and Safety Office, Room 303, Merica Hall, 766- 3277.)


CHEMICAL POLICY

I. LABORATORY
SUPERVISORS

Faculty members or their appointed graduate students/TA's are the laboratory
supervisors. The responsibilities of the laboratory supervisors are:

A. Ensure that all students receive the appropriate training in the proper handling
of hazardous materials in their laboratories before they are permitted to
handle chemicals, and see that all required protective devices (gloves,
masks, etc.) are available and are worn.


B. Students and new faculty are required to attend Safety Orientation Training
and Lab Safety Seminars presented by EHS, and special training in the areas
of proper fume hood use, hazardous waste generation, radiation safety and
blood borne pathogens when needed for their work. Training for proper use of
dust masks and respirators will be provided by EHS (766-3277).

C. Notify the Department Coordinator and the EHS office (766-3277)
immediately of any accident or incident which results in the exposure to
chemicals of personnel or the environment.


D. Label
all chemicals with contents and hazard warnings, and teach students
how to label. All containers must be labeled including wash bottles, squirt
bottles, beakers, and sample bottles.


E. In the event that carcinogens or acutely hazardous chemicals are to be used
in the lab, to notify the Chemical Coordinator so that a lab may be designated
solely for this purpose; and arrange for air monitoring, if necessary.


F. To point out all exits, fire extinguishers, eye wash stations, showers, and first-
aid kits to students. KNOW YOUR LABS.
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G. Instruct students on location of MSDS, how to use spill kits, cleanup and
emergency procedures required for student safety.


H. To be able to answer any questions that students may have concerning
safety in the lab.


I.
There must be a supervisor with students at all times when chemicals are
being used.


J. Part of course instruction should be devoted to safety in the labs. This
instruction will be documented in the syllabus for the course, with an
indication of the time devoted to such instruction. The amount and extent of
the instruction will depend upon the particular course and hazards presented.


K. The University will provide training in emergency response to personal injury,
(training to be scheduled with Red Cross) and the Chemical Hygiene
Coordinator (CHC) for the Dept. has a lab safety tape for instruction.


L. Instructors will inform all students what to do in case of a fire:

Pull fire alarm
Call 911
Evacuate building

M. Contact the departmental Chemical Hygiene Coordinator for all hazardous
waste disposal. Make sure that containers are properly labeled.


N. It is the responsibility of all lab supervisors to minimize hazardous waste
generation.

II. DOCUMENTATION

The Department shall keep copies of syllabuses and records of training for
teaching assistants for at least four years. The Departments are also responsible
for maintaining copies of incident reports for at least four years.

III. INCIDENT REPORTS

A. All accidents involving students shall be reported on the University of
Wyoming Incident Report. Incident report forms can be obtained from the
department Chemical Hygiene Coordinator. If the accident involves exposure
to a hazardous chemical, the specific chemical must be identified on the form
and the MSDS ('s) made available to the student. If the accident involves an
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infectious agent, the specific agent and the source must be identified on the
Incident Report. In all cases, a responsible contact person who is
knowledgeable about the incident must be identified on the form.


B. Major or serious accidents should be reported immediately to Environmental
Health and Safety (766-3277). A copy of the report shall be retained in the
department; a copy sent to Risk Management (Merica Hall) within 10 working
days; a copy given to the student; and one sent with the student to the
medical care giver.

IV. MEDICAL

CONSULTATION

EXAMS

A. In any hazardous situation where students are injured, the highest priority is
that the student is treated in an appropriate and timely fashion. Instructors
should recommend that students visit either Student Health Services, their
own doctor, or Ivinson Memorial Hospital for medical care, if needed. All
medical consultations and/or exams shall be performed by or under the direct
supervision of a licensed physician.


B. All claims for a medical consultation/exam should be made through the Risk
Management Office. Refer also to the U.W. Chemical Hygiene Program.

V. STUDENTS

All students have the right to know that whoever is instructing them in chemical
safety and equipment operation has been properly trained and knowledgeable
about those specific areas being taught. The instructor of that course assumes
responsibility for proper use of all chemicals and equipment.

A. Students may be responsible for their own protective eye wear in those labs
where required, including includes goggles that must meet OSHA Standards
Z87.1-1968. Check with your department.

B. Students that do not fully understand a process and its potential hazard
should seek qualified instruction before proceeding.

C. Any student involved in an emergency is to notify the lab supervisor or
instructor immediately. If unable to do so, students should do their best to
warn others of the emergency and contact the appropriate emergency
personnel and/or Dept. Chemical Coordinator.

D. Any student involved in an emergency that requires medical attention should
contact 911 if serious, or go to Student Health for examination. Students are
encouraged to carry insurance.
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E. Students should be instructed on use of MSDS and their location and the use
and location of spill kits and any emergency procedures.

F. Students will be supervised at all times when working in labs.

G. Any student failing to comply with all policies and rules in the labs will be
denied access to those labs.

H. Student will receive training in the following areas:

1. EMERGENCY
RESPONSE

a) Any student involved in an emergency is to notify the lab supervisor
or instructor immediately. If the situation requires immediate
medical response the student should call 911. If the student is
unable to contact CHC then they should notify EHS at 766-3277.


b) In case of fire, sound alarm and evacuate building immediately.
The alarm does not notify the Fire Dept., so they need to be
contacted (911) immediately.

2.
PERSONAL HYGIENE

a) Wash promptly whenever a chemical has contacted the skin.

1) Use soap and water; DO NOT USE SOLVENTS.


2) Wash thoroughly before leaving laboratory.

b) Food or Food stuffs should never be consumed or stored in the
laboratory.

c) No smoking or chewing in the labs. It is also recommended that
cosmetics are not applied in the labs.

d) Wear rubber gloves when possible. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY
GLASSES.

e) NO PIPETTING BY MOUTH; use suction bulbs.


f)
Use fume hoods whenever recommended by MSDS. Do not smell
chemicals to identify to avoid inhaling toxic gases or fumes.

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3.
PROPER STORAGE AND HOUSEKEEPING

a) All glassware should be cleaned and stored in cabinets when not in
use, not on counter tops and work areas.


b) Clean-up all spills immediately and dispose of waste properly, notify
lab supervisor or contact Chemical Hygiene Coordinator if unable
to locate supervisor.


c) Keep aisles and passageways clear to exits, fire extinguishes,
showers and eyewash stations.


d) Keep all works areas clean and do not use them for storage. Fume
hoods are work areas, not storage areas.


e) All chemicals should be placed in their assigned storage areas at
the end of the day. The lab supervisor is responsible for this.

1) Fire hazard chemicals must be stored in a flammable-solvent
storage area or in storage cabinets designed for flammable
materials.


2) Assure chemical compatibility, proper ventilation and spill
containment in storage areas.


3) Date chemicals on the label when the container is first
opened.


4) Store waste chemicals separately and make sure they are
properly labeled.


5) Test peroxidizable chemicals per schedule in U.W. Chemical
Hygiene Policy and label accordingly.

4.
EYE, EAR AND PROTECTIVE WEAR

a) Safety glasses must be worn at all times when in the laboratory.


b) The department is responsible for providing aprons, gloves, ear
plugs and other protective equipment where needed. If none are
available contact the lab supervisor.


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c) If respiratory protection is required, they must be approved by EHS
and proper use and fit training provided. Most equipment should
be available through the EHS office at 766-3277.

5.
EYE WASHES, SHOWERS AND FIRST-AID KITS

Eye washes and showers should be provided in labs where required and
accessible at all times.

a) If an accident occurs, contact CHC, unless medical attention is
required immediately. Chemical Hygiene Coordinator must be
notified as soon as possible following the accident.


b) If chemical spill occurs in eyes or on body, flush immediately with
water for at least 15 minute