Laboratory Safety Progress and Challenges Triumvirate Environmental Conference

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

EH&S Immediate Response 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Accelerated Inspections Hazard Assessment Tool Revised Inspection Checklist Revised Inspection Procedures Standardized Reports Performance Metrics

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

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

Tailors PPE by Assessing Hazards

Expanded Version

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

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

LHAT Response Metrics 2009 2010 09 /10 Change Total known PI’s 827 858 31 PI’s completing LHAT 489 693 204 PI’s not completing LHAT 338 165 -173 Labs reported in LHAT 1360 2442 1082 Workers completing PPE training 4021 5941 1920 Response Metrics

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

Standardized Reports Standard • New timelines • • 48 hours critical 30 days noncompliant Issued next business day Summary Table • Photographs •

New Inspection Procedures

Electronic Inspection Process • Real time data acquisition • Automated report writing process • Decrease Paper work • Increase Inspections

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

Accountability & Oversight

Laboratory Inspections 74% 72%

Performance Metrics: Inspection Reports

Improve Outreach & Training

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

Chemical Hygiene Plan

Safety Training Courses 32% 77% 443%

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/100 4476 Departments Completed New Classroom Courses Lab Safety for PI’s ü Lab Safety Fundamental Concepts ü School of Engineering & Applied ü Lab Safety for PI’s & Lab Supervisors Sciences Personal Protective Equipment üü Dept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry New Online Courses ü Dept. of Physics & Astronomy Personal Protective Equipment üü School of Public Health üü School of Medicine Radiation Safety üü Physical Sciences Formaldehyde ü 614 PI’s Trained

Improve Laboratory Design

Laboratory Design Water-reactive cabinet & shower relocation

Improve Inventory & Recordkeeping

Mapping Fume Hoods Mapping Eyewash Stations

Develop Strong Safety Culture

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

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

PPE Selection Guide

Laboratory Safety PPE Inspection Checklist

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

Challenges

BSL-3 Laboratories 497% 410%

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

Questions?