Smith Engineering - Safety Reference Manual

• 1.1. Medical emergency:
  • 1.1.1. Reporting Incidents
    • ANY incidents involving injury of any kind must be reported to your supervisor. More serious accidents must be reported to the building Safety Officer.
  • 1.1.2. Apply first aid (first aid kits should be available in all labs); first aid should be given by someone who has had appropriate training
  • 1.1.3. In the case of minor injuries that cannot be satisfactorily treated by first aid alone, or if there is any doubt, the injured person shall be sent or taken to the hospital emergency room, or doctor of his/her choice. Queen's employees should take along a completed copy of the Worker's Compensation Board "Treatment Memorandum" available from Campus EH&S. If this form does not accompany the injured employee to the treatment center then it must be filled out and sent to the treatment center as soon as possible.
  • 1.1.4. In the case of injuries that are more severe, or there is doubt about the severity of the injury, and emergency assistance is required, call 36111 from an internal phone (or 911 from an external phone). A SEVERELY INJURED PERSON MUST NOT BE MOVED without the advice of medical or ambulance personnel.
  • 1.1.5. If it is necessary to call an ambulance, indicate the location of the injured person and the location of the nearest appropriate entrance to the building. If possible send someone to that entrance to lead the ambulance personnel to the injured person.
    • 1.1.5.1. For all accidents involving critical injury or death

• 1.1.5.2. Immediately call 36111 for assistance
• 1.1.5.3. As soon as possible, notify your supervisor, the Faculty Safety Officer, and the Department of Environmental Health and Safety. The latter will notify the appropriate government agencies.
• 1.1.5.4. Do not touch anything associated with the accident, except for the purpose of saving life, relieving suffering or preventing unnecessary damage to equipment or property. The scene of an accident must be examined by the appropriate authorities 

• 1.2. Fire Emergency:
  • 1.2.1. In the event of a fire emergency, you should be aware of the location and/or use of all fire extinguishers, fire alarms and fire exits in your area. If the fire cannot safely be controlled with a fire extinguisher, then the following actions should be taken:
  • 1.2.2. alert all persons in the area of the fire emergency
  • 1.2.3. leave the area while closing doors and windows (where this can be done safely)
  • 1.2.4. pull the nearest fire alarm
  • 1.2.5. check to ensure that the area has been evacuated then leave the building to the nearest safe locationphone the Emergency Report Centre (36111)
  • 1.2.6. be available to guide the Fire Department to the location of the fire
  • 1.2.7. Keep all entrances clear for emergency response personnel 

• 1.3. Chemical Spills:
  • 1.3.1. All individuals at risk due to the spill should be warned immediately.
  • 1.3.2. All spills should be cleaned up promptly, efficiently and properly.
  • 1.3.3. If the spill involves non-volatile, non-flammable and non-toxic material then it should be cleaned up as directed by your supervisor. Most cleanups of liquid spills are facilitated by the use of an absorbent material that will neutralize the liquid where appropriate. Cleanup can then be carried out using a dustpan, brush and appropriate protective equipment.
  • 1.3.4. The spill area should be washed following the cleanup.
  • 1.3.5. If a hazardous chemical such as a flammable, toxic or highly reactive substance is spilled, immediately warn everyone in the area. Shut down all equipment and leave the area. Your supervisor should be notified immediately and will be responsible for the proper cleanup of the contaminated area. Any clothing that has been contaminated should be removed as quickly as possible and decontaminated where possible.

1.3.6. Waste from chemical spills must be disposed of in an appropriate manner. Contact the Environmental Health and Safety and/or the faculty Safety Officer.

• 2.1. General
  • 2.1.1. Know and follow safety rules, procedures and protocols
  • 2.1.2. Be aware of hazards, and the procedures for dealing with those hazards, before you start your work
  • 2.1.3. Fire doors must be kept closed at all times
  • 2.1.4. Familiarize yourself with all safety equipment and procedures in your work area (telephone, exits, fire extinguishers, fire alarms, fire blankets, safety shower, eyewash fountain, first aid kit, evacuation routes)
  • 2.1.5. Never block emergency exits, emergency equipment or electrical panels
  • 2.1.6. Post suitable warning signs if a specific hazardous situation exists; include the name and phone number of individual(s) responsible
  • 2.1.7. Maintain a tidy workplace
  • 2.1.8. No bicycles, electric scooters, roller blades, or pets in the buildings
  • 2.1.9. Research labs must keep lab doors closed to effect proper ventilation of the lab
  • 2.1.10. Keep your work area locked when unoccupied to avoid unauthorized entry

• 2.2.Working Alone
  • 2.2.1. Undergraduate students must not work alone on in a laboratory at any time. A second person must be present and must assume responsibility for supervision of the undergraduate. The work carried out must be authorized by a faculty member.
  • 2.2.2. For Engineering Teams, students must follow building hours, and only work on administrative tasks when working alone. Students working after regular hours should call the lone worker service. 
  • 2.2.3. For other members of the Department, working alone is usually defined as working in a laboratory outside of normal working hours (8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday) in the absence of any other co-workers. Individuals may work alone if their laboratory work is of a non-hazardous nature and if there is someone else working on the same floor and wing of the building and is aware of their presence.
  • 2.2.4. If, for some reason, hazardous work must be performed outside normal working hours then the following procedure must be followed:
    • 2.2.4.1. The work must have your supervisor's approval,
    • 2.2.4.2. A second co-worker must be available in case of emergency, or
    • 2.2.4.3. The Emergency Report Centre (ext. 36111) and/or Campus Security (ext. 36733) must be contacted to set up a check-in routine with you; they must be contacted once your work is completed.
  • 2.3. If you are working late at night, both the Campus Security Escort Service (ext. 36080) and the A.M.S. Walk-home Service (ext. 39255) are available.

• 2.4. Tools
  • 2.4.1. Anyone wishing to use any power tools must have the approval of a qualified technician and must have received appropriate training on that equipment prior to any use.
  • 2.4.2. Faculty, staff and students must not work alone when using power tools, hazardous substances, or dangerous equipment. Undergraduates must not work alone in a laboratory at any time. No unauthorized work shall be performed in the testing laboratories and shops after normal operating hours. 

• 2.5. Laboratory Hours
  • 2.5.1. The student/workers must notify their supervisor if they will be working after normal operating hours in any testing laboratories or shops and must abide by the university's policy on working alone.
  • 2.5.2. All laboratory and shop doors will be locked after normal operating hours (i.e. 8:30 to 4:30). If a later lockup time is needed, responsibility for ensuring a particular laboratory is locked may be transferred to a responsible person.
• 2.6. Undergraduate Students in testing / teaching / research laboratories
  • 2.6.1. An undergraduate student may work in testing laboratory areas only if a faculty member or staff member is notified, and there is a responsible person present (any exceptions to this policy will be made by the Department Head).
  • 2.6.2. All supervisors are responsible for ensuring that proper personal protective equipment is worn by their student/worker (e.g. safety shoes, safety glasses, etc.).
  • 2.6.3. The initial use of any unproven testing system must be supervised by the principal investigator or Teams Supervisor responsible for the project. This includes all testing systems which employ any hazardous substance. The health and safety of all persons who may come in contact with a testing system must be considered.
  • 2.6.4. For testing systems which use regulated hazardous substances, a written plan specifying all control measures to be taken to ensure the safe handling of the substance(s) must be developed. This plan should include details of the procedures to be used in case of accidental spill or exposure of workers/students, and the method of disposal should be outlined. The plan must have the approval of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety and the Department Safety Officer.

• 2.7. Hazadous Materials
  • 2.7.1. All hazardous substances purchased or received in the Faculty must be take into consideration proper handling and storage procedures. All shipments of hazardous substances must meet the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
  • 2.7.2. All supervisors are responsible for ensuring that their student/worker completes a WHMIS training course. 

• 2.8. Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy
  • 2.8.1. The fundamental premise of this Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy is that from the initial stages of planning, off-campus activities must be evaluated from a safety perspective. The Policy recognizes that most off-campus activities entail risks that are no greater than the participants would face in every day life and can be safely carried out with minimal planning and preparation. However, in the case of an activity that entails risks higher, appropriate advance planning, preparation, and training must be carried out so that the foreseeable risks are appropriately managed.An activity safety plan must be approved before the activity takes place. In circumstances where it is concluded that the risks are unmanageable, the activity should not be carried out.
  • 2.8.2. The Policy recognizes that planning and preparation, including risk assessment, for an off-campus activity should be carried out by the organizer(s) - normally at the Unit/Department level - who, it is understood, will have specific relevant knowledge. When hazards falling outside local expertise are identified, the Policy requires that planners/organizers consult appropriate experts for advice. As part of the preparations for an activity, participants must be provided with appropriate training and briefing delivered by persons with the requisite expertise.
  • 2.8.3. The Policy clearly defines the responsibilities of participants and those in the chain of responsibility with respect to safety in off-campus activities. Additional information about resources that will assist planners in meeting the requirements of the Policy is provided in the Supporting Information. See: Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy

• 2.9. Reporting of Accidents, near Misses,
  • 2.9.1. Accidents involving hazardous chemicals or the malfunction and/or breakdown of equipment must be reported to your supervisor. More serious accidents must be reported to the Facuty Safety Officer and the as well as to your supervisor.
  • 2.9.2. All accidents involving near misses with the potential for injury or equipment and property damage must be reported promptly to your supervisor who is responsible for ensuring that the procedures below are followed. If your supervisor is not immediately available, contact the Faculty Safety Officer or the Head of the Department.

• 3.1. Chemical Use
  • 3.1.1.Anyone using chemicals of any kind must first have WHIMS A variety of protective measures are available for dealing with the hazards present in a laboratory that includes chemical hazards. One of the simplest measures to reduce or eliminate a hazard is to substitute a less hazardous or non-hazardous material for one which presents a high level of risk. For example many older procedures may use solvents such as benzene or carbon tetrachloride for routine applications; it is now known that benzene is a potent carcinogen and that carbon tetrachloride can cause serious liver damage. Substitution of these solvents with toluene or dichloromethane may pose less risk if compatible with the procedure.
  • 3.1.2.A second measure is to reduce the scale of an operation to reduce the level of risk. Smaller reactions are less likely to cause serious accidents if something goes wrong; they also produce less waste.

• 3.2. Fume Hoods
  • 3.2.1. The most common method to prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals by inhalation is to work in a ventilated work space provided by a fume hood. Protection is provided by air flow through the fume hood. An annual inspection and servicing is carried out on fume hoods to ensure proper operation however it is important to note that the protection offered by a fume hood can be compromised if the sash is opened too high or if the airflow is obstructed by equipment or chemicals stored in the fume hood. Keep the following points in mind when using a fume hood:
    • 3.2.1.1. keep all apparatus at least six inches from the front of the hood; airflow is less likely to be impeded, and vapors are less likely to escape
    • 3.2.1.2. don't use the hood to store chemicals and equipment; they restrict airflow
    • 3.2.1.3. hang thin paper strips from the sash to detect proper airflow
    • 3.2.1.4. proper fume hood ventilation of labs requires that doors to the lab be kept closed
    • 3.2.1.5. flammable liquids must only be used in fume hoods designated for this purpose
  • 3.2.2. Local Ventilation
    • 3.2.2.1. Flexible ventilation ducts with flared openings can also be used to provide ventilation in local areas, particularly with equipment which, because of size or function, cannot be placed in a fume hood. Any equipment which releases hazardous fumes during operation must have local ventilation.

• 3.3. Personal Protective Equipment
  • 3.3.1. Eye and Face Protection: The minimum requirement for eye protection is that safety glasses (or prescription glasses) fitted with side shields must be worn in labs where hazardous chemicals are in use; contact lenses are not to be worn. Safety glasses do not provide complete protection to the eyes from spills and splashes. Where more protection is required, such as when working with corrosive substances, either safety goggles or a full-face shield may be recommended.
  • 3.3.2. Clothing: Appropriate clothing and shoes are part of your protective equipment. Short pants and open-toed shoes or sandals offer no protection from spills of hazardous chemicals. Shoes which cover the feet completely and long pants or a lab coat should be worn.
  • 3.3.3. Gloves: Gloves are available in a variety of materials including natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile and vinyl. Each type of material is resistant to only a limited range of chemicals therefore no single type of glove is suitable for all situations. Wearing the wrong type of glove can cause more damage by keeping chemicals in contact with your skin. Consult manufacturer's data before selecting the appropriate type of gloves.
    • 3.3.3.1. NOTE: Disposable latex rubber gloves are permeable or reactive to a variety of chemicals including benzene, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, chromic acid, ethyl ether, hexane, methylene chloride, naphtha, nitric acid, styrene, sulphuric acid, tetrahydrofuran, toluene, and xylene. They are not recommended for use with these chemicals.
  • 3.3.4. Respirators: Respirators are designed to protect the wearer from hazardous vapors or dust. Wide varieties of respirators are available and are designed to deal with different substances in various situations. The use of respirators requires proper selection, fitting and training. The Department does not provide respirators consequently any use of respirators must have prior authorization and approval by your supervisor. Consult the appropriate Safety Data Sheet or work with your safety officer for selection, fitting and training on respirators.
  • 3.3.5. Hearing Protection: Routine exposure to noise in excess of 90dB requires the use of hearing protection (i.e. ear plugs, ear muffs); for extended exposure to noise in excess of 80 dB, hearing protection is advised.

• 3.4. Emergency equipment
  • 3.4.1. Eyewash Fountains and Deluge Showers:
    • 3.4.1.1. Access to this equipment must not be obstructed in any way. Eyewash fountains should be tested regularly (weekly) to ensure adequate water flow and to remove any rusty water.
    • 3.4.1.2. If it is necessary to use any eyewash fountain, hold your eyelids open with your fingers and roll your eyes back and forth while washing them. Flush your eyes for at least 15 minutes to ensure removal of the chemical.
    • 3.4.1.3. If it is necessary to use an emergency shower, activate the shower then remove contaminated clothing as rapidly as possible.
    • 3.4.1.4. Do not use an eye-wash for metal particles. Go straight to the local hospital emergency department to have metal removed.  Eye-washing can cause the particle to embed deeper into the eye.
    • 3.4.1.5. Fire extinguishers: Fire extinguishers are located throughout the buildings and work spaces. Take time to locate the nearest extinguisher when there is ANY risk of fire. These extinguishers are only designed to fight small local fires. Do not attempt to fight large fires; evacuate the building and call for professional fire fighters (telephone 36111 - Emergency Report Center).

• 4.1. Glassware
  • 4.1.1. check glassware for cracks, chips and other flaws; these flaws should be repaired before the glassware is used
  • 4.1.2. select the right glassware for the job; vacuum applications required thick-walled glass while operations carried out under pressure require specially designed glassware
  • 4.1.3. glassware under pressure or vacuum should be shielded
  • 4.1.4. if it is necessary to apply pressure to glassware, wear thick leather gloves
  • 4.1.5. never heat or apply pressure/vacuum to a chemical in a stock bottle; these bottles are made of a soft glass which breaks readily
• 4.2.Electrical Equipment
  • 4.2.1. In addition to the hazards posed by electrical shock, electrical equipment also presents a source of fire hazard when used in conjunction with flammable substances (see section on Flammability). Electrical hazards can be minimized by the following:
  • 4.2.2. only trained or qualified individuals should repair or modify electrical equipment electric wires should never be used as supports
  • 4.2.3. unplug equipment by pulling on the plug not the cord
  • 4.2.4. equipment should be regularly inspected and frayed cords or broken plugs should be repaired
  • 4.2.5. any equipment failure or overheating should be remedied immediately
  • 4.2.6. use "C" class fire extinguishers for electrical fires.
  • 4.2.7. No food/drink when working with electricity. Liquids can reduce the skin’s resistance by 300x.  If the electricity comes in contact with open cuts, wet skin etc, then the threshold for not being able to let go of a live conductor due to involuntary muscle contraction can be as low as a combination of 20mA/50V.
    
    
• 4.3. Static Electricity and Spark Hazards
  • 4.3.1. Protection from static discharge must be addressed in particular when handling flammable solvents; this risk is increased during periods of low humidity. Proper grounding of containers and equipment will significantly reduce this risk. Common potential sources of sparks and static discharges are:
  • 4.3.2. ungrounded metal tanks and containers
  • 4.3.3. clothing or containers made of plastic or synthetic materials
  • 4.3.4. high pressure gas cylinders upon discharge
  • 4.3.5. control systems on hotplates
  • 4.3.6. brush motors and forced air dryers
• 4.4. UV Lamps
  • 4.4.1. Radiation of wavelengths below 250 nm poses a considerable risk to both eyes and exposed skin. Wear UV-absorbing safety glasses and avoid direct eye contact with the UV source; wear protective clothing to prevent burns from UV exposure. Work involving UV irradiation should be carried out in an enclosed work area to prevent exposure of workers to the UV source.
  • 4.4.2. Mercury arc lamps should be cleaned thoroughly before use. Handling with bare hands leaves oil deposits on the surface of the outer glass which forms residues that will burn into the glass causing build-up of heat during the operation of the lamp. The lamp may overheat and crack, releasing mercury vapor.
• 4.5. Lasers
  • 4.5.1. The type and intensity of radiation available from a laser varies greatly from one instrument to another. The following general rules should be followed:
  • 4.5.2. always wear goggles that offer protection against the specific wavelength(s) of the laser in use; no available goggles protect against all laser wavelengths
  • 4.5.3. never look directly at the beam or pump source
  • 4.5.4. never view the beam pattern directly; use an image converter or other safe, indirect means
  • 4.5.5. do not allow objects that cause reflections to be present in or along the beam
  • 4.5.6. keep a high general illumination level in areas where lasers are in operation; low levels of light cause dilation of the pupils, thereby increasing the danger to the eyes
  • 4.5.7. display warning signs
• 4.6. X-ray Generators
  • 4.6.1. X-rays are a hazardous physical agent under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Any equipment generating X-rays must be operated in accordance with government regulations and appropriate warning signs must be posted.
• 4.7. Magnetic Fields
  • 4.7.1. NMR spectrometers have superconducting magnets which generate static magnetic fields with high flux densities. Hazards exist from the mechanical forces exerted by these magnetic fields on ferromagnetic tools and equipment and on medical implant devices. Individuals with implanted cardiac pacemakers and similar medical devices should not be exposed to these magnetic fields. Other implanted medical devices such as suture staples, aneurysm clips, prostheses, etc. may also be subjected to adverse effects.
• 4.8. Radioactive Material
  • 4.8.1. All work involving the use of radioactive materials must be carried out under the supervision of a faculty member who is licensed by the Atomic Energy Control Board to work with radioisotopes.
  • 4.8.2. Radiation badges are to be worn while using any radioactive instrument. All work must be approved by the Civil Technologist or the Departmental Manager before it is carried out. All radioactive materials must be handled, stored and disposed of in accordance with the appropriate government regulations and in accordance with procedures set out by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Queen's University (see the Waste Disposal section - Radioisotope Disposal Procedures).
• 4.9. Compressed Gases
  • 4.9.1. Gases used in laboratories are supplied in cylinders at high pressure. In addition to any potential chemical hazards, compressed gases are a high-energy source and therefore hazardous. The following rules must be followed:
  • 4.9.2. cylinders of all sizes must be restrained from falling by restraining devices
  • 4.9.3. during storage or transport, the cylinder cap must be in place
  • 4.9.4. cylinders must only be transported when strapped to a wheeled cart
  • 4.9.5. no lubricant shall be used when connecting the regulator to the cylinder
  • 4.9.6. new connections shall be checked for gas leakage
  • 4.9.7. the cylinder delivery pressure shall be set to zero after the main cylinder valve is closed to prevent a rapid release of compressed gas the next time the cylinder is opened
  • 4.9.8. empty cylinders shall have the regulators removed, be marked MT, the shipping cap replaced and returned to main storage in room 024
  • 4.9.9. unused or partially used cylinders that are of no further use shall be returned to gas company
  • 4.9.10. in the event of a fire, the supply of a combustible gas shall be shut off before any attempt is made to extinguish the flame
  • 4.9.11. a trap shall be used to prevent the back siphoning of solution when a soluble gas is being employed
  • 4.9.12. do not expose cylinders to temperatures higher than 50¬∞C
  • 4.9.13. use toxic, flammable or reactive gases in a fume hood
  • 4.9.14. use the appropriate regulator for the type of gas
  • 4.9.15. be aware that special handling procedures are required for certain gases, e.g. acetylene
• 4.10. Cryogenics and Cold Traps
  • 4.10.1. Liquid nitrogen is the most common cryogenic coolant and must be handled with caution. The following points must be taken into account when using liquid nitrogen
  • 4.10.2. use only a properly vented container
  • 4.10.3. extreme cold can rapidly cause tissue damage; use appropriate protective equipment
  • 4.10.4. spills in confined spaces can cause asphyxiation due to rapid evaporation of the nitrogen
  • 4.10.5. glass Dewars used as cold traps should be encased to contain glass fragments in the event of implosion
  • 4.10.6. do not leave liquid nitrogen cold traps open to the air; oxygen may condense from the air and can react explosively with combustible materials
  • 4.10.7. Dry ice is frequently used in conjunction with a cooling liquid. These cooling systems can also cause tissue damage due to extreme cold. The proper choice of a cooling liquid presents problems since a non-toxic, non-flammable, low viscosity, low volatility liquid does not exist. In general isopropanol (flash point 11¬∞C) is preferable to acetone (flash point -18¬∞C) due to a higher flash point but still represents a fire hazard. A 3:2 mixture of ethylene glycol to water which is thinned with isopropanol is an alternative cooling liquid with reduced flammability.
• 4.11. Reduced Pressure Operations and Vacuum Pumps
  • 4.11.1. vacuum desiccators should be taped or encased due to the risk of implosion
  • 4.11.2. glass vacuum lines should be shielded when in use
  • 4.11.3. cold traps should be placed between apparatus and vacuum pumps to prevent volatiles from entering the pump oil; traps should be cleaned after use
  • 4.11.4. exhaust from the pump should be vented into a fume hood or to the exterior of the building; exhaust must be vented in a manner that prevents contact of the emissions with the public (i.e. must not be vented at ground level)
  • 4.11.5. pump belt drives must have a guard over the belt to prevent anything from getting caught in the belt
• 4.12. Distillations and Reflux Operations
  • 4.12.1. Distillations and reflux operations are common laboratory procedures which present several potential dangers: pressure build-up leading to explosions if closed systems are used, and fire hazards associated with heating flammable substances are two of the most common. A variety of apparatus designs are available to accomplish reflux/distillation operations at atmospheric pressure, under inert atmospheres, under reduced pressure and by the addition of steam. The following general points should be noted when carrying out these operations:
  • 4.12.2. check the integrity of the system; leaks of flammable materials can lead to fires
  • 4.12.3. ensure smooth boiling through stirring or the addition of boiling stones (do not add boiling stones to hot liquid)
  • 4.12.4. choose an appropriate heat source - electric heating mantle, ceramic cavity heater, steam bath or silicone oil bath
  • 4.12.5. do not heat the heat source above their auto-ignition temperature of the liquid being distilled/refluxed
  • 4.12.6. do not distill organic liquids to dryness

• 5.1. SAFETY DATA SHEETS
  • 5.1.1. Use this link to go to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) App. Click here before using any chemicals. Be safe - read the Safety Data Sheet first.
• 5.2. Corrosivity
  • 5.2.1. Corrosive chemicals cause visible destruction or irreversible alteration to living tissue. Common acids and bases are the most usual corrosives encountered, but other chemicals such as Br2 are also extremely corrosive.
  • 5.2.2. concentrated acids and bases should always be diluted by addition to water due to the large heat of solution for these compounds
  • 5.2.3. use appropriate personal protective equipment and fume hood ventilation when working with strong acids and bases, and other corrosive substances
  • 5.2.4. safety glasses do not provide complete eye protection from chemical splashes; wear appropriate safety goggles or splash shields when working with corrosive substances
  • 5.2.5. NOTE: some specific acids such as HF (extremely toxic) and HClO4 (powerful oxidizer of organics) require special handling procedures. Consult the appropriate references and your supervisor before working with these chemicals.
• 5.3. Flammability
  • 5.3.1. The risk of fire in the chemical laboratory is most often associated with two classes of compounds - common organic solvents, and certain metals, metal hydrides and organometallics. For common organic solvents the following should be noted:
  • 5.3.2. the minimum temperature at which vapours from a substance will ignite when exposed to an ignition source (flame, spark, static discharge, etc.) is called the flash point
  • 5.3.3. a flammable substance has a flash point below 40¬∞C
  • 5.3.4. a combustible substance must be heated above 40¬∞C to ignite
  • 5.3.5. up to 1L glass bottles of flammable liquids can be stored anywhere in laboratories; larger quantities must be stored in flammable storage cabinets (e.g. 4L glass bottles) or in approved safety containers
  • 5.3.6. the maximum volume of flammable liquids that may be stored in a laboratory is 225 litres
  • 5.3.7. always use ventilation (e.g. fume hoods) which is adequate for the quantity of flammable liquid in use; only use fume hoods which have been designated and labelled for use with flammable liquids
  • 5.3.8. always connect (or bond) containers when transferring flammable liquids from metal containers
  • 5.3.9. NEVER store flammable liquids in a conventional domestic refrigerator; only refrigerators/freezers that are approved for flammable storage can be used
• 5.4. Alkali and alkaline earth metals,
  • 5.4.1. certain other metals such as aluminium, metals in a finely divided form, metal hydrides and many organometallic compounds can ignite on exposure to air and/or water. The following should be noted when working with this class of compounds:
  • 5.4.2. store these chemicals in a location separate from other chemicals in the laboratory and in containers appropriate for the purpose
  • 5.4.3. use equipment appropriate for the hazards associated with these substances including inert atmosphere techniques
  • 5.4.4. class "D" fire extinguishers (metal fires) must be present in laboratories where these substances are in use; do not use "C" class fire extinguishers (CO2) on metal fires
• 5.5. Noxious Chemicals
  • 5.5.1. Certain classes of compounds such as thiols (mercaptans) and related sulfur-containing compounds are characterized by a particularly noxious odour
  • 5.5.2. these compounds must be used with adequate ventilation (fume hoods)
  • 5.5.3. whenever compounds of this type are used they will be released through the ventilation system into the local atmosphere, consequently both the Department Safety Officer and the Emergency Report Centre must be notified in advance of the use of these chemicals
• 5.6. Reactive Chemicals
  • 5.6.1. Air/Water Reactive
  • 5.6.2. chemicals which can ignite on exposure to air or water, e.g. certain metallic and organometallic substances, phosphorous
  • 5.6.3. special handling, storage and disposal procedures must be established in laboratories where these substances are in use (see section on Flammability and Appendix II - Incompatible Chemicals)
• 5.7.Self-Reactive Chemicals
  • 5.7.1. may be heat, shock or friction sensitive and can react violently as a consequence, e.g. acetylene and acetylides, azides, diazonium salts, nitro compounds, chlorates and perchlorates, peroxides
  • 5.7.2. special handling, storage and disposal procedures must be established in laboratories where these substances are in use
  • 5.7.3. labs must remain closed and locked when not in immediate use
• 5.8. Lachrymators
  • 5.8.1. substances which react with moisture in the eyes and mucous membranes to cause tear formation, e.g. halogenated aldehydes, ketones and esters
  • 5.8.2. must be used with adequate ventilation (fume hood) and stored in well sealed containers
• 5.9. Incompatible Chemicals
  • 5.9.1.Accidental contact of incompatible chemicals can lead to fire, explosion and/or the release of highly toxic substances. The magnitude of the problem usually increases with the quantity of chemicals being stored. Prudent practice requires that incompatible chemicals be stored in separate locations to minimize the risk of accidental mixing. Appendix II - Incompatible Chemicals lists some general groups of incompatible chemicals; further information on specific chemicals may be obtained from references such as Hazards in the Chemical Laboratory, by L. Bretherick or Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals, National Research Council, National Academy Press, 1995.
• 5.10. Toxicity
  • 5.10.1. A wide range of substances are present in the chemical laboratory which present a risk due to either chronic or acute toxicity; this includes the presence of carcinogens, mutagens and teratogens:
  • 5.10.2. toxic substances may enter the body by inhalation, absorption, ingestion and/or injection
  • 5.10.3. appropriate protective measures must be taken to prevent exposure and which are consistent with permissible exposure limits for a specific substance
  • 5.10.4. where available, antidotes for poisons must be present during usage of these poisons
  • 5.10.5. NO FOOD OR DRINKS ARE TO BE CONSUMED IN LABORATORIES AT ANY TIME.
  • 5.10.6. CONTAINERS/UTENSILS USED FOR THE PREPARATION OR CONSUMPTION OF FOOD OR BEVERAGES MUST NOT BE STORED IN LABORATORIES WHERE HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES ARE IN USE.
  • 5.10.7. ANY WOMAN WHO WORKS IN A LABORATORY WHERE HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES ARE IN USE AND WHO IS, OR BELIEVES THAT SHE MAY BE, PREGNANT MUST INFORM HER SUPERVISOR.
• 5.11. Designated Substances
  • 5.11.1. The Occupational Health and Safety Act allows a biological, chemical or physical agent, or combination thereof, to be "designated" and its use in the workplace may be either prohibited or strictly regulated. The following are designated substances:
    • 5.11.1.1. ACRYLONITRILE
    • 5.11.1.2. ASBESTOS
    • 5.11.1.3. BENZENE
    • 5.11.1.4. CARBON DISULFIDE
    • 5.11.1.5. CARBON TETRACHLORIDE
    • 5.11.1.6. COKE OVEN EMISSIONS
    • 5.11.1.7. ETHYLENE OXIDE
    • 5.11.1.8. ISOCYANATES
    • 5.11.1.9. LEAD
    • 5.11.1.10. MERCURY
    • 5.11.1.11. SILICA POWDER
    • 5.11.1.12. STYRENE
    • 5.11.1.13 VINYL CHLORIDE MONOMER
  • 5.11.2. Acrylonitrile, benzene, carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, isocyanates, styrene, and vinyl chloride monomer are all volatile organic materials and must be used with adequate ventilation (fume hood) to prevent exposure through inhalation and with appropriate protective equipment to prevent exposure through skin absorption. These materials can be disposed of in the normal liquid organic waste stream (halogenated or nonhalogenated as appropriate).
  • 5.11.3. Substances containing arsenic, lead or mercury must be handled in an appropriate manner to prevent exposure through inhalation or absorption. All chemical waste containing arsenic, lead or mercury must be collected and properly labeled for disposal by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.
  • 5.11.4. Elemental mercury is used in many types of apparatus, in particular mercury-filled thermometers. Mercury spills from broken equipment should be cleaned up immediately (mercury spill kits are available from the Department of Environmental Health and Safety). Broken thermometers are collected by the Environmental Technologist who will recover the mercury from the thermometers before disposal.
  • 5.11.5. Silica powder, including chromatography grade silica, is a respiratory hazard and should be handled in a fume hood when dry. Any fine silica sand (normally found at the Coastal Laboratory) would have a certain amount of powder and should be handled wet and otherwise be covered. Used silica should be stored in sealed and labelled containers then sent for disposal by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

All chemical waste disposal is carried out by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety; sinks and garbage cans are not to be used for hazardous waste disposal. All hazardous waste must be segregated according to the procedures outlined below in Packaging and Identification of Hazardous Waste.

• 6.1. Disposal Procedures Hazardous Chemicals. The general procedure for disposing of waste chemicals is outlined below in
  • 6.1.1. Flammable liquids such as common organic solvents must be placed in solvent disposal cans (red with wide mouths and flame arrestor) which are identified as to point of origin. This waste should be collected in separate containers for Halogenated and Non-halogenated waste (<3% halogen content).
  • 6.1.2. Containers which have been used to store chemicals, such as stock bottles, but which are empty may be disposed of with the normal garbage; these bottles should be washed and the labels defaced before they are placed in the garbage.
• 6.2. Packaging and Identification of Hazardous Waste
  • 6.2.1. The purpose of the following instructions is to prevent dangerous chemical reactions if there is an accident during transit.
  • 6.2.2. All chemicals must be packed in sturdy containers, using an inert packing material such as vermiculite.
  • 6.2.3. Chemicals must be taken from the laboratory by the user to the pick-up point. Disposal companies require that chemical wastes be identified as members of one of the following Chemical Code Groups:
    • 6.2.3.1. Group A
      • 6.2.3.1.1. Inorganic Acids
      • 6.2.3.1.2. Elements and inorganic salts that do not liberate gaseous products when acidified.
    • 6.2.3.2. Group B
      • 6.2.3.2.1. Inorganic alkaline chemicals
      • 6.2.3.2.2. Organic bases
      • 6.2.3.2.3. Elements and inorganic salts which liberate gaseous products when acidified.
    • 6.2.3.3. Group C
      • 6.2.3.3.1. Solid organic compounds (excluding bases)
    • 6.2.3.4. Group D
      • 6.2.3.4.1. Organic liquids (excluding organic bases) NOTE: Separate containers must be used for halogenated and non- halogenated Group D liquids.
    • 6.2.3.5. Group E
      • 6.2.3.5.1. Inorganic oxidizing agents NOTE: Group E chemicals cannot be stored or transported with any other chemicals in a common container.
    • 6.2.3.6. Group F
      • 6.2.3.6.1. Pesticides
    • 6.2.3.7. Group G
      • 6.2.3.7.1. Shock sensitive materials
      • 6.2.3.7.2. Organic oxidizing agents
      • 6.2.3.7.3. Pressurized containers, gas cylinders
      • 6.2.3.7.4. Materials that react violently with water
    • 6.2.4. Disposal Procedure Hazardous Chemicals
      • 6.2.4.1. DEFACE all containers that have hazardous material warnings if they no longer contain hazardous materials.
      • 6.2.4.2. SEGREGATE incompatible materials (see back of pink form).
      • 6.2.4.3. SEPARATE unopened, unused chemicals from other material to be disposed.
      • 6.2.4.4. LABEL the chemical name, contaminants (including levels when known), concentration (molarity, dilution factor, etc.), must appear on each individual bottle, bag, box or container of chemicals or by-product. To comply with transport regulations, an inventory must be attached to external packaging (pink forms are provided for your convenience).
      • 6.2.4.5. COMPLETE and ACCURATE IDENTIFICATION of all materials is the single most important factor in providing safe, environmentally sound and cost- effective hazardous waste management.
      • 6.2.4.6. UNKNOWNS can not be transported.
      • 6.2.4.7. Individual departments must bear all costs for analysis/identification when the identity of a material cannot be determined (with certainty) by the originating department.
    • 6.3. Packaging
      • 6.3.1. Solid Chemicals must be packed in cardboard boxes with an acceptable absorbent material such as vermiculite surrounding the individual containers (styrofoam chips are not acceptable as they are reactive and non-absorbent).
      • 6.3.2. Liquid Chemicals must be packaged as above, in their original shipping containers, or (if they are non-corrosive) in suitable non-breakable containers approved by E. H. & S.
      • 6.3.3. Flammable Liquids must be placed in Solvent Disposal cans (the red ones with the wide mouth). Cans must be clean, with an intact flame arrestor and labelled according to point of pickup. Non-flammable, non-corrosive liquid material may be mixed with flammable material provided that the materials are compatible.

7.1. Equipment that is sent out to be disposed of either by destruction or by recycling must be tagged certifying that the equipment has had all hazardous materials removed (e.g. mercury-filled thermometers, PCB-filled transformers, radioactive sources). These tags are fixed by the appropriate safety technician from the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

• 8.1 SAFETY GOGGLES/GLASSESmust be worn at all times in the lab. Prescription glasses can be worn under the safety goggles.
• 8.2. FIRE:Use drench showers or blankets (Drop and Roll) for clothing fires. Immediately report it to the supervisor or lab demonstrator or other responsible individual, and then exit the laboratory and building quickly via proper exit route (Make sure you know where the exits are). Use fire extinguishers for bench-top fires or other fires only if very small fire.
• 8.3. CHEMICAL SPILLS:must be cleaned up immediately. Use plenty of water to rinse chemicals from eyes or skin. Remove chemical-soaked clothing if caustic. Know where showers and eye-wash fountains are and how to use them.
• 8.4. FOOD AND DRINKare not allowed in any laboratory spaces unless noted otherwise.
• 8.5. ACCIDENTS AND INJURIESmust be reported to the demonstrator or other responsible person. There are emergency first aid supplies available and most technicians and others are trained in basic first-aid, but any injury of consequence will be handled by the medical services.
• 8.6. FUME HOODSmust be used for any experiment involving irritating or hazardous vapors.
• 8.7. UNSUPERVISED WORK:No student is permitted to work in the laboratories unless there is a supervisor present.
• 8.8. Be aware of the specific hazards associated with each lab exercise.
• 8.9. Wear appropriate clothing and foot wear (NO OPEN_TOED SHOES).
• 8.10. Familiarize yourself with all emergency safety equipment (eyewash, fire alarm, fire extinguishers, telephone).
• 8.11. Label all containers in use (bottles, beakers)
• 8.12. Do not leave hazardous experiments unattended
• 8.13. Clean your work area and wash before leaving the laboratory
• 8.14. THE BEST SAFETY PRECAUTIONSinclude ADVANCED PREPARATION for each laboratory and a CLEAN ORGANIZED WORK SPACE.
• 8.15. VIOLATION OF ANY SAFETY REGULATION IS GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION FROM THE LABORATORY

• 9.1. You should have a building floor plan and know where the safety equipment (fire extinguishers, EXIT lights, First Aid boxes, eyewash stations, deluge showers) is located.
• 9.2. Check to see if they are in place.
• 9.3. Check fire extinguisher nozzles are unobstructed, ensure safety pins are in place and the sealing tie-wire is not broken (a broken tie-wire signals a possible discharge has occurred).
• 9.4. Check EXIT lights are illuminated. Call FIXIT to report any lights burnt out.
• 9.5. Check First Aid boxes are adequately stocked.
• 9.6. Operate eyewash stations for 30 seconds to ensure they are adequately flushed and that they have sufficient pressure.
• 9.7. Operate deluge showers with appropriate assistance to ensure sufficient pressure. (This procedure is under review by EHS) If testing is attempted then PPS should be notified and be on hand for emergency shut-down of water supply.
• 9.8. Report any deficiencies to the Safety Officer or to the Environmental Health and Safety Department (533-2999).

A Method for Determining the Compatibilitiy of Chemical Mixtures

Municipal Environmental Laboratory
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268

Caution: This chart is intended as an indication of some of the hazards that can be expected on mixing chemical wastes. Because of the differing activities of the thousands of compounds that may be encountered, it is not possible to make any chart definitive and all inclusive. It cannot be assumed to ensure compatibility of wastes because wastes are not classified as hazardous on the chart, nor do any blanks necessarily mean that the mixture cannot result in a hazard occurring. Detailed instructions as to hazards involved in handling and disposing of any given waste should be obtained from the originator of the waste. Click on the hypertext listing of numbers to get the names of chemical classes with which the chosen class is incompatible. In order to get details on the characteristics of a possible chemical reaction, see the over-sized Chemical Compatibility Chart.

• 12.1. Policy Statement on Health and Safety
  • 12.1.1. Queen's University is committed to the prevention of illness and injury through the provision and maintenance of a healthy and safe campus. The University endeavours to meet its responsibilities for the health and safety of the members of its community by complying with relevant health and safety standards and legislative requirements, and by assigning general and specific responsibilities for workplace health and safety.
  • 12.1.2. The University takes all reasonable steps to acquaint its employees with their rights and duties in the workplace and applicable regulations and procedures for protecting their health and safety. Where appropriate, the University establishes policies and programs to assist in maintaining safe conditions and work practices and facilitating employee participation in health and safety activities, including health and safety committees.
  • 12.1.3. All individuals shall protect their own health and safety by complying with prevailing regulations and standards and with safe practices and procedures established by the University. Employees must report any health hazards and unsafe conditions or practices to supervisory staff for corrective action.
  • 12.1.4. It is a primary duty of all faculty and staff who are supervisors, as defined under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, to ensure that any persons under their direction are made aware of and comply with all applicable health and safety policies and procedures. They are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the workplace, including teaching and research sites, are safe and that any risks, hazards, and safety violations drawn to their attention are investigated and corrected promptly.
  • 12.1.5. This policy statement was approved by the Board of Trustees at its regular meeting held on May 2, 2014.
• 12.2. Policy Statement on Environmental Management
  • 12.2.1. Queen's University is committed to the protection of the environment through the implementation of an effective environmental management program. At a minimum, the University will comply with all applicable environmental legislation and will make every reasonable effort to exceed its formal obligations for protecting the environment, out of a sense of responsibility for the safety of the environment as a shared resource. Members of the University community shall be aware of the manner in which their activities must be conducted in order to have the least possible impact on the environment.
  • 12.2.2. All departments and persons utilizing University premises shall comply with, and if reasonably possible, exceed all environmental statutes and regulations as well as Ministry of Environment policies and guidelines and internal University policies and procedures. Furthermore, it is the duty of all employees or students who are defined as a person responsible under the Environmental Protection Act to ensure that any person under their direction are made aware of and comply with all applicable environmental statutes and legislation. They shall be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of Queen's premises, including teaching and research sites, pose minimal environmental impact and that any environmental risks and/or hazards are investigated and corrected promptly.
  • 12.2.3. The University shall take all reasonable steps to acquaint its employees with their duties and obligations to prevent, contain and clean up the release of pollutants generated at Queen's or as the result of Queen's activities and with the applicable regulations and procedures for protecting the environment. Where appropriate, the University shall establish special procedures and programs to assist in preventing releases of pollutants, the containment of pollutants, cleaning up spills, recycling materials and reusing them. The University shall facilitate and encourage participation in activities to protect and preserve the environment.
  • 12.2.4. This policy statement was approved by the Board of Trustees at its regular meeting held on May 2, 2014.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act came into effect in Ontario in 1979. The purpose of this Act is to protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job. Both workers and supervisors have responsibilities under the terms of the Act.

Supervisors and their duties

Definition of a Supervisor:

A "supervisor" is defined in the Act as a person who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker. A supervisor: is qualified because of knowledge, training, and experience to organize work and its performance, is familiar with the Act and the regulations that apply to the work, and has knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace.

A worker is an employee of the supervisor or their institution or firm. A professor who directs the research of a graduate student, postdoctoral fellow or other research associate is the direct supervisor of that individual if that individual is paid a salary for the research. A graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, or other research associate who does not receive a salary, being supported through other funds, is considered to be under the supervision of the professor who directs the individual's research.

Duties of a Supervisor:

(1) A supervisor shall ensure that a worker,

• works in a manner and with the protective devices, measures and procedures required by this Act and the regulations; and
• uses or wears the equipment, protective devices or clothing that their employer requires to be used or worn

(2) Without limiting the duty imposed by subsection (1), a supervisor shall

• advise a worker of the existence of any potential or actual danger to the health or safety of the worker of which the supervisor is aware;
• where so prescribed, provide a worker with written instructions as to the measures and procedures to be taken for protection of the worker; and
• take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker.

A supervisor also has special responsibilities in dealing with accidents involving personal injury or death; see REPORTING OF ACCIDENTS.

Workers and their duties

Definition of a Worker:

A "worker" means a person who performs work or supplies services for monetary compensation, which includes faculty, staff, teaching assistants, lab demonstrators, post-doctoral fellows, research associates, technicians, technologists, graduate students but NOT undergraduate students taking courses or visitors to the Department. 

NOTE:  While Undergraduate Students are not defined as workers under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, it is essential that they understand the Rights and Duties of a worker, and conduct themselves as if they were workers. The duties of an engineer as they relate to public welfare and safety are an element of the professionalism required for an engineer’s practice.  As such, engineering students need to proactively develop a safety mindset by exercising their rights and responsibilities, and by recognizing that as engineers, they will be responsible for upholding those rights and responsibilities in their engineering practice.

Duties of a Worker:

(1) A worker shall,

• work in compliance with provisions of this Act and the regulations,
• use or wear the equipment, protective devices or clothing that their employer requires to be used or worn;
• report to their employer or supervisor the absence of or defect in any equipment or protective device of which they are aware and which may endanger themselves or another worker; and
• report to their employer or supervisor any contravention of this Act or the regulations or the existence of any hazard of which they know.

(2) No worker shall,

• remove or make ineffective any protective device required by the regulations or by their employer, without providing an adequate temporary protective device and when the need for removing or making ineffective the protective device has ceased, the protective device shall be replaced immediately;
• use or operate any equipment, machine, device or thing or work in a manner that may endanger himself/herself or any other worker; or
• engage in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough or boisterous conduct.

Right to Refuse or to Stop Work Where Health or Safety are in Danger:

(1) A worker may refuse to work or do particular work where he or she has reason to believe that,

• any equipment, machine, device, or thing the worker is to use or operate is likely to endanger himself, herself or another worker;
• the physical condition of the workplace or the part thereof in which he or she works or is to work is likely to endanger himself, or herself; or
• any equipment, machine, device or thing he or she is to use or operate or the physical condition of the workplace or the part thereof in which he or she works or is to work is in contravention of this Act or the regulations and such contravention is likely to endanger himself, herself or another worker.

(2) Upon refusing to work or do particular work, the worker shall promptly report the circumstances of the refusal to the worker's employer or supervisor who shall forthwith investigate the report in the presence of the worker and, if there is such, in the presence of one of;

• a committee member who represents workers, if any;
• a health and safety representative, if any; or
• a worker who because of knowledge, experience and training is selected by a trade union that represents the worker, or if there is no trade union, is selected by the workers to represent them, who shall be made available and who shall attend without delay.

Students

Undergraduate students taking courses and unpaid graduate students are not employees (workers) under the Act. It is however the policy of the Faculty of Smith Engineering that the instructors in under graduate courses and research directors of graduate students shall act as the direct supervisors of these students, and shall assume the same responsibilities towards the students doing laboratory work under their direction as if the students where employees, AND the students shall act as workers and follow the duties of a worker.

1.4. Safety Officer Duties and Responsibility

• Main communication link between their department and EH & S
• Inspect the work place
• Circulate material received from EH&S
• Respond to reports of unsafe conditions
• Ensure deficiencies are corrected
• Ensure that the JHSC member is informed, if needed, to investigate accidents, unsafe conditions or work refusals
• Accompany staff from EH&S during their site visits
• Accompany inspectors from outside agencies
• Keep Department Head informed of all issues
• Workers Compensation Accident Information - forward to EH&S
• Ensure staff in the department receive the needed information with respect to:
  • Fire Safety
  • Chemical Safety
  • Mandatory Training
  • Biohazard Safety
  • Radiation Safety

1.5. Department Head Duties and Responsibilities

• Advise staff of existence of any potential hazards to the health and safety of a worker
• Provide staff in their department with proper training and written instructions on proper safety procedures
• Ensure use of the appropriate personal protective equipment
• Ensure staff work in accordance with the set rules, policies and procedures
• Introduction and maintenance of systems and measures to identify, monitor and control risks
• Maintain appropriate records to demonstrate compliance with required regulations

• Provide proper supervision of all staff and students

1.6. Safety Officers

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Dan Langham: Director, ext.74980

FACULTY OF SMITH ENGINEERING

• John McKay, Smith Engineering Safety Office.