Laboratory Safety includes chemical, biological, radiological and physical hazards while working in the laboratory or field research. Various committees oversee portions of laboratory safety. Federal and State regulations require specific committees focused on certain hazards in some instances.
To determine what type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shall be worn in the laboratory for specific projects, participants and personnel should refer to the Hazard Assessment for Personal Protective Equipment (PDF).
Eyewash and safety showers, as well as other safety equipment must be checked periodically in compliance with the Laboratory Inspection Program and recorded via the Laboratory Inspection Checklist (PDF).
Fume hoods shall be tested and maintained according to federal and state guidelines. get more information about Fume Hood Maintenance.
Equipment must be cleaned and decontaminated before it is removed from the lab for disposal or repair. Follow the Decontamination Plan (PDF) and fill out the Decontamination Certificate (PDF).
Information regarding operating laboratory equipment and completing standard procedures need to be included in your Laboratory Safety Plan which is available in the electronic research administration software (InfoEd).
Get additional information regarding less common laboratory procedures about Gas Cylinders Pressure Vessels.
Lab procedures should be read carefully and understood completely to assess the potential hazards. This information needs to be included in your Laboratory Safety Plan which is available in the electronic research administration software (InfoEd).
In the occurrence of an accident in the lab, the online Accident Reporting Form must be completed.
Rules regarding food and drink in laboratories shall be done in conformance with Food and Drink Policy in Research Laboratories.
Protecting laboratory workers from exposure to biological, chemical, and or physical laboratory hazards is integral in laboratory safety. Each department that works with chemicals in teaching or research at Northern Illinois University (university) must take steps to safeguard students, faculty and staff from exposure to hazardous materials. A primary step lab workers must take requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The use of PPE is required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910 and is a prudent laboratory practice.
This policy requires individuals to utilize PPE in technical areas, research and instructional laboratory environments. Departments must provide appropriate PPE and training to their students and staff and ensure its use.
Failure or refusal to wear required PPE is a basis for discipline, in accordance with university procedures. Any employee observed not wearing required PPE in a laboratory will be asked to leave the laboratory and the laboratory will be closed until compliance with this policy is ensured.
Failure or refusal to wear required PPE is a basis for discipline, in accordance with the university' s Student Code of Conduct. A student not wearing required PPE in a laboratory/technical area may not participate in lab activities until such PPE is worn.
This policy sets the minimum requirements for university laboratories. Individual laboratories may develop policies and procedures which meet or exceed this policy standard. Departments must make these policies available.
Laboratory supervisors shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards (danger or threat) are present, or are likely to be present, that necessitate the use of PPE. The hazard assessment must evaluate both the hazards to the individuals performing the work and the hazards to individuals who occupy the room or space where the work is being performed.
Each laboratory supervisor shall certify that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed through a written certification that identifies the following:
Hazard assessments that indicate less than the minimum PPE for a laboratory area require the review and approval of the Office of Research Compliance, Integrity and Safety (ORCIS). A hazard assessment must be performed annually or when significant changes to the laboratory' s activities occur.
PPE must be maintained to the manufacturer' s specifications. Departments are responsible for monitoring these recommendations. Individuals are required to notify their supervisor if their PPE is damaged, becomes faulty, contaminated or any other situation that render them ineffective.
The following minimum attire and PPE requirements pertain to all laboratories that use or store hazardous materials or where a physical hazard exists.
Laboratory coats (or equivalent protective garments) and protective eyewear are required to be worn by all workers.
Eyewear must be used at all time and meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1 standard. The eyewear must be appropriate for the work being done. Prescription eyewear is not suitable eye protection unless certified as ANSI compliant.
Protective gloves must be worn while using any hazardous materials, hot or cold liquids (including
cryogenics), items having physical hazards, or equipment that may cause hand injury. The gloves must be appropriate for the material or process being used and must not interfere with the ability of the individual to work safely. The manufacturer-specific glove selection guide should be referenced to determine the appropriate glove type. Gloves should remain in the confines of the laboratory and be properly disposed.
Some operations and procedures may require additional PPE, as indicated by the hazard assessment or standard operating procedure, departmental policies or regulatory requirements. Additional PPE might include face shields, aprons, respiratory protection or hearing protection.
NIU is transitioning to new laboratory safety software (CEMS). Registering your laboratory in the new system will create a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) required for your laboratory. In the interim, you must have a copy (electronic or hard) of your current CHP available. (This was formally generated through infoEd). ORCIS can assist with creating the plan prior to CEMS becoming available to your department. Please see Chemical Safety for more information.
The Laboratory Safety Committee oversees general laboratory safety on campus.