Chemical SOP's - Lead Safety Procedures

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The following procedures are to be used when handling metallic lead at CHESS.  (All research samples that are lead containing compounds will be considered separately by the CHESS Safety Committee)

1. All permanently installed lead must be covered whenever possible and practicable.  Methods of covering can include painting, aluminum sheeting, plastic sheeting, or aluminum foil.  To avoid signal scatter that may be caused by the paint, Kapton tape may be used to cover lead that is being used as shielding close to detectors.

2. Lead pieces not in use, but usable should be stored in the red box "LEAD SHIELDING FOR REUSE" in the CHESS Operation area.  Do not leave lead lying around unless you are using it.

3. To help reduce the amount of lead that needs to be drilled or machined, all lead shielding that has been machined or formed in anyway for a specific detector, experiment or station, should be stored carefully in a clearly marked box or other container when not in use.  The markings on the box should include "Lead Shielding for Reuse", information about the experiment or detector with which the shielding is used, and the staff scientist's name.

4. Whenever drilling, milling or sawing lead for any purpose, make sure that the machinery that you have been using, as well as the bench top and floor around the work area are swept clean of all lead shavings and saw dust.  These shavings and dust should be put in the red bucket marked "LEAD FOR RECYCLING" which is in the CHESS Operations area.

5. All leftover pieces of lead that are not reusable for shielding, including pieces of lead tape, should be put in the above mentioned bucket for recycling.  Lead scraps regardless of their size, should be recycled and never put in the trash.

6. Lead bricks should not be used as door stops.  When it is necessary to use a door stop, use a wooden wedge.  The doors to the CHESS Chemical lab, the CHESS darkroom, and the G-line Chemical lab should not be propped open at anytime except to move heavy equipment in and out of those labs.

7. Whenever possible and practicable, gloves should be worn when handling lead bricks, sheeting, or tape.  Personnel should thoroughly wash their hands after handling lead.

8. Copies of this procedure will be delivered to CHESS users in the information packs when they arrive.  Copies will also be posted near each CHESS station.

9. Questions should be addressed to Dave Jones or any member of the safety committee.

Prepared by:  David J. Jones
Date:  9 July, 2001