Laboratory Safety: Progress and Challenges

1. Laboratory Safety:Progress and Challenges Triumvirate Environmental Conference New York Botanical Gardens March 17, 2011 James H. Gibson, PhD, MPH, Director UCLA Office of Environment, Health & Safety

4. EH&S Immediate Response Accelerated Inspections Hazard Assessment Tool Revised Inspection Checklist Revised Inspection Procedures Standardized Reports Performance Metrics

5. Accelerated Lab Audits Top to Bottom Inspections • Interdisciplinary team • Completed in 30 days Chemical Inventory • Flammable solids • Pyrophoric chemicals • Other highly hazardous materials Fire Safety Survey • Fire extinguishers • Emergency showers/eyewash Hazard Assessment Tool

6. Hazard Assessment Tool • Initial version issued January 15, 2009 • Comprehensive version completed March 2009 • Online LHAT launched August 2010 • Purpose • Assess potential hazards • Quantify risk level • Specify PPE according to risk-based assessment • Verify PPE training • Data collection

7. Tailors PPE by Assessing Hazards

8. Expanded Version

9. Quantify Risk Level Level A – Very high hazard Level B – High hazard Level C - Moderate hazard Level D - Low hazard

10. LHAT Response Metrics:Hazard Levels 2877 (88%) Hazards

11. LHAT Response Metrics

12. Revised Inspection Checklist • New sections include: • Documentation • Training • PPE • Housekeeping • 60 items added • 23 critical items identified

13. Standardized Reports • Standard • New timelines • 48 hours critical • 30 days non-compliant • Issued next business day • Summary Table • Photographs

14. New Inspection Procedures

15. Electronic Inspection Process Real time data acquisition Automated report writing process DecreasePaper work Increase Inspections

17. Report to the Chancellor Accountability & oversight Outreach & training Laboratory design Inventory & recordkeeping Strong safety culture

18. Accountability & Oversight

19. Laboratory Inspections 74% 72%

20. Performance Metrics: Inspection Reports

21. Improve Outreach & Training

22. Employee Safety Handbook • New Lab Safety • Mandatory for all employees • Important Tips for Working Safely • Door Postings • EH&S Resources • Expanded Training • Safety Videos • Course Offerings • Requirement Guidance

23. Chemical Hygiene Plan

24. Safety Training Courses 32% 77% 443%

25. Training & Outreach Improvements Centralized database Classroom & online training development PI/Lab Supervisor training Website development News and Notes Video resources: http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1004476

26. Improve Laboratory Design

27. Laboratory DesignWater-reactive cabinet & shower relocation

28. Improve Inventory & Recordkeeping

29. Mapping Fume Hoods Mapping Eyewash Stations

30. Develop Strong Safety Culture

31. Center for Laboratory Safety Mission Support and sponsor research in lab safety Develop best practices Facilitate implementation of lab safety practices

32. PPE Policy • Full length pants and close-toed shoes • Protective gloves, laboratory coats, & eye protection • Flame resistant laboratory coats • High hazard materials • Pyrophorics • Flammables

33. PPE Selection Guide

34. Laboratory Safety PPE Inspection Checklist

36. Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHS) Policy • Key Provisions • Safe storage • Use • Handling, and • Disposal of PHS • Including spill and accident procedures

37. Challenges

38. BSL-3 Laboratories 497% 410%

39. Universal Challenges • Consistent safety standards – integral part of research • Evaluating safety risks and hazard assessments – constant and ongoing • Rules – explicit and reinforced through a culture that promotes safety • Positive relationships – between researchers and EH&S

40. Questions?