Neumann College - Chemical Hygiene Plan

Section 3         Control Measures                  date: 7/1/2003

                                                                        revised:

1.0 Control Measures

The intent of control measures is to limit potential exposure to hazardous chemicals. The exact control measures used must fit the nature of the hazard and the potential for exposure. The chemistry instructor or other chemical professional is expected to use their best professional judgment to determine what specific control measures may be needed to address any particular situation.  In the instructional setting at Neumann the main control measures are 1) laboratory fume hoods 2) personal protective equipment 3) ventilated chemical storage cabinets and 4) emergency equipment.

3.1 Fume Hoods

Fume hoods should be used when working with:

• Odorous, annoying or irritating materials.
• Volatile solvents where the vapor concentration may approach the flammable limits.
• Volatile chemicals where the vapor concentration may approach the TLV.

Fume hoods shall be inspected quarterly as part of the lab safety inspection to check

1) that the facial velocity is sufficient and 2) that  chemicals are stored properly and without clutter.

3.2 Personal Protective Equipment

• Eye protection. Anyone entering a laboratory is required to wear eye protection. The minimum required eye protection is safety goggles with side shield protection. Even casual visitors to the lab must wear safety goggles. When working with corrosive materials goggles must provide a tight seal around the eyes.

• Face protection. Full-face shields may be required or desirable for certain operations such as handling concentrated mineral acids or in situations were spattering of corrosive materials could occur.

• Protective clothing. In general anyone working in a lab should wear clothing that minimizes skin exposure. This includes long sleeve shirts and blouses, long pants and closed shoes. Laboratory aprons or coats are required whenever corrosive materials, such as mineral acids or bases, are used.
  
  
• Hand protection. Gloves should be worn whenever there is any possibility of hand contact with corrosive or toxic materials. Gloves must be chosen that are compatible with the material being handled and should be inspected before use.
• Respiratory protection. In the instructional setting at Neumann there should never be a necessity to wear a respirator as a protective devise. Therefore, respirators are not available.

3.3 Ventilated storage cabinets.

These cabinets are in the storage room within room 345. Organic chemicals that are liquids are stored in these cabinets. Spill containment should be used in these cabinets were appropriate.

3.4 Emergency equipment

• Fire extinguishers. These are located at the entrances of all labs. Annual inspection is the responsibility of the Neumann College Safety and Security Department. The Laboratory Manager is responsible for arranging for this inspection.

• Safety shower. The shower, located in room 345, shall be flushed and checked for proper operation annually by the Neumann College Facilities Department. The Laboratory Manager is responsible for arranging for this inspection.

• Eye Wash Stations. The eye wash stations in each lab must be flushed and checked for proper operation as part of the quarterly safety inspection.