Reproductive Health and the Laboratory

Reproductive Health and the Laboratory

Researchers in academic laboratories can potentially encounter a range of reproductive and developmental hazards. This document is not intended to exhaustively list these hazards, but rather to provide some general guidelines on how laboratory workers can protect themselves from these hazards and to provide resources for further information.

CCB Safety Catalogue

CCB Safety Catalogue (1st edition 2007) (PIN protected)

This catalogue lists safety equipment and supplies that are relevant to CCB research endeavors.

Chemical Spills

CCB Chemical Spill Policy

Although chemical spills are among the most common of laboratory accidents they are potentially the most serious. The hazards resulting from a spill depend on variables that include the spilled material's chemical and physical properties, location, and quantity. This document provides criteria to assist in evaluating when a chemical spill can be addressed by local researchers (minor spills) and when outside help is necessary (major spills). It also offers guidance on how to clean-up a minor spill.

Hydrofluoric Acid

Guidelines for the Safe Use of Hydrofluoric Acid

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) has a number of physical, chemical, and toxilogical properties that make it especially hazardous to handle. Both anhydrous hydrofluoric acid and aqueous solutions are clear, colorless, highly corrosive liquids. When exposed to air, anhydrous HF and concentrated solutions produce pungent fumes, which are also dangerous. HF shares the corrosive properties common to mineral acids, but possesses the unique ability to cause deep tissue damage and systemic toxicity. This document provides information on the safe use of hydrofluoric acid in the laboratory.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

These documents provide information about what kinds of respirators are available, the medical and training requirements associated with them, and whom to contact for more information.

Respiratory Protection Fact Sheet
Medical Surveillance For Respirator Users
Medical Evaluation Questionnaire

Respirator effectiveness is dependent on many variables. Therefore, it is necessary that:

• Respirators are carefully selected, fitted, inspected and cleaned regularly, maintained properly, and replaced when necessary.
• Wearers are medically approved for respirator use and trained regularly.
• Work area environments are evaluated periodically to determine appropriate levels of respiratory protection.