Department of Environmental Health and Safety

Chemical Fume Hoods:

Chemical Safety Manual (PDF)

Laboratory fume hoods are the first defense to minimize chemical exposure to research workers. They are considered the primary means of protection from inhalation of hazardous vapors. It is, therefore, important that all potentially harmful chemical work be conducted inside a properly functioning fume hood. When installed, fume hoods should be inspected in accordance with ASHRAE 110 to ensure proper ventilation. ASHRAE 110 is the industry standard tracer gas mannequin method. ASHRAE is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. 

The following are a few health and safety tips concerning fume hoods:

• Substitute toxic chemicals with less hazardous materials whenever possible.
• Keep fume hood exhaust fans on at all times.
• Perform all work six inches inside the hood.
• Never place your head inside the hood.
• Keep the hood sash closed as much as possible at all times to ensure the optimum face velocity and to minimize energy usage.
• Keep lab doors closed to ensure negative room pressure to the corridor and proper air flow into the hood.
• Do not store chemicals for extended periods of time in the hood.
• Keep the slots of the baffle free of obstruction.
• Do not use the hood as a waste disposal mechanism (e.g., for evaporation of chemicals).
• Avoid rapid movements in front of the hood including opening and closing the fume hood sash rapidly and swift arm and body movements in front of or inside the hood. These actions may increase turbulence and reduce the effectiveness of fume hood containment.
• Do not override or disable mechanical stops on the sash.
• Train and educate employees regarding specific hazards and include work methods that help reduce contaminant exposure.
• Have a general awareness of the operation of your hood and be aware of any differences in visual or audible cues that may imply a change in function.

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact EH&S at x4111

Compressed Gas Safety:

Training:

CGC Safety training is scheduled upon request by contacting EH&S at x4111.

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact EH&S at x4111

Emergency Shower and Eyewash:

Emergency Shower and Eyewash Safety Manual (PDF)

Emergency Showers and Eyewashes are an important part to any laboratory. These devices can help save a life in the event of gross chemical contamination. You should have a functioning eyewash and safety shower within 10 seconds clear travel of your workspace.

What you can do?

• If you are exposed to chemicals and need to use an emergency shower or eyewash, you should flush the affected area for at least fifteen minutes to completely remove the chemical. Additionally be sure to seek appropriate medical attention if the situation warrants.
• Eyewashes should be checked periodically by laboratory personnel to ensure water flow and quality. This helps clean out any rust, scale deposits, or bacteria that may accumulate.
• The area around the safety equipment should always be free of clutter. It's impossible to get to cluttered eyewash when your eyes are full of acid.
• The shower pull should be kept at a height that can be reached by all people in the laboratory.
• Eyewash nozzles should be protected by plastic end caps. These should be loose enough to be removed by the flow of water, but secure enough to prevent contamination from dust and chemicals.
• Portable squeeze bottles are not acceptable as eyewash units.  
• Eyewashes and safety showers should never be as a substitute for the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Inspects the eyewash and emergency showers.
• Provide expert advice on the location of installation, safety training around the area, and use of PPE.

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact EH&S at x4111

Hazardous Communication:

Texas Hazard Communication Act (Section 520)

The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) recognizes that employees have a right and need to know the properties and potential safety and health hazards of substances to which they may be exposed in the course of performing their duties. Such knowledge is essential for maintaining the general health and welfare of faculty, staff, and students therefore reducing the incidence and cost of occupational illness and injury.

It is the policy of UTD to provide employees with appropriate training and information on the safe handling and work practices associated with hazardous chemicals, materials, and conditions to which employees may be exposed in the work place. This shall be accomplished by complying with the State of Texas Hazard Communication Act (Section 520), which is incorporated into this policy. Any amendments to this Standard will be incorporated into this Policy on the date they become effective.

Implementation of this Policy shall be accomplished through the UTD Hazard Communication Program.

Training:

Laser Safety training is scheduled upon request by contacting the LSO at x6111.

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact EH&S at x4111

Hearing Protection:

Hearing Safety Manual (PDF)

Work-related hearing loss continues to be a critical workplace safety and health issue. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the occupational safety and health community named hearing loss one of the 21 priority areas for research in the next century. Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable, but once acquired, hearing loss is permanent and irreversible. Therefore, prevention measures must be taken by employers as well as workers to ensure the protection of workers’ hearing.

Noise exposure levels for employees’ should not exceed 85 decibels over 8 working hours, or an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA). That is, employers must monitor all employees whose noise exposure is equivalent to or greater than a noise exposure received in 8 hours where the noise level is constantly 85 decibels.

If you work in an area with machines and/or use equipment that exposes you to greater than 85 decibels, then hearing protection should be worn, such as ear plugs or ear muffs. If you are not sure if your area or equipment exceeds 85 decibels contact the EH&S.

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact EH&S at x4111

Indoor Air Quality:

UTD Voluntary Indoor Air Quality Guideline Policy (PDF) | Summary of IAQ guidelines (PDF)

The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) has created a guiding policy for the minimization of indoor air quality issues surrounding new construction/ remodeling/renovation projects on campus or leased facilities.  The policy framework adopted relevant sections of the Voluntary Indoor Air Quality Guidelines for Government Building issued by the Texas Department of Health, December 22, 2002.

The purpose of IAQ is to promote practices that prevent or reduce the contamination of indoor air, thereby contributing to a safe, healthy, productive and comfortable environment for building occupants.

Pollen Count:

Source: www.pollen.com

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact EH&S at x4111

Respiratory Protection:

Respiratory Protection Manual (PDF)

The purpose of the Respiratory Protection Program is to ensure that all employees have adequate respiratory protection in the workplaces on the University of Texas at Dallas campus where engineering controls or work practices that are inadequate or not feasible to reduce the exposure to airborne contaminates.  In all cases, engineering controls must be considered and implemented to the extent that they are feasible.

Environmental Health and Safety shall provide respirators, training, fit testing, and medical evaluations at no cost to the employees.  The training and fit testing are held at the beginning of the semester, and when required.

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact EH&S at x4111