Faculty of Science
FACILITY /
LABORATORY
MANUAL
This manual applies to ALL technical Facilities/Laboratories within the Faculty of
Science and includes laboratories, specialist learning areas and field sites.
The current manual - Version 3.0 was revised in February 2012.
THIS MANUAL HAS BEEN DEVELOPED AND IS TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH
THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES DIRECTORY
(http://www.csu.edu.au/faculty/science/technical)
AND CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND FLIP CHART
(http://www.csu.edu.au/division/facilitiesm/services/emergency/flipchart)
THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE
FACILITY / LABORATORY MANUAL
Authorship of this manual
Version 1.3 (06.04.2006):
This manual is primarily the work of Charles Svenson who wrote the manual for Laboratory
116 in the Samuels Building, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW.
CSU Version 2.0 (23.05.2008): Modifications and additions by Charles Svenson
CSU Version 2.1 (22 10.2008): Edited and updated by Ingrid Stuart
CSU Version 3.0 (05.02.2012): Modifications and additions by Leanne Hawkins
Date of Next Review:
February 2013
THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE TECHNICAL OFFICE IN CONSULTATION WITH
FACILITY/LABORATORY MANAGERS HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF
REVIEWING AND UPDATING THIS MANUAL.
Facility/Laboratory Manual, Version 3.0 (February 2012)
2
THIS FACILITY / LABORATORY MANUAL
BELONGS TO:
BUILDING NO:
ROOM NO(s):
FACILITY/LABORATORY MANAGER*:
SCHOOL OF:
FACILITY / LABORATORY TYPE: (eg. PC 2 research facility,
teaching laboratory)
FACILITY RISK RATING:
SPECIFIC HAZARDS OF THE FACILITY / LABORATORY: (eg.
Biological, Radiation, Chemical)

The Facility/Laboratory Manager is responsible for ensuring all personnel in his/her
facility/laboratory are informed about the hazards associated with activities and providing
instruction and training in safe working procedures within the facility/laboratory.
Facility/Laboratory Manual, Version 3.0 (February 2012)
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: CONTACTS LIST................................................................................. 6
SECTION 2: EMERGENCIES ................................................................................... 8
All Immediate Emergencies* ............................................................................................................... 8
SECTION 3: ACCESS TO THE FACILITY ............................................................... 9
Access ................................................................................................................................................ 9
Authorised Personnel ......................................................................................................................... 9
Conduct of Authorised Personnel ....................................................................................................... 9
Unauthorised Personnel ..................................................................................................................... 9
SECTION 4: TRAINING AND AWARENESS ......................................................... 10
ELMO Online OHS Training Portal ................................................................................................... 10
Laboratory Safety Training ............................................................................................................... 10
SECTION 5: WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ........................... 12
Duties of workers .............................................................................................................................. 12
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) ......................................................................................... 12
Risk Assessments (RA) .................................................................................................................... 13
Workplace Inspections ...................................................................................................................... 13
Accidents and Incidents .................................................................................................................... 13
Reporting Hazards ............................................................................................................................ 14
Registers ........................................................................................................................................... 14
SECTION 6: GUIDELINES FOR LABORATORY SAFETY ................................... 15
SECTION 7: BIOLOGICAL PROCEDURES .......................................................... 16
Definitions ......................................................................................................................................... 16
Biological Spill Kits ............................................................................................................................ 16
Biological Spill Procedures ............................................................................................................... 17
Reporting Accidents and Incidents ................................................................................................... 17
SECTION 8: CHEMICAL PROCEDURES .............................................................. 18
Safe Handling of Chemicals ............................................................................................................. 18
Safe Handling of Gas Cylinders and Pressure Vessels ................................................................... 19
Chemical Labelling ........................................................................................................................... 19
Chemical Spill Procedures ................................................................................................................ 20
Chemical Spill Kit .............................................................................................................................. 20
Chemwatch ....................................................................................................................................... 22
SECTION 9: SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE ....................................................... 23
General Facility Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 23
Daily Cleaning .............................................................................................................................. 23
Weekly Cleaning........................................................................................................................... 23
Equipment Maintenance ................................................................................................................... 24
Annual Servicing or Certification .................................................................................................. 24
Equipment Servicing Schedule .................................................................................................... 24
SECTION 10: SAFE OPERATION OF LABORATORY EQUIPMENT ................... 25
Autoclaves ........................................................................................................................................ 25
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Centrifuges........................................................................................................................................ 25
Microtomes ....................................................................................................................................... 25
Fridges .............................................................................................................................................. 25
Laminar Flow Cabinets ..................................................................................................................... 25
Biological Safety Cabinets ................................................................................................................ 26
Electrophoresis Equipment ............................................................................................................... 26
SECTION 11: WASTE DISPOSAL ........................................................................... 1
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SECTION 1: CONTACTS LIST
A contacts list must be clearly displayed in all facilities, listing the emergency contact
information of facility managers and emergency personnel.
When making an internal call only the last 5 digits of the full telephone number should be
dialled.
Security
Dial 400 on any campus or individual campus security numbers listed below:
Campus
Wagga Wagga
Bathurst
Albury Wodonga
Orange
Dubbo
Security
32288
84999
19888
57522
57305/84999
Hazmat Team
6921 3022
6332 5634
6021 3174
Facility/Laboratory Manager
Name:
Business Hours:
After Hours:
Mobile:
Alternative Emergency Contact Details:
In the event of an emergency and the Facility/Laboratory Manager is not contactable,
contact Security and notify the Head of School.
Senior First Aid Officer
Name:
Phone:
Location:
First Aid Officer
Name:
Phone:
Location:
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Campus Chief Warden
Name:
Phone:
Location:
Building Warden
Name:
Phone:
Location:
Responsible for:
Campus OHS Committee Chair
Name:
Phone:
Location:
Fire, Ambulance, Police
Phone: 000
Poisons Info Centre
Phone: 13 11 26
CSU Compliance Committees:
Animal Care and Ethics Committee
Chemical Safety Committee
Human Research Ethics Committee
Institutional Biosafety Committee
Radiation Safety Committee
Office of Academic Governance
Email: oag@csu.edu.au
Website: http://www.csu.edu.au/acad_sec/proformas.htm
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SECTION 2: EMERGENCIES
All Immediate Emergencies*
Dial: '000' for Fire, Ambulance, Police or
Dial: '000' or '112 from a mobile phone or
Dial: Ext '400' for CSU Security
Then contact the Facility/Laboratory Manager:
* Refer to the Charles Sturt University Emergency Procedures and Flip Chart for the types
of emergencies and procedures.
http://www.csu.edu.au/division/facilitiesm/services/emergency/flipchart
Additional emergency procedures and information can be obtained from the Charles Sturt
University Site Emergency Procedures.
http://www.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/136706/sepman.pdf
And the Charles Sturt University OH&S Management System
http://www.csu.edu.au/division/hr/health-safety-wellbeing/ohs-management-system
A copy of the Facility’s FIRE and EMERGENCY PLAN should be appended to this manual.
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SECTION 3: ACCESS TO THE FACILITY
Access
Before commencing work in any facility or laboratory, personnel must complete all relevant
induction and site training.
Access to a facility will be granted only after completion of the following:
 Induction and training
 Project outlines, Risk Assessments and SOPs have been approved
 Approval for the allocation of keys and/or swipe card access has been processed
Authorised Personnel

A person who has been trained to the appropriate level to work in the
facility/laboratory and

has been trained in the specific protocols of the facility/laboratory and

has read and understood the Facility/Laboratory manual and the Awareness Guide
and

has been authorised by the Facility/Laboratory Manager
Personnel are not to allow entry to the facility or give access unless they have the direct
consent of the Laboratory Manager.
Conduct of Authorised Personnel

Personnel ID must be worn at all times

The facility MUST be locked when unattended.

Any work, maintenance, cleaning or trade can only be carried once a Clearance for
Maintenance form has been fully completed.

Personnel are to notify the Facility/Laboratory Manager immediately there is a spill of
any type within the facility.
Unauthorised Personnel

Unauthorised personnel are not to enter the facility.

Personnel must obtain authorisation to enter a facility from Facility/Laboratory
Manager.

Unauthorised personnel must not carry out ANY work or procedure within the facility.
The relevant induction and access forms are available at:
http://www.csu.edu.au/faculty/science/technical/procedures-forms/a-z-list
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SECTION 4: TRAINING AND AWARENESS
This section must be read in conjunction with the Faculty of Science Awareness Guide.
ELMO Online OHS Training Portal
ELMO is web based OHS online compulsory training to provide information to assist in
minimising risks which may affect their health and safety.
This training is generic in nature and is to be supplemented with specific job or task related
training. Charles Sturt University is required to ensure the information, instruction or training
has been undertaken and a required level of competency achieved.
All staff must complete the six ELMO modules and whilst they can be completed in any
order, the preferred sequence is listed below:
1. Introduction to Safety at CSU;
2. Manual Tasks;
3. Office Ergonomics;
4. Risk Management; and
5. Accident Investigation.
6. Fire and Emergency Procedures.
http://www.csu.edu.au/division/hr/starting-at-university/induction-docs/elmo
Laboratory Safety Training
The development of a systematic training and education program is an important strategy in
managing and implementing good laboratory work practices and is a vital component of
overall occupational health and safety policy and procedures. All staff, including
management, should participate in appropriate health and safety training.
Training provides a means for:







Sharing of knowledge
Developing skills, abilities and competencies for personnel
Influencing behaviour into more effective patterns
Improving workplace performance
Emphasising the best (safest) work methods and procedures in laboratories
Clarifying the role of workers in the workplace
Ensuring legal obligations and performance standards are met
Training may be directed at various aspects of the work:

Induction training and workplace orientation for persons who are new to the facility or
have transferred from one laboratory to another
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




Job training, targeting persons commencing a new job or task in the laboratory,
including situations where the existing job has been altered or the person has taken
on a new role within the laboratory
Hands-on training as provided by the Supervisor and experienced co-workers on a
day-to-day basis
Training for specific functions, such as first aid or manual handling training, safety
committee member or safety representative training
Staff development training; and
Training that compliments a health and safety program, such as industrial relations,
dispute resolutions, assertiveness training or time management
All workers should be made aware of the potential hazards in their area and in the tasks
being undertaken, in addition to the use of appropriate preventative measures in dealing with
them. This information should be regularly reviewed and updated.
Relevant reference material, such as safety manuals, safety data sheets, standard operating
procedures, risk assessments and technical information should be readily available.
All training conducted in-house and from external sources should be documented in
facility/laboratory training records and personal training sheets. Training information should
also be entered into the University’s Training database.
To work in a facility/laboratory additional training may be required in the areas of:

Chemical

Radiation

Biological competencies

Equipment use
The relevant training forms are available at:
http://www.csu.edu.au/faculty/science/technical
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SECTION 5: WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY
REQUIREMENTS
This section must be read in conjunction with the Charles Sturt University Risk Management
Policy and the Faculty of Science Awareness Guide.
Duties of workers
While at work, a worker must:




Take reasonable care for his or her own health and safety, and
Take reasonable care that his or her acts or omissions do not adversely affect the
health and safety of other persons, and
Comply, so far as the worker is reasonably able, with any reasonable instruction that
is given by the person conducting the business or undertaking to allow the person to
comply with this Act, and
Co-operate with any reasonable policy or procedure of the person conducting the
business or undertaking relating to health or safety at the workplace that has been
notified to workers.1
Every Facility/Laboratory must have a specific folder for each the following:

Facility/laboratory manual (adapted from this document)

Safe Operating Procedures

Risk Assessments

Safety Data Sheets

Training and Personnel Records
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)
SOPs are required for:

All Equipment

Laboratory procedures

Methods and processes

Waste disposal

Decontamination of all equipment

Field practicals
A hardcopy of the completed SOP must be checked and signed by the Manager/Supervisor
and by at least the first employee to use the SOP. Hardcopies of SOP’s should be readily
available.
1
New South Wales Work Health and Safety Act 2011 No10, Part 2, Division 4, Section 28
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SOP templates are available at:
http://www.csu.edu.au/faculty/science/technical/procedures-forms/risk-management
Details of the SOP are entered into the SOP Register and given an identification number.
After the consultation process is complete, the SOP is placed in the relevant folder on S
Drive.
Risk Assessments (RA)
RAs are required for:



All equipment
Laboratory/field practicals
Activities where potential hazards have been identified
Risk Assessment templates are available at:
http://www.csu.edu.au/faculty/science/technical/procedures-forms/risk-management
RA’s need to be signed by the appropriate authorities through the Work Health Safety
consultation process and then placed in the relevant folder on S Drive. Hardcopies of RA’s
should be readily available.
Workplace Inspections
Facilities in the Faculty of Science are approved to carry out an annual Faculty of Science
Facility Audit in November of each year. Areas not covered by the audit (eg office spaces
and tea rooms) must complete a biannual workplace inspection in accordance with the CSU
Workplace Inspection and Report Policy.
http://www.csu.edu.au/adminman/hum/OCC06.rtf
Workplace Inspection checklist templates and Facility Inspection Audit procedure are
available from the Faculty of Science’s Technical Services website at:
http://www.csu.edu.au/faculty/science/technical/procedures-forms/workplace-inspection
Inspections should be carried out by a team of two or more regular users of the facility and
one independent person.
Once the inspection is complete, any unsatisfactory items should be noted on a Corrective
Action Plan for attention. Copies of completed inspection checklists and corrective action
plans will be forwarded to the Laboratory Manager for collation and submission into the
University system.
Accidents and Incidents
Any accident, incident or near miss must be reported to the Division of Human Resources
using the Charles Sturt University Accident/Incident Report Form. This report must be
completed, signed and faxed to + 61 2 633 84830 or scanned and emailed to
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13
ohs@csu.edu.au within 24 hours of an accident, incident or near miss occurring. A copy of
the report must be submitted to the Facility/Laboratory manager.
Forward the original to Charles Sturt University, Division of Human Resources, Phillips
Building, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst NSW 2795 Australia.
Workers must report all incidents, accidents or near misses to their direct Supervisor and/or
Facility/Laboratory Manager.
The Accident/Incident report form is available at:
http://www.csu.edu.au/division/hr/health-safety-wellbeing/accidents-incidents
Reporting Hazards
The CSU Health, Safety and Wellbeing website provides information on hazards. The
hazard form is available at:
http://www.csu.edu.au/division/hr/health-safety-wellbeing/accidents-incidents
Copies of completed forms should be provided to your Supervisor or Facility/Laboratory
Manager for submission into the University system. Once lodged, the form will be given a
unique identification number and be directed to the attention of the appropriate Manager
within the University for action and review.
If a hazard is noted between inspections the matter can be addressed either by completing a
Hazard Form or by submitting a BEIMS request to the Division of Facilities Management.
BEIMS forms can only be submitted by authorised members of staff. Please contact the
Facility/Laboratory manager for a list of authorised BEIMS requisitioners.
Registers
Registers must be maintained for the following items:

Risks/Hazards (Risk Register)

Chemicals

Biological Organisms

Scheduled Substances

Pesticides

Radiation sources

Equipment – major (<$10,000) and minor (>$1000)

Maintenance
Further information can be obtained online at:
http://www.csu.edu.au/faculty/science/technical/home
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SECTION 6: GUIDELINES FOR LABORATORY SAFETY
This section must be read in conjunction with the Faculty of Science Awareness Guide.




Always be conscious of the potential hazards
Keep evacuation routes clear at all times
Be aware of emergency evacuation procedures
Use personal protective equipment
Note: Nitrile gloves should be used for handling organic solvents (eg xylene,
chloroform). Nitrile gloves are available from the Laboratory Store



Exercise care entering and leaving the laboratory
Handling, storing or consumption of food or drink in laboratories is not permitted
Read the label on all substances used in the laboratory and follow the warnings. If in
doubt, ask your Supervisor
Follow safe working procedures at all times
Store the minimum quantities of substances in the laboratory
Always use a fume cupboard for handling hazardous or volatile substances
Wear appropriate attire
Appropriate closed footwear shall be worn in laboratory areas at all times, by all
persons






Clean up spills immediately
a)
For chemicals, follow instructions on label or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or
engage emergency procedure in Section 8
b)
For blood & body fluids, follow the procedure set out in Section 7

Avoid working alone in the laboratory especially if:
1. The procedure is particularly hazardous and/or
2. The procedure is performed after normal working hours






Washing of hands when leaving the laboratory is recommended
Mechanical pipetting devices should be used for all pipetting procedures. Pipetting by
mouth not permitted
Gas cylinders must be secured in an upright position
Keep the laboratory in a clean and tidy state. It is good practice to clear the bench at
the end of each day
Avoid using glassware that is chipped, broken, cracked or badly scratched
Take care in using cryogenic fluids or dry ice for cooling
For more detailed descriptions of laboratory hazards refer to Australian Standard 2243,
Safety in Laboratories Part 1: General (2010) available on the Standards Australia Web Site.
Facility/Laboratory Manual, Version 3.0 (February 2012)
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SECTION 7: BIOLOGICAL PROCEDURES
This section must be read in conjunction with the CSU Institutional Biosafety Manual.
Safe working practices, risk groupings and physical containment levels for laboratory work
involving microorganisms are set out in AS/NZS 2243.3:2002 Safety in Laboratories –
Microbiological aspects and Containment Facilities which is available on the Standards
Australia Web Site .
This standard classifies microorganisms into risk groups and sets out physical containment
levels corresponding to each risk group. Requirements are provided for laboratory facilities,
personal protective equipment and work practices relating to each physical containment
level.
Definitions
Accident
Incident
Biohazardous
Material
Risk Group
Risk Levels of
Spillage
Low Risk Spillage
High Risk
Spillage
Genetically
Modified
Organism (GMO)
For the purposes of these procedures, an accident is defined as any uncontrolled
or unintentional release of a biological agent, either within a contained facility or
into the environment, and/or contamination of personnel, which seems likely to
result in injury or illness to the personnel so exposed (i.e., more serious than an
incident).
An incident is defined in these procedures as an uncontrolled or unintentional
release of a biological agent which, although not actually causing injury/harm to
personnel or to the environment, had the potential to do so (i.e., ‘a near miss’).
Biohazardous Material is defined as any agent of biological origin which has the
capacity to produce deleterious effects on humans and/or the environment. The
degree of the hazard (and, consequently, the response to any accidental spillage)
will depend on the Risk Group, form and volume of the material involved.
Micro-organisms are classified according to their degree of risk to individuals, the
community or the environment. The Risk Groups for some classes of microorganisms are outlined in the Australian Standard AS 2243.3 (2002): “Safety in
Laboratories – Microbiological Aspects and Containment Facilities”. These
University procedures are particularly relevant when dealing with microorganisms of Risk Group 2 and above.
The risk level of the particular spillage is determined by the nature of the
biological material involved and the level of containment.
A Low Risk Spillage involves a biohazardous material release which is contained
within a biological safety cabinet or within a facility which is appropriate for the
Risk Group of the micro-organism involved.
A High Risk Spillage involves two possible scenarios: a release of a
biohazardous material outside of the appropriate level of containment; or a
release of a biohazardous material which creates a risk to human health.
The term GMO is as defined in the Commonwealth Gene Technology Act 2000
and the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 (available via the Biosafety
Committee Home Page. The term includes tissue culture cell lines, microorganisms, viruses and any other biological entity which has undergone genetic
manipulation, apart from those classes of organism declared by the Regulations
not to be GMOs. NOT to be used in General Laboratory.
Biological Spill Kits
All facilities conducting work using potentially biohazard materials shall store and maintain a
Biological Emergency Spill Kit.
As a minimum a Biological Spill Kit shall contain:
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
‘DO NOT ENTER’ signs;

‘BIOHAZARD’ signs;

Suitable supplies of disinfectant and absorbent materials;

Protective clothing including spare laboratory coats (preferably disposable,
hydrophobic coveralls), rubber boots or overshoes and gloves;

Appropriate containers, including biohazard bags; and

Barrier tape.
Biological Spill Procedures
For the management of a Biological Hazard Spill or Accidental Release of Biological Agents
the following procedures should be followed:
1. Place a Spill Sign on the doors of the Laboratory
2. Notify the Laboratory Manager and if necessary Security
3. Follow the Spill Procedures as outlined in CSU Institutional Biosafety Manual
4. Complete a Spill Report Form
The supervisor or person in charge of an area where a major spill has occurred should also
notify the Executive Officer of Institutional Biosafety Committee.
http://www.csu.edu.au/acad_sec/committees/biosafety/members.htm
Reporting Accidents and Incidents
In the event of a biological accident, priority must be given to the care of the injured. After
assessing the risk level of the biohazard material involved, first aid should be applied by
trained personnel.
Every accident or incident involving biohazard material shall be reported immediately to the
appropriate supervisor, and followed up within 24 hours by the submission of a Biological
Accident/Incident Report using form BSC 1 to the Biosafety Committee.
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SECTION 8: CHEMICAL PROCEDURES
Many of the substances used in laboratories are hazardous chemicals and if handled
inappropriately create additional risks for workers.
This section sets out guidelines for workers to handle hazardous chemicals safely.




READ THE LABEL - Hazards are identified on the label
ASSESS THE RISKS - Know the risks for every chemical you handle. This
information will be found on the label, in Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in reference
books and computer data bases on hazardous chemicals (eg. ChemWatch) or in
safety notes in laboratory method books. Risk assess the purchase, use, storage and
disposal of all hazardous chemicals.
IF IN DOUBT, ASK – Facility/Laboratory Managers have a responsibility to keep
information about the hazards associated with chemicals in use
TAKE PRECAUTIONS APPROPRIATE FOR THE RISKS INVOLVED
o Avoid contact with skin and inhalation of fumes or dust
o Clean up spills so fellow workers are never exposed unknowingly to
chemicals
o Label containers or solutions clearly
Safe Handling of Chemicals

Always read to the SDS before working with any chemical and assess the risks

Use a fume cabinet where required and if this is not possible, use a respirator
equipped with appropriate filters

Use approved gloves (not all types of gloves are suitable)

Monitor the work area and yourself

Report all spillages

Label all containers clearly (no abbreviations) and include the appropriate risk and
safety phrases and warning signs

Learn and understand the dangerous chemical classifications (dangerous goods
diamonds)

Store carcinogens separately with access limited to authorised personnel

Store excess quantities of solvents in flammable storage cabinets

Dispose of all wastes safely and as per legislation

Clean up all spills immediately

DO NOT work with radioactive substances or vary an established procedure
UNLESS IT IS APPROVED by the Radiation Safety Committee

Chemicals are to be stored in accordance with regulations and registers updated
regularly

Perform regular chemical audits

Waste chemicals and pesticides should be stored and disposed of in accordance
with regulations and disposal procedures.

A register of chemical waste must be keep prior to and at disposal. The
Facility/Laboratory manager must organise the waste collection with the contractor

In general one or two winchesters of flammable liquids can be kept in a laboratory
Facility/Laboratory Manual, Version 3.0 (February 2012)
18

Acids and corrosives MUST NOT be stored with flammable liquids

Flammable liquids MUST NOT be stored in conventional 'household or domestic'
refrigerators with most refrigerators in our laboratories being of this type

When using solvents make sure you have an appropriate fire extinguisher nearby
and you know how to use it

A DRY chemical powder extinguisher, 4-5 kilos should be located near each
flammable cabinet
Safe Handling of Gas Cylinders and Pressure Vessels

Secure all cylinders (use a chain and bracket – cylinders are not to be secured using
a rope)

Transport cylinders using a trolley only

Ensure there are no leaks when attaching the pressure gauge to the cylinder

Check the seal using water or a soap solution to check for bubbles

Ensure adequate ventilation to exhaust gases

Only gases currently in use may be stored in the laboratory

All empty cylinders and cylinders not in immediate use must be returned to the gas
storage area

Do not travel in a lift with any gas cylinder or liquid nitrogen dewar or large quantities
of dry ice
Chemical Labelling
This section must be read in conjunction with the Faculty of Science Chemical Labelling
Procedure.
As a minimum chemical labels should contain the following items:

Product Identification – the name by which the substance is known, eg Trade
name/product name, chemical name – DO NOT USE ABREVIATIONS

Ingredients – a full listing if it is a mixture

Signal Words – indicates the severity of a hazard, eg HAZARDOUS, POISON etc

Dangerous Goods Class label– Indicates the class of chemical in relation to
transportation and storage.

UN (United Nations) Number - Internationally recognised chemical identification
number

Risk and Safety Phrases, eg “R25 - Toxic if swallowed” and “S15 - Keep away from
heat” Risk Phrases convey a general description of the hazard with normal use of the
substance. Safety phrases provide information on safe storage, handling and
personal protection

Safe Use directions – details quantities and procedures for use, eg mixing
instructions

First Aid Phrases – for exposures requiring immediate treatment eg “If eye contact
occurs, wash eye immediately”

Emergency Procedures – gives details on how to control a spill, leak or fire

Details of supplier – includes name, address and telephone number in Australia
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It is not always possible to include the full amount of information on smaller containers, or
larger containers which will be used within 12 hours.
The most important information to include is:

Product name/Chemical name

Signal words and Dangerous Goods Class labels

Risk and Safety Phrases,

First aid procedures
DO NOT USE ABREVIATIONS (e.g. EtOH or PBS) write out the contents in full (e.g.
Ethanol or Phosphate Buffered Saline pH 8.4)
Chemical Spill Procedures
Every effort should be made to prevent spills by ensuring good housekeeping, having
adequate storage areas, regular inspections of packages and containers. Spills should be
cleaned up as soon as they occur. The cause of the spill should be investigated and
reported to prevent further re-occurrence.


Determine the appropriate clean up method by referring to the Safety Data Sheet
(SDS). If you are unsure how to proceed, or if you do not have the necessary
protective equipment, do not attempt to clean up the spill
If the spill is minor and of known limited danger, clean up immediately

If the spill is of unknown composition, or potentially dangerous (explosive, toxic
vapours), alert everyone present and evacuate the room

If the spill cannot be safely handled using the equipment and personnel present, call
Security or HAZMAT to request assistance
NOTE: Each spill will need to be treated differently. Always read the SDS before
working with a substance.
Chemical Spill Kit
The following items should be included in a basic chemical spill kit:

Adequate quantities of absorbent material, eg, sand, fuller’s earth, or suitable
proprietary substances for the toxic substance concerned

Calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime) or Sodium carbonate (soda ash) for use on acidic
spills and pesticide spills

Sodium Bisulfate for use with alkaline spill

A sufficient number of waste-recovery containers, for example, drums made of
materials compatible with the substances being kept and appropriately marked as
being for emergency use only

Approved containers made of appropriate materials, for the purpose of repackaging
the contents of any leaking packages

Portable pumps and decanting equipment

Shovels

Yard broom

Personal Protective Equipment
Facility/Laboratory Manual, Version 3.0 (February 2012)
20
Supervisors and Managers have the following responsibilities:
1. To ensure hazardous chemicals are appropriately labelled and stored and to provide
information to staff on precautions appropriate to different hazards.
2. To ensure their laboratory has adequate safety equipment.
3. To ensure their laboratory meets legislative requirements for occupational health &
safety.
4. To ensure all operating procedures contain adequate warnings on hazardous
reagents. The hazards should be identified wherever the chemical is mentioned.
5. To remain vigilant for safety hazards, and rectify any problem.
6. To maintain a register of chemicals used in their laboratory.
All workers have the following responsibilities:
To remain alert to the potential hazards in handling chemicals, to follow appropriate safety
procedures where a hazard is known, and to seek advice when the extent of hazard or
appropriate precautions are not clear.
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Chemwatch
CSU uses the ChemWatch – Chemgold III software program to manage the University’s
chemical compliance with the Hazardous Chemicals Regulations.
Features of the ChemWatch – Chemgold III program include:







Database of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for over 40,000 chemicals
Chemical search by using name of chemical, trade name, United Nations (UN)
Number or Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Number
Hazardous substances labels for compliance with Approved Code of Practice for
labelling of hazardous substances
Emergency information, ie. first-aid treatment, procedure in case of spillage, advice
for doctor and fire fighting procedure
Store manifest facility with multiple levels of storage
Hazchem coding and Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) coding
Perform a risk assessment for the use of substances that are listed in the data base
All areas of CSU, including laboratories, are required to enter all substances held and the
quantities into the ChemWatch – Chemgold III program. The program can then:


Identify all substances which are classified as hazardous
Print a listing of (a) All substances in a particular store
(b) Hazardous substances in a particular store
(c) Dangerous substances in a particular store
General access to SDS is available to all staff at:
http://www.csu.edu.au/faculty/science/technical/chemicals#chemwatch
For advanced access to create and modify manifests contact:
Jim Watt: jwatt@csu.edu.au or
Leanne Hawkins: lhawkins@csu.edu.au
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SECTION 9: SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
General Facility Maintenance
The physical structure of the facility/laboratory is managed by the Division of Facilities
Management (DFM).
DFM maintain the:

Plumbing

Electrical

Windows

Air conditioning and ventilation

Doors

Pest Control

Cleaning
Should any maintenance or repair work be required, the facility/laboratory manager or
delegate will submit a BEIMS request with DFM to have the matter addressed. BEIMS forms
can only be submitted by authorised members of staff. Please contact the facility/laboratory
manager for a list of authorised BEIMS submitters.
BEIMS requests are lodged online at:
http://www.csu.edu.au/division/facilitiesm/maintenance
Any structural/service problems not addressed in a timely manner by DFM should be
brought to the attention of the Manager, University Laboratories as soon as possible.
Where staff and/or students are required to check laboratory components as part of their
weekly inspection, faults are to be recorded in the log and the Facility/Laboratory Manager
notified.
The Faculty of Science procedures for the decontamination of laboratories and equipment
prior to repair or maintenance by contractors and maintenance staff will be followed.
The Clearance for Maintenance Form must be completed by the person requesting the work
and provided to contractors or maintenance staff prior to the commencement of any work.
The Facility/Laboratory Manager must always be informed of any work being undertaken
within the facility.
Daily Cleaning
All work areas used in the facility/laboratory MUST be cleaned with an appropriate cleaning
agent at the completion of the work in the area and as a minimum at the completion of work
each day.
Weekly Cleaning
A weekly roster for the cleaning and maintenance of the facility/laboratory will be posted on
the notice board within the facility/laboratory.
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Equipment Maintenance
The equipment in the facility/laboratory must be maintained in a clean and uncontaminated
state in accordance with the protocols set out in the relevant manuals. The
Facility/Laboratory Manager will inspect these components monthly and record the status in
the maintenance log.
Procedures for the routine cleaning and decontamination of equipment (including: water
baths; centrifuges; refrigerators freezers, incubators, shakers and water bath), regular
testing, checking, reporting and repair of equipment must be included in the relevant SOP.
All equipment requiring compliance testing will be noted in the maintenance schedule, and
where appropriate inspected by a certified maintenance contractor annually. The equipment
schedule must be kept up to date in the facility/laboratory records.
Annual Servicing or Certification
An annual servicing schedule must be maintained. The use of an external contractor for
services such as NATA accreditation should be coordinated by the facility/laboratory manger
in consultation with the Area Technical Manager and the University Laboratory Manager.
Equipment Servicing Schedule
Equipment
Service
Requirement
Type of Service performed
by;
Autoclave Calibration
Autoclave Pressure Vessel
Inspection
Autoclave Spore Testing
Fume Hood
Biosafety Cabinet (I and II)
Annual
Every 2 years
Certified and accredited
Certified and accredited
Monthly
Annual
Annual
Laboratory personnel
Certified and accredited
NATA – must include test for
containment efficiency
HEPA filter
Laminar Flow
Drainage Backflow
Inspection
Test and Tag Electrical
Annual
Annual
Annual
CSU Biosafety Committee
Annual
Annual
Facility/Laboratory Manual, Version 3.0 (February 2012)
Maintain
Records
for:
5 years
5 years
12 months
5 years
5 years
5 years
Licensed and accredited
plumber
Licensed and accredited
tester
5 years
?
5 years
24
SECTION 10: SAFE OPERATION OF LABORATORY
EQUIPMENT
All workers must be trained in the safe operation of equipment and notified of any associated
hazards. Standard Operating Procedures and Manufacturer’s operating manuals should be
readily available.
Autoclaves
These units operate under steam pressure and the hazards are associated with handling hot
items and steam burns. Operators must be trained and follow standard operating
procedures. The hazards are associated with handling hot items (use of insulated gloves)
and steam burns.
The autoclave shall be compliance tested annually and the boiler inspected biennially. The
inspection certificate should be displayed next to the appliance and a copy retained in the
facility/laboratory records.
An Autoclave Log is to be maintained recording the results of every load. Autoclave load
monitoring using an autoclave strip (Thermalog or similar) for each run and the efficacy of
the sterilisation process is to be monitored monthly using biological indicators (3M).
Centrifuges
Centrifuges generate high gravitational forces in samples by centrifugal action. The major
hazards are due to the high mechanical forces generated. Hence modern centrifuges have
intricate lid locking mechanisms to prevent access to the centrifugal chamber until the rotor
has decelerated to an almost stationary position. Care should be taken to ensure balanced
loading of the centrifuge. Some modern centrifuges have vibration cut out switches to stop
the centrifuge if the load is not balanced.
Microtomes
Microtomes are used for cutting thin histological sections for microscopic examination. The
knife is extremely sharp and extreme care should be taken when handling. The knife should
be guarded while not in use.
Fridges
Laboratory fridges must not be used for storage of food or drink. In addition, flammable
liquids should not be stored in a fridge unless the fridge has been modified and labelled as
suitable for storage of flammable liquids.
Laminar Flow Cabinets
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Laminar flow cabinets are used as clean areas for performing tasks requiring aseptic
techniques. All workers using laminar flow cabinets must follow standard operating
procedures.
Biological Safety Cabinets
Biological safety cabinets provide aseptic work areas, but differ from laminar flow cabinets in
the direction of the airflow so as to afford protection to the user from biological samples
within the cabinet. There are two types of Biological Safety Cabinets. Class I provides
operator protection but not sample protection. Class II provides both operator and sample
protection. All workers using Biological Safety Cabinets must follow standard operating
procedures.
Electrophoresis Equipment
Such equipment often uses high voltages to achieve separations of samples on a support
medium. The hazard to the user is electrical contact with the sample while electrical current
is flowing. Always turn the power supply off before opening the chamber.
NOTE: List other equipment where relevant
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SECTION 11: WASTE DISPOSAL
The storage of waste is outlined in the:
Faculty of Science Waste Management Procedure
Faculty of Science Waste Guidelines
All chemical waste must be labelled with the following information:

Waste category

Specific Hazard Information

Emergency information

Waste Generator

Building/Room
Chemical waste should be listed on the contractor’s Chemical Waste Inventory Form and a
copy kept in the laboratory records. Additional information regarding chemical storage and
waste can be found at:
http://www.csu.edu.au/faculty/science/technical/chemicals.