ONLINE ORIENTATION

Industrial Maintenance & Construction,

& Support Services Environment

About EHS
We support the University's core mission of teaching,
research, and service by providing comprehensive
environmental, health and safety services to the
University community including: education through
training and consultation; maintaining a safe
environment; ensuring regulatory compliance; and
controlling recognized health and safety hazards.
To achieve this mission we must rely on all University
employees to understand and recognize safety
policy and procedures.

About EHS
The responsibility of the department of Environment, Health and Safety
is to develop a comprehensive program to comply with the
provisions of each of the following regulations: Occupational Safety
and Health Act (OSHA)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
NC DENR NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization
(JCAHO)
NC Radiation Protection Section (NCRPS)
Office of State Personnel (OSP)
NC Fire Prevention Codes
NFPA 101 Life Safety Codes

About EHS

EHS provides comprehensive support for the University

community in the areas of environmental
compliance, occupational health and safety. To
learn more about each section, please visit EHSs
website at http://ehs.unc.edu.

Workplace Safety Program

In accordance to University policy and North Carolina General Statute Article
63, each state agency must have a written Health and Safety program with
clearly stated goals or objectives that promote safe and healthful working
conditions. The Environment, Health and Safety manual along with other
specific manuals, such as Radiation Safety Manual, Laboratory Safety
Manual, and Biological Safety manual serves as the University's written
Health and Safety program. These manuals provide University employees
with the necessary guidance in maintaining a safe work environment. Each
of these manuals can be viewed in more detail by selecting "Manuals" from
the EHS web site.
Other elements of the Workplace Safety program include:
Conduct new employee training to help with the identification of and
correction of hazards,
Review workplace incidents and develop ways to eliminate or minimize
hazards, and
Employee input through safety committees

Workplace Safety Program

UNC's health and safety committees perform workplace inspections, review
injury and illness records, make advisory recommendations to the
administration, and perform other functions determined by the State
Personnel Commission. The Workplace Safety Committees report through
the following structure:

UNC employees should contact EHS or any committee member regarding

safety concerns.

Workplace Safety Program

If you are interested in serving on one of the
committees please feel free to contact the EHS
office at (919) 962-5507.

Fire Safety Program

UNC's Fire Safety program is based on NFPA 101 Life Safety
Code, N.C. Fire Prevention Code, and OSHA 1910 Subpart
E. Your understanding and contribution to Fire Safety is the
key to an effective fire protection program for the
University. Regularly inspecting your area for
electrical hazards
storage in hallways
blocked exit ways
adequate lighting of exits
general housekeeping
can prevent a fire from occurring and provide employees with
a safe passage in the event of a fire.

Fire Safety Program

If a fire or other emergency occurs in your building,
employees must know two Means of Egress (exit).
OSHA defines Means of Egress as "A continuous
and unobstructed way of exit travel from any point
in a building or structure to a public way." The three
main components of Means of Egress are:
The way of Exit Access
The exit
The way of Exit Discharge

Fire Safety Program

Exit Access is the

area in which an
employee uses as
their means of
exiting to an exit.

Exit Discharge
is the exit from
a building to a
public way.
Exit is the protected
way of travel to the
exit discharge.

Fire Safety Program

The Department of EHS has prepared a general Emergency
Action Plan for the University to follow. An Emergency Action
Plan is "a plan for the workplace describing what
procedures the employers and employees must take to
ensure employee's safety from fire and other emergencies"
(1910.35j). The plan includes:
posting of planned evacuation routes
procedures to follow in the event of a fire or emergency
procedures to account for employees after evacuation
procedures for employees who remain to operate critical
equipment in an emergency

Fire Safety Program

Posting of Planned Evacuation Routes - Building
evacuation procedure for your department should
be posted on the office bulletin board and at all
elevators. Employees should know at least two
evacuation routes for their designated work area
and any area that they frequent often. Employees
are encouraged to evaluate the building evacuation
areas daily to ensure that there are no obstructions.
If obstructions are found, please report it to the EHS
immediately at (919) 962-5507.

Fire Safety Program

Procedures to Follow - If a fire emergency was to
occur in your workplace, it is vital that you be
prepared to react. The acronym RACE provides the
basic steps of the Emergency Action Plan to follow:
Remove or rescue individuals in immediate danger
Activate the alarm by pulling the fire pull station
located in the corridors and calling 911.
Confine the fire by closing windows, vents and doors
Evacuate to safe area (know the evacuation routes
for your areas).

Fire Safety Program

Procedures to Account for Employees The
University has designated an Emergency
Coordinator(s) for all occupied buildings. Each
Emergency Coordinator (EC) is responsible for
assisting in the safe and orderly emergency
evacuation of employees. In preparation for
an emergency, the EC completes an
information card that includes:
evacuation monitors' names
employee names and phone numbers
occupying building
location of employees needing assistance
rooms containing hazardous material,
and equipment needing special attention.

Fire Safety Program

In an emergency, each Emergency Coordinator is
responsible for the following in accordance with the
University Emergency Plan:
Sweep through assigned area to alert occupants that
an evacuation is in process.
Assist building occupants needing special assistance
Report to the University Emergency Command Sector
with emergency information card
Advise emergency personnel regarding building
contents
Account for all employees by meeting building
occupants at the assembly area
Advise building occupants regarding situation and
when re-entry is permitted
Advise Facilities Services personnel in cleanup
operations.

Fire Safety Program

To extinguish a fire requires proper identification of the type of fire
extinguisher to use. There are four classes of extinguishers to choose from.
Class

Fire Type

Extinguisher Contains

Class A

Ordinary combustible products such

as paper, cloth or wood

Water

Class B

Flammable Liquids such as petroleum

base oil, solvents, greases, and
gasses

Dry chemicals such as carbon

dioxide or halogenated agents

Class C

Electrical

Dry chemicals such as carbon

dioxide or halogenated agents

Class D

Combustible Metals (ex: magnesium

sodium)

Special liquid or dry powder agent

Currently University buildings are equipped with Type ABC fire extinguishers,
except in computer labs or mechanical rooms with have CO2 extinguishers.

Fire Safety Program

Only University employees working in
healthcare, emergency response, and/or
whose job requires them to use a fire
extinguisher are required to receive annual
hands on fire extinguisher training. EHS Fire
Safety section conducts annual classes in
different locations on campus. For other
employees it is beneficial to know how a fire
extinguisher is used. Remembering the
acronym PASS will assist in the proper use of
a fire extinguisher.
Pull the pin between the handles.
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handles together.
Sweep the extinguisher from side to side
at the base of the fire.

Fire Safety Program

A few fire safety reminders:
Everyone is responsible for keeping the work area safe
from fires.
Review your evacuation routes to ensure that exits and
passageways are unobstructed.
Practice good general housekeeping.
Store flammable liquids and combustible material
properly.
Report any fire hazards or other safety concerns
immediately to the department of Environment, Health
and Safety at (919) 962-5507.

Workers Compensation Program

Workers' Compensation benefits are available to any
University employee (whether full-time, part-time,
temporary) who suffers disability through accident
or illness arising out of, and in the scope of, his or
her employment, according to the North Carolina
Workers' Compensation Act.

Workers Compensation Program

The benefits provided to University Employees include
medical and leave. Medical benefits include all
authorized medical services such as physician visit,
prescriptions, physical therapy, rehabilitation, etc.
Leave benefits are provided to employees when an
authorized medical provider places an employee
out work.

Workers Compensation Program

If you receive an injury or occupational illness, go directly to the
University Employee Occupational Health Clinic (UEOHC) located at
145 N. Medical Drive. The UEOHC is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Monday thru Friday, except holidays.
For after hours needlestick/human blood or body fluid exposures,
please call UEOHC at 966-9119. The UEOHC line will automatically
forward your call to Healthlink in order to gather the appropriate
information and put you in contact with the Family Practice physician
covering the needlestick hotline. For all other after-hour work
related injuries that require immediate medical care, go directly to
the UNC Emergency Department. If immediate medical care is not
needed, then please report to the UEOHC the following day.
For a life-threatening injury or illness, go directly to the Emergency
Department located in the Neurosciences Hospital on Manning Drive.

Workers Compensation Program

If you experienced an on-the-job injury or illness, you
are to report the incident immediately to your
supervisor no matter how minor. Once the injury is
reported, an incident investigation will occur to
determine the cause of the incident and corrective
action taken to prevent the incident from
reoccurring. Please note: Failure to report an injury
could result in the denial of your claim.

Workers Compensation Program

For further information concerning University policies
on workplace injuries and illnesses, refer to the
"Workers' Compensation" pages on the EHS web
site.

Hazard Communication Background

What is OSHAs Hazard Communication Standard?
OSHAs Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR
1910.1200), promulgated 1994, requires that
employees be informed of the hazards of chemical(s)
that they work with or are present in their work area.

OSHA Hazard Communication

Standard (continued)
The four elements of the program include:
Ensuring chemicals are labeled
Maintaining departmental/work unit/laboratory
chemical inventories
Maintaining Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Training of personnel by Supervisor on the
chemicals that are used or in the workplace

OSHA collaborates with United Nation

Understanding the need for
consistent classifications of
hazards chemicals, OSHA
decided to better align with the
United Nations Globally
Harmonized System by adopting
a common classification and
labeling of chemicals.
To view details of this
report, double click picture.

Benefits of Adopting GHS

There are several benefits for OSHA in adopting the
Globally Harmonized system. In particular, it will
provide a common and coherent approach to
classifying chemicals and communicating hazard
information on labels and safety data sheets. Thus
resulting in:
Consistency of information provided
Increase comprehension of hazards
Help address literacy problems
Facilitation of international trade of chemicals

OSHA Publishes Revised Standard

In March 2012, the revised Hazard Communication Standard
became law and included an established timeframe for
implementation. The table below outlines the effective dates,
requirements and responsible parties.
Effective Completion Date

Requirement(s)

Who

December 1, 2013

Train employees on the new label elements and SDS

format.

Employers

June 1, 2015*

Comply with all modified provisions of this final rule,

except:

December 1, 2015

Distributors may ship products labeled by

manufacturers under the old system until December 1,
2015.

Chemical
manufacturers,
importers, distributors
and employers

June 1, 2016

Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard

communication program as necessary, and provide
additional employee training for newly identified
physical or health hazards.

Employers

Transition Period

Comply with either 29 CFR 1910.1200 (this final

standard), or the current standard, or both

All chemical
manufacturers,
importers, distributors
and employers

Benefit of HazCom2012
With the Universitys mission to serve North Carolina,
the United States, and the World through teaching,
research, and public service, the new requirements
under HazCom 2012 will enhance clarity for
University employees positioned on campus as well as
abroad.

HazCom2012 Requirements
By December 2013, all University employees are to
have received general training regarding
definitions, label and Safety Data Sheet for
chemicals under new HazCom 2012 standard.
Supervisors are still required to provide job specific
training to employees on the chemicals used in their
area at least once and every time a new chemical is
added. The training must cover proper use, handling,
and personal protective equipment required for the
safe handling of the hazardous chemicals.

Definitions
HazCom 2012 will use a specification approach
rather than a performance-oriented approach.
Hazards will be classified thus providing a specific
criteria for classification of health and physical
hazards, as well as classification of mixtures.
Specifically:

Appendix A defines health and physical hazards

Appendix B includes additional parameters to evaluate health
hazard data
Appendix F pertains to Carcinogens

Labels
HazCom 2012 requires
chemical manufacturers and
importers to provide a
label that includes a
harmonized product
identifier, pictogram, signal
word, and hazard
statement for each hazard
class and category.
Precautionary statements
must also be provided.

Labels - Pictograms
Pictograms are required on labels to alert users of the chemical
hazards to which they may be exposed. Each pictogram consists
of a symbol on a white background framed within a red border
and represents a distinct hazard(s), such as health, physical, and
environmental . The pictogram on the label is determined by the
chemical hazard classification. There are nine pictograms with
only the environmental pictogram being optional.

Labels Distinct Hazards

As previously stated, Distinct hazards are chemicals
in which there is scientific evidence that a health,
physical, and/or environmental hazards may occur.

Health Hazard - acute or chronic health affects may occur if

exposed.
Physical Hazard - a combustible liquid, a compressed gas,
explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer,
pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive
Environmental Hazard pose risk or danger to the
environment

Labels Pictograms (Health)

Skull and Cross Bones will appear on the most severely toxic
chemicals. Depending on the toxicity of the chemical, the skull
and crossbones indicates that the chemical may be toxic or
fatal. Specifically it can mean:
Acute Toxicity (fatal and toxic)
Fatal in contact with skin
Fatal if inhaled
Fatal if swallowed
Toxic if swallowed
Toxic in contact with skin
Examples: Carbon Monoxide, Ammonia,
Acrylonitrile, Arsenic

Labels Pictograms (Health)

Corrosive will appear on chemicals that have
corrosive properties. Depending on the properties
of the chemical(s) in the product, the corrosion
pictogram can mean:

May be corrosive to metals

Causes severe skin burns

Causes serious eye damage

Examples: Sodium Hydroxide (lye) and Sulfuric Acid

Labels Pictograms (Health)

Exclamation Mark will appear on chemicals with less severe toxicity. This
symbol will never be used with skull and crossbones symbol. Depending
on the health hazard, it can mean:

Harmful if swallowed
Acute Toxicity (harmful)
Harmful in contact with skin
Skin Sensitizer
Harmful if inhaled
Respiratory Tract Irritant
Causes skin irritation
Irritant (skin and eye)
Causes serious eye irritation
May cause allergic skin reaction
Hazardous to Ozone Layer

Examples: Isopropyl Alcohol, Ethyl Alcohol, Acetone

Labels Pictograms (Health)

Health Hazard will appear on chemicals with less severe toxicity. This
symbol will never be used with skull and crossbones symbol. Depending
on the health hazard, it can mean:

Carcinogen

Mutagenicity

Reproductive Toxicity

Respiratory Sensitizer

Target Organ Toxicity

Aspiration Toxicity

Examples: Carbon Monoxide, Hexanes

Labels Pictograms (Health/Physical)

Gas Cylinder can cause fires, explosions, oxygen
deficient atmospheres, toxic gas exposures as well as the
innate physical hazard associated with cylinders under
high pressure

Gases under pressure

Compressed gases
Liquefied gases
Refrigerated liquefied gases
Dissolved gases

Examples: Butane and Propane

Labels Pictograms (Physical)

Exploding Bomb symbol will appear on chemicals that
have explosive properties.

Unstable Explosives
Self-reactive substances and mixtures
Organic peroxides

Examples: Nitroglycerine and TNT, Gunpowder, Rocket

propellants, and Pyrotechnic mixtures (fireworks).

Labels Pictograms (Physical)

Flame symbol will appear on chemicals that are flammable.
Depending on the properties of the chemical(s) and the
product, the flame can mean:

Extremely flammable gas

Extremely flammable aerosol
Self-Heating
Flammable aerosol
Extremely flammable liquid and vapor
Highly flammable liquid and vapor
Flammable liquid and vapor
Flammable solid

Examples: Butane, Pyrophorics, Organic Peroxides

Labels Pictograms (Physical)

Flame over circle symbol will appear on chemicals that are:

Oxidizers
Oxidizing gases, liquids, and solids

Examples: Hydrogen Peroxide and Nitrous Oxide

Labels Pictograms (Environment)

Environment symbol will appear on chemicals which
are acutely hazardous to fish, crustacean, or aquatic
plants. This is the only symbol that is not mandatory.

Aquatic Toxicity

Acute hazards to the aquatic environment

Chronic hazards to the aquatic environment

Label Signal Word

A Signal Word is used to indicate
the relative level of severity of
hazard and alert the reader to a
potential hazard on the label. The
signal words used are:

"Danger" - used for the more

severe hazards

Warning" - used for less

severe hazards.

Labels- Hazard Statement

A Hazard Statement describes the nature of the
hazard(s) of a chemical, including where appropriate
the degree of hazard.
All of the applicable hazard
statements must appear on
the label.

Labels Precautionary Statement

A Precautionary Statement
is a statement that describes
recommended measures that
should be taken to minimize
or prevent adverse effects.

Label
What do UNC Employees need to do?
Effective June 1 2015, all chemicals received
at the University should have the required
label. Any material transferred to another
container must also have the same label
versus just chemical/product name.

Safety Data Sheets

HazCom 2012 requires Safety Data Sheets - SDS
(formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets
MSDS) to use a specified 16-section standardized
format.
Under the new format, employees wanting information
regarding Exposure Controls/Personal Protection will
always refer to Section 8 of the Safety Data Sheets.

Safety Data Sheets

To improve employee understanding, information
listed on the label, like Precautionary Statement, will
be same information the employee will find on the
Safety Data Sheet.
The standardize 16 sections is broken down as
follows:

Safety Data Sheet 16 Sections

1.

2.
3.

Identification of the substance

or mixture and of the supplier

11.
12.

Hazards identification
Composition/information on
ingredients Substance/Mixture

4.

First aid measures

5.

Firefighting measures

6.

Accidental release measures

7.

Handling and storage

8.

Exposure controls/personal protection

9.

Physical and chemical properties

10.

Stability and reactivity

13.

14.

15.

16.

Toxicological
Ecological information
(non mandatory)
Disposal considerations
(non mandatory)

Transport information
(non mandatory)
Regulatory information
(non mandatory)
Other information including information
on preparation and revision of the SDS

Safety Data Sheets

What do UNC Employees need to do?
By December 2015, distributors must provide the new
format of Safety Data Sheets. Supervisors need to
update the Safety Data Sheet notebooks and/or
computer links in their job specific area to the newly
format sheets.
Remember SDS(s) must be accessible to employees at
all times.

NC OSHA Enforcement
By June 2016, NC OSHA will begin to enforce
compliance with HazCom 2012 by conducting site
evaluations.
Environment, Health and Safety will continue to assist
University departments with the implementation of the
specific requirements covered in this training.

Resources OSHAs HazCom2012 Web Page

OSHA has
developed an
extensive web
page to provide
additional
resources for
employees at
http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html

Resources Guidance & Outreach

Supervisors can find printable
guidance material that can be utilized
when training employees.
Guidance

OSHA Briefs
Fact Sheet
Quick Cards

Chemical Security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is charged with keeping US citizens safe
and secure from chemical terrorism. The Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards
(CFATS) are a comprehensive risk-based security regulation enforced by DHS.
These regulations provide guidance for securing certain Chemicals of Interest (COI) that
could be used directly or indirectly for terroristic purposes. DHS requires Colleges and
Universities in the possession of COI to:

Monitor

Report possessions above regulated threshold amounts

Implement appropriate Security measures

DHS has the authority to inspect facilities for compliance with CFATS, impose civil
penalties up to $25,000 per day, and shut down facilities that fail to comply with these
regulations.
As a leading research institution, UNC Chapel Hill conducts research where COI may
be regularly used, stored, or even produced.

Chemicals of Interest (COI)

COI are organized by specific security and vulnerability concerns. They are
categorized in Appendix A by the following types:

Theft/Diversion: steal, divert, or otherwise acquired to use as a weapon at another

time and place

Sabotage: sabotage or contaminate to explode or release in transit

Release: release as an explosive or to form a flammable or toxic cloud

The potential type of security and vulnerability issue at UNC Chapel Hill would be
related to Theft/Diversion. The following chart lists specific Theft/Diversion COI taken
from DHS CFATS Appendix A.

Inventory Management of COI

The EHS chemical inventory system is an essential component of compliance
with the CFATS regulations. All inventories should be updated with EHS at least
annually. Users of COI must check their inventories frequently to ensure no theft
or diversion has occurred.

Purchasing of COI
Cooperation by the University community to purchase COI through the
University's purchasing protocol is necessary to maintain compliance.
COI can only be purchased through the University's ePro system. Do not
use Procurement Cards (P-Cards).
To help facilitate compliance, EHS strongly encourages that COI purchases are
limited to the amount of material needed for the experiment/operation.

Security of COI
Multiple layers of security are required for COI stored in University
facilities/property. Examples of security layers include:

locked cabinet within a locked room

access controlled room with locked cabinet

access controlled area with a gated storage shed

Immediately report any suspect activity or loss of COI to the Department of

Public Safety at 911.

PPE: Minimizing Hazards

There are three main controls used to eliminate or minimize workplace hazards:
1. Administrative: policies and procedures that control the time and amount of
exposure. For example rest breaks and job rotation are administrative controls
2. Engineering: physical changes to a workplace to reduce or minimize a hazard.
For example, guard rails and lifting aids are examples of engineering controls
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): equipment you wear to protect the head,
face, eyes, feet, respiratory system, hearing and body from injury
Where possible, engineering and/or administrative controls should be
attempted before requiring PPE. However, when PPE is necessary, it is provided
to employees at no cost. Your supervisor should issue the appropriate PPE for
your job duties.

Fundamentals of PPE
Each shop or work unit on campus has a Hazard Management Plan (HMP). This
document contains a PPE Hazard Assessment section which reviews jobs for
employees in that work group which require the use of PPE. The shop supervisor
is responsible for reviewing the use and care of PPE required for each worker
and for signing the Certificate of Personal Protective Equipment Training along
with the worker.
PPE should always be inspected prior to each use to make sure it is in sanitary
and good working condition. Depending on the type of PPE you are using,
check for the following: holes, cracks, scratches, wear and tear, or frayed parts
(straps on respirators or webbing on fall protection harnesses). A good work
practice is to clean any dirty PPE before storing it. This will make it more
accessible the next time you need it. All PPE should be stored in a cool, dry,
secure area. Some PPE can be shared but respirators and earplugs should not
be.

Head Protection
Falling or flying objects and falling or walking into hard objects are common causes of head injuries.
These injuries include neck sprains, concussions, and skull fractures. Accidents involving electricity result
in electrical shocks and burns.
A hard hat is designed with a rigid shell that resists and deflects blows to the head and the
suspension system inside the hat acts as a shock absorber. Depending on how the hard hat is made it
can serve as an insulator against electrical shocks. Some hard hats can be modified so you can add
face shields, goggles, hoods, or hearing protection to them.
For industrial purposes, three classes of helmets are recognized:

Class A: general service, limited voltage protection; impact resistant

Class B: utility service, high-voltage helmets; impact resistant
Class C: special service, no voltage protection, impact resistant

DO NOT protect you from electrical shocks; and

DO NOT protect you from corrosive substances.

ANSI Requirements for Industrial Protective Helmets for Electrical Workers, Z89.2-1971, should be
consulted for details. The standards for protective helmets purchased after July 5, 1994, are
contained in ANSI Personnel Protection -- Protective Headwear for Industrial Workers-Requirements,
Z89.1-1986. Later editions of these standards are available and acceptable for use.

Eye and Face Protection

If you are exposed to flying particles, molten metals, liquid
chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or
radiation then safety glasses, goggles or a face shield are
required. Some of these may be required to be worn
together (i.e. goggles & face shield). Check your
department's procedure.
The University has a prescription safety glasses program for
employees that wear glasses. If you need prescription
safety glasses, call EHS at (919) 962-5507 for further
information.
**Note: Contacts do not protect the eye from injury.

Hand Protection

Gloves should be worn to prevent contact with chemicals,

cuts, abrasions, punctures or exposure to temperature
extremes.
Some Types of Gloves:

Nitrile (used with acids)

Rubber (used with electricity)
Latex (used with weak chemicals - not petroleum based
chemicals)
Leather (used with sharp or rough surfaces)

Foot Protection

If there is the potential in your job for injury to the foot due to falling or
rolling objects, electrical shock, or objects that can pierce the sole of
your shoe then foot protection is required. The Universitys policy is that
anyone lifting more than 15 pounds is required to wear safety shoes.
The University will pay up to $80 for safety shoes in accordance with
the office of State Personnel.
Within a safety shoe/boot you will find the American National Safety
Standard ANSI Z41 PT 91 on the inner flap. Also, ASTM F 2412-05
and ASTM F 2413-05 may be found on these inner flaps of newer
safety shoes. The information on this inner flap will tell you exactly what
hazards you are protected against.
Housekeepers have a special type of safety shoe available to them
called Gators. They are black rubber shoes with a red bottom that slide
over your regular shoes. These shoes provide traction on wet or slippery
surfaces.

Respiratory Protection

A respirator is worn to prevent exposure to harmful dusts,

fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors. Wearing
a respirator is a last resort. It should never be a first line of
defense.
Our first line of defense is to "engineer out" the need for a
respirator. Thus, a respirator is required in areas where
exposure cannot be fully controlled.
At UNC-CH we have a written respiratory program in place.
The program offers the following:

selection of respirators
annual medical evaluation
annual training
annual fit testing

Types of Respirators

Air-Purifying Respirator (APR)

Can be negative pressure or positive pressure type.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

Supplied Air Respirators (SARs)

Filtering Facepiece (N95 Dust Mask)

Additional information concerning respiratory information can be located at our website,

www.ehs.unc.edu . The Respiratory Manual can be found within the IMAC Manual under the
Manuals tab. Respiratory Training can be found under the Self Study Units by using the
Training tab.

Contact Information for Respiratory Protection:

Workplace Safety
Phone: (919) 962-5507

Hazards and Type of Respirator Needed

Certain conditions require the use of a respirator. These conditions include:

Oxygen deficient less than 19.5% oxygen. (This requires a self contained breathing
apparatus [SCBA] or Supplied Air Respirators [SAR])
Contaminated atmospheres (full or half face positive pressure respirators)

Dusts
Sprays
Fumes
Vapors
Smoke
Harmful gases

Biological exposure (N95)

Anthrax
Smallpox

Respirator Use and Storage

Your life may depend on having your respirator in good working order. Before each use
inspect your respirator for damage and defects. Check for:

After using your respirator be sure to clean it according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Store your respirator in a sealed plastic bag or plastic container to protect it from:

tightness of connections
condition of all parts
damage to facepiece, head straps, valves, connecting tube, cartridges, canisters, filters and any
other parts
facepiece for pliable or deteriorated parts

Damage
Contamination
Dust
Sunlight
Extreme temperatures
Moisture
Chemicals

If you will be storing your respirator in a work vehicle be sure to put your respirator in a
sealed bag and then in the box it came in to help deflect the heat that builds up in the
vehicles over the summer months. Heat will warp your respirator over a period of time.

Hearing Conservation Program (HCP)

Excessive noise can damage your hearing, it can also cause fatigue and stress.
Hearing protection should be used when working around loud noises for
extended periods of time.
Our first line of defense is to evaluate the area to see if the noise can be
"engineered out". Using engineering controls might include erecting sound
barriers, insulating the equipment, or closing off the equipment entirely.
The University has a Hearing Conservation Program which is a written program
that requires annual training and annual audiometric testing to help prevent the
loss of hearing. The OSHA standard requires anyone who is exposed to a noise
level of 85 decibels or higher over an 8 Time Weighted Average (TWA) hour
period to be part of the Hearing Conservation Program. OSHA requires the
employer to provide training in the use of all hearing protectors provided to
employees. At UNC-CH the following hearing protectors are available:

Earplugs
Earmuffs
Ear Bands

How to Insert Earplugs

When ear protection is worn, it is important that it be used properly. Improper

use of hearing protection can reduce its effectiveness and put your hearing at
risk.
Here are the steps to take when donning (putting on) hearing protection:
Make sure hands are clean. Dirt and moisture in your ear canal can cause
infection.
Compress the plug between your thumb and forefinger.
With the opposite hand, pull outer ear backward and upward, then insert plug
as far into ear as possible.
Hold your finger against the plug until it starts to expand.
For preformed plugs, pull outer ear backward and upward. Insert plug by
twisting and pushing until it fits snugly and you feel a vacuum-like seal.
When doffing (taking off) hearing protection, again be sure hands are clean.

Areas at UNC-CH With High Noise Levels

When performing certain activities like welding or

woodworking, hearing protection may be needed
even though you are not part of the Hearing
Conservation Program. Areas identified with high
noise levels at UNC include:
Cogeneration

Chiller

Facility

Plants
Grounds Department
Airports

Who Cleans Up?

EHS will respond to reported chemical spills and
mercury spills. Laboratories are also capable of
cleaning up the majority of spills. Spill kits can be
purchased through Fisher Scientific (SR64125).
Refer to the Laboratory Safety Data Sheet on
Chemical Spills.

Dealing With a Spill

If a spill occurs in your lab, be sure to control the spill area.
Assess whether you can clean up the spill. If yes, utilize your
chemical spill kit. Then place the waste in disposal containers
and submit a waste pick-up request on-line. If the spill involves
radioactive materials, be sure to report the spill to EHS
Radiation Safety: (919) 962-5507.
Cases in which EHS should be called to clean-up spills:
>100 mL of highly toxic chemical
>one liter of volatile solvent
>one liter of corrosive solvent
If the laboratory feels assistance is needed
Call 911 if the spill occurs after 5:00 pm or on weekends.

Radiation Hazard Risks

Laboratory personnel are required to inform you of any hazard risks

associated with the equipment or area where you are required to work.
They are required to clear the area of all hazardous materials and
decontaminate surfaces and equipment. The safety clearance form
(HSO Form 401) is required to certify that equipment and/or a room is
considered safe.
Any equipment in the laboratory which could have been contaminated
with radioactive material must be surveyed by lab personnel before
removal to another laboratory, transfer to a repair shop, or transfer to
Surplus Property. Before the equipment is transferred and following a
satisfactory survey, all warning signs and stickers must be removed. The
safety clearance form (HSO Form 401) is to be posted on the
decontaminated equipment. This form should be provided to the
appropriate personnel to show that the equipment is considered safe
for any use.

Radiation Dos and Don'ts

Radiation Do's

Do work on equipment if safety clearance form is attached. Hazard labels should be

removed or covered by the safety clearance form.
Do move/work on surplus equipment if safety clearance form is attached and
hazard labels have been removed.
Do keep safety clearance form with equipment at all times.
Do ask laboratory personnel about any questions you may have as to whether the
equipment or area is safe for you to work.
Do call Environment, Health & Safety (919) 962-5507 if you have concerns about
equipment clearance.

Radiation Don'ts

Dont accept equipment without safety clearance form and hazard labels removed.
Dont work on equipment without the safety clearance form attached.
Dont remove equipment from lab which still has hazard labels on it.

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous Waste is created when there is no

further use for a solid or liquid chemical.
This waste is our responsibility from when we create
it-- until forever. This is described as being from
"Cradle to Grave". Therefore, proper
documentation is important whenever waste is
picked up and disposed of.

What is Chemical Waste?

Chemical waste is, used, obsolete or unwanted chemicals such as: acids,
bases, aerosol cans, paints, solvents, batteries, photographic film, and
cleaners.
We at UNC are concerned that chemicals will make their way into our
creeks and rivers. The following items are examples of chemicals/liquids
that should not be poured outside on the ground, into outside storm
drains, or into floor drains: mop water, paint, oil, chemicals, etc. Waste
put in storm drains and floor drains eventually ends up in our rivers and
oceans. The best practice is to pour mop water down sink drains that go
directly into the sanitary sewer system. Chemical waste should be
disposed of by calling (919) 962-5507.
If you see anyone pour liquids down the storm water drains or floor
drains please notify EHS at (919) 962-5507.

Disposal of Chemical Waste

The Department of Environment, Health and
Safety disposes of chemical waste generated by
the University. Contact EHS at (919) 962-5507 to
learn how to request a chemical waste pick up or
go to www.ehs.unc.edu and use the "Quick Links"
drop-down menu on the left to select "Waste PickUp". The link will take you to the Online Waste
Pickup System.

What is a Biohazard Waste?

Biological hazards are also referred to as biohazards. Biohazards are

infectious microorganisms, biological allergens, and toxins that can affect the
health of humans. Biohazard materials also include any equipment that was
used such as syringes, pipettes and scalpel blades. This includes any animal
carcasses and items used for their care that have been exposed to infectious
agents.
Since it is considered biohazardous waste, it cannot go to the landfill as is. On
campus we use a process called autoclaving to decontaminate the waste prior
to disposal.
Autoclaving provides sterilization through superheated steam under pressure.
Autoclaving has the ability to destroy pathogens, thus rendering the waste
harmless.
All biohazardous waste must be autoclaved to decontaminate the waste before
disposal in the landfill. If the landfill does not recognize our waste as being
decontaminated they will call us to come and pick it up; then we have to
autoclave it and then send it back to the landfill.

Steps to Disposal of Biohazard Waste

1. Biohazard waste placed in orange bag. Also known as biohazard or infectious waste
bags.
2. Sealed with a heat sensitive tape placed over the biohazard symbol prior to autoclaving
3. Waste in autoclaved
4. When removed from the autoclave the heat sensitive tape has markings on it. Either lines
appear or the word "autoclaved".
5. Autoclaved waste goes in white barrel marked "autoclaved/decontaminated waste only".
6. Finally place the waste into the dumpster. This picture has a large sticker on each bag
that states the material is 'decontaminated'. This is an acceptable method to label
decontaminated materials.

Broken Glass and Other Sharp Objects

Non-contaminated and/or decontaminated glassware and

sharps are to be placed in a plastic bag within a cardboard
box. It is recommended that all glass items be disposed in this
manner. The box will be picked up by Housekeeping personnel,
indicating "CAUTION, GLASS AND SHARPS, NONHAZARDOUS MATERIAL ONLY".

Sharp objects such as needles, scalpels, or razor blades are to

be disposed of in plastic sharps containers. Red containers,
marked with a biohazard symbol should be used for
potentially contaminated sharps. White or clear plastic
containers should be used for non-hazardous sharps.

Introduction To Lead and Asbestos

Exposure to lead and asbestos can be hazardous. Originally lead and

asbestos were used in construction of buildings due to their physical properties.
For Asbestos:

Flexibility
High tensile strength
High electrical resistance
Resistance to thermal degradation
Resistant to chemicals
Virtually indestructible

Lead:

Durable & very workable (pliable)

Does not corrode
Does not readily crack due to building settling
Does not readily burst with freezing or thawing
Expands when water freezes

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a generic name given to the fibrous

variety of six naturally occurring minerals that have
been used in commercial products. These bundles of
fiber make up asbestos.

The two most common forms of asbestos used in

building materials are chrysotile (white asbestos)
and amosite (brown asbestos).

How Does Asbestos Affect my Health?

Once inhaled, the small, inert asbestos fibers can easily penetrate the body's defenses.
They are deposited and retained in the airways and tissues of the lungs called the
alveoli. In the alveoli, the location of gas exchange, asbestos causes the development of
scar tissue. This thickening of the alveoli wall reduces the amount of oxygen available to
the body. Because asbestos fibers remain in the body, each exposure increases the
likelihood of developing an asbestos disease. There are 3 major diseases that are
caused by asbestos exposure:
Asbestosis is a condition caused by asbestos inhalation that decreases a persons ability
to breathe normally. It is a slowly progressive disease with a latency period of 15 to 30
years.
Lung Cancer is a malignant tumor of the bronchi covering. The tumor grows through
surrounding tissue, invading and often obstructing air passages. The latency period for
lung cancer is 20 to 30 years. Smoking can increase the risk of lung cancer up to 90
times.
Mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the chest cavity and the abdominal cavity, usually
fatal. Normally fatal within 6 months of diagnosis. Similar to other asbestos related
diseases, mesothelioma has a longer latency period of 30 to 40 years.

Where is Asbestos Located on Campus?

Asbestos containing materials (ACM) may be found in some campus

buildings. There are three types of Asbestos Containing Materials:
Surfacing Materials (SM): Sprayed or troweled-on materials used on
ceilings or walls, as decorative, acoustical, and fire proofing in homes,
buildings, and schools.
Thermal System Insulation (TSI): Insulation around boilers, on water and
steam pipe elbows, tees, fittings, pipe runs, and duct systems.
Miscellaneous Materials (MM): This includes all materials containing
asbestos which were not included in the above groups. For example:
floor tile, joint compound in sheet rock, ceiling tiles, roofing materials,
transite siding, caulking, cement pipe, kiln insulation, electrical panel
insulation and wiring, fire brick, tar, and others.

Lead: Health Affects and Where it is

Found
Lead is used in the manufacture of batteries, metal products,
paints, and ceramic glazes. Exposure to lead can occur from breathing
contaminated workplace air, house dust, eating lead-based paint chips,
or contaminated dirt. Lead is a very toxic element, causing a variety of
effects at low dose levels. Children are particularly sensitive to the
chronic effects of lead, resulting in slowed cognitive development,
reduced growth and other effects. Reproductive effects, such as
decreased sperm count in men and spontaneous abortions in women,
have been associated with high lead exposure. The developing fetus is
at particular risk from maternal lead exposure, with low birth weight
and slowed postnatal neurobehavioral development as possible effects.

Lead-Based Paint and

Other Common Uses
Lead-based paints were commonly used until 1978 and
may be present in some campus buildings. The University is
responsible for keeping all lead-based paint located in
campus buildings built before 1978 in good condition. Lead
exposure may occur from flaking paint, paint chips, and
weathered paint powder.
Since the 1980's, EPA and its federal partners have
phased out lead in gasoline, reduced lead in drinking water,
reduced lead in industrial air pollution, and banned or
limited lead used in consumer products, including residential
paint.

Asbestos & Lead Awareness

Asbestos and lead are safe as long as:

They are in a solid state.
They are not disturbed.
Floor or ceiling tiles are not broken or cracked.
Insulation is not cracked.
Paint is not peeling or being washed into a water source.
If you have doubts about the safety of a condition you find,
contact your supervisor so that EHS can investigate.

Protect Yourself
What can you do to protect yourself? Report to
your supervisor any suspected asbestos that is
broken or cracked, abnormal dust or any peeling
paint. Your supervisor will contact EHS to report any
asbestos or lead concerns (919) 962-5507.

Musculoskeletal Disorders
IMAC and Support Services personnel may be at risk for
developing musculoskeletal disorders during routine tasks such as lifting,
and repetitive tool use. Musculoskeletal disorders, also called cumulative
trauma disorders or repetitive strain injuries, are gradual-onset injuries
that usually occur after repeated micro-trauma to a specific body part.
They may take weeks, months or years to develop and are often
ignored at first due to the slow onset of symptoms.
Musculoskeletal disorders are disorders of the muscles, nerves,
tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage and spinal discs. Musculoskeletal
disorders which commonly affect IMACS/Support Services personnel
include: Trigger finger, Low Back Pain, Lateral Epicondylitis, and Carpal
tunnel syndrome.

MSD Warning Signs

The parts of the body susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders do not always have nerve
endings designed to tell us that a musculoskeletal disorder is developing. Instead, we
must rely on warning signs given to us from nearby parts of the body. For example, in
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, the hands often feel sore and tingly, like they have fallen
asleep. The problem is not in the hands, however, it is in the median nerve where it
passes through the wrists. The wrists may only feel mildly sore or may feel no pain at all.
The following warning signs serve as a signal that ergonomic stressors are present and
need to be corrected.
Lingering symptoms such as...

Discomfort - pain. If it wakes you up at night, follows you home, or appears as soon as you get to
work, take notice!
Tingling - numbness.
Burning
Swelling
Change in color
Tightness, loss of flexibility

Ergonomic Stressors Related to MSDs

Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding

of the interactions among human and other elements of a system. The
goal of ergonomics is to find ways to arrange the workstation, work
tools and work practices to minimize potential for musculoskeletal
disorders.
Ergonomics is concerned with eliminating or minimizing the following
Ergonomic Stressors found in routine tasks:
Force High force tasks involve heavy exertion for the muscles involved.
Repetition performing the same movements over and over with little
change in motions or muscle use.
Extreme/Awkward/Static Postures Prolonged or repeated time spent
holding joints in an awkward or fixed position.

Safe Lifting

By age 50, approximately 85% of Americans have had one or more

episodes of back pain. In working-age adults, back problems are the
most frequent cause of activity limitations. Lifting incorrectly can
increase the risk of developing a back injury.
Remember the section on musculoskeletal disorders? If small tears build
up in our tissues faster than they can heal, an MSD can result. This is how
many back injuries are thought to occur. Tiny cracks develop in the
shock-absorbing spinal disks between vertebrae during lifting. Too much
lifting, especially incorrect lifting, can cause those cracks to build up
faster than the disk can heal until the disk starts to buldge or rupture.
Force on the spine creates those tears. The more force, the more likely a
tear will occur.

Safe Lifting (contd)

Careful, there's a trick to the whole "force" idea! Take a look at the picture.
Think of your back as a teeter-totter with the spine as the pivot point. In order
to balance the teeter-totter the muscles in your back (the red arrow) have to
produce much more force than the 20 lbs the load weighs (blue arrow). This is
because the force exerted times the distance from the pivot have to be equal
for both sides. Don't worry about the exact math, just know that the closer you
can get the load to yourself, the less your back will have to work.
One more thing, the spine is weakest when you twist (ie, it takes less force to
damage it) and also when you bend.
The next few slides use those principals (keep the load close, spine weakest in
twisting/bending and general safety) to demonstrate good lifting techniques.

Pre-Lift

Remember:
If

it looks heavy or awkward, it probably is; ask

someone to help you, or use a mechanical lift
Think about the distance and height to the destination
before lifting
Do not carry more than 30 pounds by yourself
Get help for objects with a width 18 inches or greater
If possible, break the load down and make several
trips with more manageable loads

Lift

Remember:
Feet

shoulder width apart

Crouch not stoop
Get a good grip on the object
Keep the object close to your body
As you grip the load, keep your back straight,
shoulders back, and stick your buttocks out.
Let you legs push your body up slowly and smoothly, no
jerking motions.

Carry and Placement

Precautions to take when carrying and setting a load down:

Elbows close to your side and at right angles

Move smoothly avoiding quick movements
No twisting while lifting or carrying, move your feet to pivot
Set the load down:
squat down
bending at the hips and knees
keep your lower back arched inwards

Technique for the Occasional Lifter

1.

Stand close to the load, and get a good grip on

the object.

2.

Bend your knees not your back!

3.

Let your legs do the lifting.

The Right Tools for the Job

Sometimes you will encounter objects that are
too heavy, large, or oddly shaped for you to safely
lift unassisted. Look for tools you can use to help you
with the lift or take the time to get someone to help
with the lifting. In some situations (reaching into a
deep bin for example) it may not be possible to use
the ideal lifting technique. In those situations it is
more important to bring the load close to you than
to bend the knees.

Awkward Places
If you must lift or lower from a high place:
Stand

on a platform instead of a ladder

Lift the load in smaller pieces if possible
Push the load to see how heavy and stable it is
Slide the load as close to yourself as possible before
lifting up or down
Get help when needed to avoid an injury

How to Let the Right People Know

If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, you

should immediately

Report the symptoms to your supervisor

Complete the Workers' Compensation Forms
Be evaluated at the UEOHC [(919) 966-9119]

The UEOHC will contact the EHS Ergonomist, explain the

symptoms and request an ergonomic evaluation of your
workstation. The Ergonomist will make recommendations that
includes specific work strategy controls.

Workplace Safety
Phone: 919.962.5507

Web: www.ehs.unc.edu

1120 Estes Drive Ext.

Campus Box 1650
Chapel Hill, NC, 27599