Chemical Safety Training (OHS_CS101) Course Material

Introduction
Welcome to the Chemical Safety Training (OHS_CS101) Course Material. This training course is a part of
your Right-To-Know. All laboratory workers who may handle chemicals during their work at UAB must
complete this course.

Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and classify a hazardous chemical’s class and type.

2. Demonstrate ways to assess and manage the hazards associated with chemicals.
3. Re-label any new transfer bottles.
4. Implement the proper procedures for responding to spills, emergencies, or injuries.
5. Maintain an accurate chemical inventory.

Regulatory Agencies
Department of Transportation (DOT) has the responsibility of governing the packaging, markings, and
transporting of hazardous materials. The DOT also sets standards for shipping labels, containers, and carriers.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has the responsibility of developing and
maintaining the OSHA Laboratory Standard. UAB uses this standard as a model for its programs.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the responsibility of regulating the storing and disposing of
hazardous chemicals and materials. Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and
Jefferson County (JeffCo) has the duty of governing the disposal of hazardous waste.

UAB Department of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) oversees UAB health programs and
conducts random lab safety reviews. Lab reviews check for hazardous agent use, handling techniques, and
controls used to prevent exposure.

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Recognizing Hazards
Hazards Defined

Hazardous Substance

A hazardous substance is a material or substance that poses a physical or health hazard. Health Hazards
occur when a chemical produces an acute or chronic health effect on exposed individuals. Physical properties
of a substance determine a Physical Hazard.

Physical Hazard Examples:

Health Hazard Examples:

 Nephrotoxin: A toxic chemical that damages the kidneys (e.g., Cisplatin, Aminoglycoside,
Antibiotics, Indomethacin).
 Hepatotoxin: A toxic chemical that damages the liver (e.g., Ethanol, Halothane, Carbon
Tetrachloride).
 Teratogen: A toxic chemical that causes malformation of an embryo (e.g., Alcohol).

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For more detailed information on health and physical hazards, see Two Group of Hazards.

Acute vs. Chronic

Acute Hazards cause immediate harm (e.g., Carbon Monoxide poisoning, Cyanide inhalation, etc.). Chronic
Hazards do not cause immediate harm (e.g., Mesothelioma from Asbestos exposure, lung cancer from
smoking, etc.).

Routes of Exposure

The four routes of exposure are ingestion, inhalation, injection, and skin
contact.

Toxicity

The degree to which a toxic chemical can cause damage. Dosage,

duration, and exposure to chemicals affect toxicity.

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Labeling

Requirements

The original label of the chemical is the best source of

information to acquire knowledge about the hazards,
emergency information, and storage. Original labels are
required to have the following:

 Product Identifier
 Supplier Identification
 Precautionary Statements
 Pictograms
 Signal Words: (Danger or Warning). Danger means
there is a severe hazard present and warning there is
a moderate to low hazard present.
 Hazard Statement
 Supplemental Information

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Pictograms

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NFPA Diamond

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Diamond helps determine if any specialized equipment, procedures, or precautions are
needed. The four divisions are typically color-coded with red (flammability), blue (level
of health hazard), yellow (chemical reactivity) and white (special hazards).
Examples of special hazards:

 OX: Burns without an air supply

 W: Reacts with water violently
 SA: Simple Asphyxiant Gas

Within these different color-coded squares you may see a number (1-4) or a letter. Higher the
number, the more severe the hazard will be.

Secondary Containers

You can use ChemWatch to print new labels. Secondary containers Xylene
(e.g., squeeze bottles, spray bottles, flasks, tubes, etc.) are required to Irritant and Flammable!
have: Toxic to blood, kidneys,
nervous system, liver
 Same name as the original container Date Transferred 06/30/2017
 All hazard class and target organ information as listed on the
original bottle
 Date transferred

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

UAB has subscribed to a chemical database called ChemWatch. ChemWatch allows an SDS to be accessible
from any computer on the UAB Campus, within UAB Medical System, or connected via VPN. Employees are
strongly recommended to review the SDS before starting to work with any new chemicals. An SDS must be
available to all employees working in the area. Contact UAB’s Department of Occupational Health and Safety
(OH&S) at (205) 934-2487 if you need assistance in obtaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

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An SDS will contain:

 Chemical Name and Identification

 Hazard Identification: Pictograms and Signal Word
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
 Disposal Requirements

The hazard severity ratings on SDS’s are the opposite of the NFPA System. The
number one on an SDS is the words and five is the least hazardous.

Minimizing Hazard

Hierarchy of Controls

Elimination vs. Substitution

Elimination is removing a hazard (e.g., not using Ether

in your process). Substitution is using a less hazardous
material (e.g., using Hexane in place of the known
carcinogen Benzene).

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Engineering Controls

If a hazard cannot be eliminated or substituted, the best approach is to use engineering controls to keep the
hazard from reaching the worker. Examples are fume hoods, glove boxes, and biosafety cabinets.

Administrative (Work Practice) Controls)

Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)

A detailed written plan explaining the hazards present, how to manage them safely, and be specific to the
individual lab or research group. Must be available to all employees working in the area.

Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO)

Department heads or the Principal Investigator (PI) will appoint someone to this position. A CHO is also
known as a Lab Coordinator. A CHO is responsible for:

 Serving as liaison with UAB Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S).

 Implementing, updating, and administering the CHP (including the provisions for obtaining prior
approval for dangerous procedures).

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

An SOP is a set of step-by-step instructions that help employees carry out routine laboratory operations,
improve efficiency, and reduce miscommunication. PI’s or Department Head’s develops the SOP, ensures
control measures are in place, and there is adequate protective equipment. OH&S reviews these SOPs during
the annual laboratory audits and make recommendations.

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Storage

You should store chemicals according to compatibility and hazard class. Storing them alphabetically, or by
carbon number, or by physical state, etc. are not acceptable practices. OH&S recommends segregating them
by EPA Segregation Guidelines.

 Storing flammable liquids in quantities greater than 10 gallons in a flammable storage cabinet.
 Acids and bases stored separately and storing oxidizers away from organic materials that could react
to cause a fire.
 Always store corrosive and other hazardous chemicals below eye level. Never store chemicals on the
floor. Use secondary containment for liquids.

Special Requirements

Explosives

There are two types of explosive chemicals.

1. Explosive Chemicals: Designed, produced, or used as an explosive (e.g., TNT, Explosive Bolts,
Bullets, Blasting Caps, and Fireworks). Research labs do not use these.
2. Potentially Explosive Chemicals (PECs): Over time, these chemicals become explosive when
subjected to heat, light, friction, or mechanical shock (e.g., Diethyl Ether, Tetrahydrofuran, Sodium
Amide, and Picric Acid).

Peroxide Formers

Peroxide Formers are a class of chemicals with high instability and are one of the most dangerous chemicals
used in laboratories. Shock, heat, or friction can cause unexpected explosions of peroxide forming chemicals.
Since peroxide crystals form on the lid and detonate when the cap is twisted, it is advised not to open a
container if you suspect the formation of peroxides. Some common classes of compounds that form peroxides
include Ethers, Tetrahydrofuran, Aldehydes, and Acetals. Ether is no longer used as an anesthetic agent. If
you need more information on animal anesthesia, please contact the ARP at (205) 934-3553.

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You should do the following:

 Limiting the number of containers stored in the lab.

 Ensuring that the following is on the label:
o Warning “PEROXIDE FORMER”
o Date of purchase
o Date of opening
o Required discard date (within 24 months)
 Storing in airtight containers away from heat and light.
 Inspecting for signs of peroxide formation (e.g., crystallization, discoloration, stratification, etc.).
 Testing all opened containers of such materials every three months for peroxides. Obtain test strips
from laboratory or safety supply vendors.
 Disposing of containers before the expiration date.

Particularly Hazardous

Use of particularly hazardous substances, such as select carcinogens, reproductive toxins or acute toxins may
require prior review/approval to ensure adequate controls are in place to protect the workers. OH&S will be
available to review and make recommendations for additional employee protection protocols.

UAB Chemical Inventory

OH&S maintains an online chemical inventory that meets Federal and State requirements. This system
utilizes barcodes and a web-based interface. The chemical inventory allows users to track the chemicals that
are on-hand. Also, the inventory fulfills an agreement with local emergency response agencies, allowing them
to access information regarding possible chemical hazards. All hazardous chemicals with an NFPA rating of
two or above belong in the chemical inventory. The users are required to update the inventory every six
months.

If you are changing labs and need to move your inventory, you should contact OH&S first. Contact OH&S at
(205) 934-2487 if you have questions or need assistance with your chemical inventory.

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All persons, including visitors, who enter areas where hazardous chemicals are used or stored, must wear
PPE. All PPE should be kept inside the lab to minimize the possibility of spreading contaminants to public
areas. Your PPE is the “last line of defense” against potential exposures. It is never a substitute for
engineering controls or strict work practices.

Lab Coats

 Must never be worn outside the work area.

 Protect your skin and personal clothing from any incidental contact.
 Provide a removable barrier in the event of an incident involving a
spill or splash of hazardous substances.
 Must be offered in different types and styles. Your selection must
match the type of hazard present in the lab.
 Must be clean, buttoned, and long-sleeved to provide limited
protection from chemical splashes.
 Must be of 100% cotton or treated with a flame retardant material.
 Wear an impenetrable apron and sleeves for more protection if needed. When working with highly
toxic substances, you must tuck the sleeves into the gloves.

Gloves

Selecting the right glove depends on your

work, substance used, SDS Recommendation,
and breakthrough time. No one type of glove
protects against all chemicals. You should:

 Check gloves for holes and tears before use.

 Change disposable gloves as soon as they become contaminated.
 Wash hand with soap and water before leaving the lab.

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Glasses, Goggles, and Shields

Before donning glasses, goggles, or face shields make sure that you are wearing the
appropriate one for the job. Remember, safety glasses do not protect from chemical
splashes. You should be:

 Using safety glasses whenever there is a chance of objects striking the eye.
They are not appropriate protection from a chemical
splash.
 Wearing splash goggles when working with liquids.
 Wearing a face shield with splash goggles when the
splash hazard is high, or the chemicals are
particularly dangerous.

Respirators

The selection and use of respirators require specialized training. Before wearing a respirator, employees must
undergo medical screening, training, and testing. Anyone who needs to wear a respirator for their work should
contact OH&S at (205) 934-2487.

Preparing for Emergencies

Safety Equipment

Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is a device that dispenses water, foam, gas, or other material
to extinguish a fire. You can find them in hallways, meeting rooms, and near
exit doors, etc. Fire extinguishers must be selected and positioned based on the
possible type and size of the fire that can occur.

 Class A: NFPA recommends that locations such as offices, classrooms,

and assembly halls contain a Class A Extinguisher. OSHA requires that
all persons have access to this type of extinguisher within 75 feet of their
workspace.

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 Class B: NFPA recommends that locations such as workshops, storage areas, research operations,
garages, etc., contain a Class B Extinguisher. OSHA requires that all persons have access to this type
of extinguisher within 50 feet of their workspace.

Eyewash Station

An eyewash station is a device that protects workers against chemical-related

eye injuries. Most stations have a shower-like sprayer that, when pressed,
sprays water down on the worker’s eyes. Eyewashes should be inspected
weekly by the lab personnel and maintained according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. For more information, see Emergency Eyewash Testing.

Safety Shower

A safety shower is a device that washes an individual who has come into contact
with hazardous chemicals. A user may need to remove contaminated clothing.
Safety showers are inspected annually by UAB Maintenance.

Spills

Small vs. Large

Spills of 500ml or less are considered small. Spills of more than 500ml
are considered large. However, spills of less than 500ml may be
regarded as large if the material involved is particularly hazardous.

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Spill Kits

Purchase or create your spill kit if the laboratory or area does not have one. However, when purchasing a spill
kit, make sure that you get one that is best suited for your lab and the hazards in it. Chemical and biological
spill kits are available to purchase from most vendors. For more information on spills, spill kits, and cleanup
review see Emergency Spill Kits.

The OH&S Spill Response Team

The OH&S Spill Response Team has been specially trained to handle hazardous chemical spills. The OH&S
Support Facility Manager will contact the Spill Response Team, which will have full authority over the
cleanup operation. The OH&S Support Facility Manager or his designee will be responsible for calling any
additional personnel needed at the site of the spill. Anyone deliberately hindering the Spill Response Team at
the site of a spill is jeopardizing the health and safety of other UAB employees, and will be subject to
disciplinary action.

Call OH&S at (205) 934-2487 or UAB Police at (205) 934-3535 (these apply to all emergencies).
Calling 911 from your cell phone, will notify Birmingham Police and delay the response time.

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Conclusion
This section concludes the course material for the Chemical Safety (OHS_CS101) training course. If you
have not taken the assessment, please do so now. You must score 90% or higher to pass.

Other Training

 Compressed Gases: If you are handling, storing, packing, or manifesting compressed gases you must
complete the Managing Compressed Gas Cylinders (OHS_OHS200) training course.
 Hazardous Waste: If you are handling, storing, packing, or manifesting hazardous waste, you must
complete the Hazardous Waste Handling and Packing (OHS_CS055) training course.
 Biosafety Cabinets and Fume Hoods: Anyone that will be conducting work or research in a
Biosafety Cabinet, Fume Hood, or Clean Air Station, must complete
Biosafety Cabinets and Fume Hoods (OHS_BIO304).
 Pyrophoric Chemicals: If you are handling, storing, packing, or manifesting pyrophoric chemicals,
you must complete the Working Safely with Pyrophoric Chemicals at UAB (OHS_CS305) training
course.

OH&S has many training courses available to all UAB active employees and students. There is a decision
tree to assist you in choosing the right course to match the knowledge/skills you may need at work every day.
If you have any questions or comments, contact OH&S at (205) 934-2487.

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