Frequently Asked Questions

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Inspections will be scheduled based on priority of hazards, as well as time of last inspection. Please reach out to labinspections@mtu.edu with any questions.

Yes, they are. The PI/Lab Manager is ultimately responsible for safety in their respective lab spaces, so we are requiring their attendance in order to understand and correct any deficiencies found during the inspection.

Of course! We welcome students to come in and speak to the training you’ve provided for them, as well as continue to improve our laboratory safety culture across campus.

This is the list of questions that may be asked.

You can request an extension through LabcliQ. To request an extension on one or more corrective actions, click the dark-blue Extend button, enter a Requested Extension Date, and provide a reason for the extension request.

https://labcliq.com/l/michigantu is the website for LabcliQ. The Michigan Tech single sign-on feature should allow you to sign in with your MTU ISO. 

Chemical Splash Goggles that meet the ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 D3 2020 certification are required when working with one or more of the following:

• Liquid Chemicals
• Acids and Caustic Liquids
• Activities that can result in chemical splashes to the eyes
• When using chemicals that have a GHS Category 1: Serious eye damage/irreversible eye effects designation
• Whenever a hazard assessment determines they are required

Activities using chemicals producing fumes, gasses, vapors, or dusts may require Goggles with a "D4" or "D5" designation.

NOTE - eye protection sold familiarly as "VisorGogs" or "VisorGoggles"  do NOT meet the requirements for Chemical Splash Goggles.

If tanks are used within 24 hours, they are considered "in use" and do not need to be "in storage". If they are not used within 24 hours, they need to be "in storage". Oxygen cylinders in storage shall be separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially oil or grease), a minimum distance of 20 feet (6.1 m) or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet (1.5 m) high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour. Welding carts not in use within 24 hours must have tanks either be separated by 20ft OR have an approved fireproof barrier cart (example). NOTE: regulators still need to be removed and tanks capped for storage requirements. 1926.350(a)(10); OSHA Letter

The secondary container must be chemically compatible with the specific acid being stored. Standard steel or unsealed concrete will fail quickly under acid exposure. Appropriate containers include:

• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) / Polypropylene (PP): The standard choice for almost all strong inorganic acids (hydrochloric, sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric) and organic acids (acetic). They do not rust, corrode, or degrade on contact.
• Fluoropolymers (PVDF / PTFE / Teflon): Required for extreme acids, highly concentrated oxidizing agents, or hot acid baths.

A fume hood is required for handling chemicals that pose specific hazards, such as:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These evaporate easily at room temperature and include common solvents like acetone, ethanol, and benzene.
• Carcinogens, Mutagens, and Reproductive Toxins: Substances that can cause cancer, genetic damage, or harm reproductive health, like formaldehyde or 1,3-butadiene, require a fume hood. 
• Highly Acute Toxic Substances: Chemicals with high immediate toxicity necessitate a fume hood to prevent inhalation risks. 
• Corrosive Substances: Strong acids and bases, which can cause severe burns, need the protection of a fume hood to prevent splashes and tissue damage. 
• Flammable, Reactive, or Explosive Chemicals: Any chemical that is highly flammable, can react violently, or may explode also warrants the use of a fume hood. 

ETHANOL: Closed containers (solvent wash bottles) can be handled in lab without special ventilation measures (vented to atmosphere). Fume hood required for chemical handling with open containers (glass beakers, vials, slides). Any handling of ethanol outside of the fume hood should be limited and done with closed containers.

If you have questions regarding specific chemicals, please review chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for specific ventilation requirements.

Lab Safety Chemical Fume Hoods1910.145

Cabinets can be constructed of materials such as wood or metal, as long as they withstand standard fire test conditions, and are labeled clearly as Flammable Cabinets. More specific details can be found in these OSHA regulations:

• 1910.106(d)(3)(ii)(a)
• 1926.152(b)(2)(i)

Typical purpose-built laboratories can have up to a total of 2 gallons of flammable liquids on the bench. Spaces not designed as laboratories (computer labs, etc.) can have up to 0.5 gallons of flammable liquids on the bench.  Additional flammable liquids must be stored in approved flammable cabinets or safety cans. OSHA 1926.152(b)

Compressed gas cylinders shall be secured in an upright position at all times except, if necessary, for short periods of time while cylinders are actually being hoisted or carried. While being transported or not actively being used, valve protection caps shall be in place and secured; unless cylinders are firmly secured on a special carrier intended for this purpose, regulators shall be removed and valve protection caps put in place before cylinders are moved; A suitable cylinder truck, chain, or other steadying device shall be used to keep cylinders from being knocked over while in use. No more than three (3) cylinders can be ganged together unless they are within an approved storage rack (example).1926.35

• An eye wash/shower must be immediately accessible and free of any obstructions, including doors, for rapid deployment in an emergency. For eyewash stations, you need 6 inches of clearance from walls or obstructions, but a safety shower requires at least 32 inches of clear space around it to ensure unimpeded access. Both types of equipment must be located on the same level, within a 10-second (approximately 55-foot) walk from a hazard, with a clear and unobstructed path to the station.  ANSI Z358.1; 1910.151

Normally no, but you can if the work is not happening in that space, and there are controls in place to ensure it is not opened or used within the lab. Please coordinate with your Department Lab Manager and/or EHS to determine that these controls are adequate and are followed by all staff within the lab.

Containers of 55 gallons or more capacity containing flammable, corrosive, or toxic liquid shall be surrounded by dikes or pans which enclose a volume equal to at least 35 percent of the total volume of the containers. Flammable liquids are defined as liquids that have a flashpoint below 199 degrees Fahrenheit. Oils in bulk storage (55 gallons or more, including machinery holding capacity) are required to have secondary containment with volume capable of holding 10% of the total volume of all drums or 100% of the largest drum's volume, whichever is larger. Example 55gal drum containment pallet; Example containment berm for larger volumes. 1915.173(e);1926.155; Michigan Guide to Environmental Regulations Chapter 4

Individual laboratory requirements for spill control

Individual laboratories must have the ability to quickly respond to a small spill and, when safe to do so, quickly be able to prevent a spill from reaching floor drains, hallways, etc.  Therefore based on the hazards in research and teaching laboratories the following kits, or their equivalent* are recommended for each individual laboratory.  Larger laboratories should have duplicate kits located at opposite ends of the laboratory. Recommendations include:

• KIT5001 PIG® Everyday Use Cleanup Kit

• KIT5007 PIG® Lab & Chemical Cleanup Kit

In addition to the above, laboratories that use Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) should have at least one container of:

• PLP806 PIG® Hydrofluoric Acid-Neutralizing Loose Absorbent

Note that labs conducting biological research must maintain spill control materials as outlined in the University’s Biosafety Manual.

Hallway support areas

In addition to individual laboratory spill supplies, the departments are encouraged to stock additional supplies for larger spills as well as specialty spill control items to support the individual kits located in the laboratory.  These supplies should also be “readily accessible” so they should be located on each floor with laboratories.  Laboratories with large quantities of hazardous chemicals should consider stocking these supplies within the laboratory in addition to (or in place of) the individual kits listed above.

Recommended items include (consider multiple quantities for floors with multiple research/teaching laboratories).  Final selection of these items depends on the potential spill hazards within laboratories on a given floor:

• One or more 64CRSC PIG® HazMat Spill Kit in Bucket

• One or more KIT2200 PIG® Spill Kit in 5-Gallon High-Visibility (Economy Container)

• One or more individual containers of PLP806 PIG® Hydrofluoric Acid-Neutralizing Loose Absorbent

• One or more of GEN527 Spill-X® Multi-Purpose Neutralizing Kit

• KIT600  PIG® Mercury Spill Kit in Bucket

*All spill control items recommended here are from NewPig.com prices are catalog pricing without shipping charges; other vendors may offer equivalent kits.  If assembling your own kits, they need to be organized in and contained in a bucket or bag, placed on a dedicated shelf, or stored in a way of quickly accessing the kit.

Yes. An eyewash station is required when working with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or similar chemical if there is a potential for splashes that could cause eye injury, as mandated by OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.151(c). If splashing, spraying, or direct contact is possible, suitable, accessible eye flushing facilities must be provided.

Yes, the rule still applies. When evaluating receptacles in commercial or industrial premises near sinks, OSHA enforces NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) Article 210.8(B), which states, in part: "For the purposes of this section, when determining distance from receptacles, the distance shall be measured as the shortest path the cord of an appliance connected to the receptacle would follow without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, or fixed barrier, or passing through a door, doorway, or window."

With a few exceptions, NEC code requires that circuit breakers and switches containing fuses be readily accessible and located so that the center of the grip of the operating handle in its highest position is no more than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) above the floor or working platform. A rope or cord cannot be used to move the handle. NEC Section 240.24(A). Side clearances must be 30" in width and 36" in front (centered on panel). NEC Section 240.24(A); NEC Section 110.26(A) NOTE: OSHA considers a panel as a central point for controlling and distributing electrical power—and refers to them as "electric equipment," such as: switchboards, control panels, switches, circuit breakers, motor controllers, and relays.

No. Use manufacturing guidelines when storing, charging, and using LiIon (or other) battery operated equipment/vehicles. See the Michigan Tech Li Ion Battery Research Fact Sheet for additional details.

 

With a few exceptions, NEC code requires that circuit breakers and switches containing fuses be readily accessible and located so that the center of the grip of the operating handle in its highest position is no more than 6 ft 7 in. (2.0 m) above the floor or working platform. A rope or cord cannot be used to move the handle. NEC Section 240.24(A)  There must be a clear space in front of the panel/switch at least 30 inches wide and 36 inches deep. The 30 inches wide can be floating, but the door must be able to fully open. NEC Section 110.26(A)  

If you plan to work more than 4' above a lower level that does not have proper guardrails or the work is different from normal use of a portable ladder, please contact EHS to review options.

Pits under 10 feet deep must be surrounded by striped warning tape/paint on the floor, and have a visible tape/paint line or barrier at least 6 feet from the edge, coupled with appropriate signage (e.g. "Caution- Open Pit,"). Personnel must also receive relevant safety training. Pits 10 feet deep or more must have some kind of railing or cover to use when they are not obstructed by something being worked on.1910.28(b)(8)

While loose fitting PAPR's do not require fit testing, they do require medical evaluations per 1910.134(e)(1). Evaluations can be completed online, and starts with an email to ehs-support@mtu.edu. 1910.134(e)(1). NOTE: The employer shall provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator, before the employee is fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace. The employer may discontinue an employee's medical evaluations when the employee is no longer required to use a respirator.

VR equipment must be kept clean, and sanitized appropriately in between uses. There must also be enough obstruction-free space around the user to ensure that the particular activity they are engaged in does not result in any unwanted collisions. Follow manufacturer instructions.

MiOSHA requires all employees required to use ladders be trained to use them safely. Please contact EHS for the appropriate Safety Skills course. This includes all students, staff, faculty required to use a ladder.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Online Training Center

MiOSHA Ladder Safety Fact Sheet

MiOSHA-STD-1308 (07/19) Part 11 Fixed and Portable Ladders

A single PI must be the designated Lab Inspection / Safety contact for lab inspections. This can be decided among the PIs. Multiple PIs will be invited to a lab inspection that features shared laboratories. All PIs/staff/students within the shared lab are expected to be aware of and appropriately protected from all hazards within the laboratory, including hazards that are associated with other shared researchers.

Whenever there is a risk of head injury, e.g. from falling objects, moving machinery, slips/trips/falls, flying debris, or electrical discharge. The hat type should be appropriate to the hazards involved.

No. It is reasonable for people to assume that hard hats offer valid head protection, so they could easily use an expired hat for safety purposes by mistake. Expired hats should be disposed of.

If a job hazard assessment identifies a regulated respiratory hazard and requires the use of a respirator, employees must be enrolled in Michigan Tech’s Respiratory Protection Program. This includes medical evaluation, fit testing, training, and use of a NIOSH‑approved respirator appropriate for the hazard.

If the hazard assessment does not require respiratory protection, employees may still choose to wear an N95 or similar filtering facepiece respirator (FFR).

Voluntary use falls into two categories:

• Non‑public‑health voluntary use (comfort, nuisance dust, allergies): Employees must review and complete Appendix D of the Respiratory Protection Program for enrollment and recordkeeping.

• Public‑health courtesy masking (community health protection): Appendix D information is provided but not collected, and no enrollment, medical evaluation, or fit testing is required.

Please Note: Voluntary FFRs may not be used in hazardous atmospheres, oxygen‑deficient environments, or as substitutes for required respiratory protection.

Contact EHS for assistance with hazard assessments, respirator selection, or Appendix D information.

No. Overhead lighting fixtures and their hangers are not designed to
support additional fixed wiring, tubing, and similar infrastructure. Any
temporary or permanent infrastructure attached to or hanging from ceilings
or walls must be approved by, and installed under the supervision of,
Facilities Management. Flexible wiring can not be fixed to walls, brackets,
benches or other physical infrastructure and must be routed to avoid
potential pinching and other physical wear and tear on their outer casing.
Hoses and other flexible lines carrying hazardous materials, chemicals or
waste in liquid form must be hung in a way to eliminate wear points. When
such lines are routed above areas where personnel are working, they must
have secondary containment such as drip trays or double-walled tubing.
Note that these lines must also be labeled in English with their contents.

Any use of cryogenic liquids requires full length sleeves, long pants,
close-toed shoes, cold-rated gloves, and chemical splash goggles. Any use
that involves pouring or dispensing cryogenic liquids requires full face
protection using a face shield.

Portable Fire Extinguisher training is encouraged for all employees, but
not required unless it is specifically included in an employee’s job
duties. Michigan Tech offers several training options, including SafetySkills online
awareness training and hands‑on simulator training provided by EHS.
Employees may contact EHS to schedule simulator time or to discuss
extinguisher training needs.

No. Storage areas must be kept free from the accumulation of materials
that constitute hazards from fire, explosion, or pest harborage. Storing
cardboard boxes—even if temporary—under desks or tables violates this
requirement.  Cardboard is a combustible material. MIOSHA standards require
storage areas to be kept free from the accumulation of materials that
constitute fire or explosion hazards. Storing excessive cardboard under
work surfaces can increase the "fire load" of the room.