Good housekeeping practices are being conducted
Corrective actions:
Remove all unnecessary items from biosafety cabinets, chemical fume hoods and benches. Organize and disinfect your working area and coordinate sterilization of accumulated biohazardous waste before leaving the laboratory for the day. Also limit the amount of paper, boxes, fabrics or unnecessary materials in the laboratory to facilitate cleaning and avoid blockage of exits and hallways and to prevent spread of fire.
MSU EHS can assist you in removing and disposing of old, unneeded or outdated chemicals in your laboratory. Contact MSU EHS at 517-355-0153 and you will be put in touch with the Hazardous Waste Coordinator for more information.
Additional information:
Regular housekeeping reduces injuries and accidents in the workplace. Good housekeeping includes appropriate storage of chemicals, safe and regular cleaning of the facility, disinfection of benches, sterilization of biohazardous waste and proper arrangement of lab equipment.
Access to fire exits, emergency equipment and hallways must be maintained at all times.
Benchtops or fume hoods with multiple containers of open, unneeded or unused chemicals can create dangerous conditions if a fire occurs in the laboratory. Spills and accidents are more likely when a benchtop is overloaded with equipment and chemicals.
References:
- BMBL 6th ed. HHS Publication No. (CDC) 300859
- NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. April 2019. Appendix G-II-A-1-h. and Appendix K-II-C.
- MSU Biosafety and Security Manual.
- MSU Bloodborne Exposure Control Plan
- MSU Chemical Hygiene Plan 2.4 (E) and 2.5 (H)
- MSU Waste Disposal Guidance
- International Fire Code 2015, Part II, Section 304.1