Chapter Five:
Chemical & Laboratory Safety
The PLU science building has laboratories that use over
one thousand different chemicals. The Chemical Hygiene Officer and
Environmental Health & Safety Manager work with departments to
promote the safe use, storage, and disposal of chemicals. The Radiation
Safety Officer oversees radiological safety.
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Chemical Safety
Chemical safety in laboratories is addressed in The
Chemical Hygiene Plan (WAC 296-62-40009), which includes the following
elements in addition to laboratory-specific requirements developed by
departments and faculty.
- Labeling. Chemical containers shall be labled with
the full chemical name, associated hazard, and other appropriate safety
information. (WAC 296-62-40015)
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Each department
shall maintain an MSDS for each currently used or stored hazardous
substance. MSDS shall be readily accessible to faculty, staff, and
students. If a supplier fails to provide an MSDS, get a copy from the
manufacturer by calling the phone number on the container or from the
manufacturer's web site. (WAC 296-62-40015)
- Hazard Communication/Training. (WAC 296-62-40011)
Laboratory directors, chairs, and supervisors are responsible for
informing and training employees and students about hazardous
substances in their work areas. The Chemical Hygiene Officer works
closely with Natural Sciences personnel to provide technical support.
- Chemical Inventories. (UFC 8001) The laboratory
director, chairs, and supervisor are responsible for maintaining an
up-to-date inventory of the hazardous substances in each laboratory.
Contact the Chemical Hygiene Office or Environmental Health &
Safety Manager if you have questions.
- Chemical Storage. All chemicals, including gases, shall be stored in accordance with local, state, and federal chemical storage regulations.
- Inspections.
The Chemical Hygiene Plan states that a departmentally appointed person
shall inspect the facilities on a monthly basis and report the findings
to the Chemical Hygiene Officer. The Chemical Hygiene Officer will
inspect the facilities semi-annually and forward the findings to the
Environmental Health & Safety Manager.
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Radiation Safety
The PLU Radiation Safety Officer has the authority granted by the
University's Radioactive Materials License, issued by the State of
Washington Department of Health. Anyone planning to use materials or
devices that pose potential radiation hazards shall first contact the
Radiation Safety Officer at x6181.
Laboratory Director Responsibilities
The Laboratory Director is Responsible for:
- Labeling hazard areas and posting appropriate hazard signs
on the door. The signs shall include the name and phone number of the
investigator, faculty member, or laboratory director responsible for
the activities of each lab.
- Training laboratory personnel in appropriate work practices and emergency procedures.
- Making sure containment and control facilities are adequate for the proposed research.
- Labeling, storing, and using hazardous agents in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and university policy.
- Providing personal protective equipment as needed.
- Maintaining an up-to-date inventory of hazardous agents in the laboratory and informing employees of hazards.
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Chemical Hygiene Officer
Terry Nicksic, x7558
nicksitd@plu.edu
Radiation Safety Officer
Audrey North, x6181
(253) 538 - 6181
northal@plu.edu
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