Department of Microbiology
Laboratory Policy & Procedure Manual
Section: Quality Manual – Facilities and Safety
Prepared by: QA Committee
Issued by: Laboratory Manager
Approved by: Laboratory Director
Policy QFSMI02002.12
Page 1 of 3
Subject Title: Monitoring Laboratory
Room Air Temperature
Procedure
Original Date: August, 13, 2004
Revision Date:
Annual Review Date: May 9, 2014
Purpose
Ensures the laboratory complies with Workplace comfort temperature guidelines as set
out by the Ontario OHS regulations. In addition to workplace comfort, room air
temperature is also monitored to alert staff to the occurrence of temperatures that may
affect test procedures or instrument operation.
Responsibility
Management and personnel
Key Elements
 Workplace comfort temperature guidelines
 Procedure for daily monitoring of laboratory room air temperature
Related Documents
Ontario OHS Act
Regulation 67/93, section 21
Workplace comfort temperature guidelines
 Workplace air temperature should not be less than 18oC (Ontario OHS regulations
67/93, s.21)
 Indoor temperature comfort range is 21.5 to 24.5oC
Procedure
1. Using the LIS, record the room air temperature at designated areas once per day. Do
not record the temperature on days that the laboratory is not in use.
2. If temperatures occur that may affect test procedures or instrument operation, take
precautions to minimize the affect on patient test results, such as:
(a) delaying instrument operation until the heating/cooling problem is resolved
(b) move the method or instrument to an area of the laboratory not experiencing
the problem
(c) install a portable fan to improve ventilation
3. When the temperature is significantly cooler or warmer than the comfort range, notify
the charge or designate who will then contact Engineering. Indicate the current
temperature, and from the temperature chart, indicate the usual lab temperature.
4. Document the corrective action taken in the table at the bottom of the temperature
chart.
LABORATORY MANUAL
UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK/MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL, DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY
NOTE: This is a CONTROLLED document for internal use only. Any documents appearing in paper form are not controlled and
should be checked against the document (titled as above) on the server prior to use.
Department of Microbiology
Laboratory Policy & Procedure Manual
Section: Quality Manual – Facilities and Safety
Laboratory Room Air Temperature Log
Month/Year:
Month/Year:
o
Date Temp C Initials Date
TempoC
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Policy QFSMI02002.12
Page 2 of 3
Subject Title: Monitoring Laboratory Room
Air Temperature Procedure
Month/Year:
Initials Date
TempoC
1
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Initials
Corrective Action Log
Date
Comment
Initials
LABORATORY MANUAL
UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK/MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL, DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY
NOTE: This is a CONTROLLED document for internal use only. Any documents appearing in paper form are not controlled and
should be checked against the document (titled as above) on the server prior to use.
Department of Microbiology
Laboratory Policy & Procedure Manual
Section: Quality Manual – Facilities and Safety
Policy QFSMI02002.12
Page 3 of 3
Subject Title: Monitoring Laboratory Room
Air Temperature Procedure
Record of Edited Revisions
Manual Section Name: Facilities and Safety
Page Number / Item
Annual Review
Annual Review
Annual Review
Annual Review
Annual Review
Annual Review
Annual Review
Annual Review
Annual Review
Annual Review
Annual Review
Date of Revision
November 30, 2004
May 30, 2005
July 23, 2006
August 9, 2007
August 9, 2008
September 30, 2009
May 31, 2010
May 31, 2011
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2013
May 9, 2014
Signature of
Approval
Dr. T. Mazzulli
Dr. T. Mazzulli
Dr. T. Mazzulli
Dr. T. Mazzulli
Dr. T. Mazzulli
Dr. T. Mazzulli
Dr. T. Mazzulli
Dr. T. Mazzulli
Dr. T. Mazzulli
Dr. T. Mazzulli
Dr. T. Mazzulli
LABORATORY MANUAL
UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK/MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL, DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY
NOTE: This is a CONTROLLED document for internal use only. Any documents appearing in paper form are not controlled and
should be checked against the document (titled as above) on the server prior to use.