References:
The following is a list of Laboratory Safety Questions. Please review the following when assisting lab workers in identifying common safety problems. For additional information or questions, email ehrs@ehrs.upenn.edu for guidance.
Signage
1. Room sign present and accurate?
Each lab must have a current room sign that accurately indicates hazard information. EHRS will produce a temporary room sign for your lab.
2. Is the Chemical Hygiene Plan posted?
The principal investigator must complete and sign the Chemical Hygiene Work Plan for his or her laboratory after reviewing all the items outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures. The completed document must be posted in the laboratory by October 1 of each year; when research conditions change; or when new research is initiated.
3. Labels on chemical containers damaged or not present?
Relabel all bottles with label damage. Unlabeled containers are expensive waste disposal problems.
Storage
1. Is there >10 gallons of flammable liquids stored outside of a Flammable Liquids Storage Cabinet?
Storage of flammable liquids outside of a storage cabinet should avoided. Flammable liquids that are not in use should be stored in an appropriate cabinet.
2. NFPA approved flammable liquids storage cabinet present with open vent ports?
Vent ports should be closed. The NFPA Technical Committee on General Storage of Flammable Liquids considers providing vents to storage cabinets reduces the limited fire protection provided by such cabinets because a single walled duct will transmit heat faster than a double-walled cabinet. Ventilation of storage cabinets is recommended only when highly odoriferous conditions exist. Ventilation requires a steel duct and an appropriate exhaust fan discharging to an appropriate location outside the building.
3. Are non-flammable chemicals stored in the NFPA approved flammable liquids storage cabinet?
Only store flammable liquids in a NFPA approved cabinet.
4. Are acids and bases stored together?
Separate acids and bases. Do not store liquid and solids corrosives together.
5. Are acids stored on plastic trays?
Store acids on plastic trays unless they are stored in an acid cabinet. Do not store acids or bases above eye level. Specially designed corrosion resistant cabinets (acid cabinets) are present in some laboratories and should be used for the acid storage.
6. Are cabinets that store corrosive materials damaged?
Damaged cabinets must be repaired. Contact your facilities office to schedule repair work.
7. Are chemical reactions visible (discolored reagents, white haze on bottles)?
This indicates that incompatible storage is present. Remove chemical containers and clean (wet wipe) all dry chemical storage areas. Examine each container and determine the need for and the condition of each reagent. Dispose of old, unneeded chemicals and those with damaged containers.
8. Are cylinders secured so they can't fall?
Relabel all bottles with label damage. Unlabeled containers are expensive waste disposal problems.
9. Are acutely toxic, reproductive hazards and carcinogens handled and stored in a DESIGNATED AREA?
All locations within the laboratory where acutely toxic, carcinogenic, or reproductive hazards are handled should be demarcated with designated area caution tape. Preprinted tape is available from EHRS, the Cell Center or the Chemistry stockroom. Alternately the lab worker may write designated area on yellow tape and use that. Areas that should be designated include all fume hoods, sinks and bench tops where the acutely toxic, carcinogenic, or reproductive hazards are handled. The tape should be used in the same manner as radiation caution tape; the lab worker may designate an area only during the time the chemical is used and then remove it or may permanently designate an area and leave the tape in place.
10. Is overstocking evident (multiple containers of a single reagent present)?
Order minimum the minimum quantity of material needed. Do not purchase case lots of reagents unless you have sufficient storage space.
11. Are your liquid chemicals wastes properly stored and labeled?
Liquid chemical wastes must be stored in a closed container. Waste containers must be in secondary containment. Five Gallon Carboys must have a Waste Identification Tag attached. Self-supplied smaller containers must be clear labeled with their contents.
12. Is there insufficient storage space (containers are stacked on top of each other)?
Do not stack reagents. Reduce chemical storage or find other storage locations.
13. Are opened containers of ether stored for more than 6 months?
Ether may form explosive peroxides after exposure to air. Date new containers upon opening and dispose of the chemical after 6 months.
Administrative
1. Is an eyewash present in the lab?
An eyewash must be present in laboratories where hazardous chemicals and biological agents are handled. Contact EHRS, 215.898.4453, if you need an eyewash.
2. Is an emergency shower persent in the lab or within 10 seconds travel time?
Emergency showers may be located in the lab, at the lab entrance or in the hall outside the lab. Check to make sure one is located within 10 seconds of travel time.
3. Has the shower been inspected within the last year?
There should be an inspection tag on the shower with the initials of the inspection and the date inspected. Let the lab auditor know if the inspection was performed more than a year ago.
4. Are lab coats worn in the lab?
The employer (principal investigator) must provide lab coats and lab coat laundering services at no cost to all employees who work in the lab. Lab coats should not be worn outside of the lab.
5. Do lab workers wear inappropriate clothing such as shorts and sandles in the lab?
Shorts and sandals should not be worn under a lab coat.
6. Is food or drink present in the lab or equipment corridor?
The storage or consumption of food in the laboratory is not permitted.
7. Are new containers of chemicals dated when opened?
Date chemicals when opened.
8. Are opened containers of ether stored for more than
Ether may form explosive peroxides after exposure to air. Date new containers upon opening and dispose of the chemical after 6 months.
9. Do staff understand the operation of fume hood alarms?
Lab staff should always check fume hood monitors for alarm conditions. Red lights (sometimes with audible alarms) indicate unsafe conditions and the hood should not be used. Report hood outages to your Building Administrator.