Chemical Safety
Chemical safety ensures all activities involving chemicals—natural or manufactured—are done to minimize risks to people and ecosystems. It encompasses understanding chemical hazards, utilizing proper controls, providing worker education, and adhering to regulations at workplaces and beyond. These hazards include toxicity, flammability, corrosiveness, explosiveness, and carcinogenicity.
Types of Chemical Hazards and Risks
- Flammable and Explosive: Chemicals like gasoline or TNT pose fire and explosion risks.
- Toxic: Substances such as lead, mercury, and cyanide cause poisoning and chronic health issues through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.
- Corrosive: Acids and alkalis can cause severe skin and eye burns.
- Reactive: Chemicals like sodium or hydrogen peroxide may react dangerously when exposed to heat or other substances.
- Carcinogenic: Some chemicals increase cancer risk with long-term exposure, such as benzene and asbestos
Routes of Exposure
Chemicals can enter the body by:
- Inhalation of gases, vapors, dusts, or fumes.
- Skin contact causing absorption or burns.
- Eye exposure causing irritation or blindness.
- Ingestion through contaminated food or hands
Regulatory Frameworks and Standards
Chemical safety is governed by laws and agencies that enforce workplace safety and public health protection:
- OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS): Requires labeling, safety data sheets (SDS), and training for workers about chemical hazards
- NIOSH and CDC: Provide research, exposure limits, chemical hazard information, and health recommendations
EPA: Regulates chemical substances under acts like TSCA to limit environmental and human risk
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WHO: Develops global chemical safety guidelines and campaigns, addressing public health risks and lead poisoning
Best Practices for Chemical Safety
- Proper Labeling and Use of Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Ensure all chemical containers are labeled clearly and that SDSs are accessible to workers
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use appropriate gloves, goggles, respirators, and protective clothing based on the chemical hazard. PPE reduces exposure but is secondary to engineering controls
- Engineering Controls: Employ ventilation, containment, and process modifications to minimize exposure.
- Safe Storage and Handling: Store chemicals according to compatibility and environmental requirements; avoid transferring chemicals into unlabeled containers Training and Awareness: Educate employees on chemical risks, handling procedures, emergency responses, and proper hygiene practices to prevent ingestion or contact.
- Emergency Preparedness: Establish spill response plans and provide eyewash stations, showers, and clear procedures for accidents
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Monitoring and Compliance: Conduct regular risk assessments and exposure monitoring to ensure safety limits (e.g., OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs) are not exceededResources
Identifying and Evaluating Hazards in Research Laboratory
Procedures & Resources
- UND's Chemical Hygiene Plan can be found in PolicyStat
- Lab Specific Chemical Hygiene Plan
Chemical Storage & Segregation Guidelines
Per the Chemical Hygiene Plan, laboratories shall submit a copy of their inventory to the Office of Safety bi-annually.
A safety data sheet (SDS) is a document that provides detailed information about the hazards of a product and safety precautions for its use. It includes critical safety information such as physical and chemical properties, storage requirements, and personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations. SDSs are required by law to be provided by manufacturers or suppliers of hazardous products to ensure safe handling and use in workplaces.
Each University department must maintain a SDS for each chemical used in their department and ensure that each SDS is readily available. Staff are required to have immediate access to SDSs. Either electronic or paper versions are acceptable, however access cannot be impeded by power or internet issues.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that causes cancer and various respiratory illnesses. Buildings constructed prior to 1980 may contain asbestos. However, asbestos-containing materials are still being manufactured today. Therefore, the only true way to identify if asbestos is present in a material is to have it tested. Asbestos is commonly found in older appliances, brake pads and linings, insulation, shingles, siding, putties, and caulking. Generally, it is not a problem unless the asbestos-containing material is friable (if under normal pressure from finger turns into powder) and airborne.
All University owned buildings are required to be inspected by a North Dakota state-certified inspector for the presence of asbestos-containing materials prior to the beginning of any renovation or demolition projects. All individuals involved in the removal of asbestos-containing materials must be properly trained and be certified with the state of North Dakota.
If you have questions regarding asbestos or suspect a material in your work environment contains asbestos, call the Facilities Department, 701.777.2591.
Compressed gas cylinders may contain up to 2500 PSI of pressure. Serious accidents can occur when the valves of these cylinders are broken off. The escaping gases can create a jet action of sufficient force to propel the cylinder like a "rocket". This "rocket" can penetrate through walls of buildings and cause injury to persons in its vicinity. The improper storage, movement, and use of gas cylinders is a major safety hazard.
When using high-pressure compressed gas cylinders, always be aware of the following safe work practices:
- Empty cylinders must be plainly marked "MT" or "EMPTY" and removed to a segregated storage area.
- To prevent tipping, cylinders must be secured in position regardless of status (in use or storage; full or empty) by restraining straps or chains mounted to a rigid surface.
- When cylinders are not in use, insure that the valve is in the off position and not leaking. Valve covers must be firmly in place.
- Only use regulators and gauges designed for the particular gas to be used. Never force-fit gauges and regulators, because leaks may appear creating additional hazards.
- Always store cylinders with valve end "UP" and valve cover installed.
- When movement of the cylinders is required, transport cylinders with a wheeled cart. Do not slide or roll cylinders.
- Storage of high-pressure gas cylinders must be in a well-ventilated area and away from excessive heat or ignition sources.
- During storage, oxygen and other oxidizing compressed gas cylinders must be separated from compressed gas cylinders containing flammables.
- If cylinders must be filled, do so according to regulatory and manufacturer guidelines.
- Department of Transportation (DOT) rules require that hydrostatic testing procedures be used as preventive maintenance to detect cylinder fatigue. Refuse delivery on cylinders not having the hydrostatic test date marked on the cylinder.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, lead poisoning is a leading environmental health risk. Lead accumulation in a person's system may lead to fatigue, sudden behavioral change, abdominal pain, anorexia, chronic headaches, joint aches, depression, anemia, impotence, and severe fetal damage in unborn infants.
Most homes and buildings built before 1978 contain lead paint. Lead can be present on any painted surface, but it is most commonly found on windows, trim, doors, railings, outside walls, and bare soil around the home. Surfaces that have been repainted may have layers of lead paint underneath. A lead inspection can tell where lead may be located.
Two common sources of lead exposure include:
- Ingestion (lead paint)
- Inhalation (lead-containing dust)
Lead based paint is of greatest concern under the following circumstances:
- Areas where young children or pregnant women are present
- Areas with flaking or deteriorating paint
- Homes or buildings that were built or painted prior to 1978
- Scraping, sanding, or disturbing old paint can release large amounts of toxic lead dust
Other sources of lead:
- Drinking water - from lead plumbing and lead solder
- The job - being exposed to lead at work and carrying it home on clothes
- Old toys and furniture - old paint that is peeling or cracking
All areas that may contain lead paint must be identified before maintenance or other work is done, especially if the work produces heat, such as welding, brazing, etc.
Lead based paint issues at the University are typically handled by the Facilities Department (701.777.2591). The Office of Safety serves as an informational resource regarding lead based paint, and other lead hazards.