Lab Safety

1. NCNR Chemical Laboratory
Safety Training
For Instrument
Scientists

2. Introduction
 At NIST, providing a safe environment for employees and
visitors is our number one priority.
 This training is to be an introduction to NIST regulations for new
instrument scientists and a refresher course for current
instrument scientists.
 The policies outlined in this presentation must be followed by
staff and visitors to ensure compliance with NIST regulations.
 The training is divided in two parts:
– General guidelines – local contact responsibilities, shipping, etc.
– Laboratory guidelines – information for using the laboratories that
both the staff and users must know

3. Safety Guidelines at NIST
 At NIST, we follow OSHA regulations. Refer
to the NIST Laboratory Safety Manual for
details on how the OSHA regulations are
implemented at NIST: http://www-
i.nist.gov/admin/ohsd/hslsmcon.htm.
 NCNR specific safety guidelines can be
found at the NCNR Safety website:
http://www.ncnr.nist.gov/safety/index.html.

4. Before the User Arrives – Your
Responsibility
 Read the proposal
 Email and ask for the following information:
– What is the sample or samples?
 Chemical names, concentration, MSDS (of the sample or
components), and what is it soluble in. The solubility
information is needed only for SANS, Spin Echo, and
sometimes Reflectometry.
– Will the sample be prepared at the NCNR?
 What equipment is needed?
 What chemicals are needed? How much?
– How long will it take to prepare the sample?
– What types of problems have been encountered in the past?
– How many people will be coming for the experiment?

5. Before the User Arrives – Your
Responsibility
 Communicate user requirements to
Laboratory Support staff
– For SANS, Reflectometry, and Chemical Physics,
email Kim Tomasi (kimberly.tomasi@nist.gov)
– For Sample Environment, email Evan Fitzgerald
(evan.fitzgerald@nist.gov)

6. Additional Information on the Web
 Additional information on laboratory and
sample environment equipment along with
items in the NIST storeroom can be found on
the web.
– Available laboratory equipment:
http://www.ncnr.nist.gov/userlab/
– Sample environment equipment:
http://www.ncnr.nist.gov/equipment/ancequip.html
– Items carried in the NIST Storeroom:
http://winweb.nist.gov/scatalog/

7. When the User Arrives at NIST
 New Users Responsibilities:
– Complete the Radiation Training
– Complete the Laboratory Safety Training
 Training will be given by you (the local contact) using the NCNR Safety
Awareness List (Form 01). If you are unable to provide the necessary
training, then arrangements may be made with Yamali Hernandez or Kim
Tomasi to complete the training.
 If Yamali or Kim provide the training, specifics about the experiment
(equipment to be used, etc.) will need to be communicated so that the
training can be tailored to cover the users specific needs.
 It is your responsibility as the user’s local contact to make
sure that the laboratories are used in a safe manner. You
should be aware of all procedures used in the laboratory and that
all waste is handled properly.

8. When the User is Leaving
 We do not store samples or equipment for
users. Samples should either be shipped to
the user’s facility or disposed of properly. In
some cases, an exception may be made.
 Waste disposal will be covered in a future
section

9. Instructions for Shipping Materials
 Complete all fields in the Shipping Form
– http://www.ncnr.nist.gov/userlab/shipping.html
 Two versions of the Shipping Form
– Shipping Form.pdf: Unlimited items can be added and there
are some interactive fields. However, information cannot be
saved unless the user has Adobe Professional.
– Shipping Form_Word Version: No interactive fields and a
finite number of items that can be added. However, an
electronic copy of the file can be saved.

10. Shipping Form
Include the Name, Address, and
Phone Number or Email Address of
the package recipient.
Your Name & Phone Extension.
If not a NIST employee, add
your supervisor’s name after
yours.

11. Shipping Form
Use the MSDS to
determine if the
sample is hazardous
for shipment. If no
MSDS, decide if the
chemical fits into one
of the DOT hazard
classes.
Must use the
IUPAC name. No
abbreviations! For
example, the
IUPAC name for
isobutane would be
methylpropane.
Indicate the name of the shipping company (Fed Ex, UPS, DHL, Airborne Express, or Best Way) and
the account number of the institution. Hazardous materials can only be shipped by FedEx.

12. Shipping Form
In addition to the completed shipping form,
please bring the MSDS (if applicable) & the
Health Physics release (if required).

13. Shipping Instructions
 Bring the completed shipping form, MSDS, Health
Physics Release, and the package to Julie Keyser or
Mary Ann FitzGerald in the user office.
 If the package needs to be insured, please tell Julie
or Mary Ann when you turn in the shipping form.
 If you need dry ice for shipping, contact Yamali
Hernandez or Kim Tomasi the day before, or you can
take the package with you to the storeroom and get
the dry ice. Then take the package directly to
shipping. Packages must be in shipping (Bldg 301)
before 1:30 pm to be sent that day. Please note the
dry ice itself is a hazardous material.
 Radioactive samples are handled by Health Physics.

14. Chemical Inventory
 The chemical inventory is available on the web:
http://cispro.ncnrwin.ncnr.nist.gov.
 Click on the Guest Login link to access the software.
This login will allow read-only access to the
database.
 New chemicals must be entered in the chemical
inventory database. Please see Kim Tomasi to add
chemicals to the inventory.
 If you use the last of a chemical, please remove the
barcode label and place the label on the sheet
provided in each laboratory.

15. Laboratory Responsibility System
Laboratory Responsibility
System
Primary
Responsible
Inspections
Local Contact
Tour laboratories
several times
during the week.
Know about all
work being done
in the lab.
Report safety
infractions to
local contact.
Provide safety
training for the
laboratories.
Ensure that users
are following
proper
procedures.
Remember: The
user is the
responsibility of
the local contact.
Inspections are
performed twice a
day.
Inspections are
done by Yamali
Hernandez or
Kim Tomasi
Issue warnings to the user &
then inform Yamali Hernandez
or the laboratory Primary
Responsible about the problem.
Issue warnings to
users and staff if
safety infraction
observed.

16. Safety Violation Resolution
Safety Violation Observed
Violator (user/staff) is issued a
warning.
The user’s Local Contact is
notified and asked to correct
the problem.
The person’s Team Leader is
notified and asked to correct
the problem.
The Safety Officer is notified of the
problem. He will talk to the violator
(user/staff) and take any actions
needed.
Problem Not Resolved
Problem Not Resolved
If the problem is still not resolved,
then Pat Gallagher will be notified.
User
Staff / Guest
Researcher
Note: The safety officer will be notified of
any problems that require immediate
attention.

17. Information for the Laboratory Safety
Training
(For both Staff and Users)
This information will follow
the Safety Awareness List –
Form 01 and can be used
as a reference when
training users.

18. Overview
 The information provided in the following
slides details the information the user should
be told before they begin working in the
laboratory.
 The staff must also follow the same rules as
the users.
 A handout covering this information will be
provided as a guide for the user’s lab
orientation.

19. Emergency Number – x2222
 All laboratories have a phone labeled with
the NIST emergency number (x2222), the
building number, and the room number.
 Non-emergency numbers
– Fire Department: x6190
– Security: x2805

20. Emergency Action for Alarms
 Fire Alarm
– Verify that the lab
environment is safe
– Walk to the nearest exit
 Radiation Alarm – Evacuate
area using the nearest exit
 Storm Alarm – Proceed to
basement

21. Accident Reporting
 Call x2222 and explain the nature of the emergency
 Call or page Control/Operations, x6292. It is required by the
NRC that they be informed immediately of the emergency.
 Who to contact after Control/Operations
– Users should talk to their local contact about the incident. The
local contact should then immediately inform their supervisor.
 During working hours, contact John Barker, x6732, if the local contact
is not available.
 After working hours, call your local contact.
– Staff should immediately inform their supervisor, the person
responsible for the laboratory, and John Barker.
 If you have questions about calling the emergency phone
number, please call John Barker or your contact.

22. Fire Extinguishers
 Fire extinguishers should
only be used by staff who
have completed the NIST
fire extinguisher training.
 Please contact Polly
McCarty, x4259 for training
information.
 If there is a fire, notify the
NIST Fire Department
(x2222) and Control
(x6292) immediately.

23. Laboratory Door Signs
 Chemical inventory for
each lab. If you need help
finding a particular
chemical, ask Yamali or
Kim.
 Eye Protection is required.
 Appropriate Clothing
Required. No open toed
shoes allowed. Leg
covering required.
 No smoking, eating, or
drinking in the labs.
 Keep lab door closed.

24. Laboratory Door Signs
 Laboratory Responsibles:
Provides the pictures,
phone extensions, and
office numbers of the
people who can answer
questions about the
equipment, supplies, and
safety in the laboratory.
 Provides information on
who is using the lab and for
how long.

25. Laboratory Door Signs
 Safety glasses are
required in laboratories.
 In case of Emergency,
call 2222.
 No food or drink in
laboratories.
 List of most hazardous
chemicals in lab.
 Lab responsibles and
their contact information.

26. Laboratory Door Signs
 Separate fume hoods have
been designated for
organics or acids, never
both.
 Acid work
– Users & Staff can both use
the hood in E134
– Staff only can use the hood
in E132
 Organic work
– Users & Staff can both use
the hoods in E131, E136,
and E138

27. Label Work Area
 If you or your users are going to work in the
laboratory, you must mark off an area on the bench.
– For Staff - It must be labeled with your name, phone
extension, and beginning and ending dates.
– For Users – Label work area with their names, contact
name, contact’s phone number, and beginning and ending
dates.
 Areas used inside the fume hoods must also be
labeled with the same information.

28. Chemical and Samples Labels
 All chemicals and samples must be
labeled!
– One of the biggest problems in the
laboratories is the failure to properly
label chemicals and samples, or worse
yet, not labeling them at all.
 NIST labeling system:
– Color-coded labels (green, yellow,
orange, and red) are provided in each
laboratory. The color of the label is
determined by the chemical hazard
level. Only water should have a green
label.
– An explanation of the color coding
system is posted in each laboratory

29. NIST Labeling Guide

30. Chemical and Sample Labels
 Required information on chemical
or sample labels
– Chemical name (IUPAC name,
NOT an abbreviation)
– Amount
– Hazards
– Owner
– Date
 Some chemical companies
provide the chemical name,
amount, and hazards. If this
information is provided, the
owner/date label with the
appropriate color choice can be
used.

31. Chemical and Sample Labels
 Grouping samples in one properly labeled box
– Samples must be composed of same chemicals and only
the percentage composition changes
– Since individual samples are not labeled, they must be kept
in the box at all times
 Sources of information for determining the correct
label are the MSDS or the MSEL databases
– Chemical Inventory: http://cispro.ncnrwin.ncnr.nist.gov
– Internet MSDS databases
 http://hazard.com/msds/
 http://nocoll.chemwatchna.com/

32. Personal Protective Equipment
 At the NCNR, safety equipment is provided to make every
experiment a safe one. As the experimenter, it is your
responsibility to know what safety equipment is needed.
Always read the MSDS of the chemicals that you are planning
to use. This will provide you with the information to select the
appropriate safety equipment.
 Safety glasses are to be worn in all chemical laboratories at all
times. Regular glasses are not accepted in the laboratories.
 Appropriate clothing is required in the laboratory. Closed toed
shoes and leg coverings are required. If the shoes are not
closed, shoe covers must be worn. If the legs are not covered,
a lab coat must be worn. These are temporary solutions.
Violators of this rule must have appropriate clothing on the next
day. Please remind your users to bring appropriate clothing.

33. Available Personal Protective
Equipment Located in Each Lab
 Safety Glasses
 Lab Coats
 Safety Goggles
 Face Shields
 Ear Plugs
 Plastic Aprons
 Shoe Covers
 Gloves – Insulated Hot & Cold,
Kevlar, Neoprene, Nitrile, and
Latex
– A guide for glove selection has
been provided on the NCNR
web page:
http://www.ncnr.nist.gov/safety/
glove.html
 Face Masks

34. Waste Disposal
 Regular trash and
uncontaminated lab debris
(gloves, paper towels, etc) goes
in the trash can.
 Broken glass goes in the
cardboard box designated for
broken glass.
 Sharps (blades) and needles
are disposed of in the red
SHARPS container.
– Separate the needle from the
syringes. The syringe bodies
can go in the regular trash.
– Needles even if covered go in
the SHARPS container
Glass and SHARPS boxes

35. Waste Disposal – Safety Cans
 All laboratories have 2-gallon
safety cans for the disposal of
organic solvents.
 Do NOT use if you have a
mixture of solvent and sample
or solvent and water.
 Two types of cans:
– Halogenated (ex. –Cl, -Br, -F,
and –I)
– Non-halogenated (ex. Acetone,
Methanol, alcohols, etc)
 Fill out the clipboard indicating
the amount and type of solvent
added.

36. Chemical Waste Disposal
 Never mix chemicals if you don’t know how they
are going to react with each other. Never mix acids
with organics.
 Polypropylene and HDPE bottles are provided in
each lab for waste disposal. Use the chemical
resistivity information posted in the laboratories to
select the appropriate waste bottle material.
 Never fill the bottles all the way to the top – leave at
least 10% free space.

37. Chemical Waste Disposal
 Select the waste container size
that is appropriate for your
needs. Polypropylene and HDPE
bottles are provided in each
laboratory for waste disposal.
 Use the chemical waste labels in
the Tag Center to label waste.
 Unknowns are NOT acceptable!
 Place properly labeled waste in
the Satellite Waste Container in
each lab.
 MSDS sheets must be included
for products like household
chemicals. If a MSDS can not be
provided, include the MSDS of
the highest component in the
product

38. How to Correctly Fill-out Chemical
Waste Label
 Required
Information
– Chemical Name –
no formulas or
abbreviations
– Constituents by
%volume
– Hazard level
(NFPA 704)
– Contact’s Name
and information
NIST CHEMICAL WASTE LABEL
Hazard Level
(NFPA 704)
Circle One (4 being the
highest hazard)
Health
4 3 2 1
Flammability
Reactivity
4 3 2 1
4 3 2 1
Special Hazards:
Constituents
% Volume
Chemical Name
(NO acryonyms or trade names)
90 Water
8 Methylene Chloride
Formic Acid
2
NIST Environmental Compliance Group:
301-975-5822/5130
Pick Ups: http://www-i.nist.gov/admin/ohsd/
chemwast.htm
Contact
Name
Division
Number
610
Bldg./
Room
235/A121
Phone
Number
x4533
Kim Tomasi
Chemical
Name Dynaloy 165
Correctly Filled-out Waste Label

39. Chemical Waste Disposal
 Chemical waste pickup:
http://www-i.nist.gov/admin/ohsd/chemwast.htm
 Asbestos in a piece of equipment, gloves, etc can be picked
up for waste disposal.
 To dispose of explosives, the Environmental Compliance
Group (x5822) must be notified ahead of time and their ability
to dispose of the materials will be determined on a case by
case basis. Please modify processes whenever possible to
prevent the generation of explosive wastes.
 Non-returnable compressed gas cylinders will be picked up
two times a year. Contact the Environmental Compliance
Group (x5822) for more information.
 Radioactive materials are handled by the Health Physics
Group, x5800.

40. First Time Chemical
Procedures/Reactions in the Laboratory
 For Users
– Discuss all laboratory procedures with your users.
– Verify that a procedure has been previously approved at the
NCNR before you or your user begin.
– If it is a new procedure, the user must submit the Laboratory
Experiment Proposal form (LEP).
 For Staff
– Fill out the Laboratory Experiment Proposal form (LEP) for your
experiment and submit the completed form to either Kim Tomasi or
Yamali Hernandez.
 The LEP form is located on the NCNR web page:
http://www.ncnr.nist.gov/userlab/shipping.html

41. Experimental Control Procedure (ECP)
in the Laboratories
 If your experiment requires a special
shutdown procedure, you will be asked to fill
out an ECP form.
 The ECP must be posted in the lab near the
experimental setup.

42. Equipment Sign-Out
 Equipment that needs
to be signed out:
– SANS Titanium cells
– Banjo cells
 Instrument Scientist
Responsibilities:
– Obtaining the cells for the
user. SANS Titanium cells
are in the locked cabinet in
E138. Banjo cells are in
Kim Tomasi’s office, A121.
– Returning the cleaned cells.

43. Equipment with Log Sheets/Books
 Some of the laboratory
equipment requires the use of
log sheets or a log book. This
helps to track who is using the
equipment and for how long.
 The ovens in E132 and
E138 have either white
boards or log sheets for
users to label with the
contents, contact
information, and dates of
use.
 Log books are provided for
the larger pieces of
instrumentation (i.e.: glove
boxes, FTIR, and spinner).

44. Glove Boxes
 To use the glove
boxes in A115 or
E131, please talk
to Juscelino
Leao, x8867.

45. Spin Coater
 To use the spin coater
in E132, please talk to
Sushil Satija (x5250).

46. Working with Acids
 A separate training session is required to
perform acid work. This includes any work
with concentrated acids or any use of HF.
 If you or your user require acid training,
contact Kim Tomasi for training.
 The user’s name will be added to our training
database and a sign will be posted on the
fume hood in E134 with their names .

47. Sources of Safety Information
 John Barker (Safety Officer), x6732, office
E121
 Internet
– Occupational Health and Safety Division:
http://www-i.nist.gov/admin/ohsd/hshmpg.htm
– NIST Safety Manual: http://www-
i.nist.gov/admin/ohsd/hslsmcon.htm
– NCNR Safety Website:
http:www.ncnr.nist.gov/safety/index.html

48. Liquid Nitrogen Handling
 If you or your user need cryogen training,
contact Evan Fitzgerald (x6657) or Bill Clow
(x5493).
 If your user is planning to use liquid nitrogen,
remember that they need to use safety
glasses, the blue gloves, and an appropriate
container.

49. Local Crane Safety
 Staff must be trained by George Baltic
(x5682) before using the local instrument
cranes or the overhead cranes in C100 and
G100.
 Users will then be trained by their local
contact to use the local instrument cranes.

50. Computer Regulations
 “Don’t do anything that will embarrass you or
your institution.”

51. Laboratory Safety Quiz
 To complete the Laboratory Safety Training,
you must complete the lab safety quiz
 The quiz is available online at:
http://www.ncnr.nist.gov/userlab/safetyquiz.html

52. Questions – Contact Kim or Yamali