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Chemical Hygiene Program

Recommended Site Specific Procedures

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Securing of gas cylinders

Cylinders of compressed gases must be handled as high energy sources.  When storing or moving a cylinder, have the cap securely in place to protect the stem.  All cylinders are to be stored and used in an upright position.  Use suitable racks, straps, chains or stands to support cylinders.

Decontamination procedures

Personnel: Wash hands and arms with soap and water immediately after handling acutely toxic gases.

Equipment: Acutely toxic gases may be released when removing used tubing or regulators.  These activities must be performed in a fume hood to prevent exposures.

Designated area

All locations within the laboratory where acutely toxic gases are handled should be posted with caution signs.  This includes all fume hoods where the acutely toxic gases are handled.

Emergency procedure

Emergency procedures address response actions to fires, explosions, spills, or injury to staff.  Utilize the information available in the “Emergency 13” flip chart. The following emergency phone numbers should be utilized to initiate an emergency response:

All emergencies:               x13 (Security)

Chemical Exposures:          x5-1164 (UHS)

Industrial Hygiene Unit:      x5-3241

Hazardous Waste Unit:       x5-2056

Radiation Safety:              x5-3781

Eye Protection

Eye protection in the form of safety glasses or goggles must be worn at all times when handling acutely toxic gases.  Ordinary (street) prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection.  (Contrary to popular opinion these glasses may not pass the rigorous tests for industrial safety glasses.)  Adequate safety glasses must meet the requirements of the Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection (ANSI Z.87.1 1989) and must be equipped with side shields.  Safety glasses with side shields do not provide adequate protection from splashes, therefore, when the potential for splash hazard exists other eye protection and/or face protection must be worn.

Eyewash

Where the eyes of any person may be exposed to acutely toxic gases, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes shall be provided within 50 feet for immediate emergency use.  Bottle type eyewash stations are not acceptable.

Fume hood

Manipulation of acutely toxic gases shall be carried out in a fume hood.

All areas where acutely toxic gases are stored or manipulated must be labeled as a designated area.

Glove (dry) box

Certain acutely toxic gases must be handled in a glove box rather than a fume hood.  EH&S (x5-3241) or the Principal Investigator will determine if this is required.

Gloves

Gloves should be worn when handling acutely toxic gases.  Many chemicals may permeate gloves in a short period of time.  The selection of the proper glove material should be made according to the MSDS and the recommendations of the glove manufacturer.

Hazard assessment

Hazard assessment should focus on proper use and handling procedures, the education of employees concerning the health risk posed by acutely toxic gases, and on the demarcation of designated areas.

EHS Notification

You should notify EH&S prior to the initial use of acutely toxic gases.  Notification is also required following significant changes in procedures or the quantity of materials used.

Protective apparel

Lab coats, closed toed shoes and long sleeved clothing should be worn when handling acutely toxic gases.  Additional protective clothing shall be worn if the possibility of skin contact is likely.

Safety shielding

Safety shielding is required any time there is a risk of explosion, splash hazard or a highly exothermic reaction.  All manipulations of acutely toxic gases which pose this risk should occur in a fume hood with the sash in the lowest feasible position.

Safety shower

A safety or drench shower should be available within 100 feet where acutely toxic gases are used.

Signs and labels

Containers:   All acutely toxic gases cylinders must be clearly labeled with the correct chemical name and hazard warnings.  Handwritten labels are acceptable; chemical formulas and structural formulas are not acceptable. 

Special storage

Acutely toxic gases must be stored in a designated area.  Special ventilation of the stored cylinders is required and must be approved by EH&S.

Special ventilation

Manipulation of acutely toxic gases outside of a fume hood may require special ventilation controls in order to minimize exposure to the material.  Fume hoods provide the best protection against exposure to acutely toxic chemicals in the laboratory and are the preferred ventilation control device.  Where possible handle acutely toxic gases in a fume hood.  If the use of a fume hood proves impractical, work in a glove box.  If your research does not permit the handing of acutely toxic gases in a fume hood or glove box, contact EH&S for assistance.

Spill response

In the event of a spill alert personnel in the area that a spill has occurred.  Do not attempt to handle a large spill of an acutely toxic gas.  Vacate the laboratory immediately and call Security (x13) for assistance.  Remain on the scene, but at a safe distance, to receive and provide information to safety personnel when they arrive.

Vacuum protection

Not applicable.

Waste disposal

All empty or partially filled acutely toxic gas cylinders should be returned to the supplier.  If the supplier does not accept empty or partially filled cylinders, contact the Hazardous Waste Unit (x5-2056) concerning disposal.

** THIS LIST IS PROVIDED AS A GUIDE AND IS NOT ALL INCLUSIVE.  CAREFULLY REVIEW MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET BEFORE WORKING WITH CHEMICALS.

QUESTIONS? Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.

This page last updated 11/20/2003. Disclaimer