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Chemical Hygiene Program

Recommended Site Specific Procedures

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A carcinogen commonly describes any agent that can initiate or speed the development of malignant or potentially malignant tumors, malignant neoplastic proliferation of cells, or cells that possess such material.  Because of the potentially serious health consequences presented by reproductive agents, these agents are to be handled in the same manner as carcinogens.  Personnel are to take every measure possible to prevent exposure to these agents.

Securing of gas cylinders

Not applicable.

Decontamination procedures

Personnel: Wash hands and arms with soap and water immediately after handling carcinogens.

Area:    Decontamination procedures vary depending on the material being handled.  The toxicity of some materials can be neutralized with other reagents.  All surfaces should be wiped with the appropriate cleaning agent following dispensing or handling.  Waste materials generated should be treated as a hazardous waste.

Equipment:    Decontaminate vacuum pumps or other contaminated equipment (glassware) before removing them from the designated area.

Designated area

All locations within the laboratory where carcinogens are handled should be demarcated with designated area caution tape or posted with designated area caution tape.  This includes all fume hoods and bench tops where the carcinogens are handled.

Where feasible carcinogens should be manipulated over plastic-backed disposable paper work surfaces.  These disposable work surfaces minimize work area contamination and simplify clean up.

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 carcinogens.  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 carcinogens, 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 carcinogens shall be carried out in a fume hood.  If the use of a fume hood proves impractical refer to the section on special ventilation.  All areas where carcinogens are stored or manipulated must be labeled as a designated area.

Glove (dry) box

Certain carcinogens 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 must be worn when handling carcinogens.  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 carcinogens, and on the demarcation of designated areas.

EHS Notification

You should notify EH&S prior to the initial use of carcinogens.  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 carcinogens.  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 carcinogens which pose this risk should occur in a fume hood with the sash in the lowest feasible position.  Portable shields, which provide protection to all laboratory occupants, are acceptable.

Safety shower

A safety or drench shower should be available within 100 feet where carcinogens are used.

Signs and labels

Doorways:        The room sign must be posted to warn that carcinogens, reproductive hazards, and/or acutely toxic chemicals are stored or used.

Containers:        All carcinogens must be clearly labeled with the correct chemical name and hazard warning.  Handwritten labels are acceptable; chemical formulas and structural formulas are not acceptable. 

Special storage

Carcinogens must be stored in a designated area.

Special ventilation

Manipulation of carcinogens 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 carcinogens in the laboratory and are the preferred ventilation control device.  Where possible handle carcinogens in a fume hood.  If the use of a fume hood proves impractical attempt to work in a glove box or in an isolated area on the laboratory bench top.

If available, consider using a Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC).  The BSC can be used to remove those materials that are in particulate form.  Use of flammable liquids within a BSC requires further protections.  Volatile carcinogens must not be used in a biological safety cabinet unless the cabinet is vented to the outdoors.

If your research does not permit the handing of carcinogens in a fume hood, biological safety cabinet, or glove box, contact EH&S for assistance.

All areas where carcinogens are stored or manipulated must be labeled as a designated area.

Spill response

Anticipate spills by having the appropriate clean up equipment on hand.  The appropriate clean up supplies can be determined by consulting the material safety data sheet.  This should occur prior to the use of any carcinogen.

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 carcinogenic material.  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

Evacuated glassware can implode and eject flying glass, and splattered chemicals.  Vacuum work involving carcinogenic materials must be conducted in a fume hood, glove box or isolated in an acceptable manner.

Mechanical vacuum pumps must be protected using cold traps and, where appropriate, filtered to prevent particulate release.  The exhaust for the pumps must be vented into an exhaust hood.

Waste disposal

All materials contaminated with carcinogens should be disposed of as a hazardous waste.  Wherever possible, attempt to design research in a manner that reduces the quantity of waste generated.  Questions regarding waste pick up should be directed to the Hazardous Waste Management Unit (x5-2056).  This office can also assist you in minimizing waste generation.

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

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

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

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

** 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