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<td><a href="https://misportal.jlab.org/ll/index.jsf?function=view&lessonId=1041">Improperly Stored Chemicals Found in Laboratories - Pacific Northwest National Laboratory</a></td>
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<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Statement of Lessons Learned</h2>
<pre>Staff are to maintain chemicals in storage systems appropriate for the respective hazards, paying careful attention to labeling, segregation, and compatibility requirements following manufacturer's recommendations for temperature, light, and atmosphere. </pre>
<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Discussion of Activities</h2>
<pre>During a recent Chemical Assessment, staff members found chemicals improperly stored in three labs. Containers lacked adequate labeling and tracking, one of the chemicals was a highly flammable shock-sensitive peroxide former, requiring frequent testing and extra caution when handling.</pre>
<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Analysis</h2>
<pre>Lab No.1 - A Cognizant Space Manager (CSM) found a flammable-solid in a flammable-liquids only cabinet. Another container, in the same cabinet, contained isopropyl ether, a peroxide former. This was not adequately labeled or tracked. Peroxide formers are highly flammable and extremely sensitive to shock, heat, spark, friction, and impact, and are prone to spontaneous decomposition. They require regular and frequent testing for the presence of peroxides. Because the container was not properly labeled or tracked, test results for the presence of peroxides were not available. A Materials Field Services representatives responded and after an evaluation, the container was removed to the 90-day waste accumulation area, tested for peroxides (none were present), and prepared it for disposal.
Lab No. 2 - During a routine laboratory self-assessments staff members discovered dried material on the floor in front of a small refrigerator/freezer. The machine had stopped working and the ice, from the freezer compartment, had melted into the refrigerator and seeped onto the floor where it had evaporated leaving the dried material. Inside the refrigerator were found two containers of 30% hydrogen peroxide (an oxidizer) and one container of dichlorodimethylsilane. Dichlorodimethylsilane is water reactive and corrosive. It should not have been stored in a refrigerator/freezer next to an oxidizer (hydrogen peroxide) . Following proper cleanup, both chemicals were moved to the 90-day waste accumulation area and prepared for disposal.
Lab No. 3 - During a lab clean out, staff members discovered a vial containing about 10ml of 1,4-dioxane (a peroxide former) that was approximately 10-years old. 1,4-dioxane can form explosive levels of peroxides on concentration or the consumption of peroxide inhibitors. After an evaluation, the chemical was placed in a safe configuration and prepared for proper disposal by the Chemical Hygiene Officer.</pre>
<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Recommended Actions</h2>
<pre>The National Security Directorate (NSD) Operations Office is reviewing all chemicals older than 15-years to determine their potential; and is working with CSMs and line managers to properly disposition them. NSD staff and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) have begun conducting Lab Work Planning Assessments to review lab space and equipment to ensure the work and the hazards associated with it are is appropriately mitigated.
Researchers and CSMs are to follow the requirements in the General Chemical Work Control document, which requires CSMs to review all chemical storage containers for required labels and proper storage.
As a good practice, periodically include SMEs in lab walkthroughs. They add a second set of eyes and their expertise to help assure the lab and its materials are adequate.
Be aware of complacency. Ask yourself if you are assuming a chemical is properly stored. Take the time to inspect all chemicals to understand their respective hazards and storage requirements.
Include chemicals in work closeout and transition processes. Properly disposition all chemicals and waste that belonged to the project.</pre>
<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">JLab Preventive Measures</h2>
<pre>According to ES&H Manual Chapter 6610 Chemical Hygiene Program Jefferson Lab has determined that working with chemicals carries an unmitigated Risk Code > 2. At a minimum, all tasks requiring chemicals are discussed with the supervisor prior to commencement of work. An Operational Safety Procedure (OSP) is written for work considered to be Risk Code >2 in accordance with ES&H Manual Chapter 3210 Work Planning, Control, and Authorization Process. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for protecting themselves and others from the potential hazards. Qualified Chemical Workers are required to maintain appropriate chemical training and abide by a chemical's Safety Data Sheet.
In addition Safety Wardens are to know the hazards associated with their assigned area and to perform periodic area inspections to confirm safe work conditions and request appropriate repair, maintenance, or disposal as necessary.</pre>
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<h2>Comments</h2>
<h5 style="white-space:nowrap">1/11/2018 4:35:13 PM by Bailey, Mary Jo</h5>
<pre>Submitted to those with
SAFxxx: CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING
SAF129: SRF Chem Room Safety</pre>
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<legend>Summary</legend>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Lesson ID:</td>
<td class="dataval">1041</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Status:</td>
<td class="dataval">OK</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Doc ID:</td>
<td class="dataval">2018-JLAB-1041</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Priority:</td>
<td class="dataval">Info</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Safety Related:</td>
<td class="dataval">YES</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Originator:</td>
<td class="dataval">Bailey, Mary Jo</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Issued:</td>
<td class="dataval">1/11/2018 4:25:12 PM</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Approved By:</td>
<td class="dataval">Bailey, Mary Jo</td>
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<tr class="row">
<td class="label" nowrap>Approved On:</td>
<td class="dataval">1/11/2018 4:35:13 PM</td>
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<td class="label">Source:</td>
<td class="dataval">
DOECRD
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<td class="label" nowrap>Location:</td>
<td class="dataval">PNNL</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Cost Savings:</td>
<td class="dataval"></td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Contact:</td>
<td class="dataval">Shannon Cartier, Lessons Learned/Operating Experience Program Manager, (509) 375-4316</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Queued Emails:</td>
<td class="dataval">241</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Sent Emails:</td>
<td class="dataval">0</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Viewings:</td>
<td class="dataval">1 times</td>
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<legend>Hazard Issues</legend>
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<li>Chemicals</li>
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<legend>Skills</legend>
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<li>SAFxxx: CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING</li>
<li>SAF129: SRF Chem Room Safety</li>
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<legend>Distribution/Notification</legend>
<ul class="lesson_attribute_listing">
<li>*Division Safety Officers (DSOs)</li>
<li>*Safety Wardens</li>
<li>*DOE Notification</li>
<li>*ESH&Q Liaisons</li>
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Do you have a lesson learned you would like to contribute? Contact the <a href="mailto:cjohnson@jlab.org,sjsmith@jlab.org,mbailey@jlab.org">Lesson Learned Coordinator</a>.