10 Things EVERYONE Should Know About Fire Safety
Aug 25, 2009 5:09:58 AM
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Topics: OSHA, health and safety, General Industry H&S, H&S Training, Hazardous Materials, Occupational Health, Occupational Safety, Fire Safety, Occupational Training, Lab Safety, Medical Records, NFPA
Top Ten Things You Need to Know About Lab Safety
Aug 18, 2009 10:30:46 AM
Laurie de Laski
1. The OSHA Standard for regulating hazardous chemicals in research and development laboratories is: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (29 CFR 1910.1450). The standard does not apply to production or QA/QC labs. Please refer to last weeks post for specific requirements of this standard.
2. Proper chemical handling and storage needs to be maintained in labs, including: appropriate spill control methods, separation of incompatible materials, flammable storage, chemical waste storage, dating of dangerous or short shelf life materials.
3. Hazard Assessments should be performed on new or highly hazardous operations or tasks. Basic lab procedures and controls may not be sufficient for some processes or chemicals.
4. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) should be written for all lab practices. SOPs should include control methods, such as the type of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used. SOPs can also used as part of the Chemical Hygiene program for R&D labs.
5. Chemical Fume Hoods must be available, maintained, and used properly. Hoods must be 100% exhausted and the type of hood is dependent on the chemicals and volumes to be used. Large equipment should not be placed in hoods, but should be provided with alternative local exhaust ventilation. Hood should be monitored and ventilation rates maintained within 20% of the approved face velocity.
6. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be selected based on the Hazard Assessments conducted and should address all potential exposes to chemicals, infectious agents, or physical hazards (UV, lasers, sharps, etc.). A lab coat, safety glasses and exam-type nitrile gloves may be acceptable for small potential splashes of low hazard chemicals and biologicals, however, larger quantities, high hazard materials, or hazardous operations require additional PPE.
7. Emergency Equipment must be available and well maintained. This includes: spill kits, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, eye wash stations, emergency showers, and PPE. Emergency equipment should be inspected and/or tested at least monthly.
8. Cleaning and decontamination of lab surfaces and equipment should be conducted on a regular schedule. Surfaces, like lab benches and floors, with a high potential to have spilled chemical or biological materials, should be decontaminated at the end of each shift or immediately when contaminated. Other surfaces to consider are computer keyboards, mouse, cabinet and door knobs, equipment (including buttons and doors), and other surfaces that are handled, perhaps with gloves, during normal operations. These surfaces should be cleaned and decontaminated periodically.
9. Special hazards (radiation, lasers, and highly hazardous chemicals) require special controls and procedures. These special hazards should always have a specific SOP to address the additional controls needed, including: training of users and awareness of others in the lab, signs/warnings, special PPE, emergency equipment.
10. Training of lab workers is essential to control hazards and reduce accidents. Lab operations change frequently and it is important for the worker to understand the basics of hazard identification and control in addition to the specifics of the chemical, physical, and biological hazards they may be exposed to in the lab. Though the lab environment tends to be clean, there are many hazards and potential injuries that can occur, including life threatening ones. For example, the recent death of a post-grad student in a lab that spilled a highly flammable chemical on her clothes, and died of her burn injuries.
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1. The OSHA Standard for regulating hazardous chemicals in research and development laboratories is: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (29 CFR 1910.1450). The standard does not apply to production or QA/QC labs. Please refer to last weeks post for specific requirements of this standard.
2. Proper chemical handling and storage needs to be maintained in labs, including: appropriate spill control methods, separation of incompatible materials, flammable storage, chemical waste storage, dating of dangerous or short shelf life materials.
3. Hazard Assessments should be performed on new or highly hazardous operations or tasks. Basic lab procedures and controls may not be sufficient for some processes or chemicals.
4. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) should be written for all lab practices. SOPs should include control methods, such as the type of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used. SOPs can also used as part of the Chemical Hygiene program for R&D labs.
5. Chemical Fume Hoods must be available, maintained, and used properly. Hoods must be 100% exhausted and the type of hood is dependent on the chemicals and volumes to be used. Large equipment should not be placed in hoods, but should be provided with alternative local exhaust ventilation. Hood should be monitored and ventilation rates maintained within 20% of the approved face velocity.
6. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be selected based on the Hazard Assessments conducted and should address all potential exposes to chemicals, infectious agents, or physical hazards (UV, lasers, sharps, etc.). A lab coat, safety glasses and exam-type nitrile gloves may be acceptable for small potential splashes of low hazard chemicals and biologicals, however, larger quantities, high hazard materials, or hazardous operations require additional PPE.
7. Emergency Equipment must be available and well maintained. This includes: spill kits, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, eye wash stations, emergency showers, and PPE. Emergency equipment should be inspected and/or tested at least monthly.
8. Cleaning and decontamination of lab surfaces and equipment should be conducted on a regular schedule. Surfaces, like lab benches and floors, with a high potential to have spilled chemical or biological materials, should be decontaminated at the end of each shift or immediately when contaminated. Other surfaces to consider are computer keyboards, mouse, cabinet and door knobs, equipment (including buttons and doors), and other surfaces that are handled, perhaps with gloves, during normal operations. These surfaces should be cleaned and decontaminated periodically.
9. Special hazards (radiation, lasers, and highly hazardous chemicals) require special controls and procedures. These special hazards should always have a specific SOP to address the additional controls needed, including: training of users and awareness of others in the lab, signs/warnings, special PPE, emergency equipment.
10. Training of lab workers is essential to control hazards and reduce accidents. Lab operations change frequently and it is important for the worker to understand the basics of hazard identification and control in addition to the specifics of the chemical, physical, and biological hazards they may be exposed to in the lab. Though the lab environment tends to be clean, there are many hazards and potential injuries that can occur, including life threatening ones. For example, the recent death of a post-grad student in a lab that spilled a highly flammable chemical on her clothes, and died of her burn injuries.
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Topics: OSHA, Personal Protective Equipment, health and safety, General Industry H&S, Emergency Response, H&S Training, Hazardous Waste Management, Lab Safety & Electrical, Occupational Training, Lab Safety
Top 10: Chemical Hygiene Standards
Aug 11, 2009 9:16:44 AM
Top Ten Things You Need to Know about the Chemical Hygiene Standard
Laurie de Laski
1. The OSHA Standard for regulating safety in research and development laboratories is: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (29 CFR 1910.1450). The standard does not apply to production or QA/QC labs (see definition in #9).
2. The employer must develop and maintain a Chemical Hygiene Plan for each lab
3. The employer must designate a Chemical Hygiene Officer (an individual or group of individuals responsible for implementation of all requirements of the lab standard)
4. The employer must provide a formal training program for all employees that will work in R&D laboratories, to be provided prior to initial assignment AND whenever a new chemical, hazard, or task is introduced.
5. Training should include a review of the Chemical Hygiene Plan, location of MSDS and reference materials, chemical use and hazard information, standard operating procedures and emergency procedures, chemical labeling system, and proper storage.
6. An Up-to-date inventory maintained for all hazardous materials must be maintained
7. Hazardous Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be maintained and all employees must know the location of MSDS' and related reference material
8. All chemical containers must have an appropriate label based on the labs labeling/identification system
9. Workplaces covered by the laboratory standard are determined by their conformance with the laboratory use and laboratory scale criteria, as defined in the standard terms as those operations involving:
10. R&D Lab facilities may have other support operations (shipping/receiving, warehouse) where the OSHA Hazard Communications Standard 1910.1200 applies.
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Laurie de Laski
1. The OSHA Standard for regulating safety in research and development laboratories is: Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (29 CFR 1910.1450). The standard does not apply to production or QA/QC labs (see definition in #9).
2. The employer must develop and maintain a Chemical Hygiene Plan for each lab
3. The employer must designate a Chemical Hygiene Officer (an individual or group of individuals responsible for implementation of all requirements of the lab standard)
4. The employer must provide a formal training program for all employees that will work in R&D laboratories, to be provided prior to initial assignment AND whenever a new chemical, hazard, or task is introduced.
5. Training should include a review of the Chemical Hygiene Plan, location of MSDS and reference materials, chemical use and hazard information, standard operating procedures and emergency procedures, chemical labeling system, and proper storage.
6. An Up-to-date inventory maintained for all hazardous materials must be maintained
7. Hazardous Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be maintained and all employees must know the location of MSDS' and related reference material
8. All chemical containers must have an appropriate label based on the labs labeling/identification system
9. Workplaces covered by the laboratory standard are determined by their conformance with the laboratory use and laboratory scale criteria, as defined in the standard terms as those operations involving:
- use of chemicals in relatively small quantities and multiple chemical procedures
- chemical containers of such a size that can be easily and safely handled by one person
- small scale research procedures (investigative scale), and not production processes (industrial scale)
- use of protective laboratory practices and equipment (e.g., fume hoods)
10. R&D Lab facilities may have other support operations (shipping/receiving, warehouse) where the OSHA Hazard Communications Standard 1910.1200 applies.
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Topics: OSHA, General Industry H&S, H&S Training, HazCom, Hazardous Materials, Lab Safety & Electrical, MSDS, Occupational Training, Lab Safety, hygiene standard
Top 10 Things to Know BEFORE Shipping Hazardous Materials
Aug 4, 2009 8:34:54 AM
Dian Cucchisi, PhD, CHMM
1. Is the material hazardous? This can be determined by looking at the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or the label.
2. Does the Department of Transportation consider the material a hazardous material for transportation? Check the Hazardous Material Table (HMT) found in 49 CFR 172.101.
3. Is the material listed by name in the HMT? If so, that would be the proper shipping name.
4. Is the material not listed by name in the HMT but is a hazardous material due to flammability, corrosivity, etc.? If so, a generic proper shipping name would be used. The generic proper shipping names are also located in the HMT.
5. Do you have personnel trained according to 49 CFR 172.704?
6. Do you have the proper label(s) as required by 49 CFR 172.400 - .450?
7. Is the packaging approved for the shipment of hazardous materials according to 49 CFR 173?
8. Have you completed the Shipper's Declaration of Dangerous Goods?
9. Is the listed emergency response telephone number answered by a "live person?"
10. Failure to ship hazardous materials properly has resulted in monetary fines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
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1. Is the material hazardous? This can be determined by looking at the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or the label.
2. Does the Department of Transportation consider the material a hazardous material for transportation? Check the Hazardous Material Table (HMT) found in 49 CFR 172.101.
3. Is the material listed by name in the HMT? If so, that would be the proper shipping name.
4. Is the material not listed by name in the HMT but is a hazardous material due to flammability, corrosivity, etc.? If so, a generic proper shipping name would be used. The generic proper shipping names are also located in the HMT.
5. Do you have personnel trained according to 49 CFR 172.704?
6. Do you have the proper label(s) as required by 49 CFR 172.400 - .450?
7. Is the packaging approved for the shipment of hazardous materials according to 49 CFR 173?
8. Have you completed the Shipper's Declaration of Dangerous Goods?
9. Is the listed emergency response telephone number answered by a "live person?"
10. Failure to ship hazardous materials properly has resulted in monetary fines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
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Topics: OSHA, DOT, health and safety, General Industry H&S, Emergency Response, H&S Training, Hazardous Materials, Occupational Health, Occupational Safety, emergency response training, MSDS, Respiratory, Occupational Training, Safety Training in Spanish
OSHA's Latest National Emphasis Program (NEP)
Jul 30, 2009 9:23:15 AM
Diego Tolosa, CHST
OSHA has unveiled its latest National Emphasis Program (NEP), the Process Safety Management (PSM) Covered Chemical Facilities National Emphasis Program. This program targets workplaces that could potentially release highly hazardous chemicals by evaluating their compliance of the PSM standard (29 CFR 1910.119). The only NAICS that has been excluded is 32411 (Petroleum refineries), which has been covered by the Petroleum Refinery Process Safety Management NEP.
The PSM Covered Chemical Facilities NEP will be used for programmed inspections at sites selected for the NEP in Regions 1, 7, and 10, unprogrammed and site-specific targeted PSM inspections in all OSHA Regions (click here to view the regions). Some of areas that will be assessed during the inspection include:
Contract Employer Compliance (maintenance or construction).
Individual processes. Includes: operator(s), age of the system and nature and PPE selection.
Documentation. Includes: list of PSM-covered processes, maximum intended inventories, unit flow diagrams, process narrative descriptions, Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and safe upper and lower operating limits and unit electrical classification diagrams.
For more information on the PSM Covered Chemical Facilities NEP, please refer to: http://osha.gov/OshDoc/Directive_pdf/CPL_02_09-06.pdf
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OSHA has unveiled its latest National Emphasis Program (NEP), the Process Safety Management (PSM) Covered Chemical Facilities National Emphasis Program. This program targets workplaces that could potentially release highly hazardous chemicals by evaluating their compliance of the PSM standard (29 CFR 1910.119). The only NAICS that has been excluded is 32411 (Petroleum refineries), which has been covered by the Petroleum Refinery Process Safety Management NEP.
The PSM Covered Chemical Facilities NEP will be used for programmed inspections at sites selected for the NEP in Regions 1, 7, and 10, unprogrammed and site-specific targeted PSM inspections in all OSHA Regions (click here to view the regions). Some of areas that will be assessed during the inspection include:
Contract Employer Compliance (maintenance or construction).
Individual processes. Includes: operator(s), age of the system and nature and PPE selection.
Documentation. Includes: list of PSM-covered processes, maximum intended inventories, unit flow diagrams, process narrative descriptions, Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and safe upper and lower operating limits and unit electrical classification diagrams.
For more information on the PSM Covered Chemical Facilities NEP, please refer to: http://osha.gov/OshDoc/Directive_pdf/CPL_02_09-06.pdf
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Topics: OSHA, General Industry H&S, H&S Training, Hazardous Waste Management, HazCom, Compliance, MSDS, NAICS
Top 10 Things to Know About Respiratory Protection & Fit Testing
Jul 28, 2009 9:18:19 AM
Kevin Zeller
1. OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.134 details the requirements for a Respiratory Protection Program.
2. A Respiratory Protection Program is mandatory if any employee is required to wear any type of respirator during the course of their job.
3. The establishment and maintenance of a Respiratory Protection Program is the responsibility of the employer and must of: a written program, employee training, fit testing and medical surveillance.
4. All employees who will be issued respiratory protection must be medically cleared to wear a respirator before fit testing and donning a respirator
5. Only respirators which have been certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) should be used
6. Fit testing for respirators is done to determine the correct size respirator for the employee.
7. Fit testing is required for all positive and negative pressure tight fitting facepieces.
8. Fit testing can be accomplished by using either a qualitative agent (eg Bitrex) or quantitatively (eg., PORTACOUNT®) with a probed face piece.
9. Fit testing must be conducted: prior to initial issuance of a respirator; when a different facepiece is used; when an employees physical changes may affect facepiece fit; and annually thereafter.
10. Employees must conduct a user seal check each time they wear a respirator to assure they have donned and adjusted the facepiece correctly.
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1. OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.134 details the requirements for a Respiratory Protection Program.
2. A Respiratory Protection Program is mandatory if any employee is required to wear any type of respirator during the course of their job.
3. The establishment and maintenance of a Respiratory Protection Program is the responsibility of the employer and must of: a written program, employee training, fit testing and medical surveillance.
4. All employees who will be issued respiratory protection must be medically cleared to wear a respirator before fit testing and donning a respirator
5. Only respirators which have been certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) should be used
6. Fit testing for respirators is done to determine the correct size respirator for the employee.
7. Fit testing is required for all positive and negative pressure tight fitting facepieces.
8. Fit testing can be accomplished by using either a qualitative agent (eg Bitrex) or quantitatively (eg., PORTACOUNT®) with a probed face piece.
9. Fit testing must be conducted: prior to initial issuance of a respirator; when a different facepiece is used; when an employees physical changes may affect facepiece fit; and annually thereafter.
10. Employees must conduct a user seal check each time they wear a respirator to assure they have donned and adjusted the facepiece correctly.
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Topics: NIOSH, OSHA, health and safety, General Industry H&S, Construction H&S, Emergency Response, H&S Training, Hazardous Waste Management, Compliance, Occupational Health, Occupational Safety, Lab Safety & Electrical, emergency response training, Fire Safety, Respiratory, Occupational Training, Safety Training in Spanish, EMT, Fit Testing
Top 10: Water Safety at Work and Play
Jul 21, 2009 10:31:34 AM
Capt. John DeFillippo, CHMP, EMT-B
The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. Its never too late and kids should learn to treat the water with respect at an early age. As a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, an EMT and a licensed captain working in marine salvage, Ive seen my share of tragedies on the water. Sadly, nearly all were avoidable. Here are some tips to help you stay safe in and on the water this summer when on and off the clock.
At Play
1. Swim in a supervised, marked area with a lifeguard present and never swim alone.
2. Enter the water feet first. Enter the water headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving .
3. Adults should never leave a child unobserved around water. Practice "reach supervision" by staying within an arm's length when around the water.
4. If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. You can't swim against a rip, dont try.
5. Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children into the pool.
6. If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.
7. Take a Safe Boating Course. Many states now require this for operation of vessels, including personal water craft or jet-skies. Check your local laws.
8. Learn CPR and Basic First Aid. Knowing what to do in an emergency can save a life.
9. Leave water rescue to those who are trained. Too many would-be rescuers become victims themselves.
At Work
10. Do you or your employees work on, near or over water? Did you know that there are specific OSHA regulations covering the safety of such workers including required training and protective equipment? If you have any questions or youre not sure, reply to this post or visit our Twitter page - @Emilcott and send a DM.
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The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. Its never too late and kids should learn to treat the water with respect at an early age. As a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, an EMT and a licensed captain working in marine salvage, Ive seen my share of tragedies on the water. Sadly, nearly all were avoidable. Here are some tips to help you stay safe in and on the water this summer when on and off the clock.
At Play
1. Swim in a supervised, marked area with a lifeguard present and never swim alone.
2. Enter the water feet first. Enter the water headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving .
3. Adults should never leave a child unobserved around water. Practice "reach supervision" by staying within an arm's length when around the water.
4. If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. You can't swim against a rip, dont try.
5. Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children into the pool.
6. If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.
7. Take a Safe Boating Course. Many states now require this for operation of vessels, including personal water craft or jet-skies. Check your local laws.
8. Learn CPR and Basic First Aid. Knowing what to do in an emergency can save a life.
9. Leave water rescue to those who are trained. Too many would-be rescuers become victims themselves.
At Work
10. Do you or your employees work on, near or over water? Did you know that there are specific OSHA regulations covering the safety of such workers including required training and protective equipment? If you have any questions or youre not sure, reply to this post or visit our Twitter page - @Emilcott and send a DM.
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Topics: General Industry H&S, Construction H&S, H&S Training, Compliance, worker safety, Occupational Health, Occupational Safety, Safety Training in Spanish, water safety, EMT
Top Ten Things You Need to Know About HEAT STRESS
Jul 14, 2009 7:54:55 AM
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Topics: OSHA, health and safety, General Industry H&S, Construction H&S, Emergency Response, H&S Training, Hazardous Waste Management, Occupational Health, Occupational Safety, emergency response training, Fire Safety, Exposure, Respiratory, Occupational Training, Safety Training in Spanish
High Fidelity: EH&S Style
Jul 9, 2009 11:32:36 AM
EHSWire.com's "Top 10 Tuesdays"
Here at EHSWire.com, we have decided to launch our 2009 Summer Series of blog posts. This year we will be devoted to a series called were calling Top Ten Tuesdays. Every Tuesday throughout the Summer one of our EHS professionals will post his/her blog specifically targeted towards their particular area of expertise. Each of these posts will be a top 10. The posts will include topics such as Things You Should Know About , Reasons Why , etc.
Every subject of EH&S is important for its own reasons; from knowing the standards and practices of a construction or waste site, to practicing proper safety training in a common work place, to going green for your own healthy lifestyle. There are always things that can be overlooked, or unknown from the get go. Our professionals are spending some of the 2009 Summer to write quality content about their specific subjects. This is all in the pursuit of keeping the readers of EHSWire.com up to date with standards, practices and compliance for at home, at work and everywhere in between.
We look forward to Tuesdays (July 13th) post:
Top Ten Things You Need to Know About HEAT STRESS
By: Paula Kaufmann - CIH
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Topics: OSHA, health and safety, H&S Training, Working Green
Picking a Green Theme Part III
Jul 7, 2009 8:35:50 AM
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Topics: Working Green, landfill