Washington State University
SAFETY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

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Carcinogens in Laboratories

Use the following safety precautions when conducting experiments that include the use of a chemical carcinogen.

• Ensure that a carcinogen deactivation procedure is present prior to start of the experiment.
  
  
• Receive complete and documented training on how to use, store, clean up, and dispose of each chemical carcinogen used in the experiment.
  
  
• Use only mechanical pipetting aids for all pipetting procedures.
  
  
• Confine experiments, procedures, and equipment which could produce an aerosol to laboratory-type hoods or glove boxes (biological safety cabinets, S80.10).
  
  
• Protect the surfaces on which carcinogens are handled from contamination.
  
  
• Collect contaminated wastes and animal carcasses in impervious containers which are closed and decontaminated prior to removal from the work area, S80.12.
  
  
• Use methods to incinerate these wastes and carcasses which assure that no carcinogens escape.
  
  
• Deactivate all forms of chemical carcinogens prior to disposal.
  
  
• Protect laboratory vacuum systems with filters adequate to remove particulates, gases, vapors, fumes and mists which contain chemical carcinogens.

WSU provides and requires the worker engaged in animal supportactivities to wear complete protective clothing which is clean each day. The clothing includes coveralls or pants and shirts, foot covers, head covers, gloves, and appropriate respiratory protective equipment or devices.

Prior to each exit from a regulated area, WSU requires workers to remove and leave protective clothing and equipment at the point just prior to exit and at the last exit of the day to place used clothing and equipment in impervious containers at the point just prior to exit. Identify the contents of the impervious containers according to instructions given in S80.74.

WSU requires workers to wash hands, forearms, face and neck prior to exiting the regulated areas and before engaging in other activities.

WSU requires workers to take all other necessary actions to prevent the escape of chemical carcinogens to any nonregulated areas.

WSU provides and requires the worker engaged in nonanimal support activities to wear clean laboratory clothing, such as a solid front gown, surgical scrub suit, or fully buttoned laboratory coat.

Prior to each exit from a regulated area, WSU requires workers to remove and leave protective clothing and equipment at the point just prior to exit and at the last exit of the day to place used clothing and equipment in impervious containers at the point just prior to exit. Identify the contents of the impervious containers according to instructions given in S80.74.

WSU requires workers engaged in nonanimal support activities to wash hands, forearms, face, and neck prior to each exit from the regulated area, and before engaging in other activities.

The supervisor of a laboratory maintains a current written inventory of the carcinogens in the laboratory.

WSU requires that the air pressure in areas where carcinogens are handled and bioassay studies are performed be negative in relation to the pressure of surrounding areas.

The ventilation system for areas where carcinogens are present must be nonrecirculating.

Physical Plant tests ventilated apparatus such as laboratory-type hoods at least annually or immediately after ventilation modification or maintenance operations, S80.10. Report problems to Environmental Health and Safety.