Download management of hazardous chemicals in the laboratory

MANAGEMENT OF
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS IN THE LABORATORY
PROTOCOL FOR RECRUITED INVESTIGATORS
1.0
Introduction
This protocol is an attempt to familiarize investigators, new and old, with institutional
procedures that governs the usage, storage, handling and disposition of hazardous
chemicals.
Investigators are reminded that the use of hazardous chemicals are governed by federal,
state, local and institutional guidelines. It is therefore incumbent on all investigators to
familiarize themselves with the institutional waste management manual and other specific
protocols including but not limited to the management of infectious, hazardous chemicals
and radioactive waste substances.
1.1
Research Orientation for Investigators
Investigators who conduct research at this institution and whose research is funded
through one of the NIH programs i.e. (MBRS, MARC, RCMI) and which involves the
use of hazardous chemicals should communicate with the Program Director of each
program. The Program Director can provide copies of the waste management manual to
each investigator. Investigators are asked to familiarize themselves with the procedures
for waste disposition.
1.2
Orientation with the Office of Research Operations
Investigators can make an appointment with the Office of Research Operations. Staff
members in this office shall provide technical and managerial resources that can be useful
in managing specific waste products.
Moreover, research operations in collaboration with the Institutional Biohazard
Committee shall provide training workshops, instructions and guidance in the
management of hazardous chemicals.
1.3
Research Procedures for Processing Hazardous Chemicals
1.3.1
The investigator shall be assigned a laboratory through the Institutional Research
Space Committee.
1.3.2
The investigator shall be provided with a hazardous chemical waste log form,
which must be completed by all investigators. (Refer to copy)
Staff in the Office of Research Operations shall distribute the hazardous chemical
waste form. Instructions for completion shall be provided.
1.3.3
1.3.4
Any potential hazardous chemical waste produced during research activities must
be stored in “legal size” drums located in specific areas within the research
building.
1.3.5
These legal size drums must have in their interior absorbent materials.
1.3.6
Investigators shall complete the hazardous chemical log form each time this waste
is generated.
1.3.7
A Biohazard Technician shall retrieve the hazardous chemical log form and
submit it to the Office of Research Operations to verify its completion.
1.3.8
Investigators shall notify the Biohazard Technician when chemical waste is
generated in the laboratory.
1.3.9
The Biohazard Technician shall prepare the chemical waste log sheet, noting the
date, volume, quantity and type of waste produced.
1.3.10 The symbol and sign shall be placed on a conspicuous place outside the drum by
the Biohazard Technician for chemical waste.
1.3.11 Chemical waste generated and placed in drums must be removed within ninety
days (90) by an outside vendor.
1.3.12 On satisfactory completion of the hazardous chemical log form, the Biohazard
Technician for handling hazardous chemicals shall place the generated waste into
the specific assigned legal drums.
1.3.13 Office of Research Operations shall keep records of all waste generated in the
laboratory.
1.3.14 The Office of Research Operations shall notify and contract with an outside
vendor for the removal of all hazardous chemical in accordance with statutory
requirements.
1.3.15 The Office of Research Operations shall develop a contractual agreement and an
open purchase order for the constant removal of hazardous chemical waste.
1.4
Research Procedures for Acquisition of Hazardous Chemicals
1.4.1
Investigators who intend to purchase or acquire hazardous chemicals shall confer
with the Office of Research Operations.
1.4.2
Purchase requisitions for the acquisition of hazardous chemicals shall be
submitted through the Office of Research Operations for clearance and
compliance management.
1.4.3
The Office of Research Operations shall develop provisions for the expeditious
acquisition and purchase of hazardous chemicals.
1.4.4
Acquisition of carcinogens shall require special license.
1.4.5
Acquisition of drugs, schedule 1 thru 4 shall require special DEA license.
1.5
Research Procedures for Storage of Hazardous Chemicals in the Laboratory
1.5.1
The Office of Research Operations shall develop a management program for the
complete separation of all chemicals by physio chemical methods.
1.5.2
This compatibility system shall be color coded and shall be developed for each
laboratory.
1.5.3
The Office of Research Operations shall have an inventory or record of all
chemicals used in the laboratory.
1.5.4
MSDS sheets shall be placed in a conspicuous place in each laboratory.
1.5.5
Each laboratory shall be equipped with containment devices to prevent or contain
chemical spills, accidents or chemical contamination.
1.6
Research Procedures for using Containment Devices in the Laboratory
1.6.1
All hazardous and volatile chemicals shall be used in certified chemical hoods.
1.6.2
Investigators shall not use volatile chemicals in the bench area of the laboratory.
1.7
Termination or Completion of Research Program
1.7.1
On completion of a research program, investigators can remind their program
director that there will be a necessity for “close out” of this research program.
1.7.2
The investigator or program director can inform the Research Operations Office
accordingly.
1.7.3
The Office of Research Operations shall instruct the Biohazard Technician for
chemical waste to retrieve all chemical waste log forms for processing.
1.7.4
All chemical waste shall be removed by the Biohazard Technician and process
according to institutional procedures.
1.7.5
The Biohazard Technician shall conduct chemical waste surveillance on all “close
out” research program.
1.7.6
On completion of hazardous chemical surveillance, a report shall be prepared by
the Office of Research Operations.
1.7.7
A final report shall be completed and submitted to the Biohazard and Safety
Committee for approval.
1.7.8
Once approved by the Institutional Biohazard and Safety Committee, the
investigator of record on the “close out” program shall sign the report signifying
finality of this research program.
1.7.9
This record shall be kept on file in the Office of Research Operations.
1.8
Responsibilities of the Research Investigator
1.8.1
It is the responsibility of each investigator to ensure that all laboratory research
personnel comply with this policy and the policy of the waste management
manual.
1.8.2
Investigators are to familiarize themselves with all institutional biohazard
protocol.
1.8.3
Investigators and research staff shall also attend workshop and training sessions
conducted by the Office of Research Operations in collaboration with the
Institutional Biohazard and Safety Committee.