HAZARD COMMUNICATION MANUAL

COMPUTER WORKSTATION ERGONOMICS

CHAIR ADJUSTMENT:

• Is your chair height adjustable?
• Does your chair support your lower back?
• Is there room between the front edge of the chair seat and the back of your knees?
• Can you easily reach your work without interference from the arms of your chair?
• When using the keyboard or mouse are you able to keep your arms in a comfortable position with elbows in at your sides?
• Do your feet rest flat on the floor or footrest?
• Are your knees bent at approximately 90-degree angles?

Sitting with your feet flat on the floor (or supported by a footrest) will help support your spine. Having your thighs parallel to the seat with knees bent at approximately a 90 degree angle and having adequate clearance behind your knees will keep the chair from interfering with the blood circulation in your legs. If the back of your chair is adjustable raise or lower it so that the contour of the chair provides maximum lumbar (lower back) support. If possible adjust the tilt of the backrest to support your body in an upright position. A slight angle either forward or back is also acceptable. Adjust the chair according to what is most comfortable for you. If your chair has arms they should allow you to get close to your work without getting in the way. If you are typing they should be at a height where they barely contact your elbows when your arms are resting comfortably at your side. Chair arms should not force you to elevate your shoulders or wing your arms to the side.

WORK SURFACE / KEYBOARD ADJUSTMENT

• With your chair adjusted properly is your keyboard at approximately elbow level?
• Are your arms in at your sides rather than stretched out in front of you?
• Are your shoulders relaxed and not elevated when you work at your work surface?
• When using the computer is there approximately a 90-degree angle between your forearms and upper arms?
• When using the computer are your wrists in line with your forearms and not bent upwards, downwards, or to one side or another?
• Is there at least 2 inches of clearance between the bottom of your work surface and the top of your thighs?

Ideally, with your arms resting comfortably at your sides, the home row of your keyboard (the row with letters a,s,d,f) should be at approximately elbow level. To easily check this, turn sideways to your keyboard. If your work surface is too high and cannot be adjusted, raise the chair to bring your elbows to the home row level of the keyboard and support your feet with a footrest if necessary. If your work surface is adjustable, start by adjusting your chair as described in the first section. Once the chair is adjusted, then adjust the work surface.

MONITOR ADJUSTMENT

• Is your monitor aligned in front of your keyboard rather than off to the side?
• Is the viewing distance to your computer monitor at least 18 inches?
• Is the top of the computer screen at or just below eye level?
• Is your computer monitor protected from excess glare?
• If you wear bifocals or trifocals, are you able to look at the monitor without tilting your head?

Position your monitor so it is aligned in front or nearly in front of your keyboard to allow your neck to remain straight when viewing the monitor. Raise or lower your computer monitor so that the top of the screen is at or just below eye level. You may need to unstack the monitor from the CPU to lower the monitor to the correct height or place a book or ream of paper between the monitor and CPU to raise it to the correct height. People who wear bifocals or trifocals often end up tilting their heads back to read through the lower portion of their glasses. Lowering the computer monitor by placing it directly on the desk surface typically helps. Bifocal users may want to discuss with their eye doctor the possibility of obtaining glasses specifically designed for computer use.

WORKSTATION ACCESSORY ADJUSTMENTS

• Are your input devices (mouse, trackball, digitizing tablet) at the same level and next to your keyboard?
• Are your primary work materials located in front of you?
• Are your most frequently accessed items (phone, manuals, etc.) easy to reach?
• Do you have a document or copyholder to hold reference material?
• Are you able to keep your arms from resting on any sharp or square edges of your work surface?
• If a large percentage of your time involves using a phone do you use a phone headset?

Computer input devices such as a mouse or trackball should be located at the same level and next to the keyboard to avoid reaching. This can sometimes be a problem if using a keyboard tray that is not wide enough to accommodate the keyboard and mouse. Modification or replacement of the keyboard tray may be necessary. As you change tasks, remember to move primary materials in front of you. If you must frequently look at reference materials as you type, you should consider a document holder to allow your head to remain in a more upright position. Position the document holder at the same height and distance as your monitor. If doing a lot of reading or writing on the desk, inclining the material by placing it on a 3-ring binder notebook helps reduce the need to bend the neck forward. The wrists should remain straight when typing. If you have poor wrist habits, a padded wrist rest can help support your wrists in a straight position. Height of the wrist rest should not exceed the height of the space bar on the keyboard. Avoid wrist rests that are wider than 3 inches since this results in the need to reach further for the keyboard. When talking on the phone it is not good for the neck to cradle the phone between your ear and shoulder. For jobs with a high volume of phone calls headsets are recommended since they allow you to maintain the head in an upright position when talking on the phone.

WORK HABITS

• When using the computer, do you have a light touch on the keys?
• When using the keyboard or mouse, do your fingers, forearms and shoulders remain relaxed?
• When using the mouse, do you move your arm from your shoulder instead of reaching excessively with your wrist or fingers?
• Do you take short and frequent breaks throughout the day to reduce fatigue?
• Do you frequently change body positions while working?
• Do you provide your eyes with vision breaks every hour?
• Do you work fairly regular hours without a lot of overtime?
• Are you able to meet deadlines without excessive stress?
• Are you comfortable and free of pain while working?
• When typing it is important to use a light touch on the computer keys. Sometimes slowing your typing speed just 5-10% helps you use a lighter touch and reduces tension in the fingers, forearms, and shoulders.

When using a mouse, the mouse should be held lightly and movement of the mouse should occur from the shoulder instead of only at the wrist. When not actively using the mouse ease your grip on the mouse to let your hand relax. Periodic breaks help alleviate fatigue and strain to your eyes and upper body.

Taking a break does not mean that you have to stop working. Rather it allows you to integrate other activities such as making phone calls, making copies, or talking with a co-worker. Changing positions periodically helps maintain circulation and prevents putting pressure on any one area of the body for an extended period of time. Working overtime or working under stress to meet deadlines can add to tension or discomfort. In addition to taking breaks and frequently changing positions you should pay attention to how your body responds to discomfort. Discomfort that goes away overnight can be a sign of fatigue. Discomfort that is continuous may build to a more serious problem.

If you experience lasting discomfort please discuss this with your supervisor. Aches and pains that are addressed early typically resolve quickly. Ignoring pain prolongs and may even worsen the problem. Develop good habits outside of work. While you may not be able to adjust all of the work surfaces at home, you may be able to make minor adjustments that are significant to your body. Good posture and good work habits are just as important outside of work, whether you are using your home computer, doing chores around the house, or are involved in special projects or hobbies.

NORTH ATLANTIC AREA
SAFETY, HEALTH, & ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT WEBSITE

For further training information and to view the North Atlantic Area's Safety, Health, & Environmental Management Website, visit http://www.arserrc.gov/naasafety

Research Unit: ___________________________________
Lab Rooms: ________________________________________

PI/SY:______________________________________
Person completing survey: __________________________

Signature:_____________________________________ Date: ______________________________________

Please complete Hazard Assessment as soon as possible, file the original, & post a copy in the lab.,
*Refer to Appendix E for specific information on glove selection.

Carbon tetrachloride: double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact) or use 15 mil or heavier nitrile gloves; remove outer glove at once if exposed to carbon tetrachloride

Most nitrile gloves have a breakthrough time of only a few minutes and thus offer little protection when exposed to carbon tetrachloride. For operations involving the use of larger amounts of carbon tetrachloride, when transferring carbon tetrachloride from one container to another or for other potentially extended contact, the only gloves recommended are viton. Viton gloves are expensive, but they are the standard glove to use with carbon tetrachloride.

Carbon tetrachloride is a poison, carcinogen, mutagen and teratogen. It is readily absorbed through unbroken skin. Alcohol and acetone are known to enhance the toxicity of carbon tetrachloride. The dose required to cause poisoning in humans varies significantly, with the ingestion of as little as 2 ml. having caused death. Carbon tetrachloride is also a substantial ozone depleting chemical and its use has been banned commercially. If you can find a substitute for carbon tetrachloride, it is strongly recommended that you use an alternative material.

Catechol: nitrile gloves

Chloroform: double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact) or use 15 mil or heavier nitrile gloves; remove outer glove at once if exposed to chloroform

Nitrile gloves have a 4-minute breakthrough time and thus offer little protection when exposed to chloroform. For operations involving the use of larger amounts of chloroform, such as transferring chloroform from one container to another or for large-scale extractions, etc., the only gloves recommended are viton or polyvinyl acetate (PVA). Viton gloves are expensive, but they are the standard gloves to use with chloroform.

Chlorosulfuron: nitrile gloves

Cobalt Chloride: See Heavy Metal Salts.

Copper (Cupric) Sulfate: nitrile gloves

Cryogenic liquids (liquid nitrogen, argon, helium, etc.): Cryogenic materials handling-rated gloves. Cryo-Gloves?, made by Tempshield, Inc., are highly recommended. Note that these gloves are made for handling very cold objects, but that they are not for immersion in liquid nitrogen or other extended contact with cryogenic liquids.

3,3'-Diaminobenzidine (DBA): nitrile gloves (incidental contact); double glove with nitrile gloves when handling the pure material or concentrated stock solutions

Note: See Heavy Metal Salts for proper disposal of gloves and other dry waste contaminated with DBA.

Diazomethane in ether (a derivatizing reagent): double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact) or use 15 mil or heavier nitrile gloves; remove outer glove at once if exposed to diazomethane in ether.

For possible extended contact, such as when transferring diazomethane in ether or when making reagent solutions containing this material, the only recommended glove would be a Norfoil glove, due to the extreme hazards associated with this material. Diazomethane is an extreme poison, a cancer suspect agent, extremely flammable, easily detonated and has an autoignition temperature of 100? C. (an ordinary light bulb would cause a sufficient quantity of the vapor in air to autodetonate). This is easily one of the most dangerous materials in use in labs at Cornell. If there is any way you can substitute another material for diazomethane in ether it is strongly recommended that you do so.

Dichloromethane: See Methylene Chloride.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D): nitrile gloves

Diethyl pyrocarbonate: nitrile gloves (incidental contact); double glove with nitrile gloves when handling the pure material or concentrated stock solutions

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO): heavier weight natural rubber gloves (15-18 mil; not 4 mil latex exam gloves) (incidental contact); butyl rubber gloves are recommended for extended contact; if you are allergic to natural latex products you may double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) disposable nitrile gloves (incidental contact) or use 15 mil or heavier nitrile gloves; remove outer glove at once if exposed to DMSO.

Nitrile gloves are not recommended for use with DMSO if extended contact with the hands is expected. Some brands of nitrile gloves have degradation times of five minutes when used with DMSO. DMSO freely penetrates the skin and may carry dissolved chemicals with it into the body, so hand protection is especially important if you are working with any hazardous materials dissolved in DMSO.

1,4-Dioxane (dioxane): double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact) or use 15 mil or heavier nitrile gloves; remove outer glove at once if exposed to dioxane

Most nitrile gloves have a breakthrough time of only a few minutes and thus offer little protection when exposed to dioxane. For operations involving the use of larger amounts of dioxane, when transferring dioxane from one container to another or for other potentially extended contact, the only gloves recommended are butyl rubber gloves. Dioxane is one of the few commonly used lab chemicals that readily degrades viton gloves.

Dioxane is only moderately toxic, but it is a listed carcinogen, mutagen and teratogen. It is readily absorbed through unbroken skin so hand protection is especially important when working with this material.

Dithiothreitol: (Cleland's Reagent): nitrile gloves

Ethanol: nitrile gloves

Ethidium bromide: (EtBr): nitrile gloves (incidental contact); double glove with nitrile gloves when handling the pure material or concentrated stock solutions Note: See Heavy Metal Salts for proper disposal of gloves and other dry waste contaminated with EtBr.

Ethyl acetate: double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact) Nitrile gloves are not serviceable for extended contact as even heavy weight nitrile gloves (36 mil) have a breakthrough time of only 8 minutes and thus offer little protection when exposed to ethyl acetate. For operations involving the use of larger amounts of ethyl acetate, when transferring ethyl acetate from one container to another or for other potentially extended contact, the only gloves recommended are butyl rubber and polyvinyl acetate (PVA).

Ethyl ether (diethyl ether, ether): double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact) or use 15 mil or heavier nitrile gloves; remove outer glove at once if exposed to ether Ether is one of those chemicals that attacks almost all known commonly used glove materials. It permeates through viton, butyl rubber, neoprene, nitrile and natural rubber in a matter of minutes. The only recommended glove material for extended contact is polyvinyl acetate (PVA), such as the PVA? brand made by Ansell Edmont.

Formaldehyde: nitrile gloves

Formamide: nitrile gloves (incidental contact); butyl rubber gloves are the only gloves recommended for direct contact with the pure material. Formamide is often used in the pure form. If you use pure formamide in a procedure where there is probable contact with the skin, it is strongly recommended that you wear butyl rubber gloves.

Formic acid: double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact) Formic acid is very corrosive to human tissues (skin, eyes, and mucus membranes. For handling larger quantities of pure material only heavier weight (.28-. 33 mm) butyl rubber or neoprene gloves are recommended.

Gallic acid: nitrile gloves

Geneticin: nitrile gloves

Glutaraldehyde: nitrile gloves

Heavy Metal Salts (especially those that are easily soluble in water): nitrile gloves or double glove in some cases*

For most inorganic (ionic) salts of heavy metals the human skin is usually an effective barrier against absorption of the heavy metal ions. If there are cracks in the skin, areas of inflammation, insect bites, cuts or other breaches of the integrity of the skin, heavy metal ions may be passed directly through the skin. The salts of many heavy metals are toxic or highly toxic and rated as poisons: arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, mercury, nickel, osmium and uranium. Some of these materials are also listed as corrosive (chromium trioxide), inhalation hazard (osmium tetroxide), known or suspect carcinogens and mutagens (lead and lead salts, mercury and its salts, etc.) or radioactive (uranium). Disposable nitrile gloves are generally acceptable for the use of the pure salts and stock (concentrated) or dilute solutions for the common salts of the above metals (acetates, chlorides, sulfates, nitrates, anhydrides, oxides, hydroxides, etc.) where only incidental contact will be made with these materials or their solutions.

The skin more easily absorbs several heavy metal salts than others. Osmium tetroxide is readily absorbed by the skin and is very toxic. Lead acetate is absorbed 1-1/2 times more easily than other lead salts. Mercuric chloride can be absorbed fairly easily, especially if there are cracks, cuts or other breaks in the skin. It is also very toxic. It is recommended to *double glove* with nitrile gloves when using these materials, especially when handing the pure compounds or their strong solutions.

Heptane: double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact) or use 15 mil or heavier nitrile gloves

For extended contact, as when using heptane for large scale extractions, refilling secondary containers or as a cleaning fluid, a heavier weight nitrile (35 mils or thicker), viton or PVA gloves are recommended. Note that the permeation time for heptane through 4 mil nitrile gloves is about 8 minutes and through latex exam gloves is even less time; subsequently, these gloves are not recommended for use with heptane.

Hexamethylenediamine (1,6-diaminohexane): heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact); use a heavier weight neoprene glove when handling the pure material or concentrated stock solutions (extended contact)

Hexane: double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact) or use 15 mil or heavier nitrile gloves

For extended contact, as when using hexane for large scale extractions, refilling secondary containers or as a cleaning fluid, a heavier weight nitrile (35 mils or thicker), viton or PVA gloves are recommended. Note that the permeation time for hexane through 4 mil nitrile gloves is about 12 minutes and through latex exam gloves is only about 5-6 minutes; subsequently, these gloves are not recommended for use with hexane.

Hydrochloric Acid (concentrated and strong solutions): nitrile gloves (incidental contact)

A heavier weight neoprene or butyl rubber glove would be superior for long-term use with more concentrated solutions, such as cleaning glassware that has been soaking in an HCl bath or other larger-scale use of HCl.

Hydrofluoric acid (HF): double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact) or use 15 mil or heavier nitrile gloves

Note that additional protective equipment must always be worn when using larger quantities of HF. Nitrile or rubber sleeves, rubber aprons, face shields and splash goggles (not safety glasses) should also be worn. All users of HF must maintain an HF first aid kit in their lab.

Hydrofluoric acid (HF): double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact) or use 15 mil or heavier nitrile gloves

Note that additional protective equipment must always be worn when using larger quantities of HF. Nitrile or rubber sleeves, rubber aprons, face shields and splash goggles (not safety glasses) should also be worn. All users of HF must maintain an HF first aid kit in their lab. HF users are advised to contact EH&S for an "HF Users Information Packet."

Hypophosphorous acid: double glove with nitrile gloves (4 mil) (incidental contact) or use 8 mil or heavier nitrile gloves

Kananmycin: nitrile gloves

Isoamyl alcohol: nitrile gloves

Isoctane: nitrile gloves (incidental contact); for extended contact heavier weight nitrile gloves are recommended

Isopropanol: nitrile gloves

Lactic Acid: nitrile gloves (incidental contact); double glove with nitrile gloves or use neoprene or butyl rubber gloves if contact with lactic acid is probable for an extended period

Laser dyes: nitrile gloves

Lead Acetate: See Heavy Metal Salts.

Laser dyes: nitrile gloves

Mecuric Chloride: See Heavy Metal Salts.

Methanol (methyl alcohol): nitrile gloves

Methanol should never be allowed to make contact with the skin as it is fairly easily absorbed by the skin. Methanol is a poison.

Methylene Chloride: double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact)

Methylene chloride will permeate through nitrile gloves in four minutes or less. If you are double gloved, as recommended, and you splash or spill methylene chloride on your gloves, stop what you are doing and change the outer glove immediately. If you allow methylene chloride to remain on the outer nitrile glove for more than two to four minutes you must discard both sets of gloves and re-double glove. Methylene chloride permeates though disposable latex exam gloves in a matter of seconds and latex gloves should never be used to handle this material.

For use of methylene chloride where contact with the glove is anticipated, such as stripping paint or gluing plastics, only polyvinyl acetate (PVA) or viton gloves are recommended. These gloves come in .28-.33 mm thickness. PVA offers the best protection.

Methyl sulfonic acid, ethyl ester (EMS) (ethyl methanesulfonate): nitrile gloves (incidental contact); double glove with nitrile gloves when handling the pure material or concentrated stock solutions

Note: See Heavy Metal Salts for proper disposal of gloves and other dry waste contaminated with EMS.

Monoethanolamine: nitrile gloves

Nickel chloride: See Heavy Metal Salts.

Nitric acid: double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact); remove outer glove at once if exposed to nitric acid

Light weight nitrile gloves are not recommended for any use with nitric acid as they are degraded very quickly. Even heavier weight nitrile gloves last only five minutes or less in contact with nitric acid. For handling larger quantities of concentrated nitric acid, or for extended contact, only heavier weight (.28-.33 mm) butyl rubber or neoprene gloves are recommended.

N-Methylethanolamine: double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact); remove outer glove at once if exposed to N-methylethanolamine

Viton, neoprene or butyl rubber gloves are recommended for extensive use of N-methyl-ethanolamine such as working with the pure material or making solutions.

Octane: nitrile gloves (incidental contact); for extended contact heavier weight nitrile gloves or viton gloves are recommended

Organophosphorous compounds: double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact) or use 15 mil or heavier nitrile gloves

Osmium Tetroxide: See Heavy Metal Salts.

Paraformaldehyde: nitrile gloves

Pentane: double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact)

Thin nitrile gloves are quickly degraded by pentane. For extended contact with pentane only heavier weight neoprene gloves or viton gloves are recommended.

Pesticides: heavier weight unlined nitrile gloves (8-20 mils) or a glove specified by the pesticide label.*

A wide variety of pesticides are in use at Cornell. Each EPA registered pesticide is provided with an MSDS-like label. The pesticide label may have a glove selection category listed on the it which is based on the "EPA Chemical Resistance Category Selection Chart." The glove selection category is listed as A through H, with each category representing a group or class of pesticides.

If the label specifies a glove type, the applicator must wear the specified glove. Additional information on the selection of gloves for the use of various pesticides may be obtained from Mary-Lynn Cummings at 255-2557 or the Pesticide Management Education Program at 255-1866

Perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene): Double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact); remove outer glove at once if exposed to perchloroethylene.

For extended contact, such as parts washing, heavier weight nitrile gloves (22 mil or heavier, such as Ansell Edmont Sol-Vex brand, #37-165) may last up to five hours.

Viton gloves are recommended for repeated extended contact with perchloroethylene.

Thin (4 mil) nitile gloves have a breakthrough time of 4 minutes or less; neoprene and vinyl glove have a breakthrough time of less than 10 minutes; none of these materials are suitable for use with perchloroethylene.

Petroleum ether: nitrile gloves (incidental contact); or heavy weight nitrile or viton for extended contact.

Phenol: double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact); neoprene or butyl rubber gloves are recommended for extensive use of phenol such as working with the pure material or making solutions.

Nitrile gloves have a 30-minute breakthrough time with phenol. If working with double gloved nitrile gloves, change the outer glove frequently if exposed to this material.

Phenol-chloroform mixtures: double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact) or use 15 mil or heavier nitrile gloves; remove outer glove at once if exposed to mixture

Viton gloves are recommended for work with phenol-chloroform mixtures when probable exposure to the mixtures exists, such as when making up the mixtures. See the entries for phenol and chloroform.

Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF): nitrile gloves (incidental contact); double glove with nitrile gloves when handling the pure material or concentrated stock solutions

Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride is corrosive (causes burns) on contact with the skin, eyes and mucus membranes. It is also a highly toxic cholinesterase inhibitor and central nervous system poison. Avoid all contact.

Note: See Heavy Metal Salts for proper disposal of gloves and other dry waste contaminated with PMSF.

Phosphonic acid: double glove with nitrile gloves (4 mil) (incidental contact) or use 8 mil or heavier nitrile gloves

Phosphoric acid: double glove with nitrile gloves (4 mil) (incidental contact) or use 8 mil or heavier nitrile gloves

Picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic aicd): nitrile glove

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): For weighing out of pure or concentrated materials, wear an 8 mil or heavier nitrile glove over a neoprene glove. For dilute solutions in corn oil (1 p.p.m. or less) neoprene gloves (20 mil) are recommended.

Polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20): nitrile gloves

Potassium ferricyanide: nitrile gloves

Potassium ferrocyanide: nitrile gloves

Potassium permanganate: nitrile gloves

Propanol: nitrile gloves

Propionic acid: nitrile gloves (incidental contact); neoprene or butyl rubber gloves are recommended if contact with propionic acid is probable for an extended period of time.

Propylene oxide: heavier weight (17 mil or greater) butyl rubber or neoprene gloves (incidental contact); norfoil gloves are the only glove recommended for extended contact

Propylene oxide attacks almost all common glove materials. It passes directly through latex gloves and the breakthrough time for nitrile gloves ranges from seconds to a few minutes. Ordinary 4 mil latex and nitrile lab gloves should never be used with this material. Propylene oxide has a breakthrough time of only 10 minutes with viton gloves which are completely resistant to most common lab chemicals. The breakthrough time for neoprene and butyl rubber gloves is on the order of 45-50 minutes. Use heavier weight gloves (17 mil or greater), check the gloves often and discard after 40 minutes or so or of continuous use when there is contact of propylene oxide with the glove. When possible, use a norfoil glove with a heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile

Psoralen: nitrile gloves (incidental contact); double glove with nitrile gloves when handling the pure material or concentrated stock solutions

Psoralen is corrosive (causes burns) on contact with the skin, eyes and mucus membranes. It is anticipated to be carcinogen, it is a mutagen and a strong photosensitizer. Avoid all contact.

Note: See Heavy Metal Salts for proper disposal of gloves and other dry waste contaminated with psoralen.

Pump oil: butyl rubber gloves

If you are changing pump oil or servicing pumps where contact with the oil may occur, the only recommended glove type is butyl rubber.

Silane based silanization or derivatization compounds: double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact) or use 15 mil or heavier nitrile gloves; remove outer glove at once if signs of degradation occur

Silver nitrate: See Heavy Metal Salts.

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS): nitrile gloves

Sodium azide: nitrile gloves or double glove with nitrile gloves (incidental contact)

Spermidine: nitrile gloves

Sulfuric acid: heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact); heavier weight (20 mil or greater) neoprene or butyl rubbber gloves (extended contact)

Tetrahydrofuran (THF): double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact) or use 15 mil or heavier nitrile gloves; remove outer glove at once if THF contacts glove

For extended contact, such as when using THF for larger scale reactions, refilling secondary containers or as a cleaning fluid, only Norfoil gloves are recommended. Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) gives some limited protection (up to 1-1/2 hours for some gloves) but are inferior to the Norfoil gloves. Note that the permeation time for THF through 4 mil nitrile gloves and latex exam gloves is almost instantaneous; subsequently, these gloves are not recommended for use with THF.

Testosterone: nitrile gloves (incidental contact)

3,3',5,5'-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB): nitrile gloves (incidental contact); double glove with nitrile gloves when handling the pure material or concentrated stock solutions

Note: See Heavy Metal Salts for proper disposal of gloves and other dry waste contaminated with TMB.

N, N, N', N'-Tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED): nitrile gloves (incidental contact); double glove with nitrile gloves when handling the pure material or concentrated stock solutions

TEMED is corrosive (causes burns) on contact with the skin, eyes and mucus membranes.

Timetin: nitrile gloves

Toluene: double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact) or use 15 mil or heavier nitrile gloves; remove outer glove at once if exposed to toluene

For extended contact, such as when using toluene for larger scale reactions, refilling secondary containers or as a cleaning fluid, only viton or polyvinyl acetate (PVA) gloves are recommended. Note that the permeation time for toluene through 4 mil nitrile gloves is less than 4 minutes and through latex exam gloves is less than that; subsequently, these gloves are not recommended for use with toluene.

Trichloroethylene: double glove with heavier weight (8 mil) nitrile gloves (incidental contact); remove outer glove at once if exposed to trichloroethylene

For extended contact, such as when using trichloroethylene for larger scale reactions, refilling secondary containers or as a cleaning fluid, only viton or polyvinyl acetate (PVA) gloves are recommended. Note that the permeation time for trichloroethylene through even heavy weight nitrile gloves (36 mil) is 4 minutes, and only 10 minutes for even heavier butyl rubber gloves (64 mil). The permeation time for thin nitrile or latex exam gloves (3-4 mil) is on the order of a minute or two; subsequently, these gloves are not recommended for use with toluene.

Trichloromethyl chloroformate (diphosgene): This chemical, usually supplied in sealed glass ampules, is very air/moisture reactive, a corrosive and it is considered to be highly toxic by all routes of exposure. It must be used in a vented glove box or environmental chamber under dry nitrogen or argon. Glove boxes are usually fitted with substantial butyl rubber gloves, however, one manufacturer recommends that "heavy" gloves be worn over the glove box gloves. I would recommend using 8 mil or heavier nirtile gloves over the butyl rubber glove box gloves. Please contact EH&S if you have any questions concerning the special procedures required for the use of this chemical.

Triton-X100: nitrile gloves

Valeric acid: nitrile gloves (incidental contact); double glove with nitrile gloves or use neoprene or butyl rubber gloves if contact with valeric acid is probable for an extended period

Xylene: nitrile gloves (incidental contact)

For use of xylene where contact with the glove is anticipated, such as pouring of new or used xylene into containers or other operations, polyvinyl acetate (PVA) or viton gloves are recommended.