Safety Manual
March 2012
Table of Contents
Downloads
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
FIRE - POLICE - AMBULANCE
• From pay phones, campus phones and all other land lines dial 911 — no coin necessary
• From cellular phones* for emergencies on or near Campus, dial (510) 642-3333
(*Calling 911 from cellular phones will work, but can take longer because calls are
routed through the California Highway Patrol.) |
911 |
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VISITOR SERVICES DESK
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2-9058
3-5956 |
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| UC POLICE (24-hour service) |
2-6760 |
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ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY (EH&S)
Spill cleanup and general information 8 a.m.– 5 p.m |
2-3073 |
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PHYSICAL PLANT – CAMPUS SERVICES (PPCS)
24-hour service: elevators, building repairs, etc.
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2-1032 |
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LHS BUILDING and GROUNDS
Terry Cadigan (Room 105, LHS)
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2-6798 |
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EXHIBITS & FACILITY OPERATIONS
Brooke Smith (Room 105, LHS)
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3-8884 |
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IMPORTANT
The VISITOR SERVICES DESK is the center of communications at LHS.
Please notify the VISITOR SERVICES DESK of any emergencies as soon as it is safe to do so.
DOWNLOADS
Download Employee Training Certificate as pdf
Download Safety Manual as pdf
Download A-level Evacuation Map as pdf
Download B-level Evacuation Map as pdf
Download C-level Evacuation Map as pdf
Download D-level Evacuation Map as pdf
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
LHS EVACUATION PLAN (see full Safety Manual pdf)
Evacuation Procedures
Zone Coordinators
Roll Takers
Assembly Area Coordinators
Equipment
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Fires
Earthquakes
Injuries
Elevator Failure
Flooding or Plumbing Failure
Hazardous of Toxic Spill
Gas leak or Utility Failure
FIRE SAFETY (see full Safety Manual pdf)
Fighting Small Fires
Prevention and Maintenance
LABORATORY SAFETY (see full Safety Manual pdf)
Personal Laboratory Safety
General Laboratory Safety
STORAGE AND WASTE DISPOSAL
Storage
Recyclables
Drain Disposal
Building Trash
Disposal Procedures
Chemical Waste Disposal
Glass Disposal
Gaseous Waste Disposal
SPECIAL HAZARD PRECAUTIONS
Hazardous Chemicals
Asbestos
LHS SAFETY COMMITTEE
TRAINING (see full Safety Manual pdf)
Certificate of Training
LHS EMERGENCY ASSEMBLY AREAS
Assembly Areas
Map of Assembly Areas
EVACUATION ROUTES — MAPS
A LEVEL
B LEVEL
C LEVEL
D LEVEL
INTRODUCTION
The University is required by law to maintain an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) for all employees. For your own personal safety it is essential that:
- You are aware of the potential hazards in your working area.
- You know who to contact in the event of an emergency.
- You know the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.
To ensure that you receive this information, the Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) has established the following training program:
- Required reading of the LHS Safety Manual;
- Additional safety training for each laboratory and tool shop employee, conducted by
designated unit supervisor
- Refresher training of safety material required annually in each lab and office;
- Annual building evacuation drill (participation required);
- Annual fire extinguisher training (participation optional and available to everyone in
building);
- Annual first aid training (participation optional).
The LHS Safety manual is intended as a training tool and a reference for building occupants. It presents a summary of emergency procedures and guidelines for some of the most commonly encountered safety problems. It is not intended to supersede University, State, or Federal safety regulations. All persons working in LHS are required to read this manual and comply with its provisions. The last page of the manual is a certification form that must be completed and returned for inclusion in personnel files.
A copy of this manual is given to all building employees at the beginning of their appointment. In addition, each laboratory and administrative office in LHS must keep a reference copy of the LHS Safety Manual available to all employees during working hours. Supervisors are responsible for maintaining the reference copy of the Safety Manual, in a 3-ring binder, for their unit. Supplemental safety materials relevant to the individual lab or machine shop may be added to the binder.
Under the provision of the Injury and Illness Prevention Program, each department has an lIPP Coordinator who is responsible for initiating and administering injury and illness prevention activities. The IIPP Coordinator maintains written documentation for the program in room 105 LHS. In addition, faculty, principal investigators, and supervisors have direct responsibility for implementing procedures and practices in their own units. Each laboratory is required to have a Chemical Hygiene Plan that provides specific guidelines for that work area. The lab supervisor maintains the Chemical Hygiene Plan. In the event of any problem or question, you should know that the following sources of information and assistance are available to you at all times:
LHS EVACUATION PLAN
WHEN THE ALARM SOUNDS, OR YOU ARE DIRECTED BY YOUR SUPERVISOR OR ZONE COORDINATOR, EVACUATE THE BUILDING.
EXIT THE ROOM IMMEDIATELY. CLOSE THE DOOR BUT LEAVE IT UNLOCKED. If the room is clear, attach a yellow post-it to the door.
EXIT BUILDING VIA THE STAIRWAYS. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS. Maps showing evacuation routes, exits, fire alarms and extinguishers are posted by elevator doors.
ASSIST THE INJURED AND HANDICAPPED WHEN POSSIBLE. Do not move the seriously injured unless not moving them could lead to further injury. Ask disabled persons how best to assist them. If there are hearing impaired be sure they know there is an emergency. If it is necessary to leave someone in the building, leave him or her in a secure place such as the stairwell. After you have evacuated the building, immediately report the location and condition of the person(s) to a Zone Coordinator.
GO DIRECTLY TO YOUR EMERGENCY ASSEMBLY AREA; EITHER C LEVEL LAWN, FORCES SCIENCE PARK, OR CENTENNIAL PLAZA AND REPORT TO A ROLL TAKER. Keep at least 100 feet away from the building to avoid danger. Do not block service roads or parking areas by trying to immediately drive away in your car.
DURING EVACUATION, FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OF LHS STAFF WEARING ORANGE VESTS, YELLOW LHS CAPS OR CARRYING MEGAPHONES.
DESIGNATED ZONE COORDINATORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CLEARING ROOMS WITHIN THEIR ZONES.
Efforts to clear rooms should be limited to five minutes.
ZONE COORDINATORS AFFIX A YELLOW POST-IT TO OFFICE DOORS INDICATING THAT THE SPACE HAS BEEN CLEARED.
IMMEDIATELY UPON CLEARING ZONE, COORDINATORS REPORT TO THEIR EMERGENCY ASSEMBLY AREA, VERIFY THEIR ZONE HAS BEEN EVACUATED AND REPORT ANY PROBLEMS.
DO NOT REENTER THE BUILDING UNTIL POLICE OR FIRE PERSONNEL DETERMINE THAT IT IS SAFE AND THE FIRE ALARM HAS BEEN SILENCED AND RESET.
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EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Fires
- IF A FIRE ALARM SOUNDS, TURN OFF ANY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT YOU ARE OPERATING AND EVACUATE THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY. Close all doors to help prevent fires from spreading and exit via stairwells. Do not use elevators.
- TO REPORT A FIRE: PULL NEAREST FIRE ALARM, and CALL 911 TO GIVE LOCATION AND EXTENT OF FIRE; state the room number and if there are any special circumstances, such as the presence of animals or dangerous chemicals. Fire alarms are located on each level throughout the building (look for red signs protruding out from wall marking location).
- WHEN FEASIBLE, ATTEMPT TO PUT OUT FIRE WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER. If your lab or office does not have a fire extinguisher, there are extinguishers located throughout hallways on each floor. (Look for red signs protruding from wall or on surface cabinets). When fighting a fire, always position yourself between the exit and the fire to ensure an escape route. IF THE FIRE CANNOT BE CONTAINED, GET OUT QUICKLY!
Earthquakes
- SEEK SHELTER UNDER A DESK, TABLE, OR COUNTER. If possible, move away from experimental setups, tall bookcases, and glass windows; if outside move into open areas away from overhead power lines.
- DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LEAVE BUILDING WHILE TREMOR IS OCCURRING. (If outside, remain outside.)
- WHEN TREMOR STOPS, LEAVE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY. In case of possible gas leaks, do not light matches and do not operate electrical switches or appliances.
- DO NOT TIE UP PHONE LINES EXCEPT TO REPORT EXTREME EMERGENCIES. Help keep phone lines from being overloaded by replacing any receivers that have been knocked off their hook. There is an emergency pay phone located at the bus stop on Centennial Drive.
Injuries
- For life-threatening injuries, emergency medical aid and transportation to hospital CALL 911.
- Make a follow-up call to the Front Desk, 2-9058 to summon an Emergency Medical Technician, if available.
- For less serious injuries or illness, first aid can be obtained at the Front Information Desk in the A-Level lobby or the Registration Office, room 160 on C-Level.
Report all employee injuries to supervisor and personnel office, and visitor injuries to the Front Desk or Registration Office using an incident/injury report form.
Elevator Failure
- If you are trapped inside the elevator, call for help by pressing the red alarm button on the control panel or by using the emergency phone in the elevator.
- Report elevator problems to the Building Manager 2-6798, room 9 LHS or to the Front Information Desk 2-9058.
- During nonbusiness hours, report emergencies directly to Physical Plant, 2-1032.
- If there are people trapped inside the elevator, try to communicate to them that help is on the way.
Flooding or Plumbing Failure
- Call for Help Immediately.
Visitor Services Desk: 642-9058
Building Manager: 642-6798
Exhibits & Facility Operations Director: 643-8884
Physical Plant after-hour:s 642-1032
Police: 642-6760
- If flooding occurs around energized electrical devices or floor receptacles, do not touch equipment. Cut power source at the main electrical panel only. Do not step into flooded area unless power is shut off.
Hazardous or Toxic Spills
- Call EH&S 2-3073 for assistance with spills of any quantity involving material on the following list:
carcinogens and mutagenic materials
radioisotopes
biohazard materials
highly toxic chemicals
concentrated acids and bases
- If the spill presents an extreme hazard, evacuate the area, pull the fire alarm, dial 911 and give exact location and nature of spill. If the spill occurs on an upper floor, notify the lab or office below immediately.
- If you are unfamiliar with the toxicity of the substance you are working with, contact your supervisor or the Building Manager. All minor spills should be cleaned up promptly.
- Notify the Visitor Services Desk at 642-9058 so they are aware of the spill and can direct any
emergency personnel.
Gas Leak or Utility Failures
Visitor Services Desk: 642-9058
Building Manager: 642-6798
Exhibits & Facility Operations Director: 643-8884
Physical Plant after-hours: 642-1032
If necessary, evacuate building by pulling fire alarm and notify UCPD by calling 911 or 2-6760.
In the event of gas leaks, do not operate any electrical switches as this may produce sparks.
FIRE SAFETY (see full Safety Manual pdf)
LABORATORY SAFETY (see full Safety Manual pdf)
STORAGE AND WASTE DISPOSAL
Laws now regulate the recycling and disposal of many kinds of wastes. Be aware of the various policies cited below and THINK before you dispose of anything. EH&S has summarized the steps for disposal at http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/images/gen_guide.gif.
Storage
- Arrange storage by chemical compatibility. Store strong acids and bases away from organic compounds and segregate incompatible chemicals. Do not use traditional A-B-C shelving method. Useful information on chemical compatibility can be found in Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials by N.J. Sax, the Merck Index, the Aldrich Chemical Catalog, the Flinn Catalog as well as the EH&S MSDS Program at http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/whatwedo/healthsafety/msds.html.
- Comply with fire regulations concerning storage quantities, types of approved containers and cabinets, proper labeling, and inventory. If uncertain about regulations, contact the Building Manager (2-6798) or visit EH&S Hazardous Materials Management website http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/whoweare/hazmat.html.
- Secure all pressurized containers (e.g. C02 tanks). Install restraining lips on shelves.
- Date chemicals at time of purchase, and make sure all containers are properly labeled.
- Maintain up-to-date inventory records for radioisotopes, carcinogens, chemicals and any biohazards. State law requires the University maintain a complete chemical inventory as part of a Hazardous Materials Management Program. All labs must submit a chemical inventory to EH&S and update it annually.
- Do not store food in laboratories, refrigerators or in cold rooms containing substances such as radioactive compounds, chemicals or biotechnology.
Recyclables
- Place glass and plastic bottles, aluminum and tin cans in the marked containers located in the cafeteria. They are recycled through the East Bay Conservation Corps on a weekly basis.
- Place paper products in designated BLUE BINS located at copy centers and in offices through out the building. Bulk paper and cardboard items to large for BLUE BINS are to be placed in the marked gondolas in the loading dock area. All paper and cardboard products are recycled through the campus recycle program.
- Batteries contain hazardous waste and should not be dumped in the general trash. Each department should have a plastic battery recycling container. Contact Terry Cadigan at 2-6798 for disposal.
Drain Disposal
CAMPUS POLICY PROHIBITS THE DRAIN DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS WASTES OR ANY MATERIAL CAUSING VIOLATION OF EAST BAY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT (EBMUD) WASTEWATER DISCHARGE PERMIT LIMITATIONS.
Absolutely no carcinogenic, chemically hazardous or biohazardous waste is to go down the drain. Failure to comply with EBMUD requirements for campus drain disposal can lead to substantial fines or restrictions on laboratory water use. Complete EH&S guidelines for drain disposal of chemicals is at http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/pubs/guidelines/draindispgls.html.
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What CANNOT go down the drain
- solutions containing any heavy metals
- poisons
- organic solvents
- strong acids and bases
- * photographic fixer
- chromic acid/sulfuric acid glass washing
solutions
- waste paint and paint thinner
- motor oil
- methanol
- radioactive and biohazardous wastes
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What CAN go down the drain
- liquid detergents
- Sugar and nonhazardous protein solutions
- some dilute acids and base
(pH<10 or pH>5.5)
- liquid nonmedical waste which has been
neutralized/decontaminated with bleach
to final concentration of 1%.
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*NOTE: Although photo fixer is not allowed down the drain because it contains silver,
photo developer CAN go down the drain if the pH is not too basic (pH must be less than 10). |
Building Trash
Only nonhazardous materials are allowed in building trash containers. Disposal of hazardous chemicals or medical waste in the building trash is strictly prohibited. Absolutely no bags or containers that are labeled MEDICAL WASTE, BIOHAZARD, INFECTIOUS or SHARPS WASTE may be put in the regular building trash.
Many laboratory chemicals that you may consider nonhazardous are in fact regulated by the EPA or the California Department of Health Services and are considered hazardous. Therefore, unless you are absolutely sure that a chemical is not classified as hazardous, do not put it into the building trash. Instead, package it for pickup and hazard determination by EH&S, or consult EH&S before putting in the trash.
What CAN go in the Building Trash
- sugars and some salts
- powdered detergent
- nonhazardous proteins
- sand and clay
- BROKEN OR WASTE GLASSWARE
Must be put in cardboard box, taped closed and labeled “Broken Glassware.” Leave for pickup by custodians.
- UNCONTAMINATED PLASTIC PIPETTES
Must be sealed in separate box or put in same box with broken glass.
DO NOT leave loose in trash.
- AUTOCLAVED, NONMEDICAL WASTE
Must be packaged in white bags labeled “Nonmedical” and taken directly from the lab to building dumpster.
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What must be packaged for EH&S
- all hazardous lab chemicals
- copy machine toner
- photographic chemicals
- pesticides
- paint and paint thinner
- waste solvents
- waste oil
- batteries
- empty containers with chemical residues
- hazardous household chemicals
- fluorescent light tubes and bulbs
WHEN STORING OR DISPOSING OF THESE MATERIALS CHECK WITH YOUR SUPERVISOR.
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Disposal Procedures
Request EH&S Pickups for Waste
Complete a Waste Packing List form and mail to EH&S. Copies of the form are available in room. D-9. Telephone requests are not accepted for chemical waste pickup.
Biotechnology/Biological Waste
Solid biological waste which is not defined as “medical” must be put in white bags specifically labeled “NONMEDICAL.” These should be autoclaved to sterilize any biological organisms and taken directly to the building dumpster. Custodians will not pick these bags up.
Animal Waste: (Non-Medical)
For pickup, contact the office of Laboratory Animal Care (OLAC), 2-9232. Animal waste must be wrapped well to prevent leakage.
Radioactive Waste
Contact EH&S (3-7976) for pickup of radioactive waste in your lab.
Chemical Waste Disposal
- Separate chemical waste by compatibility. Only compatible chemicals should be packaged together. Extremely hazardous chemicals, such as potential explosives, should not be packaged with other chemical waste. Some of the most common explosive compounds are peroxides and peroxide formers, such as old ethers. To dispose of these contact EH&S.
- Chemicals should be packaged in a sturdy box with a top that can be closed and sealed. Several small boxes are preferable to one large, unwieldy box. Drums and cans are acceptable if they are properly sealed and in good condition.
- All contents must be cushioned thoroughly so that breakage does not occur. For this reason, plastic bottles are preferable to glass bottles. If glass bottles must be disposed of, cushion them with plenty of newspaper, packing material or corrugated separators.
- NO GLASS, RUBBER, OR CORK-STOPPERED BOTTLES are acceptable. There is too much risk of leakage in transit. Transfer all liquids to screw-top bottles and make sure the top is tightly closed.
- Dry chemical waste must be thoroughly contained: first, in a primary container (such as a plastic bag or its original can or box), and secondly, inside a larger box or drum in which it will be transported.
- No broken or leaking bottles, cans or packages are acceptable.
- Each box or container of waste must be labeled with a ‘Waste Packing List,” listing the contents and their approximate quantities. Additional notes concerning age or unusual condition of contents are also helpful.
- When disposing of unknown or unlabeled compounds, be careful of potential dangers. Separate unidentified wastes and consult with the waste pickup person.
Glass Disposal
ALL GLASS (e.g., broken glass, unwanted glassware, empty bottles, fluorescent lights) must be collected in a separate container, sealed securely and labeled “GLASS ONLY.”
- Used chemical bottles should be triple rinsed with labels defaced and caps removed before putting in glass disposal boxes. Remember to save any generated rinse, which may be considered hazardous waste, and to dispose of it appropriately.
- Fluorescent tubes and bulbs are disposed through the Campus Light Replacement Program. Recycle boxes for fluorescent tubes and bulbs are located behind the forklift area in the loading dock.
Gaseous Waste
Be cautious with gaseous wastes. If not noxious or hazardous, release them in an operating fume hood. If gaseous waste is hazardous, contact EH&S Hazardous Materials Management 2-4848. Do not deliberately dispose of liquid chemical waste by evaporating in a fume hood unless you are sure it is NOT hazardous Chemical waste can be more safely disposed of by EH&S through the use of special incinerators.
SPECIAL HAZARD PRECAUTIONS
Hazardous Chemicals
The following list, although not exhaustive, cites some chemicals that are especially hazardous. READ CONTAINER LABELS. Know the hazards and proper handling procedures of the compounds that you use. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for most substances are available from EH&S at http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/whatwedo/healthsafety/msds.html.
Ether
Extremely flammable. Old ether containers may decompose explosively.
Nitric Acid and Nitrogen Oxides (except nitrous)
Gases are given off by heating or chemical reaction. Inhalation can cause fatal pulmonary edema.
Trichloracetic Acid
Acute local effects: burns skin, mucous membrane, etc. When heated gives off toxic chloride fumes.
Benzene
Worst effects are chronic in nature. In low concentrations, destroys blood-forming tissues.
Mercury
Spills can be a hazard because Hg level is very difficult to clean up. Fumes are toxic. Heat can produce enough vapor to give symptoms in a few hours.
Perchloric Acid and Perchlorates
Potentially explosive at temperatures greater than 60 degrees Celsius. Anhydrous perchloric acid is unstable at room temperature and can decompose spontaneously with violent explosions when triggered by contact with oxidizing agents.
Acrylamide
Acrylamide and bisacrylamide monomers are neurotoxins. Avoid all skin contact, inhalation or oral pipetting of solutions.
Polymerized gels
Quantities of unpolymerized monomer should be handled carefully. All staining and destaining should be done in a hood and the solutions should be discarded or stored for future use in the hood.
Asbestos
Before planning any remodeling or major moves in your offices or labs, consult with LHS Building Management about possible asbestos presence. Pipes, ceilings and walls may contain asbestos or asbestos coverings. Proper care needs to be taken in order not to distribute particles into the air. For more information EH&S Asbestos Safety Program at http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/whatwedo/healthsafety/asbestos.html.
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LHS SAFETY COMMITTEE
TRAINING
All LHS staff should receive safety training so that they can avoid hazards; communicate the nature of emergency events and seek the right help; and know the procedures to follow to assure safe evacuation. To ensure that you receive this information, the Lawrence Hall of Science has established the following training program:
• Required reading of the LHS Safety Manual
• Additional safety training for each laboratory and tool shop employee, conducted by designated unit supervisor
• Refresher training of safety material required annually in each lab and office
• Annual building evacuation drill (participation required)
• Annual fire extinguisher training (participation optional and available to everyone in building)
• Annual first aid training (participation optional)
After you read the LHS Safety manual and review job related safety instructions with your supervisor you and your supervisor sign a Certificate of Training. This certificate should be annually renewed.
Many additional safety training opportunities are available to staff through EH&S at: http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/whatwedo/whatwedo.html
UC Extension and many communities also offer programs in emergency preparedness, response and recovery. Much of this training, when successfully completed provides additional certification in aspects of safety. Staff may voluntarily bring these to the attention of their supervisor or the LHS Safety Committee for possible inclusion in emergency event planning.
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LHS ASSEMBLY AREA MAP
In an evacuation staff and visitors from each level of the building assemble outside in assigned Emergency Assembly Areas.
There are three assembly areas:
- FORCES Science Park is the assembly point serving A-Level and the Shop zone on C-Level.
- C-Level Lawn is the assembly point serving the zones on Levels B, C and D of the building.
- Plaza is the assembly point serving the Front Entrance, Plaza and main building approach zones on A-Level of the building.

EVACUATION ROUTES
In an evacuation staff and visitors should proceed along planned evacuation routes unless otherwise directed by a Zone Coordinator. These routes are posted by elevators and exits throughout the building. Not all exits are used in the planned evacuation route.




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