SAFETY MANUAL

Prepared by Dr. R. Asmatulu

September 9, 2022

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY
1 FIRE SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
If you are faced with a fire emergency "pre-planning" you will prepare yourself to cope
with it successfully. In case of fire, remember, time is precious. Do not panic.
Immediate action is necessary to avoid being trapped by gases, smoke, or heat.
1.1 TO REPORT A FIRE:
 DIAL 911 and/or pull the handle on a RED PULL STATION.
 Say, "I want to report a fire."
 Give your name and the location of the fire. Speak slowly and distinctly.
 Wait to answer any questions. Don't hang up until you are sure you have been
understood.
Meet the Fire Department outside and report to the Incident Commander and
provide the following information:
o Location of the incident.
o If anyone is trapped or injured.
o What happened.
o Chemicals involved, if known.
o Type of hazard: flammability, reactivity, toxicity, biological, radiological.
o Your recommendation on how the situation can be stabilized.
When a FIRE ALARM sounds, a FIRE ALERT situation exists. This means a
smoke/heat sensor or pull station has triggered an alarm. All personnel must evacuate the
building until such time as an all clear is given by the Fire Department. DO NOT USE
ELEVATOR.
1.2 If you are conducting an experiment when an emergency evacuation occurs:
 Shut down or stabilize the experiment in a safe manner.
 Evacuate the building.
 If the experiment cannot be shut down without creating a hazard, follow this
procedure:
o Report to the Incident Commander.
o Describe the experiment, the location, relative hazard, and estimate the time factor
before the situation becomes dangerous.
o If possible, you will be permitted to return to the experiment by the Fire
Department

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1.3 Learn how to use your extinguisher:
 Contact Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at Wichita State University
(andrew.clem@wichita.edu; thomas.mansfield@wichita.edu or 978-7904; 978-5531) for
more information.
 Pull the pin.
 Aim the extinguisher nozzle (horn or hose) at the base of the fire.
 Squeeze or press the handle.
 Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire. Watch for reflash. Discharge the contents
of the extinguisher.
2 FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
DIAL 911 for any medical emergency. In the event of an injury, it is most important
to summon professional assistance immediately.
The following instructions are intended only as guidelines for untrained people in
providing assistance to the victim during the first few minutes, until professional help
arrives.
1. Effect rescues only if necessary to prevent the victim from further injury. Otherwise,
do not move the victim or allow him/her to move until the injuries have been
assessed by the First Responder.
2. Ensure adequate breathing (give mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose resuscitation if
necessary).
3. Check for circulation; if absent begin Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) if you
are trained to do so.
4. Control severe bleeding by use of direct pressure.
2.1 Emergency Equipment
Know where the eyewash station, drench safety shower, and laboratory first aid kit
are located in your area. Learn how to use them.
2.2 Protective Equipment
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES!! Safety glasses must be worn in every laboratory at all
times unless this rule is specifically waived.
1. Protective goggles fit over prescription lenses and either wrap around the face or have
side panels to offer complete splash protection.
2. Face shields offer the most complete splash and impact protection of the front of the
face.

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 3. Use a fume hood whenever vapors, gases, and dusts of toxic, flammable, corrosive, or
otherwise dangerous materials are being handled.
4. Aprons, lab coats, gloves, or other protective clothing should always be available.
2.3 Emergency First Aid
2.3.1 Thermal Burns
1. Call 911
2. Submerge the burned area in cold water (except for third-degree burns). This will
significantly reduce both swelling and pain. A third-degree burn is one in which
tissue damage has occurred.
3. Apply a dry sterile dressing.
4. Do not break any blisters.
5. Do not use any commercial sprays or ointments.
6. Seek medical attention.
2.3.2 Chemical Burns
1. Call 911
2. Flush the affected area with copious amounts of water for 5 to 15 minutes.
3. If you and/or your clothing have been splashed with corrosive or toxic chemicals, use
a safety shower immediately. Quickly remove all contaminated clothing. Don't be a
victim of false modesty and risk severe in jury.
4. Seek medical attention.
2.3.3 Cold-Cryogenic Injury
1. Call 911
2. Do not handle dry ice with bare hands. Use insulated gloves.
3. Rapidly escaping gas from gas cylinders may produce rapid cooling.
4. Spilled liquid nitrogen can produce the equivalent of a third-degree burn.
2.3.4 Chemical Eye Injury
1. Call 911
2. Use the closest eye wash station and flush the eye with copious amounts of water for
at least 15 minutes.
3. There is an eye wash station on every floor
4. Seek prompt medical attention.

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3 GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY
3.1 OSHA Laboratory Standard
In 1990, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
implemented the Laboratory Standard. Previously, laboratories had to follow rules that
were written for manufacturers. This standard tried to take into account the unique
environment of a research laboratory. Unlike other OSHA chemical regulations, the lab
standard is based on performance. The rules require employers to develop a chemical
hygiene plan and to provide employee information and training. Essentially, this requires
the University via the Environmental Health and Safety to develop a written plan and unit
safety committees be established to implement the plan. The OSHA lab standard does not
prescribe specific procedures that must be used to reduce exposures but emphasized safe
handling of hazardous chemicals through the practices and procedures set up by the
University as described in its chemical hygiene plan.
3.2 Chemical Labeling
There are two types of labels of particular importance in laboratories: the label on the
commercial container and the secondary label you put on your samples, reaction
products, and smaller amounts of material drawn from the commercial container.
Commercial labels are usually extremely comprehensive, providing not only information
on the nature, amount, and quality of the product, but also a large amount of safety-
related data.

However, labels placed on secondary containers by a laboratory personnel are often

marked only as "sample l2A ". This might be sufficient if all of the material is to be used
immediately, but more often than not, it won't be. Therefore, secondary labels must meet
the requirements of the standard and be labeled in English with the full name of the
contents noting any special hazard, name of the user and the date. All containers
including squirt bottles should be labeled, even those containing harmless material like
distilled water. The main purpose of this labeling is to protect users in the immediate area
and emergency personnel in case of an accident by ensuring that the identity of the
material is readily available. Additionally, superficial, and uninformative labels create a
major problem in the legal disposal of containers of potentially hazardous waste. This is

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 especially a problem in the university environment where students complete their degree
requirements and leave behind products and reagents of their research.
4 CHEMICAL SAFETY
4.1 General usage of chemicals
Most common chemicals used in the laboratory are "safe". However, a substance
considered "safe" today might, in the future, be found to cause unsuspected long-term
disorders.
1 Keep your hands and face clean. Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water when a
chemical contact your skin and also wash face, hands and arms before leaving the
laboratory. It is especially important to keep chemicals from hands, face, and
clothing, including shoes or other foot covering. Wear shoes, not sandals. If shorts
are worn, they must be covered with a lab coat. Many substances are readily
absorbed into your body through the skin and through inhalation. Wear appropriate
gloves in the lab, but not outside the lab. Remember whatever substance is on the
glove can easily be transferred to a doorknob or handrail.
2 Do not put your nose directly over a container to smell the contents; gently waft
some vapors toward your nose instead of under the fume hood.
3 Never taste a chemical. Smoking, drinking, eating, or chewing is forbidden in the
laboratory because of the possibility of chemicals getting into the mouth or lungs
through ingestion.
4 Many common substances are acute expiratory hazards and should not be used in a
confined area in large amounts. They should be dispensed and handled only where
there is adequate ventilation, preferably in a hood.
5 There is a definite relationship between safety performance and orderliness in the
laboratory. When housekeeping standards fall, safety predominance inevitably
deteriorates. The work area should be kept clean, and chemicals and equipment
should be properly labeled and stored.
a) Spilled chemicals should be cleaned up immediately and disposed of properly.
b) Equipment and chemicals should be stored properly; clutter should be minimized.
4.2 Chemical Reactions
Many chemical reactions involve hazards, but these can be handled safely when the
researcher has done some preliminary planning. Planning an experiment should include
obtaining information on the reactivity, flammability, and toxicity of the chemicals used
in and produced by the experiment. There are material safety data sheets "MSDS"
reference files maintained in the department. Every vendor is required by law to supply a
"Material Safety Data Sheet" upon request with every chemical they sell. The "MSDS"

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 provides physical property data and toxicological information in varying degrees of
depth.
Material Safety Data Sheets are designed to help you understand how to work safely
with Chemicals in your laboratory area. Although MSDSs may vary in appearance and
length, most MSDSs will have approximately 8 to l0 sections which explain the proper
ways to use, handle, and store chemicals in your work area. In addition, MSDSs provide
information regarding the health hazards associated with the use of chemicals, the
precaution and measure to follow, and the emergency procedures for spills, fire and first
aid. The MSDS can be a very important tool which can help you understand the dangers
associated with the chemicals in your work area and, most importantly, the proper ways
to protect yourself and your colleagues.
Finally, students should consult with their advisor when planning any experiment in
which hazardous materials are used and/or produced.
Frequently, a laboratory procedure is carried out continuously or overnight. It is essential
to plan for possible interruptions in utility services such as electricity, water, and inert
gas. A frequent hazard is the failure of the cooling water supply. Be sure all hoses are
securely fastened with a wire tie or clamp. In addition, commercial devices are available
that monitor water flow so that its failure will automatically turn off electrical
connections and the water supply. Any reaction that is left unattended for any length of
time should be clearly labeled as to the nature of the reaction and its components, the
possible hazards (e.g., release of poisonous vapors), the name of the experimenter, and a
phone number posted outside the room. Reactions should not be left unattended for any
length of time.
Generally, it is wise to avoid working alone in the laboratory. However, if it is
necessary, arrangement should be made with colleagues in other labs to cross check each
other periodically after normal working hours. Extremely hazardous experiments
should never be undertaken by a worker alone in a laboratory.
4.3 Laboratory Equipment
Eye Protection. Safety glasses should be always worn. Face shields or approved standing
shields should be used for any operation having the potential for explosion. Know where
your nearest eyewash station is located. If the lab has a separate eyewash bottle, be sure it
is kept filled. Most labs have eyewashes at the sink. You should run water through them
weekly to ensure they are clean and ready in the case of an emergency.
Safety Showers. Know your nearest drench shower is located. The safety showers are
tested to insure they will work properly when needed.
Refrigerators. Food and chemicals should never be stored together in any refrigerator.
Domestic (household-type) refrigerators should never be used for the storage of volatile
or unstable chemicals. Special explosion-proof refrigerators where all internal electrical

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 contacts have been eliminated are the appropriate vehicle for chemical storage. Stored
materials should be reviewed periodically, and old chemicals discarded.
Guards. All mechanical equipment should be adequately furnished with guards that
prevent access to electrical connections or moving parts (such as the belts and pulleys of
a vacuum pump).
Chemical Handling Equipment. Use gas cylinder carts whenever transporting gas
cylinders from the loading dock to your lab or from lab to lab. Clamp securely any and all
cylinders in the lab (see section on Compressed Gas & Cryogenic Safety). Use safety
bottle carriers whenever carrying reagent chemicals from the storage area or from one
laboratory to another.
4.4 CHEMICAL FUME HOOD
Confirm that the hood is operational. If fitted with a local on/off switch, make sure the
switch is in the "on" position; check the airflow gauge if so equipped. In the absence of a
gauge, observe the plastic "flow check ribbon" taped to the lower corner of the sash.
Airflow can be visually assessed by noting that the ribbon is pulled gently into the hood.
The most recent hood test data and optimum sash height are indicated on the yellow label
affixed to the hood face.
Maintain operations at least 6" inside the hood face. Vinyl tape can be attached to the
work surface to serve as a visual reminder.
Lower sash to optimum height. Optimum height is the sash height at which airflow is
maximized without creating turbulence, generally 100 feet per minute. A yellow label
placed on the hood face indicates the most recently recommended sash height. With
unattended or potentially explosive processes, conduct the operation behind a lowered
sash or safety shield.
Keep head out of hood except when installing and dismantling equipment.
Keep hood storage to an absolute minimum. Keep only items needed for the ongoing
operation inside the hood. Always keep the back bottom slot clear as it serves as an
exhaust port for chemicals generated near the work surface.
Minimize foot traffic around the chemical hood. A person walking past a chemical
hood can create competing currents at the hood face, causing vapors to flow out. Other
sources of competing air currents such as open windows and fans must also be avoided
while using a chemical hood.
Use extreme caution with ignition sources inside a chemical hood. Ignition sources
such as electrical connections, Variac controllers and open flame can be used inside a
chemical hood if there are no operations involving flammable or explosive vapors.

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 Replace hood components prior to use. Every component of a chemical hood, whether
airfoil, baffle, or sash, plays a vital role in preventing the escape of hazardous materials
from the hood. Any hood components removed to conduct maintenance or repair
activities, or to set up experimental apparatus must be replaced prior to using the hood for
contaminant control.
Do not use the hood for storage. You could be creating a fire hazard. Use a vented
chemical storage cabinet.
5 CHEMICAL SPILLS
A chemical spill is probably the most common type of laboratory accident and potentially
one of the most serious if the material gives rise to hazardous vapors, interacts with the
laboratory environment in a violent physical fashion, or is toxic or corrosive upon contact
with a person's body. Most accidents involving chemicals spills do not have such
dramatic consequences, but all spills must be handled correctly:
1. Contact the campus police for assistance (# 911) if it is an emergency. Notify the
police dispatcher of location of the spill and, if known, the chemical spilled.
2. If it is not an emergency, contact EHS at 978-3347 or 978-5424.
3. Do not panic! Always send for help first, if possible.
4. If the spill presents an immediate danger, leave the spill site and warn others, control
entry to the spill site.
5. Remove contaminated clothing. Flush skin/eyes with water for 15 to 30 minutes; use
soap for intermediate and final cleaning of skin areas.
6. Protect yourself, then remove injured person(s) to fresh air, if safe to do so.
7. Notify nearby persons and evacuate as necessary. Prevent entry, as necessary, by
posting a guard in a safe area and/or shutting doors.
8. If flammable vapors are involved, do not operate electrical switches unless to turn
off motorized equipment. Try to turn off or remove heat sources, where safe to do so.
9. If the substance involved is an unknown, then emergency spill response procedures
are limited to self-protection, notification of Campus Police at 911 for response,
isolation of the chemical, and evacuating and securing the area involved.
10. Do not touch the spill without protective clothing.
11. Where the spill does not present immediate personal danger, try to control the spread
or volume of the spill. This could mean shutting a door, moving nearby equipment to
prevent further contamination, repositioning an overturned container or one that has a
hole in the bottom or side, creating a dike by putting an absorbent around a spill or
opening the sashes on the fume hoods to facilitate removal of vapors.

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 12. Never assume gases or vapors do not exist or are harmless because of lack of
smell.
13. Increase ventilation by opening closed fume hood sashes to the 12 inch or full open
position. Exterior doors may be opened to ventilate non-toxic vapors.
14. Use absorbents to collect substances. Reduce vapor concentrations by covering the
surface of a liquid spill with absorbent. Control enlargement of the spill area by
diking with absorbent.
5.1 CHEMICAL STORAGE GUIDE
Store chemicals on non-flammable shelving or cabinets. Avoid storing chemicals on top
of the cabinets and never within 18 inches of the ceiling in sprinklered areas. Label all
chemical containers properly. Avoid storing chemicals on bench tops or in fume hoods.
Store flammable chemicals in a Flammable Storage Cabinet (preferably a ventilated
cabinet). Separate chemicals into organic and inorganic families, and then into related
and compatible groups. Separation of chemical groups can be by use of different shelves
within the same cabinet if secondary spill containers are used. Do not store chemicals
alphabetically except within a related and compatible group.
5.2 Storage Groups that are Related and Compatible:
5.2.1 Inorganic Family
1) Metals, hydrides

2) Halides, sulfates, sulfites, tiosulfates, phosphates, halogens

3) Amides, nitrates (ammonium nitrate), nitrites, azides

4) Hydroxides, oxides, silicates, carbonates, carbon

5) Sulfides, selenides, phosphides, carbides, nitrides

6) Chlorates, perchlorates, perchloric acid, chlorites, hypochlorites, peroxides,

hydrogen peroxide

7) Arsenates, cyanides, cyanates

8) Borates, chromates, manganates, permanganates

9) Nitric acid, other inorganic acids

10) Sulfur, phosphate, arsenic, phosphorus pentoxide

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5.2.2 Organic Family
1) Acids, anhydrides, peracids

2) Alcohols, glycols, amines, amides, imines, imides

3) Hydrocarbons, esters, aldehydes

4) Ethers, ketones, ketenes, halogenated hydrocarbon, ethylene oxide

5) Epoxy compounds, isocyanates

6) Peroxides, hydroperoxides, azides

7) Sulfides, polysulfides, sulfoxides, nitrites

8) Phenols, cresols

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5.3 CHEMICAL COMPATIBILITY STORAGE GUIDES

Guard against Accidental Mixing by Segregating Chemicals as Follows:

1) Mineral (Inorganic) Acids: Boric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydrochloric acid,

phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid.
2) Oxidizers: Bromic acid, chromic acid, perchloric acid, nitric acid, bromine,
chlorine, fluorine, silver nitrate, permanganates, and many perchlorates.

 Note: Do not store oxidizer directly on wooden shelves or paper

shelf liners! Spilled material may react with the organic contents of wood/paper and
ignite spontaneously.

 Perchloric acid presents special hazards; give special consideration

to isolating it from oxidizable materials and dehydrating agents.

 Hypochlorite solutions (such as bleach) are oxidizers; however, they

will release chlorine gas on contact with acids, so store them separately.

3) Bases/Caustics: Aqueous ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, potassium

hydroxides, sodium hydroxides.

4) Organic Solvents/Acid: Acetic acid, acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride,

citric acid, isopropyl ether, methanol, methylene chloride, tetrahydrofuran.

Note: if space is limited, then separate flammable and non-flammable organic

liquids in flammable storage cabinets.

5) Highly Toxic/Carcinogenic: Acrolein, acrylamide, arsenic pentoxide,

botulinum toxin, hydrazine, methyl isocyanate, pentachlorophenol, phorbol esters,
sodium azide.
6) Pyrophoric Materials: Diethyl aluminum chloride, lithium, white or yellow
phosphorus, trimethyl aluminum.

7) General “Dry” Lab Chemicals: Most of the relatively innocuous and

uncreative materials commonly found in laboratories.

8) Gases: Segregated by a hazard class. Acutely toxic and toxic gasses should be
stored in gas cabinets or fume hoods. Cylinders should be double chained or double
strapped to substantial fixed surfaces. Cylinders should be turned off at the cylinder
valve when not in use and should be capped when stored.

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9) Water Reactives: Acid anhydrides, aluminum tribromide, calcium, calcium
oxide, metal hydrides, potassium, sodium.

10) Controlled Substances: Narcotics and other controlled substances must be

stored in a secure locked location, such as a drawer.

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6 ELECTRICAL SAFETY
The hazards associated with the use of electricity include electrical shock and electrical
fires caused by shorts and overloaded circuits or wiring. In addition, sparks from
electrical equipment can serve as an ignition source for flammable or explosive vapors or
combustible materials. Most incidents are a result of unsafe work practices, improper
equipment use, and faulty equipment. Adherence to the following rules and procedures
can significantly reduce the electrical hazards one might encounter in the laboratory and
ensure compliance with OSHA regulations:
1. Avoid contact with energized electrical circuits.
2. Disconnect the power source before servicing or repairing electrical equipment.
3. When it is necessary to handle equipment that is plugged in, be sure hands are dry
and, when possible, wear nonconductive gloves and shoes with insulated soles.
4. If it is safe to do so, work with only one hand, keeping the other hand at your side or
in your pocket, away from all conductive materials. This precaution reduces the
likelihood of accidents that result in current passing through the chest cavity.
5. Minimize the use of electrical equipment in cold rooms or other areas where
condensation is likely. If equipment must be used in such areas, mount the equipment
on a wall or vertical panel.
6. If water or a chemical is spilled onto equipment, shut off power at the main switch or
circuit breaker and unplug the equipment.
7. If an individual comes in contact with a live electrical conductor, do not touch the
equipment, cord or person. Disconnect the power source from the circuit breaker or
pull out the plug using a leather belt.

Preventing Electrical Hazards

There are various ways of protecting people from the hazards caused by electricity,
including insulation, guarding, grounding, and electrical protective devices. Laboratory
workers can significantly reduce electrical hazards by following some basic precautions:
1. Inspect wiring of equipment before each use. Replace damaged or frayed electrical
cords immediately.
2. Use safe work practice every time electrical equipment is used.
3. Know the location and how to operate shut-off switches and/or circuit breaker panels.
Use these devices to shut off equipment in the event of a fire or electrocution.
4. Limit the use of extension cords. Use only for temporary operations and then only for
short periods of time. In all other cases, request installation of a new electrical outlet.
5. Multi-plug adapters must have circuit breakers or fuses.

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 6. Place exposed electrical conductors (such as those sometimes used with
electrophoresis devices) behind shields.
7. Minimize the potential for water or chemical spills on or near electrical equipment.
7 LASER SAFETY
All lasers and laser light show intrinsic dangers - even laser pointers! Observation of
basic laser safety rules and the specific safety regulations of the jurisdiction in which you
operate are essential.
7.1 Laser Classifications
In order to assess the risks from any particular laser, a set of laser classifications has been
established by the Bureau of Radiological Health. There are four different classes of
lasers and the higher the class, the more dangerous the laser is.
7.1.1 Class I Laser
A Class I laser is incapable of admitting any kind of hazardous laser radiation for any
viewing or normal operating conditions. Such a laser typically would be a continuous
wave (CW) laser in the visible range putting out 0.5 microwatts.
7.1.2 Class II Laser
A Class II laser has sufficient power to produce retinal injury after extended exposure
periods, but not enough to cause accidental injury. An example of a Class II laser is a CW
visible laser with an output of less than a milliwatt. A 0.5-milliwatt helium-neon laser
will fall into this category. If you stare at it for a long time, you can damage your retina.
7.1.3 Class III Laser
Class III lasers have two categories. A class IIIA laser can cause retinal damage if you
stare at it long enough; you will not receive damage to your eye from short-term
accidental exposure. A class IIIB laser is more dangerous. You can have some redness
and temporary soreness in your eye. Any helium neon laser with an output over 1
milliwatt is a Class IIIB laser.
7.1.4 Class IV Laser
Class IV lasers produce hazardous direct, diffuse, or secularly reflected beams. Not only
are they dangerous when the beam is reflected off of a shiny piece of metal or mirror, but
also when a beam is diffusely scattered. These lasers also have potential fire and skin
burn hazards. Five watt and above CW argon, krypton, and dye lasers are examples of
Class IV lasers. You can receive accidental and permanent retinal damage from this type
of laser.
Note that high power lasers (Class III and IV) must be registered by EHS before use
at WSU.

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7.2 Laser Safety Protection Measures
The primary means of protection is to physically prevent exposure. Baffles may be used
to physically intercept or terminate the primary beam and any reflected or secondary
beams. Entrance to a laser facility by unauthorized personnel or unexpected entry should
be prevented by safety interlocks while the laser is in operation.
A warning light should be placed at the entrance. Protective eye wear appropriate to the
laser system in use should be worn if there is any eye hazard. The filters in the protective
goggles should be matched to the wavelength of the laser's emissions. Since some lasers
emit radiation at more than one wavelength, it may be necessary to have filters covering
each range of frequencies. It would be desirable to have the filters in the protective
eyewear attenuate only narrow wavelength regions spanning those emitted by the laser
while allowing adequate visible light through so that normal vision is not impaired.
8 RADIATION SAFETY
Ionizing radiation from radioactive materials or devices (e.g., X-ray) and light radiation
from lasers can be potentially hazardous unless used with strict adherence to safety rules
and procedures. The safety rules which govern all uses of ionizing radiation are
concerned with minimizing exposure to levels far below those which might cause any
adverse somatic or genetic effects. The regulations regarding users are primarily set to
preventing inadvertent eye exposure to the laser beams.
8.1 Environmental Health & Safety -Radiation Safety Office
The radiation safety office (Mr. Clem at 978-7904 or andrew.clem@wichita.edu) requires
a usage permit for any use of radioactive materials, radiation devices or class 3A and 4
lasers. Before ordering any radiation producing materials or using any ionizing radiation
producing devices, you should contact EHS.
8.2 Individual User Responsibility
Each individual who is a user of radioactive materials, or radiation producing equipment,
is responsible for:
1. Following the safety protocols and procedures for the particular use.
2. Keeping his/her exposure to radiation as low as possible, and below the maximum
permissible exposure levels.
3. Wearing the prescribed monitoring equipment such as film badges, wrist badges, and
pocket dosimeters in radiation areas.
4. Performing appropriate radiation surveys during and after working with a radiation
source.
5. Keeping radiation exposures as low as reasonably achievable by:
 Utilizing time, distance, and shielding protection factors for all sources

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  Following established protocols and safety procedures
 Using appropriate protective clothing
 Labeling radiations sources and areas where sources are used
 Reporting radiation incidents, such as uncontrolled contamination or injury
involving radioactive materials to the Principal Investigator and Radiation Safety
Officer
 Properly securing radiation sources when not in use.
9 BIOLOGICAL SAFETY
Research with a variety of biological materials presents potential hazards of exposure that
need to be carefully considered. Guidelines for safe use of rDNA, viruses, bacteria, select
agents and toxins, blood and human tissue, and other biological materials require that
safe practices and procedures be in place to reduce or eliminate these exposure risks.
There are four biosafety levels (BSLs) that define proper laboratory techniques, safety
equipment, and design, depending on the types of agents being studied:
 BSL-1 labs are used to study agents not known to consistently cause disease in
healthy adults. They follow basic safety procedures and require no special equipment
or design features.
 BSL-2 labs are used to study moderate-risk agents that pose a danger if accidentally
inhaled, swallowed or exposed to the skin. Safety measures include the use of gloves
and eyewear as well as handwashing sinks and waste decontamination facilities.
 BSL-3 labs are used to study agents that can be transmitted through the air and cause
potentially lethal infection. Researchers perform lab manipulations in a gas-tight
enclosure. Other safety features include clothing decontamination, sealed windows,
and specialized ventilation systems.
 BSL-4 labs are used to study agents that pose a high risk of life-threatening disease
for which no vaccine or therapy is available. Lab personnel are required to wear full-
body, air-supplied suits and to shower when exiting the facility. The labs incorporate
all BSL 3 features and occupy safe, isolated zones within a larger building.

The following standard and special practices, safety equipment, and facilities are
necessary for biological safety (mostly Biosafety Level 2):
1. Access to the laboratory is limited or restricted at the discretion of the laboratory
director when experiments are in progress.
2. Persons wash their hands after they handle viable materials, after removing gloves,
and before leaving the laboratory.

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 3. Eating, drinking, smoking, handling contact lenses, and applying cosmetics are not
permitted in the work areas. Food is stored outside the work area in cabinets or
refrigerators designated for this purpose only.
4. Mouth pipetting is prohibited; mechanical pipetting devices are used.
5. Policies for the safe handling of sharps are instituted.
6. All procedures are performed carefully to minimize the creation of splashes or
aerosols.
7. Work surfaces are decontaminated on completion of work or at the end of the day and
after any spill or splash of viable material with disinfectants.
8. All cultures, stocks, and other regulated wastes are decontaminated before disposal by
an approved decontamination method such as autoclaving. Materials to be
decontaminated outside of the immediate laboratory are placed in a durable, leak
proof container and closed for transport from the laboratory.
10 COMPRESSED GAS SAFETY
Compressed gasses have a multitude of uses in research laboratories. Understanding the
properties of the gas as well as the proper handling of the equipment is important in
creating a safe laboratory environment. Nearly all accidents involving compressed gases
are a result of not following established methods for safe handling and proper use of
these products.
A standard cylinder is approximately 152 cm (60 in) tall, 23 cm (9 in) in diameter, and
can be as much as 80kg (175 lbs.), and the cylinders can contain up to 2200 psi of
pressure. Should the valve connection on top of the cylinder be broken off, the cylinder
would correspond to a rocket capable of punching a hole through most laboratory walls
and would represent at major danger to all occupants in any area where such an incident
occurred.
The contents of cylinders also frequently represent inherent hazards. These pressure-
independent hazards associated with the contents include flammability, toxicity,
corrosiveness, excessive reactivity, and potential asphyxiation if the volume of air
displaced by the contents of a cylinder is sufficient. Obviously, measures need to be taken
to ensure that the integrity of the cylinder is totally maintained.
Compressed gas cylinders can be used safely if due care is taken with them and the
accessories and systems with which they may be combined. Some simple gas cylinders
safety rules are followings:
1. Cylinder caps should always be on a cylinder while in storage and at any time it is
being moved.

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 2. When moving gas cylinders, they should be strapped to a properly designed wheeled
cart to insure stability.
3. Compressed gas cylinders of all sizes must be supported by straps, chains, or a
suitable stand to prevent them from falling over at all times. Never store or leave
cylinders near a source of heat. Cylinders should be stored in an upright position
(i.e., with the valve stem up), keep flammable and oxidizers separate.
4. Never attempt to repair, alter, or change cylinder valves. Wrenches should not be
used on valves equipped with a hand wheel. Damaged valves should be immediately
reported to purchasing for a replacement cylinder.
5. Storage of cylinders in a laboratory at a given time should be restricted to those in
actual use or attached to a system ready for use. If this is not feasible, the actual
number of cylinders present should be maintained at an absolute minimum.
6. Promptly remove the regulator from empty cylinders and replace the protective cap at
once; mark the cylinder "MT" in large letters (on the tag) and remove to the loading
dock. This will avoid demurrage (storage) costs and storage hazards.
7. Be sure to use the appropriate regulator on each cylinder. Adaptors or home-made
modifications are prohibited.
8. Always use a trap to prevent back-siphonage of chemicals into the cylinder.
9. Never bleed a cylinder completely. Maintain a slight pressure to keep contaminants
out.
11 CRYOGENIC SAFETY
11.1 1. Extreme Cold
 Causes rapid frost burn on skin exposed to cold surfaces, gases and liquid.
Extreme exposure may cause injuries equivalent to third degree burns.
 Causes fragility in materials, examples are carbon steel, plastics and latex tubing.
These materials will shatter when struck or stressed.
 Materials shrink when cold, this causes additional stress and parts that no longer
fit properly, can result in leaks.
11.2 Asphyxiation
Asphyxiation is due to the oxygen displacement. A liquefied gas will displace large
quantities of air as it evaporates. For example, evaporating liquid nitrogen will displace
697 times its liquid volume. Except for liquid oxygen gases will not support life when
they evaporate. Oxygen deficiency cannot be sensed readily by the victim. Highly
deficient atmospheres can cause rapid physical collapse and death. Self contained
breathing apparatus is required in areas of less than 19.5% oxygen.

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11.3 Over Pressurization
A container with inadequate pressure relief will accumulate pressure until a portion of the
container ruptures, thereby causing risk of injury or death.
11.4 Hazard Prevention
11.4.1 Ventilation
 Don’t use large quantities of cryogens without proper ventilation. In the event of a
liquid helium “quench” or large spill evacuate the area, post “Do Not Enter” signs
and inform your supervisor.
 Wait for the air to be replenished by the building ventilation system before re-
entering the room.
11.4.2 Safety Equipment
 Familiarize yourself with the safety equipment in your area, on your equipment and in
the transfer area. Use gloves and goggles to transfer cryogens.
11.4.3 Cryogenic Systems
 Never enclose a cryogenic liquid without a vent device. Always put a relief device
between any points that might isolate a portion of a cryogenic system.
 Vacuum insulation that is failing will show sweat, cold spots or entirely frost over a
dewar or cryostat. This could cause relief valves and burst disks to fail, resulting in
catastrophic failure.
 Monitor the physical state of your system.
12 HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL
12.1 Chemical Waste Disposal
Storage: Waste must be stored in compatible containers utilizing secondary containment
and kept closed except when filling. Once the pickup request has been received via the
EHS (andrew.clem@wichita.edu; thomas.mansfield@wichita.edu or 978-7904; 978-
5531), chemical waste will be removed from laboratories within three days by the
Environmental Protection Program. Chemical waste containers, secondary containment,
and labels are available at no cost, and can be requested by calling the EHS.
Liquid & Solid: Place waste in compatible container, then secondary containment (i.e.
plastic tub), complete and attach "Hazardous Waste" label, and then call hazardous
waste line to request pickup.
Empty Containers: Deface chemical name, label "Housekeeping," place by regular
trash.
Broken Glass: Place in container or cardboard box labeled "broken glass," seal with tape,
label housekeeping place next to regular trash.

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 Pharmaceuticals: Call the EHS.
Laboratory Cleanouts: Chemical waste pickups of more than 10 containers of unused
materials are considered a laboratory cleanout and may require special scheduling. Please
call the EHS to request laboratory cleanouts.
12.2 Medical/Biological/Infectious Waste Disposal
Storage: Store waste in leak proof containers; sharps must be placed in approved sharps
containers.
Solid: Autoclave, dispose of in designated container in autoclave area, and record
activities in logbook. If you do not have access to an autoclave, place in an approved
container, call the EHS.
Liquid: Add disinfectant (EPA-registered, bleach, 2-propanol), let sit for 3 minutes, pour
down drain, and record activities in logbook.
Sharps: Place in approved "Sharps" containers; call the EHS for pickup.
Animal: Segregate animal carcass from associated waste (plastic, paper, and bedding).
Call the EHS.
12.3 Radioactive Waste Disposal
12.4 Storage
Store in a remote area of the laboratory.
12.5 Disposal
Solid and Liquid Vials - Segregate by isotope, place in black opaque bag, complete and
attach hazardous materials tag, close securely with a plastic tie wrap, and call EHS for
pick up.
Biological (Animal): Segregate by isotope; place in two black opaque bags; complete
and attach hazardous materials tag.
Liquid: Collect in a plastic one-gallon jug; complete and attach hazardous materials tag;
call the EHS for pickup.
Note that the facility related waste disposals will be handled by the EHS (978-3347 or
978-5424)

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12.6 Waste Minimization Suggestions

 Substitute less hazardous chemicals or ingredients for ones you are using now.

 Order only the chemicals needed for the short term. You will spend more to dispose
of larger amounts of unused chemicals than you will save by purchasing large orders
to get quantity discounts.
 Test your ideas on the smallest scale practical to minimize disposal costs.

 Keep your wastes segregated by compatibility and type and avoid cross
contamination as much as possible.
13 BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Handbook of Laboratory Safety. CRC Press, Inc. Boca Raton, Florida, 1990.
2. Safety Manual, Yale University, 2005.
3. Safety Manual, IMS, University of Connecticut, 10/2004.
4. http://www.pp.okstate.edu/ehs/index.htm
5. http://www.louisville.edu/admin/dehs/LSM/printposter.pdf
6. http://www.lab-doctor.com/chemical-fume-hoods.html
7. http://web.princeton.edu/sites/ehs/index.html
8. http://ehs.ucsc.edu/waste_management/index.php
9. http://www.uth.tmc.edu/safety/environment/wasteproc.htm
10. http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/biodefense/public/biolab.htm
11. Procedures for Safe Disposal of Hazardous Chemicals and Materials, Environmental
Health and Safety Guide, Office of Environmental Health and Safety, Wichita State
University, 2006.
12. https://www.wichita.edu/services/environmental_health_and_safety/index.php

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