APPLICATION FOR LABORATORY “CLEAN AREA” DESIGNATION
The Radiation Safety Committee requires that all applications be typed.
1. Applicant Name: (Last, First, MI):
Degree/Title :
2. Address: Department:
Building:
Room:
Box #:
Telephone #:
Fax #:
Email Address:
3. Check all hazards that are present in the laboratory where “clean area” designation is requested:
Radioactive materials
Carcinogenic substances
Biohazardous materials
Hazardous chemicals
Laboratory animals
Other
4.
Attach a sketch of the laboratory where the “clean area” designation is requested. Identify the following: building, floor, room, radioactive/hazardous material storage, radioactive/hazardous waste storage, radioisotope working and counting areas, and hazardous materials working areas. Include a statement describing how you will keep this area free of contamination.
5. Attach a complete and current chemical inventory of all chemicals used and/or stored in the laboratory.
6. The Office of Environmental Health & Safety will grant approval for the “clean area” based on an inspection of the laboratory and the information supplied in this application
7. If the application is approved, the designation will apply only to the responsible investigator and specifically to the laboratory space described herein.
Applicant’s Signature Date
For OEHS Use Only
Area inspected by: (Radiation Safety Section)
(Chemical/Biological Safety Section)
APPROVED: DATE:
DISAPPROVED: DATE:
COMMENTS:
-over-

POLICY FOR DESIGNATION OF “CLEAN AREAS” IN LABORATORIES
Laboratory investigators may make formal application to the Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) for approval of designated “clean areas” in their laboratories. If the following conditions are met and continuously maintained, a specific area in the laboratory may be designated for eating and drinking.
Clean area conditions:
1. The area under consideration must be at least six feet from any location where radioisotopes or other hazardous materials are used.
2. The area must be shown to be free from radioactive contamination. Additionally, clean area designation will not be given in areas where significant airborne hazards exist.
3. Once the “clean area” has been designated, OEHS will mark the area using appropriate labeling tape and post signs indicating that no radioisotopes or other hazardous materials are allowed in that demarked location.
4. The investigator is responsible for ensuring that the “clean area” is free from radioactive contamination at all times.
This means performing routine swipe monitoring in the area, including the floor. OEHS may monitor for chemical or biological airborne hazards as appropriate.
5. Public Health Service requirements prohibit eating and drinking in areas where animals are housed.
Approval for “clean area” designation will be revoked under the following conditions: a. If eating or drinking occurs outside the “clean area” b. If radioactive contamination or other hazardous materials are found in the “clean area” c. If there are any violations of the recommended policies and procedures for the safe use of radioactive or hazardous materials
If the responsible investigator wishes to change the “clean area” location, a new application must be submitted and reviewed by OEHS.