Chemical Hygiene Plan - Queensborough Community College ...

• There is legal liability if human health and the environment are not properly protected.
To minimize the potential for Mercury spills and possible exposures, laboratory personnel are
strongly encouraged to follow these recommendations:
• Identify and label “Mercury Containing Equipment”.
• Write a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
• Train personnel on proper use, maintenance, transport and disposal.
• Conduct periodic inspections of equipment to ensure no leaks or spills have occurred.
• Consider replacing Mercury with electronic or other replacement components.
• Have available proper PPE such as nitrile gloves.
• Use secondary containment, such as trays as a precaution for spills.
• Plan for emergency such as a spill or release of mercury.
• Decontaminate and remove Mercury before long-term storage, transport or disposal.
• For new equipment purchases, please attempt to procure instruments with no or little
Mercury
22.16 Ergonomics
Many lab tasks such as looking through microscopes, working in exhaust hoods, pipetting, and
continuously looking down for bench tasks require both significant repetitive movements and
sustained awkward posturing. Often there is no leg room when sitting at counters or hoods,
which causes more leaning and reaching. Although the essential job tasks probably cannot
change, you can develop important personal strategies that can improve comfort and health.
There may also be equipment changes you can make.
The section below outlines some steps you can take to reduce your risk for injury from this
demanding work. Links to product ideas and additional related information are provided.
Product links do not imply endorsement. Consider an ergonomic evaluation of your specific
environment before purchasing equipment.
Seating
• Take the time to adjust the seat depth and chair back height and tilt in order to maximize
individual back support. Consider a slightly reclined position to promote better support.
• Try using chairs “backward”, supporting the torso when leaning forward to do
bench/hood/microscope work, as a means for changing positions throughout the day.
• Make sure the feet reach the floor, foot ring or separate footrest comfortably. The
stabilization of both feet makes it easier to sit back in a supported manner. Some lab
chairs have adjustable foot rings—consider this feature when buying new chairs. For
lower surfaces use office-style footrests. Step.n.Up or NeXtep are adjustable rests that
attach to the cylinder of lab stools.
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