Exploring the Evolving Universe

Working/Visiting IIRMES

 

If you would like to conduct research or visit IIRMES, please read the information below and fill out either one of the following forms:

 

· IIRMES Safety Program Form (or email cmull@csulb.edu for this form)

                                         OR

· IIRMES Safety Program—SHORT FORM (Please email cmull@csulb.edu for this form)

 

See below for instructions as to which form you will need to fill out.

 

The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (CNSM) frequently allows non-CNSM personnel to use college space for various approved programs, such as activities associated with IRMES.  The College administration is required by law (Cal/OSHA and Cal/EPA regulations) and University policy to ensure that all such activities comply with established health, safety and environmental policies. In order to make sure that your program/activity has incorporated the appropriate level of safety, please examine the following list of key requirements.  Each activity/program must comply with these guidelines. 

 

1)  SAFETY TRAINING:

 

Participants who will be continuously supervised by CSULB personnel are responsible for following all directives given by their CSULB IIRMES mentor and need not participate in further CNSM Safety Training.  Your mentor will tell you if you qualify for this exemption.

 

Participants who will NOT be continuously supervised by CSULB must participate in an appropriate level of safety training.  Participants are required to read the CNSM Safety Program Manual. Live training sessions are also periodically available, given by CNSM Safety Personnel.  After reading the manual, participants must print off, fill out and sign the “IIRMES Safety Program Form” (documenting receipt of training and agreement to comply), then bring this form in person to the CNSM Safety Office (PH3-018, next to the main IIRMES lab) where they will be given a quiz by Safety Personnel. When the training form is returned and the quiz successfully taken, the basic CNSM safety training process is complete. 

 

NOTE:  In lieu of the full employee training program, a careful review of and adherence to this safety guide will be accepted as alternative safety training for select short-term participants.  For example, those who will not be involved in any sample preparation may be exempted by CNSM Safety from the full training program.  These participants must print off, fill out and sign the “IIRMES Safety Program Form – SHORT Version”, then bring this form in person to the CNSM Safety Office where they will be given a quiz by Safety Personnel. Call/email CNSM Safety after you submit your application of you think you might qualify for this shortened version of the training. 

 

 

2)  PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES:

All non-CSULB IIRMES participants must fill out the IIRMES Participant Application prior to being accepted as a project participant unless exempted by their CSULB IIRMES mentor. All applications will be reviewed by CNSM Safety based on the information provided on the application.  Only projects approved by CNSM Safety may be initiated.

 

All participants will participate in the CNSM Safety Training as indicated in point 1) above.

 

Each IIRMES participant is responsible for complying with University and CNSM health, safety and environmental policies as outlined in this document.  Non-compliance shall result in appropriate disciplinary action and may result in expulsion from the program.  If health and/or safety questions arise, please contact the CNSM Safety Office (562-985-55623) or the CSULB Office of University Safety and Risk Management (562-985-2366).  Additional information is available on the CNSM Safety Website at:

http://www.cnsm.csulb.edu/services/safety/index.htm

and on the CSULB Radiation Safety Website:

http://www.cnsm.csulb.edu/services/radiation/index.htm.

 

Many programs/events involve multiple employers.  It is the responsibility of each participant to determine which employer (if any) is responsible for Workers Compensation Insurance in the event of injury.  CSULB/IIRMES does not provide health insurance coverage to participants.

 

3) IIRMES AFFILIATE/MENTOR RESPONSIBILITY:  Each IIRMES-associated mentor is responsible for ensuring that all IIRMES participants associated with their project have completed the required CNSM Safety Training as described above, and work in full compliance with all University and CNSM safety procedures and policies, work with radioactive materials.  Each mentor is also responsible for providing information and training to each supervised individual regarding the specific hazards to which she/he may be exposed while performing her/his IIRMES activities. This training shall be provided when activities commence and whenever a new type of hazard is introduced into the operation.  Mentors must ensure that all participants wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).  No personnel may direct an inadequately trained student/employee/participant to perform a hazardous operation. 

 

4) INJURY OR INCIDENT REPORTING:  9-1-1 from a campus phone is the emergency number to use for major incidents.  Special dedicated emergency phone boxes are available in hallways, elevators and across campus (push and release button, wait for response, then talk).  In the event of minor injuries, chemical spills or discovery of dangerous conditions, notify your supervisor/mentor and CNSM Safety.  If you have employee status and are injured, it may be classified as an "industrial accident" covered by "Worker's Compensation"; you may be instructed to seek treatment by your employer’s designated contract physician. 

 

5) FOOD, DRINK AND SMOKING:  Food or drink (including personal water bottles) may not be brought into CNSM laboratory space, with the exception of select areas such as the IIRMES laboratory proper (PH3-016). The “food status” of all rooms is indicated on the “Hazard Summary” label posted outside of nearly every room in the CNSM.  Smoking is prohibited in up to 20 feet away from all University buildings. 

 

6)  HAZARD DETERMINATION:  Prior to conducting your activity, examine the site(s).  If the "Hazard Summary” label is present, review the information on the label.  In addition, examine the area to determine the storage location of any hazardous materials -- shelves, cabinets, refrigerators, etc.  Note any items/areas designated as Radioactive (yellow label with magenta “propeller”); do not touch radioactive items or place your belongings near them.  Also note the location of eyewash/deluge showers, fire extinguishers, and emergency exit routes to ensure that the site is adequate for your needs. 

 

If the chemical inventory, equipment or other features of your work area appear unsafe or suspect, report your concerns to your IIRMES contact and to the CNSM Safety Office.  Appropriate action will be taken. 

 

7) CHEMICALS/HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: 

· MSDS:  You must be familiar with Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) type information for any chemical/product used in your activity.  MSDS's are available from the CNSM for materials they provide, and are also easily available via the CNSM Safety Website at:

http://www.cnsm.csulb.edu/services/safety/index.htm

· TRANSPORT OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:  Obtain clearance from your institution’s Safety Office and the CNSM Safety Office prior to bringing/shipping your own stock of hazardous materials into a CNSM facility. Be advised that hazardous materials transport is highly regulated.

· HAZARDOUS WASTE:  Arrangements with CNSM Safety must be made in advance if your project will generate hazardous waste.  Hazardous waste may not legally be transported other than by a licensed waste hauler.  All hazardous waste generated on-site must remain at CSULB and be labeled with the CNSM pre-printed hazardous waste label.  An appropriate chargeback for waste disposal may be applied.

· PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE): the appropriate protective gear (chemical splash goggles, UV goggles, gloves, acid apron, etc.) MUST be employed as appropriate.  If corrosive liquids are in use anywhere in a lab, all persons within the “splash zone” (normally ten feet at a minimum) must wear properly rated chemical splash goggles – NO EXCEPTIONS.  These chemical splash goggles are fully enclosed, flexible and indirectly vented.  Prescription glasses or chipping-type goggles are not acceptable protection against splash.  Chipping goggles/impact resistant spectacles are appropriate for activities that do not involve hazardous liquids and which could potentially create flying particles.

· EYEWASH/SHOWER:  No one may work with substances which are corrosive, severely irritating, or are toxic by absorption, unless that person can reach an eyewash/safety shower within 10 seconds.  Affected eyes/tissues must be flushed for 15 minutes.  Remove contaminated clothing as necessary. Many eyewashes do not have drains; so not let the resultant flood stop you from using the eyewash/shower!

· LABELING:  Hazardous and non-hazardous materials must be clearly and properly labeled whenever not immediately under your supervision.  A yellow CNSM “Chemical Label Guide” is posted in each lab.  Write the complete name of the material on the container (or rack/box of containers) AND the primary hazard if any e.g. flammable, corrosive, poison, oxidizer, biohazard etc. (usually indicated on the original shipping container). For example, "Concentrated hydrochloric acid, corrosive".  Remember, FULL NAME AND HAZARD!

· NON-HAZARDOUS MATERIALS LABELING:  Write “Non-Hazardous” on these materials.  Do NOT leave them unlabeled!

· CHEMICAL TRANSPORT AND STORAGE:  Chemicals may not be carried through the halls unless they are in a “bottle carrier” or other means of secondary containment.  Chemicals must be stored compatibly and in a secondary container.

 

8) PHYSICAL HAZARDS: All items used in the IIRMES work must employ safety features and warning labels as required by Cal/OSHA.  Belts and chains must be guarded.  Dangerous voltages, lasers, U.V. light sources etc. MUST be adequately shielded to prevent injury.  Employ personal protective equipment (eyewear, gloves, earplugs, etc.) as appropriate.

 

9) DISPOSAL OF SHARP ITEMS:  No sharp objects (broken glass, glass pipettes, slides, nails, sheet metal etc.) may be placed in regular trash containers.  These items must be collected in a separate container.  Most labs use a small, strong, fiberboard box.  When the box is nearly full, such boxes must be taped shut and labeled "broken glass", then set in the hallway for custodial pickup.  Hazardous materials or contaminated items will be handled as hazardous waste and may not be disposed of in regular trash or broken glass containers.

 

9) HOUSEKEEPING:  Everyone is responsible for maintaining a neat and clean work area. Maintain clear aisles.  Do not block the safety shower.  Keep balances etc. clean. 

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