LABSAFETY-L Archive 9806 June 1998
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Date: Mon, 1 Jun 1998 11:08:18 -0400
From: Madelyn Miller <mmiller@ANDREW.CMU.EDU>
Subject: Re: Safety in Academic Labs, Which guide?
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Greetings All,
I agree with Jim's pick of the Lab Safety Pocket Guide published by
Genium. We purchase hundreds each year (from Jim) and distribute them
to our students and technicians. Had mixed reviews with Hugh B.
Kareful. Some thought it silly.
Madelyn
On Thu, 28 May 1998 00:18:31 EDT Labsafe@AOL.COM wrote:
> Hi All,
> Another good book is the Lab Safety Pocket Guide published by
> Genium.
> All of the books that were mentioned are available from LSI.
> And in most cases, the cost is below the publisher's list.
> Regards, ... Jim
----------------------
Madelyn Miller
Chemical Safety Specialist,CCHO
Environmental Health & Safety
Carnegie Mellon University
mmiller@andrew.cmu.edu
==============================================================
Date: Tue, 2 Jun 1998 17:28:16 -0400
From: Jonathan Foglein <foglein@ROWAN.EDU>
Subject: Safety Affidavits
Comments: cc: SAFETY List <safety@list.uvm.edu>
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Greetings!
Let me begin by saying that I am sending this question to two lists, so I
apologize in advance for multiple listings.
We are starting to get our students to sign a list of rules the professor
has gone over with them. Also, they get a copy to keep, and there are
copies posted in the labs.
My questions are: Is this required? Is this a good idea? Is there a
better way of doing this? How long are you required to keep these
signatures on file?
Any info or help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
Jon
Jonathan Foglein
Instrument Coordinator / Chemical Hygiene Officer
Department of Chemistry & Physics
Rowan University
201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028
Phone: (609) 256-4500 x3578
Fax: (609) 256-4921
mailto:foglein@rowan.edu
==============================================================
Date: Tue, 2 Jun 1998 17:23:48 -0700
Reply-To: rloyola@servidor.unam.mx
From: BenjamÃn Ruiz-Loyola <rloyola@SERVIDOR.UNAM.MX>
Organization: Facultad de Quimica, UNAM, Mexico
Subject: Re: Safety Affidavits
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At the Experimental and Applied Chemistry Lab, in the National
University of Mexico UNAM, students sign this kind of "contract" and
teachers keep them for all term or more, if the student failed or
flunked. It has proven to be necessary but still worth it.
B. Ruiz
UNAM
Jonathan Foglein wrote:
> Greetings!
> Let me begin by saying that I am sending this question to two lists, so I
> apologize in advance for multiple listings.
> We are starting to get our students to sign a list of rules the professor
> has gone over with them. Also, they get a copy to keep, and there are
> copies posted in the labs.
> My questions are: Is this required? Is this a good idea? Is there a
> better way of doing this? How long are you required to keep these
> signatures on file?
> Any info or help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
> Jon
> Jonathan Foglein
> Instrument Coordinator / Chemical Hygiene Officer
> Department of Chemistry & Physics
> Rowan University
> 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028
> Phone: (609) 256-4500 x3578
> Fax: (609) 256-4921
> mailto:foglein@rowan.edu
==============================================================
Date: Tue, 2 Jun 1998 16:28:54 -0600
From: "Helen B. Gerhard" <hbgerhard@MEDLOGIC.COM>
Subject: Re: Safety Affidavits
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Jonathan:
Whether it is required by a governmental agency or not is not the issue. It
is a good idea as it does show that training (of a type) has been done.
From a strictly liability standard, this could help save your facility from
a costly lawsuit if one of these students is injured and it can be shown
that you had gone over the safety rules with them. It won't totally absolve
you of all blame, but it will show you tried to prevent something from
happening.
Giving them a copy is an excellent idea also.
THANKS!
Helen
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jonathan Foglein [SMTP:foglein@ROWAN.EDU]
> Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 1998 3:28 PM
> To: LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU
> Subject: Safety Affidavits
> Greetings!
> Let me begin by saying that I am sending this question to two lists, so I
> apologize in advance for multiple listings.
> We are starting to get our students to sign a list of rules the professor
> has gone over with them. Also, they get a copy to keep, and there are
> copies posted in the labs.
> My questions are: Is this required? Is this a good idea? Is there a
> better way of doing this? How long are you required to keep these
> signatures on file?
> Any info or help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
> Jon
> Jonathan Foglein
> Instrument Coordinator / Chemical Hygiene Officer
> Department of Chemistry & Physics
> Rowan University
> 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028
> Phone: (609) 256-4500 x3578
> Fax: (609) 256-4921
> mailto:foglein@rowan.edu
==============================================================
Date: Tue, 2 Jun 1998 21:18:37 EDT
From: Labsafe@AOL.COM
Subject: Re: Safety Affidavits
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Jon Foglein wrote concerning what I call rules agreements or rules
understandings.
"My questions are: Is this required? Is this a good idea? Is there a
better way of doing this?"
JAK: They are not required. They are a wonderful idea. The only
thing that I can suggest that would be better is to require the
faculty and staff to sign them as well!
==============================================================
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 07:07:35 EDT
From: Labsafe@AOL.COM
Subject: School Lab Fire and Explosion
Comments: To: ternaib@chula.ac.th, Safety <SAFETY@UVMVM.UVM.EDU>,
Safe-NZ@niwa.cri.nz, nsela-l@science.coe.uwf.edu,
NAOSMM@LISTSERV.RICE.EDU, dchas-l@SIU.EDU,
chemlab_L@vax1.bemidji.msus.edu, chemed-l@atlantis.uwf.edu,
CHEMCOM@LISTSERV.ACSU.BUFFALO.EDU
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Four students were injured, one seriously, when the denatured
alcohol they were using exploded last week in a Sacramento
nineth grade science class.
The students were experimenting with environmental affects
on lower life forms when one student ignited the alcohol they were
using in a petrie dish. In trying to refill the dish from the one gallon
can, they did not realize that the colorless flame was still buring.
The alcohol supply ignited and exploded setting the students on fire.
If anyone is in the Sacramento area, I would appreciate receiving copies
of newspaper articles about this incident. ... jak
*****************************************************
==============================================================
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 07:37:10 -0400
From: Lew Pettit STP <PETTIT_L@EPIC7.DEP.STATE.FL.US>
Subject: Re: Safety Affidavits
In-Reply-To: <l03010d02b19a1cc6fe1a@[150.250.16.52]>
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Although not required, your Safety Affidavits are a great idea. Could
you please post the safety rules and the affidavit to the list? I
think some of us could benefit by doing something similar.
Lew Pettit
Chemical Safety Officer
Florida Marine Research Institute
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
813-896-8606
pettit_L@epic7.dep.fl.us
==============================================================
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 08:29:23 -0400
Reply-To: rburns@bigfoot.com
From: Bob Burns <rburns@BIGFOOT.COM>
Organization: Ruetgers-Nease Corporation
Subject: Re: Safety Affidavits
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: multipart/mixed; boundary="------------4A4E8CC00FC465CB80F6CB84"
This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
--------------4A4E8CC00FC465CB80F6CB84
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I'm attaching our new employee form and check list.
Lew Pettit STP wrote:
> Although not required, your Safety Affidavits are a great idea. Could
> you please post the safety rules and the affidavit to the list? I
> think some of us could benefit by doing something similar.
> Lew Pettit
> Chemical Safety Officer
> Florida Marine Research Institute
> St. Petersburg, FL 33701
> 813-896-8606
> pettit_L@epic7.dep.fl.us
--
"Semper Adventurus!"
Robert L. Burns
Group Leader, R&D
RUETGERS Organics Corporation
201 Struble Road
State College, PA 16801
phone 814-231-9214
fax 814-238-1567
email rburns@bigfoot.com
--------------4A4E8CC00FC465CB80F6CB84
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Form LS & CHP-4
Ruetgers-Nease Corporation
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
Date: Copy: Employee, HR Dept.
To: Vice President, R&D & QC
From:
Subject: SAFETY ORIENTATION
____________________________________________________________________
I have reviewed, understand and will abide by the procedures outlined in the Laboratory
Safety and
Chemical Hygiene Plan. I have been briefed on the items checked on the reverse. I
understand I am
responsible for my own safety and for the safety of others.
__________________ ________________________
Date Employee Signature
The signature below verifies that the new employee has been briefed by his immediate
supervisor
on the items checked on the reverse, and on his/her specific responsibility for her/his
own safety and
the safety of others.
__________________ ________________________
Date Supervisor Signature
The supervisor will forward a copy of this form to the Human Resources Dept. to be filed
in the new
employee's personnel folder.
Form LS & CHP-4
PAGE 2
Safety Checklist for New Employees
1. Supervisor's responsibility
2. Individual employee's responsibility
3. Safety glasses policy
4. Location and use of fire extinguishers
5. Location and use of eyewash fountains and safety showers
6. Location of First Aid kits
7. Housekeeping
8. Respirator use and locations
9. Chemical storage areas/storage and procurement of gas cylinders
10. Storage of flammables, corrosives, carcinogens, hazardous waste
11. Waste containers and handling/disposal procedures
12. Smoking rules
13. Rules on food consumption in Laboratories
14. Refrigerator storage and responsibility
15. Ice and Dry Ice
16. Hood performance
17. Chemical hazards of the job (toxics, corrosives, explosives)/special hazards
18. Fire, Disaster and Evacuation Procedures
19. Safety library
20. Safety Meetings and inspections
21. After hours operations and working alone
__ 22. Glove Selection
__ 23. Safety Shoe policy
__ 24. Injury and Illness Reporting
__ 25. Minimum Personal Protective Equipment Requirements
__ 26. Contents of Laboratory Standard
__ 27. Location of LS & CHP
__ 28. Location of MSDS files
__ 29. Non-Injury Incident Reporting
__ 30. Pregnancy Policy
__ 31. Spill control, clean-up, etc.
--------------4A4E8CC00FC465CB80F6CB84--
==============================================================
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 07:29:32 -0700
From: Neal Langerman <chemsaf@IX.NETCOM.COM>
Subject: Re: Safety Affidavits
Mime-Version: 1.0
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This entire discussion, while well-meaning, and perhaps logical, misses the
issue of liability entirely. Before you implement this type program, before
you ask people to sign such documents, talk to your University Attorney.
There are clear risk exposures connected to this type of documentation.
Review the idea and the materials with legal counsel and then, if you
proceed, follow the terms of the procedure exactly. Make the terms your
"custom and practice".
Neal
At 09:18 PM 6/2/98 EDT, you wrote:
>Jon Foglein wrote concerning what I call rules agreements or rules
>understandings.
>"My questions are: Is this required? Is this a good idea? Is there a
>better way of doing this?"
>JAK: They are not required. They are a wonderful idea. The only
>thing that I can suggest that would be better is to require the
>faculty and staff to sign them as well!
> *****************************************************
>>>>>>The Laboratory Safety Workshop is a national non-profit
educational
>organization dedicated to making health and safety an integral and
>important part of science education. Free copies of our Laboratory
>>>>*************************************************************
NEAL LANGERMAN chemsaf@ix.netcom.com
ADVANCED CHEMICAL SAFETY
8909 Complex Drive
San Diego CA 92123-1418
619 874 5577 (phone) 619 874 8239 (FAX)
619 990 4908 (cellular)
visit our homepage: http://www.chemical-safety.com
*************************************************************
==============================================================
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 09:10:17 -0700
From: Teresa Robertson <Teresa_Robertson@FIRSTCLASS1.CSUBAK.EDU>
Organization: CSU Bakersfield
Subject: Re: School Lab Fire and Explosion
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LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU,.internet writes:
>If anyone is in the Sacramento area, I would appreciate receiving copies
>of newspaper articles about this incident. ... jak
Debbie Decker are you out there? (She's at UC Davis)
==============================================================
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 13:22:16 -0400
From: Matthew Navea <mnavea@COLORCON.COM>
Subject: PRODUCT SAFETY: Employment Opportunity
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Any qualified applicants please reply to the person listed at the bottom of
the letter. Please do not respond to me or to the list. My apologies to
those on the SAFETY LIST since you likely received this already. Thanks.
***************************************************************************
*************************************
PRODUCT SAFETY SPECIALIST
COLORCON is the leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty chemical
products for the pharmaceutical, food, and confectionery and printing
industries with manufacturing and sales operations worldwide.
The Product Safety Specialist will be responsible to develop, implement and
maintain MSDS Database; establish corporate product safety standards in
accordance with global safety standards; ensure product labels meet
appropriate safety requirements; audit information distribution system
performance to ensure timely, accurate, on-target customer service output;
train formulation and R&D personnel on accessing and using Right to Know
system; and remain knowledgeable of changing regulations through
professional organizations and publications.
This position requires a minimum of 5 years chemical product safety and
Material Safety Data Sheet program related experience and related
experience in chemical or pharmaceutical industry is preferred. The
Specialist must have knowledge of all product safety requirements and
global hazardous communication requirements. This includes: MSDSs,
labels, hazard definitions, worker and community Right to Know laws,
relevant EU legislation, WHMIS, National Chemical Inventory requirements,
California prop 65, State Right to Know programs, etc. A BS in Chemistry,
Industrial Hygiene, Toxicology or related field is required, a MS is
preferred.
Colorcon is a dynamic, growth-oriented company which offers an excellent
compensation and benefits package including low/no cost comprehensive
medical coverage, 401(k), pension and tuition reimbursement plans. Please
send you resume, with salary requirements to:
Colorcon
Attn. Brian Jensen, HR Director
415 Moyer Blvd.
West Point, PA 19486
Fax to: (215) 661-2235
E-Mail: bjensen@colorcon.com
EOE M/F/D/V
==============================================================
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 12:39:13 -0500
From: Debbie Decker <dmdecker@UCDAVIS.EDU>
Subject: Re: School Lab Fire and Explosion
In-Reply-To: <msg192148.thr-b21b95e5.0@firstclass1.csubak.edu>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>Debbie Decker are you out there? (She's at UC Davis)
Yup, I'm here and I'll check the newspapers for any information. The tv
news, in typical tv fashion, couldn't get its story straight. Lots of
arm-waving and finger-pointing and threats of lawsuits. What came from the
tv news said that someone started the fire with a match (a student claimed
that the teacher gave him the match?) and then someone else attempted to
put out the fire with a clear liquid that was alcohol. I'll be back in
touch when I find out more information.
I guess I'd better re-introduce myself, since I've changed my venue. I'm
at UCDavis now, having been lured across the river from CSU Sacramento <g>.
Larger department, good career move for me.
Cheers,
Deb.
Debbie Decker, Health and Safety Specialist
EH&S TB30
UCDavis
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616-8586
(530)754-7964
==============================================================
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 13:04:41 -0500
From: Debbie Decker <dmdecker@UCDAVIS.EDU>
Subject: flash point of 70%EtOH/H2O
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Good morning:
Does anyone have the flash point for 70:30 EtOH:H2O? I've exhausted all my
print resources (though it might be in my stuff at home).
Thanks in advance,
Deb.
Debbie Decker, Health and Safety Specialist
EH&S TB30
UCDavis
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616-8586
(530)754-7964
==============================================================
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 14:24:35 -0500
From: Janeen LaPierre <JLaPierre@MAILBOX.UNE.EDU>
Subject: Safety Affidavits -Reply
Comments: To: foglein@ROWAN.EDU
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Here at UNE, we have Safety Contracts with our students. They receive lab safety training
to the contract contents and are asked to sign off. We keep them on file for at least the
four years they are with us. I think we still have stuff from six years ago when I started
here.
I have been advised that they will probably not hold up legally, but it shows that
training was conducted and demonstrates a good faith effort on the part of the school. I
think it also shows the students that we take safety seriously and that they need to also.
If anyone would like to see our contract, I can e-mail you a copy. Respond to me at the
address below.
For what its worth, Janeen.
****************************
Janeen Lapierre, CHO
College of Osteopathic Medicine
University of New England
11 Hills Beach Road
Biddeford, Me 04005
E-mail: JLaPierre@mailbox.une.edu
Phone: (207)283-0170 ext 2446
==============================================================
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 13:53:50 -0500
From: Neal Langerman <chemsaf@IX.NETCOM.COM>
Subject: Re: flash point of 70%EtOH/H2O
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I do not have the exact flash point, but this is 140 proof alcohol; the
flash point is between 70 and 100 F.
Neal
At 01:04 PM 6/3/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Good morning:
>Does anyone have the flash point for 70:30 EtOH:H2O? I've exhausted all my
>print resources (though it might be in my stuff at home).
>Thanks in advance,
>Deb.
>Debbie Decker, Health and Safety Specialist
>EH&S TB30
>UCDavis
>One Shields Avenue
>Davis, CA 95616-8586
>(530)754-7964
*********************************************
NEAL LANGERMAN
ADVANCED CHEMICAL SAFETY
8909 C Complex Drive
San Diego, CA 92123-1002
619-874-5577
619-874-8239 (FAX)
chemsaf@ix.netcom.com
NEW and REVISED!
Visit our Home Page:
http://www.chemical-safety.com
http:\\www.chemical-safety.com
The Source for the prevention of injury, illness
and environmental insult!
*********************************************
==============================================================
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 16:14:46 -0400
From: Jonathan Foglein <foglein@ROWAN.EDU>
Subject: Safety Agreement
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Everyone:
Here is a copy of the agreement we are currently using. We've tried to be
pretty thorough, as these lists of rules have existed before. I would
appreciate any comments/suggestions you might have. Also I would like to
see the safety agreements that others are using, both for comparison and
possibly to steal, I mean share, other ideas. :-)
Note the wording of the contact lens rule. Most of the faculty here want
to keep lenses out of the lab as much as possible, even with the change of
the ACS. But they realize that some students might not have suitable
glasses, so we will allow them for those students, with many warnings,
rules etc.
Also note that students are only required to sign off on the safety rules,
not the etiquette rules. We didn't want the document to get too bogged
down, as the safety rules fit on one page.
Enjoy!
Jon
-------------------
LABORATORY SAFETY
Good laboratory procedure is also safe laboratory procedure.
Your instructor will list any special concerns in the discussion of each
experiment. In addition, there are general operating procedures that must
be followed for all laboratory work:
a. Know the location of the exits, safety shower, eyewash station and
fire extinguisher
b. Wear your approved safety goggles at all times in the laboratory. No
exceptions. No goggles = no lab work.
c. Contact lenses should not be worn in the laboratory. If you must
wear contacts, talk to your instructor regarding special precautions.
d. Keep long hair pulled back or tightly secured. Hair will burn if it
contacts the Bunsen flame. Also, necklaces, loose bracelets, etc. should
not be worn.
e. Do not eat, drink, smoke or apply make-up in the laboratory.
Chemicals in the lab must never be tasted.
f. Spills may be a problem. Wear your heavy duty apron and shoes that
cover your feet completely. Old jeans are good lab clothing; shorts,
cutoffs, skirts, etc. are not.
g. If you have a chemical spill, alert your instructor immediately.
He/she will clean up the spill for you or instruct you on how to do so
safely. Wash off any spilled chemicals immediately, whether on you, your
clothing or the desk top.
h. Please do not sit on the lab benches. Who knows what may have been
spilled there.
i. Hot and cool glassware look the same. Be sure your glassware is cool
before you touch it - or hand it to someone else. Glass also breaks. If
you do break any glassware, alert the instructor; he/she will clean up
the pieces and/or instruct you on how to do so safely.
j. Many chemicals will burn. Flammable vapors tend to flow across the
desk top. Keep flammable liquids and any ignition sources well separated.
k. In the event of fire, back off and call your instructor. Do not
attempt to extinguish the fire yourself.
l. If the building alarm sounds, turn off all apparatus, exit the
building and stay out of the way of emergency personnel.
m. No unauthorized experiments are to be performed and no one is to work
alone in the lab.
n. Immediately report all injuries, no matter how minor, to your instructor.
o. If you have any special health concerns (asthma, allergies, etc.), or
if you are pregnant or become pregnant, inform your instructor. All
information will be kept in strict confidence.
p. Wash your hands immediately after leaving the laboratory. Use the
restrooms down the hall.
I have read and understand these safety rules for lab work and have been
oriented to the safety features of the laboratory.
Signature:_____________________________________ Date:______________
LABORATORY ETIQUETTE
Laboratory work goes more smoothly and efficiently if everyone
adheres to certain simple rules of conduct. Only the most commonly used
glassware and other tools will be in your drawers/boxes. Specialized
equipment, chemicals and solutions will be put out on benches at the side
of the laboratory.
a. Book bags and coats should be placed in the hall lockers. The number
of lockers on the third floor is limited but you will find vacant lockers
on the second floor of this building.
b. If you are unsure of any procedure in the lab, ask the instructor.
Your classmates might provide you with incorrect information.
c. You will most probably be sharing your equipment draw/box with
students from other sections.
1) Check that you have all the listed equipment when you first go
into the lab.
2) Replace all missing or broken equipment.
3) If you break equipment, replace it immediately.
4) At the end of the lab period, clean and put the equipment away.
5) Do not leave your personal goggles/aprons in the drawer/box.
d. Only the listed equipment should be stored in the drawers/boxes. Do
not put equipment or supplies taken from the side benches into the drawers
or boxes.
e. Do not take reagents or other items meant for everyone's use to your
bench.
f. Return all items set out for a particular experiment to the side
bench when the experiment is done.
g. Return all burners, ring stands and clamps to the cabinet where you
found them.
h. Return all burner lighters to the hook by the center sink.
i. Wipe up all spilled chemicals immediately both at your desk, near the
balances and on the side bench.
j. Take only the quantity of chemicals or solutions you need from the
stock reagent bottles on the window bench. Pour them carefully into a dry,
clean and labeled beaker. Do not return unused chemicals or solutions to
the stock bottles.
k. Unused chemicals or products of reactions should be disposed of
following your instructor's directions - usually in labeled waste jars in
one of the hoods.
Jonathan Foglein
Instrument Coordinator / Chemical Hygiene Officer
Department of Chemistry & Physics
Rowan University
201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028
Phone: (609) 256-4500 x3578
Fax: (609) 256-4921
mailto:foglein@rowan.edu
==============================================================
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 15:15:57 -0600
From: "Richard J. Willis" <rw@WM0.LANL.GOV>
Subject: Re: flash point of 70%EtOH/H2O
In-Reply-To: <3.0.16.19980603113655.3ecf1ebc@popd.ix.netcom.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
At 12:53 PM -0600 6/3/98, Neal Langerman wrote:
>I do not have the exact flash point, but this is 140 proof alcohol; the
>flash point is between 70 and 100 F.
A good flambe!
******************************
Richard J. Willis
CST-9 TA-50 MS E 518
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos, NM 87545
505.996.1850 (Voice Mail/Digital Pager)
505.667.3484 (Office)
505.665.6561 (Fax)
Sabbatical Leave until 8/30/98
Kennebunk (ME) High School
"What is the path?
There is no path...."
- Niels Bohr
******************************
==============================================================
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 15:18:05 -0600
From: "Richard J. Willis" <rw@WM0.LANL.GOV>
Subject: Re: Safety Agreement
In-Reply-To: <l03010d02b19b5bc0baf8@[150.250.16.90]>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>Also I would like to
>see the safety agreements that others are using, both for comparison and
>possibly to steal, I mean share, other ideas. :-)
A good template form to start from is provided by Flinn Scientific, Batavia
IL.....Their website may even be up by now....
******************************
Richard J. Willis
CST-9 TA-50 MS E 518
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos, NM 87545
505.996.1850 (Voice Mail/Digital Pager)
505.667.3484 (Office)
505.665.6561 (Fax)
Sabbatical Leave until 8/30/98
Kennebunk (ME) High School
"What is the path?
There is no path...."
- Niels Bohr
******************************
==============================================================
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 18:19:59 EDT
From: Martin Besant <MBesant@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: LABSAFETY-L Digest - 1 Jun 1998 to 2 Jun 1998
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Did my Masters thesis on Lab Safety and avoiding liability. (ONly got a B- so
I'm not confident of my position)
However, learned of a policy of having students write out safety requirements.
I believe the legal term was holographic evidence. This prevents the claim
that the material was not thoroughly read or understood. That the information
and acknowledgement was a formality that was not binding.
We work in a high school setting. Every student from AP, College Prep and
General track chemistry has his/her own permanent notebook. The first
activity of the year is to "copy" the lab safety policy onto the second page
of the notebook and to sign (parent signature also required) This is a graded
activity (everyone gets an A who completes the assignment. And if you don't,
you're toast)
I guess many feel that it is not very mature, but when we explain the legal
consequences, they seem very cooperative
For what it's worth
Marty Besant West Seneca East Sr HS
A suburb of Buffalo, NY
==============================================================
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 16:45:11 -0700
From: "Haag, Jerry (USA;Palo Alto)" <JERRY.HAAG@ROCHE.COM>
Subject: Re: flash point of 70%EtOH/H2O
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NFPA 325 gives the flashpoint of 70% ethanol in water as 70 degrees F.
Jerry Haag
SafeBridge Consultants, Inc.
Palo Alto, CA
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Debbie Decker [SMTP:dmdecker@UCDAVIS.EDU]
> Sent: Wednesday, June 03, 1998 11:05 AM
> To: LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU
> Subject: flash point of 70%EtOH/H2O
> Good morning:
> Does anyone have the flash point for 70:30 EtOH:H2O? I've exhausted
> all my
> print resources (though it might be in my stuff at home).
> Thanks in advance,
> Deb.
> Debbie Decker, Health and Safety Specialist
> EH&S TB30
> UCDavis
> One Shields Avenue
> Davis, CA 95616-8586
> (530)754-7964
==============================================================
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 22:21:35 EDT
From: Labsafe@AOL.COM
Subject: Re: Safety Affidavits -Reply
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In a message dated 98-06-03 14:25:01 EDT, you write:
<< Here at UNE, we have Safety Contracts with our students >>
JAK: I prefer not to refer to the as "Safety Contracts" since they
are not a valid contract.
I think they will hold up very nicely in court... but not as a contract.
Rather, they will be excellent evidence.
*****************************************************
==============================================================
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 09:21:46 -0500
From: Janeen LaPierre <JLaPierre@MAILBOX.UNE.EDU>
Subject: Re: LABSAFETY-L Digest - 1 Jun 1998 to 2 Jun 1998 -Reply
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I like your method of making the contract a graded activity. Again, it =
stresses the importance of safety and the schools commitment to it. It =
also makes parents (in your case) aware of policy. As a parent, I would =
applaud this activity and add to the discussion at home.
Thanks, Janeen
***********************
Janeen Lapierre, Lab Coordinator*CHO
University of New England*College of Osteopathic Medicine
11 Hills Beach Road
Biddeford, ME 04005
207*283*0170
JLaPierre=40mailbox.une.edu
*********************
All opinions expressed are not those of UNE.
==============================================================
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 06:25:50 -0700
From: Becky Hoagland <HoaglanB@ARS.USDA.GOV>
Subject: Safety Affidavits -Reply -Reply
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Janeen: I'd very much like to see a copy of your Safety Contract. We're
contemplating going the same route with our training/orientation for both
full-time and part-time employees (students, visiting scientists, etc.). Up
til now, this orientation has been left up to individual supervisors, with no
uniformity as to content or expectations. (Not a good policy, I know; but
it's a fact of life.) We're now trying to give some semblance of
organization and continuity to our training program!
Thanks.
Becky Hoagland
Environmental Protection Specialist
USDA-ARS
P.O. Box 225
Stoneville, MS 38776]
Phone: 601-686-5432
FAX: 601-686-5373
==============================================================
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 09:52:38 -0400
From: "Contala, Anne" <acontala@TORHOSP.TORONTO.ON.CA>
Subject: Formamide in Cytogenetics
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Hello all,
I am new to the list so please bear with me if you've seen this question
before.
In our hospital Cytogenetics laboratory they use formamide to make DNA
probes for bone marrow samples. Several steps involving formamide are
required, including the heating in a water bath (at 70C) of formamide
and saline solution. None of this work is carried out in a fumehood.
Recently a technologist suffered a miscarriage which she feels may be
related to her formamide exposure. (I have not conducted any air
sampling as there is no validated method and as well I'm not convinced
that work exposure is the only variable. Miscarriages occur "naturally"
in about 30% of all pregnancies.)
I have asked whether the formamide can be substituted with another
compound and have been told it can't be. Local exhaust to the outside
would be difficult as the lab is in a very old building (c. 1920's) and
ventilation upgrades would be very expensive. I am considering a
portable benchtop local exhaust system but as formamide is a polar
compound, I'm not sure that a charcoal sorbent bed would be able to
capture it. Its vapour pressure is also low, 0.08 mm Hg at 20C so it
appears not to be extremely volatile.
Has anyone any experience in controlling this type of exposure?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Anne Contala ROH CIH
The Toronto Hospital
399 Bathurst Street, MP 2-314
Toronto, Canada
e-mail: acontala@torhosp.toronto.on.ca
FAX: 416-603-3821
==============================================================
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 15:35:05 +0100
From: James Cheney <J.E.Cheney@UKC.AC.UK>
Subject: Read: Formamide in Cytogenetics
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Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 10:56:16 -0500
From: Janeen LaPierre <JLaPierre@MAILBOX.UNE.EDU>
Subject: Formamide in Cytogenetics -Reply
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HOWDY.
I have had more experience with formaldehyde than I care to recall. We =
have a gross anatomy lab here at the med. school. It seems to me you have =
several things you must look at.
First, are you aware of the Formaldehyde standard set by OSHA? If you are =
boiling formaldehyde without a hood, I would bet that you are exceeding =
the permissible limits set by OSHA. You need to conduct air monitoring. =
You have an employee complaint. This is a potentially bad situation. Not =
because she is justified or not, but because there is a standard and you =
do not know what your exposures are. There are OSHA accepted test methods =
for detecting formaldehyde in air samples. We have to monitor on a =
regular basis.
Second, stop boiling formaldehyde=21 You must do this operation in a =
hood. Anyone working near this set up will be exposed to the formaldehyde =
vapors. Formaldehyde, in addition to being a listed carcinogen, is a =
sensitizing agent and can trigger asthmatic attacks that are potentially =
life threatening in sensitive folks.
Third, I have investigated formaldehyde and its risk to pregnancy. We =
have had several students take gross anatomy while pregnant. I have found =
nothing to suggest it causes miscarriage, or birth defects in babies born =
to otherwise healthy mothers. I agree that miscarriage is often an =
unhappy end to pregnancy, and this case is probably unrelated to the =
exposure. It is hard to say definitely since you have no exposure data.
I would suggest that the process is halted until proper ventilation can be =
supplied to your current space, or move the process to an area where it =
can be vented.
For what it=27s worth, Janeen.
(Feel free to call me if you would like to discuss further. I take great =
interest in this topic and anything relating to pregnancy in lab settings.)=
***********************
Janeen Lapierre, Lab Coordinator*CHO
University of New England*College of Osteopathic Medicine
11 Hills Beach Road
Biddeford, ME 04005
207*283*0170
JLaPierre=40mailbox.une.edu
*********************
All opinions expressed are not those of UNE.
==============================================================
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 10:59:10 -0500
From: Janeen LaPierre <JLaPierre@MAILBOX.UNE.EDU>
Subject: Formamide in Cytogenetics -Reply
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Sorry, I miss read your message. Please dissregard my earlier reply. Janeen
==============================================================
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 16:56:37 +0100
From: James Cheney <J.E.Cheney@UKC.AC.UK>
Subject: Fume cupboard stack dispersion
In-Reply-To: <s5767dd9.017@MAILBOX.UNE.EDU>
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We are installing a suite of fume cupboards in a two-storey building near to
an area of busy student pedestrian traffic. To ensure that all would be
well, and that we could confidently make risk assessments of the material we
might exhaust we commissioned atmospheric dispersion studies.
The results we have been given indicated that there will be a one in a
thousand dilution of the stack emission by the time any of the exhaust
reaches ground level.
We have not had a study like this before, but my instinct would have been
that the dilution would have been much greater.
Has anyone got any experience of this or any comments.
Regards
Jim Cheney
Safety Office
University of Kent,
Canterbury, UK
==============================================================
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 09:48:29 -0700
From: Teresa Robertson <Teresa_Robertson@FIRSTCLASS1.CSUBAK.EDU>
Organization: CSU Bakersfield
Subject: Re: Formamide in Cytogenetics
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LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU,.internet writes:
>I have asked whether the formamide can be substituted with another
>compound and have been told it can't be.
Another way has not yet been discovered - research opportunity.
==============================================================
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 13:07:45 -0400
From: Mary Ann Solstad <msolstad@MEDIAONE.NET>
Subject: Re: Safety Agreement
In-Reply-To: <l03010d02b19b5bc0baf8@[150.250.16.90]>
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At 04:14 PM 6/3/98 -0400, you wrote:
....>
>Note the wording of the contact lens rule. Most of the faculty here want
>to keep lenses out of the lab as much as possible, even with the change of
>the ACS. But they realize that some students might not have suitable
>glasses, so we will allow them for those students, with many warnings,
>rules etc.
The ACS change in policy came after a series of presentations by an
Occupational Opthamologist (ret. Navy), who has investigated chemical
injury reports in several countries. In no case did he find evidence that
a chemical injury had been made worse by contact lenses. Often they were
protective. He ran to earth several accounts of lenses "freezing" to eyes,
etc. Found they were either urban legends, or inaccurate reporting, or
misunderstanding of the medical evidence. There is also the safety factor
that for many people vision correction is much better with contacts.)
Proper PPE was essential for all workers. Also good washing. And prompt
after treatment by an opthamologists. He advocated a type of irrigator
that gently washed under the upper eyelid--not usually reached with an eye
wash fountain.
Sometimes there was eye injury with contact lenses, but usually less than
the same exposure without.
Mary Ann
>-------------------
>LABORATORY SAFETY
> Good laboratory procedure is also safe laboratory procedure.
>Your instructor will list any special concerns in the discussion of each
>experiment. In addition, there are general operating procedures that must
>be followed for all laboratory work:
> a. Know the location of the exits, safety shower, eyewash station and
>fire extinguisher
> b. Wear your approved safety goggles at all times in the laboratory. No
>exceptions. No goggles = no lab work.
> c. Contact lenses should not be worn in the laboratory. If you must
>wear contacts, talk to your instructor regarding special precautions.
> d. Keep long hair pulled back or tightly secured. Hair will burn if it
>contacts the Bunsen flame. Also, necklaces, loose bracelets, etc. should
>not be worn.
> e. Do not eat, drink, smoke or apply make-up in the laboratory.
>Chemicals in the lab must never be tasted.
> f. Spills may be a problem. Wear your heavy duty apron and shoes that
>cover your feet completely. Old jeans are good lab clothing; shorts,
>cutoffs, skirts, etc. are not.
> g. If you have a chemical spill, alert your instructor immediately.
>He/she will clean up the spill for you or instruct you on how to do so
>safely. Wash off any spilled chemicals immediately, whether on you, your
>clothing or the desk top.
> h. Please do not sit on the lab benches. Who knows what may have been
>spilled there.
> i. Hot and cool glassware look the same. Be sure your glassware is cool
>before you touch it - or hand it to someone else. Glass also breaks. If
>you do break any glassware, alert the instructor; he/she will clean up
>the pieces and/or instruct you on how to do so safely.
> j. Many chemicals will burn. Flammable vapors tend to flow across the
>desk top. Keep flammable liquids and any ignition sources well separated.
> k. In the event of fire, back off and call your instructor. Do not
>attempt to extinguish the fire yourself.
> l. If the building alarm sounds, turn off all apparatus, exit the
>building and stay out of the way of emergency personnel.
> m. No unauthorized experiments are to be performed and no one is to work
>alone in the lab.
> n. Immediately report all injuries, no matter how minor, to your
instructor.
> o. If you have any special health concerns (asthma, allergies, etc.), or
>if you are pregnant or become pregnant, inform your instructor. All
>information will be kept in strict confidence.
> p. Wash your hands immediately after leaving the laboratory. Use the
>restrooms down the hall.
>I have read and understand these safety rules for lab work and have been
>oriented to the safety features of the laboratory.
> Signature:_____________________________________ Date:______________
>LABORATORY ETIQUETTE
> Laboratory work goes more smoothly and efficiently if everyone
>adheres to certain simple rules of conduct. Only the most commonly used
>glassware and other tools will be in your drawers/boxes. Specialized
>equipment, chemicals and solutions will be put out on benches at the side
>of the laboratory.
> a. Book bags and coats should be placed in the hall lockers. The number
>of lockers on the third floor is limited but you will find vacant lockers
>on the second floor of this building.
> b. If you are unsure of any procedure in the lab, ask the instructor.
>Your classmates might provide you with incorrect information.
> c. You will most probably be sharing your equipment draw/box with
>students from other sections.
> 1) Check that you have all the listed equipment when you first go
>into the lab.
> 2) Replace all missing or broken equipment.
> 3) If you break equipment, replace it immediately.
> 4) At the end of the lab period, clean and put the equipment away.
> 5) Do not leave your personal goggles/aprons in the drawer/box.
> d. Only the listed equipment should be stored in the drawers/boxes. Do
>not put equipment or supplies taken from the side benches into the drawers
>or boxes.
> e. Do not take reagents or other items meant for everyone's use to your
>bench.
> f. Return all items set out for a particular experiment to the side
>bench when the experiment is done.
> g. Return all burners, ring stands and clamps to the cabinet where you
>found them.
> h. Return all burner lighters to the hook by the center sink.
> i. Wipe up all spilled chemicals immediately both at your desk, near the
>balances and on the side bench.
> j. Take only the quantity of chemicals or solutions you need from the
>stock reagent bottles on the window bench. Pour them carefully into a dry,
>clean and labeled beaker. Do not return unused chemicals or solutions to
>the stock bottles.
> k. Unused chemicals or products of reactions should be disposed of
>following your instructor's directions - usually in labeled waste jars in
>one of the hoods.
>Jonathan Foglein
>Instrument Coordinator / Chemical Hygiene Officer
>Department of Chemistry & Physics
>Rowan University
>201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028
>Phone: (609) 256-4500 x3578
>Fax: (609) 256-4921
>mailto:foglein@rowan.edu
Mary Ann Solstad, CIH 4 A's of Safety
SOLSTAD Health & Safety Evaluations Attitude
16 Pequot Rd, Marblehead, MA 01945 Awareness
781-631-4748 tel, 781-631-1832 FAX Automatic Application
Authority
DivCHAS Chair, ACS
msolstad@mediaone.net
==============================================================
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 10:29:45 -0700
From: Michael Ahler
<Ahler_Michael_D/cpslo_employee1@POLYMAIL.CPUNIX.CALPOLY.EDU>
Subject: Fume cupboard stack dispersion
Comments: To: J.E.Cheney@UKC.AC.UK
In-Reply-To: <001001bd8fd1$5bc02da0$d60c0c81@pcsafe3.ukc.ac.uk>
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Dear Jim,
re: Exhaust Stack Effluent Dispersion
Several years ago the Chemistry Department here discovered a need to
determine ("map" informally, if you will) the behavior of hood stack
effluent. We are in a single story building with many wings extending
to all points of the compass - Chemistry in the middle. Several benches
and inviting lawn areas exist among these wings and are used frequently
by picnic lunchers (is that a plural noun?) and others taking a break
between classes - very pleasant niches.
Using commercial 40,000 CF smoke generating "bombs" (Superior Signal
Company, New Jersey) we observed (and videotaped) the visible plume from
several hoods and on different days ( different weather).
Any disciple of aerodynamic behavior can tell you about the downward
vortex formed by the wind as it passes the trailing edge of a building's
roof, and our smoke test certainly demonstrated this effect. In most of
the tests we performed, the visible plume rose briefly upward to
dissipate gradually in the air followed immediately by a plume that was
swept directly over the edge of the roof and to the ground. This
oscillation of skyward dispersal followed by groundward (non-?)dispersal
shifted from one to the other approximately 5 to 10 times per MINUTE.
This is a very dynamic phenomenon. None of the videos were able to
show it, but the classic "barrel roll" vortex next to the building was
very evident to all observers on the ground.
My favorite effect was that of running a smoke test in a hood in one
room and seeing a thin but visible smoke plume emitted from the roof
exhaust of the hood in the room next door (second-hand smoke). I will
admit to leaving some windows open in anticipation of this.
Our highly subjective determination of dilution of effluent from the
hoods is very much in the ball park with the 1000 fold dilution
mentioned in the UK study. In some cases, where plumes dived over the
edge of the roof, our dilution estimates were smaller.
One chilling realization I can't escape is that the hood stack effluent
is doing this even when we can't see it. There were occasions when my
nose reminded me that this is true.
We were motivated to do all this during a time when one of our
professors was using phosgene gas as a reagent in an organic synthesis.
Our rough estimates of possible exposures to something as toxic as
phosgene indicated that medical consequences could be had in a few
minutes by someone enjoying a nap on the lawn near the C-wing.
We are not using phosgene any more, for this and other reasons.
If there is a way to mount a short video clip on our website I'll try to
do that. I will notify this group if and when I am successful.
Thanks.
Michael Ahler, CHO
Risk Management
Cal Poly State University
San Luis Obispo, California
==============================================================
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 16:52:09 -0400
From: Donald Conner <dcon@VT.EDU>
Subject: Re: LABSAFETY-L Digest - 2 Jun 1998 to 3 Jun 1998
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Hello all,
An interesting question from a physical plant engineer today. How do we
handle (remove hazardous materials) from the 125 in-line fans we just
removed from the plenum ventilation system of the Chemistry building? He
suggests HEPA vacuuming them as a solution, as the likelihood of particles
adhering in large quantities to the fan etc at 2500 fpm is remote.
Any experience out there?
Donald E. Conner, Jr.
University Chemical Hygiene Officer
Virginia Tech Environmental Health and Safety Services
Mail stop # 0423
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Phone (540)231-7611 Fax: (540)231-3944
Email: dcon@vt.edu
==============================================================
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 16:12:20 -0500
From: "Dr. Linda A. Swihart" <swihart@PURDUE.EDU>
Subject: How to prevent storage on Lab floors?
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Some the research laboratory staff in our chemistry department are most
stubborn about keeping way too many items "stored" on the floor. Safety
cans for acetone, hexane, etc..., glass/pipette receptacles, buckets for
dirty glassware (bench space is too full), glass bottles of chemicals
(usually not combustibles), stir motors, lab jacks, ring stands, boxes of
books, way more chairs and stools than necessary. Extra little tables,
wheeled carts. This surely sounds a bit familiar to some of you.
I'm not looking for advice on minimum walkway requirements or maximum
flammables/combustibles stored outside of approved containers (although
always interested). My concern is with the trip hazards presented by all
this stuff.
My question is - Do you have any policy(ies) that have worked or show
promise, rather than case-by-case assessment? Percentage of
walking/working surface allowed to be occupied by chairs/wastebaskets/plus?
Where do you draw the line? Just how many wastebaskets and glass buckets
and stools do you allow on the floor in a certain sized lab? It would be
great to hear what solutions others have tried or are using.
Thanks.
L. Swihart
Purdue University
Radiological and Environmental Management
==============================================================
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 18:22:59 -0500
From: Debbie Decker <dmdecker@UCDAVIS.EDU>
Subject: Re: School Lab Fire and Explosion
In-Reply-To: <a1a4e2d9.35752e78@aol.com>
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At 07:07 AM 6/3/98 EDT, you wrote:
>If anyone is in the Sacramento area, I would appreciate receiving copies
>of newspaper articles about this incident. ... jak
On it's way, as fast as the snail-mail will move <g>. Big article on the
front page of Saturday's paper and then a tidbit on Sunday. I've been
keeping my eyes peeled over the past few days for any follow-up from the
weekend and have found none. I will probably search the Sacramento Bee
website next week, to see if there was any follow-up work.
Will keep you posted,
Deb.
Debbie Decker, Health and Safety Specialist
EH&S TB30
UCDavis
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616-8586
(530)754-7964
(530)752-4527
==============================================================
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 16:23:08 -0700
From: Teresa Robertson <Teresa_Robertson@FIRSTCLASS1.CSUBAK.EDU>
Organization: CSU Bakersfield
Subject: Re: School Lab Fire and Explosion
MIME-Version: 1.0
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LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU,.internet writes:
>At 07:07 AM 6/3/98 EDT, you wrote:
>>
>>If anyone is in the Sacramento area, I would appreciate receiving
>copies
>>of newspaper articles about this incident. ... jak
>>
>On it's way, as fast as the snail-mail will move <g>. Big article on
>the
>front page of Saturday's paper and then a tidbit on Sunday.
I caught a bit of a news broadcast this morning, but don't know the
location -
A bucket containing thermometers was kicked or bumped, breaking the
thermometers and splattering a few students with mercury.
trobertson@csubak.edu
TRR
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 12:09:22 +1200
From: Peter Robinson <peter@HILL-LABS.CO.NZ>
Subject: Re: Safety Affidavits -Reply/ "Working With Sheets"
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You may be interested in the approach I have taken in our company =
(admittedly NOT an educational institute). Apart from having a separate =
"Safety Manual", all new staff are taken on a guided safety tour of our =
premises. This is logged onto their training record sheets, and they =
sign as well.
As we are a chemical testing lab employing about 90 staff, and covering =
a wide range of chemistries, our techs use a lot of different chemicals. =
We have identified the major hazardous ones of these and written =
"Working With" sheets for each. These are 1 page summaries which give =
the main hazards and what to do with minor (splashes), intermediate =
(beaker tipped over) and major (broken winchester) spills, etc. These =
are not designed to replace MSDS sheets, but are a heck of a lot more =
'user friendly'!!
When a tech starts training on a new test, their supervisor must explain =
possible hazards and give them a WW sheet for the chemicals they will be =
using. A master copy is signed by the tech. We have lots of copies of =
these (on pink paper, in red folders) around the lab and they have =
proven very useful.
We intend to add to these from time to time, and also we use "Standard =
Operating Procedures (SOPS)" to cover physically hazardous things such =
as using the centrifuge, fume hoods, etc.
Visit our web site (www.hill-labs.co.nz) and follow H&S links for =
downloadable copies of these. There is also a blank one, so if anyone =
writes their own they can send it to me and I will include in the set, =
along with acknowledgement. Formatting quite critical - Word 6.0 for W, =
and set to A4 page size (which could cause problems for some of you!)
Peter Robinson PhD FNZIC
Environmental Division Manager
Hill Laboratories, Private Bag 3205, Hamilton, NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 7 858 2000 Fax: +64 7 858 2001
Email: peter@hill-labs.co.nz
----------
From: Labsafe@AOL.COM
Sent: Thursday, 4 June 1998 2:21 pm
To: LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU
Subject: Re: Safety Affidavits -Reply
In a message dated 98-06-03 14:25:01 EDT, you write:
<< Here at UNE, we have Safety Contracts with our students >>
JAK: I prefer not to refer to the as "Safety Contracts" since they
are not a valid contract.
I think they will hold up very nicely in court... but not as a contract.
Rather, they will be excellent evidence.
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 11:47:23 +1200
From: Peter Robinson <peter@HILL-LABS.CO.NZ>
Subject: Re: How to prevent storage on Lab floors?
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Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
In NZ we have the Health & Safety in Employment Act (other countries =
must have similar). As part of our compliance with this we are re-doing =
our Hazard Identification Survey. Basically, this is a form given to =
every employee, asking them to make a note of any hazards in the =
workplace (their area or more general). All forms must be returned =
signed, even if nothing else is written on them.
We have had a good response to this is the past. It involves people in =
their own H&S, and helps quantify any risks. The forms are then checked =
and grades of "Level" and "Likelihood" assigned to each hazard. =
Multiplying these out gives an overall assessment which can be used to =
decide how quickly the problem should be solved. It can also be used as =
'proof' that a company/organisation is taking steps to protect the H&S =
of employees. =20
Persuading the management to front up with the necessary cash can be a =
different matter, but maybe it gives the H&S person some concrete =
evidence to put in front of the bean counters!
Copy of our form attached - email me direct if you can't pick it up ad I =
will fax. Will also try to get it onto our website =
(www.hill-labs.co.nz), follow the H&S links.
=20
Peter Robinson PhD FNZIC
Environmental Division Manager
Hill Laboratories, Private Bag 3205, Hamilton, NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 7 858 2000 Fax: +64 7 858 2001
Email: peter@hill-labs.co.nz
----------
From: Dr. Linda A. Swihart
Sent: Friday, 5 June 1998 9:12 am
To: LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU
Subject: How to prevent storage on Lab floors?
Some the research laboratory staff in our chemistry department are most
stubborn about keeping way too many items "stored" on the floor. Safety
cans for acetone, hexane, etc..., glass/pipette receptacles, buckets for
dirty glassware (bench space is too full), glass bottles of chemicals
(usually not combustibles), stir motors, lab jacks, ring stands, boxes =
of
books, way more chairs and stools than necessary. Extra little tables,
wheeled carts. This surely sounds a bit familiar to some of you.
I'm not looking for advice on minimum walkway requirements or maximum
flammables/combustibles stored outside of approved containers (although
always interested). My concern is with the trip hazards presented by =
all
this stuff.
My question is - Do you have any policy(ies) that have worked or show
promise, rather than case-by-case assessment? Percentage of
walking/working surface allowed to be occupied by =
chairs/wastebaskets/plus?
Where do you draw the line? Just how many wastebaskets and glass =
buckets
and stools do you allow on the floor in a certain sized lab? It would =
be
great to hear what solutions others have tried or are using.
Thanks.
L. Swihart
Purdue University
Radiological and Environmental Management
==============================================================
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 21:57:24 -0700
Reply-To: cmgrivel@inreach.com
From: "Craig M. Grivel" <cmgrivel@INREACH.COM>
Subject: Read: Formamide in Cytogenetics
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: application/ms-tnef; name="winmail.dat"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 02:26:54 -0400
From: Mary Ann Solstad <msolstad@MEDIAONE.NET>
Subject: Re: Safety Affidavits -Reply/ "Working With Sheets"
In-Reply-To: <01BD907D.EA9FE0E0@peter-2>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Your ww sheets sound like a sensible idea, Peter. Well worth adapting.
Have alway thought our OSHA piggybacked far too much onto the narrowly
useful MSDS.
Mary Ann
At 12:09 PM 6/5/98 +1200, you wrote:
>You may be interested in the approach I have taken in our company
(admittedly NOT an educational institute).
>As we are a chemical testing lab employing about 90 staff, and covering a
wide range of chemistries, our techs use a lot of different chemicals. We
have identified the major hazardous ones of these and written "Working
With" sheets for each. These are 1 page summaries which give the main
hazards and what to do with minor (splashes), intermediate (beaker tipped
over) and major (broken winchester) spills, etc. These are not designed to
replace MSDS sheets, but are a heck of a lot more 'user friendly'!!
>When a tech starts training on a new test, their supervisor must explain
possible hazards and give them a WW sheet for the chemicals they will be
using. A master copy is signed by the tech.
>Peter Robinson PhD FNZIC
>Environmental Division Manager
>Hill Laboratories, Private Bag 3205, Hamilton, NEW ZEALAND
>Phone: +64 7 858 2000 Fax: +64 7 858 2001
>Email: peter@hill-labs.co.nz
Mary Ann Solstad, CIH 4 A's of Safety
SOLSTAD Health & Safety Evaluations Attitude
16 Pequot Rd, Marblehead, MA 01945 Awareness
781-631-4748 tel, 781-631-1832 FAX Automatic Application
Authority
DivCHAS Chair, ACS
msolstad@mediaone.net
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 09:15:05 -0400
From: "Thomas J. Shelley" <tjs1@CORNELL.EDU>
Subject: Re: How to prevent storage on Lab floors?
In-Reply-To: <3.0.32.19980604161217.006f0d6c@postoffice.purdue.edu>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>My question is - Do you have any policy(ies) that have worked or show
>promise, rather than case-by-case assessment? Percentage of
>walking/working surface allowed to be occupied by chairs/wastebaskets/plus?
> Where do you draw the line? Just how many wastebaskets and glass buckets
>and stools do you allow on the floor in a certain sized lab? It would be
>great to hear what solutions others have tried or are using.
Linda--Make the requirement to not store items on the floor part of your
Chemical Hygiene Plan. Add the item to your lab inspection form (mine is
based on the CHP). When safety committees do lab inspections they can
ding labs that store items on the floor. If they refuse to comply with the
findings of an audit they are opening themselves up to the disciplinary
process for those that choose to not "fix" items found lacking on the audit;
nasty letter from the Chair or Dean, pressure from senior faculty on the
safety committee, etc.
Perhaps the lab simply needs more storage? Look into providing more
shelving by rearranging some equipment and installing wall-mounted
shelving units. Pehaps a near-by underutilized room can partially be given
over to storage for this lab?
Another tact would be to have your local code official or fire prevention
specialist review the situation and have them explain to the lab staff
why storage of lots of stuff on the floor is not a good idea. I would only
do this if you are on friendly terms with these folks.
Developing a good lab culture in the face of a history of poor lab culture
is the most challenging aspect of our duties as lab safety specialists.
I hope that this is useful information. Tom
**********************************************************
Tom Shelley, Chemical Hygiene Officer, Cornell University,
Department of Environmental Health and Safety, 125 Humphreys Service Building,
Ithaca, NY 14853. (607) 255-4288 tjs1@cornell.edu
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ DISCLAIMER @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
The comments and views expressed in this communication are strictly my own and
are not to be construed to officially represent those of my peers,
supervisors or
Cornell University.
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 09:57:48 -0400
From: "Scott M. Davis" <smdavis@EMAIL.UNCC.EDU>
Subject: Chemical storage
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: multipart/mixed; boundary="=====================_897065836==_"
--=====================_897065836==_
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I have a logistical problem concerning the performance of lab inspections (I
prefer "reviews" or "audits"). Here at University of North Carolina at
Charlotte we have a very small staff consisting of the Safety Director,
Building Inspector/Trainer, Secretary, and University Industrial Hygienist
(me). As University I.H. I wear many hats: Chemical Hygiene, Radiation
safety, IH, IAQ, etc. etc. etc.
While I am new in this position, it is clear that in order to get through
all the labs in the portion of my time I can devote to this task I will have
to move through each lab fairly quickly. I have developed a checklist,
which is not yet test-driven (attached in MS Word if anyone is interested).
But already there is a clear stumbling block: How does one look at a dozen
shelves holding three hundred bottles of chemicals and come to a reasonable
conclusion as to whether items are stored correctly? While I have had the
usual compliment of chemistry in college, I am not a bench chemist and I am
not capable of looking at a bottle of trimethyl kill-ya-quick and
classifying it as flammable, oxidizer, reactive, acid, highly toxic,
peroxide forming, etc. While I can carefully investigate any given chemical
and come to a conclusion, there are hundreds in each lab and dozens of labs.
The obvious solution is to ask/require lab managers to attach small uniform
labels, supplied by our office, to each bottle. While this proposal is not
being met with a great resistance, I don't expect full compliance anytime
soon, even if it does become carved in stone. Although no one has said it
yet, expected reactions are: "Why should we go to all that effort just to
make it easier for you to police us?" and "The chemicals already meet all
the legal requirements for labeling."
I am interested to hear how others deal with this problem. Comments on my
checklist are also welcome.
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 10:22:35 -0400
From: Amanda Dixon <adixon@RMWC.EDU>
Subject: Re: How to prevent storage on Lab floors?
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain
Storage in science areas always seems to be a problem. When we renovated a
few years ago there were a couple of things we did to help. First, I would
suggest going through and doing some "spring cleaning". Ask people to get
rid of old, broken equipment and remove any chemicals which are not used on
a regular basis for storage in a stockroom. Second, look at the possibility
of mobile storage units. We purchased several mobile lab carts to match our
lab benches from Kewanee. They are the same height as the benches and the
tops are the same material our lab benches. They roll and have shelves for
storage. They can be placed at the ends of benches to add more lab or desk
space if needed and are used to store various types of equipment which are
often shared between our labs. Most of the time they are stored in the
labs, but occasionally we can temporarily store them in the hallway. Many
of our labs have very little wall space for shelving, so some have added
mobile or free standing wire shelving. As for stools and chairs, only
enough for each student and a couple for professors and lab assistants are
allowed in labs. Often we have them stored upside down on top of the
benches to help with cleaning the floors. All of these things have helped
keep our labs neat and clean. In my opinion, the most important thing is to
clean up every day or two and don't allow people to become pack rats.
We allow 1-2 waste receptacles per lab bench. Any more that show up are
removed when the safety inspection is performed. The same goes for chairs,
carts, etc. Anything stored on the floor must be out of the way of egress
and/or safety equipment (showers, eyewashes, fire extinguishers). In
general, I would say that 80-90% of our floor space stays clear. Although I
initially spent quite a bit of time "removing" things from labs and
informing the person responsible for the stuff as to where it went, most
people began realizing it was easier to keep things neat than to track me
down and find out where it went and now the mess just doesn't happen.
Inforcing people to keep up with the system is where putting this type of
thing on a safety inspection helps. Also, once the initial clean up is
done, it is fairly easy to keep up and I found the professors willing to
help on a daily basis. I made sure that all reorganization was done with
the responsible party's input since they are the ones using the lab and have
to be happy with it. Some have actually thanked me for helping to organize
their labs and indicate that they can find things much more quickly.
I hope these suggestions help. Remember, this will not happen overnight.
It took about 2 years for me to get everyone "on the program" but it is well
worth the effort.
Amanda Dixon
Laboratory Technician
Randolph-Macon Woman's College
2500 Rivermont Ave.
Lynchburg, VA 24503
804-947-8568
email: adixon@rmwc.edu
> Some the research laboratory staff in our chemistry department are most
> stubborn about keeping way too many items "stored" on the floor.
> My question is - Do you have any policy(ies) that have worked or show
> promise, rather than case-by-case assessment? Percentage of
> walking/working surface allowed to be occupied by
> chairs/wastebaskets/plus?
> Where do you draw the line? Just how many wastebaskets and glass buckets
> and stools do you allow on the floor in a certain sized lab? It would be
> great to hear what solutions others have tried or are using.
> Thanks.
> L. Swihart
> Purdue University
> Radiological and Environmental Management
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 10:05:52 -0500
From: Branson Lawrence <branson@IMSA.EDU>
Subject: killing my mailbox
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Hi,
Two of yesterdays messages killed my IN box on eudora lite. I had to
telnet and delete the messages from "cheney". Is anyone else having this
problem?
Branson D. Lawrence, Jr
Illinois Math and Science Academy
1500 W. Sullivan Rd.
Aurora, IL 60506-1000
branson@imsa.edu
http://www.imsa.edu/~branson
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 10:26:43 -0500
From: Jeff Rubin <jrubin@MAIL.UTEXAS.EDU>
Subject: Re: killing my mailbox
In-Reply-To: <l03020901b19db964a678@[143.195.128.57]>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Yep - and another one this am from elsewhere - messages were replying to
the formamide question. They contained an unopenable file (winmail?). Is
this a Eudora problem (possible), a Mac problem (even more possible), or
just an oddball?
JNR
>Hi,
>Two of yesterdays messages killed my IN box on eudora lite. I had to
>telnet and delete the messages from "cheney". Is anyone else having this
>problem?
>Branson D. Lawrence, Jr
>Illinois Math and Science Academy
>1500 W. Sullivan Rd.
>Aurora, IL 60506-1000
>branson@imsa.edu
>http://www.imsa.edu/~branson
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 09:20:21 -0600
From: "Graham K. Munsell" <gmunsell@NMSU.EDU>
Subject: Re: School Lab Fire and Explosion
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Many of us would really like to see a summary of the incident as soon as
possible. I have mentioned it to several cohorts in this area and they are
quite interested. Several of our departments have summer camps etc. with
high school students and their teachers. This would be a great time to get
the information to them.
What a great opportunity to lift up the NACHO list and concept!
Graham
Life Safety Oficer, New Mexico State University
Las Cruces NM
At 06:22 PM 6/4/98 -0500, you wrote:
>At 07:07 AM 6/3/98 EDT, you wrote:
>>
>>If anyone is in the Sacramento area, I would appreciate receiving copies
>>of newspaper articles about this incident. ... jak
>>
>On it's way, as fast as the snail-mail will move <g>. Big article on the
>front page of Saturday's paper and then a tidbit on Sunday. I've been
>keeping my eyes peeled over the past few days for any follow-up from the
>weekend and have found none. I will probably search the Sacramento Bee
>website next week, to see if there was any follow-up work.
>Will keep you posted,
>Deb.
>Debbie Decker, Health and Safety Specialist
>EH&S TB30
>UCDavis
>One Shields Avenue
>Davis, CA 95616-8586
>(530)754-7964
>(530)752-4527
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 11:24:00 -0400
From: "Tayman, Tammy" <ttayman@MC.CC.MD.US>
Subject: Re: killing my mailbox
Comments: To: Branson Lawrence <branson@IMSA.EDU>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain
No, but I'm using MSMail. However, I keep getting a "return receipt"
message from various folks, addressed to the list, not me personally. The
last one came from Cheney reading something. Could this be what killed your
mailbox?
----------
From: Branson Lawrence
To: LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU
Subject: killing my mailbox
Date: Friday, June 05, 1998 11:05AM
Hi,
Two of yesterdays messages killed my IN box on eudora lite. I had to
telnet and delete the messages from "cheney". Is anyone else having this
problem?
Branson D. Lawrence, Jr
Illinois Math and Science Academy
1500 W. Sullivan Rd.
Aurora, IL 60506-1000
branson@imsa.edu
http://www.imsa.edu/~branson
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 10:26:22 -0500
From: "Dr. Linda A. Swihart" <swihart@PURDUE.EDU>
Subject: Re: killing my mailbox
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>Two of yesterdays messages killed my IN box on eudora lite. I had to
>telnet and delete the messages from "cheney". Is anyone else having this
>problem?
Yes. With Eudora Lite on one computer and even with Eudora Pro 3.0 on
another (both PC clones), although to a lesser extent with Pro, and not for
quite some time. And "kill" is a very apt description. Trashed the index,
lost messages, extremely unpleasant. Had to have assistance deleting the
offending message in the manner you describe.
I haven't found anyone who understands it (or can explain it) completely,
but general consensus is that ATTACHMENTS cause it.
And not just attached Word, Excel, bitmap.... files, but also the
attachments that constitute many email programs' method of attaching
signature files or "business cards."
Another BB I receive repeatedly sends mail to members to NOT SEND
ATTACHMENTS (because of this problem, and I don't think it's just Eudora).
These warnings are repeatedly ignored. Mostly by people who are not aware
that their signatures and business cards are sent as attached files.
Anybody out there have a suggestion or fix??? (Besides switching email
programs.)
Thanks,
L. Swihart
Purdue University
Radiological and Environmental Management
swihart@purdue.edu
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 09:32:29 -0600
From: "Graham K. Munsell" <gmunsell@NMSU.EDU>
Subject: Re: killing my mailbox
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I use Eudora Lite, ver. 1.5.2 and I didn't seem to have any problems on 6/4.
I don't recall any messages from cheney however.
Graham
At 10:05 AM 6/5/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Hi,
>Two of yesterdays messages killed my IN box on eudora lite. I had to
>telnet and delete the messages from "cheney". Is anyone else having this
>problem?
>Branson D. Lawrence, Jr
>Illinois Math and Science Academy
>1500 W. Sullivan Rd.
>Aurora, IL 60506-1000
>branson@imsa.edu
>http://www.imsa.edu/~branson
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 11:47:27 -0500
From: Janeen LaPierre <JLaPierre@MAILBOX.UNE.EDU>
Subject: killing my mailbox -Reply
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain
I not able to read the message from said "cheney" and when I tried to delete, my
mail froze my computer. I had to shut down and reboot.
Janeen
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 11:59:00 -0400
From: "Tayman, Tammy" <ttayman@MC.CC.MD.US>
Subject: Re: killing my mailbox
Comments: To: Jeff Rubin <jrubin@MAIL.UTEXAS.EDU>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain
I think it is an incompatability problem. I suspect that when the original
message went out, either from the person who wrote the original formamide
message or the server when it bumped it, it included a MSMail return receipt
request. This means that whenever anyone with MSMail opens that message, we
are all going to get that return receipt. Took me a while to figure it out,
and I have MSMail!!! You probably got one from when I opened it yesterday,
too! I guess we all need to be careful of such things in the future. Maybe
Jim Kaufman could try checking the list server for a way to eliminate such
things?!?
----------
From: Jeff Rubin
To: LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU
Subject: Re: killing my mailbox
Date: Friday, June 05, 1998 11:26AM
Yep - and another one this am from elsewhere - messages were replying to
the formamide question. They contained an unopenable file (winmail?). Is
this a Eudora problem (possible), a Mac problem (even more possible), or
just an oddball?
JNR
>Hi,
>Two of yesterdays messages killed my IN box on eudora lite. I had to
>telnet and delete the messages from "cheney". Is anyone else having this
>problem?
>Branson D. Lawrence, Jr
>Illinois Math and Science Academy
>1500 W. Sullivan Rd.
>Aurora, IL 60506-1000
>branson@imsa.edu
>http://www.imsa.edu/~branson
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 10:19:07 -0600
Reply-To: terrie@cc.usu.edu
From: Terrie Wierenga <terrie@CC.USU.EDU>
Organization: USDA-ARS PPRL
Subject: Re: killing my mailbox -Reply
MIME-version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit
This issue cropped up on the SAFETY List several months ago. The newer
versions of Microsoft Mail will automatically attach a file to outgoing
messages that contains formatting codes; this attachment is the one that
generally messes up Eudora and Pegasus programs. Other attachments (not
all due to Microsoft) are the business cards/signature files that are
generated for each message. A third type of attachment is from any
number of software programs (WordPerfect, Excel, MSWord, etc.) that use
various encoding applications. The newer versions of Outlook can also
cause problems when the program is set to automatically reply (such as
for vacation messages). About the only way to solve the problem is for
the SENDER to setup their mail program to send ASCII-type messages and
never, NEVER send an attachment to the whole list. Attach files only
in-line, not as-is (the option on Netscape Mail). Don't send enriched
text (bold, italics, etc.) nor business cards. SAFETY has gone to a
moderated format, which means someone reads each message before
forwarding it to the list, to try to prevent problems such as this.
The downside to the increasing sophistication (read 'more bells and
whistles' ) is that we'll only be seeing more of these problems crop up.
Terrie
--
****
Terrie Wierenga
USDA-ARS Poisonous Plant Research Lab, Logan, Utah
v: (435) 752-2941 f: (435) 753-5681
e: terrie@cc.usu.edu
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 12:43:23 -0400
From: "Alan Warren(RD)" <AWarren@PQCORP.COM>
Subject: Re: Chemical storage
Scott,
The checklist you attached is quite thorough but we have found, after
trying several types of checklists, that they are too cumbersome to use
on safety inspections. We inspect labs once a month and obviously they
cannot be thorough. But the purpose of the inspection is constant
awareness and reminders as well as discovering problems that need a fix
such as by maintenance.
We have elected instead to use a simple table that is filled in with
each citation, the lab number or location, the degree of severity or
hazard class. Of the last category we have 3 types-- Major = likely to
cause permanent disability, loss of life/structure/equipment. Serious =
likely to cause serious injury/illness/property damage. Minor = likely
to cause minor injury or nondisruptive property damage. These are
designated A, B, C in that order. Each citation is given a number and at
the next month's meeting, someone has to report that the item was
corrected, is in process, or whatever.
As for storage of chemicals, it is impossible each inspection to examine
every container. We may check a storage cabinet at random. Hazardous
materials such as acids, bases, and flammables are kept in cabinets so
marked beneath the fume hoods, as those cabinets are ventilated into the
hood as well.
One way to approach this type of inspection is to form subteams of 2-3
people who can thoroughly inspect one lab at a time, so that over the
course of a year or two, all labs will have received a close inspection
of chemical storage.
Policing chemical storage is always a problem. A computerized inventory
with receiving dates and proposed disposal dates helps, but there is an
investment in the equipment and software to do so. We have several
yellow flammable storage cabinets and some of the materials were up to
ten years old. I advised everyone that if they wanted to keep anything
in these cabinets, they had to mark them with their name and current
date; otherwise they would be disposed of. I gave them a deadline and
after that I had a lab pack disposal group come in and get rid of a lot
of material. It was expensive but so is storage space and the liability
of outdated materials with deteriorating labels, caps, etc.
Alan
>----------
>From: Scott M. Davis[SMTP:smdavis@EMAIL.UNCC.EDU]
>Sent: Friday, June 05, 1998 9:57 AM
>To: LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU
>Subject: Chemical storage
><<File: LABINS~1.doc>><<File: ATT00191.txt>>
>I have a logistical problem concerning the performance of lab inspections (I
>prefer "reviews" or "audits"). Here at University of North
Carolina at
>Charlotte we have a very small staff consisting of the Safety Director,
>Building Inspector/Trainer, Secretary, and University Industrial Hygienist
>(me). As University I.H. I wear many hats: Chemical Hygiene, Radiation
>safety, IH, IAQ, etc. etc. etc.
>While I am new in this position, it is clear that in order to get through
>all the labs in the portion of my time I can devote to this task I will have
>to move through each lab fairly quickly. I have developed a checklist,
>which is not yet test-driven (attached in MS Word if anyone is interested).
>But already there is a clear stumbling block: How does one look at a dozen
>shelves holding three hundred bottles of chemicals and come to a reasonable
>conclusion as to whether items are stored correctly? While I have had the
>usual compliment of chemistry in college, I am not a bench chemist and I am
>not capable of looking at a bottle of trimethyl kill-ya-quick and
>classifying it as flammable, oxidizer, reactive, acid, highly toxic,
>peroxide forming, etc. While I can carefully investigate any given chemical
>and come to a conclusion, there are hundreds in each lab and dozens of labs.
>The obvious solution is to ask/require lab managers to attach small uniform
>labels, supplied by our office, to each bottle. While this proposal is not
>being met with a great resistance, I don't expect full compliance anytime
>soon, even if it does become carved in stone. Although no one has said it
>yet, expected reactions are: "Why should we go to all that effort just to
>make it easier for you to police us?" and "The chemicals already meet all
>the legal requirements for labeling."
>I am interested to hear how others deal with this problem. Comments on my
>checklist are also welcome.
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 12:36:42 -0400
Reply-To: "Dr. Henry" <hboyter@cstone.net>
From: "Henry Boyter Jr." <hboyter@CSTONE.NET>
Subject: Re: Chemical storage
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
As far as being stored correctly, you can normally just ask, "where are the
corrosives stored?", etc. The look on their face will give you the answer.
Dr. Henry Boyter, Jr. Ph.D. Chemist
The opinions of Dr. Boyter are provided for informational purposes only and
should not be used as advice. No warranty or expression of professionalism
is implied.
-----Original Message-----
From: Scott M. Davis <smdavis@EMAIL.UNCC.EDU>
To: LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU <LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU>
Date: Friday, June 05, 1998 10:31 AM
Subject: Chemical storage
>I have a logistical problem concerning the performance of lab inspections
(I
>prefer "reviews" or "audits"). Here at University of North
Carolina at
>Charlotte we have a very small staff consisting of the Safety Director,
>Building Inspector/Trainer, Secretary, and University Industrial Hygienist
>(me). As University I.H. I wear many hats: Chemical Hygiene, Radiation
>safety, IH, IAQ, etc. etc. etc.
>While I am new in this position, it is clear that in order to get through
>all the labs in the portion of my time I can devote to this task I will
have
>to move through each lab fairly quickly. I have developed a checklist,
>which is not yet test-driven (attached in MS Word if anyone is interested).
>But already there is a clear stumbling block: How does one look at a dozen
>shelves holding three hundred bottles of chemicals and come to a reasonable
>conclusion as to whether items are stored correctly? While I have had the
>usual compliment of chemistry in college, I am not a bench chemist and I am
>not capable of looking at a bottle of trimethyl kill-ya-quick and
>classifying it as flammable, oxidizer, reactive, acid, highly toxic,
>peroxide forming, etc. While I can carefully investigate any given
chemical
>and come to a conclusion, there are hundreds in each lab and dozens of
labs.
>The obvious solution is to ask/require lab managers to attach small uniform
>labels, supplied by our office, to each bottle. While this proposal is not
>being met with a great resistance, I don't expect full compliance anytime
>soon, even if it does become carved in stone. Although no one has said it
>yet, expected reactions are: "Why should we go to all that effort just to
>make it easier for you to police us?" and "The chemicals already meet all
>the legal requirements for labeling."
>I am interested to hear how others deal with this problem. Comments on my
>checklist are also welcome.
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 09:49:52 -0700
From: Gillian Gardner <gardner@LCLARK.EDU>
Subject: Re: Chemical storage
In-Reply-To:
<c=US%a=_%p=PQ_Corporation%l=RDCOMM1-980605164323Z-1898@vfcomm2.pqcorp.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Wow, I wish my oldest chemicals were only 10 years old!! I have recently
embarked on a major stockroom cleanout and have found chemicals dated back
as 1947! Yikes.
Gillian Gardner
On Fri, 5 Jun 1998, Alan Warren(RD) wrote:
> investment in the equipment and software to do so. We have several
> yellow flammable storage cabinets and some of the materials were up to
> ten years old. I advised everyone that if they wanted to keep anything
> in these cabinets, they had to mark them with their name and current
> date; otherwise they would be disposed of. I gave them a deadline and
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 12:57:00 -0400
From: "Tayman, Tammy" <ttayman@MC.CC.MD.US>
Subject: Re: Chemical storage
Comments: To: "Alan Warren(RD)" <AWarren@PQCORP.COM>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain
How does one determine the apropriate expiration dates for chemicals? Is
there a magic list or some sort of a rule of thumb to follow?
Tammy Tayman
----------
From: Alan Warren(RD)
To: LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU
Subject: Re: Chemical storage
Date: Friday, June 05, 1998 12:43PM
Scott,
<snip>
Policing chemical storage is always a problem. A computerized inventory
with receiving dates and proposed disposal dates helps, but there is an
investment in the equipment and software to do so. We have several
yellow flammable storage cabinets and some of the materials were up to
ten years old.
<snip>
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 08:52:29 -0800
From: Trig Trigiano <anglt@UAA.ALASKA.EDU>
Subject: MS Outlook and Win98/ E-mail Problems and Fixes
In-Reply-To: <3.0.32.19980605102619.006f45a0@postoffice.purdue.edu>
MIME-version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
MS's new mail system causes two glitches that I know of with newer versions
of Eudora Lite & Pro and sometime Netscape. These occur on both Macs and
Wintel machines.
One is the return receipt. For the most part, it will not allow Eudora and
sometimes Netscape to retrieve mail off of a server and will sometimes
freeze up your system. Of course this doesn't happen with MS mail systems!
The best fix is to go to a server resident system (like Pine via a telnet
function) and delete the offending message. The offending message is
generally the first one in the stack. Hopefully, the Eudora and Netscape
folks will work on a downloadable patch to fix things.
The other one is the automatic reply system. Many people when they're not
going to be answering their mail for a while, set their machine to reply to
all messages sent to them with a response such as "I'll be out of town
until 6/5/98." When the automatic reply message goes out to the sending
listserver, it causes an infinite loop situation. The listserver receives
the automatic reply, sends a confirmation to the automated response
computer, and then the automatic response computer replies again. This
cycle goes on until the listserver has reached saturation or a moderator
intervenes.
My suggestion is that all people using MS mail systems disable the return
receipt function and only send attachments directly to an interested party
or to the listserver's moderator for review before posting. Also, never use
any automatic reply function if you subscribe to a listserver.
I hope this helps those that are having problems.
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 13:17:11 -0400
From: "Alan Warren(RD)" <AWarren@PQCORP.COM>
Subject: Re: Chemical storage
You can arbitrarily set a disposal date if there is none indicated by
the manufacturer. Obviously you don't want to keep ether around very
long. You can set your own standard such as 3 years from date of receipt
or whatever. If a material is used only once in a rare while, it might
make sense to throw it out and buy more when you need it, rather than
keep it for 20 years in case someone "might" need it. There is a cost to
this but there is also a cost to storage space and deteriorating
containers as well, plus the questionable purity of something that has
been around for many, many years.
>----------
>From: Tayman, Tammy[SMTP:ttayman@MC.CC.MD.US]
>Sent: Friday, June 05, 1998 12:57 PM
>To: LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU
>Subject: Re: Chemical storage
>How does one determine the apropriate expiration dates for chemicals? Is
>there a magic list or some sort of a rule of thumb to follow?
>Tammy Tayman
> ----------
>From: Alan Warren(RD)
>To: LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU
>Subject: Re: Chemical storage
>Date: Friday, June 05, 1998 12:43PM
>Scott,
><snip>
>Policing chemical storage is always a problem. A computerized inventory
>with receiving dates and proposed disposal dates helps, but there is an
>investment in the equipment and software to do so. We have several
>yellow flammable storage cabinets and some of the materials were up to
>ten years old.
><snip>
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 12:01:51 -0500
From: "J. Scott Walker" <jscottw@LICDXN.COM>
Subject: Re: killing my mailbox
In-Reply-To: <l03020901b19db964a678@[143.195.128.57]>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
This same problem has occured on the SAFETY list and was traced to
attachments and the use of certain versions of Microsoft Outlook. SAFETY
has become a moderated list as result, eliminating all attachments to the
list.
Regards,
Scott
At 10:05 AM 6/5/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Hi,
>Two of yesterdays messages killed my IN box on eudora lite. I had to
>telnet and delete the messages from "cheney". Is anyone else having this
>problem?
>Branson D. Lawrence, Jr
>Illinois Math and Science Academy
>1500 W. Sullivan Rd.
>Aurora, IL 60506-1000
>branson@imsa.edu
>http://www.imsa.edu/~branson
J. Scott Walker
Environmental Engineer
LexaLite International Corporation
jscottw@licdxn.com
"Standard disclaimers here, as I am required to do."
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 12:15:48 -0500
From: "Dr. Linda A. Swihart" <swihart@PURDUE.EDU>
Subject: Old chemicals - matter of curiosity
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>Wow, I wish my oldest chemicals were only 10 years old!! I have recently
>embarked on a major stockroom cleanout and have found chemicals dated back
>as 1947! Yikes.
Aw, c'mon. 1947's nothing! (OK, I only remember seeing a date back to '36
around here, but I'd be willing to bet there are undated containers going
back further.)
A point of curiosity. Our waste disposal section picked up a
manufacturer's container of
COLUMBIUM OXIDE
once upon a time ago. It was easy enough to find out what name it would go
by nowadays, but I never did pursue the question of when the name of
Columbium was changed to Niobium. And why? From a brief search on the
web, it appears that the name Columbium is still in fairly common use in
areas...
Anybody know a little history on this?
>Gillian Gardner
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 12:39:42 -0500
From: Jeff Rubin <jrubin@MAIL.UTEXAS.EDU>
Subject: Re: Old chemicals - matter of curiosity
In-Reply-To: <3.0.32.19980605121528.006c52d8@postoffice.purdue.edu>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
As far as I know, columbium (Cb) still is used in parts of Europe and
elsewhere outside the US - I still see journal articles with Cb in
formulae. I guess we decided to honor Niobe (daughter of Tantalus, whose
namesake has numerous properties and behaviors similar to niobium - the two
occur together geochemically and mineralogically) instead of Columbus's
discovery. Ironically, the principal ore mineral for niobium is columbite
(Fe-Mn-Nb-Ta oxide).
As usual, probably more than you - or anyone - wanted to know.
>COLUMBIUM OXIDE
>once upon a time ago. It was easy enough to find out what name it would go
>by nowadays, but I never did pursue the question of when the name of
>Columbium was changed to Niobium. And why? From a brief search on the
>web, it appears that the name Columbium is still in fairly common use in
>areas...
>Anybody know a little history on this?
>>
>>Gillian Gardner
Jeff Rubin, Asst. Dean for EHS
College of Natural Sciences G2500
W.C. Hogg Building
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712-1199
(512) 471-6176 (O)
(512) 471-4998 (F)
jrubin@mail.utexas.edu
"The opinions of Dr. Rubin do not necessarily represent those of the
Canadian government, with whom he has no affiliation."
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 13:50:07 -0400
From: Howard Spencer <SpencerH@ABSECON.GSTPA.COM>
Subject: Re: Formamide in Cytogenetics -another Reply
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain
I worked 9in a Toxicology lab using formalin. The OSHA standard is I
believe 3/4 PPM which is easily exceeded even with ventilation. We
modified the ventilation several times before getting compliance. It
takes a special capture tube and good IH technique to get reliable
results. I reinforce that monitoring to KNOW your level is essential.
> ----------
> From: Janeen LaPierre[SMTP:JLaPierre@MAILBOX.UNE.EDU]
> Reply To: LABSAFETY-L Discussion List
> Sent: Thursday, June 04, 1998 11:56 AM
> To: LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU
> Subject: Formamide in Cytogenetics -Reply
> HOWDY.
> I have had more experience with formaldehyde than I care to recall.
> We have a gross anatomy lab here at the med. school. It seems to me
> you have several things you must look at.
> First, are you aware of the Formaldehyde standard set by OSHA? If you
> are boiling formaldehyde without a hood, I would bet that you are
> exceeding the permissible limits set by OSHA. You need to conduct air
> monitoring. You have an employee complaint. This is a potentially
> bad situation. Not because she is justified or not, but because there
> is a standard and you do not know what your exposures are. There are
> OSHA accepted test methods for detecting formaldehyde in air samples.
> We have to monitor on a regular basis.
> Second, stop boiling formaldehyde! You must do this operation in a
> hood. Anyone working near this set up will be exposed to the
> formaldehyde vapors. Formaldehyde, in addition to being a listed
> carcinogen, is a sensitizing agent and can trigger asthmatic attacks
> that are potentially life threatening in sensitive folks.
> Third, I have investigated formaldehyde and its risk to pregnancy. We
> have had several students take gross anatomy while pregnant. I have
> found nothing to suggest it causes miscarriage, or birth defects in
> babies born to otherwise healthy mothers. I agree that miscarriage is
> often an unhappy end to pregnancy, and this case is probably unrelated
> to the exposure. It is hard to say definitely since you have no
> exposure data.
> I would suggest that the process is halted until proper ventilation
> can be supplied to your current space, or move the process to an area
> where it can be vented.
> For what it's worth, Janeen.
> (Feel free to call me if you would like to discuss further. I take
> great interest in this topic and anything relating to pregnancy in lab
> settings.)
> ***********************
> Janeen Lapierre, Lab Coordinator*CHO
> University of New England*College of Osteopathic Medicine
> 11 Hills Beach Road
> Biddeford, ME 04005
> 207*283*0170
> JLaPierre@mailbox.une.edu
> *********************
> All opinions expressed are not those of UNE.
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 13:34:47 -0600
From: "Frank H. Lankewicz" <flankewi@SEWANEE.EDU>
Subject: Re: killing my mailbox
In-Reply-To: <l03020901b19db964a678@[143.195.128.57]>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>Yes, I have the sane problem and it is a problem to to correct.
Hi,
>Two of yesterdays messages killed my IN box on eudora lite. I had to
>telnet and delete the messages from "cheney". Is anyone else having this
>problem?
>Branson D. Lawrence, Jr
>Illinois Math and Science Academy
>1500 W. Sullivan Rd.
>Aurora, IL 60506-1000
>branson@imsa.edu
>http://www.imsa.edu/~branson
______________________________
Frank H. Lankewicz
EHS Director/Chemical Hygiene Officer
The University of the South
735 University Avenue
Sewanee, TN 37383-1000
Ph: 931/598-1916
Fax: 931/598-1745
email: flankewi@sewanee.edu
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 19:47:35 +0100
From: James Cheney <J.E.Cheney@UKC.AC.UK>
Subject: Re: killing my mailbox
In-Reply-To: <v03007800b19df86e1d11@[152.97.76.173]>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
My mail program appears to have auto-replied to one of the formamide
messages and created the problems everyone has been describing. I am very
sorry for any trouble or inconvenience that it has caused to anyone, but I
can honestly say that it was NOT a message which I consciously sent or a
reply that I intentionally made.
The message I did intentionally post regarding fume cupboards does not
appear to have created this problem, so I assume it was some codes or
return-receipt-request that was in one of the previous formamide messages
that prompted my mailer to act. I do not normally set return receipts or use
attachments because of the problems that others have described with the
"safety" list and also with our UK based haznet list.
Apologies again
Jim Cheney
Safety Office
University of Kent
-----Original Message-----
From: LABSAFETY-L Discussion List [mailto:LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU] On Behalf Of
Frank H. Lankewicz
Sent: 05 June 1998 20:35
To: LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU
Subject: Re: killing my mailbox
>Yes, I have the sane problem and it is a problem to to correct.
Hi,
>Two of yesterdays messages killed my IN box on eudora lite. I had to
>telnet and delete the messages from "cheney". Is anyone else having this
>problem?
>Branson D. Lawrence, Jr
>Illinois Math and Science Academy
>1500 W. Sullivan Rd.
>Aurora, IL 60506-1000
>branson@imsa.edu
>http://www.imsa.edu/~branson
______________________________
Frank H. Lankewicz
EHS Director/Chemical Hygiene Officer
The University of the South
735 University Avenue
Sewanee, TN 37383-1000
Ph: 931/598-1916
Fax: 931/598-1745
email: flankewi@sewanee.edu
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 15:22:54 EDT
From: Labsafe@AOL.COM
Subject: Re: School Lab Fire and Explosion
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit
Hi Deb,
Thanks for the articles. ... jim
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 13:32:35 -0600
From: "Helen B. Gerhard" <hbgerhard@MEDLOGIC.COM>
Subject: Re: MS Outlook and Win98/ E-mail Problems and Fixes
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain
This sounds like something that MS would create just to run Eudora Lite,
Pro, and Netscape off the market.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Trig Trigiano [SMTP:anglt@UAA.ALASKA.EDU]
> Sent: Friday, June 05, 1998 10:52 AM
> To: LABSAFETY-L@SIU.EDU
> Subject: MS Outlook and Win98/ E-mail Problems and Fixes
> MS's new mail system causes two glitches that I know of with newer
> versions
> of Eudora Lite & Pro and sometime Netscape. These occur on both Macs and
> Wintel machines.
> One is the return receipt. For the most part, it will not allow Eudora and
> sometimes Netscape to retrieve mail off of a server and will sometimes
> freeze up your system. Of course this doesn't happen with MS mail systems!
> The best fix is to go to a server resident system (like Pine via a telnet
> function) and delete the offending message. The offending message is
> generally the first one in the stack. Hopefully, the Eudora and Netscape
> folks will work on a downloadable patch to fix things.
> The other one is the automatic reply system. Many people when they're not
> going to be answering their mail for a while, set their machine to reply
> to
> all messages sent to them with a response such as "I'll be out of town
> until 6/5/98." When the automatic reply message goes out to the sending
> listserver, it causes an infinite loop situation. The listserver receives
> the automatic reply, sends a confirmation to the automated response
> computer, and then the automatic response computer replies again. This
> cycle goes on until the listserver has reached saturation or a moderator
> intervenes.
> My suggestion is that all people using MS mail systems disable the return
> receipt function and only send attachments directly to an interested party
> or to the listserver's moderator for review before posting. Also, never
> use
> any automatic reply function if you subscribe to a listserver.
> I hope this helps those that are having problems.
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 15:39:21 -0500
From: Janeen LaPierre <JLaPierre@MAILBOX.UNE.EDU>
Subject: Re: Chemical storage -Reply
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
I like to say, =22If its older than me, its too old.=22 Not very =
scientific, but we needed a place to start. If labels are falling off or =
the container looks worse for its wear and tare, we discard. Some =
chemicals like either, we use or discard in a year. I did not get into =
specifics of chems that seemed like they were not in use. If we do not =
use it regularly, it goes. It has been a process taking over 5 years, but =
we have greatly reduced our inventory.
For what its worth, Janeen.
***********************
Janeen Lapierre, Lab Coordinator*CHO
University of New England*College of Osteopathic Medicine
11 Hills Beach Road
Biddeford, ME 04005
207*283*0170
JLaPierre=40mailbox.une.edu
*********************
All opinions expressed are not those of UNE.
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 16:02:39 -0400
From: Ian Fraser <igfraser@MC1ADM.UWATERLOO.CA>
Subject: Re: Chemical storage
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Get a copy of "Chemical Storage" from the Howard Hugs Medical Inst. its
free and lays out a very effective storage sytem.
Dry chemicals alpa order and liquid chemicals seperated by class.
At 09:57 AM 05/06/98 -0400, you wrote:
>I have a logistical problem concerning the performance of lab inspections (I
>prefer "reviews" or "audits"). Here at University of North
Carolina at
>Charlotte we have a very small staff consisting of the Safety Director,
>Building Inspector/Trainer, Secretary, and University Industrial Hygienist
>(me). As University I.H. I wear many hats: Chemical Hygiene, Radiation
>safety, IH, IAQ, etc. etc. etc.
>While I am new in this position, it is clear that in order to get through
>all the labs in the portion of my time I can devote to this task I will have
>to move through each lab fairly quickly. I have developed a checklist,
>which is not yet test-driven (attached in MS Word if anyone is interested).
>But already there is a clear stumbling block: How does one look at a dozen
>shelves holding three hundred bottles of chemicals and come to a reasonable
>conclusion as to whether items are stored correctly? While I have had the
>usual compliment of chemistry in college, I am not a bench chemist and I am
>not capable of looking at a bottle of trimethyl kill-ya-quick and
>classifying it as flammable, oxidizer, reactive, acid, highly toxic,
>peroxide forming, etc. While I can carefully investigate any given chemical
>and come to a conclusion, there are hundreds in each lab and dozens of labs.
>The obvious solution is to ask/require lab managers to attach small uniform
>labels, supplied by our office, to each bottle. While this proposal is not
>being met with a great resistance, I don't expect full compliance anytime
>soon, even if it does become carved in stone. Although no one has said it
>yet, expected reactions are: "Why should we go to all that effort just to
>make it easier for you to police us?" and "The chemicals already meet all
>the legal requirements for labeling."
>I am interested to hear how others deal with this problem. Comments on my
>checklist are also welcome.
>Attachment Converted: "M:\igfraser\Eudora.mailbox\Attach\LABINS~1.doc"
Thanks in advance.
Ian Fraser
Safety Office
University of Waterloo
200 University Ave. W.
Waterloo, ON
Canada, N2L 3G1
Phone (519) 888-4567 Ext 6268
Fax (519) 746-5023
Mailto:igfraser@uwaterloo.ca
http://www.safetyoffice.uwaterloo.ca
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 16:15:55 EDT
From: Labsafe@AOL.COM
Subject: Re: Messages Better Sent to Individuals
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit
To: NACHO Members
From: Jim Kaufman
Just a brief reminder asking for your help. Please make a
conscious choice about whether to reply directly to the message
sender or to the entire list. Thanks ... jak
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 11:05:38 -1000
From: Peter Batsakis <batsakis@HAWAII.EDU>
Subject: Re: Chemical storage -Reply
In-Reply-To: <s57810e8.055@MAILBOX.UNE.EDU>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Dear Comrades,
It's been a very interesting discussion about the handling of old
chemicals. We recently had an EPA inspection here and the inspectors
found many "old" chemical containers. To decide whether the containers
were hazardous waste, they used the RCRA "discarded" criteria. If a
container did not have adequate labeling or if the container was not in
good shape, they determined that the containers in question were
"discarded" and therefore considered them hazardous waste. Of course,
these containers were therefore improperly stored hazardous waste and were
liable to fines. If the inspectors found a cache of old chemicals in a
specific lab, they would ask the staff present the last time the chemicals
in the cache had been used. If the response was, "Gee, I don't know" or
"Oh, we haven't used that in years", then those chemicals were considered
abandoned and therefore, were hazardous waste and again subject to fines.
The implementation of this "discarded" criteria is a subjective
thing since it seemed to be dependent on the inspector. We have decided
to play it safe and dispose of any chemical that could be considered a
hazardous waste.
I hope this helps.
Pete
**********************************************
Peter Batsakis
Chemical Hygiene Officer
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Environmental Health and Safety Office
2040 East-West Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
Phone: (808) 956-3201 FAX: (808) 956-3205
E-mail: batsakis@hawaii.edu
**********************************************
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 14:47:29 -0700
From: Mike hinz <mhinz@WSU.EDU>
Subject: Re: Chemical storage -Reply
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
By definition, a substance does not become waste until declared so by the
user. Your inspectors oversteped their bounds.
Mike Hinz
Chemistry Dept.
Washington State University
At 11:05 AM 6/5/98 -1000, you wrote:
>Dear Comrades,
> It's been a very interesting discussion about the handling of old
>chemicals. We recently had an EPA inspection here and the inspectors
>found many "old" chemical containers. To decide whether the containers
>were hazardous waste, they used the RCRA "discarded" criteria. If a
>container did not have adequate labeling or if the container was not in
>good shape, they determined that the containers in question were
>"discarded" and therefore considered them hazardous waste. Of course,
>these containers were therefore improperly stored hazardous waste and were
>liable to fines. If the inspectors found a cache of old chemicals in a
>specific lab, they would ask the staff present the last time the chemicals
>in the cache had been used. If the response was, "Gee, I don't know" or
>"Oh, we haven't used that in years", then those chemicals were considered
>abandoned and therefore, were hazardous waste and again subject to fines.
> The implementation of this "discarded" criteria is a subjective
>thing since it seemed to be dependent on the inspector. We have decided
>to play it safe and dispose of any chemical that could be considered a
>hazardous waste.
> I hope this helps.
> Pete
>**********************************************
>Peter Batsakis
>Chemical Hygiene Officer
>University of Hawaii at Manoa
>Environmental Health and Safety Office
>2040 East-West Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
>Phone: (808) 956-3201 FAX: (808) 956-3205
>E-mail: batsakis@hawaii.edu
>**********************************************
==============================================================
Date: Fri, 5 Jun 1998 16:24:02 -0700
From: Michael Ahler
<Ahler_Michael_D/cpslo_employee1@POLYMAIL.CPUNIX.CALPOLY.EDU>
Subject: Re: Chemical storage, How Old is Too Old?
Comments: To: ttayman@MC.CC.MD.US
In-Reply-To: <199806051658.LAA52612@saluki-mail.siu.edu>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; name="Re:"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Tammy (et al),
I see two global reasons to specify a chemical as too old.
One--> chemical simply looses effectiveness for its intended uses.
Examples:
gradually absorbs atmospheric moisture - no longer anhydrous - Calcium
Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide pellets. Gradually absorbs carbon
dioxide from the air to become a carbonate buffer - Sodium Hydroxide
pellets. Gradually oxidized by atmospheric oxygen to form useless but
otherwise harmless (IMPORTANT DISTINCTION) contaminant - benzaldehyde
to benzoic