Special Provisions for Select Carcinogens, Reproductive Toxins, and Acutely Toxic Chemicals

In addition to General Procedures, special precautions are required when handling carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and chemicals with a high degree of acute toxicity. The Registered User should ensure that precautions designed to minimize risk of exposure to these substances are taken. The following are minimum guidelines:

• Quantities of these chemicals used and stored in the laboratory should be minimized, as should their concentrations in solutions or mixtures.
• Work with carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and acutely toxic chemicals should be performed within a functioning fume hood, ventilated glove box, sealed system, or other system designed to reduce exposure to these substances. (The exhaust air from the ventilation systems may require scrubbing before being released into the atmosphere.) In all cases, work with these types of chemicals should be done in such a manner that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) permissible exposure limits, or similar standards, are not exceeded.
• Compressed gas cylinders that contain acutely toxic chemicals, such as arsine and nitrogen dioxide, should be kept in ventilated gas cabinets.
• The ventilation efficiency of the designated fume hood, glove box, or gas cabinet, and the operational effectiveness of mechanical and electrical equipment used to contain or manipulate these special substances should be evaluated periodically by the laboratory personnel at intervals determined by the Registered User. The interval of evaluating systems may vary from weekly to semiannually depending upon the frequency of usage, quantities employed, and level of hazard.
• Each laboratory using these substances must designate an area for this purpose, and sign or mark this area with an appropriate hazard warning. The designated area may be an entire laboratory, an area of the laboratory, or a device such as a fume hood or glove box. The designated area should be marked with a “DANGER, specific agent, AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY” or comparable warning sign.
• All workers in a laboratory with an area designated for use with carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and/or acutely toxic chemicals must be trained in the harmful effects of these substances, including signs and symptoms of exposure to these substances. Training to safely handle and store these substances is required for those who use these materials. This training is the responsibility of the Registered User and must be done prior to the use of any of these materials.
• Laboratory workers using these chemicals must have access to appropriate personal protective equipment (available at no expense to the workers) and must be trained to properly use this equipment.
• Detection equipment may be required in laboratories where acutely toxic chemicals (especially poisonous gases) are used.
• All unwanted hazardous materials contaminated with these substances should be collected and disposed of promptly. Instructions for disposal can be found at the Hazardous Materials page. The designated working area must be thoroughly decontaminated and cleaned at regular intervals that are determined by the Registered User. The interval may be as short as one day or as long as six months, depending upon the frequency of usage and the level of hazard.
• Special precautions are required to avoid release and exposure of carcinogens, acutely toxic chemicals, and reproductive toxins. For instance, volatile substances should be kept cool and contained. Gas cylinders should have properly functioning valves, check valves, regulators, appropriate piping, and containment which can withstand pressure buildup; dispersive solids should be kept in closed containers and used in places with minimal air currents; and appropriate contact materials should be used to avoid static charging.
• Emergency response planning for releases or spills should be prepared by the Registered User, and included in the training of the laboratory workers and others who may be affected in the building. EHS (882-3736) can provide assistance with this planning.