Laboratory safety Manual

1. LABORATORY SAFETY
MANUAL
PI Orientation & Laboratory Setup
Due to the variety and amount of hazardous materials (biological, chemical, and
radioactive) in our laboratories, moving into a new lab, or renovating existing conditions,
is a great opportunity to set up a safe work environment. This manual contains the
preparatory steps each lab should complete to properly address Environmental Health
and Safety concerns within your laboratory.
To schedule your pre-move walk-through or if you have questions about this guide,
contact the Lab Safety Officer at 346-3197 or Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at
346-3192.
Revised 6/22/2012

2. PI Orientation & Laboratory Setup
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Overview
All laboratories within University of Oregon are expected to maintain certain standards for the safety of
laboratory personnel, the environment, and contractors or vendors. These safety regulations and
expectations can be found in but not limited to:
UO Chemical Hygiene Plan http://ehs.uoregon.edu/chemical-hygiene
UO Laboratory-Safety Guides http://ehs.uoregon.edu/laboratory-safety
UO Hazardous Waste Program http://ehs.uoregon.edu/hazardous-waste
UO Biosafety Program http://ehs.uoregon.edu/biosafety
UO Radiation Safety Program http://ehs.uoregon.edu/radiation-safety
Responsibilities
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) will provide proper guidance on regulatory requirements for all
laboratories. EHS will meet with new Principal Investigators (PIs) to introduce them to the safety policies
and practices of the University of Oregon. This initial consultation is a key component of new faculty
orientation; EHS is also always available for ongoing consultation.
Departments are the responsible entity for ensuring that EHS is aware of new PIs, and that PIs are
aware of and follow safety requirements.
Principal Investigators are the responsible entity for the management (including safety management) of
their laboratory.
Laboratory Directors, Managers, and Supervisors are responsible for implementing the safety
practices within each laboratory, ensuring that proper personal protective equipment is available and in
use, and ensuring that all laboratory personnel are adequately trained prior to performing laboratory work.
See Appendix 1 for training recommendations.
All lab workers are responsible for following all appropriate safety practices of the lab and for reporting
unsafe practices to the Laboratory Supervisor, Manager, or PI. All lab workers can contact EHS at any
time for consultation on questions or concerns.
The following checklist will explain expectations on:
• Emergency Information and Emergency Equipment
• Signs and Postings
• Other Equipment
• Chemical Storage and Waste
• Biohazard/Infectious Waste
• Radiation
• Laboratory Audits
• University Environmental Health and Safety Training Requirements & Recommendations
EHS Laboratory Move-In Contacts:
EHS Office (72 Onyx Bridge) Reception 346-3192
Laboratory Safety Officer Steve Stuckmeyer 346-3197 stuckmyr@uoregon.edu
Hazardous Waste Specialist Craig Biersdorff 346-2348 craigb@uoregon.edu
Biosafety Officer Maeve Sowles 346-3476 maeves@uoregon.edu
Radiation Safety Officer Don Elting 346-2864 delting@uoregon.edu

3. PI Orientation & Laboratory Setup
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LABORATORY MOVE IN CHECKLIST
P.I. DATE &
INITIAL
WHEN
COMPLETED
EMERGENCY INFORMATION AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
1. Post Emergency contacts near all phones. An easy way to do this is to print labels
with these numbers on them for each phone. Provide EHS with three emergency
contacts – these will be used on laboratory door signage.
NOTE: Call 911 for all Emergencies
Call Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 6-2919 for non-emergency
incident assistance
2. Have materials available to handle small spills which your laboratory is adequately
trained to clean up. Keep spill kits, absorbent material (i.e. vermiculite, kitty litter,
and absorbent pads), appropriate disinfectant for biological material spills, and
personal protective equipment in a standard location within the lab.
Large Spills should be handled by EHS.
3. Test the eyewashes located in your area when you move into the lab. Test the
eyewashes once a week and document your test (a log sheet is provided in
Appendix 4). Keep the area around the eyewash free from storage and other clutter.
4. If a safety shower is located within the lab, check the inspection tag on the shower to
ensure that it has been tested within the last year. Contact EHS if the inspection is
not current or if the sticker is missing. Keep the area under and around the
emergency shower free from storage and other clutter.
5. Review the types of fire extinguishers available in the lab (i.e. Class A, B, C, D, K, or
combinations). Are they adequate for the hazards associated with your work?
Contact EHS with any concerns.
6. Review the locations of all exits, eyewashes, safety showers, fire pull stations,
emergency shut-offs, electrical breakers, spill supplies, and other emergency
procedures with all lab staff. Use the New Orientation Checklist (Appendix 2) to
document this training, keep a record on file, and send a copy of the documentation
to EHS. Emergency response guidance is included in Appendix 3.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES and SIGNS and POSTINGS
7. Review the University’s Chemical Hygiene Plan. This should be provided to your
employees. It is found at: http://ehs.uoregon.edu/chemical-hygiene
8. Establish a Laboratory-Specific Chemical Hygiene plan that will serve as a training
tool for new employees, a reference tool for existing employees, and a source of
documentation for regulatory inspections. A template to facilitate this is found at:
http://ehs.uoregon.edu/chemical-hygiene
9. Ensure the required Laboratory Hazards/Contacts Door Sign, Biosafety Level Door
Sign, Ionizing Radiation Door Sign, Laser Radiation Door Sign, and other applicable
Door Signs are posted at the entry door(s) to the Laboratory. Contact EHS for signs
and to evaluate door signage requirements.
10. Label laboratory-grade refrigerators “No Food or Drink Allowed”. Stickers are
available from EHS.
11. Label domestic-grade laboratory refrigerators and microwaves “No Food or Drink
Allowed” and “No Flammable Materials”. Stickers are available from EHS.
12. Label all staff food refrigerators and microwaves “For Food Only”. Stickers are
available from EHS.

4. PI Orientation & Laboratory Setup
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13. Check that all sinks have been posted “No Chemicals/Hazardous Waste Disposal”.
Stickers are available from EHS.
14. Check that ice machines have “For Laboratory Use Only” posted.
EQUIPMENT
15. Check that all Laboratory Fume Hoods are functioning properly and have had airflow
tested within the past year.
16. Check that any local exhaust needs have been met (e.g. HPLC, or other equipment
that may emit vapors).
17. Check that all Biosafety Cabinets are working properly and have been certified within
the past year. If you have moved a Biosafety Cabinet into a new space, it must be
recertified prior to use.
18. Check that the internal gas connections in incubators are intact.
19. Check that all no electrical cords are frayed, or have had plugs modified.
20. Check that all mechanical systems have guards on moving parts (e.g. pulleys on
vacuum pumps).
21. Check that all water cooling hoses are securely attached (with hose clamps). Water
leaks present enormous problems for buildings.
22. Ensure freezers, refrigerators, dry boxes, glove bags/boxes, and other equipment in
common equipment rooms have an emergency contact list prominently posted.
23. If floor model centrifuges were moved, arrange with the manufacturer or service
contract provider to have them re-leveled and re-installed.
CHEMICAL STORAGE and WASTE
24. Check that necessary Sharps, Glass Waste, Hazardous Waste, and Biohazard
Waste disposal containers are available and properly labeled. Containers are
available from EHS.
25. Maintain an electronic inventory of all chemicals, solvents, and gas cylinders in your
laboratory. Please use the Inventory Template provided by EHS. This MS Excel
form facilitates the University’s process of monitoring for compliance with many
regulatory requirements – EHS will query this data from laboratories on an annual
basis.
26. Segregate liquid and solid chemicals into hazard classes. Fisher, Baker, and other
chemical manufacturers use color code systems for segregating chemicals. (Keep in
mind that not all manufacturers use the same color code). This may help you to
separate them according to hazard class:
Flammables and Combustibles (Red)
Corrosive Acids (White A)
Corrosive Bases (White B)
Flammable Solids (Red)
Oxidizers (Yellow OX)
Poisons / Toxins (Blue T)
Cyanides (Blue C)
Peroxide Formers (Yellow PF)
Water Reactives (Yellow WR)
Organic Peroxides (Yellow OP)
27. Properly store flammable liquids in flammable storage cabinets. Note: maximum
flammable liquids storage allowed outside a flammable cabinet is 10 gallons.
28. Acids, bases, and volatile toxics are stored in dedicated cabinets (and connected to
local exhaust ventilation when available & appropriate).

5. PI Orientation & Laboratory Setup
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29. Secure all compressed gas cylinders. The laboratory must provide all necessary
straps or chains. Restraints are required at 2/3 of cylinder height; restraints at the
bottom are also recommended.
30. Excess chemicals that are no longer wanted within your laboratory may be collected
by EHS, stored, and checked out of a Chemical ReUse Library by all UO researchers
(http://ehs.uoregon.edu/chemical-reuse). Please query this library to see if its
contents may fit your needs.
31. Hazardous wastes are collected by EHS. Requests for hazardous chemical waste
pickup are placed by calling 346-3192. Manage all Hazardous Waste in accordance
with University Policy. Guidance is at: http://ehs.uoregon.edu/hazardous-waste
BIOHAZARD / INFECTIOUS MATERIALS
32. An Application for the Use of Recombinant DNA or Infectious Agents must be
submitted to the Biological Safety Officer (BSO) for review and approval by the
Institutional Biosafety Committee. Request an application form from EHS.
33. Individuals wanting to use infectious materials must have appropriate training.
34. Biohazard symbols will be posted or removed as determined by the BSO.
35. Contact EHS to request biohazard waste boxes and liners, and for disposal of full
containers.
36. Biohazard Sharps: Place into a leak-proof, puncture-resistant, labeled sharps
container. When the container is two-thirds full, close the lid, decontaminate the
surface of the container with an appropriate disinfectant and place in biohazard bag-
lined box for disposal.
Non-contaminated Sharps (including broken glassware): Place in a labeled
puncture-resistant container with a total weight of less than 20 pounds at time of
disposal.
Contact EHS for disposal of full containers.
RADIATION
37. An Application for the Use of Radioactive Materials or Ionizing Radiation must be
submitted to the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) for review and approval by the
Radiation Safety Committee. Request an application from EHS.
38. Contact the Radiation Safety Officer for assistance with Waste Disposal.
39. Individuals wanting to use radioactive materials or radiation producing machines
must have appropriate training.
40. Radiation Use Authorizations must be amended prior to using a new location or
radionuclide.
41. Identify Radiation Survey (wipe test) locations on a lab diagram and provide to the
RSO.
42. Radiation Warning signs will be posted or removed by the RSO.
LABORATORY AUDITS
43. EHS periodically inspects laboratories for compliance with chemical, biological, and
radioactive material regulations and other UO safety procedures. The lab is
encouraged to use the EHS inspection checklist as a guide for internal auditing. It,
as well as explanatory documentation, is available on the EHS Lab Safety website at:
http://ehs.uoregon.edu/laboratory-safety-guides-manuals
44. Governmental agencies such as OSHA, DEQ, EPA, NIH, and others, may conduct
inspections for compliance. There is no advance notice of these inspections.
Contact EHS immediately if a regulator visits your lab.

6. Appendix 1
6
Training Recommendations
for Research Laboratory Personnel
Requirement When Update Trigger Trainer
Emergency
Egress Review
At the time of hire
or first
assignment
Annually All staff Supervisor
or designee
First Aid & CPR
Training
At the time of hire
or first
assignment
Every 3 years All laboratory staff EHS
Fire Extinguisher
Training
At the time of hire
or first
assignment
Every 3 years All laboratory staff EHS
Bloodborne
Pathogens
General Training
At the time of hire
or first
assignment
Annually Potential exposure to
human blood, body
fluids, tissues, cell
lines
EHS
UO Chemical
Hygiene Plan and
SOPs
At the time of hire
or first
assignment
New hazards
or new
procedures
Laboratory use of
hazardous chemicals
EHS
Lab-Specific
Chemical Hygiene
Plan and SOPs
At the time of hire
or first
assignment
New hazards
or new
procedures
Laboratory use of
hazardous chemicals
Supervisor
or designee
Laboratory Safety
and Hazardous
Waste
At the time of hire
or first
assignment
Every 3 years Laboratory use of
hazardous chemicals
EHS
Radiation Safety At the time of hire
or first
assignment
Every 3 years Working with
radioactive materials
EHS
Laser Safety At the time of hire
or first
assignment
As required to
maintain
competency
Working in the
vicinity of lasers, and
use or maintenance
of Class IIIB or IV
lasers
Supervisor
or designee
BioSafety At the time of hire
or first
assignment
Every 3 years Working with
biohazardous
materials (e.g. rDNA)
EHS
Shipping
hazardous or
infectious
materials
At the time of hire
or first
assignment
Every 3 years Shipping hazardous
or infectious
materials
EHS
Respiratory
Protection
Prior to use of
respirators
(including N-95’s)
Annually Required use of
respirators
EHS

7. Appendix 2
7
This checklist may be used to assist employers with the laboratory-specific training requirements outlined in the
Laboratory Safety Standard.
Introduction to laboratory-specific Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP):
Location and contents
Review Chemical Inventory.
Review location of MSDSs.
Review emergency information: Spills, Personal Injury, Fire, and Power Failure.
Fire extinguisher
First aid supplies
Safety shower
Eye wash
Evacuation plans
Basic Safety Rules
Note rules with special importance for your laboratory.
Identify specific areas for food consumption outside of the lab.
Review procedures for working after hours.
Review Waste Handling Procedures.
Labeling
Packaging
Pick-ups
Review procedures for chemical procurement, distribution, and storage.
Review Standard Operation Procedures for use of hazardous materials
Storage (compatible storage, corrosives cabinet, flammable liquid storage cabinet, flammable
liquid storage refrigerator, liquid nitrogen dewars, etc.)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Location where certain procedure(s) may be performed (e.g., mechanical ventilation required)
Waste Disposal (aqueous, solid, biohazardous, radioactive, sharps, and glass)
Review procedures for use of compressed gas cylinders
Protective Apparel and Equipment
Discuss when safety glasses, goggles, or face shields are required.
Discuss any need for other protective equipment.
Discuss selection of gloves (& manufacturer’s guidance).
Laboratory Safety Training – New Orientation Checklist

8. Appendix 2
8
Housekeeping, Maintenance, and Inspections
Discuss materials stored or frequently present on the floor.
Discuss maintenance items for scientific equipment.
Discuss formal and internal inspection programs.
Exposure Monitoring
Discuss PEL and TLV for chemicals in use and how to reduce employee exposure.
Discuss building ventilation.
Discuss use of fume hoods, biological safety cabinets or other mechanical ventilation systems.
Review SOP for working with Biologically Hazardous Materials
Review Exposure Control Plan if working with human blood or other potentially infectious
materials.
Discuss Biosafety Manual if working with recombinant DNA or infectious agents.
Review Hepatitis B Vaccination Program.
Review PPE, Housekeeping and Waste Disposal Procedures.
Working with Radioisotopes
Review Radiological Safety Practices.
Review Dosimetry Program.
Medical Program
Review criteria for medical surveillance, as found in the UO Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Training Program
Discuss Laboratory-Specific, EHS and other training sessions.
Additional Safety Session Topics
Review recent incidents/accidents/injuries and how to prevent reccurrence.
Review new equipment at least annually.
Review new procedures at least annually
Review results of recent inspections and how to correct problem areas.
I certify the checked, and Worker’s signature: ____________________________________
initialed, items have been Date: _______________________________________________
reviewed.
Supervisor’s signature: _________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________
* Training record should be updated as new areas become relevant; initial and date next to
checkboxes for training provided after initial date. Keep a copy of this document and send a
copy to EHS.

9. Appendix 3
9
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
OR WHAT TO DO WHEN THINGS GO WRONG
ASSESS – the situation
ACT – promptly to ensure your, and others, safety
NOTIFY – appropriate personnel
1. Dial 9-911 for Emergencies
2. Dial 346-6666 for Department of Public Safety (DPS) assistance
3. Dial 346-3192 for Department of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) assistance
Be prepared to give the nature of the event, whether a person is injured and the type
of injury, the building name and address, the room number, and the supervisor of
the workspace (name and phone number).
Emergencies, disasters, accidents, injuries, and crime can occur without warning at
any time. Panic, or failure to act, are major obstacles to safe and effective response in
an emergency situation. Advance planning, preparation and practice are the most
effective ways of ensuring that individuals can respond calmly and effectively in an
emergency.
If unsure as to the severity of a situation, DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL FOR HELP.
Call Environmental Health and Safety if you are unsure how to handle chemical
spills, waste, or other safety issues. We are here to help. EHS 346-3192
Keep MSDS’s handy in case of fire or injury. Firefighters will want to view MSDS’s
before entering the scene, and it’s helpful to send an MSDS along with the injured
person to the hospital or doctor.
Things to remember in emergency response:
1. When helping another person, evaluate the potential danger to yourself and
others before taking action.
2. Inform others in the area about the nature of the incident.
3. Report the nature and location of an incident to the instructor or supervisor. If
a LIFE-THREATENING emergency, call 911; Call DPS (346-6666) for
additional help. Tell who is involved, what happened, where you are, when
the accident happened, and how the emergency occurred. Stay in the area,
but away from danger, until emergency responders arrive.

10. Appendix 3
10
4. Assist any injured person with an appropriate response to the injury. If a
chemical splash has occurred, rinse the affected area for 15 minutes in
running water, or put the person in a safety shower. If the eyes are involved,
use the eyewash for 15 minutes. In any chemical splash, check the MSDS for
potential complications and delayed effects. It is advisable to seek medical
attention for even minor chemical exposures.
5. Confine the emergency, if reasonably achievable.
6. Evacuate the area, or the building, if the situation is obviously serious.
Always protect personnel. Doors should be closed on the way out in order to
confine the emergency to the specific lab space.

11. Appendix 3
11
INCIDENT RESPONSE
EMERGENCY ..................................................9-911
URGENT (Campus DPS)...........................346-2919
EHS ............................................................346-3192
BE PREPARED  BE SURE YOU KNOW
WHERE YOU ARE LOCATED:
NEAREST TELEPHONE:
FIRST AID KIT LOCATED:
SAFETY SHOWER/ EYEWASH:
FIRE EXTINGUISHER:
FIRE BLANKET:
FIRE ALARM PULL STATION:
NEAREST BATHROOMS:
SPILL KIT LOCATION:
MSDS’s LOCATED:
EVACUATION ROUTES:

12. Appendix 4
12

13. Appendix 4
13
Eyewash Log
Date Initials
Eyewash Log
Date Initials
Eyewash Log
Date Initials

14. 14