Version alternative - Lab

Laboratories

Module 3.1

Pictograms are graphic images that immediately show the user of a hazardous product what type of hazard is present. With a quick glance, you can see, for example, that the product is flammable, or if it might be a health hazard. Most pictograms have a distinctive red "square set on one of its points" border. Inside this border is a symbol that represents the potential hazard (e.g., fire, health hazard, corrosive, etc.). Together, the symbol and the border are referred to as a pictogram. Pictograms are assigned to specific hazard classes or categories. The graphic below shows hazard pictograms. The bold type is the name given to the pictogram; the words in the brackets describe the hazard. Pictograms include:

  • The flame pictogram (for flammable materials)
  • The flame over circle (for oxidizing materials
  • The gas cylinder pictogram (for compressed gases)
  • The corrosion pictogram (corrosive materials)
  • The exploding bomb pictogram (for explosive materials)
  • The skull and crossbones pictogram (for acute health effects)
  • The health hazard pictures (for health hazards)
  • The exclamation mark pictogram (for other health effects)
  • The biohazardous pictogram (for biohazardous materials)

Module 3.8

Hazardous ingredients

A SDS must identify its product’s chemical composition. If the product has more than one chemical ingredient, the SDS must list each along with the CAS identification number. This number is unique for each known chemical.

Firefighting measures

Information on fire hazardous can be found in section dealing with emergency response. The SDS will reveal if the product can auto-ignite, explode or cause other hazards.

Exposure controls

A SDS must disclose information on the product’s characteristics in case of a spill or release.

Physical and chemical properties

Depending the product, certain physical properties can be hazardous.

Toxicological information

SDS must disclose information on known toxic effects. These effects can range from immediately toxicity to chronic exposure toxicity to carcinogenicity and mutagenicity or other effects.

Module 3.9

Using the SDS for influenza virus, select the correct answers.

  1. The influenza virus can be easily inhaled when in aerosol form and infect a host, causing flu symptoms.
  2. The virus is more hazardous above 60 degrees Celsius.
  3. It is an infections material.
  4. The virus is no longer hazardous when treated with disinfectant.
  5. The virus is acutely toxic.

Options 1, 3 and 4 are correct.

Module 4.4

Supplier labels will depict :

  1. Product identifier. This section of the label lists the product name exactly as it appears on the container and on the SDS.
  2. Hazard pictogram. The hazard pictogram, as determined by the hazard classification of the product, appears near the top of the label. In some cases, a pictogram is required due to the hazard classification.
  3. Signal word. The word Danger or Warning is used to emphasize hazards and indicate the severity of the hazard.
  4. Hazard statement. This is a brief standardized statements of all hazards based on the product’s hazard classification.
  5. Precautionary statements. These statements describe recommended measures to minimize or prevent adverse effects from exposure to the product, including protective equipment and emergency measures. Information related to first aid is included here.
  6. Supplier Identifier. The company that manufactured, packaged, sold or imported the product and is responsible for the label and SDS. If additional information is required about the product, contact the organization listed.

Module 4.10

Which containers are labelled correctly?

  1. H2SO4; 6M
  2. Sulfuric acid; 6M; symbols of protective equipment
  3. H2SO4
  4. Sulfuric acid; 6M
  5. Sulfuric acid

The correct responses are 1, 2 and 4.

Module 4.11

Building a laboratory label

Step 1 – the chemical product and company identification section of the SDS will provide the required information.

Step 2 – the hazards identification section of the SDS will provide the required information.

Step 3 – exposure controls and safe handling sections of the SDS will further define safe handling practices.

Module 4.13

Hazardous waste labels must contain:

  • Contents of the container (name, chemical formula, etc.)
  • Date hazardous waste was first added to the container
  • Building and room number where the waste was generated
  • Contact information for owner or user

Any other special handling information for the waste.

Module 5.3

What is personal protective equipment?

The University of Ottawa is committed to providing a healthy and safe work and educational environment for all of its employees, students, and visitors. Personal protective equipment is the last line of defence, but it is one way to adequately protect yourself. Other controls, such as engineering controls, administrative controls as well as practices and procedures must be evaluated and put in place whenever possible or practical before considering using personal protective equipment. Workers wear personal protective equipment to minimize exposure to specific occupational hazards. PPE does not reduce the hazard itself nor does it guarantee permanent or total protection. Examples of PPE are respirators, gloves, aprons, fall protection equipment, as well as head, eye, and foot protection. Using PPE is only one element in a complete safety program. Use of proper work procedures, engineering controls, and training in addition to PPE will minimize exposure to workplace hazards.

Lab coats

Laboratory (lab) coats must be worn at all times when working with hazardous products. Lab coats are intended to protect against minor splashes or spills and to minimize contamination of street clothing with materials used in the laboratory. No buttons are allowed; choose coats with snaps only. You can use disposable lab coats, but pay attention to their limitations and disposal. The sleeves of the coat should extend to your wrist line. Additional requirements for solid front gowns with tight-fitting wrists are required when working with biological material, level 3 containment. Lab coats must be removed when leaving the lab, unless you need a coat for special purposes. Lab coats must not be worn in eating areas (e.g. cafeterias, food courts, lunch rooms), in administrative office areas, or in public areas (e.g. class rooms, libraries, public meeting places, washrooms). Do not ignore the potential for contaminants to rub off the lab coat.

Gloves

Depending on the type of activity conducted, you can protect your hands by wearing a variety of different gloves. Selecting the proper type of glove is essential to the glove’s performance. You should assess the types and levels of risks before you start work. Risks can vary from electrical shocks, vibration, cuts and abrasions, chemical exposures, biological exposures, and physicals agents. The SDS of a hazardous product will inform users what type of PPE is needed. The University PPE guideline will help users select the right glove for the product in question. Some people are allergic or sensitive to latex. If this is the case, a good alternative for most situations is nitrile gloves.

Protective eyewear

Eye protection is mandatory in most laboratories where corrosive or toxic chemicals are used or stored and anywhere near high-pressure, high vacuum equipment or when carrying out work that can generate dusts, sprays, or other projectiles. To select appropriate protective equipment, one must become familiar with the potential work hazards and the type of protective equipment available and appropriate for various tasks. Safety eyewear must be worn in circumstances where there is a hazard of:

  • Impact (flying particles, dusts, vapours),
  • Splash (chemical, radioactive, biological agents),
  • Ultraviolet and infrared light (harmful rays), or laser hazards

The University PPE guideline will help you select the appropriate eye protection for your task. For further information, contact the Assistant Director, Health & Safety.

Individuals who wear prescription eyewear should note that glass lenses do not now meet CSA impact requirements. There are impact resistant safety glasses available that will fit over prescription lenses. Contact lenses are not a substitute for appropriate eye protection. Contact lenses can aggravate certain hazards:

  • Dusts or chemicals can be trapped behind your lenses and damage your eyes.
  • Gasses and vapours can cause irritation and excessive eye watering.
  • Chemical splashes may significantly damage your eyes when you attempt to remove your lenses. If you delay removing your lenses, first aid treatment may not be as effective and, in turn, you risk exposing your eyes to the chemical for a longer time.

Fitting

Consider fit and comfort. These characteristics increase the chances of eyewear being worn at all times and consequently maximize protection. Most eyewear comes in different sizes and styles. Ensure it is well adapted to the task and fits properly.

Cleaning and maintenance of eyewear

Cleaning and properly maintaining eyewear is important, since dirty or fogged lenses could impair vision and lead to serious incidents. Inspect and clean eyewear before and after each use to provide needed protection. Also properly store eyewear between uses and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Protective footwear

Laboratory workers must wear appropriate footwear for their work environments. This footwear can include:

  • Full-foot coverage shoes such as sneakers, loafers, etc., or
  • Safety shoes with steel toe and shank protection.

Never wear sandals in a laboratory. You require steel-toe shoes only when working in an industrial setting or when the danger of crushing your feet exists.

Type of protective footwear

Protective footwear is identified with various coloured labels to indicate the type of protection the footwear provides. A green patch provides the most protection.

Selection of protective footwear

Please note that open-toed sandals and high-heeled shoes are not allowed in laboratories or other workplaces where exposure to chemical, radioactive, or biological agents can occur!

Module 5.4

Engineering controls

Engineering controls usually protect all laboratory workers effectively because they make changes at the source of the hazards and don't rely on individuals. Engineering controls reduce or eliminate exposure to chemical or physical hazards through one of the following methods:

  • Elimination of hazards
  • Substitution of a less hazardous technique, process,
  • or material for a more hazardous one
  • Segregation of hazards
  • Enclosure of hazards

Fume hoods

Chemical fume hoods contain hazardous dusts, gases, vapours, and fumes that are generated within them. Fume hoods effectively protect lab workers by controlling exposure to airborne substances.

Glove boxes

Glove boxes are airtight boxes with thick rubber gloves and an airlock. Use them when working with highly toxic substances or to provide an inert atmosphere for compounds that are sensitive to water or air.

Local exhaust system

A local exhaust system has a hood that captures contaminants at their source before they escape into the work area. These hoods must be within 25-30 cm of the source to capture the volatile substances from the source. These local systems often look like articulated arms with cones at their extremities. Sometimes a custom enclosure can be built around volatile chemicals to contain the airborne hazards they produce. For example, the University power plant has a custom curtained enclosure around its chill water treatment system.

Bottle carriers

These carriers resemble a rubber bucket and are designed to hold four-litre glass bottles. These bottle carriers help prevent breakage in case a bottle is lightly dropped and will contain the liquid contents of the bottle if it breaks.

Shielding for radiation

Radiation shielding varies in materials and thickness depending on the type of radiation involved. Radioactive materials may require additional shielding besides the source shielding.

Rails and guarding

Certain equipment requires railing and sometimes machine guarding to help prevent injury. Conveyor belts have guarding to prevent objects from being caught in the belt. Table saws have guarding around the saw blade to prevent the blade from causing injury when not in use. Lawn mower guards help prevent mower blades from coming into contact with objects that may be propelled through the air, and these guards help prevent foot injuries as well.

Grounding

Electrical hazards are greatly reduced when equipment is grounded. Three-prong electrical plugs indicate that equipment requires grounding and the third prong should not be removed. A CSA, ULC, or equivalent sticker on equipment indicates that it has passed electrical-integrity testing.

Biosafety cabinets

Biosafety cabinets are different from fume hoods since the cabinets use HEPA filters to capture aerosols or droplets that could spread biohazardous material.

Bio level laboratory ventilation

Certain laboratories on campus have Bio Level II and III ratings. These level III laboratories have a ventilation system separate from the rest of the building they occupy and have HEPA filters built into the air-handling units. Keep doors closed and limit access to these labs to prevent cross contamination.

Module 5.8

What type of personal protective equipment should be worn during a lab activity dealing with sulfuric acid?

  1. Hard hat
  2. Sandals
  3. Long pants
  4. Protective eyewear
  5. Regular shoes
  6. Regular eyewear
  7. Shorts
  8. Lab coat
  9. Protective footwear

Options 3, 4, 5 and 8 are correct.

Module 5.9

Place the following items in their proper storage location (corrosive, flammable or regular cabinets)

  1. Acetone
  2. Glacial acetic acid
  3. Sulphuric acid
  4. Sodium hypochlorite
  5. Ethanol
  6. Sodium chloride

Correct responses:

Flammable cabinet – acetone and ethanol

Corrosive cabinet – glacial acetic acid, sulphuric acid and sodium hypochlorite

Regular cabinet – sodium chloride

Module 5.10

What do you think of the supervisor’s idea? Identify what he should do.

  1. Wear a respirator so he doesn’t smell the chlorine fumes when the acid reacts with the bleach.
  2. Rinse the hypochlorite bottles really well before using acid in them. Bleach and acid are incompatible and chlorine gas could be released if the bottles aren’t rinsed.
  3. Wear latex or nitrile gloves, safety glasses and a lab coat before beginning the work.
  4. Work in a fume hood so he does not smell the chlorine fumes when the acid reacts with the bleach.
  5. Discard the hypochlorite bottles in the hazardous waste room since the incompatibility of bleach and acid does not pose a serious risk.

Options 2 and 3 are correct.

Module 6.6

What emergency response equipment is available when working with sulphuric acid?

  1. Emergency shower
  2. First aid kit
  3. Eye wash station
  4. Spill kit
  5. Fire extinguisher
  6. Fume hood

Options 1 to 4 are the correct responses.