Does my laboratory need a chemical hygiene plan?
Each laboratory must have a customized chemical hygiene plan that addresses the particular chemical hazards in the laboratory that supplements the University’s Chemical Hygiene Plan and training provided by EHS. This can be achieved by developing lab-specific standard operating procedures and providing documented lab-specific training.
What happens if safety deficiencies are discovered or noted during self-assessments or inspections?
EHS will focus on providing solutions to deficiencies and safety concerns to the greatest extent possible. You may feel free to inform EHS of any safety concern or deficiency without fear of reprisal or negative action.
Can I have radiation producing equipment (i.e. x-ray equipment) and work with radiation in my laboratory?
No, At this time UMES does not currently maintain an active radiation license and MDE has decommissioned UMES. Hence, any radiation related activities including storing radiation producing equipment on UMES property is prohibited until further notice.
What do I do if there is a chemical spill in my laboratory?
Most laboratory spills are small quantities of known chemicals, and it is generally expected that the lab staff absorb or pick up the material, decontaminate the area (if necessary), and dispose/store the waste materials in accordance with lab-specific SOP.
If the chemical spill is beyond the capabilities of the lab staff (i.e. large quantity, extremely hazardous material, high exposure) evacuate the laboratory and contact EHS for further assistance. If after hours contact Public Safety.
If the chemical spill results in a fire or injury dial 911 for fire department or ambulance.
What do I do with waste generated in my laboratory/work space?
For Biohazard waste, including sharps, store appropriately in the waste accumulation area. Note: For biohazard waste, including sharps, submit a biohazard pickup request to EHS and EHS staff will pick up the waste and store in biohazard waste accumulation area.
For Chemical waste, store appropriately in the waste accumulation area until EHS informs the University that the vendor is scheduled for a chemical pick up. At which time P.I.s must submit a hazardous waste removal request to EHS by the requested date. If requests are submitted after the requested date, then the chemicals will not be picked up by the vendor.
What trainings does EHS offer and how are training records accessed?
Refer to the training guide on EHS website for an overview of the trainings offered as there are descriptions of the trainings as well as whom they apply to. For accessing training records, as part of UMES transition to workday the records can be accessed on workday.
Who do I contact if my lab equipment isn’t working?
If your unsure if lab equipment is functioning properly, contact EHS for assistance.
If your lab equipment is non-functional, submit a work order through the physical plant.
Where can I recycle on campus?
There are recycling bins located throughout campus.
Does my laboratory need a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) station?
Yes. The SDS station must be readily accessible, easy to locate, and contains an SDS for every hazardous chemical product present in the lab.
However, best practice is to use a yellow wall-mounted binder that is labeled to quickly identify the SDS station. The binder contains a SDS for all chemical products regardless of hazard classification as inspectors don’t have to determine if a chemical is exempt.
When do I need to submit a biological agent use protocol to the Institutional Biosafety Committee?
Each Principal Investigator (P.I.) who possesses or uses any biological agents must submit a biological agent use protocol to the IBC, regardless of the BSL. The protocol should be written to cover all use of biological agents in a particular lab, hence one protocol must be submitted per laboratory. Examples of biological agents are:
- Microorganisms
- Viruses
- Prions
- Human body fluids, cells, tissues
- Cultured cells of any origin
- Recombinant DNA or RNA
- Animals (including insects) infected with human pathogens and/or zoonotic agents
- Genetically modified plants
