Research News & Information

Researchers: instructions for assessing lab conditions and disposing of waste

The following instructions apply to researchers who will be returning to their labs this week:

Do’s and don’ts  for assessing laboratory conditions and disposing of waste

DON’T …

• Undertake any work with chemicals or other research materials except as needed to preserve important items or prepare materials requiring disposal.

• Plug in research equipment including incubators. The environment needs to be completely dehumidified before it’s safe to connect sensitive electronics.

• Move equipment from one location to another unless it is absolutely necessary for safety. If an item must be moved, have at least one other person assist.

• Attempt to use any autoclave. The steam system is not operating yet.

 DO …

• Be aware that the fire alarm system is not yet working. If you detect any sign of fire or smoke, leave the area and call 2-1111 from a campus phone or (409) 772-1111 from a cell phone.

• Call the EHS coordinator in the MRB lobby at 25483 if you have any concerns about the safety of conditions in the building or about handling of materials requiring disposal.

• Wear appropriate protective clothing and safety gear including:

  • Closed-toe shoes

  • Lab coat or apron

  • Goggles or other appropriate eye protection

  • Gloves

• Look for any spilled chemical or puddles of water on the floor. Notify the EHS coordinator in the MRB lobby for help with clean-up.

• Assess the condition of lab facilities:

  • Verify that phones work

  • Check faucets and sink drains to be sure they are working and are not leaking. D1 water systems are not yet working.

  • Look for any obviously damaged power cords or electrical outlets.

  • Look for floor tiles that may be coming up where water accumulated as refrigerators and freezers warmed up.

  • Note any phone or building problems on the Laboratory Report Form and give it to the EHS staff when you sign out of the building.

• Carefully plug in desktop computers (not instrument controllers) IF you need to retrieve data from your local hard drive. If the computer does not boot, unplug it and report the tag number to your assigned IS support staff. Note: If you need access to your H or S drive from a remote location, contact your IS support person to obtain the link (path).

• Verify which freezers and refrigerators were on emergency power. Remember that equipment not on emergency power was not running for approximately 13 days, even though it may be running now.

• Open freezers, refrigerators and incubators carefully. Follow the “Laboratory Waste Disposal Instructions” provided by EHS and available here.