Lab Safety:
Autoclave validation:
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (formerly Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission) requires records to be kept of any waste treated on-site including date of treatment, amount of waste, method of treatment, and name and initials of person performing treatment. For labs that generate more than 50 pounds of waste per calendar month, TCEQ requires a written procedure for the operation and testing of any equipment or chemicals used. Records must be maintained for 3 years and must be available for review at any time by TCEQ inspectors. Environmental Health & Safety will be implementing an autoclave testing program to assist in the validation process. Contact: If you have any questions, please contact EH&S at x4111 Biological Safety:Institutional Biosafety Committee Self-Assesment Tool (DOC)
Students and Faculty at UTD who engage in laboratory work involving potentially hazardous biological materials should be aware of bioSafety precautions and occupational procedures. Important Links
UTD Research Compliance Contact: If you have any questions, please contact EH&S at x4111 Bloodborne Pathogens: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:
Bloodborne Pathogens Training: Initial Training Annual Refresher Training
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:
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
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)
Film Badge DosimetryA 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. 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:
Procedure:
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:
Moving Chemicals or Hazardous Materials within a Building
Moving Chemicals or Hazardous Materials Requiring Transportation/Moving Outdoors
Note: Boxes without an accurate inventory list will not be moved If you have any questions, please contact us at x4111. |
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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.