Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements for Chemistry/Biology Labs

 

 

The following information has been compiled by Safety/Environmental Services for use as a guide in meeting the requirements for the proper design of chemical and biological science laboratories. Several references that apply to laboratory design are provided on page 2.

 

·        Emergency exhaust ventilation system. The fan control must be clearly labeled.

 

·        Emergency master controls for gas, electricity and water located in a readily accessible location to instructor. Controls must be clearly labeled.

 

·        Fume hoods are required for removal of flammable, toxic and acid vapors. Fume hoods must be tested and certified when installed and annually thereafter.

 

·        Acid storage cabinet(s) as needed.

 

·        Flammable liquids storage cabinet(s) as needed.

 

·        Chemical storage and preparation room with proper ventilation.

 

·        Eyewash/shower stations with signage to clearly identify location(s) and operation.

 

·        Appropriate hazard warning signs to identify chemical storage rooms and precautions regarding personal safety.

 

·        Establish and post emergency spill procedures and contact numbers for labs.

 

·        Safety/Environmental Services will need to apply for a site EPA ID # that must be obtained prior to generating chemical hazardous wastes at the site. It requires approximately 6 weeks to obtain an EPA ID #.

 

·        Location for a proper hazardous waste storage area will need to be established.

 

·        Establish records management system for chemical hazardous waste manifests.

 

·        If biology/microbiology labs will be conducted, a Biohazard Waste Management Plan will need to be established and sharps containers and biohazard containers provided. Biohazard records management system will need to be established.

 

·        Science department will need to develop a Chemical Hygiene Plan.

 

·        Faculty and Science Technician will need initial and annual Hazard Communication and Hazardous Waste training.

 

·        Faculty or Science Technician will need to coordinate hazardous waste removals with Safety/Environmental Services.

Regulations and Standards for Chemical and Biological Laboratory Design

 

·        OSHA - 29 CFR, Subpart Z, 1910.1450 Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories

 

·        NFPA 45 - Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals

 

·        NFPA 30 - Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

 

·        Prudent Practices in The Laboratory, Handling and Disposal of Chemicals, National Research Council

 

·        Florida Building Code

 

·        Florida Fire Prevention Code

 

·        NFPA - Fire Protection Handbook, 19th edition, Section 13, Chapter 24

 

·        ANSI/ASHRAE 110 Method of Testing Performance of Laboratory Fume Hoods

 

·        ANSI/AIHA Z9.5 American National Standard Laboratory Ventilation

 

 

Guidelines for Laboratory Equipment and Furniture:

 

·        SEFA 1.2 - Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association, Laboratory Fume Hoods

 

·        SEFA 2.3 - Installation of Scientific Laboratory Furniture and Equipment

 

·        SEFA 3 - Work Surfaces

 

·        SEFA 7 - Laboratory and Hospital Fixtures

 

·        SEFA 8 - Laboratory Furniture

 

[SEFA Website http://www.sefalabfurn.com for additional information and resources for lab design, furniture and equipment]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Safety/Environmental Services 8/03