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SECTION B1: RECEIVING
ROOM SAFETY
Introduction
Individuals working in shipping and receiving areas within science
and departments face a variety of safety issues each day. Such concerns
may include materials handling issues (e.g., safe lifting techniques,
use of dock boards), safe handling of chemicals, and radioactive materials
shipments. In addition, the U.S. Department of Transportation has special
regulations regarding the shipping and receiving of hazardous materials.
In response to these concerns, the Office of Environmental Health
and Safety (EHS) has developed procedures and training for shipping
and receiving personnel.
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Scope and Application
Individuals with responsibility for shipping and receiving chemicals
or radioactive materials at Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Frick Laboratory,
Jadwin Hall, E-Quad, Building Services Warehouse, and MacMillan Building
are included in this program. Individuals working in chemical stockrooms
within these buildings may be included in all or part of the program.
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Program Description
Since each department or building has diverse operations, the needs
of the affected people will vary. A receiving
room training program and procedures that incorporate the appropriate
topics will be developed, following an assessment by EHS and the departments
involved.
Materials Handling
Mechanical handling devices and equipment should be used whenever
possible to minimize manual handling. EHS may initially review the
use
of dockboards, fork lifts, and other lifting devices to ensure workers
are using them properly. Improper operation of such equipment may
result
in serious injury. Shipping and receiving work may involve lifting
of heavy and/or awkwardly shaped packages. If proper lifting techniques
are not employed, painful injuries to the back, neck, shoulders or
other areas may occur. See Section A7, Back Care
Program,
for additional information regarding safe lifting techniques. Training
on safe lifting and materials handling is included in the receiving
room training program.
Safe Chemical Handling
Although shipping and receiving workers do not normally handle chemicals
directly, a basic understanding of the hazards of the various chemical
classes may be beneficial. There have been incidents where either a
chemical container breaks inside the package during shipment or containers
break during transportation within the building. Shipping and receiving
personnel are not responsible for chemical spill clean-up, but should
know what precautions to take if a spill occurs.
Shipping and receiving personnel must receive Hazard Communication
training (see Section C2, Hazard Communication),
preferably customized to their
needs. Such training includes:
- interpreting Material Safety Data Sheets and other chemical information
- understanding hazard warnings on packages, labels, and placards
health hazards of chemicals
- safe handling of flammable liquids, compressed gas cylinders, and
cryogenic liquids
- personal protective equipment
- chemical spill response
In addition to these topics, safe transportation of chemicals should
also be reviewed, including use of carts, secondary containers, and
safety cans.
Department of Transportation Requirements
The U.S. Department of Transportation regulates the transportation
of hazardous substances. There are several complex requirements involved
in receipt of chemicals. Some of the training requirements extend to
individuals whose responsibilities include unloading or handling of
hazardous materials. Such individuals must receive relevant training
every three years, including successful completion of an exam to demonstrate
adequate understanding of the issues.
Receipt of Radioactive Materials
Radioactive materials are regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Individuals
whose responsibilities include receiving packages of radioactive materials
must receive training from EHS Health Physics personnel. Such training
includes:
- an overview of the hazards of radioactive materials used at Princeton
University
- biological effects and risks from radiation exposure
- receipt of radioactive materials packages - normal and damaged
- identifying radioactive materials packages by vendor and labeling
- shipping radioactive materials from Princeton University
Biological Materials
For departments in which biological materials are used, shipping and
receiving personnel may come across biological or medical waste. A discussion
of the health and safety risks of these materials is provided by the
University Sanitarian as part of the receiving room training program.
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Roles and Responsibilities
Department
- Meet with EHS to determine what training or other programs may apply
to shipping and receiving personnel.
- Ensure personnel attend training at the required periodicity.
Supervisors
- Report potential safety and health hazards to the department or EHS.
- Assist in developing procedures for safe handling of chemical or radioactive
materials.
- Ensure workers attend training.
EHS
- Develop and implement the Receiving Room Training program.
- Assist in developing procedures for safe handling of chemical or radioactive
materials.
- Audit departmental program periodically.
Individual
- Attend training.
- Report potential safety concerns to supervisor or EHS.
- Follow appropriate procedures.
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For More Information
Contact EHS at 258-5294.
See the following sections of the Health and Safety Guide for additional
references:
The following references are available through EHS:
- Department of Transportation Requirements 49 CFR 172 Subpart H
- 1990 Emergency Response Guidebook (for Hazardous Materials Incidents)
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