Safety showers and eyewashes are located in close proximity to areas where exposures to hazardous substances may occur. Be sure you know where the closest shower or eyewash is in case of an emergency!

To use an eyewash or safety shower:

1. Proceed as quickly as possible to the nearest eyewash or safety shower
2. Push or pull the activation lever
3. Remove soiled clothing
4. Stay under / in the stream of water for at least 15 minutes
5. If applicable, hold open eyelids to ensure proper flushing of eyes
6. Seek further medical care and report the incident

Routine Maintenance

Eyewashes should be inspected and flushed for at least 30 seconds by the end user on a weekly basis. The eyewash should activate properly, provide ample clear water, and not leak. If any deficiences are discovered, report this immediately to your supervisor, the building facility manager, or EH&S.

In addition, access to safety showers and eyewashes should never be impeded.

EH&S conducts yearly inspections of all eyewashes and safety showers to ensure compliance with ANSI Standard Z358.1-2014.

Training

Online training on the use of safety showers and eyewashes is available through the HSI Platform. Contact EH&S if you would like to take this training course.

Autoclaves use heat and pressure to sterilize waste, equipment, and media. These machines must be used properly to ensure adequate sterilization and safety of the user:

• Use appropriate PPE, such as thermal gloves and eye protection, when operating an autoclave.
• A plume of steam may be released when the machine is opened. Stand back!
• Follow the operating instructions and sign the usage log for every load.
• Tie bags loosely and loosen caps of bottles before autoclaving.
• Do not overfill bottles or trays.
• Waste must be treated for 30 minutes at 121 ºC and 15 psi in order to be fully sterilized. Sterilized waste may be disposed of in the regular trash or the sanitary sewer.

Efficacy Monitoring

EH&S conducts efficacy monitoring on a quarterly basis using biological indicators.

The chemical fume hood protects laboratory personnel from exposure to hazardous chemicals. Laboratory personnel should understand and follow these guidelines:

• A fume hood is a safety device that collects vapors and fumes.  It is not to be used to dispose of chemicals by evaporation.
• Any apparatus inside the hood shall be placed six inches back away from the sash bottom edge.
• The fume hood sash shall be always closed unless work is being conducted inside.
• The hood fan shall be always on.
• In the event of a power failure, all work activity in the hood shall cease and the sash should be closed.
• Inspect hood vents and fans frequently for cleanliness and to see that they are clear of obstructions.
• Laboratory fume hoods should be equipped with a continuous monitoring device to allow convenient confirmation of adequate hood performance before use, such as a pressure gauge or electronic air flow meter.
• If any problems are found, the employee shall not use the hood and should contact the laboratory supervisor, the building equipment facilities, and/or submit a 2Fix ticket.

Routine Maintenance

Fume hoods are inspected and certified on a yearly basis by an external vendor. EH&S manages this service.

Training

Online training on the use of fume hoods is available through the HSI Platform. This course is required for all personnel who work in research laboratories. Contact EH&S if you would like to take this training course.

Fire extinguishers are required by the District of Colombia fire code and are present in each chemical laboratory. Employees must be trained on the use and limitations of portable fire extinguishers before they use a fire extinguisher and should be familiar with the proper type of extinguisher for each type of fire. If you are NOT a trained employee, please do not attempt to put out a fire.  

In the event of a fire, employees and students should pull the nearest fire alarm, notify other employees, evacuate the building according to the evacuation plan, and call AU’s Public Safety office once safely outside.

The four basic types of fires are summarized below.   

Class A - Ordinary combustible fires such as paper and wood fires.  Typical extinguishing agents include water and multipurpose dry chemicals.

Class B - Flammable liquid and gas fires. Extinguishing agents are dry chemicals, carbon dioxide, and foam.

Class C - Electrical fires. Extinguishing agents include dry chemicals and carbon dioxide.

Class D - Metal fires. The extinguishing agents are special powders. 

Training

Online training on the use of fire extinguishers is available through the HSI Platform. Contact EH&S if you would like to take this training course.

Biological Safety Cabinets, or BSCs, provide protection for the user, the samples, and the environment through laminar flow and HEPA filtration. As with other safety equipment, BSCs must be used properly to ensure sufficient protection:

• Allow the BSC to run for a few minutes before beginning work. This allows the laminar flow to be established.
• Do not store excess equipment in the BSC.
• Do not block the grills at the front and the rear of the BSC.
• Avoid sweeping and sideways motions when entering and exiting the BSC.
• Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, safety glasses, lab coat) when using the BSC.
• Avoid using open flames in the BSC. Opt for other sterilization methods.
• Decontaminate the BSC with an appropriate disinfectant when work is complete.

BSCs and Hazardous Chemicals

BSCs utilize HEPA filtration, which does not capture hazardous chemicals. This means hazardous chemicals will be recirculated directly back into the room. BSCs should not be used as an alternative to fume hoods! Work with hazardous chemicals in the fume hood; work with biohazards in the BSC.

Routine Maintenance

BSCs are inspected and certified on a yearly basis by an external vendor. EH&S manages this service.

Training

Online training on proper BSC use is available through the HSI Platform. This training is required for all laboratory personnel in departments that work with biohazards. If you would like to take the training, contact EH&S.