Install a drain for the safety showers if it's not already there. 

 

Use the opportunity to debunk that myth about safety shower drains not being allowed due to hazardous waste discharge issues. 

 

40 CFR 268.2 (e) (4) De minimis losses of characteristic wastes to wastewaters are not considered to be prohibited wastes and are defined as losses from normal material handling operations (e.g. spills from the unloading or transfer of materials from bins or other containers, leaks from pipes, valves or other devices used to transfer materials); minor leaks of process equipment, storage tanks or containers; leaks from well-maintained pump packings and seals; sample purgings; and relief device discharges; discharges from safety showers and rinsing and cleaning of personal safety equipment

 

Eric Clark, MS, CCHO, CHMM

Safety & Compliance Officer

Los Angeles County Public Health Laboratory

 

>>> On 10/19/2012 at 10:11 AM, in message <CAHoE6joK-d7kOxrPxzTZkzV-g9TXMhRee7mGHpRcm87Jeg3v9g**At_Symbol_Here**mail.gmail.com>, "Ferm, Barret" <fermbarreta**At_Symbol_Here**SAU.EDU> wrote:

We are in the throws of shaking down a new chemistry lab from a remodel last summer. This comment is more sanity-related than safety related, but important for the function of your new lab space: Make sure your electrical system designers and contractors know your "worst case scenario" power needs. For example, yesterday - the first time we went to use hot plates in our new lab - the breakers tripped for all the benches. (This occurred despite the distant memory that we told the architect how many hot plates we use and their draw.) On top of that, the breaker locations were not made known to us users, nor were the circuit breakers in the box labeled. The lab had to be cancelled.

So, communicate, early and often, how many hot plates (or other high-draw equipment) you will be using at one time, and their electrical draw. And when you get back into your space, test your "worst case scenario" ahead of time.

Barry Ferm

Ba Fm

"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." - Lao Tzu