It is the policy of Tusculum University that under reasonable/appropriate circumstances suitably trained personnel may attempt to extinguish fires. All laboratories at Tusculum University are provided with carbon dioxide extinguishers. All fire extinguishers should be mounted on a wall or be standing vertically on the floor in an area free of clutter, normally near the entrance to the laboratory. Laboratory personnel should be familiar with the location and use of the fire extinguishers in their laboratory.

For those departments wishing to train their employees on the proper use of fire extinguishers contact the CHO for setting up a training session. Any time a fire extinguisher is used, no matter for how brief a period, it should be inspected and recharged. For recharging, replacement, inspection, or information regarding the type of extinguisher best suited for your laboratory, contact the CHO. All fire extinguishers Tusculum University Campus are inspected monthly by campus safety to ensure they are in working order.

All laboratories on Tusculum University Campus that contain hazardous substances must be equipped with an unobstructed safety shower and eyewash. These safety showers and eye wash facilities must meet the requirements of OSHA regulations (29 CFR l910.151(c), see Part XIII).

Keep all passageways to the eyewash and shower clear of any obstacle (even a temporarily parked chemical cart). In the event of a chemical splash affecting the eye(s), immediate flush the eye(s) with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes. Medical evaluation should be sought for any/all eye trauma.

It is the responsibility of Chemical Hygiene Officers to inspect safety showers, and eyewash facilities annually and to flush each weekly (see Appendix E for Safety shower and eye wash inspection forms). A copy of the ANSI 2016 safety shower and eye wash inspection guideline can be found here.

In the case of exposure, proceed to the nearest eyewash station. Hold eyelids open with thumb and forefinger and rinse for at least 15 minutes. Wash from outside edges towards the inside of the eye to prevent washing contaminants back into the eye. Rinse should be aimed at the inner corner of the eye (near the nose) and not directly at the eyeball. “Roll” eyes around and up and down to ensure full rinsing. Have another member of the lab call for emergency response immediately. The area around the eye wash station must remain clear at all times.

1. Immediately stop work and flush affected area with soap and water for 15 minutes.
2. If the injury is a Medical Emergency call 911
3. Secure all infectious materials.
4. Notify Chemical Hygiene Officer. This is very important as Tusculum University maintains an ongoing log/list of spills and injuries.
5. Use the nearest First Aid Kit located in the laboratory.

Disinfectants reduce the number of pathogenic organisms. The following is a list of acceptable disinfectants and the microorganism they work against.

1. Alcohols – Ethyl or isopropyl alcohol at 70-80% concentration is a good all purpose disinfectant. It is not effective against bacterial spores and non-enveloped viruses, such as adenovirus.
2. Phenolic Compounds – effective against vegetative bacteria, fungi, and lipid-containing viruses. Less effective versus spores. Unpleasant odor (e.g. amphyl, Vesphene 2).
3. Formaldehydes – At a concentration of 5-8% formalin, good disinfectant properties against vegetative bacteria, spores and viruses. Irritant sensitizer and animal carcinogen.
4. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATs) – Acceptable as disinfectant to control vegetative bacteria and non-lipid containing viruses.
5. Chlorine – Low concentrations (50-500 ppm) active against vegetative bacteria and most viruses. Higher concentration (2500 ppm) required for bacterial spores. Strong irritant. Corrosive to metal surfaces. Must be made up fresh (no residual action). Laundry bleach (5.25% chlorine), Alcide. 10 ml of laundry bleach per liter of water yields approximately 525 ppm.
6. Iodofors – Recommended for general use (75-150 ppm). Effective against vegetative bacteria and viruses but poor activity against spores. Brown or yellow solution is still active. Wescodyne diluted 1 to 10 is popular disinfectant for washing hands.
7. Glutaraldehydes – 2% solutions exhibit good activity against vegetative bacteria, spores, and viruses. Toxic and capable of eye damage (e.g. Cides, Sporicidin, 3M Glutarex).

All laboratory personnel must take institutionally provided training. Training must be documented (electronically or on paper). Personnel should not initiate research until training is completed. Copies of completed training certificated should be kept on file by the Chemical Hygiene Officer. Laboratory personnel are not allowed to work with agent(s) until they have been trained. The worker should demonstrate good microbiological skills and an understanding of this SOP prior to being permitted to work with agent(s).

Each laboratory must clearly display a sign that provides safety information to visitors and service personnel. All areas and laboratories which contain biohazardous agents must be posted with a biohazard sign. The sign must have information regarding the biosafety level, materials used, entry requirements, exit requirements, emergency contact name and phone number.

An example of the biosafety sign to be placed on each door of a lab where microbiological agents will be is use can be found in the Appendix D.