General Laboratory Safety

Laboratories contain hazardous materials and sources of energy. Securing these materials, intellectual property and all laboratory infrastructure is everyone's responsibility to prevent theft or diversion of hazardous materials and equipment as well as the safety of laboratory personnel and members of the University community.

Principal Investigators (PI) or departments must ensure the laboratory is duly registered with Environmental Health and Safety and implement controlled access to restrict access to all unauthorized personnel. Other considerations for all PIs and laboratory personnel:

• Keep all laboratory doors locked when unattended and closed from unauthorized personnel and visitors.
• Instruct laboratory personnel in laboratory security controls.
• Ensure visitors and contractors have escorted access to the laboratory.
• Always keep your keys or access cards in your possession.
• Track hazardous material procurements up to delivery, verify receipt and proper storage.
• Update your material inventories annually.
• Implement increased security controls around biological and chemical materials in your laboratory.
• Report losses of sensitive material and equipment in your inventory immediately.
• Report theft or diversion of dual-use chemicals or materials that may be used for illegal activities immediately.
• For laboratory security issues, suspicious activities, missing and unaccounted loss of equipment or material, contact the University of Houston-Downtown Police Department at 713-221-8911.

• Students may work alone or after hours only if prior approval is provided by the overseeing Faculty or Principle Investigator.
• Laboratory Personnel shall never perform any hazardous work when alone in the laboratory. At least two people should be present.
• Undergraduate students, first-year graduate students, minors, volunteers should be supervised by an instructor (PI or the designee).
• Never perform unauthorized work, preparations or experiments.
• Be familiar with the location of emergency equipment - fire alarm, fire extinguisher, emergency eye wash and safety shower. Know the appropriate emergency response procedures.

Report any accident/incident/near miss, immediately, however minor the incident. In the event of a chemical/biological agent material spill which is beyond the capability of the Laboratory Personnel, please call the laboratory director/coordinator or UHD EHS Office.

Laboratory personnel are individuals who work in the laboratory including Principal Investigator (PI), researchers, laboratory technicians, undergraduate and graduate students, visiting researchers and minors in laboratories, laboratory volunteers and any other support personnel. In addition to instructing laboratory personnel on specific procedures and equipment, the Principal Investigator has overall responsibility for all laboratory operations as well as the safety of personnel and compliance of all activities undertaken in the laboratory. As a laboratory personnel, you must:

• Complete the General Laboratory Safety Orientation and other laboratory-specific trainings provided by EHS or Principal Investigator before undertaking any activity in the laboratory.
• Plan and conduct laboratory operations in accordance with laboratory specific standard operating procedures.
• Report all hazardous conditions and unsafe work practices to your Principal Investigator or laboratory designee.
• Wear or use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Report any job-related injuries or illnesses to his/her Principal Investigator, EHS and seek attention immediately.
• Refrain from the operation of any equipment or instrumentation without proper instruction and authorization.
• Remain aware of the hazards from chemicals and biological agents in the laboratory and how to handle them safely.
• Request information and training when unsure how to handle a hazardous materials or equipment.

Professional behavior is expected at all times in the laboratory. No unauthorized persons, including children, shall be allowed in the laboratory. No food or drinks are ever allowed in the laboratory. All laboratory work areas must be kept clean and clear of obstructions and clutter. Floors must be kept dry and aisles shall remain clear of boxes or other items that could be trip hazards. All laboratory wastes shall be kept in appropriate containers and labeled accordingly. If large amounts of trash require disposal, Facilities Management should be contacted immediately. Violations will not be tolerated and will result in the removal of the offender from the laboratory.

Laboratories contain hazardous materials; physical hazards, hazardous chemical, or biological agents are used or stored. For these purposes, persons below the age of 15 may not participate in laboratory activities except approved by the University. Other locations like mechanical rooms, machine shops, electrical rooms, equipment rooms and other areas with potential for unusual hazards should be taken into consideration as well.

Field Trips and Guided Tours of research facilities or laboratories for educational purposes, especially for K-12 grade level students must be arranged with the department and faculty sponsor to ensure the visit is consistent with university guidelines and that safety issues are addressed prior to the visit.

Minor children under 14 years of age are not permitted in UHD research laboratories, a or locations where unusual hazards might be present. Minors who accompany UHD employees to the workplace must always remain under adult supervision for safety reasons.

Visiting Researchers and Volunteers at UHD laboratories must be approved by their department and sponsoring Faculty, provided with requisite safety training prior to starting start of activities. Individuals under 18 years of age may not volunteer in the laboratory in any capacity.

Key Considerations:

• Minors and Visiting Researchers and persons on tour of laboratories and associated work environments must always be supervised.
• Required trainings must be completed prior to start of activities.
• Report accidents and injuries immediately to EHS.
• Provide adequate Personal Protective Equipment.
• Laboratory hosting the Minor(s), Visiting Researcher(s), Volunteers or giving tours must comply with all safety policies, procedures, standards, and regulations.

Contact EHS for questions regarding Visiting Researchers and/or Minors in Laboratories.

UHD should utilize the Hierarchy of Controls when controlling any hazards for laboratory activities. Personal Protective Equipment is the last line of defense and places the user in the position to interact with the hazards.

Hierarchy of Controls:

• Elimination
• Substitution
• Engineering Controls
• Administrative Controls
• Personal Protective Equipment

Personnel in every laboratory must have access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for the hazards present. Appropriate PPE should be determined by the Principal Investigators or designee in consultation with UHD EHS. The Principal Investigators or designee must ensure that all Laboratory Personnel, including visitors, wear appropriate PPE where chemicals or hazardous materials are stored or used. Wearing appropriate PPE and practicing good personal hygiene, as described below, will minimize exposures to hazardous chemicals/biological agents during routine use and in the event of an accident.

Attire:

Legs and feet must be covered by closed-toe shoes, long pants or skirts which fully cover the legs (no sandals, open-toed shoes, or shorts), long hair must be confined, and loose clothing and jewelry must be secured before beginning work. Wear a properly fastened lab coat or apron specific to the hazards of the procedures performed in the laboratory. This includes, but is not limited to, using flame resistant clothing for use with pyrophoric, acid-resistant protection when working with acids (especially HF or other strong acids), and protective items when working with hot or cold materials. The Principal Investigator or designer is responsible for enforcing the protective clothing needed.

Eye Protection:

Safety glasses or chemical goggles must be worn before entering any wet bench laboratory including cell culture labs and any laboratory where soldering or machining/grinding occur. This applies to all Laboratory Personnel, visitors, and facility maintenance staff and contractors. Goggles are recommended when liquid chemical or biological are used, and splashes are possible. Safety glasses or goggles must be worn over prescription glasses and must be of the type intended to be worn over prescription glasses. The Principal Investigator or Designee will determine the level of eye protection required. All eye protection used must meet ANSI Z87.1 requirements. Safety glasses should be chosen to conform to the wearer’s face and minimize gaps around the glasses. Prescription safety glasses are acceptable if they have side shields for splash protection and conform to the wearer’s face. Consult EHS for assistance in selecting proper eye protection.

Contact lenses offer no protection against eye injury and do not substitute for safety glasses and chemical splash goggles. They should not be worn where chemical vapors are present or a chemical splash or chemical dust is possible because contact lenses can be damaged under these conditions. If, however, an individual chooses to wear contact lenses in the laboratory, chemical splash goggles must be worn.

Special requirements for eye protection may exist for individuals using lasers. See UHD EHS for more details if any lasers are being used.

Face shields worn over safety glasses may be required for certain processes as determined by the Principal Investigator (PI) or designer. Full-face shields must be worn when conducting a procedure that may result in a violent reaction. Full-face shields with bottom caps to protect under the chin are preferred due to the tendency to raise the chin when a splash occurs.

Hand Protection:

Gloves are essential when working with any type of hazardous substance. Never take used gloves out of the laboratory. Always dispose of gloves properly. Never open doors with gloves. Gloves are worn when handling infectious materials (two pairs may be appropriate at BSL2). The proper gloves will prevent skin absorption, infection or burns. All glove materials are not equally effective in protection from laboratory hazards. For example, latex examination gloves may provide sufficient protection against radiological or biological hazards but may not be adequate to protect the hands from certain hazardous chemicals. To select the appropriate gloves, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of the chemical or contact UHD EHS for assistance.

Hearing Protection:

Hearing protection will be provided for anyone working in an area where the sound levels exceed 85 dBa. Contact EHS to measure noise levels, to recommend proper hearing protection, and to evaluate the need for noise reduction engineering controls.

Respirators:

In a laboratory environment, respirators may sometimes be relied on if the engineering controls and laboratory design do not adequately limit the potential exposure to hazardous air contaminants. At UHD there are protocols to lessen the size of the experiment that results in less use of chemicals. Presently UHD EHS has determined that the use of respirators is voluntary and if engineering controls are not adequate changes must be made. Individuals planning to use respiratory protection should contact UHD EHS for consultation. The proper type of respirator used should be based on a thorough analysis of the specific activity planned. UHD EHS will assist the respirator user in evaluating his or her individual circumstances. In addition, all individuals who wear respirators other than a dust mask must first be medically approved by a physician and then should be fit- tested by UHD EHS.

All students involved in research at UHD will be required to have safety training every semester they are involved in research. This will be true whether the student is doing research for units, as part of a paid program or even if they are volunteering. Students will be required to complete safety training as part of the Safety and Compliance course. Faculty and staff will be required to complete training specific to their area in accordance with state and federal guidelines. The PI is responsible for ensuring all staff and students are properly trained in the use of hazardous chemicals and equipment in the laboratory that is not covered in basic safety training. In these cases the PI must coordinate with the EHS Office about laboratory training which must include:

• Detection methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals. Examples of detection methods include visual appearance, odor and an understanding of chemical monitoring devices.
• Physical and health hazards of the chemical.
• Work practices, PPE, and emergency procedures to be used to ensure that the employee can be protected from overexposure to hazardous chemicals.

All laboratory workers must also be informed of the location and availability of the following:

• Location and information on how to read Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
• Reference material on chemical safety, including Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
• Permissible exposure limits (PELs) for OSHA regulated substances.
• Signs and symptoms associated with exposure to the hazardous chemicals found in UHD labs.

All staff and student training shall be documented as to date, time, location, instructors name and what information was covered. Staff training records shall be maintained by EHS.​

Environmental Health and Safety Office

Environmental Health and Safety Office’s main purpose is to support the University of Houston-Downtown in its mission of higher education and research. The Department's efforts are directed at assisting the University in identifying safety hazards and controlling such hazards through protective equipment, hazard mitigation methods, development, and presentation of safety training programs.

• Provide technical assistance to Laboratory Personnel concerning appropriate storage, handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals.
• Provide general and specialized laboratory safety training.
• Conduct exposure assessments and laboratory surveillance as needed or upon request.
• Perform routine, as well as special, health and safety audits.
• Provide technical assistance concerning personal protective equipment and laboratory safety equipment.
• Remain current on industrial best practices, standards, rules, and regulations.

Deans, Directors, and Heads of Academic and Administrative Units

• Ensure compliance with all requirements for laboratory safety within their departments and colleges.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to adapt the General Laboratory Safety Manual to include lab-specific guidelines and to develop strategies to implement the Manual.
• Make budget arrangements for health and safety improvements.

Principal Investigator and Designee in Charge of Supervising Laboratories

• Perform hazard assessments, develop/approve lab-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all-high-risk procedures.
• Inform and train Laboratory Personnel concerning laboratory safety as required by the Manual and retain training records and all documentation.
• Implement and enforce rules and standards concerning health and safety for laboratories.
• Ensure compliance with Laboratory Personnel with the Manual.
• Ensure the availability and enforce the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and relevant reference materials.
• Remain cognizant of chemicals stored and used in laboratories and their associated hazards.
• Dispose of chemicals that are no longer needed by submitting an on-line waste pick up request to UHD Environmental Health and Safety.
• Conduct internal inspections of laboratories for health and safety concerns.
• Request assistance from UHD Environmental Health and Safety as needed.

Laboratory Personnel

• Complete General Laboratory Safety Orientation and other Lab-specific Trainings provided by UHD EHS or Principal Investigator before undertaking any activity in the laboratory.
• Plan and conduct laboratory operations in accordance with the Manual and lab specific documents.
• Report on all hazardous conditions to his/her Principal Investigator or Designee.
• Wear or use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Report any job-related injuries or illnesses to his/her Principal Investigator or Designee and seek treatment immediately.
• Refrain from the operation of any equipment or instrumentation without proper instruction and authorization.
• Remain aware of the chemical hazards in the laboratory and how to handle, store and segregate hazardous chemicals safely.
• Request information and training when unsure how to manage a hazardous chemical or procedure.

Principal Investigators (PIs) must ensure that all hazardous chemicals, biological agents and wastes under their authorization/supervision are properly disposed of, transferred to another laboratory, shipped, or removed.

Strict adherence to this procedure will significantly reduce the likelihood of accumulating orphaned chemicals, some of which may become dangerously unstable. Uncontrolled inventories of hazardous chemicals or biological agents will inevitably lead to storage issues, increased waste disposal costs, contamination, or potential injuries to personnel who may need to clean, reorganize, or reuse the space.

PI and department should notify EHS via ehs@uhd.edu at least 30-days in advance of the pending move/closure. Advance notice is required to allow adequate time for the scheduling of laboratory clean outs and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Upon receipt of the notice, EHS will schedule a walk through with the PI or delegate and/or the representative from the PI's department.

EHS will address any safety concerns identified during the walkthrough. As a team, EHS will jointly develop a close-out plan that is customized to the laboratory and will agree upon target dates for critical process steps.

Note: If circumstances do not allow prior notification, or the PI has already vacated the lab, the Department Head will be responsible for designating or directing the laboratory checkout procedures.