Lead-Acid Battery Charging
UNB Reference Number: 7812
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: September 2001
PDF version
INTENT: To outline procedures for battery charging.
SCOPE: All University personnel using lead-acid batteries. This policy does not apply to nickel cadmium batteries, etc.
PROCEDURES:
a) Lead-acid battery charging is to be carried out only by authorized persons and in areas which have been designed and approved for this purpose by the Physical Plant Department.
b) The use of sealed gel type batteries is recommended wherever possible.
c) When diluting concentrated sulphuric acid, the acid shall be added to distilled water, never the water to the acid.
d) Persons involved in battery charging, or service, must wear a face shield and such protective clothing as is necessary to prevent injury from acid splash.
e) Chargers may only be located in well-ventilated areas away from sources of ignition. They are not to be operated in any area in which flammables are stored or used.
f) Smoking is prohibited in any area in which a battery charger is in use, and a sign to that effect shall be posted.
g) The charging rate of storage batteries shall be held at a rate which will prevent rapid generation of hydrogen.
h) The floors of battery storage rooms shall be washed after batteries have been charged and disconnected.
i) A supply of fresh water for emergency use shall be available where batteries are being handled.
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Handling of Cryogenic Material
UNB Reference Number: 7813
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: September 2001
PDF version
INTENT: To outline the hazards and regulations associated with the handling of cryogenic material (i.e. generally liquified gases at low temperature).
SCOPE: All persons working on cryogenic systems.
HAZARDS: The principal hazard in the use of liquified gases is from extreme cold, where contact with the skin may cause burns similar to those from extreme heat. The dangers of asphyxiation or explosion if large quantities of gas are produced should not, however, be ignored.
PROCEDURES:
a) Personal protection, e.g., face shields, lab coats, closed footwear shall be used by all persons handling liquified gases. Such work may only be carried out in ventilated areas.
b) Open containers of liquified gas shall not be transported as spillage may cause injury.
c) Containers for liquified gases may be stoppered only with the plugs supplied by the manufacturer, thereby allowing relief of pressure buildup.
d) Contact of moisture with cryogenic containers and equipment should be avoided, as the ice formed may block openings or valves required for pressure release.
e) If insulation is required for handling cold parts of a system, e.g., when dispensing liquified gas, a "pot-holder" should be used, since cold liquid may spill into a glove and cause severe injury.
f) Use only containers specifically designed for holding liquified gases (N.B. Occupational Health & Safety Act & Regulations).
g) When transferring liquified gases from one container to another always use the proper transfer equipment.
h) Always handle liquified gases in well ventilated areas to prevent excessive concentrations of the gas from accumulating in the air.
i) Extra precautions are required for handling liquid oxygen to prevent fire hazards. These include no smoking in the area and avoiding contact of organic materials with the liquid oxygen.
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Refrigerators
UNB Reference Number: 7815
Authorized by: J.M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: September 2001
PDF version
INTENT: To outline the University policy regarding the use of refrigerators.
SCOPE: All University personnel using refrigerators in a non-domestic environment.
POLICY:
a) All refrigerators which are to be used for the storage of reactive, flammable, or combustible materials shall be of the "safety type".
b) All domestic or non-safety refrigerators which are used in laboratories, workshops or hazardous materials storage areas shall not contain hazardous materials and shall bear the following sign affixed close to the handle. Signs are available from the Safety Office.
|
C A U T I O N
STORAGE OF
FLAMMABLE, POTENTIALLY
EXPLOSIVE, OR REACTIVE
MATERIALS PROHIBITED
|
|
c) Where a laboratory or storage room is designed to be "explosion-proof", refrigerators installed in such locations shall be of the explosion-proof type and hard-wired to the building's electrical service.
d) All Internal Requisitions submitted to the University Purchasing Department for the purchase of refrigerators for use in laboratories, workshops or hazardous material storage areas shall specify the intended use.
e) Names of suppliers of safety-type refrigerators are available from the Physical Plant Department or the Safety Office.
f) All refrigerators used for storage of laboratory chemicals, radioactive materials or animal carcasses shall be decontaminated prior to generating a Physical Plant Work Order for repair.
g) The Radiation Warning label shall be removed from a refrigerator that contained radioactive materials only after it has been decontaminated. Repairs shall not be carried out on any refrigerator labelled "radioactive".
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Flammable Liquids
UNB Reference Number: 7823
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: September 2001
PDF version
INTENT: To outline procedures for the storage and dispensing of flammable substances.
SCOPE: All University personnel working with flammable substances.
DEFINITION: This policy applies to all flammable substances which fall into the low or medium flash categories, i.e., having closed cup flash points below 200&Mac251;F (93&Mac251;C). This policy therefore includes combustible liquids.
PROCEDURES:
Storage of combustible and flammable substances shall conform with the National Fire Code of Canada:
a) Flammable substances in quantities of five litres or greater shall be contained in approved safety containers, i.e., Factory Mutual or Underwriters Laboratory of Canada (ULC) approved equipment.
b) Where the quantity of flammable substances being used in any one area exceeds 50 litres, they shall be stored in an approved fire-rated storage cabinet. Not more than 250 litres in 20 litre or smaller containers may be stored in each cabinet. No other materials may be stored in the cabinet.
c) Not more than three storage cabinets may be located within a room. Flammables in quantities greater than 200 litres must be stored in a Physical Plant Department approved chemical storage room designed for that purpose. Flammable substances must be stored separately from reactive, oxidizing, or corrosive substances.
d) When dispensing flammable substances, all containers constructed from conducting material shall be grounded. All containers of flammable substances shall be W.H.M.I.S. labelled with the chemical name, "FLAMMABLE", and reference made to the availability of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
e) Flammable substances shall not be stored in refrigerators, other than those of the safety type, nor shall they be transported on passenger elevators.
f) Approved disposal containers shall be required for the collection of waste flammable substances.
g) Smoking is prohibited in areas where flammable substances are used or stored.
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Corrosive Materials
UNB Reference Number: 7824
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: September 2001
PDF version
INTENT: To outline procedures relating to corrosive materials.
SCOPE: All University personnel using corrosive materials.
DEFINITION: A corrosive material is any substance which when in contact with living tissue causes severe damage, or which when in contact with organic matter or with certain chemicals may cause fire.
PROCEDURES:
a) Corrosive liquids used in work areas shall be stored in as small a container as practical; containers or corrosives used in laboratories shall not have more than a four litre capacity and not more than two containers of a material shall be kept in any area. Open containers of corrosive liquids shall not be permitted.
b) Storage of corrosive liquids above shoulder height shall not be permitted. Corrosives shall be stored in an ULC approved corrosives cabinet or other area where the probability of accidental breakage is minimized.
c) When corrosives stored in glass containers are transported, these containers shall be inside a rubber bucket to minimize the possibility for breakage.
d) Corrosive liquids shall be stored separately from flammable liquids.
e) Containers shall be provided in lab areas for the collection of waste corrosive materials.
f) All containers of corrosive liquids shall be W.H.M.I.S. labelled with the chemical name, the phrase "CORROSIVE" and reference to the availability of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
g) Corrosive liquids shall not be transported on passenger elevators without adequate safeguards and passengers shall not be transported at the same time.
h) Personal protective clothing, e.g., safety goggles, rubber gloves, lab coats, etc., shall be worn by all persons handling corrosive substances.
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Toxic Materials
UNB Reference Number: 7825
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: September 2001
PDF version
INTENT: To outline procedures relating to toxic materials.
SCOPE: All University personnel using toxic materials.
DEFINITION: In general, a material is considered toxic if its release may be harmful to the environment or if it constitutes a danger to human health as a result of exposure by inhalation, skin contact, skin absorption or oral ingestion. Substances assessed to be toxic are specifically identified under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) as well as by Health Canada and are subject to controlled use, release and disposal.
PROCEDURES:
a) In all areas where toxic material is in use, a written guideline shall be developed which addresses: personal hygiene; the use of personal protective equipment; engineering controls including fume hoods or biological safety cabinets; and appropriate disposal.
b) When toxic gases are in use, a written Code of Practice shall be developed for the use of air purifying respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus. Protective equipment shall be periodically checked and maintained in working order.
c) Special care shall be taken when handling liquids which generate toxic vapors. These liquids shall be stored in as small a container as is practicable and shall only be used in a fume hood, biological safety cabinet or enclosed glove box. Whenever possible these liquids shall be stored separate from work areas.
d) Toxic materials shall be stored separately from flammable liquids.
e) Containers shall be provided in laboratories for the collection of waste toxic materials.
f) W.H.M.I.S. labels shall be placed on containers of materials which are toxic. A "biohazard" label shall also be applied to the container where appropriate.
g) If contaminated, employees shall not remove their clothing where there is a possibility of increased exposure to the hazard.
h) Toxic materials shall not be transported on passenger elevators without adequate safeguards.
i) Toxic materials shall be disposed of by a N.B. Department of Environment approved method; or rendered harmless by chemical or heat treatment prior to release to the environment.
j) Refer further to Policy No. 7835 for approvals and procedures on the use of biohazardous materials, as regulated by Health Canada.
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Labeling of Containers
UNB Reference Number: 7826
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: September 2001
PDF version
INTENT: To outline policy covering labeling of containers.
SCOPE: Faculty, staff and students.
POLICY:
a) Labeling of "hazardous materials" used or stored in the workplace is regulated by
the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (W.H.M.I.S.) Regulations of the N.B. Occupational Health & Safety Act.
b) Labeling of "dangerous goods" in transit, delivered to, or shipped from, the workplace is legislated by the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods (T.D.G.) Regulations.
c) Labeling of "radioactive substances and nuclear devices" is regulated by the Nuclear Safety & Control Act (N.S.C.A.) and is the responsibility of UNB Radioisotope User Permit Holders under the guidance of the Radiation Safety Officer.
d) Further, good laboratory practice requires that all containers be properly labelled as to content and current inventory lists maintained. Containers shall be inspected routinely for any signs of deterioration and for the integrity of the label.
e) Erasable markings, abbreviations, formulae and codes should be avoided when labeling containers. Containers shall be dated when received and first opened.
f) The risk phrase 'FLAMMABLE', 'CORROSIVE' or 'TOXIC' shall be used on the label of a container where appropriate. It is particularly important that any statement of hazard appearing on the original container be placed on a new container.
g) The risk phrase 'DANGER', 'WARNING' or 'CAUTION' shall be used on the label of a container to indicate the severity of any hazard where appropriate.
WHMIS:
a) WHMIS requires that all hazardous materials used or stored in the workplace are labelled, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available, a chemical inventory is maintained, and instructions for safe handling are communicated to employees and students.
b) A hazardous material or "controlled product" is any material which falls into one or more of the six classes as defined by the W.H.M.I.S. Regulations:
| CLASS A |
Compressed Gas |
| CLASS B |
Flammable & Combustible |
| CLASS C |
Oxidizer |
| CLASS D |
Poisonous & Infectious |
| CLASS E |
Corrosive |
| CLASS F |
Reactive |
c) Two types of WHMIS labels are recognizable by hatch mark borders:
| i) Original "Supplier" label includes: |
ii) "Workplace" label on decanted products includes: |
| • chemical name |
• chemical name |
| • supplier name |
• precautions |
| • reference to MSDS |
• reference to MSDS |
| • hazard symbol |
|
| • risk phrase |
|
| • precautions |
|
| • First Aid info |
|
d) MSDS are required to be obtained from the supplier for every hazardous material used or stored in the workplace. MSDS provide information on chemical, physical and toxicological properties; precautionary and emergency procedures. MSDS may be stored in electronic format or as hard copies as long as they are readily accessible.
e) Instruction of staff and students is a departmental responsibility. The Safety Office is available to assist with the identification of training needs and provision of training aids.
TDG: a) A "dangerous good" is any material which is being shipped, received, or is in transit, and falls into one or more of the nine classes under the TDG Regulations.
| CLASS 1 |
Explosive |
| CLASS 2 |
Compressed gas |
| CLASS 3 |
Flammable liquid |
| CLASS 4 |
Flammable solid |
| CLASS 5 |
Oxidizer, organic peroxide |
| CLASS 6 |
Poisonous, infectious |
| CLASS 7 |
Radioactive |
| CLASS 8 |
Corrosive |
| CLASS 9 |
Miscellaneous |
(TDG placards and labels accompany each class)
b) Any dangerous good in transit or in storage must display a "supplier" label and a "TDG class label" on the container. Any vehicle carrying dangerous goods above prescribed limits must display a "TDG placard" on all four sides of the vehicle.
c) University personnel who ship, receive or transport dangerous goods (stores keepers, staff responsible for shipping, receiving and drivers) must be trained and certified in TDG. Training is coordinated by the Safety Office and certification is valid for three years.
d) The use of personal vehicles to transport dangerous goods on campus is to be discouraged. Transportation can be arranged through the Physical Plant Department.
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Hazardous Waste Disposal
Reference Number: 7827
Authorized by: E. Parr Johnston, President, UNB
Effective Date: (Original Policy Dec. 1/78)
Revised: January 1997
PDF version
INTENT: To outline procedures for the disposal of hazardous waste.
SCOPE: All University personnel using hazardous materials on both campuses.
DEFINITION: A hazardous material is defined as any biological, chemical or physical agent or material exhibiting any of the following characteristics: explosive; compressed gas; flammable; combustible liquid; reactive or oxidizing; toxic or infectious; radioactive; corrosive; and/or environmental hazard.
POLICY:
a) The University is committed to responsible management of hazardous materials in an effort to minimize the risk of exposure to the University community and to prevent contamination of the environment. The Safety Office is responsible for coordinating the disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with occupational health, safety and environmental regulations.
b) Disposal of hazardous waste shall be coordinated by one Transportation of Dangerous Goods (T.D.G.) trained staff member in each University department which uses chemicals. Inquiries on specific procedures should be directed to T.D.G. staff or the Safety Office.
c) Specific procedures apply to radioactive or biohazardous waste; refer to the Radiation Safety Manual or the "Procedures for Biohazardous Waste Disposal", respectively. Both are available from the Safety Office.
d) Only hazardous waste generated by University operations shall be accepted for disposal. The University is not licensed to accept waste from other sources.
e) Hazardous liquid chemical waste shall not be disposed of via sanitary drains or storm sewers. Solid or liquid hazardous waste shall not be combined with regular garbage.
f) Individuals who generate hazardous waste shall be responsible for proper identification and labelling. Unidentified wastes shall not be accepted for disposal.
g) Waste chemicals shall be stored in an approved chemical storage facility to minimize fire hazard, as well as any environmental health hazards due to spills or leaks.
PROCEDURES:
1. Users shall complete a Hazardous Waste Disposal Form available from the Safety Office.
2. Users shall ensure that the material is safely contained and labelled with the original manufacturer supplier label (provided the contents consist only of this chemical) or a Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (W.H.M.I.S.) label.
3. Users shall ensure liquid chemical waste is collected in separate containers as follows (chemical shall be compatible with container):
• organic liquids (high BTU e.g. alcohols, etc.)
• organic liquids (low BTU e.g. glycols)
• halogenated liquids (chloroform, etc.)
• corrosive liquids (sulphuric acid, etc.)
• machine oils (vacuum pump, compressor, etc.)
• petroleum oils (heavy fuel oils, gear oils)
• gasoline
• photoprocessing and printing chemistry
• petroleum distillates (paint solvents, etc.)
4. Upon receiving the Hazardous Waste Disposal Form, the Safety Office shall coordinate the collection of the waste from the department for subsequent disposal.
5. For further information contact the Safety Office.
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Chemical Inventory & Vacating Facilities
Reference Number: 7827A
Authorized by: E. Parr Johnston, President, UNB
Effective Date: January 1997
Revised: September 2001
PDF version
INTENT: To outline responsibility for the storage and disposal of hazardous materials.
SCOPE: All faculty, staff and graduate students on both campuses.
POLICY:
1. All University departments or units shall maintain a current inventory of hazardous materials.
2. Routine disposal of hazardous materials shall be coordinated by the Safety Office (Hazardous Waste Disposal policy No. 7827) and the costs shall be paid from the central University budget for waste disposal.
3. Wherever possible, research, building maintenance or repair contracts shall include costs for disposal of hazardous materials.
4. Where the use of facilities changes or space is vacated (e.g. staff retirements), the Dean or administrative head shall ensure the facility is inspected by qualified staff and hazardous materials are properly stored in accordance with all applicable safety guidelines. A new inventory shall be conducted as outlined below. Any expense incurred for clean-up of laboratories or facilities not complying with this requirement will be the responsibility of the University department.
5. The removal of any material which becomes unstable due to improper storage or neglect will be coordinated by the Safety Office at cost to the department responsible.
PROCEDURES:
1. Prior to the termination of projects or vacating research or other laboratories, the department shall inspect the laboratory, room or facility.
2. An inventory of the space shall be conducted by qualified staff with particular emphasis on the type, quantity and storage condition of:
a) solvents
b) acids, bases and other caustics
c) toxic, radioactive and biohazardous materials
d) unstable, reactive or potentially explosive chemicals
e) general laboratory chemicals
f) laboratory equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, biological contain-ment cabinets or incubators which could contain hazardous materials
g) any equipment which could pose a hazard to uninformed persons
h) any form of contamination, regardless of source.
3. The Dean or administrative head shall:
i) advise the current user of the laboratory or facility of the action required to ensure the space is made suitable for other occupancy; ensure unlabelled materials are appropriately identified.
ii) consult with the Safety Office for re-allocation or disposal of unwanted chemicals or equipment.
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Gasoline and Fuel Oil Delivery
UNB Reference Number: 7833
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
PDF version
INTENT: To outline procedures covering gasoline and fuel oil delivery.
SCOPE: All University personnel working in delivery areas.
HAZARD: Physical lay-out of delivery areas and the location of storage tanks may tend to slow down the dissipation of vapors which accumulate while tanks are being filled. This increases the need to take every precaution which will help eliminate any potential source of ignition.
PROCEDURES:
a) A "No Smoking" regulation shall be strictly enforced in delivery areas while vehicles are making deliveries.
b) Automotive vehicles or unauthorized persons shall not be allowed to enter a delivery area while a delivery is being made.
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Chemical Storage
UNB Reference Number: 7843
Authorized by: E. Parr Johnston, President,
Effective Date: November 2001
PDF version
Chemical Storage Checklist
INTENT: To outline University policy on chemical storage.
SCOPE: All University departments which have chemical storage rooms or cabinets.
POLICY:
1. Flammable substances in quantities of five litres or greater in open rooms or laboratories shall be stored in "safety containers" approved by Factory Mutual (FM) or Underwriters Laboratory of Canada (ULC). Supplier containers of 20 litres or greater in size shall not be used or stored in open rooms or laboratories.
2. Greater than 50 litres in total of flammable substances shall be stored in an FM or ULC approved "fire-rated" storage cabinet; greater than 750 litres of flammable substances shall be stored in a "fire-rated chemical storage room".
3. All rooms designated for chemical storage shall be approved by the Physical Plant department. The location of all storage cabinets shall be approved by the Physical Plant department and the Safety Office. A maximum of three cabinets may be located within a room.
4. All chemical storage rooms shall meet the requirements of the National Fire Code of Canada (NFCC) for storage capacity, ventilation, electrical service and shall be electronically monitored for heat and fire by the Security department on a 24 hour basis.
5. Doors to all chemical storage rooms shall display cautionary signs bearing the following information: restricted access; emergency contacts and telephone numbers; "In Case of Fire" procedures; and the Dangerous Goods class(es) of chemicals contained within.
6. Departments shall assign responsibility for chemical storage rooms, shipping, receiving and disposal of hazardous materials to an employee who has obtained certification under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act. TDG Certification is valid for three years.
7. The administrative head of the department shall ensure a safety inspection of all chemical storage rooms and cabinets is conducted monthly by the employee responsible for the area and using a checklist provided by the Safety Office. The completed checklist shall be forwarded to the head of the department for appropriate action and copied to the Safety Office.
8. All University departments shall maintain current central inventories of all hazardous materials. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be readily available for each product.
9. All hazardous materials shall be segregated within a storage room or cabinet by hazard class. New chemicals shall be segregated from waste chemicals. Containers shall exhibit no signs of deterioration and shall be compatible with contents.
10. Air, moisture and shock sensitive substances shall be stored in air-tight containers according to the manufacturer's recommendations and shall be stale-dated.
11. All containers shall display a legible supplier or WHMIS label bearing the chemical name, reference to MSDS, cautionary phrase and the receiving date.
12. When dispensing flammable liquids from or into containers constructed of conductive material, the containers shall be grounded.
13. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and commercial spill clean-up materials shall be located adjacent to any chemical storage room or cabinet. Staff responsible for the area shall be knowledgeable in their use. PPE shall be cleaned and spill clean-up materials shall be replenished immediately following use.
14. If a chemical spill or leak presents a threat to people, property or the environment and cannot be brought under control with existing departmental resources, the emergency procedures for fire shall be followed by activating the fire alarm, dialing 9-911, as well as alerting the Security Department.
Refer also to University Safety Policy numbers 7823, 7824, 7825, 7826 and 7827A.
(National Fire Code of Canada; New Brunswick Occupational Health & Safety Regulations)
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