Michelle Salazar Department of Environmental Health and Safety

August 2013, revised January 2014 and August 2014

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All laboratory personnel are required to attend basic
laboratory safety training through
the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.
Know how to access chemical-specific information.
Be familiar with relevant emergency procedures

All laboratory personnel are required to attend
Laboratory specific training through
the Chemistry or Biology Department.
Speak with your assigned instructor for the course.
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Team members and contact information:
DirectorRichard Costello (665-2903, MKCS 1.110)
Facilities and Fire SafetySaul Jauregui (665-2458, MKCS 1.106)
Emergency Response/Business Continuity Pablo Mendez (665-2658,
MKCS 1.113)
Regional Academic Health CenterJuan Huerta (665-8995, RAHC
1.322)
Environmental Protection Robert Gilchrist (665-2904, MKCS 1.112)
Risk ManagementCelia Saenz (665-2902, MKCS 1.111)
Laboratory Safety/TrainingMichelle Salazar (665-7256, MKCS 1.114)
Occupational Health and Safety/Asbestos Forrest Taylor (665-2905,
MKCS)
Support Staff Michael Luna (665-3690, MKCS)
DEHS Main Line: 665-3690
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Emergency Response and Business Continuity Program:
Develops Procedures for Business Continuity and Crisis Management in the Event of an
Emergency; Inspects Automated External
Defibrillators (AEDs), First Aid Kits, Safety Showers and Eyewash Stations

Environmental Protection and Asbestos Program:
Ensures Protection of the Environment; Disposes of Hazardous Waste, Bio-Hazardous Waste, and
Universal Waste; Prevents Unauthorized Water and Air Releases; Monitors Asbestos Abatement
Activities (Construction, Maintenance and Operations) Waste Pick-Up: waste@utpa.edu

Facilities and Fire Safety Program:
Conducts Fire Drills; Inspects Facilities; Ensures National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code
Compliance (Inspects Alarms, Exit Signs and Lights, Fire Pumps, and Siren System); Provides
Training in Fire Safety

Laboratory Safety Program:
Ensures Laboratory Safety Through Regular Inspections of Hazard
Communication, Fire Safety, Waste Disposal, Inspection Records, Training
Records, and Work Practices; Offers Laboratory Safety Trainings


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Occupational Health and Safety Program:
Ensures Employee Safety; Monitors Indoor Air Quality; Ensures Animal Safety; Ensures
Contractor Safety; Provides Instructions in Back Safety, Fall Protection, Hearing Conservation,
Heat Stress, Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE), Respiratory Protection and Other Topics

Risk Management Program:
Assesses Risk; Processes Workers Compensation Claims; Evaluates
Insurance Policy Requirements for the Comprehensive Property
Protection Plan (CPPP), Automobiles, Fine Arts, Equipment, and
Various Sports and Non-Sports Camps

Training Program:
Offers Training Sessions in Hazard Communication, Bloodborne
Pathogens, Food Safety, Driver Safety, Child Protection, First Aid/CPR/AED, and Other Topics
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Radiation Monitoring Chemical Spill Clean-Up Food Safety Advocates
Testing Emergency Shower
Fire Extinguisher Training
Waste Management
This Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
standard covers all employees who work with hazardous chemicals.
UTPA extends this to students.
The purpose is to reduce injuries and illnesses related to chemical
use.
The standard states that individuals who work with hazardous
chemicals have the right to know the answers to these questions:

What chemical substances are present in the products I handle?
What health effects are these chemicals capable of causing in
the event of overexposure?
What precautions are necessary to protect from exposure?
What physical hazards (e.g., fire, explosion) are possible if the
product is not handled properly?
How do I properly handle the product in order to avoid hazards?
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The next 8 slides will summarize 3 major
laboratory accidents that have occurred in
other universities.
These accidents caused serious injuries and
in some cases were fatal.
They are intended to provide lessons that
will encourage you to learn as much as you
can to protect yourself and to be prepared
for the worst case scenarios regarding
laboratory hazards.
Personal safety starts with you.
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1997 Dartmouth accidental poisoning
Professor Karen Wetterhahn followed MSDS guidelines for
handling dimethyl mercury. However, the latex gloves she
wore at the time of her exposure proved to be an
insufficient barrier to her skin.
While transferring dimethyl mercury with a mechanical pipette, 1-2
drops landed on her gloved hand. She didnt consider the spill to
be significant enough to report at the time. 5 month after her
exposure she began to show serious neurological symptoms and
was then treated for heavy metal poisoning.

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Karen became unresponsive
3 weeks into her treatment
and died 10 months after
the accident.
Statement from Dr. John Winn, who was Chair
of the Chemistry department at the time of
the accident:
Whenever confronted with a material known to be
toxic at whatever level, whether super toxic as this
one was or not, we must be diligent, learn all we
can from as many experts as as we can about the
nature of the hazard and about the protections that
can be taken to handle it safely.
10
2008 University of California, Los Angeles fire
23-year-old staff research assistant Sheharbano (Sheri)
Sangji was severely burned when air-sensitive chemicals
burst into flames and ignited her clothing.
Working in a fumehood, Sangji was drawing 50mL of
tert-Butyllithium using a 60mL plastic syringe when for no
known reason the plunger came out of the barrel.
An open flask of hexane, not part of her experiment, was
knocked over. The tBuLi ignited and the solvent caught
fire along with her clothes.
She was wearing nitrile gloves, no lab coat, and no one
remembers if she had on eye protection.
11
Although there was a safety shower in the lab, Sangji
did not use it. Instead a postdoctoral researcher,
Weifeng Chen, also in the room used a lab coat to wrap
her in but it also caught fire. He used a nearby sink to
pour water on her as she sat on the floor.
A neighboring postdoctoral researcher, Hui Ding, heard
her screams and called 911 after investigating the
scene. He then called the Principle Investigator, Dr.
Patrick Harran.
EMS arrived and she was decontaminated under the
safety shower.
She was then taken to a medical
center and then transferred to
a burn center.
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Sheri Sangji died 18 days
after the Dec. 29, 2008 fire.
Cal/OSHA initially fined the university $31,875
The agency cited the UCLA chemistry and biochemistry
department for
lack of training
failure to document training
failing to correct unsafe laboratory conditions and work practices
identified in an Oct. 30, 2008, inspection of Harrans lab
failing to ensure that employees wore appropriate personal protective
equipment (PPE), such as lab coats.
Harran and UCLA maintain that all researchers had the
laboratory-specific training needed to perform their work safely.
EH&S now provides general safety training monthly, and
researchers cannot receive keys to their labs until the training is
complete.
UCLA has also now purchased flame-resistant lab coats for
researchers using flammable reagents.
2013 update: Harran will be tried in May on three felony counts
of violating workplace safety standards. If convicted Harran faces
up to 4 1/2 years in prison.
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One of the challenges in lab safety is that the lab
setting becomes very familiar to people who work in
it day in and day out.
When you do something over and over, your
perception of the risk may change even though the
risk itself doesnt change, says Lawrence M. Gibbs,
associate vice provost for EH&S at Stanford.
His department tries to use information about
incidents to remind researchers not to get too
comfortable.
In that way, hopefully something positive can come
out of Sangjis death.
It was a tragic, tragic incident, Gibbs says. We all
have to learn from it and use it as reinforcement to
help people understand the potential risks of working
with high-hazard materials in this environment.
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2010 Texas Tech University explosion
2 students working with energetic/explosive compounds funded by The
U.S. department of Homeland Security.
They were synthesizing and performing tests on a new compound, a
derivative of nickel hydrazine perchlorate.
Initially the compound was made in small batches, 50-300 milligrams.
They decided to make a single, larger batch of 10 grams or 10,000
milligrams.
They believed that keeping the compound wet with a solvent would keep it
from exploding.
One student took half the batch and while wearing safety goggles, lab coat
and gloves, used a mortar and pestle to break up some clumps in the
mixture.
A short time later he came back to stir the mixture again but was not
wearing goggles at this time. As the pestle pressed against the compound,
it detonated.
The graduate students left hand was severely injured by the force of the
explosion causing the loss of three fingers. His eye was perforated and he
sustained cuts and burns to other parts of his body.
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Key Lessons:
1. Ensure that all safety hazards, including physical hazards of
chemicals, be addressed.
2. Ensure that practices and procedures are in place to verify that
research-specific hazards are evaluated and mitigated.
3. Comprehensive guidance on managing the hazards unique to
laboratory chemical research in the academic environment is
lacking. Current standards on hazard evaluations, risk
assessments, and hazard mitigation are geared toward
industrial settings and are not fully transferable to the academic
research laboratory environment.
4. Research-specific written protocols and training are necessary
to manage laboratory research risk.
5. Ensure that the safety inspector/auditor of research laboratories
directly report to an identified individual/office with
organizational authority to implement safety improvements.
6. Near-misses and previous incidents provide opportunities for
education and improvement only if they are documented,
tracked, and communicated to drive safety change.
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All injuries must be reported to the Department
of Environmental Health and Safety (665-3690).
Additionally, any conditions that make you feel
unsafe must also be reported to 665-7256.
You almost had an accident. (Near miss.)
You observed someone else almost have an accident.
Something is damaged or malfunctioning.
Equipment/substances are being used incorrectly.
Ex. Insufficient ventilation, no PPE, unsafe handling
Not enough information/instructions were given on a
subject and you do not feel confident in the laboratory.
The work areas cleanliness is not being maintained.
Ex. Slip hazards or accumulation of hazardous wastes
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1. Physical
Exposures to work hazards resulting in physical injury.
Examples: cuts, burns, electrocution, hearing loss, back injuries
2. Chemical
Exposure to toxins, corrosives, flammables, explosives,
gases under pressure, pyrophorics, oxidizers, and
peroxides.
Routes of entry: Inhalation, ingestion, absorption, injection
See Chemical Hygiene Plan
3. Biological
Exposures to plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, blood borne
pathogens and other biological sources resulting in skin
irritation, allergies, and/or infection.
Examples: animal bites, needle sticks, exposure to droplets
4. Radiological
Exposures to radiation sources resulting in changes in DNA
and radiation sickness.


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Safety and a Healthy Lifestyle are connected.
Smoking greatly increases the chances of developing
health complications when mixed with exposure to
other toxic substances.
Drinking alcohol can interact with certain solvents to
cause severe damage quickly.
Tips:
Exercise
Eat a low-fat/high fiber diet
Eat less meat/more grains and
vegetables
Aim for good mental health
and self-development
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They are found posted on the outside of any
laboratory door.
Please report missing door postings to DEHS.
They include information on the type of hazard(s)
present:
Chemical Storage Area
Biological Infectious Agents (BSL-2 and above)
Radioactive Materials
They educate lab users on avoiding risk.
Dress Code and Required PPE
Room Usage Policy No Food or Drink
They provide emergency contact information.
They list the laboratorys Principle Investigator(s)
Responsible faculty member
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Never work alone under potentially hazardous conditions.
Always use the buddy system.
Familiarize yourself with all equipment/substances.
Know their names, read instruction manuals, read MSDS, know their health
effects and hazards, and follow all safety rules.
Do not use any equipment unless you have been properly trained
to do so by your instructor.
Give the equipment your undivided attention and stay alert for
any hazards.
Ex. malfunctioning equipment, horseplay near the work area, untidy work
area (slip hazards)
Know how to protect yourself with the recommended personal
protective equipment (PPE)
Know all first aid and emergency procedures before you begin
working with the equipment/substances.
Know where all emergency response equipment is located nearest to the
laboratory.
Know where all exits are located nearest to the laboratory and
have an exit strategy.
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Research Wing
Teaching Wing
EXIT EXIT
EXIT
EXIT
EXIT
EXIT
EXIT
If time permits, secure area and take personal
items with you. (e.g. phone, wallet, purse)
Observe all Emergency Notifications.
Walk to nearest exit.
Move to a safe distance of at least 150 ft.
Request medical attention if needed.
Do not return to building unless instructed by
UTPA Police.
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Teaching Wing
Research Wing
STAIRS
STAIRS
STAIRS
STAIRS
Do not use an elevator during a fire
evacuation.
Persons with disabilities are to move
to a safe stairwell landing and
summon assistance from first
responders.
Alert EVAC Assistant or emergency
personnel if a person with a disability
was seen in a stairwell.
Undergraduate Student
Requires another student
(from this class), faculty, or
staff to be present at all
times.
Graduate Student
Requires any responsible
adult to be present at all
times.
Recommended that they are
familiar with the facility
Arrange for someone to be
with you especially after
regular University office
hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
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The only exception to
this rule is if the activity
being performed is of
minimal risk. Ex.
Computer use
It is not safe to have children in the
laboratory.
Children have died from accidentally
drinking chemicals found in chemical
storage areas.
No child under 13 years of age is allowed
in any UTPA laboratory.
If you are pregnant or nursing,
consult a physician about working
around the hazards associated with
the laboratory.
Know which chemicals have the potential
to injure the baby.
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Outlines procedures for handling or working with any substance in a safe manner
including the following information:
Physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.)
Toxicity
Health effects
First aid
Reactivity
Storage
Disposal
Protective equipment
Spill-handling procedures
Search online for information on any substance.
Ask someone to help you find MSDS information:
Michelle Salazar Laboratory Safety Rep., Dept. of Environmental Health & Safety
msalazar9@utpa.edu
DEHS website under Laboratory Safety MSDS
Thomas Eubanks Laboratory Supervisor Coordinator, Chemistry Dept.
Ruben Diaz Lab Technical Service Supervisor, Chemistry Dept.
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Note: MSDS will switch
to SDS by 2015 as part of
the Globally Harmonized
System of Classification
and Labeling of
Chemicals.
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There are several systems currently used to
clearly identify hazardous substances.
The newest system was developed by the
United Nations (UN).
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and
Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)
GHS will be implemented into UTPA by 2015.
Under the GHS, MSDS will become SDS and these Safety
Data Sheets will be standardized.
Include 16 sections


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Danger = More severe
Warning = Less severe
Globally
Harmonized
Systems pictograms
and their
corresponding
hazards listed below
each symbol.
3.1.1 Explosives
3.1.2 Flammable Gases
3.1.3 Flammable Aerosols
3.1.4 Oxidizing Gases
3.1.5 Gases Under Pressure
3.1.6 Flammable Liquids
3.1.7 Flammable Solids
3.1.8 Self-Reactive Substances
3.1.9 Pyrophoric Liquids
3.1.10 Pyrophoric Solids
3.1.11 Self-Heating Substances
3.1.12 Substances Which in Contact with Water Emit Flammable Gases
3.1.13 Oxidizing Liquids
3.1.14 Oxidizing Solids
3.1.15 Organic Peroxides
3.1.16 Substances Corrosive to Metal
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3.2.1 Acute Toxicity
3.2.2 Skin Corrosion
3.2.3 Skin Irritation
3.2.4 Eye Effects
3.2.5 Sensitization
3.2.6 Germ Cell Mutagenicity
3.2.7 Carcinogenicity
3.2.8 Reproductive Toxicity
3.2.9 Target Organ Systemic Toxicity: Single Exposure &
Repeated Exposure
3.2.10 Aspiration Toxicity
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3.3.1 Hazardous to the Aquatic Environment
3.3.1.1 Acute Aquatic Toxicity
3.3.1.2 Chronic Aquatic Toxicity
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Section 1, Identification includes product identifier; manufacturer or distributor name, address, phone number;
emergency phone number; recommended use; restrictions on use.
Section 2, Hazard(s) identification includes all hazards regarding the chemical; required label elements.
Section 3, Composition/information on ingredients includes information on chemical ingredients; trade secret
claims.
Section 4, First-aid measures includes important symptoms/ effects, acute, delayed; required treatment.
Section 5, Fire-fighting measures lists suitable extinguishing techniques, equipment; chemical hazards from fire.
Section 6, Accidental release measures lists emergency procedures; protective equipment; proper methods of
containment and cleanup.
Section 7, Handling and storage lists precautions for safe handling and storage, including incompatibilities.
Section 8, Exposure controls/personal protection lists OSHA's Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs); Threshold Limit
Values (TLVs); appropriate engineering controls; personal protective equipment (PPE).
Section 9, Physical and chemical properties lists the chemical's characteristics.
Section 10, Stability and reactivity lists chemical stability and possibility of hazardous reactions.
Section 11, Toxicological information includes routes of exposure; related symptoms, acute and chronic effects;
numerical measures of toxicity.
Section 12, Ecological information*
Section 13, Disposal considerations*
Section 14, Transport information*
Section 15, Regulatory information*
Section 16, Other information, includes the date of preparation or last revision.
*Note: Since other Agencies regulate this information, OSHA will not be enforcing Sections 12 through 15(29 CFR
1910.1200(g)(2)).
Employers must ensure that SDSs are readily accessible to employees.
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PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment
and is designed to protect the wearer from
the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals
and/or injuries.
PPE must be selected for the specific task.
PPE must be selected for the chemical being
used.
PPE must fit properly.
PPE must be worn correctly.
PPE must not be removed during the task it
was designed to protect you from.
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Splash Goggles
Chemical Resistant
Gloves
Laboratory Coat
Respirator
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Face Shield
Temperature
Resistant Gloves
Any garment that exposes part of your legs.
Ex. Shorts, skirts, quart-length pants
Any footwear that exposes part of your feet.
Ex. Crocks, slip-ons, sandals, flip-flops, open-backed
shoes, ballerina shoes
Any footwear that would readily absorb
chemicals during a chemical spill.
Ex. Cloth shoes, highly porous shoes
Any garment that is composed of synthetic
fibers.
In the event of a fire, these can cause further
damages to skin by melting and
adhering to the body.
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Coal miners used to carry highly sensitive
canaries into the mines to alert them of any
undetected poisonous gasses that may have
been present.
Be your own canary in the laboratory.
Be aware of your body.
If you feel dizzy or ill or develop rashes,
a sore throat, etc. stop what you are doing
and investigate the situation.
Your body usually hints of danger before
permanent damage is done.
Beware of the zone
You may get into your work so thoroughly you
dont realize that youre hurting yourself.
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There are four main routes of entry that a toxic
substance may enter your body through.
They are as follows:
1. Absorption
2. Injection
3. Ingestion
4. Inhalation
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Absorption
Caused by direct skin or eye contact.
Solution: Wear gloves and protective clothing. Immediately
rinse off any splashed chemicals or dust residue.
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The Eye
Injection
Caused by improper handling of
sharps (pointed tools) or working
with open wounds.
Solution: Handle sharp objects with
care and cover wounds while
working.
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Circulatory System
Ingestion
Caused by eating, drinking,
smoking, touching your mouth
with contaminated hands, or
storing foods near chemicals.
Solution: No food, candy, or
drinks are allowed in these areas.
Do not eat or drink in the
laboratory. Do not apply lip
products in the laboratory. Wash
hands thoroughly after you are
finished working in the laboratory.
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Inhalation
Caused by working in poorly
ventilated areas.
Solution: Work in a well-
ventilated area or under a
fume hood. Wear
recommended PPE.
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Respiratory System
All chemicals must be clearly labeled with the chemical name.
Do not handle chemicals with bare hands. Wash hands after use
even when gloves were used.
Do not inhale the fumes produced by these chemicals.
Work in well-ventilated areas and do not stand with your face directly
over the mouth of an open chemical container.
Never put anything into your mouth while working around these
chemicals.
No food, drink, gum, candy, cigarettes, make-up, etc.
Never dispose of these chemicals down the sink.
Absorb with towels and discard in appropriate waste container
If you are pregnant or taking medications, consult a doctor
about any precautions that should be taken before starting any
laboratory work.
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Keep your hands away from your face, eyes, mouth, and
body while using chemicals.
Food and drink, open or closed, should never be brought
into the laboratory or chemical storage area.
Never use laboratory glassware for eating or drinking
purposes.
Do not apply cosmetics while in the laboratory or storage
area.
Wash hands after removing gloves, and before leaving the
laboratory.
Remove any protective equipment
(i.e., gloves, lab coat or apron,
chemical splash goggles)
before leaving the laboratory.

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Use tools like tweezers, tongs, etc. as much as possible
to keep your fingers from being exposed to chemicals,
solvents, cleaners, etc.
Gloves have a lifespan.
Change them as needed.
Use the correct type of gloves for the best resistance
to the chemical you are handling.
Ex. Neoprene, Nitrile, Latex, PVC
Use gloves appropriate for the task at hand.
Ex. Flame-resistant gloves, temperature-resistant gloves,
chemical-resistant gloves
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Wet hands with clean, warm, running water and
apply any standard soap.
Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub well.
Commonly Forgotten Areas:
backs of hands
between fingers/thumb
under nails
Continue rubbing hands for at least 20 seconds.
Tip: Sing the Happy Birthday song twice.
Rinse hands thoroughly
under running water.
Dry hands with a clean
paper towel.

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Chemicals should arrive with the label in good condition.
Chemical name
Common name
Manufacturer (name and address)
Hazard warnings (Rating of Flammability Hazard, Health Hazard,
Instability Hazard, and Special Hazard)
Make sure labels are legible at all times.
If transferring to different container, must label new container with
chemical name and warnings.
Keep area appropriately labeled with Hazard Identification
Signs:
Flammables
Corrosives
Oxidizers/Peroxides
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All chemicals must remain closed when not in use.
Replace the lid after every use.
Screw lid back on rather than placing it loosely on top
of the opening of the container.
Open funnels do not constitute closed containers.
Do not store chemicals above eye level.
Use appropriate storage containers designed for the
chemical.
Do not store glass containers on the floor
unless they are tucked away from the aisles.
Containers on the floor must be in
secondary containment.
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1. If you see an open container, please close it.
Always use proper PPE when handling chemical storage containers.
2. Funnels may not be left permanently inside the mouth of a
container.
3. Make sure cap is not loosely lying over mouth of the container.
Screw the cap on snuggly
after each use.
This will prevent spills in
case the container is
knocked over.
This will also reduce the
release of
chemical vapors.
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Chemical Glass Sharps
Bio Hazardous Radioactive
All waste containers must be labeled and must be scheduled for
pick-up when 3/4 full.
Do not place other types of hazardous waste or regular trash within
a specified waste container.
1. Chemical Waste Container
Must adhere a detailed list of contents to the container.
2. Glass Disposal Container
Not for chemical disposal.
Bottom of box should not be wet or damaged.
3. Sharps Container
Not for bottles or beakers unless items are infectious.
4. Bio Hazardous Waste Container
5. Radioactive Waste Container
Waste containers must be stored close to where the waste is being
generated.
Chemical waste being stored on the floor must be stored inside
secondary containment.
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Email waste@utpa.edu for waste disposal or
to request empty containers.
Why must the laboratory be neat and free of clutter?
Prevents trip hazards and other physical hazards.
Maintains access to emergency equipment.
Aisles require 3 ft. of clearance in the event of a fire.
Why must working surfaces be wiped clean and chemicals
put back in their storage areas?
Reduces likelihood of contamination.
Prevents spills.
Why must supplies not be stored within 18 of the
ceiling?
Maintains fire sprinkler efficiency in the event of a fire.
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Make requests for more paper towels, trash cans emptied, or the
floor cleaned to the Facilities Management dispatcher, 665-2748
between 7:45 a.m. and 4:35 p.m. or send an email to
CentralScheduling@utpa.edu
Replace containers that are in poor condition or cannot
close properly:
Leaking
Bulging
Heavily Corroded/Rusty
Missing Cap
Expired Contents
Contact Robert Gilchrist with the
Department of Environmental
Health and Safety at
waste@utpa.edu or 665-2904.
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Acids
Store in corrosives cabinet.
Do not store organic acids with inorganic acids.
Common Organic Acids Hydrochloric, Sulfuric, Phosphoric
Common Inorganic Acids Nitric, Acetic
Do not store acids with flammables.
Bases
Common bases ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide
Do not store acids with bases.
Flammables
Store in flammables cabinet.
Common flammables Methanol, Ethanol, diethyl ether, toluene, glacial
acetic acid, acetone, benzene
Do not store flammables with oxidizers.
Common oxidizers Nitric acid, bromates, peroxides, nitrates, nitrites,
perchlorates, chlorates
Do not store flammables with acids.

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Caution! Keep
combustibles away from
any heat sources.
Check the dates of all peroxides and remove
any expired products promptly through DEHS.
waste@utpa.edu
Peroxide forming chemicals:
Dioxane
Ethers
Furans - tetrahydrofuran (THF)
Picric Acid
Perchloric Acid
Sodium Amide
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Do not leave doors to laboratory
propped open.
Do not tape locks or tamper with
the locking mechanism in any
way.
Do not grant access to any
individual who has not received
laboratory safety training.
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Laboratory doors should be locked or under
100% surveillance at all times.
May not be used for permanent storage.
May not be cluttered with objects.
Sash Guidelines:
Do not block the sash with objects.
The sash should be able to lower without any obstructions.
Always close the sash when not in use. (~1 gap)
Pull down the sash to 12 or less
while in use so that you are
protected while working.
Confirm adequate face velocity
80-150 linear feet per minute (lfpm)
Require annual inspections.
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Before and after each use, wipe BSC with a
suitable disinfectant (alcohol, 10% bleach
solution).
Let BSC run for 5 minutes prior to use to purge
airborne contaminants.
Make sure UV light is off before using cabinet
to avoid eye injury.
Work with all supplies within cabinet, including
waste container.
Work at least 4 inches into cabinet.
Do not block air intake grills
Avoid opening and closing doors while cabinet
is in use to prevent disruption of airflow.
Always work with proper PPE.
Wash hands and arms thoroughly after each
use.

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Require annual inspections, arranged through DEHS.
Never distract or startle someone who is using a power tool.
Never operate while tired or under the influence of drugs,
alcohol, or medication.
Power tools may only be operated by properly trained
individuals.
Never work in damp areas.
Read the instruction manual for that specific device before
operating.
Dress appropriately for the task, do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry, and contain long hair.
Always wear eye protection.
Always wear hearing protection.
Maintain a safe working environment. (well lit, clean, dry)
Keep bystanders away or have them wear PPE as well.
No children or pets should be in the work area.
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Hearing damage can occur at 85+ decibels.
Decibel (dB) Levels:
Normal conversation 60 dB
Chemistry analyzer
Fume Hood 50 dB
Biosafety Cabinet 50 dB
Incubator
Cell washer
Fans and compressors
Centrifuge 65 dB
Stirrer


Temporary hearing loss can
lead to permanent damage.
You can prevent permanent
hearing loss with quality
hearing protection.
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Caution!
Never mouth pipette.
Drain pipette against inner wall of
receiving vessel.
Never forcibly expel any hazardous
material from a pipette.
This will help minimize
airborne particles and
reduce the risk of
accidental inhalation.
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Properly stored Improperly stored
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Must be secured with a strap to prevent tipping.
Hot Plate
Keep away from flammables/combustibles.
Bunsen Burner
Tube must be free of defects.
Keep away from flammables/combustibles.
Vacuum pump
Keep away from flammables/combustibles.
Electrical Cords
Must be in good condition.
Insulation is not worn, split or frayed.
Plug is not separated from cord.
Cord is not pinched in any way.
Electrical Panel
If present, must remain unobstructed.
Requires 3 ft. of clearance.

Extension cords
may not be used
as permanent
wiring.
Power strips may
not be
connected in
series.
(Daisy-chained.)
78
Air flow to the laboratory should be negative or
moving from the hallway into laboratory.
This will help ensure that contaminants remain inside the
laboratory.
May be tested using a thin strip of paper/tissue.
79
Report any HVAC or plumbing issues to
DEHS:
-Strong air flow from ceiling duct or noisy
flow.
-Uncomfortable temperatures.
-Positive flow (into hallways).
-Strong chemical odors.
-Any odors of natural gas.
-Water leaks.
These items can help reduce the severity of injury if
used in a correctly and in a timely manner.
Fire Extinguisher
First Aid Cabinet
Contains over 20 products to choose from.
Locations:
Chemistry Copy Room SCNE 3.306
Biology Conference Room SCNE 2.342
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
For use in case of cardiac arrest
Located in surrounding buildings (Education Building, Library,
Engineering Building, HPE1, HPE2) Science Building 1
st
floor
across from Sandellas.
Safety Shower
For use in case of skin contamination or clothing fire.
Eyewash Station
For use in case of eye contamination.
Located in all teaching labs and in hallways of research wing.
Chemical Spill Kit
Provided by DEHS.
In an emergency,
every second
counts.
Be prepared.
Never block
emergency response
equipment with
laboratory supplies.
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81
First Aid Cabinet
Fire Extinguisher
Automated External
Defibrillator (AED)
Eye Wash Station
Safety Shower
Know where the nearest safety
shower/eye wash station is located.
(Must be within 10 seconds or 100
ft. from any process involving
corrosive materials.)
Teach laboratory room
Research laboratory hallway
Know the procedures for using
these devices
On-the-spot decontamination
For use in case of exposure to chemicals
For use in flushing out eye contaminants
Rinse for at least 15 minutes
For use in extinguishing clothing fires
Seek medical attention

Inspected monthly by DEHS.
82
Identify that an emergency exists and remain calm.
Notify the University Police at 665-7151 who offer 24-hr
emergency services or direct someone else to call.
Notify Environmental Health and Safety at
665-3690.
Notify the Principle Investigator. (See labs door posting.)
Follow All Safety Guidelines:
Laboratory Guidelines/Trainings
Operators Manuals for Machinery/Power Tools
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Emergency and Evacuation Procedures
83
Abnormal breathing or not breathing
Lack of consciousness
Chest pain
Persistent abdominal pain
Severe bleeding
Major burns
Chemical burns
Chemical poisoning
Major chemical spill
Vomiting or passing blood
Broken bone
Slurred speech or weakness in one side of the body
Repeated seizures or a seizure lasting more than a few minutes
Head, neck, or spinal injury
Fire
Severe weather
84
Always call the University Police for any
emergency situation that occurs on
campus. If you are off campus, call 911.
Do not attempt to fight a fire unless
you are trained to use a fire extinguisher.
the fire is smaller than a standard trash can.
Make sure you are between the fire and the exit.
If the fire is large and spreading
Activate the fire alarm (pull station) to alert other
building occupants.
Close the door on your way out to contain the fire.
Evacuate the building as soon as possible. Do not use the elevators.
Do not re-enter the building.
Call the University Police when it is safe to do so.
If you catch on fire
Do not run. Stop, drop, and roll.
If someone else catches on fire, knock them down and roll them to smother
the flames.
A nearby safety shower can also be used to extinguish the flames.
85
P.A.S.S. Method:
1. Pull the pin and stand ten (10) feet away.
2. Aim at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the lever.
4. Sweep nozzle from
side to side until the
fire is completely
expelled.

86
Chemicals on Skin
Rinse for a minimum of 15 minutes at nearest
safety shower.
Remove contaminated clothing and jewelry.
Chemicals in Eyes
Rinse for a minimum of 15 minutes at nearest eye wash.
Keep eyelids open with fingers and thumbs.
Remove contacts (do not reuse).
Chemical Inhalation
Close the container, increase ventilation, move to fresh air.
Ingestions of Chemicals
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a health care professional
to do so.
Injection of Chemicals
Wash the area with soap and water.

Inform emergency
personnel of chemicals
involved in the accident.
87
Assess the hazard.
Get help and seal off the area.
If the chemical has contacted anyone's skin, get that person to
water immediately and wash the affected area.
Cover liquid spills with Spill Mix until all liquid is absorbed OR
contact DEHS to clean up the spill.
As necessary, protect yourself from fumes or contact with the
chemical. Use appropriate PPE.
Caution: Beware of odorless gases or olfactory fatigue.
Scoop the residue into a plastic pail.
Place the pail in a fume hood and report to DEHS for disposal.

88
Major chemical spills and mercury spills are emergencies.
Do not attempt to clean the area. Evacuate the affected area
immediately and call the University Police.
The nearest first aid cabinet is
located in the Chemistry Copy
Room, SCNE 3.306 or the Biology
Conference Room, SCNE 2.342
Render first aid if you are trained
to do so and with consent from the victim.
If they are unconscious, consent is assumed.
Remain with the victim to ensure that treatment is
being arranged.
Always use exam gloves when handling someone
elses body fluids to ensure the safety of yourself and
the victim.
89
Do not rub the eye.
Wash your hands and then remove contact
lenses.
Try to flush out the object with sterile eye
rinse kit OR use the nearest eyewash station
to apply a gentle stream of water to the eye
while propping eyelids open with thumbs and
fingers.
Make sure the affected eye is below the
unaffected eye while flushing.
90
Brush off any dry chemicals using gloves
or towel.
Carefully remove contaminated clothing.
Flush under running water for at least 20
minutes.
Ask someone to call the University Police.
Seek medical attention as soon as
possible.

91
Minor Burns
Cool under running water until pain subsides
Never use ice directly on skin may damage skin further
Apply burn spray immediate pain relief and
disinfectant for minor cuts, burns, scrapes, and
sunburn.
Cover loosely with sterile gauze bandage.
May take a mild pain reliever.
Major Burns
Call the University Police and remove victim from the
heat source.
Do not remove burned clothing.
Apply a moist, sterile bandage or use cool, running
water.
Elevate the burn above heart level when possible.

92
Control the bleeding before treating victim for
shock and have someone call the University
Police.
Apply continuous pressure with a sterile
bandage (emergency pressure dressing) or
trauma pad for at least 20 minutes
Do not remove any embedded objects.
Do not check to see if the bleeding has
stopped.
Apply additional bandages if wrap becomes
saturated with blood.
Wrap the wound to keep the
bandage in place (cohesive
bandage wrap).
Take steps to minimize shock.

93
Minor cuts
Stop the bleeding with a sterile cloth by
applying constant gentle pressure.
Clean the wound with water.
Remove debris with sterile tweezers.
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment.
Cover the wound with a bandage until
sufficient healing has occurred.
Change the dressing daily and when it
becomes wet or dirty.
Watch for signs of infection (increasing
pain, redness, swelling, heat, drainage).
94
What to look for:
Victim will often become pale and begin to sweat.
If you feel faint, lie down flat on your back.
If there is no room to lie down, sit down with head between your
knees to prevent a fall.
Loosen any tight clothing.
Do not get up too quickly to avoid fainting a second time.
Ask to elevate legs of victim 12 inches above their heart.
Fainting is not generally life-threatening when the cause is
known (ex. crowded room, lack of oxygen) but if the victim
faints for no apparent reason or does not regain
consciousness within one minute or stops breathing, call
the University Police.
95
Send someone to retrieve AED and
call the University Police at 665-7151.
Perform CPR using protective barrier
from CPR pack in First Aid Kit:
30 chest compressions, hard and fast in
center of chest.
2 breaths while pinching nose shut and
holding victims chin up.
Do not stop cycles until AED is ready or
EMS personnel take over.
Follow auditory instructions from
Automated External Defibrillator:
Apply pads to bare, dry chest.
Allow machine to analyze heart rhythm.
Do not touch victim while analyzing.
Have everyone stand clear and deliver
shock if prompted by AED.
96
97
Upper right
side of chest
Lower left
side of chest
Aspirin
Mild pain relief
Instant cold compress
Temporarily relieves minor pain and
swelling for sprains, aches, and sore joints
Triangular/sling bandage
Use as arm sling, head wrap, or tourniquet
Cherry cough drops
Temporarily relieves cough due to
minor throat and bronchial irritation
Antiseptic/Cleansers
Reduce possibility of infection
Alcohol cleansing pads
Providone-iodine infection control wipes
BZK antiseptic towelettes
98
The next slides were taken from the departmental websites of
Biology and Chemistry.
They contain contact numbers and laboratory rooms
designated to specific faculty who you may want to talk with
to find out more about your laboratory exercises or future
research topics.
99
Dr. Banu Dr. Brush Dr. Dearth Dr. DeYoe Dr. Dirrigl
665-3222 665-2921 665-8750 665-3538 665-8732
Dr. S. Gunn Ms. Hinojosa Dr. Judd Dr. Keniry Dr. Kuang
665-3540 665-2883 665-7001 665-7463 665-2953
10
0
Dr. Edwards Dr. Farooqui Dr. Faulkes Dr. Feria Dr. Gilkerson Ms. B. Gunn
665-3545 665-3543 665-2614 665-7322 665-7838 665-2062
Dr. Lowe Dr. Materon Dr. McDonald Dr. Persans Dr. Pereyra Dr. Plas
665-8749 665-7140 665-2065 665-7323 665-2468 665-3409
Dr. Wedig Dr. Zaidan Ms. Montalvo Mr. Eubanks Ms. Vela Ms. Mendez-Montano
665-7025 665-7481 665-2883 665-3308 665-7935 665-5216
10
1
Dr. Racelis Dr. Schuenzel Dr. Summy Dr. Terry Dr. Torres-Avila Dr. Vitek
665-7463 665-2229 665-7927 665-2064 665-2498 665-2845
Staff

Research Laboratories
SCNE 1.102 McDonald
SCNE 1.112 Persans
SCNE 1.212 DeYoe, Brush
SCNE 1.214 Materon
SCNE 1.240 Racelis, Dirrigl
SCNE 1.408 Judd
SCNE 1.412 Kuang
SCNE 1.476 Edwards
SCNE 1.488 DeYoe
SCNE 1.492 Keniry, Dean
HSHW 2.224 Banu
102
SCNE 2.212 Pereyra, Zaidan
SCNE 2.240 Plas, Pereyra
SCNE 2.260 Vitek, Edwards
SCNE 2.266 Summy
SCNE 2.404 Brush
SCNE 2.406 Eubanks
SCNE 2.412 Vitek
SCNE 2.420 Gunn, Schuenzel
SCNE 2.426 Gunn
SCNE 2.428 Dearth
SCNE 2.436 Faulkes, Plas
SCNE 2.444 Persans
SCNE 2.476 Zaidan
SCNE 2.488 Lowe
SCNE 2.492 Feria
SCNE 3.146 Terry
SCNE 3.148 McDonald

Storage
SCNE 1.248 DeYoe
SCNE 2.248 Vela
Freezer
SCNE 1.426 DeYoe
SCNE 1.466 DeYoe
SCNE 1.470 DeYoe
SCNE 1.474 DeYoe
Museums
SCNE 1.102 McDonalds
SCNE 2.406 Persans
SCNE 2.414 All faculty
Equipment/Other
SCNE 1.448 Eubanks
SCNE 1.486,b,c Kuang
SCNE 2.466 Eubanks
SCNE 2.478 Gunn
SCNE 2.486 Gunn
103
Teaching Laboratories
SCNE 1.224 Vela
SCNE 1.226 Vela
SCNE 1.246 Vela
SCNE 1.260 Persans
SCNE 1.266 Gunn
SCNE 2.214 Materon
SCNE 2.224 Vela
SCNE 2.226 Vela
SCNE 2.246 Vela
SCNE 2.260 Vitek, Edwards, Terry, Faulkes,
Plas, Summy
Dr. Ahmad Dr. Tulay Atesin Dr. Banik Dr. Bhat Dr. Bullard
665-3372 665-2854 665-8741 665-3373 665-2950
Ms. Diaz Dr. Gutierrez Dr. Ibrahim Dr. Macossay-Torres
665-2172 665-2151 665-5003 665-3377
104
Dr. Mao Dr. Parsons
665-2417 665-7462
Dr. Smith Dr. Villarreal Dr. Whelan
665-2063 665-2986 665-2854
105
Not Pictured:
Dr. A. Atesin
665-2241
Dr. Bandyopadhyay
665-8741
Dr. Dean
665-2852
Dr. Kotsikorou
665-2851
Dr. Rampersad-Ammons
665-2097
Dr. Thomas
665-3744
Ms. Rosemary Hinojosa
665-3371
Mr. Everardo Ed Villarreal
665-3378
Mr. Ruben Diaz
665-7328
Mr. Thomas Eubanks
665-7328
Teaching Laboratories
SCNE 3.150 Villarreal
SCNE 3.160 Villarreal
SCNE 3.220 Villarreal
SCNE 3.232 Villarreal
SCNE 3.238 Villarreal
SCNE 3.244 Villarreal
SCNE 3.250 Villarreal
SCNE 3.262 Villarreal
Storage/Prep
SCNE 3.218 Villarreal
SCNE 3.470 Bhat
Equipment
SCNE 3.426 Ahmad
SCNE 3.482 Eubanks
Freezer
SCNE 3.466 Ahmad
Research Laboratories
SCNE 1.486A Villarreal
SCNE 3.260 Mao, Dean
SCNE 3.408 Parsons
SCNE 3.412 Bhat
SCNE 3.420 Gutierrez
SCNE 3.428 Ahmad
SCNE 3.436 Bullard
SCNE 3.444 T. Atesin
SCNE 3.474 Rampersad+
SCNE 3.476 Macossay-Torres
SCNE 3.486 Rampersad-Ammons
SCNE 3.488 Bandyopadhyay
SCNE 3.492 Bandyopadhyay



106
University Police (24-hr Emergency Services)
665-7151
Environmental Health and Safety
665-3690
Student Health Services
665-2511
Poison Hotline
1-800-POISON1
Facilities Management
665-2748
107
Michelle Salazar
Laboratory Safety Representative
Department of Environmental Health and Safety
Office: MKCS 1.114
Phone: 665-7256
Email: msalazar9@utpa.edu
108
Please contact me with any questions or concerns: