Chemical Fume Hoods
The chemical fume hood is the primary safety device used to protect laboratory personnel from chemical exposures, fires, or explosions. The chemical fume hood protects the user from flammable, toxic or offensive chemicals by providing an enclosed work area or barrier between the user and the hazardous chemical. Chemical fume hoods or other effective local ventilation must be provided when the chemical used has the potential to exceed exposure limits in the laboratory.
Eyewashes
An eyewash must be readily accessible in all areas where corrosives, hot liquids, or other eye-irritating materials (e.g., formaldehyde) are used or stored. During development of a laboratory specific emergency procedures, personnel must identify eyewash locations, verify proper function and determine if additional eyewash stations are required in the laboratory. Ensure that eyewash locations are marked with a sign posted at eye level above the fountains. Eyewash stations should be flushed weekly by laboratory personnel. Record these tests on the Weekly Eyewash or Shower Check Sheet.
NOTE: Annual eyewash testing is performed by Facilities Management.
Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets
Flammable storage cabinets are storage cabinets (typically metal) manufactured (UL or FM approved) to isolate flammable materials from a potential fire that may occur in the laboratory. Safety cabinets are required for the storage of flammable liquids in laboratories with cumulative quantities greater than 10 gallons and are available for purchase through safety equipment suppliers.
All flammable liquids must be labeled “Flammable-Keep Fire Away”.
Safety Showers
An easily accessible, drench-type safety shower must be available within ten seconds travel time in each area where corrosives and toxic liquids are used or stored. In some buildings, laboratories may need to rely on safety shower outside the laboratory. During development of a laboratory specific emergency procedures, personnel must identify shower locations and verify proper function. Ensure that safety shower locations are marked with a sign (available through EHRS) posted at eye level below the shower.
NOTE: Annual safety shower testing is performed by Facilities Management.
Flammable Storage Refrigerators/Freezers
Refrigerators and freezers used for flammable liquid storage must be manufactured for that purpose. Modification of general-purpose (domestic) refrigerators/freezers for flammable liquid storage is not permitted. General purpose refrigerators/freezer must be labeled to prohibit storage of flammable materials.
Laboratory refrigerators and freezers must not be used to store food or beverage intended for human consumption. Affix an appropriate label to the refrigerator/freezer door (e.g. Caution: For Chemical Storage Only, No Food or Drink)