Compliance Requirements for Safe Laboratory Research

I.    Obtain prior approval for the following activities identified in the Chemical Hygiene Plan that require institutional notification:

  • Research involving animals, plants, infectious agents, human subjects, human blood, unfixed human tissues or human cell cultures, recombinant DNA, hazardous chemicals, radioactive material, radiation-producing devices, particle accelerators, Class III or IV lasers, formaldehyde, or methylene chloride
  • Purchase, possession, or use of explosive material
  • Modification to fume hood or other local exhaust system
  • Use of hazardous chemicals without adequate ventilation
  • Use of extremely toxic gases
  • Use of respirators
  • Treatment or neutralization of hazardous waste prior to disposal

II.   Install hazard warning signs on doors to all laboratories and lab support spaces (cold rooms, equipment rooms, spectroscopy rooms, etc.).

III.  Post emergency contact information in the lab.  The Emergency Resources Guide is available on-line:  https://www.umes.edu/Police.

IV.  Review the Laboratory Safety Checklist to ensure health and safety requirements are met in the lab.

V.   Review elements of the Laboratory Worker Safety Checklist with the employee, and provide additional required training as necessary. 

VI.  Implement procedures in the UMES Personal Protective Equipment Program. Required elements of the program include:

  1. Written hazard assessments
  2. Provision of necessary personal protective equipment
  3. Training employees in the proper use and care of protective equipment

VII.   For disposal of hazardous and regulated wastes, follow Waste Disposal Procedures.

VIII.  If research involves chemicals, implement the elements of the Chemical Hygiene Plan:

  1. Develop and insert the necessary lab-specific elements (chemical inventory, SOPs, Emergency contacts, MSDS and instructions for access, prior approval conditions)
  2. Submit copies of completed SOPs to EHS
  3. Provide training for all lab employees, including annual Waste Generator training.
  4. Obtain a spill kit for containment of minor spills in laboratories.
  5. If chemical exposure is suspected, contact EHS at (410) 651-6652 to coordinate exposure assessment.
  6. Ensure that employees report (suspected) chemical over-exposures or injuries and seek medical attention.

IX.     If research involves infectious agents, transgenic plants or animals, human blood or tissue, recombinant DNA, or other biohazardous materials, notify the Institutional Biosafety Committee of your intent to conduct this research. 

  1. Implement the procedures in the UMES Biosafety Plan.
  2. If working with human blood, unfixed human tissues or human cell cultures, complete Bloodborne Pathogens training annually, and implement procedures of the UMES Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan which is available on-line.
  3. If working with infectious agents, Biosafety Level 2 Training must be completed.

X.       If research involves radioactive materials:

  1. Review and follow the Authorization Procedures for Radioactive Materials.
  2. Ensure that the required Notice to Employee is posted in the lab by EHS.
  3. Complete Radiation Safety training
  4. Implement procedures in the UMES Radiation Safety Manual.
  5. Consult the Radiation Safety Officer/staff (410-651-6652) for additional information concerning X-Ray devices, particle accelerators, or transportation of radioactive materials.

XI.        If research involves Class III or Class IV lasers, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, or if researchers plan to prepare and ship hazardous materials by commercial carrier, they must first contact EHS.

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