CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN


INTRODUCTION

Legal Basis


The Earlham College Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) meets the requirements of the "Laboratory Standard" of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z. The "Laboratory Standard" is known as 29CFR1910.1495 or Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories. It requires employers who maintain small laboratories with many hazardous chemicals in small quantities to appoint a Chemical Hygiene Officer and to prepare a Chemical Hygiene Plan. It also requires employees to comply with their employer's CHP. Where the Laboratory Standard applies, it supersedes the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200, sometimes known as the "Right to Know Act" or "The Haz-Com Act". The effective implementation date of the Laboratory Standard was January 31, 1991.

The Hazardous Communication Standard applies to areas of the college which use small or large amounts of only a few selected chemicals.

OSHA defines a hazardous chemical as a substance for which there is statistically significant evidence, based on a least one scientific study, showing acute or chronic harm as a result of exposure to that chemical.

ADMINISTRATION OF LABORATORY STANDARD (e 3 vii)

The responsibility for Chemical Hygiene and Safety rests at all levels. The Director of Hazardous Materials Management at Earlham College is designated as the Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO). The CHO acts as the representative of the President of the College who has the ultimate responsibility for chemical safety. The CHO also reports to the Provost and Academic Dean in regard to academic matters and the Chemical Hygiene Plan. The laboratory supervisors, supervising faculty, and laboratory workers also are responsible for chemical safety.

The chair of each designated department or a department appointee, along with the Chemical Hygiene Officer, will form the chemical safety committee.

As of July 1, 2009, the following persons are administrators of the Earlham College Chemical Hygiene Plan:
Douglas Bennett, President
Nelson Bingham, Provost
Greg Mahler, Academic Dean
Brian Eliason, Chemical Hygiene Officer
Department supervisors

The following departments have been designated as "laboratories" at Earlham College:
Regulated by the Laboratory Standard 29 CFR1910.1495
Biology
Chemistry
Geology
Physics
Regulated by the Hazard Communication Standard, 29CFR1910.1200
Art and Art History
Athletics, Wellness and Physical Education, swimming pool
Drama
Health Services
Joseph Moore Museum
Maintenance
Wilderness

PURPOSE AND APPLICATION

The purpose of the Laboratory Standard is to protect laboratory employees from harm due to chemical use while they are working in a laboratory. In addition to academic and administrative employees who spend a significant amount of their time working or teaching in a laboratory, the Laboratory Standard also includes as "laboratory employees" those office, custodial and maintenance persons who, as part of their duties, regularly spend a significant amount of their working time within a laboratory environment. Students, as laboratory assistants paid by Earlham College, are covered by the Laboratory Standard. The College also has a moral obligation to protect all other laboratory students and to train them to protect themselves from harm due to hazardous chemicals.

PROVIDING A SAFE CHEMICAL ENVIRONMENT

Earlham College laboratories will make every effort to prevent hazardous air quality concentrations that might exceed Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL), Threshold Limit Values (TLV), or Action Levels for a particular chemical. Chemical monitoring will be implemented if exposure values above limits for a given chemical are suspected. Results will be reported to any affected employees.

CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN AVAILABILITY

The Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) will be distributed to all designated departments, and copies will be available to any laboratory employee or interested party.


COLLEGE RESPONSIBILITIES (e 3 vii)

The college is responsible for ensuring a safe chemical environment by:
a. providing adequate ventilation and fume hoods
b. providing employee training
c. providing safe storage, disposal and handling of chemicals.
d. ensuring protective laboratory practices and equipment.
e. providing an inventory of all chemicals.
f. ensuring proper labels on all chemicals.
g. providing Manufacturer's Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) sheets for each
chemical purchased since May, 1990 and making these readily
available.
h. providing safety showers and eyewashes.
i. providing personal protective equipment (PPE).
j. providing and making available a Chemical Hygiene Plan that fulfills
the requirements of 29CFR 1910:1495.
k. providing medical consultation with a licensed physician in the case of
suspected chemical exposure. The college will provide necessary
information to the physician, request a written report from the
physician and prepare a written report on the incident. The employee
must receive a report within 15 days of the incident. (g)

EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES

Each employee who works with chemicals is responsible for
a. knowing the general content of the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
b. knowing the location of the printed CHP and MSDS sheets.
c. following the chemical safety procedures outlined in the Plan.
d. developing good personal chemical hygiene habits.

The effective date of this plan is Jan 31, 1991. (k)
Revised September, 2005

CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN

1910.1450 e3 (i), (ii), (iii) (iv) (v), (vi), (vii), (viii)"The Chemical Hygiene Plan shall include each of the following elements and shall indicate specific measures that the employer will take to ensure laboratory employee protection". (e)
a. Describe Standard Operating Procedures.
b. Define employer's criteria for determining and implementing control
measures.
c. Maintain proper functioning of fume hoods and other protective
equipment.
d. Provide employee information and training.
e. Provide criteria for prior approval of specified activities or procedures.
f. Make provision for medical consultation and exam.
g. Designate persons responsible for implementation of the CHP.
h. Provide employee protection from particularly hazardous substances,
highly toxic substances, select carcinogens, and reproductive toxins.

PART I
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR WORKING WITH CHEMICALS (e3i)

(Much of the following Chemical Hygiene Program is derived from Appendix A of 29CFR1920.1495 which is based on recommendations found in Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, National Research Council, 1981)

A. Chemical Inventory and Information

B. Basic Rules and Procedures
1. Chemical Procurement, Distribution, and Storage
2. Environmental Monitoring
3. Housekeeping, Maintenance and Inspections
4. Personal Protective Apparel, Equipment and Use
5. Medical Program
6. Records
7. Signs and Labels
8. Spills and Accidents
9. Waste Disposal
10. Training and Information


A. CHEMICAL INVENTORY AND INFORMATION
Each department will prepare and maintain an inventory of all chemicals found in the department. The inventory will be on file in the department and in the files of the CHO. The inventory will be updated continually.

Manufacturer's safety data sheets (MSDS) will be available for all chemicals received since May 1990. Other information describing the hazards of department chemicals will be available to users.


B. BASIC RULES AND PROCEDURES (e 3 viii)

Each department will establish its own rules for working in its laboratories. In general the following guidelines should be followed:
a. Avoid working alone in a building.
b. If laboratory procedures are hazardous, ensure that two or more
persons are present in the lab.
c. If it is necessary to work in the laboratory while the building is locked,
Earlham College Security should be notified of the presence and
departure of the individual.
d. A telephone and posted emergency numbers should be available and
accessible for emergency use.
e. Be alert to unsafe conditions and see that they are corrected when
detected.

1. CHEMICAL PROCUREMENT, DISTRIBUTION, AND STORAGE

a. Procurement. Before a substance is received, information on proper
handling, storage and disposal should be known to the department.
No container will be accepted without an adequate identifying label.
(h)
b. Stockrooms/storerooms. Toxic substances should be segregated in a
well-identified area with local exhaust ventilation. Chemicals which
are highly toxic or other chemicals in containers greater than 1 liter
which have been opened should be in unbreakable secondary
containers. Stored chemicals should be examined annually for
replacement, deterioration, and container integrity.
c. Stored chemicals should be separated according to reactivity.
Flammable chemicals should be stored in a flammable safety cabinet.
d. The chemical preparation area should be separated as far as possible
from the chemical storage area.
e. Chemical Quantities. Chemical amounts used should be as small as
practical.
f. Distribution. When chemicals are moved from one place to
another, they should be placed in an outside container, bucket, or on a
cart.
g. Laboratory storage. Storage on bench tops and in hoods is
inappropriate. Exposure of chemicals to heat or direct sunlight should
be avoided. Periodic inventories of chemicals in laboratories should be
conducted with unneeded items returned to the stockroom or
discarded.
2. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
Regular instrumental monitoring of airborne concentrations is not usually justified or practical in laboratories but may be appropriate when testing or redesigning hoods or other ventilation devices.

Instrumental monitoring of airborne concentrations in laboratories should be conducted if highly toxic substances are in use or if high concentrations
of airborne substances are suspected.

3. HOUSEKEEPING, MAINTENANCE, AND INSPECTIONS

a. Floors should be wet mopped weekly or more often if needed.
b. Formal housekeeping and chemical hygiene inspections should be held
at the beginning of each term using the department checklist. Informal
inspections should be continual.
c. Eye wash fountains should be tested at least monthly. The water
should run for one minute.
d. Safety showers should be tested at least once each term.
e. Other safety equipment should be tested at least once each term.
f. Fire extinguishers will be tested and recharged when necessary once
each year.
g. Access to exits, emergency equipment and utility controls should
always be open. Stairways and hallways must be open for quick
emergency exit.

4. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, APPAREL AND USE
Each laboratory should have access to proper equipment, appropriate personal protective apparatus and clothing appropriate for substances being handled. These should include:
a. fire extinguisher(s)
b. drench type hose or safety shower
c. eyewash fountain
d. fume hood(s)
e. flammables cabinet
f. protective apparel compatible with the required degree of protection
needed:
Chemistry: Safety glasses or goggles, movable shields, aprons,
lab coats, heat and cold resistant gloves,
Biology: Safety glasses or goggles, UV protection, latex gloves,
heat and cold resistant gloves, lab coats, face shields
Geology: Safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection
Physics: Safety glasses or goggles, latex or rubber gloves
Museum: Safety glasses or goggles, latex gloves, hearing
protection in wood shop
Art: Fabric, latex and rubber gloves, regular and UV
goggles, dust/mist masks
Drama: Goggles, hearing protectors, rubber gloves, latex gloves, dust/mist masks, respirator, face shield
Maintenance/Housekeeping: Safety glasses, rubber and leather
gloves, back supports, ear plugs, face shields, leather aprons
Health Services: Safety glasses, gloves, gowns, foot covers,
surgical caps, masks
Wellness (swimming pool): Latex gloves, dust/mist masks, tyvek
disposable suit
Wilderness (fuel): Latex and rubber gloves, flammables cabinet

g. fire alarm and telephone available for emergency use at all times.

5. MEDICAL PROGRAM (g) (See Appendix B)
Earlham College shall provide all employees who work with hazardous chemicals an opportunity to receive medical attention under the following circumstances:
(a) When an employee develops signs or symptoms associated
with a hazardous chemical to which the employee may have been exposed in the laboratory.
(b) Where exposure monitoring reveals an exposure level routinely
above the action level.
(c) When an event takes place in the work area such as a spill, leak,
explosion or other occurrence.
(d) When employee has direct skin or eye contact with a hazardous
chemical.

6. RECORDKEEPING (j) (See Appendix C)

Records will be kept in accordance with 29CFR1910.20 (j2)
(a) A written account of accidents and near accidents will be prepared
and given to the Chemical Hygiene Officer for the permanent records
These accounts should be considered as a means of preventing hazards
and future accidents.
(b) The CHP records should document the fact that the facilities and
precautions taken before the incident were consistent with current
safety knowledge and regulations.
(c) Detailed inventory, personnel and usage records should be kept for
any highly toxic substance used.
(d) Medical records concerning any chemical incident shall be kept for
thirty years in accordance with state and federal regulations.
(e) An accurate record of any measurements taken to monitor any
employee exposures will be maintained for each employee involved.

7. SIGNS AND LABELS
Signage will be used to enable users to locate the information needed for safe behavior. Prominent signs and labels should be posted in the department as follows:
(a) Emergency telephone numbers appropriate to the department must
be posted by the emergency phone.
(b) All containers of chemicals or hazardous materials or wastes shall be
labeled to specify contents.
(c) Safety showers, eyewash stations, safety and first aid equipment, exits
and other safety equipment shall be labeled. Laboratory refrigerators
shall be labeled to prohibit food storage with chemicals
(d) Warnings should be posted where areas or equipment present
unusual hazards.

8. INFORMATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM (e 3 iv, f)

The purpose of this program is to assure that all individuals at risk are adequately informed about work in the laboratory, its risks and what to do if an accident occurs. The employee-training program should be a regular continuing activity.
(a) Every laboratory worker should know the location and proper use of
available protective apparel and equipment.
(b) Some full time laboratory workers should be trained in the use of
specialized emergency equipment such as respirators.
(d) Custodial and maintenance personnel should be informed of
chemical hazards in their working areas.
(e) Employees should be informed of the content and requirements and
availability of the Laboratory Standard and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
(f) Employees should be informed of hazardous chemicals used in
Earlham College's laboratories and directed to MSDS sheets and other
reference material describing the chemical and its hazards.
(g) Ongoing employee training shall include
•The methods and observations that may be used to detect the
presence or release of a hazardous chemical.
•The hazards associated with the chemicals used in Earlham
College laboratories.
•Specific procedures to follow when hazards are present such as
appropriate work practices and personal protective equipment to
be used in case of emergency procedures.

9. SPILLS AND ACCIDENTS (f 4 C)

An emergency response plan is detailed in Appendix A. The plan includes response to spills and accidents and should be communicated to all personnel.
In case of such an emergency:
(a) Earlham College will provide an alarm system in each building that
can be manually activated to alert all persons to any emergency in the
area. Faculty and staff will be trained in proper emergency exit
procedures as stated in Appendix A.
(b) Each department that will develop a spill control policy
include prevention, containment, cleanup and reporting. See Appx.A (c) All accidents or near accidents should be analyzed with results
extended to any who might be able to prevent such an accident in the
future.

10. WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM
The purpose of this program is to assure that minimal harm to people, other organisms, and the environment will result from the disposal of waste laboratory chemicals and products.
(a) Waste Management Policy
(1) Chemical waste, biological waste, "sharps" and all other laboratory wastes will be managed in an environmentally safe
manner.
(2) The chemical user is responsible for planning and carrying out
the proper method of disposal.
(3) Wastes will be segregated according to the method of disposal.
(4) Chemicals destined for off-campus shipment by hazardous
waste hauler or by recycling will be moved to the chemical
storage room in Stanley Hall.
(5) Biocontaminated materials will be autoclaved then disposed of
in the regular trash.
(6) Chemicals requiring chemical conversion will be managed by
the laboratory supervisors.
(7) "Sharps" will be decontaminated if necessary, collected in a
separate, safe container ,then carefully packaged before
disposal in the regular trash.
(8) Potentially infectious products to humans or contaminated
materials will be autoclaved before disposal in regular trash.

(b) Chemical Disposal Policy
(1) Any unlabeled containers of chemicals or chemical solutions
should be removed promptly. The material should be
analyzed and labeled or discarded as a hazardous chemical.
(2) A laboratory research worker is responsible for disposing of all
her/his chemicals before leaving the project or institution.
(3) Earlham College toxic and hazardous wastes will be removed by a professional chemical waste handler before the quantity reaches the threshold limit of 1000 Kg or 2200 pounds.
(4) Disposal by recycling or chemical conversion should be
practiced whenever possible.
(5) Water-soluble compounds may be disposed of through the
sanitary sewer as long as they do not contain heavy metals.
(6) The CHO will plan with the Richmond Sanitary District
chemist the best available means of off-campus disposal for non-toxic chemicals and laboratory materials.


PART II

PERSONAL RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR WORKING WITH CHEMICALS

All workers with chemicals should follow the procedures outlined in the above and following sections of the Chemical Hygiene Plan

A. CHEMICAL ACCIDENTS AND SPILLS
(1) Eye contact: Promptly flush eyes with water for a prolonged period (15 minutes) and seek medical attention. Report to supervisor.
(2) Ingestion: Consult the MSDS sheet. Encourage the victim to drink large amounts of water unless instructions advise otherwise.
Report to supervisor. Seek medical attention.
(3) Skin Contact: Promptly flush the affected area with water for fifteen
minutes or until symptoms disappear. Remove any contaminated clothing. Consult MSDS sheet. If symptoms persist after washing, seek medical attention. Report to supervisor.
(4) Clean up: Promptly clean up spills, using appropriate protective
apparel and equipment and proper disposal. If volatile aerosols are
produced in spill, close off area and wait for volatiles to subside.

B. AVOIDANCE OF ROUTINE EXPOSURE
(1) Develop safe working habits. Prevent unnecessary exposure by any
route.
(2) Do not smell or taste chemicals. Vent toxic fumes using exhaust hood
or other exhaust device.
(3) Test gloves for leaks before use.
(4) Do not release toxic chemicals into any closed space such as cold
room, environmental chamber.
(5) Keep exposed skin to a minimum. Use personal protective equipment.

C. CHOICE OF CHEMICALS
(1) Use only those chemicals for which the quality of available ventilation
system is appropriate.

D. EATING, SMOKING, ETC.
(1) Do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum or apply cosmetics in areas where
laboratory chemicals are present.
(2) Do not store food or beverages in refrigerators or other areas where
chemicals are present.
(3) Wash hands before leaving the laboratory. After working with chemicals, wash hands before eating, smoking, etc.
(4) Do not use glassware, utensils or appliances for food or beverages that
have been used with chemicals.

E. EQUIPMENT AND GLASSWARE
(1) Handle and store laboratory glassware with care to avoid damage.
(2) Do not use damaged glassware.
(3) Use extra care with Dewar flasks and other evacuated glass apparatus.
Wrap or shield to contain chemicals and broken glass should an
implosion occur.

F. LABORATORY BEHAVIOR
(1) Avoid practical joking, horseplay or other behavior that might
confuse, startle, or distract another worker.
(2) Do not use mouth suction for pipeting or starting a siphon.
(3) Wash areas of exposed skin before leaving the laboratory.

G. PERSONAL APPAREL
(1) Confine long hair, loose clothing, beards or any other item that might
interfere with or be caught in laboratory equipment or procedures.
(2) Shoes must be worn at all times in the laboratory. Open-top shoes can
be penetrated by chemicals and should not be worn in the lab.

H. PERSONAL HOUSEKEEPING
(1) Keep work area clean and uncluttered.
(2) Properly label and store chemicals and equipment.
(3) Clean up the work area on completion of an operation or at the end of
each day.

I. PERSONAL PROTECTION
(1) All persons must wear appropriate eye protection when
hazardous chemicals are handled.
(2) Wear chemical resistant gloves when the potential for contact with
hazardous materials exist. Inspect gloves before each use. Wash
gloves before removal. Replace gloves periodically.
(3) It is strongly recommended that contact lenses not be worn in the
laboratory because of the additional hazard of trapping solvents or
caustics between the lens and the eye. If contacts are worn, safety
glasses with side shields must be worn.
(4) Laboratory coats or aprons should be worn when procedure includes
hazardous chemicals or materials. Remove laboratory coat
immediately upon significant contamination.
(5) Use heat or cold protective gloves when handling hot or cold
materials.

J. PLANNING CHEMICAL PROCEDURES
(1) Seek information and advice about hazards of chemical use planned.
(2) Plan appropriate protective procedures before beginning.
(3) Plan positioning of equipment for maximum safety.
(4) Plan to use the minimum amount of chemical possible.

K. UNATTENDED OPERATIONS

Unattended operations which present no substantial risk are permitted. If failure of a component in an unattended operation would lead to substantial risk, then automatic safety features must be in place or operation supervised.
(1) Leave lights on and place an appropriate sign on the door.

(department may restrict this option)

L. PRIOR APPROVAL (e 3 v)
Employees must obtain prior approval from their immediate supervisor to continue with a laboratory procedure whenever:
(1) a new laboratory procedure or test is to be carried out.
(2) it is likely that toxic limit concentrations could be exceeded or that
other harm is likely.
(3) there is a change in a procedure or test, even if it is very similar to
prior practices. "Change in a procedure or test" means:
a. A 10% or greater increase or decrease in the amount of one or
more chemicals used.
b. A substitution or deletion of any of the chemicals in a procedure.
c. Any change in other conditions under which the procedure is to
be conducted.
(4) There is a failure of any of the equipment used in the process,
especially of safeguards such as fume hoods or clamped apparatus.
(5) There are unexpected results that lead to potential hazardous
conditions.
(6) Members of the laboratory staff become ill, suspect that they or others
have been exposed, or otherwise suspect a failure of any safeguards.

M. USE OF FUME HOOD
(1) Use hood for operations that might result in the release of toxic
chemical vapors or dust.
(2) As a rule of thumb, use hood or other local ventilation device when
working with any appreciable volatile substance with a TLV
(threshold limit value) of less than 50 ppm.
(3) Keep hood door at level of maximum airflow at all times.
(4) Keep materials stored in hoods to a minimum. Do not allow
materials to block vents or airflow.
(5) Leave hood "on" when it is not in active use if toxic substances are
stored in it or if it uncertain whether adequate general laboratory
ventilation will be maintained when it is "off".
(6) Confirm hood performance meets OSHA standard of 100 linear
feet per minute (fpm) rate of airflow.
(7) Hood air velocity should be checked during monthly safety check. (8) Work with toxic chemicals that have low air concentration limits,
or that have high vapor pressures, should always be done in a
hood.
(9) Apparatus inside the hood should be placed on the floor of the
hood at least six inches away from the front edge.
(10) Personnel should be aware of the steps to be taken in the event of
power failure or other hood failure.
(11) Hood vent ducts and fans should be inspected at frequent
intervals to be certain they are both clean and clear of obstructions.

N. USE OF RESPIRATORS (i)

No college department will allow chemical processes to cause exposures above the Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL). Therefore respirators will not be available for routine use. In case of an accident or spill causing exposure above the TLV (threshold limit value), the laboratory will be evacuated and closed until exposure values decrease or specially trained personnel with respirator training will be called to respond to the emergency.

O. WASTE DISPOSAL
(1) The plan for each laboratory operation including student experiments
should include plans and training for possible hazards, waste
minimization and waste disposal.
(2) Waste receptacles should be properly labeled according to the type of
waste generated. A label indicating each waste contained must be
on the receptacle.
(3) Sewer disposal of chemicals will be limited to dilute acids and bases,
water soluble alcohol, small quantities of water soluble organic, an
any soluble substance which will not interfere with the biological
activity of the waste water treatment plant. No heavy metal solutions
may be disposed of through the sewer.
(4) Sewer disposal will not be allowed for highly toxic, malodorous, or
lachrymatory substances, flammable substances, concentrated acids or
bases, heavy metal solutions, or any substance which would interfere
with the biological activity of the wastewater treatment plant .

 

 

Appendix A
Emergency Response Procedures

SCIENCE DIVISION EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
This plan is to provide direction to Earlham College faculty, staff and students in case of fire, explosion, chemical spill, tornado, flood or any other emergency situation.

WARNING ALARM
A warning alarm is provided in each building for the purpose of notifying occupants of an emergency situation and need for evacuation.

EVACUATION PROCEDURES FOR THE SCIENCE COMPLEX
The following evacuation procedure should be followed when warning alarm rings.
MOVE OUT of the building immediately through nearest exit at sound of
alarm.
SHUT ALL DOORS
MEET at designated location:
Stanley West Door - meet north of Tyler Hall.
Noyes West Door - meet north of Tyler Hall.
Dennis 110 - meet north of Tyler Hall
Stanley East Door - meet in west Admissions parking lot. Noyes East Door - meet in Admissions parking lot near Greenhouse
Noyes back emergency door - meet in Admissions parking lot near Greenhouse.
Noyes East downstairs 'ramp' door - meet in Admissions parking
lot near Greenhouse.
Noyes computer labs west stairwell door - meet north of Tyler.
Dennis East Door - meet in Admissions parking lot near Greenhouse
Greenhouse & Lab - meet in Admissions parking lot east
Dennis South Door - meet at granite boulder southwest of building.
Museum West Door - meet at granite boulder SW of building`
ACCOUNT FOR all persons known to be in buildings.
REMAIN at designated location until released by Campus Security.
REENTER building when permission is given by Campus Security.
REPORT missing persons, if any, to Campus Security.

HEALTH EMERGENCY
Faculty, staff or authorized person should
l) ASSESS SITUATION.
2) MAKE DECISIONS,
3) SUPERVISE RESPONSE UNTIL RELEASED BY SECURITY.

MINOR INJURIES - render first aid.
MAJOR INJURIES - call Campus Security (1400) for immediate assistance.
Notify of nature and location of emergency, give name, telephone
number, building, floor number, and place to meet emergency vehicle.
Report condition of victim.
Do what is necessary to protect life until help arrives. Remain calm.
Meet or send someone to meet emergency crew.
Document emergency and response. Evaluate response. Maintain record
in Safety Officer's file.

FIRE EMERGENCY/EXPLOSION
Faculty, staff or authorized person should
1) ASSESS SITUATION,
2) MAKE DECISIONS,
3) SUPERVISE RESPONSE UNTIL
RELEASED BY SECURITY.

SMALL FIRES - extinguish by using a portable extinguisher on base of fire from position accessible to an exit. Never attempt to fight fire alone.
Turn off nearby apparatus and remove combustible materials from
the area.
Immediately after fire is extinguished, report to Security and
request recharging of extinguishers.

LARGE FIRES - call Campus Security (l400) immediately. Notify of exact
location and where someone will meet emergency personnel.
Pull building fire alarm.
EVACUATE BUILDING - include all secretarial and maintenance
staff.
Render first aid to any persons involved.
Turn off nearby apparatus.
Isolate area closing doors and hoods if safely possible.
Use personal judgment as to whether there is time to safely check
remote areas .
Use nearest stairwell exits -- never the elevator.
Meet at predetermined location to assess completeness of
evacuation.
Meet emergency personnel and notify them of special hazards.

Document emergency and response. Evaluate response. Maintain record
in Safety Officer's files.

CHEMICAL SPILL - AIR QUALITY THREAT
Faculty, staff or authorized person
1) ASSESS SITUATION,
2) MAKE DECISIONS,
3) S UPERVISE RESPONSE UNTIL RELEASED BY CAMPUS
SECURITY.

MINOR SPILL - neutralize with acid or base and cleanup as
directed.

HEALTH THREAT -call Campus Security (1400)
Notify of exact location, injuries, and place to meet
emergency personnel.
Isolate spill if possible.
If nature of health threat is unknown, proceed as if threat is
severe.
Pull emergency alarm.
Evacuate building from nearest exit
Meet at predetermined location
to assess completeness of evacuation.
.
Security shall decide whether access to the building should be restricted
after consulting with responsible faculty, chemical safety, maintenance,
and emergency response personnel.

If access is restricted, all outside entrances must be restricted.

Security, chemical hygiene officer and their chosen consultants will decide when the building is safe to reenter.

Document emergency and response. Evaluate response. Maintain
record in Safety Officer's files.

FLOODING IN STANLEY HALL

ASSESS SITUATION
Call Maintenance #1315
Act to move equipment, supplies out of flood path if possible.
Call Security if chemicals are involved.
Cleanup
Document incident if health or safety was threatened.

BOMB THREAT

Call Campus Security
Follow instructions from Campus Security.
If evacuation is necessary, follow standard evacuation procedure.
Document emergency and response. Evaluate response. Maintain record.

TORNADO

Campus Security will notify building offices of tornado warning or watch.
Follow Security instructions.
If safe shelter is required, move to:
DENNIS HALL AND MUSEUM - move to Dennis basement.
WILDMAN LIBRARY AND COMPUTER LABS - move to
Computer labs
STANLEY HALL - move to Stanley basement.
GREENHOUSE AND GREENHOUSE LAB - move to Stanley
basement.

Remain in basement until notified emergency has passed.
Notification may come from Campus Security or local radio.

Document emergency and response. Evaluate response. Maintain record
in Safety Officer's file.

Other safety measures.

MSDS information should always be accessible.
A plot of chemical storage areas should be prepared for Campus Security and fire department.
All flammable storage areas should be labeled.
Emergency lights are installed in Dennis basement, Stanley
basement, Wildman library computer area.
Evacuation drills should be held once each semester. Evacuation route should be posted in each room.
Faculty should discuss emergency response procedures on first day of
class. Emphasize that response to alarm is required.
Emergency phone number should be posted on all phones.
Campus Security phone number and other pertinent emergency numbers should be posted for students using building in evening.

APPENDIX B
Exposure Assessments, Medical Consultations,
and Examinations

It is the policy of Earlham College to provide medical support to an employee or student who has reason to suspect exposure to toxic substances.

EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT (D)

1. Suspected Exposures to Toxic Substances

There may be times when employees or supervisors suspect that an employee has been exposed to a hazardous chemical to a degree and in a manner that might have caused harm to the victim. If the circumstances suggest a reasonable suspicion of exposure, the victim is entitled to a medical consultation and, if so determined in the consultation, also to a medical examination at no cost with no loss of workday time attributed to the victim.

2. Criteria for Reasonable Suspicion of Exposure
(a) It is the policy of Earlham College's to investigate promptly all
employee-reported incidents in which there is a
possibility of employee overexposure to a toxic substance.
(b) Events or circumstances that might reasonably constitute
overexposure include:
(1) A hazardous chemical leaked or was spilled or was otherwise
rapidly released in an uncontrolled manner.
(2) A laboratory employee had direct skin or eye contact with a
hazardous chemical.
(3) A laboratory employee manifests symptoms, such as headache,
rash, nausea, coughing, tearing, irritation or redness of eyes
irritation of nose or throat, dizziness, loss of motor dexterity or
judgement, etc. and
• some or all of the symptoms disappear when the person is taken
away from the exposure area and breathes fresh air, and
• the symptoms reappear soon after the employee returns to work
with the same hazardous chemicals.
(4) Two or more persons in the same laboratory work area have
similar complaints.

3. Exposures
All exposure complaints and their disposition, no matter what the ultimate disposition, are to be documented by the immediate supervisor using procedures stated in 4.3. If no further assessment of the event is deemed necessary, the reason for that decision should be included in the documentation. If the decision is to investigate, a formal exposure assessment will be initiated.

4. Formal Exposure Assessment
(1) In cases of emergency, exposure assessments are conducted after
the victim has been treated.

(2) The purpose of an exposure assessment is to determine that there
was, or was not, an exposure that might have caused harm to one
or more employees and, if so, to identify the hazardous chemical
or chemicals involved. It is not the purpose of an exposure
assessment to determine a failure on the part of the victim or
others to follow proper procedures. Other investigations might
well evaluate results and conclusions from an exposure
assessment, along with other information, to derive
recommendations that will prevent or mitigate any further
overexposures. However, exposure assessments determine facts;
they do not make recommendations.

3. Procedures
(1) Unless circumstances suggest other or additional steps, these actions constitute an exposure assessment:
(a) Interview the complainant and also the victim, if not the same person.
(b) List the essential information about the circumstances of the
complaint, including:
• The chemical under suspicion.
• other chemicals used by victim.
• All chemicals being used by others in the immediate area.
• other chemicals stored in that area.
• Symptoms exhibited or claimed by the victim.
• How these symptoms compare to symptoms stated in the
material safety data sheet for each of the identified
chemicals.
• Were control measures, such as personal protective
equipment and hoods used properly?
(c) Sample the air in the area for suspect chemicals.
(d) Determine whether the victim's symptoms compare to the
symptoms described in the MSDS or other pertinent scientific
literature.
(e) Determine whether the present control measures and safety
procedures are adequate.

5. Notification of Results of Sampling (d 4)
Within 15 working days of receipt of the results of any sampling, notify employees of those results either in writing or by posting in an accessible spot.

 

MEDICAL CONSULTATION AND EXAMINATION (e, 3,vi)


The physician determines the details of medical consultations and examinations.

1. Purpose
The purpose of a medical consultation is to determine whether a medical examination is warranted. When, from the results of an exposure assessment, it is suspected or known that an employee was overexposed to a hazardous chemical or chemicals, the employee should obtain medical consultation from or under the direct supervision of a licensed physician.

When warranted, employees also should receive a medical examination from or under the direct supervision of a licensed physician who is experienced in treating victims of chemical overexposure. The medical professional should also be knowledgeable about which tests or procedures are appropriate to determine if there has been an overexposure; these diagnostic techniques are called "differential diagnoses".

2. Procedures
These provisions apply to medical consultations and examinations.

(a) All employees who work with hazardous chemicals will have an opportunity to receive medical consultation and examination when:

(1) The employee develops signs or symptoms associated with a
hazardous chemical to which the employee may have been
exposed in the laboratory.
(2) Monitoring, routine or otherwise, suggests that there could have
been an exposure above the action level, or PEL if there is no action
level, for a chemical for which a substance-specific standard has
been established.
(3) There is a spill, leak, or other uncontrolled release of a hazardous
chemical.

(b) The physician will be provided with:
(1) The identity of the hazardous chemical or chemicals to which the
employee may have been exposed.
(2) The exposure conditions.
(3) The signs and symptoms of exposure the victim is experiencing, if any.

(c) Physicians will ordinarily furnish to the employer in written form:
(1) Recommendations for follow-up, if determined to be pertinent.
(2) A record of the results of the consultation and, if applicable, of the
examination and any tests that were conducted.
(3) Conclusions concerning any other medical condition noted that could put the employee at increased risk.
(4) A statement that the employee has been informed both of the results of the consultation or examination and of any medical condition that may require further examination or treatment.
(5) These written statements and records should not reveal specific findings that are not related to an occupational exposure.

3. Documentation
All memos, notes, and reports related to a complaint of actual or possible exposure to hazardous chemicals are to be maintained as part of the record.

4. Notification (d 4)
Employees shall be notified of the results of any medical consultation or examination with regard to any medical condition that exists or might exist as a result of overexposure to a hazardous chemical.


APPENDIX C
RECORDS AND RECORD KEEPING

"The employer shall assure that records of employee exposure, medical consultations, examinations, tests and written evaluations shall be kept, transferred and made available in accordance with 29CFR1910.20" (j2)

1. Earlham College will maintain any records of air concentration monitoring results, exposure assessments, medical consultations, and examinations for at least 30 years. These records will be accessible to employees or their representatives.

2. Documents recording the participation of employees in safety
training sessions or activities will be maintained for thirty years. Any significant employee safety suggestions will also be maintained.

3. A record will be kept of all employee complaints, suspected exposures, investigations, and outcomes related to chemical exposure or chemical safety. The records will be maintained regardless of the outcome of the exposure assessment.

4. Near-miss reports. Employees who participate in or witness an event that could have caused harm, but fortunately did not, should prepare a report of the incident. These reports will be used to develop changes in procedures.

 


The EPA and other Federal and state agencies have special record keeping requirements. For example: Record keeping of allegations and the reporting of suspect hazards from the adverse effects of chemical exposure are required under Section 8(c) and 8(e) of the Toxic Substances Control Act; see 40 CFR 716 and 717.