Top Ten Observations from Recent Laboratory Safety Inspections
 
  1. Lab door CAUTION signs not present or completed correctly. Section 2-VIII. A new, laminated door sign was distributed to labs during this past year(2001). If you did not receive a new caution sign and need to request one, please see the chemical and asbestos section at www.esd.uga.edu/chem for a request form. Instructions on how to complete the sign and an example of a correctly completed sign are provided. Also, see the safe-t-data for NFPA hazard ratings and storage information located at http://www.esd.uga.edu/chem/pub/saftdata.pdf.
     

  2. Acids/bases not in secondary containers. Section 2.I.E.4. Store containers of acids and bases separately in chemical resistant secondary containers. This could be a polyethylene, PYREX or Nalgene tray or pan.
     

  3. Chemicals not stored according to hazard class and compatibility. Section 2.I.E.1- 8 and Appendix J-20 and 21. Chemicals are to be separated by hazard class and compatibility such as acids, bases, flammable, peroxide-forming, water-reactive, oxidizer and toxics. Some commonly found examples are: storing oxidizers with general chemicals; storing liquids with solids and storing acids and bases together. Many of the manufacturers' labels contain storage and compatibility information.
     

  4. Outdated peroxide forming chemicals on hand. Section 2.I.E.5. and Appendix I. Label containers with date received, date opened, and expiration/disposal date and dispose of accordingly. Some commonly found peroxide formers include: ethyl ether, p-dioxane, tetrahydorfuran (THF), cyclohexene, diethylene glycol, dimethyl ether (diglyme), etc.
     

  5. Flammable liquids stored in "household" type refrigerators. Section 2.I.E.2.g. Store flammable liquids only in refrigerators specifically designed for flammable materials storage. A flammable materials storage freezer or refrigerator features spark proof interiors that separate contents from the compressor motor and wiring. Magnetic door gaskets provide airtight seals that not only insulate but also prevent hazardous fumes from leaking out. This type of flammable storage refrigerator is not designed to be stored in flammable environments, unlike explosion proof refrigerators.
     

  6. Compressed gas cylinders not securely anchored or labeled. Appendix C. All cylinders must be stored in an upright position, secured to a sturdy permanent structure. Place protective caps on cylinders when not in use. A clamp and belt or chain must secure the cylinder between the "waist and shoulder" to a wall. Cylinders should be individually secure; using a single strap or chain around a number of cylinders is not effective. See the information at www.esd.uga.edu/chem/pub/anchor_guidelines.pdf and www.esd.uga.edu/chem/pub/anchor.pdf . Tags are available on line at www.esd.uga.edu/chem/labpost.htm to indicate the status of cylinders as "full/in service/empty."
     
  7. Safety shower and eye wash location not posted. Section 2.VIII.C. Location signs indicating the location of the safety showers and eye washes can be downloaded from the Environmental Safety Division web page at www.esd.uga.edu/chem/labpost.htm. The sign should be posted at eye level at or very near the actual location. If a safety shower or eye wash is not located within your lab, then post a sign stating where the nearest shower or eye wash is located.
     

  8. First aid kit or spill kit not present. Section 2.III.P. and Section 2.IX.C.1. Each lab should have a well stocked first aid kit readily available. All labs that use hazardous chemicals must have an appropriate supply of spill/cleanup materials. See Appendix J-11 at www.esd.uga.edu/chem/safetymanual.htm for developing an inexpensive general spill kit for the lab. NOTE: universal absorbent pads do not neutralize most acids and bases. An appropriate neutralizer is needed when acids or bases are used. Visibly mark the location of first aid and spill kits if they are not openly displayed i.e., in a drawer or cabinet.
     

  9. Electrical extension devices not UL listed 1449. Section 2.X. Extension devices equipped with multi-plug, surge protectors may be permanently used with and are recommended for use with equipment containing microprocessors if they are UL 1449 listed. UL listed 1363 includes the requirements of UL 1449. Surge protectors with UL 1449 listing may be purchased through the Electronics Shop or COS. Non-UL 1449 listed multi-plug power tap devices are not to be used.
     

  10. Chemical specific RTK training records, MSDS and/or hazardous chemical inventory not maintained. Section 2.VII. And Hazardous Chemical Protection Communication (Right to Know) Plan Revised September 2000. Documentation of annual completion of chemical specific RTK training for all employees must be on hand. On-line chemical specific RTK training is available at www.esd.uga.edu/rtkcs. Print out the training form found at the end of the on-line training as your record of completion. Hard copies of MSDS for hazardous chemicals must be maintained. An MSDS binder must be visible and available in the work area. An inventory of hazardous chemicals must be maintained and made available to lab personnel. Preferably, this inventory is kept with the MSDS binder.


 

 
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