Use of appropriate disinfectants in biological laboratories is an important safety issue. When considering this checklist item make sure the chemical is used for disinfection purposes before citing this. Some labs will keep bleach and 70% alcohol solutions for general cleaning or other purposes that are not related to disinfection of biohazardous materials used in research.
For this item we are primarily looking at:
- Appropriate labeling of disinfectants to ensure that the disinfectants are easily identifiable in the lab to researchers and others; and
- That the disinfectants will be effective when used (that is, they are not expired).
Cite this item if disinfectant bottles are not appropriately labeled as described next or if you identify an expired bottle of disinfectant. Be sure to list the name and manufacturer of the disinfectant when recording this deficiency in EHSA.
Verifying appropriate disinfectant container labels is the minimum expectation for auditors, if you have concerns about the appropriateness of the disinfectant used, please discuss your concerns with the BSO, but do not cite that in the inspection report unless directed to do so by the BSO. The IBC approves disinfectants for a lab to use based on the risk assessment of the agents in use and the work performed. A change to disinfectants must be approved by the BSO.