I thought that the list would be interested in the text of the e-mail referred to in the story on the National University of Singapore's safety time out for lab work. It was provided to me by one of the list subscribers.

The objective of this time out will be to cease all routine lab operations, and everyone spend time on safety matters to review the adequacy of control measures implemented in labs to prevent accidents/incidents. You shall focus on personal safety, lab condition, property protection and shall comply with the following requirements.

1. Cease all lab operations from 8.30am - 6.00pm (research and teaching laboratories)

2. Suggest to have a group meeting tomorrow morning with your group members and spend time with them on the following
a. Risk assessment & Procedure review
b. Equipment check & maintenance, especially electrical appliances
c. Housekeeping including hazardous material management

3. PI to conduct a laboratory safety inspection of his/her own lab using the attached checklist

4. Identify corrective actions and follow up on corrective unsafe condition and behaviors.


Ralph Stuart CIH
Chemical Hygiene Officer
Department of Environmental Health and Safety
Cornell University

rstuart**At_Symbol_Here**cornell.edu