Prep Lab Safety Manual

Issued 12/03/2025. Written by Bryce Cassiano

Scope

This document describes the standard operating procedures and practices encountered and to be practiced in the The Montana Dinosaur Center Paleontology Prep Lab.

Due to the scope of the various activities of the lab regarding chemical usage, processes, and waste generation, this document is not intended to be comprehensive. Instead, it is intended to provide a general overview of safe work practices.

In addition to this general lab safety manual, additional training is required for each lab. See Section "Lab Training" for more information.

It is mandatory that all individuals who perform work in the lab be fully aware of this document’s existence, understand its contents, and satisfy the testing requirements associated with it. This burden of knowledge, therefore, is the responsibility of both the lab supervisors and the individual.

Emergency Response

Calling 9-1-1

• If possible, first get out of immediate danger.

• To report any medical emergency or fire, call 9-1-1 from any phone.

• In the event of a fire, or if you feel the building’s occupants are in danger:

  • Activate the building’s fire alarm system before calling 9-1-1. Evacuate the building immediately!

• When calling 9-1-1:

  • Stay on the line with the dispatcher.

  • Provide the address of the building involved and your exact location when calling from a cell phone. The building address is also located on the Emergency Contact sign on the door of your lab. 120 2nd Ave S, Bynum, Montana

  • Provide a thorough description of the incident to ensure that proper resources are dispatched.

  • Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to do so.

  • Follow up the 9-1-1 call by informing the Museum Director or the President of the Board if either are unaware of the situation.

Emergency Procedures Manual

The TMDC Emergency procedures manual is a document that describes appropriate responses in a variety of emergency situations. This guide is to be part of the lab safety notebook and can be found here Also, emergency response topics in this Emergency Response guide include the following relevant sections:

• General safety practices and training

  • Building evacuations and calls to take shelter

• Active shooter information

• Power outage procedure

• Chemical spill

• Explosion

• Museum closure procedure

• Hazards communications standards

Lab Practices

Stop Work Practice

• A worker should never perform a job if she/he believes it to be unsafe, if inadequate PPE is available, or sufficient safety measures are not in place.

• If a worker feels a job cannot be performed safely, she/he should see her/his supervisor immediately for resolution.

Lab Access Restrictions

Lab access is provided to trained preparators as determined by the Museum Director. Others seeking access must make prior arrangements before entering the lab as described below: Visitors to the lab must first obtain prior approval by the Museum Director (or designee of the Director) before entering.

• Visitors must always be accompanied by a staff member.

• Support workers (Volunteers) should notify the nature of their work with the Lab staff so that all lab personnel are aware of the nature and scope of the work and can take any actions to safeguard specimens

Personal Behaviors

• Workers must be familiar with the hazards of the materials with which they are working.

• No unauthorized projects are permitted.

• Volunteers must have pre-approval by his/her direct supervisor in order to perform work alone.

• Work should not be conducted if the preparator is feeling tired or otherwise impaired.

• No rough-housing is permitted in the lab.

• When performing an operation, consider if nearby workers require additional protection and take appropriate measures.

• Employ good housekeeping rules by maintaining a clean, uncluttered work area.

Electrical Safety

Paleontology lab work sometimes relies on electrical devices to perform tasks. Any problems with electrical devices should be reported to the Museum Director to either repair the device or determine if the assistance of a licensed electrician is needed. In case of an electrical problem in the lab, it should be reported immediately to the Museum Director.

Compressed Air Safety

Paleontology lab work relies on compressed air devices to perform some jobs. Any problems with the compressor or compressed air devices should be reported to the Museum Director to either repair the device or determine if professional service is required. In case of an emergency compressor problem in the lab, the shut off valve should be deployed, and it should be reported immediately to the Museum Director.

Lab Incidents, Accidents and Property Loss

Note: If you have any emergency, first take appropriate measures as described elsewhere in this manual. If you have an incident in the lab, whether it was an actual accident or just a “near miss,” it should be reported using an incident/accident report form. Fill out the appropriate form and send a copy to the Museum Director. Your lab notebook should include hard copies of these forms and a flow chart to describe how to handle an incident/accident.

Hazard Control Methods

Hierarchy of Hazard Control

Five commonly used methods to reduce the risk of hazards are shown in priority order:

1. Elimination

2. Substitution or reduction

3. Engineering controls

4. Administrative controls

5. Personal protective equipment (PPE)

While many are familiar with examples of PPE, it is important to understand the other methods and why they need to be employed first, before PPE, for hazard mitigation.

Elimination

Hazard elimination is the best way to provide hazard mitigation by physically removing the hazard. An example would be to use a non-toxic material in place of a toxic one where possible.

Substitution In many cases, hazards can be reduced by substituting a less toxic material or a smaller amount of the material.

Engineering Controls

Engineering controls are lab systems or features that protect all workers by removing the hazard from the lab or sequestering the hazard. Examples of engineering controls include: fume hoods or other local exhaust systems to remove vapors and/or particles at source specialized storage systems such as flammables, acids, and corrosives cabinets, sharps containers, etc.) safety shields on tools “glove boxes” to contain hazardous materials For more detailed information on the engineering controls required in your lab, consult the protocols and procedures for specific lab processes and/or discuss with the Museum Director. Administrative Controls Administrative controls play an important part in reducing hazard risk when the above methods are not sufficient. Below are administrative controls that are in place for this laboratory. Lab Signage The number of signs should be kept to a reasonable minimum and be clear and concise. Information relating to the general hazards, PPE, and rules of the lab will be posted on the appropriate cabinets within the lab. A phone is provided in the lab in case of emergency. Lab Training Before performing any work in the laboratory, each worker must receive training in the operations of the lab and lab safety. This training may include core training required for all workers as well as task-specific training based on the role of the worker in the lab. The training may be delivered through various methods, including assignment of online modules, distribution of hardcopies, or by hands-on training. More information on the assignment of training can be found in Section 4.5.4. Training for Shared Lab Spaces Shared lab environments require additional consideration in terms of assignment of appropriate lab training for the space. The workers must be trained to understand all of the hazards that exist within the space. Training Requirements Training level is determined by the type of work performed or responsibilities held in the lab: A Laboratory Visitor is a person who does not work in the laboratory but is simply visiting or touring. All visitors must be escorted by a laboratory staff member. Any person in the lab who does not fall into one of the categories below can be considered a lab visitor. A Support Worker is a person who supports the facility or other needs of the laboratory. Refer to Section 3.2 Lab Access Restrictions for information on lab access restrictions. A Laboratory Volunteer is an individual who is trained to perform work in the laboratory, regardless of whether that work is frequent or infrequent. The Laboratory Captain is a Laboratory Volunteer who has been designated and trained by the Chief Preparator to undertake additional activities to support lab operations and who has received training on mentoring novice volunteers on day-to-day activities within the lab. The Lab Supervisor is a staff person, usually the Museum Director, responsible for overall laboratory activities including laboratory safety initiatives. These initiatives include defining safety practices and training materials, assessing the training level needed for each worker, ensuring safety training records are maintained and support of periodic inspections. Completion of the following training is required for the worker types as shown below.

General & Lab-Specific Safety Manuals Task-Specific Protocols & SOPs Additional Training Modules TMDC Emerg. Resp. Guide Lab Visitor No No No No Support Worker No No No Yes Lab Volunteers Yes As req’d, based on lab role As req’d, based on lab role Yes Manager of Laboratories and staff preparators Yes All All* Yes

*Must have a good understanding of the topics covered in the document and be able to readily reference it as needed. Laboratory Safety Notebook(s) The laboratory safety notebook(s) is intended to provide a variety of safety-related content that can be readily accessed by lab members and visitors to the lab. In general, the notebook will contain: This document Other training materials (protocols, SOPs, etc.) TMDC Emergency Response Guide Current contact information TMDC safety personnel Information and forms relating to lab incidents/accidents Records of safety training for each lab worker (Note: These may be located elsewhere but must be readily accessible). Chemical inventory and MSDS’s for lab (housed in separate binders together with the Laboratory safety notebook

Chemical Ordering Lab Staff will order all chemicals based on approved chemicals used in the lab If you notice a shortage of any chemicals typically used in the lab, please advise the Museum Director. Chemical Labeling All chemicals, including those stored in temporary storage, must be properly labeled. Do not write over information printed on chemical labels. For temporary storage, include all the information from the chemical inventory list as well as the creation date of the temporary storage. Chemical Inventories A chemical inventory of the laboratory is to be performed on a yearly or more frequent basis. The best way to maintain a chemical inventory is to make real-time adjustments as chemicals are ordered or depleted. Please read all worksheets to understand what chemicals require inventory and how to properly record the information. The completed inventory is to be printed and stored in the Laboratory Safety Notebook(s).

Personal Protective Equipment The information provided below is intended only to provide an overview of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements that may exist for your lab. PPE should be considered the last avenue in providing work protection and be implemented only if elimination, substitution, and engineering and administrative controls cannot provide sufficient protection. In general, Closed-toe shoes must be worn in the lab at all times. Safety glasses must be worn under the following circumstances in labs: Performing sawing, grinding or cutting operations When there is any foreseeable risk of injury to your eyes. Use of any corrosive chemicals. Lab safety coats and gloves are available in each lab. Use of these items is determined by the task being performed as covered by lab specific protocols. For more detailed information on the PPE required in your lab, consult the protocols and procedures for specific lab processes and/or discuss with your lab supervisor. If you feel you are engaged in a process that places you at risk, it is your responsibility to wear the appropriate PPE or halt work until the proper PPE can be procured. NOTE: See your laboratory supervisor for information on, and proper fitting of PPE.

Chemical Emergencies Chemical Contact If you come into contact with a chemical and are not sure how dangerous the chemical contact is, call 9-1-1. The treatment of a chemical exposure takes precedence over spill cleanup and spill containment. In the event of chemical contact with skin or eye, flush the affected area with water for a minimum of 15 minutes. Use the nearest sink or the upstairs shower. If possible, obtain assistance to remove contaminated PPE and clothing after flushing has begun. If contact is made through inhalation, immediately move to an area of fresh air away from the exposure. After immediate treatment for the exposure has been completed, contact your supervisor. Have the SDS information for the chemical(s) available for reference. This information can be found in your lab safety notebook. If first responders are summoned, meet them at the location described in the Lab Safety Checklist in your lab safety supplement with the SDS information for the chemical(s) that were contacted.

Large Chemical Spill A large spill is a spill greater than 200mL or 200 g OR any amount of an extremely hazardous substance OR beyond the cleaning capabilities or comfort level of the laboratory or laboratory workers. If deemed necessary, or you are unsure of spill severity, immediately call the Museum Director, you may also pull a fire alarm. Otherwise, take the following steps: Inform others in the area of the spill. Turn off any electrical devices without putting yourself in harm’s way. Retrieve SDS(s) without putting yourself in harm’s way. Evacuate the area, closing the doors behind you. Contact your supervisor. Post warning signs outside the area, and lock doors if possible to prevent re-entry. Small Chemical Spill A small spill is defined as a spill less than or equal to 200mL or 200 g AND not of an extremely hazardous substance AND within the cleaning capabilities and comfort level of the laboratory and laboratory workers. If you are not sure, or uncomfortable with the cleanup, contact your supervisor. Otherwise, take the following steps: Inform others in the area of the spill. Retrieve SDS(s) without putting yourself in harm’s way. Review applicable SDS(s) and determine controls, PPE, and need for assistance. Put on necessary protective clothing (gloves, safety goggles or glasses, and lab coat). Use a spill kit in the lab to absorb the spill. This may require acid or base neutralizing absorbent. Clean spill area working from outside toward the center. Rinse the spill area with water and wipe up with paper towels. Label and retain spill materials for EHSS. Contact your supervisor.

Waste Management Definition of Waste A variety of solid and liquid waste can be generated in the laboratory. Any lab worker or student that works with chemicals is required to understand how to safely handle, store, and dispose of these materials. Once you determine a material: cannot be reused, cannot be used for its intended purpose, has exceeded its shelf life, has no known owner or generator, is no longer wanted or needed. Please remember that maintenance fluids must, in most cases, be disposed of as waste. Hazardous Wastes Waste classified as Hazardous Waste must be disposed of properly, in accordance with TMDC Hazards communications. If you have any questions regarding whether a waste material is hazardous or how to store or dispose of it, contact the Museum Director. Disposal of Waste Nonhazardous: Small nonhazardous waste is to be disposed of in lab waste bins. Once full, these can be disposed of at the garbage collection area behind the museum. Large nonhazardous waste is driven to the Choteau Landfill. Hazardous: Disposal of hazardous waste is to be orchestrated by the Museum Director. Illegal Disposal of Waste Examples of illegal waste treatment include: Leaving solvent-wetted materials or containers on the bench top or in the fume hood to evaporate. Diluting a waste to render it non-hazardous. Venting a pressurized aerosol can solely to remove the contents. Disposing of waste down the sink or drain. Do not dispose of any chemical down a sink or drain. Segregation of Waste You must segregate your waste streams. Keep liquids and solids in separate containers Keep hazardous and non-hazardous waste in separate containers. You must physically segregate, by secondary containment (separate spill trays, cabinets, etc.), your hazardous waste while in storage from the following: non-hazardous waste drains incompatible waste product chemicals

Hazardous Waste Containers

If hazardous waste is not in its original container, make sure the replacement container is of a material that has long term compatibility with the waste. Hazardous waste containers must be closed/sealed to the manufacturer’s specifications. The only time a hazardous waste container can be open is when you are actively putting waste in the container. Hazardous waste containers must be in good condition; replace deteriorated or damaged containers immediately. Make sure you use only containers that seal properly and reliably. Those that don’t are considered open (non-compliant) containers. Examples of open containers include:

• “zip-lock” bags with a damaged seal or with material in the seal;

• a container with an improperly fitting or missing lid;

• a container or bag that has a crack, hole or tear