2. SAFETY POLICY*
Management of Emami Limited believes that all the accidents and injuries are preventable.
As such management of Emami Limited are intimating the policy in respect of health and
safety of workman on the job at works. Policy of Emami Limited is aimed at prevention of
injuries, fires and preventions of occupational diseases.
Our aim is totally accident free working environment in the factory. As such the active
support and full co-operation of the levels of Emami Limited employee is required to
prevent accidents and injuries. Emami Limited will conduct all the operations safely to
prevent injury to employees to avoid damage to property and to protect the interest of
employees.
Emami Limited requires every employees to work in respect for his/her own safety and
safety of other employees and public as well.
* As follows in BTR unit.
SAFETY POLICY
3. COMMON HAZARDS & SAFETY
During working in Laboratory , personnel are exposed to many hazards viz., :
• Chemicals (liquids, gases, vapors),
• Electrical hazards (temporary wiring),
• Machinery and equipment,
• Fire
• Bio hazard
• Machinery and equipment,
• Thermal
• Sound
It is important that all the personnel have proper knowledge of the toxic effects of these chemicals,
the routes of exposure and the hazards that may be associated with handling and storage.
MSDS or other chemical hazard information are available from chemical manufacturers and/or
suppliers. These information should be accessible in laboratories where these chemicals are used, e.g.
as part of a safety or operations manual.
Routes of exposure
Exposure to hazardous chemicals may occur by:
• Inhalation
• Contact
• Ingestion
• Needle-sticks
• Through broken skin.
4. Chemical Hygiene Plan Required Elements
A chemical hygiene plan (CHP) is a written program stating the policies, procedures, and
responsibilities that serve to protect employees from the health hazards associated with the
hazardous chemicals used in that particular workplace.
Defined standard operating procedures relevant to safety and health considerations for each
activity involving the use of hazardous chemicals.
Criteria to use to determine and implement control measures to reduce exposure to hazardous
materials (i.e., engineering controls, the use of personal protective equipment, administrative
controls, and hygiene practices) with particular attention given to the selection of control measures
for extremely hazardous materials.
Information for persons working with hazardous substances specifying the hazards of the chemicals
in the work area, the location of the CHP, signs and symptoms associated with hazardous chemical
exposures, the permissible or recommended exposure limits of the chemicals, and the location and
availability of information on the hazards, safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals.
Training for persons working with hazardous substances that includes methods and observations to
detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical, the physical and health hazards of the
chemicals used, the measures to be taken to protect against these hazards (i.e., personal protective
equipment, appropriate work practices, emergency response actions), and applicable details of the
CHP.
CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN
5. The circumstances under which a particular laboratory operation or procedure requires prior approval
from the appropriate administrator.
A requirement to ensure laboratory chemical hoods and other protective equipment are installed and
functioning properly.
Requirements for medical consultation and medical examination whenever
• A person develops signs or symptoms associated with a hazardous chemical.
• Exposure monitoring reveals an exposure level routinely above the action level, or
• An event takes place in the work area such as a spill, leak, explosion or other occurrence resulting in
the likelihood of a hazardous exposure.
Designation of personnel responsible for the implementation of the CHP, including the assignment of
a Chemical Hygiene Officer.
Requirements for additional protection when working with particularly hazardous substances
including "select carcinogens," reproductive toxins, and substances with a high degree of acute toxicity.
Provisions for yearly re-evaluation of the CHP.
Other Suggested Elements of a Chemical Hygiene Plan
Hazard identification including proper labeling of containers of hazardous chemicals and maintaining
MSDSs in a readily accessible location.
Requirements to establish and maintain accurate records monitoring employee exposures and any
medical consultation and/or examinations, and to assure the confidentiality of these records.
CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN
6. CHEMICAL HAZARD - MSDS
What is a Material Safety Data Sheet?
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) contains information regarding the proper procedures for
handling, storing, and disposing of chemical substances. Save all MSDSs and store in a designated
file or binder using a system that is organized and easy to understand.
Place the MSDS collection in a central, easily accessible location known to all workers and
emergency personnel.
7. Prior to working with any chemical , please refer MSDS for it’s following characteristics:
• Is it harmful to your health?
• Is it flammable or explosive?
• Can it react with other materials in the area?
• What should you do if there is a spill?
• What safety equipment must be worn while using the chemical?
Labels for secondary containers may have to be applied by the user. Include the common name and
associated hazards.
The following classes of chemicals require specific storage requirements.
• Carcinogens
• Highly toxic chemicals
• Corrosives
• Flammable liquids
• Compressed gases
• Controlled substances
• Incompatible chemicals
For example, hazard marking on the NFPA diamond
label: a fire hazard rating of 3 or 4 denotes a flammable
liquid. Refer to the CHP for more information
CHEMICAL HAZARD – Labeling and Storage
8. General rules for chemical incompatibilities
SUBSTANCE CATEGORY INCOMPATIBLE SUBSTANCES
Alkali metals, e.g. sodium, potassium, cesium and
lithium
Carbon dioxide, chlorinated hydrocarbons,
water
Halogens Ammonia, acetylene, hydrocarbons
Acetic acid, hydrogen sulfide, aniline, hydrocarbons,
sulfuric acid
Oxidizing agents, e.g. chromic acid, nitric acid,
peroxides, permanganates
Explosive chemicals
• Azides, often used in antibacterial solutions, should not be allowed to come into contact with
copper or lead (e.g. in waste pipes and plumbing), as they may explode violently when
subjected even to a mild impact.
• Ethers that have aged and dried to crystals are extremely unstable, and potentially
• explosive.
• Perchloric acid, if allowed to dry on woodwork, brickwork or fabric, will explode
and cause a fire on impact.
• Picric acid and picrates are detonated by heat and impact.
CHEMICAL HAZARD - Storage
9. Chemical spills
Manufacturers of laboratory chemicals issue charts describing methods for dealing with spills.
Spillage charts and spillage kits are also available commercially. Appropriate charts should be
displayed in a prominent position in the laboratory.
The following equipment should be provided :
• Chemical spill kits.
• Protective clothing, e.g. heavy-duty rubber gloves, overshoes or rubber boots, respirators.
• Scoops and dustpans.
• Forceps for picking up broken glass.
• Mops, cloths and paper towels.
• Buckets.
• Soda ash (sodium carbonate, Na2CO3) or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) for neutralizing
acids and corrosive chemicals.
• Sand (to cover alkali spills).
• Non-flammable detergent.
CHEMICAL HAZARD – Chemical Spill
10. The following actions should be taken in the event of a significant chemical spill.
• Notify the appropriate safety officer.
• Evacuate non-essential personnel from the area.
• Attend to persons who may have been contaminated.
• If the spilled material is flammable, extinguish all open flames, turn off gas in the room and
adjacent areas, open windows (if possible), and switch off electrical equipment that may spark.
• Avoid breathing vapors from spilled material.
• Establish exhaust ventilation if it is safe to do so.
• Secure the necessary items (see above) to clean up the spill.
CHEMICAL HAZARD – Chemical Spill
Acids like HNO3, H2SO4, HCl Wash with 10% sodium bicarbonate solution (which leaves no
residue on clothes), then apply Vaseline or a soothing cream.
Alkalis, e.g., NaOH, KOH, etc. Wash with 1% acetic acid, then apply Vaseline or a soothing cream.
Bromine Wash with 2 M ammonia, keep the affected
part dipped in sodium bisulphate solution.
Phenol Apply ethanol or glycerol on a cotton wool pad.
Sodium Apply ethanol on a cotton wool pad.
Antidotes for Some Chemical Reagents
11. Compressed gases can be hazardous because each cylinder contains large amounts of energy and may also
have high flammability and toxicity potential.
The following is a list of recommendations for storage, maintenance, and handling of compressed gas
cylinders:
• Make sure the contents of the compressed gas cylinder are clearly stenciled or stamped on the cylinder
or on a durable label.
• Do not identify a gas cylinder by the manufacturer's color code.
• Never use cylinders with missing or unreadable labels.
• Check all cylinders for damage before use.
• Be familiar with the properties and hazards of the gas in the cylinder before using.
• Wear appropriate protective eyewear when handling or using compressed gases.
• Use the proper regulator for each gas cylinder.
• Do not tamper with or attempt to repair a gas cylinder regulator.
• Never lubricate, modify, or force cylinder valves.
• Open valves slowly using only wrenches or tools provided by the cylinder supplier directing the cylinder
opening away from people.
• Check for leaks around the valve and handle using a soap solution, "snoop" liquid, or an electronic leak
detector.
• Close valves and relieve pressure on cylinder regulators when cylinders are not in use. Label empty
cylinders "EMPTY" or "MT" and date the tag; treat in the same manner that you would if it were full.
COMPRESSED GAS – Safe Practices
12. Transport cylinders with an approved cart with a safety chain; never move or roll gas cylinders by
hand.
Securely attach all gas cylinders (empty or full) to a wall or laboratory bench with a clamp or
chain, or secure in a metal base in an upright position.
Store cylinders by gas type, separating oxidizing gases from flammable gases by either 20 feet or
a 30-minute firewall that is 5 feet high.
Store gas cylinders in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from incompatible materials and
ignition sources.
Do not subject any part of a cylinder to a temperature higher than 125 °F or below 50 °F.
Store empty cylinders separately from full cylinders.
COMPRESSED GAS – Safe Practices
Gas Colour of
Cylinder
Colour of
bands (if any)
Air (not for breathing) Grey
Carbon dioxide Black
Hydrogen Red
Nitrogen Grey Black
Oxygen (industrial) Black
Any flammable gas Purple Red
Gas Cylinder color code
13. COMPRESSED GAS – Safe Practices
Health hazard data of commonly used compressed gases
14. It is essential that all electrical installations and equipment are inspected and tested regularly,
including earthling/grounding systems.
Circuit-breakers and earth-fault-interrupters should be installed in appropriate laboratory electrical
circuits. Circuit breakers intended to protect wiring from being overloaded with electrical current and
hence to prevent fires. Earth-fault-interrupters are intended to protect people from electric shock.
All laboratory electrical equipment should be earthed/grounded, preferably through
three-prong plugs. All laboratory electrical equipment and wiring should conform to national electrical
safety standards and codes.
Common Laboratory Electrical Hazards and Preventative Steps
• New equipment may have different hazards than those you are familiar with. Before operating new
equipment read and follow all equipment operating instructions for proper use.
• Access panels and covers may shield high voltages.
•Do not take apart laboratory instruments or attempt electrical repairs unless you are a qualified
technician assigned to perform electrical work by your supervisor. Fixed wiring may only be repaired or
modified by Facilities personnel or an approved outside repair service vendor.
• Wet hands, salt solutions, and some anti-static devices may enhance electrical contact with the body.
Use extra caution and ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices when these conditions exist.
• Remove rings, watches and other jewelry, which may become part of an electrical circuit when
working around electricity.
Electrical Hazard – Hazard and Preventive Measures
15. The accidental or unexpected starting of electrical equipment can cause severe injury or death.
Common laboratory equipment that may automatically start includes:
• Vacuum Pumps (may start from remote pressure transducer or instrument controller)
• Air compressors (may start on demand from pressure set point)
• Auto samplers (may move under computer or instrument control)
• Ovens (thermostat controlled)
• Cryostats (thermostat controlled)
• Chillers (thermostat controlled)
• Air Conditioners (thermostat controlled)
• Sump or feed pumps (actuated by fluid level)
Unplugging something does not necessarily make it safe. Capacitors may store a lethal charge and
battery circuits, such as those found in Uninterruptible Power Supplies, also remain live. Be extra
cautious with these types of devices and apply the applicable energy controls techniques to mitigate
the hazard.
Instruments in developmental stage must be energized only under the direct supervision of the
technician, and do not left unattended while live unless protective measures are taken.
Finished devices fabricated for experimental purposes must be sufficiently enclosed to preclude
contact with any exposed hazards and be properly grounded.
Electrical Hazard – Hazard and Preventive Measures
16. Improper use of extension cords is hazardous. If you need additional power supply, the best solution
is to have additional outlets installed by Facilities. Do not use extension cords or power strips ("power
taps") as a substitute for permanent wiring.
Corrosives found in the laboratory environment may deteriorate wiring or insulation. Common
causes of cracked insulation are the mineral acids and bases, ozone, heat, and ultraviolet light. Inspect
all electrical and extension cords for wear and tear. Pay particular attention near the plug and where
the cord connects to the piece of equipment.
Many electrical devices are also potential ignition sources. Never store flammable liquids such as
solvents or fuels near electrical equipment, even temporarily.
Avoid cluttered work areas and benches because they invite accidents and injuries. Good
housekeeping and a well-planned layout of temporary wiring will reduce the dangers of fire, shock, and
tripping hazards. Electrical equipment must not be installed near eye wash/safety shower stations.
Access to electric panels must be unobstructed; a minimum of 3’ of clearance is required in front of
every electrical panel. Each panel must have all the circuit breakers labeled as to what they control.
Contact Facilities if breaker panels, outlets, etc. are missing the required labeling.
Electrical Hazard – Hazard and Preventive Measures
17. Close cooperation between safety officers and local fire prevention officers is essential. Apart from
chemical hazards, the effects of fire on the possible dissemination of infectious material must be
considered. This may determine whether it is best to extinguish or contain the fire.
The assistance of local fire prevention officers in the training of laboratory staff in fire prevention,
immediate action in case of fire and the use of fire-fighting equipment is desirable.
Fire warnings, instructions and escape routes should be displayed prominently in each room and in
corridors and hallways.
Common causes of fires in laboratories are:
• Electrical circuit overloading
• Poor electrical maintenance, e.g. poor and perished insulation on cables
• Excessively long gas tubing or long electrical leads
• Equipment unnecessarily left switched on
• Equipment that was not designed for a laboratory environment
• Open flames
• Deteriorated gas tubing
• Improper handling and storage of flammable or explosive materials
• Improper segregation of incompatible chemicals
• Sparking equipment near flammable substances and vapours
• Improper or inadequate ventilation.
FIRE HAZARDS
18. The Fire Triangle
Generally, a fire needs three things to burn:
Fuel - something to burn, e.g. oil.
Oxygen - to maintain combustion.
Ignition - something to start the fire, e.g. excessive heat, electrical spark, etc.
By removing any one of the three sides of the triangle, fire is prevented.
Class of fire Type or nature of fire
A Type involving materials which contains carbon, e.g., wood, cloth, paper, rubber.
B Fires involving flammable liquids, e.g., petrol, oil, alcohol and many other organic
solvents.
C Fires involving flammable gases, e.g., methane, propane, hydrogen, acetylene and
butane.
D Fires involving flammable metals, e.g., sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and other
combustible metals or their hydrides.
E Electricity and electrical appliances.
FIRE HAZARDS
Classification of Fire
19. BIO HAZARD
Biological hazards refer to organisms or organic matters produced by these organisms that are
harmful to human health. These include parasites, viruses, bacteria, fungi and protein.
In general, there are three major of routes of entry for these micro-organisms into our body, i.e.
• Through the respiratory system.
• transmission through contact with body fluids of the infected.
• Contact with contaminated objects.
The harmful effects posed to human health by these biological hazards are mainly of three types -
infections, allergy and poisoning.
Biohazard Level 1: Bacteria and viruses including Bacillus subtilis, canine hepatitis, Escherichia coli,
varicella (chicken pox), as well as some cell cultures and non-infectious bacteria.
Biohazard Level 2: Bacteria and viruses that cause only mild disease to humans, or are difficult to
contract via aerosol in a lab setting, such as hepatitis A, B, and C, influenza A, Lyme disease, salmonella,
mumps, measles, scrapie, dengue fever, and HIV. "Routine diagnostic work with clinical specimens can
be done safely at Biosafety Level 2, using Biosafety Level 2 practices and procedures.
20. Biohazard Level 3: Bacteria and viruses that can cause severe to fatal disease in humans, but for
which vaccines or other treatments exist, such as anthrax, West Nile virus, Venezuelan equine
encephalitis, SARS virus, variola virus (smallpox), tuberculosis, typhus, Rift Valley fever, Rocky
Mountain spotted fever, yellow fever, and malaria. Among parasites Plasmodium falciparum, which
causes Malaria, and Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes trypanosomiasis, also come under this level.
Biohazard Level 4: Viruses and bacteria that cause severe to fatal disease in humans, and for which
vaccines or other treatments are not available, such as Bolivian and Argentine hemorrhagic fevers,
SARS-COV2, Dengue hemorrhagic fever, Marburg virus, Ebola virus, hantaviruses, Lassa fever,
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and other hemorrhagic diseases.
BIO HAZARD
21. INSTRUMENT RELATED HAZARDS & SAFETY
Autoclaves
Autoclaves present a number of physical hazards such as:
• Heat, steam, and pressure.
• Thermal burns from steam and hot liquids.
• Cuts from broken or exploding glass.
Batteries
Batteries present a number of potential hazards. Charged batteries are “always on.” Care must be
taken to ensure that electrodes of batteries in storage do not contact each other leading to fire.
Lead acid batteries contain corrosive liquids and also generate hydrogen gas during charging which
poses an explosion hazard. OSHA requires adequate ventilation to prevent hydrogen build up and an
eyewash/safety shower in battery charging locations.
Lithium batteries may burst into flames if overcharged, and nickel cadmium and lead acid types
contain heavy metals. Almost all rechargeable batteries are capable of sufficient output current to start
fires if short-circuited. Because of these sorts of hazards, and disposal considerations, a more detailed
document has been developed.
22. Centrifuges
Some general safety guidelines to follow when using centrifuges:
• Be familiar with the operating procedures written by the manufacturer. Keep the operating manual
near the unit for easy reference. If necessary contact the manufacturer to replace lost manuals.
• Handle, load, clean, and inspect rotors as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Pay careful attention to instructions on balancing samples -- tolerances for balancing are often very
restricted. Check the condition of tubes and bottles. Make sure you have secured the lid to the rotor and
the rotor to the centrifuge.
• For ultracentrifuges, maintain a logbook of rotor use for each rotor, recording the speed and length of
time for each use.
• To avoid catastrophic rotor failure, some types of rotors must be "de-rated" (limited to a maximum
rotation speed that is less than the maximum rotation speed specified for the rotor when it is new) after
a specified amount of use, and eventually taken out of service and discarded.
• Use only the types of rotors that are specifically approved for use in a given centrifuge unit.
• Maintain the centrifuge in good condition. Broken door latches and other problems should be repaired
before using the centrifuge.
• Whenever centrifuging biohazardous material, always load and unload the centrifuge rotor in a
biological safety cabinet. Avoid pop-top tubes which can create aerosols upon opening. Use screw
capped tubes instead.
INSTRUMENT RELATED HAZARDS & SAFETY
23. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTS
Lab Attire
Proper clothing in labs is necessary to ensure:
•Your health and safety.
•Personal property is not damaged.
•Quality of work is not compromised.
Recommendations for laboratories:
• No loose clothing when working with moving equipment and/or chemicals.
• Wear recommended attire when working with high temperature equipment and
parts.
• Wear leather/safety work boots. No high heels, sandals, or open-toed shoes.
• Wear a lab coat when working with chemicals.
• Remove or cover all jewelry to avoid damage from chemicals or electrical shock.
• Tie long hair back away from the face.
24. Eye wear
You are also required to wear eye protection when potentially exposed to related hazards.
• Projectile impact
• Flying debris
• Splattering liquids
• Powdered chemicals
• Dusts and mists
• Ultraviolet radiation
• Laser radiation
• High temperature equipment
Wear safety glasses for impact and minimal protection.
Wear safety goggles for impact and moderate protection from liquids and dusts.
Wear face shields in addition to safety glasses or goggles when maximum protection is needed
from highly toxic or corrosive materials and high temperature equipment.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTS
25. Gloves
Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet for the type of chemical-protective
gloves to wear.
Wear slip-resistant gloves for handling glass or wet materials.
Wear cut-resistant gloves when working with knives or other sharp objects.
Wear leather gloves for general purposes.
Wear thermal gloves for extreme temperatures.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTS
26. Respiratory Protection- Mask
Engineering controls to reduce or eliminate exposure to
harmful dusts, mists, fumes, fogs, gases, smokes, sprays, or
vapors include:
• enclosure,
• confinement of the operation,
• general and local ventilation, and
• substitution of less toxic materials.
There are many types of respiratory protection.
The key is selecting the appropriate type for the hazards you
are exposed to, and ensuring a proper fit (or seal).
Best
Options!
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTS
27. Respirator Type :
Air-purifying respirators will be used to protect you from the hazards you may
be exposed to during your coursework.
This type of air-purifying respirator should be worn when mixing powders!
Air-Purifying Respirators
Users of negative pressure air-purifying devices must be fit tested prior to use
to ensure a proper seal is formed between the face and the sealing surface of the
respirator.
Respirator Restrictions
Air-purifying respirators:
• Do not supply oxygen, and
• May not be effective for highly toxic chemicals.
The use of negative pressure air-purifying respirators may aggravate some
medical conditions.
All other routes of exposure (absorption, ingestion, and injection) should be
addressed.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTS
28. Eye wash
Suitable eyewash facilities and deluge showers must be available to all
chemical laboratories where there is a potential for human contact with
hazardous or caustic materials.
They must be located within 10 unobstructed seconds of the work area.
Eyewash stations should be flushed weekly for a period of five minutes to
prevent rust accumulation and harmful microorganism proliferation in the
system.
This is the responsibility of the PI.
Flush your eyes for 15 minutes for chemical splash to the eyes or foreign
particles in the eye. Always see a doctor.
Body Shower
Plumbed Shower: An emergency shower permanently connected to a source
of potable water .
Self-Contained Shower: A shower that contains its own flushing fluid, and must
be refilled or replaced after use.
SAFETY EQUIPMENTS
29. Types and uses of fire extinguishers
TYPE USE FOR DO NOT USE FOR
Water Paper, wood, fabric Electrical fires, flammable liquids,
burning metals
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
extinguisher gases
Flammable liquids and gases,
electrical fires
alkali metals
Dry powder Flammable liquids and gases,
Reusable equipment and alkali
metals, electrical fires
Reusable equipment and alkali metals,
electrical fires instruments, as residues
are very difficult to remove
Foam Flammable liquids Electrical fires
SAFETY EQUIPMENTS
A. Carbon Dioxide type B. Foam type
30. SAFETY EQUIPMENTS
FUME HOOD
Fume hoods can be an effective engineering control when
there is the potential for exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Routine chemical storage in fume hoods is discouraged
unless they are highly toxic.
Bio safety Cabinet
31. FIRST AID
First aid
First aid is the skilled application of accepted principles of medical treatment at the time and place of
an accident. It is the approved method of treating a casualty until he or she is placed in the care of a
doctor for definitive treatment of the injury.
The first-aid box
The first-aid box should be constructed from materials that will keep the contents dust- and damp-free.
It should be kept in a prominent position and be easily recognized. By international convention, the first-
aid box is identified by a white cross on a green background. The first-aid box should contain:
1. Instruction sheet giving general guidance
2. Individually-wrapped sterile adhesive dressings in a variety of sizes
3. Sterile eye-pads with attachment bandages
4. Triangular bandages
5. Sterile wound coverings
6. Safety pins
7. A selection of sterile but un-medicated wound dressings
8. An authoritative first-aid manual, e.g. one issued by the International Red Cross.
Protective equipment for the person rendering first aid includes:
1. Mouthpiece for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
2. Gloves and other barrier protections against blood exposures,1 and
3. Clean-up kit for blood spills (see Chapter 14 of the manual).
32. SAFETY CHECKLIST
Laboratory premises
1. Have guidelines for commissioning and certification been considered for facility construction or
post-construction evaluations?
2. Do the premises meet national and local building requirements, including those relating to natural
disaster precautions if necessary?
3. Are the premises generally uncluttered and free from obstructions?
4. Are the premises clean?
5. Are floors and stairs uniform and slip-resistant?
6. Is the working space adequate for safe operation?
7. Are the circulation spaces and corridors adequate for the movement of people and large
equipment?
8. Are the benches, furniture and fittings in good condition?
9. Are bench surfaces resistant to solvents and corrosive chemicals?
10. Is there a hand-washing sink in each laboratory room?
11. Are the premises constructed and maintained to prevent entry and harborage of rodents and
arthropods?
12. Are all exposed steam and hot water pipes insulated or guarded to protect personnel?
13. Is an independent power support unit provided in case of power breakdown?
14. Can access to laboratory areas be restricted to authorized personnel?
15. Has a risk assessment been performed to ensure that appropriate equipment and facilities are
available to support the work being considered?
33. Storage facilities
1. Are storage facilities, shelves, etc. arranged so that stores are secure against sliding, collapse or
falls?
2. Are storage facilities kept free from accumulations of rubbish, unwanted materials and objects that
present hazards from tripping, fire, explosion and harborage of pests?
3. Are freezers and storage areas lockable?
Sanitation and staff facilities
1. Are the premises maintained in a clean, orderly and sanitary condition?
2. Is drinking-water available?
3. Are clean and adequate toilet (WC) facilities provided separately for male and female staff?
4. Are hot and cold water, soap provided?
5. Are separate changing rooms provided for male and female staff?
6. Is there accommodation (e.g. lockers) for street clothing for individual members of the staff?
7. Are noise levels acceptable?
Lighting
1. Is the general illumination adequate (e.g. 300–400 lx)?
2. Is task (local) lighting provided at work benches?
3. Are all areas well-lit, with no dark or ill-lit corners in rooms and corridors?
4. Are fluorescent lights parallel to the benches?
5. Are fluorescent lights colour-balanced?
SAFETY CHECKLIST
34. Heating and ventilation
1. Is there a comfortable working temperature?
2. Are blinds fitted to windows that are exposed to full sunlight?
3. Is the ventilation adequate, e.g. at least six changes of air per hour, especially in rooms that have
mechanical ventilation?
4. Are there HEPA filters in the ventilation system?
5. Does mechanical ventilation compromise airflows in and around biological safety cabinets and
fume cupboards?
Services
1. Is each laboratory room provided with enough sinks, water, electricity and gas outlets for safe
working?
2. Is there an adequate inspection and maintenance programe for fuses, lights, cables, pipes, etc.?
3. Are faults corrected within a reasonable time?
4. Are internal engineering and maintenance services available, with skilled engineers and craftsmen
who also have some knowledge of the nature of the work of the laboratory?
5. Is the access of engineering and maintenance personnel to various laboratory areas controlled
and documented?
6. If no internal engineering and maintenance services are available, have local engineers and
builders been contacted and familiarized with the equipment and work of the laboratory?
7. Are cleaning services available?
8. Is the access of cleaning personnel to various laboratory areas controlled and documented?
SAFETY CHECKLIST
35. Fire prevention and fire protection
1. Is there a fire alarm system?
2. Are the fire doors in good order?
3. Is the fire detection system in good working order and regularly tested?
4. Are fire alarm stations accessible?
5. Are all exits marked by proper, illuminated signs?
6. Is access to exits marked where the routes to them are not immediately visible?
7. Are all exits unobstructed by decorations, furniture and equipment, and unlocked when the
building is occupied?
8. Is access to exits arranged so that it is not necessary to pass through a high-hazard area to escape?
9. Are corridors, aisles and circulation areas clear and unobstructed for movement of staff and fire-
fighting equipment?
10. Is all fire-fighting equipment and apparatus easily identified by an appropriate color code?
11. Are portable fire extinguishers maintained fully charged and in working order, and kept in
designated places at all times?
12. Are laboratory rooms with potential fire hazards equipped with appropriate extinguishers and/or
fire blankets for emergency use?
13. If flammable liquids and gases are used in any room, is the mechanical ventilation sufficient to
remove vapors before they reach a hazardous concentration?
14. Are personnel trained to respond to fire emergencies?
SAFETY CHECKLIST
36. Flammable liquid storage
1. Is the storage facility for bulk flammable liquids separated from the main building?
2. Is it clearly labeled as a fire-risk area?
3. Does it have a gravity or mechanical exhaust ventilation system that is separate from the main
building system?
4. Are the switches for lighting sealed or placed outside the building?
5. Are the light fittings inside sealed to protect against ignition of vapours by sparking?
6. Are flammable liquids stored in proper, ventilated containers that are made of non-combustible
materials?
7. Are the contents of all containers correctly described on the labels?
8. Are appropriate fire extinguishers and/or fire blankets placed outside but near to the flammable
liquid store?
9. Are “No smoking” signs clearly displayed inside and outside the flammable liquid store?
10. Are only minimum amounts of flammable substances stored in laboratory rooms?
11. Are they stored in properly constructed flammable storage cabinets?
12. Are these cabinets adequately labeled with “Flammable liquid – Fire hazard” signs?
13. Are personnel trained to properly use and transport flammable liquids?
SAFETY CHECKLIST
37. Compressed and liquefied gases
1. Is each portable gas container legibly marked with its contents and correctly colourcoded?
2. Are compressed-gas cylinders and their high-pressure and reduction valves regularly inspected?
3. Is a pressure-relief device connected when a cylinder is in use?
4. Are protection caps in place when cylinders are not in use or are being transported?
5. Are all compressed gas cylinders secured so that they cannot fall, especially in the event of natural
disaster?
6. Are cylinders and liquid petroleum gas tanks kept away from sources of heat?
7. Are personnel trained to properly use and transport compressed and liquefied gases?
Electrical hazards
1. Are all new electrical installations and all replacements, modifications or repairs made and
maintained in accordance with a national electrical safety code?
2. Does the interior wiring have an earthed/grounded conductor (i.e. a three-wire system)?
3. Are circuit-breakers and earth-fault interrupters fitted to all laboratory circuits?
4. Do all electrical appliances have testing laboratory approval?
5. Are the flexible connecting cables of all equipment as short as practicable, in good condition, and
not frayed, damaged or spliced?
6. Is each electric socket outlet used for only one appliance (no adapters to be used)?
SAFETY CHECKLIST
38. Personal protection
1. Is protective clothing of approved design and fabric provided for all staff for normal work, e.g.
gowns, coveralls, aprons, gloves?
2. Is additional protective clothing provided for work with hazardous chemicals and radioactive and
carcinogenic substances, e.g. rubber aprons and gloves for chemicals and for dealing with
spillages; heat-resistant gloves for unloading autoclaves and ovens?
3. Are safety glasses, goggles and shields (visors) provided?
4. Are there eye-wash stations?
5. Are there emergency showers (drench facilities)?
6. Are respirators available, regularly cleaned, disinfected, inspected and stored in a clean and
sanitary condition?
7. Are appropriate filters provided for the correct types of respirators, e.g. HEPA filters for
microorganisms, appropriate filters for gases or particulates?
8. Are respirators fit-tested?
SAFETY CHECKLIST
39. Health and safety of staff
1. Is there an occupational health service?
2. Are first-aid boxes provided at strategic locations?
3. Are qualified first-aiders available?
4. Are such first-aiders trained to deal with emergencies peculiar to the laboratory, e.g. contact with
corrosive chemicals, accidental ingestion of poisons and infectious materials?
5. Are non-laboratory workers, e.g. domestic and clerical staff, instructed on the potential hazards of
the laboratory and the material it handles?
6. Are notices prominently posted giving clear information about the location of first-aiders,
telephone numbers of emergency services, etc.?
7. Are women of childbearing age warned of the consequences of work with certain microorganisms,
carcinogens, mutagens and teratogens?
8. Are women of childbearing age told that if they are, or suspect that they are, pregnant they should
inform the appropriate member of the medical/scientific staff so that alternative working
arrangements may be made for them if necessary?
9. Are proper records maintained of illnesses and accidents?
10. Are warning and accident prevention signs used to minimize work hazards?
11. Are personnel trained to follow appropriate biosafety practices?
12. Are laboratory staff encouraged to report potential exposures?
SAFETY CHECKLIST
40. Laboratory equipment
1. Is all equipment certified safe for use?
2. Are procedures available for decontaminating equipment prior to maintenance?
3. Are biological safety cabinets and fume cupboards regularly tested and serviced?
4. Are autoclaves and other pressure vessels regularly inspected?
5. Are centrifuge buckets and rotors regularly inspected?
6. Are HEPA filters regularly changed?
7. Are pipettes used instead of hypodermic needles?
8. Is cracked and chipped glassware always discarded and not reused?
9. Are there safe receptacles for broken glass?
10. Are plastics used instead of glass where feasible?
11. Are sharps disposal containers available and being used?
Chemicals and radioactive substances
1. Are incompatible chemicals effectively separated when stored or handled?
2. Are all chemicals correctly labeled with names and warnings?
3. Are chemical hazard warning charts prominently displayed?
4. Are spill kits provided?
5. Are staff trained to deal with spills?
6. Are flammable substances correctly and safely stored in minimal amounts in approved cabinets?
7. Is a radiation protection officer or appropriate reference manual available for consultation?
8. Are staff appropriately trained to safely work with radioactive materials?
SAFETY CHECKLIST
41. Infectious materials
1. Are specimens received in a safe condition?
2. Are records kept of incoming materials?
3. Are specimens unpacked in biological safety cabinets with care and attention to possible breakage
and leakage?
4. Are gloves and other protective clothing worn for unpacking specimens?
5. Are personnel trained to ship infectious substances according to current national and/or
international regulations?
6. Are work benches kept clean and tidy?
7. Are discarded infectious materials removed daily or more often and disposed of safely?
8. Are all members of the staff aware of procedures for dealing with breakage and spillage of
cultures and infectious materials?
9. Is the performance of sterilizers checked by the appropriate chemical, physical and biological
indicators?
10. Is there a procedure for decontaminating centrifuges regularly?
11. Are sealed buckets provided for centrifuges?
12. Are appropriate disinfectants being used? Are they used correctly?
13. Is there special training for staff who work in containment laboratories – Biosafety
SAFETY CHECKLIST
46. PRACTICES - Sharps Waste Collection
Sharps containers <7 gal. should not be on the floor. Lids have to be difficult to open. Labels
have to be affixed on all 4 sides of the container.
50. PRACTICES
Red bag should be inside the secondary container.
Cardboard box is not an acceptable secondary
container.
Bag must be red. Secondary container does not have to
be red. No biohazard label. Red bag on floor ready for
disposal must be transported to the accumulation site
immediately.
52. DON'Ts
EVER COMPROMISE SAFETY!
Be too shy to ASK QUESTIONS.
Start something without THINKING about what you’re doing
Use a MACHINE without having received training on it.
POUR hazardous or unknown chemicals down the sink. What can be poured down the sink is
written on a sheet next to the sink.
Pour MOLTEN AGAR down the sink as this clog the pipes below the sink.
Make a MESS of communal space such as refrigerators
Put SHARPS in the Biowaste, because they’ll make holes in the plastic, causing molten agar to leak
through when autoclaving
Autoclave in the “kitchen”, during the kitchen working hours (~6am-2pm). Do not leave autoclaved
material in the kitchen autoclaved overnight.
DO’s AND DON’TS
53. DON'Ts
Leave a door to a cold or warm room OPEN.
IGNORE equipment alarms
USE master stocks other than your own without permission, especially lab ANTIBIOTICS.
Hold on to FLASKS or bottles for long after your’re done with them. Instead, when you are done with
flasks/bottles, BLEACH them (if you used them to grow cultures) and put them in the metal tray near
the sink so they can go back into circulation.
Just DUMP your biohazard waste into other people’s waste bins and then not clean it up.
Leave your stuff lying around in other people’s areas.
EAT/DRINK in lab (go to the tea room to eat lunch and hang out).
PLAY MUSIC out loud (not everyone likes your taste).
DO’s AND DON’TS
54. DO's
Stay SAFE!
Be CONSIDERATE of others (their stuff, needs, space, etc)
Always ASK SOMEONE if you’re not sure about something. First ask the iGEM graduate advisors before
asking other members of the Endy lab.
THINK before you do.
CLEAN UP after yourself, both on a day-to-day basis, and once the competition is over. If you’ve caused
a spill in a centrifuge, clean it up.
Maintain a CLEAN workspace.
REFILL the stocks of pipette tip boxes above the PCR machines if you are taking the penultimate or the
last box of a kind (e.g. 1000ul tips)
If we’re out of anything (e.g. gloves, cuvettes), ASK your graduate leaders on how to reorder.
Maintain STERILE technique.
ASK someone before you move their stuff.
Before putting a container into the metal tray for cleaning/sterilizing, REMOVE any labels, BLEACH (if
biological material) and RINSE the container. BALANCE the centrifuges.
DO’s AND DON’TS
55. DO's
ASK SOMEONE how to use a piece of equipment if you haven’t used it before.
If you use the roller drums or shakers in the 30C or 37C rooms, remember to TURN THEM BACK ON.
CLOSE refrigerator doors!!
Use YOUR OWN master stocks of chemicals and supplies; we’ll tell you which other supplies you’re
allowed to use.
READ PROTOCOLS before you attempt them.
Keep any proteins (endonucleases, ligase, Taq supermix) always ON ICE
CHANGE TIPS between aliquots of important stocks.
WEAR GLOVES when working w/ dangerous/sensitive chemicals (phenol, RNA, etc).
Keep a good LAB NOTEBOOK so you know what you did.
LABEL TUBES
Store GLYCEROLS appropriately
If you did something wrong, CONFESS and tell someone. You won’t get in trouble for accidents, but you’ll
get in trouble for not letting people know.
DO’s AND DON’TS
56. American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
Z358.1-2004, Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment. Contains provisions regarding the
design, performance, installation, use and maintenance of various types of emergency equipment
(showers, eye washes, drench hoses, etc.).
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
Z9.5-2003, Laboratory Ventilation. This authoritative publication is intended for use by employers,
architects, occupational and environmental health and safety professionals, and others concerned
with the control of exposure to airborne contaminants. The book includes new chapters on
performance tests, air cleaning, preventative maintenance, and work practices. It also highlights the
standard's requirements and offers good practices for laboratories to follow. The book also offers
referenced standards and publications, guidance on selecting laboratory stack designs, an audit form
for ANSI Z9.5, and a sample table of contents for a laboratory ventilation management plan.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-
Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
SAFETY REGULATIONS
57. 110-1995, Method of Testing the Performance of Laboratory Hoods. Specifies a quantitative test
procedure for evaluation of a laboratory fume hood.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, 2004 Edition. Applies to
laboratories in which hazardous chemicals are handled or stored.
International Code Council (ICC)
OSHA's Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories Standard (Title 29, Code of
Federal Regulations, Part 1910.1450, specifies the mandatory requirements of a CHP to protect
persons from harm due to hazardous chemicals. The Standard can be viewed on the OSHA Web site at
www.osha.gov.
Appendix A of 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910.1450 provides non-mandatory
recommendations to assist in the development of a CHP.
SAFETY REGULATIONS
58. HAZARD SYMBOLS
Safety Symbol Explosive
Ex. TNT
Non
flammable
Gas
Flammable liquid Environmental
Hazard
Ex. K2Cr2O7
Poisenous Gas Corrosive
Ex. H2SO4
Poisonous/Toxic
Ex. NaCN
Spontaneously
Combustible.
Oxidisable
liquid
H2O2
Organic
Perroxide
Biohazard Flamable Solid Flammable
Ex. Diethyl
Ether, Hexane
Inhalation
hazard
Radioactive
hazard
Irritant
Ex. Na2CO3
Dangerous
when wet
Miscellaneou
s hazard
HAZARD SYMBOLS
59. Risk: Likelihood and Severity of Hazard (Severity X Likelihood)
PPE : Personal Protective Equipment
CHP : Chemical Hygiene Plan
OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
MSDS : Material Safety Data Sheet
Hazard: Hazard is the potential to cause harm
Terms and Abbreviations
60. Initiated and Prepared by “CQA Department.”
Thanks for the Valuable contribution given by:
BT Road Factory, QA Department
Abhoypur Factory, QA Department
