PROGRAM STATEMENT

HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL DEFINITIONS

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
GENERAL RULES
PERSONAL HYGIENE
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
HOUSEKEEPING
PRIOR APPROVAL
SPILLS AND ACCIDENTS
CHEMICAL WASTE DISPOSAL
 
PROCEDURE-SPECIFIC SAFETY PROCEDURES
PROCEDURES FOR TOXIC CHEMICALS
PROCEDURES FOR FLAMMABLE CHEMICALS
PROCEDURES FOR CORROSIVE CHEMICALS AND CONTACT-HAZARD CHEMICALS
CONTROL MEASURES AND EQUIPMENT
VENTILATION 
FLAMMABLE-LIQUID STORAGE
WASH FOUNTAINS AND SAFETY SHOWERS
RESPIRATORS
VAPOR DETECTION
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
FIRE ALARMS

PROCEDURES FOR CARCINOGEN, REPRODUCTIVE TOXINS, SUBSTANCES THAT HAVE A HIGH DEGREE OF ACUTE TOXICITY, AND CHEMICALS OF UNKNOWN TOXICITY

RECORDS AND RECORDKEEPING

INFORMATION AND TRAINING

EXPOSURE ASSESSMENTS
SUSPECTED EXPOSURES TO TOXIC SUBSTANCES
SUSPICION OF EXPOSURE
EXPOSURES
FORMAL EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT

LABORATORY INSPECTION GUIDELINES

LABORATORY INSPECTION FORM

TWU LABORATORY EMERGENCY PROCEDURES PLAN

PROGRAM STATEMENT
This Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) has been developed at Texas Woman's University, from various sources, in order to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Laboratory Standard Rules and regulations. This laboratory standard is published as an amendment to 29CFR 1910, Subpart Z, and identified as Section 1910.1450. The title of that amendment is "Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories." The laboratory standard applies only to certain laboratories. OSHA defines a hazardous chemical as a substance for which there is statistically significant evidence, based on at least one scientific study, showing that acute or chronic harm may result from exposure to that chemical.

This document is intended only to highlight those safety measures necessary for achieving a safe and healthy work environment. Where the scope of hazards are not adequately addressed by this general document, specific Standard Operating Procedures must be developed by the laboratory director.

This CHP does not, however, apply to:
Work involving chemicals that do not meet the conditions of the definition of laboratory use of hazardous chemicals. In such cases, the University shall comply with all relevant specific substance standards even if such use occurs in a laboratory type setting.

Work involving the laboratory use of hazardous chemicals that does not have the potential for individual exposure.

HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL DEFINITIONS
A hazardous chemical is defined as any chemical, chemical compound, or mixture of compounds which is a physical and/or health hazard.

A chemical is a physical hazard by definition if there is scientifically valid evidence that it is : a flammable or combustible liquid, compressed gas, organic peroxide explosive, oxidizer, pyrophoric and unstable material (reactive) and water reactive material.
A chemical is a health hazard by definition if there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed individuals. Included are:
allergens
embryotoxicants
carcinogens
toxic or highly toxic agents
reproductive toxicants
irritants
corrosives
sensitizers
hepatoxins (liver)
nephrotoxins (kidneys)
neurotoxins (nervous system)
hematopoietic systems agents (blood)
agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes or mucous membranes

The following two sources have established lists of hazardous chemicals based on substantiated tests:
OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1200 Subpart Z, Toxic and
Hazardous Substances and Appendices A and B of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200.American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), "Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents in the Work Environment," (latest edition).

The hazard(s) of a chemical may also be listed on its container label. Additionally, if the hazard of a chemical is not evident from the container label, the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the chemical will list the specific hazards. For further help in determining the hazard of a chemical, the supervisor or instructor should be contacted.


STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
GENERAL RULES
1. Avoid working alone in a laboratory or chemical storage facility whenever possible. If you must work alone in one of these areas, notify someone else in the building of your intentions and location.
2. Contact lenses are permitted to be worn when working in a laboratory or chemical storage area but splash proof goggles shall also be worn.
3. Wear appropriate eye protection at all times.
4. When working with flammable chemicals, be certain that there are no sources of ignition near enough to cause a fire or explosion in the event of a vapor release or liquid spill.
5. Use fume hood when handling toxic or flammable chemicals.
6. Use a tip-resistant shield for protection whenever an explosion or implosion might occur.

For the chemicals being worked with, all individuals should know and constantly be aware of:
1. The chemical's hazards, as determined from the NFPA label, the MSDS and other appropriate references.
2. Appropriate safeguards for using that chemical, including personal protection equipment.
3. The location and proper use of emergency equipment.
4. How and where to properly label and store chemicals.
5. Proper personal hygiene practices .
6. The proper methods of transporting chemicals.
7. Appropriate procedures for emergencies including evacuation routes, spill cleanup procedures and proper waste disposal .

PERSONAL HYGIENE
1. Flush promptly with water whenever a chemical has contacted the skin.
2. Avoid inhalation of chemicals; do not "sniff" to test chemicals.
3. Do not use mouth suction to pipette anything; use suction bulbs or other pipette filling devices.
4. Wash well with soap and water before leaving the laboratory; never wash with solvents.
5. Do not bring food, drinks, or smokes to a laboratory, or apply cosmetics in the laboratory or chemical storage area.
6. Confine long hair and loose clothing. Wear shoes at all times in the laboratory. Do not wear sandals or perforated shoes.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
1. Eye protection worn when working with chemicals shall meet the requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1. When working with more than 10 mL of a corrosive liquid, a face shield, type N, large enough to protect the chin, neck and ears, as well as the face, must be worn.
2. When working with corrosive liquids, wear impermeable gloves made of materials known to be resistant to permeation by the corrosive chemical and tested by air inflation prior to use (do not inflate by mouth) for the absence of pinhole leaks.
3. When working with hazardous chemicals, wear chemical and fire resistant laboratory coat. It is preferable to wear long-sleeved/long legged clothing than to wear short-sleeved shirts, short pants, or short skirts.
4. When working with allergenic, sensitizing or toxic chemicals, wear gloves made of materials known to be or tested and found to be resistant to permeation by the chemical and tested for the absence of pinhole leaks.
5.Wear low-heeled shoes with fully covering "uppers"; do not wear shoes with open toes or with uppers constructed of woven material.
6. Whenever exposure by inhalation is likely to exceed the threshold limits described in the MSDS or other reference, use a fume hood. If this is not possible, use a proper respirator.
7. Carefully inspect all protective equipment before using. Never use defective protective equipment.
8. Know the location of safety equipment: emergency shower, eye wash station, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, fire alarm pull station.
9. Electrically ground containers using approved methods before transferring or dispensing a flammable liquid from a large metal container.

HOUSEKEEPING
1. Access to emergency equipment, showers, eyewash stations, and exits shall never be blocked by anything, not even a temporarily parked cart.
2. All chemical containers must be labeled with at least the identity of the contents and its hazards to users such as the NFPA warning label
.3. Keep all work areas, especially laboratory benches, clear of clutter. Clean up the work area on completion of an operation or at the end of each workday.
4. Keep all aisles, hallways, and stairs clear of all chemicals.
5. All chemicals shall be placed in their assigned storage areas at the end of each workday.
6. At the end of each workday, the contents of all unlabeled containers are to be considered wastes and disposed of accordingly.
7. Wastes shall be properly labeled and kept in their proper containers until collected for disposal.
8. Promptly clean up all spills; properly dispose of the spilled chemical and cleanup materials.
9. All working surfaces and floors shall be cleaned regularly.
10. No chemicals are to be stored in aisles or stairwells, on floors, or in hallways.
11. Apparatus which may discharge toxic chemicals such as vacuum pumps and distillation columns, shall be vented to a fume hood or provided with a suitable trap.
12. Avoid practical jokes or horseplay or other behavior which might confuse, startle or distract another worker. 

PRIOR APPROVAL
Individuals, other than faculty, must obtain prior approval to proceed with a laboratory task from the laboratory director or his or her designee whenever:
1. A new laboratory procedure or test is to be carried out, or a new instrument is to be used.
2. It is likely that toxic limit concentrations could be exceeded or that other harm is likely.
3. There is a change in a procedure or test, even if it is very similar to prior practices. "Change in a procedure or test" means:a. A significant increase or decrease in the amount of one or more chemicals used.b. A substitution or deletion of any of the chemicals in a procedure.c. Any change in other conditions under which the procedure is to be conducted.
4. There is a failure of any of the equipment used in the process, especially of safeguards such as fume hoods or clamped apparatus.
5. There are unexpected results.6. Members of the laboratory staff become ill, suspect that they or others have been exposed, or otherwise suspect a failure of any safeguards.

SPILLS AND ACCIDENTS
Minor spills (less than 4 liters) of hazardous chemicals shall be taken care of immediately using proper cleanup and disposal methods such as spill cleanup kits located in laboratories and stockrooms.

Major spills of toxic substances or accidents involving any hazardous chemical should be resolved immediately according to TWU's Laboratory Emergency Procedure plan .

CHEMICAL WASTE DISPOSAL
 In order to assure that minimal harm is done to people, other organisms and the environment from the disposal of waste laboratory chemicals, indiscriminate disposal of chemicals by pouring them down the drain or adding them to mixed refuse for landfill burial is unacceptable.
The following procedures shall be followed in disposing of waste chemicals:
1. Aqueous solutions of acids and bases shall be neutralized before flushing down the drain with large volumes of water.
2. Solutions containing toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead, chromium, silver, etc. shall be placed into "metal waste" disposal containers.
3. Fume hoods shall not be used as a means of disposal of volatile chemicals.
4. Liquid organic wastes shall be emptied into labeled glass containers kept in bottle jackets in vented metal cabinets in each laboratory. Waste containers shall be labeled according to the existing protocol. Liquid waste containers shall be removed and replaced when full and safely stored for disposal by a licensed waste hauler.
5. Highly reactive wastes such as acid chlorides shall be converted to a less reactive form before disposing in the waste containers.
6. Dry solid wastes shall be stored in labeled containers until removed by a licensed waste hauler. A running inventory shall be maintained of each waste container's contents. Old or unneeded chemical stocks should be removed from storage and disposed of periodically.

PROCEDURE-SPECIFIC SAFETY PROCEDURES
All laboratory procedures must contain a written description of specific safety practices incorporating the applicable precautions described in this section. All individuals shall understand these practices before commencing a procedure.

PROCEDURES FOR TOXIC CHEMICALS
The Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for most of the chemicals used in the laboratory will state recommended limits or OSHA-mandated limits, or both, as guidelines for exposure. Typical limits are threshold limit values (TLV), permissible exposure limits (PEL), and action levels. When such limits are stated, they should be used to assist the laboratory director in determining the safety precautions, control, measures, and safety apparel that apply when working with toxic chemicals.
1. When a TLV or PEL value is less than 50 ppm or 100 mg/m3, the user of the chemical must use it in an operating fume hood or else in a glove box, vacuum line, or similar device which is equipped with appropriate traps and/or scrubbers. If none are available, no work shall be performed using that chemical.
2. If a TLV, PEL or comparable value is not available for that substance, the animal or human median inhalation lethal concentration information, LC50, will be assessed. If that value is less than 200 ppm or 2000 mg/m3 (when administered continuously for one hour or less), then the chemical must be used in an operating fume hood or else in a glove box, vacuum line, or similar device which is equipped with appropriate traps and/or scrubbers. If none are available, no work shall be performed using that chemical.
3. Whenever laboratory handling of toxic substances with moderate or greater vapor pressures will likely exceed air concentration limits, laboratory work with such liquids and solids will be conducted in a working fume hood or in a glove box, vacuum line, or similar device which is equipped with appropriate traps and/or scrubbers. If none are available, no work shall be performed using that chemical.  

A reactive chemical is one that:
a. Is described as such in Bretherick or the MSDS
b. Is ranked by the NFPA as 3 or 4 for reactivity
c. Is identified by the DOT as:

- an oxidizer
- an organic peroxide, or
- an explosive, Class A, B, or C

PROCEDURES FOR FLAMMABLE CHEMICALS
In general, the flammability of a chemical is determined by its flash point, the lowest temperature at which an ignition source can cause the chemical to ignite momentarily under certain controlled conditions.
1. Chemicals with a flash point below 200°F (93.3°C) will be considered "fire hazard chemicals."
2. OSHA standards and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines on when a chemical is considered flammable apply to the use of flammable chemicals in the laboratory. In all work with fire-hazard chemicals, follow the requirements of 29 CFR, subparts H and L; NFPA Manual 30, "Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code;" and NFPA Manual 45, "Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals."
3. Fire-hazard chemicals shall be stored in a flammable-solvent storage area or in storage cabinets designed for flammable materials.
4. Fire-hazard chemicals shall be used only in vented hoods and away from sources of ignition.

PROCEDURES FOR CORROSIVE CHEMICALS AND CONTACT-HAZARD CHEMICALS
Corrosivity, allergenic, and sensitizer information is given in manufacturers' MSDS's and on labels. Also, guidelines on which chemicals are corrosive can be found in other OSHA standards and in regulations promulgated by DOT in 45 CFR and the EPA in 40 CFR.

1. A corrosive chemical is one that:
a. Fits the OSHA definition of corrosive in Appendix A of 29 CFR 1910.1200
b. Fits the EPA definition of corrosive in 40 CFR 261.22 (has a pH greater than 12 or less than 2.5), or
c. Is known or found to be corrosive to living tissue.

2. A contact hazard chemical is an allergen or sensitizer that:
a. Is so identified or described in the MSDS or on the label
b. Is so identified or described in the medical or industrial hygiene literature, or
c. Is known or found to be an allergen or sensitizer

3. Handle corrosive chemicals with all proper safety precautions, including wearing both safety goggles and face shield, gloves tested for absence of pinholes and known to be resistant to permeation or penetration, and a laboratory apron or laboratory coat .  

CONTROL MEASURES AND EQUIPMENT
Chemical safety is achieved by continual awareness of chemical hazards and by keeping the chemical under control by using precautions, including safeguards such as hoods. Laboratory personnel shall be familiar with the precautions to be taken. Laboratory supervisors should be alert to detect the malfunction of safeguards. All safeguards and controls must be properly maintained, inspected on a regular basis, and never overloaded beyond their design limits.

VENTILATION
1. Laboratory ventilation shall be not less than eight air changes per hour (calculated). This flow is not necessarily sufficient to prevent accumulation of chemical vapors. Work with toxic chemicals that have low air concentration limits, or that have high vapor pressures, shall always be done in a hood.
2. Fume hoods should provide 80 to 110 linear feet per minute of air flow.
3. Laboratory workers shall understand and comply with the following directives:
a. A fume hood is a safety backup for condensers, traps, or other devices that collect vapors and fumes. It is not used to "dispose" of chemicals by evaporation unless the vapors are trapped and recovered for proper waste disposal.
b. The apparatus inside the hood shall be placed on the floor of the hood at least six inches away from the front edge; if it is bulky, it should be raised 2" off the floor of the hood.
c. Fume hood windows should be lowered to 8" to 15", except when necessary to open them to adjust the apparatus that is inside the hood.
d. The hood fan should be kept "on" whenever a chemical is inside the hood, whether or not any work is being done in the hood.
e. Laboratory workers shall be aware of the steps to be taken in the event of power failure or hood failure and, if necessary, contact maintenance or repair personnel, extension 3137. Volatile chemicals should be removed from the hood.
f. Inspect hood vent ducts and fans at frequent intervals at least once a year to be sure they are both clean and clear of obstructions. This inspection and maintenance is to be performed by the physical plant
g. Hoods shall not be used as storage areas for nonvolatile chemicals, apparatus, or other materials.

FLAMMABLE- LIQUID STORAGE
1. Fire hazard chemicals are often purchased in glass containers. The glass containers shall be kept in bottle jackets.
2. Cabinets designed for the storage of flammable materials shall be properly used and maintained, including electrical grounding. Read and follow the manufacturer's information and also follow these safety practices:
a. Store only compatible materials inside a cabinet.
b. Do not store paper, cardboard, or other combustible packaging material in a flammable-liquid storage cabinet.
c. The manufacturer establishes quantity limits for various sizes of flammable-liquid storage cabinets; do not overload a cabinet.
d. Cabinets must be vented according to manufacturer's and NFPA requirements.

WASH FOUNTAINS AND SAFETY SHOWERS
1. All laboratories shall have access to eyewashes and safety showers. These must be located so they can be reached from any point in or from the laboratory.
2. The functioning of eyewash fountains and safety showers shall be checked and the water flow measured at selected intervals. Any facility that does not meet the water flow requirements shall be promptly repaired.
3. Access to eyewash fountains and safety showers shall not be restricted or blocked by temporary storage of objects or in any other way.

RESPIRATORS
1. Individuals must wear respirators whenever it is possible that engineering controls or work practices could become or are ineffective and that individuals might be exposed to vapor or particulate concentrations greater than the PEL, action level, TLV, or similar limit, whichever is the lowest.
2. The requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134 shall be followed, including in particular:
a. Written standard operating procedures governing the selection and use of respirators.
b. All individuals who are likely to need to use respirators must be trained in their proper use, inspection, and maintenance. (See "NIOSH Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection", DHHS Publ. No. 87-0116, NIOSH, Cincinnati, 1987, for details)
3. Female laboratory workers who are in the first trimester of pregnancy are strongly encouraged to use respirators while in the laboratory.

VAPOR DETECTION 
Do not use odor as a means of determining that inhalation exposure limits are or are not being exceeded. Whenever there is reason to suspect that a toxic chemical inhalation limit might be exceeded, whether or not a suspicious odor is noticed, notify the supervisor. Laboratory workers must wear a respirator suitable for protection against the suspect chemical until measurements of the concentration of the suspect vapor in the air show that the limit is not exceeded. Under this circumstance, and if there is no reason to anticipate an increase in the concentration of the chemical, and if the laboratory director approves, the respirator can be removed and the work may continue.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Fire extinguishers are provided in every laboratory and located along normal paths of travel. Access must be maintained and the location should be conspicuously marked in an appropriate manner. The fire extinguisher and type must be selected for the appropriate hazard and checked annually.  

FIRE ALARMS
Fire alarms and pull stations are provided along normal paths of travel, along exit routes, and are conspicuously marked. Alarms are tested at regular intervals as per NFPA requirements.

PROCEDURES FOR CARCINOGENS REPRODUCTIVE TOXINS, SUBSTANCES THAT HAVE A HIGH DEGREE OF ACUTE TOXICITY, AND CHEMICALS OF UNKNOWN TOXICITY
Follow the procedures described in this section when performing laboratory work with greater than 10 mg of any carcinogen, reproductive toxin, substance that has a high degree of acute toxicity, or a chemical whose toxic properties are unknown.
1. The following definitions will apply:
a. Select carcinogen: Any substance defined as such in 29 CFR 1910.1450 and any other substance described as such in the applicable MSDS.
b. Reproductive toxin: Any substance described as such in the applicable MSDS, or any substance identified as a reproductive toxin by the Oak Ridge Toxicology Information Resource Center (TIRC), (615) 576-1746, or, for teratogens only, any substance identified as such in Thomas H. Shepard, "Catalog of Teratogenic Agents", 6th Ed., Johns Hopkins Press, 1989.
c. Substances with a high degree of acute toxicity:
Any substance for which the LD50 data described in the applicable MSDS causes the substance to be classified as a "highly toxic chemical" as defined in ANSI Z129.1.
d. Chemical whose toxic properties are unknown: A chemical for which there is no known statistically significant study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that establishes its toxicity. For the purpose of this CHP, chemicals in these four categories will be called "inimical".
f. Designated area: A hood, glove box, portion of a laboratory, or an entire laboratory room designated as the only area where work with quantities of the inimical chemical in excess of the specific limit shall be conducted.

2. Designated areas shall be posted and their boundaries clearly marked. Only those persons trained to work with inimical chemicals will work with those chemicals in a designated area. All such persons will:
a. Use the smallest amount of chemical that is consistent with the requirements of the work to be done.
b. Use high efficiency particular air (HEPA) filters or high efficiency scrubber systems to protect vacuum lines and pumps.
c. Store inimical chemicals or remove them from storage.
d. Decontaminate a designated area when work is completed.
e. Prepare wastes from work with inimical chemicals for waste disposal in accordance with specific disposal procedures consistent with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and as designated by TWU Hazardous Waste Disposal Policy.

3. Store all inimical chemicals in locked and enclosed spaces with a slight negative pressure compared to the rest of the building.
4. Do not wear jewelry when working in designated areas.5. Wear long-sleeved disposable clothing and gloves known to resist permeation by the chemicals to be used when working in designated areas.

RECORDS AND RECORDKEEPING
A record keeping system is established and records maintained as follows:
1. A detailed written report form shall be completed for each accident or exposure incident and retained in file.
2. Inventory and usage records for high-risk substances shall be kept, including the amounts of these materials on hand, amounts used, and the names of the lab workers involved.
3. Medical records shall be retained by the institution in accordance with the requirements of state and federal regulations for all affected individuals.
4. A collection of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be maintained by the Safety Coordinator. Each university component shall maintain a collection of MSDS's for the chemicals under their jurisdiction. Each research laboratory shall have MSDS's available for the chemicals used therein and MSDS's shall be readily available to all laboratories.
5. Documents relating to the safety training of individuals shall be kept in departmental offices and by the Safety Office.
6. Records of air concentration monitoring results, exposure assessments, must be maintained for at least 30 years and are kept and maintained by the Safety Office.
7. Safety suggestions from individuals should be kept. A suggestion that is unusable today might be useful tomorrow. Even when a suggestion is clearly nonworkable, it should be taken seriously, examined, and recorded.
8. Near "hit" reports. Individuals who participate in or witness events that could have caused harm, but fortunately did not, should prepare reports of the incidents. These reports are used to develop changes in procedures that will prevent a future more serious occurrence. These reports are to contain the details of what was done prior to the event. The reports are to be given to the department chair, the project director, and the Safety Coordinator for review.
9. Repair and maintenance records for the environmental control systems, i.e., fume hoods, HVAC, etc. Notify the Safety Office of all requests made to the Physical Plant for corrective action to the environmental control systems.
10. Complaints from individuals. It is useful to keep a written record of all complaints, investigations, and outcomes.
11. The EPA and other federal and state agencies have special record keeping requirements. For example: Record keeping of allegations and the reporting of suspect hazards from the adverse effects of chemical exposure are required under Sections 8(c) and 8(e) of the Toxic Substances Control Act; see 40 CFR 716 and 717.

INFORMATION AND TRAINING
Texas Woman's University'shall to provide the necessary information and training to TWU lab workers so that they may work safely with hazardous chemicals and minimize their exposure to them. Training methods will vary depending on the background and responsibilities of the employees.

However, all employees will undergo the annual training as required by the Texas Hazard Communication Act.
1. Employees who have professional degrees in chemistry, such as faculty members, may not need formal training since their professional training and graduate experience already qualify them to safely handle hazardous chemicals. These employees should, however, be provided with written material, as needed, and should be prepared to "pass" an evaluation of the effectiveness of instruction in matters pertaining both to safety and health hazards and to the precautions to be taken under the variety of circumstances extant in the laboratory where they work.
2. New employees, including teaching assistants, shall be provided, at the time of their assignment to a laboratory, information and training in the hazards associated with the materials or procedures that they will be using before they are allowed in the laboratories.
3. Lab workers shall have access to the PEL's, action levels, and other recommended exposure limits for hazardous chemicals used in Texas Woman's University laboratories and with the signs and symptoms associated with exposures to these materials as per the MSDS sheets for each chemical.
4. Lab workers shall know the location and have access to the MSDS's and other reference materials.
5. In general, lab workers' training shall include:      
a. The methods and observations that shall be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical.    
b. The specific hazards associated with the chemicals that they will be using.    
c. The measures laboratory workers shall use to protect themselves from these hazards, including specific procedures, such as appropriate work practices, personal protective equipment to be used, and emergency procedures.    
d. A copy of this Chemical Hygiene Plan and appropriate instruction as to its content and meaning.   
 e. Instruction in the contents and requirements of the OSHA Laboratory Standard.

EXPOSURE ASSESSMENTS
SUSPECTED EXPOSURES TO TOXIC SUBSTANCES
There may be times when employees or supervisors suspect that a lab worker has been exposed to a hazardous chemical to a degree and in a manner that might have caused harm to the exposed person. If the circumstances suggest a reasonable suspicion of exposure, the exposed person is entitled to a medical consultation and, if so determined in the consultation, also to a medical examination at no cost with no loss of workday time attributed to the exposed person.

SUSPICION OF EXPOSURE
1. Promptly investigate all reported incidents in which there is even a remote possibility of overexposure to a toxic substance.
2. Events or circumstances that might reasonably constitute overexposure include:
a. A hazardous chemical leaked or was spilled or was otherwise rapidly released in an uncontrolled manner.
b. A laboratory worker had direct skin or eye contact with a hazardous chemical.
c. A laboratory worker manifests symptoms, such as headache, rash, nausea, coughing, tearing, irritation or redness of eyes, irritation of nose or throat, dizziness, loss of motor dexterity or judgment, etc., and
-Some or all of the symptoms disappear when the person is taken away from the exposure area and breathes fresh air, and
-The symptoms reappear soon after the employee returns to work with the same hazardous chemicals.
-Two or more persons in the same laboratory work area have similar complaints.

EXPOSURES
All complaints and their disposition, no matter what the ultimate disposition may be, are documented. If no further assessment of the event is deemed necessary, the reason for that decision is included in the documentation. If the decision is to investigate, a formal exposure assessment is initiated.

FORMAL EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT
In case of emergency, exposure assessments are conducted after the victim has been treated.

NOTE: It is not the purpose of an exposure assessment to determine that a failure on the part of the victim, or others, to follow proper procedures was the cause of an exposure.

The purpose of an exposure assessment is to determine that there was, or was not, an exposure that might have caused harm to one or more laboratory workers and, if so, to identify the hazardous chemical or chemicals involved. Other investigations might well use results and conclusions from an exposure assessment, along with other information, to derive recommendations that will prevent or mitigate any future overexposures. However, exposure assessments determine facts, they do not make recommendations.
1. Unless circumstances suggest other or additional steps, these actions constitute an exposure assessment:
a. The Safety Coordinator will interview the complainant and also the exposed person, if not the same person. A record of this interview will be kept by the Safety Office.
b. List the essential information about the circumstances of the complaint, including:

-The chemical under suspicion
-Other chemicals used by the exposed person
-All chemicals being used by others in the immediate area
-Other chemicals stored in that area
-Symptoms exhibited or claimed by the exposed person
-How these symptoms compare to symptoms stated in the Material Safety Data Sheets for each of the identified chemicals
-Were control measures, such as personal protective equipment and hoods, used properly by the exposed person?
-Were any air sampling or monitoring devices in place? If so, are the measurements consistent with other information?

2. If an overexposure is suspected, the person responsible for the laboratory, the department chair or his designee, and the Environmental Safety/Health Officer shall be informed.

TWU LABORATORY EMERGENCY PROCEDURE PLAN

Fire and other emergency:
Dial 2911---Campus Security and Safety or use red emergency phone.

Identify yourself and the reason you are calling.
Identify the exact location of the emergency.
Identify the nature of the emergency, any injuries or symptoms involved, and any hazardous materials involved, if you know them.

--Keep others out of the area and take action to protect life and limb.
--Notify emergency personnel of possible location of victims.
--Provide rescue only if you are properly protected from the hazard. Never attempt to rescue someone   unless you know you are properly protected from the hazard.
--Do not move a seriously injured person unless he/she is in immediate danger.
--Anyone overcome with smoke or chemical gases or vapors should be moved to uncontaminated air    and treated.--Provide first aid if you have the capability.
--For chemical splash in the eyes or on the skin, rinse affected area for at least 15 minutes in emergency    eyewash or shower, or use other water source. Remove all contaminated clothing, including    undergarments and jewelry. Call 2911 for emergency assistance.
--Identify yourself and be available to provide emergency response personnel information when they   arrive. Collect Material Safety Data Sheets for chemicals involved and provide these to the emergency    response personnel.

2. Low Hazard Emergency. If the emergency is small, there is no fire hazard, involves low to moderately     toxic materials in small amounts, or involves a readily treatable injury, proceed as outlined below.
--For a minor injury, contact TWU Public Safety (2911). If a student has been injured, request transport    to the TWU Student Health Services. Non-student laboratory workers may to the Student Health       Services or to the health provide of their choice.
--For a small liquid spill, use an absorbent material that will neutralize the spill. Spill kits are available    from the chemistry stockroom; they are in all research and instructional labs.
--A dustpan and brush should be used for solid spills, and protective clothing (e.g., rubber gloves and    goggles) should be worn. The area should be decontaminated with soap and water after clean up.    Residue should be placed in a hazardous waste container for disposal

3. Fire and Fire-related Emergency. For a fire or fire-related emergency such as abnormal heating of    material, hazardous gas leaks, hazardous material or flammable liquid spill, smoke, or odor of burning,    immediately follow these procedures:
--Activate the building fire alarm system (pull fire station). If not immediately available or non-operational, verbally notify persons in the building.
--Notify TWU Public Safety (2911) or use red emergency telephone.
--Isolate the area and evacuate the building:
      Shut down laboratory equipment in the immediate area, if possible.
      Close doors to isolate the area.
      Use a portable fire extinguisher, if possible, to:

Assist yourself to evacuate.
Assist others to evacuate.
Control a small fire.

-Evacuate the building.-Move at least 200 feet away from the building.
-Stay clear of driveways, sidewalks, and other access ways to the building.
-Try to account for your coworkers and report any missing persons to the emergency  personnel at the scene
-Assist emergency personnel, as requested
-Do not re-enter the building until directed to do so.

4. Mercury Spills
--For small spills, such as a thermometer break, use a trapped vacuum line attached to a tapered glass    tube, similar to a medicine dropper, to pick up mercury droplets.
   Cover small droplets in accessible areas with powdered sulfur. Place residue in container for     hazardous waste disposal.
--For large spills, contact your supervisor for assistance and instructions.
5. Radioactive Spills
--Evacuate the area and notify the Radiation Safety Officer:
           Dr. Nat Mills, Department of Biology, ext. 2391 or ext. 2364
--Notify the University Department of Public Safety, ext. 2911
                     or
--Use the red emergency phone to notify the TWU Department of Public Safety.