This policy applies to all “wet lab” research and teaching spaces which store, handle or otherwise utilize biological, chemical, and radiological hazards.
This includes but is not limited to the following: laboratory support rooms, makerspaces, or shops where work with any of the aforementioned materials has the potential to contaminate work surfaces, release airborne particles, mists or vapors, or otherwise spread materials with or without knowledge of personnel or others in the area.
- Eating, drinking, gum chewing, applying cosmetics, and taking medicine in research or teaching labs are strictly prohibited. Food, beverages, cups, and other drinking and eating utensils intended for human use shall not be washed or stored in these areas.
- Human food or drink intended for research purposes must be labeled with the words "Not for human consumption".
- Storage of food and drink intended for human consumption shall not, under any circumstances, be stored in refrigerators, freezers, or temperature-controlled rooms where hazardous chemicals, biohazardous materials or biological specimens, or radioactive materials are stored or used.
This policy was created based on OSHA 29 CFR 1910.141 (g)(2), the American Chemical Society’s Safety Guidelines for Academic Laboratories, the Centers for Disease and Control’s Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, the National Research Council of the National Academies’ Prudent Practices in the Laboratory and benchmarking with other national academic and research institutions.
Many university facilities were not originally designed to provide areas for personnel to safely eat and drink. Departments are strongly encouraged to provide research personnel with suitable break areas for eating and drinking outside of laboratories. This furthers the interest of health and safety and reduces the potential liability for accidental exposure to these materials.