{"id":926,"date":"2025-12-16T16:28:34","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T00:28:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cas.wsu.edu\/safety\/?page_id=926"},"modified":"2026-07-30T15:29:01","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T22:29:01","slug":"chapter-16-5-hazardous-area-safety-inspections","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cas.wsu.edu\/safety\/chapter-16-5-hazardous-area-safety-inspections\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 16.5 \u2013 Hazardous Area Safety Inspections"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"breadcrumbs\" typeof=\"BreadcrumbList\" vocab=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/\">\r\n\t<!-- Breadcrumb NavXT 7.2.0 -->\n<span property=\"itemListElement\" typeof=\"ListItem\"><a property=\"item\" typeof=\"WebPage\" title=\"Go to College Safety.\" href=\"https:\/\/cas.wsu.edu\/safety\" class=\"home\" ><span property=\"name\">College Safety<\/span><\/a><meta property=\"position\" content=\"1\"><\/span><span property=\"itemListElement\" typeof=\"ListItem\"><a property=\"item\" typeof=\"WebPage\" title=\"Go to News.\" href=\"https:\/\/cas.wsu.edu\/safety\/news\/\" class=\"post-root post post-post\" aria-current=\"page\"><span property=\"name\">News<\/span><\/a><meta property=\"position\" content=\"2\"><\/span><\/div><header class=\"wsu-article-header \">\r\n\t<h1 class=\"wsu-article-header__title\">\r\n\t\tChapter 16.5 \u2013 Hazardous Area Safety Inspections\t<\/h1>\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t<\/header>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-right\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A. References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/policies.wsu.edu\/prf\/index\/manuals\/safety-policies-procedures-manual\/\">Safety Policies and Procedures Manual<\/a> (SPPM) Chapter 4, Laboratory Safety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ehs.wsu.edu\/laboratory-safety-manual\/section-ii\/ii-l\/\">Environmental Health and Safety Laboratory Safety Manual<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ehs.wsu.edu\/documents\/2022\/04\/laboratory-inspection-checklist.pdf\">Laboratory Safety Inspection Checklist<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/WAC\/default.aspx?cite=296-155-020\">Washington Administrative Code<\/a> (WAC) 296-155-020 Housekeeping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/rcra\">Resource Conservation and Recovery Act<\/a> (RCRA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#appendix-a\">Chapter 16.5 Appendix A<\/a>: Explanation of Conditions for Tier-1 Extra Hazard Classification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#appendix-b\">Chapter 16.5 Appendix B<\/a>: Determining if a Chemical is a Particularly Hazardous Substance Using Its Safety Data Sheet (SDS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#appendix-c\">Chapter 16.5 Appendix C<\/a>: Inspection Season Workflow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cas.wsu.edu\/safety\/meet-the-team\/\">College of Arts and Sciences Safety Committee member list<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-cta \" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/cas.wsu.edu\/safety\/documents\/2025\/12\/ch16-5-hazardous-area-safety-inspections.pdf\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button  wsu-button--style-action\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tDownload the Chapter PDF\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">B. Scope<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hazardous area safety inspections identify and control workplace hazards and ensure compliance with University policies and regulatory requirements. This chapter applies to all hazardous areas in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A hazardous area is any space within the College of Arts and Sciences where activities, materials, or equipment present potential physical, chemical, biological, human health, or environmental risks that require specialized safety protocols, protective equipment, or training beyond standard office or classroom settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spaces that do not meet the hazardous area criteria are not considered to be tiered spaces and may use the General Safety Inspection Checklist for annual safety inspections. See CAS APP Chapter 16, General Safety Inspections, for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">C. Classification \u2013 Tier 1 (Extra Hazard) vs. Tier 2 (Ordinary Hazard)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hazardous areas are classified as Tier 1 (Extra Hazard) or Tier 2 (Ordinary Hazard) based on the hazard criteria listed in this chapter. The Principal Investigator (PI) or area manager with direct responsibility or authority over a hazardous area is responsible for reviewing the classification whenever hazards change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A hazardous area is classified as Tier 1 if a credible accident involving the materials, equipment, or processes present in the spaces being considered could reasonably result in serious injury or illness, significant property damage, or major environmental release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Examples of conditions that typically place a space in Tier 1 (one is sufficient):<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>See Appendix A for more information on conditions for Tier-1 classification.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\" wsu-list--columns-2\">\n<li>Use or storage of particularly hazardous substances (acutely toxic, carcinogenic, reproductive toxins, select agent toxins, P-listed wastes, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See Appendix B for more information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pyrophoric, water-reactive, explosive, or large quantities of un-stabilized peroxide-forming chemicals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heating or intentional ignition of flammable liquids (flashpoint below 100\u00b0F (38\u00b0C)) or flammable gases<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Storage of large quantities of flammable liquids<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Radioactive materials or radiation-producing machines (e.g., X-ray diffractometers)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Class 3B or Class 4 lasers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High-powered magnets (&gt;0.5 T accessible static field)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High-voltage systems or pulsed-power systems capable of serious injury<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Non-standard vacuum or pressure systems whose failure could cause serious injury (beyond routine lab glassware or autoclaves)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nanoparticle synthesis or heavy use of engineered nanomaterials with poorly characterized inhalation risk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Operation at Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) or higher<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use, storage, or dispensing of DEA Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>History of serious incidents or repeated significant findings in the past five years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All other hazardous areas are classified as Tier 2 (Ordinary Hazard).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">D. Classification of Related Spaces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>In most hazardous areas, when one room meets Tier 1 (Extra Hazard) criteria, adjacent labs, shops, storage rooms, support spaces, and other work areas under the same Principal Investigator or Manager are also classified as Tier 1. Because the potential for hazardous materials transfer between rooms exists when no regulatory or procedural barrier prevents it, the entire suite is inspected as Tier 1.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exceptions occur when rooms are physically separated and hazardous materials or processes are restricted to specific rooms by policy or access controls. In such cases, each physically and operationally distinct room may be classified independently based on the hazards present in that room. For example, a wet lab using DEA Schedule I or II controlled substances is Tier 1, while a purely observational space under the same PI that contains none of those substances\u2014and into which they are prohibited\u2014may remain non-tiered (General).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">E. Oversight of Common, Unassigned, Vacant, and Dormant Spaces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Departmental common spaces (spaces used by multiple individuals and maintained by the unit rather than by an individual Principal Investigator or Manager) are the responsibility of the unit chair or director. The chair or director may delegate this responsibility to another individual.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For any departmentally assigned hazardous space that is not assigned to a Principal Investigator, Manager, or other designated individual, the unit chair or director retains responsibility for classification, annual safety inspections, and corrective actions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vacant spaces (completely empty spaces that may or may not be assigned) remain on the college inventory.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dormant spaces (spaces that contain materials or equipment that keep the space classified as Tier 1 or Tier 2) are preferably assigned to a Principal Investigator. When a dormant space is assigned to a Principal Investigator, that individual is responsible for annual safety inspections and any required abatement. When a dormant space is not assigned to a Principal Investigator, the unit chair or director is responsible for annual safety inspections and corrective actions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An annual survey is distributed at the beginning of the fall semester to Principal Investigators, Managers, and unit chairs\/directors. The survey includes prior-year space information and asks recipients to confirm current hazardous space use and classification, update classification or use as needed, add new spaces, update hazard criteria, and confirm oversight assignments for common, vacant, and dormant spaces. If no individual is named for a common, vacant, or unassigned dormant space, responsibility remains with the unit chair or director.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See Appendix C.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">F. Safety Inspection Types<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Self-Inspection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>An internal safety review conducted by the Principal Investigator (PI), lab manager, shop manager, or trained designee (or manager for hazardous material storage areas) using the current EH&amp;S Laboratory Safety Inspection Checklist or an approved version adapted for non-laboratory hazardous areas. The checklist must be fully documented, signed, dated, and submitted\/retained as required in Section I, Documentation, Review, and Corrective Action.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Formal Inspection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>A comprehensive safety inspection scheduled by the college safety committee chair and conducted with EH&amp;S participation. The inspection is conducted using the current EH&amp;S Laboratory Safety Inspection Checklist in the presence of the PI or Manager. Formal inspections are required on a three-year rotation for Tier 1 spaces only.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">G. Safety Inspection Frequency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>All Tier 1 and Tier 2 hazardous areas in CAS are inspected annually. Centralized Waste Accumulation Areas may require weekly inspections when hazardous materials are present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tier-1 hazardous areas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Annual inspection required. A formal inspection (conducted with EH&amp;S participation) is required on a three-year rotation; documented self-inspections are conducted in intervening years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>See Section C and Appendix A for examples.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tier-2 hazardous areas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Annual inspection required. Tier 2 hazardous areas conduct documented self-inspections using the EH&amp;S checklist annually. EH&amp;S may perform spot-checks as needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Centralized Waste Accumulation Areas (CWAA)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Weekly inspection when active, conducted by EH&amp;S-trained CWAA operators using the online EH&amp;S form.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">H. Inspection Procedures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>All inspections of hazardous areas use the current EH&amp;S Laboratory Safety Inspection Checklist or an approved version adapted for non-laboratory hazardous areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Formal (Tier 1) inspections are scheduled by the college safety committee chair, who contacts the PI or hazardous area manager directly. Formal inspections are conducted with EH&amp;S participation and require the PI or hazardous area manager to be present.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Self-inspections are performed by the Principal Investigator, lab or space manager, or a trained designee\u2014individuals with direct responsibility for and authority over the hazardous area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>EH&amp;S provides training and guidance on request.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All self-inspection forms are due to the college safety committee chair by January 31.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I. Documentation, Review, and Corrective Action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Completed reports (self or formal) must be submitted within 30 days to:\n<ul>\n<li>College safety committee chair<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unit safety committee chair<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faculty researcher\/PI or hazardous area manager whose space was inspected<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unit chair or director<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unit administrative office (for retention)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reports are retained according to University records-retention policy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The unit safety committee reviews inspection and abatement reports.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serious or egregious deficiencies identified during a formal inspection may warrant immediate notification of the unit chair or director.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">J. Follow-up and Closure of Findings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>All deficiencies identified during self-inspections or formal inspections must be corrected as soon as practicable and no later than 30 calendar days after the inspection report is issued, unless a written extension is granted by the unit chair\/director for items requiring procurement, construction, or other justified delays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Principal Investigator, area manager, or designee with direct responsibility and authority for the hazardous area must document corrective actions taken and submit the completed Abatement Attestation Form, together with supporting documentation as a single PDF, to the college safety committee chair. An Abatement Attestation Form is required after both formal inspections and self-inspections.\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wsu.co1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_0Pnag8mPhcdgNOS\">Abatement and Attestation Form<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Items remaining open beyond the deadline (or approved extension) will be escalated by the college safety committee chair to the unit chair\/director and the Associate Dean of Research. The unit chair\/director, in consultation with EH&amp;S, may restrict access to the hazardous area, prohibit purchasing or receipt of hazardous materials, or suspend related activities until deficiencies are resolved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">K. CAS Safety Committee Audits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The College of Arts and Sciences Safety Committee may conduct audits of spaces as needed to confirm reported classifications, vacant or dormant status, and general accuracy of space information. These audits are not safety inspections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Audits are conducted by the college safety committee chair in conjunction with the Director of IT and Operations under the authority of the Associate Dean of Research. Environmental Health and Safety may participate in an advisory capacity but does not schedule or lead the audits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The primary purpose of an audit is to verify that the information provided about a space is accurate. The process assumes good faith on the part of unit personnel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If an audit identifies a needed change in classification or status, the college safety committee chair will notify the unit chair or director and PI\/Manager by email and will copy Environmental Health and Safety so that any adjustment is transparent to all parties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The unit has a right to appeal the decision and must do so within ten (10) working days of the notification email.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Units will receive at least five working days\u2019 notice before an audit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">L. Radiological Areas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Spaces that use or store radioactive materials, or that operate radiation-producing machines, are classified as Tier 1 (Extra Hazard) under Section C of this chapter. These spaces remain subject to the self-inspection and formal inspection requirements of this chapter for all non-radiological hazards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Radiological safety, compliance, and contamination control in these spaces are governed by the University\u2019s Type A broad-scope radioactive materials license (WN-C003-1) and the Radiation Protection Program Manual (RPPM). These requirements are administered by the Radiation Safety Office under the authority of the Radiation Safety Committee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The College of Arts and Sciences does not conduct independent radiation safety inspections or audits of these spaces. The Radiation Safety Office performs quarterly audits of each Authorized User (AU). These audits include physical contamination surveys of the rooms associated with the AU\u2019s authorization and a review of required records (inventory, surveys, training, waste, etc.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>College and unit responsibilities regarding radiological spaces are limited to the following:\n<ul>\n<li>Coordinating with the Radiation Safety Office to confirm that the required quarterly Authorized User audits are occurring in CAS-assigned spaces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensuring Authorized Users and lab groups cooperate with audits and close findings in a timely manner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Providing management support, through the unit chair\/director or college as appropriate, when significant or recurring findings require escalation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arranging, by mutual agreement with the Radiation Safety Office, for a college or unit representative to observe selected audits for coordination and awareness purposes only (observer role).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Authorized Users remain fully responsible for compliance with the RPPM and the conditions of their individual authorization. Unit chairs\/directors and the college will assist as needed with management support for corrective actions but do not assume the regulatory responsibilities of the Radiation Safety Office or the Radiation Safety Committee.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Radiation Program Protection Manual; current version available at <a href=\"https:\/\/rso.wsu.edu\/\">rso.wsu.edu<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Safety Policies and Procedures Manual (SPPM) Chapter 9, Radiation Safety<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">M. Workplace Hazard Assessment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Supervisors must maintain a current Standard Workplace Hazard Assessment Certification Form (Chapter 24, Personal Protective Equipment) and review it whenever tasks or hazards change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employees observing safety concerns should contact their supervisor or use the CAS Report a Concern tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"appendix-a\">Appendix A<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Explanation of Conditions for Tier-1 Extra Hazard Classification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Meeting one condition is enough to classify a space as Tier-1 Extra Hazard.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This list is not exhaustive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use or storage of particularly hazardous substances (acutely toxic, carcinogenic, reproductive toxins, select agent toxins, P-listed wastes, etc.)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A properly prepared, Globally Harmonized System (GHS)-compliant Safety Data Sheet (SDS) will explicitly tell you if a chemical falls into \u201cparticularly hazardous substance\u201d (PHS) categories or P-listed wastes. It does this in three places:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Section 2 \u2013 Hazard(s) identification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Section 11 \u2013 Toxicological information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Section 15 (Regulatory information) will typically state: \u201cRCRA P-listed hazardous waste\u201d or list the exact P-code (e.g., P042 epinephrine, P001 warfarin, etc.).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>See Appendix B for more information on this section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pyrophoric, water-reactive, explosive, or large quantities of un-stabilized peroxide-forming chemicals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Substances that can spontaneously ignite in air or with water, detonate, or form shock-sensitive peroxides over time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>SDS Section 2 or 10 will say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Pyrophoric liquid\/solid, water-reactive, explosive, or organic peroxide.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Examples: tert-butyllithium, silane, picric acid (dry), un-stabilized THF or diethyl ether stored past expiration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Heating or intentional ignition of flammable liquids or flammable gases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Deliberate heating of a flammable liquid (flash point &lt; 100 \u00b0F \/ 38 \u00b0C) in an open or semi-open system where vapors can escape and encounter an ignition source (hot plate, heating mantle, oil bath, steam bath, reflux setup, rotary evaporator without explosion-proof design, open-beaker evaporation, etc.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use of an open flame, torch, burner, kiln, furnace, or other ignition source that is directly fueled by a flammable gas (acetylene, propane, butane, hydrogen, natural gas, etc.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any process in which flammable vapors or flammable gases are intentionally generated or released in the presence of an ignition source capable of causing rapid fire or flashback.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common examples that automatically push a hazardous area into Tier-1 status:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Rotary evaporation, reflux, or distillation of diethyl ether, pentane, acetone, hexane, THF, dichloromethane, or similar low-flash-point solvents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heating flammable solvents on a hot plate, in an oil bath, or under open glassware<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Running reactions in flammable solvents at temperatures above ~35\u00b0C<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bunsen burners, alcohol lamps, or spirit lamps in chemistry or biology labs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oxy-acetylene, propane\/oxygen, or MAPP-gas torches for welding, cutting, glassblowing, or brazing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gas-fired kilns, forges, or crucible furnaces in ceramics, sculpture, or foundry areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hydrogen or natural-gas flame sources in instrumentation (e.g., flame-ionization detectors, atomic-absorption spectrometers) when the flame is exposed rather than fully enclosed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Storage of large quantities of flammable liquids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Total combined volume of liquids with a flash point &lt; 100 \u00b0F (38 \u00b0C) that exceeds 10 gallons (~38 L) in the space, regardless of container type or storage method (amounts inside flammable-storage cabinets, safety cans, refrigerators, or original shipping containers all count toward the 10-gallon threshold).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Radioactive materials or radiation-producing machines (e.g., X-ray diffractometers)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Any licensed radioactive material (C-14, H-3, P-32, I-125, etc.) or X-ray machines, diffractometers, electron microscopes that produce ionizing radiation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Class 3B or Class 4 lasers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Lasers that can cause instant eye damage or skin burns (most research lasers above ~5 mW).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">High-powered magnets (&gt;0.5 T accessible static field)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Large NMRs, MRI magnets, or custom superconducting magnets where people can get close to the fringe field.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Typically 300 MHz NMR and above.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">High-voltage systems or pulsed-power systems capable of serious injury<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Typically &gt;1000 V or stored energy &gt;10 J (e.g., capacitor banks, Tesla coils, high-power laser power supplies, electrophoresis rigs &gt;5 kV used outside standard gel boxes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anything that requires special lock-out procedures or arc-flash labeling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Non-standard vacuum or pressure systems whose failure could cause serious injury (beyond routine lab glassware or autoclaves)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Large custom vacuum chambers, high-pressure reactors (&gt;15 psig not rated as commercial pressure vessels), glass Dewars under high vacuum with implosion risk, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beyond ordinary lab glassware, Schlenk lines, or autoclaves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nanoparticle synthesis or heavy use of engineered nanomaterials with poorly characterized inhalation risk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Making or routinely handling dry powders of metal\/metal-oxide nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Examples are opening vials of dry nanopowder or generating aerosols.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Operation at Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) or higher<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Working with most pathogenic bacteria and viruses requiring BSL-2 containment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requires ORA approval and training.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use, storage, or dispensing of DEA Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Examples are LSD, MDMA, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, many strong opioids and stimulants used in research.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requires DEA research registration and controlled-substance license.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">History of serious incidents or repeated significant findings in the past five years<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Area or space-specific compliance history (fires, exposures, major spills, repeated serious inspection violations).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hazardous areas can move in and out of Tier-1 based on safety record.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"appendix-b\">Appendix B<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Determining if a Chemical is a Particularly Hazardous Substance Using Its Safety Data Sheet (SDS)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This appendix provides step-by-step guidance on reviewing a chemical\u2019s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to determine if it qualifies as a particularly hazardous substance (PHS). PHS include acutely toxic substances, carcinogens, reproductive toxins, select agent toxins, and P-listed wastes under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a chemical meets any of these criteria, its use or storage in a space is sufficient to classify that space as Tier-1 Extra Hazard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>SDS are standardized under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and must be provided by the manufacturer or supplier. Always use the most current SDS for the specific product in use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus on Sections 2 (Hazard(s) Identification), 11 (Toxicological Information), and 15 (Regulatory Information), as these explicitly indicate PHS classifications. If the SDS is unclear or incomplete, contact Environmental Health and Safety (EH&amp;S) for assistance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Note: Not all hazardous chemicals are PHS. For example, corrosives or irritants alone do not qualify unless they also meet PHS criteria. Quantities matter for some hazards (e.g., large amounts of flammables), but for PHS, even small amounts trigger Tier-1 status.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acutely Toxic Substances<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Definition: Chemicals that can cause serious injury, illness, or death from a single exposure (e.g., ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation) at low doses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>How to Identify on the SDS: Look for \u201cAcute toxicity\u201d Category 1 or 2 in Section 2 (signal word \u201cDanger,\u201d skull-and-crossbones pictogram, H300\/H310\/H330 or H301\/H311\/H331 statements). Check Section 11 for low LD50\/LC50 values. Examples: hydrogen cyanide, sodium azide, phosgene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Carcinogens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Definition: Substances known or suspected of causing cancer. Look for Carcinogenicity Category 1A\/1B\/2, H350 or H351, and references to IARC, NTP, or OSHA listings. Examples: benzene, formaldehyde, chromium(VI) compounds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reproductive Toxins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Definition: Chemicals that can adversely affect reproductive health, fertility, or fetal development. Look for Reproductive toxicity or Germ cell mutagenicity categories and statements H340\u2013H362. Examples: lead compounds, thalidomide, ethylene oxide.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Select Agent Toxins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Highly toxic biological toxins regulated by HHS\/USDA. Extremely low LD50 values and references to the CDC Select Agents list. Contact EH&amp;S immediately if suspected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">P-Listed Wastes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Acute hazardous wastes under RCRA. Section 15 of the SDS will state \u201cRCRA hazardous waste\u201d with a P-code (e.g., P001, P042).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>If the SDS indicates any PHS traits but you are unsure about Tier-1 classification, contact EH&amp;S for a review.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you have questions about a particular chemical, provide the SDS to your unit safety committee or EH&amp;S.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"appendix-c\">Appendix C<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inspection Season Workflow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fall S<\/strong>urvey<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The college safety committee chair distributes a survey to Principal Investigators, Managers, and unit chairs\/directors. The survey includes prior-year space information and asks recipients to:\n<ul>\n<li>Confirm current hazardous space use and classification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Update classification or use as needed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add new spaces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Update hazard criteria<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confirm oversight assignments for common, vacant, and dormant spaces<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If no individual is named for a common, vacant, or unassigned dormant space, responsibility remains with the unit chair or director. (See also Section E.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Formal Inspection Scheduling<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>After the survey is complete, Principal Investigators and Managers of Tier 1 spaces scheduled for formal inspection that year receive an email asking them to reserve one of the pre-set inspection times (Monday and Friday afternoons, coordinated with EH&amp;S availability).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Formal Inspection Reports and Abatement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Following each formal inspection, EH&amp;S emails the inspection report to the Principal Investigator or Manager. The college safety committee chair then sends a link to the online Abatement Attestation Form.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Abatement Documentation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Once any required abatement is complete, the Principal Investigator or Manager submits the completed Abatement Attestation Form together with supporting documentation as a single PDF attached to the college safety committee chair for retention.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Self-Inspection Deadline<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>All self-inspection forms must be submitted to the college safety committee chair no later than January 31. Upon receipt, the college safety committee chair sends the Principal Investigator or Manager a link to the online Abatement Attestation Form.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Abatement Deadline<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Unless extenuating circumstances exist, completed Abatement Attestation Forms are due within 30 days of the request email. See Section J, Follow-up and Closure of Findings, for additional information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>B. Scope Hazardous area safety inspections identify and control workplace hazards and ensure compliance with University policies and regulatory requirements. This chapter applies to all hazardous areas in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). 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