.chemistry.unimelb.edu.au/SOPs.php
SAFE HANDLING OF ALL CHEMICALS
Virtually all chemicals are potentially hazardous. For example they may be flammable, toxic,
corrosive, water reactive, oxidising agents, organic peroxides, spontaneously combustible on
contact with air or any combination of the above hazards.
The University of Melbourne’s Chemical Risk Management
http://safety.unimelb.edu.au/publications/procedure/
Procedure
can
be
viewed
at
The University’s Chemical Management Guidelines are a useful resource and can be found at
http://safety.unimelb.edu.au/docs/chemical_management_guidelines_V2_0.pdf
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be obtained before receiving a chemical and this
should be done at the time of placing the order. MSDSs are available from ChemFFX via the
following link: https://safety.unimelb.edu.au/unimelb-only/chemffx.html. ChemFFX is an MSDS
database system accessible from any University computer using your University email log in and
password. If no MSDS is available from this source then contact the chemical manufacturer or
supplier. The MSDS for a chemical will list any known health risks, protective equipment to be used
when handling the substance, incompatible substances and any special storage requirements. You
must have quick access to the original manufacturer’s MSDS for any chemical.
NB: An MSDS must be updated by the manufacturer or supplier every 5 years. Check the date on
an MSDS obtained from any source to ensure it is valid.
Transport: All large chemical bottles must be carried or transported in Winchester carriers (for 2.5
or 4 litre bottles) on a trolley. All lids must be tightly fitted. All other chemicals should be moved in
a spill containment device or on a trolley with side barriers high enough to prevent the container
falling off and to stop the spread of the chemical/s if they are spilled.
BEFORE starting any experiment you must:
Page 25 of 44
(a)
Ascertain the correct handling procedure for all chemicals used and produced in the
experiment;
(b)
Examine each step of the proposed experiment for potential hazards and acquire the
necessary safety equipment;
(c)
Find proper procedures for safe disposal of all waste material from the experiment.
The above information can usually be obtained from the literature. A useful bibliography is provided
at the end of this manual. Particular caution should be exercised if there is no recorded information
about the material and/or handling procedures. A lack of information should not be perceived to
imply the absence of risk.
HAZARDS OF TOXIC CHEMICALS
Chemicals can enter the body by three routes:
•
•
•
Via the respiratory tract, due to inhalation
Via skin absorption from the liquid, solid or even gaseous state
Via the gastro intestinal tract, following accidental ingestion
Chemicals can produce a wide range of damaging effects on tissue and organs. In the laboratory
the greatest risk is of skin damage, followed by skin absorption and inhalation of chemicals. Some
chemicals, such as strong acids and alkalis (e.g. chromic acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, sodium
hydroxide) produce damage within a very short period of contact; others require prolonged,
repeated contact before an effect is seen (e.g. liver damage and cancer by inhaled carbon
tetrachloride, leukæmia by inhaled benzene, allergic contact dermatitis from some chemicals).
To Minimise Hazards of Toxic Chemicals:
• Regard all chemicals as hazardous until you know otherwise. Avoid unnecessary skin contact or
inhalation of chemicals. Good chemical hygiene in the lab can prevent future continuing
exposure from contaminated surfaces.
• Never taste or smell chemicals.
• Use fume hoods for handling toxic, noxious or foul-smelling compounds and for conducting any
processes that are likely to emit harmful vapours.
• Prevent spills and absorption of chemicals through the skin by wearing suitable protective
clothing e.g. laboratory coat, safety glasses or goggles, proper footwear, impermeable gloves
and PROMPTLY wash off any chemicals spilt on the skin or splashed into eyes with plenty of cold
water from the tap or the shower hose. Launder lab coats and change gloves often.
• Prevent ingestion of chemicals by
•
NEVER PIPETTING CHEMICALS BY MOUTH, use safety pipettes, pipette fillers and automatic
liquid dispensers.
•
Do not consume or store food and drink in a laboratory.
• Immediately clean up accidental chemical spills on benches, floors, and fume hoods (see
emergency procedures "spills” on page 14).
Page 26 of 44
ORGANIC SOLVENTS - FIRE AND TOXIC RISKS
Most Organic solvents are flammable and/or toxic and should be treated as all other flammable and
toxic chemical substances.
A list of most common solvents, their boiling points, flammability and toxicity is given on page 26.
Many common solvents can be ignited without a naked flame if their vapours contact a hot electric
mantle, an electric light bulb, a room heater not visibly glowing, overheated electrical connections,
etc. Carbon disulphide, diethyl ether, dibutyl ether, dioxan, light petroleum, heptane, cyclohexane
and many others may ignite in this way.
To reduce the fire risk of toxic solvents the following rules should be observed:
1.
Flammable solvents must be stored in a laboratory in approved fire-resistant storage cabinets,
sited as far away from sources of ignition as possible.
2.
Reduce to the absolute minimum the quantities of flammable and/or toxic solvents used in
chemical operations or held in temporary storage. Flammable solvents should be stored so as
not to obstruct doorways, passages or escape routes.
3.
When use of fire-risk solvents is intended, all potential sources of ignition must be kept from
the working area.
With carbon disulphide, ethers and petroleum, the vigilance must be
extreme.
4.
Ethers must not be distilled, unless chemical tests show the absence of explosive peroxides.*
Peroxides must not be distilled unless there is prior authorisation from the Safety
Officer.
5.
Transport fire-risk and toxic solvents carefully in stout glassware and in quantities comfortably
within your control. Winchester (2.5 l) quantities should be carried in special carriers. Do not
use containers larger than Winchester (2.5 l) size.
6.
Highly toxic and carcinogenic solvents should be used in fume hoods ONLY, and any spills on
skin and clothes washed off immediately (see First Aid).
7.
Make sure you know where the fire extinguishers and fire blankets are and how to use them.
8.
Flammable liquids should be stored only in specially modified refrigerators. Ordinary domestic
type "fridges" should not be located in areas where flammable liquids may be used, as ignition
and fire may occur from the normal sparking of ordinary switches and devices in such units.
Common Solvents
Name
b.p. (760 mm) flammability toxicity solubility
°C
acetic acid
118
in water
specific
carcino-
gravity 20° genicity
low
low
∞
1.05
acetone
57
very high
low
∞
0.79
benzene
80
very high
very high
-
0.88
+
carbon tetrachloride
77
NOT
high
-
1.59
+
*
See p. 28 for BDH recommendations on handling diethyl ether.
Page 27 of 44
chloroform
61
NOT
high
-
1.48
+
dichloromethane
40
NOT
medium
-
1.33
+
DMF
153
medium
high
∞
0.95
DMSO
189
low
low
∞
1.10
ethanol
79
high
low
∞
0.79
ether
35
very high
medium
7.5 %
0.71
ethyl acetate
77
high
low
9%
0.90
very high
low
-
0.65
very high
medium
∞
~0.79
high
very high
∞
0.79
very high
low
-
0.67
light petroleum
40-60
methylated spirits* (~2%
methanol in ethanol)
methanol
petroleum ether
~79
65
60-80
pyridine
115
medium
very high
∞
0.98
toluene
110
very high
very high
-
0.95
water
100
NOT
-
* Industrial
1.00
+ Suspected human carcinogens are marked with a + sign.
CHEMICAL STORAGE
Stored chemicals must comply with the relevant statutory requirements in regard to quantities,
segregation and warning signs. Guidelines are provided in Australian Standard 2243 (Safety in
Laboratories) Part 10 (Storage of Chemicals). This is often referred to as AS 2243.10. See also
http://safety.chemistry.unimelb.edu.au/Chemsafety.php and
http://safety.unimelb.edu.au/topics/chemical/ for more details.
Quantities of chemicals stored in the laboratory should be the minimum consistent with the needs of
the area. Individual package size should not exceed 5 Litres or 5 Kilograms. Solvent drums larger
than this must be decanted into Winchesters in the basement decanting room (B88).
Chemicals which are temperature sensitive should be kept in a controlled environment.
Avoid direct sunlight on chemicals as this may accelerate the failure of the container, or cause
physical damage or change to the contents. During summer months containers may develop
pressure due to evaporation when left in direct sunlight.
Where chemical storage is shelving above the benches, containers of more than 1 Litre or 1
Kilogram must not be stored above a height of 1.5 metres. (This does not apply to diluted reagents
used in gravity feed burettes)
Shelving must be able to carry the maximum load placed upon it, and shelves should be compatible
with the chemicals being stored. Beware of MDF shelving as its strength is greatly compromised if
it gets wet.
Page 28 of 44
All liquid chemicals should be stored in bunded areas or in appropriate spill trays to prevent spillage
of broken or leaking containers. The spill containment should be large enough to contain the entire
contents of the largest container. Liquids of any kind should never be stored above solid chemicals.
SEGREGATION
Segregation is necessary to keep incompatible chemicals apart. The mixing of such chemicals in an
uncontrolled situation (spill) may result in two or more substances reacting to cause a fire or
explosion which could cause personal injury.
The segregation system is based on the recognition of the Dangerous Goods (DG) class that the
chemical substance belongs to, e.g. Class 3 Flammable Liquids. Generally, chemicals should be
segregated according to their chemical class, but they should be looked at more closely. For
instance acids and bases are all Class 8 but should be segregated because they react with one
other. For more details see http://safety.chemistry.unimelb.edu.au/Chemsafety.php
RULES & REGULATIONS FOR WORK WITH CYANIDES
(Hydrogen cyanide, solid/metallic cyanides, solutions of cyanides, nitriles and cyanogen.)
There are government regulations setting out procedures for the use of gaseous and liquid cyanide
solutions. The Safety Officer MUST be consulted to ascertain the requirements of these regulations
before using cyanide. Metallic cyanides and all other Schedule 7 cyanide compounds must be
stored in the store safe. Records must be kept to reflect removal and return of the bottle from the
safe. In addition, accurate records of use (including date, amount used or added, current quantity
on hand, and name of user) must be kept in a bound log book in the lab. Work with cyanide must
never occur outside normal business hours or without at least one other person present in the lab.
Before using cyanide a risk assessment and SOP must be generated and approved by the lab head.
First time users must receive constant supervision from an experienced member of the lab. More
information about cyanide is available at http://safety.chemistry.unimelb.edu.au/cyanide.php
SCHEDULED POISONS
Certain chemicals have been designated Scheduled Poisons by the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled
Substances Act and associated Regulations. The School of Chemistry has a Poisons Permit allowing
acquisition and use of poisons in Schedules 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7(limited). The poisons schedule of a
chemical is available by checking the ChemFFX MSDS or by contacting the Safety Officer. Poisons
in Schedules 4 and 7 must be kept in a locked cupboard in the lab to prevent access by
unauthorised users. An exception to this is metal cyanides, which must be kept in the store safe as
detailed above. This is in order to comply with the conditions of our Poisons Control Plan. The use
(transactions) of poisons in Schedules 4 and 7 must be recorded and kept for at least the last three
years. Record keeping requirements are detailed below.
Within Labs
Schedule 4 transactions (if any):
Each laboratory will have a laboratory record book. The record book will be overseen by the
laboratory supervisor. Each schedule 4 will have a separate page on the record book.
Each use will have a record of:
- amount used
- person using
- date used
Schedule 7 transactions:
Each laboratory will have a record book. The record book will be overseen by the laboratory
supervisor. The record book will be signed by the user for each use.
The record will contain:
- date used
- amount used
- amount remaining in the container
- person using signature
In the store
Schedule 7 transactions:
Bottles must be signed out and then returned to the safe with both activities recorded in the safe
log book.
Page 29 of 44
HANDLING DIETHYL ETHER
Diethyl Ether is a solvent in widespread laboratory use (e.g. as a solvent in Grignard reactions, or as
the extractant in fat determinations). On evaporation any heat-sensitive peroxides present will be
concentrated, and if evaporated to dryness can lead to an explosion. Diethyl ether supplied by the
major laboratory suppliers contains negligible levels of peroxide and anti-oxidants (such as
pyrogallol) are added to inhibit peroxide formation. However, peroxide formation will commence
when the container is opened, allowing air to enter in proportion to the emptying of the liquid
contents, and will continue on prolonged storage of an opened bottle.
The following practices are recommended:
1.
The use of clear stock bottles that are periodically topped up should be avoided for the good
reasons that light encourages peroxide formation and topping-up leads to a build-up of
peroxides in the bottle. Brown glass "Schott" laboratory reagent bottles are available for the
storage of all light sensitive chemicals.
2.
Opened bottles should be regularly tested for the presence of peroxides. Merckoquant ether
peroxide test strips are recommended for this purpose. If the peroxide level is found to be of
the order of 50 mg/l or above the ether should be treated by either shaking with a freshly
prepared solution of ferrous sulphate (for each 1 litre of ether, use 5 g of ferrous sulphate
dissolved in 20 ml of water) or (providing the ether is as dry as possible), by passing it
through a column containing activated, basic or neutral aluminium oxide. (30 g of aluminium
oxide in a column of 2 cm diameter cleans about 250 ml of anhydrous peroxide). Whichever
treatment is employed, the peroxide level should then be re-checked and the process repeated
until no peroxide is detected.
3.
The reagent bottle should be kept closed when not in use. When empty, the bottle should
thoroughly washed and cleaned before refilling.
4.
Laboratory Managers and Supervisors should make their staff aware of the risk and safety
phrases printed on the right hand side of the label on every bottle of diethyl ether.
METHOD OF HANDLING SODIUM AND POTASSIUM
Please treat these substances with utmost respect.
Ensure that they are not exposed to air or
water at any time. Many laboratory reagents are hygroscopic and care must be taken to ensure
that reagents used with sodium and potassium are either freshly opened/distilled or have been
stored in a desiccator to ensure water is not introduced into the reaction. When using sodium or
potassium to dry solvents always ensure that any excess metal is destroyed.
After the dried
solvent has been used up, the residual metal must be destroyed.
Be aware that sodium and
potassium metals can be encapsulated under deposited salt residues. These residues should be
broken up under the appropriate solvent and treated in the prescribed manner (see below). If in
doubt ask a more experienced researcher.
1.
Only one bottle of new sodium should be present on work bench at any time. Potassium
should not be stored in this area.
2.
Always cut sodium or potassium under dry petroleum spirit. Do not expose to air at any time.
3.
Dispose of scraps immediately in the correct manner. Do not return them to the bottle of fresh
sodium/potassium.
4.
Do not store solvents under the work bench or around the working area.
Page 30 of 44
Method to be used to Dispose of Potassium Scraps
1.
Transport potassium scraps to a safe area (preferably a fume hood).
2.
Carefully and slowly add scrap pieces of potassium to a large excess of dry propan-2-ol.
3.
When no visible reaction is taking place, gently add a small portion of water to neutralise fully
any unseen metal scraps. Only when no visible reaction is present (which may take some
time) should you add any water.
4.
Add to appropriate waste vessel.
Method to be used to Dispose of Sodium Scraps
1.
Transport sodium scraps to a safe area (preferably a fume hood).
2.
Carefully and slowly add scrap pieces of sodium to a large excess of methylated spirits.
3.
When no visible reaction is taking place, gently add a small portion of water to neutralise fully
any unseen metal scraps. Only when no visible reaction is present (which may take some
time) should you add any water.
4.
Add to appropriate waste vessel.
SCHEDULED CARCINOGENS and HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES REQUIRING
HEALTH SURVEILLANCE
Below is a list of scheduled substances. Schedule 1 Carcinogens are prohibited from use. Schedule 2
Carcinogens are only permitted for use in the laboratory if WorkSafe is notified first and a permit is
obtained. The school does not have any carcinogen permits currently in place. If you plan
to use a Schedule 2 carcinogen, the Safety Officer must be notified before the order is placed. If
you have been exposed to any of these chemicals, you must also inform the Safety Officer ASAP.
Use or exposure to these substances will require notification to the University Occupational Health
Nurse and possible health monitoring.
Schedule 1 - Prohibited Carcinogenic Substances
2-Acetylaminofluorene, Aflatoxins, 4-Aminodiphenyl, Amosite (asbestos), Benzidine (and its salts),
Bis(Chloromethyl) ether, Chloromethyl methyl ether, Crocidolite (asbestos),
4-Dimethylaminoabenzene, 2-Naphthylamine (and its salts), 4-Nitrodiphenyl
Schedule 2 - Notifiable Carcinogenic Substances
Acrylonitrile, Benzene, Chrysotile (asbestos) Cyclophosphamide, 3,3-Dichlorobenzidine (and its
salts), Diethyl sulfate, Dimethyl sulfate, Ethylene dibromide, 4,4-Methylene bis(2-chloroaniline)
(MOCA), 2-Propiolactone, o-Toluidine, o-Toluidine hydrochloride, Vinyl chloride monomer
Schedule 3 - Hazardous Substances requiring Health Surveillance
Inorganic arsenic, Asbestos, Cadmium, Inorganic chromium, Inorganic lead, Creosote, Isocyanates,
Inorganic mercury, 4,4-Methylene bis(2-chloroaniline) (MOCA), Organophosphate pesticides,
Pentachlorophenol (PCP), Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), Crystalline silica, Thallium, Vinyl
chloride, Acrylonitrile, Benzene, Benzidine and its salts, p-Biphenylamine, Chloromethyl methyl
ether, 3, 3’-dichlorobenzidine and its salts, sym-Dichloromethyl ether, N-2-fluoroenylacetamide, 1Naphthylamine, 2-Naphthylamine, N-Nitrosodiumethylamine, beta-Propiolactone, Acrylonitrile
Camphechlor, p-Dimethylaminobenzene, 1,2-Dibromo-3-Chloropropane
* Preparations containing 0.1% or more of any of the substances referred to above are included.
Page 31 of 44
Note: Health surveillance is only required where there is actual exposure of staff or students to a
hazardous substance. The decision on any required health monitoring is made by the University
Occupational Health Nurse after reviewing the hazard exposure.
Schedule 2 Carcinogens must not be used unless authorisation is given by WorkSafe. The Safety
Officer MUST be consulted prior to obtaining Schedule 2 Carcinogens.
COOLANTS AND OTHER CRYOGENIC LIQUIDS
Hazards
• Cold burn hazard - metals and liquids below -20°C can cause "burns" with pain, blistering, tissue
loss and shock.
Do not grasp cold metal surfaces.
• Glass Dewar vessels - implosion risk.
banned.
These dewars have been declared unsafe and their use
Steel Dewar vessels are available from the Store.
• Deflagration hazard - energy rich, explosive and/or flammable mixtures are easily created from
common laboratory materials (e.g. organic solvents, cotton wool, active charcoal) and liquid air
or liquid oxygen.
NB. A face shield with a chin guard, lab coat and suitable gloves should be worn when
handling liquid nitrogen or any other cryogenic liquid.
Specific Cryogenic Compounds
Liquid nitrogen (-196°C) - never place this coolant around a trap containing both air at
atmospheric pressure and an organic or combustible reagent. Liquid oxygen will collect inside and
the combustible compound will explode immediately on contact with liquid oxygen. This hazard can
easily arise when atmospheric air is admitted to a liquid-nitrogen cooled trap used for organic
solvent retention. Do not admit air until the trap has warmed up a few degrees, then remove the
organic phase.
Liquid nitrogen must not be transported with passengers in the lifts. Gates are available
near each Chemistry lift and these should be used to bar passengers from entering the lifts during
transport of liquid nitrogen.
Solid CO2 (dry ice, -78°C) - Break up in a cloth or towel. Use gloves when handling pieces.
Never seal dry ice in a botte or other sealed vessel—pressure will build up and lead to an explosion.
Solid CO2 - Acetone slush (-78°C) (and similar preparations with alcohol etc.). First extinguish
all ignition sources near the working area, then add in batches a few cm3 of acetone to solid
(crushed) CO2 in a Dewar. After use allow the Dewar to warm up in a fume hood. Do not re-bottle
the acetone for 24 hours.
Liquid ammonia (-33°C); liquid SO2 (-10°C) - Use in fume hood only. Spillage or a vigorous
reaction can easily release a high concentration of suffocating gas, which also damages eyes and
nasal passages.
Page 32 of 44
GAS CYLINDERS
1.
Gas cylinders can be transported only in a properly constructed trolley to which the cylinder
must be securely strapped. Cylinders must not be transported with the regulator still attached.
2.
In the laboratory cylinders should be firmly secured to the bench or wall, not left on the
trolley.
3.
Spare cylinders MUST NOT be kept inside labs or rooms in the Chemistry buildings. Naturally
ventilated storage cages are available behind the building.
4.
Regulators used on cylinders must be of the appropriate type for the use they are to be put to.
If in doubt consult the BOC Technical Manual. Older style welding regulators are not suited to
modern high pressure cylinders that have up to 147 atmospheres of stored pressure.
5.
Regulators must be serviced by the supplier or authorized service agent every 5 years and
completely replaced every 15 years.
6.
Leaks are a sign that a regulator or connection requires repair and therefore Teflon tape must
not be used on any gas connections. White Teflon tape is particularly dangerous with oxygen
as it contains traces of oil that will react violently with the oxygen.
IMPORTED BIOLOGICAL CHEMICALS
AQIS (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service) control all biological substances which are
imported into Australia and monitor their final destination and disposal. To apply for an import
permit for any biological material the importer must complete an Application for Permit to Import
Quarantine Material and pay a lodgement fee. A permit will then be issued which will list conditions
of use. These conditions of use must be strictly followed at all times. Where required, obtain the
University Biohazards Committee approval to use biological materials. Further information about
any of these permits can be obtained from the Safety Officer.
DECANTING
Containers greater than 5 litres cannot be stored in laboratories. Purchase and decanting of 10 and
20 litre solvent drums is not permitted in Bio21. In the Chemistry Building 10 and 20 litre drums
must be decanted into 2.5 litre bottles. The bottles should be of the appropriate type and be
correctly labelled. To reduce the chance of breakage, plastic bottles are preferable when suitable to
the chemical. Decanting of minor quantities of chemicals that are NOT Dangerous Goods, can take
place in a fume cupboard, provided there are sufficient spill control measures in place. Flammable
liquids and 10 and 20 litre drums may only be decanted in the fume cupboard in the Chemistry
Flammable Goods Store (room B88) after receiving an induction to this process by the Safety
Officer.
• A current MSDS for the substance to be decanted must be consulted before any decanting
can commence.
• The School SOP for decanting is posted on the safety website and should be reviewed.
http://safety.chemistry.unimelb.edu.au/SOPs.php
• Decanting must always be carried out by at least two trained people. (One to do the
decanting and the other as a back up in case of a fire or spill and to help lift heavy drums.)
• Where containers of greater than 20 litres are to be decanted from, manual handling
assessments must be done and written procedures formulated.
• When pouring or decanting quantities in excess of 20 litres, care should be taken to avoid
static electricity discharge. The container being filled and any transfer equipment should be
earthed by use of the grounding circuit provided in the decanting room.
• Mobile phones should be switched off to avoid sparking.
• When the decanting is complete, all empty containers must be cleaned and free of any fumes
or residues and the labels removed or defaced.
• Clean metal solvent drums are recyclable. However due to their size, they cannot be
processed in the normal recycling facility that handles our yellow and green mixed recycling
Page 33 of 44
bins. Therefore, drums should be left fully open (cap and plug removed) in a fume cupboard
to air out. Once dry, the labels should be defaced and the drums taken to the store for
collection. This will be the procedure for modest numbers of drums. Any groups that have
collected a large number of drums should follow the above procedure and then take the
drums to the steel recycling bin outside the Mechanical Engineering Workshop, Building 169,
Block F (a 2 minute walk). Please note that this procedure applies only to clean steel solvent
drums with no chemical residue. Actual decanting of solvents from drums must be done in
the basement solvent decanting area.
LABELLING OF CHEMICAL CONTAINERS
If the container into which a chemical has been decanted is to be stored for later use, it must be
appropriately labelled. The label on a container should alert the user of the significant hazards
associated with the substance. Labels should provide the following information in a legible, easy to
read format:
• Product name (include strength of solution where appropriate)
• Chemical name printed in legible English
• Class diamond label or signal words, e.g. Flammable liquid, corrosive
• Risk and Safety phrases (except where the container is so small it is not practical)
• ID of the owner of the substance (as above)
NB: For smaller containers apply the label to the outer storage box.
A container into which a chemical has been decanted does not need to be labelled if:
• The decanted substance is used immediately, and
• The container is cleaned, or the contents have been neutralised, cured or chemically
deactivated immediately after use.
“Immediately” means “as soon as possible to do so”. In other words labelling is not needed provided
the container remains in control of, or within sight of, the person using the decanted substance.
Labels for the most commonly decanted chemicals are available for download from the safety web
site in 3 sizes. http://safety.chemistry.unimelb.edu.au/labels.php Labels can also be printed from
ChemFFX.
CHEMICAL WASTE
All chemical waste should be disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. City
West Water has regulations which impose a quality standard on the final effluent discharge from the
University. These standards control the pH and total solids as well as setting limits on heavy metals,
sulphides, pesticides, etc. Waste disposed of down the sink runs to the sewers. People work in the
sewers doing maintenance and can be put at risk from toxic or corrosive substances. Toxic
substances may be concentrated at the sewage treatment plants and contaminate land or the bay.
The only substances that may be disposed of down the sink are non-hazardous aqueous
solutions which DO NOT contain:
Carcinogens, mutagens and teratogens
Drugs of addiction
Organic solvents
Heavy metal solutions or suspensions
Unneutralised acids or alkalis
Pesticides & Herbicides
Chlorinated hydrocarbons
Photographic chemicals
Polychlorinated biphenyls
Non-hazardous aqueous solutions disposed of down the sink must be neutralised to the 6
to 10 pH range.
WASTE DISPOSAL PROCEDURE
To ensure compliance with all legal requirements for the labelling, handling, storage and disposal of
hazardous wastes and surplus or unwanted chemicals, the following general procedures and
guidelines have been developed.
Application:
Page 34 of 44
The procedures apply to all chemical wastes generated in the Chemistry School as well as to the
disposal of surplus or unwanted chemicals. Each laboratory, research group etc. using chemicals or
other hazardous substances must have specific procedures in place for the handling, labelling,
storage and disposal of all these materials under their control as well as for spill management and
appropriate clean-up procedures. These procedures are described in Sections A, B and C below.
Section A. Common Waste Streams
Section B. Surplus, Unwanted and Waste Chemicals
Section C. Empty chemical containers
Responsibilities:
The responsibility for implementing and following the procedures rests with all supervisors, postgraduate students, honours students and staff who use chemicals and generate waste. Staff and
students have the responsibility for the management of unwanted chemicals and any waste
generated until it is destroyed by the waste contractor.
Section A. Common Waste Streams
Procedures and Guidelines
• Before commencing any work in a laboratory, a written disposal procedure is required for all
waste that will be generated. Supervisors should include waste storage and handling procedures
in the project risk assessment.
• Each lab and research group store the waste they create in approved containers within spill
containment trays until it is delivered to the storage area in the basement.
• The only waste or chemicals that may be disposed of down sinks or drains are non hazardous
substances with a pH between 6 and 10.
• All mercaptans and thiols must be treated using the appropriate peroxide, permanganate or
bleach (sodium hypochlorite solution) before disposal to any waste container.
• Water aspirators must not be used for a partial vacuum when distilling or reacting any
potentially hazardous substance particularly thiols and mercaptans, to prevent contamination of
water running down the sink. A vacuum pump with an appropriate scrubbing or neutralising
system must be used.
• All waste containers in fume cupboards or on lab benches etc should be closed with a screw cap
or lid when not in immediate use to minimise evaporation.
• Waste should be segregated into the following categories to assist the waste contractor in
treating or disposing of it. This segregation lowers costs to the university and allows for reuse
and recycling:
• water-soluble hydrocarbons
• water-insoluble hydrocarbons
• chlorinated hydrocarbons
• pyridine and acid mix
• benzene, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether
• waste oil
Waste Oils
These are generated by vacuum pumps, plant and machinery, oil based heating baths, workshops
etc. The oils should be segregated by type, and placed in metal drums or plastic waste carboys.
The drums should be correctly labelled and delivered to the waste store in the basement.
NB: Used vacuum pump oil that has been used in a pump placing a distillation or chemical reaction
under vacuum can pick up hazardous chemicals during the process. Staff responsible for servicing
vacuum pumps should be aware of this.
Other Hazardous Waste
All waste containers must be labeled with appropriate labels that must contain the following
minimum information
• chemical name/s and hazard diamond/s
• the responsible persons’ name, lab room number
For the common waste streams listed above, labels are available from the Store. These labels will
have the appropriate information and hazard diamond printed on them.
The 6 waste categories are common throughout the University. They are not intended for surplus or
unwanted chemicals, or for every type of chemical waste. If the waste does not fit onto one of these
Page 35 of 44
categories it should be labelled accurately according to its contents (see Section B). Hazardous
waste is currently collected on the third Thursday of each month (except for January). At Bio21
waste can be delivered to the Bio21 store (weekdays during business hours). In the Chemistry
Building waste should be taken to the store between 10am–12pm or 2pm-4pm weekdays. The
store will see that the manifest is completed and that waste is packaged and labelled properly
before providing access to the hazardous waste storage room.
Where appropriate all the above substances should be treated or processed to the lowest
level of hazard practicable.
Section B. Surplus, Unwanted and Waste Chemicals
The procedures apply to all chemicals and hazardous material - stock and non-stock items
purchased from the Chemistry Store, material brought into the School from elsewhere, or generated
in the School and as well to all solid and liquid waste generated by research and teaching (with the
exception of the common solvent wastes covered in Section A).
Procedures and Guidelines
• Before commencing any work in a laboratory, a written disposal procedure is required for all
waste that will be generated. Supervisors should include waste storage and handling procedures
in the project risk assessment.
• Unwanted or surplus chemical reagents may fall in to (but are not limited to) the following
categories.
Carcinogens, mutagens and teratogens
Photographic chemicals
Drugs of addiction
Thiols and mercaptans
Heavy metal solutions or suspensions
Chlorinated hydrocarbons
Pesticides & Herbicides
Other toxic or hazardous substances
Expired use by date substances
• Disposal is organised by the Safety Officer and Store and is paid for by a levy imposed on all
chemical purchases by members of the School.
• Where appropriate all surplus, unwanted substances or waste should be treated or
processed to reduce the level of hazard.
• Where there are a number of partially full containers of the same chemical at the same level of
purity, the contents should be consolidated if possible.
• Waste and chemicals for disposal must be in sealed containers not beakers or other lab
glassware.
• Damaged or broken containers must be repacked or over-packed.
• The containers are to be placed in cardboard boxes according to their hazard class with
appropriate packaging material eg vermiculite. Chemicals of different hazard classes are
not to be mixed e.g. flammable liquids and oxidising agents.
• A hazard class diamond (where appropriate) is to be placed on each box.
• A list of the contents of each box to be attached to each box. It is to be visible and legible. Each
box must also be marked with its room number or lab of origin
• Where there are many chemicals for disposal, a file (in Microsoft XL on disk or by email) is to be
provided to the Safety Officer, of all chemicals and waste for disposal when handing over the
substances for disposal. It should contain the following information
o
Box number and lab of origin
o
Chemical-name-full name: no abbreviations of formulas
o
Grade-purity (if known or applicable)
o
Size- total quantity in millilitres or grams
o
No. of Packs-total number of containers
o
Opened- do any of the containers still have the original seal unbroken
Sample spreadsheet
Chemical name
1,4-Diaminopropane
Hexamethylphosphoramide
Formamide
Triethyl orthophosphate
Thiosalicylic acid
Grade
LR
LR
LR
LR
LR
Size g/ml
300
400
25
5000
850
No. of Packs
1
8
1
10
3
Opened
y
y
y
n
Yes 2 of 3
roof lab
Box 1
Box2
Box3
Page 36 of 44
When all chemicals are ready for disposal a time and date for bringing them to the storage areas is
to be arranged with the Safety Officer and the store.
Section C: Empty chemical containers
• Empty winchesters (2.5l bottles) and other chemical containers including lab glassware must
be clean and free of any chemical residue which may be hazardous to health or the
environment.
• Residue free, non-Pyrex glass solvent bottles and plastic solvent containers may be recycled
in the mixed recycling bins around the building, provided labels are defaced and they are
completely residue free.
• No caps are to be left on any container to be disposed of.
• Labels must be defaced to be illegible or removed.
• Other waste glass and all pyrex glass can be disposed of in glass bins in labs. It must be free
of chemical residues and labels must be defaced to be illegible or removed if it contained
hazardous materials. Lab glass bins can be emptied into dedicated lab glass bins behind the
Chemistry Building or into the Bio21 glass bins. This glass goes to land fill facilities.
DISPOSAL OF NON CHEMICAL WASTE
Laboratory Waste
Laboratory procedures often generate contaminated gloves, pipette tips, tubes and other
consumables. The disposal of this waste and any potential hazards to personnel and cleaning
contractors should be considered:
•
Gloves should be rinsed before removal, turned inside out as removed and placed in bin.
•
Consumables should be decanted and rinsed before disposal in normal rubbish.
•
Solid contaminated waste materials such as paper towels, tips, tubes or contaminated gloves
which cannot be rendered non-hazardous should be stored and disposed of via the Safety
Officer in the following manner: Seal in large zip-lock bag. The waste should be clearly
labelled with an accurate description of the contents. Discuss the issue of waste storage and
disposal with your supervisor and the Safety Officer before you generate the waste. This will
be disposed of with the non-standard chemical waste.
Disposal of Sharps
In laboratories where biological and chemical or hazardous substances work is carried out, sharps
are normally contaminated with blood, other biological products or toxic chemicals and are classified
as contaminated waste and must be treated as a potential health hazard. This includes items such
as razor blades, uncapped syringes and needles, scalpel blades, but does not include large glass
items which should be put in the appropriate container for general disposal.
Always use an approved sharps containers suitable for blades, syringes, needles etc, available from
the Chemistry Store. Empty chemical containers are NOT sharps bins. Ensure that when disposing of
sharps safe work practices are followed. Immediately after use they should be placed in a dedicated,
secure approved container which is clearly labelled for this purpose and which complies with AS
4031. Do not over fill sharps containers. Note: Liquids should not be placed in sharps containers.
When delivering the sharps containers to the waste storage room, the lid should be taped down and
the departmental code should be marked on the lid of the container. The gross weight in Kg should
also be marked on the container. When handling sharp containers (during the collection and
transport), staff should wear heavy duty gloves.
Disposal of batteries
Spent batteries can be placed in the tray in the Chemistry Photocopy Room 254 or taken to the
Bio21 store for safe disposal.
Disposal of Plant or Equipment, (tagged-out or surplus)
Page 37 of 44
Disposal of Refrigerators or Freezers: The Electronics Workshop staff should be consulted when a
refrigerator or freezer is to be disposed of. Refrigerators or freezer units which are being scrapped
should have there doors/lids removed and the power lead/plug removed. Any harmful residues
should be cleaned out and if they contain an ozone depleting substances in the form of the
refrigerant gas, this should be removed before disposal. Departments should contact Maintenance
Department, Property & Campus Services for advice on degassing the units in a safe controlled
manner as required by the regulations.
Electrical appliances or furniture etc: The Building Supervisor should be consulted when equipment
or furniture is to be disposed of. Refer to the University Financial Policy and Procedures manual for
requirements of equipment disposal (Section 13.8). Ensure that the Central Inventory is amended
to reflect items of plant and equipment that have been disposed of, sold or transferred. Electrical
appliances being disposed should have their power cord cut off. In any case, whether it is plant,
electrical appliances, furniture etc, a black and yellow “Caution-Do Not Use” tag should be placed on
it to warn people that it is for disposal and should not be used.
If the items being disposed off have been manufactured in the department the requirements of the
'Plant' Regulations as a manufacture/supplier must be complied with.
Equipment Containing Hazardous Products: Where equipment or plant contains or is suspected to
contain asbestos or asbestos containing products or ozone-depleting substances the Safety Officer
should be contacted to help organise disposal through University Hazardous Waste collection. The
Occupation Health and Safety Regulations (Asbestos) or the Environment Protection Act 1970,
Industrial Waste Management Policy (Control of Ozone-Depleting Substances) must be followed.
Disposal of computers
Prior to the disposal of computers, please consult with Faculty of Science IT staff. Asset disposal
must be in compliance with the Asset Management Policy: https://policy.unimelb.edu.au/MPF1075
HANDLING OF GLASSWARE
Glass is a very hard but brittle material and breaks readily under stress or strain. Most serious cuts
result when glass tubing shatters while being forced into rubber or plastic tubing or through
stoppers. Serious injuries (severed tendons) can also result from pushing stoppers down into the
necks of flasks. Deep cuts can be avoided by taking the following precautions:
1.
When inserting glass tubing or pipette or thermometer into rubber tubing, a rubber stopper or
pipette filler make sure that the hole is of the correct size and always lubricate the glass with
water or a drop of glycerol.
2.
When inserting glass tubing into plastic tubing always soften the end of the plastic tubing by
dipping it into hot water for a few seconds.
3.
Always use two hands for these operations and keep your hands practically touching.
4.
Always rotate the glass or the stopper while pushing VERY GENTLY. In other words, screw the
glass through the stopper, or into the tube, and screw stoppers into flasks.
5.
Additional protection may be obtained by putting a towel or cloth between hand and glass.
6.
Never use force to remove plastic or rubber tubing from glass tubing. If necessary, cut the
plastic or rubber away from the glass.
7.
Do not force an oversized stopper into a flask. A cork may be made smaller and softer by
rolling it.
8.
Never heat glassware suddenly or unevenly. If you must use a flame to reflux or distil a liquid,
use a gauze mat. Do not heat stoppered vessels.
9.
Do not force seized ground glass joints, the apparatus may shatter. Seek help from
demonstrator, supervisor or glass workshop staff.
Page 38 of 44
IONIZING RADIATION AND RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
The University has a Radiation Safety web page at http://safety.unimelb.edu.au/topics/radiation/
which provides detailed information on University Policies and Procedures regarding Radiation
Safety.
The following publications deal specifically with minimizing the hazards associated with the use of
radioactive materials and instruments producing ionizing radiation:
•
•
•
•
Victorian Radiation Act 2005 (as amended),
Victorian Radiation Regulations 2007 (as amended),
Australian Standard AS 2243.4 (Safety in Laboratories Part 4: Ionizing Radiation)
NH&MRC Codes of Practice for the use of Ionizing Radiation
Anyone intending to purchase or use radioactive materials, or instruments producing ionizing
radiation, should first familiarize themselves with these publications and then ask their research
supervisor to consult with the Radiation Safety Officer, Dr R. Gable, about safe working procedures.
Before work with any radioactive material is begun (including Thorium and Uranium
compounds), or before any equipment producing ionizing radiation is used, the laboratory
must be certified by OHS & Injury Management as complying with the University’s Policies
and Procedures on Radiation Safety. This includes all of the following:
All persons using ionizing radiation are required to have attended an approved Ionizing Radiation
Safety Training course. Other persons working in the same laboratory may also be required to
attend such a course.
A written Risk Assessment must have been carried out for all procedures.
A Plant Risk Assessment must have been carried out for the use of instrumentation.
There must be a Standard Operating Procedure which details (as appropriate):
1. The risks and hazards associated with the direct exposure to radiation, absorption, ingestion or
inhalation of radioactive material, and what controls are in place to prevent such exposure to the
person using the radioactive material as well as to other workers (including members of the public)
in the laboratory.
2. There must be a designated working space, clearly defined by appropriate signage.
3. There must be detailed emergency procedures to handle any spillage of material and the
subsequent cleaning of the area.
4. There must be detailed procedures to deal with the disposal of radioactive waste.
5. Adequate Personal Protective Equipment must be available and used appropriately (such as
gloves, shielding or a radiation badge).
6. An appropriate Radiation monitor must be available to carry out regular contamination surveys.
These surveys must be formally documented with records retained in the lab and available for
inspection.
7. An appropriately qualified person (such as the Radiation Safety Officer) must license all users of
instruments producing ionizing radiation to use the equipment.
Further information on Radiation Safety is available from Dr R. Gable, ph 46471 or
[email protected]
Page 39 of 44
LASERS
Australian Standard AS2211 (Safety of Laser Products) deals specifically with the hazards
associated with lasers. This standard requires a risk assessment to be done prior to use. Anyone
intending to use or purchase Class 3, 3B or 4 laser equipment must complete University Laser
Safety training and obtain approval from the School LASER SAFETY OFFICER, Associate Professor
Trevor Smith. For laser use at Class 3B and 4, users must also receive an eye examination from
University Eye Care http://www.university-eyecare.org.au/ before beginning the project and at its
completion. University Eye Care should be contacted directly to book the laser eye exam.
University staff/students do not incur a fee for this examination and the results are automatically
sent to the Occupational Health Nurse.
Adequate safety items must be purchased before using the laser equipment. Operators must be
familiar with all hazards associated with the use of the laser. There must be written risk assessment
and safe operating procedures and users must be licensed by an appropriate qualified person to use
the equipment. Further safety information is available from Associate Professor Trevor Smith, ph
46272 or [email protected]
ELECTRICITY, GAS, WATER
1.
All electrical equipment must be correctly wired and earthed and inspected by Mr John Nuske
in the Electronics Workshop before it is put into service.
current inspection tag on its lead.
2.
3.
Electrical equipment must have a
When gas-heated equipment is used it is essential to have ADEQUATE VENTILATION.
All water connections should be made secure using appropriate vinyl tubing with clamps to
prevent leaks.
4.
With the exception of services to authorised experiments, the last responsible person in a
given area (private offices as well as laboratories are included) of the School should see that
all services have been turned off before leaving.
USE OF DUCTED FUME CUPBOARDS
The information contained in this section concerns the use of ducted fume cupboards. While much of
it will be relevant to the use of recirculating laminar flow or Biohazard cupboards, specialist advice
should be sought for their use. See Section 4 (Specialised Safety-Biohazards) of the University
EH&S Manual.
Fume Cupboard Function and Usage
A fume cupboard is essentially a ventilated box with one side being moveable to provide an
adjustable opening. It provides air extraction to remove any fumes produced within the box. It is
designed to have laminar flow through the front opening, i.e. the flow is to be even and nonturbulent through the open face of the cupboard.
• Whenever anything is placed within the fume cupboard it introduces turbulence into the cupboard
which may affect the containment and extraction of fumes. If a fume cupboard is not set up and
used appropriately, fumes may escape out of the sash opening of the fume cupboard towards the
user, especially with heavier vapours such as formaldehyde or chlorinated solvents.
• Fume cupboards draw air out of the rooms they are installed in. There needs to be an adequate
volume of air available or the fume cupboard will not be able to draw a sufficient volume of air to
function properly.
• If the make-up air supply is not adequate or the make-up air is switched off then the fume
cupboards may not be able to achieve the required face velocity. Alternatively if there is no
Page 40 of 44
make-up air and the room ventilation is switched off, there may be insufficient air volumes for
the fume cupboards to achieve the required face velocity.
• The incoming air can deflected off any items placed in the leading edge at enough speed to
escape from the cupboard. This can cause fumes to escape in to the lab. This is of particular
concern when fumes are generated within this zone as they may be captured by the deflected air.
A person standing in front of the cupboard increases the probability of fume entering the lab.
Base of fume cupboard shown from above. This shows a typical work area and illustrates the area
that must be kept clear to allow effective ventilation of the work area.
Safe Work Procedures
Before use
(a) check that the flow rate reading on the test certificate meets or exceeds the flow rate
requirement of 0.5 cubic metres per second (0.5cm/s) and that the test was less than 6 calendar
months ago.
(b) locate where the fan failure warning alarm is and what it will sound like and locate the
emergency stop or fire damper to use in the event of a fire.
(c) Check that the fume cupboard is clean and free from dangerous contamination.
(d) Ensure that there is enough space in the cupboard to enable the proposed process to be carried
out safely.
(e) Position apparatus and materials toward the centre and back of the cupboard to minimize
disturbance to the airflow at the working aperture.
(f) Close any doors or windows that reduce the performance of the fume cupboard. Check that
ventilation grilles are unobstructed and that the ventilation is working. Ensure that the conditions
surrounding the fume cupboard are similar to those occurring during the commissioning tests, i.e.
no impinging air jets or cross draughts from air conditioners, fans, heaters, open doors or windows.
(g) Check that the fume cupboard is working correctly.
(h) Check that a suitable fire extinguisher is at hand especially if using flammable solvents.
(i) Where practical, place everything required inside the cupboard before starting operations.
(j) Ensure all chemicals not required are removed from the fume cupboard to a suitable store.
NOTE: Risks associated with any process may be reduced by—
(a) lowering the sash;
(b) using reduced quantities of the substances involved;
(c) using a slower reaction rate; and
(d) reducing the amount of substances released into the airflow.
During use
(a) Use the following sash positions—
(i) full open to provide access for setting up apparatus, processes or reagents;
(ii) partially open when handling chemicals inside the fume cupboard; and
(iii) lowered as far as practical when the process is in operation.
(b) Use the minimum quantity of chemicals necessary for the particular process.
(c) Use reaction rates that minimize hazards such as evolution of copious fumes or heat.
(d) Use protective equipment appropriate to the task being undertaken.
After use
(a) Lower the sash enough to minimize the effect of outside disturbances while allowing a
satisfactory airflow.
(b) Ensure that the fume cupboard is clean and free from contaminants.
(c) Ensure that all stock chemicals are removed from the fume cupboard to a suitable store.
Page 41 of 44
A fume cupboard shall not be used for the storage of chemicals. NOTE: Storage of chemicals in a
fume cupboard is dangerous. A fire or violent reaction inside such a fume cupboard could result in a
situation more serious than expected with the reagents being used.
Faulty Fume Cupboards
When a problem arises with a fume cupboard, eg loss of power, lights need replacing, the issue
must be reported immediately. If there in insufficient air flow (signified by an alarm) the unit must
be tagged out and use must immediately cease. The fume cupboard must be made safe so that
maintenance workers are not exposed to toxins while working on them. The Safety Officer can be
contacted for assistance reporting faults.
LABORATORY/WORKSHOP HOUSEKEEPING POLICY
Good housekeeping creates an intrinsically safe workplace and should be maintained meticulously,
particularly in areas where highly toxic substances are handled. Also, good housekeeping can
increase your working space.
•
Labs and workshops must be inspected every 6 months with completed inspection forms
delivered to the Safety Officer for review. Identified deficiencies must be corrected by lab
members
or
maintenance
staff.
Inspection
forms
can
be
found
at:
http://safety.chemistry.unimelb.edu.au/forms.php
•
All emergency eye wash stations must be tested weekly and all safety showers must be
tested every 4 weeks. This is a lab responsibility. Tests must assure that the water flows
clear and clean and that pressure is adequate. Testing must be recorded on the posted
testing log with deficiencies reported to the Safety Officer immediately.
•
Keep benches tidy. Surfaces should be clean and free of infrequently used chemicals,
glassware and equipment. Store away apparatus no longer required and ensure that waste
materials are removed as soon as possible.
•
Keep all corridors and passages clear. In particular emergency exit, safety shower and fire
extinguisher access should not be impeded. Sinks housing eye-wash stations should not be
cluttered. This would avoid impeding access to the eye-wash and knocking over glassware
and chemicals with the hose.
•
Secure all gas cylinders to walls or benches. They cannot be left on trolleys while in use.
•
Keep containers and equipment away from the edge of benches. If you’re reaching over
objects to get to something, chances are you're about to knock something on the floor and
cause a major incident.
•
Shelves above the lab benches should be kept as orderly as possible. Vials should be kept in
vial boxes or spill trays. Knocking one over may cause a domino effect, spilling the contents
of many vials.
•
Be realistic about how much equipment and supplies you can store on shelving. Overloading
shelves with infrequently used equipment and extra lab supplies will likely cause you
problems with falling items when you least suspect it. You could injure yourself or fellow lab
personnel. When you’re not sure of a shelf’s weight capacity, don’t take a chance on it.
•
Equipment, machinery and tools should be kept clean and free of unnecessary materials. Do
not allow excess grease or oil to accumulate.
•
Keep the lids on chemical containers. This sounds obvious but it will effectively reduce the
possibility of a spill and reduce any fumes released into your lab.
•
Make sure all containers are clearly labelled. Containers in which chemicals have been
decanted into must be labelled with the following information: Product/chemical name,
Hazard diamond or signal word (eg flammable liquid, toxic), Risk & Safety Phrases for
hazardous substances, ID of the owner. For smaller containers (eg vials) apply the label to
the outer storage box. Never take chances with an unlabelled container.
•
Do not store chemical containers on the floor. Liquid chemicals should be in bunded areas or
in spill trays.
Page 42 of 44
•
Keep the laboratory floor dry at all times. Immediately attend to spills of chemicals/water
and notify other lab workers of potential slipping hazards.
•
Extension leads and computer cables must not run across aisles and passage ways, thus
avoiding potential tripping hazards.
•
Be careful when opening laboratory doors. Except in dire emergencies, no one should ever
run in the building.
•
Food and drink must not be taken into laboratories.
•
Large, heavy and cumbersome boxes or equipment should only be stored on shelving
between knee and shoulder height.
•
Empty chemical containers to be disposed of must have the label defaced or removed.
Containers that will be reused must have the original label totally defaced or covered over
with the new label.
•
Dangerous goods boxes used for storage should have the class diamond and label defaced or
removed. This avoids confusion as to what is in the box.
•
Ensure runnels and sinks are clear of rubbish, debris and any obstruction that could block
the flow of water into the drain.
•
Broken or unwanted furniture, trolleys etc can be placed at the hard rubbish collection point
on Masson Rd across from the Post Office on a Friday, to be picked up by the hard rubbish
collectors on Saturdays. If you are unsure if your items can be disposed of in hard rubbish
please contact the Safety officer, ph 44027.
APPARATUS RUNNING OUTSIDE WORKING HOURS
For each piece of laboratory equipment operating unattended, the After Hours Equipment form must
be completed. It can be found at
http://safety.chemistry.unimelb.edu.au/rtf_files/Apparatus%20Running%20After%20Hours%20For
m%20v1.7.doc
Any hotplate running unattended must be equipped with a secondary safety circuit to limit
temperature to a safe level if the primary thermostat fails. Hotplates without this safety circuit may
only be used while the lab is attended.
Page 43 of 44
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Located in undergraduate Preparation Rooms
Material Safety Data Sheets for chemicals used in Undergraduate laboratories.
RACI Laboratory Safety Pamphlet.
E.F.M. Stephenson. Safety practices in the laboratory. (1981)
From purchasing manager (J. Tyler)
Safety data sheets for chemicals purchased through purchasing office.
From University Safety Officer
Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Data Sheets.
Environment Health and Safety Manual on the Web at http://www.unimelb.edu.au/ehsm/
Safety Collection Shelf in Chemistry Library
Aust. Standards AS 2243.1-10 Safety in the Laboratory
AS 1940 The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Bretherick, L. Handbook of reactive chemical Hazards.
Sax, N.I. Dangerous properties of Industrial Materials.
Australian First Aid.
CSIRO Code of Practice for Safe handling and use of cryogenic liquids.
Armour, M.A. Hazardous Laboratory Chemicals Disposal Guide.
Bretherick, L. Hazards in the Chemical Laboratory.
Sax, N.I. Dangerous properties of Industrial Materials.
RSC Solvents in common use - Health risk to workers.
Walters, D.B.
Safe handling of chemical carcinogens, Mutagens, Teratogens and highly toxic
substances (2 Vols).
Pipitone, D.A. Safe storage of Laboratory Chemicals.
Pitt,M. and Pitt, E. Handbook of Laboratory Waste disposal.
Freeman, N.T. and Whitehead, J. Introduction to Safety in the Chemical Laboratory.
Pal. Handbook of Laboratory Health and Safety Measures.
Pilters, H.A.J. and Creyghton, J.W. Safety in the Chemical Laboratory.
Boursnell, J.C. Safety Techniques for radioactive tracers.
Manuf. Chemist. Assoc. Guide for safety in the chemical laboratory.
RSC. Health and Safety in the chemical Laboratory.
Lefèvre, M.J. First Aid manual for Chemical Accidents.
RSC. Guide to Safe Practices in Chemical Laboratories.
Sliney, D. and Wolbarsht, M. Safety with Lasers and other Optical Sources.
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