Laboratory Safety Checklist- Healthy Buildings

Craig A. Calvert, Ph.D., C-CHO
September 4, 2010
Welcome to the September issue of the Industrial Safety Newsletter. There are many components to a laboratory safety program, and it is easy to miss some of the little things. With this in mind, below is a short checklist of common deficiencies that I have found when I perform laboratory inspections. I hope that you find this newsletter useful, and as always, we look forward to providing you with the quality service and information that has made Fuss & O'Neill EnviroScience successful.
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The following checklist applies to general laboratory activities. There are more specific requirements under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200 and Laboratory Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450.
*Listed alphabetically
¨ Broken glass containers not in use
¨ Chemical containers and labels are compromised or illegible
¨ Chemicals stored alphabetically
¨ Chemicals that degrade/decompose (such as peroxides and peroxide formers) are not dated
¨ Concentrated nitric acid and concentrated acetic stored together
¨ Containers labeled improperly
¨ Current chemical inventory list out-of-date
¨ Electrical cords used for permanent installations
¨ Expired first aide supplies
¨ Eyewash missing or has degrading covers
¨ Flammable safety cans have flame arrester removed
¨ Goggles not used for handling liquids
¨ Incompatible gas cylinders stored together
¨ MSDSs unavailable and/or out-of-date
¨ No logbook for weekly eyewash inspections
¨ Old, unneeded, and/or hazardous chemicals
¨ Safety showers not inspected regularly
¨ Synthesized sample labeling not traceable to laboratory notebook
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Fuss & O'Neill EnviroScience offers a variety of services to assist you in maintaining compliance with OSHA’s standards. These services include 1) chemical inventory management, 2) chemical hygiene plan development and management, 3) chemical hazards identification, 4) chemical storage, 5) training, 6) waste management, 7) inspections, and more… A Certified-Chemical Hygiene Officer, Certified Industrial Hygienist, and/or another laboratory safety expert will provide you with guidance on maintaining a safe and compliant workplace setting. Fuss & O'Neill EnviroScience has years of experience providing consulting services to industrial clients of all sizes and of diverse backgrounds .
For more information contact:
Craig A. Calvert, Ph.D., C-CHO
ccalvert@fando.com
(860) 646-2469 x5571


On the web, for more information visit: www.craigcalvert.webs.com/
www.schoolsafetyinfo.blogspot.com/p/lab-safety-links.html

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