SECTION I - SECTION II - SECTION III - SECTION IV - SECTION V (APPENDICES)
V.Cover | V.A | V.B | V.C | V.D | V.E | V.F | V.G | V.H | V.I | V.J | V.K | V.L | V.M | V.N | V.O | V.P | V.Q

Appendix N

Operating Procedures for Performance of Maintenance /
Construction Activities in Laboratory Facilities

The performance of maintenance and construction activities in laboratory facilities creates special safety and research considerations.

These procedures help to ensure:

• Facilities Operations personnel are protected from physical, chemical, biological and radioactive hazards by clearing / decontaminating the area ("Authorized Work Zone") before the maintenance / construction activities are conducted. If secondary measures must be taken because the Principle Investigator (PI ) was unable to decontaminate the area because of restrictions (drain traps, duct work, vacuum lines, etc.), Facilities Operations' Standard Operating Procedures will be followed to ensure personnel are protected. The secondary measures will only be used when the restrictions prevent the PI (Laboratory Supervisor) from performing the responsibilities of clearing and decontaminating.
  
• Research is not jeopardized by maintenance and construction activities by providing Facilities Operations personnel measures to follow before the work activities are conducted.
  
• Maintenance and construction activities are conducted in an efficient manner by providing pertinent information (See "Work Permit for Maintenance / Construction Activities in Laboratories") before the work activities are conducted.

Listed below are the primary steps to follow when Facilities Operations receives a work order to perform maintenance / construction activities in a laboratory. A detailed description is also provided for each primary step.

PRIMARY STEPS:

1. Facilities Operations contacts the PI / designee before performing maintenance / construction activities (work activities).
   
2. PI / designee completes a "Work Permit" and prepares the "Authorized Work Zone" where Facilities Operations will be conducting maintenance / construction activities.
   
3. Facilities Operations discusses / reviews completed "Work Permit" with the PI / designee.
   
4. Facilities Operations signs and posts "Work Permit" and "CAUTION SIGN" at Entrance / Prepares for work activity.
   
5. Facilities Operation conducts the work activity.
   
6. Facilities Operation performs closeout of work activity.

DETAILED STEPS:

• Step 1 - Facilities Operations contacts the PI or designee before performing work activity.

Procedures:

1. Facilities Operations confirms information about where the work activity will be conducted (Building, Room Number, Location = Authorized Work Zone) and the type of work activity to be performed, provides the work order number, date / time the work activities will be conducted and anticipated date/time work will be completed.
   
2. Facilities Operations advises laboratory staff if utilities are to be interrupted or shut-off (electricity, water, gas, general ventilation, local exhaust hood ventilation, etc.).

• Step 2 - PI / designee completes "Work Permit for Maintenance / Construction Activities in Laboratories" and prepares the "Authorized Work Zone" for work activities. The PI / designee's duties include:

Procedures:

1. Identifying lab person (contact name (s) and phone number (s)) that will be immediately available to answer questions that may arise during Facilities Operations work activities.
   
2. Transferring information provided by Facilities Operations (Step 1 - A.) to Work Permit.
   
3. Contacting the Radiation Safety Office (335-8916) if radioactive hazards are present in "Authorized Work Zone". The Radiation Safety Office (RSO) will determine that satisfactory decontamination procedures have been completed and conduct a confirming survey. (If applicable, PI / designee attaches completed survey to work permit.)
   
4. Advising Facilities Operations (See Step 3 - B) of the types of hazards (Physical, Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, etc.) within the laboratory. Facilities Operations can obtain additional information by requesting the PI's Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures for the laboratory where the work activities will be conducted, Material Safety Data Sheets, Laboratory Safety Manual, BioSafety Manual (if applicable), etc.)
   
5. Following Standard Operating Procedures in Laboratory Safety Manual and / or Biosafety Manual for decontamination measures. Decontaminate all equipment / areas ("Authorized Work Zone") where work activities are to be conducted (e.g., fume cupboards, refrigerators, under benches and sinks, laboratory equipment, etc.). Where maintenance is to be performed, any infectious agents or chemicals must be removed and stored in a safe place until work is completed. If applicable, after decontamination procedures have been performed, the spaces under cupboards and benches will be left open to ventilate.
   
6. Specifying date and time the hazards were decontaminated.
   
7. Ensuring the "Authorized Work Zone" is cleared of laboratory equipment; Facilities Operations may need room to place their tools and ladder. NOTE: Facilities Operations will not remove, alter, or move laboratory equipment or hazardous materials.
   
8. Providing safety recommendations, if applicable: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be worn by Facilities Operations while performing work activities. The PPE may be recommended as a secondary measure and should not be used to replace decontamination procedures.
   
9. Suspending research in the "Authorized Work Zone". Once the "Authorized Work Zone" has been decontaminated, PI / designee will secure and discontinue work in the "Authorized Work Zone" until Facilities Operations completes their assignment. In addition to the "CAUTION SIGN" and "Work Permit" (See Step 4) posted at the entrance, the PI will inform all authorized laboratory staff / students that work / research will be discontinued in the "Authorized Work Zone" until the work activities have been completed and the PI has been notified.
   
10. Signing the work permit and authorizing access to the work area. Providing completed "Work Permit" to Facilities Operations. NOTE: If Facilities Operations is satisfied the "Authorized Work Zone" is cleared and decontaminated, Facilities Operations will sign and post the work permit at the entrance and keep a completed copy of work permit for their records. (See Step 4)
    
11. Notifying Facilities Operations if research activities resume in the "Authorized Work Zone" before maintenance / construction activities are completed. If research resumes before the activities are completed, the PI / designee will decontaminate the area and complete a new work permit before Facilities Operations can resume their duties.

• Step 3 - Facilities Operations meets with PI/ designee and discusses / reviews completed Work Permit.

Procedures:

1. Facilities Operations meets with PI / designee. Facilities Operations and PI /designee discusses / reviews work permit and "Authorized Work Zone". Maintenance and construction work might involve activities that create loud noises, dusts, chemical vapors (e.g., paints, adhesives, sealants and solvents) and fumes (e.g., welding and torch cutting). Facilities Operations informs the PI or designee of these potential inconveniences/hazards that will be created during the work activities. Any questions, comments, concerns, or clarifications will be addressed at this time.
   
2. If satisfied with completed work permit and conditions of "Authorized Work Zone", Facilities Operations will proceed to Step 4 (Facilities Operations signs and posts "Work Permit" and "Caution Sign" at Entrance / Prepares for work activity).
   
3. If after meeting with PI / designee, Facilities Operations is not satisfied with the completed "Work Permit" or conditions of "Authorized Work Zone", Facilities Operations will contact Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) at 335-3041. EH&S will review "Work P" / "Authorized Work Zone" and advise. If Facilities Operations is satisfied, they will proceed to Step 4.
   
4. If PI / designee is not able to decontaminate (e.g., ductwork, drain traps, vacuum lines and pumps, etc.), Facilities Operations will follow standard operating procedures for the work activity. Call EH&S, if consultation is needed or a standard operating procedure is not available. After meeting with EH&S, if satisfied, proceed to Step 4.

• Step 4 - Facilities Operations signs and posts work permit and Caution Sign at Entrance / Prepares for work activity.

Procedures:

1. Facilities Operations assembles needed tools and personal protective equipment if applicable.
   
2. Facilities Operations confirms date(s) and time(s) of work activity with PI/designee.
   
3. Facilities Operations signs "Work Permit".
   
4. Facilities Operations posts completed "Work Permit" and "CAUTION SIGN" at entrance notifying personnel that "Maintenance / Construction Activities are in Progress". The sign will provide date research is suspended in the "Authorized Work Zone" and contact numbers for PI / designee and Facilities Operations. (See sign template.)

• Step 5 - Facilities Operations Conducts Work Activity

Procedures:

1. Facilities Operations proceeds with the work activities in accordance with Work Permit. While conducting work activities, Facilities Operations:
   • Follows information on work permit,
   • Follows Standard Operating Procedures, if applicable (e.g., personal protective equipment, emergency procedures, etc.),
   • Does not eat or drink in laboratory area,
   • Does not enter unauthorized areas, and
   • Looks for and obeys any special instructions (e.g., Warning / Caution Signs, etc.).
     
2. Facilities Operations contacts PI / Designee if work is interrupted and informs them on the reason for the interruption, when the activity is expected to resume, and the status of the activity. If such changes occur and the time of completion needs to be altered, then the "Anticipated Completion Date / Time" noted on the Work Permit and CAUTION SIGN will be changed to reflect the adjustment.
   
3. Facilities Operations, upon return, contacts the PI / Designee to determine if the status of the "Authorized Work Zone" has changed. If for any reason (i.e., time constraints) research had resumed in the "Authorized Work Zone", the PI / designee must return to Step 2 - PI / designee completes "Work Permit for Maintenance / Construction Activities in Laboratories" and prepares the area for work activities.

   Note: No maintenance / construction activities should be carried out until the above provisions have been complied with.
   

• Step 6 - Facilities Operations closes out work activities.

Procedures:

1. Facilities Operations notifies laboratory staff of completion of work activities and date(s) and time(s) laboratory services will be restored to operation.
   
2. Facilities Operations removes "Work Permit" and "CAUTION SIGN" ("Maintenance / Construction Activities are in Progress") from entrance.
   
3. Facilities Operations retains a copy of the completed work permit.