IIPP Appendix - B

Department of Biotechnology
LCWU Lahore
Laboratory Worker Job Safety Analysis
1. Aprons and Lab Coats – Aprons or lab coats should be worn to protect clothing and when using corrosive or
toxic chemicals. Lab coats or aprons that may contain hazardous chemical residue are to be given to the
department’s Lab Services for laundry. Do not take home for washing.

2. Asbestos – Asbestos is a building material commonly used as an insulating agent in walls and ceiling. Asbestos
fibers which are loose and ingestible are said to be friable. In this form, asbestos may be a health threat.
Asbestos is present in the walls of the building and is present as insulation around some heating pipes. No action
should be taken which could cause the asbestos to become friable or airborne (do not drill, saw or break
asbestos).  Contact EH&S if any alterations are necessary to walls or ceiling.

3. Autoclaves – Autoclaves can cause serious steam burns. Proper instruction on autoclaves is essential for safe
use. Individual laboratories are responsible for the training of personnel using autoclaves.

4. Ballast Failure – On occasion, the ballast in a fluorescent light fixture will fail. In most cases, lights will begin to
flicker as either the ballast or the tubes begin to fail. However, in a few instances the ballast will simply go out,
releasing smoke, oil or a burning odor. Turn off the light switch and do not stand under the ballast assembly or
attempt to inspect it.

5. Biohazards – The handling of biohazards in laboratories is regulated by EH&S and must comply with guidelines
established by EH&S and may require a Biological Use Authorization (BUA). Biohazard information on certain
chemicals is located in the MSDS.

6. Broken Laboratory Glassware – Broken laboratory glassware poses a risk of injury to laboratory personnel and
custodians. Clean broken laboratory glass may either be put directly into the department outside dumpster or
packaged for pick up by the custodian according to EH&S SafetyNet #12.

7. Chemical Carcinogens – Careful handling and strict confinement of these hazardous chemicals is essential in
order to comply with university and state regulations. In an effort to gain compliance with the law and to
establish a safe environment in which cancer-suspect chemicals are used, each chemical carcinogen user, with the
assistance of EH&S, must comply with and enforce these guidelines for handling chemical carcinogens. Each
laboratory using carcinogens must have a written protocol for the use and spill clean up for each carcinogen used
in the lab. Laboratories with carcinogens are required to have a Carcinogen Use Authorization (CUA).

8. Chemical Handling – Safe handling and usage of chemicals should be conducted in such a manner as to reduce,
as completely as possible, the risk of personal exposure to the substances. Persons working with chemicals must
be informed about the hazards of working with hazardous chemicals. This training should be well documented
and conducted at all levels in the organization. Training should cover techniques of chemical usage, individual
chemical hazards, procedures to protect safety and health, and personal protective equipment. In no case may
personnel exposure exceed the permissible exposure levels (PEL), the threshold limit values (TLV) or other
recognized health standards.

9. Chemical Solutions and Transfers of Solids – Unlabeled chemicals may pose a risk of fire, explosion,
corrosiveness and/or toxicity to those exposed to the unknown chemical. Chemical solutions or transfers of solids
made from the original container must be labeled with the full chemical name, name of the person making the
solution or transfer, date, and all appropriate hazard warnings.
 IIPP Appendix - B
10. Chemical Storage – All chemicals must be stored in a safe and proper manner. For safe storage of laboratory
chemicals, six major principles apply:
a. Maintain control of the inventory
b. Label containers
c. Segregate chemicals by compatibility
d. Provide adequate storage space and containers
e. Acids and bases should be stored in secondary containers. Carcinogens should be in sealed
secondary containers like plastic bags.
f. Solid oxidizers in polyethylene containers should be in secondary containers if stored on wood or
paper lined shelves. (Polyethylene containers can crack and break over time, causing their contents to
spill onto the storage area).

11. Chemical Waste Disposal – Improperly disposed of hazardous materials can adversely affect people and the
environment when put into laboratory drains, storm drains and the landfill. All chemical hazardous waste must
be transferred to EH&S for disposal. Drain disposal of chemicals in laboratories is restricted by campus sewer
policy (numeric local limits).

12. Compressed Gas Cylinders– Compressed gas cylinders are under extreme pressure and should be considered
dangerous. All gas cylinders used in the laboratory should be securely chained to the wall in two places, or
secured in an approved dolly. Gas cylinders which are transported in a vehicle must be securely fastened down
and capped. Gas cylinders which are transported in the building must be secured to an approved dolly and be
capped. No gas cylinders are to be moved with a regulator attached.

13. Corrosives – Corrosiveness is a form of acute toxicity. Corrosive chemicals include strong acids and bases, as
well as oxidizing and dehydrating agents. When corrosives come in contact with skin, eyes, or respiratory tract
they react with those tissues and cause local injury. Acids and bases should be stored in secondary containers.

14. Data Entry / Word Processing - Use of computer screens, keyboards and the computer mouse may lead to
repetitive motion injury, eye strain and back & neck pain.

15. Dust Producing Process – Any procedure which may produce dust, hazardous or otherwise, should be
performed while wearing an approved dust mask to prevent inhalation of dust particles. Dust producing
procedures are not to be done in chemical fume hoods where chemicals such as oxidizers and flammables are also
used.

16. Ear Protection – Some of the laboratory equipment is noisy and can result in hearing loss over a period of
time. Operators should take sufficient precautions when operating such equipment.  Ear guards are available and
should be worn when necessary. This applies to the laminar flow hoods in the Tissue Culture lab.

17. Electrical Appliances – All electrical appliances used in the building should be UL approved and used only for
their intended purpose.

18. Extension Cords and Outlets – Use of extension cords and outlets in a wet environment may lead to
electrocution or fire. Use GFCI protected outlets. Keep electrical connections where it is unlikely they will get
wet. Use extension cords only on a temporary basis, no longer than 90 days. Otherwise use a power surge
protector for longer needs. Check integrity of cords regularly.

19. Electrical Plugs – Metal clad electric plugs may be a shock hazard under certain conditions. Metal clad electric
plugs must be replaced with nonmetal clad plugs approved by the campus.
 IIPP Appendix - B
20. Equipment Inspection – Equipment should be visually inspected prior to use. Check to make sure that safety
guards are in place where needed, wiring is in good condition, belts are tight, etc.

21. Equipment Training – All users must be trained in the safe use of the equipment in the laboratory and in other
locations where like equipment is used. To be trained on proper use of equipment, see whoever is in charge of the
laboratory. No one is allowed to use laboratory equipment without being checked out before hand.

22. Explosives – Ignition of flammable vapors or gases can occur with such speed that an explosion results. There
are other substances that are explosive in themselves as a response to heat, mechanical shock, or contact with a
catalyst. With some substances, very tiny amounts of impurity are sufficient to begin a reaction that quickly
becomes explosive. Use the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each new chemical encountered to identify
which ones are susceptible to sudden or explosive decomposition or are highly flammable.

23. Eye Protection – If faithfully and properly worn, safety glasses will eliminate nearly all eye injuries. Safety
glasses with side shields should be worn when handling hazardous materials in the laboratory. These may be
either the plastic type available through Storehouse or other suppliers. The purpose of wearing eye protection
while in the laboratory is to guard the eyes from accidental exposure to flying particles, chemical splashes, etc. It
is best not to wear contact lens while working in the laboratory since they are extremely difficult to remove from
the cornea in case of chemical contact with the eye. Eye and Face Safety Protection for Laboratory Workers and
inform your supervisor if you wear contact lens. Contact lens may also allow chemical vapors to collect behind
the lens, causing possible burns to the cornea. Additional eye protection, such as splash goggles or face shields,
should be utilized as necessary to more fully protect the eyes when handling certain substances.

24. Flammable Storage – The following minimum restrictions apply in all labs as part of the university’s
compliance with state fire regulations. Flammable chemicals are not to be stored in non-spark proof refrigerators.
a. Up to 10 gallons of flammable chemicals may be kept in containers of one gallon or less.
b. Up to 25 gallons may be kept in the lab if the quantity in excess of the aforementioned 10
gallons is stored in two-gallon safety cans.
c. Quantities in excess of 25 gallons but less than 60 gallons must be stored in the protection of
approved flammable storage cabinets.
d. Amounts in excess of 60 gallons per lab must be stored in an approved chemical storage room.
Questions concerning flammable storage regulations should be directed to the EH&S office or the UCD Fire
Marshall.

25. Foot Protection – Foot protection must be used when the situation warrants. Full foot coverage must be
worn when working with corrosive chemicals. No open toed/heeled shoes are to be worn in the laboratory when
working with hazardous materials.

26. Genetically Altered Materials - Laboratories using genetically altered materials are regulated by EH&S. Some
genetically altered materials require a Genetics Use Authorization (GUA) or a Biological Use Authorization (BUA).

27. Gloves – Gloves should be worn when handling any carcinogenic, corrosive or hazardous substances. Glove
type must be chosen for the specific task and chemical. Even with the correct gloves, protection may not be
complete; therefore, gloves should be changed frequently and after obvious exposure.

28. Hand and Power Tools – Improper use of hand and power tools can cause bodily injuries. Employees using
hand or power tools should wear the appropriate personal safety equipment and know how to use the tool
correctly.
 IIPP Appendix - B
29. Hydrofluoric Acid – Hydrofluoric acid is a weak acid that attacks many substances. It is an inhalation and
contact hazard. Laboratories using hydrofluoric acid must abide by the guidelines and, spill control and first aid
requirements.

30. Incompatible Chemicals – MSDS contains information on pure chemicals, known mixtures, and proprietary
materials – unfortunately there are no such sheets for other materials found in the lab, including solutions,
mixtures of unknown or uncertain composition, and byproducts of reactions, all common in the lab. Impurities,
synergistic effects, formation of unexpected products and byproducts, insufficiently clean equipment, and the
combination of vapors from your experiment with that of your neighbor’s can all produce sudden and
unanticipated hazards. There is no absolute protection against all contingencies, but it helps to wear protective
gear, to clean equipment scrupulously, to be aware of experiments in progress in nearby areas, and to be
completely familiar with emergency procedures. A list of examples of incompatible chemicals can be found in the
EH&S Chemical Laboratory Safety Handbook.

31. Keyboard Placement – Incorrect height of computer and typewriter keyboards may lead to wrist strain and
muscle fatigue. Keyboards should be set at a height which is comfortable to the operator. If necessary,
accommodations may be made through the use of an adjustable workstation table, a stationary typing platform
attached to a desk, or an adjustment in seating height.

32. Lifting/Moving Heavy Items – Back injuries typically occur from utilizing improper lifting techniques or lifting
items which are too heavy. Lifting should be done from a squat position, utilizing strength in the legs. Do not
bend at the back when lifting. When rising up, keep the load close to your body to maximize weight transfer to
your legs. Use a dolly when possible and request assisted if needed.

33. Lighting – Light bulbs in fluorescent and incandescent fixtures are to be changed by Facilities Services
maintenance personnel. Replace flickering lights to reduce potential for eye strain and headaches. For action,
contact Tracey E. or Justin to request that a work order be submitted. All the light bulbs and fluorescent light
tubes that break must be disposed of through EH&S Hazardous Waste.

34. Mercury Thermometers – Broken mercury thermometers present a mercury vapor and broken glass hazard.
Small balls of mercury may travel great distances and lodge under benches and furniture without detection and
slowly release mercury vapors. All facilities using mercury thermometers must have either mercury spill kits or
proper mercury clean up items available and follow mercury clean up instructions from EH&S in SafetyNet #16.

35. Microwave Ovens - Microwave ovens can NEVER be used to warm food if they are used for any chemical
heating.

36. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) – MSDS are required for all chemicals from either the chemical
distributor/manufacturer or on the Internet. Either hard copies of MSDS for chemicals stored and used in the lab
are available in the lab or all lab personnel must be instructed on how to access MSDS from the Internet.

37. Non-potable water – Only drink water from drinking fountains and sinks with potable water. Drinking non-
potable water may lead to stomach distress and diarrhea. Sinks should be labeled “Industrial Water – Do Not
Drink”.

38. Perchloric Acid – All perchloric acid work must be done in a perchloric acid fume hood. No open bench top
work is allowed. Perchloric acid must be stored by itself and away from flammable materials. Perchloric acid
fume hoods must be washed down before use of the hood and again on completion of work.

39. Peroxide Forming Chemicals – Peroxide forming chemicals present an explosion hazard if peroxide formation
develops. Peroxide forming chemicals must be labeled with a special label stating the date received and first
 IIPP Appendix - B
opened. All peroxide forming chemicals must be either used up or disposed of by the manufacturer’s expiration
date.

40. Pesticide Storage and Handling – Improper storage and handling of pesticides can expose employees to toxic
chemicals and the environment to toxic substances. All pesticide applications must be done by a current licensed
applicator. University personnel are required to obey posted pesticide re-entry periods.

41. Phenol – Liquid phenol is a toxic, corrosive and combustible chemical used in various laboratory procedures.
Skin contact with the chemical may cause severe burns. Work with phenol must be done in a chemical fume hood
using appropriate personal safety equipment.

42. Photocopying – While operating photocopying machine, keep lid closed and avoid looking at light. Let
photocopier cool for a few minutes prior to attempting to remove jammed paper. Avoid spilling toner cartridges.
Operate photocopy machine in area with adequate ventilation.

43. Radioactivity – Laboratories using radioactivity are regulated by EH&S radioactivity licensing. Laboratories
using radioactivity must have a warning posted on the outside of the laboratory door. Radioactive work requires
a Radioactivity Use Authorization (RUA).

44. Refrigerators – Ordinary household refrigerators constitute a hazard when used for storage of flammable or
unstable chemicals. These units produce conditions that can lead to explosions. Domestic refrigerators may not
be used for flammable chemical storage. Lab-safe or explosion-proof refrigerators must be used for flammable
chemicals. When searching for an item in a refrigerator used for chemical storage, be careful not to inhale vapors
that may have built up in the cabinet. Refrigerators should be cleaned on a regular schedule, and old chemicals
should be properly discarded through the EH&S waste program. Food must NEVER be stored in any refrigerator
used to store chemicals.

45. Reporting Accidents and Deficiencies – Employees should immediately report all accidents or observed safety
deficiencies to their respective supervisors, who should in turn, report to the Departmental Safety Coordinator.

46. Respirators – Respirators should be used only for specific situations and for emergencies. All respirator usage
must have prior approval by EH&S. All individuals using a respirator must undergo a pulmonary function test, be
personally fit-tested, and trained in the proper care and use of a respirator before it can be used during work
activities. More information can be found in the EH&S Respiratory Protection Manual, the Chemical Laboratory
Safety Handbook, and the EH&S SafetyNet #88.

47. Security – Employees working alone at night should keep doors locked whenever possible to avoid thefts or
entrance to people who do not belong in the building. Keep valuables locked at all times. Be alert to any
suspicious activity.

48. Sharps – Syringes, glass pipettes, and other sharp material must be placed in a specially designed rigid
container and not in the trash. These “sharps containers” can be purchased at the Central Storehouse. EH&S will
pick them up on request.

49. Spills – Spills of water and non hazardous materials should be cleaned up immediately to prevent slips and
falls. Chemical spills must be cleaned up according to EH&S SafetyNet #13 on guidelines for chemical spill control.
All laboratories and areas with hazardous chemicals should have a general spill absorbent on hand.

50. Step Stools, Ladders, etc. – Accidents can easily happen by using step stools and ladders improperly for
climbing. Be aware of correct placement and strength of stool or ladder before climbing. Never stand on the top
rung/step of a ladder. Do not use chairs or stools of any kind.
 IIPP Appendix - B

51. Terrorist Threats – Chemical, biological and bomb threats plus suspicious packages and angry clients pose a
real and/or perceived threat to employee and work place safety. Written safety guidelines from the UCD Police
Department are used to inform employees of potential situations that could occur and how to handle the above
threats.