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Procedures for Minimizing Chemical Exposures

1. Laboratory fume, hood operation and use.

   1. Lab hoods shall be tested every six months for face velocity using accepted testing techniques (i.e. velometer and/or smoke tubes) to assure adequate operation. Testing should also be performed when a mechanical change has been made to a hood or other changes have been made to the system such as the installation of additional fume hoods.

   2. Except when they are in use, lab hoods should remain in the closed position.

   3. Storage of any items  inside ume  hoods shall be discouraged. Where storage in a fume hood is considered the best practice for a laboratory, the stored container must be positioned in the hood so as to not adversely affect the overall ventilation of the hood. If it is believed that storage in a hood is warranted, then the ventilation must remain on and in operation at all times.

   4. Hoods must no be operated with the sashes raised above the levels marked as this will negatively affect the performance of the hood ventilation system.

   5. Bottles, lab equipment, etc., should be kept at least 10 cm (4 inches) back from the hood sash.

   6. If fume hoods are not operating or shut down, work shall not be carded out in them, or the work that is currently being performed should be immediately discontinued with appropriate action being taken to prevent the release of fumes into the general area.

   7. If fume hoods are not functioning properly or operating to capacity, the laboratory supervisor, the Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Officer, and the Campus Safety Department will be properly notified and appropriate action be initiated to ensure a timely follow up in order to rectify the apparent problem.

2. Materials with a TLV of less than 50ppm should only be handled in hoods or where it has been determined by the LCHO that adequate local ventilation is present and being utilized.

3. Routine maintenance and inspections shall be performed on all ventilation systems as required by laboratory schedules.

4. Hazardous Waste shall be handled in accordance with the Hazardous Waste Procedures at Union College.

5. High standards for housekeeping are essential for minimizing personnel exposure to chemicals. Department Chairpersons and the Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Officer as required by laboratory schedules shall perform housekeeping inspections.

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