There should be at least 2 in. For more information about handling of hazardous waste, see Chapter 8. A program of periodic laboratory inspections helps keep laboratory facilities and equipment in a safe operating condition. Inspections safeguard the quality of the institution's laboratory safety program.
A variety of inspection protocols may be used, and the organization's management should select and participate in the design of the inspection program appropriate for that institution's unique needs. The program should embrace the following goals:. Approach these goals with a degree of flexibility. Consider the different types of inspection, the frequency with which they are conducted, and who conducts them. A discussion of items to inspect and several possible inspection protocols follows, but is not all-inclusive.
Laboratory inspections are performed by EHS staff, the CHO, the safety director, laboratory staff, a safety committee, or an outside entity with the requisite qualifications and experience. The inspection checklist can include sections on chemical storage, chemical waste, housekeeping, PPE, laboratory chemical hoods, gas cylinder storage, emergency safety equipment, signs and labels, and facility issues. Following each inspection, a detailed report is sent to the laboratory supervisor and appropriate administration.
Photographs taken during the inspection process can emphasize the critical nature of a violation. Consider giving special recognition to laboratories demonstrating good laboratory practice and those that have demonstrated significant improvements in safety.
There are several types of inspection programs, each providing a different perspective and function. A comprehensive laboratory inspection program includes a combination of some or all of these programs. Trained laboratory personnel and supervisors should complete general equipment and facility inspections on a regular basis.
For certain types of equipment in constant use, such as gas chromatographs, daily inspections may be appropriate. Other types of equipment may need only weekly or monthly inspection or inspection prior to use if operated infrequently.
Keep a record of inspection attached to the equipment or in a visible area. The challenge for any inspection program is to keep laboratory personnel continuously vigilant. They need positive encouragement to develop the habit of inspection and to adopt the philosophy that good housekeeping and maintenance for their workspace protect them and may help them produce better research results.
To supplement an inspection program, some institutions promote self-inspections within the laboratories. Laboratory personnel may conduct their own inspections for their own benefit or management may ask them to self-audit and report their findings, using the routine inspections as a check on the self-inspections.
This approach can be mutually beneficial, raising awareness, promoting the institutional safety culture, and easing the burden on management. A program audit includes both a physical inspection and a review of the operations and the facilities.
This type of audit is generally conducted by a team, which includes the laboratory supervisor, senior management, and laboratory safety representatives, and presents an excellent opportunity to promote a culture of safety and prudence within an organization. The supervisor and senior management have the opportunity to take a close look at the facilities and operations.
They can discuss with individual workers issues of interest or concern that may fall outside the scope of the actual inspection. A constructive and positive approach to observed problems and issues fosters an attitude of cooperation and leadership with regard to safety and helps build and reinforce a culture of teamwork and cooperation that has benefits far beyond protecting personnel and the physical facilities.
The audit begins with a discussion of the safety program and culture, and a review of operations, written programs, training records, and pertinent policies and procedures and how they are implemented in the laboratory. A laboratory inspection that includes interviews with laboratory personnel follows to determine the level of safety awareness. An open discussion with key personnel can ascertain how personnel, supervisors, managers, and safety officers can better support each other.
This type of audit provides a much more comprehensive view of the laboratory than a routine inspection. One of the most effective safety tools a facility can use is periodic peer-level inspections. Usually, the people who fulfill this role work in the organization they serve, but not in the area being surveyed.
Personnel may participate on an ad hoc basis, or the institution may select specific individuals to be part of a more formal, ongoing inspection team. A peer inspection program has the intrinsic advantage of being perceived as less threatening than other forms of surveys or audits.
Peer inspections depend heavily on the knowledge and commitment of the people who conduct them. Individuals who volunteer or are selected to perform inspections for only a brief time may not learn enough about an operation or procedure to observe and comment constructively. People who receive involuntary appointments or who serve too long may not maintain the desired level of diligence.
A high-quality peer-level inspection program reduces the need for frequent inspections by supervisory personnel. However, peer inspections should not replace other inspections completely.
Walk-throughs by the organization's leadership demonstrate commitment to the safety programs, which is key to their continuing success. The organization's EHS staff, the safety committee, or an equivalent group may also conduct laboratory inspections on a routine basis.
These inspections may be comprehensive, targeted to certain operations or experiments, focused on a particular type of inspection such as safety equipment and systems, or audits to check the work of other inspectors.
Safety staff are not the only nonlaboratory personnel who may conduct safety inspections. Facility engineers or maintenance personnel may add considerable value to safety inspection programs. They are also given the opportunity to gain a better perspective on laboratory work.
It is advisable to have a representative from facilities engineering present during inspections so physical deficiencies can be appropriately and clearly noted and understood and priorities set for correction.
Many types of elective inspections or audits are conducted by outside experts, regulatory agencies, emergency responders, or other organizations. They may inspect a particular facility, equipment, or procedure either during the preexperiment design phase or during operations.
As a matter of safety and security, if someone requests entry to a laboratory for the purpose of an audit without a recognized escort, ask to see his or her credentials and contact the EHS office or other appropriate parties. Tours, walk-throughs, and inspections by regulatory or municipal organizations offer the opportunity to build relationships with governmental agencies and the public. For example, an annual visit by the fire department serving a particular facility will acquaint personnel with the operations and the location of particular hazards.
If these individuals are ever called into the facility to handle an emergency, their familiarity with it will make them more effective. During their walk-through, they may offer comments and suggestions for improvements. A relationship built over time helps make this input positive and constructive. If a pending operation or facility change may raise public attention and concern, an invitation targeted to specific people or groups may prevent problems. Holding public open houses from time to time helps build a spirit of support and trust.
Many opportunities exist to apply this type of open approach to dealing with the public. An organization only needs to consider when to use it and what potential benefits may accrue. Inspections and audits by outside consultants or peer institutions are especially helpful to identify both best practices and vulnerabilities.
Many times, the inspectors bring with them experiences and examples from other laboratories that prove useful. When choosing a consultant, best practice is to find one with experience conducting similar audits of peer institutions. More and more often, health and safety experts, facilities staff, and laboratory personnel from peer institutions form inspection teams that conduct inspections of each other's laboratories. Such an arrangement can be beneficial and economical. Many regulatory agencies promote institutions conducting self-audits, by either consultants or peer auditors, and reporting the findings to the agency.
As an incentive, any violations noted in the self-audit may result in reduced or waived fines and fewer visits from the agency inspectors. It is important to fully understand the regulatory agency's self-reporting policy before implementing this option.
In some cases, the institution must commit to remediating identified deficiencies within a specific time period.
Finally, regulatory agencies may conduct announced or unannounced inspections on a routine or sporadic basis. Laboratories and institutions should keep their programs and records up-to-date at all times to be prepared for such inspections. Any significant incident or accident within a facility may trigger one or more inspections or investigations by outside agencies. Evidence that the underlying safety programs are sound may help limit negative findings and potential penalties.
Whether an inspection is announced or unannounced depends on the objective. There are many advantages to announcing an inspection ahead of time. By announcing and scheduling inspections, the inspectors are more likely to interact with the laboratory personnel and the supervisors.
The inspection can be a good learning experience for all and will feel less like a safety-police action and more like a value-added service, with the right attitude and approach. However, if the objective is to observe real-time conditions in preparation for a regulatory inspection, an unannounced targeted inspection might be appropriate.
Before the inspection, have a checklist of inspection items, along with the criteria and the basis for each issue. The criteria may be based on regulations, institutional policies, or recommended practices. Sharing the checklist with laboratory personnel prior to the inspection helps them perform their own inspections before and periodically after the inspection. Bring a camera. A photograph is much more effective than a long explanation in convincing a manager that something needs attention.
Inspection checklists take a variety of formats and vary in length depending on the type and focus of the inspection. Although most inspection forms are paper, some are computer based. Pose the issue so that a positive outcome is a YES, making it easy to spot problems.
Always leave room for comments. There are a number of commercial products on the market offering Web-based applications that work on a laptop or notebook computer. Checklist programs are available for handheld digital devices.
Some may download into spreadsheets or word-processing programs. Others automatically create reports that can be e-mailed to recipients. All are intended to streamline the record-keeping and reporting process. When conducting an inspection, interacting with the individuals in the laboratory is important. Even if inspectors are mainly looking at equipment and conditions, laboratory personnel can provide a great deal of information and the conversation itself may foster positive relationships between laboratory personnel and the group conducting the inspection.
Speaking with laboratory personnel also helps gauge how well training programs are working and provides feedback for possible improvements to the laboratory safety program. Take notes and make comments on the inspection form to be able to recall the details and describe any problems in the report. Where possible, take photographs of issues that need particular attention.
Point out problems as they are found and show laboratory personnel how to fix them. If the problem is corrected during the inspection, make a note that it was resolved. As soon as possible after an inspection, prepare a report for the laboratory supervisor and others, as appropriate. This may include the CHO, the chair or manager of the department, line supervisors, and directors.
Depending on the type and focus of the inspection, it may be helpful to hold a meeting with the key individuals to review the findings. The report should include all problems noted during the inspection, along with the criteria for correcting them.
If photographs were taken, include them in the report. The report should also note any best practices and any improvements since the last inspection. Include a reasonable time line for corrective actions. Be sure to follow up with the laboratory to ensure that recommended corrections are made. In most cases, laboratory personnel will take the appropriate corrective actions once they have been made aware of an issue.
If the laboratory supervisor is not supportive and the necessary changes are not made, the inspectors and EHS and other appropriate individuals in the organization will have to decide whether the infractions are serious enough to put either the health or safety of laboratory personnel at risk or the institution at risk for violation of a regulation or code.
The organization must decide what steps to take for those individuals or laboratory groups that are using unsafe work practices or are not in compliance with institutional policies or external regulations. Depending on the laboratory and the type of work conducted in it, other items may also be targeted for inspection Box 2. Excerpt from an Inspection Checklist. When a fire alarm sounds in the facility, evacuate the laboratory immediately via the nearest exit.
Extinguish all Bunsen burner and equipment flames. If the fire originates in your laboratory, follow all institutional policies regarding firefighting and suppression.
Check restrooms and other areas with possible limited audio or visual notification of an alarm before exiting the facility. Where necessary, provide assistance to persons with disabilities to ensure they are able to exit the facility. Laboratory personnel should be familiar with the chemical, physical, and toxicological properties of each hazardous substance in the laboratory. Consult the label and the MSDS prior to the initial use of each hazardous substance. Always use the minimal amount of the chemical and use caution when transporting the chemical.
In the event of an accidental chemical release or spill, personnel should refer to the following general guidelines. Most laboratory workers should be able to clean up incidental spills of the materials they use.
Large spills, for example, 4 L or more, may require materials, protective equipment, and special handling that make it unsafe for cleanup by laboratory workers themselves. Lab workers should be instructed to contact EHS personnel to evaluate how to proceed with spill cleanup. In the event that the spill material has been released to the environment, notify EHS personnel immediately.
A release to the environment includes spills directly into a drain or waterway or onto land, such as grass or dirt. In the event of an accident, follow all institutional policies for emergency response and notify the internal point of contact for laboratory safety and local emergency responders. All accidents involving personal injury, however slight, must be immediately reported according to your institution's procedure.
Provide a copy of the appropriate MSDS to the attending physician, as needed. Complete an accident report Figure 2. Newly hired employees or students working in a laboratory should be required to attend basic safety training prior to their first day. Additional training should be provided to laboratory personnel as they advance in their laboratory duties or when they are required to handle a chemical or use equipment for the first time. Safety training should be viewed as a vital component of the laboratory safety program within the organization.
The organization should provide ongoing safety activities that serve to promote a culture of safety in the workplace that will begin when the person begins work and will continue for the length of their tenure. Personnel should be encouraged to suggest or request training if they feel it would be beneficial. The training should be recorded and related documents maintained in accordance with organizational requirements.
Training sessions may be provided in-house by professional trainers or may be provided via online training courses. Hands-on, scenario-based training should be incorporated whenever possible.
Safety training topics that may prove to be helpful to laboratory personnel include. For more information see Chapter 4 , section 4. The person to notify in case of an incident in the laboratory varies by organization. It may be the CHO, the safety director, on-site security, or another party. Check with the organization to determine the appropriate individual or office. Turn recording back on. National Center for Biotechnology Information , U.
Search term. Environmental Health and Safety Policy Top management should set in place procedures to define, document, and endorse a formal EHS policy for an organization. The EHS policy should state intent to prevent or mitigate both human and economic losses arising from accidents, adverse occupational exposures, and environmental events;. Management Commitment Management commitment to EHS performance is widely recognized as one of the elements most critical to EHS program success and to the development of a strong culture of safety within an organization.
Examples of how this commitment is supported include the following: Establish methods to use energy more efficiently, reduce waste, and prevent accidents. Planning Planning is an integral part of all elements of the management system and to be effective involves the design and development of suitable processes and organizational structure to manage EHS aspects and their associated risk control systems proportionately to the needs, hazards, and risks of the organization. Implementation The design of management arrangements should reflect the organization's business needs and the nature of their risks.
Specifically the organization should make arrangements to cover the following key areas: overall plans and objectives, including employees and resources, for the organization to implement its policy;. All contractor personnel should be required to comply with the sponsoring organization's safety policies and plans. Performance Measurement and Change Management The primary purpose of measuring EHS performance is to judge the implementation and effectiveness of the processes established for controlling risk.
Measurement information includes data to judge the management system by gathering information on how the system operates in practice,. Management Review of EHS Management System Top management should review the organization's EHS management system at regular intervals to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness. Among other information, a management review should include the following: results of EHS management system audits,.
Principles: Line management responsibility for safety. Line management is directly responsible for the protection of the public, the workers, and the environment. As a complement to line management, the Department's Office of Environment, Safety, and Health provides safety policy, enforcement, and independent oversight functions.
Clear roles and responsibilities. Clear and unambiguous lines of authority and responsibility for ensuring safety shall be established and maintained at all organizational levels within the Department and its contractors. Competence commensurate with responsibilities. Personnel shall possess the experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that are necessary to discharge their responsibilities.
Balanced priorities. Resources shall be effectively allocated to address safety, programmatic, and operational considerations. Protecting the public, the workers, and the environment shall be a priority whenever activities are planned and performed. Identification of safety standards and requirements. Before work is performed, the associated hazards shall be evaluated and an agreed-upon set of safety standards and requirements shall be established which, if properly implemented, will provide adequate assurance that the public, the workers, and the environment are protected from adverse consequences.
Hazard controls tailored to work being performed. Administrative and engineering controls to prevent and mitigate hazards shall be tailored to the work being performed and associated hazards. Operations authorization. The conditions and requirements to be satisfied for operations to be initiated and conducted shall be clearly established and agreed upon. Define the scope of work. Missions are translated into work, expectations are set, tasks are identified and prioritized, and resources are allocated.
Analyze the hazards. Hazards associated with the work are identified, analyzed, and categorized. Develop and implement hazard controls. Provide feedback and continuous improvement. Feedback information on the adequacy of controls is gathered, opportunities for improving the definition and planning of work are identified and implemented, line and independent oversight is conducted, and, if necessary, regulatory enforcement actions occur.
Individual attitude and responsibility for safety. Every individual accepts responsibility for safe mission performance. Individuals demonstrate a questioning attitude by challenging assumptions, investigating anomalies, and considering potential adverse consequences of planned actions.
All employees are mindful of work conditions that may impact safety, and assist each other in preventing unsafe acts or behaviors. Operational excellence.
Organizations achieve sustained, high levels of operational performance, encompassing all DOE and contractor activities to meet mission, safety, productivity, quality, environmental, and other objectives.
High reliability is achieved through a focus on operations, conservative decision making, open communications, deference to expertise, and systematic approaches to eliminate or mitigate error-likely situations. Oversight for performance assurance. Competent, robust, periodic, and independent oversight is an essential source of feedback that verifies expectations are being met and identifies opportunities for improvement.
Performance assurance activities verify whether standards and requirements are being met. Performance assurance through conscious, directed, independent previews at all levels brings fresh insights and observations to be considered for safety and performance improvement. Organizational learning for performance improvement. The organization demonstrates excellence in performance monitoring, problem analysis, solution planning, and solution implementation.
The organization encourages openness and trust, and cultivates a continuous learning environment. Topics included in a CHP are individual responsibilities for chemical hygiene within the organization see Boxes 2. BOX 2. General Safety Rules Below are some basic guidelines for maintaining a safe laboratory environment. To ensure that help is available if needed, do not work alone if using hazardous materials or performing hazardous procedures.
To ensure that help is available in case of emergencies, laboratory personnel should not deviate from the assigned work schedule without prior authorization from the laboratory supervisor. Plan appropriate protective procedures and the positioning of all equipment before beginning any operation. Follow the appropriate standard operating procedures at all times in the laboratory. Wear appropriate PPE, including a laboratory apron or coat, at all times in the laboratory.
Everyone, including visitors, must wear appropriate eye protection in areas where laboratory chemicals are used or stored. Wear appropriate gloves when handling hazardous materials. Inspect all gloves for holes and defects before using. Use appropriate ventilation such as laboratory chemical hoods when working with hazardous chemicals.
Contact the CHO or the EHS office if you have questions about the adequacy of the safety equipment available or chemical handling procedures. Know the location and proper use of the safety equipment i. Maintain situational awareness. Be aware of the hazards posed by the work of others in the laboratory and any additional hazards that may result from contact between materials and chemicals from different work areas.
Report all injuries, accidents, incidents, and near misses as directed by the organization's policy. For liability, safety, and security reasons, do not allow unauthorized persons in the laboratory. Properly dispose of all chemical wastes. Follow organizational policies for drain and trash disposal of chemicals. Always protect hands with appropriate gloves when cutting glass tubing.
To avoid breakage, do not attempt to dry glassware by inserting a glass rod wrapped with paper towels. Always lubricate glassware with soap or glycerin before inserting rods, tubing, or thermometers into stoppers. To reduce the chances of injuries from projectiles, when heating a test tube or other apparatus, never point the apparatus toward yourself or others.
Dilute concentrated acids and bases by slowly pouring the acid or base into the water while stirring. Working Alone in the Laboratory It is not prudent to work alone in a laboratory.
If faced with a situation where you feel it is necessary to work alone in a laboratory: Reconsider the need. Are the increased risks to your health and safety really outweighed by the return? Reconsider the timing and setup of the work. Is there any way to accomplish the required tasks during a time when others will be present? If the timing of the task cannot be changed and you still feel it must be accomplished during a period when the laboratory is empty is there any other person trained in laboratory procedures who can accompany you while you work?
The situation is unsafe. Speak to your supervisor or the organizational safety office to make arrangements to complete the work in a safe manner. How to Avoid Routine Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals Many chemicals and solutions routinely used in laboratories present a significant health risk when handled improperly. General Housekeeping Practices in the Laboratory Good housekeeping practices in the laboratory has a number of benefits.
When preparing to order a chemical for an experiment, several questions should be asked: What is the minimum amount of this chemical that is needed to perform the experiment?
Is it available elsewhere in the facility? Remember, when ordering chemicals, less is always best. Prudent purchasing methods will save storage space, money, and disposal costs. Larger containers require more storage space and will incur additional disposal costs if the chemical is not used. Chemical Storage To lessen risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals, trained laboratory personnel should separate and store all chemicals according to hazard category and compatibility.
All transfer vessels should have the following label information: chemical name,. There are many benefits of performing annual physical chemical inventory updates: ensures that chemicals are stored according to compatibility tables,.
Transporting, Transferring, and Shipping Chemicals It is prudent practice to use a secondary containment device i. Chemical Waste All chemical waste must be stored and disposed of in compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and institutional regulatory requirements.
The program should embrace the following goals: Maintain laboratory facilities and equipment in a safe, code-compliant operating condition. Ensure that all laboratory activities are conducted in a manner to avoid employee exposure to hazardous chemicals. Types of Inspection Programs: Who Conducts Them and What They Offer There are several types of inspection programs, each providing a different perspective and function.
Routine Inspections Trained laboratory personnel and supervisors should complete general equipment and facility inspections on a regular basis. Self-Audits To supplement an inspection program, some institutions promote self-inspections within the laboratories.
Program Audits A program audit includes both a physical inspection and a review of the operations and the facilities. It provides the structure for implementing proactive sustainable business practices associated with our products and operations. Its threefold purpose is to ensure compliance with internal and external requirements, drive continuous improvement and support the company's strategy to be a global biopharmaceutical company helping patients prevail in their fight against serious disease.
Our companywide EHS management system provides the foundation for effective EHS governance in support of our overall business strategy. The EHS management system helps to:. Specific requirements are in place to govern each functional level. Our Mission and Commitment are fundamental elements of our corporate culture. They set forth our concern for the interests and expectations of our employees, shareholders, customers, suppliers, the communities and countries where we do business, and the world in which we live.
Among other things, our Commitment is a formal commitment to conscientious citizenship. It supports environmental progress, a safe work environment and policies and practices that fully embody the responsibility, integrity and decency required of free enterprise.
The CDCG members are all independent directors. The CDCG charter enumerates the responsibility as considering matters relating to corporate social responsibility and public policy as a global corporate citizen. EHS and sustainability strategy are included within this scope. Sustainability and its obligations are visible within the organization. The executive vice president and general counsel reports to the CEO. Business unit presidents are held accountable for implementation of our Commitment and EHS Policy within their units.
Sustainability is integrated into the different functions and operations. A senior level cross-functional Sustainability Council was established in to drive alignment and integration of current and emerging strategic sustainability priorities. Bristol Myers Squibb has established an Office of Corporate Compliance headed by the chief compliance and ethics officer. The chief compliance officer reports directly to the CEO, and provides reports to the CEO, the chairman of the board, the executive vice president and general counsel, the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee.
Progress against the Sustainability goals including detailed environmental metrics, has been communicated companywide and to external stakeholders through the Bristol Myers Squibb sustainability website. Social performance is also covered in the Foundation Annual Report. To most efficiently meet EHS goals, objectives and expectations, we have clearly defined the responsibilities of corporate and facility-level management and EHS professionals, enabling us to meet internal EHS goals, objectives and expectations, and comply with EHS regulations.
Internal documents include expectations for employees, contractors, suppliers and management. Our EHS Policy sets forth our commitment to conduct our business in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner. This policy was approved and signed by our CEO on August 4, Our EHS directives contain detailed information for our facilities and functional business areas.
The directives may exceed local regulations. We use a combination of key performance indicators, EHS metrics and goals to drive improvement, and publish global EHS performance results to inform stakeholders of our commitment and progress. We develop and review EHS strategic plans to address resource requirements to meet regulatory requirements, capital plans and sustainability goals. We have effective processes in place for risk identification, monitoring and mitigation, incident management related to employee and environmental protection, facilities and assets, products, compliance, reputation, EHS security-related matters, business continuity and communications.
We have established plans to address emergency preparedness and incident management response in support of EHS and business continuity. We strive to reduce the impact of events and minimize the potential for reoccurrence. Effective systems are in place to address current and emerging regulations and standards, operational changes, global sustainability trends, process safety management, acquisitions and divestitures due diligence, and rapid new business integration to manage potential EHS impacts.
0コメント