Policy & Responsibilities

SECTION 1 - Policy and Responsibilities

Policy

It is the policy of Oregon State University to maintain, insofar as is reasonably within the control of the university, an environment that will not adversely affect:

1. The health, safety, and well-being of students, staff, visitors, and neighboring human populations; and
2. The animals maintained on the campus of the university or in the contiguous area.

All research and teaching activities involving the use of chemical carcinogens, as defined in this manual, in facilities controlled by Oregon State University, shall be conducted in compliance with OSHA regulations, with granting agency guidelines, with the provisions of this manual, and as approved by the Chemical Safety Committee.

Control of Chemical Carcinogen Use

The purpose of the Chemical Carcinogen Safety Program is to

• Establish procedures and criteria for physical facilities to protect against occupationally acquired cancers and for protection of the general environment; and
• Contain all known or suspected chemical carcinogens within prescribed limits in accordance with nationally recognized safe standards of operation.

Program components to reach this goal:

• Identifying all users of chemical carcinogens on campus.
• Defining acceptable levels of exposure, as those permitted by federal and state regulations or recommended by authoritative sources such as the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
• Limiting projects and activities involving the use of chemical carcinogens to those authorized by the provisions of this manual.
• Developing and approving specific procedures for the use of chemical carcinogens to limit the exposure of, and the degree of hazard to, personnel and the environment.
• Identifying and categorizing chemicals where carcinogenic potential has recently been determined.

Chemical Carcinogen Manual

This Chemical Carcinogen Manual is intended to provide a system for assuring safety in the use of known or suspected chemical carcinogens. It is to be accessible in those campus facilities in which chemical carcinogens are stored or used. All campus personnel working with chemical carcinogens are required to have an understanding of the contents of the manual.

Categories of Chemical Carcinogens

The hazard categorization scheme is intended to reflect the net potential hazard associated with the conditions for use of each carcinogen. Specifically, it considers not only the apparent biological potency of a compound, but the total quantity or concentration in use. For instance, dilution of an EXTREME hazard carcinogen may reduce its hazard to the HIGH category. Classifications are listed in the Guide for Chemical Carcinogen Classification (Appendix 2). Ranking of chemicals by OSHA, the US NTP, and IARC are the primary basis for listing.

EXTREME Hazard Carcinogens

1. Chemicals regulated by law.
2. Chemicals not regulated by law but considered to be highly hazardous by the Chemical Safety Committee.

HIGH Hazard Carcinogens

1. EXTREME carcinogens diluted to defined concentration ranges. Chemicals identified in IARC or NTP guidelines which do not exceed the hazardous category in any concentration.
2. Other chemicals when used in research and teaching activities that could, on the basis of new information, require the restrictions listed for this category.

MODERATE Hazard Carcinogens

Those chemicals that, when used in research and teaching activities, pose risks for users and therefore require special training and handling.

OSU Guide for Chemical Carcinogen Classification

Regulations and scientific evidence pertaining to the carcinogenic properties of chemicals change frequently. A categorized listing can be found in Appendix 2 . EH&S, in consultation with the University Chemical Safety Committee, will post an updated list when necessary.

Responsibilities

Project Leader and/or Laboratory Supervisor. Each person in charge of a research project, teaching laboratory, or other activity using chemical carcinogens will be responsible for:

1. Development of written protocols to assure the safe use of these agents.
2. Completion of an application/registration form for the use of all EXTREME and HIGH hazard carcinogens (Appendix 1).
3. Completion of Chemical Agent Use in Animals form when required.
4. Obtaining the department chairperson's approval of the project.
5. Strict compliance with the authorized protocol and the requirements of this manual.
6. Training of employees regarding the nature of the hazards involved, safety practices, and the correction of procedures and conditions that may result in exposure and possible injury.
7. Maintenance of required records and inventory as defined in this manual.

Department Chairperson. The department chairperson is responsible for:

1. Protecting the health and safety of departmental employees, visitors, and students.
2. Approving all protocols and purchase orders for research or teaching involving EXTREME carcinogens in the department.
3. Providing the Chemical Safety Committee, through EH&S, with copies of all protocols and/or forms requiring departmental approval.
4. Providing EH&S with copies of all purchase orders of EXTREME carcinogens for inventory records.

Environmental Health & Safety. EH&S will:

1. Forward the protocols prepared by the project leader for work involving chemical carcinogens to the Chemical Safety Committee.
2. Provide consultation, upon request, in the development of protocols.
3. Maintain the following records:
   
   1. Copies of Application/Registration for Use of Chemical Carcinogens.
   2. The names and employee ID numbers of personnel authorized to work with these materials.
   3. Electronic inventory of carciongens based on PI input.
4. Investigate all accidents which could or did result in the exposure of personnel to chemical carcinogens.
5. Periodically inspect, as defined in Section 5, all EXTREME and HIGH chemical carcinogen work areas, and notify the principal researcher and the department chairperson of the results.
6. Issue periodic updates of classification of chemical carcinogens.

Campus Veterinarian. The campus veterinarian shall be responsible for reviewing all procedures involving animal experiments with EXTREME and HIGH carcinogens.

Chemical Safety Committee. The Chemical Safety Committee is responsible to:

1. Approve or reject all applications and protocols for the use of EXTREME carcinogens.
2. Review protocols for the use of HIGH and MODERATE chemical carcinogens when requested by the principal investigator.
3. Determine appropriate hazards categorization of newly identified chemical carcinogens.
4. Instruct EH&S to initiate revision or termination of projects when, in the opinion of the committee, a project entails an unacceptable risk to the health and safety of the personnel involved.
5. Participate in periodic inspections of projects involving the use of chemical carcinogens.

General Requirements

SECTION 2 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Decontamination and Disposalof Chemical Carcinogens

Decontamination.

• Contaminated materials shall either be decontaminated by procedures that decompose the chemical carcinogen to produce a safe product or be removed for subsequent disposal.
• Chemical carcinogens that have spilled out of a primary container so as to constitute a hazard shall be inactivated in-situ or shall be absorbed by appropriate means for subsequent disposal by authorized procedures.
• A means for assuring adequacy of cleanup shall be employed, for instance, wipe tests or fluorescence tests.

Reporting.

• All incidents involving contamination of personnel or spills of EXTREME and HIGH hazard carcinogens shall be reported immediately to EH&S during normal working hours. At all other times, contact Public Safety or call 911.

Disposal.

• Residual carcinogens and solutions should be deactivated in the laboratory prior to disposal, when appropriate procedures are available which do not increase the hazard to research personnel or make the resultant solution more difficult and costly to dispose.
• Acceptable procedures for various structural classes of carcinogens are available from EH&S.
• Consult EH&S for further instructions and information, especially about appropriate techniques and what disposal challenges might result.

Facilities for Housing Animals Exposed to Chemical Carcinogens

• Animals exposed to chemical carcinogens shall be housed in cages that confine feed, feces, urine, and bedding.
• Rooms used for animal experiments shall be negative pressure with respect to non-research areas (hallways, etc.).

Nonvolatile Carcinogens

• When nonvolatile carcinogens are used, a cage with solid sides and bottom in conjunction with a filter top, or equivalent equipment, will be used.

Volatile Carcinogens.

• When volatile carcinogens are used, the cage must be used in conjunction with an approved exhaust ventilation system.

Alternative Facilities

• Alternative facilities must be approved by EH&S prior to start of the project.

Physical Facilities

• Carcinogen use rooms must be under negative pressure with respect to general access areas such as hallways and offices.
• Procedures involving volatile chemical carcinogens and those involving solid or liquid chemical carcinogens that may result in the generation of aerosols are not to be conducted on the open bench; depending on the carcinogen category, they should be conducted in suitable containment equipment as described below.
• Examples of aerosol producing procedures are: the opening of closed vessels; transfer operations; preparation of feed mixtures; blending; open vessel centrifugation; and the application, injection or intubation of a chemical carcinogen into experimental animals.
• Use of ductless filtered devices for protection from volatile chemicals is not permitted.
• Tissue culture and other biological procedures involving chemical carcinogens may be conducted in a Class II, type B Biological Safety Cabinet (see Section 5, Definitions). A Class II, type A Biological Safety Cabinet may also be used if the cabinet's exhaust air is discharged to the outdoors.
• The principal investigator should obtain guidance from EH&S on the selection and use of a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet for procedures involving chemical carcinogens.
• It is expected that for a majority of situations, certain EXTREME compounds will be used in forms or dilutions which would place them in the HIGH category.
• Physical facilities for MODERATE chemical carcinogens may be standard chemical laboratories.

Personal Protection

All standard laboratory safety practices, such as the wearing of eye protection, shall be observed.

Prohibited Activities in Laboratories Where Carcinogens are Used

• There shall be no eating, drinking, smoking, chewing of gum or tobacco, application of cosmetics, storage of food, or mouth pipetting in areas where chemical carcinogens are used.

Decontamination.

• Personnel involved in cleanup of leaks or spills, maintenance or repair of contaminated systems or equipment, or any operations involving work in an area where direct contact with a carcinogen could result shall:
  1. Dispose of or decontaminate protective garments.
  2. Be required to shower, including washing the hair.

Training Responsibilities Of Project Leaders.

Prior to working with chemical carcinogens, each employee shall receive training including, but not limited to:

1. The nature of the hazards, including local and systemic toxicity.
2. The specific nature of operations which could result in exposure.
3. The purpose for, the nature of, the application of decontamination procedures.
4. The employee's specific role in prescribed emergency procedures.
5. Specific information to aid the employee in recognition and evaluation of conditions and situations which may result in the release of a carcinogen.
6. The employee shall be trained in the prescribed emergency procedures and rehearsed in their application.

Supplementary Training.

• The Chemical Safety Committee will be responsible for facilitating or coordinating periodic workshops and training sessions which cover current information, procedures and equipment available for the use of chemical carcinogens in laboratories.

Storage and labeling

• Moderate carcinogens should be labeled with "Cancer suspect agent". Labels for other carcinogen classes are described elsewhere in this document.

Notification of EH&S

• Emergencies and/or incidents that result in the release of a chemical carcinogen into any area where employees or others may be potentially exposed shall be reported immediately to EH&S during normal working hours or to Public Safety at other times.

Medical Surveillance

• Special medical surveillance of potentially exposed employees present in the affected areas shall be carried out by the consulting physician within 24 hours.

Report of Incidents

• EH&S is required to provide notification of all incidents associated with the use of regulated chemical carcinogens within 24 hours to the State Division of Occupational Safety and Health. This notification shall be followed by written reports within 15 days of their occurrence.

Chemical Inventory

• Researchers are required to keep a current chemical inventory in OSU's web-accessible inventory system.

Extreme Hazard Carcinogens

SECTION 3 - EXTREME HAZARD CARCINOGENS

Authorization for Use

Designation of Person in Charge.

• A primary work area and the principal investigator or supervisor shall be identified by the department chairperson for each research project or activity in the department using Extreme carcinogens.
• The department chairperson shall designate appropriate faculty members to be responsible for courses which use Extreme carcinogens.
• Use of Extreme carcinogens is highly discouraged in course work.

Content of Protocols.

The individual in charge of a project involving the use of Extreme carcinogens shall prepare a written protocol in consultation with EH&S to include, but not be limited to, the following information:

1. Name of principal investigator and/or project supervisor. First time applicants attach C.V.
2. Names of all other laboratory personnel associated with the project.
3. Names, amounts, and concentrations of chemical carcinogens involved.
4. Description of experimental procedures, including:
   
   • Overall nature of the study.
   • Concentrations and amounts of stock and working solutions, and methods for routine decontamination and disposal.
   • Techniques and equipment to assure containment.
   • Emergency procedures including deactivation and/or decontamination.
   • Personal protective measures to be employed and/or equipment to be used.
   • Description of physical facilities where proposed study will be done.

Review and Approval of Protocols.

1. Departmental Review:
   • In addition to the protocol, the principal investigator must complete an Application/Registration for Use of Chemical Carcinogens (Appendix 1).
   • If animals are to be used in the experiment, a Chemical Agent Use in Animals form must be completed.
   • The completed forms and protocol must be reviewed and approved by the department chairperson.
   • The completed forms and the approved protocol will be forwarded through EH&S to the Chemical Safety Committee.
2. Chemical Safety Committee Review:
   • After departmental approval, the completed forms and the accompanying protocols will be reviewed by the Chemical Safety Committee in consultation with EH&S, the consulting physician, and if animals are to be used, by the campus veterinarian.
   • Final approval by the Chemical Safety Committee must precede initiation of proposed projects or laboratory teaching exercises.
3. EH&S Review:
   • Following approval by the Chemical Safety Committee, the submitted forms and accompanying protocols will be placed on file in the EH&S office.

Notification To Add or Delete Personnel.

• When the program of a research or teaching laboratory using Extreme carcinogens requires the addition or deletion of personnel in the approved project, EH&S shall be notified immediately.

Amendments To Approved Protocols.

• When the program of a research or teaching laboratory using Extreme carcinogens requires the addition of other Extreme carcinogens, or significant amendments are made to an approved protocol, the individual in charge shall obtain the department chairperson's approval to make whatever modifications in the protocol are required.
• Amended protocols must then be forwarded through EH&S to the Chemical Safety Committee for review.

Duration of Authorization.

1. Initial Period of Authorization: Authorization for the use of Extreme carcinogens by the Chemical Safety Committee are approved for three years. Substantive changes in use or procedures will require re-authorization
2. Period of Review of Authorization: All authorizations will be updated by the investigator and reviewed by the Chemical Safety Committee at 3-year intervals to assure that protocols, procedures and usage comply with the initial authorization.

Physical Facilities

Isolated Systems

1. Physical facilities for use of Extreme carcinogens shall be capable of providing either an isolated system or a totally controlled access facility with an independent ventilation system. For most uses, the most practical alternative is a glove box with an appropriately treated exhaust system approved by EH&S.
2. Laboratory must be under negative pressure with respect to general access areas such as hallways and offices.
3. The following criteria are required of all laboratories in which Extreme carcinogens are used or stored:
   • Isolated systems must be provided with an approved exhaust treatment system.
   • Isolated systems and approved storage cabinets must be labeled "Caution - Select Carcinogen."

Working Outside Isolated Systems.

If the procedures involved in the use of Extreme carcinogens cannot be contained in an approved isolated system, the following features must be provided in the laboratory:

1. Laboratory must be under negative pressure with respect to general access areas such as hallways and offices.
2. Entrances must be posted with "Cancer Suspect Agent."
3. Vacuum lines must be appropriately protected to prevent entry of the carcinogens used into the lines.
4. Prior to commencing work with chemical carcinogens, the laboratory ventilation system must be approved by EH&S.
5. Laboratory work surfaces shall be protected from contamination by the use of disposable, absorbent paper with moisture-proof backing.
6. Authorized entry into the laboratory must be regulated by a system approved by the Chemical Safety Committee.
7. The laboratory shall be equipped with an approved air exhaust system that is independently ducted, under negative pressure in interior spaces, and does not recirculate air.
8. General room exhausts, glove boxes, laboratory hoods, or biological safety cabinets shall be equipped with approved exhaust treatment systems. (The appropriate exhaust for any carcinogen is dependent upon the nature of the compound and will be determined in the protocol phase of the experiment. Recommended equipment for treatment includes, but is not limited to, HEPA filters, activated charcoal filters, exhaust incinerators, and/or chemical scrubbers.)
9. Provision shall be made for shower facilities and the management of protective clothing in the regulated area.
10. The regulated area must contain a roster of persons who enter the facility.

Animal Care Facilities.

• When Extreme carcinogens are used in animal care facilities, shower facilities must be provided for employees in addition to the requirements provided in "Laboratory Use of Extreme carcinogens Outside Isolated Systems".

Storage and Labeling

Labeling of Containers.

• All reagent bottles, stock, and working solutions shall be labeled "Caution - Select Carcingen"

Storage.

• Working solutions of carcinogens shall be stored in sealed, primary containers, placed in unbreakable secondary containers, and stored in an approved, labeled storage area. The secondary container shall be sealed.
• Stock quantities of Extreme carcinogens shall be stored in a tightly sealed primary container and placed inside an unbreakable, sealed impervious outer container.
• The doubly contained material shall be stored in an approved labeled storage area that is secured at all times.

Inventory.

1. A complete, current inventory of each Extreme chemical carcinogen shall be maintained in the secured storage area. The inventory record shall include:
   • The quantity of chemical carcinogen originally acquired.
   • The name of the authorized individual removing the material, the date, and amount removed.
   • The date and final disposition of the remaining material.
2. Inventory records shall be kept up to date in the university's on-line inventory program.

Transportation of Extreme Hazard Carcinogens

Transport On Campus.

• Primary containers shall be protectively packaged and placed in sealed, unbreakable, impervious outer containers.

Transport Off Campus.

• Packaging and shipping methods shall meet the regulations of the Department of Transportation and other state and federal regulations for transporting hazardous chemicals. Assistance in complying with these regulations is available from EH&S.

Transport Within Laboratories

• Extreme carcinogens shall be transported in sealed, unbreakable, impervious secondary containers.

Vacuum Line Protection

1. HEPA filters or other approved devices must be used to prevent entry of carcinogenic chemicals into the vacuum system is required.
2. Vacuum line protective systems shall be approved by EH&S prior to use.
3. When using a volatile carcinogen, a separate vacuum pump or other device vented to an approved laboratory hood shall be used.

Housekeeping

• General housekeeping procedures which will suppress the formation of aerosols shall be used, e.g. the use of wet mop or a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to remove particulates.
• Dry sweeping and dry mopping are prohibited because of the hazard of aerosol formation.
• When chemical carcinogen or contaminated material is spilled, special procedures developed for the individual compounds shall be followed. Emergency procedures shall be posted.

Personal Protection

Extreme carcinogens NOT used in an Isolated System

• Upon completion of work with Extreme carcinogens, employees shall be required to wash hands, forearms, and exposed areas before exiting a regulated area.

Extreme carcinogens used in Animal Care Facilities.

• Upon completion of work involving animals, employees shall be required to shower, including washing the hair, after the last exit of the day.

Protective Clothing

All standard laboratory safety practices, such as the wearing of eye protection, shall be observed in addition to the following:

1. When working with Extreme chemicals, employees must wear a laboratory coat, protective gloves, and shoes which cover the entire foot.
2. When working inside regulated Extreme carcinogen areas, employees shall be required to wear clean, protective laboratory clothing such as a surgical gown, surgical scrub suit, or fully buttoned laboratory coat and head cover, protective shoe covers, and gloves.
3. Prior to each exit from the regulated area, employees shall be required to remove and leave protective clothing at the point of exit.
4. At regular intervals or when overtly contaminated, used protective clothing shall be placed in impervious containers for the purpose of decontamination or disposal. The impervious container shall be labeled "Cancer Suspect Agent."
5. Required protective clothing for employees working with animals not contained in a glove box and using Extreme carcinogens shall include coveralls, protective shoe covers, head covers, gloves, and respirators approved by EH&S.
6. Personnel involved in maintenance or decontamination of facilities in which Extreme carcinogens are used shall be required to wear clean protective garments, including gloves, protective shoe covers, head covers, and when required, respirators.

Certification Of Laboratory Hoods And Isolated Systems.

• All ventilation apparatus such as hoods and glove boxes used for working with Extreme carcinogens shall be tested and approved for such use at least annually by EH&S. Immediately after modification or maintenance, the apparatus shall be reinspected.

Medical Surveillance

Preassignment Examinations.

• An appropriate preassignment medical examination is required and shall be provided for each individual planning to work with Extreme carcinogens.
• The purpose of this preassignment examination is to establish a baseline value against which changes in health can be measured.
• A determination will be made whether there are any medical conditions that may lead to increased risk at work.
• The examination shall include the personal history of the employee, family and occupational background, including genetic and environmental factors.

Periodic Examinations.

• Periodic medical examinations may be required at intervals as determined by the consulting physician for all employees and students working with Extreme carcinogens.
• Evidence of accidental exposure is a clear signal for a medical examination.
• At termination of employment, a medical examination shall be provided.

Content.

• In all physical examinations, the examining physician shall consider whether there exist conditions of increased risk, including reduced immunological competence, those undergoing treatment with steroids or cytotoxic agents, pregnancy, and cigarette smoking.

Records.

• Complete and accurate records shall be maintained for all required medical evaluations.
• Such records shall be maintained for the duration of the employee's or student's work with Extreme carcinogens.
• Upon termination of the employee's services, including retirement or death, the records of evaluations (or copies thereof) shall be forwarded to Oregon OSHA. Student records will be maintained for 30 years in the OSU Archives.
• These records include dates of examinations, name of physician, and general statements; they DO NOT include diagnoses, specific lab tests, findings, etc.

Physician requirements

• Departments will request that any physician conducting a carcinogen-related medical examination will furnish to the employer a statement of the employee’s suitability for employment in the specific exposure.

Inspections Required

All projects using Extreme carcinogens are subject to periodic inspections (announced or unannounced) by EH&S or the Chemical Safety Committee in order to insure safe conditions and procedures. EH&S or the Chemical Safety Committee may also inspect any project where potentially carcinogenic chemicals are being used.Inspections of projects using Extreme carcinogens will include, in part:

1. A review of the physical facilities to see if enclosures and other safety equipment are functioning correctly.
2. Determination that materials required to cope with accidents are readily available and emergency procedures are displayed.
3. Determination that all personnel involved in the project are familiar with appropriate normal and emergency procedures and are aware of the potential hazards of the work of their own group as well as those of any other group with whom the facilities are shared.
4. Determination that appropriate procedures for biological, physical, and chemical containment are consistent with approved protocols.
5. Review of the roster maintained at regulated areas where the Extreme carcinogens are used. (See Laboratory Use of Extreme carcinogens Outside Isolated Systems, this section).
6. Review of the inventory of Extreme carcinogens.

The results of inspections will be brought to the immediate attention of the principal investigator, the department chairperson, and reported to the chairperson of the Chemical Safety Committee. Inspection reports will be retained as part of the permanent files of EH&S.

Posting of Emergency Procedures

Approved specific emergency procedures shall be prescribed and posted in areas using Extreme carcinogens. The posted information shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Name and phone number of principal investigator, department chairperson, EH&S, and Campus Police and Security.
2. Decontamination procedure.
3. Location of closest shower facility.

High Hazard Carcinogens

SECTION 4 - High Hazard Carcinogens

Registration for Use

Designation Of Person in Charge.

• The department chair shall identify a primary work area and a principal investigator or supervisor for each research project or activity in the department using HIGH carcinogens.
• The department chair shall designate one faculty member to be responsible for any course that uses HIGH hazard carcinogens.

Completion Of Registration Form.

• Prior to use of HIGH hazard carcinogens, the designated person in charge must complete a Application/Registration for Use of Chemical Carcinogens form (Appendix 1).
• This form requires a demonstrated knowledge of appropriate deactivation and disposal procedures.
• If HIGH hazard carcinogens are used in whole animal experimentation, the Chemical Agent Use in Animals form must also be completed.

Departmental Approval.

• Completed forms will be reviewed and approved by the department chairperson and forwarded to EH&S.

Changes in Use

• All changes in locations, personnel in charge, and types of HIGH hazard carcinogens used are to be reported to EH&S.

Duration of Registration.

• Registrations must be updated every three years.

Physical Facilities

HIGH hazard carcinogens may be used in standard chemical laboratories or approved animal care facilities with the following restrictions:

1. All entrances shall be posted with "Cancer Suspect Agent" signs.
2. Laboratory or other research area must be under negative pressure with respect to general access areas such as hallways and offices.
3. All normal laboratory procedures shall be done in an approved chemical fume hood system with average face velocity of at least 100 feet per minute, or other local exhaust equipment, or by use of other methods that will effectively minimize the chance for personnel exposure to chemical carcinogens. Use of ductless filtered devices for protection from volatile chemicals is not permitted.
4. Vacuum lines are to be protected to prevent entry of the chemicals used into the system.
5. Prior to conducting work with registered carcinogens, the laboratory's ventilation system must be certified by EH&S as having an adequate number of air changes per hour under negative pressure.
6. Laboratory work surfaces shall be protected from contamination by the use of disposable, absorbent paper lined with plastic, or other equivalent impervious materials.

Storage and Labeling

Labeling of Containers.

All reagent bottles, stock, and working solutions shall be labeled "Cancer Suspect Agent."

Storage.

• Working solutions of carcinogens shall be stored in sealed, primary containers, placed in unbreakable secondary containers, and stored in an approved, labeled storage area.
• Stock quantities of HIGH hazard carcinogens shall be stored in a tightly sealed primary container and placed inside an unbreakable, sealed impervious outer container.
• The doubly-contained material shall be stored in an approved labeled storage area that is secured at all times.

Transportation of HIGH Hazard Carcinogens

Transport On Campus.

• Primary containers shall be protectively packaged and placed in sealed, unbreakable, impervious outer containers.

Transport Off Campus.

• Packaging and shipping methods shall meet the regulations of the Department of Transportation and other state and federal regulations for transporting hazardous chemicals.

Personal Protection

All standard laboratory safety practices, such as the wearing of eye protection, shall be observed in addition to the following:

Protective Clothing:

• When working with HIGH carcinogens, employees must wear a laboratory coat, protective gloves, apprpriate safety eyeware, and shoes that cover the entire foot.

Certification of Laboratory Hoods and Isolated Systems.

• All ventilation apparatus such as hoods and glove boxes used for working with HIGH hazard carcinogens shall be tested and approved for such use at least annually by EH&S.
• Immediately after modification or maintenance, the apparatus shall be re-inspected.

Inspections Required

• All projects using HIGH carcinogens are subject to periodic inspections (announced or unannounced) by EH&S or the Chemical Safety Committee in order to insure safe conditions and procedures. EH&S or the Chemical Safety Committee may also inspect any project where potentially carcinogenic chemicals are being used.
• The inspection of projects using HIGH carcinogens will include, in part:
  1. An interview with the laboratory personnel to establish whether the proper safety procedures are followed.
  2. Certification that enclosures and other safety equipment are functioning.
• The results of inspections will be brought to the immediate attention of the principal investigator, the department chairperson, and reported to the chairperson of the Chemical Safety Committee.
• Inspection reports will be retained as part of the permanent files of EH&S.

Posting of Emergency Procedures

Approved specific emergency procedures shall be prescribed and posted in areas using HIGH hazard carcinogens. The posted information shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Name and phone number of principal investigator, department chairperson, EH&S, and Campus Police and Security.
2. Decontamination procedure.
3. Location of closest shower facility.

Definitions

SECTION 5 - Definitions

Biological Safety Cabinet - CLASS II TYPE A - Has a minimum inflow of 75 FPM; recirculates approximately 70% of the cabinet's air flow; exhausts the remaining air into the immediate environment through a HEPA filter or to the outside through thimble unit.

Biological Safety Cabinet - CLASS II TYPE B1 - Minimum inflow of 100 fpm; exhaust cabinet air must pass through a dedicated duct to the outside through a HEPA filter and rooftop mounted exhaust fan.

Biological Safety Cabinet – CLASS II TYPE B2 - Minimum inflow of 100 fpm, no recirculation; total exhaust to outside through hard-duct and HEPA filter; rooftop mounted exhaust fan required.

Biological Safety Cabinet - CLASS II TYPE B3 - Minimum inflow of 100 fpm; plenums are under negative pressure to room; exhaust air is thimble-ducted to the outside through a HEPA filter and rooftop mounted exhaust fan.

Campus Veterinarian - An individual with a doctorate in veterinary medicine who is assigned the duties of overseeing the care and humane treatment of animals used for research testing or teaching at Oregon State University.

Chemical Carcinogen - EXTREME Hazard - Chemical carcinogens regulated under OSHA Occupational Health Regulations, used above exempt concentrations; and those chemicals, when used in research and teaching activities, that should in the opinion of the Chemical Safety Committee require the restrictions listed for this category.

Chemical Carcinogen - HIGH Hazard - Chemical carcinogens regulated under OSHA Occupational Health Regulations, used at or below exempt concentrations; and those chemicals, when used in research and teaching activities, that should in the opinion of the Chemical Safety Committee require the restrictions listed for this category.

Chemical Carcinogen - Moderate Hazard - Those chemicals, when used in research and teaching activities, that should in the opinion of the Chemical Safety Committee require the restrictions listed for this category.

Exempt Concentration - The concentration, specified in the OSHA Occupational Health Regulations, below which certain regulated carcinogens are exempt from the provisions of that law.

Isolated System - A fully enclosed structure, other than the vessel of containment of a carcinogen, which is impervious to the passage of the carcinogen and which would prevent the entry of the carcinogen into the surrounding external environment should leakage or breakage occur from the original vessel of containment (e.g., glove box).

Regulated Area - An area where entry and exit is restricted and controlled.