Chemical Hygiene Inspection Response

Principal Investigator: Lab/Bldg: Inspection Date:

A check indicates areas where improvements are needed to bring your lab into compliance with the OSHA Laboratory Standard. For assistance, please call the Office of Environmental Health & Safety Chemical Hygiene Officer at 313-993-6614.

1. / WSU Chemical Hygiene Plan must be available to all staff and students in your lab.
2. / WSU Exposure Control Plan must be available in labs using biological material from a human source.
3. / Develop SOPs for protocols/processes involving particularly hazardous chemicals. SOPs should be read and signed. You may design your own, or use our SOP template.
4. / Labs must maintain an inventory of chemicals, including the full name of the chemical, manufacturer, approx. quantity present in the lab. Inventory should be reviewed and submitted to OEHS annually. Inventory Template
5. / All faculty, staff & students must know how to access Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for hazardous chemicals in the lab. SDSs can be accessed online at the manufacturer’s website and from multiple other sources.
6. / A yellow caution placard should be posted at your lab entrance with current, legible emergency phone numbers listed. Placards and labels are provided by OEH&S. Refer to this Laboratory Signage Guide to determine what labels are needed on your placard, and then submit requests for placards and labels here.
7. / Lab doors, storage areas, refrigerator/freezers etc. should be labeled according to the type of hazard present in the area (e.g., flammable, toxic, biohazard, etc.) Contact OEH&S at 313-577-1200 for labels.
8. / The people listed need annual Laboratory Safety Training:
9. / The people listed need annual Biosafety / Bloodborne Pathogens Training:
All required initial & refresher training can be completed online https://www.citiprogram.org or in the classroom
Classroom safety training schedule: https://research.wayne.edu/oehs/training/lab.php
10. / The people listed need Lab Specific Training. Refer to the Lab Specific Training Checklist.
11. / Carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens and any highly toxic chemicals should be stored in a separate, labeled area.
12. / Segregate chemicals into hazard categories. Acids must be separated from bases. If separate cabinets aren’t available, store bottles within secondary containers (plastic dish tubs) to keep them segregated. Make sure that incompatible chemicals within the same hazard class are segregated (e.g., segregate nitric acid from other acids). Volumes of flammables beyond 5 gallons should be stored in safety cans or flammable cabinets. Refer to the label, Safety Data Sheet, Chemical Hygiene Plan, or contact OEH&S for assistance.
13. / Flammable chemicals must be stored in proper flammable storage cabinets.
14. / Diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, dioxane and tetrahydrofuran are examples of chemicals that can form dangerous peroxides, and be potentially explosive after long exposure to air. Peroxidizables should be labeled with the date of receipt and opening. Expired chemicals must be properly collected and disposed of by OEH&S.
15. / Store solvents and corrosives, especially those above 1 gallon, on shelves at eye level or below. Don’t store bottles of chemicals or chemical waste on the floor.
16. / Refrigerators used to store flammables must be rated for flammable storage by the manufacturer.
17. / All containers must be labeled. MIOSHA Rule R 325.70109 “Employers shall ensure that labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals are not removed or defaced.”
18. / All chemical waste containers must have a Hazardous Waste Tag attached with the complete name and amount of each chemical printed clearly. Tags are available from Science Stores and OEH&S.
19. / Waste bottles should be capped before and after waste is poured in. Chemicals should not be allowed to evaporate in the lab or in the fume hood. Open containers pose a risk of spills and exposures.
20. / Liquid waste containers must be stored in secondary containment, in leak proof, heavy duty plastic tubs.
21-22. / Hydrofluoric acid (HF) readily penetrates the skin, causing destruction of deep tissue layers, including bone. Labs using HF must have a SOP specifically addressing use of HF and medical treatment for exposures.
23-24. / Compressed gas cylinders, full or empty, should be secured in an upright position to the wall or bench top. Cylinders not in use must be capped. Oxidizers and flammable gases must be separated by 20” or a wall.
25-28. / The P.I. is responsible for providing each staff member with proper gloves, a lab coat, and appropriate eye protection for the particular hazards of the chemicals used. Protective equipment must be used and fit properly.
29. / Provide a sturdy cardboard box, lined with a plastic bag, for disposal of uncontaminated glass & plastic. When box is full, close and tape shut, label “glass waste” and put out for pick-up by Custodial Services.
30. / Request free SHARPS disposal and replacement containers here.
31. / Keep work and storage areas clean and uncluttered. Chemicals and equipment must be properly stored. Floors and benches must be kept clean. Store combustible items away from flammables and ignition sources.
32. / Eating, drinking in labs is prohibited. Smoking in university buildings is prohibited. Designate an area outside of the lab for people to eat or drink, and to store food.
33. / Emergency equipment (fire extinguisher, eye wash, and shower) must be visible, unobstructed and accessible.
34. / All aisleways in the lab must be at least three feet wide and free of obstructions.
35. / Excessive storage in the fume hood will disrupt the airflow and potentially expose the user to hazardous substances. Designate other areas for storage of chemicals, equipment, and waste containers.
36. / Biohazardous waste must be stored in red, biohazard bags and secondary leakproof, labeled containers. Click here for additional information.
37-39. / You should be able to reach an emergency shower and eye wash within 10 seconds of a chemical exposure. Flush eyewashes weekly. Post an eyewash maintenance log nearby to record the weekly flushing.
40. / Basic first aid supplies for minor cuts, scrapes and burns should be available in the lab. Injuries requiring medical attention should be treated at the UHC Employee Health Service, 4K, or Detroit Receiving Hospital. Post the WSU Emergency Procedures near a phone in your lab.
41. / Use of mercury-containing thermometers and other devices should be phased out as much as possible. Mercury spills should be reported immediately to OEHS.
42-43. / Chemical fume hoods and biological safety cabinets are tested annually by OEH&S to ensure proper function. We have noted that your equipment needs to be recertified. No action is required on your part.
Additional Comments:

08/16