August 16, 1996
ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
The Chair of the Life Sciences Division's Environment, Safety & Health
Committee reports directly to the Division Director, Mina Bissell or the Deputy
Head, Aloke Chatterjee. The chair is Tony Linard, the Safety Officer and
Division Safety Coordinator. The committee staff includes a Quality Assurance
Officer, a Database Manager and a Self-Assessment Officer. Committee
membership is composed of representatives of PIs, staff, and students on a
rotating assignment basis. The Division Safety Coordinator (Tony Linard) is
charged with oversight of matters pertaining to environment, safety, or health
(ES&H). The ES&H Committee meets monthly and provides guidance to the
Division Director with regard to ES&H concerns.
Principal investigators (PI) report either directly or through department heads
to the Division Director (Mina Bissell) and are accountable for the scientific
excellence, relevance to the DOE mission, and fiscal integrity of their
programs, as well as adherence to all administrative and regulatory
requirements.
For purposes of this hazard analysis, the activities of the Division were
grouped into the following organizational units
1. Human Genome Center
2. Subcellular Structure
3. Radiation Biology
4. Cancer Biology
5. Molecular & Nuclear Medicine
6. Functional Imaging
7. Environmental Biotechnology
8. General Support
Operations on the University of California Berkeley (UCB) campus consist of
only one activity located in Barker Hall. The work consists of computer
modeling.
Approximately 10% of the principle investigators hold faculty positions.
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS AND OBJECTIVES
Research Program Management Responsibility for Safety
Line Management (the Supervisor or Principle Investigator) is
responsible for the protection of the public, the workers, and the
environment.
At the Berkeley Laboratory the following documents establish the policy and
provide the implementation guidance that makes line management effectively
accountable for protection of workers, the public and the environment:
- Operations Assurance Plan, OAP (1996)
- Self Assessment Manual (1992) and Supplement (1996)
- Publication 3000, Environment Health and Safety Manual (1995)
- Chemical Hygiene and Safety Plan (1992)
- Waste Generator Guidelines (1996)
- Employee Performance/Progress Review, Section III (1996)
Clear Roles and Responsibilities
Clear and unambiguous lines of authority and responsibility for ensuring
safety are established and maintained at all organizational levels within the
Department and its contractors.
Each Division making up the Berkeley Laboratory has clearly defined lines of
responsibility down to the working level. Each division designates a research
investigator to represent its views and concerns on the Laboratory Safety
Review Committee and a full time employee to act as the ES&H Coordinator.
This Coordinator acts as the interface between ES&H concerns and compliance
in the workplace and the EH&S technical professionals. The organizational
information is updated every 60 days and is retained in the Functional/Facility
Notebooks as appropriate (see OAP).
Competence Commensurate with Responsibilities
Personnel possess the experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that are
necessary to discharge their responsibilities.
Job assignments, including hires, are reviewed by line management and by the
compensation group within Human Resources to ensure that the requirements and
responsibilities of a job are matched by the experience, knowledge and skills
of individuals selected for assignment. A performance expectation for managers
and supervisors in the Division of Environment, Health and Safety is how well
the talents, knowledge and skills of staff are matched to work assignments and
responsibilities
The Laboratory's training program ensures that each staff member, including
participating guests, is adequately trained to do participate safely in
Laboratory activities. Staff, with supervisor participation, fill out the Jobs
Hazards Questionnaire (JHQ) describing the hazards associated with their job
assignment and work area. Evaluation of the responses by the Training
Coordinator and the cognizant supervisor determines the training regimen needed
to carry out work in a manner that protects the employee, co-workers, the
public and the environment.
Balanced Priorities
Resources are effectively allocated to address safety, programmatic, and
operational considerations. Protecting the public, the workers, and the
environment is a priority whenever activities are planned and performed.
All environment, safety and health activities in the Laboratory are described
in technical terms with budgetary information included. Each year this
information is updated, reviewed and prioritized on the basis of risk to
workers, public, and the environment by a Laboratory wide committee selected to
represent programmatic line management and ES & H professionals. This
document is utilized by Laboratory Senior Management in strategically planning
the immediate focus and long term goals of the environment, safety and health
program at the Laboratory.
Hazard Controls Tailored to Work Being Performed
Administrative and engineering controls to prevent and mitigate hazards
are tailored to the work and associated hazards being performed.
Chapter 6 of the Environment, Health and Safety Manual clearly defines the
steps for each line manager to develop the appropriate engineering and
administrative controls to mitigate hazards in the workplace. The Laboratory's
Self Assessment Program, including Functional Appraisals by ES & H
professionals, and the UC/DOE Contract 98 Performance Measures provide
assurance that implementation of hazards control is adequate to protection the
worker, the public and the environment.
Identification of Safety Standards and Requirements
Before work is performed, the associated hazards are evaluated and an
agreed-upon set of safety standards and requirements are established which, if
properly implemented, provide adequate assurance that the public, the workers,
and the environment are protected from adverse consequences.
The Laboratory is dedicated to following the Necessary and Sufficient Closure
Process (DOE 450.3) on an iterative basis at all levels of activities in the
Laboratory to ensure the Safety Standards are adequate to provide protection to
workers, the public and the environment. This process is completed by to
commencement of work in those situations where current work is significantly
modified, new work is proposed or substantial facility modifications are being
made (Chapter 6, Environment Health and Safety Manual).
Operations Authorization
The conditions and requirements to be satisfied for operations to be initiated
and conducted are clearly established and agreed-upon.
Conditions and requirements for facilities determined to be of higher risk
based on the Preliminary Hazards Analysis are contained in a Safety Analysis
Document. Activity Hazard Documents are the basis for meeting this requirement
for specific operations and activities falling into the higher risk category at
the Berkeley Laboratory. Internal Agreements describing the performance
expectations by each party are used for operations between two functional areas
where the quality of performance might adversely impact the Laboratory's
ability to meet its responsibility to protect workers, the public and the
environment.
ACTIONS TO BE PERFORMED
The Life Sciences Division is broadly charged with advancing knowledge of
biological processes by investigating mechanisms as intricate as gene
expression, and expanding the effort to link biological structure and function.
These studies embrace a spectrum of disciplines: molecular cryogenetics;
cellular differentiation, growth, and carcinogenesis; hematopoiesis;
subcellular and macromolecular structure; diagnostic and functional imaging;
radiation biology; nuclear and molecular medicine; and the development of
bioinstrumentation. The Division has established a preeminent position in four
specific areas of human disease research: coronary artery disease; the biology
of breast cancer; metabolic studies of neurological diseases; and disorders of
red blood cell formation.
1. Human Genome Center: Research activities include DNA sequencing,
genetic mapping, physical mapping, and cDNA isolation and analysis.
2. Subcellular Structure: Research activities include the study of the
molecular structure and subcellular organization of proteins related to the
cytoskeleton and various cell membranes through the use of electron
crystallography and x-ray crystallography including electron microscopy,
UV-confocal light microscopy, soft x-ray microscopy, and related techniques.
3. Radiation Biology: Research activities include the study of the
effects of radiation on cells including radiation-induced cell damage during
travel in outer space. Research activities include the study of the regulation
and function of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in cultured human and
rodent cells, and in transgenic mice. Mammary gland biology is studied in
culture and in transgenic mice. Rodent and human cells in culture and in vivo
are studied. DNA damage due both to radiation in natural and occupational
environments, and to natural chemicals in the diet, is investigated. The
molecular mechanisms of DNA repair and its role in mitigating these risks is
also studied.
4. Cancer Biology: Research activities include study of the molecular
mechanisms of breast cancer including of normal cellular growth and
differentiation distinguishing normal human breast cells from their malignant
counterparts.
5. Molecular and Nuclear Medicine: The goal of this program is the
understanding of the role of lipoproteins in the development of atherosclerosis
and coronary disease, specifically to study the genetic and cellular mechanisms
that regulate their metabolism. Procedures utilized include isotopic tracer
studies, human genetic linkage analysis, creation, use and analysis of
transgenic animal models, analysis of interaction between oxidative stress,
lipoprotein metabolism, and the induction of atherosclerosis, and numerous
clinical studies to examine how diet, drugs, exercise and hormones effect the
regulation of atherogenic lipoproteins.
6. Center for Functional Imaging (CFI): The goal of CFI is to
develop the technology and procedures for the non-invasive imaging of humans,
and to utilize these techniques to study the physiology of normal and disease
states in humans and animals. Activities include the design and construction
of positron emission tomography (PET) and nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI)
hardware and software, the development and application of new data analysis
procedures, the design and synthesis of new radiotracer agents for use in PET
and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), the biological testing
of these new radiopharmaceuticals, and their application in animal and human
medical research. The center operates 2 PET machines, 1 SPECT machine, 2 MRI
machines, and 1 biomedical cyclotron.
7. Environmental Biotechnology: Research activities consist of
microbiology and molecularbiology research on materials and organisims which
occur naturally in the environment. The Environmental Biotechnology is a
multi-divisional unit which collaborates with the Earth Sciences Division in
research activities.
8. General Support: LSD contains on Irradiator in Building 74 which is
available for use by all departments in the division. LSD personnel oversee
the LBNL Animal Facilities.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS
WITHIN WHICH THE WORK WILL BE PERFORMED
Building 1 Donner Hall
Donner Hall is a four-story building located on the University of California,
Berkeley campus. The building consists of laboratory space with adjacent
offices. The Life Sciences Division occupies the entire building except for a
small portion occupied by the University of California. The following
departments have research activities in the building: Molecular & Nuclear
Medicine, Subcellular Structure and Cancer Biology.
Building 29
Life Sciences Division occupies a portion of the second floor. The spaces
consist of primarily offices with some computer research.
Building 55 Complex
The Building 55 complex consists of Center for Functional Imaging activities.
Building 55 contains laboratories and adjacent offices. Building 55A contains
a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging facility. The trailer 55B is used for
offices and computer research.
Building 56
Building 56 is the Biomedical Isotope Facility and contains a mini-accelerator
used for the synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals.
Building 64
B64 is a two story building with Life Science Division laboratories and
offices. The fist floor contains laboratories occupied by the Human Genome
Center. The second floor contains offices and unoccupied laboratory space
which is currently being modified to contain additional Human Genome
Laboratories.
Building 70A
Radiation Biology and Cancer Biology laboratories and offices occupy a portion
of the first floor of Building 70A. In addition, a small portion of the 4th
Floor is occupied by some Radiation Biology and Environmental Biotechnology
departments.
Building 74: Building 74 is completely occupied by the Life Sciences
Division. The departments include: Radiation Biology, Cancer Biology and the
Human Genome Project. In addition the building contains an Irradiator used by
the entire division
Building 83: Building 83 and 83B are occupied completely by the Cancer
Biology Department.
Building 934: Building 934 is located off-campus and is occupied
completely by the Life Sciences Division. Laboratory and offices areas include
Radiation Biology, Cancer Biology, Molecular and Nuclear Medicine and some
equipment used by the Human Genome Center. In addition, one room is managed by
the EH&S Waste Management Department.
Building 940: Building 940 is located in the City of Berkeley. It is
technically not a part of LBNL., but is leased by Sequoia Hospital District to
house the Cholesterol Research medical facility; it is a state regulated
medical facility. The facility includes space used for offices, as well as
medical facilities. Radioactive materials and hazardous chemicals are not
employed in this building.
MATERIALS AND CONDITIONS
THAT COULD CAUSE ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES
GENERAL
The Life Sciences Division (LSD) includes approximately 150 laboratories
in which hazardous chemicals are used. Several of the laboratories make use of
non-ionizing radiation sources, lasers, cold rooms, magnetic fields and noisy
equipment. A number of laboratories use biohazardous agents, including human
cell lines, human blood products and pathogens. Most laboratories perform high
voltage or low voltage electrophoresis and centrifugation. Small vacuum systems
and compressed gasses are used widely throughout LSD.
Electrical and Mechanical Hazards:
A limited
array of electrical and mechanical hazards are present in the LSD. These
include high voltage electrical systems, repetitive trauma associated with
office work, a few small vacuum systems, autoclaves, some pressurized gas
systems, belt driven equipment, centrifuges, ovens and
robots.
- Electrical Hazards
- The primary electrical hazard associated with LSD is the use of high
voltage electrophoresis equipment. Electrophoresis is found in most
laboratories in LSD.
- The overall level of concern associated with high voltage equipment is
moderate. This arises because of the exposed connectors and surfaces on
electrophoresis equipment.
- High voltage power supplies are also associated with other equipment, such as
laser systems.
- There are few high amperage systems in LSD. High current is provided to a
couple pieces of equipment, notably the MRI equipment in building 55A.
- Pressure and Vacuum Hazards
- The overall level of concern associated with pressure and vacuum
systems in LSD is low.
- The main pressure hazards are the compressed gas cylinders, mostly nitrogen,
oxygen, argon and carbon dioxide.
- There are no significant pressure systems in LSD.
- There are a few glass systems that are filled from a compressed gas
cylinder.
- Vacuum systems are limited to small bell jar systems and low vacuum ovens.
The ovens often possess glass windows larger than 4 inches in diameter.
- Several buildings are equipped with small to moderate sized steam autoclave
systems.
- Ovens
- The overall level of concern associated with the use of ovens in LSD
is very low.
- Low temperature (<100 degrees C) ovens are widely used in LSD.
- Centrifuges
- The level of concern associated with the use of centrifuges is low in
LSD.
- Dozens of ultracentrifuges and many more small centrifuges are used in LSD
facilities.
- Robots
- Mechanical robots, programmed to repeat recurring tasks such as
pipetting, are used in several areas in LSD. The hazard associated with the use
of these robots is judged to be low.
- Repetitive Mechanical Trauma
- Office operations include the usual array of ergonomic issues, notably
those associated with the use of computers and workstations.
-
Chemical Hazards
:
A variety of toxic, flammable,
corrosive, reactive or otherwise dangerous chemicals are used in the LSD. In
almost all cases, the quantities used at any time are quite small, consistent
with typical biochemical laboratory operations. Examples of hazardous chemicals
in use in LSD are provided below. None of the LSD facilities use toxic
cryogens or flammable cryogens.
- Flammable Gases:
- The level of concern relating to the use of flammable gasses in LSD is
essentially nil.
- Flammable gases are not widely used in LSD. Only one cylinder of compressed
hydrogen was identified in a laboratory. Very small cylinders of compressed
carbon monoxide are used in several labs.
- Flammable Liquids:
- The level of concern associated with the use of flammable liquids in
LSD is low overall.
- Flammable liquids are used throughout LSD in smaller quantities.
- Fourteen rooms were identified as having a moderate level of concern
associated with flammable liquids, in all cases because the quantities in
storage.
- Typical flammable liquids include ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, toluene
and acetone.
- Inert Cryogens:
- The level of concern associated with the use of inert cryogens is
low.
- Liquid nitrogen is used widely in dewers up to 160L.
- Several labs have dewers directly plumbed to experimental apparatus or
equipment.
- Corrosives:
- The level of concern associated with the use of corrosives in LSD is
low overall, with eleven labs identified as representing a "moderate" level of
concern.
- Most of the LSD laboratories store or use small amounts of corrosive
materials.
- Common corrosives include glacial acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, phenol and
sodium hydroxide.
- Reactives:
- The level of concern associated with the use of reactives in LSD is
low overall, with only two labs identified as representing a moderate level of
concern
- Small amounts of reactive chemicals are used in about 30% of the laboratories
in LSD.
- Common reactive chemicals include sodium azide, hydrazine, phosphorous
pentachloride and glacial acetic acid.
- Reproductive Toxins:
- The overall level of concern associated with the use of reproductive
toxins in LSD is low.
- No labs were identified with a level of concern of moderate to high.
- Common reproductive toxins include lead compounds and toluene.
- Dibromochloropropane and ethylene oxide were identified in a few
laboratories
- Carcinogens:
- The overall level of concern associated with the use of carcinogens in
LSD is low.
- Seven labs were identified as representing a moderate level of concern with
respect to carcinogens. This was usually triggered by the number of different
carcinogens in use rather than a large quantity of any one carcinogen.
- Small quantities of organic carcinogens such as methylene chloride,
chloroform, benzene, acrylamide and carbon tetrachloride are used.
- Similarly, small quantities of inorganic carcinogens such as arsenic,
cadmium, lead acetate and chromium trioxide are used inside hoods.
- Pyrophorics:
- The overall level of concern associated with the use of pyrophorics in
LSD is extremely low.
- True pyrophorics were only identified in a few labs, and none of these were
pyrophoric gasses.
- Toxic Materials:
- The overall level of concern associated with the use of toxic and
extremely toxic materials in LSD is low.
- No labs were identified as having a moderate or high level of concern
associated with the use or storage of toxic materials.
- Typical inorganic toxic compounds include arsenic compounds, lithium salts,
selenium and antimony.
- Typical organic toxic compounds include methanol, formaldehyde and phenol.
- Typical highly toxic chemicals include cyanide salts and cholera toxin.
- Health Hazard Gases:
- The overall level of concern associated with health hazard gasses in
LSD is very low.
- Very few toxic gases are used in LSD. Toxic gases were only found in three
buildings and a total of 3 lab rooms.
- Toxic gases in use include nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, fluorine and
hydrogen chloride. Only Building 56 uses fluorine. Of these, only nitrous
oxide is present in significant quantities.
- Oxidizers:
- The overall level of concern associated with the use of oxidizers in
LSD is low.
- No laboratories were identified as having a moderate level of concern
associated with oxidizers.
- Approximately 30% of the laboratories store or use oxidizers.
- Typical oxidizers include compressed oxygen, nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide
and bleach.
- Physical Agents
:
Physical agents present in
LSD include ultraviolet radiation, cold, lasers, noise and microwave radiation.
Each of these is discussed below.
- Ultraviolet Radiation
- The overall level of concern associated with the use of ultraviolet
radiation in LSD is low. Two facilities were identified where the level of
concern is judged to be moderate. These are entire rooms which are bathed in
UV-B radiation from quartz-mercury lamps.
- Ultraviolet sources are used widely in LSD, both as a germicidal treatment
and as an imaging tool for fluorescent molecules.
- Radiofrequency/Microwave Radiation
- The overall level of concern associated with the use of
radiofrequency/microwave radiation in LSD is low.
- The only use of RF/MW besides commercial food-type ovens are two MRI machines
in building 55A.
- Cold
- The overall level of concern associated with the use of cold work
rooms in LSD is low.
- Several laboratories have refrigerated rooms in which work is conducted,
typically HPLC. Some of these are operated as sub-freezing temperatures.
- Lasers
- The overall level of concern associated with the use of lasers in LSD
is low.
- Most of the lasers in use are very low power units.
- There are only a couple of class 3 or class 4 lasers in use.
- Noise
- The overall level of concern associated with noise in the LSD is
low.
- The primary source of noise exposure is the use of ultrasonic cell
disrupters.
- Ear muffs were located at the point of use of all ultrasonicators.
- Magnetic Fields
- The overall level of concern associated with the use of magnetic
fields in LSD is very low. Strong DC magnetic fields are present in only two
places, where MRI machines are used.
- Infectious/Biohazardous Agents
The LSD uses a number of
known or potentially biohazardous materials, including human liver and breast
cell lines, human blood fractions, animal cell lines, vaccinia virus, malarial
agent, and bacteria. Biosafety cabinets are used in several areas within LSD.
- The overall level of concern associated with the use of these biohazardous
agents in LSD is low.
- None of these operations exceeds Biohazard Level 2.
- Many of the cell lines are pre-screened to exclude common pathogens.
- Personnel that handle unscreened human blood products have generally been
provided with the hepatitis B vaccine series.
- Work with the potential to generate infectious aerosols is conducted in
either a fume hood or a biosafety cabinet.
- UV lamps are used extensively to sterilize biosafety cabinets and rooms in
which biohazardous agents are used.
- X-Ray Machines:
Five X Ray machines were located. Two in
the Radiation Biology Department (B74-152 and B70A-1103). One in the Center
for Functional Imaging (55-200). One in Molecular & Nuclear Medicine
(B1-305). And, one in Subcellular Structure (1-259c). All are evaluated to be
low hazard. The machine in Building 74 is enclosed in a shielded room.
- Accelerators and Radiation
:
LSD has two types of
activities which have radiation hazards. Research and development uses radio
labeled tracers in biochemical research applications. In addition, LSD has a
mini-cyclotron which has direct radiation hazards.
- Radio labeled tracers:
Radiolabeled tracers are used in bench top work
using standard biochemical methods. Positron emitters are injected into human
patients and animals for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) studies. Quantities
used are microcurie to approximately 10 millicuries. Examples include P-32,
C-14, H-3 (beta emitters) and F-18 positron (gamma emitter).
- Accelerator:
The mini-cyclotron is located in Building 56 and is an
11MeV proton accelerator used to produce positron emitting radioisotopes. The
positron emitters are used in shielded gloveboxes for the production of
radiopharmaceuticals. The mini-cyclotron is a commercial unit with self
contained shielding and, in addition, is located in a shielded room.
Effluent from research activities and the accelerator is monitored according to
NESHAPS requirements.
PROGRAM SPECIFIC FINDINGS
(Chemical, Physical and Biohazardous Agents)
Mechanical and electrical hazards are very uniform and routine
throughout the LSD. The general outline of these safety issues is sufficient to
characterize the Division. However, there is a wider range and a larger number
of chemical, physical and biohazardous agents that are used in LSD. Thus,
chemical, physical and biohazardous agents will be characterized by operational
organization within LSD.
1. Human Genome Center: The Human Genome Center (HGC) are
located in buildings 64 and 74 with minor support equipment in 934.
Chemical Hazards
Flammable Gases:
There are essentially no compressed flammable gases used in the HGC.
Flammable Liquids:
The level of concern associated with the use of flammable liquids is
low overall.
No labs were found to pose a moderate level of concern with respect to
flammable liquids.
Flammable liquids are used throughout HGC in smaller quantities.
Typical flammable liquids include ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, toluene
and acetone.
Inert Cryogens:
The level of concern associated with the use of inert cryogens is
low.
Cryogens are used in a number of labs in building 74 and 934.
Several labs have dewers directly plumbed to experimental apparatus or
equipment.
Corrosives:
The level of concern associated with the use of corrosives in HGC is
low overall.
About 1/3 of the labs use significant amounts of corrosive materials.
Common corrosives include glacial acetic acid, hydrochloric acid and sodium
hydroxide.
Reactives:
The level of concern associated with the use of reactives in the HGC
is low overall.
No laboratories were designated as having a moderate level of concern with
respect to reactive chemicals.
Approximately 1/4 of the labs in the HGC use significant amounts of reactive
chemicals.
Common reactive chemicals include sodium azide and glacial acetic acid.
Reproductive Toxins:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of reproductive
toxins in the HGC is low.
No labs were identified with a level of concern of moderate.
Approximately 1/4 of the labs in the HGC use or store reproductive toxins.
Common reproductive toxins include lead compounds and toluene.
Carcinogens:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of carcinogens in
the HGC is low.
One lab was designated as posing a moderate level of concern with respect to
the use and storage of carcinogens (building 74, room 3050). This lab has
substantial quantities of chloroform and formaldehyde, as well as acrylamide,
cadmium sulfate and chloramphenicol.
Small quantities of organic carcinogens such as methylene chloride,
formaldehyde, chloroform and acrylamide are used.
Similarly, small quantities of inorganic carcinogens such as chrome (IV),
cadmium, arsenic compounds and lead acetate are used.
Pyrophorics:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of pyrophorics in
the HGC is nil.
There are essentially no pyrophoric materials used in the HGC.
Toxic Materials:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of toxic and
extremely toxic materials in the HGC is low.
No labs were identified as having a moderate or high level of concern
associated with the use or storage of toxic materials.
Typical inorganic toxic compounds include arsenic compounds, lithium salts
and cadmium compounds.
Typical organic toxic compounds include methanol, formaldehyde and ethidium
bromide.
Typical highly toxic chemicals include cyanide salts.
Health Hazard Gases:
The overall level of concern associated with health hazard gasses in
the HGC is Nil.
There is no use or storage of health hazard gasses in any significant
quantity in the HGC.
Oxidizers:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of oxidizers in
the HGC is extremely low.
Only one lab was found to use or store significant quantities of oxidizers
(nitric acid, building 64, room 128). However, several labs used small
quantities of bleach.
Typical oxidizers include nitric acid hydrogen peroxide and bleach.
Physical Agents
Physical agents present in the HGC include ultraviolet
radiation, lasers, noise and microwave radiation. Each of these is discussed
below.
Ultraviolet Radiation
The overall level of concern associated with the use of ultraviolet
radiation in the HGC is low.
Ultraviolet sources are used widely in the HGC, both as a germicidal
treatment and as an imaging tool for fluorescent molecules. Only one piece of
equipment has been user-modified.
Radiofrequency/Microwave Radiation
The overall level of concern associated with the use of
radiofrequency/microwave radiation in the HGC is extremely low.
The only use of RF/MW is in commercial food-type ovens, which are used to
prepare media. There is no laboratory type or locally built RF/MW sources.
Lasers
The overall level of concern associated with the use of lasers in the
HGC is very low.
Only three rooms contain lasers.
Noise
The overall level of concern associated with noise in the HGC is
low.
The primary source of noise exposure is the use of ultrasonic cell
disrupters.
Ear muffs were located at the point of use of all ultrasonicators.
Infectious/Biohazardous Agents
Biosafety cabinets are not used in this program.
Human Blood/Blood Products
The level of concern associated with the use of human blood products is very
low.
A couple of labs use human blood products, notably immunoglobulin G. This
blood product is screened for major pathogens (HIV, HBV) and processed to
remove most other pathogens. However, it is still possible that immunoglobulin
products contain pathogenic viruses (e.g., HCV).
Cell Culture (non-pathogenic)
The level of concern associated with the use of cell cultures in the HGC is
very low.
Cell culture work is limited to the use of non-infected mouse cell lines.
Pathogens
Pathogenic organisms are not intentionally used in the HGC.
2. SubCellular Structure Program: The Subcellular
Structure (SS) program is located in Building 1 (Donner Hall).
Chemical Hazards
Flammable Gases:
There are essentially no compressed flammable gasses used in the SS.
Flammable Liquids:
The level of concern associated with the use of flammable liquids is
low overall.
Most of the labs in the SS use very small quantities of flammable liquids.
No labs were found to pose a moderate level of concern with respect to
flammable liquids.
Typical flammable liquids include ethyl alcohol, hexane, butanol and
acetone.
Inert Cryogens:
The level of concern associated with the use of inert cryogens is
low.
Cryogens are used in six labs.
Cryogens are not present in cold traps or piped systems.
Corrosives:
The level of concern associated with the use of corrosives in SS is
low overall.
Only a few of the laboratory areas use significant amounts of corrosive
materials.
No laboratories were judged to pose a moderate level of concern with respect
to corrosive materials.
Common corrosives ammonium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, hydrobromic acid,
sodium hydroxide.
Reactives:
The level of concern associated with the use of reactives in SS is low
overall.
No laboratories were designated as having a moderate to high level of concern
with respect to reactive chemicals.
Only a few labs in the SS use reactive chemicals.
Common reactive chemicals include various nitrates, hydrazine and sodium
azide.
Reproductive Toxins:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of reproductive
toxins in SS is low.
Only a few of the labs in the SS store or use reproductive toxins.
Common reproductive toxins include sodium bromide, lead compounds and
colchcine.
Carcinogens:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of carcinogens in
the SS is low.
No labs were identified with a level of concern of moderate to high.
Small quantities of organic carcinogens such as benzene, methylene chloride,
formaldehyde, chloroform and acrylamide are used.
Pyrophorics:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of pyrophorics in
the SS is nil.
Pyrophorics are not used in the SS labs.
Toxic Materials:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of toxic and
extremely toxic materials in the SS is low.
No labs were identified as having a moderate or high level of concern
associated with the use or storage of toxic materials.
Approximately 1/4 of the laboratory areas use or store toxic materials.
Typical inorganic toxic compounds include phosphorus pentoxide, arsenic
compounds and lithium salts.
Typical organic toxic compounds include methanol and formaldehyde.
Typical highly toxic chemicals include cyanide compounds.
Health Hazard Gases:
The overall level of concern associated with health hazard gasses in
the SS is nil.
There are no toxic gases used in any quantity in the SS.
Oxidizers:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of oxidizers in
the SS is low.
Only a few of the laboratories in SS store or use oxidizers.
Typical oxidizers include hydrogen peroxide.
Physical Agents
Physical agents present in the SS include noise and cold.
Each of these is discussed below.
Noise
The overall level of concern associated with exposure to noise is very
low.
Only one room (333) was judged to have a noise concern.
Cold
The overall level of concern with cold is very low.
The SS operates four work-in cold rooms. Some of these are operated at freezing
temperatures.
Infectious/Biohazardous Agents
Biohazardous agents and biosafety cabinets are used in this
program. None of the work exceeds biosafety level 2.
Human Blood/Blood Products
The overall level of concern associated with the use of human blood products
is nil.
Cell Culture (non-pathogenic)
Cell cultures are used in the SS.
Pathogens
The Vaccina virus is used in room 331.
3. Radiation Biology: Radiation Biology (RB)
laboratories are located in buildings 70A, 74 and 934.
Chemical Hazards
Flammable Gases:
There are essentially no compressed flammable gasses used in RB.
Flammable Liquids:
The level of concern associated with the use of flammable liquids is
low.
No labs were found to pose a moderate level of concern with respect to
flammable liquids.
Flammable liquids are used throughout RB in smaller quantities.
Typical flammable liquids include methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl
alcohol, xylene and acetone.
Inert Cryogens:
The level of concern associated with the use of inert cryogens is
low.
Cryogens are used in a number of labs in each building.
There are no cold traps or piped cryogen sources in RB.
Corrosives:
The level of concern associated with the use of corrosives in RB is
low.
About 1/2 of the labs use significant amounts of corrosive materials.
Common corrosives include bleach, glacial acetic acid, hydrochloric acid,
phenol and sodium hydroxide.
Reactives:
The level of concern associated with the use of reactives in RB is
low.
No laboratories were designated as having a moderate level of concern with
respect to reactive chemicals.
Common reactive chemicals include sodium azide and glacial acetic acid.
Reproductive Toxins:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of reproductive
toxins in RB is low.
No labs were identified with a level of concern of moderate.
Common reproductive toxins include lead compounds, cycloheximide and toluene.
Carcinogens:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of carcinogens in
RB is low.
No labs were determined to pose a moderate or high level of concern with
respect to the use of carcinogens.
Small quantities of organic carcinogens such as formaldehyde, chloroform and
acrylamide are used.
Similarly, small quantities of inorganic carcinogens such as chrome (IV) and
arsenic compounds are used.
Pyrophorics:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of pyrophorics in
RB is nil.
There are essentially no pyrophoric materials used in RB.
Toxic Materials:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of toxic and
extremely toxic materials in RB is low.
No labs were identified as having a moderate or high level of concern
associated with the use or storage of toxic materials.
Typical inorganic toxic compounds include arsenic compounds, lithium salts
and cadmium compounds.
Typical organic toxic compounds include methanol, formaldehyde and ethidium
bromide.
Typical highly toxic chemicals include cyanide salts.
Health Hazard Gases:
There is no use or storage of health hazard gasses in any significant
quantity in RB.
The overall level of concern associated with health hazard gasses in RB is
Nil.
Oxidizers:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of oxidizers in
RB is extremely low.
Only one lab was found to use or store significant quantities of oxidizers
(hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid in building 74, room 166). However, several
labs used small quantities of bleach and dilute hydrogen peroxide.
Typical oxidizers include nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide and bleach.
Physical Agents
Physical agents present in RB include ultraviolet
radiation, noise and microwave radiation. Each of these is discussed below.
Ultraviolet Radiation
The overall level of concern associated with the use of ultraviolet
radiation in the RB is low.
Ultraviolet sources are used in the RB as an imaging tool for fluorescent
molecules.
There is one user-modified UV unit in use, in building 934, room 32.
Radiofrequency/Microwave Radiation
The overall level of concern associated with the use of
radiofrequency/microwave radiation in RB is extremely low.
The only use of RF/MW is in commercial food-type ovens, which are used to
prepare media. There are no laboratory type or locally built RF/MW sources.
Noise
The overall level of concern associated with noise in RB is very
low.
The primary source of noise exposure is the use of several ultrasonic cell
disrupters.
Ear muffs were located at the points of use of the ultrasonicators.
Infectious/Biohazardous Agents
Biohazardous agents and biosafety cabinets are used in this
program.
Human Blood/Blood Products
The overall level of concern associated with the use of human blood products
is nil.
Human blood products are not used.
Cell Culture (non-pathogenic)
The level of concern associated with the use of cell cultures in RB is low to
moderate.
Cell culture work is limited to the use of human cell lines in building 70A,
rooms 115, 119, 1121C, and in building 934. Most of the cell lines are
commercial and have been screened for common pathogens.
Animal cell lines are used in building 74 room 166.
Pathogens
Pathogenic organisms are not intentionally used in RB.
4. Cancer Biology: Cancer biology laboratory
activities are located in Buildings 1, 70A, 74, 83 and 934.
Chemical Hazards
Flammable Gases:
There are essentially no compressed flammable gases used in CB.
Flammable Liquids:
The level of concern associated with the use of flammable liquids is
low to moderate overall.
Five labs were found to pose a moderate level of concern with respect to
flammable liquids (70A, room 1105, 74 rooms 265 and 252, 934 room 11 and 83
room 110).
Typical flammable liquids include methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, toluene and
acetone.
Inert Cryogens:
The level of concern associated with the use of inert cryogens is
low.
Cryogens are used in a number of labs.
Cold traps or piped cryogen is used in building 83, 70A and 74
Corrosives:
The level of concern associated with the use of corrosives in CB is
low overall.
About 1/2 of the labs use significant amounts of corrosive materials.
In two areas (building 83, room 110 and building 934 room 11) the use of
corrosives was judged to pose a moderate concern.
Common corrosives include bleach, glacial acetic acid, ammonium hydroxide,
hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phenol and sodium hydroxide.
Reactives:
The level of concern associated with the use of reactives in CB is
low.
No laboratories were designated as having a moderate level of concern with
respect to reactive chemicals.
Approximately 1/3 of the labs in CB use significant amounts of reactive
chemicals.
Common reactive chemicals include sodium azide and glacial acetic acid.
Reproductive Toxins:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of reproductive
toxins in RB is low.
No labs were identified with a level of concern of moderate.
Approximately 1/4 of the labs in the CB use or store reproductive toxins.
Common reproductive toxins include cycloheximide and toluene.
Carcinogens:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of carcinogens in
RB is low.
One lab (building 83, room 110) was determined to pose a moderate level of
concern with respect to the use of carcinogens. This lab uses or stores large
quantities of chloroform as well as other carcinogens.
Small quantities of organic carcinogens such as formaldehyde, chloroform and
acrylamide are used in many areas.
Very little in the way of inorganic carcinogens are used in CB.
Pyrophorics:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of pyrophorics in
CB is nil.
There are essentially no pyrophoric materials used in CB.
Toxic Materials:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of toxic and
extremely toxic materials in CB is low.
No labs were identified as having a moderate or high level of concern
associated with the use or storage of toxic materials.
Typical inorganic toxic compounds include cobalt compounds and lithium
salts.
Typical organic toxic compounds include methanol, formaldehyde and ethidium
bromide.
One lab was identified as storing or using a highly toxic material, a cyanide
salt.
Health Hazard Gases:
There is no use or storage of health hazard gasses in any significant
quantity in CB.
The overall level of concern associated with health hazard gasses in CB is
nil.
Oxidizers:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of oxidizers in
CB is extremely low.
Typical oxidizers include hydrogen peroxide and bleach.
Physical Agents
Physical agents present in CB include ultraviolet
radiation, lasers, noise and microwave radiation. Each of these is discussed
below.
Ultraviolet Radiation
The overall level of concern associated with the use of ultraviolet
radiation in the CB is low.
Ultraviolet sources are used in the CB as an imaging tool for fluorescent
molecules.
Two rooms were identified where there are user-modified UV emitting devices
(building 1, room 305 and building 934, room 38).
Radiofrequency/Microwave Radiation
The overall level of concern associated with the use of
radiofrequency/microwave radiation in CB is extremely low.
The only use of RF/MW is in commercial food-type ovens, which are used to
prepare media. There are no laboratory type or locally built RF/MW sources.
Lasers
The overall level of concern associated with the use of lasers in CB
is low.
Only one significant laser system is present in building 74, room 235. This
operation is covered by an AHD.
Noise
The overall level of concern associated with noise in CB is very
low.
The primary source of noise exposure is the use of an ultrasonic cell
disrupters.
One or more sonicator is present in buildings 934, 74 and 83.
Ear muffs were located at the point of use of the ultrasonicator.
Infectious/Biohazardous Agents
Biohazardous agents and biosafety cabinets are used in this
program.
Human Blood/Blood Products
The overall level of concern associated with the use of human blood products
is moderate.
Whole human blood as well as blood fractions are used in the malaria
experiments in building 74 room 252. Staff has been vaccinated with hepatitis
vaccine.
Cell Culture (non-pathogenic)
The level of concern associated with the use of cell cultures in CB is low.
Human mammary cells (non-transformed) are used in experiments in building 934
room 11. These cells are obtained from reductive mammoplasty surgery and are
not screened for pathogens.
Non-pathogenic E-coli cells are cultured in building 74, room 265.
Work does not exceed biosafety level 2.
Pathogens
The malarial agent, plasmodium cynomologi, is used in
building 74, room 252.
5. Molecular and Nuclear Medicine: Molecular and Nuclear
Medicine (MNM) laboratories are located in Buildings 1 and 934.
Flammable Gases:
The level of concern relating to the use of flammable gasses in MNM is
low.
Only one cylinder of compressed hydrogen was identified in a laboratory (room
261).
Flammable Liquids:
The level of concern associated with the use of flammable liquids in
MNM is moderate overall.
Flammable liquids are used throughout MNM in smaller quantities.
Several rooms were identified as having a moderate level of concern
associated with flammable liquids .
Typical flammable liquids include ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, hexane
and acetone.
Inert Cryogens:
The level of concern associated with the use of inert cryogens is
low.
There are no cold traps or cryogens in piping in the MNM.
Corrosives:
The level of concern associated with the use of corrosives in MNM is
low overall.
No labs were determined to pose a moderate or high level of concern with
respect to corrosive chemicals.
Common corrosives include glacial acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric
acid and sodium hydroxide.
Reactives:
The level of concern associated with the use of reactives in MNM is
low overall.
No labs were judged to pose a moderate or high level of concern with respect
to reactive chemicals.
Common reactive chemicals include osmium tetraoxide, nitrate compounds,
sodium azide and glacial acetic acid.
Reproductive Toxins:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of reproductive
toxins in MNM is low.
No labs were identified with a level of concern of moderate of high.
Common reproductive toxins include lead compounds and toluene.
Carcinogens:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of carcinogens in
MNM is low.
No labs were identified as representing a moderate level of concern with
respect to carcinogens.
Small quantities of organic carcinogens such as methylene chloride, propylene
oxide, chloroform, benzene, acrylamide and ethylene dichloride are used.
Similarly, small quantities of inorganic carcinogens such as arsenic, lead
acetate and potassium dichromate are used inside hoods.
Pyrophorics:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of pyrophorics in
MNM is nil.
Toxic Materials:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of toxic and
extremely toxic materials in MNM is low.
No labs were identified as having a moderate or high level of concern
associated with the use or storage of toxic materials.
Typical inorganic toxic compounds include arsenic compounds and lithium
salts.
Typical organic toxic compounds include methanol.
Typical highly toxic chemicals include cyanide salts.
Health Hazard Gases:
The overall level of concern associated with health hazard gasses in
MNM is nil.
Oxidizers:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of oxidizers in
MNM is very low.
No laboratories were identified as having a moderate level of concern
associated with oxidizers.
Typical oxidizers include sulfuric acid and nitric acid,
Physical Agents
The only physical agents present in MNM are noise,
associated with the use of an untrasonicator in rooms 260 and 267, and cold
associated with one cold room (room 117).
Infectious/Biohazardous Agents
Biohazardous agents and biosafety cabinets are used in the
MNM.
The overall level of concern associated with the use of these biohazardous
agents in MNM is low.
None of these operations exceeds Biohazard Level 2.
Personnel that handle unscreened human blood products have generally been
provided with the hepatitis B vaccine series.
Work with the potential to generate infectious aerosols is conducted in
either a fume hood or a biosafety cabinet.
UV lamps are used extensively to sterilize biosafety cabinets and rooms in
which biohazardous agents are used.
Human Blood/Blood Products
The overall level of concern associated with the use of human blood products
is low.
Human blood plasma fractions are used in several of the laboratories.
Cell Culture (non-pathogenic)
The level of concern associated with the use of cell cultures is low.
A human liver cell line use cultured in room 373A.
Work does not exceed biosafety level 2.
Pathogens
No pathogens are intentionally used in the MNM.
6. Center For Functional Imaging: The Center for Functional
Imaging (CFI) is located in buildings 55, 55A, 55C and 56.
Chemical Hazards
Flammable Gases:
There are essentially no compressed flammable gasses used in the CFI.
Several oxidizing gases, as discussed in the section on health hazard
gases, are in use.
Flammable Liquids:
The level of concern associated with the use of flammable liquids is
low to moderate overall.
Over 90% of the labs in the CFI use flammable liquids.
Five labs were found to pose a moderate level of concern with respect to
flammable liquids (building 55 rooms 127, 135, 151, 208 and 214).
Typical flammable liquids include ethyl alcohol, hexane, MEK, toluene,
dioxane and acetone.
Inert Cryogens:
The level of concern associated with the use of inert cryogens is
low.
Cryogens are used in a number of labs but stored on the loading dock.
Cryogens are present in cold traps or piped systems.
Corrosives:
The level of concern associated with the use of corrosives in CFI is
low to moderate overall.
About 90% of the labs use significant amounts of corrosive materials.
Three laboratories were judged to pose a moderate level of concern with
respect to corrosive materials (building 55 rooms 151, 208 and 214).
Common corrosives include ammonium hydroxide, hydroiodic acid, nitric acid,
perchloric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide.
Reactives:
The level of concern associated with the use of reactives in CFI is
moderate overall.
One laboratory was designated as having a moderate to high level of concern
with respect to reactive chemicals. This room, 208 in building 55, stores and
uses materials such as potassium superoxide, potassium metal, sodium azide,
lithium metal, sodium ethoxide and sodium peroxide. An AHD covers the safety
issues with sodium azide.
Common reactive chemicals include perchloric acid, potassium t-butoxide,
titanium tetrachloride, titanium isopropoxide, lithium aluminum hydride and
sodium azide.
Reproductive Toxins:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of reproductive
toxins in CFI is low.
Approximately 1/3 of the labs in CFI use or store reproductive toxins.
Common reproductive toxins include lead compounds, carbon disulfide and
toluene.
Carcinogens:
The overall level of concern associated with the use of carcinogens in
the CFI is moderate.
One lab was identified with a level of concern of moderate to high (room 214
in building 55). This room uses or stores relatively large quantities of
benzene, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, ethylene dichloride and other organic
carcinogens.
Small quantities of organic carcinogens such as benzene, DMF, ethylene oxide,
methylene chloride, formaldehyde, chloroform and acrylamide are used.
Little in the way of inorganic carcinogens are used in CFI. Small amounts of
cadmium and chromium (IV) compounds can be found in a few laboratories.