Recommended Site Specific Procedures
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OF BIOLOGICAL ORIGIN
(SELECT AGENT TOXINS)
Toxins are defined as any toxic substance of natural origin produced by an animal, plant, or microbe. They are non-volatile, usually not dermally active (mycotoxins are an exception), and tend to be more toxic per weight than many chemical agents.
The possession, use, and transfer of certain toxins of biological origin are regulated by the federal government. These regulated toxins have been deemed by the federal government as a significant risk to the human, livestock, and crop welfare. A complete list of the regulated toxins is maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/od/sap/docs/salist.pdf .
If you possess or anticipate a need for one or more of these toxins, you are required to notify the Industrial Hygiene Unit of EH&S immediately. Registration with the federal government is required above a toxin specific quantity threshold. Since the registration process is quite lengthy, EH&S must be consulted at least 3-6 months prior to anticipated need. Please refer to www.safety.rochester.edu/restricted/selectagent.html for additional information.
There are many other toxins of biological origin that while hazardous to the individual using them do not present the same public health implications as the select agent toxins. Examples of these non-regulated toxins include diptheria toxin and pertussis toxin.
General Use of Toxins
The information furnished below is a general guideline that can assist researchers in establishing standard operating procedures (SOP) for the use of toxins of biological origin. Additional information for the use, storage, and disposal of these agents is available through the CDC/NIH 4th edition “Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories”, Appendices F and I.
Securing of gas cylinders
Not applicable.
Decontamination procedures
Personnel: Remove gloves. Wash hands and arms with soap and water immediately after handling toxins. Seek medical attention.
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/neutralization agent. 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 toxins are handled should be posted with caution signs. This includes all fume hoods and bench tops.
Where feasible toxins 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 toxins. 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 toxins, 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 toxins 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 toxins are stored or manipulated must be labeled as a designated area.
Glove (dry) box
Certain toxins must be handled in a glove box rather than a fume hood. The Industrial Hygiene Unit (x5-3241) or the Principal Investigator will determine if this is required.
Gloves
Gloves must be worn when handling toxins. 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 toxins, and on the demarcation of designated areas.
EH&S Notification
You must notify the Industrial Hygiene Unit of EH&S prior to ordering toxins. Notification is also required for proposed 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 toxins. 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 toxins 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 toxins are used.
Signs and labels
All toxins 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
Toxins must be stored in a locked storage cabinet/refrigerator within a secure laboratory. They must never be stored in a corridor or a liner equipment room.
Special ventilation
Manipulation of toxins 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 toxins in the laboratory and are the preferred ventilation control device. Where possible handle toxins 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 is designed to remove those toxins that are in particulate form before the air is discharged into the environment.
All areas where toxins are stored or manipulated must be labeled as a designated area.
Spill response
The appropriate clean up equipment must be available and a written protocol must be established prior to the use of a toxin. The appropriate clean up supplies can be determined by consulting the material safety data sheet and EH&S.
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 a toxin. Vacate the laboratory immediately and call Security (x13) from a safe location 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 toxins 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 toxins must be properly decontaminated. Destroy on site by autoclaving, incineration, or other recognized sterilization or neutralization process. Questions regarding disposal processes must be directed to the Industrial Hygiene Unit (x5-3241). This office can also assist you in minimizing waste generation.
QUESTIONS? Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.
This page last updated 11/20/2003. Disclaimer
