Lab Safety Programs

Annual laboratory inspections are an important tool to assist in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as well as ensuring the observance of prudent lab practices.  OES conducts lab inspections on an annual basis.  Inspections may be announced ahead of time or unannounced.  The goal of these inspections is to assist researchers identify hazards associated with their research and help reduce risk associated with these hazards.  Lab PIs and personnel are encouraged to perform self-inspections on a regular basis.  These inspections (available via SciShield/BioRAFT) utilize the same criteria as the annual inspection.

OES will certify chemical fume hoods annually.  The certification date is noted on a yellow sticker on the hood that indicates the safe operating height and the measured face velocity.  If any issues are noticed with regard to hood function (i.e. no flow, low flow, structural or operation problems), cease use of the hood and notify OES immediately.  If a hood is in need of repair, a sign indicating the hood is out of service will be posted and OES will place a work order to repair the hood.  The hood should not be used until repairs are complete and the hood recertified.

Information on proper use of fume hoods and other local exhaust devices can be found in chapter 2 of the Clemson Laboratory Safety Manual (PDF).

You may also want to consider taking the SciShield Fume Hood Safety Training (Online).

PPE is the last line of defense against chemical exposure, fire, heat, cold, projectiles, and other hazards present in the lab.  Proper PPE selection and use is an essential part of the overall laboratory risk minimization plan.  It is important that all researchers be aware of the proper selection and use of PPE as well as its limitations.  PPE is not intended to substitute for proper hazard assessments and risk minimization (i.e. elimination, substitution, engineering, and administrative controls). 

The chemical and physical hazards associated with your research must be fully evaluated and understood before selecting the appropriate PPE.  Requirements for PPE include: 

• Proper PPE must be provided for all researchers in the lab by the PI based on the hazards present in the lab. Extra PPE should be maintained for use by visitors as well as replacement for damaged or obsolete PPE.
• Proper eye protection (approved safety glasses with side shields or chemical splash goggles) should be worn at ALL TIMES in any lab where chemicals are used, stored, or handled, or where a risk of flying particles is present. Prescription glasses are not a substitute for approved safety glasses.
• Lab coats should be worn by ALL researchers in a lab when ANYONE is using hazardous chemicals. Lab coat selection is based on the nature of the hazards present.  Lab coats should not be worn outside the lab or laundered at home.  Check with your department safety coordinator or OES about laundering lab coats.  
• Gloves should be worn when there is the potential for skin contact with hazardous chemicals or when physical hazards present a risk of injury. The selection and use of gloves is based on the nature of the hazard.  Gloves should not be worn outside of the lab and should be removed when not needed.
• A face shield should be used when there is a significant splash or projectile risk. Face shields are not a substitute for proper eye protection.
• Hearing protection should be worn when exposure to loud machinery, instruments, or reactions occur or is likely. OES can provide consultations to determine if hearing protection is necessary and what type is appropriate. For more information please see our Industrial Hygiene Hearing Conservation page.
• Respirators are generally not worn or needed for laboratory research. Respirators should only be worn after consulting OES and completing respiratory protection training and fitting. For more information please see our Industrial Hygiene Respirator Protection page.

Details on personal protective equipment can be found in Chapter 3 of the Clemson Laboratory Safety Manual (PDF).

The storage, transport, and use of compressed gases in the laboratory presents unique hazards that must be accounted for.  In-person training can be scheduled with OES to familiarize labs with basic compressed gas safety and operation.  More in-depth information on compressed gas safety and regulations can be found in the following references. 

• Handbook of Compressed Gases, 4^th Ed., Compressed Gas Association, Inc., 1999.
• NFPA 55, Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code, 2020.
• South Carolina Fire Code, 2018.

 General compressed gas safety information can be found in Chapter 6 of the Clemson Laboratory Safety Manual (PDF).

The storage of liquid nitrogen dewars in laboratories and storage rooms requires an evaluation by OES to ensure that adequate ventilation is available.  Do not store or use liquid nitrogen in confined spaces.  Contact the Chemical and Lab Safety Manager to schedule an evaluation for the storage of liquid nitrogen.  General cryogen safety information is available in Appendix 2 of the Clemson Laboratory Safety Manual (PDF).