Lab Emergencies

Biological spills are classified based on whether they’re major or minor, and whether they’re in a biosafety cabinet or outside of one in the lab.  A biosafety cabinet (BSC) makes spill cleanup easier, as the BSC works to contain aerosols that were generated during the spill.  A biohazard spill is either major or minor based on:

• Major Spill: A spill event that requires EHS emergency response assistance to be handled safely.
• Minor Spill: A spill event that can be handled safely without EHS emergency response assistance.

Major Spills Inside the Biosafety Cabinet

1. Keep the BSC on.
2. Close the sash of the BSC.
3. Attend to injured or contaminated persons.
4. Alert personnel in the area of the spill and post a sign on the BSC sash that indicates the nature and the time of the spill.
5. Call EHS (305-243-3400).
6. EHS to arrange clean-up.

Minor Spills Inside the Biosafety Cabinet

1. Keep the BSC on.
2. Change PPE.
3. Cover spill area with absorbent material.
4. Pour liquid disinfectant onto the absorbent material from the outside of the spill area, moving in.
5. Allow for appropriate contact time.
6. Collect spill material and dispose of as biohazard waste.
7. Spray/wipe walls, work surfaces, and equipment with disinfectant solution and allow for appropriate contact time before wiping up residue.
8. Decontaminate grill pans if applicable.
9. Dispose of all spill clean-up materials as biohazard waste.
10. Allow for the BSC to run for at least 10 minutes after cleanup and before resuming work.
11. Notify users that spill cleanup is complete.

To ensure a properly-functioning eyewash station with clean water in the event of an emergency, laboratories on the Coral Gables and Marine campuses are required to flush their eyewash station weekly.  On medical campus, eyewashes are flushed weekly by Facilities personnel, but laboratories are welcome to test their eyewash or demonstrate use to laboratory team members.

Helpful hints for before you run your eyewash:

• Make sure you know where the water drains! Often a bucket or a tray has to be positioned under the unit’s drain to collect the water.
• Have a roll of paper towels on hand in case of water leakage.
• A large tray may be needed to collect the water under units that pull down from the wall to activate.

When performing a weekly eyewash flush, check the following:

1. Ensure that the eyewash station is easily identifiable and unobstructed.
2. Ensure that the eyewash station activates easily with one-handed control, the flow removes eyepiece covers, and water flows evenly and in a steady stream.
3. Allow the eyewash station to run for 1-3 minutes to flush stagnant water from the line. If this is your first time flushing the station, you may have to run it longer to ensure that the water is clean.
4. If your eyewash station does not have a drain, ensure you use a bucket to capture the water.
5. Complete an online service request for any water flow or unit deficiencies.
6. After running the eyewash, replace the eyepiece covers. This limits random debris and dust from entering into the water path.

Access and signage: Ensure that the eyewash station is easily identifiable and unobstructed. Carts, chairs, glassware and equipment can all obstruct an eyewash station, which may slow the response in the event of an emergency. Friendly reminder - if you have to use an eyewash station in an emergency you won’t be able to see very well!  Reach out to EHS if you need signage for your eyewash station.

Operation: Ensure that the eyewash station activates easily with one-handed control, the flow removes eyepiece covers, and water flows evenly and in a steady stream.

Water: Allow the eyewash station to run for 1-3 minutes to flush stagnant water from the line. If this is your first time flushing the station, you may have to run it longer to ensure that the water is clean.

Report malfunctioning eyewash stations to Facilities through the online service request link.  Service request links for our 3 campuses can be found here:

• Coral Gables and RSMAES WebTMA - WebTMA
• Medical Campus Facilities and Support Services Miller School of Medicine (miami.edu)

If you have further questions, would like guidance on your specific type of eyewash or if you are unable to flush your eyewash station, contact the EHS team.