_____________________________________________________________
THIS CHAPTER WILL HELP YOU TO...
-------------------------------------------------------------
* understand the best ways to prevent accidents that are "waiting to happen"
* learn how to respond quickly and effectively to an emergency
* know who to contact with questions
_____________________________________________________________
--PREVENTING ACCIDENTS
Some emergencies--like the the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989--are unpreventable. But these natural events cause secondary emergencies that can be anticipated, practiced for, and minimized before the actual event strikes. The best way to handle an emergency is to prevent it from happening in the first place. This chapter is designed to help you plan ahead for accidents that may visit your office or lab, your floor, or your building unexpectedly. Our experience at Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) shows that if you take health and safety seriously, demand safe work practices of your supervisors and peers, and ask questions when you feel something or someone is unsafe, then we all can avoid the accidents that injure us, jeopardize our productivity, and ruin our schedules.
--SAFETY TRAINING: YOUR KEY TO PREVENTING EMERGENCIES
You might feel that safety training is a waste of your time--especially if you have slogged through too many industrial safety training slide/video presentations that tell you nothing about what you want to know. But safety training--when it engages your particular work setting and prepares you for the unexpected--is the best personal preventative for accidents. EH&S has revised its safety training effort by gearing our training to the context of your school, department, or building and by providing you clear access to the entire EH&S staff. Please take advantage of safety training offered by EH&S and your building/department/school when you have the opportunity.
CPR/First Aid Classes
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Call the American Red Cross chapter at 322-2143 or Stanford's Health Improvement Program (HIP) at 725-4406 for more information on CPR and First Aid courses. Your department or research group may be able to arrange for First Aid training specific to the laboratory environment through Medic First Aid. Call EH&S for more information 723-0448.
*****************************
EMERGENCY? FOLLOW THE CHART!
*****************************
Is it immediately health-threatening? (When you really don't know, assume it is health threatening.)
YES!
---
Medical Emergency
- Call 9-911 from SU phones (or 911 from non-SU phones) to report the accident or pull the nearest fire alarm
- Find a trained First Aid or CPR person
- Administer First Aid
- Report the accident to your manager or supervisor
Chemical Spill
- Use safety shower and/or eyewash (except with alkali metals)
- Remove contaminated clothing
- Shut doors to the spill area
- Call 9-911 from SU phones (or 911 from non-SU phones) to report the accident or pull the nearest fire alarm
- Contact EH&S at 3-0448
Fire or Toxic Gas Release
- Evacuate the lab
- Shut doors to the area
- Pull the nearest fire alarm and call 9-911 from SU phones (or 911 from non-SU phones) to report the accident
- Evacuate the building
- Contact your lab director or principal investigator
NO
--
Medical Accident
- Find a trained First Aid person
- Administer First Aid
- Report the accident to your lab director or principal investigator
Minor Chemical Spill
- Alert your neighbors
- Don't take unnecessary risks!
- Call EH&S at 3-0448 for advice if you think you need it
- Find someone trained to clean up this type of spill
- Follow clean-up steps in this chapter or in other references
If you are not
trained in spill clean-up procedures, call EH&S Emergency Response at 3-0448
(or 3-2281 after hrs.) If the accident involves radiation, call 3-3201
NOT SURE?
--------
Earthquake
- Don't panic
- Duck, cover, and hold until the shaking stops
- Evacuate the building after the shaking has stopped
- Go to your Emergency Assembly Point
- Do not re-enter building until cleared by Safety Teams
Possible Fire??
- Pull nearest fire alarm
- Call 9-911 from SU phones (or 911 from non-SU phones) to report the nature and location of the accident
- Stay to inform arriving emergency personnel
- Report the accident to your lab director or principal investigator
Odd Odor??
- Call 3-0448 or 3-2281 during off-hours to report the odor
- Report the incident to your lab director, principal investigator, or department administrator
---------------------------------
MAJOR DISASTERS AND THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN
---------------------------------
--INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
[The EOP allows you to see how your local emergencies mesh with the University's overall priorities]
Stanford has anticipated a major disaster on campus by instituting an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) through the Department of Public Safety (Police Services). This is a good document to be familiar with, particularly if you are responsible for a room, lab, building, or department. We have included the text of the EOP--minus its detailed implementation plan--so you can see how your local emergencies will mesh with the University's overall priorities.
[Faculty, staff, and students with designated responsibilities are expected to be familiar with the policies and procedures outlined herein]
The Emergency Operations Plan is a basic guide for providing a response system, by Stanford faculty, staff, and students, to major disasters occurring on Stanford property. All personnel designated to carry out specific responsibilities are expected to know and understand the policies and procedures outlined. The emergency response to any major disaster will be conducted within the framework of this plan. Exceptions or changes to the outlined procedures must be approved by the Emergency Operations Director before implementation.
[The EOP goes into effect after a major disaster on campus-such as a major earthquake or an aircraft crash]
The Emergency Operations Plan is designed to effectively coordinate the use of University and community resources to protect life and property immediately following a major natural or accidental disaster on the Stanford University campus. It is placed into operation whenever an emergency affecting the campus cannot be controlled through normal channels. The primary emergencies envisioned by this plan are a major earthquake or aircraft crash.
Help on Building/Department
Emergency Response Procedures
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EH&S' Emergency Response Program (725-1472) is available to assist buildings and/or departments in developing emergency response procedures (e.g., evacuation plans, chains of command, safety contact lists). Please consult with EH&S and your school's Lab Safety Partner when developing these specific plans.
--ORGANIZATION
The Emergency Operations Organization is made up of two groups:
* The Emergency Operations Group reports to the Emergency Operations Director.
* The Emergency Policy Group reports to the President.
Each Stanford University Department/Office listed in either of the Groups will designate a primary representative and at least two alternates.
--RESPONSIBILITY AND CONTROL
[The University President retains executive control of the EOP--the highest ranking officer at Public Safety retains operational control]
The Emergency Operations Plan is under the executive control of the President of the University and under the operational direction of the highest ranking member of the Stanford University Department of Public Safety on campus (henceforth to be designated the Emergency Operations Director). When an emergency situation arises, the Emergency Operations Director will activate the Emergency Operations Plan. He or she will retain control of the Emergency Operations Group until relieved by a higher ranking member of the Department of Public Safety. University personnel and equipment will be utilized to provide priority protection for:
* Life safety
* Preservation of property
* Restoration of the academic program.
[The Emergency Operations Group will decide how to allocate personnel and equipment]
The manner in which University personnel and equipment will be utilized will be determined by the Emergency Operations Group Representatives under the direction of the Emergency Operations Director. The President or Acting President of the University will be responsible for notifying the Emergency Operations Director to deactivate the Emergency Operations Plan when he or she deems it appropriate.
[The EOP outlines in detail the implementation priorities in an actual disaster-available from Public Safety, 723-9633]
Please consult the Emergency Operations Plan for a more detailed outline of its implementation priorities in an actual disaster. Copies are available from the Department of Public Safety (723-9633).
Implementation
of the Emergency Operations Plan
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the event of a major disaster, the Emergency Operations Plan will be implemented
in the following ways:
If Telephone Services ARE Operational:
* The Emergency Operations Director will activate the Emergency Operations Plan. He or she will designate the Emergency Operations Center and Emergency Policy Center locations and appoint an Emergency Operations Center Communicator.
* The Emergency Operations Center Communicator or designee will immediately begin calling the members of the Emergency Operations Group, and advising them to come to the designated Emergency Operations Center.
* The Emergency Operations Center Communicator or designee will periodically advise the Emergency Operations Director of the availability and estimated time of arrival of the Emergency Operations Group Representatives.
* After notifying the Emergency Operations Group, the Emergency Operations Center Communicator or designee will call the members of the Emergency Policy Group and advise them to come to the designated Emergency Policy Command Center.
If Telephone Services ARE NOT Operational:
* The designated members of the Emergency Operations Group and the Emergency Policy Group will immediately travel to 711 Serra Street to implement the Emergency Operations Plan as soon as they are aware that a major disaster affecting the Stanford campus may have occurred.
* If the designated members of the Emergency Operations Group do not respond to the Emergency Operations Center in a reasonable amount of time, messengers may be dispatched. Appointment of Emergency Operations Group Representatives:
* The Emergency Operations Director will immediately appoint available individuals, with appropriate skills, to fill each of the Emergency Operations Group positions. These appointments will remain in effect until a more senior/experienced person is located and available. The acting representative will then become assistant to the senior person.
Non-Working Hours:
There is approximately a 75% chance that a disaster such as the one envisioned by this plan may occur before or after regular university office hours, or on a holiday or weekend when the organizational set-up of many departments is somehow out of the ordinary. While the structure of this plan remains precisely the same, its implementation may vary necessarily depending on, e.g., available resources and manpower until the proper officials can be notified. Until that time, however, the individuals assuming the most responsibility will necessarily be those officials/individuals of highest rank who are available at the time. These individuals should seek to follow as nearly as possible the guidelines discussed in this plan, while simultaneously making an effort to notify supervisory officials of the situation so as to obtain verification or advice on their actions.
Emergency Operations
Plan Responsibilities
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Emergency Operations Group reports to the Emergency Operations Director, and the Emergency Policy Group reports to the President.
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
GROUP RESPONSIBILITIES
______________________________________________________________________
Emergency Unit
Title Dept. Representative Responsibilities
--------------------
-------------------- -----------------------
Emergency Operations Public Safety - Activation of Director Emergency Plan
- Designation of Operations & Policy
Command Center Locations
- Direction of Emergency Services
- Direction of Law
Enforcement Resources
- Fire Control Coordination
- Coordination of Search & Rescue Effort
-------------------- -------------------- -----------------------
Public Information Public Affairs - Dissemination of Coordinator News Service Public Information
- Record Emergency
Operations Activity
- Relay Emergency Status
Information to Policy Group
-------------------- -------------------- -----------------------
Student Assistance Student Affairs - Coordinate Student Coordinator Assistance Program through Residential Education Program
- Assist with Student Housing and Food Service
- Establish Student
Information Programs
- Assist in Organizing Student Volunteer Service
-------------------- -------------------- -----------------------
Medical Care Stanford Hospital - Coordinate Medical Aid
Coordinator Cowell Health Center - Psychological Assistance
-------------------- -------------------- -----------------------
Facilities/Services Operations & - Utilities Coordinator Maintenance, et. al. - Heavy Equipment (Rescue/Cleanup)
- Procurement
- Facilities Survey
-------------------- -------------------- -----------------------
Health/Safety Environmental - Control of Hazardous Coordinator Health and Safety Substances
- Health & Safety Survey
- Assist with Facilities Survey
-------------------- -------------------- -----------------------
Volunteer Force Personnel - Organize Volunteers Coordinator Services for Operational Use
-------------------- -------------------- -----------------------
Stanford Linear Stanford Linear - Coordinate Cooperative Accelerator (SLAC) Accelerator (SLAC) Rescue Efforts Liaison
-------------------- -------------------- -----------------------
Communications Information Resources - Coordinate Restoration Coordinator of Telephone Services
-------------------- -------------------- -----------------------
Housing & Food Housing & Food Service - Organize and Services Coordinator Administer Existing Housing and Food Supplies
- Manage Underground
"Safety Silos" Access.
-------------------- -------------------- -----------------------
Stanford Homeowner Homeowners - Coordinate Emergency Liaison Association Efforts to Assist Homeowners.
- Develop and Maintain Status Information Regarding Nixon and Escondido Grade Schools
_______________________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY POLICY GROUP RESPONSIBILITIES
_______________________________________________________________________
Members
-----------------------------------
President
Provost
V.P. Student Resources
V.P. Planning and Management
V.P. Finance
V.P. Development
V.P. Public Affairs
V.P. Information Resources
V.P. General Counsel
Dean of Student Affairs
S.U.M.C. Representative
S.L.A.C. Representative
Support Staff
(Administrative/Clerical Assistance)
Responsibilities
-----------------------------------
- Acquisition of resources from outside the University
- Short- and long-term plan for Student Housing and Food Service
- Formulation of general public information
- Prioritize salvage operations
- Financing/legal problems
- Short-term building replacement program
- Faculty-staff replacement
- Coordinate survey of the academic program
- Coordinate records survey
- Establish target date for resumption of limited academic schedule
_______________________________________________________________________
-------------------------------
DEPARTMENT/BUILDING EMERGENCY & DISASTER PLANNING
-------------------------------
--GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPMENT
The University has developed an Emergency Operations Plan as well as other emergency plans, procedures, and policy documents. These policies and procedures go into effect in the event of a major disaster, such as a major earthquake or hazardous materials release. A description of these plans is contained in the Stanford University Research Policy Handbook and in this manual. Copies of the Operations Plan are available from the Department of Public Safety. These policies and plans do not address more localized emergency procedures which come into play should an accident occur at a department or building level. Therefore, the University has asked each department and/or building on campus to develop specific emergency response and disaster plans for their own local conditions.
PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
[Everyone at a building- or department-level should be trained in basic emergency procedures]
The main purpose of a department- or building-level (hereinafter, "local") emergency response and disaster plans (hereinafter, "the Plan") is for everyone to become trained in emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and hazardous materials spill responses. Faculty, staff, and students should know what to do should an emergency-even a minor one-occur. The Plan should be used as a training document and all personnel should become familiar with it. The Plan should be reviewed on a regular basis and revised as needed.
PLAN COMPONENTS
[Emergency response, evacuation plan, and earthquake plan]
Components of the plan should include emergency response procedures, an evacuation plan, and an earthquake plan (see box). It can also include emergency guidelines to be used in the event of a major disaster when professional emergency response assistance (e.g., fire department, police, or hazardous materials emergency response team) is unavailable and or unable to respond quickly. In such cases, the department or building may need to be self-reliant for an extended period of time. Additional, more detailed, information on emergency procedures such as rescue, building security, and "command post," should be included. Once the Plan is completed, copies should be sent to EH&S and the School's health and safety representative (if applicable) for review.
[File Copies of Plan with Public Safety]
A copy of the final plan should be filed with the the Special Services Unit of the Department of Public Safety.
Department/Building
Emergency & Disaster
Plan Guidelines
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Following is an outline for developing a building or department emergency response and disaster plan. The level of detail will depend on the size of the building, the number of occupants, and the hazards present. A more comprehensive set of guidelines is available from EH&S.
I. Introduction
- Purpose
- Scope
- Dissemination
II. Alarm Systems
- Introduction
- Description, maintenance
- Locations
- Activation - when and how
- Response to an alarm
III. Summoning Professional Emergency Response
- Emergency numbers and calling procedures
- Procedures for health-threatening emergencies
- When to contact EH&S
- Emergency poster
- After-hours emergency response
IV. Evacuation/Evacuation Plan
- Written evacuation procedures - when, how, assistance for those unable to evacuate themselves
- Routes - primary and alternate
- Emergency assembly point - location, method to assure that everyone has evacuated
- Drills (to schedule, contact Public Safety)
V. Designated Coordinator/Emergency Team/Chain of Command.
VI. Incident Reporting
VII. Earthquake Plan
---------------------------------------------
STANFORD EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT POLICIES
---------------------------------------------
--EMERGENCY TREATMENT FOR STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF
Major Emergency: An accident or incident in need of immediate attention such as:
- most chemical ingestions
- head injuries with loss of consciousness
- massive crush injuries or broken bones
- poisonings, including cyanide
- excessive bleeding including severe lacerations
- occupational HIV exposures
Minor Emergency: An accident or incident that may require treatment beyond general first aid such as:
- thermal and chemical burns
- most inhalations of laboratory gases
- minor cuts
- abrasions
- contusions
- some animal bites
Students
If a major emergency occurs, students should use the Emergency Department (723-5111)
at Stanford University Hospital (see map). However, make certain the Emergency
Room notifies Cowell of the visit by a student, since not all emergency room
visits are covered by Cowell. Coverage depends on the nature of the treatment.
If you are a research assistant (paid), you are covered by Stanford. Be certain
to identify yourself as such and not as a graduate student. Under minor emergencies
students (undergraduate and graduate) should use Cowell Health Student Center
(723-4841). Their outpatient facility is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday. Call the second floor infirmary (723-4861) during evenings and
weekends to reach an Infirmary nurse. A physician is available through the nurse.
The Cowell Infirmary is closed summer quarter until mid-September, but the on-call
physician can be reached through the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, (321- 4121).
Cowell is located at 606 Campus Drive, across from the Wilbur parking lot.
Treatment received elsewhere will be payable by the student. If this is desired, the student may use the Stanford Medical Group, which is located at the Stanford University Medical Center (723-6028).
NOTE: Students are not insured by the University for hospital coverage.
If such coverage is desired, students must provide for their own individual policies through their family, or purchase insurance through Cowell Health Center's sponsored plan. For more information, call 723- 4841.
--FACULTY AND STAFF
If a major emergency occurs, faculty and staff should use the Emergency Department (723-5111) at Stanford University Hospital (see map). Under conditions of minor emergencies, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Stanford faculty and staff can utilize the Stanford Medical Group and Clinic, or the Urgent Care Center at the Palo Alto Medical Clinic for industrial accidents. After 5:00 p.m., the Stanford Emergency Department or the Urgent Care Center at the Palo Alto Medical Clinic are recommended. In addition, the necessary forms must be completed, which include the Cal/OSHA 5020 form (State of California Employees' Report of Occupational Injury), DWC-1, and Stanford University's Form SU-17 (Occupational Accident Report). These forms must be returned to Risk Management (723-7400) within 24 hours of the accident.
-----------------
INTERIM FIRST AID
-----------------
Interim First Aid is essential in many injuries while you wait for trained personnel to arrive. Be familiar with these simple first steps! The life saved might be yours. First Aid can keep a seriously ill or injured person alive. The following brief summaries give interim measures that can be carried out until the injured person(s) receive treatment by qualified medical personnel. EH&S recommends that you take a First Aid/CPR course from the American Red Cross (322-2143) or from Stanford's Health Improvement Program (725-4406).
REMEMBER! In a health-threatening emergency dial 9-911 from SU phones (911 from non-SU phones) or 286 from the School of Medicine.
BLEEDING
* Apply direct pressure on the wound with a clean dressing.
* If bleeding continues and you do not suspect a fracture, elevate the wound above the victim's heart and continue to apply direct pressure.
* If bleeding continues, apply pressure at a pressure point.
* Maintain body temperature.
* Do not use a tourniquet unless this is a serious amputation.
BREATHING PROBLEMS
* Move victim to fresh air if smoke or dangerous gases are present. Otherwise, do not move victim.
* Ask victim "Are you choking?"
* If choking, perform abdominal thrusts (e.g., Heimlich maneuver).
* If victim loses consciousness, call 9-911.
* Never enter into a room with toxic gases released-call 9-911 instead.
UNCONSCIOUS VICTIM
* Move victim to fresh air if smoke or dangerous gases exist.
* Begin rescue breathing-be First Aid trained ahead of time!
* Never enter into a room with toxic gases released-call 9-911 instead.
CHEMICAL BURNS
* Smother flames with a fire blanket or emergency shower.
* Call 9-911 or have someone else call 9-911.
* Have victim remain under a safety shower or flush skin with any available water source for 15-30 minutes.
* Remove all contaminated clothing and jewelry.
* Cover burns with dry, loose dressings.
* Wash all clothing thoroughly before wearing it again. Chemical burns involving alkali metals should NOT be treated with water, but with mineral oil to clean the wounded skin.
CHEMICAL INGESTIONS
* Call 9-911. Identify the chemical and follow 911's advice.
* Call the Poison Control Center at (408) 299-5112.
* Do not give victim any food or liquids without specific advice from a physician.
EYE INJURIES FROM CHEMICALS
* Get victim to a safety shower or eyewash immediately. Call 9-911.
* Flush eye for 15-30 minutes with both lids held open.
* Keep the injured eye lower than the uninjured eye.
* Keep the eyelids open-hold fingers at top and bottom of the eyeball.
* Wrap a bandage loosely around both eyes. Eye injuries involving alkali metals should NOT be treated with water, but with mineral oil to clean the eyes. These are common health-threatening emergencies in Stanford University laboratory settings. Be prepared for them!
----------------------------------
EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS PROCEDURES
----------------------------------
--BEFORE THE NEXT EARTHQUAKE--WHAT TO DO NOW
* Find out who is trained in First Aid and CPR among your co- workers. Get yourself trained! Develop a buddy system among co-workers, especially the disabled.
* Prepare a survival pack for your home and office.
* Locate safe and dangerous spots in your work area. - Safe spots: under a sturdy table or desk, under interior door frames (be careful of door swing), or in an interior corner away from shelves and windows.
- Danger spots: Stay away from windows, glass doors, mirrors, hanging objects, tall unsecured furniture and kitchen areas.
* File cabinets and other cabinet doors should be latched to prevent opening during an earthquake.
* Place a gallon of bottled water under your desk or in the location you are most likely to end up in after an earthquake.
* If taking medications, be sure to get refills when you are down to less than a one week supply.
* Discuss earthquake plans with your family and loved ones. - Decide what your reunification plans will be and how they will work.
- Decide on the phone number of an out-of-state contact that all family members use. (Long distance calls may be possible even if local area service is not working)
* Check to make sure nothing heavy or breakable is hanging over you or located on top of elevated shelves. Keep all breakable and heavy items in low cabinets that have been secured.
* Locate nearby fire extinguishers and be sure you know how to use them.
* Keep exit routes clear. Know at least 2 exit routes from your work.
* Make arrangements to secure bookshelves, file cabinets, and other heavy equipment that could block your means of egress.
--DURING THE EARTHQUAKE--WHAT TO DO
* Stay calm. Do not run or panic. Think through the consequences of any action you take.
* If inside, stay inside and take cover under a sturdy table or desk, under interior door frames (be careful of door swing), or in an interior corner away from shelves and windows.
* If outside, stay outside and move away from buildings and power lines. In earthquakes, most injuries occur as people are entering or leaving buildings.
* If in a moving car, stop as quickly as safety permits-do not stop under or near structures that may collapse (e.g., bridges, old buildings, electrical power poles, lights, underpasses)-but stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops. When you drive on, watch for hazards such as fallen objects, downed electric wires, or broken or undetermined roadways.
--AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS--WHAT TO DO NEXT
* Be prepared for aftershocks. Although most of these are smaller than the main shock, some may be large enough to cause additional damage or bring weakened structures down. Evacuate to your Emergency Assembly Point (EAP) with caution!
* Do NOT use matches, lighters, or other ignition sources because there may be gas leaks that could cause an explosion.
* Staff should form into their preassigned squads-search and rescue, First Aid, support, etc. Locate any injured people and get trained CPR or First Aid personnel to them. Call 9-911 to report your emergency needs.
* Leave telephone lines open for disaster services.
* Two runners should be sent with status assessments to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) even if the phone lines are operational.
* Tune your radios to KZSU(FM 90.1) for information and damage reports.
* Once your building has been cleared for reoccupancy, your building, department, or school Safety Team will tell you what to do next.
-----------------------------
THREE-DAY QUAKE SURVIVAL PACK
-----------------------------
Collect and put the following materials into a large, waterproof barrel.
TOP OF THE BARREL:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flashlight
Battery-operated
radio
Spare batteries
for both
FIRST AID KIT CONTAINING:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Drugs Dressings
----- ---------
Antibiotic ointment
Adhesive tape, 2" wide roll Aspirin tablets Sterile Bandage, 2" and 4" rolls
Spirit of Ipecac (to induce vomiting) Bandage, large triangle Kaopectate
Bandages, plastic strips Medications (e.g., insulin, Gauze pads (4" x 4") heart
tablets) Sterile absorbent cotton
Ace bandage
Miscellaneous
Butterfly bandages
-------------
First Aid Handbook
Scissors
Tweezers
Thermometer
Tissues
Petroleum
Jelly Pocket Knife
Rubbing alcohol
Eye dropper
MIDDLE OF THE BARREL:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Food-A three-day supply of food requiring no refrigeration (canned and/or dehydrated foods). Date all food items. Write out a menu for each day. Also pack water (1gal/person) and water purification tablets (iodine tablets).
BOTTOM OF THE BARREL:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bedding Equipment
------- ---------
Sleeping bag/blankets
Pocket knife w/ can opener
Plastic sheet/tarp
Dishpan
Disposable dishes
and utensils
Personal
Supplies Ax and shovel
Bucket
One change of clothing per person Liquid chlorine/laundry bleach
Toiletries, towels, and infant needs Matches or lighter and candles
Paper and
pencils Sterno canned heat
Cash and
important documents
-------------------------------
LAB EARTHQUAKE SAFETY CHECKLIST
-------------------------------
There many things you can do to minimize injuries and property damage due to an earthquake. This checklist will help you identify and correct situations which could become extremely hazardous should an earthquake strike.
* Secure bookcases, filing cabinets, shelves, racks, cages, storage cabinets, and similar items which are over 4 feet tall. Equip all chemical and book storage areas with lipped shelves or elastic bungy cord from end to end.
* Unstack unsecured items such as bookcases, filing cabinets, shelves, cages, storage cabinets, or other items less than 6 feet tall.
* Secure portable machines or equipment against movement using QuakeGrip by Velcro-buy it from Central Stores.
* Arrange with Operations & Maintenance to have large top-heavy equipment or apparatus (e.g., centrifuges) bolted down.
* Secure compressed gas cylinders firmly to structural members at 1/3 and 2/3 the height of the cylinder.
* Store large and heavy objects on lower shelves or storage areas.
* Store valuable materials sensitive to shock damage, such as laboratory instruments, computer disks, and glassware in latched cabinets or secure otherwise to prevent falling.
* Rearrange cluttered storage areas to allow clear access to exits.
* Store chemicals according to Stanford's Compatible Storage Groups
* Minimize the number of glass bottles containing flammables or extremely toxic materials. Use safety cans or flammable liquid storage cabinets where possible.
* Secure vessels, vats, dip tanks, or other containers of hazardous liquids so that they will not fall over.
For More Earthquake Materials and Information, call Stanford's Earthquake Preparedness Information Line at 723-0569
[Also see "A Guideline for Emergency Earthquake Procedures," available through the Department of Public Safety, 723-9633]
---------------------------------------------
CHEMICAL SPILLS AND OTHER ACCIDENTAL RELEASES
---------------------------------------------
--RESPONSIBILITY
[People with managerial and supervisory responsibility are responsible for seeing that their students and supervisees are trained in emergency response procedures]
Under Stanford's Hazardous Materials Release Response Policy (see the University Research Policies appendix), department chairs, laboratory directors, principal investigators, and supervisors have the specific responsibility to see that individuals for whom they are responsible are trained in proper emergency response procedures and that the work areas for which they are responsible are posted conspicuously with emergency response procedures. They have a further obligation to set a good example by using safe work practices and by demonstrating a positive attitude regarding safety in the laboratory. Stanford's policy is designed to assure that principal investigators are fully informed of and included in the response strategy for hazardous materials spills and releases. (The HMRRP and its definitions may be found in the University Safety Policies appendix to this manual.)
[Each individual is responsible for following safety rules set out by their local safety group or committee]
Individual students or investigators are responsible for their own safety in performing daily tasks, and for following the safety rules set forth by their building or departmental safety committees.
SPILL CLEAN-UP RESPONSIBILITY
[When a spill or release is health-threatening or unmanageable call the Emergency Response Team]
The EH&S' Emergency Response Team exists in large part to clean-up health-threatening or unmanageable spills. If a minor spill or release occurs in your lab and you know that
- it is not health-threatening, and
- trained people and proper clean-up equipment are on hand,
[You may handle certain minor spills on your own-but ALWAYS call EH&S to report the spill for recordkeeping purposes] then you may clean-up the spill and dispose of waste materials properly. But even under seemingly innocuous conditions it does no harm to consult with EH&S' Emergency Response Team (723-0448) to be sure that the rights steps are being taken to clean-up the spill or release. All spills must be reported to EH&S except very small spills (<50 ml) of low hazard material. In all other cases, follow the emergency procedures at right (also given at the front of this chapter on a flowchart that you can photocopy).
-------------------------------------
GENERAL CHEMICAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
-------------------------------------
* Get contaminated victims to a safety shower and/or eyewash (except with injuries involving alkali metals-use mineral oil instead)
* Remove vicitm's contaminated clothing and flush exposed areas for 15 minutes under running water
* Shut doors to the spill area
* Call 9-911 from SU phones (or 911 from non-SU phones) to report the accident or pull the nearest fire alarm
* Evacuate the area, if necessary.
* Call the Environmental Health and Safety Department for assistance at 723-0448 (or 723-2281 during off-hours).
Never worry about being overcautious in a hazardous situation. No harm is done by leaving a questionable area or calling for assistance. Details of the exact chemical reaction or relative hazard can be discussed at length later; in fact, such review is useful in preventing future problems in similar situations. On the other hand, taking immediate and conservative action is the key to limiting potential exposure to injury.
---------------------------------
PROTECTIVE GLOVE PROPERTIES CHART
---------------------------------
_______________________________________________________________________
POLYMER GLOVE TYPE ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES USE AGAINST THESE CHEMICALS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural Generally Low cost; Poor vs. oils, Bases, alcohols, Rubber unsupported good physical greases, dilute water properties; organics. solutions; dexterity. Frequently fair vs. imported; may aldehydes, be poor ketones quality.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural Generally Low cost; Physical Same as natural Rubber unsupported dexterity properties rubber blends better frequently chemical inferior to resistance natural rubber than natural rubber vs. some chemicals.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PVC Generally Low cost; Plasticizers Strong acids and supported very good can be bases; salts, physical stripped; other water properties, frequently solutions; especially imported; alcohols. abrasion- may be poor resistance. quality.
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Neoprene Supported Medium glove; Oxidizing acids; or medium aniline, phenol; unsupported physicals, glycol ethers. medium cost, medium chemical resistance.
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Nitrile Generally Low cost; Poor vs. Oils, greases; unsupported excellent benzene, aliphatic physical methylene chemicals; properties; chloride, xylene; dexterity. trichloro- perchlor; ethylene, trichloroethane; many ketones. fair vs. toluene.
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Butyl Unsupported Specialty Expensive; poor Glycol ethers, glove; vs. hydro- ketones, esters. polar carbons, organics. chlorinated solvents.
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PVA Supported Specialty Very expensive; Aliphatics, glove, water sensitive; aromatics; resists poor vs. light chlorinated a very broad alcohols. solvents; range of ketones (except organics; acetone); good esters, ethers. physicals.
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Fluoro- Unsupported Specialty Extremely Aromatics; elastomer glove; expensive; chlorinated (Viton) organic poor physicals; solvents; also solvents. poor vs. some aliphatics and ketones, alcohols. esters, amines.
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------------------------
HANDLING ACIDS AND BASES
------------------------
*NOTE: USE CAUTION when neutralizing any quantity of concentrated acids- heat and acid vapors may be created.
Emergency Supplies To Have On Hand Before Using Acids and Bases ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Absorbent: such as dry sand, Zorb-all, vermiculite, floor dry, or spill pillows (hydrofluoric acid may deteriorate spill pillows)
* For acid spills: neutralizers such as sand and soda ash or Neutrasorb*
* Brush and dust pan
* Plastic bags (heavy-duty)
* Eyewash/safety shower
Protective Clothing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Eye protection
* Lab coat or Tyvek
* Nitrile or neoprene gloves-or other gloves resistant to the material spilled
* Closed-toe shoes or boots
* Rubber or neoprene apron (optional)
Special Circumstances
May Require
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Appropriate respirator with organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (NIOSH approved). Individual respirator fitting is required. Contact EH&S for assistance, 725-1474.
* Face shield or goggles.
Physical Properties
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BASES Most bases are solids. Pain does occur immediately when contact is made with strong bases, but the hazard is identical to that of acids. The corrosive action of strong bases can often do more damage than acids because it may go unnoticed until serious damage has been done to tissues. ACIDS Most acids are liquids, and are therefore easily splashed on skin or in eyes. The strength of the acids and the length of time that it is in contact with body tissues are the controlling factors in limiting the injury. Speed in flushing the exposed area with water can reduce trauma to skin or eyes.
Hazards
~~~~~~~
CONTACT WITH EYES OR SKIN Liquid vapors, mists, or dust vapors are equally harmful.
INHALATION Vapors, mists, or dusts can irritate the entire respiratory tract as well as provide a path for absorption into the bloodstream.
INGESTION Severe burns and destruction of tissue on the mouth, throat, and gastro-intestinal tract can result from ingestion of acids or bases.
CHEMICAL REACTIONS Fire or explosion can occur when contact is made between acids and bases, or acids and metal combustible materials, other chemicals, or organic materials.
Additional Precautions
When Handling Acids and Bases
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Do not add water to an acid solution; instead, gradually add the acid to the water.
* Never combine acid waste with other waste chemicals. Keep in a separate 5-pint bottle or other spill-proof container.
* Never combine strong bases with other waste chemicals. Keep in a separate spill-proof container.
* Never pour any amount of strong acid or base down the sink or drain. Following accidental disposal of even a trace amount, allow water to run for several minutes in order to flush the drain and dilute the chemical.
NOTE: Perchloric acid requires special controls because of its explosive properties. Be sure to clear any proposed use of this chemical with your instructor or supervisor.
Spills
~~~~~~
CAUTION! Additional corrosive damage can be caused by the foaming and misting of neutralizing agents. Absorb as much of a spill as possible before applying neutralizing agents.
LARGE AMOUNTS (MORE THAN ONE LITER)
* Evacuate the area and close its door if possible.
* Call EH&S (723-0448) immediately for assistance. Call 723-2281 during off-hours. Always call 9-911 from Stanford phones if the spill is health-threatening.
MINOR SPILLS
* Alert your neighbors.
* Open windows or ventilate area.
* Contain an acid spill by slowly sprinkling absorbent, starting at the edges and moving toward the spill's center.
* Contain a base spill by slowly sprinkling absorbent, starting at the edges and moving toward the spill's center.
* Scoop up all absorbed material. Remember, if no neutralizer was used, the absorbed material is still hazardous. Neutralize any residue you are unable to pick up with appropriate absorbent.
* Spills of dry bases: scoop up as much as possible, then neutralize the remaining amount as previously described for liquid base spills.
* Brush all dry material into a pan and place all clean-up materials in a plastic bag. Label the bag clearly with the chemical spilled, absorbent and neutralizer used, and your name and phone number.
* Clean the area with soap and water.
* Dispose of all materials used in clean-up by calling the Chemical Waste Program for pick-up. Do not place in a regular waste can.
--------------------------
HANDLING FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
--------------------------
Examples: Alcohol, ether, dimethyl sulfide glycols, acetone, gasoline.
Emergency Supplies
To Have On Hand Before Using Flammable Liquids
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Type B Fire extinguisher (CO2 or dry chemical). Water is not effective, as many flammable liquids simply float on water.
* Absorbent material-spill pillows, Solusorb, vermiculite, or floor dry.
* Brush and dust pan.
* Heavy-duty plastic bags.
* Sealable metal to contain spill clean-up material.
Protective Clothing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Safety glasses
* Nitrile gloves or other gloves that are resistant to the material spilled
* Lab coat
Special Circumstances
May Require
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Respirator or self-contained air supply and fire department assistance. In such a case, it is best to contact EH&S instead of attempting to deal with the spill yourself.
Plan Ahead!
~~~~~~~~~~~
* Control all ignition sources, including electrical appliances and static sparks.
* Know exit locations.
* Know the location of the nearest telephone.
* Do not store more than 10 gallons in each lab (approved safety can or flammable liquid storage cabinet is required for larger amounts).
Physical Properties
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flammable liquids have the ability to vaporize at room temperatures and can form concentrations in air that ignite rapidly or explode. When heated, the vaporization rate increases, creating an even more hazardous situation. Most solvents are extremely flammable and many are toxic if inhaled. All solvents are rapidly absorbed through the skin or eyes and will carry contaminants along with them into the body.
Hazards
~~~~~~~
FIRE Flammable liquids produce extremely high heat and spread rapidly, due to their nature
RAPID ABSORPTION Through body tissues (skin, eyes), therefore will transport any toxic substance dissolved in them into the body
INHALATION Of harmful vapors
Additional Precautions
When Working With Flammable Liquids
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Use in a well-ventilated area, or in a fume hood if necessary.
* Avoid ignition sources such as hot plates, heat lamps, and Bunsen burners.
* Use a drip pan or secondary container to contain any spilled solvent.
* Do not heat directly over a burner or spark source.
Spills
~~~~~~
LARGE AMOUNTS (MORE THAN ONE GALLON)
* Alert your neighbors, evacuate the area, and close the door.
* Call EH&S (723-0448) during the day or 723-2281 during off-hours. Always call 9-911 from Stanford phones if the spill is life- threatening.
* Use a CO2 or dry chemical fire extinguisher, not water: water will only spread the fire.
MINOR SPILLS
* Have ready a CO2 or dry chemical fire extinguisher;
* Alert your neighbors and evacuate them if necessary.
* Open windows or ventilate area.
* If no flame exists, sprinkle with absorbent material such as Solusorb, vermiculite, floor dry, or even paper towels if nothing else is available.
* Brush into dust pan.
* Place all clean-up materials in a heavy-duty plastic bag. Then place into a closed metal (ferrite) container. Label the outside of the container with the chemical name and absorbent used.
* Clean area with soap and water.
* Contact the Chemical Waste Program at 725-7529 for special pickup of these potentially hazardous materials. Do not place in regular waste can.
----------------
HANDLING POISONS
----------------
Examples: Cyanide solutions or solids, sodium fluoride, phenol, phosgene gas, insecticides, carcinogens.
Emergency supplies
to have on hand before using poisons
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Absorbent material (spill pillows, vermiculite, floor dry, or paper towels if you have nothing else)
* Brush and dust pan
* Heavy-duty plastic bags
* Sealable metal can to contain spill clean-up materials may be necessary
Protective Clothing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Safety glasses
* Nitrile gloves or other gloves that are resistant to the material spilled
* Lab coat
Special Circumstances
May Require
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Respirator or self-contained air supply
* Full protective suit
Plan Ahead!
~~~~~~~~~~~
* Know exit locations.
* Know location of nearest telephone in another room.
Hazardous properties
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Poisons have a variety of properties and forms. Many are also flammable or corrosive. Some are capable of being absorbed through the skin. When heated, the vaporization rate increases, creating an even more hazardous situation. Be particularly wary of poison gases or volatile liquid poisons.
* Poisons can cause an increased hazard in any fire due to inhalation hazard, and some are themselves flammable
* Inhalation-toxic vapors are present for many poisons.
* Absorption-direct contact and/or contact with the vapor of some poisons can cause serious effects and even death.
* Ingestion is obviously a problem for poisons.
Additional precautions when working with poisons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Use in a well-ventilated area, or fume hood if necessary.
* Have the antidote nearby if appropriate.
Spills
~~~~~~
LARGE AMOUNTS (MORE THAN ONE LITER)
* Evacuate the area and close its doors.
* Call the EH&S emergency number, 723-0448, during the day or 723-2281 during off-hours. Always call 9-911 if the spill is life threatening.
* Stop any leaking if possible without endangering oneself or others.
MINOR SPILLS
* Alert your neighbors and evacuate area if necessary.
* For gases, stop the leak if possible without endangering oneself or others.
* Open windows or ventilate the area.
* For liquids, cover with absorbent material such as Solusorb, vermiculite, floor dry, or even paper towels if nothing else is available.
* Brush into a dust pan.
* Place all clean-up materials in a heavy-duty plastic bag. Place all of this into a sealed metal container.
* Clean the area with soap and water.
* Contact the Chemical Waste Program at 725-7529 for special pick- up of these potentially hazardous materials. Do not place in regular waste can.
----------------
HANDLING MERCURY
----------------
Emergency Supplies
To Have On Hand Before Using Mercury
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Alkaline Poly-Sulfide (HgX) for spill area detoxification
* Medicine dropper or pipette to reclaim small droplets
* Soft brush and dust pan
* Tape
* Plastic bags
Protective Clothing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Lab coat
* Safety glasses
* Gloves
Special Circumstances
May Require
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Respirator equipped with a combination OV acid gas, HEPA canister, or self-contained breathing apparatus
Physical Properties
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mercury vaporizes easily at room temperature and therefore, vapors can be easily dispersed in air from freestanding surfaces of this metal. If heated, the vapor pressure increases rapidly and an extremely hazardous concentration of mercury vapor can result. The threshold limit values for an eight hour day exposure to mercury vapors is 0.05 mg/m3 of air. Procedures such as using an ordinary domestic-type vacuum cleaner to pick up spilled droplets of mercury will quickly produce concentration that exceed this limit.
Hazards
~~~~~~~
Health effects
are cumulative.
INHALATION Repeated inhalation or short exposures to high levels of mercury vapor can cause brain damage and kidney failure.
INGESTION Overexposure to mercury can occur through eating food contaminated with mercury. The health effects are the same as with inhalation.
ABSORPTION Prolonged contact of organic mercury compound with skin can cause dermatitis as well as the health effects associated with inhalation and ingestion.
Additional precautions
when handling mercury
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Store mercury in unbreakable, closed containers.
* Always use a catch pan under mercury systems that are likely to break.
* Wash hands thoroughly after use to prevent skin absorption or irritation.
* Use respiratory protection if prolonged exposure is possible. Contact the Health and Safety Department for advice on appropriate protection at 723-0448.
Spills
~~~~~~
LARGE SPILLS (MORE THAN 10 GRAMS):
* Alert your neighbors and clear the area if necessary.
* Close the doors leading to the spill area.
* Call EH&S at 723-0448 for assistance with further decontamination and post-decontamination monitoring.
MINOR SPILLS
* Very small amounts can be picked up with adhesive tape.
* Isolate the area so material will not be tracked around.
* Open windows or ventilate the area.
* Be careful! The drops can be spread a very long way. Use a pipette for picking up droplets.
* Store picked-up mercury droplets in a plastic or glass sealed vial labeled "Mercury".
* Sprinkle HgX to detoxify remaining mercury, then brush into dust pan and deposit in a plastic bag. Label bag "Mercury spill cleanup" and mention if HgX is used. Seal the bag.
* Wash hands thoroughly.
* Call EH&S' Industrial Hygiene Program at 725-1474 for post- cleanup appraisal and monitoring.
* Call EH&S' Chemical Waste Program at 725-7529 for waste pick-up. Do not dispose of mercury in the regular trash stream.
----------------------
HANDLING ALKALI METALS
----------------------
Emergency Supplies
To Have On Hand Before Using Alkali Metals
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Met-L-X fire extinguisher, powdered graphite, or dry sand.
* Brush and dustpan
* Mineral oil
Protective Clothing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Safety glasses
* Lab coat
* Closed-toe safety shoes or boots
* Chrome leather gloves for liquid metals
Special Circumstances
May Require
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Full face respirator with appropriate cartridge filter
Physical Properties
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alkali metals can produce violent reactions when exposed to water or moist air. Dusts and smoke produced by these violent reactions are as hazardous as the molten metal fragments and can cause deep corrosive damage to body tissue. Alkali metals also react strongly with alcohols, halogens, polyhalogenated, hydrocarbons, and hydrogens and must therefore be strictly controlled in laboratory use.
Hazards
~~~~~~~
CONTACT WITH EYES OR SKIN Can cause severe burns. Prolonged contact deepens burns.
INHALATION Of dusts can be corrosive to lungs and mucous membranes. Smoke from any alkali metal fire is also an inhalation hazard.
CHEMICAL REACTIONS Fire or explosion can occur when exposed to water or moist air.
Additional precautions
when handling alkali metals
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Avoid unnecessary use of water.
* Store in a sealed container in dry location.
* Locate experiment away from heavy use areas.
* Provide good ventilation.
* Never dispose of alkali metals by flushing them down drains.
Spills
~~~~~~
LARGE SPILLS OR ANY SPILLS WITH FIRE
* Alert your neighbors and evacuate the area.
* Call EH&S (723-0448) for assistance. Call 723-2281 during off- hours. Always call 9-911 if the spill is life-threatening or causes a fire.
MINOR SPILLS OR ANY SPILL WITHOUT FIRE
* Alert your neighbors and evacuate the area if necessary.
* Use no water on the spill or on contaminated people.
* A person trained in handling alkali metals may cover spill with Met-L-X, graphite, or dry sand.
* Metal particles on skin should be quickly scraped off with a spatula, not brushed or washed off; then use mineral oil to remove traces.
* Metal particles in eyes: flush with mineral oil to remove particles. Do not use an eyewash.
* Seek immediate medical attention if someone is injured.
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