LABOTARY SAFETY GUIDENCE

1. Labotary Safety Standard

Commonly known as the Laboratory standard, it was developed to address
workplaces where relatively small quantities of hazardous chemicals are used on a
non-production basis. However, not all laboratories are covered by the Laboratory
standard. For example, most quality control laboratories are not covered under the
standard. These laboratories are usually adjuncts of production operations which
typically perform repetitive procedures for the purpose of assuring reliability of a
product or a process. On the other hand, laboratories that conductresearch and
development and related analytical work are subject to the requirements of the
Laboratory standard, regardless of whether or not they are used only to support
manufacturing.
The purpose of the Laboratory standard is to ensure that workers in non-
production laboratories are informed about the hazards of chemicals in their
workplace and are protected from chemical exposures exceeding allowable levels
[i.e., OSHA permissible exposure limits (PELs)] as specified in Table Z of the Air
Contaminants standard (29 CFR 1910.1000) and as specified in other substance-
specific health standards. The Laboratory standard achieves this protection by
establishing safe work practices in laboratories to implement a Chemical Hygiene
Plan (CHP).
1.1 Elements of the Laboratory Standard
This standard applies to employers engaged in laboratory use of hazardous
chemicals.
 “Laboratory” means a facility where the “laboratory use of hazardous
chemicals” occurs. It is a workplace where relatively small quantities of
hazardous chemicals are used on a non-production basis.
 “Laboratory use of hazardous chemicals” means handling or use of such
chemicals in which all of the following conditions are met:
 Chemical manipulations are carried out on a “laboratory scale” (i.e., work
with substances in which the containers used for reactions, transfers, and
other handling of substances is designed to be easily handled by one
person);
 Multiple chemical procedures or chemicals are used;
 The procedures involved are not part of a production process, nor do they in
any way simulate a production process;
 “Protective laboratory practices and equipment” are available and in
common use to minimize the potential for worker exposure to hazardous
chemicals. • Any hazardous chemical use which does not meet this
definition is regulated under other standards. This includes other hazardous
chemical use within a laboratory. For instance:
 Any hazardous chemical use which does not meet this definition is regulated
under other standards. This includes other hazardous chemical use within a
laboratory. For instance:
 Chemicals used in building maintenance of a laboratory are not covered
under the Laboratory standard.
 The production of a chemical for commercial sale, even in small quantities,
is not covered by the Laboratory standard.
 Quality control testing of a product is not covered under the Laboratory
standard.
 If the Laboratory standard applies, employers must develop a Chemical
Hygiene Plan (CHP). A CHP is the laboratory’s program which addresses all
aspects of the Laboratory standard.
 The employer is required to develop and carry out the provisions of a
written CHP.
  A CHP must address virtually every aspect of the procurement, storage,
handling, and disposal of chemicals in use in a facility.
 Primary elements of a CHP include the following:
 Minimizing exposure to chemicals by establishing standard operating
procedures, requirements for personal protective equipment, engineering
controls (e.g., chemical fume hoods, air handlers, etc.) and waste disposal
procedures.
 For some chemicals, the work environment must be monitored for levels
that require action or medical attention.
 Procedures to obtain free medical care for work-related exposures must be
stated.
 The means to administer the plan must be specified.
 Responsible persons must be designated for procurement and handling of
Material Safety Data Sheets, organizing training sessions, monitoring
employee work practices, and annual revision of the CHP.
2. Hierarchy of Controls
Occupational safety and health professionals use a framework called the
“hierarchy of controls” to select ways of dealing with workplace hazards. The
hierarchy of controls prioritizes intervention strategies based on the premise that the
best way to control a hazard is to systematically remove it from the workplace, rather
than relying on workers to reduce their exposure. The types of measures that may be
used to protect laboratory workers, prioritized from the most effective to least
effective, are:
• engineering controls;
• administrative controls;
• work practices; and
• personal protective equipment (PPE).
Most employers use a combination of control methods. Employers must
evaluate their particular workplace to develop a plan for protecting their workers that
may combine both immediate actions as well as longer term solutions. A description
of each type of control for non-production laboratories follows.
Engineering controls are those that involve making changes to the work
environment to reduce work-related hazards. These types of controls are preferred
over all others because they make permanent changes that reduce exposure to hazards
and do not rely on worker behavior. By reducing a hazard in the workplace,
engineering controls can be the most cost-effective solutions for employers to
implement.
Examples include:
• Chemical Fume Hoods; and Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs).
Administrative controls are those that modify workers’ work schedules and
tasks in ways that minimize their exposure to workplace hazards.
Examples include:
• Developing a Chemical Hygiene Plan; and developing Standard Operating
Procedures for chemical handling.
Work practices are procedures for safe and proper work that are used to reduce
the duration, frequency or intensity of exposure to a hazard. When defining safe work
practice controls, it is a good idea for the employer to ask workers for their
suggestions, since they have firsthand experience with the tasks as actually
performed. These controls need to be understood and followed by managers,
supervisors and workers.
Examples include:
• No mouth pipetting; and
• Chemical substitution where feasible (e.g., selecting a less hazardous chemical
for a specific procedure).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is protective gear needed to keep workers
safe while performing their jobs. Examples of PPE include respirators (for example,
N95), face shields, goggles and disposable gloves. While engineering and
administrative controls and proper work practices are considered to be more effective
in minimizing exposure to many workplace hazards, the use of PPE is also very
important in laboratory settings.
It is important that PPE be:
• Selected based upon the hazard to the worker;
• Properly fitted and in some cases periodically refitted (e.g., respirators);
• Conscientiously and properly worn;
• Regularly maintained and replaced in accord with the manufacturer’s specifications;
• Properly removed and disposed of to avoid contamination of self, others or the
environment; and If reusable, properly removed, cleaned, disinfected and stored.
3. Chemical Hazard
Hazardous chemicals present physical and/or health threats to workers in
clinical, industrial, and academic laboratories. Laboratory chemicals include cancer-
causing agents (carcinogens), toxins (e.g., those affecting the liver, kidney, and
nervous system), irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, as well as agents that act on the
blood system or damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. OSHA rules
regulate exposures to approximately 400 substances.
The fume hood is often the primary control device for protecting laboratory
workers when working with flammable and/or toxic chemicals. OSHA’s Laboratory
standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) requires that fume hoods be maintained and function
properly when used.
Before using a fume hood:
 Make sure that you understand how the hood works.
 You should be trained to use it properly.
 Know the hazards of the chemical you are working with; refer to the
chemical’s Material Safety Data Sheet if you are unsure.
 Ensure that the hood is on.
 Make sure that the sash is open to the proper operating level, which is usually
indicated by arrows on the frame.
 Make sure that the air gauge indicates that the air flow is within the required
range.
 When using a fume hood:
 Never allow your head to enter the plane of the hood opening. For example,
for vertical rising sashes, keep the sash below your face; for horizontal sliding
sashes, keep the sash positioned in front of you and work around the side of
the sash.
 Use appropriate eye protection.
 Be sure that nothing blocks the airflow through the baffles or through the
baffle exhaust slots.
 Elevate large equipment (e.g., a centrifuge) at least two inches off the base of
the hood interior.
 Keep all materials inside the hood at least six inches from the sash opening.
When not working in the hood, close the sash.
4. Biological Hazard
4.1 Biological Agents (other than Bloodborne Pathogens) and Biological Toxins
Many laboratory workers encounter daily exposure to biological hazards. These
hazards are present in various sources throughout the laboratory such as blood and
body fluids, culture specimens, body tissue and cadavers, and laboratory animals, as
well as other workers.
4.1.1 Bloodborne Pathogens
The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) is
designed to protect workers from the health hazards of exposure to bloodborne
pathogens. Employers are subject to the BBP standard if they have workers whose
jobs put them at reasonable risk of coming into contact with blood or other potentially
infectious materials (OPIM). Employers subject to this standard must develop a
written Exposure Control Plan, provide training to exposed workers, and comply with
other requirements of the standard, including use of Standard Precautions when
dealing with blood and OPIM. In 2001, in response to the Needlestick Safety and
Prevention Act, OSHA revised the Bloodborne Pathogens standard. The revised
standard clarifies the need for employers to select safer needle devices and to involve
workers in identifying and choosing these devices. The updated standard also requires
employers to maintain a log of injuries from contaminated sharps.
Many factors influence the risk of becoming infected after a needlestick or cut
exposure to HBV-, HCV- or HIV-contaminated blood. These factors include the
health status of the individual, the volume of the blood exchanged, the concentration
of the virus in the blood, the extent of the cut or the depth of penetration of the
needlestick, etc
Employers must ensure that workers are trained and prohibited from
engaging in the following activities:
 Mouth pipetting/suctioning of blood or OPIM, 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(xii);
 Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, or handling contact
lenses in work areas where there is a reasonable likelihood of occupational
exposure to blood or OPIM, 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(ix); and Storage of food or
drink in refrigerators, freezers, shelves, cabinets or on countertops or bench tops
where blood or OPIM are present, 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(x).
Employers must ensure that the following are provided:
• Appropriate PPE for workers if blood or OPIM exposure is anticipated, 29 CFR
1910.1030(d)(3); n The type and amount of PPE depends on the anticipated
exposure.
• Gloves must be worn when hand contact with blood, mucous membranes, OPIM,
or non-intact skin is anticipated, or when handling contaminated items or
surfaces, 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix).
• Surgical caps or hoods and/or shoe covers or boots must be worn in instances
when gross contamination can reasonably be anticipated such as during autopsies
or orthopedic surgery, 29 CFR 1910.1030(d) (3)(xii).
• Effective engineering and work practice controls to help remove or isolate
exposures to blood and bloodborne pathogens, 29 CFR 1910.1030(d) (2)(i), CPL
02-02-069 (CPL 2-2.69); and Hepatitis B vaccination (if not declined by a
worker) under the supervision of a physician or other licensed healthcare
 professional to all workers who have occupational exposure to blood or OPIM, 29
CFR 1910.1030(f)(1)(ii)(A)-(C).
4.1.2 Labels
Labels When any blood, OPIM or infected animals are present in the work area,
a hazard warning sign (see graphic) incorporating the universal biohazard symbol, 29
CFR 1910.1030(g)(1)(ii)(A), must be posted on all access doors, 29 CFR
1910.1030(e) (2)(ii)(D).

4.1.3 Engineering Controls and Work Practices for All HIV/HBV Laboratories
Employers must ensure that:
• All activities involving OPIM are conducted in Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs)
or other physical-containment devices; work with OPIM must not be conducted
on the open bench, 29 CFR 1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(E);
• Certified BSCs or other appropriate combinations of personal protection or
physical containment devices, such as special protective clothing, respirators,
centrifuge safety cups, sealed centrifuge rotors, and containment caging for
animals, be used for all activities with OPIM that pose a threat of exposure to
droplets, splashes, spills, or aerosols, 29 CFR 1910.1030(e)(2)(iii)(A);
• Each laboratory contains a facility for hand washing and an eyewash facility
which is readily available within the work area, 29 CFR 1910.1030(e)(3)(i); and
Each work area contains a sink for washing hands and a readily available eyewash
facility. The sink must be foot, elbow, or automatically operated and must be
located near the exit door of the work area, 29 CFR 1910.1030(e)(4)(iii).
Additional BBP Standard Requirements Apply to HIV and HBV Research
Laboratories Requirements include:
• Waste materials:
All regulated waste must either be incinerated or decontaminated by a method
such as autoclaving known to effectively destroy bloodborne pathogens, 29 CFR
1910.1030(e)(2)(i); and n Contaminated materials that are to be decontaminated at a
site away from the work area must be placed in a durable, leakproof, labeled or color-
coded container that is closed before being removed from the work area, 29 CFR
1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(B).
• Access:
Laboratory doors must be kept closed when work involving HIV or HBV is in
progress, 29 CFR 1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(A); n Access to the production facilities’ work
area must be limited to authorized persons. Written policies and procedures must be
established whereby only persons who have been advised of the potential biohazard,
who meet any specific entry requirements, and who comply with all entry and exit
procedures must be allowed to enter the work areas and animal rooms, 29 CFR
1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(C); Access doors to the production facilities’ work area or
containment module must be self-closing, 29 CFR 1910.1030(e)(4)(iv); Work areas
must be separated from areas that are open to unrestricted traffic flow within the
building. Passage through two sets of doors must be the basic requirement for entry
into the work area from access corridors or other contiguous areas. Physical
separation of the high-containment work area from access corridors or other areas or
activities may also be provided by a double-doored clothes-change room (showers
may be included), airlock, or other access facility that requires passing through two
sets of doors before entering the work area, 29 CFR 1910.1030(e)(4)(i); and The
surfaces of doors, walls, floors and ceilings in the work area must be water-resistant
so that they can be easily cleaned. Penetrations in these surfaces must be sealed or
capable of being sealed to facilitate decon-tamination, 29 CFR 1910.1030(e)(4)(ii).
(These requirements do not apply to clinical or diagnostic laboratories engaged solely
in the analysis of blood, tissue, or organs, 29 CFR 1910.1030(e)(1).)
4.1.4 Research Animals
All procedures on animals should be performed by properly trained personnel.
By using safe work practices and appropriate PPE, 29 CFR 1910.132(a), workers can
minimize the likelihood that they will be bitten, scratched, and/or exposed to animal
body fluids and tissues.
Possible Injuries/Illnesses
 The most common work-related health complaints reported by individuals
working with small animals are the following:
1. Sprains;
2. Strains;
3. Bites;
4. Allergies.
Of these injuries, allergies (i.e., exaggerated reactions by the body’s immune
system) to proteins in small animals’ urine, saliva, and dander are the greatest
potential health risk. An allergic response may evolve into life-long asthma. Because
mice and rats are the animals most frequently used in research studies, there are more
reports of allergies to rodents than other laboratory animals. Most workers who
develop allergies to laboratory animals will do so within the first twelve months of
working with them. Sometimes reactions only occur in workers after they have been
handling animals for several years. Initially, the symptoms are present within minutes
of the worker’s exposure to the animals. Approximately half of allergic workers will
have their initial symptoms subside and then recur three or four hours following the
exposure.
Employers should adopt the following best practices to reduce allergic
responses of workers:
• Eliminate or minimize exposure to the proteins found in animal urine, saliva and
dander.
• Limit the chances that workers will inhale or have skin contact with animal proteins
by using well-designed air handling and waste management systems.
• Have workers use appropriate PPE (e.g., gloves, gowns, hair covers, respirators) to
further minimize their risk of exposure.
Specific Engineering Control – Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs)
Properly maintained BSCs, when used in conjunction with good
microbiological techniques, provide an effective containment system for safe
manipulation of moderate and high-risk infectious agents [Biosafety Level 2 (BSL 2)
and 3 (BSL 3) agents]. BSCs protect laboratory workers and the immediate
environment from infectious aerosols generated within the cabinet.Biosafety Cabinet
Certifications BSCs must be certified when installed, whenever they are moved and at
least annually, 29 CFR 1030(e)(2)(iii)(B).
Physical Hazards and Others
Besides exposure to chemicals and biological agents, laboratory workers can
also be exposed to a number of physical hazards. Some of the common physical
hazards that they may encounter include the following: ergonomic, ionizing radiation,
non-ionizing radiation and noise hazards. These hazards are described below in
individual sections.

5. Ergonomic Hazards
Laboratory workers are at risk for repetitive motion injuries during routine
laboratory procedures such as pipetting, working at microscopes, operating
microtomes, using cell counters and keyboarding at computer workstations.
Repetitive motion injuries develop over time and occur when muscles and joints are
stressed, tendons are inflamed, nerves are pinched and the flow of blood is restricted.
Standing and working in awkward positions in front of laboratory hoods/biological
safety cabinets can also present ergonomic problems.
By becoming familiar with how to control laboratory ergonomics-related risk
factors, employers can reduce chances for occupational injuries while improving
worker comfort, productivity, and job satisfaction. In addition to the general
ergonomic guidance, laboratory employers are reminded of some simple adjustments
that can be made at the workplace. While there is currently no specific OSHA
standard relating to ergonomics in the laboratory workplace, it is recommended that
employers provide the information to laboratory workers contained in the new OSHA
fact sheet highlighted below.
Ionizing Radiation
OSHA Ionizing Radiation Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1096, sets limits on exposure
to atomic particle radiation. Ionizing radiation its sources are found in a variety of
occupations settings, including laboratories. This radiation sources can pose major
health risks to affected workers if not properly controlled. Any laboratory that
possesses or uses radioactive isotopes must have a permit from the Nuclear
Regulatory Agency Commission (NRC) and/or by that state agency has been
approved by the NRC, 10 CFR 31.11 and 10 CFR 35.12. The fundamental goal of
radiation protection The efforts made are: (1) limiting the entry of radionuclides into
the human body (through ingestion, inhalation, absorption, or through open wounds)
in amounts as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) and always within
predetermined limits; and (2) limit external radiation exposure to appropriate levels
prescribed dose limits and as far below those limits that can be reasonably achieved.

Non-ionizing Radiation
Non-ionizing radiation is described as a series of energy waves composed of
oscillating electric and magnetic fields traveling at the speed of light. Nonionizing
radiation includes the spectrum of ultraviolet (UV), visible light, infrared (IR),
microwave (MW), radio frequency (RF), and extremely low frequency (ELF). Lasers
commonly operate in the UV, visible, and IR frequencies. Non-ionizing radiation is
found in a wide range of occupational settings and can pose a considerable health risk
to potentially exposed workers if not properly controlled.
Extremely Low Frequency Radiation (ELF) Extremely Low Frequency (ELF)
radiation at 60 HZ is produced by power lines, electrical wiring, and electrical
equipment. Common sources of intense exposure include ELF induction furnaces and
high-voltage power lines. Radiofrequency and Microwave Radiation Microwave
radiation (MW) is absorbed near the skin, while radiofrequency (RF) radiation may
be absorbed throughout the body. At high enough intensities both will damage tissue
through heating. Sources of RF and MW radiation include radio emitters and cell
phones. Infrared Radiation (IR) The skin and eyes absorb infrared radiation (IR) as
heat.
Workers normally notice excessive exposure through heat sensation and pain.
Sources of IR radiation include heat lamps and IR lasers. Visible Light Radiation The
different visible frequencies of the electro magnetic (EM) spectrum are "seen" by our
eyes as different colors. Good lighting is conducive to increased production, and may
help prevent incidents related to poor lighting conditions. Excessive visible radiation
can damage the eyes and skin. Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) Ultraviolet radiation (UV)
has a high photon energy range and is particularly hazardous because there are
usually no immediate symptoms of excessive exposure. Sources of UV radiation in
the laboratory include black lights and UV lasers. Laser Hazards Lasers typically emit
optical (UV, visible light, IR) radiations and are primarily an eye and skin hazard.
Common lasers include CO2 IR laser; helium - neon, neodymium YAG, and ruby
visible lasers, and the Nitrogen UV laser.

Noise
OSHA’s Occupational Noise Exposure standard, 29 CFR 1910.95, requires
employers to develop and implement a hearing conservation program that includes
the use of PPE (e.g., hearing protectors), if workers are exposed to a time-weighted
average (TWA) of ≥ 85 dBA over an 8-hour work shift. In addition, when workers
are exposed to noise levels ≥ 85 dBA, the employer must develop a monitoring
program to assess noise levels. The monitoring program must include the following
components: • All continuous, intermittent, and impulsive sound levels from 80-130
dBA must be included in noise measurements, 29 CFR 1910.95(d)(2)(i); •
Instruments used to measure worker noise exposure must be calibrated to ensure
measurement accuracy, 29 CFR 1910.95(d)(2)(ii); and • Monitoring must be repeated
whenever a change in production, process, equipment, or controls increases noise
exposures, 29 CFR 1910.95(d)(3).
Laboratory workers are exposed to noise from a variety of sources. Operation of
large analyzers (e.g., chemistry analyzer), fume hoods, biological safety cabinets,
incubators, centrifuges (especially ultracentrifuges), cell washers, sonicators, and
stirrer motors, all contribute to the noise level in laboratories. Further sources of noise
in laboratories include fans and compressors for cryostats, refrigerators, refrigerated
centrifuges, and freezers. As an example, a high-speed refrigerated centrifuge alone
can generate noise levels as high as 65 dBA. To provide some further context, a
whisper registers approximately 30 dBA; normal conversation about 50 to 60 dBA; a
ringing phone 80 dBA and a power mower 90 dBA. If noise levels exceed 80 dBA,
people must speak very loudly to be heard, while at noise levels of 85 to 90 dBA,
people have to shout. In order to determine if the noise levels in the laboratory are
above the threshold level that damages hearing, the employer must conduct a noise
exposure assessment using an approved sound level monitoring device, such as a
dosimeter, and measuring an 8-hour TWA exposure.
If the noise levels are found to exceed the threshold level, the employer must
provide hearing protection at no cost to the workers and train them in the proper use
of the protectors. The potential dangers of miscommunicating instructions or
laboratory results are obvious, and efforts should be made to improve the design of
clinical laboratories and to evaluate new instrumentation with regard to the impact of
these factors on worker noise exposure. The employer should evaluate the possibility
of relocating equipment to another area or using engineering controls to reduce the
noise level below an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA in order to comply with OSHA’s
Occupational Noise Exposure standard.
Health Effects
Exposure to continuous noise may lead to the following stress-related
symptoms: • Depression;
• Irritability;
• Decreased concentration in the workplace;
• Reduced efficiency and decreased productivity;
• Noise-induced hearing loss;
• Tinnitus (i.e., ringing in the ears); and Increased errors in laboratory work.
There are several steps that employers can take to minimize the noise in the
laboratory, including:
• Moving noise-producing equipment (e.g., freezers, refrigerators, incubators
and centrifuges) from the laboratory to an equipment room;
• Locating compressors for controlled-temperature rooms remotely; and
 • Providing acoustical treatment on ceilings and walls. 2 4 Occupational Safety
and Health Administration.
Employers must assess tasks to identify potential workplace hazards and
providing and ensuring that workers use appropriate personal protective equipment
(PPE) as stated in the PPE standard, 29 CFR 1910.132. Employers must require their
workers to use reasonable means Protect your hands when your hands are exposed to
smoke hazards such as sharp objects and potential burns due to heat. Examples of
PPE that may be selected including using oven gloves when handling hot objects, and
steel mesh or cut-resistant gloves when handling or sorting sharp objects as
mentioned in Hand Protection Standards, 29 CFR 1910.138.

Autoclave and Sterilizer Workers

must be trained to recognize potential exposure to burns or cuts curs due to
handling or sorting of hot sterilized items or sharp objects when removing it
autoclave/sterilizer or from the steam line autoclave service.
Compressed Gases
According to OSHA’s Laboratory standard, a “compressed gas” (1) is a gas or
mixture of gases in a container having an absolute pressure exceeding 40 pounds per
square inch (psi) at 70°F (21.1°C); or (2) is a gas or mixture of gases having an
absolute pressure exceeding 104 psi at 130°F (54.4°C) regardless of the pressure at
70°F (21.1°C); or (3) is a liquid having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi at 100°F
(37.8°C) as determined by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) D-
323-72, [29 CFR 1910. 1450(c)(1)-(3)].
Within laboratories, compressed gases are usually supplied either through fixed
piped gas systems or individual cylinders of gases. Compressed gases can be toxic,
flammable, oxidizing, corrosive, or inert. Leakage of any of these gases can be
hazardous. Leaking inert gases (e.g., nitrogen) can quickly displace air in a large area
creating an oxygen-deficient atmosphere; toxic gases (e.g., can create poison
atmospheres; and flammable (oxygen) or reactive gases can result in fire and
exploding cylinders. In addition, there are hazards from the pressure of the gas and
the physical weight of the cylinder. A gas cylinder falling over can break containers
and crush feet. The gas cylinder can itself become a missile if the cylinder valve is
broken off. Laboratories must include compressed gases in their inventory of
chemicals in their Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Compressed gases contained in cylinders vary in chemical properties, ranging
from insert and harmless to toxic and explosive. The high pressure of the gases
constitutes a serious hazard in the event that gas cylinders sustain physical damage
and/or are exposed to high temperatures
Store, handle, and use compressed gases in accord with OSHA’s Compressed
Gases standard (29 CFR 1910.101) and Pamphlet P-1-1965 from the Compressed Gas
Association.
• All cylinders whether empty or full must be stored upright.
• Secure cylinders of compressed gases. Cylinders should never be dropped or
allowed to strike each other with force.
• Transport compressed gas cylinders with protective caps in place and do not roll
or drag the cylinders
Electrical
In the laboratory, there is the potential for workers to be exposed to electrical
hazards including electric shock, electrocutions, fires and explosions. Damaged
electrical cords can lead to possible shocks or electrocutions. A flexible electrical
cord may be damaged by door or window edges, by staples and fastenings, by
equipment rolling over it, or simply by aging. The potential for possible electrocution
or electric shock or contact with electrical hazards can result from a number of
factors, including the following: • Faulty electrical equipment/instrumentation or
wiring; • Damaged receptacles and connectors; and • Unsafe work practice
Employers are responsible for complying with OSHA’s standard 1910
Subpart S-Electrical
Subpart S is comprehensive and addresses electrical safety requirements for the
practical safeguarding of workers in their workplaces. This Subpart includes, but is
not limited to, these requirements: • Electrical equipment must be free from
recognized hazards, 29 CFR 1910.303(b)(1); • Listed or labeled equipment must be
used or installed in accord with any instructions included in the listing or labeling, 29
CFR 1910.303(b)(2); • Sufficient access and working space must be provided and
maintained around all electrical equipment operating at ≤ 600 volts to permit ready
and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment, 29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1);
Fire
Fire is the most common serious hazard that one faces in a typical laboratory.
While proper procedures and training can minimize the chances of an accidental fire,
laboratory workers should still be prepared to deal with a fire emergency should it
occur. In dealing with a laboratory fire, all containers of infectious materials should
be placed into autoclaves, incubators, refrigerators, or freezers for containment. Small
bench-top fires in laboratory spaces are not uncommon. Large laboratory fires are
rare. However, the risk of severe injury or death is significant because fuel load and
hazard levels in labs are typically very high. Laboratories, especially those using
solvents in any quantity, have the potential for flash fires, explosion, rapid spread of
fire, and high toxicity of products of combustion (heat, smoke, and flame).
Employers should ensure that workers are trained to do the following in
order to prevent fires
• Plan work. Have a written emergency plan for your space and/or operation.
• Minimize materials. Have present in the immediate work area and use only the
minimum quantities necessary for work in progress. Not only does this
minimize fire risk, it reduces costs and waste.
• Observe proper housekeeping. Keep work areas uncluttered, and clean frequently.
Put unneeded materials back in storage promptly. Keep aisles, doors, and access
to emergency equipment unobstructed at all times.
• Observe restrictions on equipment (i.e., keeping solvents only in an explosion-
proof refrigerator).
• Keep barriers in place (shields, hood doors, lab doors).
• Do not heat solvents using hot plates.
 • Remember the “RACE” rule in case of a fire. n R= Rescue/remove all occupants n
A= Activate the alarm system n C= Confine the fire by closing doors n E=
Evacuate/Extinguish
Employers should train workers to remember the “PASS” rule for fire
extinguishers
PASS summarizes the operation of a fire extinguisher. P – Pull the pin A – Aim
extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire S – Squeeze the trigger while holding the
extinguisher upright S – Sweep the extinguisher from side to side; cover the fire with
the spray
Lockout/Tagout
Workers performing service or maintenance on equipment may be exposed to
injuries from the unexpected energization, startup of the equipment, or release or
stored energy in the equipment. OSHA’s Control of Hazardous Energy standard, 29
CFR 1910.147, commonly referred to as the “Lockout/Tagout” standard, requires the
adoption and implementation of practices and procedures to shut down equipment,
isolate it from its energy source(s), and prevent the release of potentially hazardous
energy while maintenance and servicing activities are being performed. It contains
minimum performance requirements, and definitive criteria for establishing an
effective program for the control of hazardous energy. However, employers have the
flexibility to develop Lockout/Tagout programs that are suitable for their respective
facilities.
This standard establishes basic requirements involved in locking and/or tagging
equipment while installation, maintenance, testing, repair or construction operations
are in progress. The primary purpose is to prevent hazardous exposure to personnel
and possible equipment damage. The procedures apply to the shutdown of all
potential energy sources associated with the equipment. These could include
pressures, flows of fluids and gases, electrical power, and radiation. This standard
covers the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the
“unexpected” energization or startup of the machines or equipment, or release of
stored energy could cause injury to workers. Under the standard, the term
“unexpected” also covers situations in which the servicing and/or maintenance is
performed during ongoing normal production operations if: • A worker is required to
remove or bypass machine guards or other safety devices, 29 CFR 1910.147(a)2)(ii)
(A) or • A worker is required to place any part of his or her body into a point of
operation or into an area on a machine or piece of equipment where work is
performed, or into the danger zone associated with the machine’s operation, 29 CFR
1910.147(a) (2)(ii)(B). The Lockout/Tagout standard establishes minimum
performance requirements for the control of such hazardous energy.
Problems involving control of hazardous energy require procedural solutions.
Employers must adopt such procedural solutions for controlling hazards to ensure
worker safety during maintenance. However, such procedures are effective only if
strictly enforced. Employers must, therefore, be committed to strict implementation
of such procedures.
Trips, Slips and Falls
Worker exposure to wet floors or spills and clutter can lead to slips/trips/falls
and other possible injuries. In order to keep workers safe, employers are referred to
OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D – Walking-Working Surfaces, Subpart E -
Means of Egress, and Subpart J - General environmental controls which states the
following: • Keep floors clean and dry, 29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2). In addition to being a
slip hazard, continually wet surfaces promote the growth of mold, fungi, and bacteria
that can cause infections. • Provide warning (caution) signs for wet floor areas, 29
CFR 1910.145(c)(2). • Where wet processes are used, maintain drainage and provide
false floors, platforms, mats, or other dry standing places where practicable, or
provide appropriate waterproof footgear, 29 CFR 1910.141(a)(3)(ii). • The
Walking/Working Surfaces standard requires that all employers keep all places of
employment clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition, 29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1). •
Keep aisles and passageways clear and in good repair, with no obstruction across or
in aisles that could create a hazard, 29 CFR 1910.22(b)(1). Provide floor plugs for
equipment, so that power cords need not run across pathways.