19 Laboratory Safety Manual Environmental Health and Safety Safety Equipment Safety equipment protects personnel, ensures proper storage of hazardous materials, and enables a laboratory to respond to emergencies. Each laboratory should be evaluated for adequate safety equipment during the development of an Emergency Action Plan and/or standard operating procedures (SOPs) and during a laboratory’s annual safety survey. Biosafety Cabinets Biosafety cabinets are designed to protect personnel, the products being handled, and the environment frombiological hazards, such as infectious microorganisms. Biosafety cabinets that have been moved or repaired, as well as those operating at biosafety level 2 or higher, must be certified annually. Biosafety cabinets must be decontaminated by a National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified technician before disposal. Containment/Safety Shields Appropriate containment or shielding must be used when splashing, spattering, or aerosolizing of materials is anticipated. Abarrier such as a blast shield should be used when working with explosive materials. Refer to Section E, “Safety Practices for Specific Hazards”. Radiation and laser shielding techniques are extremely important safety issues and are described in the Radioactive Materials Safety Manual and Laser Safety Manual. Eyewash Fountains An eyewash fountain must be readily accessible in all areas where corrosives, hot liquids, or other eye-irritating materials (formaldehyde) are used or stored. During development of an Emergency Action Plan, personnel must identify eyewash fountain locations, verify proper function, and determine if additional eyewash fountains are required in the laboratory. Ensure that eyewash fountain locations are unobstructed and marked with a sign (typically green/white, available fromEH&S) posted at eye level above the fountain. Eyewash fountains must be flushed monthly by laboratory personnel. Record these tests on the “Safety Equipment Test Record” tag (available from EH&S) attached to the eyewash. Fire Extinguishers Annual FireSafety andExtinguisher Training is required for all laboratory personnel. Hands-on fire extinguisher training is recommended for new personnel working in laboratories. Laboratory personnel are responsible for knowing the location of and maintaining clear access to all fire extinguishers in their vicinity (including common corridors). EH&S is responsible for the selection, installation, and maintenance of fire extinguishers and related signs. Personnel must inform EH&S if they use materials or equipment that are incompatible with “ABC” dry-chemical extinguishers. Examples include combustible metals and high-value sensitive equipment (review safety data sheets). Contact EH&S after a fire extinguisher is used. Additional information is contained in the university’s Fire Safety Guidelines. Biosafety Cabinet
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