Training
Q: How do I sign up for training?
A: Training information for online and classroom courses can be found at: http://training.utsa.edu/. A myUTSA ID (abc123) is needed to take the online courses. After logging in look for the course in the Courses Enrolled block, and if the course is not listed in “Courses Enrolled”, then select the “Course Category” labeled “Laboratory Safety”, and then click the course you wish to take.
A student worker may have a myUTSA ID, but still not have access to MyTraining, and in that case:
- Go to http://training.utsa.edu/, click “Submit a Ticket”, then choose department “Safety Training”, and fill out the form. Please include the required fields in the form provided:
- List the requested Safety courses
- An account will be created and you will receive an email with your log in instructions.
HR Training and Development staff will get to it as quickly as they can, and will have it completed within 24 hours, but during the work week (8-5:00) it usually takes around 30 minutes. Any incomplete or incorrect data will only delay the request. Please ensure you have used the Safety Training ticket form and that all required data has been entered.
Q: What training courses do I need?
A: Different courses are required for work in different labs. Please ask your Principal Investigator or contact the Safety Office at 458-6697 or 458-5807 to find out which courses are required.
Q: What is considered passing for your training courses?
A: A score 70% or better is needed to receive credit for Radiation Safety (SA 433) and Laser Safety (SA 465).
A score of 80% or better is required to receive credit for Hazardous Waste Generator (SA 401), Hazard Communication & Laboratory Safety (SA 443), Researcher Biological Safety and Bloodborne Pathogens (SA 483).
*The Annual Refresher Researcher Biological Safety and Bloodborne Pathogens (SA 483r) is a brief overview of Bloodborne Pathogens and is an annual requirement for those who have completed SA 483 the previous year and require Bloodborne Pathogens training.
Q: How do I get my certificate?
A: When you complete your course there will be a link entitled “Certificate of Completion” that you need to click on to generate your certificate.
Q: Do you offer in-class training?
A: Yes. Please see the class schedule at http://training.utsa.edu/. Most courses are offered in class at least once per month. Some courses are offered by request only. To arrange those courses, contact the Lab Safety Manager at 458-6101.
Waste
Q: How do I dispose of chemical and biological waste?
A: Please go to: http://www.utsa.edu/safety/?section=waste and select the link for the type of waste you are trying to dispose of. Please fill out the form as completely as possible. A representative from our department will pick up the waste within 3 business days.
Q: How do I dispose of radioactive waste?
A: Fill out the following form for each waste container to be picked up: UTSA Radioactive Waste Disposal Instructions. The activity must be decay corrected to the current date or to a specific reference date. All chemical and/or biological components of the waste must be provided including the approximate percentage of each. Please contact the EHSRM Radiation and Laser Safety Coordinator for assistance with radioactive waste issues and to schedule a pickup (458-6697).
Inventory
Q: How do I complete a chemical inventory form?
A: The form can be downloaded from the following webpage: http://research.utsa.edu/research-funding/laboratory-evaluations-at-utsa/. Please use the information found on the MSDS for the chemical to assist in filling out the form.
Q: What are secondary chemical labels and why do I need them?
A: Secondary labels are labels that must be placed on the container when a chemical is transferred from a primary container into a secondary container. Texas HazCom regulations require that all chemical containers be labeled with the identity of the contents and specific information about the hazards associated with the chemical. The secondary labels allow you to place the name of the chemical (s) as well as the hazard warnings and information specific to the contents. If the chemical will be used up within the same day as it is transferred to the secondary container, then no label is required by regulation. However at least putting the name of the chemical on the secondary container is a best practice to avoid confusion.
Q: How do I determine the maximum quantity of each chemical in my lab?
A: This should be the largest amount of each chemical you will ever have in your lab. This can be updated as needed. Please do not over estimate the maximum amount. EHSRM uses maximum amounts for reports to federal and state regulators as well as emergency responders.
Q: How do I determine the average daily amount of each chemical in my lab?
A: This should be your best guestimate. It should not involve complex calculations. It should be somewhere between the amount when you re-order and the maximum amount.
Q: Should I include an exact inventory of the amounts of chemicals in my lab for the annual inventory?
A: No. That inventory would be outdated within days, if not hours. The format used at UTSA allows for fluctuation in actual amounts by requiring only the maximum amount and the average daily amount.
Q: What if my inventory has not changed in the last year?
A: If you have not added or deleted chemicals and your average daily amounts and maximum amounts have not changed, then make a new copy of your inventory and sign and date for the current year.
Q: How do I submit a chemical inventory form?
A: You can email a signed copy of your form to your laboratory safety evaluator or send a hard copy by campus mail. An electronic copy should also be submitted for inclusion in our database.
Q: How often do I need to submit an inventory?
A: An updated chemical inventory is required annually.
Chemical Safety Committee
Q: Which chemicals are required to have a Chemical Safety Committee (CSC) Protocol?
A: Chemicals which are carcinogens (examples from OSHA listed below), are highly toxic, especially gases, or otherwise highly hazardous such as pyrophorics. If you are unsure whether a chemical needs a protocol, contact EHSRM Laboratory Safety Division or the CSC.
- 2-Acetylaminofluorene
- 4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene
- Acrylonitrile
- Ethyleneimine
- 4-Aminodiphenyl
- Ethylene oxide
- Arsenic, inorganic
- Formaldehyde
- Asbestos
- Methyl chloromethyl ether
- Benzene
- Methylene chloride
- Benzidine
- Methylenedianiline
- 1,3-Butadiene
- a-Naphthylamine
- bis-Chloromethyl ether
- b-Naphthylamine
- Cadmium
- 4-Nitrobiphenyl
- Coke oven emissions
- N-Nitrosodimethylamine
- 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane
- b-Propiolactone
- 3,3Õ-Dichlorobenzidine (and its salts)
- Vinyl chloride
Lab Evaluation Program
Q: How is the frequency of evaluations of determined?
A: A lab may be inspected quarterly, semi-annually or once per year. An initial hazard assessment of each laboratory must be conducted to determine the degree of biological, chemical, physical, radiation or laser, or other hazards present. Frequency of evaluations is determined from this assessment made by the safety office. Please contact the safety office before beginning work in a new laboratory.
Miscellaneous
Q: What is in a spill kit?
A: A spill kit must include an absorbent agent, neutralization agent, dust pan, and broom. Spill kits can be purchased, or you can make one yourself using kitty litter and baking soda.
Q: As a faculty member with a lab what should I do before I leave UTSA?
A: Contact EHSRM well in advance to arrange for deactivation of your lab. This will involve disposal of unwanted chemicals, biological agents, radioactive materials and controlled substances and decontamination of equipment as necessary. For more information on laboratory clearance go to: http://research.utsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Laboratory-Clearance-Procedure.pdf
Q: How do I prepare lab equipment for Surplus?
A: All equipment will need decontaminated for any chemicals, biologicals or radiological material which may have been stored or used in the equipment. EHSRM Laboratory Safety Division or Environmental Protection and Construction Safety Division should be contacted to review the equipment and provide clearance once the equipment is ready to go to Surplus. For more information on equipment clearance go to: http://research.utsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Laboratory-Clearance-Procedure.pdf
Q: How do I dispose of lab equipment?
A: The process is similar to preparing for Surplus. Once decontaminated EHSRM will review the equipment and clear is for disposal. There may be special disposal procedures according to the specific equipment. EHSRM will be able to assist with information about special procedures. For more information on equipment clearance go to: http://research.utsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Laboratory-Clearance-Procedure.pdf
Q: What do I need to do in order to ship lab equipment for repair?
A: The process is similar to preparing for Surplus or disposal. Once EHSRM has completed a review, documentation will be provided to include with the shipment confirming the decontamination of the equipment. . For more information on equipment clearance go to: http://research.utsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Laboratory-Clearance-Procedure.pdf
Q: My BSC needs to be recertified, what do I need to do?
A: Contact the Laboratory Safety Division. Our division manages the recertification program for biological safety cabinets.
Q: What PPE do I need to wear in the lab?
A: Which PPE is needed depends on what hazards are present in the lab. Laboratory Safety Division can provide assistance in determining which PPE is needed in your specific lab. PPE such as gloves and lab coats should remain inside the lab and not be worn outside of the lab due to possible cross contamination to non-lab areas.
- Gloves provide protection against biological agents, chemicals and radioactive materials. Gloves must be matched to the specific hazards in the lab to ensure protection.
- Lab Coats provide protection for your skin and clothing. They provide a barrier in case of spills or splashes. Lab coats should be removed as soon as possible after a spill to the coat. Lab coats prevent carrying chemicals and other materials out of the lab on your clothes.
- Safety glasses protect against impacts from solid items. Safety goggles (splash-resistant) provide protection against liquids.
- Respirators should not be worn without first contacting Laboratory Safety Division.
Q: Why is it inappropriate to wear shorts and/or sandals in lab?
A: Shorts and sandals leave skin exposed to hazards in the lab, especially from spills. It’s important to remember that you may not be working with hazardous materials while in the lab, but others might be.
Q: What is a gold star lab and how does my lab qualify?
A: A gold star lab is one that does not receive any discrepancies noted to lab personnel during a lab evaluation for a quarter. All labs assigned to a PI or lab supervisor must have no discrepancies during the evaluation period to qualify.
Q: I am purchasing a laser, what do I need to do?
A: Prior to ordering a laser, contact radiation safety personnel in Laboratory Safety Division at 458-6697. The type of laser will be evaluated to determine if it must be registered with the state and what safety devices or controls will be needed to operate the laser. Additional requirements will be discussed such as submitting documentation to the Radiation and Laser Safety Committee. The Laser Safety Officer (LSO) will begin work on getting the laser registered if necessary.
Q: I want to work with select agents, what do I need to do?
A: Well in advance, contact the Laboratory Safety Manager / Alternate Responsible Official (ARO) for the UTSA select agent program at 458-6101 to begin the paperwork to obtain federal permission to work with select agents. Possessing select agents without this permission is punishable by criminal and civil penalties. For more information on select agents go to: http://www.selectagents.gov/.
Q: I want to work with a controlled substance, what do I need to do?
A: In order to work with controlled substances, state and federal licenses are needed. PIs must apply for and receive these licenses prior to ordering controlled substances. Possessing controlled substances without licensure is punishable by criminal penalties. For more information see the UTSA Controlled Substance Use in Research Policy: http://research.utsa.edu/research-funding/controlled-substances-in-research/.
For further information contact the Lab Safety Division.
