Last Revised: April 14, 2021
EHRS’s quarterly email with quick answers to frequently asked questions.
April, 2021
How do I safely heat agarose in the microwave?
Heating agarose in the microwave, while a common laboratory procedure, can result in injury if proper precautions are not taken. EHRS recently developed a new Fact Sheet on Agarose Heating Safety with specific guidance on PPE requirements and recommendations for microwave heating. For more information on conducting experiments at elevated temperatures, see Fact Sheet: Heating Reactions.
Can I store chemicals in my cold room?
Use of hazardous chemicals and compressed gases in cold rooms is only permitted when approved by EHRS. Since cold rooms are not ventilated, storage of chemicals inside cold rooms can result in high personnel exposure to accumulated gases and vapors. If the need arises, contact EHRS for assistance with a hazard control plan. Likewise, liquid nitrogen dewars and dry ice are prohibited in cold rooms as they can release gases that displace oxygen, creating oxygen deficient atmospheres. See Section VI: Chemical Storage and Transportation in the Chemical Hygiene Plan and SOP: Cryogens and Dry Ice for more information.
Does the EHRS lab inspection checklist ever change?
Yes! We frequently update our checklist as regulations and policies change and as we learn new information that will improve lab safety. EHRS recently created a new finding in BioRAFT for fume hoods that are found in “purge” (emergency exhaust) mode during lab inspections; for more information, see our Fume Hood website. We also updated our “chemical waste stored in the laboratory too long” finding to include language about disposal of partially filled containers; see the “Laboratory Waste” section of our Lab Safety Quick FAQ archive for more information. Lastly, we added a new finding “floors/aisles are obstructed within less than 36 inches” for use in situations where a walkway is obstructed, hindering emergency egress.
What type of gloves should I use when working with chemicals?
Disposable nitrile gloves (minimum thickness of 4 mil) provide adequate protection against accidental hand contact with small quantities of most laboratory chemicals. For exceptions, review Fact Sheet: Disposable Nitrile Gloves in Chemical Labs. Lab workers who contaminate their gloves should immediately remove them, wash their hands, and don new gloves. Lab workers should contact EHRS for advice on chemical resistant glove selection when direct or prolonged contact with hazardous chemicals is anticipated. More details about the proper use and limitations of nitrile glove use can be found at Lab Coat, Gloves and Safety Eyewear Policy.