Lab Safety

Lab Safety Procedures and Reference Information

Chemical Labels & Labeling - Replacing original labels, labeling secondary containers (prepared solutions, samples), and Wastes

Secondary Container Label Template - with Checkboxes
Secondary Container Label Template - with Pictograms
Replacement Labels Template - for original containers

Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories - American Chemical Society publication

Pregnant Lab Workers Declaration Procedures

Student Researchers Policy & Procedures, Application, Release form

Minors in the Lab Policy & Procedures (non-UHCL students, including 12th grade)

Visiting Researchers Policy & Procedures

Laboratory and/or Equipment Checkout Procedures

Inspections

General Lab Inspection Checklist

The Lab Safety Institute has compiled over 5,000 examples of accidents in labs for over 40 years. They have published these examples for purchase in bulk, or as a summary. Here is the index of other accident examples, and some of the worst in their 100 Years of Progress. Please contact x.2106 for access.

Lab Safety Training

See the Laboratory Training Matrix for what is required to conduct work in a UHCL lab.

Student Lab Safety Training Policy
Advanced Lab Safety Training Policy for TA's, RA's, Graduate Independent Studies, Lab Faculty and Staff

Training Enrollment

Students taking laboratory courses utilizing chemicals are enrolled at the beginning of every semester in Lab Safety Training within Canvas. Late registering students must email coen@uhcl.edu for enrollment.

A separate Advanced Lab Safety Training course is given to TA's, RA's, Graduate Independent Studies, and Lab Faculty and Staff.

Additional lab specific trainings are available as modules within the Canvas Lab Safety Training Topics course.

Training Courses

These training presentations may be taken in Canvas. See the Lab Training Matrix for a list of what training and frequency is required for your lab.

Lab and Chemical Safety Training - including Hazard Communication, fire and emergencies, first aid, bloodborne pathogens awareness
Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories - American Chemical Society Publication (resource)
Chemical Labels and Labeling - Relabeling original containers, labeling Secondary containers (prepared solutions, samples), Waste labels
Fume Hoods User Training
Waste handling, Collection & Labeling
Autoclave, Disinfection, and Blood Borne Pathogens Training

Videos

Lab Safety Institute Favorites
Chemical Safety Board Videos- search for Experimenting with Danger, and After the Rainbow

Humorous Videos

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE may be purchased at the bookstore. If purchased elsewhere, it must match the same protection as those chosen for sale at the bookstore. i.e., same length lab coat down legs and long sleeves, same size and design safety glasses and goggles with indirect vents and Z87 impact rating.

Lab Coats

Lab coats must be full length to the knees with long sleeves. Dental coats or doctors coats do not provide sufficient coverage. A blend of polyester and cotton is recommended to retain both liquid and flame retardant properties. 100% polyester lab coats shall not be used with flammable or pyrophoric materials. 100% cotton absorbs chemicals more easily and burns hotter in a fire if they do catch fire.

Safety goggles

Safety goggles with indirect vents are required for use with liquids, as the risk of splash and drip into the eye is present. Safety goggles should fit the face well to provide a seal. Safety glasses may be used with dry materials, and are chosen to provide the most coverage.

Eye Protection Demo

Gloves

Gloves are not suitable for use with every chemical. There are many types of glove materials. Each type is compatible and incompatible with different materials. Search by chemical for the recommended glove type, and then by the manufacturer for breakthrough time (length of time use) for that glove thickness.

Example: Best Brand N-Dex regular disposable gloves are not suitable for concentrated sulfuric acid. They have a breakthrough time of 10 minutes or less.
Some Different Glove Types and Uses
Glove Selection by Chemical Search-Cole Parmer
Chemical Resistance Guide - Permeation & Degradation Data

Chemical Inventory

The UHCL Chemical Inventory is compiled within the OnSite Environmental Health & Safety Assistant (EHSA) software. Chemical inventory is required by law annually, and serves several functions:

To know what materials are present and assess their hazards
A list of SDS needed, and repository to store SDS for reviewing hazards of chemicals used, hazard planning, training and first aid purposes
Use for several agency reports (e.g., DEA, TCEQ, DSHS)
Allow faculty to share or dispose of items.

EHSA Login

Chemical Inventory Template for Import into OnSite
Requirement and Completion information
Notice to Employees, and en español

Chemical Safety

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Login with your UHCL credentials to Search for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on the chemicals you will work with: https://onsite.uhcl.edu/ehsa/login?/showSdsHubSearch

Go to the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) page for additional information, and manufacturer's links to obtain SDS for your lab or chemical inventory.

Hazard Communication

Labels and Labeling Requirements - Replacing original labels, labeling secondary containers (prepared solutions, samples), and Wastes
Secondary Container Label Template - with checkboxes
Secondary Container Label Template - with pictograms
Replacement Labels Template - for original containers

Program Information

Hazard Information

Chemical Compatibility and Storage

High Hazard Materials

PYROPHORIC Chemicals – DOE Handbook
PYROPHORIC Materials – University of Berkeley
WATER REACTIVE Chemicals – University of Berkeley
Peroxide Forming Chemicals List & Testing Frequency
Peroxide Forming Chemicals Labels
Peroxide Forming Storage Shelf Sign
Controlled (Drug) Precursor Chemicals and Glassware

All peroxide forming containers should have a peroxide label on them. Labels and test strips are in the stockroom. The storage area sticker should be placed above the shelf where peroxide formers are stored, in a flammable cabinet.

Testing for peroxides is required, often annually, and before distilling or concentrating. Failure to test and manage inventory can lead to a potentially dangerous explosive situation, and require dedicated costly high hazard stabilization waste disposal.

Old, unknown age, poor condition, or crystalized peroxide formers (inside bottle or under cap) should not be opened or moved as they may pose an explosion risk. Notify Hank Grotewold@uhcl.edu for those high hazard waste pickup needs.

Biological Safety

UH-Biological Safety Manual
UHCL Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
UHCL Autoclave, Disinfection, and Blood Borne Pathogens Training for Labs (taken in blackboard, Employee EHS training)
Autoclave Procedures
Autoclave Log and Efficacy Testing Sheets
Autoclave Bag Tags

See below for Biological Safety Cabinet and Fume Hood use information.

Incident Reporting

All incidents and injuries on campus or University business must be reported within 24 hours to EHS@UHCL.edu, with employee incidents to HumanResources@uhcl.edu also.

If you witness an incident, a witness statement must be submitted.

Go to the Incident Reporting Forms section on the EHS Forms page for fillable pdf forms for employees, students and visitors, and witnesses.

Forms Page

Safety Concern, Near Miss & Equipment Incident Report Form

In the same way accidents/incidents are investigated for actions to prevent recurrence, it is important to learn from near misses and eliminate unsafe conditions to prevent an accident from actually occurring.

UHCL asks that all employees report and correct potential hazards concerns and near misses immediately to help prevent incidents and maintain a safe work environment. Incidents that result in damage to equipment must be reported within 24 hours. Submit these reports to EHS@uhcl.edu.

(Heinrich & Bird accident theory model illustration) (Accident theory model illustration by Heinrich & Bird)

Environmental Health and Safety Assistant (EHSA) Software

UHCL uses this software to keep track of regulatory obligations, chemical inventories, SDS, etc. Login is the same as your UHCL user id and password. There is also a searchable database hub for SDS.

EHSA Login

Fume Hoods and Biosafety Cabinets

Labs may be equipped with chemical fume hood(s) and/or biological safety cabinets. Here is information on safe work practices, how they work, and a decision matrix for selecting the right one.

Chemical Fume Hoods

Biological Safety Cabinets

Waste

Lab Waste Handling Summary Chart - Overview of all lab wastes
Chemical & Hazardous Wastes

Waste Labeling

Waste Labeling Instructions

Waste Documentation

Waste Stream Information Form

Glassware

High Hazard Waste

Peroxide forming chemicals should have a peroxide label on them and be tested for peroxides per the chart (often annually) and before distilling or concentrating. Failure to label testing and manage inventory can lead to a potentially dangerous explosive situation, and require dedicated costly high hazard stabilization waste disposal.

Old, unknown age, poor condition, or crystalized peroxide formers (inside bottle or under cap) should not be opened or moved as they may pose an explosion risk. Notify Hank Grotewold@uhcl.edu for those high hazard waste pickup needs.

Waste Training

Lab Waste Training (taken in Canvas or in person)

See Biological Safety section for biological waste and autoclaving procedures.

Waste Pickups

Wastes are picked up at least twice a year from designated lab waste storage areas (in each building, not each lab). Lab waste containers (<5 gal size) should be brought to the designated waste storage area within 3 days when full. Contact Hank Grotewold@uhcl.edu for questions or assistance.

Laser Safety

All class 3b and 4 lasers must be approved and registered with the state. New laser proposals, locations, and authorized users must be requested by sub-registration application or amendment to the Laser Safety Officer (LSO) x.2107 to obtain prior authorization and training.

Notice to Employees: Texas Regulations for Control of Radiation - Lasers (PDF)
Laser Safety Awareness & Refresher Training - for guests and visitors (taken in Blackboard, Employee EHS training shell)
Laser Safety Awareness Simple Training - for visitors
UHCL Certificate of Registration for Lasers - License with the State
Laser Safety Manual UHCL
Laser Sub-registration Amendment form - to request new lasers or users

Laser Regulations and Requirements

Radiation Safety

All radioactive source materials must be approved and registered with the state. Only individuals authorized by state license may possess and use radioactive isotope materials. Changes in radiation source or equipment, locations and users must be requested by amendment application to the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) x.2107 for review of requirements (training, procedures, setup) and submission to the state to recieve permission for an amendment to the present radiation license, prior to activities.

Notice to Employees: Texas Regulations for Control of Radiation (PDF)
Application for PI/Isotope/Equipment (new PI sub-license)
Amendment Form (to update users, isotope, equipment use)
RSO Duties and Responsibilities
UH Radiation Safety Enforcement reference

Radioisotope Regulations

X-Ray Safety Program

All equipment producing x-rays must be approved and registered with the state. New equipment proposals and new authorized users must be requested by sub-registration application or amendment to the X-ray Radiation Safety Officer (XRSO) x.2107 to obtain prior authorization and training.

Recognize, Assess, Minimize, and Prepare for Lab Hazards