Laboratory Safety Evaluation Codes
1.
A01
A02
A03
Laboratory Security
Inspector was not identified (Item of Concern): Visitors to lab should be approached and identified.
TAMU Laboratory Safety Manual, Chapter 2 Section 1.2; BMBL V 2007, page 46
Unlocked cabinets (Item of Concern): Cabinets in areas outside the laboratory that contain
hazardous materials must be locked.
TAMU Laboratory Safety Manual, Chapter 2 Section 1.2 & Chapter 3 Section 7.1
Unlocked lab (Item of Concern): Lock laboratory doors when no one is present.
TAMU Laboratory Safety Manual, Chapter 2 Section 1.1; BMBL V 2007, page 48
2.
Electrical Safety (NFPA Code):
Improper use of extension cords (Item of Concern): Extension cords are for temporary use and
B01
should not be used to provide continuous electrical power to laboratory equipment or be placed
above ceiling tiles. Replace with fuse-protected power strip or permanent wiring. Contact Area
Maintenance to have permanent wiring installed.
IFC 605.5; TAMU Safety Manual – Fire & Life Safety (Chapter VIII, Section 11.1)
Electrical cords/outlets/plugs not in good condition (Item of Concern): Electrical repair needed.
B02
Contact Area Maintenance to schedule repair.
IFC 605.5.3; TAMU Safety Manual – Fire & Life Safety (Chapter VIII, Section 11.1)
3-way plugs present (Item of Concern): Discontinue use of 3-way plugs; replace with fuse-protected
B03
power strip.
IFC 605.4
No ground fault circuit interrupter within 6’ of wet area: (Item of Concern): Contact Area
B04
Maintenance to install GFCI.
NFPA 70.210.8(B)(5)
Obstruction blocking electrical panel (Item of Concern): Remove items that block access to the
B05
electrical panel.
TAMU Safety Manual – Fire & Life Safety (Chapter VIII, Section 11.2)
3.
Fire/Life Safety (NFPA Code):
Lab door open (Information): Lab doors must be kept closed.
C01
NFPA 45.8.3.4
Obstruction blocking extinguisher (Deficiency): Remove obstruction blocking fire extinguisher.
C02
NFPA 10.6.1.3
Obstruction blocking exit/cluttering hallway (Deficiency): Keep evacuation/exit routes cleared.
C03
NFPA 101.7.3.4
Damaged ceiling tiles (Item of Concern): Contact Area Maintenance to replace missing/damaged
C04
ceiling tiles.
NFPA 101.8.4.2.(1)
Fire extinguisher is damaged or has been discharged (Information): The inspector has notified the
C05
appropriate person within EHS to replace/mount/service the fire extinguisher.
NFPA 10.7.2.1.2
Bunsen burner tubing deteriorated (Deficiency): Replace brittle Bunsen burner tubing.
C06
Obstructed fire sprinkler heads (Item of Concern): Remove items stored within 18” of sprinkler
C07
heads.
NFPA 1.10.19.3
Combustibles stored within 24” of ceiling (Item of Concern): Remove combustible items stored
C08
within 24” of ceiling.
NFPA 1.10.19.3
Bicycles observed in building (Information): Bicycles are prohibited in buildings.
C09
NFPA 101.3.3.121
4.
Safe Lab Practices:
Personnel eating in lab (Item of Concern): Personnel shall be prohibited from eating, drinking or
D01
applying cosmetics in lab work areas.
29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(ix), Prudent Practices 1995, page 82
Inadequate hand-washing facilities (Item of Concern): Provide adequate facilities for hand washing
D02
(e.g. soap, paper towels, running water).
29 CFR 1910.1030
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Laboratory Safety Evaluation Codes
D03
D04
D05
D06
D07
Unsecured or recapped sharps (Deficiency): Do not recap needles. Secure razors, knives, needles
and microtome blades to be reused in their protective cases, or in foam or cork. Dispose of sharps
in an approved sharps container.
29 CFR 1910.1030
Food and chemicals stored in the same refrigerator (Deficiency): Food and chemicals should be
stored separately.
Prudent Practices 1995, page 74
Food and lab utensils washed in the same sink (Deficiency): Plates, cups, and silverware for food
use should not be washed in the same sink as lab utensils.
Prudent Practices 1995, page 74
Empty bottles are not defaced (Item of Concern): Deface all empty bottles before re-use to prevent
confusion over contents.
25 TAC § 295.6
Housekeeping needed (Item of Concern): Housekeeping in this area needs to be improved.
Dispose of clutter including unnecessary boxes, old equipment, and trash.
29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1)
5.
Physical Hazards:
Glass containers on floor (Item of Concern): Do not store glass items on the floor. If glass
E01
containers must be on floor, get sufficient secondary containment to hold the entire contents of the
glass container in case of breakage.
Prudent Practices 1995, pages 60 and 73
Tripping hazards present (Item of Concern): Relocate or tape down electrical cords, computer
E02
cables and/or hoses that present tripping hazards.
Prudent Practices 1995, page 60
Gas cylinders improperly secured (Item of Concern): Properly secure compressed gas cylinder(s)
E03
with a device designed for such. Secure compressed gas cylinder(s) individually, not in groups.
NFPA 451.11.1
Gas cylinder safety cap missing (Item of Concern): Apply safety cap to cylinders when not in use.
E04
Compressed Gas Association 2006, document P-1
Vacuum pumps operated unsafely (Item of Concern): One or more of the following items was
E06
identified and needs correction: The vacuum pump is missing the belt and pulley guard; the vacuum
pump is leaking oil; the vacuum pump is venting exhaust in to the lab.
Prudent Practices 1995, pages 112-113
Tape glass under vacuum pressure (Item of Concern): Wrap tape around glass under vacuum
E07
pressure (Rotovap and glass Dewars).
TAMU Laboratory Safety Manual, Chapter 2 Section 2.5
6.
Fume Hood/Biological Safety Cabinet:
Hood sash open (Item of Concern): Pull down sash on fume hood when unattended. Pull down to
F01
lowest working level when conducting experiments.
NFPA 45.8.8.3
Items on fume hood knobs (Information): Remove items from fume hood controls.
F02
Fume hood needs inspection (Information): EHSD will inspect fume hood.
F03
NFPA 45.8.13
Biological safety cabinet due for certification (Item of Concern): Contact EHS for information on
F04
how to arrange certification of biological safety cabinet. If cabinet is not in use or does not need to
be certified, please call EHS and request it be marked “Not Certified for Pathogens”.
BMBL Appendix A 2007, page 323
Fume hood/biological safety cabinet cluttered (Item of Concern): Remove clutter from fume
F05
hood/biological safety cabinet.
Prudent Practices 1995, page 179
Dirty fume hood/biological safety cabinet (Item of Concern): Clean dirty fume hood/biological safety
F06
cabinet.
Prudent Practices 1995, page 180
Open containers in fume hood/biological safety cabinet (Item of Concern): Place cap on open
F07
containers in fume hood/biological safety cabinet.
BMBL Appendix A 2007, page 317
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Laboratory Safety Evaluation Codes
F08
F09
F10
F11
F12
F13
Chemicals stored in fume hood/biological safety cabinet (Item of Concern): Remove chemicals
stored in fume hood/biological safety cabinet.
Prudent Practices 1995, pages 73, 180
Loose paper in fume hood/biological safety cabinet (Item of Concern): Remove loose paper (paper
towels, Kim wipes, notebook paper) from fume hood/biological safety cabinet. Paper can become
lodged in the ductwork and removing it requires significant monetary and labor costs.
Prudent Practices 1995, page 180
Electrical strips in hood (Item of Concern): Remove electrical strips in fume hood.
Obstructions block airflow in fume hood/biological safety cabinet (Deficiency): Items should be
stored at least 4’’ from the face of the fume hood and 6” from the baffles in the rear of the fume
hood. Use jacks to elevate items 2-4” off the floor of the hood to improve airflow.
Prudent Practices 1995, page 179
Bunsen burner in biological safety cabinet (Deficiency): Do not use a Bunsen burner in a biological
safety cabinet. Personal protection is reduced when air curtain is disrupted by flame. Unburned
gas can collect in filters, increasing explosion potential.
BMBL Appendix A 2007, pages 318
Items on front grill of biological safety cabinet (Item of Concern): Items on grill of biological safety
cabinet disrupt air curtain, reducing personal protection.
BMBL Appendix A 2007, page 317
7.
Personal Protective Equipment/Eyewash/Showers (ANSI Standards, TDH HazCom Act):
Obstruction blocking shower/eyewash (Deficiency): Remove obstruction blocking shower/eyewash.
G01
ANSI Z358.1-2004
Inadequate eyewash (Item of Concern): Provide a continuous-flow eyewash (a squeeze bottle
G02
eyewash is not adequate).
ANSI Z358.1-2004
Emergency shower/eyewash has not been tested (Information): EHSD will test the emergency
G03
shower/eyewash.
ANSI Z358.1-2004
Stagnant/dirty water in eyewash (Information): Flush eyewash once weekly for 3-5 minutes. It is
G04
recommended to keep a log recording eyewash flushes.
ANSI Z358.1-2004
Improper work attire or personal protective equipment (Item of Concern): Use appropriate PPE for
G05
work being performed (safety glasses, lab coat, gloves, etc.). Ensure lab personnel are wearing
appropriate clothing in lab (no shorts, bare midriffs, long hair, dangling jewelry or open-toed shoes).
29 CFR 1910.132
8.
Chemical Storage (NFPA Code, TDH HazCom Act):
Chemicals stored above eye level (Item of Concern): Do not store hazardous liquid chemicals
H01
above eye level of the shortest person working in the lab.
Prudent Practices 1995, page 72
Chemicals stored on bench-top (Item of Concern): Do not store chemicals on workbench. Return to
H02
storage when not actively being used.
Prudent Practices 1995, page 73
Improper storage of flammables (Item of Concern): Store flammable chemicals in flammable
H03
storage cabinet.
NFPA 45.10
Chemicals stored on floor (Item of Concern): Do not store chemicals on the floor. Move them in to
H04
approved cabinets or store them in secondary containers large enough to hold the entire contents
of the bottle in case of spill.
Prudent Practices 1995, pages 60 and 73
Improper accumulation of chemicals (Deficiency): Dispose of old chemicals that are no longer used.
H05
Prudent Practices, page 84
Faulty containers (Item of Concern): Repackage or dispose of chemicals in deteriorated containers.
H06
Prudent Practices 1995, page 74
Segregate chemicals (Deficiency): Segregate chemicals by hazard class (flammable, corrosive,
H07
oxidizer, reactive, toxic). Segregate acids and bases; then by organic (contains C-molecule) and
inorganic (does not contain C-molecule). Also separate organic and inorganic solvents using the
same criteria.
NFPA 45.9.2.3
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Laboratory Safety Evaluation Codes
H08
H09
H10
H11
H12
H13
H14
H15
9.
I01
I02
I03
I04
I05
I06
Flammables found in household refrigerator/freezer or walk-in cooler (Deficiency): Remove
flammables stored in household refrigerator/freezer or walk-in cooler. Flammable chemicals
needing refrigeration must be kept in a flammable materials or Lab-safe refrigerator/freezer.
NFPA 45.12.2.2
Improper storage of Perchloric acid (Deficiency): Perchloric acid must be stored away from organic
materials and other acids. Perchloric acid fume hood is required when using 60% or greater
mixtures of perchloric acid or when heating any concentration of perchloric acid.
NFPA 45.9.2.3
Improper dating of chemicals (Item of Concern): Date chemicals when received and again when
opened. If date of acquisition or opening is unknown, back-date to the oldest known date for a
reference point, e.g. “Pre-2001”.
NFPA 45.9.2.3.3, NIOSH Publication 2007-107
Improper dating of chloroform (Deficiency): Chloroform should be used within 1 year of purchase or
6 months of opening because it can form phosgene gas. Dispose of any unused chloroform once
these time limits have passed.
NFPA 45.9.2.3
Improper dating of peroxide-forming or oxidizing chemicals (ethyl ether, THF, perchloric acid,
cyclohexene, butadine, isopropyl ether and dioxanes) (Deficiency): Explosive peroxide forming
chemicals and oxidants such as ethyl ether, THF, perchloric acid, cyclohexene, butadine, isopropyl
ether and dioxanes must be used within 1 year of purchase or 6 months of opening and must be
disposed of before the expiration date. Test peroxide-forming chemicals before distillation or
purification. Do not attempt to open or move peroxide-formers with chemical crust on lid,
stratification of liquid, discoloration, crystallization, or layering of liquids. Tag these chemicals for
disposal immediately if past these time constraints or if the substance exhibits any of these traits.
NFPA 45.9.2.3
Improper venting of flammables cabinet (Deficiency): If vented, flammables cabinet does not vent
directly to outside.
NFPA 30.9.5.4.2
Duct on flammables cabinet made of non-approved material (Deficiency): Flammable storage
cabinet exhaust duct shall be constructed of non-combustible material and should be of the same
material as the flammable storage cabinet.
NFPA 91.4.2.1
Vents on flammables cabinet improperly installed (Item of Concern): If vented, flammables cabinets
should vent from the bottom of the cabinet, with make-up air supplied at the top of the cabinet.
NFPA 30.A9.5.4.2
Waste Disposal (EPA/ TCEQ Regulations):
Uncapped waste (Item of Concern): Place tight cap on open waste container. Recommend using
screw-on funnel with cap for waste containers.
40 CFR 265(i)
Old chemicals present (Deficiency): Dispose of old chemicals/samples/waste/ lecture bottles.
NFPA 45.9.2.3
Improper disposal of metal sharps (Deficiency): Dispose of uncapped needles, knives and razors in
a rigid covered container that can be encapsulated with plaster or paraffin after it is full. Dispose of
encapsulated container in the trash.
30 TAC § 330.1219
Improper disposal of glass (Deficiency): Dispose of broken glass in a covered sturdy box marked
“BROKEN GLASS”. Glass should not protrude over lip of disposal container.
30 TAC § 330.1219
Old lecture bottles present. (Deficiency): Dispose of old lecture bottles.
NFPA 45.9.2.3
Improperly labeled waste (Item of Concern): Label waste container "HAZARDOUS WASTE" with
contents listed, or tie a Hazardous Waste Disposal tag on the container with string and list chemical
contents. DO NOT date the tag. EHSD will date the tag at time of pick-up.
30 TAC § 330.1207
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY
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Laboratory Safety Evaluation Codes
10. Cryogenic Cylinder Safety:
Cryogenic cylinder is due for service (Item of Concern): Cryogenic cylinder is due/past due for
K01
maintenance. Contact EHS to arrange for service.
29 CFR 1910.101, Compressed Gas Association 2007 S-1.1
Pressure relief valve on cryogenic cylinder has been removed or otherwise compromised
K02
(Deficiency): The pressure relief valve is an important safety feature of the cylinder. Do not plug or
otherwise compromise this safety feature. Please contact EHS to arrange for repair.
NFPA 55.8.2.4
Blow-out disc on cryogenic cylinder has been removed or otherwise compromised (Deficiency):
K03
The blow-out disc is an important safety feature of the cylinder. Do not plug or otherwise
compromise this safety feature. Please contact EHS to arrange for repair.
NFPA 55.8.2.4
11. Warning Signs/Labels (TDH HazCom Act):
Improper labeling of secondary containers (Item of Concern): Ensure that all containers are labeled
L01
to indicate contents, even those that contain water or are a part of equipment or experiments.
29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(9)
Missing or deteriorated label on primary container (Deficiency): Replace missing or deteriorating
L02
labels on chemical containers.
25 TAC § 295.6
Emergency contact information is not posted (Item of Concern): Post emergency contacts and offL03
hour phone numbers on all outer doors.
TAMU Laboratory Safety Manual, Chapter 5 Section 1.1
Inadequate signage (Item of Concern): Post specific warning signs (biohazard, radioactive, LASER,
L04
etc.) on lab door.
29 CFR 1910.145, 21 CFR 1040.10
Unlabeled microwave (Information): Label microwave “Lab Use Only” or “Food Only”.
L05
Prudent Practices 1995, page 74
Unlabeled freezer (Information): Label freezer “Not Safe for Flammable Storage”, “Food Only”, or
L06
“Lab Use Only”.
Prudent Practices 1995, page 74
Unlabeled refrigerator (Information): Label refrigerator “Not Safe for Flammable Storage”, “Food
L07
Only”, or “Lab Use Only”.
Prudent Practices 1995, page 74
12. Laser Safety:
LASER not registered (Item of Concern): Class IIIb and class IV LASERs should be registered with
M01
EHS.
25 TAC § 289.301
No LASER eyewear (Item of Concern): Ensure laboratory personnel have and use the proper
M02
protective eyewear while operating the LASER.
25 TAC § 289.301
No LASER training (Item of Concern): Ensure laboratory personnel have attended the LASER
M03
Safety Training course at EHS.
Texas A&M University Rule 24.01.01.M5
13. Teaching Laboratories
Student Acknowledgement Form not on file (Item of Concern): Provide students with written notice
N01
of laboratory hazards and safety rules. Retain copy of signed acknowledgement on each student
for current semester plus one year (three semesters on hand).
TAMU Laboratory Safety Manual, Chapter 5 Section 1.4
N02
Teaching Assistant training documentation not on file (Item of Concern): Training documentation
for Texas Hazard Communication/TAMU Laboratory Safety and site-specific training must be
available for current Teaching Assistants.
TAMU Laboratory Safety Manual, Chapter 5 Section 1.2
Periodic departmental safety self-evaluations not conducted/documented (Item of Concern):
N03
Conduct periodic self-evaluations of teaching labs (e.g. weekly, monthly, quarterly).
TAMU Laboratory Safety Manual, Chapter 5 Section 1.4
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Laboratory Safety Evaluation Codes
N04
Noted lack of departmental oversight (Item of Concern): Noted teaching staff or students not
following safety policies and procedures.
TAMU Laboratory Safety Manual, Chapter 5 Section 1.4
KEY:
Deficiency – Significant hazard and/or in violation of safety codes
Item of Concern - in conflict with TAMU safety manual and/or good lab practices
Information – Can make the work area safer for lab personnel and emergency responders
ANSI
American National Standards Institute
http://www.ansi.org
BMBL
Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 5th Edition
United States Department of Health & Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and
National Institutes of Health
January 2007
http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/bmbl5/bmbl5toc.htm
CFR
Code of Federal Regulations
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/CFR/INDEX.HTML
NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
http://www.nfpa.org
Prudent Practices
Prudent Practices in the Laboratory, Handling and Disposal of Chemicals
National Academy of Sciences
National Research Council
1995
TAC
Texas Administrative Code
http://www.sos.state.tx.us/tac
TAMU Rules
Texas A&M University System Rules
http://rules.tamu.edu
TAMU Laboratory Safety Manual
Texas A&M Laboratory Safety Manual
http://ehsd.tamu.edu/LaboratorySafety.aspx
TAMU Safety Manual
Texas A&M Safety Manual
http://ehsd.tamu.edu/documents/TAMUSafetyManual/0-TOC.HTM
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