TRAINING
AND HAZARD INFORMATION
Training
Line managers are responsible for ensuring that
employees complete a Job
Hazards Analysis (JHA)
and complete the required training.
Training for employees working in areas where
hazardous materials are present is completed at three levels:
- LBNL Introduction to EH&S at LBNL (Course EHS0010). This course provides general hazard communication training.
- Chemical
Hygiene and Safety Training (Course EHS0348) (Available
On-Line). This
course reviews the provisions of the CHSP and information
on, chemical hazards and controls, and
- Operation/procedure-specific training. This is to
be provided individually or in small groups by the line
manager. The purpose of this training is to review
the hazards of an employee's assigned work, the uses and
limitations of controls, the warning signs of exposure to
hazardous materials used in the operations (e.g., odors,
irritation, etc.), and the emergency procedures for off-normal
events. Line managers are responsible for ensuring
employees are trained in the hazards and controls associated
with new materials introduced into the work area.
EH&S
Subject Matter Experts
are available to assist line management in providing job specific
training. Collectively, this training addresses the following
topics:
- The requirements of the Hazard Communication and Laboratory
Standards
- Health and physical hazards
- Operations involving hazardous materials
- Applicable health standards (e.g., OSHA PELs and ACGIH
TLVs)
- Use and location of Material Safety Data Sheets
- Labeling requirements
- Purpose and use of control measures (work practices, substitution,
engineering, administrative and PPE)
- The warning properties of chemical releases (e.g., odors,
eye irritation, etc.)
- The signs and symptoms of exposure
- Exposure monitoring and medical surveillance
- Spill response and emergency procedures
- Possible non-routine tasks
- Hazards of unlabeled pipes, wastes, etc.
Hazard Information
Information regarding the hazards of chemicals
is conveyed in two primary ways: Material Safety Data Sheets
and labels/placards.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
An MSDS provides safety and health related information
such as known hazards of the material, its physical and chemical
properties, exposure limits, precautionary measures, and emergency
and first aid procedures. Additional information on How to
Read an MSDS is provided in the appendices. MSDSs are required for all hazardous materials
and must be readily accessible to LBNL employees. Note:
MSDSs are not required for consumer products (e.g., Formula
409 all- purpose cleaner) provided it is used in the manner
intended by the manufacturer.
MSDSs may be accessed from the EH&S
Chemical Safety Web Page.
When necessary, line managers will contact the manufacturer
of the product to secure an MSDS or contact an EH&S
Industrial Hygienist
for assistance. Note: When a chemical that is synthesized at LBNL and will be shipped off site, an MSDS shall be generated and a warning label shall be affixed to the container. This also applies to materials that are transferred to another location on site and will be used by an individual(s) other than the one(s) who made it. If the chemical is to be used in the laboratory, the Line Manager is responsible to ensure that a hazard assessment is conducted to identify the hazards and necessary controls.
Labeling and Posting
Labels
Labels are required for all primary and secondary containers of hazardous materials. Primary containers are the original containers received from the manufacturer. Secondary containers are cans, squeeze bottles and other containers to which hazardous materials are transferred by an employee. Labels on primary containers must:
- Show the name of the material (must be the same name as listed on the MSDS);
- Provide hazard warning information appropriate for employee protection;
- List the name and address of the manufacturer, and
- Be legible and prominently displayed.
Secondary containers must be marked or labeled with the name of the chemical(s) and hazard warnings. This applies to containers used for storing and dispensing chemicals and is to be done by the employee. Note – pre-labeled containers are commercially available through Laboratory vendors. Adhesive labels showing hazard warnings are available from the Industrial Hygiene Group (extension 2826).
There may be practical limitations to carrying out these labeling requirements to small containers such as sample vials and tubes. Alternatives such as numbering or coding are permissible provided that the material's identity and hazards are readily accessible (e.g., by means of a lab notebook, a spreadsheet or some other equivalent means).
Posting Area Entrances
Work Leads shall ensure that entrances to Laboratory and shop areas where hazardous materials are present or where hazardous operations are shall be posted with a Caution Placard which indicates the hazard types in the work area (such as corrosives and carcinogens), minimum PPE requirements and emergency contact information.
The enclosed MS Word placard shall be used for this purpose. Follow the enclosed instruction and icons to create the placards.
An emergency response flipchart shall be posted in laboratories and work areas where chemicals are used. These flipcharts instruct personnel on the actions to take during off-normal events (chemical, radiological and biological spills, fires, and earthquakes). Please contact EH&S at extension 7032 to obtain a flipchart for your area.
Designated Areas
Designated areas are specific locations within a lab for work involving particularly hazardous substances and engineered nanomaterials. Their purpose is to ensure that proper controls are in place and that all activities involving these higher hazard materials are confined within the designated area.
Designated areas can be a piece of equipment, such as a fume hood or a centrifuge, or they can be entire labs. However, it is best to limit the number and size of designated areas to the minimum needed because there are additional control procedures required.
The Work Lead shall establish and post designated areas. The enclosed template shall be used for this purpose.
All employees working in designated areas must be informed of the hazards and controls of the materials used.
Designated areas shall be wiped down at least once per day (when work is performed in them).
Labeling Refrigerators
Refrigerators must be labeled as to their purpose with
regard to food or chemical storage. Refer to Chemical
Storage Guidelines for information on the proper labeling
of refrigerators.
Line managers are responsible for ensuring that
work areas and entrances are appropriately posted.
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