Texas Tech University CASM Lab safety

LABORATORY SAFETY PLAN FOR EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCE BUILDING ROOM 112/114

1. This laboratory safety plan covers Experimental Science Building rooms 112 and 114.

2. Responsibility for this laboratory, and the person to be contacted prior to using any instrumentation in the laboratory, or in the case of day-time emergencies is:

Bo Zhao

Experimental Science Building Office 112E

Tel: 806 834 0345

E-mail: bo.zhao@ttu.edu

 

Stephanny Lizarraga

Experimental Science Building Office 112G

Tel: 806 843 4302

E-mail:  slizarra@ttu.edu

 

3. In the event of Emergency outside normal working hours or weekends contact:

Bo Zhao

Experimental Science Building Office 112E

E-mail: bo.zhao@ttu.edu

 

Stephanny Lizarraga

Experimental Science Building Office 112G

Tel: 806 843 4302

E-mail:  slizarra@ttu.edu

 

4. Permission to use this laboratory must be obtained from Dr. Bo Zhao/Stephanny Lizarraga on prior entering the laboratory.

5. Permission to use the laboratory is contingent on completion of Texas Tech University approved safety training programs, laboratory and technique specific training, and acknowledgement that you have read and understood both the general lab safety rules governing responsible laboratory usage and all safety and training protocols and documentation specific to this laboratory.

6. (Material) Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals and consumable materials used in this laboratory may be found in the (Material) Safety Data Sheet folder located outside of room 112B. A copy of Texas Tech University the Laboratory Safety Plan which includes the Chemical Hygiene Plan can be found HERE. 

7. Copies of all Standard Operating Procedures approved for execution in this laboratory may be found in the Laboratory Safety folder.

8. Potential hazards in this laboratory are:

(a) Chemical: These are the major hazards present in a lab and include toxic, corrosive and suspected carcinogenic chemicals. e.g. biological fixatives (glutaraldehyde, osmium tetroxide) are designed to kill cells quickly and they will do the same to your cells. Some samples may also be a chemical hazard. These chemicals are housed in room 112. Use of these chemicals requires special training. Students using the SEM and TEM microscopes are not authorized to use these chemicals. See Bo Zhao or Stephanny Lizarraga for further training.

(b) Electrical: High voltage is present in electron microscopes and other electrical equipment. Covers afford protection and should not be removed. Liquids of any volume should be used with great caution around electrical equipment.

(c) Thermal: High or low temperatures e.g. hot plates, dry ice, cryogens (liquid Nitrogen).

(d) Muscular: This includes strains and ergonomic issues e.g. sitting for long periods at a microscope without adjusting the monitors or chair, may cause muscle strains.

(e) Mechanical hazards: (moving equipment parts, sharp edges) e.g. razorblades, polishers, saws. Electrical cables or water lines may also present a tripping hazard.

Less common hazards that may be present include:

(f) Microbiological: ESB 112B and ESB 112F have been designated BSL2 areas of the lab. This means that live microorganisms and certain cell lines are permitted in these two rooms, following strict protocols. These rooms are designated BSL2 for Flow Cytometry Analysis only. No manipulation or preparation of the cells/organisms may be done in the laboratory. No live animals, live cells, or microorganisms may be brought to the CASM laboratory except as described above. Animal tissues, cells and microorganisms must be frozen or fixed in an acceptable fixative before being brought into the CASM laboratory for processing for light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, or scanning electron microscopy

(g) Acoustic: Noisy pumps, equipment and sudden loud noises (e.g. opening of improperly connected or unconnected gas cylinders).

(h) Radiation: (Uranium stains - used in TEM; and X-rays from EM's.) EM's generate high energy X-rays. However, exposure to these X-rays is practically impossible, due to microscope design. Improper modification of microscopes may cause leaks.

9. In the event of a chemical spill follow the following procedures.

a) Don personal safety protection equipment including safety glasses/goggles and gloves.

b) Identify the chemical (solution) that has been spilled.

c) In the event of solutions being spilled use materials in the chemical spill kit to mop up excess solution, placing all excess chemicals, clean-up clothes and other materials in the spill kit bucket.

d) If the spill is large or if the chemical is hazardous, clear the area of all personnel and call EH&S immediately. The EH&S number is 806 742 3876. After hours emergency number is 806-834-3328

10. In the event of the following emergencies, take the following actions.

a) Fire

i. If the building fire alarm sounds, and it is safe to do so, turn off all equipment using power switches or pulling plugs out of sockets. Exit laboratory to main corridor by most direct route possible, and exit building using the nearest stairs that are unaffected by the fire hazard. The nearest sets of stairs are on the east side of building directly opposite the laboratory exit from ESB 114. This exit leads to the quadrangle/garden. Move away from the building. The next nearest exit is through the loading dock. Turn right as you exit the laboratory and exit at the first exit to the right. Move away from the building.

ii. In the event of a fire starting in the laboratory, there are two exits from the laboratory, from both ESB 112 and 114. Exit the laboratory to the main corridor using the most direct and safest route. Exit the building using the closet set of stairs that are free of fire hazard. The nearest sets of stairs to your current position are the east side of the building directly opposite ESB 114. If you are exiting ESB 112, turn left and take the first exit out of the building. If possible, activate a building fire alarm (located on the wall next to the East exit to the Quadrangle) on route to the building exit. When outside the building and in a place of personal safety, dial 911 and request the fire service. Your location should be given as the Experimental Science Building Texas Tech Campus Canton and Main.

IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO:

1. RESCUE THOSE IN THE LABORATORY INSTRUCT EVERYONE TO LEAVE. BE SURE THOSE WITH DISABILITIES HAVE HELP TO GET OUT.

2. ALARM: CALL 911 AND GIVE THE LOCATION OF THE FIRE. PULL THE FIRE ALARM NEXT TO THE EAST EXIT

3. CONTAIN THE FIRE BY CLOSING DOORS OR USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER IF SAFE TO DO SO.

4. EVACUATE THE BUILDING USING THE NEAREST SAFE EXIT.

iii. Fire extinguishers are located outside of ESB 112 and ESB 114 in a niche in the wall.

a. Fire extinguishers should be used if the fire is small and confined to one small area.

USE JUDGEMENT IN THIS! DO NOT CREATE A LIFE THREATING SITUATION WHILE TRYING TO FIGHT A FIRE.

TO OPERATE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

1. PULL THE PIN TO RELEASE THE HANDLE

2. AIM AT THE BASE OF THE FIRE WHILE STANDING AT A SAFE DISTANCE

3. SQUEEZE THE HANDLE TO DISCHARGE THE CONTENTS

4. SWEEP FROM RIGHT TO LEFT UNTIL A FEW SECORND AFTER SEEING NO FIRE.

b) Severe Weather

In the event of a severe weather warning or event, which may be distributed via TechAlert, on campus sirens, or other face-to-face or electronic mediums, turn off all equipment, exit laboratory and descend nearest stairs to the basement of the building and await an "all clear" message.

c) Active Shooter Situations and Imminent Threats to Personal Safety

The doors to ESB 112 and ESB 114 are kept locked. Use good judgment in following any of these suggested procedures:

1. Lower and close the blinds in ESB 112.

2. Barricade yourself in an inner room. Room 112G is an office with file cabinets that can be used to barricade the door.

3. Room 114 D can also be used as a safe room. Obtain the key from the shelf above the lab bench in 112 Main Lab. Lock yourself into that room.

4. Lie on the floor if necessary.

5. Do not emerge from your safe place until a trusted person in authority tells you to do so.

d) Medical Emergency

First aid kits are located in Experimental Science Building Rm 112- door side.

If appropriate and necessary call 911 and request assistance. Your location is the "Rm 112/114 First floor of the Experimental Science Building, Texas Tech at Canton and Main.

11. Chemicals in the laboratory and appropriate methods for handling them are listed in individual Standard Operating Protocol documents (see appropriate section of Safety Folder). Chemicals should not be ingested and exposure to open cuts, sores, and other vital organs such as eyes, nose and mouth should be avoided. In the event of accidental exposure of sensitive organs or ingestion seek medical advice.

There are no physical hazards associated with exposure to chemicals, although exposure to skin may cause mild irritation. In the event of accidental exposure of skin to chemicals the contaminated area should be held under a running cold water tap for several minutes to ensure appropriate dilution and removal of the chemical. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.

12. There are three chemical fume hoods located in ESB 112.

Personal safety items include safety glasses to prevent splashing of alcohol and acetone solutions into eyes. Safety glasses are located in ESB 112 and 114. Gloves to protect skin from solutions are provided. Eye-wash stations are available to the right hand side of the sinks in rooms 112 and should be used in the event of eye contamination. A chemical safety shower is available in front of room 112A.

The eye-wash and safety showers are checked for functionality on a regular basis by Texas Tech University Environmental Health and Safety.

13. There are materials used in this laboratory that are considered carcinogenic or toxic.The consumption of any chemicals available in this laboratory is forbidden. The use of any chemical for which you are not properly trained is forbidden.

14. Being trained and given permission to work in this laboratory is contingent on completion of the on line Texas Tech University Environmental Health and Safety Chemical Hygiene Plan Assessment. No activities that are contrary to the best practice policies described in the Chemical Hygiene Plan are permitted in this laboratory.

15. All general University, Departmental and Laboratory safety plans and standard operating procedures for this laboratory are in the Safety manual. Each Safety Plan or Standard Operating Policy is accompanied by an acknowledgement sheet.

16. Oversight of training

a) Prior to starting laboratory-specific training documentation of successful completion of the Texas Tech University Chemical Hygiene Plan assessment must be on file in the

b) All trainees must have received permission to be trained from Dr. Callum J. Hetherington, Dr. Bo Zhao or Mary Catherine Hastert.

c) Only Dr. Callum J. Hetherington, Dr. Bo Zhao or Mary Catherine Hastert, or a specifically designated proxy may undertake the task of training a new user.

d) Prior to independent use of the laboratory all users must sign and date the appropriate acknowledgement training sheets stating that they have read and understood all rules, guidelines, safety plans and standard operating policies relevant to this laboratory.

17). General lab safety rules for ESB 112 and 114 CASM (College of Arts and Sciences Microscopy)

ATTIRE

No shorts or sandals are may be worn in the lab. Close toed shoes are mandatory. Long pants are recommended. Long hair should be tied back. Remove dangling jewelry.

Eating and Drinking

Eating, drinking and chewing gum is not permitted in the lab. All food and drink must be left at the table at the entrance to the lab ESB 112. Eating is permitted inside the offices ESB 112F and ESB 112G and the area immediately adjacent to these offices.

Personal Protective Equipment

You will be trained in the use of personal protective equipment: lab coat, gloves, and eye protection. You must properly use the PPE called for in the procedure you are performing.

Exposure to chemicals

There are many chemicals located in ESB 112. This is an active laboratory where many different kinds of projects are performed. If you have not been trained in the proper use of a chemical, you are forbidden to touch it. Do not pipette anything by mouth. Wash your hands before leaving the lab.

Sharps

All used razor blades and knife blades must be put in a sharps container.

Broken glass

All broken glass must be placed in the broken glass container in ESB 112. Do not use glassware that is chipped or cracked.

Live animals and microorganisms

No live animals or microorganisms may be brought into the lab. See a manager for further instructions.

General Lab Safety Plan Tour

This lab induction contains basic information such as location and use of first aid and spill kits, fire-extinguishers, emergency contacts and procedures. Emergency exits and assembly points will also be explained. Location or sources of MSDS's (Material Safety Data Sheets) are included. Detailed information on hazards relating to individual processes or equipment will be presented at the start of training in that process. Often trainers will refer to Standard Operating Procedures to explain these hazards.