Laboratory Auditing and Upgrades

AS/NZS2243.1:2005 – Safety in Laboratories Part 1: Planning and Operational Aspects Safety inspections to identify hazards and review practices shall be carried out at regular intervals and whenever any significant change is made to the work procedures or equipment in the laboratory to improve and maintain a safe environment. Laboratory auditing Lab Manager is responsible for ensuring Code of Practice adhered to.

MAF/IBSC Audits PC1 and PC2 areas routinely audited with respect to Biological Compliance New Organisms (e.g. GMOs) Uncleared biologicals Does not address Hazardous Substances! Does not address non PC1 and PC2 labs.

Laboratory Audit-tool Facilities, bench surfaces, floors, DG cabinets, fume hood certification Documentation, lab supervisor and users documented, Safety Data Sheets available Practices – chemicals storage and labelling, PPE available and used

Non-Compliance Laboratory Practices/Documentation Inform person(s) involved of requirements Depending on seriousness of issue May need escalation to Lab Supervisor, HOD, ULM. Facilities Minor work – can send request directly to Property Services Major lab upgrades – discuss with Property Services Facility Manager, H&S Office

Statutory Budget Approx $2 million/year available Typically getting 3-4 major laboratory upgrades/year Approx $75K set aside for minor HSNO/MAF remedial work To bring existing facilities into compliance with legislation/standards Not for: New facilities/use. Maintenance of existing compliant facilities. Minor lab upgrades/remedial work – signage, patch repairs, gap filling, DG cabinets, eye wash stations Major lab upgrades (approx 3 per year)

Major lab upgrades Typical major lab upgrade may cost >$150,000 - $500,000 Many requirements to meet HSNO Act. Biosecurity Act. Radiation Protection Act. Animal Welfare. H&S in Employment Act. Mistakes more difficult and expensive to fix the later they are detected Lab plans required to be signed off by Stat Budget Prioritising Group Includes ULM, Head of H&S, as well as reps from IBSC, HSRC and Property Services. Can draw in expertise from AWO and Radiation Safety Advisor as required.

Major lab upgrades process ALL major lab upgrade plans need to be signed off by Stat budget prioritising group Stat budget working group prioritises funding of labs from Stat budget DLMs should be involved in design and planning of new labs Documentation requirements - Completed audit checklists Report providing further explanation Contact H&S office regarding major lab upgrades.

PC2 standard vs PC2 registered Variety of laboratory designations – HSNO Exempt PC1 PC2 PC2 requirements most stringent – major upgrades usually done to PC2 standard to allow for future change in use. BUT lab cannot be used as PC2 unless; Approved by MAF Registered as part of University Containment/Transitional Facility Specific management, documentation required.