Chemical Hygiene Plan and Safety Manual - LP3005.6 Section IV: General Environmental Safety

2.4.6 The gas cylinder is large and heavy. It can fall over and cause damage to people and surrounding objects. Cylinders are to be kept in a specific location on a protective non-slip surface. They are also required to be chained or secured to a wall or stable surface.

2.4.7 All cylinders are to be stored upright.

2.4.8 Cylinders are never to be dropped or allowed to strike each other with force.

2.4.9 Transportation of compressed gas cylinders requires protective caps to be in place.

2.4.10 The cylinders are not to be rolled or dragged; but must be moved with an appropriate handcart.

2.4.11 All cylinders are to be equipped with pressure relief devices. These are to be maintained by the gas supplier.

2 4 12 Some cylinders will vent when they build up pressure This is a normal occurrence; however precaution should be taken to prevent alarm Purchasing of whisper valves can help to alleviate the startling noise the tanks make when they vent

2.5 Glassware:

2 5 1 All glassware in the lab is to be used solely for its intended purpose

2 5 2 If glassware is broken or damaged in any way, it is to be disposed of in the broken glass receptacle

2 5 3 Broken glassware with blood or OPIM on them will be disposed of in a sharps container

2 5 4 If an employee gets cut from broken glassware, dispose of the piece of glassware in the sharps container and follow the first aid protocol in LP3006 Section VI: Emergency and Accident Plan

2.6 Noise:

2.6.1 Personnel are exposed to a variety of noises throughout the laboratory. This includes but is not limited to: instruments, fans, exhaust systems, fume hoods, centrifuges, sonicators, stirrer motors and autoclaves.

2.6.2 Many of these objects are constantly running, which can make personnel habituate to the loudness of them. Constant noise at high decibels can cause irreversible hearing damage. All personnel should wear proper PPE in order to prevent this.

2.6.3 Hearing damage occurs at levels of 85 decibels or greater. If laboratory noise reaches this level, precautions should be taken to protect employees. This can include PPE as well as enclosing certain pieces of equipment that generate a lot of noise

2 6 4 Ear plugs will be provided to all personnel for hearing protecprotection If ear plugs are not sufficient protection, other ear protection will be available This includes noise cancelling headphones and earmuffs

2 6 5 The laboratory will be tested for decibel level any time a new piece of equipment is added that generates noise as well as on an annual basis If the decibel level increases, the necessary precautions will need to be taken to prevent employee hearing damage