Even if it is not required by a specific regulation, laboratories working with biological materials should have an active biosafety manual in place. Has your facility developed and implemented a biosafety manual, and has it been updated recently?
There are many reasons to conduct internal lab safety audits, including preparing for regulatory inspections, promoting safety, and discovering what program elements could use some attention. Has your safety committee considered implementing internal lab safety audits?
Generators of hazardous waste are responsible for waste generated at their site from cradle to grave, meaning that the generator is responsible for waste until it is ultimately disposed of. A manifest using EPA form 8700-22, and 8700-22A if necessary, is required every time a hazardous waste generator offers waste for transportation for off-site treatment, storage, or disposal.
Individuals entering laboratory space should be informed of the hazards associated with the particular laboratories. Lab workers are required to attend safety training, but does your facility extend the training requirement to ancillary staff?
All work-related incidents, accidents, and near misses need to be reported according to your institutional policy, which typically involves completing an incident report within 24 hours of the occurrence. The critical next step is a review process to evaluate the event.
Does your facility hold a Category 2 MWRA permit? If so, it is likely that you are required to conduct semi-annual sampling by June 30, 2014. Many cities and towns located in Eastern Massachusetts fall under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Toxic Reduction and Control (TRAC) Department for industrial wastewater discharge.
How would the EHS program at your company be presented to a regulator that showed up at your door unannounced? Being prepared is essential. Many people use Memorial Day weekend as a time to prepare for the summer.
Implementing a safety committee with regularly scheduled meetings has many beneficial effects on a company’s EHS program. Do you have an established safety committee or have you considered gathering members for a safety committee?
There are numerous factors to consider when conducting a risk assessment for biological materials, and the importance of completing thorough risk assessments should not be underestimated.
It is sometimes necessary for small amounts of radiolabeled materials to be shipped to CROs, collaborative organizations, or other institutions. Would you know what to do if you were asked how to proceed with an excepted shipment?
Wastewater effluent from lab sinks is considered industrial wastewater, which typically requires a discharge permit with the local authority. pH neutralization systems are included – is yours permitted and overseen by a certified wastewater operator?
With the long winter we have had, everyone will be eager to wear their flip flops and shorts this spring. Do you have a policy in place requiring closed-toed shoes and leg covering in your labs?
