All employees of Tusculum University should be aware of all hazards present in their work area. Employees whose work involves the use of hazardous substances must be informed as to the proper handling procedures and measures they must take to protect themselves from these hazards by Tusculum’s Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO). Tusculum’s Chemical Hygiene Plan will be made available to all employees of Tusculum University.

All personnel who encounter hazardous materials, conditions and activities are required to participate in General Lab Safety training. OSHA requires the Chemical Hygiene Training Program to include the following components:

• The existence, location and availability of the CHP;
• the content of the OSHA Lab Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450 and its appendices;
• the criteria to select, use and the limitations of personal protective equipment;
• understanding of what is meant by Exposure limits including TLVs and PELs;
• the emergency procedures and the location of safety equipment;
• the location of Safety Data Sheets; and
• identification of hazardous chemicals

This training can be completed by an individual web based training power point or the Chemical Hygiene Officer can give a live group training program for any department that requests it for their employees.

All students on Tusculum’s Campus will be introduced to laboratory safety and will be asked to sign a Lab Safety Contract stating that they have been informed of the safety issues and concerns of the laboratory class that they are presently taking. A copy of the Lab Safety Contract used by Tusculum can be found in Appendix A. There are two ways for the instructor to obtain signatures on this form. Appendix A1 is the form that is to be used when individuals are to sign their own contract. In the case an entire laboratory class session needs to sign the contract in Appendix A1 is handed out but the class signature form found in Appendix A2 is signed by the entire class and signed off by the professor of the lab course before turning it into the CHO. All Laboratory Safety signature pages are kept on file with the CHO for a period of 4 years.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are valuable sources of information on the hazardous properties of substances and the proper way of protecting yourself from exposure to these chemicals. A SDS (formerly known as MSDS) for a chemical includes information on that chemical’s physical properties (boiling point, odor, appearance), health hazards (exposure limits, symptoms of exposure, first aid), and precautions for the handling, storage, and transportation of the chemical.

Federal law requires that suppliers send an SDS to Tusculum University the first time a chemical is ordered. The SDS for chemicals on Tusculum’s campus are found in SDS binders in the following locations.

If any chemical arrives at Tusculum without a SDS, the chemical cannot be put into use on the campus until a SDS can be put into the appropriate binders. Contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer to see if a SDS already exists on campus for the chemical and if one cannot be located it will be the responsibility of the Chemical Hygiene Officer to find a SDS for the chemical in question.

This section discusses equipment and personal apparel that may be required to protect workers from the hazards presented by certain chemicals known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

EYE PROTECTION

OSHA Standard 1910.133(a), states that an employer shall ensure that employees use appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation. Safety glasses must meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z87.1-2015.

Ordinary prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection against injury, and their use should be limited to providing minimal protection when you are present in the laboratory but not carrying out chemical operations. Goggles are required for all workers in the laboratory whenever a significant splash hazard exists. Goggles provide the minimal level of acceptable protection when working in a chemical laboratory.

Contact lenses offer no protection against eye injury and cannot be substituted for safety glasses and goggles. Contact lenses worn by persons working in laboratories can increase injury from chemical splashes because the wearer may not be able to remove the lenses to permit thorough irrigation and a person giving first aid may not know that contact lenses are being worn or how to remove them. Small foreign bodies, which normally are washed away by tears, sometimes become lodged beneath contact lenses, where they may cause injury to the cornea. Similarly, chemicals splashed into the eye may be trapped under a contact lens and cause extensive corneal damage before the lens can be removed and the eye adequately irrigated. Furthermore, soft lenses can absorb solvent vapors even through face shields and, as a result, adhere to the eye. Since removal of a contact lens for urgent irrigations after injury is made so difficult by spasm of the eyelids, the contact lens wearer is in even greater need of protection than his/her counterpart who does not wear contact lenses. Contact lenses are not in themselves protective devices and in fact may increase the degree of injury to the eye.

To be able to choose the correct safety lens use the ANSI Z87 selection guide found in Appendix B. If there are any questions concerning the correct safety lens contact the CHO for additional help.

PROTECTIVE APPAREL

The choice of protective apparel is determined by the specific hazardous substances being used in an experiment. However, certain general guidelines should be observed at all times in the laboratory:

1. Skin contact with any potentially hazardous chemical should always be avoided. Any mixture of chemicals should be assumed to be more toxic than its most toxic component, and substances whose hazards have not been evaluated should be treated as hazardous. Long pants and a long sleeve shirt (or lab coat instead of long sleeve shirt) must be worn in all labs.
2. Certain chemicals and classes of chemicals require that protective apparel such as a lab coat or chemical-resistant apron be worn.
3. Sandals, bare feet in shoes, or open-toed shoes should be avoided.
4. Long hair and loose clothing should be confined when present in the laboratory.

Suitable gloves must always be worn when working with hazardous substances. Choose gloves made of a material known to be (or tested and found to be) resistant to permeation by the substance in use. Always inspect gloves for small holes or tears before use. In order to prevent the unintentional spread of hazardous substances, always remove gloves before handling objects such as doorknobs, telephones, pens, etc. If there are any questions concerning choosing the correct safety apparel, please contact the CHO.

Local exhaust ventilation is the primary method used to control inhalation exposure, skin exposure, and eye exposure to hazardous substances. The laboratory hood is the most common local exhaust method used in the laboratory. Local exhaust systems consist of some type of hood, ductwork, and fan located on the roof. Some systems are equipped with air cleaning devices (HEPA filters or carbon absorbers).

It is advisable to use a laboratory hood when working with any hazardous substance. In addition, a laboratory hood or other suitable containment device must be used for all work with “particularly hazardous substances. A properly operating and correctly used laboratory hood can control the vapors released from volatile liquids as well as dust and mists.

All laboratory hoods found on Tusculum University’s campus require inspections every 1.5 years. This inspection shall consist of measuring the face velocity of the hood and using smoke to check its containment effectiveness visually. If the laboratory hood passes both the face velocity and smoke containment tests, then it is posted visually with an updated certification label. If the hood does not pass the inspection and the problem is so severe that it is unsafe for use, then it is labeled with a “DO NOT USE” sign. These annual inspection forms will be kept on file by the CHO for a period of 7 years.

If a hood fails inspection due to a problem that Facilities Management can correct (e.g., a slipping fan belt, cracked duct work) then the CHO will submit a work order to Facilities Management to have it repaired. Facilities Management will notify the CHO when the repairs have been made, and the fume hood will then be re-inspected.

If there is any question about a laboratory hood’s operation the CHO should be called immediately. When a new laboratory hood is installed, it is the responsibility of the CHO to ensure that no hazardous substances are used in the hood until it has been inspected. The following general rules should be followed when using laboratory hoods:

• No hood should be used for work involving hazardous substances unless it has been inspected within the last year and a half;
• Never put your head inside an operating laboratory hood to check an experiment. The plane of the sash is the barrier between contaminated and uncontaminated air.
• Always try to keep hazardous chemicals at least six inches behind the plane of the sash.
• Work with the hood sash in the lowest possible position. The sash will then act as a physical barrier in the event of an accident in the hood. Keep the sash closed when not conducting work in the hood.
• Avoid cluttering your hood with bottles or equipment. Only materials actively in use should be in the hood. This will provide optimal containment and reduce the risk of extraneous chemicals being involved in any fire or explosion that may occur in the hood.
• The hood must remain “ON” at all times when a chemical is inside the hood, regardless whether any work is being done in the hood.
• Vent ducts and fans must be kept clean and clear of obstructions.

Common housekeeping practices contribute greatly towards chemical hygiene and safety. A clean work area is much safer than a cluttered or dirty one. Laboratory staff should be aware of the needs of custodial activities. If the laboratory has requested custodial service, that lab must then take on the responsibility of providing safe working conditions for these custodial workers.

There is a definite relationship between safety and orderliness in the laboratory. The following housekeeping rules should be adhered to in all laboratories:

• Work areas (including floors) should be cleaned regularly. Do not allow trash to accumulate.
• Access to exits and emergency equipment (showers, eyewashes, or fire extinguishers) must not be obstructed.
• All gas tanks or cylinders should be secured to walls or benches by appropriate chains or fasteners; cylinder caps should be put on the cylinder when it is not connected to an apparatus.
• Organic solvents should not be stored on the floor and one-liter (and larger) bottles of solvent must be stored below eye level (e.g., in cabinets).
• Chemical storage refrigerators should be defrosted periodically and should not be overcrowded.
• All chemical containers should be labeled with both the identity of the chemical and its hazards, implementing the GHS labeling system.
• All spills should be promptly cleaned and waste generated properly disposed of.
• All broken glass should be disposed of in a labeled vessel designed for that purpose. Broken glassware must not be picked up by hand. Instead, it must be collected with tongs or swept with a dustpan and brush.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

It is the Tusculum’s policy that under reasonable/appropriate circumstances suitably trained personnel may attempt to extinguish fires. All laboratories at Tusculum University are provided with carbon dioxide extinguishers. All fire extinguishers should be mounted on a wall or be standing vertically on the floor in an area free of clutter, normally near the entrance to the laboratory. Laboratory personnel should be familiar with the location and use of the fire extinguishers in their laboratory.

For those departments wishing to train their employees on the proper use of fire extinguishers contact the CHO for setting up a training session. Any time a fire extinguisher is used, no matter for how brief a period, it should be inspected and recharged. For recharging, replacement, inspection, or information regarding the type of extinguisher best suited for your laboratory, contact the CHO. All fire extinguishers on Tusculum’s Campus are inspected monthly by campus safety to ensure they are in working order.

SAFETY SHOWERS & EYEWASHES

All laboratories on Tusculum’s Campus “where eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials” must be equipped with an unobstructed safety shower and eyewash. These safety showers and eye wash facilities must meet the requirements of OSHA regulation 29 CFR l910.151(c).

All passageways to the eyewash and shower are to be clear of any obstacles (even a temporarily parked chemical cart). In the event of a chemical splash affecting the eye(s), immediate flush the eye(s) with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes. Medical evaluation should be sought for any/all eye trauma.

It is the responsibility of Chemical Hygiene Officers to inspect safety showers, and eyewash facilities prior to the start of each semester and to activate all safety showers/eye washes weekly in labs where corrosive materials are used. The inspection form used can be found in Appendix C.

Consideration of disposal of chemical waste should be part of the planning of all experiments before they are carried out. The cost of disposing of excess chemical waste has become extremely expensive, and frequently exceeds the original cost of the chemical. To protect other workers and the environment, a laboratory sink or the sewer system is not an appropriate means of disposal of waste chemicals.

A generator of hazardous waste is any person who produces a hazardous waste as listed or characterized in 40 CFR 261. Tusculum is considered to be a Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) of hazardous waste. As a VSQG, Tusculum can generate 100 kg (220 lb) or less per month of hazardous waste or 1 kg (2.20 lb) or less per month of acutely hazardous waste. As a VSQG Tusculum is required to identify all hazardous generated, may not accumulate more than 1,000 kg (2,204 lb) of hazardous waste at any time and must ensure the hazardous waste is delivered to a person or facility who is authorized to manage hazardous waste.

All hazardous waste generated are recorded on waste stream reports and are kept on file by the CHO. At the end of the spring semester the CHO will develop an inventory of hazardous waste on Tusculum’s campus and will obtain a minimum of 3 quotes for the cost of the removal of the hazardous waste. After approval from the college’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) the hazardous waste will be schedule for removal from campus after July 1 of each academic year.

It is Tusculum Policy that when a spill occurs, the responsibility for having the spill cleaned up rests with the person causing the spill. If the individual responsible is unknown, unknowledgeable, or unable to clean up the spill due to injury, the responsibility for dealing with the spill rests with the CHO. Custodians are not permitted to clean up spills of hazardous materials. The Greeneville Fire Department will provide technical advice and will assist in spill cleanup if necessary. Spills of large amounts of hazardous substances require immediate evacuation and notification of the CHO and Campus Security for emergency response.

Experiments should always be designed so as to minimize the possibility of an accidental release of hazardous substances. Plan your experiments to use minimal amounts of hazardous compounds. As discussed further below, develop a contingency plan to handle spills when working with hazardous substances. In the event that a spill does occur, the following General Guidelines for Handling Spills should be followed in the indicated order of priority.

• Tend to any injured or contaminated Personnel and if necessary request help (call the Campus Security).
• Notify other personnel of the accident and if necessary evacuate the area. The CHO should be notified of any spill of hazardous substance.
• Take steps to confine and limit the spill if this can be done without risk of injury or contamination.
• Clean up the spill. Dispose of contaminated materials properly.

SPILL CONTROL

Be familiar with the properties (physical, chemical, and biological) of hazardous substances before working with them. Develop a contingency plan to deal with the accidental release of each hazardous substance. Make sure that the necessary safety equipment, protective apparel, and spill control materials are readily available.

Each lab within the Meen Center on Tusculum campus that uses chemicals has a universal spill kit located in them. These kits will be maintained by the CHO to ensure that materials are replaced as used.

INJURED & CONTAMINATED PERSONNEL

If an individual is injured or contaminated with a hazardous substance, then tending to them will generally take priority over the spill control measures. It is important to obtain medical attention as soon as possible; call 911, Campus Safety, and the CHO.

For spills covering small amounts of skin, immediately flush with flowing water for no less than fifteen minutes. If there is no visible burn, wash with water and soap, removing any jewelry to facilitate removal of any residual materials. Check the SDS to see if any delayed effects should be expected. It is advisable to seek medical attention for even minor chemical burns.

For spills on clothes, don’t attempt to wipe the clothes. Quickly remove all contaminated clothing, shoes, and jewelry while using the safety shower. Seconds count, and no time should be wasted because of modesty. Be careful not to spread the chemical on the skin, or especially in the eyes. Use caution when removing pullover shirts or sweaters to prevent contamination of the eye; it may be better to cut the garments off. Immediately flood the affected body area with water for at least 15 minutes. Resume flooding of the affected body area with water if pain or irritation returns. Do not use creams, lotions, sprays, or salves. Get medical attention as soon as possible. Contaminated clothes should be discarded or laundered separately from other clothing.

For splashes into the eye, immediately flush the eye with potable water for at least 15 minutes. While the eyelids are held open, the affected person should move the eye up and down and sideways to wash thoroughly. The eyewash should be used, but if one is not available; the injured person should be placed on their back and water gently poured into their eyes for at least fifteen minutes. First aid must be followed by prompt medical evaluation of the eye(s), preferably by a physician acquainted with eye injuries and alerted to the nature of the hazardous substances.

NOTIFY PERSONNEL OF SPILL

Alert other workers in the laboratory of any accidents and the nature of the chemicals involved. In the event of the release of a highly toxic gas or volatile material, evacuate the laboratory (or building) by activating the nearest fire alarm and post personnel at entrances to prevent other workers from inadvertently entering the contaminated area.

SPILL CLEANUP

Specific procedures for cleaning spills will vary depending on the location of the accident, the amount, the physical properties of the spilled material, and the toxicity. There are universal spill kits available for use within the Meen Center in each lab space. In the event that a spill kit is not available then below are some general guidelines for handling several common spill situations.

• Materials of low flammability which are not volatile or which have low toxicity. This category of hazardous substances includes inorganic acids (sulfuric, nitric) and caustic bases (sodium and potassium hydroxide). For clean-up, wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and (if necessary) shoe-coverings. Neutralize the spilled chemicals with materials such as sodium bisulfate (for alkalis) and sodium carbonate or bicarbonate (for acids). Absorb the material with inert clay or vermiculite, scoop it up, and dispose of it accordingly.
• Flammable solvents. Fast action is crucial in the event that a flammable solvent of relatively low toxicity is spilled. This category includes petroleum ether, hexane, pentane, diethyl ether, dimethoxyethane, and tetrahydrofuran. Immediately alert other workers in the laboratory, extinguish all flames, and turn off any spark-producing equipment. In some cases the power to the lab should be shut off with the circuit breaker. As quickly as possible, the spilled solvent should be soaked up using spill control pillows or pads. These should be sealed in containers and disposed of as hazardous waste.
• Highly toxic substances. Do not attempt to clean up a spill of a highly toxic substance by yourself. Notify other personnel of the spill and contact both the CHO and Campus Security to obtain assistance in evaluating the hazards involved.

A more detailed explanation of the standard operating procedure for the cleanup of spills can be found in Appendix D.

LEAKING GLASS CYLINDERS

Occasionally, a gas cylinder or one of its component parts develops a leak. Most leaks occur at the top of the cylinder in areas such as the valve threads, safety device, valve stem, or valve outlet. If a leak is suspected, do not use a flame for detection; rather use a flammable-gas leak detector or soapy water or other suitable solution should be used. If the leak cannot be remedied by tightening a valve gland or a packing nut, emergency action procedures should be affected and the supplier should be notified. Laboratory workers should never attempt to repair a leak at the valve threads or safety device; rather, they should consult with the supplier for instructions.

The following general procedures can be used for relatively minor leaks where the indicated action can be taken without the exposure of personnel to highly toxic substances. Note that if it is necessary to move a leaking cylinder through populated portions of the building, place a plastic bag, rubber shroud, or similar device over the top and tape it (duct tape preferred) to the cylinder to confine the leaking gas. If feasible, leaking cylinders should be moved into laboratory hoods.

• Flammable, inert, or oxidizing gases. Move the cylinder to an isolated area (away from combustible material if the gas is flammable or an oxidizing agent) and post signs that describe the hazards and state warnings.
• Corrosive gases may increase the size of the leak as they are released and some corrosives are also oxidants or flammable. Move the cylinder to an isolated, well-ventilated area and use suitable means to direct the gas into an appropriate chemical neutralizer. Post signs that describe the hazards and state warnings.
• Toxic gases – Follow the same procedure as for corrosive gases. Move the cylinder to an isolated, well-ventilated area and use suitable means to direct the gas into an appropriate chemical neutralizer. Post signs that describe the hazards and state the warnings.

When the nature of the leaking gas or the size of the leak constitutes a more serious hazard, self-contained breathing apparatus and protective apparel may be required. Evacuate personnel from the affected area (activate the fire alarm to order the evacuation of the building) and call Campus Security to obtain emergency assistance.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Call Campus Security to obtain assistance in the event of an emergency. Report the nature and location of the emergency, including both your building and floor number. Notify other workers in the area of the nature of the emergency. If necessary, activate the fire alarm to order the evacuation of the building. When the fire alarm sounds, all personnel, without exception, are required to leave the building.

If a coworker has ingested a toxic substance call the Poison Control Center immediately (1-800-222-1222,). Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Attempt to learn exactly what substances were ingested and inform the medical staff as soon as possible.

If a coworker is bleeding severely, immediately put on gloves, elevate the wound above the level of the heart and apply firm pressure directly over the wound with a clean cloth, handkerchief, or your gloved hand. Obtain immediate medical assistance.

MEDICAL & FIRST AID INFORMATION

Every laboratory should provide basic first aid supplies in a readily accessible location, maintained in a clean and hygienic manner. The CHO will facilitate the purchase of first aid kits by recommending basic first aid supplies. Covering the cost of such kits is the responsibility of the individual laboratory.

Emergency phone numbers must be posted in a highly visible location and updated when necessary. The Safety Information and Emergency Contact Information for Tusculum University is included in Appendix E. This is designed to be copied and posted by laboratory entrance/exits.

ACCIDENT REPORTS

To help identify and correct unexpected hazards and to prevent future accidents, it is necessary that personnel prepare written reports describing the circumstances of all serious accidents or all incidents that might have resulted in a serious accident. Written accident reports must be prepared using the form located in Appendix F.

One copy of the report should be submitted to the CHO and one copy should be given to the supervisor of the laboratory in which the accident took place. Reports should be filed within a week of the date of the accident. The following is a list of incidents where an incident report form must be completed.

• Fires that require the use of a fire extinguisher or require activation of a fire alarm.
• Any accident that results in an injury requiring medical attention. 
• Any spill of a hazardous substance that takes place outside a designated area.
• Any accidental release of a Particularly Hazardous Substance requires the filing of an accident report.

The investigation of accidents is done not to assign blame to individuals but to reveal the factual circumstances related to the accident. Accident investigations are conducted by the CHO in collaboration with Campus Security. The incident scene should be examined before the physical evidence is disturbed, cleaned up, or removed. Unknown spills or residues will be sampled. Blueprints, circuit diagrams, or other relevant documents will be reviewed if needed. Employees involved in the accident and other witnesses will be interviewed and asked to provide written reports. Conditions or circumstances deviating from normal will be noted. All hypotheses of cause will be listed. Based on the review of the incident, past operating experience, and employee recommendations, the proximate cause of the accident will be determined. Finally, corrective and preventive action will be recommended. Suggestions will be made for correction of the immediate problem. Changes might be suggested to reduce the likelihood that a similar incident will recur. During the investigation all concerned individuals should avoid unwarranted conclusions that create a false impression of certainty, statements that can be interpreted as opinions of legal position or liability with respect to the incident, and unnecessary discussion of rumors as the accident report is being prepared.

The laboratory is a place where students have the opportunity to have hands-on experience with the concepts learned in lecture. The laboratory is designed to be a safe environment provided the guidelines listed below are followed. You are required to learn and abide by these safety guidelines in order to ensure your safety as well as the safety of others in the laboratory. When appropriate, your instructor will provide additional safety precautions prior to the start of a new laboratory exercise.

Disclaimer: The safety procedures and guidelines presented have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable and provide the student with appropriate information regarding basic safety in the academic laboratory. It should not be assumed that all necessary warnings and precautionary measures have been covered, or that additional information may not be required. 

The information below will be reviewed with the students. Each student is required to sign and return a statement of understanding and awareness document. Students will not be permitted to participate in laboratory exercises until they have completed and submitted this form to their instructor.

Personal Protection

• Safety glasses/goggles must be worn at all times for protection against laboratory accidents caused by others and yourself. Persons wearing prescription glasses must also wear safety goggles. Contact lenses are discouraged as chemical vapors can be trapped between the lens and the eye. Any student wearing contact lenses is required to notify the instructor.
• Closed-toe shoes that will shed liquids must be worn in the lab. Sandals are not permitted.
• Long pants must be worn in the lab. No shorts or skirts are permitted. Sleeves should be close-fit. No neckties or scarves are permitted.
• Long hair must be tied back.
• Jewelry should not be worn in the laboratory as chemical exposure can cause irritations.
• Cosmetics, antibiotics, or moisturizers are not to be applied in the laboratory.
• Never taste, smell, or touch a chemical or solution.

Preparation for Laboratory Accidents

• Understand what a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is and where they are located. Understand how to read safety information from a reagent vessel.
• Know the location of laboratory safety equipment – eyewash station, safety shower, fire extinguisher, fire alarm, first aid kit.
• If chemicals come in contact with skin, quickly flush affected area with copious amounts of water. Notify the instructor.
• If chemicals splash into eyes, use eyewash station to flush eyes with copious amounts of water. Notify the instructor.
• If chemicals come in contact with a large portion of the body, use the safety shower to immediately flood the affected areas with water. Remove all contaminated clothing. Notify the instructor.
• In case of a fire, notify the instructor immediately. Small flames may be smothered with a beaker or other vessel.
• Cuts and abrasions should be immediately flushed with water. Notify the instructor.
• Chemical spills – notify laboratory instructor immediately, warn entire class of the accident, follow clean-up procedures as directed by the instructor.

Laboratory Conduct

• Eating, drinking, smoking, and all forms of tobacco use are strictly prohibited in the laboratory. Do not place any objects, such as pens and pencils, in the mouth during or after the lab period. Objects placed on lab bench should be considered contaminated.
• Do not work in the laboratory when the instructor is absent.
• Do not perform any unauthorized experiments. Do not alter or deviate from the experimental procedure unless instructed to do so or given permission by the instructor.
• Never taste anything or directly inhale vapors from a chemical or chemical reaction.
• Do not place coats, books, backpacks, etc. on the laboratory benches or on the floor. The instructor will indicate where such items should be stored during the laboratory period.
• Immediately clean up spills around the lab bench and any other areas where reagents have been used.
• Discard all waste materials as directed by the laboratory instructor.
• Horseplay and careless acts are prohibited in the laboratory. Guests are not permitted in the laboratory unless approved by the instructor.
• Cell phones and other electronic devices are not permitted during the laboratory period unless permitted by the instructor (e.g., calculator usage).
• Prepare for each laboratory by reading through the assigned materials prior to lab. Complete the pre-laboratory assignments as required.
• Always wash hands before leaving the laboratory.

Safety Information & Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Providers

• Emergency Medical Assistance – 911
• Tusculum Campus Safety – (423) 636-7318 / (423) 470-2710

Laboratory Contact Information

• Chemical Hygiene Officer
  • Name: Kim Carter
  • Office: (423)636-0567
  • Cell: (423)329-3955
• Dean of College of Science, Technology, & Math
  • Name: Heather Henson-Ramsey
  • Office: (423)787-8355
  • Cell: (252)422-8600

Reporting Incidents

The following information will be needed when communicating with any emergency provider:

• Nature of the incident
  • Noting any chemicals or biological exposure that caused incident
• Individuals involved (gender, age)
• Location of the incident
• Person reporting the incident (name and phone number being used to report the incident)
  • NOTE: Do NOT allow the phone to be tied up for calls unrelated to the incident.

GENERAL SPILL & CLEANUP PROCEDURES

All faculty, staff, and students at Tusculum University who handle chemicals should be familiar with the spill response procedure for the college. This document provides instruction on the response protocol for spill classification and the procedures for spill cleanup.

If you are ever in doubt of your ability to clean up a chemical spill safely, evacuate the area, and call the Chemical Hygiene Officer for help. First aid is always the top priority in any incident.

SPILL CLASSIFICATIONS

Major Spills

• You are not comfortable proceeding with cleanup
• Involves more than 5L of hazardous material
• Risk of fire or explosion
• Material creates a respiratory hazard
  • Toxic/noxious odors
  • Ammonia
  • Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid
• Spill involves unknown or incompatible chemicals
• Spills of oxidizers
  • Concentrated nitric acid
  • Perchloric Acid
  • Chromic Acid
• Spills of unstable or water reactive materials

Minor Spills

• Have an opportunity to extinguish nearby ignition sources
• Can contain the spill at the source without risk of injury
• Involves less than 5L of hazardous materials

WHAT TO DO

Major Spill

• Extinguish nearby ignition sources without risk of injury
• Contain the spill without risk of injury
• Notify everyone in the lab and evacuate to the hall
• Notify Campus Safety and the Chemical Hygiene Officer
• If there is a risk to the entire building, evacuate the entire building
• When responders arrive, provide them will all relevant information on the type and quantity of material spilled.

Minor Spill

• Extinguish nearby ignition source without risk of injury
•  Contain the spill at the source without risk of injury
• Alert others in lab and evacuate the lab
• Obtain the spill kit
  • Put on Personal Protective equipment before approaching spill
    • Gloves
    • Goggles
    • Apron

SPILL CLEANUP PROCEDURES

For any chemical spill the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for the chemical should be consulted for proper clean up method for a particular chemical. The following is a guide to the steps involved in cleaning up specific chemical spills.

Broken Glass

• Do not pick up with gloved hands
• Use scoop or tong to place into bag

Organic Solvents

• Extinguish all ignition sources without risk of injury
  • If there is a risk of fire or explosion evacuate the lab and treat as a major spill.
• Use booms, sock, or other material to prevent the hazardous material from reaching the drain.
• Gently pour solvent vapor suppressant over the spill area
  • Working from outside in
• Using the absorbent pads, wipe up the spilled liquid
  • Working from outside in
• Place all waste material in a polyethylene bag. Tape the bag shut. Complete the hazardous waste label and attach to the bag.
• Place the bag in the fume hood temporarily until the Chemical Hygiene Officer can come and properly store the bag for removal.
• Use soap and water to wash the affected area and remove any residues that may be left.
• Remove PPE and thoroughly wash hands.
• Report the spill by completing the Incident Report Form.

Acids

• Use booms, sock, or other material to prevent the hazardous material from reaching the drain.
• Gently pour neutralizing agent (Sodium Bicarbonate or Calcium Carbonate) over the spill,
  • Working from outside in
• Allow several minutes for the acid to mix with the neutralizing agent, then test a representative area with pH paper.
• When neutralized, use paper towels to wipe up the spilled material.
• Place all material in a polyethylene bag. Tape the bag shut. Complete the hazardous waste label and attach to the bag.
• Place the bag in the fume hood temporarily until the Chemical Hygiene Officer can come and properly store the bag for removal.
• Use soap and water to wash the affected area and remove any minor residue that may be left.
• Remove PPE and thoroughly wash hands.
• Report the spill by completing the Incident Report Form.

Bases

• Use booms, sock, or other material to prevent the hazardous material from reaching the drain.
• Gently pour neutralizing agent (citric acid or sodium bisulfate) over the spill
  • Working from outside in
• Allow several minutes for the base to mix with the neutralizer, then test a representative area with pH paper.
• When neutralized, use paper towels to wipe up the spilled material.
• Place all material in a polyethylene bag. Tape the bag shut. Complete the hazardous waste label and attach to the bag.
• Place the bag in the fume hood temporarily until the Chemical Hygiene Officer can come and properly store the bag for removal.
• Use soap and water to wash the affected area and remove any minor residue that may be left.
• Remove PPE and thoroughly wash hands.
• Report the spill by completing the Incident Report Form.

Dry Chemicals

• For dry materials that are highly corrosive, toxic, or reactive, treat as a major spill.
• For materials of limited hazards, the dry chemical can be cleaned up using the coop or dust pan.
• Place all material in a polyethylene bag. Tape the bag shut. Complete the hazardous waste label and attach to the bag.
• Use soap and water to wash the affected area and scoop/dust pan to remove any minor residue that may be left.
• Remove PPE and thoroughly wash hands.
• Report the spill by completing the Incident Report Form.

EMERGENCY PROVIDERS

LABORATORY CONTACT INFORMATION

REPORTING INCIDENTS

The following information will be needed when communicating with any emergency provider:

• Nature of the incident
• Individuals involved (age, gender)
• Location of the incident
• Person reporting the incident (name and phone number being used to report the incident)
  • NOTE: Do NOT allow the phone to be tied up for calls unrelated to the incident.