Risk Management Services (RMS) - An SCM Company

CURIE funded RMS service available. Accompanied by one or more university personnel an RMS representative will tour the laboratories and related facilities on campus.  A survey will consist of three parts; an assessment of the overall physical condition of equipment, an assessment of chemical storage & handling procedures and a review of general laboratory safety.

 During the review of laboratory equipment, the overall condition of the equipment will be assessed.  Included is a check of general wear & tear, maintenance, accessibility, the presence of cracked/broken housings, broken and/or modified controls, missing guards, and frayed or broken power cords.  As well, on a random basis, depending on the type and use of equipment, "plug in/turn on" checks may be performed.

An assessment of chemical storage will include a review of both central storage rooms and satellite storage rooms.  Proper segregation of chemicals will be reviewed.  Ventilation of rooms will be assessed as will general handling procedures including bonding and grounding practices.  Signage both in storage rooms and laboratories will be checked as well as labelling practices and lighting.

 A review of general laboratory safety includeds meeting with those responsible for laboratory safety to discuss the exisiting safety program and related documentation.  In addition, as part of the safety review, items such as exits, housekeeping, incidental storage, provision of fire protection, first aid equipment and spill kits will be checked.  If desired a general assessment of training programs will also be performed.

 Following completion of the physical review a confidential detailed report including photographs and recommendations will be produced.

 If you are interested in taking advantage of this CURIE funded service please contact John Breen at jbreen@curie.org

 

Testimonial

Under the direction of the Vice President of Administration of Laurentian University, Risk Management and Purchasing initiated to have a chemical storage and handling audit performed for all of our Science labs in June 2006.  With the cooperation of CURIE, Andrew Steeves of Risk Management Services (RMS) performed the inspection.  Proceeding with such an undertaking also required a dedicated commitment of the Dean of Science and Engineering.  In order to provide support to the Dean, Risk Management and Purchasing approached the Vice President of Academics, the Assistant Vice President of Research, Vice President of Administration and the Director of Human Services to form a team to assist the Dean in implementing all of the recommendations in the report.  The team has been meeting since this time and making the changes.

A follow up audit by RMS was undertaken in October 2008.  The concern was to address deficiencies with small appliances, to continue to assess shortfalls with chemical storage and handling as well as general lab safety.

In both cases, a complete audit report was provided within 30 days.  Deficiencies were noted as well as constructive suggestions to mitigate some of the issues.  Audit reports provided easy to follow, detailed description and photos of each deficiency as well as summary referenced recommendations.  The follow up audit included positive feedback on corrective measure and initiatives undertaken after the 2006 audit.

RMS were a valuable on-site resource and provided assistance and information to faculty and technicians as called upon during their inspection.  As we worked through resolving issues and recommendations they were available to provide us with additional information and resource materials.

 

Ten Problems Frequently Encountered in Laboratories

1. The absence of a documented lab safety inspection program.  This would include checking each laboratory on a regular basis for different safety concerns and the presence of adequate safety equipment.
2. Storage of incompatible chemicals together such as acids, bases and flammable.  All chemicals should be properly segregated.
3. Bottles of acids and bases being stored above eye level and general liquids being stored in glass containers at the edge of shelves.
4. Poor housekeeping.  Inspectors frequently find combustible material stored on heat producing devices, piled against electrical panels and general clutter.
5. Too many flammable liquids being stored in laboratory. Only working quantities should be located at any one time and the use of a flammable liquids storage room and listed metal safety cabinet can alleviate this problem.
6. Fume hoods being used as a storage area for flammable liquids and equipment.
7. Missing safety equipment.  Examples include the absence of thermal gloves when liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide is in use, no fire safety blankets, no acid spill kits etc.
8. Non-standard disposal procedures for waste or hazardous material. Frequently several containers of waste flammables are noted accumulated in laboratory areas.
9. Use of extension cords and power bars.  Permanently installed electrical outlets should be provided for all electrical appliances.
10. The use of domestic type fridges for the storage of flammable liquids.

The above list was provided by Andrew Steeves, Specialist - Loss Control - Risk Management Services