UNH Laboratory Safety Inspection

• Office of Environmental Health and Safety

• Document No.

• Location

  Select Parsons Rudman James Demerrit Kendall Gregg Morse Kingsbury Spaulding Conant Dairy Nutrition Research Center Jackson Lab

  • Parsons
  • Rudman
  • James
  • Demerrit
  • Kendall
  • Gregg
  • Morse
  • Kingsbury
  • Spaulding
  • Conant
  • Dairy Nutrition Research Center
  • Jackson Lab

• Room(s)

• Conducted on

  Date

• Inspector(s)

  Select Andy Glode Andrew Bevan CLYM Environmental Services

  • Andy Glode
  • Andrew Bevan
  • CLYM Environmental Services

• Interviewees

Instructions

• For responses in red, please fill out the section for "corrective action taken" and return to OEHS.

• Possible question responses are: Yes; No; N/A - Not Applicable; N/E - Not Evaluated

Door Caution Sign

• 1. The door caution sign is up to date?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• The “Caution Sign” near the room entrance was found to be out of date at the time of inspection. OEHS will update the sign. Please review the updated sign for accuracy. In the future, when a Caution Sign needs to be updated, log on to the UNHCEMS website at https://cems.unh.edu or call the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at 862-1510. Updates are required annually, or whenever the sign is inaccurate.

Cylinders

• Cylinders are stored in this room?

  Yes

  No

• 2. All gas cylinders are properly secured or fastened in an upright position?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Compressed gas containers, cylinders, and tanks in use or in storage must be secured to prevent them from falling or being knocked over by corralling them and securing them to a cart, framework, or fixed object by use of a restraint. Cylinders must be stored in an upright position unless designed otherwise. (Reference: NFPA 55-7.1.4.4)

• Corrective action taken:

• 3. Gas cylinders are transported on appropriate carts with straps/chains?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Compressed gas cylinders must be secured during transportation to prevent them from falling or being knocked over by securing them to a cart, framework, or fixed object by use of a restraint. (Reference: NFPA 55: 7.1.4.4)

• Corrective action taken:

• 4. Flammable gas cylinders are not stored next to oxidizing gases?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Flammable gases must be stored at least 6.1 meters (20 feet) from oxidizing gases. (Reference: NFPA 55-7.1.6.2)

• Corrective action taken:

• 5. Cylinders stored are in-use?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulations restrict storage of cylinders in laboratories to those that are in-use and a single replacement for each cylinder in-use. (References: NFPA 45 11.1.6.4)

• Corrective action taken:

Refrigerators

• 6. Flammable liquids are not stored in household refrigerators?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• The use of domestic refrigerators for the storage of flammable liquids presents a significant hazard in the laboratory work area. In addition to vapor accumulation, a domestic refrigerator contains readily available ignition sources, such as thermostats, light switches, and heater strips, all within or exposed to the refrigerated storage compartment. Furthermore, the compressor and its circuits are typically located at the bottom of the unit, where vapors from flammable liquid spills or leaks could easily accumulate. Flammable liquids must be refrigerated in units designed for flammable materials; typically these units are “Flammable storage” or “Explosion-proof” refrigerators. (Reference: NFPA 45 - Annex A)

• Corrective action taken:

• 7. Food and beverages are not stored in the refrigerator?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Food and beverages are prohibited in UNH laboratories. If food or beverages are being used for research purposes, they must be labeled, “For Experimental Use Only” or “Not for Human Consumption.” Food and beverages must never be stored in any laboratory refrigerator in which chemicals, biological and radioactive materials are kept. (Reference: UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan)

• Corrective action taken:

Electrical Safety

• 8. Room occupants test GFCI devices monthly?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• The GFCI receptacles in this room should be tested at least once per month. Room occupants are responsible for testing the GFCI. Test the receptacle by plugging a light into the receptacle. Push the Test button and the light should go out. Push the Reset button and the light should go back on. If the light fails to turn off, or fails to turn back on, contact the Facilities Support Center at 862-1437 to replace the receptacle. (Reference: UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan)

• Corrective action taken:

• 9. Electrical devices used near water utilize GFCI protection?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Electrical devices used near water sources should be used with ground fault protection. Please use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) pigtail in cases where a GFCI is not incorporated into the circuit or outlet in use. GFCI pigtails are available at hardware stores or through UNH Central Stores.

• Corrective action taken:

• 10. Extension cords are not run through doors, windows, walls, ceilings?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Electrical cords and power strips cannot be linked together for the sole purpose of extending the electrical source to an appliance. Temporary electrical power cords are not permitted where permanent wiring can be installed. Additionally, extension cords may not be run through doors, windows, walls, or ceilings and may not be attached to building surfaces (i.e. walls, ceilings) by staples or other means. Please contact the Facilities Support Center at 862-1437 to request that permanent wiring be installed. (Reference: 29 CFR 1910.334; NFPA 70B Article 20.5; NFPA 70 Article 240.5; NFPA 1-11.1.6.4)

• Corrective action taken:

• 11. All electrical cords are in good condition, without defect?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Electrical cords must be protected from damage and inspected regularly for wear, as it is especially likely around the plug. Worn or frayed cords must be removed from service and replaced. Electrical cords may not be repaired with electrical tape. Please contact the University Instrumentation Center at 862-2790 to request the cord is replaced by a qualified electrician. (Reference: UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan)

• Corrective action taken:

• 12. Electrical cords do not present a tripping hazard?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Electrical cords may not be placed in such a manner that they create a tripping hazard. Cords may be taped in place or covered with rubber strips to eliminate the tripping hazard. (Reference: UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan)

• Corrective action taken:

General Building Safety

• 13. Aisles, corridors and exits are free of obstruction and tripping hazards?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Aisles, corridors, and exits must remain free of obstructions to maintain a safe work environment and easy means of egress. Means of egress must be continuously maintained free of all obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency. The width of the aisle must be no less than 36 inches (Reference: NFPA 101-7.1.10.1; International Fire Code, Section 315.2.2)

• Corrective action taken:

• 14.The ceiling is intact (i.e., ceiling tiles in place, etc.)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• There were missing ceiling tiles in this room. Penetrations in the ceiling may allow for the easy spread of heat and smoke in a fire. Replacing these broken or missing ceiling tiles will help prevent the spread of heat, smoke and fire during an emergency. Contact the Facilities Support Center at 862-1437 to request that the ceiling be repaired. (Reference: NFPA 101 - 8.4, NFPA 101- A.8.4.2(2))

• Corrective action taken:

Emergency Equipment

• 15. A drench shower is unobstructed (at least 32 inches in diameter)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• There must be unimpeded access to the deluge shower and it must be easily accessible to room occupants. Please clear the immediate area around the deluge shower for easy access in case of an emergency. At least thirty-two inches in diameter beneath the shower must be kept free of obstructions (Reference: 29 CFR 1910.151(c), ANSI Z358.1)

• Corrective action taken:

• 16. All persons in the room are aware of the location of the drench shower?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• All room occupants should be aware of the location of emergency equipment. Drench showers and other emergency wash systems are used in an emergency to flush chemicals that have accidentally come in contact with laboratory personnel. In order to wash the body properly, clothing should be removed as water is applied. (Reference: UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan)

• Corrective action taken:

• 17. A fire extinguisher is available in the room and have been inspected?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Emergency equipment, including fire extinguisher, must be easily accessible in this room. Please contact the Facilities Support Center at 862-1437 to install a fire extinguisher in this room. (Reference: 29 CFR 1910.157; UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan)

• Corrective action taken:

• 18. All fire extinguishers/pull stations are unobstructed?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Fire extinguisher or pull station must must be accessible, unobstructed, and visible.(Reference: NFPA 10-6.1.3.3.1; NFPA 101-9.6.2.6)

• Corrective action taken:

• 19. An eyewash station is easily accessible?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• There must be unimpeded access to the eyewash and it must be easily accessible to room occupants. Please clear the immediate area around the eyewash for easy access in case of an emergency. At least six inches around the eyewash must be kept free of obstructions (Reference: 29 CFR 1910.151(c), ANSI Z358.1)

• Corrective action taken:

• 20. The eyewash station is flushed weekly?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Reminder to occupants to flush the emergency eyewash in this location weekly. Regular flushing of eyewashes removes stagnant water from the pipes and helps ensure proper eyewash operation. (Reference: ANSI Z358.1; UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan)

• Corrective action taken:

• 21. A first-aid kit is available in the room?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• A first aid kit could not be located in this room. Each room that has hazardous chemicals, infectious agents, or radiological materials, must have a first aid kit. The kit should be labeled, “First Aid Kit” and should be easily accessible to room occupants. (Reference: 29 CFR 1901.151; UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan)

• Corrective action taken:

• 22. Occupants know the location of the first aid kit?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Occupants are unaware of the location of a first-aid kit. All room occupants should be aware of the location of emergency equipment.
  

• Corrective action taken:

• 23. A chemical spill kit is available and contains: absorbent, safety glasses, reusable gloves, cleanup materials.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• A chemical spill kit could not be located in this room. Since the room contains hazardous materials, a chemical spill kit must be available. Spill kits are available from the Chemistry Department Stockroom in Parsons Hall, laboratory supply companies, or can be individually assembled. The spill kit container should be non-breakable, and should contain: absorbent, safety glasses, tongs, and gloves. The kit should be labeled, “Chemical Spill Kit” and should be easily accessible to laboratory personnel. (Reference: UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan)

• Corrective action taken:

Personal Protective Equipment

• 24. PPE is easily accessible and worn when appropriate?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Proper personal protective equipment (i.e. gloves, safety glasses, laboratory coats) should be worn when working with hazardous chemicals or biohazardous agents. (Reference: 29 CFR 1910.1450; UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan)

• Corrective action taken:

• Lab coats

• Goggles

• Safety glasses

• Face shield

• Disposable gloves

• Utility gloves

• Hearing protection

• Respirators

• 25. Occupants do not wear open-toe shoes, sandals, flip-flops, clogs, etc.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Open-toe shoes, sandals, flip-flops, or clogs, etc., is prohibited in campus laboratories. (Reference: UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan; 29 CFR 1910.1450)

• Corrective action taken:

• 26. Occupants wear gowns/lab coats when large areas of skin are exposed (i.e. when lab occupants wear shorts, skirts, etc.).

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Shorts, skirts, tank tops, and other articles of clothing that expose large areas of skin are prohibited in campus laboratories unless a laboratory gown is worn over these clothes. (Reference: UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan; 29 CFR 1910.1450)

• Corrective action taken:

• 27. Respirators are used appropriately?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• The use of air-purifying respirators for routine laboratory work is generally not required or recommended. Respirators may be necessary in limited cases where airborne exposures to hazardous substances cannot be adequately controlled with routine engineering controls (e.g., fume hoods, biosafety cabinets). Improper use of a respirator is itself a hazard. Please contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at 862-4041 to determine if respirators are required in your laboratory. (Reference: 29 CFR 1910.134; UNH Respiratory Protection Program)

• Corrective action taken:

Work Practices

• 28. Staff does not eat, drink, store food, apply make-up (including lip balm), insert contact lenses, etc., in the room.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Food and beverages are prohibited in UNH rooms where hazardous chemicals are used or stored. Food and beverages must never be stored in any room in which chemicals, biological and radioactive materials are kept. (Reference: UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan)

• Corrective action taken:

• 29. Hands are washed at the end of experiments and gloves are removed prior to leaving the room.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Wash hands after contacting hazardous substances and before eating, drinking, or smoking. Wearing gloves outside the lab should be minimized, except to move hazardous materials between rooms. Instead, transport chemicals from place to place on a cart, in a clean secondary container, or in a bottle carrier with secure handles. Gloves should never come in contact with door handles, elevator buttons, telephones, lavatory faucets, vending machines, bottled-water dispensers, ice-making machines, or other surfaces outside the laboratory. (Reference: UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan)

• Corrective action taken:

• 30. Workstations, closets, etc. are clean, neat and orderly?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Clean and orderly work areas are essential to providing a safe work environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors. In an effort to maintain a clean work area, please keep bench tops, fume hoods, floors, etc. as clean as possible. Please ensure that work areas are wiped down with an appropriate cleaner or disinfectant at the end of the day and after spills.

• Corrective action taken:

Chemical Safety

• 31. Occupants know how/where to access SDSs?<br>

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Room occupants do not know how to access Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). The purpose of a SDS is to provide safety data about a specific hazardous substance. The SDS contains physical data and other information specified by OSHA. A manufacturer or importer must generate an SDS for each hazardous substance covered by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. It is common practice for a manufacturer or importer to provide an SDS that is reproduced on paper. UNH has developed the UNHCEMS website to allow users the ability to access SDS online: https://cems.unh.edu (Reference: UNH Hazard Communication Program)

• Corrective action taken:

• 32. Incompatible chemicals segregated?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Incompatible chemicals must be appropriately segregated. Appropriate segregation can include storing materials together on a shelf, separated by secondary containment. Guidelines for proper chemical storage can be found on the Office of Environmental Health and Safety’s website at http://unh.edu/research/sites/unh.edu.research/files/images/Chemical%20Safety%204%20-%20MIT-Chemical-Storage-Guidelines.pdf.
  

• Corrective action taken:

• 33. All chemicals have been registered through CEMS (https://cems.unh.edu)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Chemicals in this room are not included in the UNHCEMS chemical inventory. The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard requires UNH to maintain an inventory of hazardous chemicals. A hazardous chemical is defined as any liquid, solid or gas that could present a physical or health hazard to an employee. Lab occupants must ensure that orders for new chemicals are delivered to the Chemical Transfer Station and all existing chemicals in the lab are listed in the CEMS inventory. (Reference: UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan)
  

• Corrective action taken:

• 34. All chemical containers are capped and sealed except when actively adding or removing materials?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Chemical containers must have a cap in place at all times, except when actively filling or discharging the bottle or can. (Reference: UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan)
  

• Corrective action taken:

• 35. All chemicals and containers are properly labeled?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• OSHA and the New Hampshire Department of Labor require that all containers with > 1% of hazardous material be labeled with the proper chemical name and the chemical’s associated hazards. Chemical formulas and acronyms alone are not acceptable. It is recommended that the user's name also appear on the label. Labels on incoming containers must not be removed or defaced. Dating is especially important in the case of compounds which have a specified shelf life, such as those that will form peroxides (e.g. ethyl ether). (Reference: 29 CFR 1910.1200)
  

• Corrective action taken:

• 36. Toxic/corrosive liquids stored below eye level?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Toxic or corrosive liquids should not be stored above eye-level. (Reference: UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan)
  

• Corrective action taken:

Hazardous Waste

• 37. Each hazardous waste container has a completed EHS hazardous waste label including proper identification of contents?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Waste containers must be labeled to ensure that required information concerning the contents and hazards of the container are documented and communicated. Each label must be marked with the words "Hazardous Waste" and words that identify the contents of the container; symbols, abbreviations, acronyms, and formulas are not adequate. The use of UNH Hazardous waste label is required. (Reference: UNH Hazardous Waste Management Plan)
  

• Corrective action taken:

• 38. Chemical waste containers are in secondary containment?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Hazardous waste must be stored in secondary containment. Secondary containment can be acquired from Environmental Health and Safety upon request; please call 862-4041. (Reference: UNH Hazardous Waste Management Plan)
  

• Corrective action taken:

• 39. All chemical waste containers are capped when not in use?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• A hazardous waste container in the laboratory is not capped. According to New Hampshire's Hazardous Waste Rule 507.01(a)(3), chemical waste containers must be closed and secured when not in use. (Reference: UNH Hazardous Waste Management Plan)
  

• Corrective action taken:

• 40. Hazardous waste is stored in appropriate containers?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Liquid hazardous waste solutions were stored in wide-mouth glass containers which are designed for solid material. Liquid waste should only be stored in leak-proof containers designed for liquid material. Please transfer these liquids to containers designed for liquids.
  

• Corrective action taken:

• 41. Pipettes and other sharps are properly disposed?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Pipette tips and other sharps (e.g. hypodermic needles, scalpel blades) waste must not be disposed as regular trash. Accumulate tips and other sharps in a puncture resistant container. Tips that are not contaminated with hazardous chemicals or infectious agents can be disposed in regular trash as long as they are in a sealed, puncture resistant container such as a metal can, cardboard box, or plastic container. (Reference: UNH Chemical Hygiene Plan)
  

• Corrective action taken:

• 42. If chemical waste is generated, all generators have taken the online Hazardous Waste Training?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Laboratory personnel have not taken the Hazardous Waste Training. Laboratory personnel generating or handling hazardous waste are required to take the online Hazardous Waste Training, available on CEMS at https://cems.unh.edu. All waste handlers at UNH are required to take this training so they understand how to safely manage hazardous waste. Upon request, classroom instruction will be provided. Personnel must successfully complete the training program within six months after the date of their employment or assignment to a facility, or to a new position at a facility, whichever is later. Employees who have not received this training must not work in unsupervised positions until they have completed the training requirements of this section. (Reference: UNH Hazardous Waste Management Plan)
  

• Corrective action taken:

Fume Hoods and Exhaust Systems

• 43. The fume hood is closed when unattended?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Unattended hoods should always have sashes closed. (Reference: UNH Fume Hood Program)
  

• Corrective action taken:

• 44. Workers look through fume hood sashes, not under them?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Reminder to occupants to perform work at the fume hood while looking through the sash. For hoods with horizontal sliding sashes, there is a tendency to slide the sash over and work with no barrier in front of you. This seriously limits the physical protection offered by the sash and also compromises protection from hazardous vapors. Sash sections should be positioned in front of your body when working at the hood; as a rule of thumb, you should always be looking through the sash when working at the hood.
  

• Corrective action taken:

• 45. The fume hood is not used for storage of chemicals?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Fume hoods where experimental procedures are undertaken should not be used for storage of chemicals. (NFPA 45 8.2.4.7, UNH Fume Hood Program)

• Corrective action taken:

Other Lab Safety

• 54. Centrifuge door has interlocks?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• A centrifuge in this room can be opened while the rotor is spinning. Equipment and devices with exposed belts, pulleys, moving parts, and other hazards must have appropriate guarding. Centrifuges in this room must be labeled “CAUTION: Do not open when rotor is spinning.” Consider replacing the centrifuge with modern equipment that has interlocks which prevent exposure to moving parts. (Reference: 29 CFR 1910.212)
  

• Corrective action taken:

• 55. Centrifuge is clean and free of debris?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• The centrifuge rotor has debris in it which may cause an unbalanced condition. Please ensure that the rotors are clean and balanced prior to use. Use of unbalanced rotors in high speed centrifuges can cause catastrophic damage and injury.
  

• Corrective action taken:

• 56. Belts, pulleys, and other exposed moving equipment parts are guarded to prevent injury?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• Equipment and devices with exposed belts, pulleys, moving parts, and other hazards must have appropriate guarding. Guards must prevent accidental contact with moving parts. Please ensure that appropriate guarding is in place before using equipment or devices with moving parts. (Reference: 29 CFR 1910.212)
  

• Corrective action taken:

• 57. Chairs in lab are able to be cleaned and decontaminated?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

  N/E

• There are cloth chairs in the room. Cloth chairs may not be used in rooms where infectious materials are present. Also, cloth chairs likely cannot be decontaminated in the event of contamination with hazardous chemicals or radiochemicals. Please consider replacing cloth chairs with lab-grade chairs which will not absorb chemical spills and can be surface decontaminated for infectious materials.
  

• Corrective action taken:

• 58. Other?

  Yes

  No

• Describe issue(s):

• Corrective action taken: