If your facility is licensed to work with radioactive material, at least one sink was designated for radioactive waste disposal when the license application was submitted. This sink should be posted and a log to track the radioactive material disposed of down the drain should be maintained.
Scale-up can mean different things to different people in terms of actual quantities, but the scale-up of all laboratory work needs to be addressed. It is important for all lab workers to know about scale-up, and the steps that need to be followed when they are considering scaling up their work.
If you were to survey the scientists in your labs about their view of the EHS program at your facility, what do you think they would have to say?
No, not the kind of mermaids that swim in the ocean, the kind of mermades that synthesize oligonucleotides. It is becoming more and more common to come across these pieces of equipment that are designed to synthesize DNA and RNA oligonucleotides, and there are several EHS concerns that need to be addressed when beginning work with mermades.
Do you know that OSHA has four specific standards related to ladder safety – 29 CFR 1910.24 Fixed Industrial Stairs, 29 CFR 1910.25 Portable Wood Ladders, 29 CFR 1910.26 Portable Metal Ladders, and 29 CFR 1910.27 Fixed Ladders? These standards are specific to general industry, and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X applies to construction ladder safety.
On March 28, 2016, OSHA announced that they have published a final rule to update requirements for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers in general industry, shipyards, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction.
All of the fume hoods at your facility need to be certified on an annual basis. The certification process verifies that the fume hoods are all operating as they should be and are therefore providing adequate protection for the workers utilizing a fume hood.
OSHA maintains an interactive map of enforcement cases with initial penalties above $40,000, which is updated on a weekly basis. Keep your facility off this map!
Have you ever walked through a biological lab and seen so many disinfectants readily available that you questioned how the scientists could keep them straight?
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Radiation Control Program regulates the use of lasers through 105 CMR 121.000. Lasers that are classified as 3b or 4 must be registered with the Radiation Control Program by submitting a laser registration application.
Have you ever felt like you are spinning your wheels and can’t make any progress, even for something as basic as obtaining compliance with your personal protective equipment policy?
Everyone should be familiar with the hierarchy of hazard control – elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment. When selecting appropriate engineering controls, it is critical to install the appropriate equipment to control the hazards present in the work place.
