National Institutes of Health

Chemical Hygiene Plan

2023

Authored by the Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS)

and the Occupational Safety and Health Committee (OSHC).
 CONTENTS

ACRONYMS ……………………………………………………………………… 1

INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………………... 2

I. PURPOSE………………………………………………………………… 2

II. SCOPE……………………………………………………………………. 3

III. RESPONSIBILITIES …………………………………………………….. 3

IV. TRAINING……………………………………………………………….. 8

V. LABELS AND SAFETY DATA SHEETS……………………………….. 9

VI. CHEMICAL TRANSPORTATION ……………………………………... 11

VII. CONTROL OF EXPOSURE TO HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS……….... 12

VIII. CHEMICAL STEWARDSHIP ………………….....……………………... 16

IX. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT ……………………………... 16

X. WORKING WITH PARTICULARLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES..... 18

XI. PRECAUTIONS REQUIRED FOR WORKING WITH

PARTICULARLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE………………………... 20

XII. MEDICAL CONSULTATION AND MEDICAL

EXAMINATION………………………………………………………….. 21

XIII. CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN EVALUATION AND

RECORD KEEPING …………………………………………………....... 22

APPENDIX A - General References………………………………………………. 23

APPENDIX B - Guidance for Identifying Particularly Hazardous Substances…… 26

APPENDIX C - Employee Training and Information…………………………….. 34

APPENDIX D - Proper Storage of Chemicals in the Lab…………………………. 35

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 Table 1 - Chemical Segregation and Storage Table………………………. 39

Table 2 - Suggested Storage Time limits for Common Peroxide

Forming Compounds ……………………………………………………... 40

APPENDIX E – Cryogenic Liquids Safety ………………………………………...42

APPENDIX F - Selection of PPE…………………………..……………..………. 44

APPENDIX G - Glossary of Terms………………………...……………………… 47

APPENDIX H - Hazardous Material Spill Procedure…………...………………… 54

APPENDIX I - General Decontamination Procedures…………...……….………. 59

APPENDIX J - Michael Gottesman Memo “Laboratory Safety Responsibilities”... 60

APPENDIX K - Laboratory Hazard Analysis………………………..………….. 61

APPENDIX L - Laboratory Personnel Safety Check List…………….….……….. 62

APPENDIX M - Program Evaluation and Improvement …………………….…. 63

APPENDIX N - Specific Chemical Hazard and Lab-specific SOP Templates …... 64

APPENDIX O - Contact Information ……………………………………………... 82

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ACRONYMS

ABSL Animal Biosafety Level

ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
ACS American Cancer Society
ACUC Animal Care and Use Committee
ANSI American National Standards Institute
BSC Biological Safety Cabinet
CFH Chemical Fume Hood
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CHO Chemical Hygiene Officer
CHP Chemical Hygiene Plan
DEP Division of Environmental Protection
DOHS Division of Occupational Health and Safety
DRS Division of Radiation Safety
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
GHS Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
IARC International Agency for Research on Cancer
ICO Institutes/Centers/Offices
LD50 Lethal Dose 50%
LEV Local Exhaust Ventilation Systems
NIH National Institutes of Health
NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NTP National Toxicology Program
OACU Office of Animal Care and Use
OMS Occupational Medical Service
ORF Office of Research Facilities (Development and Operations)
ORS Office of Research Services
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSHC Occupational Safety and Health Committee
PEL Permissible Exposure Limit
PI Principal Investigator
PHS Particularly Hazardous Substance
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
SD Scientific Director
SDS Safety Data Sheet
TAB Technical Assistance Branch
TLV Threshold Limit Value published by ACGIH
TWA Time Weighted Average

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 INTRODUCTION

The use of hazardous chemicals in the laboratory is a necessary part of modern

biomedical research. To ensure the protection of laboratory personnel from the risks
associated with the use of hazardous chemicals, the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) has promulgated a Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) standard
entitled Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (29 CFR
1910.1450), referred to as the Laboratory Standard. This regulation applies to
laboratories, defined by OSHA as a facility where relatively small quantities of hazardous
chemicals are used on a non-production basis. Traditionally, OSHA health standards have
been established to help protect industrial and manufacturing workers who may be
exposed to significant quantities of hazardous chemicals over a working lifetime. In
contrast, the use of hazardous chemicals in research laboratories is generally limited to
small quantities used on a short-term basis and in operations where the chemicals and
procedures change frequently. The Laboratory Standard demonstrates that OSHA has
recognized the need for a standard that focuses on the unique nature of laboratory work.

The Laboratory Standard requires the development and implementation of a formal,

written, and employee-accessible program, referred to as a Chemical Hygiene Plan
(CHP). This plan, as defined by OSHA, must be “capable of protecting employees from
health hazards associated with hazardous chemicals used in the laboratory.”

The Laboratory Standard complements the provisions of the OSHA Hazard

Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). In accordance with the Hazard
Communication Standard, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has established a
written program, the NIH Hazard Communication Program for the use of hazardous
chemicals outside of the laboratory. The NIH CHP is written specifically for the
laboratory environment. Additionally, this laboratory standard supersedes the provisions
of all other OSHA health standards found in 1910 Subpart Z, with the following
exceptions: for the permissible exposure limits (PELs) and substance-specific limits
found within the OSHA Air Contaminants Standard (29 CFR 1910.1000) in Subpart Z,
Toxic and Hazardous Substances as well as the prohibition of eye and skin contact where
specified by any OSHA health standard.

I. PURPOSE

This plan outlines the information and services provided by the Division of Occupational
Health and Safety (DOHS), Office of Research Services (ORS) and the Division of
Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Research Facilities Development and
Operations (ORF) on the safe use, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals in the
laboratory. This program is written to meet the specific safety and health requirements
outlined in the Laboratory Standard.

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 II. SCOPE

This plan, designated in NIH Policy Manual Chapter 3034, complements the NIH Hazard
Communication Program, which applies NIH-wide where hazardous chemicals are used.
Specifically, the CHP applies to all laboratories and laboratory personnel of the NIH that
use, store, or handle hazardous chemicals. This is inclusive of any laboratory located
within an animal facility. A hazardous chemical is defined as a substance which presents
a physical hazard and/or has one or more properties for which there is statistically
significant evidence that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed
individuals. “Health effect” categories of chemicals include, but are not limited to,
carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, sensitizers,
hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the hematopoietic systems
and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucus membranes. Physical hazards
include, but are not limited to, chemicals which are explosive, flammable, or corrosive.
The definitions for the terms “laboratory” and “hazardous chemical” are listed in
Appendix G (Glossary of Terms).

III. RESPONSIBILITIES

The NIH Occupational Safety and Health Committee (OSHC) is responsible for
reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of the CHP yearly and updating the plan as
necessary.

The Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) when requested by a laboratory representative, is

responsible for assisting with obtaining Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for hazardous
chemicals, working with laboratories to determine exposure possibilities, arranging for
exposure monitoring, and implementing the CHP. The CHO assists the OSHC with
updating the CHP annually.

The Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) oversees and develops
programs focusing on laboratory safety and the proper handling of chemicals to ensure
compliance with NIH Manual Chapter 3034 and the OSHA General Industry Standard
(29 CFR 1910), which includes the Laboratory Standard. The DOHS branches assist with
compliance. For instance, the Technical Assistance Branch (TAB) provides services such
as respiratory fit, exposure monitoring, and air quality testing. For additional information
regarding DOHS programs, contact your IC Safety Specialist, or visit the DOHS website.

In addition to assisting and overseeing adherence to OSHA regulations, the DOHS is

responsible for communicating any pertinent updates to the CHP to stakeholders. Please
notify DOHS if their procedure for notifying stakeholders of CHP updates should be
changed.

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The DOHS is responsible for conducting surveys of select laboratories, at least annually,
to identify practices or procedures that may pose potential hazards to the health and
safety of personnel.

The DOHS also provides direction and guidance on the proper selection, use, and
functioning of protective equipment. They also oversee a comprehensive testing and
certification program for engineering controls (including safety related ventilation
equipment such as chemical fume hoods (CFHs), local exhaust ventilation systems
(LEVs), biological safety cabinets (BSCs), and other containment systems).

The DOHS Safety Operations and Support Branch assists laboratory personnel in
each Institute and Center (IC) in matters relating to chemical safety and exposure
monitoring. Upon request, they review safety protocols for work involving hazardous
chemicals to ensure that the proposed activities are conducted by trained personnel using
the proper safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).

The DOHS Occupational Medical Service (OMS) provides consultation and

appropriate prophylactic or medical treatment in the case of exposure to hazardous
substances. The OMS provides medical surveillance when chemical exposure monitoring
data reveal an exposure at or above the action level for an OSHA regulated substance.
They are also responsible for overseeing the medical monitoring of employees and
retention of employee medical records.

The ORF Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) provides technical support and
guidance in the proper packaging, labeling and temporary storage of laboratory waste.
They oversee all NIH non-radioactive chemical, medical pathological, and solid waste
handling, treatment, and disposal activities, monitor NIH activities for compliance with
federal, state, and local environmental regulations and the impact of those activities on
the environment. They also provide guidance on the recommended use of less hazardous
chemical alternatives that may still achieve the desired efficacy in specific protocols.

The ORF Division of Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance (DFOM) Facility

Managers serve as a liaison for directing laboratory staff towards resources for resolving
facility issues, including issues with building engineering controls, such as chemical
fume hoods, safety showers, and general laboratory ventilation. DFOM is responsible for
directing laboratory concerns about structural and mechanical issues to the appropriate
ORF resources for corrective action.
Within DFOM, the maintenance personnel are responsible for conducting repairs to
chemical fume hoods, safety showers, and general laboratory ventilation equipment. The
maintenance personnel must be familiar with the signage regarding lab status and
clearance stickers.
The DFOM Section Chief Shutdown Coordinator is responsible for notifying affected
building occupants of utilities shutdowns.

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The Office of Animal Care and Use (OACU) is responsible for notifying the IC Animal
Care and Use Committees (ACUCs) when the CHP has been updated.

The Scientific Director (SD) of each Institute/Center (IC) is responsible for

implementing and overseeing the CHP within their organization, which includes
membership assignment of the Institute’s safety committee.

The Principal Investigator (PI), or their designee, is responsible for chemical hygiene in
the laboratory. This person is responsible for ensuring all personnel under his/her
direction know and follow the CHP rules and possess the requisite knowledge, training,
education and competency to handle hazardous chemicals in the laboratory in a safe and
prudent manner. To demonstrate employee competency, training must be documented. A
supervisor safety review checklist for the purpose of documenting training is provided in
Appendix L.

Laboratory personnel are responsible for:

• Planning and conducting each operation in accordance with chemical hygiene
procedures including the use of engineering controls, administrative controls, and
PPE as appropriate;
• Developing and strictly adhering to sound personal chemical hygiene habits;
• Reporting incidents and possible chemical exposures promptly to their supervisor,
and;
• Correctly segregating, packaging and labeling hazardous waste for disposal
according to proper procedures listed in the NIH Waste Disposal Guide.

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Figure 1. Overview of Responsibilities (IC level). This chart outlines the responsibilities
related to the Chemical Hygiene Plan of the Office of Animal Care and Use, the
Institute/Center, the Scientific Director, the Principle Investigator, and Laboratory
Personnel.

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Figure 2. Overview of responsibilities (DOHS level). This chart outlines the
responsibilities related to the Chemical Hygiene Plan of the Occupational Safety and
Health Committee, the Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS), the DOHS
Technical Assistance Branch, the Chemical Hygiene Officer, the DOHS Safety
Operations and Support Branch, and Occupational Medical Services.

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 Figure 3. Overview of responsibilities (ORF level). This chart outlines the
responsibilities related to the Chemical Hygiene Plan of the Office of Research Facilities
(ORF), the ORF Division of Facilities Operations and Maintenance, and the ORF
Division of Environmental Protection.

IV. TRAINING

Employees must be provided with training to ensure that they are apprised of hazards
present in their work area, understand safety requirements, and PPE necessary to
minimize their risk of an adverse exposure or contamination of the environment. This
information must be provided at the time of initial assignment to a work area where
hazardous chemicals are present and prior to assignments involving new exposure
situations. Employees must be trained on the applicable details of their individual
laboratory’s written safety procedures. Appendix C outlines the requirements for
employee training under the Laboratory Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1450.

DOHS provides basic safety training and information for laboratory personnel. Three
training courses that address chemical hazards in the laboratory, as well as additional

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 guidance in identifying chemicals of concern, are available. PIs are responsible for
conducting or arranging appropriate hazard-specific training applicable to the processes
in use. To see a list of trainings offered by DOHS, visit the DOHS Training website.

A web-based training course, “Introduction to Laboratory Safety,” covers basic

laboratory safety and NIH policies and practices regarding safe conduct in NIH research
laboratories. This course introduces laboratory personnel to risk management and
common hazards/exposure risks; including chemical, biological, radiological, and
physical hazards that are found in NIH research laboratories. All laboratory personnel
must complete this course upon arrival at the NIH. The web-based training program is
available online.

An annual web-based refresher course providing updates for safety procedures and
policies that govern laboratory safety at the NIH titled “Laboratory Safety Refresher
Course” is required of all NIH laboratory personnel, including summer students and
summer research associates.

For additional information on laboratory safety training, please contact the DOHS at 301-
496-3353 or visit the website.

V. LABELS AND SAFETY DATA SHEETS

Manufacturers are required to prepare and provide SDS for chemicals with hazardous
properties. SDS for hazardous chemicals used in a work area must be readily available to
employees. Many vendors have SDS online and there are a variety of subscriptions and a
free collection of SDS to consult. Additional safety information should be reviewed
before beginning work with a new material or a new process. The NIH Library can assist
with safety information, including PubChem and PubMed which are valuable reference
tools available through the National Library of Medicine. The DOHS is also available to
assist workers with risk assessments.

Chemicals purchased from a manufacturer or distributed must be labeled properly in

compliance with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of
Chemicals (GHS). Commercial labels must state the name of the chemical, signal words,
pictograms, precautionary statements and appropriate hazard statements. The universal
pictograms for depicting chemical hazards are shown in Figure 4. Bottles or any
container with missing information should have additional information added without
obscuring or removing any of the manufacturer’s key label information. If a chemical or
mixture is transferred into a different container, the name of the chemical and any
associated hazards must also be placed on each new container. If a chemical is stored
within a secondary container, the secondary container must also be clearly labeled with
the contents and hazards. See the Chemical Safety Guide for more information on GHS.

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Figure 4. Universal pictograms for depicting chemical hazards. The Globally
Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) requires the use
of pictograms to alert users of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed. The
pictograms consist of a symbol which represents a distinct hazard on a white border,
framed by a red diamond border.

Any laboratory prepared solutions must be labeled with the chemical name (full name)
and hazard warning(s). Containers, including secondary containers such as beakers and
flasks, left unattended must have appropriate hazard warnings, date and the preparer’s
name/initials and expiration date if applicable.

If a chemical is not commercially marketed, (i.e., investigational) or is formulated in the

laboratory and it is known or suspected to be hazardous, then appropriate labeling must
be used, and employees trained on the hazards and appropriate protective measures. If a

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 chemical or byproduct’s hazard status is unknown, it shall be assumed that the substance
is hazardous. If the chemical is produced for use by others outside the producing
laboratory, then the Hazard Communication Standard applies, including the requirement
for labeling and preparing an SDS. Contact your IC Safety Specialist for additional
guidance.

Laboratory personnel must be trained on the hazards of the chemicals they work with.
Chemical SDS may be used when determining the hazards of working with the chemical
and when generating standard operating procedures (SOPs). A specific chemical hazard
template is provided in Appendix N. This template can be used for describing the hazards
of a given chemical and outlining controls, PPE, handling procedures, storage
requirements, spill and accident procedures, emergency responses, waste collection, and
disposal. In addition, it may be used as a form of training documentation. A SOP
template is also provided in Appendix N. This template can be used for describing lab-
specific procedures in which hazardous chemicals are used, and provides a space to
document the hazard summary, storage requirements, step-by-step operating procedure,
emergency procedure, waste disposal, and training requirements for individuals following
the SOP.

VI. CHEMICAL TRANSPORTATION

Transportation of hazardous materials and compressed gas cylinders may present risk to
building occupants and property. Laboratory areas have special design features that
enable proper control of these materials that may be absent when transporting materials
in public corridors or on elevators.

The following measures shall be taken to reduce the risk of an incident during transport:

• Hazardous chemicals being transported outside the laboratory or between

stockrooms and laboratories must be in break-resistant secondary containers,
placed in a suitable outside container or bucket, or in carts specifically designed
for safe transportation;

• Compressed gas cylinders must always be strapped in a cylinder cart with the
valve protected by a cap; and

• The NIH Policy Manual Chapter 26101-42-F “Shipping Policies & Procedures,”
should be consulted for further reference.

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VII. CONTROL OF EXPOSURE TO HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

Hazardous chemicals may be used only in laboratory facilities specifically designed,

constructed and maintained for such work. Hazardous chemicals may not be used in
areas, including but not limited to, offices, storage rooms, shared equipment areas, cold
rooms and other areas lacking the appropriate facilities and a proper means of ventilation.

Chemical exposures are minimized using engineering, administrative and work practice
controls, in that order. Employees must wear appropriate PPE (e.g., respirator) when
engineering and administrative controls are insufficient to contain the hazard or if there is
an especially hazardous risk. See Appendix F for guidance on selection of PPE.

Elimination/Substitution Controls:

• Do not use hazardous chemicals if it can be avoided; and

• Substitute a less hazardous chemical that can provide the desired results.

Engineering Controls:

• Chemical Fume Hoods (CFHs) and other Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)
options such as down draft tables and slot hoods are the primary engineering
methods of controlling inhalation exposures to hazardous chemicals in the
laboratory. CFHs provide ventilation to carry away airborne contaminants and
exhaust them outside of the building. The sash of the fume hood provides
shielding to protect the user and may also provide some containment for small
fires and explosions. All CFHs and LEVs used at the NIH must meet the NIH
design specification. ICs may purchase CFHs only through ORF. DOHS review
of any renovation affecting ventilation is required, per the NIH Design
Requirements Manual (DRM). Note that ductless fume hoods are not permitted at
NIH;

• Any alteration affecting CFHs and LEVs or associated ductwork must be

approved by DOHS prior to the system’s modification. Note that meeting design
specifications does NOT ensure the proper functioning of the CFH or LEV
devices. The CFH must be tested yearly for proper functioning. Laboratories
must work closely with DOHS and ORF to ensure safe operation of all ventilation
equipment. Contact the ORF DFOM for facility-related inquiries;

• Ductless CFHs are not permitted to be used in NIH laboratories. Captured organic
vapors begin to desorb from the charcoal filters shortly after adsorption occurs.
Some degree of breakthrough or capture failure occurs during introduction of
vapor into the hood;

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 • Conduct all work within the CFH at a distance of at least six inches behind the
face opening and position the vertical sliding sash no higher than the height
specified on the certification sticker. Avoid blocking the airfoil, baffles, and rear
ventilation slot. Support large items on platforms or shelving with legs that raise
the item(s) above the ventilation slot to minimize airflow disruption across the
work surface;

• Minimize foot traffic around the CFH during use, since passing in front of the
hood during operation disrupts the airflow and may pull contaminants out of the
hood. Do not use the CFH for storage. By following these steps, the hood
provides adequate containment for most chemical operations;

• CFHs equipped with alarms will alarm when the speed and volume of air moving
through the hood falls outside set parameters. It is prudent to verify CFH function
before each use by holding a tissue at the bottom edge of the sash and observing
that the tissue flutters strongly into the cabinet. If a unit is in alarm or if the
“tissue test” fails, mark the unit as “Do Not Use,” and submit a work request to
ORF to repair the dampers or exhaust fan. Contact DOHS to recertify the CFH
prior to reuse, or if there is question about the function of the CFH; and

• Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs, also known as biosafety cabinets) are an

important engineering control commonly found in NIH facilities. Their purpose is
to serve as the primary means of containment for work involving infectious
microorganisms and prions. As their names suggest, BSCs are not interchangeable
with CFHs, as each is designed and functions in accordance with their respective
primary purpose. However, biomedical research can require the use of small
amounts of toxic and or volatile chemicals. Before using chemicals in a BSC,
please consult the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories
(BMBL) 6th Edition Appendix A for further guidance on biosafety cabinet
characteristics, which compares classes of BSCs with notes on nonvolatile and
volatile chemical use.

Administrative Controls:

• Keep and consume food, beverages, cosmetics, and medication outside the
laboratory;

• Keep all doors to the laboratory closed. Open laboratory doors can adversely
affect CFH performance and appropriate air flow through the building;

• Ensure unimpeded access to all emergency laboratory equipment and supplies

such as fire extinguishers, chemical spill kits, safety showers and eyewash
stations;

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 • Laboratory personnel flush eyewash stations weekly and document the date
and initials of the individual who performed the test, following the NIH Policy
on Emergency Eyewash Stations and Safety Showers. See the DOHS eyewash
inspection sheet, which may be used as a template. ORF tests emergency
safety showers annually and documents the date and initials of the individual
who performed the test. If any test of a safety device fails, submit a work
request to ORF to repair the unit;

• The PI/supervisor or their designee should maintain proper oversight of

inexperienced personnel working with hazardous substances – see NIH Policy
Manual Chapter 3015 – “Admittance of Minors to Hazardous Areas”;

• Contact DOHS (301-496-2346) for clearance of the workspace when non-

laboratory personnel must enter laboratories to perform required services (e.g.,
renovation or maintenance). Remove hazardous materials from
equipment/facilities to be serviced and forewarn personnel of the need for
protective equipment or work practices required. Decontaminate the
equipment when possible. Ensure that repair and maintenance personnel have
access to the appropriate personal protective equipment and have been trained
in its use by their employer; and

• Do not use or store hazardous chemicals, dry ice or compressed gas in cold
rooms and warm rooms due to inadequate ventilation and risk of asphyxiation.

Work Practice Controls:

• Read the SDS and become familiar with the chemical characteristics, hazards
and exposure limits before using a chemical;

• Keep work area clean and uncluttered, with chemicals labeled and stored (see
Appendix D) based on chemical compatibility;

• Vacuum lines shall be protected at the point of use, (e.g., with an absorbent or
liquid trap), to prevent entry of any material into the system. These systems
are not appropriate for use with gasses, combustible, flammable or toxic
materials and are designed for use with aqueous solutions only. There are
special designed vacuum systems available for use with hazardous chemicals;

• Protect clothes and exposed skin by wearing laboratory coats and gowns.
Open-toed shoes, sandals, shorts and other apparel that leave skin exposed are
not appropriate for wear in any laboratory, especially when handling
particularly hazardous substances (PHSs). Laboratory coats must not be worn
outside the laboratory;

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• Wear the appropriate gloves and eye/face protection whenever handling
hazardous chemicals. These items must not be worn outside the laboratory;

• Remove gloves carefully and thoroughly wash hands and forearms upon
completion of work and before leaving the laboratory;

• Use a certified CFH when opening, transferring, or handling volatile

hazardous chemicals;

• Never pipette by mouth;

• Transport laboratory chemicals using bottle carriers and suitable carts;

• Follow the established procedures for the decontamination and safe movement
of scientific and medical equipment;

• In the event of a hazardous chemical spill, immediately call 911 (landline) or

(301) 496-9911 (cell phone) and follow additional procedures listed in
Appendix H;

• Minimize all chemical exposures and avoid underestimating the risk. Avoid
unnecessary exposure to chemicals by any route of exposure;

• When diluting a concentrated acid or base, always add the acid to the water;

• Handle glassware properly and carefully. Do not use damaged glassware.

Use extra care with Dewar flasks and other glass apparatuses intended for use
with vacuum or pressure. Consider shielding or wrapping them to help
contain chemicals and fragments should implosion or explosion occur. Use a
designated container when disposing of broken glass; however, debris
contaminated with chemicals shall be handled as chemical waste;

• Any hazardous operations or procedures conducted alone should be discussed

and approved by the PI. If it is not possible to have someone working with
you, inform someone outside the lab and ask to be checked on at regular
intervals;

• If the laboratory is unattended while working with hazardous chemicals, then

place an appropriate sign on the door, briefly stating the nature of the
experiment, contact person and phone number. Provide for the containment of
the substances in the event of failure of an engineering control such as a fume
hood or utility service;

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 • Do not underestimate risks. Assume that any mixture will be more hazardous
than its most hazardous component and that all substances of unknown
toxicity are toxic; and

• When working with flammable chemicals, use a maximum working stock of

500 mL, or the minimum allowed working stock for instrumentations.

Contact the IC Safety Specialist at 301-496-2346 for assistance when a concern arises
over potential exposure to a laboratory chemical. Specialized monitoring and chemical
exposure determination is available from the DOHS.

The National Research Council publication “Prudent Practices in the Laboratory” is a

thorough resource on the handling and management of chemical hazards.

VIII. CHEMICAL STEWARDSHIP

The prudent selection, purchase and use of chemicals in the laboratory and the cost
associated with the proper disposal of chemical wastes are inextricably linked. According
to the American Chemical Society, the cost associated with chemical disposal is an
average of ten times the original purchase price. Minimizing the NIH’s costs and
liabilities associated with hazardous waste disposal can be achieved by adhering to the
following measures:

• Order chemicals in the least amount needed to perform the work; and

• Request an assessment of your hazardous waste stream from the DEP. Both the
Division of Radiation Safety (DRS) and DEP have restrictions on how to collect
and label wastes. If mixing a hazardous agent with “diluent,” the entire container
may now be considered a hazardous waste.

Appendix D contains guidelines on the safe storage of chemicals in the laboratory.

IX. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Appropriate PPE is essential for worker protection and is used in combination with safe
work practices and physical containment devices such as CFHs. PPE alone does not
provide adequate control of hazardous chemicals but is an effective method to reduce
exposure if engineering and administrative controls cannot adequately minimize the risk.
The IC Safety Specialist can assist the PI or researchers in performing a Laboratory
Hazard Analysis to identify hazards that are present, or likely to be present, during a
particular operation. The Safety Specialist will provide information and guidance on

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proper engineering and administrative controls and selection and use of appropriate PPE.
Information on the selection and use of PPE is also presented in the NIH Laboratory
Safety training courses. Appendix F contains information to help choose appropriate
types of PPE.

Various types of PPE, including chemical resistant gloves, lab coats, aprons, eye and face
protection, etc., are available from the NIH Self Service Stores and numerous vendors.
Consult the NIH Supply Catalog or call your IC Safety Specialist for additional advice
(301-496-2346).

Disposable PPE that becomes visibly damaged, contaminated, or is suspected of being

contaminated with hazardous materials must be replaced as soon as possible. PPE
contaminated with hazardous materials must be disposed of in accordance with the NIH
Waste Disposal Guide.

Reference Appendix J for Dr. Michael Gottesman’s May 2015 memorandum, titled
“Laboratory Safety Responsibilities” regarding PPE expectations.

Gloves: Disposable gloves are one of the most commonly used types of PPE in the
laboratory. The proper use of disposable gloves provides protection to the wearer by
providing a barrier to potential hazards. Gloves also provide product protection by
protecting experimental materials from enzymes or DNA on the glove wearer’s hands.
Select the correct glove for the task (see Appendix F). Certain gloves do not afford
appropriate chemical protection and no single glove protects against all chemicals. All
laboratory personnel are responsible for following the appropriate work practices when
using disposable gloves.

• Remove your gloves carefully to avoid contacting the outside of the glove with
bare skin; thoroughly wash your hands and forearms upon completion of work
and before leaving the laboratory. Do not reuse disposable gloves; and

• Gloves must not be worn in common-use areas and outside laboratory rooms,
outside animal holding rooms or outside procedure areas. Common areas include
but are not limited to elevators, rest rooms, break rooms and corridors.

Some types of gloves are reusable. These gloves should be cleaned after each use and
inspected prior to each use and replaced as necessary.

Consideration for size and comfort is important for the use of both disposable and
reusable gloves. Proper size will ensure proper dexterity and maintain glove integrity
while sufficient comfort will encourage continued use by the wearer.

Protective Garments: Laboratory coats or other protective garments are required to be

worn when working with hazardous materials in the laboratory. This practice will help

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 reduce exposures to hazardous materials in the laboratory by covering personal clothing
and exposed skin. Remove laboratory coats before leaving the laboratory to prevent the
spread of contamination outside of the laboratory.

Eye and Face Protection: Prescription safety glasses provide protection for the eyes
from flying objects and are available through the OMS. Goggles and a face shield must
be worn to protect the face and eyes if there is a potential for a hazardous chemical
splash.

Non-prescription safety glasses may be obtained from third party vendors. Styles should
be selected which fit snugly to the user’s face. All eye protection must meet requirements
of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1.

Respiratory Protection: To assure workers have the correct fit and type for the hazard,
respirators must not be used, purchased and/or used without prior approval by the DOHS.
Laboratory supervisors are not authorized to select or recommend the use of respiratory
protection, regardless of the type. Dust masks and surgical masks are not appropriate for
protection against chemical exposures. Special filtering face-pieces are required for
chemical vapors, gases, and mists. Call your IC Safety Specialist for a consultation when
there is risk of inhalation of a chemical or particulate at your worksite. It is the policy of
the NIH to provide respiratory protection at no cost to the employee when:

• Substitution of chemicals presenting respiratory hazards with less hazardous

chemicals is not feasible;

• The best available engineering controls fail to adequately reduce employee

exposure to respiratory hazards; or

• When modification of hazardous operations fails to reduce exposures to below

acceptable levels.

The NIH abides by the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard. The DOHS is
responsible for ensuring compliance with the standard and assisting workers exposure
assessments and respiratory protection. OMS provides medical clearance prior to
issuance or use of a respirator. Visit the DOHS webpage on Respiratory Protection for
more information or to read the Respiratory Protection Program document.

X. WORKING WITH PARTICULARLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

The PI is responsible for ensuring that appropriate precautions are taken when working
with hazardous chemicals and that appropriate training is provided before working with
these materials. When planning for the use of any hazardous chemical in the laboratory,
the PI must determine if that hazardous chemical is also a PHS. Such determination shall

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consider the employee exposure potential, volume of chemical used, ability to identify
health effects from employee exposure, and practical use of exposure control methods.

Criteria to classify a chemical as PHS include:

• Can cause severe, acute or lethal effects upon exposure by any route in
quantities of 50 µg/kg or less;

• Are highly unstable or, when combined with other compounds in the
procedure, are explosive;

• May undergo chemical or physical changes during routine use and generate
by-products that may overcome standard control measures or may penetrate
available PPE to cause severe, acute or lethal injuries;

• Have been determined by the DOHS to present a unique hazard or are used in
an operation that requires approval above the level of the laboratory
supervisor;

• Carcinogens;

• Reproductive toxins; or

• Listed as a PHS in Appendix B.

To determine if a specific chemical should be classified as a PHS, the Particularly

Hazardous Substance Identification flow chart in Appendix B may be followed.
Additionally, further resources may be found on OSHA’s Laboratories website.

When a chemical is classified as a PHS, the PI shall develop a specific written Standard
Operating Procedure (SOP) (which includes a Laboratory Hazard Analysis) and train
potentially exposed workers prior to beginning work. This SOP should include:

• A description of the substance(s) to be used, including the potential physical

and health effects;

• A step-by-step review of the work to be performed;

• A list of the available engineering controls, work practices to be utilized, and

PPE;

• Designated areas for chemical use;

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 • Provisions for proper labeling, storage and waste disposal;

• Decontamination procedures; and

• Accident/spill procedures to include emergency contact information.

Note: When a PHS will be used for the first time, the PI must also notify their safety
specialist of its use. The PI, with the assistance of the safety specialist and the CHO, will
perform a specific chemical hazard analysis. The PI will develop a lab-specific SOP
based on this hazard analysis. A specific chemical hazard analysis template and a lab-
specific SOP template can be found in Appendix N. If the hazard analysis identifies that
the PHS has antidotes or prophylaxis available, the CHO will consult with OMS,
providing the hazard analysis and SOP for use of the chemical to facilitate required
medical services (e.g., counseling for laboratorians before they commence work with the
PHS or hazard-specific incident response review for OMS staff). Examples of chemicals
with requirements include hydrogen fluoride, MPTP, phenol, and hydrogen cyanide.

An example of a Laboratory Hazard Analysis form can be found in Appendix K.

Specific Chemical Hazard and SOP templates can be found in Appendix N.

XI. PRECAUTIONS REQUIRED FOR WORKING WITH PARTICULARLY

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

PHSs include select carcinogens, reproductive toxins and chemicals that have a high
degree of acute toxicity. Substance-specific information is contained in each chemical’s
SDS and is also available through your IC Safety Specialist (301-496-3353). Appendix B
contains a reference list of suggested PHSs, and those for which OSHA has specific
standards. Please note that this list is not comprehensive but represents chemicals of
concern that may be found in laboratories.

The Technical Assistance Branch (TAB) of DOHS has established surveillance

programs that monitor for exposure to certain chemicals such as formaldehyde, ethylene
oxide, xylene and others. Additionally, OMS has medical surveillance programs that
may impact be required when using some hazardous chemicals. For more information
contact your IC Safety Specialist.

In 2001, the “Mad as a Hatter?” campaign for a mercury-free NIH was launched. NIH
Policy Manual Chapter 3033 exists to govern the “Procurement, Use, and Disposal of
Mercury and Its Compounds.”

Safe Work Practices with PHSs include but are not limited to the following:

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 • Control access to the laboratory using appropriate signs that warn of the
hazards and indicate the precautions or approvals necessary for entry. Use
designated areas for use and storage of PHSs. Contact your IC Safety
Specialist for assistance;

• Consult the regulations, TAB/DOHS or OMS to determine if medical

surveillance may be warranted if toxicologically significant quantities of
PHSs are used on a routine or frequent basis;

• Contact the DEP at 301-496-7990 for assistance with specialized waste

disposal;

• Keep PHSs in a secondary container to help prevent breaks and spills. The
secondary container should be opened only inside a CFH;

• Attach a suitable hazard warning label to the secondary container to alert

others of the chemical contained therein and the need for special precautions,
for example: “Warning - Cancer Hazard” or “Danger - Highly Toxic;”

• Protect work surfaces from contamination with disposable, absorbent, plastic

backed paper (plastic side down). Replace paper when contaminated or after
each use and handle as hazardous waste;

• Use additional containment devices (such as shielding or protective filters) to

safely handle, store or protect equipment and workers when using these
chemicals;

• Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, eye/face protection, and other

protective apparel or equipment as needed. Examples include impervious
gowns, aprons or gauntlets. See Appendix F for guidance on selection of
appropriate PPE;

• Remove all protective apparel and thoroughly wash exposed skin (e.g. face,
forearms, etc.) upon completion of work and before leaving the laboratory;
and

• For general decontamination procedures (not to be confused with

sterilization), see Appendix I.

XII. MEDICAL CONSULTATION AND MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Employees who work with hazardous chemicals shall be provided the opportunity to
receive medical attention and/or consultation for health concerns. All medical

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 examinations and consultations shall be performed by or under the direct supervision of
an independently licensed provider. Nurse practitioners and others can provide medical
services within state regulations and shall be at no cost to the employee and at a
reasonable time and place. A written opinion shall be obtained from the provider.
Specific circumstances that would enable employees who work with hazardous chemicals
to receive medical attention or consultation include the following:

1. When an employee develops signs or symptoms associated with a hazardous

chemical to which the employee may have been exposed in the laboratory or other
NIH worksite;

2. When exposure monitoring reveals an exposure level routinely above the Action
Level, or in the absence of an Action Level, the Permissible Exposure Level PEL;

3. When a substance is regulated by OSHA and requires exposure monitoring and/or

medical surveillance regardless of exposure level (see OSHA’s medical screening
and surveillance standards); and

4. When an event takes place in the work area resulting in the likelihood of a
hazardous exposure.

Reproductive hazards are substances or agents that may affect the reproductive health of
women or men or the ability to have healthy children. OMS may be consulted by all staff
of reproductive capability (i.e., women, men, women who are pregnant, women who may
soon become pregnant, women who are breastfeeding) when there is a concern for past
exposure or potential future exposure to a reproductive hazard(s).

XIII. CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN EVALUATION AND RECORD KEEPING

The NIH CHP is reviewed annually and updated as needed by the NIH OSHC and the
CHO. Comments and suggestions on the improvement of this document should be
directed to DOHS (301-496-2960). See Appendix M for the template used during annual
program evaluation and improvement.

Records for documenting laboratory safety training are maintained by the DOHS.
Individuals may request their training records online or by contacting the DOHS Training
Officer (301-496-3353). PIs are responsible for documenting and maintaining training
records for laboratory-specific safety training. The TAB/DOHS maintains appropriate
area monitoring records and OMS maintains employee medical and exposure records.

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 APPENDIX A
General References

American National Standard for “Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems”
ANSI/AIHA Z10-2005.

American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection Devices.
ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010.

Annual Report on Carcinogens. National Toxicology Program U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, Public Health Service, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC,
Available at: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/pubhealth/roc/index-1.html

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 6th Edition. U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
National Institutes of Health: Revised June 2020. Available at: Biosafety in Microbiological and
Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 6th Edition | CDC Laboratory Portal | CDC
th
Bretherick, L. Bretherick’s Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 4 edition. Boston, MA:
Butterworth and Company, 1990.

Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR 1910.134. Respiratory Protection. Available at:

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=12716&p_table=standards

Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR 1910.1200. Hazard Communication. Available at:

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=10099&p_table=STANDAR
DS

Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR 1910.1450. Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals

in laboratories. Available at: https://www.osha.gov/laws-
regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1450

Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart Z. Toxic and Hazardous Substances.
Available at: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910SubpartZ

DHHS, NIH, ORF and ORS NIH Waste Disposal Guide 2022. Available at:
https://orf.od.nih.gov/EnvironmentalProtection/WasteDisposal/Documents/NIH-Waste-Disposal-
Guide-2022-508Ready.pdf

EPA’s Chemical Compatibility Chart, retrieved June 28, 2022. Available at:
https://www.ehs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/chemical_waste_chemical_compatibility_chart.pd
f

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Facility Management. National Institutes of Health Office of Research Facilities. Available at:
https://www.orf.od.nih.gov/PropertyManagement/Pages/FacilityManagement.aspx

Gottesman, Michael. (2015, May 15). Memorandum Regarding Laboratory Safety

Responsibilities. National Institutes of Health Office of Research Services.

Handbook of Laboratory Safety. 5th edition, Ed. A. Keith Furr. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press
Inc., 2000.

Introduction to Laboratory Safety. National Institutes of Health Office of Management, Division

of Occupational Health and Safety. Available at: https://www.safetytraining.nih.gov

IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. Albany
NY: World Health Organization Publications Center, (latest edition). Available at:
https://monographs.iarc.fr/monographs-and-supplements-available-online/

National Cancer Institute (NCI) Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Available at:

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms

NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection
Association, 2021. NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

NFPA 45 Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals. Quincy, MA: National
Fire Protection Association, 2019. Available at: NFPA 45: Standard on Fire Protection for
Laboratories Using Chemicals

NFPA 55 Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection
Association, 2023. Available at: NFPA 55: Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code

NFPA 400 Hazardous Materials Code. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 2022.
Available at: NFPA 400: Hazardous Materials Code

NIH Chemical Safety Guide. Available at: NIH Chemical Safety Guide

NIH Policy Manual Chapter 1340 (2016) , NIH Occupational Safety and Health Management.
Available at: https://oma1.od.nih.gov/manualchapters/management/1340/

NIH Policy Manual, Chapter 26101-42-F: Shipping Policies and Procedures. Available at:
https://policymanual.nih.gov/26101-42-f

NIH Policy Manual, Chapter 3015: Admittance of Minors to Hazardous Areas. Available at:
https://policymanual.nih.gov/3015

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NIH Supply Catalog, National Institutes of Health Office of Logistics and Acquisition
Operations. Available at: https://nihsccatalog.od.nih.gov/

NIOSH list of antineoplastic and other hazardous drugs in healthcare settings, 2016. By
Connor TH, MacKenzie BA, DeBord DG, Trout DB, O’Callaghan JP. Cincinnati, OH: U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number
2016-161 (Supersedes 2014-138). Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2016-
161/pdfs/2016-161.pdf?id=10.26616/NIOSHPUB2016161

NIOSH/OSHA Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. NIOSH Pub. No. 85-114, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC, 1985 (or latest edition). Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2005-149/pdfs/2005-149.pdf

Pohanish, Richard P., Green, S. A. Wiley. Guide to Chemical Incompatibilities, 3rd Edition.
New York, NY: John and Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2009.

Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Management of Chemical Hazards, Updated
Version. The National Academies Press. 2011. Available at: Prudent Practices in the Laboratory:
Handling and Management of Chemical Hazards, Updated Version |The National Academies
Press

Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS®). U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health, revised annually, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC. Comprehensive guide to the RTECS®. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/97-119/pdfs/97-119.pdf?id=10.26616/NIOSHPUB97119

Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories. 8th edition. Washington, DC: American Chemical
Society, 2017. Available at:
https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/about/governance/committees/chemicalsafety/publicatio
ns/safety-in-academic-chemistry-laboratories-students.pdf

Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, OH: American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (latest edition).

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 APPENDIX B
Guidance for Identifying Particularly Hazardous Substances

The OSHA Laboratory Standard requires that special precautions be taken when working
with substances with high acute toxicity, select carcinogens and reproductive toxins. If a
PHS is used, be sure to specifically address its storage, use, disposal and possible
spillage. This information should be documented, and employees trained appropriately.

Guidance set forth in this Appendix is intended to assist researchers in safely handling
chemicals in the workplace. In addition to common chemicals found in the laboratory,
some investigative drugs, cytotoxic agents, or other compounds used in laboratories may
have characteristics that would classify them as Particularly Hazardous Substances. For
many substances in the aforementioned categories, an SDS may not be immediately
available. When chemical properties are not available for an investigational substance,
workers should be prudent and consider similar substances to categorize the risk and take
appropriate actions to protect themselves from adverse exposures.

For more well-characterized drugs, consult the NIOSH List of Antineoplastic and Other
Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings, 2016. When used in a laboratory setting, drugs
found on this list should be carefully evaluated to determine whether they meet the PHS
definition.

It is the responsibility of the PI to determine if the use of a chemical or drug warrants

classification as a PHS. Contact TAB/DOHS for assistance. The NIH DEP has developed
criteria for identifying Substances of Concern (SoC), and has developed a list of
functional use categories under which many SoC fall. These criteria and functional use
categories may be consulted as a reference.

For specific advice or clarifications please contact TAB/DOHS, at (301) 496-3353.

Acutely Toxic Substances

Substances of high acute toxicity include materials that may be fatal or cause damage to
target organs from a single exposure or from exposures of short duration. They also
include materials capable of causing intense irritation that can result in pulmonary edema
(fluid and swelling in the lungs), chemical asphyxia and systemic (body wide) poisoning.
The SDS should be consulted to determine the toxicity of all substances.

Chronically Toxic Substances

Chronic effects are due to repeated exposures to low doses of toxic substances, usually
over a longer period. Chronic illnesses can occur either from a build-up of a substance in
the body or from an accumulation of the damage. Examples of chronically toxic

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substances are heavy metals such as mercury (central nervous system impairment), and
organic solvents such as n-hexane (peripheral neuropathy). Chronically toxic substances
also include carcinogens.

Delayed Toxicity

The effects of exposure occur after a time lapse. Carcinogenic effects of exposure may
have long latency periods, often 20 to 30 years after the initial exposure, before tumors
are observed in humans.

Hypersensitivity

Chemical allergens can cause an adverse, antibody-mediated reaction that can result in
sensitization to a chemical. As with environmental allergens such as pollen and animal
dander, not everyone’s immune system will become sensitized to any particular chemical.
For those who develop a chemical allergy, sensitization usually evolves over time, after
which even a low dose exposure to the chemical results in an allergic reaction. The
reaction itself requires prior exposure and can range in severity from minor skin
disturbances such as inflammation, itching, and redness, to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Although any compound possesses the potential to elicit an allergic response in some
subpopulation of workers, there are some chemicals that induce sensitization more
commonly than others. Some common allergens include toluene diisocyanate, beryllium,
methyl methacrylate, formaldehyde, dinitrochlorobenzene and powdered vinyl and latex
gloves.

Reproductive Toxins

Reproductive toxins are agents that affect reproductive capabilities including

chromosomal damage (mutations) and produce effects on developing fetuses
(teratogenesis). Reproductive toxins can affect both men and women. Examples of
adverse reproductive health effects include birth defects, spontaneous abortion, fetal
developmental damage, and infertility. It is important to note that the first trimester of
pregnancy is the period of most concern to the developing fetus because this is when the
organs and the limbs are being formed. During this period, many women may not yet be
aware that they are pregnant. For this reason, it is important that the use of reproductive
toxins have been identified and that control measures are in place to protect a woman and
her fetus from harmful exposure levels. Women who are (or are trying to become)
pregnant may consult with OMS before the start of any laboratory or shop activity
involving reproductive toxins.

Carcinogens

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Carcinogens are agents that cause neoplasms (tumors) in humans and/or
animals. Carcinogenic agents may be organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals, or
hormones. Some carcinogens react directly with a cell’s genetic information (the DNA),
causing changes (mutations) that are incorporated into subsequent generations of that
cell. Select carcinogens are agents that are strongly implicated as sources of cancer in
humans.
A select carcinogen is any substance which meets one of the following criteria:

• It is regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen;

• It is listed under the category “Known to be carcinogens” in the Annual Report on

Carcinogens published by the National Toxicology Program (NTP);

• It is listed under Group 1 “Carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency

for Research (IARC) Cancer Monographs; or

• It is listed in either Group 2A or 2B by IARC or under the category “Reasonably

anticipated to be carcinogens” by NTP.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has conveniently compiled the above mentioned
lists into one website on Known and Probable Human Carcinogens.

If you work with any of the OSHA-regulated chemicals, you need to be aware of and
comply with the specific OSHA standards governing their use. OSHA has established
standards that are above those required by under the “Occupational exposure to
hazardous chemicals in laboratories” standard. In some cases, the chemical specific
standard may require special signs, medical surveillance and routine air monitoring of
your workplace. If you use these chemicals routinely, even for short periods of time,
contact DOHS for a review to assure that your work practices and engineering controls
are sufficient to keep your exposures below the OSHA specified limits. A listing of the
chemical standards is available online.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also has lists of different types of
hazardous wastes which may be of benefit to reference.

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 Particularly Hazardous Substance Identification

Review Chemical
Proper�es

• Severe, acute, or lethal effects?

• Highly unstable or explosive?
• Is it a carcinogen?
• Is it a reproduc�ve toxin?
• Acutely toxic by-products?
• Other determina�on of unique
hazard by NIH?

Evaluate
Yes to One or More Ques�ons
No to All Ques�ons

Review Addi�onal
Considera�ons

Follow PHS
Requirements • Does the signal word DANGER appear on the SDS?*
Outlined in • Is there any poten�al for accidental release (e.g.,
this CHP used on an open bench)?
• Do any employees have known chemical
sensi�vi�es?
• Is there a poten�al for new or unknown substances
to be created during the procedure?
• Can the chemical change in nature (i.e. form dusts,
aerosols, or vapors)?

Yes to One or More Ques�ons

Evaluate

No to All Ques�ons

Not a
PHS

Figure 5. Decision tree for identifying particularly hazardous substances (PHS).

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PHS Requirements:

• PIs are responsible for identifying PHSs used in the work area. Review sources
such as SDSs for specific compounds; and

• An assessment of the hazards and controls in place is necessary to limit employee

exposures to these agents. Contact your IC Safety Specialist for assistance with
performing an assessment and for creating signage indicating the presence or
usage of a PHS.

OSHA requires that the following four categories of controls be considered for operations
and activities involving PHSs:

• Establish posted designated areas. A designated area may be a room, a section of

a room, a bench top or a containment device (such as a laboratory hood).
Requirements may be found in the section entitled “Designated Areas.” NOTE:
When handling substances (in non-laboratory settings) that are regulated by
OSHA substance specific standards (such as asbestos), “regulated areas” will be
established in accordance with the applicable OSHA standard;

• Use containment devices (such as CFHs, downdraft tables, LEVs, gas cabinets,
glove boxes or the equivalent);

• Implement contaminated waste removal procedures; and

• Establish decontamination procedures. These are necessary to prevent the spread

of contamination to other areas. Decontamination procedures include practicing
good housekeeping by wiping down work surfaces at the end of the day and
cleaning up drips, residues, and spills. Cleanup materials used (such as
absorbents and cloths) must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

The following controls are required for PHSs:

Training and Information

• Employees who either handle or who may be exposed to PHSs must complete
“Laboratory Safety” training;

• All employees who may be exposed to PHSs must be trained in the specific
hazards and controls of the materials being handled. Furthermore, employees
working in designated areas are to be informed of the specific hazards and
controls of the materials used. Area-specific training is a line management
responsibility. The TAB/DOHS, is available to provide assistance;

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 • Consult the section entitled “Labeling and Safety Data Sheets” for labeling
requirements for primary and secondary containers; and

• The designated areas of PHS use must be posted with a warning sign depicting
hazards and emergency contact information.

Substitution and Chemical Inventory Management

• Identify and use safer chemical alternatives if possible;

• If a safer chemical cannot be used, limit the amount that is purchased or borrow
the necessary quantity from a colleague;

• When transferring a PHS to a colleague, or receiving a PHS from a colleague,

make note in the laboratory chemical inventory;

• Conduct periodic cleanouts to prevent accumulating unneeded chemicals; and

• Procure and use the minimum amount of material required for the operation.

Ventilation

• Use LEVs such as a CFH or glove box when handling PHSs in a manner that may
produce an airborne hazard (such as fumes, gases, vapors and mists). This
includes transfer operations, preparation of mixtures, blending, sonication,
spraying, heating and distilling. See Engineering Controls for more information.

Work Practices

• Transfer containers in bottle carriers;

• Do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum or tobacco, store food, beverages and
products of personal consumption such as health and beauty aids in work areas
where PHSs are being used or stored;

• Use a mechanical aid or a pipette bulb for pipetting;

• Open bottles or carboys slowly and carefully and wear PPE to protect from
splashes and vapors/gases;

• Wipe drips/residues from containers and work surfaces. To facilitate

decontamination, use stainless steel or plastic trays, absorbent paper with a
moisture-proof lining, or other impervious material;

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 • Upon completion of the operation, decontaminate or discard the protective
covering material as hazardous waste; and

• Wash hands before leaving the work area and prior to consuming food/beverages.

Personal Protective Equipment

Skin and eye contact with PHSs shall be prevented. The following PPE must be worn
when handling these materials:

• At a minimum, safety glasses with side shields, laboratory coats (see the
Guidance for the Selection of Laboratory Coats for more information; coveralls
are acceptable in shop settings) and closed-toe shoes will be worn when handling
these materials. These measures are considered to be minimum protection and
must be upgraded if necessary;

• Additional PPE such as chemical goggles, face shields, chemical aprons,

disposable coveralls, chemically resistant gloves, and respiratory protection must
be worn if there is a greater chance of chemical exposure. An IC Safety Specialist
may be contacted for assistance in selecting appropriate gloves and respiratory
protection. The use of respiratory protection requires an industrial hygiene hazard
evaluation and a medical clearance followed by a fit test and training by TAB/
DOHS (see Section IX);

• Consult “Eye and Face Protection” in the PPE Section for guidance on the
selection, uses, and limitations of safety glasses, chemical goggles and face
shields;

• Since many chemicals are skin-absorbents (i.e., agents that readily pass through
the skin), it is important to select gloves that are chemically resistant to the
material. Consult the PPE section, which contains a list of skin-absorbent agents
and provides detailed guidance for selecting chemically resistant gloves. An IC
Safety Specialist may also be contacted for assistance in selecting appropriate
gloves; and

• Gloves must be selected based on their chemical resistance to the material(s)

being handled, their suitability for the procedures being conducted, and their
resistance to wear, as well as temperature extremes. Improper selection may result
in glove degradation, permeation of the chemical through the glove and
ultimately, personal exposure to the chemical. This is a potentially serious
situation. Consult “Gloves” in Appendix F for guidance on the selection, uses,

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 limitations and disposal of chemically resistant gloves. An IC Safety Specialist
may also be contacted for assistance in selecting appropriate gloves.

Additional information on PPE may be found in Section IX.

Storage
Consult Appendix D for storage information regarding hazardous chemical
incompatibility.

Emergency Procedures
Refer to Appendix H for response procedures for chemical spills and personal exposure
to chemicals.

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 APPENDIX C
Employee Training and Information

Information that must be provided to employees:

• The contents of the 29 CFR 1910.1450 standard and its appendices;

• The location and availability of the NIH CHP;

• The PELs for OSHA-regulated substances and recommended exposure limits for
other hazardous chemicals where there are no applicable OSHA standards;

• Signs and symptoms associated with exposures to hazardous chemicals used in

the lab;

• The location and availability of known reference material on the hazards, safe
handling, storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals found in the laboratory
including, but not limited to, SDSs received from the chemical supplier;

• The appropriate PPE. Employees should be instructed on the proper wear, use,
maintenance, and limitations; and

• Safety operating procedures developed for PHSs.

Employee training should be documented and shall include:

• Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a
hazardous chemical (such as monitoring conducted by the employer, continuous
monitoring devices, visual appearance or order of hazardous chemicals when
being released, etc.);

• The physical and health hazards of chemicals in the work areas;

• The measures employees can take to protect themselves from these hazards,
including specific procedures the employer has implemented to protect employees
from exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as appropriate work practices,
emergency procedures, and PPE to be used;

• Applicable details of the NIH CHP; and

• Retraining identified as appropriate.

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 APPENDIX D
Proper Storage of Chemicals in the Lab
Storage Considerations
• Note that many areas, including office spaces, are not permissible for storage of
laboratory chemicals, as a malfunction of the equipment or operator error could
create a chemical, explosive, or asphyxiation hazard. Furthermore, for areas
(including office spaces) with recirculating ventilation, a portion of the exhaust air
is recirculated back into the building supply air. Any release in such a space
would also be dispersed to other areas of the building via the HVAC system.
When bringing in new or moving old laboratory chemical storage equipment,
please contact DOHS to evaluate the area for its appropriateness;

• Flammable and combustible materials must be stored in an approved storage

cabinet. Keep cabinet doors closed;

• Store acids in a dedicated acid cabinet. Nitric acid, sulfuric acid, perchloric acid
and chromic acid are strong oxidizers. They may be stored in the same acid
cabinet only if they are kept isolated from all other acids;

• Liquids should be stored in unbreakable or double-contained packaging, or the

storage cabinet tray should have the capacity to hold the contents if the container
breaks or leaks;

• CFHs shall not be used for storage as containers block proper air flow, reduce
available workspace, and exacerbate hazards in case of fire or spill;

• Chemicals to be stored in a refrigerator or freezer must be in appropriately rated

hazardous material storage units;

• Do not store hazardous chemicals in a cold room or other storage area with
recirculating ventilation;

• Do not store chemicals under a sink, except for water-soluble cleaning solutions;

• Ensure all containers of hazardous chemicals are properly labeled with the
identity of the hazardous chemical(s) and appropriate hazard warnings;

• Record the date of receipt on each chemical to assist with inventory management;

• Record the date of receipt and the date of opening on each peroxide former and
dispose or test for peroxides as directed (see Appendix D, Table 2 for more
information);

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 • Solutions must be labeled and dated when prepared with a commonly known
name of the hazard or mixture and any applicable hazard warnings;

• Segregate all incompatible chemicals for proper storage by hazard class. In other
words, store like chemicals together and away from other groups of chemicals
that might cause reactions if mixed;

• Only store chemicals alphabetically within each group of compatible chemicals;

• Hazardous chemicals should be stored no higher than eye level and never on the
top shelf of a storage unit. Do not overcrowd shelves. Each shelf should have an
anti-roll lip;

• Avoid storing chemicals on the floor (even temporarily) or extending into aisles;

• Only compressed gas cylinders that are in use and secured in place shall be kept
in the laboratory. All others, including empties, shall be sent to the compressed
gas cylinder storage area for the facility;

• Keep all stored chemicals, especially flammable liquids, away from heat and
direct sunlight;

• Periodically inspect stored chemicals to verify container integrity; and

• Full labeling of a secondary container, including flasks and beakers, is required in

the following circumstances:
o When the secondary container will be used/stored for longer than a single
work shift;
o The person who transferred the chemical to the secondary container leaves
the work area; or
o The chemical is left in a different location by the person who transferred
it.
Label information: chemical name, hazard warnings, date of transfer,
preparers name, expiration date (if applicable)

Safety Hints:

• Do not purchase hazardous chemicals in quantities greater than can be used in 6

months or within the specified storage period;

• Ethers and other peroxide formers should be stored in the dark;

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• Some materials are more stable when stored under an inert gas such as nitrogen.
See the manufacturers information/SDS for guidance;

• Always check for the presence of peroxides before distilling any peroxide-former;

• Consult safety references (SDSs) before working with hazards which are new,
using hazards in new processes, or if any are hazards are unfamiliar;

• If old containers of peroxide-forming chemicals are found, do not move them.

Contact the DEP for assistance in disposing of the container;

• Follow the disposal guidelines provided by the NIH Waste Disposal Guide.
Do not dispose of chemicals down the drain or by evaporation. Questions
regarding what may be approved for drain disposal may be directed to the DEP at
(301) 496-3537;

• Properly collect, tag and date waste. For guidance on filling out hazardous waste
tags, please consult DEP’s Hazardous Waste Search Table. Keep chemical waste
containers closed/sealed. Use secondary containment under waste collection
containers to prevent spills;

• Refer to the EPA’s chemical compatibility chart before mixing chemical wastes;

• If you are no longer working with a chemical or will be away from said chemical
for an extended period, the chemical should be returned to its dedicated storage
location;

• If crystallization has occurred or there are other concerns regarding

incompatibility of stored chemicals;
o Do not touch or handle the bottles in case they are shock sensitive. Contact
your IC Safety Specialist, PI/supervisor. Pictures of the chemicals,
location, and phone number should be provided to the chemical waste
services contractor. Based on the information provided, Chemical Waste
Services will determine if the fire department should be called. The
contractor will send out a reactive specialist to assess the situation and
determine the next steps for appropriate disposal. Typical response time
for the reactive specialist to visit and assess the lab is 24 hours. When the
call is placed, the chemical waste services group will determine if the
situation is emergent and requires a more immediate response, based on
the chemicals involved. If the reporting researcher believes this is an
emergency situation, this should be expressed when reporting the
situation. This includes crystallization forming around chemicals such as
picric acid, diethyl ether, and organic peroxides;

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o Once you have notified the listed groups, isolate the area using tape,
cones, signage, etc., to prevent the area from being disturbed. Your IC
Safety Specialist can assist with this step if needed;
o Once contacted, the IC Safety Specialist will perform an onsite review and
follow up with the lab shortly after the remediation to address any further
concerns; and
o Additional campus-specific contacts that must be notified:
 Bethesda campus: Chemical Waste Services: 301-496-4710
 Baltimore campus: The Environmental Manager assigned to BRC
(currently LCDR James Pitt): 301-346-6287

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Table 1. Chemical Segregation and Storage Table

Always consult the SDS

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The Chemical Segregation and Storage Table begins on the next page.

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Chemical Segregation and Storage Table

Chemical Segregation

Class of Chemicals Common Chemical Additional Concerns and Common Incompatible Possible Reaction if
Examples Storage Recommendations Chemical Types Mixed/Health Concerns
• Store in ventilated corrosives • Heat
Corrosive Acids-Organic • Acetic Acid • Flammable Liquids
cabinet on protected shelving • Gas Generation
• Butyric Acid • Flammable Solids
using secondary containment, • Violent Reaction
• Bases
• Trifluoroacetic Acid keep away from incompatible • Oxidizers • DO NOT POUR WATER INTO
• Propionic Acid chemicals • Inorganic Acids ACID
• Formic Acid • Do not store under the sink • Cyanides • Causes skin burn Respiratory
• Carbonic Acid • Do not store acids on metal • Sulphides
distress
• Benzoic Acid shelving • Poisons/Toxins
• Use NIOSH approved gloves,
• See compatibility chart for storage eye protection, face shield &
apron
• Heat
Corrosive Acids-Inorganic • Nitric Acid • Store concentrated Nitric acid • Flammable Liquids
• Gas Generation
• Sulfuric Acid (≥68%) and Sulfuric acid (≥93%) • Flammable Solids
in a secondary container Store in • Bases • Violent Reaction
• Phosphoric Acid
• Hydrochloric Acid a corrosive cabinet labeled “Acid” • Oxidizers • DO NOT POUR WATER INTO
• Hydrofluoric Acid or on shelving using a secondary • Organic Acids ACID
containment • Cyanides • Hydrofluoric acid can result in
• Sulphides skin irritation and causes burn
• Do not store under the sink • Poisons/Toxins Respiratory distress
• Do not store acids on metal • Use NIOSH approved gloves,
shelving eye protection, face shield &
• Hydrofluoric acid should be
apron
handled only by trained personnel.
Requires extra handling
precaution and stored in a
secondary container (this
chemical is a bone decalcifier)

• Acids • Heat
Corrosive Bases- • Hydroxylamine • Store in separate cabinet, • Oxidizers • Gas Generation
• Tetramethylethylamine preferably with ventilation,
Organic/Caustic • Diamine corrosive cabinet or storage area
• Flammable Liquids/ • Violent Reaction
Solids • Causes skin irritation
• Triethylamine with a spill tray, away from • Inorganic Bases and burn
• Proplylenediamine potential water sources (DO NOT • Poisons/Toxins • Respiratory distress
• Cuprietylenediamine store under the sink) • Amines are generally • Foul odor
Solution incompatible with • Use NIOSH approved
• Dicyclohexylamine Isocyanates, gloves, eye protection,
halogenated organics, face shield & apron
peroxides, acidic
phenols, epoxides,
anhydrides, & acid
halides

• Ammonium • Store in separate cabinet,

Corrosive Bases- • Acids • Heat
Hydroxide preferably with ventilation, • Oxidizers • Gas Generation
Inorganic/Caustics • Potassium Hydroxide corrosive cabinet or storage area • Flammable Liquids • Violent Reaction
• Sodium Hydroxide with a spill tray, away from • Flammable Solids • Causes skin burn and
• Calcium Hydroxide potential water sources (DO NOT • Organic Bases irritation
• Sodium Hypochlorite store under the sink) • Poisons/Toxins • Respiratory distress
Solution (Bleach) • Store solutions of inorganic
• Use NIOSH approved
• Magnesium hydroxides in labeled polyethylene
gloves, eye protection,
Hydroxide containers
face shield & apron
Chemical Segregation

Class of Chemicals Common Chemical Additional Concerns and Common Incompatible Possible Reaction if
Examples Storage Recommendations Chemical Types Mixed/Health Concerns
• Keep in a dry, cool area away
Flammable Solids • Paraformaldehyde • Acids • Fire Hazard
from oxidizers and corrosives
Phosphorus • Bases • Violent Reaction
• Follow specific safety procedures
• Magnesium • Oxidizers • Generates toxic fumes
• Conduct work on small
• Sulfur • Poisons/Toxins • Respiratory distress
scale if possible
• Potassium Sulphide • Keep away from ignition &
• Keep amounts on-hand to
• Naphthalene sparks
a minimum
• Camphor • Ignites readily, burn fiercely
• Keep away from other flammables • Use NIOSH approved
gloves, eye protection, face
shield & apron

• Ethanol • Flammable storage cabinet or

Flammable Liquids • Ethyl Acetate • Oxidizers • Fire Hazard
refrigerator rated for flammable/
• Methanol hazardous storage/explosion proof • Acids • Heat
• Acetone • Peroxide-forming chemicals must be • Bases • Violet Reaction
• Benzene dated upon delivery and opening • Reactives • Watch for vapor mist
• Xylene (two dates) • Poisons/Toxins • Causes eye and skin
• Toluene ie: Di-ethyl Ether, Tetrahydrofuran, irritation
• Diethyl Ether Furan, Methyl Butanol, Methyl • Keep away from ignition
• Tetrahydrofuran Acetylene, Heptanol, Dioxanes, or sparks
• Acetonitrile Digyleme • Use NIOSH approved
• Propanol • Please consult NIH Chemical gloves, eye protection,
• Gasoline Hygiene Plan Peroxide Formers face shield & apron

•Chloroform • Generation of Toxic and

Toxic •Cyanides • Store in a dark, dry, ventilated, • Flammable liquids
cool area in an unbreakable • Acids Flammable Gas
•Heavy metal • Combustible
compounds (e.g. chemically resistant secondary • Bases
• Reactives • Heat
Cadmium, Mercury, container (polyethylene)
• Oxidizers • Fire Hazard
Osmium, Arsenic, • Store volatile toxic materials • Explosion Hazard
Barium) • Corrosives
with evaporation rate above • Violent Reaction
•Formamide • Please consult Division
1.0 - (ether =1.0) in flammable of Environmental • Chloroform explosively
•Phenol cabinet reacts with chemically-
•Carbon Tetrachloride Protection (DEP) for
assistance reactive metals (e.g.,
•2-Mercaptoethanol Aluminum or Magnesium
•Acrylamide • Store non-volatile liquid poisons
powder, Sodium, and
•Ethidium Bromide in a refrigerator or cabinet;
Lithium), Strong Oxidizers,
•Sodium Azide Solution amounts less than 1 liter can be
Strong Caustics (e.g.,
stored in a cabinet above bench
Alkalis), and decomposes in
level, ONLY if the cabinet has
sunlight
sliding doors (not swinging)
• Some toxins are mutagenic
• Sodium Azide, must be kept and carcinogenic.
refrigerated • Review your SDS before
working with toxic material
• Use NIOSH approved
gloves, eye protection, face
shield & apron
• Store in a secure location away • Please consult the SDS • Explosion Hazard
Explosives • Picric Acid (Dry) from other chemicals; store in an and the DEP • Violent Reaction
• Ammonium Nitrate area away from friction or shock • Explosives must be • Heat
• Nitro Urea stored as "STAND • Shock Sensitive
• Trinitroaniline • Store Picric Acid in cool location or
ALONE". It must never be • Avoid Friction
• Benzoyl Peroxide (Dry) in a hazard rated fridge to prevent
stored with any • Regular Inspection maybe
• Trinitrobenzene explosive crystallization
chemicals of any kind required, to check for
• Trinitrobenzoic Acid • Storage regulations DO NOT apply deposits or crystallization
• Trinitrotoluene to binary explosives until mixed. • Use spark proof tools
• Urea Nitrate Consult Explosive Expert of DEP • Use NIOSH approved
• Diazoisbutylnitrile
gloves, eye protection,
• Sodium Azide (Solid)
face shield & apron
Chemical Segregation

Class of Chemicals Common Chemical Additional Concerns and Common Incompatible Possible Reaction if
Examples Storage Recommendations Chemical Types Mixed/Health Concerns
Oxidizers • Peroxides • Store in secondary containment • Combustibles • Fire Hazard
• Nitrates separately from combustibles and • Flammables • Gas Generation
flammable materials • Organic Materials • Toxic Gas
• Perchlorates
• May explosively decompose on • Reducing Agents • Explosion Hazard
• Permanganates shock, friction, or concussion. • Forms irritating toxic
• Sodium • May EXPLODE ON HEATING, to fumes
Hypochlorite (Solid) form irritating toxic fumes and • Use NIOSH approved
• Potassium gases of Benzoic Acid and Carbon gloves, eye
Dichromate Monoxide. It's a strong oxidant protection, face
• Chlorates and reacts violently with shield & apron
• Chlorites combustible, organic and
inorganic acids, and reducing
• Chromates
materials, causing fire and
• Bromates explosion hazard. Attacks some
• Superoxides forms of plastics, rubber or
coatings

Peroxide Formers • Acrylonitrile • Store in airtight bottles, away from • Always consult the • Explosion Hazard
• Isopropyl Alcohol light and heat in a dark, cool dry Safety Data Sheet
Ethers (e.g. Diethyl area; avoid using containers with (SDS) and the Division • Violent Reaction
ether, Isopropyl Ether) loose-fitting lids and ground glass of Environmental
• Acetals and Ketals, stoppers; crystallization, Protection (DEP) • Shock Sensitive
especially Cyclic discoloration, and formation or
Ethers and those with deposition of layers are signs a • Combustion
primary and/or peroxide former may have (Exothermic Reaction)
secondary Alkyl become shock sensitive; do not
groups Aldehydes use or move such containers:
• If an old or expired
(e.g. Acetaldehyde, contact DEP
container of a peroxide-
Benzaldehyde)
• All bottles of peroxide-forming forming chemical or reactive
• Vinyl and Vinylidene
chemicals must have the received is found, do not move it.
compounds Contact the DEP at
• Dienes date marked on the container; when
the bottle is first opened, the 301-496-4710 for
• Tetrahydrofuran assistance in disposing of
• Dioxane container must be marked with the
date opened the container
• Butylated • Use proper PPE
Hydroxytoluene (BHT) • Use NIOSH approved gloves,
eye protection, face shield &
apron

Water Reactive • Sodium Metals • Store in a dry, cool area away • Aqueous solutions • Heat Evolution
• Lithium Metals from potential spray from fire • Oxidizers • Violent Reaction when
• Potassium Metals sprinklers and other water • Please consult the mix with water
• Sodium Borohydride sources (DO NOT store under the Safety Data Sheet • Liberates hydrogen gas
• Alkali Metal Hydrides sink) (SDS) and the Division with water
• Cesium metal of Environmental • Reacts violently with
• Label this area for water-reactive Protection (DEP) water
storage • Use NIOSH approved
• Do not store with any other gloves, eye protection,
chemicals face shield & apron
Chemical Segregation

Class of Chemicals Common Chemical Additional Concerns and Common Incompatible Possible Reaction if
Examples Storage Recommendations Chemical Types Mixed/Health Concerns

Flammable Compressed • Methane • Handle flammable compressed • Oxidizers • Fire Hazard

gases in a chemical fume hood • Toxic Compressed • Explosion Hazard
Gases • Acetylene
• Butane Gases • Use NIOSH approved
• Store in well-ventilated areas; store
gloves, eye protection,
• Propane away from oxidizers, open flames,
face shield & apron
• Hydrogen sparks, and other sources of heat
• Wear safety shoes
• Silane ignition; post NO SMOKING signs
• Ethane around storage area(s) or entrance(s)
to storage room(s); flammable gases
• Arsine
stored outdoors where ambient
• Germane temperatures exceed 125 deg F
(51.7 deg C) shall be protected from
direct sunlight

• Must be secured in upright position,

bonded or chained against the wall

• Use a spark proof wrench to attach

regulators and make other connections;
install a flame/flash arrestor at the
regulator outlet flow valve

Oxidizing Compressed • Oxygen • Store oxidizers separately from • Flammable Compressed • Fire Hazard
• Chlorine flammable gas containers or Gases • Explosion Hazard
Gases
• Fluorine combustible materials; minimum • Toxic Compressed Gases • Use NIOSH approved
separation requirement from these gloves, eye
materials is 20 ft or a 5 ft noncom- protection, face
• Nitrogen Oxides
bustible barrier with a fire resistance shield & apron
rating of at least 30 minutes • Wear safety shoes
• Gas mixtures
containing Oxygen
higher than
• Must be secured in upright position,
bonded or chained against the wall
atmospheric
concentrations
(above 23%) • Clean equipment used for oxygen
and nitrous oxide with oxygen-
compatible materials free from oils,
greases, and other contaminants

• Fluorine shall be handled in specially

passivated containers and
associated equipment

• Handle toxic compressed gases in • Release of Toxic Gas

Toxic Compressed • Carbon Monoxide • Flammable Compressed
a chemical fume hood • Hydrogen Sulfide is a
• Hydrogen Sulfide Gases
Gases • Oxidizing Compressed
colorless, flammable,
• Nitrogen Dioxide • Must be secured in upright extremely hazardous gas
• Arsenic position, bonded or chained Gases
with a “rotten egg” smell;
• Pentafluoride against the wall • Please consult the specific
• Prolonged exposure may
• Boron Tribromide SDS and DEP
cause nausea, tearing of the
• Bromine • Indoor storage or use of toxic eyes, headaches or loss of
• Chlorine compressed gases shall be sleep, airway problems
• Fluorine provided with a gas cabinet, (bronchial constriction) in
• Chloropicrin exhausted enclosure, or gas room some asthma patients;
• Cyanogen
• Possible fatigue, loss of
• Refer to the SDS information for appetite, headache,
additional guidance on storage and irritability, poor memory,
compatibility requirements dizziness and slight
conjunctivitis to
• Contact DOHS to determine if a fail- name a few symptoms and
safe valve and/or continuous effects
monitoring for toxic gas may be • Use NIOSH approved gloves,
required during use eye protection face shield &
apron
• Wear safety shoes
Chemical Segregation

Class of Chemicals Common Chemical Additional Concerns and Common Incompatible Possible Reaction if
Examples Storage Recommendations Chemical Types Mixed/Health Concerns

Carcinogens • Benzene • Label all containers as "Cancer • Please consult the • Please consult the
• Benzadine Suspect Agents" or the equivalent specific SDS and DEP specific SDS and DEP
• Methylene Chloride • Store according to the hazardous • Use NIOSH approved
• Carbon Tetrachloride nature of the chemical, using gloves, eye
• Cadmium & appropriate security when protection, face
Compounds necessary shield & apron
• Arsenic & Compounds
• Asbestos
• Alfatoxins
• Beryllium &
Compounds

Teratogens • Tegretol • Label all containers as "Suspect • Aniline incompatible with • Please consult the
• Aminopterin Reproductive Hazard" or Nitric Acid and Hydrogen specific SDS and DEP
• Chlorobiphenyls “Reproductive Effecter” Peroxide • Use NIOSH approved
• Coumarins • Please consult the gloves, eye
• Tetracycline • Store according to the hazardous specific SDS and DEP protection, face
• Tapazole nature of the chemical, using shield & apron
• Propylthiouracil appropriate security when
(PTU) necessary

Pressurized Aerosol Cans Content under pressure: • See incompatibles for • Keep away from children
Flammable Aerosols Cans containing flammable liquid • Store at room temperature; or store flammable liquids; • Do reach;
not limited to: above 120F; not store with acids, • Read instructions and usage
• Acetone • Do not use near heat, sparks and oxidizer, toxic and reactive as directed;
• Thinner open flames; chemicals; • Use • Review SDS prior to use;
• Toluene • Always use secondary containers secondary container with • Use NIOSH approve gloves or
• Petroleum Distillates when storing with other chemicals flat surface for stability PPE rinse skin thoroughly
• Butyl Cellusolve with soup and water;
• Xylenes • Consult your medical
• Methanol emergency for severe skin or
eye contact;
• Use fire extinguisher in case
of fire or dial 911
Pressurized Aerosol cans NOT Content under pressure: • See incompatibles for • Keep away from children
Non-Flammable- containing flammable liquid • Store at room temperature; or store corrosive acid, base and reach;
Corrosive-Toxic Aerosols but not limited to Corrosive or above 120F; toxic items above; Use • Read instructions and usage
Toxic carrier: • Do not use near heat, sparks and secondary container with as directed;
Cans • Ammonia open flames; flat surface for stability • Review SDS prior to use;
• Sodium Hydroxide • Always use secondary containers • Use NIOSH approve gloves or
• Sodium Hypochlorite when storing with other chemicals PPE rinse skin thoroughly
• Amines with soup and water;
• Consult your medical
emergency for severe skin or
eye contact;
• Use fire extinguisher in case
of fire or dial 911

Adapted from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals, National Research Council, 1995, University of Texas/Health
Science at Houston and Boston University Environmental Health & Safety.
 Table 2. Suggested Storage Time Limits for Common Peroxide
Forming Compounds
Under proper conditions, these chemicals will form explosive peroxides which can be detonated
by shock or heat. Follow manufacturer’s storage time limits and expiration date. On each
peroxide container, note the date of receipt and the date of opening to assist with inventory
management. Although storage under inert gas or with a stabilizer may prolong shelf-life, test the
container for peroxides before use beyond the expiration date or before any possible distillation
procedure.
Class A: MOST DANGEROUS: Discard after 3 months.

Chemicals that can form explosive levels of peroxides during storage without
concentration.
Isopropyl ether Sodium amide
Butadiene Tetrafluoroethylene
Chlorobutadiene (chloroprene) Divinyl acetylene
Potassium amide Vinylidene chloride
Potassium metal
Class B: DANGEROUS: Inspect every 6 months following the date of opening.

These chemicals are a peroxide hazard during storage and on concentration

(distillation/evaporation). A test for peroxide should be performed if concentration is
intended or suspected.
Acetal Diethylene glycol dimethyl Methyl acetylene
Cumene ether Methyl cyclopentane
Cyclohexene Diethyl ether Methyl-isobutyl ketone
Cyclooctene Dioxane Tetrahydrofuran
Cyclopentene Ethylene glycol Tetrahydronaphthalene
Diacetylene Furan Vinyl ethers
Dicyclopentadiene

Class C: DANGEROUS: Inspect every 6 months following the date of opening.

Unsaturated monomers that may autopolymerize as a result of peroxide accumulation

if inhibitors have been removed or are depleted.
Acrylic acid Ethyl acrylate Vinyl acetate
Butadiene Methyl methacrylate Vinyl chloride
Chlorotrifluoroethylene Styrene Vinyl pyridine

Adapted from Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals, Updated
Version, National Research Council, 2011.

This list in Table 2 is illustrative, not comprehensive. Check the SDS of your chemical to
determine if it forms peroxides. If so, there will be a warning under the heading
Precautionary Labeling or Fire and Explosion Hazard Data on the SDS. If a substance

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does not appear on the lists and the SDS does not indicate that it is a peroxide former, but
you suspect that it is a peroxide former, evaluate the molecular structure of the chemical
for peroxide forming functional groups and the chemical families of peroxide formers
below:

Organic
A. Ethers, acetals
B. Olefins with allylic hydrogens, chloro- and fluoro-olefins, terpenes
C. Dienes, vinyl acetylenes
D. Aldehydes
E. Ureas, amides, lactams
F. Vinyl monomers including vinyl halides, acrylates, methacrylates, vinyl esters

Inorganic
A. Alkali metals, particularly potassium
B. Alkali metal alkoxides and amides
C. Organometallics

Administrative controls for peroxide formers:

1. Write the date of receipt on all peroxide formers. Class A peroxide formers must
be discarded within 3 months of receipt. Discard of Class B and C peroxide
formers in accordance with the SDS;
2. Write the date of opening on all Class B and C peroxide formers. Every 6 months
after the opening date, Class B and C peroxide formers must be inspected; and
3. During inspection of Class B and C peroxide formers, if any of the following are
observed, do not handle or move. Call Chemical Waste Services, your IC Safety
Specialist, and PI/supervisor. Chemical Waste Services will determine if the fire
department should be called.
a. Crystallization or any solid precipitate, either around the cap or in solution
b. Discoloration
c. Stratification (oily layer or second liquid phase)
d. Rusty or excessively old containers

Contact numbers:
• Bethesda campus: Chemical Waste Services: 301-496-4710
• Baltimore campus: The Environmental Manager assigned to BRC (currently
LCDR James Pitt): 301-346-6287

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 APPENDIX E
Cryogenic Liquids Safety
Cryogenic liquids pose a unique set of hazards. These include:
• Extreme cold (causes frostbite, burns, blisters, or eye damage);

• Asphyxiation (vaporization of cryogenic liquids can displace oxygen in rooms that are
not adequately ventilated);

• Explosion (if pressure builds up in cryogenic liquids containers as the liquid boils off, the
container may pressurize and explode);

• Fire (oxidizing and flammable cryogenic liquids can increase the risk of fire); and

• Damage to building materials (damage to flooring systems, including asbestos-containing

floor tiles).

Guidelines for safe usage of cryogenic liquids:

• Always store cryogenic liquids in well-ventilated rooms. Cryogenic liquids need to
release pressure as they boil off over time. Note that pressure will build until it is released
by a relief valve. However, this release may cause oxygen to be displaced. Note that
storage in cold rooms will not slow down the liquid to gas conversion. The storage of
cryogenic liquids in cold rooms is not recommended;
o When purchasing a cryogenic liquid for the first time, or when storing a
cryogenic liquid in a new location, contact DOHS to perform a risk assessment of
the area. DOHS may recommend the placement of oxygen monitoring devices in
some cases, or other safety precautions. For more information on the oxygen
monitoring program, please see the NIH Protocol for Use and Maintenance of
Oxygen Monitoring Devices.

• Only use manufacturer-rated containers which are specifically designed to hold cryogenic
liquids. These containers should be insulated, impact resistant, have handles (or
secondary tray), and a loose-fitting lid. Note that steel, plastic, and glass containers are
not allowed, as they can break due to thermal variation. Lids must be loose fitting, as
tightly sealed containers may build up pressure, and as the liquid boils off, may cause
explosion. If there are any issues with the container, reach out to the vendor or contract
entity;

• Always wear appropriate PPE which when handling cryogenic liquids. PPE which must
be worn includes manufacturer-rated cryogloves, close-toed shoes, long pants, and safety
goggles. When dispensing cryogenic liquids into an open container, face shields must be
worn in addition to the PPE listed above;

• Never leave the area unattended during the manual filling of cryogenic liquid in dewars.

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 • Cryogenic liquids should be stored in the upright position. For moving cryogenic liquid
cylinders, always use a specifically designed cylinder cart. Avoid excessive movement of
the container, as this may cause pressure buildup and explosion. If a container tips over,
request assistance as it is likely too heavy for one person to lift;

• A damp cloth can be used to remove any ice or frost buildup on a pressure relief valve.
When performing this task, appropriate PPE must be worn. Do not chip away ice that has
built up on the pressure relief valve or piping. Do not plug, cap, seal, or remove any relief
or venting device on cryogenic liquid storage containers; and

• Signage should be posted near cryogenic storage freezers, compressed gas storage areas,
and cryogenic liquid dispensing stations to remind users of appropriate PPE and of safe
work practices. Examples of such signs may be found on the DOHS website.

If a leak is suspected, or there is a spill or rupture of a container:

• Call the Fire Department;
o Bethesda main campus: Contact the NIH Fire Department (911 from a landline or
301-496-9911 from a cell phone)
o All other locations (including Bethesda off-campus locations): Call 911

• Evacuate the area, but have someone remain nearby at a safe distance to prevent the entry
of others; and

• Treat any cold burns immediately by flushing with tepid water or placing in a warm
water bath. Do not rub the skin to try to warm it.
o Seek medical attention;
 Bethesda: 911 from a landline or 301-496-9911 from a cell phone
 All other locations (including Bethesda off-campus locations): Call 911
o When safe to do so, notify supervisor and OMS; and
o DOHS may be contacted to review the incident and develop preventative actions;
 DOHS phone number: 301-496-2960

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 APPENDIX F
Selection of PPE
Glove Selection Information

• All gloves are permeable, and the resulting changes are not always visible;

• Visible degradation can include swelling, softening, hardening and discoloration;

• Different gloves are resistant to different chemicals;

• Multiple gloves can be worn together for greater protection (use smallest size that
will fit comfortably for dexterity purposes);

• Reusable gloves can be used for intermittent chemical work in the lab, but care
must be taken to properly rinse and air dry and they must be inspected before each
use;

• Disposable gloves provide barrier protection for small amounts of lab chemicals
but need to be immediately replaced when they become contaminated and should
never be reused;

• Latex deteriorates with petroleum products;

• Surgical latex gloves are thicker than latex exam gloves; and

• Always consult manufacturer’s glove selection guidelines for specific hazards.

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Glove Selection Guide (unsupported)

GLOVE TYPE USES CAUTION

Disposable: vinyl, latex, Dry Powders *Do NOT use for solvents
nitrile Aqueous Solutions and corrosives
*Disposable gloves must
be replaced immediately
upon chemical
contamination
Reusable: Neoprene Corrosives, solvents and Must be properly rinsed
(Black) alcohols and dried after each use
Resists oils and offers less
fatigue

Reusable: Nitrile (Blue Organic solvents (non- Must be properly rinsed

or Green) halogenated) and dried after each use
Puncture and abrasion
resistant

Reusable: Nomex or Temperature extremes *Do NOT use for Asbestos

Zetex *Must be properly rinsed
and dried after each use
Reusable: Butyl Aldehydes, ketones and Must be properly rinsed
esters and dried after each use
Reusable: Viton TM Chlorinated and aromatic Must be properly rinsed
solvents and dried after each use

Eye and Face Protection Selection Information

• Eye protection is mandatory where there is potential for eye injury;

• Eye protection must be appropriate for the type of hazard (e.g. chemical splash
and vapors, impact hazards, lasers, ultraviolet light);

• Safety glasses/spectacles are designed to protect against impact hazards.

Additional PPE, such as face shields, are to be used simultaneously when working
with chemicals; and

• When working with chemical substances which may result in eye contact in the
form of splash, mists, vapors, or fumes one of the following should be used:
o Safety Goggles:

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  Protect the eyes, eye sockets, and facial area surrounding the eyes
from chemical hazards;
 Provide seal around eyes preventing entry under or around
goggles; and
 Must be fitted to worker’s face, as poorly fitted goggles will not
offer necessary protection.
o Face Shields:
 Shield entire face from a range of hazards; and
 Are secondary protectors to be used in addition to primary
protection such as safety glasses or goggles.

OSHA’s Eye and Face Protection eTool can be used as an additional resource.

Laboratory Coat Selection Information

For information on selecting laboratory coats, please refer to the NIH Guidance for the
Selection of Laboratory Coats.

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 APPENDIX G
Glossary of Terms

Action Level: A concentration designated in 29 CFR 1910 for a specific substance,

calculated as an eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA) that initiates certain required
activities such as exposure monitoring and medical surveillance.

Antineoplastic: Blocking the formation of neoplasms (growths that may become cancer).

Antineoplastic Antibiotic: A type of anticancer drug that blocks cell growth by

interfering with DNA, the genetic material in cells. Also called anticancer antibiotic and
antitumor antibiotic.

Chemical Hygiene Officer: A qualified individual who provides technical guidance in

developing and implementing a CHP.

Chemical Hygiene Plan: A written program developed and implemented by the

employer which sets forth procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment and
work practices that are capable of protecting employees from the health hazards
presented by hazardous chemicals used in that particular workplace.

Combustible liquid: Any liquid having a flashpoint at or above 100oF (37.8oC), but
below 200oF (93.3oC), except any mixture having components with flashpoints of 200oF
(93.3oC) or higher, the total volume of which makes up 99% or more of the total volume
of the mixture.

Corrosives: Materials that cause destruction on contact with living tissue. Precautions
for corrosives focus mainly on preventing such contact. Acids with a pH<2 and bases
with a pH>12 are especially dangerous. Eye protection that forms a complete seal around
the eyes (goggles) and appropriate gloves must always be used when handling corrosive
materials. A face shield over safety glasses, a rubber apron and rubber boots may also be
appropriate. An eyewash and safety shower must be readily accessible in areas where
corrosives are used and stored.

Cytotoxic agent: A substance that kills cells, including cancer cells. These agents may
stop cancer cells from dividing and growing and may cause tumors to shrink in size.

Designated Area: A predetermined and well-labeled area in which carcinogens,

reproductive toxins (teratogens/embryotoxins), or other chemicals with significant acute
or chronic toxicity are used/kept in the laboratory.

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Emergency: Any occurrence such as, but not limited to, equipment failure, rupture of
containers or failure of control equipment which results in an uncontrolled release of
hazardous chemical into the workplace.

Explosive: A chemical that causes a sudden, almost instantaneous release of pressure,

gas, and heat when subjected to sudden shock, pressure, or high temperature.

Flammable: A chemical that falls into one of the following categories:

• Aerosol, flammable – an aerosol that, when tested by the method described in 16

CFR 1500.45, yields a flame protection exceeding 18 inches at full valve opening,
or a flashback (a flame extending back to the valve) at any degree of valve
opening.

• Gas, flammable – a gas that,

 at ambient temperature and pressure, forms a flammable mixture with air at a

concentration of 13% by volume or less; or

 at ambient temperature and pressure, forms a range of flammable mixtures

with air wider than 12% by volume, regardless of the lower limit.

• Liquid, flammable – any liquid having a flashpoint below 100oF (37.8oC), except
any mixture having components with flashpoints of 100oC or higher, the total of
which make up 99% or more of the total volume of the mixture.

• Solid, flammable – 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 burns so vigorously and persistently as to create
a serious hazard. A chemical shall be considered to be a flammable solid if, when
tested by the method described in 16 CFR 1500.44, it ignites and burns with a
self-sustained flame at a rate greater than 1/10” per second along its major access.

Flashpoint: The minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off a vapor in sufficient
concentration to ignite when tested as follows:

• Tagliabue Closed Tester (American National Standard Test Method (ASTM D

56-79)) for liquids with a viscosity of less than 45 Saybolt Universal Seconds at
100oF (37.8oC) that do not contain suspended solids and do not have a tendency to
form a surface film under test; or

• Pensky-Martens Closed Tester (American National Standard Method (ASTM D

93-79)) for liquids with viscosity equal to or greater than 45 SUS at 100oF (37.8o

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 C), or that contain suspended solids, or that have a tendency to form a surface
film under test; or

• Setaflash Closed Tester (American National Standard Method (ASTM D 3278-

78)).
*Organic peroxides, which undergo auto-accelerating thermal decomposition, are
excluded from any of the flashpoint determination methods specified above.

Hazardous Chemical: A substance which presents a physical hazard and/or has one or
more properties for which there is statistically significant evidence that acute or chronic
health effects may occur in exposed individuals. “Health effect” categories of chemicals
include, but are not limited to, carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive
toxins, irritants, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on
the hematopoietic systems and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucus
membranes. Physical hazards include, but are not limited to, chemicals which are
explosive, flammable, or corrosive.

Hazardous Drug: A drug that is approved for use in humans by the FDA; is not
otherwise regulated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and either a) is
accompanied by prescribing information in the “package insert” that includes special
handling information to protect workers handling the drug, or b) exhibits one or more of
the following types of toxicity in humans, animal models, or in vitro systems:
carcinogenicity; teratogenicity or other developmental toxicity; reproductive toxicity;
organ toxicity at low does; genotoxicity; or structure and toxicity profile that mimics
existing drugs determined hazardous by exhibiting any one of the previous five toxicity
types.

Highly Toxic: A substance with a lethal dose (LD) or lethal concentration within the
following limits. Oral: LD50< 50 mg/kg (oral rat), Inhalation: LC50 < 200 ppm / 1 hr. or
2000 mg/m3 / 1 hr. Skin Contact: LD50 < 200 mg/kg (rabbit).

IC: Institutes and Centers. An acronym used at the NIH that refers to organizational and
management structure.

Irritant: Non-corrosive chemicals that cause reversible inflammatory effects (swelling

and redness) on living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact.

Laboratory: A facility where “lab use of hazardous chemicals” occurs. It is a

workplace where relatively small quantities of hazardous chemicals are used on a
nonproduction basis, including any laboratory located within an animal facility.

Laboratory Personnel: Any person working in an NIH laboratory that handles or uses
potentially hazardous, and other, chemicals. At the NIH, visiting scientists, guest

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researchers, special volunteers, students, and other similar personnel are included in the
scope of the CHP.

Laboratory Scale: Work with substances in which the containers used for reactions,
transfers, and other handling of substances are designed to be easily and safely
manipulated by one person. “Laboratory scale” excludes those workplaces whose
function is to produce commercial quantities of materials.

Laboratory Use: The handling and use of chemicals in which all of the following
conditions are met:

• Chemical manipulations are carried out on a “laboratory scale”;

• Multiple chemical procedures or chemicals are used;

• The procedures involved are not part of a production process, nor in any way
simulate a production process; and

• “Protective laboratory practices and equipment” are available and in common use
to minimize the potential for employee exposure to hazardous chemicals.

High-level hazard spill: A spill that cannot be controlled and requires an emergency
response. High-level hazard spills include spills that are larger than 100 mL of any
material or spills of any volume of a PHS. Emergency responses must be initiated when
any of the following criteria are met: the employee is uncomfortable; assistance from
outside of the immediate release area is required; the spill is likely to result in an
uncontrolled release of hazardous substances; or the response to a release poses a
potential safety or health hazard to the responder.

Low-level hazard spill: Low-level hazard spills of non-volatile chemicals with which
the employee is familiar and is trained and has the resources to clean up the spill. As a
general guideline, spills that are less than 100 mL of non-PHS, are within a lab or
contained area (such as a benchtop or inside the chemical fume hood) AND are low
hazard (NOT chemicals which are toxic, corrosive, flammable or reactive) are considered
low-level hazard.

Medical consultation: A consultation that takes place between an employee and a

licensed physician for the purpose of determining what medical examinations or
procedures, if any, are appropriate in cases where significant exposure to a hazardous
chemical may have taken place.

Organic peroxide: 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 has been replaced by an organic radical.

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Oxidizer: 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. Oxidation reactions are a frequent cause of chemical accidents.
When stored, segregate oxidizers from flammable and combustible materials, organic
material and reducers.

Particularly Hazardous Substances: These include “select carcinogens,” reproductive

toxins, and substances that have a high degree of acute toxicity. See Appendix B for
guidance in identifying particularly hazardous substances.

Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs): An exposure limit for OSHA regulated

substances specified in 29 CFR part 1910.1000, Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous
Substances.

Peroxide-forming chemicals: A class of compounds that have the ability to form shock-
sensitive explosive peroxide crystals. Certain chemicals can turn into dangerous organic
peroxides with prolonged storage and/or concentration. Therefore, it is extremely
important that procedures be followed regarding the identification, handling, storage, and
disposal of peroxide-forming chemicals. Peroxide-forming chemicals react with oxygen –
even at low concentrations – to form peroxy compounds. The risk associated with
peroxide formation increases if the peroxide crystallizes or becomes concentrated by
evaporation or distillation. Factors that affect rate of peroxide formation include exposure
to air, light, heat, moisture, and contamination from metals. Avoid the prolonged storage
of all peroxide-forming chemicals. Especially dangerous are ether bottles that have
evaporated to dryness. The following tables list compounds that are known to auto-
oxidize to form peroxides and classes of chemicals that can form peroxides upon aging.

Physical hazard: 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.

Protective laboratory practices and equipment: Laboratory procedures, practices and

equipment accepted by laboratory health & safety experts as effective, or that the
employer can show to be effective, in minimizing the potential for employee exposure to
hazardous chemicals.

Pyrophoric Chemicals: Pyrophoric materials (e.g., boranes, n-butyllithium, white

phosphorus) ignite spontaneously on contact with air. Avoid a flammable spill by storing
breakable glass bottles inside a rubber or plastic bottle carrier. Use and store all
pyrophorics in an inert atmosphere (e.g., stored under nitrogen or argon).

Reactive Chemicals: Highly reactive chemicals include those which are inherently
unstable and susceptible to rapid decomposition as well as chemicals which, under

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specific conditions, can react alone, or with other substances in a violent uncontrolled
manner, liberating heat, toxic gases, or leading to an explosion. Reaction rates almost
always increase dramatically as the temperature increases. Therefore, if heat evolved
from a reaction is not dissipated, the reaction can accelerate out of control and possibly
result in injuries or costly accidents.

Reproductive Toxins: Chemicals that affect an individual’s reproductive ability

including chromosomal damage (mutations) and/or have an adverse effect on a fetus
(teratogenesis).

Secondary Container: a container (different from the original packaging) in which

substances have been aliquoted or diluted in to for use (I.e., 10% bleach solution in a
spray bottle). Some of these secondary containers require appropriate labeling.

Secondary Containment: a line of defense that prevents spills or leaks from hazardous
chemicals from entering the surrounding area and preventing direct contact with
personnel or facilities. Typically, secondary containment is tear and puncture resistant,
impervious to moisture and leak-proof, and does not require labeling.

Select Carcinogen: A substance which meets one of the following criteria:

• It is regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen; or

• 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

• It is listed under Group 1 (“carcinogenic to humans”) by the International Agency

for research on Cancer Monographs (IRAC) (latest editions); or

• It is listed in either Group 2A or 2B by IRAC or under the category, “reasonably

anticipated to be carcinogens” by NTP, and causes statistically significant tumor
incidence in experimental animals in according with any of the following criteria:

 After inhalation exposure of 6-7 hours per day, 5 days per week, for
significant portion of a lifetime to dosages of less than 10mg/m3;

 After repeated skin application of less than 300 (mg/kg of body weight) per
week; or

 After oral dosages of less than 50 mg/kg of body weight per day.

Sensitizer: A chemical that causes exposed people or animals to develop an allergic

reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure to the chemical

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Shock-Sensitive/Explosive Materials: Can spontaneously release large amounts of
energy when struck, vibrated, dropped or agitated. Some chemicals become increasingly
shock sensitive with age, so inspect your stock of reactive chemicals regularly to see if
they are degraded and should be disposed of. Many laboratory accidents occur from the
inadvertent formation of explosive or shock sensitive materials, such as peroxides,
perchlorates and azides.

Target organ effects: Effects on specific body systems which may occur as a result of
exposure to a hazardous substance. These effects include hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins,
neurotoxins, agents which act on the blood or hematopoietic system, agents which
damage the lung, reproductive toxins, cutaneous hazards and eye hazards.

Threshold Limit Value (TLV): An airborne concentration of a specific substance under

which it is believed that nearly all workers may be exposed for 8 hrs./day, 5 days/week
for a working lifetime, without suffering adverse health effects. TLVs are exposure
guidelines established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH).

Toxic: A chemical that falls in one of the following categories:

• Has a median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 50 mg/kg but not more than 500
mg/kg of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between
200 and 300 grams each; or

• Has a median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 200 mg/kg but not more than 1,000
mg/kg of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hrs. (or
less if death occurs before 24 hrs.) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing
between 2 and 3 kg each; or

• Has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of more than 200 parts per
million (PPM) but not more than 2000 PPM by volume of gas or vapor, or more
than 2mg/L but not more than 20 mg/L of mist, fume, or dust, when administered
by continuous inhalation for 1hr (or less if death occurs within that hour) to albino
rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.

Unstable (reactive): A chemical, which is the pure state, or as produced or transported,

will vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense, or will become self-reactive under
conditions of shocks, pressure or temperature.

Volatile: Having the tendency or ability to evaporate readily.

Water-reactive: A chemical that reacts with water to release a gas that is either
flammable or presents a health hazard.

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 APPENDIX H
Hazardous Material Spill Procedure

Laboratory emergencies require prompt action to prevent or reduce undesirable effects.

Laboratory employees must be able to immediately take control of the situation, and
quickly assess the existing and potential hazards and carry out the appropriate response
actions.

Immediate hazards of fire, explosion, and release of toxic vapors and gases are of prime
concern. The following emergency response procedures contain minimum specifications
that must be followed by all NIH laboratory workers. In addition, written emergency
response actions for specific hazards in the laboratory (such as skin contact with
hydrofluoric acid) must be developed by the department and provided to the laboratory
workers. These written emergency response procedures must also specify the proper spill
control equipment or material to be used.

Even a small amount of spilled flammable liquid or reactive substance presents a

significant fire hazard as there are many spark sources in laboratories. Any uncontained
chemical that can disperse fumes, gases or dusts may be hazardous to your health and the
health of those around you.

Spill Control Equipment

The Division of Environmental Protection requires all labs have access to a spill kit.
Each department must have appropriate spill control items available for each laboratory.
Items may include commercial spill control products such as inert absorbents and
absorbent pads, pillows and rolls, as well as collecting devices such as scoops, brooms,
and dustpans. Other chemical-specific neutralizing or absorbing items such as sodium
bicarbonate for acid spills, boric acid or citric acid for alkali spills, or activated charcoal
for solvent spills should be considered in accordance with frequently used chemicals in
the laboratory.

For high-level hazard spills (a spill that cannot be controlled):

• Everyone leaves the area closing doors behind exiting staff;

• Prevent others from entering the area;

• Initiate first aid at the work site to any exposed or injured employees:

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  Eyes: Begin using the eyewash immediately per SDS guidance if
applicable. Remove contact lenses as soon as practical, but do not delay
irrigation while waiting for contact lens removal. Irrigate the eyes for 15
minutes, or as stipulated by the chemical’s SDS, holding the eyelids open
with thumb and index fingers, rolling the eyelids to permit thorough
cleaning; or

 Skin: Remove contaminated clothing per SDS guidance if applicable. Use

the nearest emergency shower for 15 minutes, or as stipulated by the
chemical’s SDS. Use a clean lab coat or spare clothing for cover-up.

• Call or have a co-worker call the Fire Department: 911 on-campus and 9-911
off-campus. If calling from a cell phone, call 301-496-9911;

• Notify the supervisor if he or she is immediately available;

• Report to OMS, Building 10, Room 6C306 (301-496-4411) within one hour
of an exposure (Monday-Friday 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM). If OMS is closed,
promptly call the Clinical Center Operator at 301-496-1211 and ask them to
page an OMS physician immediately; and

• Do not reenter the room until the Fire Department or appropriate authorities
determine that the area is safe.

For low-level hazard spills: As a general guideline, spills that are less than 100 mL of
non-PHS, are within a lab or contained area (such as a benchtop or inside the chemical
fume hood) AND are low-level hazard (NOT chemicals which are toxic, corrosive,
flammable or reactive) are considered low-level hazard. However, DO NOT attempt to
clean up a spill unless you have the training and resources to clean the spill with no risk
to yourself or others. Attempt ONLY if it is a nonvolatile liquid with which you are
familiar, and you have appropriate supplies on hand:

• Use one or more spill control products referenced above to clean spill (use
inert absorbents (e.g. clay, sand, etc.) or absorbent pads to clean spill);

• Bag separately;

• Follow the NIH Waste Disposal Guide for instructions on disposal; and

• Call the Fire Department.

Some chemical spills must be cleaned up by the Fire Department. Please see the NIH
Chemical Safety Guide for further guidance on spill cleanup.

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Spill Control for Powders

Powders are positively charged and spread easily. Caution must be used to prevent the
contamination of entire lab and adjacent areas.

In the event of a powder spill:

• Step slowly as you leave the lab;

• Leave your shoes and any contaminated clothing (lab coat) at the door;
• Secure the lab preventing access;
• Minimize ventilation;
• On the Bethesda campus call 911 (landline) or (301) 496-9911 (cell phone);
and
• Avoid tracking through the hallways, you may spread contamination
unknowingly.

Spill Control for Acids, Alkalis and Solvents

As a general guideline, spills of less than one liter of these materials are considered small.
However, spills of particularly hazardous substances, regardless of the amount spilled,
may require immediate Fire Department & DOHS notification and assistance. PHSs
include select carcinogens, reproductive toxins and substances with a high degree of
acute toxicity.

Whenever a spill occurs, treat the spill as a potentially dangerous situation until the spill
is cleaned up or there are positive indications (for example, instrumental monitoring) that
no hazard is present. ICs, in conjunction with DOHS, must develop spill response
contingency plans to deal with potential releases of extremely hazardous materials that
are used in their department.

Mercury Spills

The NIH has developed a mercury policy that will replace mercury-containing equipment
with “greener” products where possible.

Liquid mercury is a proven neurotoxin. It has been decided that mercury containing
equipment will not be used at the NIH if at all possible. While mercury salts are toxic by
ingestion, the prime toxicity of liquid mercury is in the form of vapor. Mercury spills
present a special problem because of the difficulty in picking up the tiny droplets and the
hazards of undetected residues. Metallic mercury remaining in cracks and crevices will
give off toxic vapors for years.

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NEVER ADD MERCURY WASTE TO ANY OTHER WASTE OR VICE-VERSA.
It all becomes mercury waste, which requires costly disposal.

For all Mercury Spills:

• Leave the area immediately;

• Close the doors;
• Prevent others from entering the area; and
• Call the Fire Department.

Biohazard Spills

• Quickly assess whether there are any injured persons and attend to any person
who may have been contaminated;
• Remove contaminated clothing immediately and decontaminate;
• Close the laboratory door;
• To clean up the spill and decontaminate the area, wear PPE (appropriate lab coat,
gloves, and eye protection - safety glasses or goggles). Wear a mask if necessary;
• Cover spill area with an absorbent material;
• Apply a 1:10 solution of household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) directly to the
spill area;
• Allow the solution to remain for at least 30 minutes before rinsing; and
• Dispose of all material using a mechanical device such as forceps and place in a
BIOHAZARD BAG.

Radioactive Spills

Only trained radiation workers should clean radioactive spills. Consult the DRS website
or Radiation Safety Guide for additional details on radioactive spill response.

Notify
You may call DRS for any radioactive spill. However, spills must be reported to DRS
(301-496-5774) promptly if any of the following occur (after hours call the NIH Fire
Department or ECC):

• Personnel contamination or injury involving the radioactive material (lifesaving

always takes precedence over contamination issues);
• Contamination is in an unrestricted area (hallway, office, unposted lab, etc.);
• Spill involves >1 liter of liquid;
• Spill involves >1 mCi of activity; or
• Spill involves >10 ft² (not necessarily contiguous) area.

Actions

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 • ALERT – make sure others in the area are aware a spill has occurred and to stay
clear of the area – cordon off area if it is well-defined;
• PPE – anyone addressing the spill should be in a lab coat, shoe covers and gloves;
change gloves and booties regularly to avoid spreading contamination;
• MONITOR – make sure anyone who was in the area when the spill was
discovered is checked for contamination, especially shoes, before allowing them
to leave; bag up any contaminated clothing and check skin underneath;
• SKIN – monitor for skin contamination; if any is found, record the count rate and
gently wash the area in the nearest sink; note reductions in count rate; STOP if no
longer reducing the count rate or if skin becomes irritated from washing;
• COVER/CLEAN – cover the spill with absorbent paper; if cleaning the spill,
work from the outside edges inward and minimize the amount of water added;
DO NOT ask housekeeping staff to assist or borrow their equipment;
• MITIGATE – limit movement in and out of the spill area; check anything leaving
the spill area carefully for contamination;
• COLLECT WASTE – treat all cleaning materials and disposable PPE items as
radioactive waste;
• RECOVERY – monitor cleaned area with survey meter appropriate for the
nuclide involved; final survey to clear area should ALWAYS be a smear/swipe
survey, regardless of nuclide; and
• RECORDKEEPING – Retain copies of incident notes and final smear/swipe
survey results; these are subject to DRS review.

Leaking Compressed Gas Cylinders

Occasionally, a cylinder or one of its component parts develops a leak. Such leaks often
occur around the manifold in areas such as valve threads, safety devices, valve stems and
valve outlets.

If a leak is suspected:

• Leave the area immediately;

• Secure the area and deny access;
• On the Bethesda campus call 911 (landline) or (301) 496-9911 (cell phone);
• Notify Lab manager; and
• Do not return to area until the Fire Department has cleared the area.

Note: Cryogenic liquid containers such as liquid nitrogen, liquid argon, liquid oxygen,
and liquid helium may vent periodically to relieve head pressure build up caused by
vaporization of product from leakage of heat from the environment into the container.
This is a normal process of functioning containers. If a venting event appears abnormal
(larger volume or longer duration than normal) follow the procedures listed above.

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 APPENDIX I
General Decontamination Procedures

Hand Decontamination

• Wash hands completely with soap and water; and

• Rinse completely; dry with a clean towel or air dry.

Clothing, Tool/Equipment Decontamination

• Contact DOHS, the Fire Department and/or the DEP for guidance on cleaning and
disposal of contaminated objects;
• It is preferable to use soap and clean water when available; and
• Allow clothes and tools/equipment to air dry thoroughly before re-use.

Important Considerations

• Use gloves and eye protection.

Note: Do not immerse electrical or battery-operated tools/equipment in solutions. Clean

exterior with a rag soaked with soap and water or disinfectant solution.

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 APPENDIX J
Michael Gottesman Memo
“Laboratory Safety Responsibilities”

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Date: May 15, 2015

To: NIH Scientific Directors

From: Deputy Director for Intramural Research

Subject: Laboratory Safety Responsibilities

There is no more important issue to me than the safety of our NIH staff. I regularly discuss important laboratory
safety issues, and I am writing to you now about the following concerns and expectations.
A. Laboratory Safety Training: I am reinforcing the importance of laboratory safety training. It is your
responsibility to confirm that Lab/Branch Chiefs in your IC or their designees document that all laboratory
personnel have taken the role-based mandatory laboratory safety training. A centralized safety training
database is available for use by supervisors to document and track the online and classroom training taken by
laboratory personnel.
B. IC Laboratory Safety Committees: As you know, your IC Safety and Health Committee (SHC) has authority to
oversee and monitor the IC's safety operations. Your responsibilities are to: (1) assure that you have appointed
a duly-constituted committee in your IC; (2) walk through all laboratory and intramural research spaces
annually (accompanied by your SHC Chair and a representative from the Division of Occupational Health and
Safety (DOHS)) to become familiar with the safety and health issues present and to direct appropriate
corrective actions; and (3) ensure that the IC SHC surveys all IC space and provides a report to you annually.
C. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): It is NIH policy and a requirement that appropriate PPE be used by
individuals working in a laboratory. At a minimum, this includes wearing long pants, closed-toe shoes and a lab
coat while working in the laboratory and/or near hazardous substances. Wearing appropriate gloves for the
hazardous substances being handled and the use of protective eyewear are also requirements.
D. Accurate Inventory of Potentially Hazardous Biological Materials: It is your responsibility to assure that each PI
maintains an accurate inventory of stored potentially hazardous biological materials (human pathogens worked
with at BSL-2 and above, human blood and body fluids and tissues, toxins and animal or plant pathogens) in the
centralized database for this purpose.
Finally, as a reminder, only those lab personnel who are certified shippers are allowed to prepare shipments of
hazardous materials. Shipper training [https://www.safetytraining.nih.gov/Main.aspx] is provided by DOHS.
Additionally, all hazardous materials must be shipped through NIH Freight Forwarding
[http://www.ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/BioSafety/shipbio/Pages/shipping_biological_material.aspx].
Your support and enforcement of these requirements and policies are essential to ensure the safe conduct of
science at the NIH.

Michael M. Gottesman, M.D.

cc: Dr. Alfred C. Johnson

Dr. Deborah E. Wilson
 APPENDIX K
Laboratory Hazard Analysis

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 APPENDIX K
Laboratory Hazard Analysis

Name of process:

Chemical name / CAS #:

Identify (if any) environmental conditions

(temperature, pressure, anaerobic, etc.):

Describe general procedure:

List physical/health hazards

& assoc. engineering controls:

Administrative practices (including storage and waste procedures, OMS requirements):

Personal protective equipment (PPE):

All laboratory work requires DOHS online and in-class training: https://www.safetytraining.nih.gov/.

List additional training required for this laboratory hazard analysis:

Additional comments:

PI Name: _____________________________ Signature: _______________________ Date:__________________

Lab Identifier (e.g. Research Name, Room #):

Researcher(s) Name(s):
1. _____________________ Signature:_____________________ Date:_______
2. _____________________ Signature:_____________________ Date:_______
3. _____________________ Signature:_____________________ Date:_______
4. _____________________ Signature:_____________________ Date:_______
5. _____________________ Signature:_____________________ Date:_______
6. _____________________ Signature:_____________________ Date:_______
7. _____________________ Signature:_____________________ Date:_______
8. _____________________ Signature:_____________________ Date:_______
9. _____________________ Signature:_____________________ Date:_______
10. _____________________ Signature:_____________________ Date:_______
 APPENDIX L
Laboratory Personnel Safety Check List

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 APPENDIX L
Laboratory Personnel Safety Check List

Employee/Student Name: _____________________________________________ Date: _____________

IC/Branch/Unit: _ Bldg: ________ Rm. #: __________
Principal Investigator: ________________________ and/or Lab Supervisor: _______________________

The following procedures have been reviewed with this

person prior to working in the laboratory.

1. Has the PI/Lab Supervisor discussed the nature of the research being conducted in the laboratory?

2. Has the PI/Lab Supervisor discussed all hazardous components of the research?
a. Chemical
b. Biological
c. Physical

3. Has the employee/student received instruction on known symptoms associated with exposure to highly
toxic chemicals or infectious agents used in the laboratory?

4. Has the PI/Lab Supervisor discussed the need for the employee/student to inform health care providers
of the hazardous substances used in the laboratory during each medical visit?

5. Has the PI/Lab Supervisor reviewed the laboratory Chemical Hygiene Plan, Laboratory Hazardous
Analysis and/or safety operating procedures with the employee/student?

6. Has the PI/Lab Supervisor identified the location of Safety Data Sheets to the employee/student and
demonstrated methods of access?

7. Has hazard assessment information concerning Personal Protective Equipment required in laboratory
been reviewed, and has the supervisor and employee signed off?

8. Does the employee/student need a respirator? If yes, arrange for exposure evaluation, training and fit
testing through the Division of Occupational Health and Safety.

9. Have all Emergency Equipment locations/procedures been identified to the employee/student?

a. Emergency Shower d. Fire Extinguisher

b. Emergency Eyewash e. Spill Kit
c. Fire Alarm Pull Station f. Telephone (9-1-1)

10. Has the PI/Lab Supervisor reviewed with the employee/student, the laboratory signage system as
indicated on the door?

11. Have basic laboratory safety requirements been explained & reinforced?

14. Has the employee/student signed up for the appropriate Laboratory Personnel Training? See
https://www.safetytraining.nih.gov/.
All laboratory personnel must: know the hazards
understand the hazards
have skills to execute safe practices

Employee/Student _______
Signature Date

Principal Investigator/ _____________________________ ________

Lab Supervisor Signature Date
 APPENDIX M
Program Evaluation and Improvement

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 Program Evaluation and Improvement
CHP CY [Insert Calendar Year of Review]

This table will be completed in accordance with the guidance provided by OSHA’s webpage on Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs

Implemented
Not Partially with only Fully
Requirement Evidence of Implementation Planned Improvements
Implemented Implemented Minor Implemented
Deficiencies
Performance indicators
are used to track
progress toward
program goals.
Performance is tracked
using both
lagging and leading
indicators.
Performance data are
analyzed and
shared with workers.
Management does an
initial review (and
subsequent annual
reviews) to evaluate
the program and
ensure that it is fully
implemented and
functioning as planned.
Workers are involved in
all program
review activities.
Program reviews
examine key processes
to ensure that they are
operating as
intended.
The program is
modified as needed to
correct shortcomings.
This is a template only – as such it is filled out each year and used internally to guide future improvements.
 APPENDIX N
Specific Chemical Hazard and Lab-specific SOP Templates

Specific Chemical Hazard Template

The purpose of this template is to be used to describe the hazards of a given chemical and
to outline general procedures to be used when working with that chemical.

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOPs)

Title: Specific Chemical Hazard Template
Document No. Document Author’s Branch: Effective
Page(s): Date:
Revision: Revision Date: Reviewed/Approved by: Date:
Overseeing Official’s Signature: Date: Procedure
Location:
Instructions for filling out your SOP
This template is intended to be filled out with information on chemical hazards
within the laboratory. The purpose is to generate a chemical-specific standard
operating procedure which is to be followed by each individual handling or
potentially exposed to the given chemical. To fill out this template:
• Section 1: Use information from the chemical safety data sheet (SDS)
• Section 2: Describe the lab-specific procedure(s) the chemical is used in
• Section 3: Attach the SDS for the chemical to this SOP
• Section 4: Enter information on the ventilation controls used and/or any
alternatives to standard ventilation controls
• Section 5: List the PPE that will be worn when working with the chemical.
Ensure that any PPE listed is compatible with the chemical.
• Section 6: Fill out information on the preparation, usage, storage, and transport
of the chemical. Add details for lab-specific procedures.
• Section 7: Fill in specific details for spill procedures. Include information such as
the location of spill kits, the specific materials that must be used, PPE that must
be worn, or specific procedures that must be followed during spill cleanup.
• Section 8: No action necessary.
• Section 9: Fill in information on waste disposal – customize to the specific
procedure and chemical.
• Section 10: No action necessary.
• Section 11: Fill in information on decontamination and designated work location
for the chemical.

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• Section 12: Document training for all personnel who will handle this chemical.
All personnel must sign to indicate they are aware of the hazards and of all
general and lab-specific procedures which must be followed when using this
chemical.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC CHEMICAL HAZARD INFO for [chemical
1
name]
Obtain specific chemical hazard information from SDS

CHEMICAL NAME: [chemical name]

CAS number: [XXX]
Routes of exposure: [XXX]
How exposure might occur: [XXX]
Target organs: [XXX]
Signs/symptoms of exposure: [XXX]

Select Globally Harmonized System (GHS) - applicable Hazard Pictograms (see

SDS Section 2 for pictograms and hazards selection; delete any non-applicable
pictograms):

Explosive metals Flammable Oxidizer Gas Under Pressure Corrosive to Metals

Self-Reactive Pyrophoric Skin Corrosion
Self-Heating Emits Flammable Gas Skin Burns
Organic Peroxide Self-reactive Organic Eye Damage
Peroxide

Acute Toxicity (fatal or toxic) Irritant (skin and eye) Carcinogen Aquatic Toxicity
Skin Sensitizer Mutagenicity
Acute Toxicity (harmful) Reproductive Toxicity
Narcotic effects Respiratory Sensitizer
Respiratory Tract Irritant Target Organ Toxicity
Hazardous to Ozone Layer Aspiration Toxicity

2 PROCESS
Describe or attach what is being done with [chemical name], including specific
laboratory procedures and quantities used.
[ Click here to enter text ]
3 PLANNING AND PREPARATION
Hazardous chemical and specific SOP training will be provided to personnel
working with [chemical name] and any other personnel authorized or required to be
in the laboratory during work with the chemical.

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Attach SDS for [chemical name] to this SOP.

Appropriate cleaning method(s) for [chemical name] will be determined and

supplies for cleaning and spill cleanup of [chemical name] will be readily available.
4 ENVIRONMENTAL / VENTILATION CONTROLS
Work with [chemical name] will be performed in a [Select ventilation control from
dropdown].

[Describe any work outside of hood or exhausted containment and controls put in
place to prevent exposure.] [ Click here to enter text ]
5 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
List the PPE that will be worn when working with [chemical name]: [Customize list]
Any gloves must be changed immediately if contaminated, torn, or
punctured!
SPECIAL HANDLING PROCEDURES AND STORAGE
6
REQUIREMENTS
HANDLING

Preparation
• All preparation of [chemical name] solutions will be performed over plastic-
backed absorbent pads in a [Select ventilation control from dropdown]. Pads
will be disposed of after completion of tasks or immediately upon
contamination.
• Wear chemical appropriate gloves for all procedures involving preparation
and handling of [chemical name].
• Change gloves after each use, or immediately when torn, punctured, or
contaminated.

Describe how [chemical name] will be prepared.

[ Click here to enter text ]

Use
• A sharps container will be in the immediate vicinity for safe sharps disposal.
• The [Select ventilation control from dropdown] will be cleaned upon
completion of tasks with [chemical name].
• All potentially contaminated disposable items will be placed in a waste bag
before disposal.
• Hands must be washed upon completion of tasks.

STORAGE

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 [chemical name] containers will be labeled and stored in a/an [select storage
container from dropdown] in [room #].

TRANSPORT
[chemical name] will be transported in labeled and sealed non-breakable
secondary containers.
7 SPILL AND ACCIDENT PROCEDURES
Spill and Accident Procedures [Specific cleaning and waste disposal procedures
must
be determined.]
[chemical name] spills must be cleaned up immediately by properly trained and
protected personnel who are not sensitive to [chemical name]. All other persons
should leave the area. Spill response procedures must be developed based on the
chemical and potential spill or release conditions. Clean up spills using contents of
the spill kit. Do not attempt to clean up any spill if not trained or comfortable
performing the cleanup.

High-level hazard spills are spills >100 mL of any material and spills of
Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHS) of any volume.
If a high-level hazard spill occurs, do not attempt to clean up the spill.
Evacuate the area and call the Fire Department for assistance in cleaning up
these spills, or if ANY of the below criteria are met:
1. The employee is uncomfortable
2. Assistance from outside the release area is required
3. The incident is likely to result in an uncontrolled release of hazardous
substances
4. Response to a release poses a potential safety or health hazard to the
responder

Fill out information for contacting the Fire Department at your site as
appropriate below:
Bethesda, MD
911 on-campus
9-911 off-campus
301-496-9911 (cell phone)
Baltimore, MD
911 (cell phone)
9-911 (landline)
Frederick, MD
911
Hamilton, MT
911
Research Triangle Park, NC
911 (landline)

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 919-541-2800 (cell phone)

High-level hazard spill response:

1. Spills >100 mL of any material or spills of Particularly Hazardous Substances of
any volume may generate vapors above exposure limits; therefore, these spills
may require the use of respiratory protection.
2. Cover spill, if possible, to minimize vapors. If the spill is in a chemical fume hood
or biosafety cabinet, close the sash before leaving.
3. Evacuate area and restrict access. Close the windows and doors upon exit.
Attend to injured or exposed persons using emergency shower or eyewash.
Follow procedures below in Section 8.
4. MANDATORY: As soon as possible, you must report the spill in a safe
area by notifying NIH Division of Fire and Rescue Services (see above)
5. Stay in close proximity to the site (in a safe area) until directed otherwise by first
responders. Notify supervisor.
6. Be prepared to provide the following information:
• Name and phone number of knowledgeable persons that can be contacted
• Name of chemical spilled, concentration and amount spilled, liquid or solid
type spill
• Number of injured, if any (refer below to section 8).
• Location of spill
7. Do not reenter the room until the fire department or appropriate authorities
determine that there is no immediate detriment to life or health.

If a person is injured, exposed, or suspected of being exposed to [chemical name],

follow procedures below in section 8.

As a general guideline, low-level hazard spills are low-level hazard spills that
are within a lab or contained area, such as a chemical fume hood, ducted
biological safety cabinet, glove box, or other approved containment.

Low-level hazard spill response:

1. Contained spills that are <100 mL of materials that are not PHS, can typically be
cleaned up by trained people who are not sensitive to [chemical name].
However, do not attempt to clean up spills requiring respiratory protection. Call
the NIH Division of Fire and Rescue Services for assistance.
2. Notify personnel in the area and restrict access. Eliminate all sources of ignition.
3. Review the SDS for the spilled material or use your knowledge of the hazards of
the material to determine the appropriate level of protection.
4. Personnel must wear a lab coat or smock, safety goggles, chemical appropriate
type gloves and shoe covers as needed when cleaning up spills.
5. Liquids: Wipe up spilled liquids with absorbent pads. If using a neutralizing
absorbent, cover the spill with the absorbent and allow to set for the prescribed
contact time (usually 15 min.), and then scoop up and dispose of properly.

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6. Solids: Gently cover with wetted paper towels or absorbent pads (unless
chemical is water sensitive or reactive) to avoid raising dust and then wipe up.
Clean the spill area thoroughly with approved cleaning solution followed by
clean water.
7. If spill is extensive within the containment, clean all interior surfaces after
completion of the spill cleanup.
8. Double bag all waste in clear plastic bags (NSN-8105-01-195-8730) and attach
a filled out chemical waste tag. For waste collection instructions consult the NIH
Waste Disposal Guide; for chemical waste pick-up contact (301) 496-4710; for
chemical waste assistance call (301) 496-7990.
9. MANDATORY: You must report the spill to your IC Safety and Health
Specialist.

Reporting Requirements:
• All spills must be reported.
• If cleaned up locally (low-level hazard spills only) and there were no
suspected or verified exposures or injuries, contact your IC safety and health
specialist.

If the spill cannot be cleaned up locally or if anyone was injured, exposed or

suspected of being exposed, report to NIH Division of Fire and Rescue Services for
your site (see above).
8 EXPOSURE PROCEDURES in CASE of EMERGENCY
• Provide First Aid Immediately
o For sharps injury (needlestick or subcutaneous exposure), scrub
exposed area thoroughly for 15 minutes using warm water and soap.
o For skin exposure, if possible, scrub the exposed area thoroughly
for 15 minutes using warm water. If an exposure occurs in an area
that cannot be washed using a sink, remove contaminated clothing
per SDS guidance if applicable. Use the nearest safety shower for 15
minutes, or as stipulated by the chemical SDS. Use a clean lab coat
or spare clothing for cover-up.
o For eye exposure, begin using the eyewash immediately. Remove
contact lenses as soon as practical, but do not delay irrigation while
waiting for contact lens removal. Irrigate the eyes for 15 minutes (or
as stipulated by the chemical’s SDS), holding the eyelids open with
thumb and index fingers, rolling the eyelids to permit thorough
cleaning.
o For inhalation exposure, evacuate the contaminated area. Close the
door to the area and post a Spill Alert sign to prevent others from
entering. Do not re-enter the space, but stay in close proximity.

• Get Help
o MANDATORY: When in a safe place, call the NIH Division of Fire

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 and Rescue Services. Give details of exposure, i.e., chemical, dose,
route of exposure, time since exposure. Have the SDS and this SOP
available. Fill out information for your site as appropriate below:
Bethesda, MD
911 on-campus
9-911 off-campus
301-496-9911 (cell phone)
Baltimore, MD
911 (cell phone)
9-911 (landline)
Frederick, MD
911
Hamilton, MT
911
Research Triangle Park, NC
911 (landline)
919-541-2800 (cell phone)
o Notify your supervisor as soon as possible for assistance.
o Follow all directions given by emergency responders when they arrive
on scene.

• Injury and/or Illness Reporting and OMS Care

o Remove the injured/exposed individual from the area, unless it is
unsafe to do so because of the medical condition of the victim or the
potential hazard to rescuers.
o Call the NIH Division of Fire and Rescue (see above for contact
information).
o The injury should be immediately reported to your local OMS clinic (fill
out information for your site as appropriate below):
Bethesda, MD: Building 10, Room 6C306; (301) 496-4411
Baltimore, MD: 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 200; (443) 740-2309
Frederick, MD: 8200 Research Plaza, Room 1B116; (301) 631-7233
Hamilton, MT: 903 South 4th Street, Room 5202; (406) 375-9755
Research Triangle Park, NC: 111 T W Alexander Drive, Building
101, Room E111; (984) 287-4178
o Bring to the copies of SDSs for all chemicals the victim was exposed
to, to the OMS clinic.
9 WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL
Collection
• Waste containing [chemical name] is considered a hazardous chemical
waste.
• Accumulate waste in a sturdy, chemically compatible container with a secure
closure.

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 • For contaminated debris (i.e., pipette tips, absorbent paper, disposable lab
coats, chemically contaminated gloves), materials should be placed in a
clear plastic bag (NSN-8105-01-195-8730):
• Close the plastic bag with a filament tape or bag closure tie
• Place bag in a plain carboard box or double bag the dry waste
• Complete and attach a Chemical waste tag (NSN # 753000L075985).
• All waste containers must be properly closed or sealed

Particularly hazardous Yes? Blocks #10 & #11 are Mandatory

substances (PHSs) involved? * No? Blocks #10 & #11 are Optional
*PHSs include select carcinogens, reproductive toxins and chemicals that have a
high degree of acute toxicity. See CHP Section X: Working with Particularly
Hazardous Substances.

10 Approval Required
All staff working with [chemical name] must be trained on this SOP prior to starting
work. They must also be trained on the [chemical name] SDS, and it must be
readily accessible in the laboratory. All training must be documented and
maintained by the PI or their designee.
11 Designated area/Decontamination
All surfaces will be decontaminated with approved cleaning solution following the
chemical SDS after removing the plastic backed pads.

All work with [chemical name] must be done in a designated laboratory, workspace,
and [Select ventilation control from dropdown]. This work will be conducted in [room
#].
Name: Title:

Signature: Date:

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 [Laboratory Name]
I have read and understand the content of this SOP and the coinciding SDS

Documentation of Training
Standard Operating Procedure for [chemical name]
Name SOP Training Date Signature
Click here to enter Click here to enter date.
name.
Click here to enter Click here to enter date.
name.
Click here to enter Click here to enter date.
name.
Click here to enter Click here to enter date.
name.
Click here to enter Click here to enter date.
name.
Click here to enter Click here to enter date.
name.
Click here to enter Click here to enter date.
name.
Click here to enter Click here to enter date.
name.
Click here to enter Click here to enter date.
name.
Click here to enter Click here to enter date.
name.
Click here to enter Click here to enter date.
name.
Click here to enter Click here to enter date.
name.

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Lab-specific Chemical SOP Template
The purpose of this template is to be used to describe specific procedures used when
working with a given chemical.

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOPs)

Title:
Document No. Document Author’s Branch: Effective Date:
Page(s):
Revision: Revision Date: Reviewed/Appr Date:
oved by:
Overseeing Official’s Signature: Date: Procedure
Location:
1 PURPOSE OF STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
☐ Specific laboratory procedure or experiment [Examples: synthesis of
chemiluminescent esters, folate functionalization of polymeric micelles,
etc.]

☐ Generic laboratory procedure that covers several chemicals

[Examples: distillation, chromatography, etc.]

☐ Generic use of specific chemical or class of chemicals with similar

hazards
[Examples: organic azides, mineral acids, etc.]
2 DESCRIPTION OF PROCESS/ EXPERIMENT
[Provide a brief description of your process or experiment, including its
purpose. Do not provide a detailed sequential description as this will be
covered by section #6 of this template. Indicate the frequency and duration
below.]

☐ one time ☐ daily ☐ weekly ☐ monthly

Frequency:
☐ other: _______
Duration per _______ minutes; or _______hours
experiment:
3 SAFETY LITERATURE REVIEW & HAZARD SUMMARY
1. Hazardous Substances
[List hazardous substances and their associated health and safety hazards.
Examples of potential hazards include toxicity, reactivity, flammability,
corrosivity, pressure, etc. Refer to Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and other
resources, as needed.]

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2. Other Hazards
[List nonchemical hazards, e.g., biological hazards, electrical hazards,
physical hazards (including sharps), mechanical hazards, nonanes
radiation, or ionizing radiation.]
3. References
[List all references you are using for the safe and effective design of your
process or experiment, including safety literature and peer-reviewed journal
articles.]

4 STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
[Describe special handling and storage requirements for hazardous chemicals
in your laboratory, especially for highly reactive/unstable materials, highly
flammable materials, and corrosives.]
5 STEP-BY-STEP OPERATING PROCEDURE
[For each step’s description, include any step-specific hazard, personal
protective equipment, engineering controls, and designated work areas in the
left-hand column.
a. Guidance on Engineering and Ventilation Controls – Review safety
literature and peer-reviewed journal articles to determine
appropriate engineering and ventilation controls for your process
or experiment. Guidance is available from health and safety
specialists through DOHS (301) 496-2960.
b. Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment - To assist with your
PPE selection, contact your health and safety specialists through
DOHS (301) 496-2960. Respiratory protection is generally not
required for lab research, provided the appropriate engineering
controls are employed. For additional guidance on respiratory
protection see the NIH respiratory protection program.
c. Designated work area(s) - Required whenever Particularly
Hazardous Substances (PHS) - carcinogens, highly acutely toxic
substances, or reproductive toxins are used. Refer to the Chemical
Hygiene Plan, Section X: Working with Particularly Hazardous
Substances for more information. The intent of a designated work area
is to limit and minimize possible sources of exposure to these materials.
The entire laboratory, a portion of the laboratory, or a laboratory fume
hood or bench may be considered a designated area.
Describe the possible risks involved with failure to follow a step in the SOP in
the right hand column.]
Step-by-Step Description of Your Potential Risks if Step is Not
Process or Experiment Done or Done Incorrectly (if
any)

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1. Don personal protective equipment.
☐ appropriate street clothing (long pants,
closed-toed shoes)
☐ gloves; indicate type: _______
☐ safety goggles ☐ safety glasses ☐ face
shield
☐ lab coat ☐ flame-resistant lab coat
☐ other: _______

2. Check the
location/accessibility/certification of the
safety equipment that serves your lab:
Item Status
Laboratory Fume Location:
Hood/Glove Box or _______
other Ventilation Check sticker
Control to ensure that
hood was
certified within
last 12 months.
Eyewash/Safety Shower Location:
_______
Ensure that it is
accessible, not
blocked.
Check tag that
it has been
tested within
last month.
First Aid Kit Location:
_______
Chemical Spill Kit Location:
_______
Fire Extinguisher Location:
_______
Telephone Location:
_______
Fire Alarm Manual Pull Location:
Station _______
3. [Describe the next step in the procedure.]
4. [Describe the next step in the procedure.
Insert additional rows in table, as needed.]

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5. Dispose of hazardous solvents,
solutions, mixtures, reaction residues, etc.
as hazardous waste.
6. Clean up work area and lab equipment.
[Describe specific cleanup procedures for
work areas and lab equipment that must be
performed after completion of your process
or experiment. For carcinogens, acutely
toxic substances, and reproductive toxins,
designated areas must be immediately
wiped down following each use.]
7. Remove PPE and wash hands.
6 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
1) Fire and/or Explosion Procedure
a) Have everyone evacuate to a safe area. If possible, close doors behind
you as you leave.
b) Call the NIH Division of Fire and Rescue Services (fill out information for
your site as appropriate below).
Bethesda (main campus):
911 on-campus;
9-911 off-campus,
301-496-9911 from a cell phone
Baltimore, MD
911 (cell phone)
9-911 (landline)
Frederick, MD
911
Hamilton, MT
911
Research Triangle Park, NC
911 (landline)
919-541-2800 (cell phone)
c) Do not reenter the room until the Division of Fire and Rescue Services
or appropriate authorities determine that there is no immediate detriment
to life or health.
2) High-Level Hazard Spill Procedure
a) Spills >100 mL of any material or spills of Particularly Hazardous
Substances of any volume may generate vapors above exposure limits;
therefore, these spills may require the use of respiratory protection.
b) Cover spill, if possible, to minimize vapors. If the spill is in a chemical
fume hood or biosafety cabinet, close the sash before leaving.

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 c) Evacuate area and restrict access. Close the windows and doors upon
exit. Attend to injured or exposed persons using emergency shower or
eyewash. Follow procedures for chemical exposure below.
d) MANDATORY: As soon as possible, you must report the spill in a
safe area by notifying NIH Division of Fire and Rescue Services
(see above).
e) Stay in close proximity to the site (in a safe area) until directed otherwise
by first responders. Notify supervisor.
f) Be prepared to provide the following information:
i) Name and phone number of knowledgeable persons that can be
contacted
ii) Name of chemical spilled, concentration and amount spilled, liquid or
solid type spill
iii) Number of injured, if any (refer to procedures for chemical exposure
below).
iv) Location of spill
g) Do not reenter the room until the fire department or appropriate
authorities determine that there is no immediate detriment to life or
health.
3) Chemical exposure
a) For any suspected or verified chemical exposures or injuries, Call the
NIH Division of Fire and Rescue Services (see above). Upon arrival, first
responders will provide medical attention/transportation to any
exposed/injured employees and assist with spill clean-up.
b) Sharps injury (needlestick or subcutaneous exposure): scrub the
exposed area thoroughly for 15 minutes using warm water and soap.
c) Skin exposure: If possible, scrub the expose area thoroughly for 15
minutes using warm water and soap per SDS guidance, if applicable. If
an exposure occurs in an area that cannot be washed using a sink,
remove contaminated clothing per SDS guidance if applicable. Use the
nearest safety shower for 15 minutes, or as stipulated by the chemical’s
SDS. Use a clean lab coat or spare clothing for cover-up
d) Eye exposure: Begin using the eyewash immediately. Remove contact
lenses as soon as practical, but do not delay irrigation while waiting for
contact lens removal. Irrigate the eyes for 15 minutes (or as stipulated
by the chemical’s SDS), holding the eyelids open with thumb and index
fingers, rolling the eyelids to permit thorough cleaning.
e) Inhalation exposure: Evacuate the contaminated area. Close the door
to the area and post a sign. Prevent others from entering. Do not re-
enter the space, but stay in close proximity.
4) Local Cleanup of Low-Level Hazard Spills
Do not attempt to clean up spills requiring respiratory protection. Call the
Fire Department for assistance.

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In the event of a low-level hazard spill (<100 mL of materials that are not PHS)
that can be safely cleaned up by local personnel using readily available
equipment (absorbent available in the Small Chemical Spill Kit) and laboratory
PPE:
10. Notify personnel in the area and restrict access. Eliminate all sources of
ignition.
11. Review the SDS for the spilled material or use your knowledge of the
hazards of the material to determine the appropriate level of protection.
12. Personnel must wear a lab coat or smock, safety goggles, chemical
appropriate type gloves and shoe covers as needed when cleaning up
spills.
13. Liquids: Wipe up spilled liquids with absorbent pads. If using a
neutralizing absorbent, cover the spill with the absorbent and allow to
set for the prescribed contact time (usually 15 min.), and then scoop up
and dispose of properly.
14. Solids: Gently cover with wetted paper towels or absorbent pads
(unless chemical is water sensitive or reactive) to avoid raising dust and
then wipe up.
15. Clean the spill area thoroughly with approved cleaning solution followed
by clean water.
16. If spill is extensive within the containment, clean all interior surfaces
after completion of the spill cleanup.
17. Double bag all waste in clear plastic bags (NSN-8105-01-195-8730) and
attach a filled out chemical waste tag. For waste collection instructions
consult the NIH Waste Disposal Guide; for chemical waste pick-up
contact (301) 496-4710; for chemical waste assistance call (301) 496-
7990.
18. MANDATORY: You must report the spill to your IC Safety and Health
Specialist.
5) Injuries and Exposures:
a) Remove the injured/exposed individual from the area unless it is unsafe
to do so because of the medical condition of the victim or the potential
hazard to rescuers.
b) Administer first aid as appropriate (see 3, above).
c) As soon as possible (from a safe location), call the NIH Division of Fire
and Rescue. Fill out information for your site as appropriate below.
Bethesda (main campus):
911 on-campus;
9-911 off-campus,
301-496-9911 from a cell phone
Baltimore, MD
911 (cell phone)
9-911 (landline)

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 Frederick, MD
911
Hamilton, MT
911
Research Triangle Park, NC
911 (landline)
919-541-2800 (cell phone)
d) Report the injury as soon as possible to your local OMS clinic. Fill out
information for your site as appropriate below.
Bethesda (main campus): Building 10, Room 6C306; (301) 496-4411
Baltimore, MD: 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 200; (443) 740-2309
Frederick, MD: 8200 Research Plaza, Room 1B116; (301) 631-7233
Hamilton, MT: 903 South 4th Street, Room 5202; (406) 375-9755
Research Triangle Park, NC: 111 T W Alexander Drive, Building 101,
Room E111; (984) 287-4178
e) Bring copies of the SDSs for all chemicals the victim was exposed to, to
the OMS clinic.
6) Lab-Specific Procedures
[This section is for any emergency procedures different from standard
responses, or for additional emergency information due to the nature of
materials or task. Include information on gas leaks, chemical spills, and
personal exposure/medical emergency as appropriate.]
7) Building Maintenance Emergencies
a) Emergencies should be called into the Maintenance Operations 24
Hour Center at (301) 435-8000.

8) Biosafety Lab Level 3 or 4 (BSL-3/BSL-4) facility issues, should be

called into the Maintenance Operations 24 Hour Center immediately, at
(301) 435-8000.
(Requester should identify specific Building, Location, Biosafety Level, on-
site contact and Facility Issue when speaking to an agent.)

9) Unusual Odors should be considered a life safety emergency. Enter

specifics for your site below.
Bethesda (main campus):
911 on-campus;
9-911 off-campus;
301-496-9911 from a cell phone
Baltimore, MD
911 (cell phone)
9-911 (landline)
Frederick, MD
911

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 Hamilton, MT
911
Research Triangle Park, NC
911 (landline)
919-541-2800 (cell phone)
10) Local Notifications
[Identify the area management staff that must be contacted and include their
work and after-hours numbers. This must include the principal investigator and
may include the lab safety manager, facilities manager, etc.]
7 WASTE DISPOSAL
[Describe the quantities of waste you anticipate generating and appropriate
waste disposal procedures. Include any special handling or storage
requirements for your waste. Please see the NIH Chemical Waste Guidance
Procedure for questions and guidance.]
8 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
General Training (check all that apply):
☐ Introduction to Lab Safety – On-Line Training
☐ NIH Laboratory Safety Training 101
☐ Working Safely with HIV and Other Bloodborne Pathogens (for Non-
Hospital
Personnel)
☐ Other: _______
[Depending on the hazardous materials and processes you will be
working with in this SOP, additional safety training may be required by
NIH]

Location Where General

Records Maintained:
Laboratory-specific training (check all that apply):
☐ Review of SDS for chemicals involved in process/experiment
☐ Review of this SOP
☐ Hands-on training
☐ Other: _______

Location Where Specific

Records Maintained:
9 PRIOR APPROVALS
You must seek prior approval from your principal investigator (PI) or lab
supervisor if you plan to use Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHS).
You should also consult your PI or lab supervisor if your experiments involve
high-risk chemicals (e.g., chemicals with a high level of acute toxicity,

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carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and highly reactive materials) and
operations, as special safety precautions may need to be taken. For additional
guidance, see the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Your PI or lab supervisor’s prior approval may be documented by his/her
signature in the Approval Signature section of this document.
Prior Approval (check if applicable):
☐ Prior approval from the PI or lab supervisor is required for this procedure.

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 APPENDIX O
Contact Information
Bethesda (Main Campus)
− Chemical Hygiene Officer – John Veitch: 301-451-5823
− Chemical Waste Services: 301-496-7990 (Assistance) 301-496-4710 (Pick-Up)
− Division of Emergency Management: 301-496-1985
− Division of Environmental Protection: 301-496-3537
− Division of Radiation Services: 301-496-5774 (7am-5pm), 911 (after hours)
− DOHS On-Site: 301-496-2960
− Emergency Communications Center (24-hour): 301-496-5685
− Fire Department: 911 or 9-911
− Maintenance Operations Center (24-hour): 301-435-8000
− Occupational Medicine Service: 301-496-4411
− Office of Research Management: 301-594-0999
− Police: 911 (Off Campus or On Campus Landline); 301-496-9911 (On Campus
Cell Phone)
− Safety and Health Specialist(s): Safety and Health Specialists (nih.gov)
− Scientific Director: Scientific Director Membership Roster | NIH Office of
Intramural Research

Baltimore
− Chemical Hygiene Officer – John Veitch: 301-451-5823
− Chemical Waste Services – James Pitt: 443-740-2761
− Division of Environmental Protection – James Pitt: 443-740-2761
− DOHS On-Site – Delores Dobson: 443-740-2311
− Division of Radiation Services – James Pitt: 443-740-2761
− Fire Department: 911 or 9-911
− OMS: 443-740-2309; [email protected]
− ORF – Ray Phelps: 443-740-2760
− Police: 911 or 9-911
− Safety and Health Specialist(s) – Rhonda Walther (NIA): 667-205-2216; Carrie
Wertheim (NIDA): 443-740-2403; Delores Dobson (Safety Manager): 443-740-
2311
− Scientific Director – NIDA - Dr. Amy Newman; NIA - Dr. Luigi Ferrucci

IRF Frederick
− Chemical Hygiene Officer: Contact DEP
− Hazardous Waste Services: Contact DEP
− Division of Environmental Protection – Mark Marshall: 301-631-7238
− Division of Radiation Services – Dustin Gibbs (Area Health Physicist): 301-631-
7226

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 − Environmental compliance officer – Mark Marshall: 301-631-7238
− Fire Department: 911 or 9-911
− OMS: 301-631-7233. Contact Main Campus if onsite clinic is closed or after
hours
− ORF: 301-435-8000
− Police: 911 or 9-911
− Safety and Health Specialist(s) – Kelly Flint: 301-631-7224; Krisztina Janosko:
301-631-7337
− Scientific Director – Dr. Connie Schmaljohn

Rocky Mountain Labs (RML)

− Chemical Hygiene Officer – John Veitch: 301-451-5823
− Hazardous Waste Services – Arron Bestor: 406-363-9304
− Division of Emergency Management: 301-496-1985
− Division of Environmental Protection – Barry Twardoski: 406-363-9216
− HAZMAT group: 406-802-6271
− Maintenance Operations Center (24-hour): 301-435-8000
− OMS: 406-375-9600; Angie Allen: 406-363-9496; Marcie Caldwell: 406-375-
9755
− Office of Research Management – Eric Hansen: 406-802-6208
− Police – NIH Police: (406) 363-9492, Hamilton Police: 406-363-2100
− Radiation Safety/Environmental Compliance Officer: 406-521-0541 or 406-375-
7467
− Safety and Health Specialist(s) – Shanda Sarchette: 406-363-9429, Seth Cooley:
406-802-6398
− Security control: 406-636-9400 or 911

NIDDK-Phoenix
− Radiation Safety/Environmental Compliance Officer – Shannon Parrington: 602-
200-5308 or 520-275-2271
− NIDDK-Phoenix Collateral Duty Safety Officer (CDSO) – Maureen Clark: 602-
200-6590
− Safety Committee Chair – Vicky Ossowski: 602-440-6590
− Safety Committee member – Karen Kavena: 602-200-5367
− Safety Committee member – Dacia Sorrell: 602-200-5313

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