{"id":2061,"date":"2016-12-02T09:03:40","date_gmt":"2016-12-02T15:03:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/safety-health\/?page_id=2061"},"modified":"2026-03-19T11:41:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T16:41:53","slug":"laboratory-procedures","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/safety-health\/laboratory-procedures\/","title":{"rendered":"Laboratory Procedures"},"content":{"rendered":"
As of July 28, 2023, Congress allowed the statutory authority for the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program (6 CFR Part 27) to expire. Therefore, CISA cannot enforce compliance with the CFATS regulations at this time.<\/p>\n
The lapse of CFATS authorization means that CISA cannot require facilities to report their chemicals of interest or submit any information in CSAT, perform inspections, or provide CFATS compliance assistance, amongst other activities. CISA can no longer require facilities to implement their CFATS Site Security Plan or CFATS Alternative Security Program.<\/p>\n
CISA encourages facilities to maintain security measures. If CFATS is reauthorized, CISA will follow up in the future. .<\/p>\n
In late November, 2007, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued new regulations for Universities and other \u201cchemical facilities\u201d regarding specific chemicals that can have an impact on national security.<\/p>\n
A copy of the unedited Department of Homeland Security list, provided for reference purposes, which includes all chemicals of national concern is presented below.<\/p>\n
Lab inspections are a tool used to educate researchers on safe operating practices and compliance measures as well as to perform hazard assessments — all in an effort to grow the safety culture in laboratories. Lab inspections are conducted by the Lab Safety Manager and\/or Safety Committee as either a part of the Group Safety Representative Program (see description below) and\/ or as a hazard assessment by the Lab Safety Manager. Principal Investigators and lab supervisors are responsible to perform periodic lab inspections and develop corrective action plans in response to all inspections. The Lab Safety Manager will conduct inspections for laboratories containing chemicals, the Biosafety Officer will conduct inspections for those laboratories using bio-hazardous agents and the Radiation Safety Officer will conduct inspections for laboratories utilizing radioisotopes.<\/p>\n
Goal: The program strives to raise awareness of safety in the laboratory or shop setting and identify where improvements can be made so as to make the laboratory or shop environment safer and achieve compliance.<\/p>\n
Group Safety Representative Responsibilities<\/p>\n
The Group Safety Representatives (GSRs) will:<\/p>\n
Eating, drinking, smoking, gum chewing, applying cosmetics and taking medicine in laboratories where hazardous chemicals are used is strictly prohibited.<\/p>\n
Rooms that are adjacent, but separated by floor-to-ceiling walls and a door, and do not have any chemical, radioactive or bio-hazardous agents present, may be used for food consumption, preparation or applying cosmetics at the discretion of the project director responsible for the areas.<\/p>\n
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Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications.<\/p>\n
Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering and technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.<\/p>\n
Carbon Nanotubes And Nanofibers: NIOSH Seeks Comment On Draft Recommendations, Research Needs<\/a><\/p>\n NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin: Occupational Exposure to Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers<\/a> The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee restricts minors from laboratories, studios, shops and other campus areas where physical, chemical, biological or other potential health hazards are present.\u00a0 <\/span>Minors must be kept away from any area with a known hazardous condition. Babies and infants must be protected from any area with even a potential exposure or hazardous condition. Minors must be restricted from areas that store or use research animals, hazardous chemicals, radioisotopes, carcinogens, or biohazardous agents. Only minors who are authorized and trained are allowed in laboratories (i.e.: Students performing High School research projects).\u00a0<\/span>Authorization of minors in research labs is processed in conjunction with the approval of Principal Investigators, Department Management, Departmental Chair, parents and University Safety and Assurances. Minors are not allowed to be in the labs until after they guidelines are discussed and approved by US&A.<\/p>\n Please contact University Safety and Assurances<\/a> with any questions.<\/p>\n Child Abuse and Neglect Policy and Criminal Background Check Policy<\/p>\n In accordance with 51ÁÔÆæ\u2019s Child Abuse and Neglect Policy<\/a> and Executive Order #54, \u201cCriminal background checks will be performed pursuant to 51ÁÔÆæ\u2019s Criminal Background Check Policy<\/a>, and must be conducted on employees, volunteers, and contractors who have regular contact with children in the course of performing duties or services for 51ÁÔÆæ or in connection with a 51ÁÔÆæ-sponsored activity.\u201d This policy applies to those individuals affiliated with 51ÁÔÆæ. Click on the links above to access the two policies and for more info and training.<\/p>\n Most educational and scientific diving activities at U.S. universities and research institutes are regulated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (29 CFR 1910). In the State of Wisconsin these regulations have been adopted by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. The School of Freshwater Sciences has been delegated the responsibility for ensuring that all university departments involved in scientific diving comply with these regulations.<\/p>\n The purpose of the scientific diving standards is to ensure that all scientific diving under the auspices of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is conducted in a manner that will emphasize protection of scientific divers from accidental injury and\/or illness.<\/p>\n For additional information, please contact Geoff Anderson, Diving Safety Officer, (414-382-1709, or email andersog@uwm.edu)<\/p>\n University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee recognizes the importance of service animals to individuals with disabilities and has established this guidance to guide the presence of these animals on university property. This guidance refers only to the University\u2019s regulations and procedures for service animals, which are protected by Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and it does not apply to animals that are \u201ctherapy dogs\u201d or \u201cemotional support animals.\u201d This guidance builds upon requirements set forth by the ADA to address the presence of service animals in lab settings.<\/p>\n Laboratories present a variety of risks to all occupants.\u00a0 Engaging in appropriate behavior, receiving proper training and wearing PPE help reduce those risks.\u00a0 A risk assessment will be provided to individuals who are assisted by service dogs. Reasonable accommodations will be tailored to an individual handler\u2019s needs to allow equal access to the laboratory, as outlined by the ADA.\u00a0 Handlers assume responsibility for all risks involved in the use of their service animal in lab areas.<\/p>\n Appropriate personnel will conduct a hazard\/ risk assessment of the hazardous substances, equipment and processes.\u00a0 They will also review room design and safety equipment to suggest appropriate procedures, PPE and location for the animal to minimize exposure and risk to the animal and others in the laboratory. The risk assessment will be shared with the handler prior to the start of laboratory activity to ensure the handler is aware of the specific hazards and potential risks.\u00a0 The following general hazards descriptions are provided to all handlers at the time of course enrollment.<\/p>\n Laboratory Hazard Categories:<\/p>\n Chemical <\/strong><\/p>\n The use of chemicals in most laboratories is inevitable, and the potential for harm or injury could be significant. Many organic and inorganic chemicals are corrosive to the skin and eyes and can lead to chemical burns. Inhalation of certain chemicals can be dangerous, with many chemicals proving to be extremely toxic. These dangers can be immediate or slowly manifest over time. Ingesting chemicals is a risk due to the risk of paws contacting spilled chemicals and subsequent licking of paws. A chemical exposure hazard is defined as a chemical for which there is evidence that acute (immediate) or chronic (delayed) health effects may occur in an exposed population. Exposure is related to the dose (how much), the duration and frequency of exposure (how long and how often), and the route of exposure (how and where a material gets in or on the body), whether through the respiratory tract (inhalation), the skin (absorption), the digestive tract (ingestion), or percutaneous injection through the skin (accidental needle stick). The resulting health effects can be transient, persistent, or cumulative; local (at the site of initial contact with a substance), or systemic (after absorption, distribution), and possible biotransformation (at a site distant from initial contact with a substance).<\/p>\n Biological<\/strong><\/p>\n Biological hazards for service animals in the laboratory can include infectious animal pathogens, biological toxins, allergens (e.g., fleas, plant pollens, molds), and other biohazardous materials like human or animal blood & tissue. Recombinant materials (e.g., genetically modified organisms, viral vectors) or use of laboratory animals (including disease vectors like arthropods) can pose additional hazards. Exposure to these materials may cause infection, allergy, or toxicity in service animals. Depending on the materials, possible routes of transmission for service animals in the laboratory include (1) direct contact of skin or eyes (e.g., from spills or walking on contaminated surfaces), (2) accidental injection through the skin (e.g., from stepping on contaminated broken glass or from bites from infected arthropods), (3) accidental ingestion by licking paws or surfaces, and (4) inhalation of aerosols generated during lab activities. Effects of exposure to biohazardous materials can be immediate (typical for biotoxins) or delayed based on the pathogen\u2019s incubation period. In the case of allergens, effects may only be apparent after multiple exposures over time. It should also be noted that a service animal that becomes contaminated or infected with an infectious agent may carry the agent outside the lab and spread disease to other animals or humans they encounter.<\/p>\n Physical <\/strong><\/p>\n Physical hazards include, but are not limited to, slips, trips, and falls, sharps, compressed gases, pressurized equipment, electrical equipment, lasers, radiation, mechanical hazards, noise, and thermal hazards. Proper handling is one of the major concerns as dropping hot, heavy and sharp objects can all result in a safety incident. Electric shock can result from improper use of extension cords or cords with cut, torn or frayed insulation or exposed wiring. Excessive noise can result from the equipment in use, such as sonicators, high-pressure air equipment and vacuum systems.<\/p>\n Radioactive<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the Radiation Safety Officer to discuss the risks associated with your lab.\u00a0 Approval will be given by a case-by-case basis.<\/p>\n Radiological hazards for service animals in the laboratory can include internal and external exposure to ionizing radiation.<\/p>\n Ionizing radiation sources can penetrate materials and tissues, causing damage to cells and DNA.\u00a0 Exposure to ionizing radiation can lead to acute radiation sickness, tissue damage, or long-term health effects such as cancer.\u00a0 Radioactive contamination can result in external or internal contamination if radioactive particles are ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.\u00a0 Radioactive contamination can lead to radiation exposure, bioaccumulation, or spread of contamination in or outside of the laboratory.<\/p>\n Radiation-producing equipment, such as X-ray machines, particle accelerators, or radioisotope sources, pose risks of malfunction, overexposure, or unintended radiation emissions if not properly maintained, calibrated, or operated.\u00a0 Equipment failures or operator errors can result in radiation accidents or exposure incidents.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n List of potential hazards for service animals in a laboratory: <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Safety Considerations: <\/strong><\/p>\n Every service dog handler has different requirements, every dog is different, and every lab has a different set of hazards. Lowering the risk of hazards can be achieved by adhering to the recommendations from the risk assessment, following approved safety protocols, wearing proper PPE, and adhering to good housekeeping protocols.\u00a0 Systems and procedures for safe use, handling, storage and transport of chemical and biological hazards in the lab should be in place. This includes disinfecting work surfaces and properly disposing of waste.\u00a0 It is recommended that a service dog wears the same level of protective equipment as their handler.\u00a0 Depending on the level of risk, it may be recommended the service animal wear goggles, lab coats under the harness, and dog booties.\u00a0 A disposable suitable mat for the service dog is recommended for laying on the lab floor where the animal will be stationed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Considerations for service animal handler safety planning in lab <\/strong><\/p>\n Possible suggestions for a service dog<\/strong><\/p>\n Possible safe locations for a service dog<\/strong><\/p>\n Possible recommendations for PPE for a service dog<\/strong><\/p>\n Examples of products are given below; they are only suggested items and you may choose from other vendors:<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Laboratory Service Animal Planning <\/strong><\/p>\n The \u201cWorking<\/span> in<\/span> Isolation<\/span>\u201d policy was created through the UW System to ensure the safety of faculty, staff and students\u00a0who\u00a0work, volunteer, or perform for credit activities\u00a0alone\u00a0in potentially hazardous environments within, but not limited to campus teaching and research laboratories, studios, workshops and other facilities or environments.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uw-policies\/uw-system-administrative-policies\/working<\/span>–in<\/span>–isolation<\/span>\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n In order to comply with the policy UW-Milwaukee University Safety and Assurances has developed a BP logix\u00a0 Working in Isolation Form<\/a> to support the policy and procedures to operationalize this UW System Administrative Policy.<\/p>\n Supervisors, PIs, Staff and students can utilize the sign off when isolated work is needed to ensure \u201cthey\u00a0receive explicit written approval from the person in<\/span> charge of the work\u201d as directed by the policy.\u00a0 This policy applies to faculty, staff and students\u00a0who\u00a0work, volunteer, or perform for credit activities\u00a0alone\u00a0in potentially hazardous environments within, but not limited to campus teaching and research laboratories, studios, workshops and other facilities or environments.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Individuals conducting hazardous operations or using hazardous chemicals or materials within\u00a0campus laboratories, studios and workshops, research facilities or similar environments\u00a0ordinarily should\u00a0not work in isolation. Those performing maintenance or repair of equipment or campus property involving hazardous operations, chemicals or materials\u00a0ordinarily should\u00a0not work in isolation. At least one other individual who is knowledgeable of safety equipment and can come to the aid of the worker\u00a0should\u00a0be in visual or audible range.\u00a0This policy does not supersede activities that have more stringent requirements such as permit required confined spaces.<\/p>\n Individuals may work in isolation if they receive explicit written approval from the person in charge of the work. Written approval may be granted if the person in charge of the work has completed the checklist of items provided in this form. A copy of the completed and approved checklist is automatically forwarded to University Safety and Assurances via BP Logix. Store a copy of the approved form in an easy to find location, that is accessible to all and available at all times.<\/p>\n The checklist for written approval\u00a0includes the following list of items to be completed by the\u00a0person in charge of the work:<\/p>\n The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and the UW System is committed to providing a safe and healthful higher education environment for students, faculty, staff and other people using\u00a0UW programs and facilities. As part of this commitment, it is essential that UW System institutions have risk assessments, hazard analyses and procedures in place for circumstances that may require an individual to work in isolation in a hazardous or potentially hazardous environment or one with high-risk hazards.<\/p>\n A copy of the completed and approved checklist is automatically forwarded to University Safety and Assurances via the BP Logix form once it is completed by the area supervisor\/PI. Store the approved form in an easy to find location, that is accessible to all and available at all times.<\/p>\n Laboratory workers must be trained to recognize those chemicals which they may come across which are potentially reactive or explosive. Reactive chemicals, for the purpose of this page, are defined as those substances which can, in contact with air, water or other common substances, vigorously or violently give off heat, energy or toxic gases or vapors. Some of the classes of chemicals which can contain reactive chemicals include:<\/p>\n For a partial listing of chemical incompatabilities, see “Chemical Incompatabilities.”<\/a> Air reactive chemicals are chemicals which react violently in contact with air or oxygen or with compounds containing oxygen. Sometimes air reactive chemicals are called spontaneously combustible or pyrophoric materials. Pyrophoric materials burst into flame spontaneously upon contact with air or oxygen. These materials are sometimes sold in gas cylinders, although they may not be gases themselves. They may be sold packaged under nitrogen or some other inert atmosphere, or they may be created by a chemical reaction in your laboratory. The flame of certain pyrophoric materials is clear and not readily visible. Spontaneous combustion means that the material does not need an ignition source to begin combustion, or to burn.<\/p>\n Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n Water reactive materials can react violently or vigorously in contact with water, wet surfaces, or even the moisture in the air. These chemicals may react to give off a flammable gas (such as hydrogen) or a toxic gas, (such as phosgene) or spontaneously burn or explode. Water is obviously NOT a good choice for putting out fires caused by water reactive chemicals. A class D fire extinguisher is designed to be used to fight fires caused by certain water reactive chemicals.<\/p>\n Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n Certain chemicals can form peroxide either upon aging, or upon contact with air or other substances. Some of the peroxides are shock sensitive and can explode if handled less than gingerly, or upon heating. Sometimes peroxides can be present in a solvent and cause no problem until the solvent is evaporated (during distillation, for example) and the peroxides concentrate.<\/p>\n If you work with peroxide formers:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n Out of the many polymers today, a many generate large amounts of heat upon polymerization, and a few can cause runaway polymerization reaction which can explode. Sometimes the heat buildup can cause bumping, over-booking, or rupture of the container, which can also cause explosive-like damage.<\/p>\n Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n Explosives can release extremely large amounts of thermal or physical energy. Explosive can cause a true detonation, which is defined as a shock wave traveling at supersonic speeds. Subsonic shock waves are called deflagrations.<\/p>\n Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n Please keep in mind when chemical reactions are not properly managed, they can have harmful, or even catastrophic consequences, such as toxic fumes, fires, and explosions. Laboratory personnel should protect themselves by identifying those substances which have the potential to cause violent reactions. Clear identification of containers, proper storage practices, complete training and information on chemicals, and timely removal and disposal of reactive chemicals can significantly reduce the probability of accidents or injuries. For disposal of reactive chemicals, please contact Environmental Affairs<\/a> staff at x4999 or x2883.<\/p>\n Additional information on working safely with dangerously reactive solids and liquids can be found at:<\/p>\n All university employees, with the exception of Research Assistants, are covered under the provisions of the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Act, Chapter 102, Wisconsin Statutes, at no cost to the employee. Worker’s Compensation pays benefits in the event an employee is injured, acquires a disease or dies as a result of employment at UW-Milwaukee. Benefits provided may include disability payments, death benefits, and payment of reasonable and necessary medical expenses.<\/p>\n All accidents, injuries, or near-misses should be reported to your supervisor. Supervisors are required to complete the “Employer\u2019s First Report of Injury or Disease”<\/a> form and send it to Worker’s Compensation, located in Engelmann 125, within 24 hours after being notified of a work-related injury or illness. This form must be properly completed in order to meet state and federal reporting requirements and to file a claim under Workers Compensation. The information on this form may initiate an accident investigation by the Department of University Safety and Assurances, where applicable.<\/p>\n NOTE: Should an injury result in more than three days lost time from work, contact the Worker’s Compensation Office at x5652. Medical documentation is required to substantiate disability payments under Worker’s Compensation.<\/p>\n A “General Incident Report”<\/a> Whenever an incident\/injury occurs the following actions must be taken:<\/p>\n The “Employee’s Work Injury and Illness Report”<\/a> and the “Employer’s First Report of Injury or Disease”<\/a> forms are available online or from the <a “https:\/\/uwm.edu\/hr\/toolkits\/workers_comp\/index.cfm”>Worker’s Compensation Office in Engelmann 125. Any questions or concerns regarding the Worker’s Compensation Program should be addressed to staff in the Worker’s Compensation Office at x5652.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Laboratory Safety Resources AIHA Laboratory Health & Safety Committee The Laboratory Safety Institute Chemistry.Org (Website of the American Chemical Society) Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories, Accident Prevention for College and University Students Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories, Accident Prevention for… Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7835,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","uwm_wg_additional_authors":[]},"class_list":["post-2061","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n
<\/p>\nResources:<\/h3>\n
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, EPA<\/li>\n
<\/li>\nMinors in the Lab<\/h2>\n
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<\/h2>\nScientific Diving<\/h2>\n
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Service Animals<\/h2>\n
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Working in Isolation<\/h2>\n
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Reactive Chemicals<\/h2>\n
Reactive Chemicals List<\/a>
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\n(This document is courtesy of the University of Kansas, Department of Environmental Health and Safety)<\/p>\n<\/a>Air Reactives:<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Water Reactives:<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Peroxide Formers:<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Polymers:<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Explosives:<\/h3>\n
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Additional Resources:<\/h3>\n
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\nThe Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAccident\/Incident Reporting<\/h2>\n
is completed when an undergraduate student (not employed by 51ÁÔÆæ), a Graduate Student Research Assistant (payrolled by 51ÁÔÆæ), a volunteer or guest is injured. Students who are payrolled as Graduate Student Research Assistants are considered to be working on a degree and are not considered employees for worker’s compensation purposes. The “General Incident Report” form should be completed within 24 hours of the injury and submitted to the University Safety and Assurances.<\/p>\n\n