Laboratory Entry Signs

Laboratory entry signs at American University help visitors and first responders quickly identify science laboratory spaces, which typically have restricted entry requirements and may contain unique hazards. They also convey precautions that should be observed upon entering the space and provide emergency contact information. Researchers, Public Safety, and Facilities Management are trained to understand the information on the entry signs so that they can make the best use of the information should they need to reference it.

Signs are 8.5” x 11” prints placed either directly on or adjacent to the hallway access point (door) of the laboratory.  Each sign is composed of six sections, each of which presents important safety information to lab workers, visitors, and first responders.  The signs do not convey all hazards that may be present in the lab at any given time but are meant to be a good starting point in case of an emergency.  

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Personal Protective Equipment

Clothing worn in the laboratory shall offer protection from splashes and spills, shall be easily removable in case of an accident. Lab coats, disposable gloves, and safety eyewear must be worn when manipulating hazardous materials. 

If lab coats are not used in the laboratory, then long sleeves and long pants must be worn when students, staff or faculty are using hazardous materials.

Lab coats and gloves are not to be worn outside the laboratory, especially in rest room or break facilities. Any lab coats, respirators, or other protective gear must be left in the lab areas. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or apply cosmetics or lotions in the laboratory or chemical storage areas. 

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Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Laboratory-Specific Training

Supervisors shall prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for operations within their laboratories that pose physical, chemical, biological, and radiological hazards to personnel. These SOPs shall address all safety considerations, such as but not limited to, the area in which the work will be performed (e.g., fume hood, glove box), safety equipment to be used, precautions to be observed, and the PPE necessary.  

Before performing laboratory work, the laboratory user must: 

• Review research protocols and/or SOPs carefully. 
• Be familiar with the location and use of safety facilities such as first aid, fire extinguishers, showers, eyewash fountains, and exits. 
• Ensure that safety equipment is readily available and in good condition. 
• Be familiar with safety precautions specified in the SDSs of the chemicals to be handled, and
• Plan for emergency situations.

EHS will check for SOP and Laboratory-Specific Training compliance during yearly Laboratory Safety Audits. American University offers a set of standard chemical class SOPs. These can be used for some basic hazardous chemical procedures, but they most likely require customization. Laboratory managers can download these documents and add laboratory-specific chemicals and procedures. 

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New Laboratories

New Principal Investigators are expected to complete the following items prior to beginning research activities on campus:

1. Contact the Environmental Health & Safety office to schedule an informal meeting. We will acquaint you with university-specific policies and procedures relevant to your planned research activities.
2. Review AU's Chemical Hygiene Plan and Hazard Communication Plan. Make these documents, along with your lab-specific SOPs available in your lab.
3. Familiarize yourself with AU's hazardous waste program.
4. Ensure each lab member has completed all lab-specific and university-required training.
5. Verify that all required postings are present in your lab, including: EHS emergency laboratory door sign, AU emergency contact list, and any additional required postings as required by law (e.g. NRC Notice to Employees, biohazard labels, emergency equipment postings, etc.)

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Accessibility

Ensuring safety and accessibility in teaching and research labs for persons with disabilities is a priority at AU. The researcher should develop accessibility procedures in collaboration with EHS, ASAC, Employee Relations, and CAS administration. Please reach out to discuss the unique needs of your laboratory personnel.

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Minors in the Laboratory

Sometimes laboratories welcome students and volunteers under the age of 18 into the laboratory. See below for details of the processes and requirements to ensure these visitors can work safely and productively.