Overview
- Lab specific safety protocols/procedures:
- Certain chemical classes:
- Unstable and Division 1.1 - 1.3 Explosives
- Organic Peroxides Type A – C
- Pyrophorics
- Substances in Contact with Water Emit Flammable Gases type 1
- Self Reactive Types A – C
- Acutely Toxic Category 1
- Conditions/Evidence of unusual hazards
- Examples: Glove boxes, evidence of fires-ash, char marks; explosions- cracked fume hood sash, presence of blast shields, equipment with obvious damage, excessive warning signage, etc.
In addition to the general safety manual, there may be instances where written laboratory-specific safety protocols should be established. Again, ask laboratory personnel if there are any written safety protocols/procedures that are specific to their laboratory or work. This checklist item is cited if the listed classes of chemicals are used in the laboratory and there are no written safety protocols or procedures.
There may be other situations/conditions that suggest a written protocol or procedure should be available. If you see one of the examples noted or something else unusual, then interview the laboratory workers.
Some example questions, in particular if there was an incident of some sort,would be:
- Can you explain what happened or caused this?
- Do you have any written safety protocols/procedures for your experiments? (If they answer “no” to this question, ask them if they think a written safety procedure would have adverted the incident.)
Consult with the Senior Specialist to determine if this checklist item should be cited based on observation of certain conditions.