Common Lab Safety Problems and Easy Solutions
The results of our regular lab safety surveys
indicate that many of the deficiencies noted can be reflected
in a concise list of common issues. Summarized below are these
common problems and the easy corrective actions.
Safety training for
lab personnel not completed or not documented
Contact EH&S for the next scheduled safety
training class or to arrange for a special session for your
lab. Remember to ensure that all new hires are trained and
to keep a record of any additional safety training provided
within your unit. Training documents should be kept in the
lab safety binder for easy reference.
Refrigerated storage inappropriate for flammables
New common-use
flammable storage refrigerators have been provided by the
Office of Research, which are now located throughout UT-H
for the safe storage of flammables. Call 500-5832 for the
location of the unit closest to you.
18 inch clearance to ceiling not maintained
For fire safety
reasons, a minimum ceiling clearance of 18 inches should be
maintained. Have old or unused equipment and supplies removed
by faxing a Transfer of Equipment form
to 500-4866. This action, along with the removal of old waste
materials will serve to free up much needed appropriate storage
space.
Flammable chemical storage unacceptable
Flammable storage cabinets
are regularly placed into surplus and are available free of
charge. If one is needed for your lab, call 500-8106 to check
on availability. EH&S will
deliver the cabinet to you as well.
Improper segregation of chemicals
Sort and store chemicals
by compatible characteristic. Incompatibles should be separated
by sufficient distance, a wall, or a berm. An easy to follow
guide is included in the back of the UT-H Chemical Safety manual,
or call EH&S for assistance.
Common Problems and Solutions for Labs Using Radioactivity
Failure to perform or document wipe tests
Wipe tests must be
performed and documented at least monthly in labs using or
storing radioactive materials. An easy way to ensure compliance
is to make 12 survey forms at the beginning of the year and
to complete the document along with the survey each month.
Radioactive material contamination in laboratories
An easy
way to control contamination is to use absorbent paper
and perform a brief post-work survey of both yourself and your
work area after each procedure
Radiation Safety Manual or
records not available
The Radiation Safety Manual and
related documents can be stored in the Radiation Safety Binder
for ready access. Contact EHS for extra copies if needed.
Radiation safety training for lab personnel not completed
or not documented
Contact EHS for the next scheduled
radiation safety training class or to arrange for a special
session for your lab. Remember to ensure that all new hires
are trained and to keep a record of any additional safety
training provided within your unit. Training documents should
be kept in the lab safety binder for easy reference.
Eating or drinking in laboratories
To minimize the possibility
of ingesting radioactive materials, food and drink should be
consumed in available break areas only, not in the lab.
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