Laboratory Acquired Infections, LAIs, are difficult to track but are a true concern for many biological laboratories. Conducting thorough risk assessments to address potential hazards is a critical step in reducing the potential for LAIs.
On August 5, 2015, OSHA announced a proposed rule that would lower the permissible exposure limit for beryllium and lower workplace exposure to beryllium and beryllium compounds. The current PEL for beryllium is 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter of air, and was established by the Atomic Energy Commission in 1948 and adopted by OSHA in 1971.
Geiger- Müller survey meters (GM meters) are portable instruments used to detect and measure radiation. Facilities conducting work with radioactive materials detectable by GM meters need to have the meters calibrated at intervals not to exceed 12 months in accordance with 105 CMR 120.225.
Hazard assessments must be conducted to identify the physical and health hazards present in the workplace. This is a well known fact, but the next step is to provide all of the necessary personal protective equipment required to protect employees from the identified hazards.
In accordance with EPA and DEP regulations, hazardous chemical waste is either characteristic waste or listed waste. The EPA identifies and lists hazardous waste in 40 CFR 261 and MA DEP identifies and lists hazardous waste in 310 CMR 30.
The snow piles have finally officially all melted, and it is hot out there! Did you know that OSHA has a Heat Safety Tool available for download?
Any time a shipment of a hazardous substance is being prepared at your facility, it is important to have the appropriately trained individuals involved. Department of Transportation (DOT) training is required for individuals shipping hazardous substances, and signing a shippers’ declaration.
The use of fresh blood drawn from company employees is sometimes required when timelines in experiments are too tight to use of an outside blood supply vendor. Whenever possible, it is preferred that an outside blood supply vendor be used rather than an in-house blood donation program being established.
Everyone is busy, especially during a holiday week when busy schedules become even more compacted. We had a very long winter, and everyone I know is more than ready for summer! It is tempting to take short cuts or skip steps in established procedures to save a few minutes.
During hazard communication and chemical safety training, the practice of reviewing the SDS for a chemical prior to initiating use of that chemical is discussed. Every person working in the lab knows that they should review SDSs for the chemicals being utilized, but when was the last time that you actually took the time to sit down and read an entire SDS in detail?
One well established safety procedure is to store flammable materials in a proper flammable cabinet. Training sessions, Chemical Hygiene Plans, SOPs, etc. all cover the fact that flammables must be stored appropriately. But have you considered what should not be stored in a flammable cabinet?
On March 25, 2015, EPA proposed one-time reporting and recordkeeping requirements for chemical substances in the nanoscale range. The reporting requirements for the materials already in commerce would include the chemical identity, production volume, methods of manufacture, processing, use, exposure and release information, and available health and safety data.
