Department of Environmental Health and Safety

Bloodborne Pathogens:

Bloodborne Pathogens Manual | BBP Exposure Plan (PDF)

Recognizing Tasks and Activities Involving Exposure to Blood

The OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) defines an occupational exposure as "reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee's duties."

OSHA's definition of occupational exposure excludes exposures that are not reasonably expected. It also excludes exposures that are not a required part of your normal job.

If you are unsure about whether an activity may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, ask your supervisor or contact EH&S at x4111.

Potentially Infectious Materials

The following list represents the potentially infectious materials that are regulated by OSHA and which require careful management and control:

• Human blood, blood components, and blood products
• Semen or vaginal secretions
• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Synovial, pleural, peritoneal, or amniotic fluids
• Saliva in dental procedures (frequently contains blood)
• Any body fluid visibly contaminated with blood
• All body fluids in situations where it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between body fluids
• Any unfixed tissue or organs (other than intact skin) from a human (living or dead)
• HIV-containing cell or tissue cultures, organ cultures, and HIV or HBV-containing culture medium or other solutions
• blood, organs, or other tissues from experimental animals infected with HIV or HBV

 

Bloodborne Pathogens Training:

Initial Training
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29CFR 1910.1030) requires that all employees who work with potentially infectious materials attend a bloodborne pathogens training annually. In addition to providing useful information regarding exposure to biological agents, the training classes offer very useful information regarding what Personal Protective Equipment to wear, proper biological waste disposal and what to do in the event of an emergency.

Annual Refresher Training
Annual refresher training is required for all personnel exposed to potentially infectious materials and/or bloodborne pathogens. If you or your department is in need of training please contact EH&S at x4111.

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact EH&S at x4111

Controlled Items:

In October, 1995, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that, in accord with Health and Safety Code, Section 481.002, Subdivisions (51), (53), (77), and (80), establishes procedures for maintaining controlled substances (controlled substances are addressed in Policy Memorandum 97-III.27-77), controlled substance analogs, chemical precursors, and chemical laboratory apparatus used in educational or research activities at institutions of higher education. The objective of the MOU is to heighten the awareness regarding the potential problem of the diversion of laboratory chemicals and apparatus to illegal drug operations. The list includes many common pieces of laboratory equipment in addition to possible precursors for the manufacture of illicit drugs.

The MOU which was signed by the Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, commits the University to establishing procedures that specify: (1) personal responsibility for secure use of controlled items, (2) record-keeping requirements for purchases, (3) procedures for disposal of unused controlled items, (4) security procedures governing use of the controlled items, and (5) a liaison between the University and DPS.

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact EH&S at x4111

Controlled Substances:

The University of Texas at Dallas requires that all individuals conducting activities with DEA controlled substances be registered with the DEA  (21 CFR 1301.11) and comply with state and federal regulations regarding the acquisition, storage, use and disposal of those substances.  The Department of Environmental Health and Safety will have oversight of this program.

Each principal investigator or faculty conducting research and/or instructional activities with DEA controlled substances will be responsible for registering with the DEA and for assuring compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.  The registrant may not allow the permit to lapse until all controlled substances are spent, disposed of, or transferred to another registered person.

The Department of Environmental Health & Safety will be responsible for assisting individuals in complying with applicable rules and regulations.  This will include educating researchers about the requirements, assisting them as necessary during implementation, and providing regular oversight to insure compliance is being maintained.

The Controlled Substances Act (Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of1970) places all substances regulated by Federal law into one of five schedules or categories ( see link below ) based on the medicinal value and the potential for abuse. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), part of the U.S. Department of Justice, has control and enforcement authority for controlled substances.  Several of the drugs used for medical treatment, anesthesia, analgesia, and euthanasia are considered controlled substances. In order to legally purchase, use, dispense, and dispose of these drugs either personal or institutional license must be obtained from the DEA. 

Drug Enforcement Administration Controlled Substance List

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact EH&S at x4111

Laboratory Safety Inspections:

Lab Inspection Checklist (Appendix 2)

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) has developed a program to help laboratory personnel in implementing good laboratory practices in their laboratory. Implementation of good lab practices creates a safe laboratory environment and promotes compliance with applicable local, state and federal regulations, standards and guidelines.  

To facilitate this program, EH&S will conduct laboratory safety inspections.  These inspections will be done on an annual basis or more frequently if needed or requested.  The laboratory safety inspections will follow the OSHA Lab Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450).

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact EH&S at x4111

Lab Space Review:

The primary objective in laboratory design is to provide a safe environment for laboratory personnel to conduct their work. A research laboratory facility typically requires more time for design and construction, a larger capital expenditure, and higher operational costs than most other building types. Because of the highly technical and complex nature of research laboratory facilities, the design should have professional oversight and supervision from the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. If you are having your laboratory space remodeled or a new area designed, make sure EH&S has reviewed the plans for the numerous code requirements and life safety issues that are involved in laboratory design.

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact EH&S at x4111

Laser Safety:

Laser Safety Manual (PDF)

Laser Standard Operating Procedures

The Laser Safety Program covers work with Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 lasers. Individuals working with such lasers must attend training which includes: fundamentals of laser operation, biological effects of laser radiation on the eye and skin, non-radiation hazards (e.g., fire hazards, chemical exposure), classification of lasers and laser systems, and control measures and personal protective equipment.

High Powered Lasers

Class 3b and 4 lasers have the potential for presenting a wide range of hazards, depending on the type of laser and how it is used. Users of these lasers should attend a training session devoted to these types of lasers. The session is given in the individual laboratories, and includes a brief review of general laser safety principals, an evaluation of the lasers in use, a laser laboratory inspection, a review of personal protective equipment needed for the particular laser, and the calculation of maximum permissible exposure levels for eye and skin under all conditions of use.

Training:

Laser Safety training is scheduled upon request by contacting the LSO at x4111.

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact EH&S at x4111

Radiation Material & Laser Usage:

Radioactive Material Usage

Radioactive Material

In order to use radioactive material and lasers at The University of Texas Dallas, researchers must go though an approval process.  This process starts with the researcher contacting the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) in the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at x4111. The Researcher must completely fill out the form for radioactive material usage.  In the application, the researcher must be specific in where and how the isotope will be used, stored and disposed of.  All staff must be trained in radiation safety and if necessary set up for the EH&S film badge monitoring program.  

After completion of this form, please return it to the RSO.  The RSO will review the form and submit the application to the Radiation Safety Committee for approval, and then to the State of Texas Bureau of Radiation Control for the final approval.  If you have any question, please do not hesitate to call EH&S at x4111.

For Class 3b and 4 Laser Usage

Please see the UTD Department of Environmental Health and Safety web site for appropriate applications and safety plans that are required for permitting of Class 3b and 4 Lasers

If you have any questions, please contact EH&S at x4111.

Radiation Safety:

Radiation Safety Manual (PDF) | On Hand Quarterly Report (DOC)

Radioactive Waste Disposal | Non Human Use of Radiation (DOC) | Weekly Wipe Test (DOC)

The purpose of the radiation safety program at U. T. Dallas is to provide consultation and guidance to ensure a safe working environment. Basic radiation safety courses are offered in the laboratory upon request. Also, radiation refresher courses are offered upon request.

Film Badge Dosimetry

A film badge is used to monitor exposure when working with radioactive materials. Any person using or working with radioactive material may need to participate in film badge monitoring. Talk to your principal investigator if you think a badge is necessary, or contact EH & S.

Start badge service

End badge service

Lost badge

Training:

Film badge training is scheduled upon request by contacting the RSO at x4111.

Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact us at x4111

Lab Close Out Procedures:

Check Sheet for Vacating Room | UTD Hazard Communication Policy

The research faculty assigned to a particular laboratory (hereinafter referred to as researcher) is responsible for proper disposition of all items in the laboratory, including furniture, equipment, chemicals, biological materials, radioactive materials, glassware, sharps and waste materials. The Department Chair is responsible for ensuring that all researchers understand their responsibilities and that the following procedures are followed when a researcher leaves the University or transfers to a different department or laboratory.

Procedure:

1. The researcher should notify the Department Chair of any furniture, equipment, or supplies that are to be transferred with the researcher and those that will remain.
   
   
2. The researcher shall ensure that all biological wastes are disposed of in accordance with the procedures of Biomedical Waste
   
   
3. Hazardous chemicals that will not be transferred with the researcher must be properly labeled in accordance with the UTD Hazard Communication Policy.  The researcher should attempt to locate other faculty or staff who may be able to utilize some or all of the chemicals.  Those that remain must be segregated and inventoried on a Hazardous Materials Inventory Form.  The researcher should then contact the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) at ext. 4111 to arrange for pick-up of the chemicals
   
   
4. Once the hazardous chemicals have been segregated into one identifiable area, the researcher shall ensure that all remaining refrigerators, freezers, cold/warm rooms, fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, storage cabinets, sinks and bench tops are clear of glassware, chemicals, sharps and other items, and that surfaces of these items are cleaned and appropriately disinfected.  The researcher shall then sign a "Check Sheet for Vacating Room" form upon completion of this step and post the form on the door to the laboratory or cold/warm room
   
   
5. EHS will perform an exit inspection at the time of chemical pick-up and will sign the "Check Sheet for Vacating Room" form.
   
   
6. EHS will perform wipe testing in laboratories where radioactive materials have been utilized or where any radioactive materials signage exists. Upon completion of this clearance, the EHS will sign the "Check Sheet for Vacating Room" form.  If no radioactive use or labels are present and no wipe down is necessary, the Radiation Safety Officer will indicate so on the "Check Sheet for Vacating Room" form.
   
   
7. EHS will notify Custodial Services, who will perform a general cleaning of the area and will sign the "Check Sheet for Vacating Room" form. The costs should be covered by the department vacating the lab/room.
   
   
8. Upon completion of these steps, the "Check Sheet for Vacating Room" form must remain posted on the door to the laboratory, thus identifying the laboratory as cleared for construction, renovation, or use.

Laboratory Relocation Guidelines:

UTD E&S has developed this procedure as a guideline to help minimize hazards to University personnel and maintain compliance with all applicable Federal and State regulations during a lab relocation. 

General Guidelines:

• The University moving crew is not permitted to move any chemical, biological, radioactive or hazardous material.
  
  
• Equipment to be moved must be decontaminated by laboratory personnel or a third party vendor prior to EH&S approving transport. Please contact EH&S for assistance with decontamination, referrals to third party vendors, or approval to move equipment.
  
  
• All laboratory personnel must wear safety glasses, lab coats and appropriate gloves while handling chemicals.
  
  
• This is a good time to go through your chemical inventory and dispose of old and unneeded chemicals.  Do not move chemicals into a new lab that should be classified as a chemical waste.
  
  
• Do not move chemical, biological or radioactive waste.  Contact EH&S for a waste pick up.
  
  

Moving Chemicals or Hazardous Materials within a Building

• There are special procedures for moving radioactive and biological materials. Contact Environmental Health & Safety prior to moving. 
  
  
• Inventory chemicals that you want to relocate from the current lab to the new facility.
  
  
• Replace any damaged or illegible labels.  All containers must be labeled to accurately describe their contents.  No abbreviations or trade names are allowed.
  
  
• Check containers and lids for damage and cracks.  Replace any faulty caps or containers. Damaged containers cannot be transported.
  
  
• Obtain either moving boxes or plastic bins and a sturdy wheeled cart.EH&S can loan plastic tubs.
  
  
• Segregate chemicals into the following categories/hazard classes:
• Inorganic oxidizers
  
• Flammable liquids
  
• Inorganic acids
  
• Inorganic bases
  
• Organic acids
  
• Flammable solids
  
• Miscellaneous organic compounds
  
• Miscellaneous inorganic compounds
  



• Transport the chemicals in the boxes or bins according to the above categories. Use sufficient packing material to prevent the bottles from breaking.
  
  
• When the chemicals arrive at the new locations,  lab personnel will need to check contents for breakage/damage.  Chemicals will need to be removed from boxes and placed in their designated locations within the laboratory.
  
  

Moving Chemicals or Hazardous Materials Requiring Transportation/Moving Outdoors

• Contact Environmental Health & Safety. EH&S personnel or EH&S-authorized third party vendor must transport all chemicals and hazardous materials over the road or between buildings not connected by a causeway or tunnel. EH&S needs at least two weeks notice to prepare for the chemical move.
  
  
• There are special procedures for moving radioactive and biological materials.
  
  
• Inventory chemicals that you want to relocate from the current lab to the new facility.
  
  
• Replace any damaged or illegible labels. All containers must be labeled to accurately describe their contents. No abbreviations or trade names allowed.
  
  
• Check containers and lids for damage and cracks.  Replace any faulty caps or containers.  Damaged containers cannot be transported.
  
  
• Segregate chemicals into the following categories / hazard classes:
• Inorganic oxidizers
  
• Flammable liquids
  
• Inorganic acids
  
• Inorganic bases
  
• Organic acids
  
• Flammable solids
  
• Miscellaneous organic compounds
  
• Miscellaneous inorganic compounds
  



• Package each category of chemical hazard class into separate, sturdy cardboard boxes or plastic tubs/bins. Single layer only.  Use paper or other cushioning material between bottles to prevent breakage during handling and transportation. Do not pack boxes/tub too heavy, maximum 25 pounds total weight per box. EH&S can loan plastic tubs.
  
  
• Label the outside of each box/tub with the following:
  
  
• Principle investigators name and contact phone number
  
• The new facility's Laboratory Number where chemicals are to be taken
  
• Hazard Class of chemicals located in box
  
• Attach inventory list of each chemical placed in box along with container size and physical state (ex.  Acetone - 1 gallon - liquid)
  
• Attach note stating the following:  This box contains chemicals and must be moved only by the Environmental Health & Safety Department or EH&S-approved third party vendor.
  

Note: Boxes without an accurate inventory list will not be moved

• At time of chemical transfer we will need laboratory personnel in the lab where the chemicals are being moved from as well as in the lab where chemicals are being moved to in the new facility.
  
  
• When chemicals arrive at the new facility, lab personnel will need to accept boxes and check contents for breakage/damage.  Chemicals will need to be removed from boxes and placed in their designated locations within the laboratory.
  
  

If you have any questions, please contact us at x4111.