Others automatically create reports that can be e-mailed to recipients. All are intended to streamline the record-keeping and reporting process.
When conducting an inspection, interacting with the individuals in the laboratory is important. Even if inspectors are mainly looking at equipment and conditions, laboratory personnel can provide a great deal of information and the conversation itself may foster positive relationships between laboratory personnel and the group conducting the inspection. Speaking with laboratory personnel also helps gauge how well training programs are working and provides feedback for possible improvements to the laboratory safety program.
Take notes and make comments on the inspection form to be able to recall the details and describe any problems in the report. Where possible, take photographs of issues that need particular attention.
Point out problems as they are found and show laboratory personnel how to fix them. If the problem is corrected during the inspection, make a note that it was resolved. As soon as possible after an inspection, prepare a report for the laboratory supervisor and others, as appropriate.
This may include the CHO, the chair or manager of the department, line supervisors, and directors. Depending on the type and focus of the inspection, it may be helpful to hold a meeting with the key individuals to review the findings. The report should include all problems noted during the inspection, along with the criteria for correcting them. If photographs were taken, include them in the report.
The report should also note any best practices and any improvements since the last inspection. Include a reasonable time line for corrective actions. Be sure to follow up with the laboratory to ensure that recommended corrections are made. In most cases, laboratory personnel will take the appropriate corrective actions once they have been made aware of an issue. If the laboratory supervisor is not supportive and the necessary changes are not made, the inspectors and EHS and other appropriate individuals in the organization will have to decide whether the infractions are serious enough to put either the health or safety of laboratory personnel at risk or the institution at risk for violation of a regulation or code.
The organization must decide what steps to take for those individuals or laboratory groups that are using unsafe work practices or are not in compliance with institutional policies or external regulations. Depending on the laboratory and the type of work conducted in it, other items may also be targeted for inspection Box 2.
Excerpt from an Inspection Checklist. When a fire alarm sounds in the facility, evacuate the laboratory immediately via the nearest exit. Extinguish all Bunsen burner and equipment flames. If the fire originates in your laboratory, follow all institutional policies regarding firefighting and suppression.
Check restrooms and other areas with possible limited audio or visual notification of an alarm before exiting the facility. Where necessary, provide assistance to persons with disabilities to ensure they are able to exit the facility.
Laboratory personnel should be familiar with the chemical, physical, and toxicological properties of each hazardous substance in the laboratory. Consult the label and the MSDS prior to the initial use of each hazardous substance. Always use the minimal amount of the chemical and use caution when transporting the chemical.
In the event of an accidental chemical release or spill, personnel should refer to the following general guidelines. Most laboratory workers should be able to clean up incidental spills of the materials they use.
Large spills, for example, 4 L or more, may require materials, protective equipment, and special handling that make it unsafe for cleanup by laboratory workers themselves. Lab workers should be instructed to contact EHS personnel to evaluate how to proceed with spill cleanup.
In the event that the spill material has been released to the environment, notify EHS personnel immediately. A release to the environment includes spills directly into a drain or waterway or onto land, such as grass or dirt. In the event of an accident, follow all institutional policies for emergency response and notify the internal point of contact for laboratory safety and local emergency responders.
All accidents involving personal injury, however slight, must be immediately reported according to your institution's procedure. Provide a copy of the appropriate MSDS to the attending physician, as needed. Complete an accident report Figure 2. Newly hired employees or students working in a laboratory should be required to attend basic safety training prior to their first day. Additional training should be provided to laboratory personnel as they advance in their laboratory duties or when they are required to handle a chemical or use equipment for the first time.
Safety training should be viewed as a vital component of the laboratory safety program within the organization. The organization should provide ongoing safety activities that serve to promote a culture of safety in the workplace that will begin when the person begins work and will continue for the length of their tenure. Personnel should be encouraged to suggest or request training if they feel it would be beneficial. The training should be recorded and related documents maintained in accordance with organizational requirements.
Training sessions may be provided in-house by professional trainers or may be provided via online training courses. Hands-on, scenario-based training should be incorporated whenever possible. Safety training topics that may prove to be helpful to laboratory personnel include.
For more information see Chapter 4 , section 4. The person to notify in case of an incident in the laboratory varies by organization. It may be the CHO, the safety director, on-site security, or another party.
Check with the organization to determine the appropriate individual or office. Turn recording back on. National Center for Biotechnology Information , U. Search term. Environmental Health and Safety Policy Top management should set in place procedures to define, document, and endorse a formal EHS policy for an organization.
The EHS policy should state intent to prevent or mitigate both human and economic losses arising from accidents, adverse occupational exposures, and environmental events;. Management Commitment Management commitment to EHS performance is widely recognized as one of the elements most critical to EHS program success and to the development of a strong culture of safety within an organization. Examples of how this commitment is supported include the following: Establish methods to use energy more efficiently, reduce waste, and prevent accidents.
Planning Planning is an integral part of all elements of the management system and to be effective involves the design and development of suitable processes and organizational structure to manage EHS aspects and their associated risk control systems proportionately to the needs, hazards, and risks of the organization. Implementation The design of management arrangements should reflect the organization's business needs and the nature of their risks. Specifically the organization should make arrangements to cover the following key areas: overall plans and objectives, including employees and resources, for the organization to implement its policy;.
All contractor personnel should be required to comply with the sponsoring organization's safety policies and plans. Performance Measurement and Change Management The primary purpose of measuring EHS performance is to judge the implementation and effectiveness of the processes established for controlling risk.
Measurement information includes data to judge the management system by gathering information on how the system operates in practice,. Management Review of EHS Management System Top management should review the organization's EHS management system at regular intervals to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness.
Among other information, a management review should include the following: results of EHS management system audits,. Principles: Line management responsibility for safety. Line management is directly responsible for the protection of the public, the workers, and the environment.
As a complement to line management, the Department's Office of Environment, Safety, and Health provides safety policy, enforcement, and independent oversight functions. Clear roles and responsibilities. Clear and unambiguous lines of authority and responsibility for ensuring safety shall be established and maintained at all organizational levels within the Department and its contractors.
Competence commensurate with responsibilities. Personnel shall possess the experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that are necessary to discharge their responsibilities. Balanced priorities. Resources shall be effectively allocated to address safety, programmatic, and operational considerations.
Protecting the public, the workers, and the environment shall be a priority whenever activities are planned and performed. Identification of safety standards and requirements. Before work is performed, the associated hazards shall be evaluated and an agreed-upon set of safety standards and requirements shall be established which, if properly implemented, will provide adequate assurance that the public, the workers, and the environment are protected from adverse consequences.
Hazard controls tailored to work being performed. Administrative and engineering controls to prevent and mitigate hazards shall be tailored to the work being performed and associated hazards. Operations authorization. The conditions and requirements to be satisfied for operations to be initiated and conducted shall be clearly established and agreed upon. Define the scope of work. Missions are translated into work, expectations are set, tasks are identified and prioritized, and resources are allocated.
Analyze the hazards. Hazards associated with the work are identified, analyzed, and categorized. Develop and implement hazard controls. Provide feedback and continuous improvement. Feedback information on the adequacy of controls is gathered, opportunities for improving the definition and planning of work are identified and implemented, line and independent oversight is conducted, and, if necessary, regulatory enforcement actions occur. Individual attitude and responsibility for safety.
Every individual accepts responsibility for safe mission performance. Individuals demonstrate a questioning attitude by challenging assumptions, investigating anomalies, and considering potential adverse consequences of planned actions. All employees are mindful of work conditions that may impact safety, and assist each other in preventing unsafe acts or behaviors.
Operational excellence. Organizations achieve sustained, high levels of operational performance, encompassing all DOE and contractor activities to meet mission, safety, productivity, quality, environmental, and other objectives. High reliability is achieved through a focus on operations, conservative decision making, open communications, deference to expertise, and systematic approaches to eliminate or mitigate error-likely situations.
Oversight for performance assurance. Competent, robust, periodic, and independent oversight is an essential source of feedback that verifies expectations are being met and identifies opportunities for improvement. Performance assurance activities verify whether standards and requirements are being met. Performance assurance through conscious, directed, independent previews at all levels brings fresh insights and observations to be considered for safety and performance improvement.
Organizational learning for performance improvement. The organization demonstrates excellence in performance monitoring, problem analysis, solution planning, and solution implementation. The organization encourages openness and trust, and cultivates a continuous learning environment. Topics included in a CHP are individual responsibilities for chemical hygiene within the organization see Boxes 2. BOX 2. General Safety Rules Below are some basic guidelines for maintaining a safe laboratory environment.
To ensure that help is available if needed, do not work alone if using hazardous materials or performing hazardous procedures. To ensure that help is available in case of emergencies, laboratory personnel should not deviate from the assigned work schedule without prior authorization from the laboratory supervisor. Plan appropriate protective procedures and the positioning of all equipment before beginning any operation. Follow the appropriate standard operating procedures at all times in the laboratory.
Wear appropriate PPE, including a laboratory apron or coat, at all times in the laboratory. Everyone, including visitors, must wear appropriate eye protection in areas where laboratory chemicals are used or stored.
Wear appropriate gloves when handling hazardous materials. Inspect all gloves for holes and defects before using. Use appropriate ventilation such as laboratory chemical hoods when working with hazardous chemicals. Contact the CHO or the EHS office if you have questions about the adequacy of the safety equipment available or chemical handling procedures. Know the location and proper use of the safety equipment i.
Maintain situational awareness. Be aware of the hazards posed by the work of others in the laboratory and any additional hazards that may result from contact between materials and chemicals from different work areas.
Report all injuries, accidents, incidents, and near misses as directed by the organization's policy. For liability, safety, and security reasons, do not allow unauthorized persons in the laboratory. Properly dispose of all chemical wastes. Follow organizational policies for drain and trash disposal of chemicals.
Always protect hands with appropriate gloves when cutting glass tubing. To avoid breakage, do not attempt to dry glassware by inserting a glass rod wrapped with paper towels. Always lubricate glassware with soap or glycerin before inserting rods, tubing, or thermometers into stoppers.
To reduce the chances of injuries from projectiles, when heating a test tube or other apparatus, never point the apparatus toward yourself or others. Dilute concentrated acids and bases by slowly pouring the acid or base into the water while stirring. Working Alone in the Laboratory It is not prudent to work alone in a laboratory. If faced with a situation where you feel it is necessary to work alone in a laboratory: Reconsider the need.
Are the increased risks to your health and safety really outweighed by the return? Reconsider the timing and setup of the work. Is there any way to accomplish the required tasks during a time when others will be present? If the timing of the task cannot be changed and you still feel it must be accomplished during a period when the laboratory is empty is there any other person trained in laboratory procedures who can accompany you while you work? The situation is unsafe.
Speak to your supervisor or the organizational safety office to make arrangements to complete the work in a safe manner. How to Avoid Routine Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Many chemicals and solutions routinely used in laboratories present a significant health risk when handled improperly. General Housekeeping Practices in the Laboratory Good housekeeping practices in the laboratory has a number of benefits. When preparing to order a chemical for an experiment, several questions should be asked: What is the minimum amount of this chemical that is needed to perform the experiment?
Is it available elsewhere in the facility? Remember, when ordering chemicals, less is always best. Prudent purchasing methods will save storage space, money, and disposal costs. Larger containers require more storage space and will incur additional disposal costs if the chemical is not used.
Chemical Storage To lessen risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals, trained laboratory personnel should separate and store all chemicals according to hazard category and compatibility. All transfer vessels should have the following label information: chemical name,. There are many benefits of performing annual physical chemical inventory updates: ensures that chemicals are stored according to compatibility tables,.
Transporting, Transferring, and Shipping Chemicals It is prudent practice to use a secondary containment device i. Chemical Waste All chemical waste must be stored and disposed of in compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and institutional regulatory requirements. The program should embrace the following goals: Maintain laboratory facilities and equipment in a safe, code-compliant operating condition. Ensure that all laboratory activities are conducted in a manner to avoid employee exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Types of Inspection Programs: Who Conducts Them and What They Offer There are several types of inspection programs, each providing a different perspective and function. Routine Inspections Trained laboratory personnel and supervisors should complete general equipment and facility inspections on a regular basis. Self-Audits To supplement an inspection program, some institutions promote self-inspections within the laboratories.
Program Audits A program audit includes both a physical inspection and a review of the operations and the facilities. Peer Inspections One of the most effective safety tools a facility can use is periodic peer-level inspections. Environmental Health and Safety Inspections The organization's EHS staff, the safety committee, or an equivalent group may also conduct laboratory inspections on a routine basis.
Inspections by External Entities Many types of elective inspections or audits are conducted by outside experts, regulatory agencies, emergency responders, or other organizations. Elements of an Inspection 2. Preparing for an Inspection Whether an inspection is announced or unannounced depends on the objective.
Inspection Checklists Inspection checklists take a variety of formats and vary in length depending on the type and focus of the inspection. Conducting the Inspection When conducting an inspection, interacting with the individuals in the laboratory is important. Inspection Report As soon as possible after an inspection, prepare a report for the laboratory supervisor and others, as appropriate.
Corrective Actions In most cases, laboratory personnel will take the appropriate corrective actions once they have been made aware of an issue. Get " On the Safe Side. Tell us why on the submission form and your CEO could appear among the selections. In this free webinar, experts from J. Register now. We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Washington — Rep. Supreme Court. The OSH Act provides for citations, penalties, and criminal referrals for those employers who fail to comply.
The Postal Service will become a leader in occupational safety and health for the federal government and private sector by demonstrating a commitment to integrating safe work practices into all of our services. See The Postal Service also engages in innovative safety efforts such as the Ergonomics Program and joint labor—management safety and health committees see The guiding principles of the Postal Service are the following:. This program recognizes and establishes partnerships with businesses and worksites that show excellence in occupational safety and health.
The Postal Service is also committed to developing and implementing systems that effectively identify, evaluate, and control occupational hazards to prevent employee injuries and illnesses. To ensure that employees are protected, safe and healthful working conditions must be provided through:. General retention and disposal instructions for the records and forms referenced in through can be found in the appendix, Records Control Schedules.
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