![]() ![]() The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and the University Exposure Control Program prohibit eating/drinking in areas where a reasonable likelihood exists for exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. The OSHA Lab Standard and the University Chemical Hygiene Plan prohibit eating/drinking in areas where hazardous chemicals are in use. These mandates are also included in University programs for occupation health and safety and radiation protection. The main compliance and grant risks summarized below include regulations (either federal or state laws), consensus standards, and granting agency requirements. Hands should be washed with soap and water immediately after working with any laboratory material, even if gloves have been worn.A pipette bulb or aspirator should be used to pipette chemicals or to start a siphon pipetting should never be done by mouth.Laboratory chemicals should never be tasted.Laboratory water sources and deionized laboratory water should not be used as drinking water.Laboratory refrigerators, ice chests, cold rooms, ovens, and so forth should not be used for food storage or preparation.Glassware use for laboratory operations should never be used to prepare or consume food or beverages.Food, beverages, cups, and other drinking and eating utensils should not be stored in areas where hazardous materials are handled or stored. ![]() Eating, drinking, smoking, gum chewing, applying cosmetics, and taking medicine in laboratories where hazardous materials are used should be strictly prohibited.Prudent Practices in the Laboratory by the National Research Council includes these precautions for minimizing exposure: Contamination can result from contact with contaminated gloves/hands, airborne materials settling out or condensing on surfaces or utensils, or placing consumable items on a contaminated surface. Personal safety risks can result from cross-contamination and ingestion. The main reasons why eating and drinking are not permitted in areas using or storing hazardous materials are personal safety risks and risks of non-compliance with regulatory or granting agency requirements that may impact an individual, a work unit, or the institution as a whole. The term “ hazardous materials” includes biological agents, chemicals, radioactive materials, and waste from all of these materials. It also includes items and equipment used for storing, preparing and consuming food and beverages. The term “eating and drinking” refers to eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics, adjusting contact lenses, taking/storing medicine, and other related activities. Questions about this topic can be directed here. The purpose of this fact sheet is to summarize why eating and drinking are not permitted in areas where chemical, radiological, and/or biological materials are used or stored. ![]()
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