# Occupational Safety

Arkansas State University is committed to providing a healthy and safe workplace. The programs listed below cover a broad range of workers' safety issues that affect the health and well-being of University faculty, staff and student employees.

# Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program

Purpose  
Arkansas State University is committed to the safety of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus.   
The purpose of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) management program is to ensure that all   
AEDs on campus are maintained properly and are readily available to deliver potentially lifesaving   
defibrillation to victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). AEDs are intended to provide a bridge during the   
critical minutes between the onset of SCA and the arrival of Emergency Medical Services (EMS)   
personnel.  
Definitions  
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is an FDA approved medical device that is capable of   
recognizing the presence or absence of ventricular fibrillation or rapid ventricular tachycardia and is   
capable of determining, without intervention by an operator, whether defibrillation should be   
performed; and upon determining that defibrillation should be performed, automatically charges and   
requests delivery of an electrical impulse to an individual’s heart.  
AED owner is Arkansas State University.  
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a procedure to support and maintain breathing and circulation   
for a person who has stopped breathing (respiratory arrest) and/or whose heart has stopped (cardiac   
arrest).  
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is typically an ambulance service that provides acute medical care   
and transports patients to a medical facility for more advanced treatment.  
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating,   
stopping blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs. SCA usually causes death if not treated within   
minutes.  
Scope and Applicability  
This AED Management Program was created by the Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS),   
to identify all available AEDs on campus and to ensure they are properly maintained. Any University   
department possessing AED(s) that are that are not registered with the Environmental, Health and   
Safety Department must do so as soon as reasonability possible. Any departments wishing to dispose of   
defective or obsolete AEDs shall dispose through proper channels as e-waste, by contacting the   
Environmental, Health and Safety Department  
Duties and Responsibilities  
AED Coordinator  
The Safety and Emergency Management Director in Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) shall serve   
as the University AED Coordinator. The AED Coordinator shall be responsible for all the following tasks:  
• Provide guidance, monitoring, and periodic reevaluation for this program.  
• To provide oversight and technical assistance to all departments possessing AEDs.  
• Maintain an inventory of University-owned AEDs and their locations.  
• Inform emergency services of the location of all University-owned AEDs.  
• Conduct and document semi-annual and annual inspections to verify that all AEDs are in   
compliance with this program.  
• Act as a liaison between the University and manufacturers to assist with AED maintenance and   
compliance issues.  
• Maintain inspection records and AED tracking database.  
• Ensure operation and maintenance of each AED in complete accordance with regulatory   
requirements, manufacturers’ recommendations and this program.  
Authorized AEDs  
EHS recommends the acquisition and use of the following AED:  
• Zoll AED Plus, this unit and its pads are compatible with the equipment used by all emergency   
responders on the Arkansas State Campus.  
In Case of an Emergency  
When personnel on campus are notified of a medical emergency, they should call the appropriate   
emergency number to report the emergency:  
• 911 from an on campus phone or cell  
• 972-2093 University Police  
The caller should provide authorities with the following information:  
• Type of emergency,  
• Physical street address of facility,  
• Location of emergency,  
• Phone number they are calling from,  
• Further information as requested.  
Someone should meet and direct emergency responders to the incident location.  
Returning AED to Service after Use  
After the use of an AED, it must be returned to the Department of Safety and Emergency Management.   
There, the following activities will need to be completed to return the unit to service:  
• Check and replenish supplies as appropriate.  
• Clean and disinfect the device.  
• Check the device and housing for cracks or other damage.  
• Return the AED to its designated location with appropriate supplies

# Aerial/Scissor Lift Safety Procedure

Overview  
Aerial lifts are commonly used in construction, inspection, athletic events and repair services to lift   
University employees to an elevated work position. Proper operation and use of aerial lifts can make   
completion of tasks at elevation, safer and more efficient. However, unsafe use, operation and aerial lift   
work practices can result in serious injury. This program has been developed due to the hazards   
associated with improper use and the university’s concern for the safety of individuals in and around   
this type of equipment. In addition, this program outlines general, operating, maintenance, inspection   
and training requirements governing safe aerial lift use at the University.  
Policy  
Departments using aerial lifts must ensure that supervisors and operators comply with all aspects of this   
safety program. All university employees must successfully complete a training program, and receive   
certification prior to the operation of any aerial lift. Contractors operating aerial lifts on university   
projects are expected to meet or exceed the requirements found in this program, and comply with all   
applicable statues and regulations governing the use of powered industrial trucks as listed in next   
section of this document.  
Requirements  
Several OSHA regulations and ANSI standards apply to aerial lifts and include provisions for design,   
operator training, and safe operating practices, these include:  
• 29 CFR 1910.67 (Vehicle Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms)  
• 29 CFR 1926.453 (Aerial Lifts)  
• 29 CFR 1926.451 & .452 (Scaffolds)  
• 29 CFR 1926.20 (General Safety and Health Provisions)  
• 29 CFR 1926.21 (Safety Training and Education)  
• Section 5 of the OSHA Act, commonly referred to as the “General Duty Clause.”  
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI), A92.3, Manually Propelled   
Elevating Aerial Platforms  
• ANSI, A92.6, Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms  
• ANSI, A92.2, Vehicle Mounted Elevating and Rotating Aerial Devices  
• ANSI, A92.5, Boom-Supported Elevating Work Platforms  
Purpose  
This program has been developed to reduce the risk of physical injury or property damage in areas   
where aerial lifts are in operation. It also brings the university into compliance with federal, state, and   
local law.  
Scope  
This program applies to the operation of all aerial lifts operated by university employee. Please see   
Appendix B – Examples of Aerial Lifts for specific examples. Please list below the types of lifts used by   
the department.  
Aerial Lift Procedures  
Pre-use Inspection  
• Prior to the operation of any aerial lift the Pre-Use Inspection Checklist found in Appendix A   
must be completed. This applies at the beginning of every work period, and whenever a new   
equipment operator takes control of the aerial lift.   
• Any safety defects (such as hydraulic fluid leaks; defective brakes, steering, lights, or horn;   
and/or missing fire extinguisher, lights, seat belt, or back-up alarm) must be reported.  
General Safe Work Practices  
• Operators shall not wear any loose clothing or any accessory that can catch in moving parts.   
• Before machine is started, the operator must walk completely around the machine to ensure   
everyone and everything is clear of the machine.  
• Articulating boom and extendable boom platforms, primarily designed as personnel carriers,   
shall have both platform (upper) and lower controls. Upper controls shall be in or beside the   
platform within easy reach of the operator. Lower controls shall provide for overriding the   
upper controls. Controls shall be plainly marked as to their function. Lower level controls shall   
not be operated unless permission has been obtained from the employee in the lift, except in   
case of emergency.  
• Modifications and additions that may affect the capacity or safe operation of an aerial/scissor   
lift are strictly prohibited without the manufacturer’s written approval. Capacity, operation, and   
maintenance instruction markings will be changed as necessary if the manufacturer approves a   
modification.   
• The insulated portion (if applicable) of an aerial / scissor lift shall not be altered in any manner   
that might reduce its insulating value.   
• Any signs, plates, or decals which are missing or illegible must be replaced.   
• If the aerial / scissor lift becomes disabled, a “out of service” tag or equivalent shall be attached   
to the controls inside the platform in a conspicuous location.   
• Aerial/scissor lift devices with noted, reported deficiencies shall not be operated until repairs   
are made and equipment is authorized for use.   
• Operators must report all accidents, regardless of fault and severity, to their Supervisor.  
Safe Work Practices Before Operation  
• Consideration shall be given to the amount of wind. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction   
regarding operation in windy conditions. As a general rule aerial lifts shall not be operated in   
winds exceeding 25mph although this can vary depending on the model of equipment   
• At 25mph wind speeds or anticipated gusts, lifts will be grounded.   
• If at any time, video personnel/staff feels unsafe in lifts, they may make decision to ground the   
lifts and cease with videotaping games or practices…no questions asked.   
• Guardrails must be installed and access gates or openings must be closed before raising the   
platform.  
• Boom and platform load limits specified by the manufacturer shall not be exceeded.   
• Before moving an aerial lift for travel, the boom(s) shall be inspected to see that it is properly   
cradled and outriggers are in stowed position (if equipped).   
• Consideration shall be given to the protection of bystanders via barricading, having another   
employee keep bystanders at a safe distance or by other means.   
• Aerial lifts shall not be operated from trucks, scaffolds, or similar equipment.   
• ANSI and OSHA standards specify minimum safe distances that are to be maintained while   
working in an aerial lift, as indicated in the table below. If these distances cannot be achieved,   
do NOT use the equipment.  
<50 KV 10 ft  
50 - <199 KV 15 ft  
200 – 349 KV 20 ft  
350 – 499 KV 25 ft  
500 – 749 KV 35 ft  
750 – 1000 KV 45 ft  
Safe Operation  
• Attention shall be given towards the direction of travel, clearances above, below and on all   
sides.   
• Employees shall not sit or climb on the guardrails of the aerial lift.  
• Planks, ladders or other devices shall not be used on the work platform.   
• An aerial lift shall not be moved when the boom is elevated in a working position with   
employees in the basket.  
• Aerial lift shall not be placed against another object to steady the elevated platform.   
• Aerial lift shall not be used as a crane or other lifting device.   
• Aerial lift devices shall not be operated on grades, side slopes or ramps that exceed the   
manufacturer's recommendations.   
• The brakes shall be set and outriggers, when used, shall be positioned on pads or a solid surface.   
• Speed of aerial lift devices shall be limited according to the conditions of the ground surface,   
congestion, visibility, slope, location of personnel and other factors that may cause hazards to   
other nearby personnel.   
• Stunt driving and horseplay shall not be permitted.   
• Booms and elevated platform devices shall not be positioned in an attempt to jack the wheels   
off the ground.  
• The area surrounding the elevated platform shall be cleared of personnel and equipment prior   
to lowering the elevated platform.   
• All equipment must be secured on the inside of the aerial lift   
• Operators are to call for assistance if the platform or any part of the machine becomes   
entangled.  
Safe Work Practices After Operation  
• Safe shutdown shall be achieved by utilizing a suitable parking area, placing the platform in the   
stowed position, placing controls in neutral, idling engine for gradual cooling, turning off   
electrical power, and taking the necessary steps to prevent unauthorized use.   
• Aerial lifts shall be shut off prior to fueling. Fueling must be completed in well ventilated areas   
free of flames, sparks or other hazards which may cause fires or explosions.  
Changing and Charging Batteries   
• Battery charging installations must be located in areas designated for that purpose   
• Facilities must provide for: flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte, fire protection,   
protection of charging apparatus from damage by trucks, adequate ventilation for dispersal of   
fumes from gassing batteries.   
• Precautions must be taken to prevent open flames, sparks, or electric arcs in battery charging   
areas.   
• Employees charging and changing batteries shall be authorized to do the work, trained in the   
proper handling, and required to wear protective clothing, including face shields, long sleeves,   
rubber boots, aprons, and gloves.   
Maintenance   
• Any aerial lift not in safe operating condition must be removed from service. Authorized   
personnel must make all repairs.   
• Repairs to the fuel and ignition systems of aerial lifts that involve fire hazards must be   
conducted only in locations designated for such repairs.   
• Aerial lifts in need of repairs to the electrical system must have the battery disconnected   
before such repairs.   
Responsibilities   
Departments Utilizing Powered Industrial Trucks   
• Must implement and administer the Aerial Lift Safety program.   
• Review the Aerial Lift Safety program annually for compliance and effectiveness.   
• Verify that all employees who operate or work near aerial lifts are properly trained.   
• Maintain written records of operator training on each model of aerial lift and the name of   
the trainer.   
• Maintain written records of all inspections performed by the aerial lift owner, including the   
date any problems found, the date when fixed, and the name of the person performing the   
repairs.   
• Maintain written records of the name and purchaser of each aerial lift.   
• Make recommendations for revisions if necessary.   
• Establish expected operating conditions for aerial lift and send to OHS to review prior to   
operation.  
Supervisors   
• Coordinate employee training, and certify that all operators receive annual training including,   
but not limited to, the items listed in the training section of this document.   
• Ensure that only trained and qualified individuals use aerial lifts.   
• Verify employee compliance with the principles and practices outlined in the   
Aerial Lift Safety Program.   
• Provide specific operational training for each aerial lift.  
• Observe the operation of aerial lifts, and correct unsafe practices.   
Operators   
• Read the Aerial Lift Safety Program.   
• Complete the Daily Pre-Use Inspection Checklist before operating any aerial lift.   
• At least annually review the procedures outlined in this document.   
• Observe the operation of the aerial lift, and report unsafe practices to your supervisor.   
Environmental, Health and Safety  
• Annually review and update the Aerial Lift Safety Program as necessary.   
• Provide orientation and initial training as requested by university departments and/or   
contractors.   
• Provide the general safety training requirements for program.   
• Monitor the effectiveness of program by receipt of copies of inspection checklists.   
• Evaluate designated areas for aerial lift use.   
• Define appropriate eyewash facilities for battery changing/charging areas.   
• Observe the operation of aerial lifts, and report unsafe practices to the appropriate supervisor.  
Training Requirements   
• Employees who are authorized to operate aerial lifts must receive training prior to engaging in   
their duties, and at least every three (3) years thereafter. The training is to ensure that the   
Aerial Lift Safety Program is understood.   
• The supervisor will also ensure that authorized aerial lift operators have acquired the necessary  
practical skills required for safe operation.   
• Training is offered by Environmental, Health and Safety and the department in possession of the   
lift. The department will perform an operational training with each employee to determine if   
operators have the knowledge, training, and skills necessary to use the aerial lift. Operational   
training will consist of a combination of general safety instruction, practical/operational training   
(demonstrations performed by the trainer, and practical exercises performed by the trainee),   
and evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace.   
• All operational training must be conducted under close supervision.   
Initial Training   
• Receive instruction on the intended purpose and function of each control.   
• Prior to operating any Aerial Lift the trainee will read and understand the manufacturer's   
operating instruction(s) and aerial lift procedures, or receive training by a qualified person on   
the contents of the manufacturer's operating instruction(s) and users safety rules.   
• Be informed of the Aerial Lift operating limitations and restrictions as defined by the   
manufacturer.   
• Understand by reading or having a qualified person explain all decals, warnings, and instructions   
displayed on the Aerial Lift.   
• During operational training, trainees may operate an aerial lift only under the direct supervision   
of authorized trainers, and where such operation does not endanger the trainee or other   
employees.   
• All training and evaluation must be completed before an operator is permitted to use an aerial   
lift without continual and close supervision.   
Annual Training – must include at least the following   
• Review of the Aerial Lift Inspection & Maintenance Record   
• Updated information on new equipment.   
• Review of university written program.  
Training Records   
• Each department must maintain a record of all individual training, including:   
o Subject of training.   
o Date of training.   
o Name of individual trained.   
o Name of supervisor or Occupational Health and Safety person providing the training.   
o Training records must maintained by the department for a minimum of 3 years.   
Program Evaluation   
• The aerial lift program shall be evaluated on an annual basis utilizing the protocols set forth by   
Occupational Health and Safety. The evaluation team will consist of a department   
representative and a designee from Environmental, Health and Safety. Environmental, Health   
and Safety will define the scope of the evaluation. The final report will be developed by the   
department representative and EHS utilizing the information received during the evaluation. The   
deficiencies determined in the report will be documented and corrective action plans will be   
developed.  
Example of Aerial Lifts  
Appendix A  
Aerial/Scissor Lift Hands-On Operator Training Evaluation Form  
Trainee Name: Work Unit:  
Evaluator Name: Department:  
Equipment Manufacturer: Date:  
Model:  
NOTE: Hands-On Operator Training must be completed for   
each type of aerial lift utilized.  
Step Evaluation N/A Pass Fail  
1\. Pre-use   
equipment   
inspection   
Including but not limited to: safety devices,   
air/hydraulic/fuel system for leaks, cable/wiring   
harnesses for damage, loose/missing parts, tires   
and wheels, placards/warnings/and control   
markings, outriggers/stabilizers and other   
structures, guardrail system, other items as   
specified in owner’s manual.  
2\. Inspect   
Worksite  
Including but not limited to: drop-offs or holes,   
slopes, bumps and floor obstructions, debris,   
overhead obstructions and electrical hazards,   
inadequate surface and support to withstand all   
load forces, wind and weather conditions,   
presence of bystanders, other unsafe conditions.  
3\. Function test   
of lower   
control station.  
Done to determine if there are any malfunctions.  
4\. Utilize fall   
protection   
equipment  
Face the machine. Maintain 3 point contact with   
ladder/hand rails (two hands, one foot OR two   
feet, one hand).  
5\. Function test   
of bucket /   
platform /   
basket control   
station.  
Done to determine if there are any malfunctions.  
6\. Drive and   
creep / inch   
forward and   
reverse.  
Move approximately 10 feet in a driving mode.   
Creep approximately 5 feet. Verify unit balance   
and stability.  
Step Evaluation N/A Pass Fail  
7\. Turn vehicle   
360 degrees   
right and left.  
Minimum disturbance of aerial lift platform. Verify   
unit balance and stability.  
8\. Boom up &   
down, in & out.  
Fully extend, fully raise. Minimum disturbance of   
aerial platform. Verify unit balance and stability.  
9\. Rotate/swing   
boom 360   
degrees in   
each direction.  
Minimum disturbance of aerial platform. Verify   
unit balance and stability.  
10\. Tilt   
platform in   
each direction.  
Minimum disturbance of aerial platform. Verify   
unit balance and stability.  
11\. Turn off   
machine using   
emergency   
stop function.  
Locate and use emergency stop function.  
12\. Park and   
shutdown   
aerial lift.  
Minimum disturbance of aerial platform. Verify   
unit balance and stability.  
13\. Dismount   
safely. Face   
the machine   
when   
dismounting.  
Maintain 3 point contact with ladder/handrails (two   
hands, one foot OR two feet, one hand)  
14\.   
Deploy/setup   
and store   
outriggers.  
Follow manufacturer’s guidance. Refer to owner’s   
manual.  
15\. Comments Must be included for all “Failed” tasks. If task is failed the evaluator   
must explain what was done incorrectly and have the trainee repeat   
the task until it is completed correctly.  
Trainee   
Signature  
Evaluator   
Signature  
Appendix B  
PRE-USE: AERIAL / SCISSOR LIFT INSPECTION CHECKLIST  
Equipment Make/Model: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_   
Serial Number: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_  
□ Owner’s manual legible and stored inside the container located on the   
platform.  
□ All decals legible and in place.  
□ Fluid levels checked. (Hydraulic oil, engine oil, coolant, etc)   
□ Structural and other critical components present and all associated   
fasteners and pins in place.  
□ Battery packs in place, properly connected and not leaking.  
□ Compartment covers in place.  
Check the following components or areas for damage, modifications, and improperly   
installed or missing parts:   
□ Electrical components, wiring, and electrical cables  
□ Hydraulic power unit, reservoir, hoses, fittings, cylinders, and manifolds  
□ Drive and turntable motors and torque hubs  
□ Boom wear pads  
□ Tire and wheels  
□ Limit switches, warning alarms, and horn  
□ Nuts, bolts, and other fasteners  
□ Gauges  
□ Beacon and lights  
□ Fall Protection Devices (railing, gates, toe boards, anchor/connecting  
points, etc)  
Check entire machine for:  
□ Cracks in welds or structural components  
□ Dents or damage to machine  
Equipment operation:  
□ Test all controls for proper operation  
Comments:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_  
Month:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Year:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

# Asbestos Safety Program

Introduction  
Arkansas State University’s Department of Environmental, Health, Safety and Risk Management along   
with the Facilities Department has developed this Program to identify practices and procedures for the   
management of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in all University buildings in accordance with OSHA   
29 CFR 1926.1101 and 1910.1001.  
Scope   
This Program covers all work activities that have the potential to disturb asbestos-containing materials.   
Those activities include routine maintenance and operation activities; renovations or demolition; new   
construction-related activities; information technology services; electronic security services; and   
abatement activities for damaged asbestos-containing materials (ACM) or for other activities in which   
contact with ACM may occur.   
Responsibilities   
Department of Environmental, Health, Safety and Risk Management   
• Developing and maintaining the Asbestos Management Program;  
• Conducting field inspections of renovation and demolition projects to assist in the identification   
of the presence and location of asbestos-containing materials;   
• Conducting basic asbestos awareness training;  
• Attending renovation and demolition project meetings;  
• Ensuring asbestos-related project work is completed according to specifications and regulations;  
Facilities Planning, Design and Construction   
• Notifying EHS of projects that have the potential to disturb suspect asbestos-containing   
materials;  
• Collaborating with EHS to design and schedule asbestos abatement during project work;  
• Disclosing the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) to contractors and/or vendors;   
and  
• Notifying EHS of building occupant concerns related to potential asbestos exposure.  
Facilities Operations   
• Notifying EHS when work activities may disturb suspect asbestos-containing materials;  
• Notifying EHS in the case of an emergency where there is a potential for fiber release from   
damaged ACM;  
• Disclosing the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) to contractors and/or vendors;  
• Notifying EHS of building occupant concerns related to potential asbestos exposure.  
Employees   
• Reporting damaged suspect building materials to EHS for the respective campus;  
• Avoiding the disturbance of known asbestos-containing materials and building materials; and  
• Attending training if required.  
Definitions   
Asbestos: a naturally occurring fibrous mineral which is mined from the earth as one of many varieties   
including chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthrophyllite and actinolite. It is different from   
other minerals in that its crystals form long, thin, needle like fibers. Its high tensile strength, resistance   
to heat and chemicals make it an ideal binder in certain building materials.  
Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM): any building material containing greater than 1 percent asbestos.  
The Environmental Protection Agency identifies 3 basic categories of ACBM:  
1\. Thermal system insulation, such as pipe cover, pipe fitting cover, tank cover, boiler cover;  
2\. Surfacing materials, such as spray-on fire proofing, troweled on or spray-on acoustic treatments;   
and  
3\. Miscellaneous, such as floor tile, mastic, ceiling tile, roofing, and transite.  
Class I Asbestos Work: activities involving the removal of thermal system insulation and surfacing ACM   
and PACM.  
Class II Asbestos Work: activities involving the removal of ACM that is not thermal system insulation or   
surfacing material. This includes, but is not limited to, the removal of asbestos-containing wallboard,   
floor tile and sheeting, roofing and siding shingles, and construction mastics.  
Class III Asbestos Work: repair and maintenance operations, where asbestos-containing materials are   
likely to be disturbed.  
Class IV Asbestos Work: maintenance and custodial activities during which employees contact but do   
not disturb asbestos-containing materials or presumed asbestos-containing materials, and activities to   
clean up dust, waste, and debris results from Class I, II, and III activities.  
Maintenance Groups: Facility Operations, Physical Plant, or other University departments that conduct   
renovations and maintenance activities.  
Presumed Asbestos Containing Materials (PACM): thermal system insulation and surfacing material   
found in buildings constructed no later than 1980.  
Suspect Asbestos Containing Materials: applications or materials not clearly defined as “presumed   
asbestos containing material” that are suspected of being asbestos-containing. This includes materials   
commonly known to have been manufactured with asbestos, such as paper products, cloth and woven   
products, cement products, various matrix products, inadvertent asbestos contamination, and   
miscellaneous products and consumer products possibly containing asbestos.  
General Information  
Most of the university buildings have been surveyed for the presence and location of asbestoscontaining materials. Before disturbing any suspect asbestos-containing materials, contact EHS to   
determine if a material contains asbestos. Suspect asbestos-containing materials include, but are not   
limited to the following:  
Floor Tiles and   
associated mastic  
Ceiling Tile Wall Plaster  
Pipe Insulation Wall/Ceiling treatment (such as   
plaster and other textured or   
acoustical applications  
Spray-on Fireproofing  
Boiler insulation Roofing materials Transite lab hoods and bench   
tops  
Electrical panels Switch gear and panel boards Mastics of all types including   
carpet, chalkboard  
Fire Doors Duct insulation Gaskets and ropes  
Examples of activities that may result in the disturbance of suspect asbestos-containing materials   
include:  
• Removing or repairing floor tile;  
• Drilling into floor tile;  
• Removing or repairing ceiling tiles;  
• Removing pipe insulation or pipe joint compound to access pipes;  
• Creating holes in plaster ceilings or walls;  
• Removing floor tile and or carpet that has mastic underneath it; and/or  
• Removing or replacing windows  
Abatement Projects  
All asbestos abatement projects at Arkansas State University will be managed by the Facilities Planning,   
Design and Construction and shall be performed under controlled conditions by licensed asbestos   
abatement workers.   
Operations and maintenance activities   
EHS shall be notified of asbestos-related emergencies and when any activities will result in the   
disturbance of suspect asbestos-containing materials.  
University employees shall not remove or disturb any suspect asbestos-containing materials until the   
materials have been sampled and it has been determined that they do not contain asbestos.  
Removal of asbestos-containing materials will be conducted by a licensed Asbestos Abatement   
Contractor that has been approved by Facilities, Planning, Design and Construction and Arkansas Energy   
and Environment. Click here to search contractors and consultants.  
Operations and Maintenance Workflow   
When an employee is assigned a work order that may potentially disturb asbestos-containing materials,   
the employee shall contact the Facility Operations Supervisor to determine if the building material(s) to   
be impacted contain asbestos;  
The Facility Operations Supervisor shall determine if the materials contain asbestos by utilizing asbestos   
inspection records or by collecting a bulk sample and notifying EHS;  
If materials contain asbestos, a Notice of Intent (NOI) must be completed;  
“APC&EC Regulation 21 requires that, for any demolition (21.601 & 21.602) of a structure or part of a   
structure (even if no asbestos is present), the owner or operator submit a written Notice of Intent (NOI)   
to DEQ. An NOI is also required for various types of renovations; refer to Regulation 21 (21.603, 21.605,   
21.2223) for details. Additionally, a new NOI is required for a change in operator (21.610). NOIs for both   
demolition and renovation activities should be submitted at least 10 working days before any activity   
begins. Original NOIs should be hand delivered or postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, FedEx, or   
other commercial delivery service.” ~Arkansas Energy & Environment – Environmental Quality  
Click here for Asbestos Forms.  
Removal of asbestos-containing materials will be conducted by a licensed Asbestos Abatement   
Contractor. To search for contractors click here.  
Renovation, demolition, and construction projects   
Facilities Planning, Design and Construction and Project Managers shall notify EHS during the design   
phase of all renovation, demolition, or construction activities.  
Materials that will be disturbed during the project must be evaluated and tested to identify all asbestoscontaining materials.  
If it is determined that asbestos removal is required for the project to proceed, removal of asbestoscontaining materials will be conducted by a licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractor that has been   
approved by Facilities Planning, Design and Construction and EHS.  
Facilities Planning, Design and Construction and/or Project Managers shall be responsible for notifying   
building occupants of upcoming abatement activities.  
Training  
All employees who may come in contact with asbestos shall receive training. Training is required for all   
Facilities Operations and Maintenance staff, Facilities Planning, Design and Construction, and Project   
Managers.  
Employees shall be trained in the following by representatives from EH&S:  
• Asbestos standard (29 CFR 1910.1001);  
• Asbestos abatement projects;  
• Background information on asbestos;  
• Health effects related to asbestos exposure;  
• Preventing exposure to asbestos;  
• Methods for controlling asbestos fiber release; and  
• Asbestos abatement basics  
References  
OSHA 1910.1001  
OSHA 1926.1101  
ADEQ Asbestos Regulation

# Bloodborne Pathogens and Exposure Control Plan

**Purpose**  
The purpose of this [Plan](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/823) is to ensure that exposure of employees to blood or other potentially infectious materials is controlled and that those employees are properly trained. This plan is meant to meet the requirements of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29CFR1910.1030).

  
**Scope**  
This plan applies to all employees that may be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials as specified below.

  
**Roles and Responsibilities**

- **Employees**  
    It is the responsibility of the employees covered by this plan to know how to access this plan and to abide by the requirements herein.
- **Management/Faculty:**
    - It is the responsibility of management/faculty: 
        - To understand how this plan applies to their employees and to ensure that the plan is being followed including: 
            - Enrollment in medical surveillance;
            - Administration of the HBV vaccine and;
            - Completion of bloodborne pathogen training. Available in Taleo. Experienced faculty/staff may administer the bloodborne pathogen training in lieu of EHS training as long as the training covers all of the covered elements described later in this plan.
- **Environmental Health and Safety**
    - It is the responsibility of EHS: 
        - To ensure that this plan stays up to date,   
            • To provide training that meets the requirements of the bloodborne pathogen standard  
            • To provide the mechanism by which bloodborne pathogen exposures are reported and   
            • To assist departments in complying with the requirements of this plan.  
            Procedures  
            Exposure determination  
            The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard requires the employer to make a determination of what positions   
            have the potential for exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) as defined by   
            the standard (including human cell culture). The two classifications are defined below  
            Exposure Classification I: Job classifications where all employees may reasonably expect to be exposed   
            to blood or OPIM.  
            • Law Enforcement personnel   
            • Physicians and Nurses  
            • Employees designated to perform first aid  
            Exposure Classification II: Job classifications where some employees may reasonably expect to be   
            exposed to blood or OPIM (with the specific tasks given in parentheses).  
            • Clinical faculty and staff (that work with blood or OPIM)  
            • Research faculty and staff (that work with blood or OPIM)  
            • EHS personnel (that collect waste contaminated with blood or OPIM)  
            • Faculty and teaching assistants (that handle blood or OPIM)  
            Exposure Classification III: Job classifications that may encounter blood or OPIM but do not do so on a   
            routine basis.  
            • Custodians  
            • Facilities Maintenance staff  
            • Building managers  
            • EHS personnel (other than listed above)  
            • Research faculty and staff (other than listed above)  
            • Clinical faculty and staff (other than listed above)  
            • Faculty and teaching assistants (other than listed above)  
            Work that may result in exposure includes:  
            • Drawing or processing blood  
            • Processing human body fluids that are OPIM  
            • Performing human cell culture  
            • Picking up contaminated waste  
            • Performing first aid on an individual that is bleeding  
            • Cleaning areas or equipment contaminated with blood or OPIM  
            • Laundering materials contaminated with blood or OPIM  
            Safety Rules  
            • Assume all human and animal body fluids are infectious (Universal Precautions)  
            • Use engineering controls and work practices to eliminate or reduce employee exposure.   
            • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary as determined by a hazard   
            assessment. PPE may include gloves, lab coat or gown, facemask and face shield.  
            • Keep engineering controls in good working order and under current certification whenever   
            necessary. Report problems with engineering controls immediately.  
            • Make handwashing facilities readily available in areas where blood or OPIMs are present.  
            • Employees must wash hands immediately after PPE removal, i.e., gloves, and if there is any   
            contact with blood or OPIM.   
            • Needles should be used one-time only. Contaminated needles and other sharps shall not be   
            bent, recapped, or removed unless there is no alternative and, in the case of recapping or   
            removal, a one-handed method or mechanical device must be used.   
            • Contaminated sharps must be disposed of in containers that are puncture resistant, labeled or   
            color-coded properly, leak-proof on sides and bottom, and closable on top.  
            • Eating, drinking, smoking, chewing, applying lip balm or cosmetics, and handling contact lenses   
            are prohibited in areas where blood or OPIM are present.  
            • Food and drink shall not be kept in refrigerators, freezers, shelves, cabinets or on countertops or   
            bench tops where blood or other potentially infectious materials are present.  
            • Splashing, spraying, spattering and droplet generation (aerosols) will be minimized by using   
            centrifuge covers and other techniques designed to reduce aerosol formation.   
            • Mouth pipetting is prohibited.  
            • Blood specimens or OPIM are transported and stored in leak-proof containers.   
            • Equipment is decontaminated with disinfectant included in Arkansas State University List of   
            Approved Disinfectants for Use against Bloodborne Pathogens prior to servicing. This list is   
            derived from the registered disinfectants that appear on both EPA List E and EPA List F.   
            • Each work area handling bloodborne pathogens must have a written cleaning schedule including   
            autoclaving, decontamination procedure using Arkansas State University List of Approved   
            Disinfectants for Use against Bloodborne Pathogens, and laundry handling. The supervisor is   
            responsible for this schedule. An autoclave must also be conveniently available.   
            • Each supervisor is responsible for reviewing the effectiveness of the individual controls, and   
            making corrections to conform to the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.   
            Personal Protective Equipment  
            Required personal protective equipment shall be used in accordance with a performed hazard   
            assessment. The assessment may be done by the person in charge of the area (faculty or manager) or   
            the EHS director. The EHS director must approve the level of PPE used.  
            • Disposable PPE should be used whenever possible.  
            • Reusable PPE shall be laundered on the premises whenever contamination is suspected. No PPE   
            may be taken home to be laundered.  
            • PPE shall be supplied, replaced and cleaned at no cost to the employee.  
            Training  
            • All employees in exposure classification I, II or III must complete BBP training as early as   
            practicable. Additional in-person training may be performed by a faculty or staff member   
            knowledgeable on the subject or by the EHS director.   
            • All the employees must take an annual refresher either in person or online.  
            The training that is given must include each of the following elements:  
            • Explanation of epidemiology, symptoms, and transmission modes of bloodborne diseases.   
            • How to recognize bloodborne hazards.   
            • How to prevent or reduce exposure.   
            • How to minimize aerosol production.   
            • Handling needles properly.   
            • Information and instruction on Personal Protective Equipment location, selection, removal,   
            decontamination, and disposal.   
            • Instruction on hand washing procedures.   
            • Information on biological waste handling and disposal.   
            • Information on the Hepatitis B vaccine.  
            In-person training, provides opportunity for interactive questions and answers with a technicallyqualified person.   
            • Explanation of the contents of Standard 1910.1030.   
            • Explanation of and access to the Exposure Control Plan.  
            • Information on the appropriate actions to take and persons to contact in an emergency   
            involving blood or other potentially infectious materials.  
            • Explanation of color coding and labeling per 1910.1030(g).  
            • Handling of biological waste.   
            Training records should be kept by the individual giving the training and supplied upon request.  
            Hepatitis B Vaccine  
            Employees in exposure classification I or II or those newly assigned to either of these classifications will   
            be offered the HBV vaccination within 10 working days of initial assignment.   
            • The employee may decline the vaccination by signing the Hepatitis B Vaccine Status Form.   
            • The cost(s) of the vaccinations will be borne by the employee’s department.   
            • The employees that receive the vaccination may not work with blood or OPIM until at least 10   
            days after receiving the first of the three HBV injections.  
            • Employees that were born in 1995 or after may have had the HBV vaccine series as a child. This   
            must be confirmed by the employee and noted in the record.  
            Exposure Procedure  
            IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING EXPOSURE  
            Exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials that could result in infection with a   
            bloodborne pathogen can happen by one of two routes:  
            • Puncture with a contaminated needle or other sharp object or  
            • Blood or OPIM entering the open wound of the exposed individual.  
            If the exposure is the result of a medical emergency, the employee should be taken to the nearest   
            emergency medical center. The steps following may take place after the employee has been taken for   
            emergency medical care.  
            • If an exposure occurs, the exposed employee must immediately report the exposure to his or   
            her supervisor.   
            • The supervisor should immediately call the Injury Nurse Hotline (855-339-1893) to report the   
            exposure.   
            • The employee should receive medical attention as soon as possible. CDC recommendations   
            state that prophylaxis is most effective when initiated within two hours of the incident;   
            therefore, it is imperative that the employee go to one of the below listed medical facilities   
            providing services for the Workers’ Compensation program as soon as possible.  
            • The supervisor and employee must complete all of the steps required by the Workman’s   
            Compensation procedure after this point. For more information on this procedure, go to:   
            http://www.astate.edu/a/ehs/workers-comp/  
            Post-Exposure Follow-up  
            The results of the medical evaluation are to be strictly confidential between the healthcare professional   
            and employee. The exposed employee’s supervisor will obtain a written notice from the healthcare   
            professional and provide a copy to the employee following completion of the medical evaluation. The   
            notice will not contain any findings or diagnoses. The notice to the supervisor should contain the   
            following:  
            • A statement that the employee has been notified of the evaluation results  
            • A statement that the employee has been notified of any medical conditions that may arise f

# Universal Waste Disposal

[Universal Waste Pickup Request • CampusOptics](https://astate.campusoptics.com/hw/universal-pickup)

# Cold Weather safety program

Recognition, Management and Prevention of Cold Exposure  
The human body's mechanisms of heat retention are significantly less efficient than our ability to   
dissipate heat. Epidemiological research suggests that even in otherwise innocuous environmental   
conditions, hypothermia can occur. During the day, the temperature may be moderate and the sun   
shining, but as the sun sets and the temperature begins to fall, when coupled with conditions of   
exhaustion, dehydration and wet clothing associated with physical activity, the risk of cold-related   
pathology can increase.  
Understanding the mechanisms of heat retention and production are essential to the prevention and   
management of cold-related illnesses and injuries:  
• Vasoconstriction - Decreases blood flow to the periphery to prevent loss of body heat.  
• Shivering - While involuntary shivering generates heat through increased muscle activity, it may   
also hinder an athlete's sport performance and ability to perform behavioral tasks to aid in heat   
retention.  
• Activity increase - Increases heat production through a general increase in metabolic activity.   
Quick bouts of intense activity can generate incredible amounts of heat.  
• Behavioral responses - Adjusting the number and type of clothing layers will result in heat   
regulation by controlling the amount of heat lost by the body.  
There are two cold-related pathologies that people should be aware of: hypothermia and frostbite.  
• Hypothermia is defined as a decrease in the core body temperature to at least 95 degrees F. It   
occurs when the heat loss is greater than the metabolic and heat production. Hypothermia can   
be categorized in three stages: mild, moderate and severe, based on core body temperature.  
• Frostbite is a thermal injury to the skin, which can result from prolonged exposure to moderate   
cold or brief exposure to extreme cold. The body areas most prone to frostbite are the hands,   
feet, nose, ears and cheeks. Frostbite can be classified into three basic categories: frostnip,   
superficial frostbite and deep frostbite.  
There are several factors influencing one's susceptibility or risk of cold related injury or illness. These   
factors can be additive. Thus, it is essential to appreciate each of these factors, along with the associated   
signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite. For example, exposure to 30 degrees - 50 degrees   
temperature under wet and windy conditions can be equivalent to sub-zero temperatures with no wind   
or moisture (see the Wind Chill Index chart at the bottom of this page).  
Risk Factors  
• Low air temperature - When cold exposure exceeds or overwhelms the body's ability to   
compensate for heat loss due to the external environment.  
• Wind chill - Figure 1 provides a wind-chill index chart that identifies the risks associated with the   
interaction of the wind speed and air temperatures.  
• Moisture - Wet skin freezes at a higher temperature than dry skin.  
• Exposed skin - Heat loss occurs primarily through convection and radiation to the external   
environment, but may also include evaporation if the skin is moist. This is a concern for those   
exercising and sweating in cold environments.  
• Insulation - The amount of insulation from cold and moisture significantly affects   
thermoregulation.  
• Dehydration - Negatively influences metabolism and thermoregulation.  
• Alcohol - Increases peripheral blood flow and heat loss; can also disrupt the shivering   
mechanism.  
• Caffeine - Acts as a diuretic, causing water loss and dehydration  
• Tobacco - Acts as a vasoconstrictor; increasing the risk of frostbite.  
Hypothermia  
Hypothermia is a decrease in core body temperature  
Recognition  
Overview:  
• Mild Hypothermia - shivering, cold sensation, goose bumps, numb hands.  
• Moderate Hypothermia - intense shivering, muscle incoordination, slow and labored   
movements, mild confusion, difficulty speaking, signs of depression, withdrawn.  
• Severe Hypothermia - shivering stops, exposed skin is bluish and puffy, inability to walk, poor   
muscle coordination, muscle rigidity, decrease in pulse and respiration rate, unconsciousness.  
Details:  
Stage Core Temperatures   
in Degrees  
Signs and Symptoms  
Mild Hypothermia 99-97 F Normal, shivering may begin  
97-95 F Cold sensation, goose bumps, unable to perform   
complex tasks with hands, shiver can be mild to   
severe, hands numb.  
Moderate Hypothermia 95-93 F Intense shivering, muscle in-coordination   
becomes apparent, movements slow and   
labored, stumbling pace, mild confusion, may   
appear alert.  
93-90 F Violent shivering persist, difficulty speaking,   
sluggish thinking, amnesia starts to appear,   
gross muscle movements sluggish, unable to use   
hands, stumbles frequently, signs of depression,   
withdrawn.  
Severe Hypothermia 90-86 F Shivering stops, exposed skin blue or puffy,   
muscle coordination very poor, inability to walk,   
confusion, incoherent/irrational behavior, but   
may be able to maintain posture and   
appearance of awareness.  
86-82 F Muscle rigidity, semiconscious, stupor, loss of   
awareness of others, pulse and respiration rate   
decrease, possible heart fibrillation.  
82-78 F Unconscious, heart beat and respiration erratic,   
pulse may not be palpable.  
78-75 F Pulmonary edema, cardiac and respiratory   
failure, death. Death may occur before this   
temperature is reached.  
Management  
The basic principles of rewarming victims of hypothermia are to conserve the heat they have, and   
replace the heat that they have already lost. The best method to determine the extent of core   
temperature loss is measurement of rectal temperature. Unfortunately, obtaining a rectal temperature   
reading on a moderately or severely hypothermic patient can be difficult, and may expose the person to   
further cooling.  
Overview:  
• Remove person from cold environment.  
• Remove wet clothing and replace with dry clothing and/or blankets.  
• Refer all moderate cases to the emergency room once safe to transport.  
• Treat severe hypothermia as a medical emergency! Wrap the person in an insulated blanket and   
see emergency medical care immediately.  
Details: The following describes the management regimes for hypothermia relative to severity.  
• Mild hypothermia - Seek dry shelter; replace wet clothing, insulate whole body and head, avoid   
sweating, use external warmth (bath, fire) only if core above 95 degrees F, give warm sweet   
drinks and food.  
• Moderate hypothermia - Avoid exercise and external warmth, gently rest, give warm sweet   
drinks and calories, internal warming via warm moist air, monitor pulse and breathing.  
• Severe hypothermia - Medical emergency, give nothing by mouth, wrap in an insulated blanket,   
avoid rapid rewarming, transfer to hospital immediately.  
Frostbite  
Thermal injury to the skin caused by cold exposure.  
Recognition  
Stage Signs and Symptoms  
Frostnip Only the outer layer of skin is frozen. Skin appears white and waxy or possibly   
gray or mottled. It may have sensation or may be numb. May be painful.  
Superficial Frostbite Skin appears white, mottled or gray. It feels hard or rubbery on the surface,   
but deeper tissue is still soft. Skin is insensitive to touch.  
Deep Frostbite  
Management  
It is very important to note that refreezing newly thawed frostbitten tissue can cause extensive tissue   
damage. If it is not absolutely certain that the tissue will stay warm after rewarming, do not rewarm it.   
Once the tissue is frozen, the major harm has been done. Keeping it frozen for a longer period of time   
will not cause significant additional damage.  
Overview:  
• Do not rub the area.  
• Gently rewarm the area by blowing warm air onto the area, placing the area against a warm   
body part, or placing the affected area into warm (101 - 108 degrees F) water for several   
minutes.  
• If not absolutely certain that the tissue will stay warm after rewarming, do not rewarm it.   
Refreezing newly thawed frostbitten tissue can cause extensive tissue damage!  
• If a person is also suffering from hypothermia, the first concern is core rewarming.  
Details: The following describes the management of frostbite relative to severity.  
• Frostnip - Rewarm the area gently by blowing warm air onto the area or placing it against a   
warm body part or place in a warm (101 degrees - 108 degrees F) water bath for several   
minutes. Never rub the area. This can damage the affected tissue by increasing the friction on   
the ice crystals in the cell, causing tearing of the tissue.  
• Superficial frostbite - If a small area is involved, it can be treated the same as indicated for   
frostnip; if it is a larger area, follow the management for deep frostbite.  
• Deep frostbite - Rewarm by removing restrictive clothing and immersing the affected body part   
in a water bath of 105 degrees - 110 degrees F for 25-40 minutes. Refer deeply frostbitten   
individuals to the emergency room. Do not rewarm the tissue unless absolutely certain that it   
will stay warm after rewarming.  
Prevention  
The best method of management is prevention.  
• Dress in layers.  
• Cover the head to prevent excessive heat loss from the head and neck.  
• Stay dry by wearing a wicking fabric next to the body and a breathable, water repellent outer   
layer.  
• Stay adequately hydrated.  
• Eat regular meals.  
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine.  
• Educate faculty, students, staff, and administrators in recognition of cold-related illnesses

- if unsure whether an indivudual is hypothermic, err on the side of caution and treat accordingly

# Compressed gas safety

General  
According to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard,  
“Compressed gas” means:  
1\. A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding 40 psi at 70   
deg. F (21.1 deg. C); or  
2\. A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding 104 psi at 130   
deg. F (54.4 deg. C) regardless of the pressure at 70 deg. F (21.1 deg. C); or  
3\. A liquid having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi at 100 deg. F (37.8 deg. C) as determined by   
ASTM D-323-72.  
Compressed gases can be toxic, flammable, oxidizing, corrosive, or inert. In the event of a leak, inert   
gases can quickly displace air in a large area creating an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, toxic gases can   
create poison atmospheres, and flammable or reactive gases can result in fire and exploding cylinders. In   
addition, there are hazards from the pressure of the gas and the physical weight of the cylinder. A gas  
cylinder falling over can break containers and crush feet. The cylinder can itself become a missile if the   
cylinder valve is broken off.  
Compressed gases can cause fires, explosions, oxygen deficient atmospheres, toxic gas exposures as well   
as the innate physical hazard associated with cylinders under high pressure. Special storage, use,   
handling and disposal procedures are necessary to ensure the safety of researchers using these   
chemicals and equipment.  
General Cylinder Safety  
• Accept only properly identified cylinders and do not rely on color codes.  
• Wear safety equipment appropriate for the hazard potential of the gas before beginning work.  
• If a cylinder or valve is noticeably corroded, the vendor should be contacted for instructions.  
• A leaking cylinder should be removed and isolated in a well-ventilated safe area. It may be   
necessary to call in trained emergency response personnel.  
• If the leak is at the junction of the cylinder valve and cylinder DO NOT try to repair! Instead,   
contact the supplier.  
Storage, Use and Handling  
• Properly secure cylinders in a well ventilated and protected area away from heat, flames, and   
the sun.  
• Segregated cylinders by hazard classes while in storage.  
• Discontinue use of the cylinder when it has at least 25 psi remaining; close valve to prevent air   
and moisture from entering. Return unused and empty cylinders to the vendor for reuse or refill.  
• Mark or tag empty cylinders “EMPTY”  
• All compressed gas cylinders must bear labels that clearly identify the contents.  
• Compressed gas cylinders must be in an upright position and supported at all times, whether full   
or empty. Acceptable methods of support include:  
o wall-mounted or bench-mounted gas cylinder brackets;  
o chains or belts anchored to walls or benches; and,  
o free-standing dollies or carts designed for gas cylinders and equipped with safety chains   
or belts.  
• Gas cylinders must have the valve protection cap in place except when in use.  
• Use appropriate dollies or hand trucks to move cylinders weighing more than 50 pounds.  
• Pressure regulators and gauges must be compatible with the cylinder valves. You may not use   
“cheaters” (adapters) instead of the correct regulator and gauge.  
DO NOT  
• DO NOT purchase more or larger cylinders than necessary;  
• DO NOT store flammable gases next to an exit or near oxygen cylinders;  
• DO NOT use copper fittings or tubing on acetylene tanks;  
• DO NOT use Teflon tape on cylinder or tube fitting connections, which have metal-to-metal face   
seals or gasket seals;  
• DO NOT permit oil or grease to contact cylinders or their valves, especially cylinders containing   
oxidizing gases.  
Disposal  
There are two general types of compressed gas cylinders: returnable (owned by the gas supplier, rental   
fee charged to the University) and non-returnable. Most suppliers will accept the return of their   
cylinders even if they are not empty. However, suppliers will not accept non-returnable cylinders under   
any circumstances. Disposal of non-returnable cylinders containing highly toxic or reactive gas can be   
very expensive. Therefore, purchase compressed gases in returnable cylinders if available. If nonreturnable cylinders are the only alternative, be prepared to pay for the cost of disposal.  
Regulatory citations and standards  
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.101 Compressed Gases (General Requirements)  
1910.101(a)  
“Inspection of compressed gas cylinders.” Each employer shall determine that compressed gas cylinders   
under his control are in a safe condition to the extent that this can be determined by visual inspection.   
Visual and other inspections shall be conducted as prescribed in the Hazardous Materials Regulations of   
the Department of Transportation (49 CFR parts 171-179 and 14 CFR part 103). Where those regulations   
are not applicable, visual and other inspections shall be conducted in accordance with Compressed Gas   
Association Pamphlets C-6-1968 and C-8-1962, which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec.   
1910.6.  
1910.101(b)  
“Compressed gases.” The in-plant handling, storage, and utilization of all compressed gases in cylinders,   
portable tanks, rail tank cars, or motor vehicle cargo tanks shall be in accordance with Compressed Gas   
Association Pamphlet P-1-1965, which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6.  
1910.101(c)  
“Safety relief devices for compressed gas containers.” Compressed gas cylinders, portable tanks, and   
cargo tanks shall have pressure relief devices installed and maintained in accordance with Compressed   
Gas Association Pamphlets S-1.1-1963 and 1965 addenda and S-1.2-1963, which is incorporated by   
reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6.  
Specific Gases  
• 1910.102 – Acetylene  
• 1910.103 – Hydrogen  
• 1910.104 – Oxygen  
• 1910.105 – Nitrous Oxide  
Department of Transportation  
The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) regulate the safe and secure transportation of hazardous   
materials in commerce.

# Confined space

1.0 Purpose  
The purpose of the A-State Confined Space Program is to establish procedures and   
methods for safe entry into confined spaces. This program includes all employees,   
students and contractors who may enter a confined space.  
This program provides the minimum accepted practices for working inside a confined   
space. All personnel involved in confined space entry will adhere to the requirements   
and procedures of this program. Confined space entry should only be performed when   
there is no alternative, less hazardous way to carry out the task. A-State evaluates their   
confined spaces and procedures, measures should be put into place to reduce the   
likelihood of someone being required to enter the confined spaces to perform work.  
2.0 Definitions  
2.1 Confined Space – An area that meets all of the following criteria:  
a. Is large enough and so configured that an individual can bodily enter and   
perform assigned work.  
b. Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, bag houses,   
vessels silos, storage bins, vaults, pits).  
c. Is not designed for continuous personnel occupancy.  
2.2 Entry – The action by which a person passes through an opening into a permitrequired confined space. Entry includes ensuing work activities in that space and   
is considered to have occurred as soon as any part of the entrant's body breaks   
the vertical or horizontal plane of an opening into the space.  
2.3 Entry Permit – A written or printed document that is provided by the employer to   
allow and control entry into a permit space.  
2.4 Entry Supervisor – A person responsible for determining if acceptable entry   
conditions are present in a permit space where entry is planned, completing and   
signing the entry permit, authorizing entry and overseeing entry operations, and  
terminating entry as required.  
2.5 Entry Team – Refers to the entire team assigned to a confined space, (entry   
supervisor, attendant, entrants, and the monitor.)  
2.6 Hazardous Atmosphere – An atmosphere that may expose individuals to the risk   
of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue from a permit space,   
injury or acute illness as the result of oxygen deficiency, toxic and/or flammable   
gases and vapors or any other atmospheric condition that is immediately   
dangerous to life or health.  
2.7 Isolation – The process of blanking or blinding, removing a section of line, duct or   
pipe, a double block and bleed, lock-out / tag-out of all sources of energy as may   
be required to protect a permit space against the release of energy and material   
into the space.  
2.8 Non-Permit Confined Space – A confined space that does not contain, or with   
respect to atmospheric hazards, does not have the potential to contain any   
hazard(s) capable of causing death or physical harm.  
2.9 Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere – An atmosphere containing less than 19.5   
percent or lower oxygen content by volume.  
2.10 Oxygen Enriched Atmosphere – An atmosphere that contains 23.5 percent or   
higher oxygen by volume.  
2.11 Retrieval System – the equipment (including a retrieval line, chest or full-body   
harness, rescue hook, wristlets, if appropriate, and a lifting device or anchor)   
used for non-entry rescue of persons from permit spaces.  
2.12 Testing / Monitoring – The process of identifying and evaluating the hazards that   
may be present inside of a confined space. When testing for atmospheric   
hazards, first test for oxygen, then for combustible gasses and vapors, and then   
for toxic gasses or vapors.  
2.13 Tester / Monitor – The person assigned the task and specifically trained on how   
to perform specific testing in and around the permit spaces.  
3.0 General Requirements  
Confined spaces at Arkansas State University typically include tunnel space or man   
holes. The following general requirements are required to be implemented when   
working in or around confined spaces:  
3.1 When practical, all confined spaces shall be permanently marked. A sign shall be   
installed at each opening of the Confined Space. Signs should contain the   
following text or similar language: DANGER – PERMIT REQUIRED CONFINED   
SPACE DO NOT ENTER  
3.2 Spaces not permanently marked (ex. Manholes) shall be posted with a portable   
sign when access to the space is required.  
3.3 All confirmed spaces where there is an opening that can be easily walked into   
(floor openings, manhole openings, etc.) shall have a physical barrier (guardrail,   
cover, gate, etc.)  
3.4 When required, isolating energy sources to the confined space shall be   
performed in accordance with the Arkansas State University Lockout / Tagout   
Program.  
3.5 If “hot work” conditions exist, precautions shall be taken in accordance with the   
Arkansas State University Hot Work Program. Cylinders of compressed gases   
are never permitted in a confined space.  
3.6 Air monitoring is required 30 minutes before and during entry at 15 minute   
intervals in any confined space.  
3.7 Portable electrical equipment used in confined spaces shall be supplied power   
through a ground fault interrupter or be battery powered.  
4.0 Roles & Responsibilities  
4.1 Confined Space Attendant – An individual who is stationed outside one or more   
permit spaces who monitors the authorized entrants and who performs all   
attendants’ duties assigned in this program.  
a. Attend confined space training  
b. Maintain effective and continuous communication with personnel during   
confined space entry, work, and exit.  
c. Order evacuation of the confined space if:  
i. A condition exists that is not allowed on the entry permit  
ii. Entrants act strangely, possibly as a result of exposure to the   
hazardous substances  
iii. A situation exists outside the confined space that could endanger   
personnel  
iv. A hazard is identified within the confined space that has not been   
previously recognized or taken into consideration  
v. Attendant must leave the work station  
vi. Rescue of personnel in other confined space is required  
4.2 Entrant – An individual who is authorized by an employer to enter a permit space.  
a. Attend confined space training  
b. Report unusual conditions associated with confined space equipment or   
confined space operations to their supervisor and the safety department   
immediately. Do not enter confined space until unusual conditions are   
evaluated.  
c. Follow instructions from the confined space attendant.  
d. Follow all health and safety measures developed by Arkansas State   
University around confined spaces and other safety hazards.  
e. Read and observe the entry permit requirements  
f. Remain alert to the hazards that could be encountered while in the confined   
space.  
g. Properly use the PPE that is required by the permit.  
h. Immediately exit the confined space if:  
i. Evacuation is ordered by an authorized person  
ii. Other entrants display symptoms consistent with exposure to confined   
space hazards  
iii. Entrant themselves experiences symptoms consistent with exposure to   
confined space hazards  
iv. A prohibited conditions exists  
i. Alert attendant(s) when a prohibited condition exists  
j. Alert attendant(s) when warning signs or symptoms of exposure exist  
4.3 Emergency Response – The Safety Department shall maintain a written plan of   
action that has provisions for conducting a timely rescue of individuals within a   
confined space, should an emergency arise. All affected personnel shall be   
trained on the Emergency Response Plan.  
5.0 Training  
All employees who will enter confined spaces shall be trained in entry procedures.   
Personnel responsible for supervising, planning, entering or participating in confined   
space entry and rescue shall be adequately trained in the functional duties prior to a   
confined space entry. Refresher training shall be conducted as needed to maintain   
employee competence in entry procedures and precautions. Training shall include:  
5.1 Explanation of the general hazards associated with confined spaces.  
5.2 Discussion of specific confined space hazards associated with the facility,   
location or operation.  
5.3 Reason for, proper use and limitations of personal protective equipment and   
other safety equipment required for entry into confined spaces.  
5.4 Explanation of permits and other procedural requirements for conducting a   
confined space entry.  
5.5 Procedures for responding to emergencies.  
5.6 Duties and responsibilities of the confined space entry team.  
5.7 Description of how to recognize symptoms of overexposure to probable air   
contaminants in themselves and co-workers and methods for alerting the   
attendant.  
5.8 Training for atmospheric monitoring personnel shall include proper use of   
monitoring instruments, including instruction on the following:  
a. Proper use of the equipment  
b. Sampling strategies and techniques  
c. OSHA exposure limits for anticipated contaminants: CO, O2, H2S, Low   
Explosive Limit (LEL) gases  
5.9 Training for Attendants shall include:  
a. Procedures for summoning rescue or other emergency services  
b. Proper use of equipment used for communicating with entry and   
emergency/rescue personnel.  
6.0 Permits  
6.1 Permit Required Confined Space – An area that meets the definition of a   
confined space and has one or more of the following characteristics:  
a. Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere.  
b. Contains a material that has a potential of engulfing an entrant (i.e. water or   
sand).  
c. Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or   
asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor that slopes downward   
and tapers to a smaller cross-section.  
d. Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazards (i.e. wind,   
insecure footing, electrical).  
6.2 The following procedures must be implemented for all permit-required confined   
spaces:  
a. Identify and evaluate the hazards of permit spaces before employees enter  
b. Specify acceptable entry conditions (use the Confined Space Entry Permit);  
c. Perform air monitoring of the space prior to entry and continuously during   
entry;  
d. Isolate the permit space using lockout/tagout methods (i.e., lock and tag out   
compressed gas system on presses, lock out pumps and electrical   
connections in sumps, etc.)  
e. Purge, inert, flush or ventilate the permit space as necessary to eliminate or   
control atmospheric hazards  
f. Provide barriers as necessary to protect entrants from external hazards;  
g. Verify that conditions in the permit space are acceptable for entry throughout   
the duration of an authorized entry;  
h. Designate the communication methods that will be used between the entrant   
and the attendant  
i. Designate rescue requirements and place equipment needed next to the   
permit-required confined space in the event that an emergency rescue is   
needed  
j.  
Provide at least one attendant outside the permit space for the duration of  
entry operations  
k. Designate employees who have active roles in the entry process; entrant,   
attendant; rescue. etc.  
l. The Arkansas State University Confined Space Permit shall be completed   
and signed/approved by the Safety Department  
m. Permits shall be cancelled at the end of each shift, or when new hazards   
arise. A confined space entry permit is only valid foe one work shift.  
6.3 Alternate Entry Procedures – All steps taken to reclassify the permit space to an   
alternate entry space must be written on the entry permit and reviewed by the   
Safety Office prior to reclassification. All confined spaces shall be considered   
permit-required until the pre-entry procedures demonstrate otherwise. Alternate   
entry procedures may be used if the only hazard present in the confined space   
is:   
a. Atmospheric in nature  
b. The atmospheric hazard can be controlled by mechanical ventilation alone  
c. The Permit Space atmosphere will not become immediately dangerous to   
life and health (IDLH) if the mechanical ventilation fails.  
d. Under Alternate Entry Procedures, the entrant may enter the confined space   
following the procedure below:  
i. Establish and ensure that the mechanical ventilation system is   
operational and providing clean, fresh air to the entrants’ work location   
within the space during the entire confined space operation  
ii. Test the atmosphere of the space prior to entry into the space and   
continually operate a personal gas detector during the entire confined   
space operation  
iii. Immediately evacuate the space if ventilation fails, or if the portable air   
sampling equipment fails to enters alarm mode  
iv. Immediately evacuate the space if you discover, or become aware of a   
previously unrecognized hazard.   
v. Immediately notify the Safety Department of any previously unidentified   
hazards.  
6.4 Non-Permit Confined Spaces – If the confined space poses no actual or potential   
atmospheric hazards and if all hazards within the space are eliminated without   
entry into the space, the Safety Office may reclassify the permit space may as a   
non-permit confined space for as long as the non-atmospheric hazards remain   
eliminated.  
a. If it is necessary to enter the permit space to eliminate hazards, such entry   
will be performed as a permit-required confined space entry.  
b. If hazards arise while employees are working in a non-permit space, each   
employee shall exit the space immediately.   
c. The Safety Office shall then reevaluate the space and determine whether it   
must be reclassified as a permit space.  
6.5 The attached Service Route Map will designate the interior sidewalks where SMV   
operation is allowed.   
6.6 The attached SMV Service Routes for Pre- & Post-Game Activities Map specifies   
routes for ADA shuttles, courtesy parking shuttles and service vehicles. These   
routes are strictly reserved for the specified purpose for ½ hours prior to and ½   
hours after the game.  
6.7 All SMVs on the A-State Farm must operate on farm property and roadways only.  
6.8 The operator must report any accidents to the University Police Department and   
to the operator's supervisor. Supervisors are responsible for reporting such   
accidents to the Office of Risk Management.  
6.9 SMV operators are to use extreme caution at all times.  
6.10 The use of cell phones is strictly prohibited while operating SMVs.  
6.11 Wearing headsets that impair hearing or masks that obstruct vision is strictly   
prohibited while operating SMVs.  
6.12 Pedestrians have the right-of-way on campus. SMVs must yield to pedestrians   
on sidewalks and in crosswalks.  
6.13 Operators must not travel on sidewalks where there is insufficient space for   
pedestrians to pass the SMV without stepping off of the sidewalk.  
6.14 Operators must be diligent and pay particular attention to the needs of disabled   
persons, as limitations in vision, hearing or mobility may impair their ability to see   
or hear SMVs.  
6.15 SMVs are not to be overloaded, i.e. carrying more passengers than seating   
provided or overloading the vehicle’s recommended carrying or load capacity.  
6.16 Operators are responsible for ignition keys for the periodof time in which they are   
using the vehicle. Keys should not be left in SMVs unattended.  
6.17 When parking, use designated service parking areas indicated by yellow striping.  
6.18 If service parking is not available, the following guidance applies:   
a. Keep emergency access sidewalks clear. Routes marked with larger dots   
indicate emergency access sidewalks on the attached map.  
b. Do not block building entrances  
c. Do not impede pedestrian access on walkways.   
6.19 Bollards located in the middle of sidewalks indicate that driving is prohibited   
beyond the bollard. This includes the multi-use trail or any bollard with a yellow   
“No Motorized Vehicles” decal.  
7.0 Standard Safety Features  
7.1 As of the effective date of this policy all new SMV acquisitions must meet the   
minimum safety features found in National Highway Safety and Traffic   
Administration (NHSTA), Standard 500 (49CFR Part 571.500), hereafter   
"Standard 500".   
a. SMVs operated by contractors and other non-affiliated departments,   
companies, corporations, etc. must meet Standard 500.   
b. Personal SMVs allowed as ADA accommodation must meet Standard 500.  
7.2 From Standard 500:  
a. The maximum speed attainable within one mile for SMV will not exceed 25   
miles per hour.  
b. All SMVs will be equipped with:  
i. Headlamps,  
ii. Front and rear turn signal lamps,  
iii. Tail lamps,  
iv. Stop lamps,  
v. Reflex reflectors: one red on each side as far to the rear as practicable,   
and one red on the rear,  
vi. An exterior mirror mounted on the driver's side of the vehicle and either   
an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger's side of the vehicle or an   
interior mirror,  
vii. A parking brake,  
viii. A windshield of AS-1 or AS-5 composition, that conforms to the   
American National Standard Institute's "Safety Code for Safety Glazing   
Materials for Glazing Motor Vehicles Operating on Land Highways," Z26.1-1977, January 28, 1977, as supplemented by Z26.1a, July 3, 1980   
ix. A Slow Moving Vehicle Reflective Triangle  
x. An alert sound as required by §571.141 \[This refers to horns and   
reverse alarms\]  
7.3 For SMVs acquired prior to the effective date of this policy, the following   
guidelines apply:  
a. SMVs must be four-wheeled vehicles - No three-wheeled vehicles.  
b. All SMVs and trailers pulled by SMVs must have clearly displayed on the   
exterior of the SMV and trailer the slow moving vehicle reflective triangle.  
7.4 When SMVs that do not meet Standard 500 are rented for special events, such   
as parking shuttle service, the rented vehicles must include the standard safety   
features listed below. SMVs permitted as ADA accommodation must also meet   
the standards below at a minimum. University Safety & Emergency Management   
must approve of any substitutes for the following:  
a. Headlamps,  
b. Tail lamps,  
c. Reflex reflectors: one red on each side as far to the rear as practicable, and   
one red on the rear,  
d. A parking brake,  
e. A Slow Moving Vehicle Reflective Triangle  
7.5 Required Slow Moving Vehicle Reflective Triangle:  
7.6 A university identification number (provided by the Facilities Management at the owningdepartment’s expense) must be displayed prominently on university-owned SMVs.   
Contractors and non-affiliated departments, companies, corporations, etc. must display   
company name on their SMV at the owner’s expense.  
8.0 Maintenance  
8.1 SMVs must be maintained so that all original equipment safety features are kept   
in good working order.  
8.2 Modification or tampering with the governor of an SMV is prohibited and   
constitutes a violation of Federal Law.  
8.3 University-owned SMVs must be maintained in accordance with manufacturer   
and Facilities Management recommended service schedule.  
8.4 Owning-departments are financially responsible for all repair and maintenance   
costs (labor, parts, and supplies).  
8.5 Facilities Management must perform all repairs and maintenance on universityowned SMVs.   
8.6 Facilities Management will be responsible for record-keeping regarding all repairs   
and maintenance.  
8.7 Owning-departments are responsible for keeping all original equipment and   
safety features in good working order

# Lockout / Tagout Safety Program

In order to prevent injury to University personnel, students and visitors and to prevent damage to equipment and property, 29  
CFR 1910.147, Lockout / Tagout (LO/TO) requires the University to establish a program and use procedures for affixing   
appropriate lockout devices or tagout devices to energy isolating devices, and to otherwise disable machines or equipment to   
prevent unexpected energization, start up or release of stored energy.  
I. SCOPE:  
1\. This program covers the servicing and maintenance of machines, equipment, or electrical circuits in which the   
unexpected start up or energization of the machine, equipment, electrical circuit, or release of stored energy could   
cause injury or harm to employees. The program establishes the requirements for the control of such hazardous   
energy.  
2\. All equipment shall be locked out or tagged out to protect against accidental or inadvertent operation which could   
cause injury. Employees must not attempt to operate any energy isolating device which is locked and/or tagged out.   
If only tagout procedures are used, tags must meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)(ii) and (iii) All   
employees shall be trained in use and limitations of tags as described in 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)(ii) and (d)(4)(iii).   
Whenever possible, both lockout and tagout methods should be utilized to achieve maximum safety.  
3\. Note: This program does not fully cover the protection of Arkansas State employees from shock or flash hazards.   
Electrical safety for employees working on, near, or with energized electrical hazards between 50 volts and 600 volts   
is covered by the Electrical Safety in the Workplace.  
4\. Written hazardous energy control procedures shall be established and used for each type of equipment with more   
than one energy source.   
5\. The forms of potentially hazardous energy sources located throughout Arkansas State include, but are not limited to:  
• Electrical energy to power equipment, machines and systems  
• Natural gas  
• Thermal (steam)  
• Hydraulic  
• Mechanical  
• Pneumatic  
• Chemical  
6\. Lockout Tagout (LO/TO) is NOT required when:  
a) Live electrical systems or components that operate at less than 50 volts to ground are not required to be LOTO if   
there will be no increased exposure to electrical hazards, unless required by the work control document(s). An   
example of increased exposure to electrical hazards is working on equipment connected to a high amperage   
battery bank operating at less than 50 volts where severe and explosive arcing could occur in short circuit   
conditions.  
b) Work on cord and plug connected electric equipment for which exposure to the hazards of unexpected   
energization, startup of the equipment, or release of hazardous energy is controlled by unplugging the equipment   
from the energy source. In addition, the plug is under the immediate control of the employee performing the   
servicing or maintenance.  
c) Work on domestic water or fire water lines operating at less than 140°F, if the isolation device is under the   
immediate control of the employee performing the servicing or maintenance, and no special hazards are   
identified.  
d) Minor tool changes or adjustments, when the on/off and/or isolation switch is within arm’s reach of and under   
the exclusive control of the operator. This exception is for machine shop tool operations only.   
e) Lamp (normal bulb change-out only) replacement activities.  
f) Compressed gas cylinder(s) change out, where the cylinder valve is closed, the manifold pressure has been bled   
to zero, and no other pressure sources feed the manifold.   
II. RESPONSIBILITY:  
1\. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for:  
a) Planning and recommending environmental health and safety programs which comply with all federal, state and   
local laws and regulations;  
b) Overseeing the activities of the LO/TO Program  
c) Developing the LO/TO Program;  
d) Working with administrators, supervisors and workers to implement appropriate LO/TO policies and procedures;   
e) Assisting in conducting and coordinating LO/TO training;   
f) Maintaining copies of Hazardous Energy Control Procedures (see Appendix A);   
g) Being familiar with the current legal requirements and interpretations concerning LO/TO procedures; and   
annually review the University LO/TO Program and seek ways to improve it.  
h) Conduct, coordinate and attend required training;   
2\. The AVC for Facilities and Maintenance has overall responsibility for general safety and LO/TO program   
compliance within their area of accountability.   
a) Be familiar with the University LO/TO Program;  
b) Overseeing the activities of the Authorized Supervisors   
3\. The Authorized Supervisor (Project Managers, Zone Director and Zone Leaders) has overall responsibility   
for the LO/TO Program compliance of his/her workers including responsibility to:  
a) Be familiar with the University LO/TO Program;  
b) Identify authorized and affected employees   
c) Ensure that workers follow the LO/TO Program rules;   
d) Provide lock-out/tag-out devices to authorized employees;   
e) Assist in Completing a Hazardous Energy Control Procedure (see Appendix A) for each piece of equipment or   
machine in his or her areas of responsibility with more than one energy source;   
f) Forward completed and signed copies of each departmental Hazardous Energy Control Procedure to EHS Office;  
g) Remove LO/TO devices when the authorized employee is not available (see Appendix B);   
h) Perform periodic on-site inspections (Appendix C)), at least annually, for each authorized departmental   
employee to ensure that he/she is properly complying with LO/TO Program; and document that a training   
session has occurred with all employees on each annual inspection completed. These inspections shall be   
maintained for one year;  
i) Request assistance from EHS as needed.  
4\. Authorized employees under the LO/TO standard are responsible for:   
a) Assist the Authorized Supervisor and/or the Department of Environmental, Health and Safety with developing a   
Hazardous Energy Control Procedure (see Appendix A) for each covered piece of equipment or machine in his   
or her areas of responsibility with more than one energy source;   
b) Following the established written procedures that have been developed for safe de-energization of equipment   
and understanding and complying with University policies and programs which pertain to his or her work,   
including the University LO/TO Program;   
c) Notifying all affected employees that service or maintenance is required on a piece of equipment and that it will   
be shut down and locked-out/tagged- out for a specified time period;  
d) Using appropriate LO/TO equipment as required by the operation being conducted;  
e) Alerting their supervisor when the authorized employee has reason to believe that the precautions described in   
this program and on the Hazardous Energy Control Procedure may not be adequately protective for a particular   
procedure;  
f) Following both oral and written instructions from his or her supervisor; and  
g) Attending required training.  
III. DEFINITIONS:  
Affected employee: An employee whose job requires him/her to operate or use a machine or equipment on which servicing   
or maintenance is being performed under lockout or tagout, or whose job requires him/her to work in an area in which such   
servicing or maintenance is being performed.  
Authorized employee: A person who locks out or tags out machines, equipment, or electrical circuits in order to perform   
servicing or maintenance on that machine or equipment. An affected employee becomes an authorized employee when that   
employee's duties include performing servicing or maintenance covered under this section.  
Capable of being locked out: An energy isolation device is capable of being locked out if it has a hasp or other means of   
attachment to which, or through which, a lock can be affixed, or it has a locking mechanism built into it. Other energy   
isolating devices are capable of being locked or, if lockout can be achieved without the need to dismantle, rebuild, or replace   
the energy isolating device or permanently alter its energy control capability.  
Energy isolating device: A mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy, including but   
not limited to the following: A manually operated electrical circuit breaker; a disconnect switch; a manually operated switch   
by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from all ungrounded supply conductors and, in addition, no pole   
can be operated independently; a slide gate; a slip blind; a line valve; a block; and any similar device used to block or isolate   
energy. The term does not include a push button, selector switch, and other control circuit type devices.  
Lockout: The placement of a lockout device on an energy isolating device, in accordance with an established procedure,   
ensuring that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is   
removed.  
Qualified person. One familiar with the construction and operation of the equipment and the hazards involved, and has met   
all training requirements outlined below.  
Note 1: Whether an employee is considered to be a "qualified person" will depend upon various circumstances in the   
workplace. It is possible and, in fact, likely for an individual to be considered qualified" with regard to certain   
equipment in the workplace, but "unqualified" as to other equipment. (See 1910.332(b) (3) for training requirements   
that specifically apply to qualified persons.)  
Note 2: An employee who is undergoing on-the-job training and who, in the course of such training, has   
demonstrated an ability to perform duties safely at his or her level of training and who is under the direct supervision   
of a qualified person is considered to be a qualified person for the performance of those duties.  
Tagout: The placement of a tagout device on an energy isolating device, in accordance with an established procedure, to   
indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is   
removed.  
Servicing and / or Maintenance: Workplace activities such as constructing, installing, setting up, adjusting, inspecting,   
modifying, and maintaining and / or service machines or equipment. These activities include lubrication, cleaning or   
unjamming or machines or equipment and making adjustments or tool changes, where the employee may be exposed to the   
unexpected energization or startup of the equipment or release of hazardous energy.  
IV. LOCK OUT / TAG OUT SEQUENCE: Hazardous Energy Control Procedures  
Listed below are steps that must be specifically addressed prior to initiation of a lockout or tagout. Specific LO/TO   
hazardous energy control procedures shall be written and maintained for each piece of equipment with more than one energy   
source. If the methods to control energy sources are identical for a group of machines, then one set of procedures may be   
developed for the group. The procedures must identify the type and magnitude of the hazardous energy, the means and   
methods that will be used to protect employees during servicing, replacement or installation of equipment.   
Each person who could be exposed directly or indirectly to a source of energy shall be involved in the LO/TO process.   
Lockout/Tagout shall be completed by trained, authorized employee or contractor.   
1\. Prepare for Shutdown  
• Notify all affected employees that the LO/TO will take place. Utilize the appropriate written LO/TO   
hazardous energy control procedure. Authorized employees shall know the type and magnitude of energy   
that the machine or equipment utilizes and understand the hazards involved.   
• All energy isolating devices shall be located and identified on the equipment to be locked out / tagged out.   
More than one energy source (electrical, mechanical, steam or others) may be involved. If no written LO/TO   
procedure is available for equipment with more than one energy source, work will pause until a plan is   
developed and agreed upon. Procedures that are developed and approved by the authorized supervisor will   
then be put into writing and posted for futures work.   
2\. Shutdown: If the machine is operating, shut it down by the NORMAL STOPPING PROCEDURE.   
3\. Isolate from Energy  
• Operate the switch, valve, and/or other energy isolating device(s) so that the equipment is isolated from its   
energy source(s). Stored energy (such as that in springs, elevated parts, rotating flywheels, hydraulic   
systems, air, gas, steam or water pressure, etc.) must be dissipated or restrained by methods such as   
repositioning, blocking, bleeding down, etc.   
4\. Lockout / Tagout  
• LO/TO the energy isolating devices with assigned departmental locks (multiple point LO/TO) or personal   
locks (single point LO/TO) or tags (if locks cannot be used) to hold isolating devices in off/safe position.  
5\. Relieve/Release Stored Energy  
• Following the application of lockout or tagout devices to energy isolating devices, all potentially hazardous   
stored or residual energy shall be relieved, disconnected, restrained, and otherwise rendered safe. If there is a   
possibility of re-accumulation of stored energy to a hazardous level, verification of isolation shall be   
continued until the servicing or maintenance is completed, or until the possibility of such accumulation no   
longer exist.  
6\. Verify Isolation  
• First ensure that no personnel are exposed to any affected equipment or electrical circuits. To verify that the   
energy sources are disconnected, operate the “on” button or other operating controls to make certain the   
equipment is de-energized.  
7\. CAUTION: RETURN OPERATING CONTROLS TO “OFF” OR “NEUTRAL” POSITION AFTER THE   
TEST.  
8\. LO/TO Complete  
9\. Proceed to servicing/maintenance task.  
V. RELEASE OF LO/TO:  
1\. Inspect Work Area  
• After completing servicing or maintenance, check the work area to ensure it is clear. Remove all tools and   
equipment, ensure guards have been reinstalled  
2\. Restore all Safety Device  
• Make sure that machine covers and guards are on.  
3\. Employee Check  
• Ensure no employees are exposed to any affected equipment or electrical circuits. Notify affected employees   
that the equipment will be energized.  
4\. Remove LO/TO Device  
• Each LO/TO device shall be removed from each energy control source by the employee who applied the   
device. (Exception: When the authorized employee who applied the LO/TO is not available, the LO/TO   
device may be removed under the direction of the supervisor, provided the following Lockout Transfer   
procedure is followed). Personal LO/TO locks assigned to a University employee may be removed in   
emergency situations, without the employees’ permission or presence on campus, provided that the   
procedure is followed and documented (see Appendix B). This is only to be done in emergency situations   
and it must be fully approved and documented by the employee’s supervisor.   
5\. LO/TO Transfer  
• If a lockout procedure will extend into the following shift, the authorized employee who originally placed   
the lock will remove it and it will immediately be replaced with the lock of the authorized employee who is   
to continue the repair or maintenance on that equipment or machine for the following shift.  
VI. GROUP LOCKOUT/TAGOUT  
• When servicing and/or maintenance is performed by a crew or department, they shall utilize a system that   
affords their employees a level of protection equivalent to that provided by the implementation of a personal   
lockout or tag out device. This shall be accomplished by:   
o The application of a multi-lock accepting device by the primary authorized employee to the energyisolating device.   
o The primary authorized employee attaching his/her lock to the multi-accepting device.  
o Each authorized employee shall affix a personal lockout or tagout device to the multi-lock accepting   
device when they begin work, and shall remove those devices when their work is complete.   
o The primary authorized employee removing his/her lock and the multi-lock accepting device when   
all service or maintenance has been completed.  
VII. LO/TO – TYPES OF LOCKS AND TAGS – DEPARTMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:  
1\. Lockout/Tagout devices shall be used only for controlling energy and not for other purposes. Lockout locks must be:  
• Durable (to withstand deterioration in wet, damp, or corrosive environments)  
• Substantial (to prevent removal without excessive force)  
• Identifiable (to indicate the identity of the employee applying the device)  
• Standardized (same color, shape, size)  
2\. Tagout devices may ONLY be used when the use of locks is not possible on a lockout point. Tagout devices shall be   
attached by means which are non-reusable, attached by hand, self-locking, and non-releasable (minimum unlocking   
strength of no less than 50 lbs., having general equivalence of a one-piece nylon cable tie). All tags must be marked   
with the name/department/date of the person placing the tag.  
3\. Tagout devices shall warn against hazardous conditions if the machine or equipment is energized and shall include a   
legend such as the following: Do Not Start, Do Not Open, Do Not Close, Do Not Energize, Do Not Operate.  
VIII. TESTING MACHINES / EQUIPMENT OR COMPONENTS:  
1\. Personnel must have approved work procedures, including appropriate safe work practices and personal protective   
equipment.  
2\. Provisions for temporary removal of LO/TO for testing include:  
• Clear machine of tools and materials.  
• Remove employees from hazard area.  
• Remove the LO/TO device.  
• Energize and test.  
• De-energize and reapply LO/TO Sequence (see Section 5.0)  
• Verify isolation  
IX. OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS:  
• Whenever outside contractors are to be engaged in the activities covered by this procedure, the designated   
A-State representative/Project Manager and the outside contractor shall inform each other of their respective   
lockout/ tagout procedures. The designated A-State representative/Project Manager shall ensure that his/her   
personnel understand and comply with the outside contractor’s energy control procedure. If the outside   
contractor has no documented lockout/tagout procedure, they shall ensure that their personnel understand   
and comply with this procedure.  
X. INSPECTIONS:  
1\. The authorized supervisor must conduct an annual documented inspection of hazardous energy control procedures   
(lockout/tagout). This will be accomplished by the supervisors conducting a field inspection of LO/TO operations   
and documenting this inspection using the Hazardous Energy Control Procedure Annual Inspection Form (Appendix   
E). This inspection will include a documented review of the inspection with all authorized employees under their   
supervision. This instructional review must include each authorized employees printed name, signature and date.  
2\. This is an example of information contained on a hazardous energy control procedure (lockout/tagout) inspection:  
• Inspector's name (authorized employee performing inspection)  
• Authorized employee performing lockout/tagout  
• Affected employees  
• A review of the authorized employee’s responsibilities on the energy control procedure being inspected  
• Where lockout is used for energy control, a review of the authorized employee’s responsibilities on the   
energy control procedure being inspected should be given.  
• Where tagout is used for energy control, a review of the authorized and affected employee’s responsibilities   
on the energy control procedure being inspected should be given.  
• Machine or equipment involved  
• Location, date and Inspection findings  
• Any deviations or inadequacies observed and corrective actions taken  
3\. These annual inspections shall be maintained by the Authorized Supervisor for one year.  
XI. TRAINING:  
1\. The Team Leads/Supervisors and/or the Environmental Health and Safety Office shall conduct LO/TO training for   
all authorized and affected employees. The EHS office and the employees’ department shall document all training.  
2\. The training will include:  
• The purpose of the University LO/TO program;  
• An overview of the content of the University LO/TO program;  
• The recognition and magnitude of applicable hazardous energy sources;  
• Methods and means of hazardous energy control using lock-out devices;  
• The limitations of tag-out devices  
• The prohibition against removal of other employee’s LO/TO devices;  
• The prohibition against attempting to re-start or re-energize locked out or tagged out equipment; and  
• The potential safety and/or disciplinary consequences of violating the University LO/TO program.   
Additionally, training will be provided upon initial job assignment and supplemented as necessary when:  
• There is a significant change in job assignments;  
• There is a significant change in equipment or processes that present a new hazard;  
• There is a significant change in hazardous energy control procedures (lockout/tagout); or  
• The supervisor or EHS determine or suspect there are inadequacies in the employee’s knowledge or use of  
hazardous energy control procedures (lockout/tagout).  
APPENDICE

# Electrical Safety

Purpose  
The purpose of this program is to prevent injuries and accidents and protect university employees from   
electrical hazards. Work unit specific safety procedures for preventing electric shock or other injuries   
resulting from direct/indirect electrical contact to employees working on or near energized or deenergized parts will be developed and implemented as required.  
Scope  
This program applies to all work operations at Arkansas State University involving electrical systems   
where employees may be exposed to live parts and/or those parts that have been de-energized. Any   
work on energized equipment may be done only after it has been determined that this type of work   
must be performed with the equipment energized. While some lab and Facilities Management   
employees may work with equipment in the 120 to 600 volt range, most university employees normally   
work in areas with electrical appliances that operate at 120 volts or less.  
Definitions  
Current (measured in amps/amperage). Term used to describe electric flow. It is current that can cause   
electric shock.  
De-energized. Electrical devices that are disconnected from all energy sources including direct electric   
connections, stored electric energy such as capacitors, and stored non-electrical energy in devices that   
could re-energize electric circuit parts.  
Energized Electrical Work. Work conducted by an employee on or near an exposed energized circuit   
greater than 50 volts and typically less than or equal to 600.  
FM (Factory Mutual). An independent product safety testing and certification company.  
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). Provides additional protection from shocks by shutting off   
current to equipment when a change in electricity is sensed.  
Grounding. Provides a safe path between electricity and the earth, preventing leakage of current; the   
creation of a conductive path for electricity between a circuit and the equipment to ground.  
High Voltage. Electrical systems or equipment operating at or intended to operate at a sustained voltage   
of more than 600 volts.  
Low Voltage. Electrical systems or equipment operating at or intended to operate at a sustained voltage   
of 600 volts or less.  
Polarized Plug. Helps reduce the potential for shock with easily identifiable plugs. One prong is wider   
than the other and can only be inserted into outlets one way.  
Qualified Person. A person, designated by Arkansas State University, who by reason of experience or   
instruction has demonstrated familiarity with the operation to be performed and the hazards involved.  
Note One: Whether a person is considered to be a “qualified person” will depend upon various   
circumstances in the workplace. It is possible and, in fact, likely for an individual to be considered   
“qualified” with regard to certain equipment in the workplace, but “unqualified” as to other equipment.  
Note Two: An employee who is undergoing on-the-job training and who, in the course of such training,   
has demonstrated an ability to perform duties safely at his or her level of training and who is under the   
direct supervision of a qualified person is considered to be a qualified person for the performance of   
those duties.  
Qualified Electrical Worker. A qualified person who by reason of a minimum of two years of electrical   
training and experience with high voltage circuits and equipment and who has demonstrated by   
performance familiarity with the work to be performed and the hazards involved. Only a qualified   
electrical worker is allowed to work on energized conductors or equipment connected to energized   
high-voltage systems.  
Resistance. The ease with which electricity flows through the material (conductor). Materials   
(conductors) with higher resistance properties can become hot (measured in ohms).  
UL (Underwriters Laboratories). An independent product safety testing and certification organization.  
Voltage. Electric potential or potential difference assigned to a circuit or system expressed in volts.  
Responsibilities  
The goal of the electrical safety program is to ensure that all employees understand the hazards   
associated with electric energy and are capable of performing the necessary steps to protect themselves   
and their coworkers.  
Primary responsibilities include:  
• Hazard identification  
• Training  
• Reporting/correcting safety hazards  
Arkansas State University Employees  
• Are aware of electrical safety issues  
• Comply with safe operating procedures when working with electrical equipment  
• Attend appropriate safety training  
• Report safety concerns  
Managers  
• Ensure staff are trained, qualified, and authorized to work on electrical equipment.  
• Conduct periodic hazard analysis of work areas.  
• Correct identified safety hazards.  
EH&S  
• Provide assistance in identifying electrical safety issues.  
• Provide electrical safety training for campus staff.  
• Review electrical equipment safe operating procedures as necessary.  
Facilities Management  
• Ensure that all authorized or qualified persons have received appropriate levels of training.  
• Ensure appropriate personal protective equipment is provided to authorized or qualified staff  
who work with electrical equipment.  
Program Components  
All employees use electric powered equipment and systems throughout the campus. Whether in an   
office, lab or workshop, electricity is used continuously, usually without incident.  
Voltages as low as 12 volts can be dangerous. When working with or around electrical equipment, one   
may inadvertently become part of an electrical circuit. Only trained and authorized or qualified   
individuals should do any repair or work on electrical equipment.  
Departments are expected to conduct a hazard analysis of the workplace. This analysis will provide a   
mechanism for defining work unit specific hazards associated with electricity and create a plan for   
hazard mitigation and employee training.  
General Precautions for All Staff  
• Never work on “hot” or energized equipment unless it is necessary to conduct equipment   
troubleshooting.  
• Use extension cords only as temporary power sources.  
• Do not connect too many pieces of equipment to the same circuit or outlet as the circuit or   
outlet could become overloaded.  
• Be sure that ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are used in high-risk areas such as wet   
locations (GFCI’s are designed to shut off electrical power within as little as 1/40 of a second).  
• Plug strips, such as those used on computers, should be plugged directly into outlets and not   
into extension cords or other plug strips.  
• Inspect all equipment periodically for defects or damage.  
• All cords that are worn, frayed, abraded, corroded, or otherwise damaged must be replaced.  
• Grasp the plug to remove it from a socket – never pull the cord.  
• Keep all cords away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.  
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and maintenance of all electrical tools and   
appliances.  
• Keep equipment operating instructions on file.  
• Never touch an electrical appliance and plumbing at the same time.  
• Always unplug electrical appliances before attempting any repair or maintenance.  
• All electrical devices must be properly grounded with approved three wire plugs unless they are   
“double insulated.” Grounding provides a safe path for electricity to the ground, preventing   
leakage of current in circuits or equipment.  
• All electrical equipment used on campus should be UL or FM approved.  
• Keep cords out of the way of foot traffic so they don’t become tripping hazards or become   
damaged by traffic.  
• Never use electrical equipment in wet areas or run cords across wet floors.  
• Ensure energized parts of electrical equipment operating at 50 volts or more are guarded   
against accidental contact.  
• Only properly trained employees should work on electrical equipment.  
• Know how to respond to emergencies such as electric shock incidents or fires.  
Localized Electrical Outage  
• All staff should immediately report electric outages to Facilities Management at 501.569.3390.  
• If possible, identify the defective equipment or the cause of the failure and remove it from   
service.  
• Report this information to Facilities Management personnel upon their arrival.  
Labs and Facilities Management  
• NEVER work with electricity greater than 600 volts without specific permission, training, and   
written procedures. Notify your supervisor immediately if you have any questions.  
• Be able to recognize electrical safety hazards in your work area.  
• Ensure that all authorized or qualified persons have received appropriate training in order to   
operate or repair equipment.  
• Keep equipment in good working order to help prevent electrical accidents.  
• Maintain a three-foot clearance around electrical panels.  
• Electrically operated equipment must be de-energized before work may commence.  
• Always follow lockout/tag-out procedures when working on electrical equipment (Lockout/TagOut Program) and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses,   
rated rubber gloves, rated rubber sleeves, insulated boots, or face shields.  
• Never override safety devices such as electrical interlocks.  
• Remove all rings, key chains, or other metal objects when working around electricity.  
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as eye protection or insulated gloves, as   
needed.  
• Never use metal ladders when working near energized wiring.  
• Damp or wet environments may be dangerous when working with electricity.  
• Never plug in cords that are wet or touch electrical equipment with wet hands.  
• Employees working with lasers, performing hardware or software testing, or other activities that   
do not require direct contact with electrical components, should be aware of electrical safety   
issues and be alert to the possibility of other employees conducting energized work in the area.  
Reporting Requirements  
Damaged or Defective Electrical Equipment  
Report malfunctioning equipment or devices to your supervisor or Facilities Management at 870-972-  
2100\. Typical issues include:  
• Damaged cords, plugs, or outlets.  
• Receiving a shock when touching the equipment.  
• Arcing, sparking, smoking, or otherwise malfunctioning equipment.  
Any electrical equipment not operating properly should be:  
• Taken out of service immediately.  
• Tagged or labeled as “Do Not Use.”  
• Reported to the appropriate department or individual for repair.  
Do not attempt to repair any electrical equipment yourself unless you are properly trained and   
authorized to do so. If safety issues persist, please notify your supervisor

# Fall Protection

Purpose  
The purpose of this program is to ensure that affected employees can identify and control fall hazards in   
order to protect themselves against those hazards. This is accomplished by establishing guidelines and   
requirements that university supervisors and employees must uphold. There are various hazards   
associated with fall protection, and this program has been developed to assist in mitigating those   
hazards.  
Standards  
OSHA 29 CFR 1910 – General Industry Standards  
1910.22 General Requirements  
1910.23 Ladders  
1910.67 Vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms (Aerial lifts)  
1910.269 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution   
OSHA 29 CFR 1926 – Construction Standards  
1926.451 General requirements (Scaffolding)  
1926.501 Duty to have fall protection  
1926.1052 Stairways  
1926.1053 Ladders  
Responsibilities  
Safety Department  
Safety has the primary responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of the Fall Protection   
Program (FPP) and is responsible for the following:  
• Developing, implementing, and evaluating the Fall Protection Program to ensure compliance.  
• Reviewing Hazards and incidents associated with fall protection equipment.  
• Assisting supervisors with employee training.  
Supervisors  
Supervisors in support and administrative areas are responsible for providing the necessary direction   
and support to ensure the effective implementation of the Fall Protection Program for their work areas.   
Supervisors are responsible for the following:  
• Comply with all Fall Protection Program procedures.  
• Identify all fall hazards and activities in their workplace and implement preventative measures   
for these hazards.  
• Ensure all affected employees attend and complete required training.  
• Ensure that all personal fall arrest or restraint systems are maintained in accordance with the   
manufacturer’s specifications.  
• Hands on training of all fall protection equipment is required.  
• Ensure employees are using all fall protective equipment in accordance with OSHA regulations  
Employees  
Affected employees are responsible for the following:  
• Comply with all Fall Protection Program procedures.  
• Maintain all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to work at heights.  
• Inspect all fall protection equipment prior to use.  
• Attend and complete all training requirements.  
• Immediately report all damaged or defective fall protection equipment to the supervisor  
• Use all fall protection equipment in accordance with OSHA regulations.  
Fall Protection Requirements  
General Industry (1910)  
All employees will be protected from falling when working on a surface that has an unprotected side,   
edge, etc. or elevated work platforms at a height of 4 feet or more above an adjacent lower level.  
Construction Industry (1926)  
All employees preforming construction type activities will be protected from falling from a surface 6 feet   
or more above a lower level. Scaffolds used during construction type activity requires fall protection to   
be used at 10 feet or more above a lower level.  
In each of these requirements, the fall hazards must be evaluated to determine the preferable method   
to protect the employee. When considering what type of fall protection to use, the following solutions   
should be considered:  
• Elimination of the fall hazard by bringing the work down to ground level  
• Use of passive fall protection systems such as guard rails  
• Fall restraint to prevent a person reaching a fall hazard  
• Fall arrest which utilizes equipment to stop a fall after it occurs  
• Use administrative controls which use work practices to signal or warn an employee of a fall   
hazard  
General Industry Fall Hazards  
The following are identified general industry fall hazards:  
• Loading Docks  
o Loading docks and other open sided floors greater than 4 feet above the ground must   
be protected. The approved method of protection is the installation of a standard   
guardrail system. The guardrail may have removable sections to provide access for   
loading but rails must remain in place when access is not required.  
• Floor and Wall Openings and Holes  
o For stairway openings, standard railings shall be provided on all exposed sides except at   
the stairway entrance. Where an employee can accidentally walk into a floor hole   
opening measuring 12 inches but more than 1 inch in its least dimension, shall be   
guarded by either a standard railing with toe board, or a floor hole cover of strength and   
construction to support required load. A wall opening of 4 feet or more above an   
adjacent surface shall be guarded.  
• Open Sided Floors or Platforms  
o An open sided floor or platform or a runway that is 4 feet or more above the ground   
level or above the adjacent floor shall be guarded by a standard railing on all open sides   
except for the entrance (to a ramp, stairway, or ladder). If equipment or materials could   
fall and create a hazard, then the railing system must include a toe board on each side.  
• Skylights  
o Skylights are considered an opening when present on a roof. A standard guardrail or   
skylight screen capable of supporting at least 200 pounds must be provided around the  
opening to prevent employees from falling through to the surface below.  
• Open Pits, Tanks, or Spillways  
o Protect employees from hazards of open pits, tanks, and spillways by using covers   
and/or guardrails.  
Construction Industry Fall Hazards  
The following are identified construction industry fall hazards:  
• Aerial Lifts and Self-Powered Work Platforms  
o Body harnesses must be worn with a lanyard, not to exceed 3 feet in length, or a selfretracting lifeline when working from all elevated mobile work platforms. The point of   
attachment must be the anchor point of installation and designated by the equipment   
manufacturer.  
• Scissor lifts and telescoping lifts that can only move vertically do not require the use of a harness   
and lanyard as long as the work platform is protected by a proper guardrail system and   
occupants do not stand on or above guardrail system.  
• An employee cannot move an aerial lift while the boom is in an elevated working position and   
the operator is inside of the lift platform.  
• Covers  
o Covers located in roadways and vehicular aisles shall be capable of supporting, without   
failure, at least twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle expected to cross   
over the cover.  
o All other covers shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the weight   
of employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one   
time.  
o All covers shall be secured when installed so as to prevent accidental displacement by   
the wind, equipment, or employees.  
• Dangerous Equipment  
o Each employee less than 6 feet above dangerous equipment shall be protected from   
falling into or onto the dangerous equipment by guardrail systems or by equipment   
guards.  
o Each employee 6 feet or more above dangerous equipment shall be protected from fall   
hazards by guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, or safety net systems.  
• Excavations  
o Each employee at the edge of an excavation 6 feet or more in depth shall be protected   
from falling by guardrail systems, fences, or barricades when the excavations are not   
readily seen because of plant growth or other visual barrier. Each employee at the edge   
of a well, pit, shaft, and similar excavation 6 feet or more in depth shall be protected   
from falling by guardrail systems, fences, barricades, or covers.  
• Holes  
o Each employee on walking/working surfaces shall be protected from falling through   
holes (including skylights) more than 6 feet above lower levels by personal fall arrest   
systems, covers, or guardrail systems erected around these areas.  
o Each employee on a walking/working surface shall be protected from tripping in or   
stepping into or through holes (including skylights) by placing covers over the holes.  
o Each employee on a walking/working surface shall be protected from objects falling   
through holes (including skylights) by placing covers over the holes.  
• Leading Edge  
• Each employee who is constructing a leading edge 6 feet or more above levels shall be   
protected from falling by guardrails systems, safety net systems, or fall arrest systems.  
Exception: when the supervisor can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard   
to use these systems, the supervisor shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which   
meets the requirements of OSHA 1926.502 (k).  
• Each employee on a walking/working surface 6 feet or more above a lower level where leading   
edges are under construction, but who is not engaged in the leading edge work, shall be   
protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system.  
Protection from Falling Objects  
When an employee is exposed to falling objects, the supervisor shall have each employee wear a hard   
hat and shall implement one of the following measures:  
• Erect toe boards, screens, or guardrail systems to prevent objects from falling from higher   
levels.  
• Erect a canopy structure and keep potential fall objects far enough from the edge of the higher   
level so that those objects would not go over the edge if they were accidentally displaced.  
• Barricade the area to which objects could fall, prohibit employees from entering the barricaded   
area, and keep objects that may fall far enough away from the edge of a higher level so that   
those objects would not go over the edge if they were accidentally displaced.  
Roofing Work or Low-Slope Roofs  
Each employee engaged in roofing activities on low-slope roofs, with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet   
or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, personal fall arrest   
systems, or a combination of warning line system and guardrail system, or warning line system and   
personal fall arrest system, or warning line system and safety monitoring system. Or, on roofs 50 feet or   
less in width the use of a safety monitoring system alone is permitted.  
Steep Roofs  
Each employee on a steep roof with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet or more above lower levels shall   
be protected from falling by guardrail systems with toe boards, safety net systems, or personal fall   
arrest systems.  
Unprotected Sides and Edges  
Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side   
or edge which is 6 feet or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of   
guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.  
Wall Openings  
Each employee working on, at, above, or near wall openings (including those with chutes attached)   
where the outside bottom edge of the wall opening is 6 feet or more above lower levels and the inside   
bottom edge of the wall opening is less than 39 inches above the walking/working surface, shall be   
protected from falling by the use of a guardrail system, a safety net system, or a personal fall arrest   
system.  
Fall Protection Systems  
One of the following systems shall be in place whenever an employee is exposed to a fall hazard:  
• Guardrail Systems  
o The use of guardrail systems is considered a passive method of fall protection and is   
actually the preferred method for eliminating fall hazards.  
o Guardrails are needed at the edge of work areas 6 feet or more in height to protect   
employees from falling. This includes the edge of excavations greater than six feet in   
depth. Guardrail systems need to meet the following criteria:  
o Top rail is 42 inches, +/- 3 inches above the walking/working level  
o Mid rail is located midway between the top rail and the walking/working level  
o It is important to remember that the working level is that level where the work is being   
done. Someone working on a stepladder next to an edge may raise his/her working   
surface well above the walking surface.  
o Both top and mid rails should be constructed of materials at least one-quarter inch in   
thickness or diameter. If wire rope is used for top rails, it needs to be flagged with a   
high-visibility material at least every 6 feet and can have no more than 3” of deflection  
o The top rail needs to withstand a force of 200 pounds when applied in any downward or   
outward direction.  
o The mid rail needs to withstand a force of 150 pounds applied in any downward or   
outward direction.  
o Toe boards are required for all guardrails on elevated walking or working platforms   
where employees working below are exposed to falling objects. Toe boards must be   
four inches in height and must be securely fastened.  
o The system should be smooth to prevent punctures, lacerations or snagging of clothing.  
o The ends of the top rail shouldn’t overhang the terminal posts, except when such   
overhang does not present a projection hazard.  
o When a hoisting area is needed, a chain, gate or removable guardrail section must be   
placed across the access opening when hoisting operations are not taking place.  
• Personal Fall Arrest Systems  
o When an employee is requiring the use of personal fall protection equipment they shall   
employ another employee to render assistance when and if required.  
o There are three main components to the personal fall arrest system. This includes the   
personal protective equipment the employee wears, the connecting devices, and the   
anchorage point. Prior to tying off to perform the work a means of rescue in the event   
of a fall must be immediately available. All personal fall arrest system components must   
meet the requirements of the ANSI Z359 Standards.  
o The system needs to meet the following criteria for each component:  
 Personal Protective Equipment  
• Full body harnesses are required. The use of body belts is prohibited.  
• The attachment point of the body harness is the center D-ring on the   
back.  
• Employees must always tie off at or above the D ring of the harness   
except when using lanyards 3 feet or less in length.  
• Harnesses or lanyards that have been subjected to an impact load shall   
be destroyed.  
• Load testing shall not be performed on fall protection equipment.  
 Connecting devices  
• This device can be a rope or web lanyard, rope grab or retractable   
lifeline.  
• Only locking snap hooks may be used.  
• Horizontal lifelines will be designed by a qualified person and installed   
in accordance with the design requirements.  
• Lanyards and vertical lifelines need a minimum breaking strength of   
5,000 pounds.  
• The length of a single lanyard shall not exceed six feet.  
• The use of steel lanyards is prohibited.  
• Lanyards may not be clipped back to itself (e.g. around an anchor point)   
unless specifically designed to do so.  
• If vertical lifelines are used, each employee will be attached to a   
separate lifeline.  
• Lifelines need to be protected against being cut or abraded  
 Anchorage  
 Secure anchor points are the most critical component when employees must   
use fall arrest equipment. Campus buildings may have existing structures (e.g.,   
steel beams that may meet the criteria for a secure anchor point). Other work   
locations and assignments may require the installation of a temporary or   
permanent anchor. As a minimum, the following criteria must be considered for   
each type of anchor point:  
• Structure must be sound and capable of withstanding a 5000 lb. static   
load.  
• Structure/anchor must be easily accessible to avoid fall hazards during   
hook up.  
• Direct tying off around sharp edged structures can reduce breaking   
strength by 70% therefore; chafing pads or abrasion resistant straps   
must be used around sharp edged structures to prevent cutting action   
against safety lanyards or lifelines.  
• Structures used as anchor points must be at the worker’s shoulder level   
or higher to limit free fall to 6 feet or less and prevent contact with any   
lower level (except when using a self-retracting lifeline or 3 foot   
lanyard).  
• Choose structures for anchor points that will prevent swing fall hazards.   
Potentially dangerous “pendulum” like swing falls can result when a   
worker moves horizontally away from a fixed anchor point and falls. The   
arc of the swing produces as much energy as a vertical free fall and the   
hazard of swinging into an obstruction becomes a major factor. Raising   
the height of the anchor point can reduce the angle of the arc and the   
force of the swing. Horizontal lifelines can help maintain the attachment   
point overhead and limit the fall vertically. A qualified person must   
design a horizontal lifeline.  
 Permanent Anchor Requirements  
 In addition to all the criteria listed above, the following points must be   
considered:  
• Environmental factors and dissimilarity of materials can degrade   
exposed anchors.  
• Compatibility of permanent anchors with employee’s fall arrest   
equipment.  
• Inclusion of permanent anchors into a Preventive Maintenance Program   
with scheduled annual re-certification.  
• Visibly label permanent anchors.  
• Roof anchors must be immediately removed from service and recertified if subjected to fall arrest forces.  
• Reusable Temporary Anchors  
• Reusable temporary roof anchors must be installed and used following   
the manufacturer’s installation guidelines.  
• Roof anchors must be compatible with employee’s fall arrest   
equipment.  
• Roof anchors must be removed from service at the completion of the   
job and inspected prior to reuse following the manufacturer’s   
inspection guidelines.  
• Roof anchors must be immediately removed from service and disposed   
of if subjected to fall arrest forces.  
 Complete system  
• If a fall occurs, the employee should not be able to free fall more than 6   
feet nor contact a lower level.  
• To ensure this, add the height of the worker, the lanyard length and an   
elongation length of 5.5 feet. Using this formula, a six-foot worker   
would require a tie-off point at least 15.5 feet above the next lower   
level.  
• A personal fall arrest system that was subjected to an impact needs to   
be removed from service immediately.  
• Personal fall arrest systems need to be inspected prior to each use and   
damaged or deteriorated components removed from service.  
• Personal fall arrest systems should not be attached to guardrails or   
hoists.  
 Warning Line System  
 The warning line shall be erected around all sides of the roof work area.  
 When mechanical equipment is not being used, the warning line shall be   
erected not less than 6 feet from the roof edge.  
 When mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line shall be erected   
not less than 6 feet from the roof edge which is parallel to the direction of   
mechanical equipment operation, and not less than 10 feet from the roof edge   
which is perpendicular to the direction of mechanical equipment operation.  
 Points of access, materials handling areas, storage areas, and hoisting areas   
shall be connected to the work area by an access path formed by two warning   
lines.  
 When the path to a point of access is not in use, a rope, wire, chain, or other   
barricade, equivalent in strength and height to the warning line, shall be placed   
across the path at the point where the path intersects the warning line erected   
around the work area, or the path shall be offset such that a person cannot walk   
directly into the work area.  
 Warning lines shall consist of ropes, wires, or chains, and supporting stanchions   
erected as follows:  
• The rope, wire, or chain shall be flagged at not more than 6 foot   
intervals with high-visibility material.  
• The rope, wire, or chain shall be rigged and supported in such a way   
that its lowest point (including sag) is no less than 34 inches from the   
walking/working surface and its highest point is no more than 39 inches   
from the walking/working surface.  
• After being erected, with the rope, wire, or chain attached, stanchions   
shall be capable of resisting, without tipping over, a force of at least 16   
pounds applied horizontally against the stanchion, 30 inches above the   
walking/working surface, perpendicular to the warning line, and in the   
direction of the floor, roof, or platform edge.  
• The rope, wire, or chain shall have a minimum tensile strength of 500   
pounds, and after being attached to the stanchions, shall be capable of   
supporting, without breaking, the loads applied to the stanchions.  
• The line shall be attached at each stanchion in such a way that pulling   
on one section of the line between stanchions will not result in slack   
being taken up in adjacent sections before the stanchion tips over.  
 No employee shall be allowed in the area between a roof edge and a warning   
line unless the employee is performing roofing work in that area.  
 Mechanical equipment on roofs shall be used or stored only in areas where   
employees are protected by a warning line system, guardrail system, or   
personal fall arrest system.  
 Inspection  
 The employee shall inspect the entire personal fall arrest system prior to every   
use. The competent person will inspect the entire system in use at the initial   
installation and weekly thereafter. The visual inspection of a personal fall arrest   
system shall follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Any components of a   
personal fall arrest system noted to be damaged shall be removed from service   
immediately.  
 Webbing  
 Inspect the entire surface of webbing for damage. Beginning at one end, bend   
the webbing in an inverted “U”. Holding the body side of the belt toward you,   
grasp the belt with your hands six to eight inches apart. This surface tension   
makes the damaged fibers or cuts easier to see. Watch for frayed edges, broken   
fibers, pulled stitches, cuts, burns, and chemical damage.  
 “D” Rings/Back Pads  
 Check “D” rings for distortion, cracks, breaks, and rough or sharp edges. The “D”   
ring should pivot freely. “D” ring back pads should also be inspected for damage.  
 Attachment of Buckles  
 Note any unusual wear, frayed or cut fiber, or distortion of the buckles.  
 Tongue/Grommet  
 The tongue receives heavy wear from repeated buckling and unbuckling. Inspect   
for loose, distorted or broken grommets. The webbing should not have any   
additional punched holes.  
 Tongue Buckle  
 Buckle tongues should be free of distortion in shape and motion. They should   
overlap the buckle frame and move freely back and forth in their socket. The   
roller should turn freely on the frame. Check for distortion or sharp edges.  
 Friction and Mating Buckles  
 Inspect the buckle for distortion. The outer bars and center bars must be   
straight. Pay special attention to corners and attachment points of the center   
bar.  
 Lanyard Inspection Hardware  
 Snaps: Inspect closely for hook and eye distortions, cracks, corrosion, or pitted   
surfaces. The keeper (latch) should seat into the nose without binding and   
should not be distorted or obstructed. The keeper spring should exert sufficient   
force to firmly close the keeper. Keeper locks must prevent the keeper from   
opening when the keeper closes.  
 Thimbles: The thimble must be firmly seated in the eye of the splice, and splice   
should have no loose or cut strands. The edges of the thimble must be free of   
sharp edges, distortion, or cracks.  
 Web Lanyard  
 While bending the webbing over a curved surface such as a pipe, observe each   
side of the webbed lanyard. This will reveal any cuts or breaks. Examine the   
webbing for swelling, discoloration, cracks, or burns. Observe closely for any   
breaks in the stitching.  
 Rope Lanyard  
 Rotation of the rope lanyard while inspecting from end to end will bring to light   
any fuzzy, worn, broken or cut fibers. Weakened areas from extreme loads will   
appear as a noticeable change from the original diameter. The rope diameter   
should be uniform throughout, following a short break-in period. Make sure the   
rope has no knots tied in it. Knots can reduce the strength of the rope by up to   
60%.  
 Shock-absorbing Lanyard  
 Shock-absorbing lanyards should be examined as a web lanyard. However, also   
look for signs of deployment. If the lanyard shows signs of having been put   
under load (e.g. torn out stitching), remove it from service.  
 Self-Retracting Lanyard/Lifeline  
 The lanyard housing must be inspected to ensure that casing bolts are tight and   
that there are no loose fasteners, missing parts, cracks or excessive wear or   
corrosion.  
 Webbing must be inspected for cuts, nicks or tears as well as for any broken   
fibers, stitching or fraying.  
 Steel lanyards should be inspected for cuts, fraying, broken wires and overall   
deterioration and excessive wear.  
 Fittings are to be inspected for wear or cracks and obvious damage.  
 Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for additional inspection tasks and for   
any requirements that the unit be sent in to the manufacturer for periodic   
inspection.  
Storage of Fall Protection Equipment  
Fall protection equipment must be appropriately stored to prevent damage or aging of material.  
Ladders  
All ladders in use by employees will meet the following requirements:  
 Only wooden ladders or ladders made of other synthetic materials shall be used where an   
electrical hazard exists.  
 All ladders must be inspected daily before use.  
 Ladders should be stored in such a way as to prevent damage from sagging, weather conditions,   
excessive heat, etc.  
 If a ladder is found to be damaged and is deemed unsafe, it shall be tagged “out of service”,   
made inoperable, or removed from the jobsite.  
 Ladders shall not be left unattended in the upright position and should be removed once the   
worker has ascended the ladder.  
 When setting up a portable ladder, be sure to set the ladder at the proper angle to the building   
(usually about 25% of the ladder’s vertical height).  
 Never lean a ladder against cables or wires of any type.  
 Use the help of another worker to extend the ladder to the proper height and positioning.  
 Be sure the locks are secure.  
 When a climber is ascending the ladder, another worker should be used to stabilize the ladder   
by holding the sides and supporting the feet of the ladder.  
 The climber should use the three-point method when climbing a ladder. This means that two   
hands and one foot or two feet and one hand should be in contact with the ladder at all times   
during the climb.  
 Never carry tools up the ladder in one hand. Always use two hands to climb.  
 Never climb a ladder from the side or underside.  
 Never “walk” or “shift” a ladder while standing on it.  
Training  
 Each employee who may be exposed to fall hazards must be trained to recognize the hazards   
and the procedures to follow to minimize the hazards. Training should consist of the following:  
 Review of OSHA requirements for fall protection.  
 Fall hazards in the work area.  
 Correct procedures for erecting, using, maintaining, disassembling, and inspecting the fall   
prevention and protection systems.  
 The proper use of fall protection equipment.  
 Limitations of fall protection equipment.  
 Receiving emergency assistance.  
Contractors  
 Contractors performing work on state property shall follow all OSHA guidelines for fall   
protection as applicable in 29 CFR 1926.500

# Forklift Safety Procedure

1\. Purpose  
This procedure is designed to insure that employees required to operate powered industrial trucks (PIT),   
including but not limited to forklifts, are properly trained and certified according to safety regulations   
and industry standards.  
2\. Scope  
This procedure applies to all employees, and their supervisors, whose job duties require the operation of   
PITs.  
In order to operate a PIT, an employee must:  
\- Possess a valid driver’s license  
\- Be approved to drive for the university  
\- Not have adverse vision/hearing problems that cannot be corrected with lenses or hearing aids  
\- Not have physical limitations that would impair safe operation  
\- Not have neurological disorders that affect balance or consciousness  
\- Not take any medication that affects perception, vision or physical ability  
3\. Initial Training  
3.1. PIT operators must view online training materials and successfully pass a test on the content.  
80% or greater is considered a passing score.  
3.2. PIT operators working through temp agencies, who do not have access to the university’s   
online training materials, must complete a written test as provided by USEM and administered   
by their direct supervisor.  
3.3. Before using a PIT without supervision, operators must undergo hands-on training, and   
successfully pass a safe operation evaluation.  
3.4. Departments that require employees to operate PITs must designate individual(s) competent   
and experienced in safe use of the equipment to administer hands-on training and evaluation.  
3.5. If departments cannot designate competent and experienced individuals, designees from other   
departments must train the operator in conjunction with the USEM Coordinator.  
3.6. Hands-on training must include instruction by trainer and demonstration by trainee of the   
following procedures:  
a. Pre-operation safety check and components to inspect for wear (tires, lift chain, forks,   
fuel tank, safety belt, safety cage, oil levels)  
b. Adjustments and controls (fork width, load movements, setting/releasing parking break,   
turning on lights)  
c. Moving a load (approaching, lifting, traveling on flat and graded surfaces, and   
maneuvering around obstructions)   
d. Raising and lowering the mast with a load  
3.7. Operators must train on PITs they will use. Additional hands-on training is required if the   
operator is assigned to use a PIT other than the lift they were originally trained on.  
3.8. Trainees who fail to demonstrate safe use or who are evaluated to be uncomfortable with   
operation of the lift must schedule time with their supervisor and designated trainer for   
additional hands-on training and supervised operation.  
4\. Training Records  
4.1. PIT training records will be kept electronically in the university’s training database.  
4.2. Tests administered to employees working through temp agencies will be graded by the  
employee’s direct supervisor, and sent to USEM for recordkeeping.  
4.3. USEM Coordinator will verify successful completion of online tests.  
4.4. USEM Coordinator will supply those designated to conduct hands-on training and/or   
supervisors of PIT operators with certification cards.  
4.5. Certification cards are to be filled out and signed by designee or supervisor upon successful   
completion of online test and hands-on component.  
4.6. If an employee must be trained by a hands-on designee from another department, USEM   
Coordinator will observe the training, and sign the certification card.  
4.7. Once the certification card is filled out, the recipient’s supervisor or hands-on training designee   
must provide USEM Coordinator with an image (photo, copy, scan or fax) of the completed   
card.  
4.8. The Office of USEM will match certification card images with successful test completion records   
in the university’s training database.  
4.9. Operators checking out PITs from the Motor Pool must present their certification card upon   
check-out.  
5\. Refresher Training and Evaluation  
5.1. As with initial training, refresher training consists of viewing online materials, successful test   
completion and hands-on demonstration.  
5.2. Operators involved in any PIT-related accident must report the incident immediately and turn   
in the certification card to the direct supervisor.  
5.3. Supervisor will prohibit operation of PITs by any employee involved in an accident until   
refresher training is complete.  
5.4. An operator’s direct supervisor must confiscate an employee’s certification card if unsafe   
practices are observed personally on the part of the supervisor or submitted in writing as   
observed by others.  
5.5. At least every three years, operators should be evaluated on the safe use of PITs.  
6\. PIT Maintenance  
6.1. Operators are responsible for performing pre-shift safety checks as specified in the PIT’s   
Operators Manual. These checks include, but are not limited to:  
a. Fork wear beyond 10% of original thickness  
b. Lift chain slack  
c. Seat latch and adjuster operability  
d. Seat belt and side restraint function  
e. Oil and other fluids (level and quality)  
f. Safety cage wear  
6.2. Any PIT not in safe operating condition must be removed from service immediately.  
6.3. Only FM Motor Pool is authorized to perform maintenance or repairs. Replacement parts must   
be manufacturer-approved

# Heat Stress

Purpose  
This program outlines how to assess the level of heat stress an individual may experience when working  
outdoors and provides recommendations on types of controls that can be used to minimize the impact.  
Scope  
This program impacts all employees, students, volunteers and contractors (working under A-State   
supervision), who work in hot environments.  
Definitions  
Acclimatization - The process or result of becoming accustomed to a new climate or to new conditions.  
Heat Cramps - Caused by the body's depleted salt and water levels from excessive sweating resulting in   
muscle cramps or spasms. They usually occur in the muscles used during work. The symptoms include   
spastic contractions and pain in voluntary muscles mainly in the arms, legs, or torso.1  
Heat Exhaustion - Often a precursor to heat stroke. It is often accompanied by elevated core body   
temperatures around 38°C–39°C (100.4°F–102.2°F). Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness,   
fatigue, weakness, thirst, heavy sweating, irritability, and a decreased urine output.1  
Heat Index - The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like   
to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature. This has important   
considerations for the human body's comfort. When the body gets too hot, it begins to perspire or   
sweat to cool itself off. If the perspiration is not able to evaporate, the body cannot regulate its   
temperature. Evaporation is a cooling process. When perspiration is evaporated off the body, it   
effectively reduces the body's temperature. When the atmospheric moisture content (i.e. relative   
humidity) is high, the rate of evaporation from the body decreases. In other words, the human body   
feels warmer in humid conditions.2  
Heat Strain - The body's physiological response to heat stress (e.g., sweating).1  
Heat Stress – The net heat load to which a worker is exposed. Physical exertion, environmental factors,   
and clothing worn all contribute to heat stress.1  
Heat Stroke - The most serious heat-related illness and should be treated as a medical emergency. Heat   
stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to adequately dissipate heat, losing the ability to regulate   
core body temperature. The core body temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism may fail, and   
the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 41oC   
(106°F) or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Thinking clearly, perception, planning, and other mental   
processes become impaired, and the worker may be unable to recognize dangerous situations. Heat   
stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency medical treatment is not given. Symptoms   
include confusion, clumsiness, slurred speech, fainting/unconsciousness, hot dry skin, profuse sweating,   
seizures, and high body temperature.1  
Heat Syncope - Usually occurs after prolonged standing or sudden rising from a sitting or supine   
position. Heat syncope symptoms include light-headedness, dizziness, and fainting. Dehydration and   
inadequate acclimatization often contribute to heat syncope.1  
Relative Humidity - The amount of water vapor present in air expressed as a percentage of the amount   
needed for saturation at the same temperature.  
Temperature - the degree or intensity of heat present in a substance or object, especially as expressed   
according to a comparative scale and shown by a thermometer or perceived by touch.  
Responsibilities  
Environmental, Health and Safety   
• Assist departments in implementation of this program.   
Department/Supervisor/Principal Investigator   
• Identify conditions in which heat stress may be a concern.  
• Implement controls to reduce risk when heat stress is a concern.  
• Train workers on what controls will be implemented and how to implement them.  
• Provide guidance on the use of any PPE that is required.  
• Schedule more physically demanding tasks during cooler times of the day.   
Employees  
• Be familiar with this program and the procedures associated with it.  
• Report any hazards, incidents or injuries to their direct supervisor and EH&S.  
• Follow all procedures as written or required for the work they are performing.  
• Attend any training sessions deemed necessary to complete their work in a competent manner.  
• Understand the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses and watch for these symptoms in   
co-workers.  
Heat Stress Prevention  
Heat stress can be induced by high temperatures, increased relative humidity, decreased air movement   
or lack of shading from direct heat heavy workloads, the type of clothing being worn, etc. The goal of a   
heat stress program is to keep the body temperature below 104° F. Consider the following control   
examples that may reduce heat stress:  
• Use air conditioning  
• Increase ventilation  
• Provide cooling fans  
• Provide shade for outdoor work sites  
• Acclimatize workers starting the first day of work in the heat.  
• Re-acclimatize workers after extended absences  
• Use work/rest schedules  
• Limit strenuous work  
• Train supervisors on heat stress prevention and how to identify symptoms  
• Wear sun hats  
• Light colored clothing  
Some employees are more likely to have heat disorders than others. Younger employees and those   
more physically fit are often less likely to have problems. Employees with heart, lung or kidney disease,   
diabetes and those on medications are more likely to experience heat stress problems. Diet pills,   
sedatives, tranquilizers, caffeinated drinks and excessive alcohol consumption can all exacerbate heat   
stress effects.   
Acclimatization is meant to reduce the impact of heat stress on the body. Employers should use a   
structured program to help workers adapt to working in the heat. This means gradually introducing   
normal work activities over the span of 7 to 14 days.   
Heat Stress Treatment  
Heat stress includes a series of conditions where the body is under stress from overheating. Supervisors  
should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of these conditions which are provided below. They   
should also be prepared to implement the first aid measures identified in the table to treat employees.  
Condition Signs/Symptoms First Aid  
Heat Strain  
Painful muscle spasms  
Pain usually in   
abdomen, arms or legs  
Rest in shady, cool area  
Increase water intake  
Wait a few hours to resume work  
Heat Syncope  
Brief fainting  
Light Headed, dizziness  
Headache  
Nausea, vomiting  
Increased pulse  
Rest in shady, cool area  
Increase water intake  
Refrain from vigorous activity  
Dehydration Fatigue  
Reduce movement  
Rest in shady, cool area  
Increase water intake  
Heat Exhaustion  
Cool, moist skin  
Heavy Sweating  
Headache  
Nausea, vomiting  
Light headed, dizziness  
Weakness, fatigue  
Thirst  
Irritability  
Fast heartbeat  
Rest in shady, cool area  
Increase water intake  
Loosen clothing  
Cool with cold compresses/ ice packs  
Take to Clinic or Emergency Room if symptoms   
worsen or do not improve within 60 minute  
Heat Stroke  
Confusion or erratic   
behavior  
Fatigue  
Seizures  
Excessive sweating or   
red, hot dry skin  
Very high body   
temperature  
Medical Emergency!  
Call 911 to summon ambulance  
Move to shady, cool area  
Loosen clothing  
Fan air on, cold pack armpits  
Wet with cool water  
Provide fluids, preferably water  
Stay with victim until help arrives  
Resources  
1 OSHA Technical Manual, Section III: Chapter 4 Heat Stress. OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) - Section III:   
Chapter 4 | Occupational Safety and Health Administration  
2  
National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. What is the heat index?   
What is the heat index? (weather.gov

# Hot Work

1.0 Purpose  
This procedure is designed to mitigate or eliminate fire hazards associated with hot   
work operations, such as welding, grinding or torch cutting.  
2.0 Definitions  
2.1 Fire-Safe – A perimeter or immediate area within 35 feet of hot work that has   
been cleared of additional fire hazards such as flammables and combustibles, or   
otherwise protects flammables or combustibles that cannot be moved with fireresistant shielding.  
2.2 Fire Watch – A dedicated team with no other responsibilities other than to watch   
for fire in a building or sections of a building, and verify actual fires versus false   
alarms to a dedicated person monitoring the fire panel when system components   
must be offline. Dedicated fire watches are also required where hot work is being   
performed within 35 feet and within 50 feet of permitted open fires outdoors.  
2.3 Hot Work – The following activities are considered Hot Work; welding, soldiering,   
cutting, brazing, grinding, use of asphalt / tar kettle(s), or other work that might   
create sufficient heat or spark, which could start a fire.  
3.0 Scope  
This program applies to all persons, including contractors, and Arkansas State   
University units conducting Hot Work, as defined in the terms, on University owned or   
leased property. NOTE: Areas permanently established and arranged to conduct   
ongoing hot work are exempt.  
3.1 Hot work shall not be conducted in any area other than those specifically   
intended and designed for conducting said work unless the area has been   
inspected and a Hot Work Permit (See section 4) has been issued to the   
person(s) who will be conducting the actual work.  
3.2 Only approved apparatus such as torches, regulators, pressure reducing valves,   
acetylene generators, machines, manifolds, cables and hoses in good repair will   
be used.  
a. Manufacturer’s procedures/recommendations will be followed with respect to   
the sequence of operations for welding, cutting and grinding equipment.  
b. Only acetylene tanks that have been in the vertical position for a minimum of   
2 hours will be used.  
c. Torches will be pointed away from people and combustible materials when   
lighting.  
d. Torches will be lit with a friction lighter or stationary pilot flame. Torches will   
not be lit from hot metal.  
e. When equipment is not going to be used for periods of 30 minutes or more   
or when left unattended the equipment will be shut off.  
f. Only people who are trained and proficient will conduct hot work. Trainees   
may perform work only when their trainer or supervisor is in the immediate   
area.  
3.3 A Hot Work Permit form will be completed prior to start of hot work. The Hot   
Work Permit form can be found online: https://astate.campusoptics.com/pr/hotwork  
By completing this form, employees performing hot work confirm and attest that   
the following has been completed:  
a. Inspections of the work site have been completed  
b. The area is deemed fire safe and/or the necessary instructions to ensure   
such safety is provided.  
3.4 The online permit form will send an email to the submitter, the Work Order   
Center and the Life Safety Systems Coordinator, including all safety precautions   
to be taken and the designated work period timeframe.   
a. Permits must be available at the work site. The email returned to the   
submitter can be used for this purpose.  
b. If the email is not available on the employee’s mobile device, arrangements   
should be made with the Work Order Center, supervisor or other A-State   
employee with access to a printer, in order to print and deliver the permit to   
the work site.  
3.5 If in the inspector’s opinion the area is not safe, work will postponed until such   
time as the area is made safe.  
3.6 In situations where delaying work to complete the form would allow, or increase   
damage to University property or critical research project, the individual to   
performing the hot work shall ensure the area is fire safe then proceed.  
3.7 Open flames are prohibited in University buildings. Open flame devices and   
materials include but are not limited to; candles, oil burning lamps and incense.   
Exceptions include:  
a. Laboratories where flames or burners are used with the proper safety   
precautions in place.  
b. Shops where hot work is performed in a fire-safe environment.  
3.8 Permits for small projects and spot work will generally be issued for a period of   
twelve hours only. However, in areas where the work will be ongoing for an   
extended period of time, permits can be issued for periods not to exceed   
seventy-two hours as long as the work or situational factors do not change.  
3.9 Permits for closed construction sites with restricted public access can be issued   
for the duration of the project, provided inspections are conducted to ensure the   
area where hot work is performed is fire safe. Inspections must be documented  
and records must be retained on the job site.  
4.0 Fire Protection Equipment  
4.1 Vertical storage may not be stacked within 18 inches of sprinkler heads.   
4.2 Tampering with or attempting to perform unauthorized maintenance on fire   
suppression or detection systems is prohibited.   
4.3 A three foot square of clear space around fire alarm pull stations and fire   
extinguishers must be maintained. The clear space should extend three feet out   
from the wall where the station/extinguisher is installed, and 1.5 feet along the   
wall in each direction from the installed location.  
4.4 Employees must not use fire extinguishers without prior knowledge of their   
proper use.   
a. Learn the basics of fire extinguisher use by visiting Taleo Learn, Fire Extinguisher Use or contact Emergency Management for in-person training.  
b. The Safety Office will determine the appropriate staff to receive hands-on   
fire extinguisher training through job hazard analyses and the Community   
Emergency Response Team (CERT) training  
4.5 Any work that produces dust or other particles that may cause the fire alarm   
system to activate requires prior notification to the University Police Department   
and the Safety Office.  
4.6 Failure to follow this procedure, render common practices or courtesies, or follow   
rules of the road for the State of Arkansas could result in citation, disciplinary   
action, and/or suspension of operator's SMV driving privileges.  
5.0 Restrictions in Fire-Rated Spaces  
5.1 Storage and displays in stairwells are strictly prohibited  
5.2 Displays in egress areas must be installed in locations in such a way that a clear   
and direct path to building exits is maintained at a width of at least five feet.  
5.3 Storage is prohibited in emergency egress routes; including corridors, hallways   
and lobbies that lead directly to building exits  
a. Temporary storage in these spaces, such as chairs removed from rooms for   
cleaning or tools required for a project, is permitted  
b. Temporary storage must not be left unattended, and should be confined to   
one side of an egress area in such a way that a clear and direct path to   
building exits is maintained at a width of at least five feet.  
5.4 Penetrations into fire-rated surfaces are prohibited unless fire-stopping systems   
are in place. Fire-rated surfaces include, but are not limited to, concrete floors,   
exposed/unfinished ceilings and stairwell walls.  
5.5 Fire doors must remain closed at all times, unless equipped with an automatic   
closing device designed to activate in a fire. Devices must meet applicable   
Arkansas Fire Code requirements.  
6.0 Electrical Fire Hazards  
6.1 Storage of combustible material in electrical closets and mechanical rooms is   
prohibited.  
6.2 Use of extension cords as permanent wiring and permanent use of multi-plug   
adapters are prohibited.  
6.3 Surge protectors must be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Piggy-backing or   
sequentially connecting surge protectors to additional surge protectors is   
prohibited. Contact Facilities Management to request installation of additional   
outlets.  
6.4 Personal space heaters must be approved by Facilities Management. Contact   
Facilities Management to procure an approved space heater through Central   
Receiving.  
6.5 Electrical panels must include knockouts or circuits blanks where circuits are not   
in use.  
6.6 A three foot square of clear space around electrical panels must be maintained.  
a. Clearance extends three feet out from the wall where the panel is installed,   
and 1.5 feet along the wall in each direction from the center of the panel.  
b. If the panel is wider than three feet, the entire width of the panel will remain   
clear, with three feet of clear space extending from the installed location,   
and one foot along the wall in each direction where the sides of the panel  
end

# Laboratory Safety Manual

Executive Summary  
The purpose of this manual is to provide guidance for personnel on how to work safely in laboratories.   
Laboratories are expected to be in compliance with this manual in the areas that are applicable. Where   
the guidance provided in this manual is not used, written documentation should be given showing that   
the procedure or arrangement used in lieu of the guidance given in this manual will provide a situation   
that is either as safe or safer than the guidance given in this manual.  
This manual applies to all areas that are classified as laboratories and the personnel that work within   
laboratories. This guidance is not meant to apply to areas outside of laboratories; for those areas, refer   
to safety manuals specifically written for those areas. This manual is intended to provide general   
guidance for common laboratory procedures. Laboratories should have standard operating procedures   
for hazardous procedures and chemicals that are unique to their lab or for any highly hazardous   
procedure or chemical. For assistance in determining whether or not a procedure or chemical is highly   
hazardous, contact the director of EHS.  
There are a number of regulations and guidelines concerning laboratory safety. The primary regulation is   
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Lab Standard (29CFR1910.1450); however,   
this is not the only source of requirements for working safely in the laboratory. Other sources include   
the rest of the OSHA regulations for General Industry (particularly those that deal with personal   
protective equipment, engineering controls and hazardous material storage), Environmental Protection   
Agency (EPA) and Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Hazardous Waste Regulations,   
Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and International Air Transport Association (IATA)   
requirements for shipping of hazardous materials, CDC guidelines for use of biological materials in labs   
(Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories or BMBL), American National Standards   
Institute (ANSI) guidelines for safe use of lasers, the Department of Energy and the Arkansas   
Department of Health regulations for radiation use among others.  
The OSHA Lab Standard addresses the use of chemicals and other substances on a laboratory scale. The   
lab standard requires the development of a Chemical Hygiene Plan. Arkansas State does have a Chemical   
Hygiene Plan that can be found on the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) website. The Chemical   
Hygiene Plan addresses all of the requirements of the Lab Standard; adopting a Chemical Hygiene Plan   
reduces the regulatory burden on laboratories in regards to many of the other requirements of Subpart   
Z of the OSHA regulations.  
Arkansas State University Environmental Health   
and Safety Laboratory Safety Manual | 2  
Contents  
Executive Summary........................................................................................................................................................1  
Chapter 1: Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................5  
1.1 Principal Investigator/Responsible Faculty..........................................................................................................5  
1.2 Environmental Health and Safety........................................................................................................................5  
1.3 Facility Manager..................................................................................................................................................6  
1.4 Staff and Students...............................................................................................................................................6  
Chapter 2: General Laboratory Rules.............................................................................................................................6  
Chapter 3: Laboratory Attire..........................................................................................................................................7  
Chapter 4: Engineering Controls and Safety Equipment................................................................................................8  
4.1 Ventilation Equipment and Containment Devices...............................................................................................8  
4.1.1 Chemical Fume Hoods..................................................................................................................................8  
4.1.2 Biological Safety Cabinets..........................................................................................................................11  
4.1.3 Glove Boxes and Glove Bags......................................................................................................................15  
4.1.4 Other Ventilation/Containment Devices....................................................................................................17  
4.1.5 More Information.......................................................................................................................................18  
4.2 Safety Showers and Eyewashes.........................................................................................................................18  
4.3 Fire-Related Safety Equipment..........................................................................................................................19  
Chapter 5: Administrative Controls..............................................................................................................................21  
5.1 Signs ..................................................................................................................................................................21  
5.2 Training .............................................................................................................................................................25  
5.2.1 Laboratory Safety Training ........................................................................................................................25  
5.2.2 Environmental Compliance Training ..........................................................................................................26  
5.2.3 Other Training............................................................................................................................................28  
5.3 Standard Operating Procedures........................................................................................................................29  
5.4 Inspections.........................................................................................................................................................30  
5.5 General Housekeeping ......................................................................................................................................30  
Chapter 6: Personal Protective Equipment..................................................................................................................32  
6.1 Eye and Face Protection ....................................................................................................................................33  
6.2 Hand Protection.................................................................................................................................................35  
6.3 Lab Coats...........................................................................................................................................................39  
6.4 Respiratory Protection.......................................................................................................................................40  
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6.5 Other PPE ..........................................................................................................................................................41  
Chapter 7: Safe Use of Chemicals................................................................................................................................42  
7.1 Routes of Chemical Exposure ............................................................................................................................42  
7.2 Minimizing Chemical Exposure..........................................................................................................................44  
7.3 Information on Chemical Hazards.....................................................................................................................44  
7.4 Chemical Exposure Limits..................................................................................................................................52  
7.5 Chemical Exposure Monitoring..........................................................................................................................52  
7.6 Chemical Labeling..............................................................................................................................................52  
7.7 Chemical Storage and Segregation ...................................................................................................................53  
7.8 Chemical Transport ...........................................................................................................................................55  
7.9 Chemical Spills...................................................................................................................................................55  
Chapter 8: Chemical Hazards (General).......................................................................................................................56  
8.1 Flammable Liquids.............................................................................................................................................56  
8.2 Flammable Solids...............................................................................................................................................59  
8.3 Corrosives..........................................................................................................................................................59  
8.4 Toxic Chemicals .................................................................................................................................................61  
8.5 Compressed Gases.............................................................................................................................................63  
8.6 Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides.......................................................................................................................64  
8.7 Peroxide-Forming Chemicals.............................................................................................................................64  
Chapter 9: Highly Hazardous Chemicals......................................................................................................................65  
9.1 Particularly Hazardous Substances ...................................................................................................................65  
9.2 Explosives ..........................................................................................................................................................67  
9.3 Pyrophoric Chemicals ........................................................................................................................................68  
9.4 Water Reactive Chemicals.................................................................................................................................68  
9.5 Otherwise Violently Reactive Chemicals............................................................................................................69  
9.6 Hydrofluoric Acid and Perchloric Acid ...............................................................................................................69  
9.6.1 Hydrofluoric Acid........................................................................................................................................70  
9.6.2 Perchloric Acid............................................................................................................................................70  
Chapter 10: Hazardous Chemical Disposal and Shipping ............................................................................................71  
10.1 Chemical Waste Disposal ................................................................................................................................71  
10.2 Hazardous Chemical Shipping .........................................................................................................................72  
Chapter 11: Physical Hazards ......................................................................................................................................74  
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11.1 Compressed Gases...........................................................................................................................................75  
11.2 Electrical Safety ...............................................................................................................................................78  
11.3 Machine Guarding...........................................................................................................................................80  
11.4 Cryogenic and Cold-Item Safety ......................................................................................................................81  
11.5 Autoclave and Hot-Item Safety .......................................................................................................................82  
11.6 Sharps and Glassware .....................................................................................................................................84  
Chapter 12: Biological and Radiological Hazards........................................................................................................86  
12.1 Biological Hazards...........................................................................................................................................86  
12.2 Radiation .........................................................................................................................................................86  
12.3 Lasers...............................................................................................................................................................86  
Chapter 13: Laboratory Emergency Preparedness ......................................................................................................86  
13.1 Fire...................................................................................................................................................................86  
13.2 Hazardous Material Spills................................................................................................................................87  
13.2.1 Spills That May Be Cleaned up by Lab Personnel .....................................................................................87  
13.2.2 Spills That Require EHS Assistance ...........................................................................................................87  
13.2.3 Spills That Require HAZMAT Team Response...........................................................................................88  
13.2.4 Spills of Unknown Material ......................................................................................................................88  
13.2.5 Spill Kits....................................................................................................................................................89  
Chapter 14: Laboratory Safety Culture ........................................................................................................................89  
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Chapter 1: Roles and Responsibilities  
Safety in the laboratory is a responsibility that is shared by faculty, staff and students. General roles and   
responsibilities for all faculty, staff and students regarding safety are defined in the university-wide   
Safety Operating Procedure found here: http://www.astate.edu/a/finance/procedures/finance/faehs.pdf. Responsibilities specific to laboratory safety is described below.  
1.1 Principal Investigator/Responsible Faculty  
The Principal Investigator (PI) is the person in charge of a research lab. Responsible faculty is a faculty  
member that has primary use of a teaching lab or is responsible for a teaching lab. PI and responsible   
faculty have the following responsibilities:  
 Ensure that the staff and students know and follow the chemical hygiene rules and projectspecific protocols,  
 Ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is available and in working order,  
 Ensure that staff and students know the location of the chemical hygiene plan,  
 Ensure that staff and students know where to find a safety data sheet (SDS) for the substances   
with which they may come in contact,  
 Ensure that all SDSs that are sent with chemicals shipments from the supplier are kept,  
 Ensure that staff and students have completed all appropriate training,  
 Provide an inventory of all hazardous chemicals to EHS annually before May 31 and  
 Ensure chemical fume hood is operating properly on a monthly basis  
1.2 Environmental Health and Safety  
While day to day compliance with regulations within the laboratory is the responsibility of the lab   
occupants, EHS also has a responsibility to help ensure the safety of all workers and students that are   
present in laboratories. To that end, these are the responsibilities of EHS with regard to lab safety:  
 Develop and implement appropriate chemical safety practices,  
 Promulgate current legal requirements concerning regulated substances,  
 Help determine the level of protective apparel and equipment required based on the hazards   
within the laboratory,  
 Review and update all plans regarding laboratory and chemical safety on a regular basis,  
 Respond to researcher queries regarding new procedures and/or chemicals,  
 Monitor new procedures to determine the appropriate level of protection,   
 Ensure employee exposures do not exceed permitted exposure limits (PELs),  
 Monitor exposure if there is suspicion of levels of exposure in excess of established PELs and   
follow all requirements in regards to employee notification and records,  
 Suspend work in a laboratory until if exposure levels to a substance are exceeded until such time   
as measures are taken to reduce exposure levels to less than the PELs and  
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 Provide training upon request regarding laboratory safety to all students and employees that   
work in laboratories.  
1.3 Facility Manager  
Not all buildings that have laboratories have a facility manager. The responsibilities of a facility manager   
may be accomplished by the faculty in charge of a lab, a department designee (such as a department   
safety coordinator) and, in the case of regular inspections, EHS. The responsibilities of the facility   
manager are as follows:  
 Monitor procurement, use and disposal of chemicals used in the lab,  
 Ensure that facilities and training for any material being ordered are adequate and  
 Perform regular formal laboratory safety inspections as well as routine inspections of   
emergency equipment.  
1.4 Staff and Students  
While those listed above have the responsibility of providing a safe laboratory environment and   
ensuring that equipment, procedures and processes are in place to help keep laboratory workers safe,   
staff and students play a role in their own safety. Their responsibilities include:  
 Plan and conduct each laboratory operation in accordance with this manual, the chemical   
hygiene plan and project-specific protocols,  
 Develop and maintain good personal laboratory safety habits,  
 Review the SDS of a chemical before working with it and  
 Never remove or deface the label on a container containing a hazardous substance.  
Chapter 2: General Laboratory Rules  
The general rules for working safely in the laboratory are addressed in the university Chemical Hygiene   
Plan. They are also posted here for convenience. While most of these rules are explained in more detail   
throughout this manual, the general rules for laboratory safety are as follows:  
 Avoid “routine” exposure. Do not smell or taste chemicals. Use a hood if the TLV (available on   
the SDS) of a substance is <50 ppm.  
 Do not apply cosmetics, eat, drink, smoke or chew in laboratories.   
 Do not store or handle food or beverages in laboratories.   
 Use appropriate PPE. At a minimum, all persons, including visitors, when in a laboratory in which   
chemicals are in use or a chemical process is in progress, shall wear eye or face protection.  
 Avoid inappropriate apparel (loose clothing, sandals, etc.)   
 Mouth pipetting is prohibited.  
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 Do not work alone in the building; do not work alone in the laboratory if the procedures being   
conducted are hazardous. Post an appropriate sign on the door and leave the lights on   
whenever an ongoing operation is left unattended.  
 Deposit hazardous waste in and appropriately labeled, closed container; waste characterization,   
label and container are provided by the EHS Director or his designee. Do not discharge   
hazardous waste to the sewer.  
 In the event of a spill, the priority of actions shall be: personnel decontamination, spill   
containment, cleanup.  
 Keep laboratories clean and uncluttered. Label all containers containing chemicals.  
 If a substance is produced in the lab for use outside of the lab by another user, then the facility   
manager must comply with the Hazard Communication standard for that substance.  
 Particularly Hazardous Substances (carcinogens, reproductive toxins and acute toxins) shall be   
handled per specific protocols approved by the EHS Director.  
 All manipulation of free nanoparticles MUST be performed in a HEPA-filtered bag in/out   
chemical fume hood, exhausted glove box, biological safety cabinet or an exhausted enclosure   
specifically designed for handling nanoparticles. Contamination of the exhaust system must be   
avoided in order to protect maintenance personnel; a bag in/out HEPA filter MUST be in place   
between the work enclosure and the building’s ductwork.   
Chapter 3: Laboratory Attire  
Laboratory attire is distinct from personal protective equipment (PPE) in that it is the expected clothing   
to be worn anytime entering the lab with few exceptions. While PPE is hazard specific, laboratory attire   
is universal. While PIs are responsible for providing PPE for workers and students, it is the responsibility   
of those working in the lab to show up attired properly.   
The requirements for laboratory attire are based on government regulations, industry best practices and   
benchmarks set by other colleges and universities. Deviations from the attire requirements must be   
approved by the director of Environmental Health and Safety in writing.  
Listed below is the required attire for all people entering a laboratory:  
• Long pants or skirts that cover the ankles  
• Closed-toe shoes  
• Long hair tied back  
 No scarves or other loose, hanging items  
Required laboratory attire is expected to be worn year-round, regardless of the outside temperature.   
Long pants can be replaced with scrubs; it is at the discretion of the PI to purchase scrubs for lab   
workers in lieu of long pants. Spare pants may be kept at the lab entrance for workers that are wearing   
shorts to place over their legs before entering the lab. The same can be done for closed-toe shoes.  
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Chapter 4: Engineering Controls and Safety Equipment  
Engineering controls are physical modifications to a process or equipment to prevent the exposure of   
workers to harmful substances or conditions. Engineering controls are used where feasible to protect   
workers from hazards before resorting to personal protective equipment. Safety equipment refers to   
items that will be used in the event of an emergency.  
Engineering controls, for the purposes of this manual will be divided into two categories; ventilation and   
containment devices and other engineering controls. Engineering controls specific to specialized   
equipment (such as lasers, centrifuges, etc.) within the laboratory should be described in Standard   
Operating Procedures for that piece of equipment.  
4.1 Ventilation Equipment and Containment Devices  
Ventilation equipment and containment devices are present in laboratories to protect either the worker   
from the hazards posed by the items used inside of them (such as chemicals in a fume hood) or to   
protect the product being used or the procedure being done in them from dust or microbes in the air   
(such as tissue culture in a clean bench or semiconductor work in a clean room). Many devices will be   
discussed in this section, but most attention will be given to items that keep workers safe.  
4.1.1 Chemical Fume Hoods  
The purpose of a chemical fume hood is to protect a worker using a chemical with the hood from the   
harmful vapors generated by the chemicals. A motor runs a fan above the ductwork attached the hood   
to pull air across the chemical hood work surface toward the back of the hood and up the exhaust. The   
vapors are exhausted out of the building where they become dilute to the point of no longer being   
harmful. Below are a picture and a diagram of a chemical fume hood.  
Figure 1: Picture of a typical chemical fume hood  
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Figure 2: Standard chemical fume hood diagram front and side view  
Here are the rules for working in a chemical fume hood:  
 Chemical fume hoods are not to be used as storage. A hood is a working surface; only chemicals   
that are currently being used should be in the hood.  
 The working surface of the hood should be as clear as possible to allow for adequate airflow   
across the work surface; large equipment within the hood should be raised off the work surface.  
 The baffles of the hood shall not be obstructed. Items should be at least 6 inches away from the   
rear of the hood.  
 Work should not be performed in the hood with the sash raised above the indicated position.   
The sash may be raised higher than the indicated position for experiment setup, but must be   
18” or less from the work surface while hazardous work is being performed.  
 Keeping the sash as low as possible reduces the amount of chemical vapors that can escape   
from the hood. Air within the chemical fume hood, because of turbulence creates a vortex of air   
in the upper portion (as pictured below). Hazardous vapors can be present in that vortex and are   
likely to escape if the hood sash is fully open.  
 If a hood is suspected of not functioning properly, immediately cease activity and report it to a   
supervisor. The supervisor should then contact EHS for evaluation of the hood.  
 Never use a hood that has a sign on it indicating that it has failed inspection.  
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Figure 3: Airflow direction in a chemical fume hood. Airflow direction is indicated by blue arrows. Sash is the solids black   
vertical line. A- Sash Closed. When the sash of the hood is closed, air flows under the air foil below the sash and through the   
bypass above the sash. Because of directional airflow through the bypass, there is less probability of a vortex being created in   
the upper portion of the hood. B-Sash Partially Open. Because the sash is partially open there is no directional airflow in the   
upper portion of the hood. Some air is reflected by the baffles back toward the front of the hood; however, if the sash is low   
enough, that air is redirected toward the back of the hood and stays contained. C- Sash Fully Open. With the sash fully open,   
there is not a barrier to direct air that is moving from the back of the fume hood toward the front, thus air (and potentially   
hazardous vapors if hazardous materials are in use) can escape potentially exposing the hood user to hazardous vapors.  
 Having the sash as low as possible also protects the user from physical hazards such as breaking   
glass or elevated temperatures.  
 Keep hazardous chemicals at least 6 inches away from the sash as well. This will help reduce the   
likelihood of hazardous chemical vapor escape.  
A chemical fume hood should have an operating face velocity of at least 90-150 linear feet per minute of   
air flow.   
 EHS will annually confirm that chemical fume hoods are operating at this capacity.  
 Hoods not operating at this level shall be marked as unsafe and shall not be used until it is   
repaired and retested by EHS.  
 Some exceptions to the face velocity requirement will be made for hoods that are not used for   
hazardous situations (for example, for simple heat or non-hazardous odor dissipation)  
Other conditions that will reduce the effectiveness of a chemical fume hood and that should be avoided   
when the hood is in use are:  
 Heavy foot traffic near the hood while in use,  
 Doors being opened and closed in the lab while the hood is in use,  
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 Swift, jerking movements in and out of the hood (slow, fluid movements help prevent additional   
turbulence and thus reduce hazardous vapor escape)  
 Other air-moving devices such as fans being used near the hood and  
 Overcrowding of the hood with equipment, chemicals, etc.  
In buildings that have variable air volume HVAC systems (like ABI), keeping the hood sash closed when   
not in use may save energy.  
Figure 4: Chemical fume hood approval. A-Chemical fume hood passes inspection. If this yellow sticker is present and the current date is within   
the range specified on the sticker, then the chemical fume hood is approved for use. B-Chemical fume hood failure. If this sign is present it   
means that the chemical fume hood has failed inspection. Do not use a chemical fume hood that has this sign on it and do not remove the sign!   
Notify building management or place a Facilities work order to have the hood examined for repairs. When the hood has been repaired, contact   
EHS to have it retested.  
4.1.2 Biological Safety Cabinets  
The purpose of a biological safety cabinet (BSC) is primarily to   
protect the user from biohazardous materials and secondarily   
to protect the materials being manipulated within the   
biological safety cabinet from contaminants in the laboratory   
air. All BSCs are equipped with at least one HEPA filter, which   
has the ability to filter all hazardous biological agents and   
prevent their release into the environment. There are three   
classes of biological safety cabinets; the class of BSC used   
depends on the application.  
Figure 5: Biological Safety Cabinet (Class II)  
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4.1.2.1 Rules for Biological Safety Cabinets  
Here are the rules for working in a biological safety cabinet:  
 Hazardous chemicals may not be used in BSCs. BSCs do not filter out hazardous chemical vapors   
and do not exhaust the chemicals away from the lab; the air from a BSC is most often vented   
back into the lab. While a BSC will remove harmful biological agents, it will not remove   
hazardous chemical vapors.  
 Biological safety cabinets in which hazardous biological agents are used must be certified on an   
annual basis by a NSF 49 certified technician.  
 BSCs must be disinfected and all waste removed after each use to ensure that the cabinet is   
both safe and clean for the next user.  
 BSCs where hazardous biological agents are used must be marked with a biohazard symbol.  
 Open flames shall not be used in a biological safety cabinet. Because many BSCs recirculate the   
air within, and open flame can lead to a recirculation of both increased temperature air and   
leaking gas resulting in a fire or explosion.  
 Clean benches (laminar flow hoods) are not BSCs and must not be used with biological hazards.  
 For additional guidance regarding biological safety cabinets, see the university Biological Safety   
Manual.  
4.1.2.2 Types of Biological Safety Cabinets  
The category of biological safety cabinet used in a laboratory depends on the application. There are   
three classes of biological safety cabinets and several types within at least one class (class II). Airflow   
patterns and containment attributes vary within the classes and types. Most BSCs fall into class II and   
thus the most detail is given on this class in the Biological Safety Manual.  
4.1.2.2.1 Class I   
Class I biological safety cabinets are very similar to chemical fume hoods. They protect the user from   
harmful biological agents just as a chemical fume hood protects the user from harmful chemical agents.   
However, because harmful biological agents have the ability to reproduce (unlike chemicals) they cannot   
be released to the environment. All BSCs are equipped with a HEPA filter to capture these microbes.  
Unlike other biological safety cabinets, class I BSCs do not protect the items being used within from   
contamination. Thus, class I BSCs should not be used when the product being manipulated needs to be   
protected from environmental contamination. The environment within this class of BSC is not sterile.   
Below is a diagram of a class I BSC:  
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Figure 6: Class I Biological Safety Cabinet. Notice the airflow pattern (indicated by arrows) is very similar to that of a chemical fume hood. Red   
indicates unfiltered air, blue is filtered air  
4.1.2.2.2 Class II  
Class II biological safety cabinets offer the same level of personal protection and environmental   
protection but offer the added benefit of protecting the product being used within. There are several   
different types of Class II BSCs (details on each type are given in the Biological Safety Manual), but in   
general, room air is immediately pulled down at the entrance to the cabinet through a grate or grille and   
then filtered through a HEPA filter before being blown back down onto the work surface. Some of the air   
blown back down onto the surface is recirculated; the rest is exhausted through a separate HEPA filter.   
When properly used, a class II BSC provides a sterile environment to perform microbiological work.   
Below is a diagram of a class II BSC:  
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Figure 7: Class II Biological Safety Cabinet. This device is equipped with two HEPA filters. In many types, some of the air is recirculated while   
some of it is exhausted. Red arrows indicate unfiltered air, blue arrows indicate filtered air.  
4.1.2.2.3 Class III  
Class III biological safety cabinets are a type of glove box known as a negative pressure glove box. Glove   
boxes will be discussed in a subsequent section. These types of BSC are often called isolators and offer   
protection to the user, environment and the product within.  
4.1.2.2.4 Clean Benches or Laminar Flow hoods  
Many times, biological safety cabinets are incorrectly called laminar flow hoods. Laminar flow means   
flow in one direction. While BSCs have airflow in several different directions, clean benches truly   
demonstrate laminar flow. These devices offer product protection but do not protect the environment   
or the user. Thus they are not suitable for use with biological hazards. However, if used properly, these   
devices can provide a sterile environment in which to perform non-hazardous microbiological work.   
Below there are pictures and diagrams of these devices.   
HEPA Filter  
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Figure 8: Horizontal clean bench and vertical clean bench. A-Horizontal clean bench. A horizontal clean bench (also known as a laminar flow   
hood or tissue culture hood) has a motor that blows HEPA-filtered air across the work surface toward the user. This keeps room contaminants   
out of the work area. B-Vertical clean bench. A vertical clean bench (also known as a PCR hood) has a motor mounted on top of the device  
where air is HEPA-filtered and blown down toward the work surface keeping room contaminants out of the device. In both devices, any hazards   
inside the device would be blown onto the user, thus hazardous material are not allowed to be used in them.  
Figure 9: Clean bench diagram. A-Horizontal clean bench and B-Vertical clean bench. Airflow is indicated by arrows; red indicates unfiltered air,   
blue indicates filtered air.  
4.1.3 Glove Boxes and Glove Bags  
Glove boxes come in many different varieties. Some are used strictly to protect materials from the   
environment and thus are not safety devices at all. Others are for protecting the user from very   
hazardous materials. In general, there are two types of glove boxes; there are those that are under   
negative pressure and those that are under positive pressure. There are also devices called glove bags   
that are used to provide an environment free of oxygen to manipulate certain types of microorganisms.   
All three will be discussed below.  
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4.1.3.1 Negative Pressure Glove Box  
Negative pressure glove boxes are glove boxes that   
are attached to the exhaust system of a building to   
maintain a negative pressure within. They function   
much like a fume hood or biological safety cabinet   
in that they pull air away from the user. The air   
coming into them may or may not be HEPA filtered,   
depending on whether or not it is important to   
protect the product. The exhaust is HEPA filtered if   
biological agents are being used within. In general,   
negative pressure glove boxes are not used unless   
the product being used within is very highly   
hazardous to the user. These devices must not be   
installed and used without first consulting with EHS.  
Negative pressure glove boxes can easily be   
identified by the direction the gloves are pointing when the device is on but not in use. Gloves are   
sucked into a negative pressure glove box. Certification of these devices must be handled according to   
manufacturer’s instructions and the standards/guidelines of the American Glovebox Society should be   
consulted. Below is a picture of a typical negative pressure glove box.  
4.1.3.2 Positive Pressure Glove Box  
Positive pressure glove boxes are glove boxes that  
are kept under pressure either by compressed air   
or an inert gas. Sometimes these devices are used   
strictly to protect the chemicals within from   
moisture or air to prevent degradation; other times   
these are used to protect materials that might   
otherwise react violently with air or water from the   
standard atmosphere. EHS is only concerned with   
these types of glove boxes when they are being   
used as a safety device. When these are being used   
as a safety device, they should be equipped with   
alarms to indicate a loss of containment as the atmosphere within is leaked into the lab when   
containment is breached.  
Positive pressure glove boxes can easily be identified by the direction the gloves are pointing when the   
device is on but not in use. Gloves are pushed out of a positive pressure glove box because of the   
Figure 10: Negative Pressure Glove Box. Note the direction that   
the gloves are facing.   
Figure 11: Positive Pressure Glove Box. Note the direction that the   
gloves are facing.   
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pressure within. Certification of these devices must be handled according to manufacturer’s instructions   
and the standards/guidelines of the American Glovebox Society should be consulted.   
4.1.3.3 Glove Bags  
Glove bags are a special type of isolation device that allows the growth of microorganisms that cannot   
thrive in environments that contain oxygen. While glove bags are not themselves safety devices, they do   
present safety hazards in that the atmosphere within them usually contains a certain percentage of   
hydrogen, a highly flammable gas. Pure hydrogen must never be used to establish or to maintain an   
anaerobic chamber; a mixture of gases should be used. Mixtures with a concentration of hydrogen   
greater than 4% can present and explosive mixture within the chamber. Below is a picture of a typical   
glove bag.  
Figure 12: Glove Bag. Materials are placed in the airlock on the far right; the airlock is purged with an atmosphere free of oxygen. Once the   
purge is complete, materials are then taken into the main chamber. Note the percentage of hydrogen in this bag is 4% according to the gauge.  
4.1.4 Other Ventilation/Containment Devices  
There are many other types of ventilation equipment and containment devices that are not discussed in   
as much detail here because they are not as common or require less explanation. Some of them are   
meant to dissipate vapors or heat, while others are meant to protect the materials within them from   
contamination. These devices, if being used for safety purposes, require testing on an annual basis   
according to manufacturer’s instructions and must be approved by EHS. A detailed operating procedure   
for the device, including its limitations, must be developed by a knowledgeable individual and the   
procedure must be reviewed by all who will use or be affected by the use of the device. Evidence that   
the device protects the user to the level required, including calculations and measurements, should be   
documented. Some examples of other exhaust devices include:  
 Canopy hoods  
 Snorkels  
 Compressed gas exhaust cabinets  
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 Dust collectors  
 Clean rooms  
4.1.5 More Information   
The requirements for laboratory ventilation devices, including more details for shutdown, are contained   
in the Laboratory Ventilation Device Program available on the EHS website. This program describes the   
testing/certification, placement, purchase and decommissioning of laboratory ventilation devices. The   
plan should be reviewed before any changes to laboratory ventilation devices, including installation or   
removal, are performed.  
4.2 Safety Showers and Eyewashes  
One of the most important pieces of safety equipment in the laboratory is the safety shower and   
eyewash. In some instances, these two units are plumbed together, in others they are in separate   
locations. Eyewashes are intended to flush chemicals or other substances that get into the eyes of lab   
workers while safety showers are intended to remove hazardous materials from the skin or clothing of a   
person contaminated. It is important to make sure that all lab workers know where the safety shower   
and eyewash are in the laboratory and how to use them.  
Figure 13: A-Safety Shower. In the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, the safety shower is in a separate location from the eyewash. The safety   
showers in this case are located along the corridor that traverses each lab suite. B-Eyewash. In most laboratories on campus, the eyewashes are   
located on a lab sink. In many cases, the eyewash doubles as a drench hose and can also be used for washing hazardous materials off skin and   
clothing. C-Combination Unit. Some laboratories have a combination safety shower/eyewash unit.  
Anyone that gets a hazardous material on their skin, on their clothing or in their eyes must not hesitate   
to use the safety shower or eyewash as appropriate. Most safety showers do not have a drain, thus the   
floor will be wet if it has to be used. For this reason, it is very important to keep electrical equipment   
and any item that should not get wet as far away from a safety shower as possible. In addition to this,   
there are some rules regarding safety showers and eyewashes:  
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 Eyewashes are required in any area where corrosive materials are used. The path to the   
eyewash shall not be impeded by doors, equipment or any other obstruction.  
 All eyewashes should be flushed weekly for at least 30 seconds by a lab user or someone else   
assigned by the department. The result of this test should be recorded either on a tag attached   
to the eyewash or in a logbook displayed prominently in the lab.  
 All safety showers are tested monthly by Environmental Health and Safety.  
 Eyewashes and safety showers must be able to be operated in a hands-free mode meaning that   
once the valve is activated, it must be shutoff intentionally (not automatically shut off).  
 The time required to reach an eyewash shall not exceed 10 seconds under normal   
circumstances.  
 When using the safety shower or eyewash, the minimum recommended time of use is 15   
minutes.  
 When flushing the eyes, the affected individual should hold the eyelids open and roll the   
affected eyeball while under the flow of water.  
Figure 14: What qualifies as an obstructed safety shower or eyewash? A-Obviously obstructed combination unit. Storing items in front of a   
safety shower or eyewash is an obvious violation of lab safety procedures. B-Subtle obstruction of eyewash. Anything that can impede access to   
an eyewash or a safety shower is a violation of lab safety procedures. While picture B does not seem serious, a lab worker that cannot see due   
to having hazard materials in their eyes could have trouble accessing the drench hose in this case. The red outline area on this sink may not   
have anything placed in it.  
4.3 Fire-Related Safety Equipment  
There are several types of fire-related safety equipment in or near the laboratory. This lab safety manual   
is not intended to inform lab users of all the fire safety requirements (that is accomplished thought fire   
safety training and the fire prevention plan); however, a few fire safety items, such as fire extinguishers,   
sprinklers and fire alarms will be discussed here.   
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4.3.1 Fire Extinguishers  
Fire extinguishers in the laboratory can be a valuable safety tool; however, failure to use them properly   
or to interpret the circumstances under which they should be used can have severe consequences.   
Detailed rules for the access to and use of fire extinguishers is given in the fire extinguisher and safety   
training on the Emergency Management webpage, but a brief list of rules is given below:  
 Fire extinguishers must be available wherever flammable materials are stored. This means most   
labs.  
 Fire extinguishers must not be obstructed or hidden from view.  
 Fire extinguishers should only be used by individuals that have completed Fire Safety training.  
 There are a limited set of conditions under which a person may fight a fire with a fire   
extinguisher:  
o The local authorities must be contacted first. This means the fire alarm must be pulled   
or someone has to call 911. The person making contact with the authorities can be a   
different person than the one using the fire extinguisher.  
o The fire must be small. Anything larger than approximately 3 ft. x 3 ft. is too big to fight.  
o Chemicals must not be involved in the fire. Chemicals can emit dangerous by-products   
when burning. Unless you are 100% sure that the chemicals will not have toxic products   
of combustion (by being familiar with the Safety Data Sheet for the chemical), do not   
attempt to extinguish the fire.  
o If you do not feel comfortable fighting a fire, even if it fits the criteria listed above, do   
not attempt to extinguish it.  
 Fire extinguishers must be inspected on a monthly basis and must have annual recertification.   
This service is provided by a local contractor, but it is the job of lab workers to confirm that the   
service is being provided.  
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Figure 15: Fire Extinguishers. A-Accessible fire extinguisher. This fire extinguisher is free of obstructions and plainly visible. B-Obstructed fire   
extinguisher. A cart is blocking this extinguisher; this would be considered a safety violation. C-Hidden fire extinguisher. It is important to make   
sure fire extinguishers are not only unobstructed, but also clearly visible. While this extinguisher is accessible, it is not easily seen.  
4.3.2 Sprinklers  
Sprinklers are present in most labs. Sprinklers are intended to release water to cool the environment in   
the event of a fire thereby potentially decreasing the impact and severity of a fire. For sprinklers to work   
properly, certain rules must be followed:  
 Never tamper with or disable sprinkler heads. Not only does this make the laboratory less safe,   
it also has the potential to flood your lab!  
 Do not hang items from sprinkler heads. They are not designed to bear any load.  
 Do not store any items within 18” of a sprinkler head. Anything closer than this will change the   
water dispersal pattern of the sprinkler thus limiting their effectiveness.  
 Do not store combustible items within 18” of the ceiling. If items catch fire within 18” of the   
ceiling, the water from the sprinkler head may not be able to reach that item to help extinguish   
the fire.  
4.3.3 Fire Alarms  
Fire alarms are required in all lab buildings. One of the first things a lab worker should do before   
beginning work in a lab is to determine the location of fire alarm pull stations. This will ensure   
preparedness in the event of an emergency rather than scrambling when the emergency occurs. Fire   
alarms can always be found within 5 feet of the exit from a building, but there are likely to be pull   
stations closer to your lab. Make sure to know the location of fire alarms and ensure that those areas do   
not become obstructed from access or view. For more information, see the university fire prevention   
plan.  
Chapter 5: Administrative Controls  
Administrative controls are controls that change the way work is done to make it safer to the most   
workers. This may mean limiting access to certain areas, changing the timing of work and/or altering   
work procedures. Examples of administrative controls in the laboratory include: signs, training, standard   
operating procedures (SOPs), inspections and general housekeeping. Some administrative controls are   
explained in more detail below.  
5.1 Signs  
Warning signs are a very important administrative control. Their purpose is to discourage individuals  
from entering places where hazards are present when they are not authorized to enter. There are   
several different types of signs that may be used in laboratories. Each will be discussed below.  
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5.1.1 General Laboratory Information Sign  
The general information laboratory sign gives the person reading information on all the different types   
of hazards present in the lab, the contact information for the people responsible for the lab, the   
requirements for entry to the lab and other safety information. These signs are provided by EHS and   
developed based on information given by the lab users. The sign is required to be posted outside of  
every laboratory so that before entering individuals can be apprised of the hazards they may encounter  
in the lab.   
The top section of this sign indicates that only individuals authorized to be in the laboratory are allowed   
to enter. The dot on the top right of the sign indicates to custodians whether or not they are allowed to   
enter. A green dot indicates that they may enter unescorted at any time. A yellow dot indicates that   
they may enter if they are escorted by a lab user. A red dot indicates that custodians are prohibited from   
entering. The red box shows emergency contact information and the green box shows the   
Environmental Health and Safety department   
contact information. Laboratory contact   
information is found at the very bottom of the   
page (not pictured).   
Each of the three symbols toward the middle   
right of figure 12 indicated a particular type of   
hazard. The black symbol on the orange   
background is the biohazard symbol, the black   
symbol on the yellow background is the   
radiation symbol and the yellow symbol on the   
white background indicates the presence of   
lasers in the laboratory. If these hazards are not   
present in the lab, these squares will be blank.   
Each of these symbols will be discussed in more   
detail later. The gray shaded section contains the   
chemical hazards present in the lab. The diamond   
shaped pictograms in this section symbolize   
different types of chemical hazards. Their   
meaning will be discussed in the chemical   
hazards section of this manual.   
Lastly, the beige shaded section informs individuals of the requirements for entry to the lab. No food or   
drink is permitted in any laboratory. Safety glasses are required for visitors as a visitor will not know   
what processes may be occurring in the lab prior to their entry. Safety glasses may be removed if the   
visitor is escorted by a lab user and no processes that require eye protection are being performed. Long   
pants and closed-toe shoes are required before entering the lab. Additional personal protective   
Figure 16: General Laboratory Door Sign. Information given on this   
sign includes: the existence of biohazards, radioactive materials or   
lasers (colored boxes), whether or not custodians are allowed to enter   
(the dot color and message at top), the chemical hazards present   
(indicated by pictograms), the entry requirements and contact   
information. The contact information for the lab is not pictured, but is   
present on the full sign.  
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equipment (or PPE, which is discussed in a later chapter) may be required before entry depending on   
the hazard. Special laboratories may require medical screening or vaccination prior to entry.   
5.1.2 Biohazard Symbol  
The biohazard symbol on the general laboratory information sign  
indicates the presence of biological hazards in a laboratory. This symbol   
may also be present on a separate sign in certain circumstances. The   
biohazard symbol is also displayed on equipment and containers that   
contain biohazardous agents.   
A biohazardous agent is any agent that has the potential to cause   
disease in humans. Anything that has come into contact with such   
agents is also considered a biohazard. Work with these types of agents   
must be done in a laboratory that is classified as Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2). More information on the types of agents that are biohazards can be   
found in the Biosafety Manual and the Exposure Control Plan.  
5.1.3 Radiation Symbol  
The radiation symbol on the general laboratory information sign   
indicates the presence of radioactive materials in a laboratory.   
Additional signage containing the radiation symbol is also present on the   
entrances to labs where radioactive materials are used. The radiation   
symbol is also displayed on equipment and containers that contain   
radioactive materials. The presence of the radiation symbol outside of a   
lab where radioactive materials are used specifies the presence of a   
sealed source of radiation inside a piece of equipment. As long as the   
equipment is not tampered with, there is no possibility of exposure to   
radiation in such cases.  
A radioactive material is any substance that emits high energy particles   
or waves capable of causing ionization nearby materials to which the   
particles and waves come into contact. Radioactive materials that are not in sealed sources are only   
permitted to be used in labs designated for such work and that work is reviewed by the Radiation and   
Laser Safety Committee. Additional information on radiological hazards is given later in this manual.   
Even more information on the hazards associated with radiation and the procedures required for   
handling radioactive materials can be found in the Radiation Safety Manual.  
Figure 17: The biohazard symbol  
Figure 18: The radiation symbol  
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5.1.4 Laser Symbol  
The laser symbol on the general laboratory information sign indicates   
the presence of lasers in a laboratory. Additional signage containing the   
laser symbol may also present on the entrances to labs where lasers   
are used, depending on the power of the lasers being used. The laser   
symbol is also displayed on equipment that contains lasers.  
Lasers are classified based on the power of the laser that they emit.   
Most lasers require nothing more than a sign indicating their presence;   
however, labs that have lasers that are class IIIb or class IV are required   
to comply with the guidance given in the Laser Safety Manual. Works   
with these types of lasers is reviewed by the Radiation and Laser Safety   
Committee. For more information on work with lasers consult the Laser   
Safety Manual.  
5.1.5 Other Signs  
There are other signs and labels that may be encountered in the laboratory. Chemical bottles must be   
labeled with their contents. Specific labels are required for hazardous waste generated in the laboratory   
(see the Hazardous Waste Management Plan and the Laboratory Management Plan for more details).   
Chemical fume hoods and other ventilation devices may have signs indicating they have failed   
inspection or labels indicating only certain materials may be used in them. Pay attention to these signs   
as they may contain vital safety information!  
Figure 20: Examples of Other Signs. A-Chemical Fume Hood Failure Sign. This sign will be present when a chemical fume hood has failed   
inspection. The hood may not be used until the problems have been corrected. B-No Food or Drink Sign. This sign is present on refrigerators,   
freezers, microwaves, etc. in the laboratory to ensure that equipment used for research is not used in the preparation or storage of food.  
Figure 19: The laser symbol  
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5.2 Training  
Since not all hazards can be removed from the laboratory, it is important to train personnel how to work   
with and around hazards. Training is also required by certain regulatory entities. Environmental Health   
and Safety training for laboratories falls into three categories: Laboratory Safety, Environmental   
Compliance and Other. Documentation of all training should be kept by the individual responsible for   
the lab; this may also be maintained by EHS.  
Training can be accomplished in several different ways. First, online training modules can be found at   
the EHS website for certain subjects. Eventually, all online training will be available on the EHS website;   
currently, some of the training is found on Blackboard. Another option is attending live training. EHS   
offers live training modules for most of the trainings listed. A schedule of upcoming training can be   
accessed by contacting EHS. Environmental Health and Safety will also bring training to your department   
or your lab at the request of faculty or lab managers.   
While general training is developed and delivered by EHS, it is the responsibility of faculty and lab   
managers to give all lab workers on-the-job training specific to the area in which the individual will be   
working. Our EHS staff is trained and stays up to date on lab safety, but people that work in the lab   
every day are best suited to point out the specific hazards in their lab environment. This on the job   
training should be documented and the records kept in the lab. This training should be done before a   
person begins work in the lab; all other trainings should be accomplished in the first 30 days if possible.  
5.2.1 Laboratory Safety Training  
Laboratory safety training can itself be divided into several categories, mainly to limit the training   
requirements for lab workers. There are some lab training modules that are required only in certain   
types of laboratories and thus are not included in the general lab safety training. The main three training   
modules regarding laboratory safety are General Lab Safety, Biological Safety and Radiation Safety.  
5.2.1.1 General Laboratory Safety  
General laboratory safety training is the broadest and thus the lengthiest training. This training covers   
most of the contents of this manual and generally follows the subject matter in the order laid out in this   
manual. The subjects covered include:  
 Roles and responsibilities of all lab users  
 Laboratory attire  
 Engineering controls and safety equipment (fume hoods, safety showers, etc.)  
 Administrative controls (signs, SOPs, inspections)  
 Personal protective equipment  
 Chemical safety  
 Hazardous material shipping and disposal (covered briefly)  
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 Physical hazards  
 Biological and radiological hazards (covered briefly)  
Any subject that is covered in a separate training module will only be covered briefly in this training.   
While lab workers need to be aware of all the potential hazards they may encounter in a laboratory, it is   
the intent of EHS to only require training that is pertinent to the lab worker.   
5.2.1.2 Biological Safety   
Biological safety training is required for anyone that works in a laboratory that has microorganisms that   
are capable of causing human disease or anyone that works in a lab that uses human body fluids, tissues   
or cell lines. This training is also recommended for anyone that works with any biological materials in   
the laboratory. Biological safety training covers follows the guidance given in the Biosafety Manual and   
covers the following topics:  
 Roles and responsibilities of lab users  
 Definition of biohazards  
 Infection control  
 Principles of containment and laboratory equipment  
 Biosafety level criteria  
 Animal and plant biosafety  
 Select agents and biosecurity  
 Emergency response  
 Biological waste disposal (covered briefly)  
 Transport and shipping of biohazards (covered briefly)  
Any subject that is covered in a separate training module will only be covered briefly in this training.   
While lab workers need to be aware of all the potential hazards they may encounter in a laboratory, it is   
the intent of EHS to only require training that is pertinent to the lab worker.  
5.2.1.3 Radiation Safety   
Because the number of people that work with radioactive materials is limited, radiation safety training   
does not have a dedicated online training module. Users of radiation must complete a safety module   
that was developed by the Arkansas Department of Health and is available upon request from EHS. This   
module must be completed prior to beginning work with radiation. Once completed, an in-person   
refresher training must be completed annual. EHS contacts each department that must complete the   
training prior to the due date to schedule.  
5.2.2 Environmental Compliance Training  
Environmental compliance training is required by specific environmental regulations in either the   
Federal Code of Regulations or by one or more state regulations. While some portions of this training   
may incorporate safety principles, the main goal of the trainings (and the regulations that require the   
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training) is to protect the environment. Some of these modules are only required to be taken once;  
others may need to be done on a recurring basis. Hazardous waste disposal training, biological waste   
disposal training and stormwater awareness training are included in this category.  
5.2.2.1 Hazardous Waste Disposal   
Hazardous waste disposal is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency at the federal level and   
by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality at the state level. Both of these agencies require   
training when a hazardous waste generator (like Arkansas State University) generates a certain amount   
of hazardous waste. Because Arkansas State University is a university, there are special regulations that   
make the management of waste from the university easier. More detail will be given on this in a later   
chapter.  
There are two separate hazardous waste disposal training modules and the module individuals are   
required to take depends on where they work. Lab workers must take the hazardous waste disposal   
training for laboratories. Topics covered in this training include:  
 Definition of hazardous waste  
 Generator status of Arkansas State University  
 Instructions for the labeling and filling of hazardous waste containers  
 Instructions for having hazardous waste removed from the laboratory  
 How to respond to hazardous waste emergencies  
This training is only intended to cover the management and disposal of chemical wastes. Other types of   
waste (biological and radiological) are covered in different training modules.   
5.2.2.2 Biological Waste Disposal  
Biological waste disposal is regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health. While the agency itself   
does not require generator training, the university does require this training if you work in a laboratory   
to ensure compliance with the regulations. The regulations only apply to waste that is defined as   
medical waste by the regulations. The rules for biological waste disposal are not intuitive, thus the   
requirement for training. Topics covered in this training include:  
 Different types of biological waste  
 Definition of medical waste  
 Treatment methods for medical waste  
 Requirements for treating medical waste in the laboratory  
 Guidelines for spill cleanup and emergencies  
5.2.2.3 Stormwater Awareness  
Stormwater awareness training has nothing to do with laboratory safety; however, every employee and   
student on campus must take stormwater awareness training as a condition of our campus stormwater   
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permit. The training is a brief (10 minute) presentation with no quiz required. This training raises   
awareness of the impact of everyday activities on water quality.   
5.2.3 Other Training  
Several trainings are lumped into this category because they do not fit neatly into another category. This   
category includes hazardous materials shipping training, bloodborne pathogens training, fire safety   
training and on-the-job training. Only fire safety and on-the-job training are required for all lab workers;   
hazardous materials shipping and bloodborne pathogens training are only required under certain   
conditions.  
5.2.3.1 Hazardous Materials Shipping  
Hazardous materials shipping training is required for anyone that ships hazardous materials. This   
training is unique in that it is not currently provided by EHS. There is a Hazardous Materials Shipping   
Program that applies to the university. To ship hazardous materials, an employee has to have completed   
the modules specified in the program based on what types of hazardous materials he or she is shipping.   
Once the prescribed training module(s) is (are) completed, a copy of the completion certificate is sent to   
EHS. EHS then presents a certificate to the employee permitting them to ship the hazardous materials   
specified by the training that they have taken. The certification is only good for 2 years if shipping by air   
and 3 years if shipping exclusively by ground.   
Some individuals may be shipping hazardous materials without realizing it. It is important that all   
employees that ship be aware of the types of materials that could be potentially classified as hazardous   
materials. Items that may require training before shipping include:  
 Anything shipped on dry ice  
 Biological samples  
 Preserved specimens  
 Chemicals  
 Human derived products  
If there is any doubt about whether or not training is required, please contact EHS to confirm. For more   
information, please consult the Hazardous Materials Shipping Program on the EHS website.  
5.2.3.2 Bloodborne Pathogens  
Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms that are present in human blood and in other   
human derived materials. OSHA requires training for anyone that works with these materials. Labs that   
use these materials must comply with the university’s Exposure Control Plan, available on the EHS   
website. Items used in the lab that would require bloodborne pathogens training include:  
 Unfixed human or non-human primate cells, tissues or cultures  
 Human or non-human primate blood or other body fluids  
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 Unfixed human or non-human primate anatomical parts  
5.2.3.3 Fire Safety   
Fire safety training is required for all employees, including those that work in laboratories. It is very   
important that all employees on campus understand their role in fire safety. Fire safety training can   
currently be found on the Safety and Emergency Management website. Topics covered include:  
 Personal fire safety  
 Fire extinguisher use and selection  
 Evacuation  
5.2.3.4 On-the-Job Training  
While this is the last training listed in this section of the manual, it is the most important. On-the-job   
training is required prior to a new lab worker beginning work in the laboratory. This training needs to be   
documented. On-the-job training includes review of all pertinent laboratory standard operating   
procedures (SOPs) and training on general laboratory procedures. On-the-job training documentation   
should be provided to laboratory inspectors upon request.  
5.3 Standard Operating Procedures  
The OSHA Laboratory Standard requires that the chemical hygiene plan for a laboratory include specific   
measures to ensure protection of workers. One of the ways to meet this requirement is to develop   
standard operating procedures (SOPs), particularly those that pertain to the use of hazardous chemicals.   
While the chemical hygiene plan and the lab safety manual can be used as the guidance documents for   
general hazardous chemical categories (such as flammables, corrosives, etc.), SOPs must be developed   
for particularly hazardous chemicals. Review of these SOPs should be completed on an annual basis and   
must be reviewed by any new laboratory employee prior to beginning work with chemicals.  
EHS will help in the development of SOPs for hazardous materials if needed by providing templates. At a   
minimum, SOPs should include:  
 Special hazards of the chemical  
 Use of engineering controls  
 Required PPE  
 Spill response procedure  
 Waste disposal procedure  
 Decontamination procedure  
SOPs are not limited to hazardous chemical use. Equipment and devices in the lab may require SOPs to   
ensure safe use. Some examples include: Lasers, autoclaves, cryogenic liquids, high-voltage equipment   
and compressed gas cylinders. These SOPs may point to other documents available in the laboratory   
(such as equipment users’ manuals) so long as the location of those documents is noted in the SOP.  
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It is the responsibility of the faculty in charge of the lab to ensure that SOPs that incorporate health and   
safety considerations are developed for working with hazardous chemicals in their laboratories. Further,   
they are responsible for ensuring that PPE and engineering controls specified in the SOPs are adequate   
to prevent overexposure to hazardous substances. The person in charge of the lab must ensure that   
everyone working in the laboratory (employees and students) have reviewed and understand these   
SOPs.  
5.4 Inspections  
Laboratories, like other hazardous work areas, are regulated by OSHA, EPA, ADEQ, ADH, NIH and many   
other government regulatory agencies. To help promote compliance with the multitude of safety   
regulations, EHS performs annual inspections of all laboratory areas. These inspections take several   
different forms: from monthly inspections for hazardous waste satellite accumulation areas to general  
lab inspection. The purpose of the inspection is not to be punitive; instead EHS intends to the greatest   
extent possible, to assist labs in complying with all applicable federal, state and local regulations and,   
most importantly, EHS desires to help keep all lab workers safe and healthy!  
Inspections for specialty areas such as hazardous waste and fire safety are described in more detail in   
those areas on the EHS website. General laboratory inspections have a dedicated webpage with all the   
materials to help labs be successful in passing laboratory inspections. Items on the webpage include:  
 Self-inspection checklist (an exact copy of the lab inspection checklist EHS uses)  
 Inspection cheat sheet (a detailed explanation of how each item on the list is graded)  
 SOP and memos associated with laboratory inspections  
 Staff training rubric that shows all required training for a lab based on the hazards  
 Specialty chemical lists (a list of chemicals that have special requirements for handling)  
 Online safety manuals and documents  
 Chemical storage diagram  
Currently, general laboratory inspections are scheduled; there are no surprise inspections. A memo is   
sent to every lab in the building, notifying them that laboratory inspections will be happening during a   
specified date range. If the lab does not contact EHS with a time to conduct the inspection, EHS will still   
conduct the inspection unaccompanied. If a lab fails to pass the first inspection, the follow-up inspection   
will happen during a different specified range of dates, normally within two weeks of the initial   
inspection, but will not be scheduled. Failure to pass the inspection does have consequences; see the lab   
inspection webpage for more detail.  
5.5 General Housekeeping  
There is a strong correlation between the cleanliness and orderliness of a laboratory and the level of   
safety within that laboratory. Good housekeeping creates a safer workplace and great care should be   
given to keeping a laboratory in good order. A clean and well organized laboratory is also more efficient.  
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In general, benchtops should be well organized and relatively clear when not in use. All chemical bottles   
must be labeled. Aisles must be kept clear to ensure easy egress from the lab in the event of an   
emergency. Safety equipment such as safety shower, eyewashes and fire extinguishers must not be   
obstructed. Chemical fume hoods should be kept clear when not in use; they should not be used for   
storage. Below are some examples of good housekeeping and poor housekeeping in laboratories.  
Figure 21: Several examples of poor housekeeping. Bench space, aisles/exits and chemical; fume hoods should remain relatively clear.  
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Figure 22: Several examples of good housekeeping. While these spaces are obviously occupied and in regular use, they are still clear of clutter   
and obstructions.  
Chapter 6: Personal Protective Equipment  
Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be considered as the last line of defense in protecting   
laboratory personnel against chemical hazards. PPE should only be used when engineering controls and   
administrative controls are either inadequate or not feasible to protect laboratory personnel from   
chemical hazards. PPE is not a substitute for good engineering controls, administrative controls or work   
practices; however, PPE should be used in conjunction with all of these controls to ensure the health   
and safety of all university faculty, staff and students.  
The OSHA personal protective equipment standard requires the following:  
 Hazard assessment of each work area  
 PPE selection based on assessment  
 Training on PPE  
 Certification of the hazard assessment  
 PPE must be provided by the employer at no cost to the employee  
 PPE must be regularly inspected for contamination, cracks, leaks, etc.  
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EHS has completed a general hazard assessment for each area of campus; however, it is the   
responsibility of each principal investigator or responsible faculty to ensure that the appropriate PPE for   
each task. Don’t forget that there are also requirements for attire to be worn in the lab (see chapter 3)  
In general, the following PPE should be worn in the laboratory:  
 Eye or face protection when materials that may injure the eye are being used  
 Lab coats when materials that may injure the skin are being used  
 Gloves whenever chemicals are being used. Gloves must be compatible with the chemicals that   
are being used.  
 Other PPE may be required based on the hazard assessment  
A table is available on the EHS website that is a template for conducting a hazard assessment in the   
laboratory. Each task is listed on the table along with the required PPE. This table should be available in   
the laboratory for all workers to access and for lab inspectors to check. In the absence of this   
assessment, the expected PPE in the lab at all times is safety glasses (or goggles or face shield), lab coat   
and gloves.  
Training for PPE in labs is accomplished through the general laboratory safety training available on the   
EHS website. This training covers each type of PPE and guides lab workers on how to select the   
appropriate PPE. Specialty PPE may require additional training and can be included in on-the-job   
training. See the Personal Protective Equipment on the EHS program for more details.  
6.1 Eye and Face Protection  
Eye and face protection takes many forms, depending on the task being performed. The required eye   
protection for using a laser, for example, is much different than that used for simple chemical splash   
protection. All eye and face protection, unless specified, must comply with consensus standard ANSI   
Z87.1. Each type of eyewear is described below.  
Safety glasses fit the face like normal glasses. They can have metal or plastic frames and have impactresistant lenses. They must either have side shields or the lenses must wrap around to protect the   
periphery of the eye. They must comply with ANSI Z87.1. Prescription glasses do not count as safety   
glasses, thus safety glasses must be worn over prescription glasses if safety glasses are necessary.   
Prescription glasses that are also safety glasses may be purchased from your eye doctor. Figure 24B  
shows an example of safety glasses.  
Splash goggles are tight fitting eye protection that completely covers the eyes and the facial area around   
the eyes. Chemicals that splash on the skin will not be able to drip down into the eyes if splash goggles   
are worn. These provide protection from impact just as safety glasses do, but they protect the eye from   
chemical splashes much better than mere safety glasses. Like safety glasses, splash goggles must comply   
with ANSI Z87.1. Figure 24A shows and example of splash goggles.  
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Face shields are face protection that extend from the eyebrows to   
below the chin and across the width of the workers face. Face   
shields protect from major splash hazards and are often used in   
conjunction with splash goggles when there is a high probability of   
hazardous splashes or sprays. Face shields may also be used for UV   
protection, but they must be approved by the manufacturer for   
this use. Face shields must also comply with ANSI Z87.1 to be   
appropriate for use in the laboratory.   
The picture below shows how to tell if eye protection is, in fact,   
Z87.1 compliant. The table below the picture describes the type of   
eyewear appropriate according to the task being performed. While   
the table may be used as a guideline, remember that the ultimate   
responsibility for the determination of appropriate PPE lies with   
the person in charge of the lab.  
Figure 24: ANSI Z87.1 compliant eyewear. A-Splash goggles. The red oval encircles the indication on these splash goggles that they comply with   
the appropriate consensus standard. Goggles that lack this indication do not comply with OSHA. B-Safety glasses. These safety glasses also   
comply with ANSI Z87.1 and are thus OSHA compliant as indicated by the stamp on the glasses encircled in red. Eyewear that lacks this stamp   
on the lenses or on the temples (the part of the glasses that extends over the ear) is not OSHA compliant.  
Figure 23: Face Shield. Face shields are used   
when there are severe splash hazards. Only   
face shields that have chin guards should be   
used.  
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Figure 25: Eye and Face Protection Chart. This is a guide that explains what type of eye and face protection to use in the lab based on the task.  
Eye and face protection should be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent buildup of grime and   
microorganisms. They should also be cleaned whenever vision through them becomes compromised.   
Alcohol-based wipes can be used for this purpose as well as simple soap and water. Consult the   
manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning instructions. Eyewear should also be regularly examined for   
damage. Lastly, make sure to remove gloves and wash hands, if necessary, before removing eyewear to   
prevent potential exposure of the eyes to hazardous substances that may be on gloves or hands.  
6.2 Hand Protection  
Much like eye and face protection, the type of hand protection needed depends   
on the task being performed. Gloves, the primary form of hand protection, vary   
more than any other type of PPE because the hands are the area of the body most   
exposed to hazards. The hands can be exposed to physical hazards and chemical   
hazards.  
Physical hazards that the hands can encounter in the lab include sharps, cold   
temperature and high temperatures. When using sharps, consideration should be   
given to using cut-resistant gloves. When working with cryogenic liquids (such as   
liquid nitrogen or liquid oxygen), cryogenic gloves should be used. When removing   
items from the autoclave or oven, heat-resistant gloves should be used to prevent   
burns. These types of gloves may also be used for removing or handling items that   
Figure 26: Hot Hands. Hot   
hands are used for   
handling somewhat hot   
objects that have been   
heated on hot plates. They   
must not be used for   
removing items from the   
autoclave.  
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have been heated on a hot plate. Hot hands (see figure) may also be used for this purpose but should   
not be used for removing items from an autoclave. These are not the only physical hazards presented to   
the hands in the laboratory, but they are the most common. For details on the gloves required for each   
task, refer to your lab’s hazards assessment.  
Figure 27: Gloves for physical hazards. A-Cut-resistant gloves. Cut resistant gloves should be used for tasks involving sharps such as syringes,   
razor blades and scalpels. These gloves a fairly flexible and do offer some dexterity. B-Cryogenic gloves. These gloves should be used with   
cryogenic liquids when possible. C-Autoclave gloves. While these gloves are called autoclave gloves, they may be used for handling hot items   
from ovens and hot plates as well.  
The most common reason gloves are used in the lab is to protect the hands from chemicals. There are   
many different types of materials from which chemical resistant gloves can be made. The most common   
material seen in the lab is nitrile-butadiene rubber (commonly referred to as Nitrile or Solvex). This is a   
very good multi-purpose glove that is resistant to most chemicals such as acids, bases and nonhalogenated solvents. They are not suitable for use with halogenated solvents, acetone or benzene   
among other chemicals. There are other glove materials that are resistant to the other chemicals;   
consulting a chemical resistance guide before using a glove for protection against chemicals is a wise   
course of action. Links to these guides are given later in this section and are available on the EHS   
website.  
Latex gloves are frequently found in labs but should be avoided for several reasons. First, latex allergies   
are common. Even if you are not allergic, your coworker may be. Second, latex gloves are poor   
protection from most solvents. Last, it is most difficult to identify tears and pinholes on latex gloves   
because of their color.  
With most chemicals, it is difficult to tell if your gloves are contaminated. It is best to assume that gloves   
are contaminated when it is time to remove them. If chemical contamination can be seen, it is best to   
wipe it off before removing gloves. Once gross contamination is removed, follow the instructions given   
below to remove gloves:  
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1\) Grasp the outside of one glove above below the top of your   
wrist (below meaning toward your fingers) being careful   
not to touch your bare skin.  
2\) Peel off the first glove away from your body from your wrist   
toward your fingertips turning the glove inside out.  
3\) You may discard the removed glove or continue to hold the   
removed glove in your other gloved hand.  
4\) With your ungloved hand, take off the second glove by   
inserting your finger (or fingers) inside the glove near your   
wrist being careful not to touch the outside of your glove   
with your bare fingers. If this is not possible, you may use   
the inside of the glove you removed to pinch the second   
glove below the wrist and remove it.  
5\) Turn the second glove inside out as well. Once both gloves   
are removed, dispose of them properly.  
6\) Wash your hands once you have removed your gloves!  
Standard nitrile gloves, the most commonly used glove, are meant to be one time use gloves. They are   
not to be washed and reused as this degrades the ability of these gloves to protect. Once standard   
nitrile gloves are removed, they must be disposed. Thicker gloves, such as Solvex, PVA, PVC, etc. are   
intended to be used multiple times. These gloves can be cleaned and reused per manufacturer’s   
instructions. These gloves are generally easier to remove than standard nitrile gloves.  
Figure 28: Process for removing gloves.  
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Figure 29: Gloves for chemical hazards. A-Standard nitrile gloves. These are the most common laboratory gloves and they are suitable for use   
with most chemicals. They are unsuitable for use with halogenated solvents, acetone, phenol or benzene. For complete compatibility   
discussion, see manufacturer’s chemical resistance guide. B-Solvex gloves. These gloves are made of the same material as nitrile; they are just   
thicker and longer. This thickness reduces dexterity but increases protection. C-Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gloves. PVA gloves are should be used   
when large amounts of halogenated solvents (like chloroform) are going to be used. These gloves have limited dexterity and are expensive   
(~$30 per pair). D-Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gloves. PVC gloves tend to be more susceptible to chemical breakthrough than nitrile, but there are a   
few chemicals for which they are more protective than nitrile (like phenol). E-Laminate film gloves. These gloves are resistant to almost every   
chemical; however, they have very limited dexterity. They should be used as a last resort in a laboratory setting but are good for used in   
chemical spill cleanup kits.  
There are more different types of chemical resistant gloves than those listed above. Below is a list of   
chemical resistance guides from different glove companies. These links are also available on the EHS   
website.  
 Ansell Chemical Resistance Guide:   
https://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell\_7thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf  
 VWR Chemical Resistance Guide: https://etasafety.lbl.gov/sites/all/files/VWR%20Chemical%20Resistance%20Gloves%20Chart.pdf  
 Superior glove Chemical Resistance Chart: http://www.superiorglove.com/pages/wpcontent/uploads/Chemical-resistant-chart.pdf  
 Cole-Parmer Safety Glove Compatibility Guide: https://www.coleparmer.com/safety-glovechemical-compatibility  
 MAPA Professional Chemical Protection Guide: http://www.mapa-pro.com/ourgloves/protections/chemical-protection/b/handled\_product.html#c225  
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 Microflex Chemical Resistance Guide: https://microflexpublicansellhealthcare.msappproxy.net/Products/~/media/Files/Literature/Domestic%20Reference%2  
0Materials/DOM\_Reference\_Chemical%20Resistance.ashx  
Chemical gloves must not be worn outside of the lab. Even new gloves must be taken off before leaving   
the lab. Touching doorknobs, elevator buttons or other items commonly touched by the public increases   
the likelihood of spreading contamination. Even wearing clean gloves in such areas gives an   
inappropriate impression about the safety culture of the laboratory.   
6.3 Lab Coats  
The hands are not the only places where skin is exposed that may need to be protected. Arms and   
personal clothing are also exposed and, depending on the materials being used, may need to be   
protected. Lab coats are worn for this purpose. In the absence of a laboratory hazards assessment, a lab   
coat is expected to be worn at all times in the laboratory.   
Just like other types of PPE, they type of lab coat used is based on the task that is being performed. In   
most cases, as standard cotton or polyester lab coat will work. However, when working with pyrophoric   
chemicals or explosion hazards, those types of coats may not be appropriate. Disposable lab coats can   
also be used. The laboratory hazard assessment and the safety information available for the hazardous   
materials that are being used in the lab should be consulted before selecting a lab coat.  
Lab coats also need to be cleaned regularly. Fluid resistant lab coats are easy to clean with the   
appropriate disinfectant in the lab. Lab coats that have biohazardous contamination must be disinfected   
by being autoclaved, laundered with 10% bleach (10% is the total concentration of bleach including the   
wash water that is added to the washing machine; only used washing machines designated for lab coats.   
Home washing machines are not appropriate) or spray disinfected (if the lab coat is fluid resistant).   
Contaminated lab coats that are being removed from the lab for cleaning must be in a closeable bag or   
container and must be labeled appropriately. Disposable lab coats should be disposed of properly if they   
become contaminated; they are not to be washed and reused. Special lab coats (like Nomex coats that   
are fire resistant) may have special laundering requirements; make sure to follow all manufacturers’  
instructions when laundering any lab coat.  
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Figure 30: Different types of lab coats. The most common type of lab coats found in the lab is standard cotton lab coats. Here are some   
examples of alternatives to those coats. A-Fluid-resistant lab coat. This coat does not absorb liquids; it repels them. It is suitable for working   
with liquid chemicals and is easy to disinfect. B-Disposable lab coat. This lab coat is meant for short-term use and may be suitable for a teaching   
lab. Once it is gets contaminated, it must be disposed. C-Fire-resistant lab coat. This type of coat must be used when working with materials   
that may spontaneously ignite. It is made from a fire resistant material called Nomex.  
Lab coats should not be worn outside of the lab. There are some labs where it is forbidden to remove   
the lab coat from the lab unless it is being taken to an area for decontamination. Lab coats are useful for   
protecting from chemical and physical hazards in the lab, but they are inappropriate for public areas. If   
lab coats are taken out of the laboratory for laundering, they must be in sealed bags that are labeled   
appropriately.  
6.4 Respiratory Protection  
Respiratory protection is a heavily regulated type of personal protective equipment. Wearing a   
respirator presents physiological challenges to the worker and using a respirator should only be required   
when all other feasible controls have been used to reduce employee exposure to airborne   
contaminants. The university Respiratory Protection Program details the requirements for care and use   
of a respirator. Please note that even dust masks are considered respirators by OSHA and the   
procedures that are described below are required for them as well.  
There are several steps required before respirator use is allowed. Purchasing a respirator and using it   
without following the procedures set forth in the respiratory protection program is prohibited. First, EHS   
should be consulted to determine whether or not the use of a respirator is necessary. Other controls   
should be attempted before deciding to allow respirator use. If it is determine that a respirator is   
necessary, the worker shall report to an occupational health professional (at the expense of the lab or   
department, not the worker) to be medically screened to determine if the worker is physically able to   
use a respirator (contact EHS for suggestions on occupation health professionals). Once the worker is   
medically cleared, the respirator may be ordered. Then the worker must be fit tested for the respirator;   
an outside contractor will need to conduct the fit testing (contact EHS for details).  
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If EHS determines that a respirator is not required and the worker still wishes to use a respirator, EHS   
must be consulted to provide the worker with the appropriate information on the risks of using a   
respirator. This and more information on the care and use of respirators are provided in the respiratory   
protection program. The types of respirators and the conditions under which they may be used are also   
discussed in the respiratory protection program.  
Figure 31: Examples of respirators. A-N95 dust masks. These are several different types of dust masks that are all considered respirators by   
OSHA. B-Full-face air purifying respirators. These respirators require cartridges that filter out different types of contaminants (dependent on the   
type of cartridge). They provide a higher level of protection than a simple dust mask. C-Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR). This hood   
attaches to a pump that filters air to remove contaminants. Unlike the other types of respirators, it is loose fitting. D-Self-contained breathing   
apparatus (SCBA). This type of respirator isolates the breathing air into a tank. These types are not used in the laboratory, but are appropriate   
for many emergency response situations.  
6.5 Other PPE  
While the previous sections address the most common types of PPE found in the laboratory, there may   
be others that are required. Other examples of personal protective equipment include; hearing   
protection, foot protection, head protection and other protective clothing. All of these are addressed in   
the university PPE program and if any of these are required in the laboratory, it must be documented in   
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the laboratory hazard assessment. There are consensus standards and regulatory requirements for each   
of these types of PPE; consult EHS for details.  
Chapter 7: Safe Use of Chemicals  
Chemicals are the primary hazard in most labs so a large portion of this manual provides information on   
working safety with chemicals. More specific information about the hazards of particular classes of   
chemicals is given in later chapters. Topics included in safe chemical use include:   
 Routes of chemical exposure  
 Methods for minimizing chemical exposure  
 Chemical exposure limits and monitoring  
 Methods for obtaining information on chemical hazards  
 Chemical labeling  
 Chemical storage and segregation guidelines  
7.1 Routes of Chemical Exposure  
Before discussing how to minimize exposure to chemicals, it is important to understand how chemicals   
can enter the body. The levels of protection from exposure to chemicals are based on reducing the   
likelihood of a chemical entering the body through one or more of these routes. Chemicals can enter the   
body through inhalation, ingestion, injection or absorption/contact. Understanding how a chemical with   
which you are working can enter the body can help you provide the maximum level of protection   
practicable for your health.  
It is important to note if you suspect exposure to a chemical as soon as possible. Some chemical effects   
are immediate (acute), but others take time to develop (chronic). Identifying exposures as quickly as   
possible increases the likelihood of a full and complete recovery. Use of hazard controls such as PPE   
significantly reduces the probability of chemical exposure.  
7.1.1 Inhalation  
Exposure to chemicals through inhalation happens when the gas, vapor, aerosol or particulate of a   
chemical is inhaled into the lungs and nose. These contaminants can cause problems in the respiratory   
tract itself or be absorbed into the bloodstream in the lower lungs. Symptoms of exposure by inhalation   
vary based on the chemical, but typical symptoms include nose and throat irritation, coughing, difficulty   
breathing, headache, dizziness, disorientation and/or fainting. If you notice any of these symptoms,   
leave the immediate area to fresh air. If symptoms continue, seek medical attention. Then, report the   
incident to EHS to start the injury/illness report for workers compensation.  
7.1.2 Ingestion  
Chemical exposure through ingestion occurs by chemicals being absorbed through the digestive tract.   
This means that a chemical is eaten or drank accidentally. While accidentally eating or drinking a   
chemical is unlikely, especially if good labeling and housekeeping practices are employed, indirectly   
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ingesting a chemical can happen in the laboratory if chemical hygiene rules are not followed. Having   
food and drink in the lab where they can contact chemicals or absorb chemical vapors or dust from the   
air can result in exposure once the food and drink are consumed. Thus, food and drink are not allowed   
in the laboratory. Furthermore, failing to wash your hands after working in the lab can result in ingesting   
residues from your hands.   
Symptoms of exposure to chemicals through ingestions vary based on the chemical; however, common   
symptoms are strange tastes in the mouth, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, problems swallowing or   
general malaise. If these symptoms occur and you believe it may be the result of ingesting a chemical,   
seek immediate medical attention. Then, report the incident to EHS to start the injury/illness report for   
workers compensation.  
7.1.3 Injection  
Chemical exposure through injection happens when a chemically contaminated items, such as a syringe   
or broken glass, punctures the skin causing the chemical to be deposited below the skin and potentially   
into the bloodstream. Handling sharps with bare hands, failing to examine glassware for cracks or chips   
and disposing of broken glass improperly are a few of the many ways in which an exposure by injection   
can occur. Guidance for working with sharps is included in chapter 11 of this manual.  
If you are cut or injected by a sharp object, the injury needs to be reported to EHS whether or not you   
seek medical treatment. If the object that cut or stuck you is chemically contaminated, rinse the area   
thoroughly to remove any as much chemical contamination as possible and then seek medical attention.   
Then, report the incident to EHS to start the injury/illness report for workers compensation.  
7.1.4 Absorption/Contact  
Exposure by absorption can take many forms. Some chemicals can be absorbed by the eyes being   
exposed to the chemical vapor or aerosol. Others can be absorbed through the skin. Some chemicals are   
harmful just be coming into contact with the skin or eyes. The use of PPE is the primary way to avoid   
exposure by this pathway.  
Chemical exposure to the eyes occurs most of the time because of a failure to use prescribed hazard   
controls like PPE. While symptoms of eye exposure vary based on the chemical, common symptoms   
include itching or burning, blurring of vision, general eye discomfort or blindness. If chemical exposure   
to the eye is suspected, immediately flush the exposed eye(s) in the laboratory eyewash station for at   
least 15 minutes. Use your fingers to hold open the affected eye(s) while flushing. After flushing the   
eye(s) for 15 minutes, seek medical attention. After this, report the incident to EHS to start the   
injury/illness report for workers compensation.   
Because skin covers every part of the body, it is much more difficult to control chemical exposure to the   
skin. Appropriate use of safety procedures, PPE and other hazard controls will significantly reduce the   
probability of chemical exposure to the skin. While symptoms of skin exposure vary based on the   
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chemical, common symptoms include redness, dryness, whitened skin, swelling, rashes, blisters, itching,   
burns and defatting. For small exposures to the skin, clean the affected area with soap and water for at   
least 15 minutes. If the symptoms persist, seek medical attention and then report the injury to EHS. If a   
large portion of the body is exposed, use the laboratory safety shower and flush the whole body for at   
least 15 minutes. After this, seek medical attention; then, report the incident to EHS to start the   
injury/illness report for workers compensation.   
7.2 Minimizing Chemical Exposure  
The organization of this manual is such that many of the control measures for minimizing chemical   
exposure are outlined in chapter 4-6. Other control measures are alluded to in various portions of this   
manual but are summarized here. The best way to protect laboratory personnel from chemical hazards   
is to minimize exposure to them. Chemical exposure can be best minimized by:  
 Not using chemicals, if possible. This is not often practical, but it is often overlooked. Examine   
literature to be sure that the experiment being attempted has not been done before.   
 Substituting less hazardous chemicals in experiments where possible.  
 Using the smallest amount of a chemical possible for all experiments. This also saves money.  
 Minimizing chemical exposures for all potential routes of entry by the use of engineering   
controls (chapter 4), administrative controls (chapter 5) and personal protective equipment   
(chapter 6).  
 Removing PPE prior to leaving the laboratory.  
 Understanding the risks that all chemicals present by consulting this manual and the Safety Data   
Sheet (SDS) for the chemical.  
 Planning experiments in advance, including measures for safely handling hazardous chemicals.  
 Requesting exposure monitoring when there is a question as whether or not exposure limits are   
being exceeded.   
 Promptly cleaning up chemical spills.  
 Attempting experiments where large amounts of a chemical will be needed on a microscale   
prior to scaling up.  
 Washing hands frequently and every time you leave the lab.  
7.3 Information on Chemical Hazards  
There are many different types of chemical hazards (most of which are discussed in chapters 8 and 9 of   
this manual), but these hazards can be lumped into two different categories. Chemicals can pose both   
physical and health hazards. A physical hazard is, according to OSHA, “a chemical for which there is   
scientifically valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an   
organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive.” According to OSHA a   
health hazards is “a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one   
study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects   
may occur in exposed employees. The term ‘health hazard’ includes chemicals which are carcinogens,   
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toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins,   
nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the hematopoietic system and agents which damage the   
lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.”  
There are several different places to find chemical hazard information. This manual is one source as is   
the university Chemical Hygiene Plan. The manufacturer of the chemical provides information on the   
chemical label and on the Safety Data Sheet for the chemical. The laboratory door sign contains   
pictograms for the hazards associated with the chemicals in a laboratory. The National Fire Protection   
Association (NFPA) diamond is another quick reference. Department of Transportation (DOT) labels are   
another source of information that is often available on chemical packaging. There are multiple websites   
that discuss chemical safety as well. Some of the sources of information are discussed below.  
7.3.1 Pictograms  
Pictograms were developed as a part of the Globally Harmonized System of identify chemical hazards   
and have specific meaning according to OSHA. While pictograms themselves are not a source of   
information per se, they are present on many of the sources of information (lab door signs, chemical   
labels, safety data sheets, etc.) so understanding what they look like and what they mean are important.   
More detailed information on the types of chemicals that are identified by each pictogram is given in   
chapter 8 where chemical hazards are described extensively. Each pictogram is described below.  
7.3.1.1 Skull and Crossbones  
This pictogram is used exclusively for health hazards. It is used when a chemical   
is hazardous for one or more of the following reasons:  
 It is an acute oral toxin,  
 It is an acute dermal toxin or  
 It is an acute inhalation toxin.  
For more specific information on the use of this pictogram, see the university   
Hazard Communication Plan.  
7.3.1.2 Test Tube and Hand  
This pictogram is the only pictogram that is used for both health hazards and   
physical hazards. It is used when a chemical is hazardous for one or more of the   
following reasons:  
 It is severely injurious to the eyes,  
 It is severely corrosive to the skin or  
 It is corrosive to metals.  
Figure 32: Skull and Crossbones   
Pictogram.  
Figure 33: Test Tube and Hand   
Pictogram.  
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For more specific information on the use of this pictogram, see the university Hazard Communication   
Plan.  
7.3.1.3 Star on Chest   
This pictogram is used exclusively for health hazards. It is used when a chemical   
is hazardous for one or more of the following reasons:  
 It causes inhalation sensitization,  
 It is germ cell mutagenic,  
 It is carcinogenic,  
 It is toxic to specific organs or  
 It is a severe aspiration hazard.  
For more specific information on the use of this pictogram, see the university Hazard Communication   
Plan.  
7.3.1.4 Exclamation Point  
This pictogram is used exclusively for health hazards. It is used when a chemical   
is hazardous for one or more of the following reasons:  
 It is mildly toxic by any exposure route (oral, dermal or inhalation),  
 It is a mild skin corrosive,  
 It can cause reversible eye damage,  
 It causes dermal sensitization or  
 It is mildly toxic to specific organs.  
For more specific information on the use of this pictogram, see the   
university Hazard Communication Plan.  
7.3.1.5 Exploding Bomb  
This pictogram is used exclusively for physical hazards. It is used when a   
chemical is hazardous for one or more of the following reasons:  
 It is explosive,  
 It is self-reacting or  
 It is an organic peroxide that can cause an explosion.  
For more specific information on the use of this pictogram, see the   
university Hazard Communication Plan.  
Figure 34: Star on Chest   
Pictogram.  
Figure 35: Exclamation Point   
Pictogram.  
Figure 36: Exploding Bomb   
Pictogram.  
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7.3.1.6 Flame  
This pictogram is used exclusively for physical hazards. It is used when a   
chemical is hazardous for one or more of the following reasons:  
 It is flammable,  
 It is mildly self-reacting,  
 It is pyrophoric,  
 It is self-heating,  
 It emits flammable gases when in contact with water or  
 It is an organic peroxide that can cause a fire.  
For more specific information on the use of this pictogram, see the university Hazard Communication   
Plan.  
7.3.1.7 Flaming Circle  
This pictogram is used exclusively for physical hazards. It is used when a   
chemical is hazardous because it is an oxidizing solid, liquid or gas. For more   
specific information on the use of this pictogram, see the university Hazard   
Communication Plan.  
7.3.1.8 Gas Cylinder  
This pictogram is used exclusively for physical hazards. It is used when a   
chemical is hazardous because it is a gas stored under pressure. For more   
specific information on the use of this pictogram, see the university Hazard   
Communication Plan.  
7.3.1.9 Dead Fish and Tree  
This pictogram is used for environmental hazards. This is important in terms of   
disposal of residues of chemical that bear this pictogram. For more specific   
information on the use of this pictogram, see the university Hazard   
Communication Plan.  
Figure 37: Flame Pictogram.  
Figure 38: Flaming Circle Pictogram.  
Figure 39: Gas Cylinder Pictogram.  
Figure 40: Gas Cylinder Pictogram.  
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7.3.1.10 “W” with a Line through it  
This symbol is not an official pictogram, but it is used on laboratory door signs   
and on some chemical labels. It means that the chemical present will react when   
exposed to water or moisture. Water reactive chemicals are discussed in chapter   
8\.  
7.3.2 Chemical Label  
A chemical label is the easiest and quickest way to get information about a chemical. Included on most   
chemical labels is information about the hazards of the chemical, instructions on emergency situations   
and instructions on safe storage conditions for the chemical. If the chemical is not in its original   
manufacturer’s container, a secondary label must be on the container describing the chemical and the   
primary hazards associated with the material. Below is an example of a typical chemical label  
Figure 42: Chemical label. This is a typical manufacturer’s label for a chemical. Information on the hazards of the chemical is provided here.  
7.3.3 Safety Data Sheet  
The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a chemical has the most complete information available for that   
chemical. OSHA requires manufacturers of chemical substances to provide very specific information   
about the hazards associated with those substances on the Safety Data Sheet. Labs should maintain a   
database (electronic or hard copy) of SDSs for all chemicals in the laboratory. The SDSs are structured   
consistent with OSHA requirements; all SDSs have 16 sections. Details about SDSs are discussed in the   
university Hazard Communication Plan available on the EHS website, but examples of information given   
in a safety data sheet include: the physical and health hazards, exposure limits, safe storage and use,   
Figure 41: “W” with a Line through It   
Pictogram.  
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symptoms of exposure, physical and chemical characteristics. Below is an example of a typical safety   
data sheet.  
Figure 43: Safety Data Sheet. This is the first page of a safety data sheet for Wite-Out. The first section gives the name of the material and the   
second section gives information on the hazards associated with the material. Information about the contents of other sections of a safety data   
sheet can be found in the Hazard Communication Plan on the EHS website.  
7.3.4 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Diamond  
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) classifies chemicals based on their hazards and displays   
the information using the NFPA diamond. The diamond is divided into four sections. The left most   
section is blue and indicates the health hazard associated with the chemical. The red section is on the   
top and indicates the flammability of the chemical. The yellow section is on the right and gives   
information on the instability or reactivity of the chemical. Lastly, the white section is on the bottom and   
provides special information about the chemical. The “W” with the line through it discussed in the   
pictogram section originates from this diamond and is placed in the white section when a material is   
water-reactive. The letters “OX” in the white section shows that the material is an oxidizer and the   
letters “SA” in this section indicate the material is a simple asphyxiant gas (a non-reactive, non-  
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flammable gas that can be a health hazard by displacing oxygen in the   
immediate atmosphere but is otherwise safe).  
The information provided in the blue, red and yellow sections is given   
numerically; each can range from 0 to 4. The hazard is more serious as   
the number increases; 0 meaning no hazard in that particular section and   
4 meaning very hazardous for that particular section. The meanings of   
the numbers for each section are given below.  
7.3.4.1 Health Hazards (Blue Section)  
A summary of the meaning of the numbers 0 through 4 for this section are as follows:  
 0- No health hazard  
 1- Can cause significant irritation  
 2- Can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury  
 3- Can cause serious or permanent injury  
 4- Can be lethal  
7.3.4.2 Flammability Hazards (Red Section)  
A summary of the meaning of the numbers 0 through 4 for this section are as follows:  
 0- Will not burn  
 1- Must be preheated before material can ignite  
 2- Must be heated or temperature of environment must be high to burn  
 3- Can be ignited at normal temperatures  
 4- Will vaporize and readily burns at normal temperatures  
7.3.4.3 Reactivity/Instability Hazards (Yellow Section)  
A summary of the meaning of the numbers 0 through 4 for this section are as follows:  
 0- Stable  
 1- Stable except at high temperatures  
 2- Violent chemical changes at high temperatures or pressures  
 3- May explode at high temperatures or if shocked  
 4- May explode at normal temperatures and pressures  
7.3.5 Department of Transportation (DOT) Labels  
The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires labels to be placed on packages that contain   
chemicals to communicate the hazards of those chemicals to anyone involved in their transport. This   
Figure 44: NFPA Diamond  
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information is also provided so that emergency responders to incidents with these chemicals in   
transport can know what types of chemicals may be involved in the incident from a safe distance. Each   
of the nine hazard classes is shown below. Some hazard classes have subclasses called division. For a lot   
more information on hazardous materials in transport, refer to the university Hazardous Materials   
Shipping Plan. The DOT hazard classes are:  
 Class 1: Explosives  
 Class 2: Compressed gases  
o Division 2.1: Flammable gases  
o Division 2.2: Non-flammable, non-poisonous   
gases  
o Division 2.3: Gases that are poisonous by   
inhalation  
 Class 3: Flammable liquids  
 Class 4: Flammable solids  
o Division 4.1: Flammable solids  
o Division 4.2: Spontaneously combustibleincludes pyrophorics and self-heating substances  
o Division 4.3: Dangerous when wet  
 Class 5: Oxidizers  
o 5.1 Oxidizers  
o 5.2 Organic Peroxides  
 Class 6: Poisonous materials and infectious substances  
o Division 6.1: Poisonous materials  
o Division 6.2: Infectious substances  
 Class 7: Radioactive materials  
 Class 8: Corrosives  
 Class 9: Miscellaneous hazards  
7.3.6 Other References  
There is a lot of information available for most laboratory chemicals and there is no limit to the number   
of resources you can use to ensure safe use of chemicals in the laboratory. Other departments at the   
university may have information in their safety manuals. Most universities maintain a laboratory safety   
manual and chemical safety information. EHS is continually adding resources to the EHS website that   
can be used. OSHA has a reference list for safe chemical use in the laboratory that can be found at this   
website: https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show\_document?p\_table=STANDARDS&p\_id=10108.   
While EHS strives to provide as much information on chemical safety as possible, you are not limited to   
the information that EHS provides. If you find information that is not available on the EHS website that is   
Figure 45: DOT Hazardous Materials   
Labels  
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useful, submit the source of information to EHS so that the resource can be added to the website for   
others to use.  
7.4 Chemical Exposure Limits  
The OSHA Laboratory Standard requires that laboratory employee exposures of OSHA Regulated   
Substances do not exceed the Permissible Exposure Limits as specified in 29 CFR Part 1010, subpart Z.   
The Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) are based on the average concentration of a chemical to which   
workers can be exposed to over an 8-hour workday, 5 days per week, for a lifetime without receiving   
damaging effects. In some cases, chemicals can also have a Ceiling (C) limit, which is the maximum   
concentration that cannot be exceeded. OSHA has established PELs for over 500 chemicals.   
Another measure of exposure limits are Threshold Limit Values (TLV) which are recommended   
occupational exposure limits published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial   
Hygienists (ACGIH). Similar to PELs, TLVs are the average concentration of a chemical that a worker can   
be exposed to over an 8-hour workday, 5 days per week, over a lifetime without observing ill effects.   
TLVs also have Ceiling (C) limits, which are the maximum concentration a worker can be exposed to at   
any given time. The ACGIH has established TLVs for over 800 chemicals. Both PELs and TLVs can be   
found in SDSs. Another good resource for information is the National Institute for Occupational Health   
and Safety (NIOSH).  
More specific information on chemical toxicity is given in chapter 8. In general, any chemical with a TLV   
or PEL of 50 ppm or lower must be used in a chemical fume hood. If use of a chemical fume hood is not   
feasible, then EHS must be consulted to explore alternatives. Respiratory protection may not be used in   
lieu of a fume hood unless circumstances make the use of a fume hood impossible.  
7.5 Chemical Exposure Monitoring  
Laboratory work practices and engineering controls in the lab are generally sufficient to protect the lab   
worker from exposure to chemicals above safe limits. However, certain circumstances may require the   
use of chemical exposure monitoring. EHS can evaluate the effectiveness of chemical exposure methods   
by performing air monitoring for particular chemicals.   
If you believe there is a chance that you are receiving a chemical exposure in excess of safe limits,   
contact EHS. The primary evidence that you are being overexposed to a chemical is if you begin   
experiencing the symptoms of being exposed to the chemical. Signs and symptoms of exposure to a   
particular chemical are given on the chemical safety data sheet.  
7.6 Chemical Labeling  
Every chemical in a laboratory must be labeled. This ranges from chemicals in the original   
manufacturer’s container to media bottles that contain solution. It includes carboys filled with water or   
buffers, test tubes, vials, beakers, flasks, squirt bottles and more. How a chemical is labeled guides lab   
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workers on how to properly use the chemical and how to properly dispose of the chemical. Even if a   
bottle simply contains water, it must be labeled appropriately.  
If possible, the label on a container must have the full chemical name and the hazard(s) associated with   
that chemical. For example, a bottle to which a small amount of ethanol has been transferred would   
have a label that reads: “Ethanol- Flammable”. It is also suggested that the date the chemical be  
transferred to a secondary container be placed on the label. Some containers may be too small to write   
out a full chemical name. In those cases, abbreviations may be used. Racks of tubes that contain the   
same or similar chemicals can have a label attached to the rack that describes the types of chemicals in   
the tubes and the hazards associated with the chemicals. Tags attached to containers can also be used in   
lieu of labels.  
Figure 46: Chemical labeling. Even when there are large numbers of bottles, all of them must be labeled as in the picture.  
7.7 Chemical Storage and Segregation  
Improper chemical storage is the most frequent problem found in laboratory inspections. The proper   
storage of chemicals is the starting place for safe chemical use as how a chemical is stored gives a clue   
as to how a chemical should be used and the hazards associated with the chemical. A storage scheme is   
suggested at the end of this section, but first, the following guidelines should be followed regarding   
chemical storage:  
 All chemical containers must be labeled (as discussed in the previous section).  
 All chemical containers must remain closed unless they are in use.  
 Chemicals on bench tops and in fume hoods must be kept to a minimum to prevent accidental   
spillage because of clutter and to ensure adequate airflow within the fume hood.  
 Chemical storage cabinets should be used whenever possible. When a cabinet is not available, a   
shelf with a lip to prevent chemical bottles from sliding off should be used for storage.  
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 Larger containers of chemical should be stored behind smaller   
containers so that the maximum number of chemical labels   
possible can be read without moving containers.  
 Hazardous chemicals and/or liquid chemicals must not be stored   
on the floor unless they are in a secondary container.  
 Chemicals should have a date received placed on them so that   
users will know the age of the chemical they are using. This is   
especially true of chemicals that become hazardous when   
they expire.  
 Chemicals should not be stored on high shelves. Large containers of chemical must be stored on   
lower shelves to help prevent injuries. No chemical that may injure the eye should be stored at   
eye level or above.  
Figure 48: Improper Chemical Storage on a High Shelf. Chemicals should not be stored this high; especially chemicals in such large   
containers! The chemicals should be in the cabinets that in the picture have glassware stored in them.  
 Segregate and store chemicals based first on their hazard classes, not simply in alphabetical   
order (see the scheme described later in this section).   
 Do not store flammable chemicals in normal refrigerators or freezers. Store these items only in   
refrigerators or freezer designated for the storage of these types of chemicals by the   
manufacturer.  
 Do not store corrosive materials in flammables cabinets. The corrosive vapors from these   
chemicals will compromise the integrity of these cabinets rendering them no longer suitable for   
the storage of flammables.  
 Observe storage limits given for certain types of chemicals given in the chemical hazards chapter   
(chapter 8) of this manual.  
Figure 47: Chemicals on Floor in   
Secondary Containment  
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Figure 49: Chemical Storage Scheme. This is a suggested storage scheme. Not all labs have sufficient room to store chemicals in this manner   
but the general segregation of these chemical types should be observed. When incompatible materials are stored in the same cabinet, they   
must be separated by secondary containment (such as separate containment trays or pans).  
7.8 Chemical Transport  
Transport of chemicals off campus in a vehicle should not be attempted without permission from EHS.   
Transporting chemicals between laboratories or between buildings on campus should be done using the   
following guidelines to protect people and the environment:  
 Put chemicals in secondary containment such as a carrying bucket.  
 Add absorbent material (such as paper towels or vermiculite) to secondary containment when   
transporting liquids.  
 Bring the PPE required to clean up a spill of the chemical being transported with you in case of a   
spill.  
 Used wheeled carts with a lipped surface as opposed to hand carrying whenever possible.  
 Never move compressed gases by hand. Use an approved cart.  
 Avoid riding elevators with compressed gases or cryogenic liquids. Send these materials on the   
elevator unoccupied and have someone ready on the destination floor to receive the material.  
Shipping of chemicals from the main campus is prohibited without the proper training (see chapter 10).  
7.9 Chemical Spills  
Chemical spills can vary greatly in size. Spills will be covered in chapter 13 (Laboratory Emergency   
Preparedness).   
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Chapter 8: Chemical Hazards (General)  
Chemicals can be classified into hazard classes based on the types of hazards that they pose. There are   
some classes of chemicals that are commonly found in laboratories and those types of chemicals are   
discussed in this chapter. This includes flammable liquids, flammable solids, corrosives, toxics (poisons),   
oxidizers, compressed gases and peroxide forming chemicals. Chemicals that are highly hazardous are   
less commonly found in labs and they are discussed in chapter 9. This includes acutely hazardous toxic   
chemicals, pyrophoric chemicals, water reactive chemicals, explosives and certain acids (hydrofluoric   
acid and perchloric acid). Special procedures must be developed for these types of chemicals as detailed   
in chapter 9.  
For each type of hazardous chemical the definition is given at the beginning of the section. Then   
instructions for safe use of that hazardous chemical are given. This laboratory safety manual serves as   
the operating procedure for these types of chemicals so long as it has been reviewed by all lab   
personnel. Then, instructions are given on safe storage and segregation.   
8.1 Flammable Liquids  
Whether or not a liquid is flammable depends on its flash point. According to OSHA, the flash point of a   
chemical is “the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off vapor within a test vessel in sufficient   
concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid.” The flash point of a   
liquid is given on the safety data sheet for the chemical. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the   
Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) all   
have different flash point thresholds for the different categories of flammable materials; for the   
purposes of safe use and storage in the laboratory, the definition and thresholds given by OSHA are   
used.   
Figure 50: Flammable Liquid Definition. OSHA defines a flammable liquid as anything with a flash point below 199.4˚F (93˚C). OSHA further   
classifies flammable liquids based on their flash points and boiling points.   
There are a few quick ways to determine if a chemical fits the flammable definition. If the label or SDS   
has a pictogram of a flame, then it is considered flammable. If the chemical has an NFPA diamond on the   
label and the flammability rating is 3 or 4, then it is considered flammable. The DOT class 3 label is   
another way to identify flammable liquids. Examples of typical flammable liquids include ethanol,   
hexane, ethyl acetate and acetonitrile. Many solvents are flammable liquids.  
8.1.1 Safe Use  
Here are the guidelines for using flammable liquids safety:  
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 Wear gloves when using or dispensing flammable liquids. Make sure the gloves being worn are   
compatible with the chemical being used by checking chemical resistance guides on the EHS   
website or the SDS for the chemical.  
 Wear safety glasses when using and dispensing flammable liquids.  
 Flammable liquids may also be corrosive or toxic so additional PPE may be required. Check the   
SDS or chemical label to be sure.  
 Do not use flammable liquids near open flames. If heating is necessary, use water bath, steam   
baths or oil baths.  
 When dispensing class 1 or 2 flammable liquids from large containers   
(such as 5 gallon pails or 55 gallon drums), make sure the container is   
grounded and bonded to the container to which you are dispensing to   
help prevent the buildup of static electricity that can ignite flammable   
vapors.  
8.1.2 Storage  
Flammable liquids must be stored in the right types of containers and cabinets. Here are the guidelines   
for safe storage of flammable liquids:  
 There are restrictions on the types of containers in which certain flammable liquids can be   
stored based on the flammability category (see table below). Plastic should be avoided when   
possible as plastic can buildup static electricity. A discharging spark can be several hundred   
degrees which can easily ignite a flammable vapor.  
Container Type Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4  
Glass or approved plastic 1 pint 1 quart 1 gallon 1 gallon  
Metal (other than drums) 1 gallon 5 gallons 5 gallons 5 gallons  
Safety cans 2 gallons 5 gallons 5 gallons 5 gallons  
Metal drums (DOT) 55 gallons 55 gallons 55 gallons 55 gallons  
Figure 52: Maximum Allowable Size of Containers for Flammable Liquids. When transferring liquid to secondary containers, make sure   
to follow these guidelines. This includes the generation of waste.  
 Flammable liquids should always be stored in cabinets designed for their storage. No more than   
10 gallons may be outside of these cabinets in a lab at any one time. This amount includes   
hazardous waste!  
 No more than 60 gallons of flammable liquids can be stored in any cabinet and no more than 3   
cabinets may be kept in any lab.  
 Items should not be stored on top of flammables cabinets.  
Figure 51: Appropriately   
Grounded and Bonded Containers.  
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Figure 53: Flammables cabinet. Flammables cabinets should be closed unless removing a chemical. Items should not be stored on   
top of them.  
 Flammables may not be stored in normal refrigerators or freezers. Vapors of flammable liquids   
are heavier than air. Those vapors sink to the floor when the refrigerator or freezer is opened   
and have the chance of being ignited by electrical components on the bottom. If flammable   
liquids must be kept cold, they should be stored in properly rated flammable liquid storage   
refrigerator/freezer.  
Figure 54: Laboratory Refrigerators and Freezers. A-Standard refrigerator and freezer. Any refrigerator that looks like it came from an   
appliance store is not approved for the storage of flammables. B-Improperly stored flammables. Flammable materials must not be stored in   
standard refrigerators or freezers. C and D- Flammable storage refrigerators and freezers. These are readily identified by markings on front.  
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8.1.3 Incompatible Materials  
No chemicals should be stored near chemicals with which they are incompatible. Flammable liquids   
should not be stored with any of the following materials:  
 Oxidizers  
 Pyrophorics  
 Water-reactives  
 Acids  
 Bases  
 Non-flammable toxics  
8.2 Flammable Solids  
Flammable solids are defined by OSHA as “a solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive, that is liable   
to cause fire through friction, absorption of moisture, spontaneous chemical change or retained heat   
from manufacturing or processing which can be ignited readily and when ignited, burn so vigorously and   
persistently to create a serious hazard.” The DOT subdivides flammable solids into three categories:   
normal flammable solids, pyrophorics and water-reactives. Pyrophorics and water reactives are   
discussed in chapter 9 as they are highly hazardous chemicals. Some examples of normal flammable   
solids are sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium borohydride and phosphorus.  
The same principles of use and storage that apply to storage of flammable liquids apply to normal   
flammable solids. They should be stored in flammable materials cabinets and kept away from the same   
materials shown in section 8.1.3.   
There are a few quick ways to determine if a chemical fits the flammable definition. If the label or SDS   
has a pictogram of a flame, then it is considered flammable. If the chemical has an NFPA diamond on the   
label and the flammability rating is 3 or 4, then it is considered flammable. The DOT class 4 label is   
another way to identify flammable solids.  
8.3 Corrosives  
Corrosives are defined by OSHA as “a chemical that produces destruction of skin tissue, namely, visible   
necrosis through the epidermis and into the dermis or a chemical which by chemical action will   
materially damage, or even destroy, metals. Corrosives can be further divided into acids and bases. In   
general, acids with a pH of 2 or below and bases with a pH of 12.5 or above are considered corrosives.   
Acids can be further divided into organic acids and inorganic acids; bases can be similarly divided into   
organic bases and inorganic bases. If a chemical label or SDS has a pictogram of a test tube and hand,   
then it is corrosive. Corrosives will typically have NFPA health hazard ratings of 3 or 4, but those NFPA   
ratings could indicate a different health hazard. The DOT class 8 label is another way to identify   
corrosive chemicals.  
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Examples of inorganic acids include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and nitric acid (nitric acid is also an   
oxidizer). Examples of organic acids include acetic acid and formic acid. Common inorganic bases include   
sodium hydroxide and ammonia. Common organic bases include ethanolamine and phenol (phenol is   
technically an acid, but it is reactive with other acids so it is stored with bases).  
There are some acids (hydrofluoric acid, perchloric acid, picric acid, etc.) that have additional   
requirements. These will be covered in chapter 9 (highly hazardous chemicals).  
8.3.1 Safe Use  
Here are the guidelines for using corrosive chemicals safely:  
 Corrosive chemicals should be handled in a fume hood.  
 Gloves, safety glasses and a lab coat are the minimum required PPE when handling corrosive   
chemicals. Additional PPE may be required; see the chemical label and SDS for guidance.  
 Safety showers and eyewashes are required where corrosive chemicals are used. Note the   
location of the closes safety shower and eyewash before using corrosive chemicals.  
 If corrosive chemicals contact the eyes or skin, immediately seek and use a safety shower or   
eyewash. Flush the affected area for a minimum of 15 minutes. If symptoms persist, seek   
medical attention.   
 If corrosive chemicals contacts clothing, remove the contaminated clothing.  
 When mixing acids and water, always slowly add acid to the water not the other way around.   
Adding water to acid can cause the acid to splatter and react violently.   
8.3.2 Storage  
Corrosives must be stored in the right types of containers and cabinets. Here are the guidelines for safe   
storage of corrosives:  
 Corrosive chemicals must not be stored in metal containers.  
 Corrosive solids may be stored in normal cabinets, but should be kept separate from other   
chemical categories.   
 Corrosive liquids should be stored, if possible, in a corrosive liquid cabinet.  
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Figure 55: Corrosive Storage Cabinet. These cabinets are suitable for storage of corrosive materials like acids and bases. If acids and bases will   
be stored in the same cabinet, each has to be in its own secondary container to prevent the possibility of the two mixing in the event of a leak   
or spill.  
 Acids and bases should be stored in separate cabinets. If stored together, they should be within   
separate secondary containers.   
 Organic acids and inorganic acids should be stored separately. If they are stored in the same   
cabinet, each should be within separate secondary containers such as plastic trays or pans. The   
same is true of bases; organic and inorganic bases should be stored separately.  
 Corrosive liquids should not be stored above eye level.  
 When transporting a corrosive liquid bottle more than just a few feet (to the next lab, for   
example), use a protective bottle carrier or a cart.  
8.3.3 Incompatible Materials  
No chemicals should be stored near chemicals with which they are incompatible. If incompatible   
materials are stored in the same cabinet, each material must be stored in a separate secondary   
container such as a pan or tray. Incompatible storage conditions to avoid are:  
 Corrosives with any flammable or organic solvents  
 Acids with amines  
 Acids and bases together  
 Organics and inorganics together  
 Oxidizing acids and organic acids  
8.4 Toxic Chemicals  
The toxic chemical category is a group of chemicals that require some additional explanation. The   
chemical exposure limits mentioned in chapter 7 mean very little if the toxicity of a chemical is not   
understood. Chemical toxicity is simply the ability of a chemical to cause harm to the body. The toxicity   
is dependent of a number of factors including:  
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 The amount and concentration of the chemical  
 The length of exposure (time)  
 The frequency of exposure  
 The route of exposure  
 Other chemicals present  
 Physical factors of person being exposed (gender, age, medical condition, etc.)  
A chemical may cause acute effects, chronic effects or both. Acute effects are observed upon a shortterm single exposure to a chemical. Many times, acute effects are reversible. An example of this would   
be an acid burn. Chronic effects are observed when exposure is frequent; these effects are generally   
delayed and are often not reversible. An example of this is mesothelioma after repeated exposure to   
asbestos.  
Toxicity is normally measured by the dose that is given to test animals that is lethal to 50% of the test   
subjects. This dose is defined as Lethal Dose 50 or LD50. LD50 is recorded in units of mg/kg of body   
weight of a certain test animal (ex. mg/kg rat). If the dose is given via aerosol or gas, the dose will be   
defined as a Lethal Concentration 50 or LC50. LC50 is recorded as a concentration in air such as parts per   
million (ppm) or mg/m3  
. The lower the LD50 or LC50, the more toxic a chemical is. When possible, it is   
advisable to substitute chemicals that are less toxic for those that are more toxic. Substitution should be   
explored when the LD50 for a substance is 50 mg/kg or less. More information on acutely toxic   
chemicals and chemicals that have chronic effects is given in the section on highly hazardous substances   
(Chapter 9).  
Exposure to toxic chemicals must be controlled. Controlling chemical exposure is covered in chapter 7;   
refer to the appropriate section for more details.   
There are several ways to quickly identify a toxic chemical. If a chemical label or SDS has a pictogram of   
a skull and crossbones or star on chest, then it is toxic. Toxics will typically have NFPA health hazard   
ratings of 3 or 4, but those NFPA ratings could indicate corrosivity. The DOT class 6 label is another way   
to identify toxic chemicals.  
8.4.1 Safe Use  
Here are the guidelines for using toxic chemicals safely:  
 Toxic chemicals must always be used on a chemical fume hood. If you are unsure if a chemical is   
toxic, check the toxicology data on the Safety Data Sheet. If the Threshold Limit Value or   
Permissible Exposure limit is 50 ppm or below, chemical fume hood use is required.  
 Gloves, safety glasses and a lab coat are the minimum required PPE when handling toxic   
chemicals. Additional PPE may be required; see the chemical label and SDS for guidance.  
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 Always wash hands when work with toxic chemicals is completed.  
 Never work with toxic chemicals alone in the lab; make sure others are present in the lab or an   
adjacent office.  
8.4.2 Storage  
Toxic chemicals should be segregated first based on whether or not they fall into one of the previous   
categories (flammable and/or corrosive). Toxic chemicals that fall into neither of these categories may   
be stored with other non-hazardous chemicals; however, they should be stored together in a separate   
section of the cabinet. This makes toxic chemicals easy to identify and indicates to the user that there   
are special requirements for these types of chemicals.  
8.4.3 Incompatible Materials  
There are no categories of chemicals with which all toxic chemicals are incompatible. Check the Safety   
Data Sheet for a specific toxic chemical to see if there are specific conditions that should be avoided   
when storing it.  
8.5 Compressed Gases  
Compressed gases are simply gases under pressure. There are multiple classes of compressed gases;   
oxidizing gases, toxic gases, flammable gases and non-flammable gases. Compressed gases come in   
special containers called cylinders so they are easy to identify. They are represented with the cylinder   
pictogram on a SDS and are labeled with class 2 DOT labels in transit. DOT further subdivides   
compressed gases into divisions as follows:  
 Division 2.1: Flammable gases- examples include methane and acetylene  
 Division 2.2: Non-flammable gases- examples include nitrogen and oxygen  
 Division 2.3: Poisonous by Inhalation gases- examples include ammonia and chlorine  
The primary hazard of compressed gases is the physical hazard and this is covered in chapter 11.   
However, there are some properties of some compressed gases that cause them to be chemical hazards   
as well. The following precautions should be taken with compressed gases that are also chemical   
hazards:  
 Any compressed gas with a health or reactivity hazard rating of 3 or greater according to NFPA   
704 shall be stored and used in a ventilated enclosure. This includes lecture bottles.  
 Oxygen cylinders must be stored at least 20 feet from any combustible compressed gas or   
separated from such gases by a non-combustible barrier of at least 5 feet height with a fireresistance rating of at least 30 minutes.  
 No more than 1 cylinder of each chemical hazard type should be present in any lab at any one   
time. An exception may be made for large labs where greater than 50 feet separation is   
possible.  
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8.6 Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides  
OSHA defines an oxidizer as “a chemical other than a blasting agent or explosive that initiates or   
promotes combustion in other materials, thereby causing fire either of itself or through the release of   
oxygen or other gases. In other words, oxidizers are chemicals that can supply oxygen to a fire to help   
sustain combustion for a longer period of time than in the presence of air alone. An oxidizer can be   
easily identified by the flaming circle pictogram on the label and SDS. The DOT class 5.1 label is also   
indicative of an oxidizer. Examples of oxidizers include potassium permanganate, nitric acid, hydrogen   
peroxide and sodium nitrate.   
Organic peroxides are a special class of oxidizers. These are organic chemicals with a bivalent oxygen (-  
O-O-) structure. These relatively unstable chemicals readily release oxygen in the presence of fire and   
may also themselves be flammable. These can be identified by a flaming circle pictogram on the label   
and the SDS and are labeled with the DOT class 5.2 label when in transit.  
The following guidelines should be followed when using oxidizing chemicals:  
 Do not store oxidizing chemicals with organic chemicals; especially flammbles.  
 Use plastic or ceramic implements to remove oxidizing chemicals from containers; avoid using   
metal objects.  
 Store oxidizers in plastic containers rather than glass.   
 Oxidizing chemicals should be handled with extreme caution around organic chemicals.   
8.7 Peroxide-Forming Chemicals  
While it is easy to identify chemicals that are classified as peroxides, there are some chemicals that may   
form peroxides under certain conditions. Unfortunately, there is no special label or any other indication   
if a chemical is a peroxide-former. Many common used organic solvents can form peroxides upon   
exposure to oxygen or light. Peroxides are shock, heat and friction sensitive. An activity as simple as   
opening a bottle of a solvent that has formed peroxides can result in an explosion or fire. Peroxides can   
form the source of ignition for a solvent that is already flammable. Explosions are more common when   
solvents that already have peroxides forming are concentrated by evaporation or distillation.  
Common examples of peroxide-forming solvents include diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran (THF) and 1,4-  
dioxane. Since there is not a reliable way to identify chemicals that are peroxide-forming, a list is   
provided on the EHS website. Please note that this list is not comprehensive. Consult product labels and   
the EHS department if you need help determining whether or not a chemical forms peroxides.  
8.7.1 Safe Use   
Peroxide-forming chemicals should be used according to the guidelines given in the section on the class   
of chemical to which they belong (ex. diethyl ether should be handled according to the flammable   
chemicals section) with a few extra rules:  
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 Circle or highlight the expiration date of all peroxide-forming solvents.  
 Test peroxide-forming chemicals using peroxide test strips (available from VWR or Fisher) at the  
recommended intervals. Record the test results on the label provided on the container for the   
chemical. If the container does not have such a label, contact EHS to receive one.  
 Do not use peroxide-forming chemicals that have expired without written approval from EHS.  
8.7.2 Storage  
Peroxide-forming chemicals should be stored according to the guidelines given in the section on the   
class of chemical to which they belong (ex. diethyl ether should be stored as described in the flammable   
chemicals section) with a few extra rules:  
 Do not retain peroxide-forming chemicals beyond their expiration date without written   
permission from EHS.  
 Keep peroxide-forming chemicals in cabinets where they are not exposed to light or shock.  
Chapter 9: Highly Hazardous Chemicals  
Highly hazardous chemicals are chemicals that do fall into one of the categories in the previous section,   
but are more hazardous than standard lab chemicals. Thus additional precautions are required for these   
types of chemicals. Additional rules that apply to all of these types of chemicals include:  
 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must be written for each one of these chemicals. The   
SOP should be reviewed annually and signed by every person that works in the lab that stores or   
uses these chemicals.  
 Designated areas should be established where these chemicals are used and use of these   
chemicals outside of these areas must be prohibited.  
 These chemicals must be stored:  
o According to manufacturer’s suggestions,  
o With chemicals of like hazard but further segregated in special containers marked with   
the hazard  
 Researchers must ensure the security of these chemicals.  
Highly hazardous chemicals include Particularly Hazardous Substances, explosive chemicals, pyrophoric   
chemicals, water-reactive chemicals and otherwise violently-reactive chemicals.   
9.1 Particularly Hazardous Substances  
Particularly hazardous substances are chemicals that, according to OSHA, are “select carcinogens”,   
reproductive toxins and substances which have a high degree of toxicity. EHS has decided to include   
chemicals defined as acutely toxic by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in this section as well.   
The EHS website includes a list of chemicals that are considered particularly hazardous. The list is by no   
means comprehensive; so if you are unsure whether or not your chemical is a particularly hazardous   
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substance and it is absent from the list, contact EHS. OSHA mandates that when working with these   
substances, special consideration should be given to these provisions:  
 Establishment of a designated area  
 Use of containment devices  
 Procedures for safe removal of waste  
 Decontamination procedures  
EHS further requires a SOP for any chemical that falls into this category. EHS can assist in the   
development of SOPs for these substances. Review of these SOPs is required for all workers that may   
use these substances.  
9.1.1 Designated Area  
There is no specification for the size of a designated area. It can be a portion of a room, a room within a   
suite of rooms or one particular containment device within a room. The purpose of the designated area   
is to make all users of the laboratory aware of where particularly hazardous substances (PHSs) are used.   
Containment devices are strongly recommended for the use of these substances. A temporary   
designated area may be used assuming that decontamination procedures are strictly followed at the end   
of work with PHSs in the area. Designated areas should be well labeled and required PPE for entering   
and working in the designated should be indicated and available outside of the designated area.  
Figure 56: Designated Area sign. This sign or something similar should be posted when a particularly hazardous substance is being used. A list   
of these substances is available on the EHS website in the chemical and lab safety section.  
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9.1.2 Waste Removal  
Waste removal practices (as well as establishment of a designated area) should be outlined in the   
chemical SOP. EHS should be consulted to discuss disposal options for these chemicals. Waste requests   
for pickup of these chemicals by people not trained on the SOP for the chemical will be rejected (except   
with special permission from EHS).  
9.1.3 Decontamination Procedures  
Some PHSs may require specific decontamination procedures. Review Safety Data Sheets for these   
chemicals and consult with EHS to determine the best procedure (if required by the SDS or other   
authority). Then, these procedures should be included in the SOP for the chemical and training should   
be conducted on decontamination.  
9.2 Explosives  
EHS considers explosives highly hazardous chemicals. According to OSHA, an explosive is “a solid or   
liquid chemical which is in itself capable by chemical reaction of producing gas at such a temperature   
and pressure and at such a speed as to cause damage to the surroundings”. An explosive can be   
identified by the “exploding bomb” pictogram on the product label and the safety data sheet. Explosives   
are listed in DOT hazard class 1. The EHS website includes a list of chemicals that are considered   
explosive. The list is by no means comprehensive; so if you are unsure whether or not your chemical is   
an explosive and it is absent from the list, contact EHS.  
Since SOPs are required for use of any highly hazardous chemicals only general rules will be given for   
storage and use of explosives in the lab. The following rules must be adhered to regarding explosives:  
 Explosives may not be used or ordered in the laboratory without the expressed written consent   
of EHS.  
 A SOP must be developed and reviewed by all lab workers prior to ordering the chemical.  
 All workers must be trained on the use of the chemical prior to it arriving in the lab.  
 Explosive chemicals must be doubly secured (i.e. inside a locked lab further locked inside a   
cabinet) in storage.  
 Segregate explosive chemicals from all other chemical types.  
 Always use the smallest amount possible of the chemical.  
 When working with explosives, keep all other chemicals and as many objects as possible away.  
 Always use explosives in a fume hood with a safety shield of appropriate rating.  
 Other lab workers and workers in adjacent labs (when working in a lab suite) should be notified   
prior to work with explosives starting.  
 Use non-sparking tools (such as plastic) when using explosives. Do not use wooden tools.  
 Ensure all safety precautions are in place prior to work starting.  
 Always wear appropriate PPE.  
 Work only within the designated area.  
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 Make arrangement for disposal of wastes prior to work starting.  
 Pay careful attention to any of the following signs of deterioration:  
o Degradation of the container  
o Crystal growth inside or outside of the container  
o Discoloration of the chemical  
NOTE: If any of these signs are noticed; contact EHS immediately!  
9.3 Pyrophoric Chemicals  
Pyrophoric chemicals are also considered to be highly hazardous by EHS. OSHA defines a pyrophoric   
chemical as a solid, liquid or gas “that will ignite spontaneously in air at a temperature of 130˚F (54.4˚C)   
or below”. Pyrophoric chemicals will have the flame pictogram on the product label and SDS and are   
hazard class 4.2 (spontaneously combustible) according to the DOT. They have an NFPA flammability   
rating of 4. Some examples of pyrophoric chemicals are organolithiums, silanes and alkali metals. These   
materials are often stored in other materials (ex. t-butyllithium in ethyl ether or potassium metal in   
mineral oil) to keep them from being easily exposed to the air. The EHS website includes a list of   
chemicals that are considered pyrophoric. The list is by no means comprehensive; so if you are unsure   
whether or not your chemical is a pyrophoric and it is absent from the list, contact EHS.  
Since SOPs are required for use of any highly hazardous chemicals only general rules will be given for   
storage and use of pyrophoric chemicals in the lab. The following rules must be adhered to regarding   
pyrophorics:  
 A SOP must be developed and reviewed by all lab workers prior to ordering the chemical.  
 All workers must be trained on the use of the chemical prior to it arriving in the lab.  
 Segregate pyrophoric chemicals from all other chemical types.  
 Pyrophoric gases must be stored in a ventilated gas cabinet with the appropriate controls.  
 Always use the smallest amount possible of the chemical.  
 Always use pyrophorics in a containment device with an inert atmosphere (such as a glove box   
or glove bag under nitrogen).  
 Have inert solid compounds readily available (such as solid lime) and an appropriate fire   
extinguisher readily available.  
 Ensure all safety precautions are in place prior to work starting.  
 Always wear appropriate PPE.  
 Work only within the designated area.  
9.4 Water Reactive Chemicals  
Water-reactive chemicals are also considered to be highly hazardous by EHS. OSHA defines a waterreactive chemical as “a chemical that reacts with water to release a gas that is either flammable or   
presents a health hazard”. Water-reactive chemicals will have the flame pictogram on the product label   
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and SDS and are hazard class 4.3 (dangerous when wet) according to the DOT. The NFPA denotes a   
water-reactive chemical by placing the letter “W” with a line through it (as indicated in chapter 7) in the   
white section of the NFPA diamond. The EHS website includes a list of chemicals that are considered   
water-reactive. The list is by no means comprehensive; so if you are unsure whether or not your   
chemical is a water-reactive and it is absent from the list, contact EHS.  
Since SOPs are required for use of any highly hazardous chemicals only general rules will be given for   
storage and use of water-reactive chemicals in the lab. The following rules must be adhered to regarding   
water-reactive chemicals:  
 A SOP must be developed and reviewed by all lab workers prior to ordering the chemical.  
 All workers must be trained on the use of the chemical prior to it arriving in the lab.  
 Segregate water-reactive chemicals from all other chemical types.  
 Always use the smallest amount possible of the chemical.  
 Use water-reactive chemicals in a containment device with an inert atmosphere or no moisture  
(such as a glove box or glove bag under nitrogen).  
 Have a class D fire-extinguisher readily available.  
 Ensure all safety precautions are in place prior to work starting.  
 Always wear appropriate PPE.  
 Work only within the designated area.  
9.5 Otherwise Violently Reactive Chemicals  
Some are violently reactive without exposure to water or air. These chemicals may undergo vigorous   
polymerization, vigorous condensation or decomposition or may self-react when shocked are exposed   
to increases temperature or pressure. These types of chemicals will generate a lot of heat and/or   
pressure very quickly and thus have the potential to cause fire or over-pressurize the containers in   
which they are stored.  
There is no way to readily identify these types of chemicals, although most of them are hazardous for   
another reason. The NFPA diamond, if supplied, will have a 3 or 4 in the yellow section and the SDS will   
indicate that they are reactive. These types of chemicals should be well-labeled indicating their   
reactivity. A SOP is required for these chemicals as well as a designated area. If you are not sure if a   
chemical falls into this category, contact EHS.  
9.6 Hydrofluoric Acid and Perchloric Acid  
There are a couple of chemicals that EHS considers highly hazardous that do not necessarily fit will into   
one of the above categories. Those two chemicals are hydrofluoric acid and perchloric acid. Both of   
these acids are commonly found in labs, but they are infrequently found being used and stored properly.   
There are additional precautions required for both of these chemicals outside of the normal precautions   
for acids.  
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9.6.1 Hydrofluoric Acid  
Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is commonly found in the acid cabinet in a laboratory. The only indication that it   
may be different than the other acids is that it is in a plastic bottle instead of a glass bottle. HF is   
commonly used to etch glass and has the ability to eat through glass, thus HF cannot be stored in glass.   
If HF is present in the lab, then all lab workers must be educated on its use and storage.  
HF is not only corrosive, it is also a fairly potent contact poison. Some of the more dilute solutions can   
be particularly insidious in that a spill on the skin can go unnoticed because it does not burn at first and   
is absorbed through the skin. HF wreaks havoc in the body by reacting with calcium and magnesium. The   
fall in blood and tissue calcium can cause serious problems; a large enough exposure can cause cardiac   
arrest due to reduced blood calcium levels.  
Additional precautions for HF include:  
 A SOP is required for HF.   
 Training on its proper use and storage is required.  
 Calcium gluconate gel must be readily available and regularly checked to see if it is expired.  
 Work must be performed with very specific PPE and in a designated area.   
 Anyone exposed to HF, even in a very small amount should rinse the affected area, use calcium   
gluconate gel according to the instructions given in the SOP or on the package and seek medical   
attention. An HF exposure may not cause a burning sensation for several hours, so a feeling of   
well-being should not preclude seeking medical attention.  
9.6.2 Perchloric Acid  
Perchloric acid is also commonly found in the laboratory. Perchloric acid is highly hazardous because of   
its potential to form explosive perchlorate salts wherever it vaporizes and then condenses to   
concentrated forms. Thus several additional precautions must be taken with perchloric acid. Those   
include:  
 As with all highly hazardous chemicals, a SOP is required.  
 Training on its proper use and storage is required.  
 Heating of perchloric acid may only take place in a perchloric acid fume hood (a hood with a   
washdown system specifically designed for perchloric acid use).  
 Concentrations of 70% or above must be used or diluted within a perchloric acid fume hood.  
 Perchloric acid should be stored separate from organic solvents, organic acids and other   
oxidizers.  
 If perchloric acid begins becoming discolored then it may be reaching the point of becoming   
very unsafe; it must be disposed by EHS.  
 Perchloric acid should be stored away from combustible materials such as wood, cardboard or   
paper.  
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 Do not use paper towels to clean up spills of perchloric acid as it can ignite combustible   
materials under certain conditions. Contact EHS in the event of a spill.  
Chapter 10: Hazardous Chemical Disposal and Shipping  
All chemicals that are present in the lab will eventually leave the lab by one of two methods. Most often,   
the chemicals are used up and disposed as chemical waste. Occasionally, chemicals are shipped by lab   
workers. There are several rules that must be followed whether chemicals are being shipped or   
disposed.   
10.1 Chemical Waste Disposal  
Disposal of chemical waste is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency at the federal level and   
the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality at the state level. The requirements for Arkansas   
State University employees that generate chemical waste are given in the Hazardous Waste   
Management Plan available on the EHS website. Laboratories at Arkansas State University are subject to   
subpart K of the hazardous waste regulations and must thus abide by the Laboratory Management Plan   
for waste (also available on the EHS website). Please note that no chemical may be thrown into trash or   
dumped down the drain without written approval from EHS. Without written permission, all chemicals   
must be collected for disposal and given to EHS. This is the process to follow when a chemical waste is   
going to be generated:  
1\) Make sure you have completed hazardous waste training for laboratory workers (on EHS   
website).  
2\) Determine the amount of waste that is going to be generated as the result of your process. If   
the process is going to generate less than 1 gallon per month, obtain an empty gallon-size   
bottle. If you are going to generate more than 1 gallon per month as a result of your process,   
contact EHS to obtain a larger container.  
Figure 57: Hazardous waste containers. A-4L bottle. This type of waste container is obtained by finding an empty container in the   
lab, rinsing it and removing the label. The label may be left on the bottle as long as it is defaced. B-5 gallon jug. This used for liquid   
waste when the generation rate will exceed 1 gallon per month. These must be requested from EHS. C-5 gallon solid waste bucket.  
This waste container is supplied by EHS upon request when solid waste will be generated at rate sufficient to fill or nearly fill the   
bucket within 6 months.  
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3\) Do not mix incompatible chemicals in the same waste container. If there is a question about   
chemical compatibility, contact EHS.  
4\) Before putting waste in the container, place a “chemical waste” label on the container. Add a   
description of the chemicals in the waste on the label. A label template is available on the EHS   
website. Put the date on the label as well.  
5\) Place a request to have the container remove from the lab when:  
a. The container is full,  
b. The process is complete and no more waste will be generated or  
c. Six months since the date was placed on the label have passed, whichever comes first.  
The complete requirements for chemical waste generation are contained in the Hazardous Waste   
Management Plan, but here is a brief summary of the rules:  
 Again, be sure that you have completed hazardous waste training prior to generating hazardous   
waste. This can be completed online of by attending a scheduled live training.  
 All chemical waste containers must have a label bearing the words “chemical waste”, a   
description of the waste and the date that generation of waste in that container began.  
 Containers of chemical waste may not remain in the lab for   
more than 6 months.  
 Containers of chemical waste should be tightly closed unless   
waste is being added to them.  
 A working container (meaning a small container near the   
process) may be used for chemical waste as long as it is   
labeled as a working container and a description of the   
chemical. The working container may remain open, but   
must be emptied when the process is complete or at the end of   
the day, whichever comes first.  
 No chemical may be poured down the drain or thrown into the   
trash without written permission from EHS.  
 The chemical waste container must remain in the lab in which it was first placed. Waste   
containers my not be moved from lab to lab.  
 Be sure that the container into which waste is being placed is compatible with the waste going   
into it. For example, acid waste should not be generated in a metal container.  
10.2 Hazardous Chemical Shipping  
The shipping of hazardous chemicals is highly regulated. Only individuals that have been trained may   
ship hazardous materials. The type of training that is required depends on the material being shipped   
and the method of shipping (ground, air, vessel, etc.). Training is required for anyone that has any   
Figure 58: Chemical Waste Label Template.   
This template is available on the EHS website   
in the Hazardous Waste section.   
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responsibility in the shipping including: filling the container that will be shipped, packing the container,   
preparing the paperwork, making or labeling the package or signing the shipping paperwork.  
Hazardous chemical shipping requirements are given in the university Hazardous Materials Shipping Plan   
available on the EHS website. A list of approved training programs is given in the plan. Most of them   
have a cost associated with them; one is free if you are exclusively shipping by ground. Whatever   
training program is chosen, the shipper must provide EHS with a certificate demonstrating completion of   
the required training that meets the conditions of the plan. EHS will then provide certification to the   
shipper that gives approval to ship hazardous chemicals. Employees may not ship any chemical until this   
certification is received.   
While the full requirements for shipping hazardous materials are given in the Hazardous Materials   
Shipping plan, some of the rules are summarized below. A flowchart for determining (if training has   
been completed) if the material being shipped (by ground) is fully regulated is given below as well.  
 Do not ship chemicals without first completing training. Training expires in 2-3 years, depending   
on the shipping method. Training must be kept up to date.  
 A list of commonly overlooked hazardous materials that are shipped includes:  
o Dry ice  
o Samples on ethanol or in formaldehyde  
o Some batteries of battery-powered equipment  
o Magnetized materials (if shipping by air)  
 EHS does not ship hazardous materials for employees, but will assist if there are questions. It is   
ultimately the responsibility of the principal investigator/faculty member to ensure that all who   
work in the lab that may ship hazardous materials are trained.  
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Figure 59: Hazardous materials shipping flowchart. This flowchart is available on the EHS website and shows the process for determining if the   
material that is going to be shipped is hazardous when shipped by ground only.  
Chapter 11: Physical Hazards  
Hazardous chemicals are not the only thing that presents risk in the laboratory. There are several   
different kinds of physical hazards present. Other types of hazards include high-pressure hazards,   
electrical hazards, high-temperature and low-temperature hazards and many others. Some of the items   
below have chemical and physical hazards. The chemical hazards of those items are discussed in chapter   
8\. As much as practical, the focus in this chapter will be physical hazards.  
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11.1 Compressed Gases  
One of the most common physical hazards in the laboratory is compressed gas cylinders. Compressed   
gas cylinders contain gases at high pressures and present a number of hazards. Gas cylinders are heavy   
an easy to tip thus they can fall causing injury to anyone in the path of their fall. The pressure of the gas   
in the cylinder itself can cause a hazardous release of gas causing objects in the path of the gas being   
released, including the cylinder itself, to move at very high velocities causing bodily injury and/or   
property damage. Because of these and other hazards, compressed gas cylinders must be handled with   
extreme care. An informative video on compressed gas cylinder safety can be found here:   
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jzyucwIqs4  
There are four ways a compressed gas cylinder may be encountered by a lab worker: when it is being   
delivered or transported, when it is being stored, when it is in use and when it is returned or disposed.   
Each of these areas presents unique hazards and safety precautions and is covered in the subsequent   
sections.  
11.1.1 Delivery and Transport  
In general, compressed gases are delivered to a centralized location within a building. Upon delivery, the   
following safety precautions should be followed:  
 Cylinders should be visually inspected for wear (rusting, pitting,   
etc.)  
 Cylinders should be stored in areas designated for their storage.   
 Cylinders should be secured in the storage area before signing for   
their delivery.  
 Cylinders must be transported on carts specifically designed for the   
transport of compressed gas cylinders (which include wheels to   
allow the cylinder to rest when the cart is tipped back). Secure the   
cylinder to the cart with the provided chain or strap. Do not roll or   
drag cylinders.  
 Do not transport a compressed gas cylinder on an elevator with   
passengers. If a cylinder needs to be moved to a higher or lower   
floor, two people should do it together; one person should deliver   
it to the elevator and send it up fully secured on an approved cart   
and a second person should be waiting to receive the cylinder on the   
destination floor.  
 Cylinders must have the valve cap fully attached before being transported. Do not transport   
cylinders with regulators still attached to them.  
 Do not drop or violently jar compressed gas cylinders.  
Figure 60: Compressed gas cylinder cart.   
This is a typical cylinder cart that is   
appropriate for transport.   
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11.1.2 Storage  
Storage of compressed gas cylinders can mean storage in a centralized location or storage within a lab   
when the cylinder is not in use. A cylinder in storage has the potential to fall over causing bodily injury   
because of its weight. An improperly capped cylinder can cause catastrophic damage because of the   
high pressure (and thus high potential energy) of the gas within. The following safety precautions should   
be taken when a compressed gas cylinder is being stored:  
 Gas cylinders must be properly secured when in storage. They should be secured in such a way   
as to prevent their falling if they are bumped.  
Figure 61: Compressed gas cylinder storage. A-Unsecured cylinder. An unsecured compressed gas cylinder can be very dangerous,   
particularly if it does not have the cap on it as pictured. The valve can be knocked off if the cylinder were to fall over making the   
cylinder a very heavy projectile because of the pressure within being suddenly released. B-Secured cylinder. These cylinders are   
appropriately secured to the wall by a chain and the cylinder that is not in use has the protective cap in place.  
 Keep gas cylinders away from heat.  
 Adhere to the guidelines given in section 8.5 regarding the storage and separation of certain   
compressed gases.  
 When a cylinder is not in use, the valve cap should be on the cylinder.  
 Do not store cylinders in unventilated areas. If a cylinder were to leak, even a non-flammable,  
non-reactive gas can displace enough oxygen to cause rapid asphyxiation in an unventilated   
area.  
 Cylinders in centralized storage areas should be tagged as full or empty. Cylinders in the lab   
should be tagged as in-use unless they are full or completely empty. Empty cylinders should be   
returned to the central storage area for the building.  
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11.1.3 Safe Use  
Any compressed gas cylinder that does not have the protective cap secured to the cylinder shall be   
considered in use. There are varying operating instructions and safety features associated with   
compressed gas cylinders depending on the gas that is contained within them. The following are general   
precautions that should be used with all compressed as cylinders:  
 Keep the cylinder secured.  
 Use only the appropriate regulator for the gas being used. Do not use homemade adapters or   
connectors.  
 Wear safety glasses and turn your face away from the regulator before slowly opening the valve   
on top of the cylinder. If the valve does not open by hand, do not use the cylinder and return it   
to the vendor.   
 Do not attempt to refill or otherwise add gas to a compressed gas cylinder.  
11.1.4 Return or Disposal  
When a cylinder is empty or no longer needed, something has to be done with it. Most compressed gas   
cylinders are provided by a vendor. The user is charged rent for the cylinder until it is returned. Some   
compressed gas cylinders are owned by the user; particularly the small cylinders called lecture bottles.   
When these are no longer needed, they are normally disposed of as hazardous waste. The following are   
considerations and precautions to be used when a compressed gas cylinder is no longer needed:  
 Before removing a regulator, make sure the main cylinder valve is fully closed and the pressure   
from the system to which the cylinder was connected has been bled down to atmospheric   
pressure.  
 Return the empty (or no longer needed) cylinder, still using the appropriate cart, to the central   
storage area of the building. Let the person responsible for managing cylinders that it is no   
longer needed so that rent will not continue to be paid on an unnecessary cylinder.  
 Lecture bottles are very expensive to dispose of if they contain any gas. Avoid ordering them   
unless it is certain that all of the gas contained within them will be used or the manufacturer  
will accept the unused portion of the cylinder.  
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Figure 62: Lecture Bottles. Lecture bottles are small compressed gas cylinders; many of them contain highly hazardous chemicals   
like those pictured above. Use storage and disposal of these types of gases is both complicated and expensive. EHS should be   
consulted before ordering lecture bottles of hazardous gases.  
 Do not attempt to vent cylinders of hazardous gases for disposal purposes.  
11.2 Electrical Safety  
Most laboratories contain a wide variety of equipment that is powered by electricity. Hot plates,   
electrophoresis equipment, heater, pumps, shakers, computers and pumps are just a few of the   
examples of electrically-powered equipment. The presence of electricity presents the risk of electrical   
shock. Shock occurs when the human body becomes a part of an electrical circuit either by touching two   
wires and completing an electrical circuit or by becoming the path of electricity in an energized circuit to   
the electrical ground. The extent of effects from electricity on the body depends on the amount of   
current (measured in amps), the path of the current through the body and the length of time the body   
has the current running through it.   
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Figure 63: The effects of electricity on the body.  
As the table above shows, a current as low as 50 milliamps can have fatal results. Circuit breakers are   
designed to protect equipment and the building electrical system; they will not trip unless the current   
backflow reaches much greater than the milliamp range. This means that a circuit breaker will not trip   
until long after enough current has been released through the human body to be fatal. Other safety   
measures must be taken to protect workers from electrical hazards.  
The following rules and precautions should be followed regarding electricity:  
 Do not perform electrical repairs in the lab. Electrical repairs to equipment and infrastructure   
should be done by a qualified electrician.  
 Do not work on energized circuits. Equipment that can be unplugged must be unplugged prior to   
maintenance. The end of the cord should be locked to prevent inadvertent re-energizing of the   
equipment. Equipment that is hard-wired must be locked or tagged-out per the university lockout/tag-out procedures.  
 Extension cords and power strips must not be used in lieu of hard-wiring. Extension cords are   
meant to be temporary.  
 Daisy chaining of power strips (plugging on power strip into another) is prohibited.  
Figure 64: Examples of daisy chaining. Daisy chaining is plugging power strips into one another primarily to create more places to plug in   
equipment. This can lead to overloading of circuits that can result in fires.  
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 Keep areas around electricity clean and dry. Any outlet within 6 feet of a water source should be   
GFCI.  
 Do not store flammables near electrical equipment, not even temporarily.  
 Do not block access to electrical panels.  
Additional information on electrical safety can be found in OSHA pamphlet 3075 found here:  
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3075.pdf.  
11.3 Machine Guarding  
Machines with moving parts pose many hazards. In the worst case scenario, the machine can do to body   
parts what it is designed to do to the materials that it cuts, shapes and forms. The best way to reduce   
the risk of injury due to moving machine parts is to use properly installed machine guards. Common   
hazards posed by machines with moving parts include:  
 Pinch point (nip point): point   
where moving parts (ex. gears   
or wheels) come together and   
can either pinch or pull a body   
part into machinery.  
 Cutting hazard: point where   
sharp objects are exposed (ex.   
saw blade) and can cut body   
parts in unguarded.  
 Crushing hazard: point where   
two objects come together (ex.   
press) and have the potential   
to crush body parts if in the   
path.  
 Entanglement point: point   
where machinery can grab   
clothing or a body part and wrap   
it around a shaft or other object.  
 Thrown object hazard: point on   
machinery where an object being placed in the path of motion can be thrown out at a worker   
(ex. grinding wheel).  
Precautions that should be taken in the laboratory regarding machine guarding include:  
 Do not remove factory-installed machine guards.   
Figure 65: Common areas that need machine guarding. A-Pinch point (aka nip point).   
B-Cutting hazard. C-Crushing hazard. D-Entanglement hazard.  
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 In the event that a factory-installed guard is not available, contact EHS for guidance on   
fabrication and installation of an appropriate guard.  
 Do not remove or disable safety devices from laboratory equipment.  
 Follow lock-out/tag-out procedures in the university’s hazardous energy control plan when   
maintenance must be performed on laboratory machinery.  
 Do not attempt to unblock machinery while the machine is running. Power down the machine   
and disable power before unblocking.  
 Use PPE where required.  
11.4 Cryogenic and Cold-Item Safety  
Cryogenic liquids are liquids that have a boiling point below -130˚F (90˚C). After being cooled to a liquid   
state, these are gases held under pressure to keep them to a liquid state at ambient temperature.   
Cryogenic liquids and other cold items (such as dry ice) present a number of safety hazards. Hazards   
include fire, explosion, hazardous buildup of pressure, frostbite, asphyxiation and embrittlement,   
depending on the cryogenic material. Most of these hazards are the same as those posed by other   
compressed gases; however, there are two hazards that are unique to cryogenic liquids: extremely low   
temperatures and vaporization.  
Extremely low temperatures cause metals to become stronger; however, other materials such as plastic   
and rubber become brittle. Thus proper selection of materials is important. Extremely low temperatures   
are also a hazard to human tissue as cryogenic liquids will readily freeze skin, blood and muscle tissue as   
the heat from the body is transferred to the cryogenic liquid to boil it. This can result in cold burns and   
frostbite.  
Rapid vaporization of cryogenic liquids (and the rapid sublimation of dry ice) also presents a unique   
safety hazard. These materials placed in a sealed container that is not designed to withstand a buildup   
of pressure can cause the vessel to rupture violently. In the case of liquid oxygen, the vaporization of the   
liquid can cause an oxygen-rich atmosphere that supports and accelerates the combustion of other   
materials. In the case of all other cryogenic liquids (and dry ice), if the vaporization happens in an   
enclosed area, asphyxiation can result.  
When handling cryogenic liquids:  
 Always use the appropriate PPE. This includes:  
o A full face shield over safety glasses  
o Cryogenic gloves (like those shown in chapter 6)  
o Lab coat or long-sleeved shirt and long pants  
 Use cryogenic materials (and dry ice) in well-ventilated areas. Cryogenic liquids and dry ice   
expand to many times their volume when they turn to gas.  
 Always use appropriate containers for the storage and transport of cryogenic materials such as:  
o Dewars  
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o Cryogenic liquid cylinders  
o Cryogenic storage tanks  
 Transfer cryogenic liquids slowly to minimize boiling and splashing.  
 Never touch uninsulated pipes or containers that have cryogenic liquids.  
 Do not immerse gloves hands in cryogenic liquids; use wooden or rubber tongs instead.  
 Do not pour cryogenic liquids or place dry ice in the sink.  
11.5 Autoclave and Hot-Item Safety  
Items at elevated temperatures present many hazards. Not only can burns be an issue, but buildup of   
pressure and weakening or breaking of materials can occur. There are several types of devices that can   
cause elevated temperatures including autoclaves, Bunsen burners, ovens and hot plates. Safety   
precautions for each are discussed below.  
One very important point to remember regarding hot items is that glassware that is hot looks exactly   
same as cool glassware. Whether it has been on a hotplate or just come from the autoclave, remember   
to label hot glassware (or any objects that cannot be identified as hot by looking at them) so that no one   
accidentally touches it with bare hands or skin.  
11.5.1 Autoclaves  
Autoclaves heat items and include steam under pressure to enhance the ability of the heat to kill   
microorganisms. Hazards presented by the autoclave include:  
 Burns from hot items or steam  
 Cuts from broken glass as a result of over-pressurized containers  
The following precautions should be taken when using the autoclave:  
 Do not use the autoclave unless you have been trained.  
 Follow manufacturer’s instructions regarding loading of the autoclave.  
 Do not fill bottles of liquid completely; fill them a maximum of 2/3 full.  
 Do not tightly cap bottles of liquid; leave the caps loose enough for vapor to escape.  
 Do not open the autoclave as soon as the cycle is complete. Wait a minimum of five minutes.  
 Stand away from the door and open it slowly. Do not put your head or face in the path of steam   
that is leaving the opening.  
 Use heat-resistant gloves and/or tongs to remove items from the autoclave.  
 Place items removed from the autoclave onto a cart. Do not carry recently autoclave materials   
by hand.  
 Use additional PPE as appropriate.  
Additional information on autoclave safety is available in the university Biosafety Manual, which is   
available on the EHS website.  
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11.5.2 Bunsen Burners  
Bunsen burners are devices that provide an open flame using natural gas provided by building service or   
a nearby cylinder. They are used for heating, sterilizing objects and combustion. The following rules and   
precautions should be followed when using a Bunsen burner:  
 Make sure the burner is placed in an area where there is nothing overhead that is combustible   
(shelving, equipment, etc.).  
 Move anything that is combustible away from the area.  
 Inspect hoses for cracks or other damage and replace as necessary.  
 Make sure loose hair is tied back before lighting.  
 Use a sparker to light a Bunsen burner, not a match or a lighter.  
 Do not leave the lit burner unattended.  
 Shut-off the gas when work is complete.  
 Do not use a Bunsen burner inside of a biological safety cabinet. Several fires in university labs   
have resulted from this.  
11.5.3 Ovens  
Ovens are frequently used in the lab for drying and heating. Fires can easily occur because of this   
equipment even though they are probably the most familiar in terms of how they work. The following   
rules and precautions should be followed when using an oven:  
 Do not use plasticware in ovens! This is a common cause of fires.  
 Do not use mercury thermometers in ovens as the mercury can easily vaporize if the   
thermometer breaks.  
 Do not use flammable materials in ovens.  
 Use heat-resistant gloves, hot-hands or tongs to remove hot vessels from an oven.  
11.5.4 Hot Plates  
Hot plates are devices that heat by an electric element. The temperature is controlled by a knob. Hot   
plates are often combined with magnetic stirrers. The following rules and precautions should be   
followed when using a hot plate:  
 Use only heat-resistant glassware.  
 Examine vessels for cracks before heating.  
 Make sure the hotplate surface is larger than the vessel being heated.  
 Do not use the maximum heat setting unless necessary.  
 Use heat-resistant gloves, hot-hands or tongs to remove hot vessels from a hot plate.  
 Do not touch the hot plate surface with bare hands or skin as there may be no visible evidence   
that the hot plate surface is hot.  
 Do not use the hot plate near combustible or flammable materials.  
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 Make sure the hot plate surface and the surface of the vessel touching the hot plate are dry   
before heating.  
11.6 Sharps and Glassware  
Sharps and glassware are the cause of many injuries in the laboratory, so care should be used when   
using either of these. There are also methods for handling and disposing of these items. While there are   
more hazards associated with these than are listed below, these are the most commonly found in labs.  
11.6.1 Sharps  
Sharps are objects that can easily cut or puncture the skin. This includes items like razor blades, scalpels   
and syringe needles. The rules regarding sharps and sharps containers in the lab are:  
 Each lab must order and have available a sharps container if sharps are   
used in the lab.  
 When a sharps container is full, contact EHS for removal and disposal.  
 Only sharps may be placed in sharps containers. No vials or syringes   
filled with liquid may be placed in them.  
 Do not reach into sharps containers.   
 Sharps must be placed in sharps containers; they may not be thrown in   
the trash.  
 Do not attempt to resheath a needle.   
 Do not bend needles.  
 Do not autoclave sharps containers.  
 Broken glass contaminated with biohazardous materials should be placed in a sharps container.  
See the Biological Waste Management training and the Biosafety Manual on the EHS website for more   
information on the management of sharps.  
11.6.2 Broken Glass  
Broken glass can be a hazard to lab personnel and those that clean the   
lab. When glass is broken, it is placed in a broken glass box like the one   
pictured. Broken glass boxes must be ordered by the laboratory and   
must be present in any lab that uses glassware. While the   
premanufactured broken glass boxes are convenient, any box with a  
thick plastic liner or with the seams well-taped can serve as a broken   
glass box so long as it is well-labeled. Other safety precautions to take   
with broken glass are:  
 Only broken glass should be in a broken glass box. No   
chemicals, including water, may be placed in a broken glass box.  
Figure 66: Sharps contianer.   
Figure 67: Broken glass contianer.   
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 The broken glass box must have a liner or have all of the seams taped to prevent bits of glass from   
escaping.  
 Broken glass must not be placed in the trash; it must go in designated containers.  
 A broom and dustpan should be available in the lab in the event that glass is broken.  
 Pasteur pipettes and serological pipettes should be disposed of in the broken glass container unless   
they are contaminated with a biohazard.   
11.6.3 Glass under Vacuum  
When glassware is used under vacuum, there is the possibility of it collapsing a breaking. This can cause   
injury to workers in the lab. The following precautions should be taken when using glassware under   
vacuum:  
 Inspect glassware for cracks or other signs of damage prior to use.  
 Only use glassware that is approved for low-pressure use.  
 Do not use glassware with a flat bottom; use rounded flasks whenever possible.  
 Protect lab workers from the process by using a shield or placing it inside a hood.  
 When possible, use tape around glassware under vacuum to lessen the impact of an implosion.  
11.6.4 Extractions and Distillations  
Performing extractions and distillations has the potential to burst glassware. All extraction and   
distillation should have specific written SOPs; the lab safety manual only provides a summary of typical   
guidance. When performing extractions:  
 Wait until the solution is below its boiling point before extracting to prevent over pressurization   
of the vessel.  
 If the solvent being used is volatile, the solution should be regularly swirled and vented to   
reduce pressure.  
 When the stopcock is opened, keep the plug firmly in place with your hand.  
 Keep the stopcock lubricated between uses.  
 The smallest volume possible should be used to help prevent over pressurization.  
 Do not vent funnels into the open lab. Vent into a fume hood or dedicated exhaust (not a device   
that vents into the lab).  
When performing distillations:  
 Heat evenly and stir to prevent sudden boiling (bumping) that may break apart distillation   
apparatuses. A nitrogen bleed tube may be necessary when distilling at low pressures as   
bumping occurs more often under these conditions.  
 Do not overheat.  
 Do not add anything to liquid that is near its boiling point as this can cause the liquid to boil over   
suddenly.  
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 Do not distill organic compounds to dryness unless they are known to be free of peroxides.  
 When completing a low pressure distillation, allow to cool first then slowly bleed air. When   
possible use pure nitrogen instead of air for cooling.  
Chapter 12: Biological and Radiological Hazards  
Biological hazards and radiological hazards are both areas that are covered in detail in different manuals   
available on the EHS website. Links are provided below  
12.1 Biological Hazards  
Requirements for work with biological hazards are found in the Arkansas State University Biosafety   
Manual: http://www.astate.edu/a/ehs/chemical-lab-safety/bio-safety.pdf.   
12.2 Radiation  
Requirements for work with radioactive materials are found in the Arkansas State Radiation Safety   
Manual: http://www.astate.edu/a/ehs/radiation-safety/rad-safety.pdf.   
12.3 Lasers  
Requirements for work with radioactive materials are found in the Arkansas State Laser Safety Manual:  
https://www.astate.edu/dotAsset/38641e72-c97b-42fe-9c52-9f7b6d575d40.pdf.   
Chapter 13: Laboratory Emergency Preparedness  
Most emergency situations that may be encountered in the laboratory are the same as those that will   
be encountered in other facilities. These emergencies are addressed in the Emergency Procedures   
Handbook (http://www.astate.edu/a/ehs/emergency-services/files/eph.pdf). However, there are some   
emergency situations that may occur in a laboratory that need to be addressed in more detail. Two   
specific emergencies are fire and hazardous material spills. Both of these situations are addressed   
below.  
13.1 Fire  
For the purposes of laboratory safety, fires fall into two different categories; there are fires that involve   
chemicals and those that do not involve chemicals. Fires that do not contain chemicals may be handled   
in the manner described in the Emergency Procedures Handbook linked above. Fires that involve   
chemicals require additional caution and the procedure is described below:  
1\) If there is a fire that involves chemicals and you do not know the chemicals present AND the   
chemical by-products of the combustion of those chemicals, do not attempt to fight the fire.   
Instead, activate the fire alarm and call 911 from a cell phone (or 9-911 from a land line). Leave   
the building to the emergency assembly area.  
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2\) If a fire involving chemicals is small and you know all the chemicals involved and none of the   
products of combustion are toxic, then you may attempt to extinguish the fire with a fire   
extinguisher using the method described in the Emergency Procedures handbook.  
13.2 Hazardous Material Spills  
Hazardous materials spills could include chemical spills, biological material spills and radioactive material   
spills. Biological materials spills are covered in the Biosafety Manual (see section 12.1 for the website)   
and radioactive materials are covered in the Radiation Safety Manual (see section 12.2 for the website).   
This section will focus on chemical spills.  
In the event of a chemical spill, the first priority shall be personnel decontamination. Any personnel that   
have been exposed to hazardous chemicals on the skin or in the eyes should use the emergency   
eyewash or safety shower as soon as possible. If no one has been exposed or all exposed personnel have   
been adequately treated, the next priority shall be containment of the spill to keep it from leaving the   
immediate area. Once the spill is contained, the last step is clean up.  
Whether or not lab workers can clean up a hazardous chemical spill will depend on the type of chemical   
that has been spilled and the quantity. No lab worker should attempt to clean up a spill that they do not   
feel comfortable cleaning. Below are some basic criteria for determining whether or not you can clean   
up a chemical spill.  
13.2.1 Spills That May Be Cleaned up by Lab Personnel  
OSHA defines these types of spills as incidental spills. Lab personnel may clean up a hazardous chemical   
spill if:  
 The quantity of spilled chemical is small (less than one liter).  
 The chemical is known.  
 The chemical is not a highly hazardous chemical or a chemical that may require respiratory   
protection.  
 The personal protective equipment required to clean up the spill safely is available.  
 The materials to clean up the spill are available.  
 The hazards presented by the chemical are well understood.   
If all of these criteria are met, then lab personnel may first contain the spill and then clean up the spill.   
Spill cleanup materials shall be placed in a container and labeled as chemical waste. Fill out the waste   
request form available on the EHS website to have the materials removed from the lab.  
13.2.2 Spills That Require EHS Assistance  
Some spills may not require a HAZMAT team response but may be outside the scope of cleanup by lab   
personnel. A hazardous chemical spill that may require EHS assistance includes:  
 A spill that is greater than 1 liter but less than 5 gallons (20 L).  
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 A small spill of a highly hazardous material inside a chemical fume hood.  
In these cases, lab personnel must make sure the spill is contained and keep others out of the area until   
the spill is cleaned up by EHS personnel.  
13.2.3 Spills That Require HAZMAT Team Response  
Some spills are too large or too dangerous for lab personnel or EHS to handle. Outside assistance is   
required in these cases. A hazardous chemical spill that may require a HAZMAT team response includes:  
 A spill larger than 5 gallons (20 L.)  
 A spill that cannot be contained to the site (may leave the university.  
 A spill of a highly hazardous chemical outside of a chemical fume hood or other containment   
device.  
The procedure for responding to this type of spill is given below.  
1\) Evacuate the immediate area.  
2\) If a person or people became contaminated during the spill, take them to the nearest safety   
shower that is outside the immediate area where the spill occurred. The person or people   
should remove contaminated clothing and remain under the shower for 15 minutes if the area is   
safe to do so. While one person should remain with each person that is placed under the   
shower, all others should evacuate the building.  
3\) Pull the fire alarm to indicate evacuation of the building.  
4\) Do not shut down the HVAC system. The areas most likely to have a spill are those where the   
HVAC system will be pulling contaminant away from the office areas. A shutdown of the HVAC   
system will upset that balance.  
5\) Notify the local authorities (including the fire department) that this is a chemical spill, not a fire   
so that the local hazmat team can be dispatched.  
6\) Notify the EHS director after the local authorities have been contacted.  
7\) If the constituents of the spill are known, provide the SDS for each constituent to the hazmat   
team.  
8\) Once the local authorities give the all clear to return to the building, EHS shall do a quick   
building check to make sure critical operations are again online before allowing all others to reenter.  
13.2.4 Spills of Unknown Material  
All of the above scenarios assume that the material spilled is known. The procedure for spills of   
unknown materials is given below.  
1\) Evacuate the immediate area and close the door to the area.  
2\) Post a sign that indicates the area must not be entered until the spill is cleaned.  
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3\) Attempt to determine the materials in the spill by asking others that work in the area.  
4\) If that exact nature of the spill cannot be determined, consult EHS.  
5\) Try to determine if the spill could be a material that is unsafe to clean up. In other words, if   
there is no possible way it is a highly hazardous material then EHS should be able to safely clean   
up the spill.  
6\) If there is the possibility that the spill is a highly hazardous material and the nature of the spill   
cannot be determined, it will be necessary to contact the local authorities. If this happens to be   
the case, follow steps 3-8 of the procedure for a large chemical spill (Section 13.2.3).  
13.2.5 Spill Kits  
It is the responsibility of the lab to ensure that proper materials are available for the cleanup of chemical   
spills. Here are the requirements for a chemical spill kit:  
 A 5 gallon bucket with a closeable lid  
 Absorbent (vermiculite, cat litter or other multi-purpose absorbent)  
 Scoop  
 Small broom  
 Required PPE (if not already available in the lab)  
A few additional items that may be useful in a spill kit but are not required are:  
 pH paper  
 Sponge  
 Small plastic zipper bags  
 Sodium bicarbonate (for acid spills)  
 Citric acid or boric acid (for base spills)  
Chapter 14: Laboratory Safety Culture  
While this is the last chapter of the laboratory safety manual, it may be the most important. A positive   
safety culture in a laboratory can do more to keep lab workers safe than any engineering control and   
personal protective equipment. Furthermore, a poor safety culture can overcome the protection   
provided by PPE, engineering controls and administrative controls to cause injury and exposure. The   
following paragraph from the American Chemical Society sums it up well:  
“A strong safety culture is required to protect employees but is especially important in protecting   
students and in developing students’ skills and awareness of safety. It also protects academic   
institutional reputations. This culture emanates from ethical, moral, and practical   
considerations, rather than regulatory requirements. Academic administrators, faculties, and   
staff members have ethical responsibilities to care for their students’ safety and to instill   
awareness about safety. They need to teach students the safety skills required to work in   
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laboratories on campus and in the workplace. In a strong safety culture, students will acquire the   
skills to recognize hazards, to assess the risk of exposures to those hazards, to minimize the risk   
of exposures to hazards, and to be prepared to respond to laboratory emergencies.”  
Safety culture is simply the overall attitudes and beliefs shared by employees in the workplace regarding   
safety. The safety culture in a laboratory emanates from the leadership in the lab. As the principal   
investigator or responsible faculty goes, so goes the rest of the organization below them. Thus it is   
important for faculty and administration to stress the importance of working safely.  
More guidance will be provided in this area in the coming years, but for a great summary, read the   
American Chemical Society report Creating Safety Cultures in Academic Institutions. It can be found   
here:   
https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/about/governance/committees/chemicalsafety/academicsafety-culture-report-final-

# Material Handiling and Ergonomics

Material handling can be a major source of occupational injuries whether the work is done manually or   
with mechanical assistance. Jobs that involve manual, mechanical or repetitive handling present the   
highest risk of injury.  
To schedule an Ergonomics Evaluation or Job Hazard Analysis  
Email: mdooley@astate.edu or call 870-972-2862  
Summary   
Material handling requires careful consideration of many factors including the area of ergonomics. Every   
job that involves manual, mechanical or repetitive handling should have a job analysis performed to   
determine how worker injury can be minimized.  
Most back injuries that occur on the job are a result of poor lifting technique. Lifting and carrying objects   
should be designed out of jobs whenever possible. When lifting cannot be avoided, employees should   
get assistance with heavy and awkward object. The risk of injury can be reduced by staying in good   
physical shape, planning the lift and removing all obstacles, getting a good grip, getting load close to the   
body and lifting with the legs. Avoid twisting the back and lifting a load above shoulder height. Lower   
the load carefully, again bending the knees and keeping the back straight.  
Training  
Each department is required to provide adequate training to all employees who are susceptible to   
material handling injuries. This would include proper lifting techniques, proper adjustment of   
workstations and specialized training in how to use material handling equipment on the job. OSHA   
specifies that employees involved in the following materials handling operations must receive training:  
• Powered industrial trucks (In-person and Taleo)  
• Cranes (In-person training)  
• Powered platforms (in-person training)  
• Proper Lifting  
• Home Office Ergonomics Training (available in Taleo)  
Inspections  
Mechanical equipment: both frequent and periodic inspections must be conducted of powered   
industrial trucks and cranes.  
Recordkeeping  
All training sessions and inspections should be appropriately documented and maintained by the   
individual departments. Training sessions should have a sign-in sheet. Proof of required training should   
be maintained in the employee's personnel file.  
Ergonomics  
Ergonomics is a multi-disciplinary science which emphasizes the importance of designing workstations   
(i.e. office furniture or industrial work areas and equipment) to fit the individual worker. The objective is   
to design out as many ergonomic hazards as possible in an effort to reduce cumulative trauma   
disorders. A properly arranged workstation can prevent injuries.  
The four elements of an effective program are:  
• Worksite analysis  
• Hazard prevention/control  
• Medical management  
• Training/education  
• Training  
Employees in problem jobs and their supervisors shall receive ergonomic awareness and job specific   
training in:  
• Recognition of workplace risk factors and methods of control.  
• Identification of workplace risk factors and methods of control.  
• Importance of early reporting.  
• Employer's medical management procedures. (See Accident Prevention Program)  
• Reporting procedures and report distribution.  
• Corrective actions to be implemented and role of each individual involved and how to   
participate in the process.  
• How to procure ergonomic protection standard.  
Reporting  
Employees involved in conducting job analyses shall demonstrate competency in the following areas:  
• Identification of workplace risk factors and how they relate to the specific job.  
• Job analysis methodologies.  
• Implementation and evaluation of control measures.  
• Problem solving methodologies.  
Inspections  
The employer shall use the OSHA workplace risk factor checklist or a variation of to identify problem   
jobs

# Occupational Health and Safety Medical Surveillance

While EHS strives to provide services and guidance in all areas of workplace safety compliance, there are   
some situations where outside expertise is necessary. A-State does not employ an Occupational Health   
Specialist and there are areas where that type of physician is necessary to meet safety, health and   
compliance requirements. If your job involves any of the following, then enrollment in medical   
surveillance may be necessary:  
• Work with animals in research  
• Work with blood or other potentially infectious materials from humans (or non-human   
primates)  
• Work that requires the use of a respirator  
Enrollment in medical surveillance is simple.  
1\) Contact Environmental Health and Safety (mdooley@astate.edu) or call 870-972-3644 to get   
started.  
2\) Fill out the Medical Surveillance Form.  
3\) Take the form to your appointment with Occupational Health Partners (EHS will help set up this   
appointment).  
4\) Occupational Health Partners will follow up with you if any additional action is necessary   
(immunizations, consults with your personal physician, etc.).  
Note that special training is required for any of the job functions that require you to be enrolled in   
medical surveillance. Please contact EHS for details based on your specific job requirements

# Respiratory Protection Program

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) in the United States Department of Labor   
regulates workplace safety. Even in state agencies such as Arkansas State University, OSHA standards   
are the primary reference for workplace safety procedures. 29CFR1910 Subpart I contains the standards   
that apply to personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes respirators.  
1910.134 within subpart I contains the standards that apply to the selection and use of respirators. The   
standard requires the development of a respiratory protection program in workplaces where respirators   
are required to be worn. Elements of the program includes evaluation of workplaces to determine the   
need for respiratory protection, procedures for the selection and use of respirators, training of   
employees who use respirators and fit-testing and medical clearance of individuals that are required to   
wear respirators. Where pesticides are applied, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act   
(FIFRA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Worker Protection Standard requires the use of   
respirators when the manufacturer of the pesticide indicates that the protection is necessary. This   
program is also intended to provide guidance to employees who use a respirator under these   
circumstances.   
This program is intended to ensure that all employees that use respirators are aware of how to use   
them safely and effectively. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) does not currently provide   
respirators, fit-testing or medical clearance of employees but EHS is responsible for developing   
programs that are relevant to workplace safety with reference to government standards and industry   
best practices. Respiratory protection is a very important element of worker protection; the technical   
nature of respiratory protection makes it appropriate for EHS to develop and implement this program.   
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Contents  
1.0 Executive Summary.................................................................................................................................................. 1  
2.0 Roles and Responsibilities........................................................................................................................................ 3  
2.1 Employees ........................................................................................................................................................... 3  
2.2 Supervisors .......................................................................................................................................................... 3  
2.3 Environmental Health and Safety........................................................................................................................ 3  
3.0 Procedures............................................................................................................................................................... 4  
3.1 Evaluation of Workplace ..................................................................................................................................... 4  
3.2 Selection of Respirator ........................................................................................................................................ 4  
3.2.1 Types of Respirators..................................................................................................................................... 5  
3.2.2 Deciding on a Respirator.............................................................................................................................. 9  
3.3 Medical Clearance ............................................................................................................................................... 9  
3.4 Fit Testing ..........................................................................................................................................................10  
3.5 Respirator Use ...................................................................................................................................................11  
3.6 Cleaning, Disinfection, Inspection and Storage of Respirators..........................................................................12  
3.7 Voluntary Use of Respirators.............................................................................................................................12  
4.0 Training..................................................................................................................................................................13  
Initial Training ............................................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.  
Recurrent Training...................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.  
Training Records......................................................................................................................................................13  
Training Certification.................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.  
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2.0 Roles and Responsibilities  
Employees, supervisors and EHS all have a role in the safe and compliant selection and use of   
respirators. The responsibilities of each role are defined below.  
2.1 Employees  
Employees that use respirators must:  
• Be medically cleared and fit tested before wearing a respirator when required.  
• Have permission from EHS and supervisor before wearing a respirator voluntarily.   
• Change out respirator cartridges when appropriate.   
• Clean, inspect, maintain and store assigned respirator according to manufacturer’s instructions.   
• Be clean shaven when fit tested or when respirator use is required.  
• Use assigned respirator in accordance with this policy.  
• Inform supervisor if changes in health status may require re-evaluation of medical clearance or   
fit testing.  
2.2 Supervisors  
Supervisors of employees that use respirators must:  
• Ensure that employees that ship or prepare for shipment hazardous materials complete the   
prescribed training appropriate to the type of hazardous material being shipped and the method   
by which it is being shipped.  
• Not require employees to ship or prepare for shipment hazardous materials if they have not   
been appropriately trained.  
• Ensure shipping paperwork for hazardous materials shipments are maintained for a period of at   
least 3 years.  
2.3 Environmental Health and Safety  
Environmental Health and Safety shall:  
• Assess work areas to determine the need for respiratory protection.  
• Where feasible, recommend engineering or administrative controls instead of respiratory   
protection.   
• Ensure selection of appropriate respiratory protection.   
• Confirm medical clearance and fit testing of individuals who are required to don respirators.  
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• Conduct respirator training for all employees that may wear a respirator  
• Periodically review and update this program.  
• Maintain all training records for employees who use respirators.   
3.0 Procedures  
The procedures for the selection, care and use of respirators are given below. Note that 3.1-3.4 and   
training must be completed before a respirator can be used by an employee in the workplace. Requiring   
an employee to perform a task that requires a respirator prior to completing training, medical clearance   
and fit-testing is prohibited.  
3.1 Evaluation of Workplace  
Environmental Health and safety is continuously evaluating workplaces to determine the appropriate   
employee and public protection from recognized hazards. EHS conducts Job Hazard Analyses to   
prescribe appropriate engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE for each task. If an   
atmosphere is suspected of having a respiratory hazard, contact EHS for evaluation. The procedure for   
workplace evaluation is as follows:  
1\) EHS is informed of or observes a workplace that may contain a respiratory hazard.  
2\) EHS chooses the appropriate monitoring method to determine if further action is needed.  
3\) If further action is needed, EHS will recommend the use of engineering controls or   
administrative controls, where feasible, to mitigate the respiratory hazard.  
4\) If administrative controls and engineering controls are not feasible, EHS will recommend the use   
of respiratory protection.  
3.2 Selection of Respirator  
Selection of the appropriate respirator for a task is very important. The primary factor to consider is the   
level of the respiratory hazard in the workplace, but other factors include the physical features of the   
individual using the respirator, the maintenance requirements for the respirator and the cost of the   
respirator. Associated with each type of respirator is an assigned protection factor (APF), which is the   
level of protection that the respirator provides to the user. The APF of the respirator determines the   
level in excess of the permitted exposure limit (PEL) or threshold limit value (TLV) for a respiratory   
hazard to which an employee may be exposed while wearing the respirator. Currently, Arkansas State   
University only allows the use of air-purifying respirators (defined in the next section). Supplied-air   
respirators and self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) are not permitted as a form of protection   
as entrance into areas that have respiratory hazards at levels that are immediately dangerous to life or   
health (IDLH) is prohibited.   
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3.2.1 Types of Respirators  
As previously stated, employees are not permitted to enter areas where the hazards would require the   
use of a SCBA or supplied air respirator. Thus, the types of respirators discussed in this section are all airpurifying respirators. An air-purifying respirator filters hazards out of the air to reduce the inhalation   
exposure of airborne hazards to the employee. Air-purifying respirators include dust masks, N/P/R95 or   
100, tight-fitting respirator and powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR). Each of these types of   
respirators, which have a corresponding assigned protection factor, is discussed below and they are   
listed in order of increasing APF (i.e. increasing level of protection).  
3.2.1.1 Dust Mask  
A dust mask is not a true respirator, but they are commonly used in the workplace. Also, at the time of   
writing this plan (October 2020), the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the state to mandate the use of   
masks in public buildings. Whether there is a state mandate or a dust mask is used for nuisance dust   
after the mandate is rescinded, there are a few things to remember about dust masks:  
• A dust mask shall not be used when a true respirator is necessary.  
• If a dust mask is worn voluntarily, the wearer should be informed that the use of a mask can   
exacerbate respiratory issues such as asthma and emphysema.   
• Dust masks are meant to be used once (over the course of a day unless they are soiled in that   
time) before being disposed of (paper type) or washed (cloth type).   
3.2.1.2 N/P/R95, 99 and 100 (disposable)  
N, R and P are NIOSH certification categories for air-purifying respirators. These types of respirators are   
used only for protection against aerosols (biological) and particulates. They are not used for protection   
against chemical hazards. Inhalation is through the material of the respirator. Exhalation is either   
through the mask material or through a valve in the middle of the mask. Each designation indicates the   
type of atmosphere in which the respirator can be used. The designations mean the following:  
• N is for atmospheres that contain no oil.  
• R is for atmospheres that have oil, but limited use (up to 8 hours).  
• P is for atmospheres that have oil, but the manufacturer provides information on how long the   
respirator can be used.  
N and P are the most commonly used because they can filter aqueous (water-containing) aerosols.   
While half-face and full-face (tight-fitting) respirator filters can technically have one of these   
designations as well, this section focuses on the disposable respirators like the ones pictured below. The   
number designations are indications of the efficiency of the filtering of the respirator.  
• 95 means the respirator will stop 95% of particles, if worn properly.  
• 99 means the respirator will stop 99% of particles, if worn properly.  
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• 100 means the respirator will stop 99.97% of particles (same efficiency as a HEPA filter), if worn   
properly.  
Figure 1: Various disposable respirators  
According to OSHA, the assigned protection factor (APF) for a mask in this category is 10.   
3.2.1.3 Tight-Fitting Respirator  
A respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece is different from a disposable respirator (N/R/P 95, 99 or 100   
listed above) in that inhalation in this type of respirator is through a set of cartridges or filters that are  
selected based on the hazard from which the user needs to be protected. Exhalation is typically though a   
valve in the middle of the mask. A tight-fitting respirator can protect from particulates or from different   
categories of chemicals including organic vapors, acid gases, ammonia, mercury and others. Tight-fitting   
respirators can be half-face or full face.  
3.2.1.3.1 Half-Face Respirator  
A half-face respirator fits tightly around the nose and mouth of the user, similar to the fit of a disposable   
respirator. Below is a picture of a half-face respirator.  
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Figure 2: Half-Face respirator (image source: amazon.com)  
According to OSHA, the APF for a half-face respirator is 10.  
3.2.1.3.2 Full-Face Respirator  
A full-face respirator fits tightly around the entire face of the user. Unlike a half-face respirator, a fullface respirator offers eye protection as well. Below is a picture various full-face respirators.  
Figure 3: Full-face respirators. The respirator on the left has cartridges installed; the one on the right does not.  
According to OSHA, the assigned protection factor (APF) for a mask in this category is 50.   
3.2.1.4 Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR)  
A powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) is respirator that uses a blower (attached to a belt worn by   
the user) to blow ambient air, which has been filtered, into a hood or face-piece. Thus, this respirator   
does not depend on the breathing of the wearer to supply air to the inside of the respirator. Filters for   
these types of respirators are similar to those for tight-fitting respirators, but the filters are contained in   
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the blower housing. While these types of respirators are expensive relative to the other types of   
respirators, they have several advantages, which include:  
• An assigned protection factor of 25 can be achieved without performing a fit test.  
• Because they blow air into the face of the user, the feel more comfortable, particularly in warm   
atmospheres, than tight-fitting respirator or N95.  
• While each individual user must have their own hood and tube, the blower/filter apparatus does   
not have to be assigned to a certain individual. The blower/filter can be used by several   
individuals (just not at the same time). This can be useful when multiple shifts use respirators.  
• A tight-fitting hood can achieve a higher protection factor than any other air-purifying   
respirator.  
• This type of respirator can be used by individuals that have facial hair. Other types of respirators   
will not fit properly if the user has a beard or a very long mustache.  
A picture of a typical PAPR hood is below.  
Figure 4: Powered air-purifying respirator hood. The hose from this hood attaches to a blower that contains a filter.  
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If there is not documentation that the PAPR manufacturer has tested to determine a workplace  
protection factor (WPF) or simulated workplace protection factor (SWPF) for the PAPR by the OSHA   
definition, then the assigned protection factor is 25. If the manufacturer has performed such testing, the   
APF is whatever is designated by the manufacturer. The maximum APF for each type of PAPRs is:  
• 25 for a loose-fitting facepiece PAPR  
• 50 for a tight-fitting half-mask PAPR  
• 1000 for a tight-fitting full facepiece PAPR  
• 1000 for a tight-fitting helmet/hood PAPR  
3.2.2 Deciding on a Respirator  
The selection of a respirator must be done as part of a thorough job hazard analysis. Environmental   
Health and Safety is responsible for conducting the job hazard analysis with substantial input for the   
employees and supervisors that will be doing the work. Factors that affect the type of respirator   
selected include:  
• Type and amount of hazardous agent in the work environment (biological, chemical or physical)  
• State of the contaminant (particulate, aerosol, vapor, gas)  
• Exposure limit of the hazardous agent (PEL or TLV)  
• Assigned protection factor for the respirator  
• Potential for eye or skin irritation of the hazardous agent  
• Nature and duration of the task  
Environmental Health and Safety will do calculations based on the concentration of the hazardous agent   
to determine which respirator types are suitable to protect the user. Then, EHS and the employees   
performing the task will work together to determine which respirator type is the most appropriate for   
the task.  
3.3 Medical Clearance  
When EHS determines in the course of doing a job hazard analysis that respiratory protection is required   
for a task, then the appropriate respirator must be used when performing the task. Before an employee   
can use a respirator when required by the employer to perform a task, the employee must be medically   
cleared to wear a respirator. The employee must complete a medical evaluation form, provided by EHS,   
and make an appointment to have the form reviewed by an occupational health professional. Currently,   
A-State uses Occupation Health Partners of Jonesboro to review the form. The steps the employee must   
complete are:  
1\) Print a medical questionnaire supplied by EHS.   
2\) Call Occupational Health Partners of Jonesboro (870-802-0012) to make an appointment for fit   
testing and medical clearance. Let them know that this is for Arkansas State University.  
3\) Take a completed medical questionnaire and a respirator to the appointment.  
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The employee must take the respirator that will be used for the hazardous task or an identical respirator   
with them to the appointment so that they can be fit-tested. Fit testing is described below.  
Any change in an employee’s medical condition requires a new form to be completed and submitted to   
Occupational Health Partners.  
3.4 Fit Testing  
A fit test is the procedure performed to determine if the selected respirator provides the protection   
required for the employee working in a hazardous environment. Since most respirators require a tight fit   
on the face, facial hair, scars and other facial features can interfere with the fit of the respirator. An   
initial test (called a user seal check) where the user dons the respirator, holds the respirator on the face   
with both hands and forcefully blows out will typically reveal whether or not it is worth going ahead with   
a fit test. If air escapes around the seal rather than through the mask, the user will not pass a fit test.  
With every type of air-purifying respirator except some PAPRs, an individual with a beard will not pass a   
fit test. There are two types of fit tests; qualitative (QLFT) and quantitative (QNFT).   
QLFT is a pass/fail test relies on the wearer’s response to a test agent to determine the adequacy of the   
fit. The test agent uses the employee’s senses to measure the fit. Test agents that could be used in a   
QLFT include:  
• Isoamyl acetate- banana-like odor  
• Saccharin- sweet taste  
• Bitrex- bitter taste  
• Stannic chloride- irritant smoke that causes a cough  
If the user detects the agent while wearing the respirator, the fit of the respirator is not good. This is the   
type of fit testing that is done by Occupational Health Partners and by EHS.  
QNFT is a test that measures the concentration of a contaminant inside and outside of the mask. An   
aerosol is generated outside of the mask and a machine monitors the level in the area and inside the   
mask. This type of test generates a number that is the fit factor for the respirator; this number is a true   
measure of how well the respirator filters the generated aerosol as the respirator is worn.  
For both types of test, the respirator user must perform certain activities while wearing the respirator   
during the test. This ensures that the respirator will continue to protect when the employee is   
performing normal tasks. Exercises that may be performed during the fit test include:  
• Normal breathing  
• Deep breathing  
• Moving head side to side  
• Moving head up and down  
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• Talking  
• Bending over  
• Grimacing (QNFT only)  
A fit test ensures a fit only for the respirator model that is used in the fit test. If a new model is used,   
then the employee will need to be fit-tested for the new model. Currently, the initial fit test is   
performed by Occupational Health Partners of Jonesboro at the same time that the medical evaluation   
form is reviewed. If an employee has already been medically cleared to wear a respirator and simply   
needs a fit test on a new model of respirator, then Environmental Health and Safety can perform the   
subsequent fit test(s). Also, any change to the facial features of the respirator user such as injury,   
surgery, substantial change in weight or an increase in facial hair requires a new fit test to be performed.  
3.5 Respirator Use  
Before a respirator is used by an employee, the following steps must be followed:  
1\) A job hazard analysis must be done by EHS to determine if a respirator is necessary.  
2\) The employee must be medically cleared to wear a respirator.  
3\) The employee must be fit-tested for the model of respirator that will be worn.  
If a respirator is going to be worn by an employee in a situation where it is not required, refer to section   
3.7 of this plan.  
When donning the respirator, ensure that any long hair is pulled back away from the face. Follow the   
manufacturer’s instructions for placement of straps; typically the lower strap is placed at or just below   
the base of the skull and the upper strap is placed on the crown of the head. Before entering a   
hazardous area, the employee must perform a user seal check. The procedure for this is in the   
manufacturer instructions for the respirator; this normally includes donning the respirator, holding the   
respirator on the face with both hands and exhaling sharply. If air is felt escaping around the eyes,   
cheeks or chin, then the fit is not good.  
The respirator must be donned before entering a hazardous area where it is required. Prior to donning   
the respirator, the employee should inspect it for signs of damage. If damaged, the respirator must be   
replaced. While wearing the respirator, the employee must immediately stop work and leave the   
hazardous area if the wearer:   
• Detects leakage in the respirator  
• Notices a change in resistance (the respirator suddenly gets much harder to breathe through)  
• Develops signs or symptoms of exposure to the hazardous agent  
• Starts having difficulty breathing  
• Is alerted to a low battery condition (PAPR)  
• Needs to change a respirator filter or cartridge  
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If the respirator user is possibly exposed to a hazardous agent, the individual should notify the   
supervisor and seek medical attention. In the event of an emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest   
emergency medical facility. If the exposure is not an emergency, follow the worker’s compensation   
procedure. The incident should also be reported to EHS so that the reason for the exposure can be   
determined and corrected.   
3.6 Cleaning, Disinfection, Inspection and Storage of Respirators  
Procedures for cleaning/disinfection, inspection and storage of respirators will vary based on the type of   
respirator being used.   
3.6.1 Cleaning/Disinfection of Respirators  
Disposable respirators are meant for one-time use. While a disposable respirator may be used   
throughout the course of a day, if it becomes soiled or damaged, it must immediately be discarded.   
Disposable respirators cannot be cleaned or disinfected for reuse.  
All other types of respirator must be cleaned by manufacturer’s instruction. Cleaning methods generally   
use these steps:  
1\) Completely disassemble the respirator in accordance with manufacturer instructions including   
filters and cartridges.  
2\) Wash the components in warm water with a mild detergent or cleaner recommended by the   
manufacturer.  
3\) Rinse the components thoroughly in warm running water. Drain.  
4\) If the cleaner used does not have a disinfecting agent, respirators should be immersed in one of   
the following:  
a. A bleach solution of one milliliter of bleach to one liter of water for two minutes.  
b. Any other disinfecting agent recommended by the manufacturer.  
5\) Rinse the components thoroughly in warm running water. Drain.  
6\) Components should be hand dried with a lint-free cloth or air dried.  
7\) Reassemble the respirator by replacing cartridges and filters.   
3.7 Voluntary Use of Respirators  
While EHS will require the use of respirators where they are necessary, employees may wish to use a   
respirator in circumstances where they are not required. This is called voluntary use. Employees may   
use a disposable respirator (such as a N95 or N100) voluntarily, but the employee should review   
Appendix D to the OSHA Respiratory Protection standard (29CFR1910.134, Appendix D). EHS can provide   
this to any employee that wish to use such devices voluntarily.  
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4.0 Training  
Training is required for all users of respirators. The following elements must be covered in the training   
session:   
• The nature of the respiratory hazard (i.e., what specific chemical substances or microbiological   
species are present; what areas, operations, or conditions involve potentially hazardous   
exposures; and what effects (symptoms) may result, if respirators are not used).  
• An explanation of why engineering controls are not immediately possible and a discussion of   
what efforts are being made to eliminate or minimize the need for respirators.  
• An explanation of why the respirator type selected is the proper one and what factors affect   
selection.  
• A discussion and demonstration on how to use the respirator; i.e., how to inspect, put on and   
remove, check the seals, etc.  
• Instruction on the proper techniques and importance of cleaning, disinfection, inspection,   
maintenance, and storage of the respirator.   
• A discussion of the capabilities and limitations of respirators (i.e., in what environments or   
under what circumstances (such as oxygen deficiency) the respirator does not offer adequate   
protection) and any warning signs (odor, etc.) that may indicate the respirator is not functioning   
properly.  
• How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the   
respirator malfunctions.  
• How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of   
respirators.  
Training should be conducted at least annually for all respiratory users. There are online modules for   
respirator use; these should be updated as changes are needed.  
4.1 Training Records  
Training records for online training are maintained in Taleo Learn. In person training shall be   
documented during the training session.

# Trenching and Excavation

Purpose  
Excavating is recognized as one of the most hazardous construction operations. The Occupational Health   
and Safety Administration (OSHA) requires employers who engage in safe excavation and trenching   
activities to protect employees from potential hazards. This policy has been developed to assist   
Arkansas State University in complying with the minimum safety standards adopted by OSHA and   
Arkansas Department of Labor.  
Scope  
This program shall serve only as a minimum for all university excavation and trenching activities   
performed by any department engaged in such activities. It does not prohibit additional levels of   
protection deemed necessary.  
Definitions  
Competent Person is an individual who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards or   
working conditions that are hazardous, unsanitary, or dangerous to employees, and who has   
authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate or control these hazards and conditions.  
Confined Space is a space that, by design and/or configuration, has limited openings for entry and exit,   
unfavorable natural ventilation, may contain or produce hazardous substances, and is not intended for   
continuous employee occupancy.  
Excavation. An Excavation is any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in an earth surface that is   
formed by earth removal. A Trench is a narrow excavation (in relation to its length) made below the   
surface of the ground. In general, the depth of a trench is greater than its width, and the width   
(measured at the bottom) is not greater than 15 ft (4.6 m). If a form or other structure installed or   
constructed in an excavation reduces the distance between the form and the side of the excavation to   
15 ft (4.6 m) or less (measured at the bottom of the excavation), the excavation is also considered to be   
a trench.  
Hazardous Atmosphere is an atmosphere that by reason of being explosive, flammable, poisonous,   
corrosive, oxidizing, irritating, oxygen-deficient, toxic, or otherwise harmful may cause death, illness, or   
injury to persons exposed to it.  
Ingress and Egress mean "entry" and "exit," respectively. In trenching and excavation operations, they   
refer to the provision of safe means for employees to enter or exit an excavation or trench.  
Maximum Allowable Slope means the steepest incline of an excavation face that is acceptable for the   
most favorable site conditions as protections against cave-ins, and is expressed as the ratio of the   
horizontal distance to vertical rise. (H:V)  
Protective System refers to a method of protecting employees from cave-ins, from material that could   
fall or roll from an excavation face or into an excavation, and from the collapse of adjacent structures.   
Protective systems include support systems, sloping and benching systems, shield systems, and other   
systems that provide the necessary protection.  
Support System refers to structures such as underpinning, bracing, and shoring that provide support to   
an adjacent structure or underground installation or to the sides of an excavation or trench.  
Responsibilities  
Arkansas State University Employees  
• Comply with the requirements of this program.  
• Attend training sessions as required.  
• Report any concerns related to trenching/excavating to their immediate supervisor.  
EH&S   
• Assist in implementing the provisions of this program.  
• Periodically audit compliance with program.  
• Ensure training records are maintained.  
• Update the program as needed.  
• Assist in the investigation of injuries and incidents related to trenching.  
Facilities Management  
• Identify and train the University’s competent person.  
• Call Arkansas 811 to notify of the intent to dig, prior to starting work.  
• Mark the locations of all Arkansas State owned utilities.   
• Maintain utility markings.  
• Submit Trenching/Excavation permit.   
• Perform the excavation work, or secure contractor to perform work.  
• Projects in which a contractor will be awarded a contract for a construction project that will   
involve a trench or excavation of five feet or more must complete this online form. Excavation   
and Trenching » Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing Arkansas Code 22-9-212  
• Ensure open trenches and excavations are secured or fenced with not attended.  
• Install the appropriate protective system for class C soil (Unless soil is required to be reclassified)  
• Perform trench inspections as needed (daily, weather change, condition change, etc)  
Supervisors/Unit Leads  
• Ensure employees attend training.  
• Ensure employees comply with this program.  
• Be thoroughly informed of the contents of this program and how it applies to their areas of   
responsibilities and authority.  
• Investigate trenching injuries and incidents within their area of authority.  
• Take prompt corrective action when unsafe conditions or practices are observed.  
Contractors  
• Contractors are required to follow all applicable OSHA trenching/excavating regulations and   
manufacturer’s instructions pertaining to protective systems.  
• Contractors are not allowed to utilize any University owned trench/excavation shoring/shielding   
equipment.  
• Projects in which a contractor will be awarded a contract for a construction project that will   
involve a trench or excavation of five feet or more must complete this online form. Excavation   
and Trenching » Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing Arkansas Code 22-9-212  
• Call Arkansas 811 to notify of the intent to dig, prior to starting work.  
• Maintain utility markings.  
• Submit Trenching/Excavation permit.   
• Perform the excavation work.  
• Install the appropriate protective system for the soil class.  
• Ensure open trenches and excavations are secured or fenced with not attended.  
• Perform trench inspections as needed (daily, weather change, condition change, etc)  
• Notify Facilities Management of any damage to utility system.  
Program Components  
1\. Assign and train a competent person.  
2\. Ensure all workers have received awareness training.  
3\. Complete a Trenching/Excavation permit.  
4\. Call 811 to identify and mark underground utility lines.  
5\. Dig a minimum of 5 feet away from utility lines.  
6\. Evaluate the soil to determine its stability.  
7\. Plan the job layout to identify safe locations for spoil piles and heavy equipment routes.  
8\. All excavation sites must be adequately barricaded, using at a minimum fencing and flashing   
barricades on all sides in which work is not in progress. Public thoroughfares (sidewalks,   
common paths, etc.) shall be barricaded a minimum of ten (10) feet from the excavation work   
site. Any excavation greater than four (4) feet deep which is to be left unattended for greater   
than 24 hours, or is subject to water retention, must be fenced to a height of at least four feet   
using appropriate fencing materials.  
9\. Any excavation greater than 4 feet in depth must comply with 1926 Subpart P - Excavations |   
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov) and this policy.  
10\. Before the job starts, if the trench will be 5 feet or deeper, set up a protective system.  
11\. Excavations less than 5 feet that have been determined by the “competent person” to be safe   
from cave-in are not required to be shored.  
12\. If the trench will be 20 feet or deeper, provide additional engineering protections.  
13\. All walls and faces of excavations to which employees are exposed must be guarded by a shoring   
system, sloping of the ground, or other equivalent means.  
14\. All excavations must have adequate means of egress, including steps or ladders, and must be   
provided within 25 feet travel distance.  
15\. All slopes shall be excavated to the maximum allowable slope.  
Safety considerations   
1\. Employees shall not be allowed to work on sloped or benched areas of excavations above other   
employees unless those employees at the lower level are adequately protected.  
2\. Structural ramps and runways associated with the excavation project shall be designed by a   
person qualified in structural design and constructed as to design. Structures to be used for   
employee access only may be designed and constructed by a “Competent Person”.  
3\. If excavation work is within 25 feet of a roadway, employees must be protected by reflective   
vests in addition to roadway barricades.  
4\. Employees working in excavations which have, or have the potential of having hazardous (i.e.   
oxygen deficiency or toxic/flammable gases) shall be entered under procedures outlined in the   
“Permit Required” Confined Space Entry Policy. These procedures shall include atmospheric   
testing, mechanical ventilation, lifelines, respirators, and emergency rescue preparation.  
5\. Welding operations have the potential of creating a hazardous atmosphere in an excavation.   
The competent person shall ensure that additional safety factors are incorporated into any   
welding operation by completing a Hot Work Permit. This form shall be signed by the workers   
and the “Competent Person” and/or supervisor and attached to the excavation permit form.   
6\. Employees may not work in an excavation in which water has accumulated unless control   
devices are activated and employees are equipped with harnesses and lifelines.  
7\. All materials and equipment must be kept at least two (2) feet from the edge of the excavation.  
8\. The “Competent Person” must inspect the job site prior to beginning the excavation and prior to   
actual work within the excavation. Additionally, daily inspections must be conducted on all   
safety and support systems and more frequent inspections after rainfall and other unusual   
circumstances that may pose additional hazards for the employees.  
Training  
• Competent Person training must include:  
o Requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P  
o Excavating and trenching terms  
o Competent person responsibilities  
o Soil classifications  
o Protective systems  
o Hazardous atmospheres  
o Other hazards, including those associated with working in confined spaces.  
o Lockout/Tagout  
• Workers  
o Awareness training regarding trenching and excavation  
Trenching and Excavation Checklist and Permit Form  
Permit Request • CampusOptics  
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Arkansas State employees will be completing this project  
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Contractors will be completing this project  
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Utilities Located (telephone, water, sewage, sprinkler system, etc.)  
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ High Voltage in Excavation Area  
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Underground Tanks in Excavation Area   
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Natural Gas Pipelines Located  
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Site is within Ten (10) feet of a Roadway or Parking Lot  
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Personal Protective Equipment is On-Site  
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Barricades and Other Safety Equipment is On-Site   
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Hazardous Atmospheres Present or Possible (refer to Confined Space Procedures)   
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Welding to be Performed (Complete Hot Work Permit)  
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Asbestos Containing Materials Involved (Contact EH&S prior to Commencing)   
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Excavation will be Longer than 24 hours  
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Water Accumulation is Imminent  
Location  
Dates of the project  
Expected duration of the project  
Description of work being performed  
Name of Competent Person  
Name of additional employees working on project

# University Safety Operating Procedure

[university-safety-operating-procedure ](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/1304)

# Micro-mobility Vehicle Guidelines (E-scooters and bikes)

# Purpose

These guidelines establish responsibilities and procedures to ensure safety, proper operation and storage of electric bikes, scooters, skates and other micro-mobility vehicles, as each are defined below (collectively referred to in this policy as “”).

# Affected Entities

All employees, students, visitors, and any individual who wishes to operate a micro-mobility vehicle on **Arkansas State University - Jonesboro** owned or controlled property. These guidelines do not apply to electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other electric mobility devices specifically designed for and used by an individual with a mobility-related disability.

# Policy

**Arkansas State University - Jonesboro** promotes the use of micro-mobility vehicles as a mode of transportation to enhance the goals for a more sustainable campus. These guidelines do not cover the transit-related operation of a university-owned MMV during the performance of work duties.

1. **Definitions:**
    - <u>Operator</u>: One who uses a machine or device.
    - <u>Micro-mobility Vehicle (MMV)</u>: The Federal Highway Administration broadly defines micro-mobility as any small, low-speed, human- or electric-powered transportation device, including bicycles, scooters, electric-assist bicycles, electric scooters, and other small, lightweight, wheeled conveyances; powered devices that are: 
        1. Partially or fully motorized
        2. Low-speed – up to 30 miles (48 kilometers) per hour
        3. Less than 500 pounds (230 kilograms)
        4. Less than 3 feet (1 meter) wide
    - <u>Electric bicycle (e-Bike)</u>: a motorized bicycle equipped with an integrated electric motor to assist propulsion and a rechargeable battery pack to ride at speeds up to 28 mph. Battery packs may be removed for charging. 
        1. <u>Pedelec</u>: a bike with an electric motor to assist the rider's pedal power
        2. <u>Moped</u>: a bike with a throttle to propel the bike with or without the rider’s pedal power
    - <u>Electric scooter (e-Scooter)</u>: a scooter propelled by an electric motor. Battery packs are generally not removable for charging.
    - <u>Electric skateboard (e-Skate)</u>: a skateboard propelled by an electric motor. Battery packs are generally not removable for charging.
2. **Responsibility**
    - The operator of an MMV is responsible and liable for all damage or injury caused by said operator or device, whether to the operator, other persons or property.
    - The operator of an MMV assumes the risk of personal injury and death and will be held responsible for any injuries to themselves or others as a result of any violation of this policy or the improper operation of any MMV on Arkansas State University - Jonesboro property.
    - **The Arkansas** Transportation Code governs the operation of vehicles on public roadways as well as paths intended for use by pedestrians, cyclists, and other MMV users.
3. **Procedure**
    - <u>Registration</u>: MMVs should be registered with **Arkansas State University - Jonesboro** prior to use on campus. Register [HERE](https://pack.astate.edu/forms/32)
    - <u>Recalls and Safety Notices</u>: The owner should stay informed and remain compliant regarding recalls or safety notices regarding their MMV.
4. **Operation**
    - All persons operating an MMV on **Arkansas State University - Jonesboro** owned or controlled property must comply with all applicable State of **Arkansas** statutes, **Arkansas State University - Jonesboro** policies and procedures, and posted signs. This includes obeying all stop signs and traffic signals.
    - MMV operators must yield to pedestrians.
    - MMV operation is permitted on: 
        1. Shared paths and walkways designated as pedestrian/bicycle routes
    - MMV operators must obey all vehicular traffic laws when on the roadway, including using appropriate hand signals to indicate lane changes, turning, and stopping. 
        1. In congested areas, MMV operators must match the speed of prevailing traffic, including that of pedestrians.
        2. In shared-use areas, MMV operators must pass with caution, after giving audible notice of passing to the pedestrian or other MMV they are passing. “On your left” is a common phrase used to notify passing.
        3. MMV operators must dismount to use designated pedestrian crosswalks.
        4. MMV operators must dismount in designated pedestrian-only areas.
    - MMV operation is prohibited: 
        1. on stairs, ramps, and railings
        2. on vegetation, lawns, benches, tables, planters, and other surfaces not intended for vehicular travel
        3. inside and at the entrance to **Arkansas State University - Jonesboro** owned or controlled facilities and parking structures, including but not limited to such facilities’ loading docks, driveways, and access ramps
    - MMVs are for only, unless intended for multiple riders
    - MMV operators shall not operate MMVs while impaired, engage in or maneuvers that may endanger the safety of the operator or others, or damage property.
5. **Parking, Storage, and Impound**
    - MMVs shall be parked only in areas specifically designated for storage of such devices and in accordance with facility-specific policies and procedures. 
        1. MMVs should be locked to a bike rack or in a **Arkansas State University - Jonesboro** provided MMV storage facility when not in use.
    - MMVs may not be left unattended on or at ramps, entrances, or other facilities designated for persons with physical disabilities or in such a manner as to impede the free and clear use of such facilities.
    - Indoor storage of MMVs is prohibited at **Arkansas State University - Jonesboro** owned or controlled property.
    - Charging of MMV batteries is prohibited inside **Arkansas State University - Jonesboro** owned or controlled property except at designated charging locations.

**<u> </u>**

MMVs are an important option in campus commutes. Safe operation and parking of all MMVs on campus allows the **Arkansas State University - Jonesboro** community to benefit from these vehicles.

The following guidelines were developed in coordination with the Department of Safety and Emergency Management, Parking Services, Arkansas State University Police Department, the Office of Student Affairs, Risk Management, Financial and Administrative Services, and campus governance groups.

# Personal Safety

Consider the use of protective gear such as helmets, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads. Safety gear may be ordered from free apps provided by scooter companies for active riders; customers usually only pay for shipping.

MMVs can move rapidly and unpredictably for those unfamiliar with their operation.

- Read operation and safety information provided by the MMV manufacturer.
- Start slowly to maintain balance and center of gravity.

MMVs must be operated in a safe manner, and reckless operators are subject to citations.

MMV operators are responsible for their own safety.

- Be mindful of your surroundings.
- MMVs are intended for single rider use only.
- Don’t wear earbuds or headphones when operating an MMV.
- Keep both hands on the MMV handlebars at all times.
- Don’t operate an MMV while impaired.
- Don’t operate mobile electronics while the MMV is in motion.

# Public Safety

Campus pedestrian traffic is very heavy, requiring low-speed operation of MMVs while near pedestrians. Pedestrians always have the right of way.

MMV operators must follow campus rules and regulations.

MMVs may only be operated in areas where bicycle traffic is allowed.

MMV operators must obey all traffic laws, including but not limited to

- stopping at stop signs and stoplights
- yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles
- adhering to posted speed limits
- exercising caution at intersections of pathways or roadways

# Parking

Follow all **Arkansas State University - Jonesboro** parking rules.

MMVs may only be parked at bike racks or in designated MMV parking areas.

**<u>Parking Examples</u>**

<table id="bkmrk-%C2%A0-don%27t-park-on-side" width="710"><tbody><tr><td width="422"> </td><td width="288">DON'T park on sidewalks or poles blocking pedestrian and ADA pathways

DO park at designated MMV parking areas and racks

</td></tr><tr><td width="422"> </td><td width="288">DON'T park on ADA ramps and curb cuts

DO park in areas out of the way of pedestrian and ADA access near bike racks

</td></tr><tr><td width="422"> </td><td width="288">DON'T park in the middle of a pedestrian plaza or sidewalk

DO park out of the way of foot traffic near building walls in designated MMV areas and near bike racks

</td></tr><tr><td width="422"> </td><td width="288">DON'T block staircases

DO park to the side of stairs in designated MMV areas

</td></tr><tr><td width="422"> </td><td width="288">DON'T park on sidewalks blocking access. This narrows a sidewalk too much for a wheelchair to use it

DO park near bike racks out of the way

</td></tr><tr><td width="422"> </td><td width="288">DON'T park on streets

DO park in designated MMV areas near streets

</td></tr><tr><td width="422"> </td><td width="288">DON'T park BEHIND bike racks, blocking access

DO park in or next to bike racks

</td></tr></tbody></table>