After a long winter, spring is finally here! For many, the start of the season not only brings to mind thoughts of longer days and warmer weather, but also spring cleaning. This annual ritual does not have to end at home—it can, and should, be brought into the lab!
Good housekeeping is an indicator of how safely a lab operates. Sound practices can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and incidents and can prevent many types of potential safety issues. Problems that may result from clutter and poor housekeeping practices include an increased likelihood of spills and fires, blockage of exits and safety equipment, tripping hazards, and exposure of personnel to hazardous materials.
Appendix A of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Laboratory Standard [29 CFR 1910.1450] includes National Research Council recommendations related to lab cleanliness and specifies that housekeeping practices should be included in a laboratory’s written Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP). The importance of providing regular, formal chemical hygiene and housekeeping inspections is emphasized, as is the need for lab personnel to promote good hygiene practices.
Labs that are covered by the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard [29 CFR 1910.1030] have specific regulatory requirements related to housekeeping. This standard states that the worksite must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition according to a written schedule for cleaning and use of proper decontamination methods. The housekeeping program must include a schedule and procedures to follow that take into account the types of surfaces and soils that may be present, along with the tasks being performed in the area.
The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard also specifically requires that contaminated work surfaces be decontaminated with an appropriate disinfectant after completion of procedures; immediately or as soon as feasible when surfaces are overtly contaminated or after any spill of blood or other potentially infectious materials; and at the end of the work shift if the surface may have become contaminated since the last cleaning.
In addition to meeting these requirements, other things you can do to promote a clean lab environment include the following:
- Defrost freezers at least once a year, or whenever ice build-up is excessive, to prevent increased energy usage. Use the opportunity as a time to clear out old and expired materials and organize those that remain.
- Keep fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, lab benches, sinks, and balance areas clean and free of clutter and debris.
- Clean up all spills as they occur, even if they consist of only a few drops.
- Maintain areas around electrical panels and emergency equipment (e.g., first aid/spill kits, eyewashes/safety showers, fire extinguishers) free of materials that would obstruct them.
- Ensure that egress routes to exits are not blocked and without tripping hazards.
- Store chemicals in appropriate cabinets and not in fume hoods, on lab benches, or on the floor; reorganize storage areas as needed to ensure chemical compatibility.
- Conduct routine chemical cleanouts to remove unneeded and/or expired chemicals.
- Dispose of waste containers that have not been in use for extended periods or are no longer needed through a hazardous waste vendor.
- Donate, sell, or dispose of unnecessary equipment and supplies to optimize space.
- Reduce the amount of cardboard boxes, paper, and other combustible materials in the lab to reduce the risk of fire.
Although regular good housekeeping practices are required, the spring is a great time to schedule a day, or portions over several days, for a deep cleanout. This can be a time for the scientists and lab support staff to take a break from their regular duties to focus on cleansing and clutter removal. Start the season with a fresh, organized, efficient, and—most importantly—safe laboratory!
For more tips on good laboratory housekeeping practices, or for help preparing the required safety manuals to document them, and/or conducting the necessary training to enforce them—contact us!
This blog was written by Beth Graham, Safety Partners’ Director of Quality, Research, and Training.
