Laboratory Auditing and Upgrades

AS/NZS2243.1:2005 – Safety in Laboratories Part 1: Planning and Operational Aspects

“Safety inspections to identify hazards and review practices shall be carried out at regular intervals and whenever any significant change is made to the work procedures or equipment in the laboratory to improve and maintain a safe environment.”

Laboratory auditing Lab Manager is responsible for ensuring Code of Practice adhered to.

MAF/IBSC AuditsPC1 and PC2 areas routinely audited with respect to Biological Compliance

New Organisms (e.g. GMOs)

Uncleared biologicals

Does not address Hazardous Substances!

Does not address non PC1 and PC2 labs.

Laboratory Audit-tool

Facilities, bench surfaces, floors, DG cabinets, fume hood certification

Documentation, lab supervisor and users documented, Safety Data Sheets available

Practices – chemicals storage and labelling, PPE available and used

Non-Compliance

Laboratory Practices/Documentation Inform person(s) involved of requirements Depending on seriousness of issue May need escalation to Lab Supervisor, HOD, ULM.

FacilitiesMinor work – can send request directly to Property ServicesMajor lab upgrades – discuss with Property Services Facility Manager, H&S Office

Statutory Budget

Approx $2 million/year available Typically getting 3-4 major laboratory upgrades/year Approx $75K set aside for minor HSNO/MAF remedial work

To bring existing facilities into compliance with legislation/standardsNot for:

New facilities/use. Maintenance of existing compliant facilities.

Minor lab upgrades/remedial work – signage, patch repairs, gap filling, DG cabinets, eye wash stations

Major lab upgrades (approx 3 per year)

Major lab upgrades

Typical major lab upgrade may cost >$150,000 - $500,000

Many requirements to meet HSNO Act. Biosecurity Act. Radiation Protection Act. Animal Welfare. H&S in Employment Act.

Mistakes more difficult and expensive to fix the later they are detected

Lab plans required to be signed off by Stat Budget Prioritising Group Includes ULM, Head of H&S, as well as reps from IBSC, HSRC and

Property Services. Can draw in expertise from AWO and Radiation Safety Advisor as

required.

Major lab upgrades process

ALL major lab upgrade plans need to be signed off by Stat budget prioritising group

Stat budget working group prioritises funding of labs from Stat budget

DLMs should be involved in design and planning of new labs

Documentation requirements - Completed audit checklists Report providing further explanation

Contact H&S office regarding major lab upgrades.

PC2 standard vs PC2 registered

Variety of laboratory designations – HSNO Exempt PC1PC2

PC2 requirements most stringent – major upgrades usually done to PC2 standard to allow for future change in use.

BUT lab cannot be used as PC2 unless; Approved by MAF Registered as part of University Containment/Transitional Facility Specific management, documentation required.