Laboratory Safety Inspections and Surveys
The Laboratory, Chemical, and Biological Safety Committee conducts annual inspections of all labs. Additionally, the Laboratory Safety Manager conducts periodic walkthroughs of the labs and sends out monthly Laboratory Safety logs to report any safety violations found during the month. Each lab is encouraged to conduct regular self-checks. The following inspection checklist may be helpful:
Laboratory Safety Inspection Checklist
Inspection upon request can be scheduled by contacting Jasmine Yu jyu@kgi.edu.
KGI laboratories are subject to inspections by local, state, and faderal regulatory agencies, including, but not limited to, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the LA fire department, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It is an objective of the KGI policy on laboratory safety to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
To ensure adherence to safety protocols, KGI enforces penalties for individuals who fail to comply with safety guidelines, ranging from verbal or written warnings to temporary suspension from lab work. Please refer to “Consequences of Safety Violations” document for more details.
KGI values feedback from all colleagues to continually enhance our safety policies. If you notice any concerns regarding laboratory safety, please feel free to fill out the survey form and email Jasmine Yu at jyu@kgi.edu. Alternatively, you can submit your concerns anonymously by dropping the form in the file holder outside lab 517-169
Laboratory Shut Down Guidelines and Chemical Redistribution
When a Principal Investigator (PI) leaves KGI and shuts down their laboratory, they should follow the guidelines outlined in the Checklist for Investigators Closing Laboratories document. Unwanted chemicals from the laboratory will be redistributed to other labs within KGI. The Laboratory Safety Manager will compile an inventory of these unwanted chemicals and send it out to other labs for them to claim. This process helps ensure that unused chemicals are responsibly utilized within the institute and minimizes waste disposal costs.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Our hazardous waste pick-up service is designed to efficiently manage and dispose of various types of waste generated in laboratories. We coordinate with an outside company on a quarterly basis to ensure the timely and proper removal of hazardous materials. This includes the collection of chemical waste, which encompasses expired, unused, or surplus chemicals that need safe disposal to prevent environmental contamination and health risks.
Additionally, our service covers the disposal of clean glass waste, such as glassware and containers that may have come into contact with hazardous substances. Proper disposal of clean glass waste is essential to prevent injuries and maintain a clutter-free laboratory environment.
Moreover, we handle the disposal of sharps containers used for the safe containment of sharp objects like needles, scalpels, and broken glass. Sharps containers are collected and disposed of in a manner that minimizes the risk of injuries and ensures compliance with safety regulations.
Shipping and Receiving Hazardous Materials
- Shipping and receiving hazardous materials require strict adherence to safety protocols and regulatory compliance to ensure the protection of personnel, the environment, and public health. Handling such materials involves careful planning, proper packaging, accurate labeling, and thorough documentation to prevent accidents and ensure safe transportation. Understanding the guidelines and regulations set forth by governing bodies, such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is essential for anyone involved in the process. KGI Policies for Shipping and Receiving Hazardous Materials provides an overview of the critical aspects and best practices for safely managing the shipment and receipt of hazardous materials. Here are the additional documents and Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) forms you’ll need to ensure compliance and facilitate the process effectively. Guidelines for Shipping Nonpathogenic Biological Cultures and Non-Infectious Biological Materials.
- Proper Shipment of Patient Specimens and Infectious Substances
- Material Transfer Agreement (Biological Materials)
- Material Transfer Agreement (Chemical Materials)
- Material Transfer Agreement (Genetically Modified Organisms)
- Material Transfer Agreement (Human Tissues)