1.1 Chemical Hygiene Plan Accessibility

The OSHA Laboratory Standard requires the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) to be readily available to employees, employee representatives and, upon request, to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Department of Labor, or designee. This means laboratory employees working with hazardous chemicals in a laboratory must know the location of the CHP, be familiar with the contents, and be able to produce the CHP for any state or federal regulatory inspectors upon request. While EHS recommends a hard copy be kept in the laboratory, electronic access is acceptable and encouraged.

It is the responsibility of Principal Investigators and laboratory supervisors to ensure that personnel working in laboratories under their control are familiar with the contents and location of the Chemical Hygiene Plan, including any lab specific standard operating procedures and any department or college level laboratory safety manuals, policies, and procedures.

1.2 Laboratory Safety Responsibilities

The ultimate responsibility for health and safety within laboratories lies with each individual who works in the laboratory; however, it is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator, Faculty, and laboratory supervisor to ensure that employees (including visiting scientists, fellows, volunteers, temporary employees, and student employees) have received all appropriate training, and have been provided with all the necessary information to work safely in laboratories under their control. Principal investigators, Faculty, and Lab Supervisors have numerous resources at their disposal for helping to ensure a safe and healthy laboratory that is compliant with state and federal regulations. A listing of EHS staff, responsibilities, and services available to campus personnel can be found on the EHS Subject Matter Experts.

2.1 Chemical Fume Hoods

Fume hoods and other capture devices are used to contain the release of toxic chemical vapors, fumes, and dusts. Bench top use of chemicals that present an inhalation hazard is strongly discouraged. Fume hoods are to be used when conducting new experiments with unknown consequences from reactions or when the potential for a fire exists.

To achieve optimum performance, the greatest personal protection and reduce energy usage when using a fume hood:

• Ensure the fume hood is working by checking the tell-tale (crepe paper hanging from hood sash) and air monitoring device if the hood is equipped with one. DO NOT use an improperly working fume hood.
• If the fume hood is not working properly, let other people in the lab know by hanging up a Do Not Use Sign (docx) on the hood.
• Work several inches inside the hood. This provides for the greatest amount of capture and removal of airborne contaminants. Also, do not place items on the airfoil or work with chemicals at the face of the hood.
• Do not block the baffles at the back of the hood. These allow for proper exhausting of contaminants from the hood.
• Keeping the hood sash lowered improves the performance of the fume hood by maintaining the internal vortex and containment.  It also helps to conserve energy.
• Keep the fume hood sash closed all of the way whenever the fume hood is not being used. Shut the Sash!
• Do not use fume hoods to evaporate hazardous waste. Evaporating hazardous waste is illegal.
• For work involving particularly hazardous substances or chemicals that can form toxic vapors, fumes, or dusts, the hood or equipment within the hood may need to be fitted with condensers, traps, or scrubbers in order to prevent the vapors, fumes, and dusts from being released into the environment.
• Do not exhaust items, such as vacuum pumps, through the face of the fume hood as this will disrupt the airflow into the hood and may cause noncontainment. This will also not allow for the sash to be fully closed.
• As with any work involving chemicals, always practice good housekeeping and clean up all chemical spills immediately. Be sure to wash both the working surface and hood sash frequently and always maintain a clean and dry work surface that is free of clutter.
• In addition to annual fume hood inspection, face velocity testing, and dry ice capture testing, EHS also offers an online training program on the safe use of fume hoods. Additional information can be found in the Safe Fume Hood Use Guide.

2.2 Other Capture Devices

Engineering controls beside the fume hood include compressed gas cabinets, vented storage cabinets and local exhaust ventilation (LEV) such as capture hoods (canopy and slot), and snorkels. These work to capture and entrain chemical vapors, fumes and dusts at the point of generation. Examples where these devices would be appropriate are welding operations, atomic absorption units, vacuum pumps, work with dry nanomaterials and many other operations in the laboratory. Installation of any of these must be in the consultation of EHS and may include an engineering design to ensure the proper connection into the ventilation systems ductwork.

2.3 Glove Boxes

Glove boxes are sealed enclosures that are designed to protect the user, the process or both, by providing total isolation of the contents from the outside environment. They are usually equipped with at least one pair of gloves attached to the enclosure. The user manipulates the materials inside using the gloves. Typically, a glove box has an antechamber that is used to take materials in and out of the box.Types of Glove boxes:

1. Controlled Environment (dry box) - These create oxygen and moisture free conditions by replacing the air within the box with an inert gas, such as nitrogen, argon or helium, depending on the type of materials to be worked with. A "rotary vane vacuum pump" is used to remove the atmosphere. Additional accessories may be used, such a gas purifier, to further reduce oxygen and moisture levels for particularly sensitive operations. There are 4 types of this type of glove box based on their leak tightness. Class 1 having the lowest hourly leak rate. This should be inspected by a service company during commissioning, when the gloves are changed, or when there appears to be a problem with the functioning of the glove box.
2. Ventilated Glove box (filtered glove box) - These have filters, either HEPA or ultra low particulate, on the inlet and outlet ends of the box and a blower to circulate the air. These provide protection to the user through this filtration and also if the exhaust is connected to building exhaust through a thimble connection. These can have serve in cleanroom applications by reversing the airflow in the chamber to positive pressure.

Regular maintenance and inspection is essential to ensure that a glove box is adequately protecting the user, the environment and/or the product/process.  Routine maintenance procedures and the frequency of inspection (or certification) should follow the manufacturers and regulatory recommendations.

There are various tests that can be performed on glove boxes, the suitability of which depends on the glove box and the application.  Tests may include pressure decay (for positive pressure), rate of rise (for negative pressure), oxygen analysis, containment integrity, ventilation flow characterization, and cleanliness.  The source of a leak can be identified using a Mass Spectrometer Leak Detector, ultrasound, the soap bubble method or use of an oxygen analyzer.  For an in-depth discussion of glove boxes and testing, see: AGS (American Glove Box Society) 2007 Guide for gloveboxes – Third Edition. AGS-G001-2007.

Please see other references at the bottom of this page for further details.

2.4 Water Protection in Labs

Laboratory personnel must ensure that any piece of equipment or laboratory apparatus connected to the water supply utilizes backflow protection or is connected to a faucet with a vacuum breaker. The purpose of backflow prevention and vacuum breakers is to prevent water used in an experimental process or with a piece of equipment from back flowing and contaminating the laboratory’s and building’s water supply system. Examples of situations that can result from improper backflow protection include chemical contamination and/or temperature extremes (i.e. hot water coming from a drinking water fountain).

3.1 Laboratory Responsibilities for Personal Protective Equipment

Laboratory personnel need to conduct hazard assessments of specific operations occurring in their laboratories to determine what PPE is necessary to safely carry out the operations. PPE must be made available to laboratory workers to reduce exposures to hazardous chemicals in the lab. Proper PPE includes items such as gloves, eye protection, lab coats, face shields, aprons, boots, hearing protection, etc. PPE must be readily available and most equipment is provided at no cost to the employee.  

When deciding on the appropriate PPE to wear when performing any operations or experiments, a number of factors must be taken into consideration such as:  

• The chemicals being used, including concentration and quantity.
• The hazards the chemicals pose.
• The routes of exposure for the chemicals.
• The material the PPE is constructed of.
• The permeation and degradation rates specific chemicals will have on the material.
• The length of time the PPE will be in contact with the chemicals.

Careful consideration should be given to the comfort and fit of PPE to ensure that it will be used by laboratory personnel. 

OSHA recommends selecting PPE that will provide a level of protection greater than the minimum required to protect employees from hazards.

All personal protective equipment and clothing must be maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition. Only those items that meet NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) or ANSI standards should be purchased or accepted for use. 

There are a number of safety equipment suppliers who sell a wide variety of personal protective equipment. Be sure to check with the Purchasing department first to find out which supplier is the Cornell preferred vendor to take advantage of discounted pricing. If you have questions about what PPE is most appropriate for your applications, then contact EHS at askEHS@cornell.edu.

3.2 Training for Personal Protective Equipment

Laboratory personnel must be trained in the selection, proper use, limitations, care, and maintenance of PPE. Training requirements can be met in a variety of ways including videos, group training sessions, and handouts. Periodic retraining should be offered to both the employees and supervisors as appropriate. Examples of topics to be covered during the training include:

• When PPE must be worn.
• What PPE is necessary to carry out a procedure or experiment.
• Proper fit of PPE.
• How to properly put on, take off, adjust, and wear PPE.
• The proper cleaning, care, maintenance, useful life, limitations, and disposal of the PPE.

As with any training sessions, PPE training must be documented, including a description of the information covered during the training session and a copy of the sign-in sheet. Training records must be kept of the names of the persons trained, the type of training provided, and the dates when training occurred. EHS will maintain records of employees who attend EHS training sessions.

Information on the specific PPE required to carry out procedures within the laboratory using hazardous chemicals must also be included in the laboratory’s Standard Operating Procedures.  

It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator or laboratory supervisor to ensure laboratory staff have received the appropriate training on the selection and use of proper PPE, that proper PPE is available and in good condition, and laboratory personnel use proper PPE when working in laboratories under their supervision. 

3.3 Eye Protection

Eye protection is one of the most critical and easily implemented forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the laboratory or vivarium. To uphold a strong safety culture, laboratory personnel are required to wear eye protection at all times when working in or entering laboratory spaces. This is essential to protect against a wide range of biological, chemical, and physical hazards that may be present, including but not limited to:

• Acids, caustic substances, or other chemical liquids
• Biological agents
• Flying particles or broken glass
• Hot liquids or molten metal
• Potentially injurious light radiation

The mandatory use of eye protection applies not only during active work with these hazards but also at all times within laboratory spaces to ensure preparedness for any unexpected risks. While sashes on fume hoods and biosafety cabinets provide a barrier, they are not failsafe. Eye protection adds an essential layer of safety against unforeseen risks.

It is the responsibility of Principal Investigators and laboratory supervisors to make use of eye protection a mandatory requirement for all laboratory personnel, including visitors, working in or entering laboratories under their control.

Additional information can be found on the OSHA Eye and Face Protection. and EHS Eye Protection in Laboratory Spaces webpage.

3.4 Hand Protection

Most accidents involving hands and arms can be classified under four main hazard categories: chemicals, abrasions, cuts, and heat/cold. Gloves must be worn whenever significant potential hazards from chemicals, cuts, lacerations, abrasions, punctures, burns, biologicals, or harmful temperature extremes are present. The proper use of hand protection can help protect from potential chemical and physical hazards. Gloves must be worn when using chemicals that are easily absorbed through the skin and/or particularly hazardous substances (such as “select carcinogens”, reproductive toxins, and substances with a high degree of acute toxicity).

All glove materials are eventually permeated by chemicals; however, they can be used safely for limited time periods if specific use and other characteristics (i.e., thickness, permeation rate, and time) are known. EHS can provide assistance with determining the resistance to chemicals of common glove materials and determining the specific type of glove material that should be worn for use with a particular chemical.

3.5 Protective Clothing

Protective clothing includes lab coats or other protective garments such as aprons, boots, shoe covers, Tyvek coveralls, and other items, that can be used to protect street clothing from biological or chemical contamination and splashes as well as providing additional body protection from some physical hazards.

EHS requires that Principal Investigators and laboratory supervisors prohibit the wearing of shorts and leg-baring skirts in laboratories using hazardous materials (chemical, biological, and radiological) by laboratory personnel and visitors, working in or entering laboratories under their supervision.

The following characteristics should be taken into account when choosing protective clothing:  

• The specific hazard(s) and the degree of protection required, including the potential exposure to chemicals, radiation, biological materials, and physical hazards such as heat or open flame. 
• The type of material the clothing is made of and its resistance to the specific hazard(s) that will be encountered.
• The comfort of the protective clothing, which impacts the acceptance and ease of use by laboratory personnel.
• Proper fit of the protective clothing to ensure appropriate coverage to the person without being too large to create potential hazards associated with loose clothing.
• Whether the clothing is disposable or reusable - which impacts cost, maintenance, and cleaning requirements.
• How quickly the clothing can be removed during an emergency. It is recommended that lab coats use snaps or other easy to remove fasteners instead of buttons.
• Laboratory personnel who are planning experiments that may require special protective clothing or have questions regarding the best protective clothing to choose for their experiment(s) should contact EHS at askEHS@cornell.edu for recommendations.

3.6 Respirators

Respirators are an effective method of protection against designated hazards when properly selected and worn.  Respiratory Protection includes all NIOSH approved respirators: Filtering Facepieces (Disposable respirators, N95’s, Dust Masks), Tight Fitting Half and Full Face Respirators, and Powered Air Purifying Respirators. Engineering controls, such as dilution ventilation, fume hoods, and other devices, which capture and remove dust, vapors, fumes, and gases from the breathing zone of the user are preferred over the use of respirators in most laboratory environments. 

Please see the Cornell University Respiratory Protection Program web page for more information.

3.7 Hearing Protection

Employees who are exposed to hazardous levels of noise in the workplace are at risk for developing noise‐induced hearing loss.  Noise‐induced hearing loss is 100 percent preventable but once acquired, hearing loss is irreversible.

Please visit the Cornell Noise and Hearing Conservation Program web page for more information.

3.8 Foot Protection

Laboratory personnel (and other personnel) must wear foot protection at all times in laboratories, laboratory support areas, and other areas with chemical, biological and physical hazards are present. Laboratory personnel should not wear sandals or similar types of perforated or open toes shoes whenever working with or around hazardous chemicals or physical hazards. This is due to the potential exposure to toxic chemicals and the potential associated with physical hazards such as dropping pieces of equipment or broken glass being present. In general, shoes should be comfortable, and leather shoes are preferable to cloth shoes due to the better chemical resistance of leather compared to cloth. Leather shoes also tend to absorb fewer chemicals than cloth shoes. However, leather shoes are not designed for long term exposure to direct contact with chemicals. In such instances, chemically resistant rubber boots are necessary.

EHS strongly encourages Principal Investigators and laboratory supervisors to require the use of closed toed shoes for all laboratory personnel, including visitors, working in or entering laboratories and laboratory support areas under their supervision.

In some cases, the use of steel-toed shoes may be appropriate when heavy equipment or other items are involved. Chemically resistant boots or shoe covers may be required when working with large quantities of chemicals and the potential exists for large spills to occur. Cornell University sponsors a “Shoe-Mobile” every three months on campus for campus personnel to purchase a variety of steel-toed shoes for both work AND personal use at discounted prices. Contact EHS at askEHS@cornell.edu for more information on chemically resistant boots, or to find out when the “Shoe-Mobile” will be on campus.

4.1 Standard Operating Procedures

The OSHA Laboratory Standard requires that Chemical Hygiene Plans include specific elements and measures to ensure employee protection in the laboratory. One such requirement is Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) “relevant to safety and health considerations to be followed when laboratory work involves the use of hazardous chemicals.”

SOPs can be stand-alone documents or supplemental information included as part of research notebooks, experiment documentation, or research proposals. The requirement for SOPs is to ensure a process is in place to document and addresses relevant health and safety issues as part of every experiment. 

At a minimum, SOPs should include details such as:

• The chemicals involved and their hazards.
• Special hazards and circumstances.
• Use of engineering controls (such as fume hoods).
• Required PPE.
• Spill response measures.
• Waste disposal procedures.
• Decontamination procedures.
• Description of how to perform the experiment or operation.

While the OSHA Laboratory Standard specifies the requirement for SOPs for work involving hazardous chemicals, laboratories should also develop SOPs for use with any piece of equipment or operation that may pose any physical hazards. Examples include:

• Safe use and considerations of LASERSs.
• Use of cryogenic liquids and fill procedures.
• Connecting regulators to gas cylinders and cylinder change outs.
• Use of equipment with high voltage.

Etc…

SOPs do not need to be lengthy dissertations and it is perfectly acceptable to point laboratory personnel to other sources of information. Some examples of what to include as part of SOPs are:

EHS can assist laboratories with developing general and specific SOPs. Due to the variety of research and the large number of laboratories on the Cornell campus, it is the responsibility of each laboratory, department and college to ensure that SOPs are developed and the practices and procedures are adequate to protect lab workers who use hazardous chemicals.

Examples of Standard Operating Procedures and blank SOP templates include:

• How to write an SOP - Sample 1 
• Blank SOP Form - Sample 1 
• Blank SOP Form - Sample 2
• How to Prepare an SOP Form - Sample 2
• Chemical User Authorization Form
• Example of completed SOPs

4.2 Form 10

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) administers awards for sponsored research, instruction, and extension projects at Cornell. The Form 10 is the internal academic approval form for sponsored programs. The form should be completed by the Principal Investigator and submitted with all proposals. Of particular note for laboratory personnel, compliance certifications are required for the following areas:

• Human Subjects
• Animal Use
• Recombinant DNA
• Genetically Modified Organisms
• Radiation
• Biological Agents and Toxins
• Hazardous Materials

As part of the Form 10 process, EHS will be notified upon submittal of the Form 10 to OSP when one or more of the following compliance items have been checked: animals, rDNA, GMOs, radiation, hazardous materials, or biological agents or toxins. Once EHS receives the Form 10, staff members within EHS will contact the Principal Investigator listed to discuss general aspects of the grant proposal and to ensure health and safety aspects have been taken into account. During the review process, EHS staff members will identify any special issues that may need to be addressed to ensure compliance with state or federal regulatory requirements.

More information can be obtained from the Office of Sponsored Programs website – Form 10: Internal Academic Approval of Sponsored Programs.

4.3 Procedural Controls

Procedural controls incorporate best management practices for working in a laboratory. These practices serve not only to protect the health and safety of personnel, but are a common sense way of increasing productivity in a laboratory. Through implementation of good practices, laboratories can expect an increase in the efficient use of valuable lab space, in the reliability of experiments due to less potential contamination, and an increase in the awareness of health and safety issues by laboratory personnel. Following the practices outlined in this Lab Safety Manual should also result in a decrease in the number of accidents, injuries, and spills. This will result in a decrease in the overall liability for the Principal Investigator, laboratory supervisor, and the University. Procedural controls are fundamental to instilling safe work behaviors and helping to create a culture of safety within the laboratory environment.

4.4 Housekeeping

Housekeeping refers to the general condition and appearance of a laboratory and includes:

• Keeping all areas of the lab free of clutter, trash, extraneous equipment, and unused chemical containers. Areas within the lab that should be addressed include benches, hoods, refrigerators, cabinets, chemical storage cabinets, sinks, trash cans, etc.
• Keep all containers of chemicals closed when not in use.
• Cleaning up all chemicals spills immediately, regardless if the chemical is hazardous or not. When cleaning up a chemical spill, look for any splashes that may have resulted on nearby equipment, cabinets, doors, and counter tops. For more information on cleaning up spills, see the Chemical Spill Procedures section.
• Keeping areas around emergency equipment and devices clean and free of clutter. This includes items such as eyewash/emergency showers, electric power panels, fire extinguishers, and spill cleanup supplies.
• Keeping a minimum of three feet of clearance (as required by fire codes) between benches and equipment. Exits must be clear of obstacles and tripping hazards such as bottles, boxes, equipment, electric cords, etc. Combustible materials may not be stored in exits (including corridors and stairways), exit enclosures, boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, or electrical equipment rooms.
• When storing items overhead, keep heavier and bulkier items closer to the floor. New York State (NYS) Building Code prohibits the storage of combustible material (such as paper, boxes, plastics, etc.) within 24" of the ceiling in unsprinklered rooms. In sprinklered rooms, All storage, including both combustible and non-combustible materials, must be kept at least 18” below the level of the sprinkler head deflectors to ensure that fire sprinkler coverage is not impeded.
• Always use a stepladder when reaching for overhead items, do not stand on chairs or countertops. If you do not have a stepladder available, then contact your Building Coordinator.

In summary, good housekeeping has obvious health and safety benefits and can have a positive mental effect on laboratory personnel who work in a clean environment, which can lead to increased productivity. Also keep in mind that during an inspection by a state or federal regulatory agency, the general condition of the laboratory observed in the first few minutes of the inspection (the housekeeping of the lab) can have a significant impact (positive or negative) on the rest of the inspection process.

4.5 Personal Hygiene

Good chemical hygiene practices include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and good personal hygiene habits. Although PPE can offer a barrier of protection against chemicals and biological materials, good personal hygiene habits are essential to prevent chemical exposure, even when using PPE.Some general guidelines that should always be followed include:

• Do not eat, drink, chew gum, or apply cosmetics in a lab or other area where chemicals are used.
• Do not store food or drink in refrigerators that are used to store chemicals.
• Do not ever try starting a siphon or pipette by mouth, doing so can result in ingestion of chemicals or inhalation of chemical vapors. Always use a pipette aid or suction bulb to start a siphon.
• Always confine long hair, loose clothing, and jewelry.
• Wear a lab coat when working with hazardous materials.
• Shorts and sandals should not be worn in a lab when anyone is using corrosives or other chemicals that present a skin contact hazard or where the potential for physical hazards such as dropping pieces of equipment or broken glass are present. 
• Remove laboratory coats, gloves, and other PPE immediately when chemical contamination occurs. Failure to do so could result in chemical exposure. 
• After removing contaminated PPE, be sure to wash any affected skin areas with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
• Always remove lab coats, scrubs, gloves, and other PPE before leaving the lab. Do not wear lab coats, scrubs, or other PPE (especially gloves) in areas outside the lab, particularly not in areas where food and drink are served, or other public areas.
• Always wash hands with soap and water after removing gloves and before leaving the lab or using items such as the phone, turning doorknobs, or using an elevator.
• Always wash lab coats separately from personal clothing. Be sure to identify contaminated lab coats to commercial laundry facilities to help protect their workers by placing the contaminated lab coat in a separate plastic bag and clearly identifying the bag with a note or label indicating the lab coat is contaminated. 
• Smoking is prohibited in all lab areas at Cornell.

4.6 Eating, Drinking, and Applying Cosmetics in the Lab

Chemical and other toxic materials exposure can occur through ingestion of food or drink contaminated with these items. This type of contamination can occur when food or drinks are brought into a lab or when food or drinks are stored in refrigerators, freezers, or cabinets with laboratory materials. When this occurs, it is possible for the food or drink to absorb chemical vapors or other contaminants and thus lead to an exposure when the food or drink is consumed. Eating or drinking in areas exposed to toxic materials is prohibited by the OSHA Sanitation Standard, 29 CFR 1910.141(g)(2).

A similar principle of potential chemical or toxic materials exposure holds true with regard to the application of cosmetics (make-up, hand lotion, etc.) in a laboratory setting. In this instance, the cosmetics have the ability of absorbing chemical vapors, dusts, and mists from the air and when applied to the skin and result in skin exposure.

To prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic materials through ingestion, do not eat, drink, chew gum, or apply cosmetics in areas where these materials are used.

Wash your hands thoroughly after using any chemicals or other laboratory materials, even if you were wearing gloves, and especially before eating or drinking.

To help promote awareness, refrigerators and freezers should be properly labeled:

• Refrigerators for the storage of food should be labeled, “Food Only, No Chemicals” or “No Chemicals or Samples”. 
• Refrigerators used for the storage of chemicals should be labeled “Chemicals Only, No Food”.

Free refrigerator labels are available from the EHS Signs and Labels webpage.

Keep in mind that some exposures can result in immediate effects (acute exposure) while other effects may not be seen for some time despite repeated exposure (chronic exposure). Consuming food or drink or applying cosmetics in the lab can result in both types of exposure.

4.7 Working Alone

Whenever possible, laboratory personnel should avoid working alone when conducting research, especially when experiments involve hazardous substances and procedures. Laboratories should establish specific guidelines and standard operating procedures specifying when working alone is not allowed and develop notification procedures when working alone occurs. All work to be performed by someone working alone, and the monitoring system that is established, must be approved in advance by the Principal Investigator or laboratory supervisor. Check with your DSR to see if your department has specific requirements for working alone.

If a laboratory person determines it is necessary to work alone, consideration should be given to notifying someone else in the area – in an adjacent room, another lab on the same floor, or a lab on a different floor. It is recommended that a “buddy system” be established for regular, routine checks on personnel working alone, such as every 15 – 30 minutes, to ensure no accidents have occurred. This could be accomplished by physically walking to the room where the lab worker is or through the use of a phone. If the person working alone is doing highly hazardous work, then the person checking on the lab worker should not enter same room. A system of visual checks should be established to indicate there are no problems or to determine if help is needed.

In the event of an emergency that requires the buddy to leave prior to the completion of an experiment involving highly hazardous chemicals, the buddy should notify Cornell Police at 607-255-1111 of the name, location, and end time of the experiment involved. The buddy should also notify the person conducting the experiment. The person conducting the experiment should make an effort to complete the experiment in a safe manner and notify Cornell Police upon completion of the experiment.

Examples of activities where working alone would be permissible include:

• Office work such as writing papers, calculations, computer work, and reading.
• Housekeeping activities such as general cleaning, reorganization of supplies or equipment, etc., as long as no moving of large quantities of chemicals is involved.
• Assembly or modification of laboratory apparatus when no chemical, electrical, or other physical hazards are present.
• Routine lab functions which are part of a standard operating procedure which has been demonstrated to be safe and not involve hazardous materials.

• Examples of activities where working using a “buddy system” should be considered include:

• Experiments involving toxic or otherwise hazardous chemicals, especially poison inhalation hazards.
• Experiments involving high-pressure equipment.
• Experiments involving large quantities of cryogenic materials.
• Experiments involving work with unstable (explosives) materials.
• Experiments involving Class 3b or 4 Lasers.
• Transfer of large quantities of flammable materials, acids, bases, and other hazardous materials.
• Changing out compressed gas cylinders containing hazardous materials.

4.8 Phones in Labs

All labs are strongly recommended to have a means of communication in the event of an emergency. This can include a phone or cell phone (if service is available) or two-way radio within the lab or access to a central phone located in the hallway. If a phone is not available within the lab, it is advisable to post a sign and/or map indicating where the nearest phone is located.

4.9 Unattended Operations

Whenever it is necessary to have unattended operations occurring in a lab, it is important to ensure safeguards are put into place in the event of an emergency. Laboratory personnel are strongly encouraged to adhere to the following guidelines when it is necessary to carry out unattended operations.

For unattended operations involving highly hazardous materials, a light should be left on and an appropriate warning/explanation sign should be placed on the laboratory door, or in a conspicuous place that could be easily seen without putting someone else in danger in the event of an emergency.

The warning sign should list the following information:

• The nature of the experiment in progress.
• The chemicals in use.
• Hazards present (electrical, heat, etc.)
• The name of the person conducting the experiment and a contact number. A secondary name and contact number is also recommended.

When setting up an experiment that will be left unattended, try to take into account potential incidents that could occur if something went wrong. For example:

• Use secondary containment such as trays to contain any spills that may occur.
• Use safety shields and keep the chemical hood sash down low to contain chemicals and glass in case an explosion occurs.
• Remove any chemicals or equipment that are not necessary for the experiment or items that could potentially react with the chemicals or other materials being used in the experiment.
• Whenever possible, use automatic shutoff devices to prevent accidents such as loss of cooling water shutoff, over-temperature shut off, etc.
• Use emergency power outlets for those pieces of equipment that could be negatively affected in the event electric service or other city utilities are interrupted.

4.10 Access to Laboratories

Access to Cornell University laboratories, workshops and other work areas housing hazardous materials or machinery is restricted to Cornell faculty, staff, students, or other persons on official business.

4.11 Chemical Purchasing

Before ordering new chemicals, search your existing inventories and use those chemicals currently in stock. An accurate and up-to-date chemical inventory can help to minimize purchase of chemicals already on hand and can facilitate acquisition of  Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Cornell has an institutional subscription to the Vertere chemical inventory system that can assist with maintaining a chemical inventory. If you are interested in learning more about the Vertere system, contact askEHS@cornell.edu.

If it is necessary to purchase new chemicals, laboratory personnel should order the smallest size necessary to carry out the experiment. Avoid ordering extra quantities because the chemical “might be needed in the future”. Try to take advantage of chemical vendors “Just-In-Time” delivery rather than stockpiling chemicals in your lab. Before ordering chemicals, be sure to check Cornell purchasing guidelines for preferred vendors and pricing.

Some chemical purchases may require special approval or permits, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) controlled substances and/or listed chemicals; Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) listed substances; select agents or particularly hazardous substances. Building and fire codes restrict the amount of hazardous materials that can be stored in any one room, floor, and building at any given time. For more information, contact askEHS@cornell.edu.

4.12 Ordering New Equipment

Whenever large pieces of equipment are planned to be purchased and installed in laboratories, especially equipment that is required to be hooked up to building utility services such as electric, water, or gas, laboratory personnel must first consult with Facilities Engineering, EHS, and the appropriate PDC shops to ensure the building has the necessary resources to support the new piece of equipment. Lab personnel should not assume they can purchase equipment first and then expect the building to be able to handle the service requirements later. By preplanning and communicating well in advance with appropriate campus groups (such as Facilities Engineering and EHS), any potential issues can be identified ahead of time, which in turn will help make the transition to getting new pieces of equipment up and running quickly after the purchase is made.

Additionally, as with installation of fume hoods, certain pieces of equipment require special installation due to their potential impact on the rest of the building ventilation system and utilities, and cannot be hooked up by laboratory personnel, building managers, or private contractors without first consulting with Facilities Engineering and EHS. Laboratory personnel are strongly encouraged to be proactive and to consult with the appropriate departments ahead of time, before purchasing new pieces of large equipment.

Laboratory personnel are strongly encouraged, as responsible campus members, to give consideration to purchasing “Energy Star” energy efficient pieces of equipment to help conserve natural resources and long-term operating costs. When discussing purchases of equipment with vendors and equipment manufacturers, ask about what “Energy Star” alternatives they carry. For more information, see Energy Conservation in Laboratories.

Before ordering new equipment, check the Cornell purchasing guidelines for preferred vendors and pricing.

4.13 Work Orders and Ticket Requests

In the event of a maintenance issue or if repairs are needed to equipment, laboratory personnel should first consult with their Building Coordinator, who will submit the appropriate paperwork with Customer Service to have repairs initiated. Please note that due to NYS building codes and liability issues, laboratory personnel must not try to repair utility services (such as electrical, plumbing, or gas issues) by themselves. These repairs must be handled by qualified personnel only.

Whenever maintenance workers will be working on your hood system or in your laboratory, please remove all chemicals, laboratory apparatus, and equipment from the area requiring maintenance work. Ensure the work area is clean and inform the maintenance workers of any potential hazards present in the near vicinity either verbally or by leaving a sign with the appropriate information.

4.14 Changes in Lab Occupancy

Changes in laboratory occupancies can occur when faculty retire, new faculty come to campus, new lab staff are hired, students graduate or leave for another university, or when facility renovations take place. When changes in lab occupancy occur, it is important to address any potential issues BEFORE the occupants leave.

Failure to address the change in occupancy can result in:

• Old, unlabeled chemicals, samples, or hazardous waste being left behind in refrigerators, freezers, and cabinets.
• Valuable furniture or equipment being moved or thrown away.
• Unknown chemical spills or contamination being present.
• These issues can result in costly remediation efforts and wasted resources for both the department and the University.

If you are planning to leave your laboratory or if you know of a research group or students that are planning to leave, there are a few simple steps that can be followed to ensure a smooth transition:

• Notify your department chairperson, lab supervisor, and DSR well in advance of the planned move.
• Ensure all chemical containers are properly labeled.
• Properly dispose of any hazardous and chemical waste left in the laboratory.
• Ensure all chemical spills and contamination has been cleaned up.
• Review the EHS Lab Move Guide.

4.15 Laboratory Design and Construction

Project Managers planning construction or renovation of a laboratory should include EHS at design scoping phase of the project.

Research Safety lab design elements include:

Americans with Disability Act compliance: This may involve the determination of types and location of fume hoods, safety showers and eyewashes, autoclaves, sinks and other lab equipment.

Chemical inventory: A chemical inventory that includes quantity and intended usage will be expected at Scoping phase of all laboratory projects.

The chemical inventory must also include all cryogenic liquids and compressed gases. A risk assessment must be conducted to determine the need for a gas cabinet, low exhaust diffusers, oxygen monitoring, emergency ventilation shut-off. Specialized storage may be needed for certain chemicals such as acutely toxic, air/water reactive, and controlled substances. Examples include double lock boxes, flammable or explosion proof refrigerators or storage cabinets dedicated to a specific hazard class.

Emergency Showers and Eyewashes: These are required in laboratories that use chemicals that may spill or splash onto anyone working in the lab. Showers are required for volumes greater than a gallon.

Laboratory Ventilation: Air exchange rates are determined by EHS and are based on volatile chemical use, hazardous gas use, and/or biological agents. Other drivers are heat and the exhaust requirements for equipment in the room.

Volatile and corrosive chemicals produce airborne contaminants that must be controlled when in storage as well as when in use. This could include ventilated storage cabinets, a sufficient number of fume hoods, or other enclosures and local exhaust.

The design will also include directional general ventilation in lieu of local exhaust ventilation where it is not possible for the lab population to utilize, such as in Gross Anatomy in the Veterinary College.

Directional airflow relative to the hallway and adjacent rooms must be discussed for all laboratory projects.

Fume hood and other exposure control devices: The type and quantities of fume hoods, location in the lab suite, and face velocity (with minimum velocities) must be determined at design. Local exhaust may include snorkels, canopy, heat extracting hoods, or other types of tables.

Specialty hoods: Wet benches (for corrosive chemical use), solvent benches, and perchloric acid fume hoods (with the washdown feature) must be discussed with EHS to determine requirement and special considerations.

Biological Safety: A review of the nature of proposed research biological agents, including plants or animals, must happen to determine room design elements. The researcher must register with the Institutional Biosafety Committee for work with disease causing agents in humans, animals, and plants. Approval may also be required by the IACUC and the Institutional Review Board.

Specific design elements include:

• Type and location of biosafety cabinets;
• Types, location, and electrical requirements for ULT freezers, incubator, growth chambers, and other floor or benchtop equipment;
• Floor materials, sink locations, and environmental conditions for the room or a support lab.  

Radiation Safety: Users of ionizing radiation require a Cornell Permit. Most non-ionizing radiation equipment requires registration. The following programs are managed by the Radiation Safety group who must be contacted by project managers during the design scoping phase when any proposal involves the use of this equipment. There are specific room requirements.

Lasers: Class 3B and 4 lasers. The facility housing these must be designed to mitigate the laser hazards. These must be registered for use on campus.

Magnet/UV/RF: Magnetic fields are produced by this equipment can be hazardous.

Radiation Producing Equipment includes X-ray equipment (x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, x-ray radiography, ion implanters, electron microscopes).

Radioactive materials, including unsealed materials and sealed sources.

References (Use most recent versions):

1)    ANSI Z9.5 Laboratory Ventilation

2)    ASHRAE Classification of Laboratory Ventilation Design Levels

3)    ANSI Z358.1 Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment

4)    Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories

5)    National Institutes of Health Design Requirements

6)    Care and Use of Animals

7)    Practical Guide to Containment: Plant Biosafety in Research Greenhouses

8)    Arthropod Containment Guidelines

4.16 Ventilation Rates

As part of energy conservation measures, ventilation rates for laboratories are determined based on the occupancy and the type of research being conducted. Please see the Laboratory Ventilation page on this website for further information about the program.

If the function of a room changes due to new researchers coming to campus notify EHS through askEHS@cornell.edu about the change.  EHS will then verify if the ventilation rate for a given room is appropriate for the type of research being conducted.

4.17 Energy Conservation in Laboratories

Laboratories are energy intensive facilities, consuming many times the energy use of the average non-lab academic buildings. Laboratories use large quantities of air for ventilation and fume hoods; electricity to operate fans, lighting, and specialized lab equipment; and large quantities of water and process chilled water.  Some laboratory facilities also use substantial quantities of natural gas.

There are a number of things that lab occupants can do to reduce the overall consumption of energy:

• Turn off the room lights.
• When possible turn off electrical equipment when not in use.
• Use timers to turn other pieces of equipment on and off automatically.
• Unplug equipment when not in use.
• Turn off your computer’s monitor when not in use. The monitor consumes over half of the energy used by the average computer.  Put your computer and monitor into "sleep" mode after 10 minutes and cut power use nearly to zero.
• Keep the sash closed on your fume hood.  This promotes both energy conservation and safety. 
• If you would like to temporarily turn off your fume hood, please contact your building coordinator.
• Rooms that are too hot or too cool may be due to faulty thermostats or other controls that are malfunctioning or have drifted from set points, resulting in wasted energy as well as uncomfortable conditions for you. If you experience these problems, then contact your Building Coordinator for assistance.
• Report drips of water from sink taps, chilled water connections or Reverse Osmosis (RO) faucets.
• Clean out and consolidate freezers and refrigerators at least once per year.
• Set refrigerator and freezer temperatures at necessary levels instead of the lowest set point the equipment can achieve.
• Consolidate incubator use and freezer storage to minimize the number of appliances used.
• Use shades and blinds as provided to help keep your space cool on sunny days.  The shade can reduce the amount of cooling required in a south or west facing room by over 30%.
• Use electric smart strips to minimize electricity used by items on the strip (EcoStrips).
• Discourage the use of space heaters.
• Develop maintenance schedules for scientific equipment, such as cleaning compressor coils on cooling devices, to extend the device's life and maintain its energy efficiency.

4.18 Green Labs

Green chemistry, also known as sustainable chemistry, is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances.  Green chemistry applies across the life cycle of a chemical product, including its design, manufacture, and use.

• Substitute hazardous chemicals with less hazardous alternatives or chemicals that are drain disposable
• Redesign chemical processes to reduce hazardous chemical use and/or exposure to technicians
• Maintain an ongoing inventory of chemicals and dispose of outdated chemicals on a regular basis.

Find additional information on Greening your lab and certifying your lab as a Green Lab:

• EPA Pollution Prevention website for Green products
• CU Green Your Lab
• American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute

Additional information on energy conservation for both work and home can be found on the Department of Energy's website: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.  Find energy savings tips for the home, office, and lab by going to the Utilities Department Energy Saving Tips webpage.

4.19 Research Area Inspections

Laboratories and other research areas are regulated by OSHA laboratory safety standards and general industry regulations, EPA and DEC hazardous waste regulations, DOH regulations, NFPA life and fire safety standards, and building codes. Additionally, accreditation and granting agencies such as CDC, NIH, and USDA are increasing scrutiny over researchers and their compliance with state and federal laws. To assist researchers to be in compliance with these regulations and standards, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) will conduct required inspections of all campus research areas.

The purpose of the inspections is to assist responsible faculty and staff members in identifying and correcting potential regulatory compliance issues or other issues that could affect granting activities, and identify potential health and safety hazards that could pose an unreasonable risk to laboratory personnel, students, and the campus community. To facilitate the correction of deficient items, a corrective action process has been implemented and will be tracked. EHS will schedule inspections by working with college-level contacts, Department Safety Representatives, Building Coordinators and staff throughout the colleges, departments, and buildings.

Research areas are strongly encouraged to conduct their own self inspections prior to EHS conducting an inspection of their research area to address any potential issues before the EHS inspection and to provide a training opportunity for research staff. To facilitate the self inspection process, EHS is providing research areas with the following self inspection checklist and explanation key which identify the same topics covered during an EHS inspection.

4.20 Research Area Space Registration Using HASP

All research spaces are required to be registered with the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) using the online Hazard Assessment Signage Program (HASP). While Facilities Services Space Inventory accounts for room function and type, Research Area Space Registration accounts for hazards present in rooms to facilitate regulatory compliance, identify training requirements, communicate hazards, and improve emergency response.

Research areas must be reviewed and registered on an annual basis, when roster or hazard information changes and upon notification by EHS. The registration process consists of using the online HASP tool and entering contact information, hazards present in the room, risk levels of hazards, access limitations, warning messages, and emergency response information. The entire process of completing HASP for one room should only take a few minutes for each room. Once a research area has been initially entered into the system, annual updates can be completed in less time. Only certain research area rooms types are required to be registered. The list of space inventory room types of interest that will be required to complete annual Research Space Registration using the online HASP tool can be found on the Research Area Space Registration webpage.

The following outlines responsibilities for implementation of Research Area Space Registration using HASP:

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for:

• Providing information and assistance with the HASP system.
• Granting access to the users for their locations within the HASP system.
• Providing guidance and assistance on the identification of hazard types.
• Providing information, training, notifications, reports, and updates from the information provided.

Deans and Department Chairpersons are responsible for:

• Ensuring that research areas within their departments and units are registered in a timely manner upon notification by EHS and updated annually.

Principal Investigators and Research Area Supervisors are responsible for:

• Registering (or designating someone to register) their research areas using HASP in a timely manner upon notification by EHS.
• Updating their Research Area Space Registration using HASP when any new hazards or significant change of existing hazards occurs.
• Updating their Research Area Space Registration annually in a timely manner upon notification by EHS.

EHS will work with Department Safety Representatives (DSRs) and Building Coordinators to facilitate the implementation of Research Area Space Registration. Before getting started, persons completing the registration process (DSRs, Building Coordinators, Principal Investigators, research staff, or other college and department designated personnel) will first need to be given authorization to the HASP system for their organization, building, department, and/or specific rooms. To obtain authorization for specific areas, please contact askEHS@cornell.edu. For more information on using the online HASP tool and how to get started with the program, see the online training program for using HASP.

4.21 Laboratory Security

Laboratories need to take specific actions in order to provide security against theft of highly hazardous materials, valuable equipment, and to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. EHS encourages each unit (college, department, and research group) to review and develop procedures to ensure the security of all hazardous materials in their area of responsibility.

Many laboratories already implement various means of security, including requirements to lock up controlled substances, syringes and needles, and radioactive materials. EHS recommends you review and assess the hazardous materials in your laboratory and consider security issues in protecting those materials. The intent is to minimize the risk of theft, especially targeting the five-minute window when the lab is left unattended.

5.1 Cornell Emergency Plan

Cornell University organizes, coordinates, and directs available resources toward an effective response to, and recovery from emergencies under the Cornell Emergency Program. The effectiveness of this effort is dependent on the development of a comprehensive central plan and individual college/unit plans. The university, therefore, expects colleges, divisions and individual departments to develop detailed emergency plans. This policy includes a chain of command establishing the authority and responsibilities of campus officials and staff members, and requires that colleges, divisions, and individual departments designate emergency coordinators with the authority to make modifications in emergency procedures and to commit resources for emergency preparedness and recovery, as necessary. 

5.2 Emergency Evacuation Procedures

Information about Emergency Evacuation Procedures can be found in the Fire Safety Plan document.

Evacuation of Persons with Disabilities

See the Disability Escape Route Planning to prepare for Evacuation of Persons with Disabilities.

5.3 Emergency Procedures

Emergencies can include both fire and non-fire emergencies. Fires are an "expected" emergency in all lab situations and almost all lab staff are trained on emergency steps in the event of a fire. “Non-fire” emergencies can include: 

• Loss of electricity, heat, AC, water or other essential utilities. 
• Failure of mechanical equipment such as HVAC systems and emergency generators. 
• Flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, or other natural disasters. 
• Nearby chemical releases of hazardous materials to the environment (from the lab down the hall or a ruptured tank car one-half mile away). 
• Terrorist actions or civil unrest.

5.4 Chemical Spill Procedures

When a chemical spill occurs, it is necessary to take prompt and appropriate action. The type of response to a spill will depend on the quantity of the chemical spilled and the severity of the hazards associated with the chemical. The first action to take is to alert others in your lab or work area that a spill has occurred. Then you must determine if you can safely clean up the spill yourself.

At remote facilities, refer to your facility chemical spill response procedure.

Many chemical spills can be safely cleaned up by laboratory staff without the help of EHS. Only attempt to clean up incidental spills if you are trained and have the proper spill cleanup materials available. Note: The following advice is intended for spills that occur within a University building. A release to the outside environment may require the University file a report with the EPA. Calling Cornell Police at 607 255-1111 or 911 will initiate this determination by Environment, Health and Safety (EHS).

5.5 Emergency Eyewash and Showers

All laboratories using hazardous chemicals, particularly corrosive chemicals, must have access to an eyewash and/or an emergency shower as per the OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.151 – Medical Services and First Aid. The ANSI Standard Z358.1-2014 - Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment provides additional guidance by stating that emergency eyewash and/or emergency showers be readily accessible, free of obstructions and within 10 seconds from the hazard. The ANSI standard also outlines specific requirements related to flow requirements, use of tempered water, inspection and testing frequencies, and training of laboratory personnel in the proper use of this important piece of emergency equipment.

5.6 Injury/Illness/Exposure Reporting

All accidents and injuries, no matter how minor, are required to be reported to University officials through the injury/illness/exposure reporting system. The employee, supervisor, department head or a designated individual within the department must complete all sections of this form as soon as possible and ideally within 24 hours after the injury/illness/exposure is first reported. The online Injury/Illness reporting system can be accessed through the EHS webpage – Cornell University Injury/Illness/Exposure Reporting.

5.7 Medical Consultations

When a chemical exposure occurs, medical consultations and medical examinations will be made available to laboratory workers who work with hazardous chemicals as required. All work related medical examinations and consultations will be performed by or under the direct supervision of a licensed physician and will be provided at no cost to the employee without loss of pay, and at a reasonable time, through the Cornell Health. 

The opportunity to receive medical attention, including any follow up examinations, will be provided to employees who work with hazardous chemicals under the following circumstances: 

• Whenever an employee develops signs or symptoms associated with a hazardous chemical to which the employee may have been exposed in the laboratory. 
• Where airborne exposure monitoring reveals an exposure level routinely above the action level (or in the absence of an action level, the Permissible Exposure Limit) for an OSHA regulated substance for which there are exposure monitoring and medical surveillance requirements. Action level means the airborne concentration of a specific chemical, identified by OSHA, and calculated as an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA). 
• Whenever an event such as a spill, leak, explosion or other occurrence takes place and results in the likelihood of a hazardous exposure. Upon such an event, the affected employee shall be provided an opportunity for a medical consultation. The consultation shall be for the purpose of determining the need for a medical examination.

More information on action levels and Permissible Exposure Limits can be found on the OSHA Health and Safety topics page – Permissible Exposure Limits.

6.1 Training Options

Principal Investigators and laboratory supervisors have a number of options available to them to ensure laboratory employees under their supervision have received proper training. These options include:

• Training programs provided by EHS
• Training programs provided by outside vendors 
• In-house training programs (provided by the Principal Investigator or laboratory supervisor) 
• Training manuals and booklets 
• Training videos
• Web-based training modules

The keys to any training programs are:

• The instructor providing the training is technically qualified to provide training on the particular subject.
• The training program(s) address the hazards present in the laboratory and describe ways employees can protect themselves.
• The training program and attendance must be documented using a sign-in sheet and these records must be readily available and accessible upon request.
• Training sessions do not have to be hours or half-day sessions, they can be short, 15 minute, half hour, or how ever long it takes to achieve the training objectives.

EHS Training Programs

EHS offers a number of training programs on a regular basis – such as the monthly “Laboratory Safety Training” – and offers a number of programs “Upon Request”. For any “Upon Request” training class, EHS can come to your building or laboratory and provide the training program for your laboratory group. All EHS provided training programs and attendance sheets are kept on file at the EHS office and entered into the Cornell Learning Management System.

Outside Vendor Training Programs

Principal Investigators and laboratory supervisors can provide training programs to their employees through contracts with outside training companies or product vendors. A number of vendors are willing to provide free training programs upon request. If using an outside company or vendor, be sure to ask for documentation including training content, date of training, copies of handouts, and the sign-in sheet. All of this documentation must be kept on file.

In-House Training Programs

In-house training can include department provided training, and training by Principal Investigators and laboratory supervisors. Training sessions can be stand-alone classes, on-the-job training, or short (15 minute) trainings incorporated as part of a laboratory group meeting. The key is to make sure the training is documented with a sign-in sheet.

Training Manuals and Booklets

Principal Investigators and laboratory supervisors can utilize training manuals, booklets, webpage downloads, etc., as part of an ongoing training program by simply having laboratory staff review the material, be given an opportunity to ask any questions, and sign off that they read and understood the material.

Training Videos

Principal Investigators and laboratory supervisors can make use of videos to supplement training of their employees. As with any training, it is important to document the training took place by using a sign-in sheet. When videos are used, the training sign-in sheet should have the date, time, location, and name and running time of the video, in addition to signatures of those people who watched the video.

Web Based Training

Web-based trainings are offered through CU Learn for faculty, staff and students (including undergraduates and graduates).  Blackboard can be used by visitors, guests or CU affiliates (USDA, BTI). 

6.2 Cornell Learning Management System

The Cornell Learning Management System is a database created to help employees, students, trainers, supervisors, and safety managers track safety training and keep required certifications current via the Internet. Using your Cornell University Net ID as a unique identifier, you can access different types of training information. As a user, you can view current classes being offered, register for classes, and keep a record of the training classes you have taken. With supervisor or safety manager access, you can assign specific training courses to your employees and verify their training history, in addition to other features. For information, see the EHS Training webpage.

6.3 Laboratory Safety Certificate Program

The Laboratory Safety Certificate Program is a voluntary program designed to encourage laboratory workers to broaden their safety knowledge by completing a variety of training programs related to laboratory safety, and to recognize and reward their accomplishment by granting a Laboratory Safety Certificate.

To qualify for a certificate, the applicant must complete a specified number of required and elective courses within a given time period. The courses may be taken as live classroom sessions or completed on-line. For more information, see the Laboratory Certificate Program webpage.

6.4 Research Administration Certification Program

Cornell University’s Research Administration Certification Program (RACP), developed in collaboration with a cross-campus advisory committee, and coordinated through a partnership between Office of Sponsored Programs and Division of Financial Affairs, is a professional development opportunity designed to educate Cornell staff about sponsored programs administration.

The purpose of the program is to develop and maintain a skilled cadre of research administration professionals within the university and to promote a culture of compliance and integrity. This program is recommended for staff whose work supports sponsored projects, particularly those new to the field or new to Cornell University.

The curriculum provides a high-level overview of key concepts related to sponsored programs administration at Cornell. The five day core training program, offered three times a year, is spread out over five weeks, with class one day per week (9:00 am – 4:00 pm). Participants attend lectures and use problem-based learning exercises to engage in real-world issues. In addition to the core courses, 15 hours of electives are required within one year and continuing education is also required. Those who attend all five days of RACP, achieve passing grades on exams and complete the required electives, receive certification. For more information, see the Office of Sponsored Programs - Research Administration Certification Program webpage.

7.1 Minimize Exposure to Chemicals

The best way laboratory personnel can protect themselves from chemical hazards is to minimize their exposure to them. In order to minimize chemical exposure:

• Substitute less hazardous chemicals in your experiments whenever possible. 
• Always use the smallest possible quantity of chemical for all experiments. Consider microscale experiments and activities. 
• Minimize chemical exposures to all potential routes of entry - inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye absorption, and injection through proper use of engineering controls and personal protective equipment. 
• Be sure to select the proper PPE and regularly inspect it for contamination, leaks, cracks, and holes. Pay particular attention to gloves. 
• Do not pipette or apply suction by mouth. 
• Do not smell or taste chemicals. When it is necessary to identify a chemical’s odor, lab personnel should hold the chemical container away from their face and gently waft their hand over the container without inhaling large quantities of chemical vapor. 
• Do not underestimate the risk of exposure to chemicals - even for substances of no known significant hazard. 
• In order to identify potential hazards, laboratory personnel should plan out their experiments in advance. These plans should include the specific measures that will be taken to minimize exposure to all chemicals to be used, the proper positioning of equipment, and the organization of dry runs. 
• Chemicals that are particularly hazardous substances require prior approval from your supervisor and special precautions to be taken. 
• When working with mixtures of chemicals, laboratory personnel should assume the mixture to be more toxic than the most toxic component in the mixture. 
• Consider all substances of unknown toxicity to be toxic until proven otherwise. 
• Request exposure monitoring to ensure the Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) of OSHA and the current Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists are not exceeded.
• Promptly clean up all chemicals spills regardless whether the chemical is considered hazardous or nonhazardous. When cleaning up spills, remember to clean up any splashes that may have occurred on the sides of cabinets and doors in the immediate area.
• When working in cold rooms, keep all toxic and flammable substances tightly closed as cold rooms have recirculated atmospheres. 
• Be aware of the potential asphyxiation hazard when using cryogenic materials and compressed gases in confined areas such as cold rooms and environmental chambers. If necessary, install an oxygen monitor/oxygen deficiency alarm and/or toxic gas monitor before working with these materials in confined areas. Contact EHS at 607-255-8200 for more assistance. 
• Do not eat, drink, chew gum, or apply cosmetics in areas where hazardous chemicals are being used. 
• Keep all food and drink out of refrigerators and freezers used to store chemicals. Refrigerators used to store chemicals should be labeled as “Chemicals Only – No Food”. Refrigerators used to store food should be labeled as “Food Only – No Chemicals”. You can download these and other free labels at the EHS Signs and Labels webpage. 
• Always wash hands with soap and water after handling chemicals and especially before leaving the lab and eating – even if gloves were worn during chemical handling. 
• Always remove personal protective equipment, such as gloves and lab coats, before leaving the lab. 
• Do not attempt to scale up experiments until after you have run the experiment according to published protocols and you are thoroughly familiar with the potential hazards. When scaling up an experiment – change only one variable at a time, i.e. don’t change the heat source, the volumes, and the glassware all at once. It is also advisable to let one of your other lab group members to check your setup prior to each run.

7.2 Understanding Chemical Hazards

Chemicals pose both health and physical hazards. For the purposes of this document, health hazard will be used interchangeably with chemical hazard and health effects on the body will be used interchangeably with chemical effects on the body.

According to OSHA, health hazard means “a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees. The term ‘health hazard’ includes chemicals which are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the hematopoietic system and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.”

According to OSHA, physical hazard means “a chemical for which there is scientifically valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive.” Physical hazards are covered in other sections within this manual.

7.3 Safety Data Sheets

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are an important part of any laboratory safety program in communicating information to chemical users. SDSs provide useful information such as: 

• The identity of the chemical substance. 
• Physical and chemical characteristics. 
• Physical and health hazards. 
• Primary routes of entry. 
• OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs). 
• Carcinogenic and reproductive health status. 
• Precautions for safe handling and use (including PPE). 
• Spill response procedures. 
• Emergency and first aid questions. 
• Date the SDS was prepared.
• Any chemical shipment received should be accompanied by an SDS (unless one has been shipped with a previous order). If you do not receive an SDS with your shipment, check the chemical manufacturers website first (or call the manufacturer directly), or check the EHS SDS website for links to SDSs, or contact EHS at 607-255-8200 to request assistance in obtaining the SDS.

If you have questions on how to read SDSs, or questions about the terminology or data used in SDSs, you can contact EHS at 607-255-8200 for more information. Additional information, including how to read an SDS, can be found in the SDS FAQ and a glossary of terms used on SDSs can be found in the “Hyperglossary”. Information on the National Fire Protection Association - NFPA diamond and the Hazardous Materials Information Guide and Hazardous Materials Information System – HMIG and HMIS - is also available.

SDSs must be accessible at all times. Access to SDSs can mean access to paper copies or electronic access via the internet. EHS maintains links to a number of SDS websites and other sites with chemical health and safety information.

EHS strongly encourages paper copies of SDSs be kept in the laboratory, however, having SDS websites bookmarked is acceptable as long as all employees in the workplace know where to find the SDSs and are trained on the use of computers to access SDSs. If a laboratory chooses to use electronic access, then EHS recommends the SDS website link be posted on the computer or in another conspicuous location. Some departments maintain three ring binders - “Big Red Books” - with SDSs. Check with your DSR for the location of the departmental SDS collection.

7.4 Routes of Chemical Entry

The potential health effects that may result from exposure to chemicals depends on a number of factors. These factors include the properties of the specific chemical (including toxicity), the dose and concentration of the chemical, the route of exposure, duration of exposure, individual susceptibility, and any other effects resulting from mixtures with other chemicals.

In order to understand how chemical hazards can affect you, it is important to first understand how chemicals can get into your body and do damage. The four main routes of entry are inhalation, ingestion, injection, and absorption through the skin and eyes.

7.5 Chemical Exposure Limits

The OSHA Laboratory Standard requires that laboratory employee exposure of OSHA Regulated Substances do not exceed the Permissible Exposure Limits as specified in 29 CFR Part 1010, subpart Z.

The Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) are based on the average concentration of a chemical to which workers can be exposed to over an 8-hour workday, 5 days per week, for a lifetime without receiving damaging effects. In some cases, chemicals can also have a Ceiling (C) limit, which is the maximum concentration that cannot be exceeded. OSHA has established PELs for over 500 chemicals. Permissible Exposure Limits are legally enforceable.

Another measure of exposure limits are Threshold Limit Values (TLV) which are recommended occupational exposure limits published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Similar to PELs, TLVs are the average concentration of a chemical that a worker can be exposed to over an 8-hour workday, 5 days per week, over a lifetime without observing ill effects. TLVs also have Ceiling (C) limits, which are the maximum concentration a worker can be exposed to at any given time. The ACGIH has established TLVs for over 800 chemicals. A main point of difference between PELs and TLVs is that TLVs are advisory guidelines only and are not legally enforceable. Both PELs and TLVs can be found in SDSs. Another good resource for information is the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH).

7.6 Chemical Exposure Monitoring

As a laboratory worker, you may use a variety of potentially hazardous materials on a daily basis. Safe use of these materials depends heavily on following proper laboratory work practices and the utilization of engineering controls. In certain circumstances, it is necessary to verify that work practices and engineering controls are effective in limiting exposures to hazardous materials. EHS Industrial Hygienists can help evaluate the effectiveness of your controls by monitoring exposures to a variety of laboratory materials. Exposure monitoring is the determination of the airborne concentration of a hazardous material in the work environment. Exposure monitoring data is compared to existing OSHA and ACGIH exposure guidelines and is often used to make recommendations concerning engineering controls, work practices, and PPE.

If you think you are receiving a chemical exposure in excess of OSHA exposure limits, such as feeling symptoms commonly associated with exposure to hazardous materials, or work with any of the chemicals listed below, contact EHS at 607-255-8200 and our Industrial Hygienists can use a variety of sampling methods to monitor for any potential exposures.

In some cases, OSHA substance specific standards actually require that the employer conduct initial exposure monitoring.

Examples of chemicals that fall into this category include:

• Formaldehyde 
• Vinyl chloride
• Methylene chloride
• Benzene 
• Ethylene oxide

Other substances that have exposure monitoring requirements include:

• Lead
• Cadmium 
• Silica

7.7 Toxicity

Toxicity refers to the ability of a chemical to cause harmful effects to the body. As was described by Paracelsus (1493-1541):

There are a number of factors that influence the toxic effects of chemicals on the body. These include, but are not limited to:

• The quantity and concentration of the chemical.
• The length of time and the frequency of the exposure. 
• The route of the exposure. 
• If mixtures of chemicals are involved.

7.8 Chemical Labeling

The simple rule for chemical labeling is - if a container looks like it contains a chemical (even a clear liquid), then it must be labeled with the contents. Proper labeling of chemicals is one way of informing people who work in laboratories of potential hazards that exist, preventing the generation of unknowns, and facilitating emergency responses such as cleaning up spills and obtaining the proper medical treatment.

New chemical containers have the proper labeling information on the chemical label. The OSHA Laboratory Standard requires that labels on all incoming containers must be maintained and not defaced. As part of laboratory good housekeeping and self-inspections, if any chemical labels appear to be falling off, then laboratory personnel should tape the label back on the container or relabel with a permanent label.

7.9 Chemical Storage

Chemical storage areas in the academic laboratory setting include central stockrooms, storerooms, laboratory work areas, storage cabinets, refrigerators, and freezers. There are established legal requirements as well as recommended practices for proper storage of chemicals. Proper storage of chemicals promotes safer and healthier working conditions, extends the usefulness of chemicals, and can help prevent contamination. Chemicals that are stored improperly can result in:

• Degraded containers that can release hazardous vapors that are detrimental to the health of laboratory personnel. 
• Degraded containers that allow chemicals to become contaminated, which can have an adverse effect on experiments. 
• Degraded containers that can release vapors, which in turn can affect the integrity of nearby containers. 
• Degraded labels that can result in the generation of unknowns. 
• Chemicals becoming unstable and/or potentially explosive. 
• Citation and/or fines from state and federal regulatory agencies.

7.10 Transporting Chemicals

When transporting chemicals between laboratories or other buildings on campus, the following guidelines should be implemented for protection of people and the environment, and to minimize the potential for spills to occur.

• Whenever transporting chemicals by hand, always use a secondary container such as a rubber acid carrying bucket, plastic bucket, or a 5-gallon pail). If necessary, a small amount of packing material (shipping peanuts, vermiculite, or cardboard inserts), that is compatible with the chemical(s), should be used to prevent bottles from tipping over or breaking during transport. You should have proper PPE accessible in the event of a spill. 
• Wheeled carts with lipped surfaces (such as Rubbermaid carts) should be used whenever feasible. 
• Whenever possible, do not use passenger elevators when transporting chemicals, only freight elevators should be used. If it is necessary to use a passenger elevator, use should be restricted to low-use times such as early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If this is not possible, be sure to warn passengers, or prohibit passengers from riding with you. 
• When transporting compressed gas cylinders, always use a proper gas cylinder hand truck with the cylinder strapped to the cart and keep the cap in place. NEVER roll or drag a compressed gas cylinder. 
• Avoid riding in elevators with cryogenic liquids or compressed gas cylinders. If this is necessary, consider using a buddy system to have one person send the properly secured dewars or cylinders on the elevator, while the other person waits at the floor by the elevator doors where the dewars or cylinders will arrive. 
• Do not transport chemicals in your personal vehicle. Contact EHS at 607-255-8200 for assistance.

7.11 Chemical Segregation

Chemicals should be stored according to compatibility and hazard classes. Rather than store chemicals alphabetically, or by carbon number, or by physical state, etc., EHS recommends that you segregate them by DOT hazard class first.   The potential hazards of storing incompatible chemicals together, and when an emergency occurs, include:

• Generation of heat. 
• Possible fires and explosion. 
• Generation of toxic and/or flammable gases and vapors. 
• Formation of toxic compounds. 
• Formation of shock and/or friction sensitive compounds. 
• Violent polymerization.
• The benefits of chemical segregation by hazard class include:
• Safer chemical storage. 
• Understanding the hazards a chemical exhibits will increase your knowledge about the chemical. 
• Identifying potentially explosive chemicals. 
• Identifying multiple containers of the same chemical.

There are a number of segregation schemes recommended in the literature by government agencies, chemical manufacturers, safety supply companies, and other universities. However, EHS is recommending segregation of chemicals using a modified version of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazard Class System. While this modified DOT system results in most common chemicals being segregated properly, there is no one system that solves all problems. The modified DOT system is less complicated than other segregation schemes and the information to make decisions of which hazard classes to use can easily be found in SDSs, container labels, container markings and stickers, and other resources.

When you are making decisions on how to segregate, keep in mind the following:

• Physical hazards of the chemical.
• Health hazards of the chemical. 
• The chemical form (solid, liquid or gas).
• Concentration of the chemical.

Segregation of different chemical hazard classes (such as acids and bases) can occur in the same cabinet as long as there is some form of physical separation, such as using trays with high sides or deep trays. However never store oxidizers and flammables in the same cabinet. Also, do not store compounds such as inorganic cyanides and acids in the same cabinet.

Once chemicals have been segregated, ensure everyone in the lab knows the process and what system is being used. It is best to clearly identify where chemicals in each hazard class will be stored by labeling cabinets with signs, or hazard class labels. These can be purchased from a safety supply company, you can create your own, or download FREE labels from the EHS Signs and Labels webpage.

If you need assistance with cleaning out your lab of old and excess chemicals, or would like assistance with segregating your chemicals, contact EHS at askEHS@cornell.edu. EHS also offers an online training class on Chemical Segregation. Examples of incompatible chemicals can be found in the appendix.

8.1 Explosives

The OSHA Laboratory Standard defines an explosive as a chemical that causes a sudden, almost instantaneous release of pressure, gas, and heat when subjected to sudden shock, pressure, or high temperature. Under the Department of Transportation (DOT) hazard class system, explosives are listed as hazard class 1.

Fortunately, most laboratories do not use many explosives; however, there are a number of chemicals that can become unstable and/or potentially explosive over time due to contamination with air, water, other materials such as metals, or when the chemical dries out.

Explosives can result in damage to surrounding materials (hoods, glassware, windows, people, etc.), generation of toxic gases, and fires. If you plan to conduct an experiment where the potential for an explosion exists, first ask yourself the question; “Is there another chemical that could be substituted in the experiment that does not have an explosion potential?” If you must use a chemical that is potentially explosive, or for those compounds that you know are explosive, (even low powered explosives) you must first obtain prior approval from the Principal Investigator to use such chemicals. After obtaining prior approval from your Principal Investigator, thoroughly read the SDSs and any other chemical resources related to the potentially explosive compound(s) to ensure potential incidents are minimized.

Whenever setting up experiments using potentially explosive compounds:

• Always use the smallest quantity of the chemical possible.
• Always conduct the experiment within a fume hood and use in conjunction with a properly rated safety shield.
• Be sure to remove any unnecessary equipment and other chemicals (particularly highly toxic and flammables) away from the immediate work area.
• Be sure to notify other people in the laboratory what experiment is being conducted, what the potential hazards are, and when the experiment will be run.
• Do not use metal or wooden devices when stirring, cutting, scraping, etc. with potentially explosive compounds. Non-sparking plastic devices should be used instead.
• Ensure other safety devices such as high temperature controls, water overflow devices, etc., are used in combination to help minimize any potential incidents.
• Properly dispose of any hazardous waste and note on the hazardous waste tag any special precautions that may need to be taken if the chemical is potentially explosive.
• Always wear appropriate PPE, including the correct gloves, lab coat or apron, safety goggles used in conjunction with a face shield, and explosion-proof shields when working with potentially explosive chemicals.

For storage purposes, always date chemical containers when received and opened. Pay particular attention to those compounds that must remain moist or wet so they do not become explosive (ex. Picric acid, 2,4-Dinitrophenyl hydrazine, etc.). Pay particular attention to any potentially explosive compounds that appear to exhibit the following signs of contamination:

• Deterioration of the outside of the container.
• Crystalline growth in or outside the container.
• Discoloration of the chemical.

If you discover a potentially explosive compound that exhibits any of these signs of contamination, contact EHS at 607-255-8200 for more assistance.

Examples of explosive and potentially explosive chemicals include:

• Compounds containing the functional groups azide, acetylide, diazo, nitroso, haloamine, peroxide, and ozonide
• Nitrocellulose
• Di- and Tri-nitro compounds
• Peroxide forming compounds
• Picric acid (dry)
• 2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine (dry)
• Benzoyl peroxide (dry)

8.2 Flammable and Combustible Liquids

The OSHA Laboratory Standard defines a flammable liquid as any liquid having a flashpoint below 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), except any mixture having components with flashpoints of 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) or higher, the total of which make up 99% or more of the total volume of the mixture.

Flashpoint is defined as the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapor to ignite in the presence of an ignition source. The risk of a fire requires that the temperature be above the flashpoint and the airborne concentration be in the flammable range above the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) and below the Upper Explosive Limit (UEL).

The OSHA Laboratory Standard defines a combustible liquid as any liquid having a flashpoint at or above 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), but below 200 degrees F (93.3 degrees C), except any mixture having components with flashpoints of 200 degrees F (93.3 degrees C), or higher, the total volume of which make up 99% or more of the total volume of the mixture. OSHA further breaks down flammables into Class I liquids, and combustibles into Class II and Class III liquids.

Under the Department of Transportation (DOT) hazard class system, flammable liquids are listed as hazard class 3.

Flammable and combustible liquids are one of the most common types of chemicals used at Cornell and are an important component in a number of laboratory processes. However, in addition to the flammable hazard, some flammable liquids also may possess other hazards such as being toxic and/or corrosive.

When using flammable liquids, keep containers away from open flames; it is best to use heating sources such as steam baths, water baths, oil baths, and heating mantels. Never use a heat gun to heat a flammable liquid. Any areas using flammables should have a fire extinguisher present. If a fire extinguisher is not present, then contact EHS at 607-255-8200 for more assistance.

Always keep flammable liquids stored away from oxidizers and away from heat or ignition sources such as radiators, electric power panels, etc.

When pouring flammable liquids, it is possible to generate enough static electricity to cause the flammable liquid to ignite. If possible, make sure both containers are electrically interconnected to each other by bonding the containers, and connecting to a ground.

Always clean up any spills of flammable liquids promptly. Be aware that flammable vapors are usually heavier than air (vapor density > 1). For those chemicals with vapor densities heavier than air (applies to most chemicals), it is possible for the vapors to travel along floors and, if an ignition source is present, result in a flashback fire.

8.3 Flammable Solids

The OSHA Laboratory Standard defines a flammable solid as a “solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive, that is liable to cause fire through friction, absorption of moisture, spontaneous chemical change, or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which can be ignited readily and when ignited, burn so vigorously and persistently to create a serious hazard.” An example of a flammable solid is gun powder.

Under the DOT hazard class system, flammable solids are listed as hazard class 4. Flammable solids are further broken down into three subcategories:

• Flammable Solids – Class 4.1
• Spontaneously Combustible – Class 4.2
• Dangerous When Wet – Class 4.3
• Many of the same principles for handling and storage of flammable liquids apply to flammable solids. Always keep flammable solids stored away from oxidizers, and away from heat or ignition sources such as radiators, electric power panels, etc.

8.4 Spontaneously Combustible

Spontaneously combustible materials are also known as pyrophorics; these chemicals can spontaneously ignite in the presence of air, some are reactive with water vapor, and most are reactive with oxygen. Two common examples are tert-Butyllithium under Hexanes and White Phosphorus. In addition to the hazard of the spontaneously combustible chemical itself, many of these chemicals are also stored under flammable liquids. In the event of an accident, such as a bottle being knocked off a shelf, the chemical can spontaneously ignite and a fire can occur. Extra care must be taken when handling spontaneously combustible chemicals. When transporting these chemicals, it is best to use a bottle carrier and carts.

8.5 Dangerous When Wet

Dangerous when wet compounds react violently with water to form toxic vapors and/or flammable gases that can ignite and cause a fire.

It is important to note that any paper toweling, gloves, etc., that have come into contact with these materials need to be quenched with water before disposing of in metal trash cans in order to prevent potential fires.

If you are using dangerous when wet compounds and do not have a Class D fire extinguisher present, then please contact EHS at 607-255-8200 for more assistance.

8.6 Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides

The OSHA Laboratory Standard defines an oxidizer as “a chemical other than a blasting agent or explosive that initiates or promotes combustion in other materials, thereby causing fire either of itself or through the release of oxygen or other gases.” Under the DOT hazard class system, oxidizers are listed as hazard class 5.1 and organic peroxides are listed as hazard class 5.2.

The OSHA Laboratory Standard defines an organic peroxide as “an organic compound that contains the bivalent –O-O- structure and which may be considered to be a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide where one or both of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by an organic radical.”

Oxidizers and organic peroxides are a concern for laboratory safety due to their ability to promote and enhance the potential for fires in labs.

As a reminder of the fire triangle (now referred to as the fire tetrahedron), in order to have a fire, you need:

• A fuel source.
• An oxygen source.
• An ignition source.
• A chemical reaction.

Oxidizers can supply the oxygen needed for the fire, whereas organic peroxides supply both the oxygen and the fuel source. Both oxidizers and organic peroxides may become shock sensitive when they dry out, are stored in sunlight, or due to contamination with other materials, particularly when contaminated with heavy metals. Most organic peroxides are also temperature sensitive.

As with any chemicals, but particularly with oxidizers and organic peroxides, quantities stored on hand should be kept to a minimum. Whenever planning an experiment, be sure to read the SDS and other reference documents to understand the hazards and special handling precautions that may be required, including use of a safety shield. Also be aware of the melting and autoignition temperatures for these compounds and ensure any device used to heat oxidizers has an overtemperature safety switch to prevent the compounds from overheating.

Laboratory staff should be particularly careful when handling oxidizers (especially high surface area oxidizers such as finely divided powders) around organic materials.

Avoid using metal objects when stirring or removing oxidizers or organic peroxides from chemical containers. Plastic or ceramic implements should be used instead. Laboratory personnel should avoid friction, grinding, and impact with solid oxidizers and organic peroxides. Glass stoppers and screw cap lids should always be avoided and plastic/polyethylene lined bottles and caps should be used instead.

If you suspect your oxidizer or organic peroxide has been contaminated (evident by discoloration of the chemical, or if there is crystalline growth in the container or around the cap), then dispose of the chemical as hazardous waste or contact EHS at 607-255-8200. Indicate on the hazardous waste tag that the chemical is an oxidizer or organic peroxide and that you suspect contamination.

8.7 Peroxide Forming Compounds

Many commonly used chemicals; organic solvents in particular, can form shock, heat, or friction sensitive peroxides upon exposure to oxygen. Once peroxides have formed, an explosion can result during routine handling, such as twisting the cap off a bottle – if peroxides are formed in the threads of the cap. Explosions are more likely when concentrating, evaporating, or distilling these compounds if they contain peroxides.

When these compounds are improperly handled and stored, a serious fire and explosion hazard exists. The following guidelines should be adhered to when using peroxide forming chemicals:

1. Each peroxide forming chemical container MUST be dated when received and opened. A list of common peroxide forming chemicals can be found in the appendix. Those compounds in the appendix listed in Table A should be disposed of within 3 months of opening and those compounds in the appendix listed in Tables B, C, and D should be disposed of within 12 months of opening.
2. Each peroxide forming chemical container must be tested for peroxides when opened and at least every 6 months thereafter. The results of the peroxide test and the test date must be marked on the outside of the container. There are sample peroxide labels on the Signs and Labels webpage.
3. Peroxide test strips can be purchased from the Chemistry Department stockroom or from a variety of safety supply vendors, such as VWR and Laboratory Safety Supply. An alternative to peroxide test strips is the KI (potassium iodide) test. References such as Prudent Practices in the Laboratory and the American Chemical Society booklet Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories outline ways to test for peroxides and ways to remove them if discovered. When using the test strips, if the strip turns blue, then peroxides are present. Light blue test results may be acceptable for use if your procedure does not call for concentrating, evaporating or distilling. Containers with darker blue test results must be deactivated or disposed of. You can test older test strips for efficacy with a dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide.
4. Due to sunlight’s ability to promote formation of peroxides, all peroxidizable compounds should be stored away from heat and sunlight.
5. Peroxide forming chemicals should not be refrigerated at or below the temperature at which the peroxide forming compound freezes or precipitates as these forms of peroxides are especially sensitive to shock and heat. Refrigeration does not prevent peroxide formation.
6. As with any hazardous chemical, but particularly with peroxide forming chemicals, the amount of chemical purchased and stored should be kept to an absolute minimum. Only order the amount of chemical needed for the immediate experiment.
7. Ensure containers of peroxide forming chemicals are tightly sealed after each use and consider adding a blanket of an inert gas, such as Nitrogen, to the container to help slow peroxide formation.
8. A number of peroxide forming chemicals can be purchased with inhibitors added. Unless absolutely necessary for the research, labs should never purchase uninhibited peroxide formers.
9. Before distilling any peroxide forming chemicals, always test the chemical first with peroxide test strips to ensure there are no peroxides present. Never distill peroxide forming chemicals to dryness. Leave at least 10-20% still bottoms to help prevent possible explosions.

While no definitive amount of peroxide concentration is given in the literature, a concentration of 50 ppm should be considered dangerous and a concentration of >100 ppm should be disposed of immediately. In both cases, procedures should be followed for removing peroxides or the containers should be disposed of as hazardous waste.

For those compounds that must be handled by an outside environmental “bomb squad” company, the cost for such an operation can result in charges of >$1000 per container. However, if laboratory staff follow the guidelines listed above, the chances for requiring special handling for these types of containers or for an explosion to occur is greatly diminished.

The appendix contains a listing of common peroxide forming chemicals. Please note this list is not all-inclusive, there are numerous other chemicals that can form peroxides. Be sure to read chemical container labels, SDSs, and other chemical references.

8.8 Poisons

For the purpose of this manual the word “Poison” will be used interchangeably with the word “Toxic”. OSHA defines “Toxic” as a chemical falling within any of the following categories:

• A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 50 milligrams per kilogram, but not more than 500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
• A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 200 milligrams per kilogram, but not more than 1000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between two and three kilograms each.
• A chemical that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of more than 200 parts per million, but not more than 2000 parts per million by volume of gas or vapor, or more than two milligrams per liter but not more than 20 milligrams per liter of mist, fume, dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for one hour (or less if death occurs with in one hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.

OSHA draws a distinction between toxic chemicals and acutely toxic chemicals. For more information on acutely toxic chemicals, see Particularly Hazardous Substances. OSHA also provides definitions for other health hazards on their website. Under the DOT hazard class system, poisons are listed as hazard class 6.

When working with known poisons, it is very important to have thought an experiment through, addressing health and safety issues before working with the poison. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and other chemical references should be consulted before beginning the experiment. Some questions to ask before working with poisonous chemicals:

• Do I need to use the poisonous chemical or can a less toxic chemical be substituted?
• What are the routes of entry into the body for the poison (inhalation, ingestion, injection, or skin absorption)?
• What are the signs and symptoms of potential chemical exposure?
• What are the proper PPE required (type of glove, safety glasses vs. splash goggles, face shield, etc.)?
• Does the chemical require any special antidote?
• What are the emergency procedures to be followed?

When working with highly toxic chemicals, you should not work alone. Always wear proper PPE and always wash your hands with soap and water when finished, even if gloves were worn. Be aware that poisonous mixtures, vapors, and gases can be formed during an experiment. Be sure to research both the reactants and products of the chemicals you will be working with first. Additional information can be found in the Exposure Monitoring section and Routes of Chemical Entry section.

8.9 Corrosives

OSHA defines a corrosive as “a chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact.” Under the DOT hazard class system, corrosives are listed as hazard class 8.

Corrosive chemicals can be further subdivided as acids and bases. Corrosives can be in the liquid, solid, or gaseous state. Corrosive chemicals can have a severe effect on eyes, skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract if an exposure occurs. Corrosive solids and their dusts can react with moisture on the skin or in the respiratory tract and result in an exposure.

Whenever working with concentrated corrosive solutions, splash goggles should be worn instead of safety glasses. Splash goggles used in conjunction with a face shield provides better protection.

Corrosive chemicals should be handled in a fume hood to avoid breathing corrosive vapors and gases.

When mixing concentrated acids with water, always add acid slowly to the water (specifically, add the more concentrated acid to the dilute acid). Never add water to acid, this can result in a boiling effect and cause acid to splatter. Do not pour the acid directly into the water; it should be poured in a manner that allows it to run down the sides of the container. Never store corrosive chemicals above eye level and always use a protective bottle carrier when transporting corrosive chemicals.

Some chemicals can react with acids and liberate toxic and/or flammable vapors. When working with corrosive materials, ensure spill cleanup material is available for neutralization, such as Calcium carbonate for acids and Citric acid for bases.

Wherever acids and bases are used, an eyewash and emergency shower must be available. If any corrosive chemical gets splashed in the eyes, immediately go to an eyewash station and flush your eyes for at least 15 minutes. The importance of flushing for at least 15 minutes cannot be overstated! Once the eyewash has been activated, use your fingers to hold your eyelids open and roll your eyeballs in the stream of water so the entire eye can be flushed. After flushing for at least 15 minutes, seek medical attention immediately and complete an Injury/Illness Report.

For small splashes of corrosives to the skin, remove any contaminated gloves, lab coats, etc., and wash the affected area with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention afterward, especially if symptoms persist.For large splashes of corrosives to the body, it is important to get to an emergency shower and start flushing for at least 15 minutes. Once under the shower, and after the shower has been activated, it is equally important to remove any contaminated clothing. Failure to remove contaminated clothing can result in the chemical being held against the skin and causing further chemical exposure and damage. After flushing for a minimum of 15 minutes, seek medical attention immediately and complete an Injury/Illness Report.

• Hydrofluoric Acid Designated Area Sign (docx)
• Hydrofluoric Acid Prior Approval Form
• OSHA Definition of Health Hazard
• Prudent Practices in the Laboratory
• EHS Online Training Programs
• Hydrofluoric Acid Information from Honeywell
• Hydrofluoric Acid First Aid Sign (docx)

9.1 Establishment of a Designated Area

For work involving particularly hazardous substances, laboratories should establish a designated area where particularly hazardous substances can only be used. In some cases, a designated area could be an entire room out of a suite of rooms, or could mean one particular fume hood within a laboratory. The idea is to designate one area that everyone in the laboratory is aware of where the particularly hazardous substances can only be used.

In certain cases of establishing designated areas, Principal Investigators and laboratory supervisors may want to restrict use of a particularly hazardous substance to a fume hood, glove box or other containment device. This information should be included as part of the laboratory’s SOPs and covered during in-lab training.

Establishing a designated area not only provides better employee protection, but can help minimize the area where potential contamination of particularly hazardous substances could occur. If a designated area is established, a sign should be hung up (on a fume hood for example) indicating the area is designated for use with particularly hazardous substances. Most designated areas will have special PPE requirements and/or special waste and spill cleanup procedures as well. These and other special precautions should be included within the lab’s SOPs.

9.2 Safe Removal of Contaminated Materials and Waste

Some particularly hazardous substances may require special procedures for safe disposal of both waste and/or contaminated materials. When in doubt, contact EHS at askEHS@cornell.edu to determine proper disposal procedures. Once these disposal procedures have been identified, they should be included as part of the laboratory’s SOPs and everyone working in the lab should be trained on those procedures.

9.3 Decontamination Procedures

Some particularly hazardous substances may require special decontamination or deactivation procedures (such as Diaminobenzidine waste or Ethidium bromide) for safe handling. Review SDSs and other reference materials when working with particularly hazardous substances to identify is special decontamination procedures are required. If they are required, then this information should be included in the laboratory’s SOPs and appropriate training needs to be provided to laboratory personnel who work with these chemicals.

9.4 Guidelines for Working with Particularly Hazardous Substances

Laboratory staff should always practice good housekeeping, use engineering controls, wear proper PPE, develop and follow SOPs, and receive appropriate training when working with any chemicals. The following special guidelines should be adhered to when working with particularly hazardous substances:

• Substitute less hazardous chemicals if possible to avoid working with particularly hazardous substances and keep exposures to a minimum. 
• Always obtain prior approval from the Principal Investigator before ordering any particularly hazardous substances. 
• Plan your experiment out in advance, including layout of apparatus and chemical and waste containers that are necessary. 
• Before working with any particularly hazardous substance, review chemical resources for any special decontamination/deactivation procedures and ensure you have the appropriate spill cleanup materials and absorbent on hand. 
• Ensure that you have the appropriate PPE, particularly gloves (check glove selection charts or contact EHS at askEHS@cornell.edu. 
• Always use the minimum quantities of chemicals necessary for the experiment. If possible, try adding buffer directly to the original container and making dilutions directly. 
• If possible, purchase premade solutions to avoid handling powders. If you have to use powders, it is best to weigh them in a fume hood. If it is necessary to weigh outside of a fume hood (because some particles may be too light and would pose more of a hazard due to turbulent airflow) then wear a dust mask when weighing the chemical. It is advisable to surround the weighing area with wetted paper towels to facilitate cleanup. 
•  As a measure of coworker protection when weighing out dusty materials or powders, consider waiting until other coworkers have left the room to prevent possible exposure and thoroughly clean up and decontaminate working surfaces. 
• Whenever possible, use secondary containment, such as trays, to conduct your experiment in and for storage of particularly hazardous substances. 
• Particularly hazardous substances should be stored by themselves in clearly marked trays or containers indicating what the hazard is i.e. “Carcinogens,” Reproductive Toxins”, etc.
• Always practice good personal hygiene, especially frequent hand washing, even if wearing gloves. 
• If it is necessary to use a vacuum for cleaning particularly hazardous substances, only High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are recommended for best capture and protection. Be aware that after cleaning up chemical powders, the vacuum bag and its contents may have to be disposed of as hazardous waste. 
• Ensure information related to the experiment is included within any SOPs.

9.5 Prior Approval

The OSHA Laboratory Standard requires Chemical Hygiene Plans to include information on “the circumstances under which a particular laboratory operation, procedure or activity shall require prior approval”, including “provisions for additional employee protection for work with particularly hazardous substances” such as "select carcinogens," reproductive toxins, and substances which have a high degree of acute toxicity.

Prior approval ensures that laboratory workers have received the proper training on the hazards of particularly hazardous substances or with new equipment, and that safety considerations have been taken into account BEFORE a new experiment begins.

Principal Investigators or laboratory supervisors must identify operations or experiments that involve particularly hazardous substances (such as "select carcinogens," reproductive toxins, and substances which have a high degree of acute toxicity) and highly hazardous operations or equipment that require prior approval. They must establish the guidelines, procedures, and approval process that would be required. This information should be documented in the laboratory's or department's SOPs. Additionally, Principal Investigators and laboratory supervisors are strongly encouraged to have written documentation, such as “Prior Approval” forms that are completed and signed by the laboratory worker, and signed off by the Principal Investigator or laboratory supervisor and kept on file.

Examples where Principal Investigators or laboratory supervisors should consider requiring their laboratory workers to obtain prior approval include:

• Experiments that require the use of particularly hazardous substances such as "select carcinogens," reproductive toxins, and substances that have a high degree of acute toxicity, highly toxic gases, cryogenic materials and other highly hazardous chemicals or experiments involving radioactive materials, high powered lasers, etc. 
• Where a significant change is planned for the amount of chemicals to be used for a routine experiment such as an increase of 10% or greater in the quantity of chemicals normally used. 
• When a new piece of equipment is brought into the lab that requires special training in addition to the normal training provided to laboratory workers. 
• When a laboratory worker is planning on working alone on an experiment that involves highly hazardous chemicals or operations.

9.6 Campus Prior Approval

There are some circumstances where prior approval from a campus research related committee is required before beginning an operation or activity. These include:

• Research using live vertebrate animals:
  • contact the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at 607-253-3516. 
• Recombinant DNA use:
  • contact the Institutional Biosafety Committee at 607-255-5013. 
• Use of Radioactive Materials:
  • contact the EHS Radiation Safety Group at 607-255-8200. 
• Use of Human Subjects:
  • contact the University Committee on Human Subjects at 607-255-5138. 
• Purchases involving Poison Inhalation Hazards:
  • see the Cornell University Poison Inhalation Hazard Purchasing Policy – Requisitioning Procedure No. 228.

Additional information can be obtained from the Office of Research and Integrity Assurance webpage for Compliance with Government Regulations.

9.7 Select Carcinogens

A carcinogen is any substance or agent that is capable of causing cancer – the abnormal or uncontrolled growth of new cells in any part of the body in humans or animals. Most carcinogens are chronic toxins with long latency periods that can cause damage after repeated or long duration exposures and often do not have immediate apparent harmful effects.

The OSHA Lab Standard defines a “select carcinogen” as any substance which meets one of the following criteria:

1. It is regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen; or
2. It is listed under the category, "known to be carcinogens," in the Annual Report on Carcinogens published by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) (latest edition); or
3. It is listed under Group 1 ("carcinogenic to humans") by the International Agency for Research on Cancer Monographs (IARC) (latest editions); or
4. It is listed in either Group 2A or 2B by IARC or under the category, "reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens" by NTP, and causes statistically significant tumor incidence in experimental animals in accordance with any of the following criteria:
   1. (A) After inhalation exposure of 6-7 hours per day, 5 days per week, for a significant portion of a lifetime to dosages of less than 10 mg/m(3); 
   2. (B) After repeated skin application of less than 300 (mg/kg of body weight) per week; or 
   3. (C) After oral dosages of less than 50 mg/kg of body weight per day.

With regard to mixtures, OSHA requires that a mixture “shall be assumed to present a carcinogenic hazard if it contains a component in concentrations of 0.1% or greater, which is considered to be carcinogenic.” When working with carcinogens, laboratory staff should adhere to Guidelines for Working with Particularly Hazardous Substances.

Note that the potential for carcinogens to result in cancer can also be dependent on other “lifestyle” factors such as:

• Cigarette smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Consumption of high fat diet 
• Geographic location – industrial areas and UV light exposure 
• Therapeutic drugs 
• Inherited conditions

More information on carcinogens, including numerous useful web links such as a listing of OSHA regulated carcinogens, can be found on the OSHA Safety and Health Topics for Carcinogens webpage. The State of California has developed an extensive list of “Carcinogens Known to the State of California through Prop 65”. Please note, this list is being provided as supplemental information to the OSHA, NTP and IARC chemical lists and is not legally mandated by New York State.

9.8 Reproductive Toxins

A reproductive toxin is a substance or agent that can cause adverse effects on the reproductive system. The toxic effects may include alterations to the reproductive organs and/or to the endocrine system (which includes the thyroid and adrenal glands). These effects can occur in both men and women.

It is important to know what chemicals that are utilized in various processes. A number of reproductive toxins are chronic toxins that cause damage after repeated or long duration exposures and can have long latency periods. Women of childbearing potential and persons planning families should be especially careful when handling reproductive toxins. Pregnant women and persons intending to start families should seek the advice of their physician before working with known or suspected reproductive toxins.

EHS offers free and confidential consultation services for personnel with concerns associated with their workspace, procedures and PPE associated with working with the reproductive toxins and can be requested here or from the Reproductive Health webpage.

The following precautions should be taken when working with potentially toxic materials:

• Wear proper protective equipment including gloves, goggles and a lab coat that covers street clothes
• Gloves should be selected based on the properties of the chemicals in use
• Do not eat, drink, chew gum or apply cosmetics in the area toxic chemicals are being used
• Keep accurate records of amounts of these substances used
• Have a plan, proper equipment and materials ready to minimize exposure if an accident is to occur
• Procedure should be done with the minimum amount of material needed to complete the task
• All procedures should take place in a "controlled area" that is clearly labeled with a warning and restrictive access sign
• Whenever possible, fume hoods, glove boxes and isolation cabinets should be used, if these are not feasible, proper respiratory protection must be worn
• All work surfaces should be easily cleanable and covered in an impervious or disposable material
• Wash hands, arms and decontaminate work surface and equipment thoroughly when done with the procedure
• Protective apparel worn while working with toxic materials should not be worn outside the laboratory
• Ensure that containers of contaminated waste are transferred from controlled area in a secondary container to avoid further contamination
• Obtain SDS and procedure information for medical provider if they have any questions.

9.9 Acute Toxins

OSHA defines a chemical as being highly toxic if it falls within any of the following categories:

1. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 50 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each. 
2. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 200 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between two and three kilograms each. 
3. A chemical that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of 200 parts per million by volume or less of gas or vapor, or 2 milligrams per liter or less of mist, fume, or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for one hour (or less if death occurs within one hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.

Information on determining whether or not a chemical meets one of these definitions can be found in SDSs and other chemical references. 

As with any particularly hazardous substance, work involving the use of acute toxins should adhere to the Guidelines for Working with Particularly Hazardous Substances. In addition to following the Guidelines for Working with Particularly Hazardous Substances, additional guidelines for working with acute toxins include:

• Consider storing highly toxic materials in a locked storage cabinet.
• Be aware of any special antidotes that may be required in case of accidental exposure (Hydrofluoric acid and inorganic cyanides for example).
• Give particular attention to the selection of gloves and other personal protective equipment. 
• Do not work with highly toxic chemicals outside of a fume hood, glove box or ventilated enclosure.

More information on acute toxins, including numerous useful web links, can be found on the OSHA Safety and Health Topics for Hazardous and Toxic Substances webpage.

10.1 Hazardous Chemical Waste Container Requirements

Within your work area, the following practices must be followed for proper management of hazardous waste:

1. Determine if your unwanted materials pose a significant risk requiring management as hazardous waste. 
2. Determine if chemical deactivation or drain disposal is an option. 
3. Label containers of hazardous chemical wastes with the identity of the chemical(s) AND the words “Hazardous Waste” or label with a Cornell University Hazardous Waste label. 
4. Keep containers of hazardous chemical wastes closed at all times when they are not in use. 
5. Store hazardous waste containers within the room in which they are generated in.
6. Recommended practices that should be followed:
   • Always maintain a neat and orderly workplace. 
   • Use secondary containment bins or trays to store your chemical waste containers in. 
   • Store your waste containers in a designated place. 

10.2 Hazardous Waste Pickup Procedures

There are a variety of hazardous wastes that contain mixed Regulated Medical Waste and chemical Hazardous Waste. Follow these procedures to prepare laboratory generated wastes.
Waste Determination Flow Chart
Laboratory Waste Disposal Guide

Hazardous Waste Disposal Procedures are found in the Hazardous Waste Manual: https://ehs.cornell.edu/manuals/hazardous-waste-manual/chapter-8-hazardous-waste-disposal-procedures

Boxes are available from:

• Bard, Kimball, Thurston waste generators: Contact the Building Coordinator at 607-255-3579. Boxes are stored in room B60A, Bard Hall.

• Biotech/Weill Hall waste generators: Boxes are located in the gas cylinder storage room in the basement between the buildings. Contact the Biotech Building Coordinator at 607-254-4583.
• Clark Hall waste generators: Contact the Building Coordinator, phone 607-255-3524. Boxes are kept in stock room on ground floor.
• Comstock Hall waste generators: Contact the Building Coordinator.
• Corson-Mudd Hall waste generators: Contact the Building Coordinator, phone 607-254-4395.
• Emerson-Bradfield Hall waste generators: Boxes can be obtained from the mail room in G03, Bradfield Hall.
• J.A. Baker waste generators: Boxes are stored in room B18, basement near the elevator.
• Martha Van Rensselaer waste generators: Boxes are stored at the loading dock in the sub-basement.
• Olin Hall: Contact the Building Coordinator, phone 607-255-3540.
• Plant Science waste generators: Contact the Building Coordinator, phone 607-255-7826. Boxes are stored at loading dock.
• Vet College Complex waste generators, including Schurman Hall, Vet Research Tower and Vet Medical Center. Boxes can be obtained from the 1st floor Custodial Supply area - please see staff in the mail room (Vet Medical Center) for access to the storage facility.

The following types of materials have different requirements for disposal:

• Biohazardous materials

• Construction debris (such as asbestos and lead) 
• CRTs (computer monitors and televisions)
• Radioactive materials 
• Scrap electronics (circuit boards) 
• Used oils 
• Universal Waste (Fluorescent bulbs, batteries)

If you need further information, refer to the Hazardous Waste Manual, or call EHS at 607-255-8200, or send an e-mail to askEHS@cornell.edu.

11.1 Regulated Hazardous Materials

The following materials are regulated as hazardous materials for transportation:

• Alcohol solutions
• Compressed gases
• Corrosives
• Dry Ice (air shipments only)
• Explosives
• Flammable liquids and solids
• Formaldehyde - solutions between 0.1% and 25% (air shipments only)
• Infectious substances (animals and humans only)
• Oxidizers
• Poisons
• Radioactive materials  

Other Resources:

• U.S. Department of Transportation Rules
• EHS Hazardous Materials Shipping Compliance Program
• International Air Transport Association (IATA)

11.2 Hazardous Materials Transportation Requirements

The following must be adhered to for all shipments involving hazardous materials:

• All shipments of hazardous materials from the University must be prepared by a trained and Cornell University certified individuals. Anyone who classifies, packages, marks, or labels hazardous materials for shipment must be a trained and Cornell University certified individual.
• Transport of hazardous materials by Cornell University members for University business requires the preparer and the driver to be trained and Cornell University certified. 
• Shipments of hazardous materials received by Cornell University do not require a trained and Cornell University certified individual unless they help unload the truck.  

For any other questions, please email the Hazardous Materials Shipping Program Coordinator at askEHS@cornell.edu or call 607-255-8200.

12.1 Pesticide Certification

Cornell University requires that all individuals handling pesticides as a part of university programs must be NYS certified pesticide applicators. For more information on this requirement, see the Cornell University Health and Safety Policy 8.6.

14.1 Where Ionizing Radiation is Used

Small amounts of radioactive material are used and stored in hundreds of laboratory rooms around the campus. Some of the material is contained in small sealed capsules. Examples of these “sealed sources” include test sources for radiation detectors and ionization detectors in gas chromatographs. Most often radioactive material is found in small vials of radioactively labeled chemicals in solution. These labeled chemicals are widely used in research and in veterinary medicine. With very few exceptions, only very small amounts of radioactive material are used and levels of radiation exposure are quite low.

Ionizing radiation can also be produced by certain electrical equipment, including X-ray machines and particle accelerators. There are approximately one hundred pieces of radiation producing equipment on the campus. Radiation levels produced by this equipment are also very low because of shielding.

You can tell if a room contains a source of ionizing radiation because each entrance is plainly marked by warning labels. Within the room, additional labels and warning tape will be found on each piece of radiation producing equipment and on all areas used to work with or store radioactive material.

14.2 Potential Hazards

Like any form of energy, ionizing radiation can be harmful if a person is exposed to an excessive amount. Exposure to ionizing radiation causes chemical damage to body tissues and can be harmful. Just as with exposure to any toxic chemical, the human body can tolerate exposure to ionizing radiation up to a point without producing any immediate injury. However, just as with toxic chemicals, high levels of exposure can cause serious injuries including skin burns, hair loss, internal bleeding, anemia and immune system suppression. In addition, exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation has been proven to cause an increased lifetime risk of cancer.

14.3 Control of Ionizing Radiation

All use of material or equipment that produces ionizing radiation requires prior approval by the Cornell University Radiation Safety Committee. This group of faculty members set policies and personally reviews each operation to ensure safety and compliance with state and federal regulations. The University Radiation Safety Officer and the Radiation Safety Group within EHS provide training and other services to help individuals work safely. In addition, they perform routine inspections of all use areas and require correction of all violations of radiation safety requirements. Detailed information on the university radiation safety program is available in the Cornell University Radiation Safety Manual.

The performance of the Cornell Radiation Safety Program is reviewed continuously. The Radiation Safety Committee meets 4 times each year to keep policies up-to-date, resolve problems and compliance issues and to monitor the level of radiation exposure to individuals on campus. Historically, less than 1% of the individuals using ionizing radiation at Cornell receive more than 1% of the annual allowable dose limit. The Committee also audits EHS programs and services. In addition, the New York State Department of Health performs an on campus assessment of our program every two years.

The information presented here is only a brief overview of how sources of ionizing radiation are used at Cornell University. While Cornell has demonstrated that it has a solid and consistent safety program, it is important not to take safety for granted. If you have questions or concerns about the use of ionizing radiation where you work, you are entitled to answers and information. The Principal Investigator, area supervisor or any authorized user is willing and able to help you and you should feel free to speak with them. They understand that many individuals have never had formal training about radiation safety. If you need additional assistance or have any other questions, please contact EHS at 607-255-8200 or askEHS@cornell.edu.

14.4 Radioactive Waste Disposal

Radioactive material cannot be disposed of in the regular trash. Please see the Radioactive Waste page for procedures to prepare radioactive waste for collection by EHS. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact askEHS.

16.1 Electrical Safety

Electricity travels in closed circuits, and its normal route is through a conductor. Shock occurs when the body becomes a part of the electric circuit. Electric shock can cause direct injuries such as electrical burns, arc burns, and thermal contact burns. It can also cause injuries of an indirect or secondary nature in which involuntary muscle reaction from the electric shock can cause bruises, bone fractures, and even death resulting from collisions or falls. Shock normally occurs in one of three ways.

The person must be in contact with ground and must contact with:

• Both wires of the electric circuit, or
• One wire of the energized circuit and the ground, or
• A metallic part that has become energized by being in contact with an energized wire.

The severity of the shock received when a person becomes a part of an electric circuit is affected by three primary factors:

• The amount of current flowing through the body (measured in amperes). 
• The path of the current through the body. 
• The length of time the body is in the circuit.

Other factors that may affect the severity of shock are the frequency of the current, the phase of the heart cycle when shock occurs, and the general health of the person prior to shock. The effects of an electrical shock can range from a barely perceptible tingle to immediate cardiac arrest. Although there are no absolute limits or even known values that show the exact injury from any given amperage, the table above shows the general relationship between the degree of injury and the amount of amperage for a 60-cycle hand-to-foot path of one second's duration of shock.

As this table illustrates, a difference of less than 100 milliamperes exists between a current that is barely perceptible and one that can kill. Muscular contraction caused by stimulation may not allow the victim to free himself/herself from the circuit, and the increased duration of exposure increases the dangers to the shock victim. For example, a current of 100 milliamperes for 3 seconds is equivalent to a current of 900 milliamperes applied for 0.03 seconds in causing fibrillation. The so-called low voltages can be extremely dangerous because, all other factors being equal, the degree of injury is proportional to the length of time the body is in the circuit. Simply put, low voltage does not mean low hazard.

In the event of an accident involving electricity, if the individual is down or unconscious, or not breathing: CALL Cornell University Police at 911 (607-255-1111 from a cell phone or off campus phone) immediately. If an individual must be physically removed from an electrical source, it is always best to eliminate the power source first (i.e.: switch off the circuit breaker) but time, or circumstance may not allow this option - be sure to use a nonconductive item such as a dry board. Failure to think and react properly could make you an additional victim. If the individual is not breathing and you have been trained in CPR, have someone call Cornell University Police and begin CPR IMMEDIATELY!

16.2 Machine Guarding

Common machine hazards occurring around moving parts include:

Pinch Points

Where two parts move together and at least one of the parts moves in a circle; also called mesh points, run-on points, and entry points. Examples include: Belt drives, chain drives, gear drives, and feed rolls.When shields cannot be provided, operators must avoid contact with hands or clothing in pinch point areas. Never attempt to service or unclog a machine while it is operating or the engine is running. 

Wrap Points

Any exposed component that rotates.Examples include: Rotating shafts such as a PTO shaft or shafts that protrude beyond bearings or sprockets. Watch components on rotating shafts, such as couplers, universal joints, keys, keyways, pins, or other fastening devices. Splined, square, and hexagon-shaped shafts are usually more dangerous than round shafts because the edges tend to grab fingers or clothing more easily than a round shaft, but round shafts may not be smooth and can also grab quickly. Once a finger, thread, article of clothing, or hair is caught it begins to wrap; pulling only causes the wrap to become tighter. 

Shear Points

Where the edges of two moving parts move across one another or where a single sharp part moves with enough speed or force to cut soft material.  Remember that crop cutting devices cannot be totally guarded to keep hands and feet out and still perform their intended function.  Recognize the potential hazards of cutting and shear points on implements and equipment that are not designed to cut or shear.  Guarding may not be feasible for these hazards.

Crush Points

Points that occur between two objects moving toward each other or one object moving toward a stationary object. Never stand between two objects moving toward one another. Use adequate blocking or lock-out devices when working under equipment. 

Pull-In Points

Points where objects are pulled into equipment, usually for some type of processing. Machines are faster and stronger than people. Never attempt to hand-feed materials into moving feed rollers. Always stop the equipment before attempting to remove an item that has plugged a roller or that has become wrapped around a rotating shaft. Remember that guards cannot be provided for all situations - equipment must be able to function in the capacity for which it is designed. Freewheeling parts, rotating or moving parts that continue to move after the power is shut off are particularly dangerous because time delays are necessary before service can begin. Allow sufficient time for freewheeling parts to stop moving. Stay alert! Listen and Watch for Motion! 

Thrown Objects

Any object that can become airborne because of moving parts. Keep shields in place to reduce the potential for thrown objects. Wear protective gear such as goggles to reduce the risk of personal injury if you cannot prevent particles from being thrown. All guards, shields or access doors must be in place when equipment is operating. Electrically powered equipment must have a lock-out control on the switch or an electrical switch, mechanical clutch or other positive shut-off device mounted directly on the equipment. Circuit interruption devices on an electric motor, such as circuit breakers or overload protection, must require manual reset to restart the motor.

16.3 Lighting

Having a properly lighted work area is essential to working safely. A couple of key points to remember about proper lighting:

• Lighting should be adequate for safe illumination of all work areas (100-200 lumens for laboratories). For more information, see the CU Design and Construction Standard 26500 – Interior Lighting. 
• Light bulbs that are mounted low and susceptible to contact should be guarded. 
• If the risk of electrocution exists when changing light bulbs, practice lock-out tag-out. 
• For proper disposal of "universal waste" fluorescent bulbs, see light bulb recycling. 
• As an energy conservation measure, please remember to turn off your lights when you leave your lab.

16.4 Compressed Gases

Compressed gases are commonly used in laboratories.

• Gas cylinders may contain gases that are flammable, highly toxic, toxic, corrosive, asphyxiant, or oxidizing. 
  • A risk assessment, such as a POSHER (docx) review, may determine that a gas cabinet, leak detection, and an emergency shut off button in the hallway may be required.
• Unsecured cylinders can be tipped over, causing serious injury and damage. Impact can shear the valve from an uncapped cylinder, causing a catastrophic release of pressure leading to personal injury and extensive damage. 
• Mechanical failure of the cylinder, cylinder valve, or regulator can result in rapid diffusion of the pressurized contents of the cylinder into the atmosphere; leading to explosion, fire, runaway reactions, or burst reaction vessels.
• A minimum 1 cubic foot/minute/square foot (cfm/ft2) of room ventilation is required for the storage and use of compressed gases due to the hazards listed in this chapter.
• In accordance with NFPA 704, gases or liquids having a hazard ranking of Health Class 3 or 4, Flammability Class 4, or Instability Class 3 or 4 that are carried in pressurized piping above 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) (103 kPa), an approved means of leak detection and emergency shutoff or excess flow control shall be provided.

• Backflow prevention or check valves shall be provided where the backflow of the hazardous gas could create a hazardous condition or cause the unauthorized discharge of hazardous materials. 

• Piping, tubing, valves, fittings and related components shall be designed and fabricated from materials that are compatible with the material to be contained and shall be of adequate strength and durability to withstand the pressure, structural and seismic stress and exposure to which they are subject.

• Use a restrictive flow orifice (RFO) or needle valve to restrict flow to only that needed for the experiment. Consider using a dilution of the gas that is suitable for the research, but falls outside of the code requirements.

• Manual valves or automatic remotely activated fail-safe emergency shutoff valves shall be installed on supply piping and tubing and provided with ready access at the following locations:
  • The point of use.
  • The tank, cylinder or bulk source.

• Manual emergency shutoff valves and controls for remotely activated emergency shutoff valves shall be identified and the location shall have access clearly visible and indicated by means of a sign.

• Template (docx) for writing a Standard Operating Procedure- Use this template for developing protocols a specific hazardous gas system.

16.5 Battery Charging

Lead acid batteries contain corrosive liquids and also generate Hydrogen gas during charging which poses an explosion hazard. The following guidelines should be followed for battery charging areas:

• A “No smoking” sign should be posted. 
• Before working, remove all jewelry from hands and arms and any dangling jewelry to prevent accidental contact with battery connections (this can cause sparks which can ignite vapors). 
• Always wear appropriate PPE such as rubber or synthetic aprons, splash goggles (ideally in combination with a face shield), and thick Neoprene, Viton, or Butyl gloves. 
• A plumbed emergency eyewash station must be readily available near the station (please note, hand held eyewash bottles do not meet this criteria.) 
• A class B rated fire extinguisher needs to be readily available. If none is available, contact EHS at 607-255-8200. 
• Ensure there is adequate ventilation available to prevent the buildup of potentially flammable and explosive gases. 
• Keep all ignition sources away from the area. 
• Stand clear of batteries while charging. 
• Keep vent caps tight and level. 
• Only use the appropriate equipment for charging. 
• Store unused batteries in secondary containment to prevent spills. 
• Have an acid spill kit available. The waste from a spill may contain lead and neutralized wastes may be toxic. Contact EHS at 607-255-8200 for hazardous waste disposal. 
• Properly dispose of your used batteries.

16.6 Heat and Heating Devices

Heat hazards within laboratories can occur from a number of sources; however, there are some simple guidelines that can be followed to prevent heat related injuries. These guidelines include:

• Heating devices should be set up on a sturdy fixture and away from any ignitable materials (such as flammable solvents, paper products and other combustibles). Do not leave open flames (from Bunsen burners) unattended. 
• Heating devices should not be installed near drench showers or other water spraying apparatus due to electrical shock concerns and potential splattering of hot water. 
• Heating devices should have a backup power cutoff or temperature controllers to prevent overheating. If a backup controller is used, an alarm should notify the user that the main controller has failed. 
• Provisions should be included in processes to make sure reaction temperatures do not cause violent reactions and a means to cool the dangerous reactions should be available. 
• Post signs to warn people of the heat hazard to prevent burns.

When using ovens, the follow additional guidelines should be followed:

• Heat generated should be adequately removed from the area. 
• If toxic, flammable, or otherwise hazardous chemicals are evolved from the oven, then only use ovens with a single pass through design where air is ventilated out of the lab and the exhausted air is not allowed to come into contact with electrical components or heating elements. 
• Heating flammables should only be done with a heating mantle or steam bath.

When using heating baths, these additional guidelines should be followed:

• Heating baths should be durable and set up with firm support. 
• Since combustible liquids are often used in heat baths, the thermostat should be set so the temperature never rises above the flash point of the liquid. Check the SDS for the chemical to determine the flashpoint. Compare that flashpoint with the expected temperature of the reaction to gauge risk of starting a fire.

16.7 Cold Traps

Cold traps:

• Because many chemicals captured in cold traps are hazardous, care should be taken and appropriate protective equipment should be worn when handling these chemicals. Hazards include flammability, toxicity, and cryogenic temperatures, which can burn the skin. 
• If liquid nitrogen is used, the chamber should be evacuated before charging the system with coolant. Since oxygen in air has a higher boiling point than nitrogen, liquid oxygen can be produced and cause an explosion hazard. 
• Boiling and splashing generally occur when charging (cooling) a warm container, so stand clear and wear appropriate protective equipment. Items should be added slowly and in small amounts to minimize splash. 
• A blue tint to liquid nitrogen indicates contamination with oxygen and represents an explosion hazard. Contaminated liquid nitrogen should be disposed of appropriately. 
• If working under vacuum see the “reduced pressure” section. 
• See “cryogenics” for safety advice when working with cryogenic materials.

16.8 Autoclaves

Autoclaves have the following potential hazards:

• Heat, steam, and pressure. 
• Thermal burns from steam and hot liquids. 
• Cuts from exploding glass.

Some general safety guidelines to follow when using autoclaves:

• All users should be given training in proper operating procedures for using the autoclave. 
• Read the owner’s manual before using the autoclave for the first time. 
• Operating instructions should be posted near the autoclave. 
• Follow the manufacturer’s directions for loading the autoclave. 
• Be sure to close and latch the autoclave door. 
• Some kinds of bottles containing liquids can crack in the autoclave, or when they are removed from the autoclave. Use a tray to provide secondary containment in case of a spill, and add a little water to the tray to ensure even heating. 
• Only fill bottles half way to allow for liquid expansion and loosen screw caps on bottles and tubes of liquid before autoclaving, to prevent them from shattering. 
• Do not overload the autoclave compartment and allow for enough space between items for the steam to circulate. 
• Be aware that liquids, especially in large quantities, can be superheated when the autoclave is opened. Jarring them may cause sudden boiling, and result in burns. 
• At the end of the run, open the autoclave slowly: first open the door only a crack to let any steam escape slowly for several minutes, and then open all the way. Opening the door suddenly can scald a bare hand, arm, or face. 
• Wait at least five minutes after opening the door before removing items. 
• Large flasks or bottles of liquid removed immediately from the autoclave can cause serious burns by scalding if they break in your hands. Immediately transfer hot items with liquid to a cart; never carry in your hands. 
• Wear appropriate PPE, including eye protection and insulating heat-resistant gloves.

16.9 Centrifuges

Some general safety guidelines to follow when using centrifuges:

• Be familiar with the operating procedures written by the manufacturer. Keep the operating manual near the unit for easy reference. If necessary contact the manufacturer to replace lost manuals. 
• Handle, load, clean, and inspect rotors as recommended by the manufacturer. 
• Pay careful attention to instructions on balancing samples -- tolerances for balancing are often very restricted. Check the condition of tubes and bottles. Make sure you have secured the lid to the rotor and the rotor to the centrifuge. 
• Maintain a logbook of rotor use for each rotor, recording the speed and length of time for each use. 
• To avoid catastrophic rotor failure, many types of rotors must be "de-rated" (limited to a maximum rotation speed that is less than the maximum rotation speed specified for the rotor when it is new) after a specified amount of use, and eventually taken out of service and discarded. 
• Use only the types of rotors that are specifically approved for use in a given centrifuge unit. 
• Maintain the centrifuge in good condition. Broken door latches and other problems should be repaired before using the centrifuge. 
• Whenever centrifuging biohazardous materials, always load and unload the centrifuge rotor in a Biosafety cabinet.

16.10 Cryogenic Material Safety

According to the Compressed Gas Association, a cryogenic fluid is a material that has a boiling point of less than -130°F (-90°C).  Examples of cryogenic materials include the liquids nitrogen, argon, and helium, and solid carbon dioxide (dry ice).  Hazards associated with cryogenic fluids include:

Extreme Low Temperature - These liquids and their boiled off vapors are extremely cold and can cause severe cold contact burns.  They also make many materials brittle, such as the epoxy or phenolic resin that laboratory benchtops and sinks are made of.

Asphyxiation - When liquid and solid cryogenic materials vaporize they greatly expand, some by a factor of ~700:1. This displaces oxygen and creates an oxygen depletion hazard. This is especially dangerous when confined in poorly ventilated space like an elevator.

Oxygen makes up 20.9% of the air we breathe. The environment is considered to be oxygen deficient below 19.5%. Two breaths of air with no oxygen can be enough to render a person unconscious.

Typical background levels of carbon dioxide are about 400 ppm. Vaporization of even small quantities of Dry Ice in an unventilated area can exceed the permissible exposure limit of 5000 ppm.

Exposure to oxygen-deficient atmospheres produce dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and death.  Such symptoms may occur in seconds without warning.

Death may result from errors in judgment, confusion, or loss of consciousness that prevents self-rescue. Working with cryogenic substances in confined spaces, such as walk-in coolers, can be especially hazardous. Where cryogenic materials are used, a hazard assessment is required to determine the potential for an oxygen-deficient condition.  Controls such as ventilation and/or gas detection systems may be required to safeguard employees.  Asphyxiation and chemical toxicity are hazards encountered when entering an area that has been used to store cryogenic liquids if proper ventilation/purging techniques are not employed.

Toxicity - Many of the commonly used cryogenic gases are considered to be of low toxicity, but still pose a hazard from asphyxiation.  Check the properties of the gases you are using because some gases are toxic, for example, Carbon monoxide, Fluorine, and Nitrous oxide.

Flammability and Explosion - Fire or explosion may result from the evaporation and vapor buildup of flammable gases such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or methane.  Liquid oxygen, while not itself a flammable gas, can combine with combustible materials and greatly accelerate combustion.

Oxygen clings to clothing and cloth items, and presents an acute fire hazard.

High Pressure - In cryogenic systems, high pressures are obtained by gas compression during refrigeration.  Warm temperatures surrounding containers cause a constant expansion of the liquid as it turns back into gas.  Sudden release through a rupture or break in a line may be violent.  Over- pressurization of cryogenic equipment can occur due to improper venting and expansion during the phase change from liquid to gas.  All cryogenic fluids produce large volumes of gas when they vaporize.

Materials and Construction Hazards - The selection of materials calls for consideration of the effects of low temperatures on the properties of those materials.  Some materials become brittle at super low temperatures. Brittle materials fracture easily and can result in almost instantaneous material failure.

Low temperature equipment can also fail due to thermal stresses caused by differential thermal contraction of the materials.  Over-pressurization of cryogenic equipment can occur due to the phase change from liquid to gas if not vented properly. 

16.11 Extractions and Distillations

Extractions

• Do not attempt to extract a solution until it is cooler than the boiling point of the extractant due to the risk of overpressurization, which could cause the vessel to burst. 
• When a volatile solvent is used, the solution should be swirled and vented repeatedly to reduce pressure before separation. 
• When opening the stopcock, your hand should keep the plug firmly in place. 
• The stopcock should be lubricated. 
• Vent funnels away from ignition sources and people, preferably into a hood. 
• Keep volumes small to reduce the risk of overpressure and if large volumes are needed, break them up into smaller batches.

Distillations

• Avoid bumping (sudden boiling) since the force can break apart the apparatus and result in splashes. Bumping can be avoided by even heating, such as using a heat mantle. Also, stirring can prevent bumping. Boiling stones can be used only if the process is at atmospheric pressure.
• Do not add solid items such as boiling stones to liquid that is near boiling since it may result in the liquid boiling over spontaneously. 
• Organic compounds should never be allowed to boil to dryness unless they are known to be free of peroxides, which can result in an explosion hazard.

Reduced pressure distillation

• Do not overheat the liquid. Superheating can result in decomposition and uncontrolled reactions.
• Superheating and bumping often occur at reduced pressures so it is especially important to abide by the previous point on bumping and to ensure even, controlled heating. Inserting a nitrogen bleed tube may help alleviate this issue. 
• Evacuate the assembly gradually to minimize bumping. 
• Allow the system to cool and then slowly bleed in air. Air can cause an explosion in a hot system (pure nitrogen is preferable to air for cooling). 
• See “reduced pressure” for vacuum conditions.

16.12 Glass Under Vacuum

Reduced pressure

Some general guidelines for glass under vacuum include:

• Inspect glassware that will be used for reduced pressure to make sure there are no defects such as chips or cracks that may compromise its integrity. 
• Only glassware that is approved for low pressure should be used. Never use a flat bottom flask (unless it is a heavy walled filter flask) or other thin walled flask that are not appropriate to handle low pressure. 
• Use a shield between the user and any glass under vacuum or wrap the glass with tape to contain any glass in the event of an implosion.

Vacuum pumps

• Cold traps should be used to prevent pump oil from being contaminated which can create a hazardous waste. 
• Pump exhaust should be vented into a hood when possible. 
• Ensure all belts and other moving parts are properly guarded. 
• Whenever working on or servicing vacuum pumps, be sure to follow appropriate lock-out procedures.

16.13 Glassware Washing

In most cases laboratory glassware can be cleaned effectively by using detergents and water. In some cases it may be necessary to use strong chemicals for cleaning glassware. Strong acids should be avoided unless necessary. In particular, Chromic acid should not be used due to its toxicity and disposal concerns. One product that may be substituted for Chromic acid is “Nochromix Reagent”. The Fisher catalog describes this material as: “Nochromix Reagent. Inorganic oxidizer chemically cleans glassware. Contains no metal ions. Rinses freely—leaving no metal residue, making this product valuable for trace analysis, enzymology, and tissue culture work. (Mix with sulfuric acid).” Unused Nochromix Reagent can be neutralized to a pH between 5.5 and 9.5 and drain disposed. Acid/base baths should have appropriate labeling and secondary containment. Additionally a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and spill materials should be available. Proper disposal for spent acid/base bath contents is neutralization and drain disposal.

When handling glassware, check for cracks and chips before washing, autoclaving or using it. Dispose of chipped and broken glassware immediately in an approved collection unit. DO NOT put broken glassware in the regular trash. Handle glassware with care – avoid impacts, scratches or intense heating of glassware. Make sure you use the appropriate labware for the procedures and chemicals.

Use care when inserting glass tubing into stoppers:

• Use glass tubing that has been fire-polished
• Lubricate the glass
• Protect your hands with heavy gloves

If your department/building has a glass washing service there are certain protocols that must be followed before sending the glassware to be washed. It is the responsibility of the lab to empty and rinse all glassware before it leaves the lab. Although the contents may not be hazardous, the washroom support staff cannot be certain of the appropriate PPE to wear, disposal regulations or possible incompatibilities with items received from other researchers. Be aware that labeling for lab personnel is not sufficient for areas outside the lab as per the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. It is the responsibility of the glassware washing staff to reject or return glassware that is not acceptable due to breakage or containing chemicals. For this reason, glassware should be labeled with the name of the person who is responsible for it.

16.14 General Equipment Set Up

The following recommended laboratory techniques for general equipment set up was taken from the American Chemical Society’s booklet – Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories.

16.15 Ergonomics

Many lab tasks such as looking through microscopes, working in exhaust hoods, pipetting, and continuously looking down for bench tasks require both significant repetitive movements and sustained awkward posturing. Often there is no leg room when sitting at counters or hoods, which causes more leaning and reaching. Although the essential job tasks probably cannot change, you can develop important personal strategies that can improve comfort and health. There may also be equipment changes you can make.

The section below outlines some steps you can take to reduce your risk for injury from this demanding work. Links to product ideas and additional related information are provided. Product links do not imply endorsement. Consider a free ergonomic evaluation of your specific environment (Cornell Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Program)—additional information below) before purchasing equipment.

Seating

• Take the time to adjust the seat depth and chair back height and tilt in order to maximize individual back support. Consider a slightly reclined position to promote better support. 
• Try using chairs “backward”, supporting the torso when leaning forward to do bench/hood/microscope work, as a means for changing positions throughout the day. 
• Make sure the feet reach the floor, foot ring or separate footrest comfortably. The stabilization of both feet makes it easier to sit back in a supported manner. Some lab chairs have adjustable foot rings—consider this feature when buying new chairs. For lower surfaces use office-style footrests. NeXtep are adjustable rests that attach to the cylinder of lab stools. Another style of freestanding rest with extended height adjustment is by Safco or similar. 
• Seat height—be sure lab chairs have adequate height adjustment. Extended cylinder heights (32 inch) may provide additional adjustment that will help employees comfortably reach/perform work at counter height. 
• Pull your torso close to the work surface and then sit back. This technique will help avoid ‘perching’ on the edge of the chair. 
• Select benches where there is leg room under the surface.

Extended Standing

Standing all day for bench work, particularly on concrete/tile flooring, is difficult. The body requires time to recover from these demands, even within a given shift.Recommendations to minimize risks from extended standing include:

• Microbreaks--allow time (as little as 30 seconds - 1 minute every 20 minute) and a chair/stool so spinal structures and joints can recover from extended standing.
• Consider anti-fatigue matting in areas where practical.
• Proper footwear is important and using a foam/gel insole can also reduce fatigue. Remember, they need to be replaced before they appear worn out.
• Provide a footrest so you can elevate one foot, then the other. This will reduce static fatigue. If safe/appropriate, try opening cabinets to create a footrest.

Microscope Station

• Be cognizant of neutral postures while working. Adjust the chair or microscope as needed to maintain an upright head position. Elevate, tilt or move the microscope closer to the edge of the counter to avoid bending your neck.
• Avoid leaning on the hard edges on the table - consider padding the front lip of microscope table (AliEdge or similar) or using forearm pads. A simple, versatile solution is a variety of foam pads, like Wedge-Ease.  Be sure these supports do not cause awkward wrist postures when focusing/adjusting the stage. 
• Keep scopes repaired and clean. 
• Spread microscope work throughout the day and between several people, if possible. 
• Observe seating adjustment and support techniques.

Additional resources can be found at Nikon Microscopy U and UC Berkeley.

Pipetting

Below are some general guidelines to reduce the physical impact of pipetting.

• Sit or stand close to your work at bench. If safe/appropriate, try opening cabinets to create legroom.
• Work at appropriate heights to minimize twisting of the neck and torso. Elevate your chair rather than reaching up to pipette. 
• Alternate or use both hands to pipette. 
• Select a lightweight pipette sized for your hand. Hold the pipette with a relaxed grip and use minimal pressure while pipetting. 
• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods. Alternating between sitting and standing provides relief and recovery time for fatigued body structures.  Additional resources can be found at UCLA, UC Berkeley

Hood Work

• Observe seating recommendations to promote supported postures.
• Position work supplies as close as possible in order to avoid awkward leaning/reaching while working. Consider turntables to rotate materials closer to the user. Be sure that only essential materials are in the hood to avoid unnecessary reaching around clutter. 
• Consider lower-profile sample holders, solution container, waste receptacles to prevent awkward bending of wrist, neck and shoulders. Reduced repetitive movement also means increased efficiency.

Additional resources can be found at UCLA.

Other Tips

• Gloves — Wear slightly snug gloves to reduce forces on hands and improve accuracy during fine manipulation. Wearing loose gloves during pipetting and other tasks makes manipulating small materials more forceful and difficult. 
• Rotate tasks throughout the work day and among several people, whenever possible. Take frequent small rest breaks (1-2 minute in duration) every 20 minutes. Every 45-60 minutes, get up to stretch and move. 
• Take vision breaks during intensive computer and fine visual work. Every 20 minutes, close the eyes or focus on something in the distance.

Cornell Resources

Cornell Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Program (MIPP). The MIPP provides ergonomics assessment, training and planning services to the Cornell Community. All Cornell employees are eligible for services with the approval of their supervisor or Human Resources representative. Benefit Services demonstrates its commitment to employee health by offering the MIPP at no charge to Cornell employees and departments. Remember, you do not have to be uncomfortable or injured to benefit from MIPP services. Ergonomics is most effective when services are utilized for prevention. For more information, contact the Lead Ergonomics Consultant at Cornell Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Program.

Early treatment of discomfort/injury and the continuous development a healthier lifestyle are critical to remaining healthy and productive at work. Take advantage these valuable resources: Cornell Physical Therapy and Cornell Wellness.

Phenol SOP

1. Background

Phenol is a common chemical used for activities such as tissue preservation and DNA/RNA extraction. Phenol can be a component in a commercial reagent (e.g. QIAzol, TRIzol) or prepared as part of a mixture in the laboratory (e.g. chloroform: phenol). It is both a corrosive and toxic. Phenol has an anesthetic effect and can cause severe burns that may not be immediately painful or visible. It can cause permanent eye injury and blindness. The NIOSH Recommended Exposure Level for Phenol is 5 ppm.

2. SPECIFIC HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS (this section is not a substitution for the review of the Safety Data Sheet - SDS)

3. Training

Training required/provided:

• EHS 2555 Laboratory Safety training
• EHS 2716 Chemical Waste Disposal Training
• EHS 2394 Cleaning Up Small Lab Spills
• Lab Specific – including SDS and SOP review with proficiency on procedure (include where this will be documented in the lab this can be a sign-off attached to the SOP)

4. Ordering OF Phenol and First Aid materials

Company, Catalogue number.

5.  Storage and Use

Location

• of reagent in the lab.
• of First Aid Kit
• of Spill Kit

Must be used in a fume hood.

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

See attached EHS Guidance Document: “Phenol First Aid and PPE”

7. Preparation of Solutions and Working Protocols

Research protocol specifics:

8. Transport

Describe how the samples will be transported to other buildings/rooms.

9. Waste Handling and Disposal

Phenol must be disposed of as hazardous waste – corrosive, toxic

Describe lab-specific process for labeling, storage and removal of hazardous waste.

10. Decontamination

For light contamination of small areas or items flush with plenty of water and wash items with soap or detergent and water.

Describe your clean up procedures to ensure there is no residue or transfer outside of the hood

11. Spills

i.  Spills:

• Secure and ventilate the area.
• For small spills wear appropriate PPE retrieve the spill kit from ______________.
• Absorb spill with a spill pad, absorbent material, or lab wipes. Bag spill cleanup materials in plastic bag and manage as hazardous waste.
• For larger spills e.g. over 500mL or if uncomfortable cleaning up:
  • Ithaca: Use Emergency Phone or 607-255-1111 for EHS Spill Response. Include location of closest emergency equipment (safety showers, eyewashes, spill kit, First Aid guidance, etc.)
  • Geneva specific procedures: call 911

ii.  Personnel contamination or exposure: See the EHS Guidance Document: “Phenol First Aid Guide and PPE”

iii  Complete incident report for any spill, injury, illness or exposure related to work at Cornell within 24 hours: Incident Reporting.