4.2.3 Hypodermic Needles and Syringes

1. Hypodermic needles and syringes are purchased primarily by the on- campus scientific supply vendor (OSS), x3-5761, 18-B90, for stocking purposes, or by the General Purchasing Office (GPO), for items not stocked on 18-B90, under a license which is granted the Institute by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

2. Controls - Signature Authorization

   1. Each requisition to the GPO or other Purchasing Agency for hypodermic needles and/or syringes must bear the approval signature of an Institute member with the title: Department Head, Laboratory Director, Professor, M.D., or Pharmacist.

   2. For the purpose of repeat withdrawals from OSS, these persons may delegate blanket approval authority to responsible persons by submitting a written authorization to the GPO which specifically authorizes named individuals, and displays the actual signature of each individual named to approve requisitions which provide for the withdrawal of hypodermic needles and/or syringes from on-campus scientific supply vendor stock.

   3. These authorized signature lists are duplicated and maintained by OSS within the headquarters office, the Stockroom Supervisor's office, and the issuing stockroom.

4.2.4 Ethyl Alcohol (Tax-Free Alcohol)

1. Tax-free alcohol may only be purchased by the OSS, for stocking purposes, under a license which is granted by the United State Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

2. Controls - Signature Authorization

   1. Each requisition to the OSS for withdrawal of tax-free alcohol must bear the approval signature of an Institute member with the title: Department Head, Laboratory Director, Professor, M.D., or Pharmacist.

   2. For the purpose of repeat withdrawals from the OSS stockroom,these persons may delegate blanket approval authority to responsible persons by submitting a written authorization to the on-campus scientific supply vendor which specifically authorizes named individuals, and displays the actual signature of each individual named to approve requisitions which provide for the withdrawal of tax-free alcohol from stock.

   3. These authorized signature lists are duplicated and maintainedby the OSS within the headquarters office, the Stockroom and the Supervisor's office.

4.2.5 Poisons

1. The following substances are highly poisonous and are under Signature Control:

   • Potassium Cyanide (Analytical Reagent)

   • Potassium Cyanide (Purified)

   • Sodium Arsenite (Analytical Reagent)

   • Sodium Cyanide (Analytical Reagent)

2. Controls - Signature Authorization

   1. Each requisition to the OSS, the GPO or other Purchasing Agency for any of the substances listed above must bear the approval signature of an Institute member with the title: Department Head, Laboratory Director, Professor, M.D., or Pharmacist.

   2. For the purpose of repeat withdrawals from the OSS stockroom, these persons may delegate blanket approval authority to responsible persons by submitting a written authorization to the OSS which specifically authorizes named individuals, and displays the actual signature of each individual named to approve requisitions which provide for the withdrawal of these substances.

   3. These authorized signature lists are duplicated and maintained by the OSS within the headquarters office, the Stockroom Supervisor's office, and the issuing stockroom.

4.2.6 Nitrous Oxide Gas

1. Nitrous oxide gas is dangerous if misused. It may only be purchased by the OSS.

2. Controls - Each requisition received for nitrous oxide gas is verified by the OSS by telephone with the account supervisor or his/her authorized representative (approver of requisition) that the gas requisitioned is required for an approved application. The name of the verifier and the date of verification is entered on the requisition.

4.2.7 Toxic and Flammable or Combustible Materials

1. In accordance with Federal and State laws, producers, repackagers, and distributors of toxic and flammable or combustible materials must prominently and permanently label all containers of such materials to identify the product, the danger(s) involved, and the precautions to take for its handling and use.

2. Receivers and end-users of such materials must be sure to handle and use the materials in accordance with the instructions provided.

3. Deliveries of containers which are or appear to be damaged shouldnot be accepted by Receiving Room personnel. Deliveries of containers which are accepted and which are subsequently found to be or to appear to be damaged should not be handled, but should immediately be reported to the MIT Safety Office.

4.2.8 Explosive

Explosives include: cannon ammunition, explosive projectiles, grenades, Deta sheets, bombs, mines, torpedoes, rocket ammunition, small arms ammunition, T.N.T., rocket propellant, black powder, primers, fuses, percussion caps, blasting caps, fulminate of mercury, smokeless powder, model rocket engines, explosive igniters, and mortar shells.

1. The requisitioner/user of explosives must posses (1) a valid permit issued by the Fire Department for the use, storage and handling of explosives (permits must be renewed annually), and (2) for Class A or Class B explosives, a valid Certificate of Competency issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety.

2. The Safety Office maintains records of Institute of personnel who have been issued permits and Certificate of Competency.

3. Purchasing Agency processing:

   1. Forward requisitions received for explosives to the Safety Office which will (a) verify that permits and Certificates of Competency have been issued, (b) assist requisitioners /users in obtaining permits and Certificates of Competency.

   2. Requisitions which are signed (approved) and returned by the Safety Office may be converted to purchase orders.

4.2.9 Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG)

1. The requisitioners/user of LPG must possess a valid permit issued by the Fire Department (permits must be renewed annually).

2. The Safety Office maintains records of Institute personnel who have been issued permits.