ENTRY
Lab ID Card posted
( 29 CFR 1910.145,1200; MCC)
Laboratory Identification Data Cards must be posted at all doors to rooms containing chemical,
biological, electrical, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, or other hazards. Cards are available in
your Department office. Please fill them out accurately and post on every accessible door to the room.
Send a copy of the information to EHSO at M/C 645 or fax, 3-3700.
Lab ID Data Card info is current
When there is a change of ownership or
research projects, lab ID Data cards must be reviewed and updated, if necessary. Obtain new ID cards from
the Department Office or EHSO, 6-7411; A copy of updated cards must be sent to EHSO, M/C 645 or faxed to
3-3700.
Appropriate Hazard signs on door
All rooms that use or store compressed gas
cylinders, organic peroxides, water reactives, radioactives, non-ionizing radiation, more than ten gallons of
flammable or corrosive liquid, or potentially infectious materials, must display the relevant hazard symbols
on the 8”X10” Hazard Symbol cards. Likewise, if the hazards are not present, the symbol should be
covered. Hazard Symbol cards with holders are available at EHSO, 6-7411.
Adjacent corridor free from lab
storage (29 CFR 1910.36,37, MCC)
Exit ways must be free of obstructions.
Furniture and lab equipment may not be left in hallways at any time.
CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN (CHP)
Chemical Hygiene Plan
available (29CFR1910 .1450)
The OSHA Lab Standard requires laboratories to implement a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP). The UIC Environmental
Health and Safety Office prepared a generic CHP with a ‘Part 3’ that must be filled in to make
it specific to the group. Everyone in the lab must be familiar with and follow the practices described in
the CHP. The manual itself or a bookmarked link on a computer should be readily available for reference to
all lab personnel. The UIC CHP is available at: www.uic.edu/depts/envh.
Chemical Hygiene Plan ‘Part 3’
completed
‘Part 3’
of the Chemical Hygiene Plan must be completed or updated. ‘Part 3’ is a section for required
documentation of the location of emergency equipment and exits and hazardous chemicals by hazard class.
Complete annual lab safety training
within one year ( 29CFR1910.1450)
All
lab personnel must participate in safety training relevant to their work at least once a year. Web-based training
is now available through our website: www.uic.edu/depts/envh. For
additional assistance, EHSO is available to guide individual departments/groups with their own safety training.
EHSO also maintains a library of safety videos that may be loaned for training purposes.
Sign-in sheets or certificates of participation must be kept as documentation in Part 3 of the UIC CHP.
Shipping/receiving training
for chemicals & biologicals must be up-to-date
DOT (Dept. of Transportation)
and IATA (International Air Transport Assoc.) regulations require bi-annual training for employees who ship,
package, and receive biological and chemical hazards, including office personnel. DOT online t raining is
now available through our website: www.uic.edu/depts/envh, “
Introduction to Hazardous Material Shipping and Receiving.” For those shipping biologicals by air,
IATA training is available through Paul Umbeck, umbeck@uic.edu
or 6-7429.
Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO)
assigned
Per the UIC CHP, A Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) must be appointed, either on
a department level or by each Principal Investigator. The CHO is qualified by training or experience
to provide technical guidance in the ongoing revision and implementation of the UIC CHP for the
specific department/laboratory group.
MSDS’s accessible
Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS’s) must be readily available for chemicals in the laboratory. The location of
the MSDS's must be documented in each laboratory's Chemical Hygiene Plan. MSDS’s can be
accessed online through the manufacturers’ or the University of Vermont Safety website:
www.hazard.com. Alternatively, a departmental book of MSDS’s
should be placed in a centralized area. If an MSDS was not received, contact the manufacturer for a copy
or know how to access it electronically.
CHEMICAL LABORATORY
Acids and bases must be stored in separate cabinets (MCC 92-33, 36)
Store liquid acids and bases in separate cabinets, below eye level. Identify storage areas with 'CORROSIVE' labels. NOTE: Acetic acid is an organic acid and should not be stored with inorganic acids. It is very reactive with oxidizers such as nitric acid.
Flammables and corrosives must be stored in separate cabinets
Corrosives may not be stored in the same cabinet as flammables. Separate liquids by hazard class and compatibility, keep below eye level, and identify the storage area with respective hazard class labels.
Separate solid chemicals by hazard class and compatibility, not alphabetically (Prudent Practices in the Laboratory 4.E.)
Solids and liquids, organics and inorganics may not be stored together. Separate chemicals by hazard class and compatibility, not alphabetically. Compatibilities of individual chemicals within the hazard classes should also be considered when sorting. (Crystalline formations coating bottles and caps indicate incompatible storage.) Refer to Section 4.0 and Appendix 3 of the UIC CHP (Chemical Hygiene Plan) for guidelines. Identify storage areas with hazard class labels.
Hazard signs posted on cabinets and refrigerators
Cabinets, refrigerators and areas containing poison, corrosive, flammable liquid-solid-gas, water-reactive, oxidizer, compressed or toxic gases, biohazard, cancer-suspect, laser or high magnetic field hazards must be designated with the appropriate hazard labels. Hazard labels, (4” X 4”), are available from most lab vendors.
Bottles and flasks must be labeled
Bottles and flasks must be labeled with specific content and appropriate hazard symbols; all samples must be identified.
Empty chemical bottles disposed of/stored properly
Empty glass bottles must be triple-rinsed, labels defaced, and disposed as regular waste with caps remaining off, or stored in cabinets. Solvent water rinsate must be poured into hazardous waste containers for pick-up by EHSO as hazardous waste, 3-2436.
Hazardous liquids below eye level (Prudent Practices in the Laboratory 5.C.5)
Hazardous liquids in glass bottles may not be stored above eye level. These should be moved to a lower cabinet or shelf. Large glass containers should always be stored close to the floor.
Bottle carriers available
Secondary containers must be available for transporting bottles of hazardous chemicals through hallways and stairways. These may be dishpans, buckets, or commercially available bottle carriers. When transporting chemicals on a cart, chemicals must be in a secondary container.
High-pressure applications or vacuums shielded/secure
Operations involving high-pressure applications should be shielded and/or glass vessels should be taped.
Polymerized, unstable, or old unused chemicals not saved
Polymerized, unstable, or old unused chemicals must be removed. Chemicals should be periodically inspected for signs of age and instability, proper labeling and assessed for future use, weighed against potential hazard. If chemicals are in good condition and useful, then inventory, sort, and store by hazard class and compatibility (Refer to Section 3.5.2 and Appendix 3 of the UIC CHP). Dispose of all others through the Chemical Waste Removal program or contribute to the Redistribution Program. Call EHSO at 3-CHEM for assistance.
Peroxide-forming substances dated and/or tested
Peroxide-forming substances (e.g. cyclohexene, decalin, diethylene glycol, dioxane, ethers, THF) must be dated upon receipt, when opened and when tested for peroxides. Test for peroxides at least semi-annually; most peroxide-forming substances are sold with inhibitors that are active for a year. Test strips are available from Fisher Scientific and Grainger. Before proceeding, consult Prudent Practices for Disposal of Chemicals from Laboratories, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.
Approved safety cans for flammables containers >1 gal (29 CFR 1910.106,307; MCC)
Nalgene carboys larger than 1-gallon capacity may not be used for storing or dispensing ethanol or other Class I flammable liquids (flashpoint below 100 deg F). Smaller containers or safety cans with flame arrestor and spring-loaded spigot are required.
5-gallon drums of flammable liquids transferred to smaller containers
Flammable liquids should not be purchased in 5-gallon metal drums unless they can be properly stored, grounded and bonded during transfer and dispensed with a pump.
Safety cabinet for flammable liquids in excess of 10 gal
Up to 10 gallons of Class I flammable liquids (flash point below 100 deg F) may be stored in regular cabinets below eye level. If you cannot limit the quantity of flammable liquids on hand, a flammable storage cabinet must be purchased. (Limit of three flammables cabinets per room/fire space with less than 60 gal Class I flammables or Class II combustible liquids).
Safety cabinet for corrosive liquids in excess of 10 gal
Corrosives inventories (acid and base combined) may not exceed the 10-gallon limit. If procedures do not allow downsizing the acid and base inventory, purchase a safety cabinet.
Flammable liquid stored in approved refrigerator or freezer
Only refrigerators and freezers that are listed as “Flammable Material Storage” may be used to store flammable liquids (i.e. ether and ethanol). If refrigerators are made intrinsically safe, they must be approved by Underwriters Laboratorithat are listed as “Flammable Material Storage” may be used to store flammable liquids (i.e. ether and ethanol). If refrigerators are made intrinsically safe, they must be approved by Underwriters Laboratories. Reassess the refrigerator and freezer content and remove flammable liquids to an approved Flammable Storage refrigerator/freezer. Reagents with a "flammable" label on the bottle, regardless of size, are considered flammable.
Hazardous chemical containers closed
Volatile liquid containers and solvent waste bottles must remain closed when not pouring. Replace cap containers promptly.
Empty hazardous chemical containers disposed of/stored properly
Empty hazardous chemical containers must be rinsed, have labels defaced, and caps removed for disposal as regular waste or when stored for reuse.
Carcinogens in secondary container (CHP Sect. 5.1.5 & Appendix)
Stock and working solutions of carcinogens must be stored in sealed, primary containers, placed in unbreakable secondary containers, and stored in a secured, labeled storage area. Note: the inventory list must be posted on the cabinet under the signage.
Carcinogen inventory posted on cabinet (CHP Sect. 5.1.5 & Appendix)
Carcinogens have additional inventory requirements. A yellow warning sign must be included and the carcinogen usage must be tracked. A running inventory record should be posted on each storage area, showing additions and withdrawals.
COMPRESSED GASES
Compressed gases properly secured (29 CFR 1910.103,104, MCC)
Gas cylinders must be securely fastened in an upright position and in such a manner that they cannot be tipped; no more than two per chain allowed. Gas cylinders may not be stored in corridors. If they are not in use, they must be capped. Oxidizers (oxygen) may not be STORED next to flammable gases (e.g., hydrogen).
Compressed gases with regulator or cap on
Either caps or regulators must be secured to compressed gas cylinders. Caps must be replaced on the valve when a cylinder is not in use to protect the valve.
Limited amount of tanks stored
Compressed gas cylinders that are in use, plus one spare are only allowed in the work area. Extra tanks must be stored in an approved compressed gas storage area.
Gas cylinder regulators leak tested
Gas cylinders must be leak tested when changed or disturbed, with a dilute dishwashing liquid or SNOOP at all the connections.
HAZARDOUS WASTE
Hazardous chemical waste must be disposed through EHSO Haz Waste Removal
Hazardous chemicals (solvents, aqueous solutions of pH <2.5 or >11, heavy metals and other listed wastes) may not be disposed by evaporation, down the sink, or in regular trash. Refer to the Hazardous Waste Management Guide (available at www.uic.edu/depts/envh) or contact the Chemical Waste Facility Manager at 3.2436.
Hazardous chemical waste area clearly defined
Chemical waste must be stored in a designated "Satellite Accumulation Area." To request "Satellite Accumulation Area" signs, email chemwaste@uic.edu or call 3-CHEM.
Chemical waste containers must be identified as 'HAZARDOUS WASTE' and list content
Chemical waste containers, including temporary smaller containers, must be identified with “Hazardous Waste” labels that list content. These are available through EHSO, e-mail chemwaste@uic.edu or call 3-CHEM. Jerricans of solvent waste must utilize the attached green labels
Chemical waste in secondary containers
Chemical waste containers must be kept in trays or pans to contain potential spills and leaks.
Chemical waste must be segregated from non-waste and incompatible waste
Incompatible chemical wastes may not be mixed into the same container; store separately. Flammable liquids and oxidizers, acids and bases, may not be stored in such a way that they could come in contact with each other in case of a spill or leak; place in separate trays or cabinets.
Hazardous waste containers must remain closed to prevent vapors from escaping
Chemical waste containers must be closed unless the researcher is in the process of adding waste to that container; do not leave funnels in containers.
FUME HOODS
Hazardous materials used in fume hood
Work with hazardous materials must be performed in a fume hood. Move all reagent preparation and other operations involving volatile or extremely toxic materials into a properly functioning fume hood.
Fume hood’s exhaust without obstructions (29CFR 1910.106,1450)
Fume hoods will not function properly if the airflow in the back exhaust slit is obstructed by excess chemicals, glassware, and equipment. This also upsets airflow within the lab. Remove all that is not in use. Excess chemicals provide fuel to an accidental spark. Solvents must be dispensed in the fume hood, and then replaced to their storage cabinet.
Operations preformed at least 6-inches from fume hood’s sash
For optimum safety, operations must not be performed within the first 6-inches of the fume hood’s sash.
Fume hood tested annually
Fume hoods are required to be tested annually for adequate performance. Contact EHSO Industrial Hygienist, Dennis Terpin, at dterpin@uic.edu or 3-5657, to arrange for a fume hood face velocity test.
Fume hood working well
Fume hoods must work well with adequate face velocity for optimum personal safety. If inadequate performance is suspected, contact EHSO Industrial Hygienist, Dennis Terpin, at dterpin@uic.edu or 3.5657, to arrange for a fume hood face velocity test. If the fume hood is inoperable/ needs repair, submit a non-billable request at http://fmweb.fm.uic.edu:8888/famis/main/services.jsp.
BIOLOGICAL LABORATORIES
Bio decontamination procedures
A means of decontaminating surfaces after work with blood or other potentially infectious materials must be available and practiced. A 10% bleach solution or other suitable disinfectant is required.
Autoclave indicator tape in autoclave bag
Autoclave indicator tape must be placed in the center of bags to be autoclaved.
Biosafety manual accessible
If laboratory work involves biohazards, lab personnel must be familiar with the UIC Biosafety Manual. It is accessible via the EHSO website, www.uic.edu/depts/envh.
Contaminated sharps properly disposed
Contaminated sharps (ALL NEEDLES AND SYRINGES, scalpels, razor blades, pipettes, etc. used with potentially infectious materials) must be disposed in an appropriately marked red leak proof puncture-resistant box. A plastic lined cardboard box that has been placed into a red biohazard bag is acceptable.
Biohazardous waste containers not overfilled
Sharps boxes and other potentially infectious medical waste (PIMW) containers should not be filled above the indicator line or ¾ of its capacity.
Biohazards disposed of appropriately
Biohazardous (potentially infectious) materials may only be disposed into leak proof closeable red bags or boxes. For pick-up from the Hospital and Clinics, contact Environmental Services at 6-3688; West Side and East Side labs contact Building Operations at 6-1799.
Biosafety cabinet certified within one year
Biological Safety Cabinets must be certified annually. Among contractors who provide these services to UIC are Salus (Caroll Williams, 630-694-0014) and Clean Air (Howard Cutler, 847-945-9393).
Bloodborne Pathogen Training attended within one year ( 29 CFR 1910.1030)
The Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires that if you are exposed to body fluids or other potentially infectious materials, you are required to attend a Bloodborne Pathogen Training Seminar annually and be familiar with the Exposure Control Plan for your Department. To assist, EHSO conducts monthly BBP training. Keep all training documentation readily available. See www.uic.edu/depts/envh under “Training” for upcoming sessions.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Power cords not damaged
Cords to electrical equipment must not be cracked or frayed. Equipment with damaged electrical cords must be taken out of service until the cords are replaced.
Power strips/extension cords limited to computerized equipment or temporary use
Power strips may only be used with computerized equipment requiring surge suppressors. Extension cords and power strips are only allowed for temporary use with other electrical equipment. Extension cords may not be over 6-feet long. Installation of additional outlets may be necessary.
Moving parts on mechanical equipment guarded (29 CFR 1910.212, 1910.219)
Belts/moving machine parts must have the guard cover on at all times during operation. Refrain from using unguarded equipment until the guard has been replaced.
Ultracentrifuge usage logged
Ultracentrifuge rotors have limited stress capacities and can fail. Maintain a usage log and maintenance & cleaning record to monitor the integrity of the rotors. Refer to the manufacturer for maintenance schedule recommendations.
Electric outlets secure to wall (29 CFR 1910.305; MCC)
Electrical outlets must be properly maintained. S ubmit a non-billable request at http://fmweb.fm.uic.edu:8888/famis/main/services.jsp , for repairs or to install covers on junction boxes and electrical panels.
Electric panel clear of obstructions
Electric panels must not be obstructed with refrigerators or other equipment to allow easy access in an emergency; Rearrange room content.
Electric panel accessible to lab personnel
Electric panels must be accessible to lab personnel in case of an emergency in the lab. Contact electricians through http://fmweb.fm.uic.edu:8888/famis/main/services.jsp , and request to unlock the panel or arrange for key access.
Electric panel circuits identified
Electric panel’s circuit breakers must be properly identified. Contact electricians http://fmweb.fm.uic.edu:8888/famis/main/services.jsp and request to identify circuit breakers.
PPE
Appropriate eye protection (29 CFR 1910.132,133,1030,1450)
Everyone must wear eye or face protection when in a room where they may be exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, liquid chemicals, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation. Safety Glasses with side shields and brow bar must be worn at all times in areas where hazardous substances are present. While working with corrosives (pH < 2.5 or >12) in quantities larger than 100mL, safety goggles should be worn. When involved in an operation where the possibility of implosion or explosion exists, a full face shield, standing shield or fume hood sash in a closed position must be added.
Appropriate gloves worn
Appropriate gloves must be available and worn when handling potentially infectious materials, corrosive liquids or materials that are toxic by absorption through the skin. See Appendix 2 in the CHP or manufacturer charts for proper glove selection. Latex exam gloves do not provide sufficient protection for working with chemicals. 4-mil Nitrile rubber (Safeskin Purple or NDex) is recommended for most lab work.
Appropriate protective clothing
The body must be protected by covering up as much as possible. A lab coat, apron, or impervious gown must be worn when working with hazardous substances. Blouses exposing midriffs, shorts or skirts and nylon stockings are prohibited. Acid splashed on nylons will melt them onto skin.
Sandals, open-toed shoes should not be worn in laboratory
Sandals and canvas shoes must be changed to more protective footwear before entering an area where the potential of splashing corrosive chemicals or falling glass may exist.
GENERAL
Glass/sharps disposal
Broken glass and uncontaminated pipettes must be disposed in a cardboard box marked BROKEN GLASS. When full, the box must be taped shut and placed with refuse. Sharps contaminated with potential biohazards and ALL syringes must be disposed into an appropriately marked red leak proof and puncture-proof BOX, not bag. Care should be taken not to overfill the containers. Contact Facilities Management Housekeeping, 6-7468, for pick up; Hospital and Clinics follow in-house procedure.
Benches not cluttered [ 29 CFR 1910.141(a)(3); 29CFR1910.106(e)(9)]
In an effort to prevent spills and other mishaps, store chemicals and supplies in appropriately labeled cabinets when not in use.
No slip/trip hazards
Pipette cleaners, containers, electrical cords, tubing, and other obstacles must be removed from the aisles. Loose or missing flooring must be reported to Facilities Management at http://fmweb.fm.uic.edu:8888/famis/main/services.jsp , for repair.
No holes in corridor walls
Core holes in walls hinder fire separation. Notify Facilities Management at http://fmweb.fm.uic.edu:8888/famis/main/services.jsp , requesting the holes be sealed with "Fire Stop" or an equivalent product.
Ceiling intact
Missing ceiling tiles or core holes through the ceiling hinder fire separation. Notify Facilities Management at http://fmweb.fm.uic.edu:8888/famis/main/services.jsp to initiate replacement or repair.
No food or drink for human consumption [ 29 CFR 1910.142(4), 141(g)(2)]
Food or beverages may not be stored in the laboratory or laboratory refrigerator. Areas where toxic materials are stored and used may not be used to store food and beverages; nor shall anyone be allowed to consume food or beverages in these areas.
3-feet unobstructed aisle space (29 CFR 1910.37, .38; MCC)
Aisle clearance in laboratories, offices, and storage rooms must be at least three feet wide for safe passage in case of emergency; Rearrange the room content.
Lab ventilation good/no odors present
Excessive chemical vapors should not be present. Contact http://fmweb.fm.uic.edu:8888/famis/main/services.jsp to request an assessment of ventilation.
EMERGENCY PREPARADNESS
Spill kits appropriate [ 29 CFR 1910.106(e)(2)(iv); MCC 92-12,17,32,36]
Everyone working in the lab must be aware of proper spill clean-up procedures and be equipped with the necessary materials. Spill kits must be assembled in accordance with chemical inventory. A recommended spill kit consists of sodium or calcium carbonate/bentonite/sand (1:1:1 mix w/w) for absorbing acids and bases; sodium or calcium carbonate for neutralizing MOST absorbed acids; 5% hydrochloric acid for neutralizing MOST absorbed bases; and activated charcoal, bentonite clay, vermiculite or Oil-Dri for the adsorption of organic solvents. If devices containing mercury are used, a mercury sponge should be available. Heavy weight black nitrile rubber gloves must be available for larger corrosives spills. For more specific instructions, consult the 2005 UIC Chemical Hygiene Plan Manual Section 9.5, available at www.uic.edu/depts/envh.
Eyewash available (29 CFR 1910.151)
Emergency eyewash stations must be located within 10-seconds travel time of hazard areas. Eyewash bottles are unacceptable because they do not deliver 0.4 gal/min water for 15 minutes and do not maintain sterility. The eyewash units installed directly on faucets do not meet the City Building Code specification of “separately plumbed”. It is highly recommended to install eyewash units in the janitors' closets, away from hazardous vapors that may be generated in the lab, especially in the case of a spill; one unit can provide protection for an entire area. ANSI Z358.1 specifications must be used.
Eyewash flushed weekly
Eyewash units must be flushed weekly to remove stale, rusty water. Maintain a log as a helpful reminder.
Eyewash tested annually
Eyewashes are required to be tested annually for adequate performance; Notify Facilities Management at www.uic.edu/depts/ppad for testing.
Safety Shower available (29 CFR 1910.151.262)
Where there are chemical hazards, safety showers must be installed in accessible locations that require no more than ten seconds to reach from the hazard. It is recommended that a safety shower be installed in the janitors' closet or other easily accessible area outside the lab.
Safety Shower tested annually
Safety Showers are required to be tested annually for adequate performance; Notify Facilities Management at www.uic.edu/depts/ppad for testing.
Emergency lighting available
Emergency lighting should provide adequate lighting to safely shut down the experiment and leave the premises during a brown out. If not, discuss provisions for emergency lighting with your Department.
Free access to fire extinguisher
Fire extinguishers, when located inside the lab, must not be obstructed, but easily accessible.
Fire extinguisher in good working condition and tested annually
Fire extinguisher must be tested annually and seals should be intact. Contact Fire Safety Officer, Dave Wilson, 3-3706, if not tested within 1-year and/or the seal is broken.
18” clearance from ceiling with sprinklers
In buildings with sprinkler systems, an 18” clearance from the ceiling must be maintained to allow full coverage from sprinklers.
CHEMICAL HYGIENE OFFICER
CHO Name, e-mail, & tel
Per the UIC CHP, A Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) must be appointed for every laboratory group. The CHO is qualified by training or experience to provide technical guidance in the ongoing revision and implementation of the UIC CHP for the specific laboratory group. One must be designated for the below listed lab groups.
Received CHO training
The Chemical Hygiene Officer must be trained in his duties and responsibilities and be familiar with resources that will provide him the necessary information for performing his duties. The EHSO will provide appropriate training again in the near future.
Reviewed & updated lab CHP Part 3 w/in 1 yr
The lab CHO’s must review Part 3 of the CHP annually for accuracy of current procedures in the laboratories. Once the revisions are made, the CHO is to review the updated CHP in a group meeting.
Appropriate PPE available
The CHO is responsible for procuring the appropriate PPE for the procedures performed in the lab spaces. Please review the PPE sections in the CHP and make appropriate changes in the lab.
Chemical hygiene & housekeeping inspections documented 3 times per yr
Inspections of the labs must be performed by the CHO at least three times a year. Checklists must be available as documentation. (Checklists will be provided at CHO training sessions.)
Approval system for procurement of new chemicals in place
The CHO must review procedures for all new chemicals. UIC EHSO should be consulted for pertinent environmental & safety considerations.
Approval system for installation of potentially hazardous operations in place
Prior to installation, CHO must review potentially hazardous operations, including compressed gases, electrical equipment, eyewash/shower, chemical storage cabinets, furnaces, ovens, fume hoods, respirators, other ventilation equipment, gas cabinets, refrigerators, toxic & flammable gas monitoring systems, biological agents, explosives.
SPECIALIZED ROOMS AND/OR CONDITIONS
(The specialized room requirements are in addition to the general guidelines, where applicable.)
BIOSAFETY LEVEL 3 LABS
Lab policy manual regarding Biolevel 3 lab safety available
According to “Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories,” the Laboratory Director must establish a biosafety manual specific to the laboratory.
Biosafety training completed
Lab personnel working with BSL 3 hazards or Select Agents must receive special biohazard training. Contact Biosafety Specialist, Paul Umbeck at umbeck@uic.edu or 6-6873 for training arrangements.
Respirator program available for Biolevel 3 lab
In case a ventilation breakdown or a biohazardous spill occurs, respirators are necessary. OSHA requires a written respirator program, including guidelines for use. Contact Safety Officer Becki Oberjat at veresa@uic.edu 3-3707 for medical evaluation, fit-testing, and training before a respirator may be used.
Annual respirator training and fit testing documented for Biolevel 3 lab (29 CFR 1910.134)
All personnel who may have to use a respirator must receive annual medical evaluation, respirator training, and fit testing. Contact Becki Oberjat at veresa@uic.edu 3-3707 to make arrangements.
CHEMICAL STORAGE ROOM
Compressed gases not stored in room
Compressed gases must not be stored “Chemical Storage Rooms.” Remove and store in a “Compressed Gas Storage Room,” or another appropriate location.
Heat detector present
Storage rooms must be equipped with a heat detection system. Either alter the room use or install a heat detector linked to the building fire alarm system.
CLOSETS
Hazardous chemicals properly stored
Hazardous chemicals stored in closets must be confined in a chemical/flammables safety cabinet.
Contents labeled
Items stored in closets must be accurately and legibly labeled. Deface hazard labels from paper storage boxes and empty containers/boxes.
Heat detector present
Closets must be equipped with a heat detection system. Install a heat detector linked to the building fire alarm system.
COLD ROOMS
Electrical cords insulated
Electrical cords must be properly insulated to protect against moisture. Replace with insulated wiring or decommission equipment until properly wired.
Flammable liquids limited
Cold rooms are not approved for flammable liquid storage. Remove flammable liquids that are not in use.
GFIC outlets installed
Due to relative high humidity in cold rooms, equipment must be grounded to prevent electrical shocks. Standard outlets must be replaced with Ground Fault Interrupt Circuitry (GFICs).
Low-temperature monitored
Cold rooms storing chemicals/biologicals must have temperatures monitored to detect abnormal rises. Develop a system to monitor temperature.
No food or drink for human consumption [ 29 CFR 1910.142(4)]
Food or beverages may not be stored in cold rooms. Areas where toxic materials are stored and used may not be used to store food and beverages; nor shall anyone be allowed to consume food or beverages in these areas.
COMPRESSED GAS STORAGE ROOMS
Compressed gases properly secured (29 CFR 1910.103,104; MCC)
Gas cylinders must be securely fastened in an upright position and in such a manner that they cannot be tipped; no more than two per chain allowed. Gas cylinders may not be stored in corridors. If they are not in use, they must be capped. Oxidizers (oxygen) may not be stored next to flammable gases (i.e., hydrogen).
Compressed gases with regulator or cap on
Either caps or regulators must be secured to compressed gas cylinders. Caps must be replaced on the valve when a cylinder is not in use to protect the valve.
Heat detector present
Gas storage rooms must be equipped with a heat detection system. Install a heat detector linked to the building fire alarm system.
Oxidizers stored 10-feet away from flammable gases
Compressed gases classified as oxidizers must not be stored within 10-feet of flammable compressed gases. Rearrange cylinders, move oxidizers to another appropriate room, or install a 5-foot drywall barrier.
FLAMMABLE LIQUID STORAGE ROOMS
18” clearance from ceiling with sprinklers
In buildings with sprinkler systems, an 18” clearance from the ceiling must be maintained to allow full coverage from sprinklers.
Appropriate sill installed
Per Chicago city code, there must be a 6-inch raised sill installed at the doorway that is constructed of non-combustible materials, to contain potential spills.
Flammable drums bonded
A system must be established to bond metal drums to the container being filled/emptied.
Flammable drums grounded
Grounding devices must be installed to absorb static electricity before dispensing flammable liquids from 5-gallon metal drums and larger.
Flammables hazard sign on door
A “Flammables, Keep Fire Away” sign must be displayed on the door.
Hazardous chemical drums/containers closed
Hazardous chemical drums/containers must be closed and sealed when not in use. Replace bungs on drums when pumps are removed, and remove funnels and replace caps on chemical containers.
Storage limited to flammable liquids
Only flammable liquids are permitted to be stored in this storage area. Remove all non-flammable chemical and store in an appropriate location.
Spill tray available
The container to be filled must be placed in a spill tray to contain a potential spill.
Fire suppression system alarmed
Due to the toxicity of the fire suppressant, a warning alarm must be installed to alert users.
Fire suppression system tested annually
Maintenance inspections must be conducted annually on fire suppression systems. Contact a licensed fire equipment contractor, such as Reliable (708) 597-4600 or Oberlin (312) 733-6164.
Ventilation good/no odors present
Solvent vapors should not be present. Contact http://fmweb.fm.uic.edu:8888/famis/main/services.jsp , to assess ventilation.
TOXIC GASES
Lecture bottles/mini cylinders properly secured
Lecture bottles/mini cylinders must be secured with belts, chains, or stable ring stand or stored in a rack or on a shelf, single-layered.
Neutralizer available
Materials for neutralizing toxic gas release (i.e., emergency vapor scrubbers) must be readily available where all toxic gases are stored and used.
Rescue respirators available
Rescue respirators must be made available for toxic gas releases or ventilation breakdown.
Respirator program available
When respirators are provided in case of toxic gas release or ventilation breakdown, a written respirator program is required; OSHA requires a written respirator program, including guidelines for use. Safety Officer Becki Oberjat at veresa@uic.edu 3-3707 for medical evaluation, fit-testing, and training before a respirator may be used.
Toxic gas detection system present
Toxic gas operations and storage units must have an emergency detection system for toxic gas release; electronic units or test strips suffice.
Toxic gas storage areas properly ventilated
Extremely toxic and corrosive gases must be stored in ventilated closets, cabinets, or fume hoods.
RESPIRATOR USERS
Fit testing/training completed annually
Medical evaluation, respirator training, and fit testing must be completed when lab personnel are required to use respirators prior to usage and annually thereafter; Contact Becki Oberjat at veresa@uic.edu 3-3707 for fit testing arrangements.
Correct respirators used
Lab personnel must be reassessed for appropriate protection when improper fit/leak is suspected.
CLASS 3b/4 a LASERS
Class 3b/4 a lasers reported to Radiation Safety
Per the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), class 3b and 4 a lasers must be recorded/reported; Contact UIC Radiation Safety, 6.7429 with quantity and type.
AUTOCLAVES
Autoclave indicator tape in autoclave bag
Autoclave indicator tape must be placed in the center of bags to be autoclaved.
Autoclave shutdown procedures available
Autoclave shutdown procedures must be readily available for users. Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for guidelines and post procedures accessibly.