EPA 600-F-96-008
Office of
Research and
Development
Office of
Administration and
Resources Management
EPA/600/F-96/008 January 1997
SEF9V Safety Orientation Booklet
1997 Edition
i'
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research Center
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, OH 45268
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Foreword
It is U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy to assure safe and
healthful working conditions for all employees. Adherence to the
guidelines set forth in this booklet will help attain this goal.
William M. Hendersor
Director, Office of Administration and
Resources Management
E. Timothy Oppetf
Senior Official
Office for Research and Development
Printed on Recycled Paper
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Contents
Foreword i
Training Requirements and Resources 1
Know Your Evacuation Route 3
Fire Extinguisher Use 5
Accident Reporting 7
Health Emergencies 8
Health Monitoring 8
Safety Equipment 9
Electrical Safety 10
Ergonomics 11
Office Safety 12
Lab Safety 14
Hazardous Waste 16
Radioactive 16
Special Chemical 16
Biological 17
Infectious 17
If You Have A Chemical Spill 17
Explanation of Symbols and Signs 18
Occupational Health and Safety Resources 21
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Training Requirements
ALL NEW EMPLOYEES must receive safety
orientation within the first thirty (30) days of
employment.
FIELD WORKERS must attend the 40-hour
hazardous waste operations training at River
Road or complete the computer-based field
safety training before visiting hazardous waste
sites or collecting samples in the field. Eight
hours of safety training is required in subsequent
years.
LABORATORY WORKERS must attend 24
hours initial chemical safety training during their
first year of employment and 4-hours safety
training annually in subsequent years. The initial
training requirement may be met through
independent study. Packets are available in
Room 168. Certain courses are required annu-
ally (e.g., Hazard Communication, Emergency
Preparedness, etc.) and can be included in the
4-hour refresher requirement. Because require-
ments depend upon the hazards that you
encounter in your job, please check with your
Safety Officer.
Training Classes I
Respiratory Protection
Training
Hazardous Waste
Refresher Course
Chemical Hygiene Plan
Briefing
Ergonomic Hazard
Briefing
CPR (2 Hours)
First Aid (2 Hours)
Boating Safety
Safety/Health related
courses sponsored by
Health Unit (as
identified)
Greater Cincinnati
Federal Safety and
Health Council
Safety/Health related
courses sponsored by
Wellness Center (as
identified)
Asbestos Awareness
Training
Driving Safety Training
Compressed Gas Safety
Fire Safety
Electrical Safety
Hazard Communication
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Safety Orientation Booklet
DRIVERS OF GOVERNMENT VEHICLES:
Employees must possess a current valid state
drivers license to operate a government vehicle.
Safe driving courses are available and required
for all personnel using a government vehicle.
ALL EMPLOYEES should attend programs on
office safety, security, electrical safety, and other
scheduled seminars. Time and location of these
programs will be announced through the LAN.
The number of programs offered is determined by
regulatory and employee needs and interest.
Training requirements apply to any person work-
ing in EPA facilities including contractors, SEEPS,
students, etc.
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Know Your Evacuation Route
If You Hear an Alarm:
1. Fire Alarm Bell
- Turn off gas and close door.
- Walk quickly by the nearest evacuation
route (following illuminated exit signs) to
the outside plaza. Stay 200 feet back from
the building.
- Do not use the elevator.
- Do not return until the Safety Officer gives
the "All Clear."*
* Handicapped employees should move to
"stairway 1 or 2" nearest your office or lab.
The Cincinnati Fire Department will assist
you from the building. Refer to the
Emergency Preparedness Plan for more
detailed information.
2. Klaxon Horn (Used for Weather Advisory or
Civil Distress)
- Move away from all windows and go to
interior offices of the building on your floor
or to the auditorium.
- Do not return until the security guard gives
the "All Clear."
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Safety Orientation Booklet
3. Fume Hood Alarm
- Shut down operation in hood /fit can be
done safely.
- Leave room, close door, and notify
supervisor.
(NOTE: Employees should reset alarms
after any routine system down time.)
4. Ethylene Oxide Alarm
- Located in the media preparation area on
the 3rd floor.
- If alarm sounds, DO NOT enter the area.
- Security and Facilities are automatically
notified and will respond with equipment to
assess hazards.
If You Discover a Fire:
Pull alarm box located in elevator lobbies and at
stairwell doors.
Close door and leave building by nearest route
using the stairwells.
Never endanger yourself by trying to combat
the fire.
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Fire Extinguisher Use
EPA's first concern is employee safety. Fire
extinguishers should be used only by trained,
certified staff.
Should You Fight the Fire?
Before you begin to fight a fire:
• Make sure the fire department
has been notified (PULL
ALARM.)
• Make sure you are trained to use the
extinguisher.
• Make sure you have an unobstructed escape
route to which the fire will not spread.
• Make sure the fire is confined to a small area
and that it is not spreading beyond the
immediate area.
It Is dangerous to fight a fire
**itagJiW|j|j0* j^jgfa* .jfeftftfcd&Mt j*tsim.a ••»j^'B'iM»» n« m
ufiow any omer circurnsiances.
Instead, leave Immediately and
close off the area.
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Safety Orientation Booklet
After You are Trained to Use a Fire
Extinguisher
Remember the PASS-word
Stand 6 to 8 feet away from the fire and follow the
4-step PASS procedure. If the fire does not begin
to go out immediately, leave the area at once.
Always be sure the fire department inspects the
fire site.
PULL the pin: This unlocks the operating lever
and allows you to discharge the extinguisher.
Some extinguishers have other devices that
prevent operation.
AIM low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose)
at the base of the fire.
SQUEEZE the lever below the handle: This
discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the
lever will stop the discharge. Some extinguishers
have a button that you press.
SWEEP from side to side: Moving carefully toward
the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of
the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames
appear to be out. Watch the fire area. If the fire
reignites, repeat the process.
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Accident Reporting
EPA requires that employees report all job-related
accidents and illnesses to their supervisor for their
own protection and so that an investigation can be
made.
The accident victim should report to the
Occupational Health Consultation Center (Room
351) for evaluation. Not all injuries are
immediately apparent, so it is important to have
all mishaps recorded.
Accident reporting forms are required and are
available in Room 253. They are:
EPA Form 1440-9 - for the required
accident investigation
CA-1 - for injury (Workers Compensation)
CA-2 - for illnesses, such as Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome (Workers
Compensation)
Return all completed forms to Room 244.
Your cooperation is requested by the Safety Office
for any necessary investigation in connection with
accidents.
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Health Emergencies
If you or a co-worker becomes ill or injured at
AWBERC, report to the:
Occupational Health Consultation Center
(Room 351)
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
or
Call the nurse on Ext. 7600.
For a life-threatening event or if a nurse is
unavailable:
Call 9-911 (9 to access an outside
line, then 911)
Then notify Security (Ext. 7597) of your
location.
Health Monitoring
As an EPA employee you may be eligible for an
annual Occupational Health Surveillance
Examination as follows:
Lab and field personnel - annually.
Other employees - as schedule allows.
For more information, contact your Safety Officer.
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Safety Equipment
1. Safety showers/eye wash fountains are located
in each corridor on laboratory floors and inside
laboratories where needed.
Be sure you know where they are. Don't
hesitate to use them should you get chemicals
on your skin/eyes. They are marked
"EMERGENCY EYE WASH" and/or "SAFETY
SHOWER." Flush the affected area for 15
minutes and report to the Occupational Health
Consultation Center (Room 351).
2. Spill cleanup kits are available in the freight
elevator lobbies for acids, caustics, solvents, and
mercury. Read instructions before use.
3. Fire extinguishers are provided in each lab and
should only be used by trained personnel.
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Electrical Safety
Any electrical outlet within 6 feet of a sink or other
water source requires a ground fault interrupter
(GFI).
All laboratory equipment must be grounded.
Always unplug electrical equipment before
working on it.
Do not use extension cords for permanent
installations; request installation of an outlet.
Do not use frayed, worn, or damaged cords.
Cords outside walls must be protected with
conduit.
Do not use extension cords made from junction
boxes.
Do not use portable space heaters that do not have
tip-over protection.
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Ergonomics
Visual Display Terminal
1, Rest your eyes occasionally by focusing on a
fixed point in the distance.
2. Keep your screen clean of finger prints and
dust.
3. Adjust the character brightness to achieve
maximum clarity of the characters.
4. Change your posture as often as practical.
5. Tilt your screen and move your keyboard to
the most comfortable position for you.
6. During your regular eye exam, tell your vision
care specialist about the kind of work you do.
If you have any questions about the above, call:
Safety Office
Ext. 7268/7969
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Office Safety
Most office accidents result from slips, trips, and
falls; lifting objects; being caught in or between
things; and punctures or cuts.
CLOSE filing cabinet and other drawers when not
in use.
OPEN only one drawer at a time.
LOAD cabinets starting from the bottom for
stability.
SECURE shelves/bookcases with more than 4 tiers
to wall or floor.
USE handles to close drawers to avoid catching
fingers.
AVOID storing heavy objects on top of filing
cabinets.
CLEAN UP spills.
PICK UP objects from the floor. Even paper,
pencils, and rubber bands can cause slips and falls.
USE handrails on stairs.
WALK on the right when going around corners.
STORE boxes, equipment, or supplies in storage
areas, not in aisles or outside doorways.
BE SURE you can see over carried items.
STORE pencils and pens point down or flat in
drawers.
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Safety Orientation Booklet
USE paper cutter safely:
Keep knife blade in locked position.
Use proper guards.
Maintain firm grip on blade handle.
Limit the number of sheets so as not to force the
blade.
USE a staple remover to remove staples. Place
spent staples in the trash can.
USE a proper ladder or step stool to reach high
places.
USE proper guards on machines. KEEP long hair,
fingers, and jewelry away from moving machinery.
OBSERVE directions and cautions when adjusting
machinery.
DISCONNECT and report frayed electrical cords
or plugs.
UNPLUG equipment before making adjustments.
KNOW evacuation procedures and the location of
exits. Look for signs - far east and west halls.
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Anyone entering
a laboratory
MUST wear eye
protection and
other appropriate
personal
protective
equipment and
observe proper
safety
procedures.
Lab Safety
U.S. EPA laboratories have a chemical hygiene
plan to control chemical exposures. All personnel
working in a laboratory environment must be
trained and familiar with the requirements of this
plan. For information, call 7969.
Most laboratory accidents involve cuts, splashing
chemicals on the skin/eye, or burns.
Lab personnel are responsible for protecting
themselves and their co-workers by using
personal protective equipment, lab hoods,
flammable storage cabinets, and by observing
good housekeeping standards. Report unsafe
conditions or behavior to your supervisor.
Unauthorized visitors are not permitted in labs;
authorized visitors are the responsibility of their
EPA escort.
Personal Protective Equipment
Do wear safety glasses with side shields
(ANSI Z 87.1-89 Specifications)
Do wear suitable shoes.
Do wear lab coats only in the lab.
Do use gloves, face shields, and goggles when
appropriate.
Do not wear contact lenses in the laboratory.
Housekeeping
Do recycle cracked or broken glassware.
Do keep aisles, hallways, and stairwells clear (a
28" pathway is required).
Do not store food/beverages in lab refrigerators or
freezers.
Do store and move gas cylinders in a safe and
secure manner. Contact the ORD Safety Office
(Ext. 7969) if you need assistance.
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Storage
Store all glassware, reagents, and supplies inside
closed cabinets when not in use.
Flammable liquids must be stored in safety cans or
small containers inside approved Flammable
Storage cabinets or explosion proof refrigerators.
Keep flammables away from open flames or
sparking electrical equipment. Restrict use of
flammables to no more than 2 gallons per 100
square ft at a time. Use in fume hood and dispose
of in proper container.
Separate concentrated acids and bases.
Separate oxidizing chemicals and flammable/
reactives.
Store dry ice and liquid nitrogen in ventilated areas.
Procedures
Warn workers of hazardous procedures.
Never pipette by mouth.
Use heating mantles rather than hot plates or open
flames when possible.
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Hazardous Chemical Waste
All hazardous waste chemicals are disposed of by
a commercial contractor. Using the EPA's
Manifest System, all laboratory personnel must
familiarize themselves with two booklets: 1)
Laboratory Waste Management and 2) Waste
Packaging. The Central Storage Facility (B-71)
receives authorized waste on Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Other times: Call
Ext. 7695.) Labels, disclosure forms, and local
guidance are provided by each program's Safety
Officer. Additional guidance is given by ORD's
Environment, Safety and Health Office (Ext. 7969
or Ext. 7409).
Radioactive Waste
All radioactive waste must be disposed of by
methods outlined in the Radiation Safety Manual.
Copies of the manual may be obtained from the
Radiation Safety Officer, Ext. 7409.
Special Chemical Wastes
If any chemicals present special hazards, such as
carcinogens or explosives, the packages should
be marked conspicuously with the warning.
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Biological Waste
Biological waste is routinely incinerated in the
animal research facility. No infectious wastes
may be incinerated.
Infectious Waste
Infectious waste must be packaged, marked, and
kept separate from other biological
materials. It must be autoclaved in an OEPA
approved autoclave or collected by a licensed
infectious waste disposal facility.
If you have a chemical spill:
If a hazardous chemical spill occurs,
immediately restrict the area and contact the
ORD Safety Office (7969) or the OARM Safety
Office (Ext. 7268).
If the spill produces an imminent hazard,
immediately evacuate the area and sound the
fire alarm.
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Explanation of Symbols and
Information on Signs
Laboratory Door Signs
HEADER:
Area identity or hazard description (OSHA).
DANGER - to indicate a hazardous situation
that has a high probability of death or severe
injury.
(Used in areas where mandated by OSHA or
where substantial chemical hazards exist.)
WARNING - to indicate a hazardous situation
that has some probability of death or serious
injury.
(Used in areas where toxic chemicals are used
or stored in substantial quantities.)
CAUTION - to indicate a hazardous situation
that may result in minor or moderate injury.
(Used in areas where minimal potential for
chemical exposure exists.)
LEFT CENTER:
National Fire Protection Association hazard rating,
based on the most toxic chemicals in laboratory
(greater than approximately 100 grams in quantity).
Blue - HEALTH:
4 - DEADLY - can cause death or major
injury despite medical treatment.
(Includes pathogens.)
3 - EXTREME DANGER - can cause
serious injury despite medical
treatment. (Includes pathogens.)
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Safety Orientation Booklet
2 - HAZARDOUS - can cause injury,
requires prompt treatment.
1 - SLIGHTLY HAZARDOUS - can cause
irritation if not treated.
0 - NO HAZARD.
Red - FIRE HAZARD Flash Points
4 -BELOW 73°F - very flammable gases or
very volatile liquids.
3 - BELOW 100°F - can be ignited at all
normal temperatures.
2 - ABOVE 100°F, NOT EXCEEDING
200°F - ignites if moderately heated.
1 - ABOVE 200°F - ignites after
considerable pre-heating.
0 - WILL NOT BURN.
Yellow REACTIVITY
4 - MAY DETONATE - readily detonates or
explodes.
3 - SHOCK AND HEAT MAY DETONATE -
can detonate or explode but requires
strong initiating force or heating under
confinement.
2 - VIOLENT CHEMICAL CHANGE -
normally unstable but will not
detonate.
1 - UNSTABLE IF HEATED - normally
stable, unstable at high temperature
and pressure, reacts with water.
0 - STABLE - normally stable, not reactive
with water.
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Safety Orientation Booklet
RIGHT CENTER:
Symbol or sign for major hazard found in lab.
Available inserts - BIOLOGICAL HAZARD,
RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL,
RADIATION GENERATING DEVICE
CLASS I LASER SYSTEM, CLASS 1Kb
LASER, ETHYLENE OXIDE
POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS,
CARCINOGEN SUSPECT AGENTS
MIDDLE LINE INSERTS (3 PER SIGN):
Self explanatory lab-specific information and safety
requirements. Available inserts—
Safety glasses and lab coats required
No food or drink
Suspected carcinogen used in this area,
possible cancer hazard
Instrument lab
Toxic chemicals used in this area
Formaldehyde-irritant and potential cancer
hazard
Not open to visitors
Cryogenics
Corrosive liquids - wear protective equipment
Authorized personnel only
Reproductive toxin used in this area
Infectious agent-
Other lab-specific signs
BOTTOM LINE:
Emergency contacts, first contact on left. Must be
kept up to date.
For signs and/or changes to signs, call:
NRMRL Safety Office
Ext. 7969
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Occupational Health and Safety Resources
Safety, Health, and Environmental Management - (OARM) 569-7268
Safety, Health, and Environmental Management - (ORD) 569-7969
Occupational Health Consultation Center - 569-7283
Radiation Safety Office - Robert Banner, 569-7969
Safety Officers
TSD Charles Feldmann 7946
NRMRL Kathy Lautenschlegar 7969
NCEA Adib Tabri 7505
OARM J. R. Smith 7268
NERL Carl Rybak 7457
NRMRL Robert M. Danner 7409
Union
James N. Dryer 7645
Committees
Occupational Health, Safety and Compliance Council
Radiation Safety Committee
Biological Safety Committee
Safety & Health Standards (Obtainable in Rooms 167 & 271)
EPA 1440 Occupational Health & Safety Manual
EPA Facilities Safety Manual
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Regulations
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Regulations
Fire Safety Codes (City of Cincinnati and National Fire Protection
Association)
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Safety Orientation Booklet
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
CD Rom - Library 4th Floor, Room 253, Room 167, Center Hill and T&E.
MSDS should be included with all Safety Plans.
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GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1997 - 5411-001/60109
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