SafetyNets

Safety guidelines, policies and procedures for UC Davis

SafetyNets are viewable online, or you may download them for distribution via print or email. If you have any questions, please contact Safety Services at safetywebsite@ucdavis.edu, or (530) 752-1493.


SafetyNet

Title

Description

1

EPA's Refrigerant Recycling Rule

Requirements for the disposal, recycling or salvage of refrigeration equipment (i.e. air conditioners, growth chambers, refrigerators, or freezers), and refrigerants and oils.

2

Oxyacetylene Safety Guidelines

Instructions on how to handle and equip oxyacetalyne rigs with flashback arrestor (gas safety) devices, including notifying the fire department of such procedures. 

3

Sharps Safety Guidelines  Guidelines on how to safely handle and dispose of sharps (i.e. scapels, needles, syringes, and laboratory glass, or pipette tips). 

4

Partial List of Incompatible Chemicals
This SafetyNet was removed March 21, 2017.
This information was incorporated into the Chemical Hygiene Plan in Appendix F.

5

Eye and Face Safety Protection for Laboratory Workers

Instructions on how to use and maintain the required eye/facial protections for laboratory work.  

6

Drain Disposal Guidelines Guidelines of appropriate wastewater disposal methods (what can and cannot go down campus drains).

8

Chemical Waste Disposal Guidelines

Guidelines of appropriate chemical waste disposal. (i.e. light bulbs, aerosol cans, oily wastes, empty containers, etc.)

9

Radioactive Waste Disposal Guidelines

Guidelines of appropriate radioactive waste disposal (i.e. scintillation vials, radioactive solid and liquid waste) and waste minimization techniques. 

10

Limiting Exposure to Radiation Guidelines Guidelines of how to limit exposure to radiation by wearing proper personal protective equipment. 

12

Why Didn't the Custodian Pick Up My Trash?  List of materials that custodians will not pick up, and that need to be properly disposed of. 

13

Guidelines for Chemical Spill Control  List of general steps to follow when a chemical spill occurs, including chemical contact with skin or eyes. 

14

Safe Use of Nitric Acid List of safety tips to know before handling Nitric Acid.

16

Guidelines for Mercury Spill Control Safety procedures for evaluating and cleaning-up Mercury spills. 

17

Personal Computer Workstation Checklist Checklists that help asses your own computer workstations. Includes a diagram for the proper sitting position at a computer. 

18

Safe Use of Perchloric Acid List of safety tips to know before handling Percloric acid. 

21

Minimizing Aerosol Exposure Examples of laboratory equipment and procedures that generate aerosols and precautions you can take to minimize exposure. 

22

Safe Use of Phenol List of safety precautions when handling phenol.

23

Peroxide Formation in Chemicals Information regarding Peroxide formation in chemicals and the different ways these formations can become hazardous. 

24

 Hydrogen Sulfide Hydrogen Sulfide physical characteristics, hazards, and safety tips. 

26

Effective Use of Autoclaves Review of proper use of autoclaves to ensure that they are used safely, effectively, and in compliance with applicable regulations.

27

Controlling Laboratory Ergonomic Risk Factors   Information on how to reduce risk factors for several common laboratory activities. Including pipetting, handling test tubes, and microscope use. 

29

Back Belts General information about back belts including the university's position regarding their use. 

30

Building Temperature Extremes  What to do in case of extreme interior temperatures.

31

Use of Refrigerators and Freezers in Laboratories Outline of requirements for the safe use of refrigerators and freezers in the laboratory. 

33

Hazardous Materials Information and Training Outline of requirements for safety under the Hazardous Substances Information and Training Act. 

34

Managing Chemical Waste Streams to Reduce Disposal Cost How to properly identify and label hazardous chemical wastes in order to reduce disposal cost.

35

How to Use a Chemical Fume Hood Safely Information on how to safely use a chemical fume hood including specialty fume hoods, good work practices,  maintaining a protective air barrier, etc. 

36

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard List of pathogens and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).

37

Radioactive Spills, Splashes, and Decontamination General decontamination information regarding radioactive spills and splashes.

38

Guidelines for Pesticide Retention and Disposal Guidelines for registered and non-registered pesticide retention and disposal.

39

Safety Training Tips Information that will assist supervisors in understanding and applying safety training techniques to individuals situations. 

41

What You Should Know to Protect Your Wrists and hands Repetitive Motion Injury Information about repetitive motion injury and how to protect your wrists and hands. 

42

General Guidelines for Storage and Management of Laboratory Chemicals Guidelines to properly manage and store chemicals safely in your work place.

43

Identification and Segregation of Chemical Waste Guidelines for safe and proper handling of chemical wastes

44

Alternatives to Chromic/Sulfuric Acid for Cleaning Laboratory Glassware
This SafetyNet was removed Nov 15, 2023.
This information was incorporated into SafetyNet 152.

45

Glossary of SDS Terms
This SafetyNet was removed June 23, 2021.
A glossary of terms can be found in the Laboratory Safety Manual in Appendix A. Additionally, a glossary of terms related to Safety Data Sheets can be found on the Safety Data Sheets webpage.

46

Lifting List of things you can do to reduce stress to your back when lifting and lowering to help prevent injury both at work and at home.

48

Photographic Chemicals Safety tips to know when handling most aqueous chemicals used in black-and-white and color photography. 

49

Pesticide Storage Guidelines to follow when designing and using pesticide storage areas for agriculture use. 

50

Guidelines for the Selection of Chemical-Resistant Gloves Guidelines to follow when selecting chemical-resistant gloves.

51

Selecting Chemical Disinfectants List of disinfectants most commonly used in laboratories, some commercially available products, general use parameters, and more information that will assist you in selecting chemical disinfectants. 

52

Emergency Medical Care List of urgent care facilities in Davis. 

53

Ethidium Bromide Solutions Detoxification General information about Ethidium Bromide as well as a list of companies that offer detoxification products. 

54

Pregnancy and the University Workplace Information about speaking with employees about reproductive health in the work pace including the Interactive Process and effective accommodations.

56

How to Monitor Your Lab for Radioactive Contamination How to maintain an ongoing radiation monitoring program for all radionuclide work areas. 

58

Safety Precautions for Cryogenic Materials Hazardous information associated with Cryogenic Materials as well as safety precautions to take when handling cryogenic materials. 

60

Compressed Gas Safety General guidelines for use, transport, and storage of gas cylinders. 

61

How to Maintain an Inventory/ Log for Radioactive Materials in Your Laboratory

Information on how to maintain receipt, transfer, current inventory and disposal of all radioactive materials. 

63

Ozone Emissions General information about Ozone Emissions including a list of safety precautions.  

64

Guidelines for Evaluating Safety Performance
This SafetyNet was removed December 1, 2022. Guidelines for evaluating safety performance can be found in PPM 290-15 "Safety Management Program", specifically under part IV: Safety Management Program Requirements.

66

Emergency Eyewash and Shower Testing and Use Information about emergency eyewash and shower use as well as testing procedures and responsibilities. 

67

Dosimetry: Personnel Monitoring for Radiation Workers Information regarding permissible radiation exposure for employees. 

68

Use of Chlorine Compounds as Disinfectants  General information about chlorine compounds as disinfectants. 

70

Safe Use of Hydrofluoric Acid General chemical properties of Hydrofluoric Acid, including a list safety precautions to take when handling this substance. 

71

Radiation and Human Health General Information regarding radiation exposure on human health. 

72

Chemical Substitutes List of chemical substitutes for commonly used chemicals to promote a safer work environment.

73

Laser Protective Eyewear Guidelines for how to choose laser protective eyewear. 

74

The Principal Investigator's Laser Safety Training Responsibilities  Information regarding the responsibilities of the laser safety training principal investigator.

75

Laser Warning Signs and Labeling Guidelines to follow to ensure the proper labeling and warning signs of lasers.

76

Safe Laser Practices Recommended control measures to follow for safe laser use.

77

Standard Operating Procedures for Lasers or Laser Systems Information regarding the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all lasers or laser systems.

78

Radiation Safety Requirement for Persons Using Radiation-Producing Machines Procedures that will help employees maintain radiation exposure As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA).

83

Non-Structure Seismic Safety Safety guidelines to implement as part of the departmental Injury and Illness Prevention Program To reduce damage, injury, and loss due to the non-structural effects of an earthquake.

84

Asbestos General information regarding Asbestos including its hazardous components. 

85

Antimicrobials are Pesticides  Guidelines to follow when using antimicrobials. 

88

The Respiratory Protection Program Information regarding the respiratory protection program. 

96

Keyboard and Mouse Use List of key components of typing styles that can prevent hand and wrist injuries. 

99

Indoor Air Quality General summary of information on IAQ to assist employees in evaluating the present conditions of their work area. 

100

Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) General information regarding electric and magnetic fields. 

103

MIn/Max Thermometer Information Sheet
This SafetyNet was removed July 2021.

104

Safe Use and Management of Picric Acid General information regarding Picric Acid including its chemical properties and its proper storage. 

106

Hazards of Ultraviolet Radiation General information regarding ultraviolet radiation coming from equipment such as biological safety cabinets, germicidal lamps, transluminators (UV light boxes), and Woods Lamps. This includes biological effects of UV and precautions to take when exposed to UV light.

107

Pregnancy and Reproductive Hazards in the Workplace: Physical and Biological Hazards General information regarding the physical and biological hazards that can affect pregnancy and reproductive ability; these hazards include ionizing radiation, radiofrequency/microwave radiation, magnetic fields, video display terminals, ultrasound, noise, hot/cold climate, and ergonomic consideration. 

108

Pregnancy and Reproductive Hazards in the Workplace: Chemical and Radiological Hazards  How to establish standards for handling chemicals and radioactive materials (including ionizing radiation) that can be reproductive hazards for both men and women. 

109

Power Outages

List of actions to take when the power goes out as a result of a planned "rolling blackout" or any other unexpected blackout. The list includes what actions to take in buildings including laboratories with emergency generators. 

110

Guidelines for Completing the Chemical Waste Label Guidelines for completing the chemical waste label when a container begins to be filled. A tutorial video on how to create a WASTe can be found. 

111

Required Postings An outline of postings required by Health and Safety regulations. 

112

Hearing Conservation A list of various sounds, their decibel levels, and the Cal/OSHA recommended exposure time to each. Additionally, UC Davis requires employees exposed at or above a time-weighted average of 85 dBA to participate in the Hearing Consevation and Medical Surveillance Program. 

113

Release of Equipment Guidelines to follow to properly decommission and decontaminate laboratory and analytical equipment which was used in conjunction with chemical, biological or radiological material prior to the release of equipment under their control or use. 

114

Confined Space Program General information regarding confined spaces including atmospheric and physical hazards that may require CSE permit and equipment shutdown before entering the confined space. 

115

Machine Guarding The following information is provided to assist in enhancing machine safety through hazard identification and evaluation, safeguarding, training, and safe operation.

116

Principal's Investigator's Training Responsibilities for Animal Care and Use
This SafetyNet was removed Jan. 5, 2021.
Please refer to the IACUC website

118

Laboratory Security Tips for Hazardous Materials Users  List of security recommendations to increase lab security including developing a written security plan and properly managing access to areas that contain hazardous materials. 

119

Use of Non-EPA Regulated Scintillation Cocktails  List of contractors to contact to dispose of  NON-EPA regulated Scintillation cocktails. 

120

Preparing for a CUPA Inspection  List of steps to follow to ensure that you are in compliance with the state and federal regulations of working with hazardous materials and/or accumulate hazardous waste. 

121

Reporting Work-Connected Fatalities and Serious Injuries Steps to follow when reporting work-connected fatalities and serious injuries.

122

Proper Disposal of Universal and Electronic Wastes General informational regarding the proper disposal of universal and electronic wastes including a list of disposal resources at UC Davis.

123

Heat Illness Prevention General information regarding heat illness prevention including the standards to follow.

124

Empty Container Management  Guidelines to follow to determine  how an empty container that once held hazardous material should be disposed. 

125

Safety Resources for Department Safety Coordinators (DSCs)  Description of DSCs responsibilities including being safety representatives, organizing, and maintaining safety programs within their department or work unit. 

126

Guidelines for Export Compliance General information regarding how U.S. export laws and regulations operate to restrict the use and access to controlled information, goods, and technology for reasons of national security or protection of trade. 

127

Biological and Biohazardous Spill Response  An outline of the steps to take after a spill of any infectious agent or recombinant DNA material has occurred in your laboratory or in nearby areas such as in a corridor

128

Solvent Stills  This guide describes the minimum requirements for using the hot pot distillation technique to produce dry, oxygen-free, high purity solvents. Lab workers who intend to use the hot pot distillation technique must trained and familiar with setting up the apparatus. running the distillation, taking down the apparatus at the conclusion of the distillation, and proper disposition of water. 

129

Safety Management Program Guidelines for Department Chairs A list of responsibilities that fall under the Department chairs to implement the Safety Management Program. A brief summary of the elements of the Safety Management Program is included. 

130

Safety Management Program Guidelines for Supervisors A brief summary, including helpful resources, of the supervisor specific elements of the Safety Management Program is included. Supervisors play a vital role in communications and enforcing the safety management and injury & illness prevention program to their employees. 

131

Safety Program Guidelines for Principal Investigators A checklist of the Principal Investigators responsibilities under campus policy. A brief summary of the elements of the Safety Management program is also included. 

132

Nanotechnology: Guidelines for Safe Research Practices This document provides environmental, health and safety information to researchers working with engineered nanoparticles, and be incorporated as a standard operating procedure in each laboratory's chemical hygiene plan. 

133

Fall Protection 
This SafetyNet was removed April 16.
Please refer to the Campus Fall Protection Program

134

Forklift Certification and Safety List of Forklift operator requirements as well a list of department responsibilities. 

135

Procedures for Safe Use of Pyrophoric/ Water Reactive Reagents This document describes the hazards, proper handling, disposal, and emergency procedures for working pyrophoric and water reactive materials. Failure to follow proper handling procedures can results in fire or explosion, leading to serious injuries, death, and/or significant damage to facilities. 

136

Excavation/ Trenching/ Shoring General information regarding excavation/ trenching/ shoring including a definition, department responsibilities, and contracting recommendations. 

137

Guidelines for Arc and Fish Lamp Safety Guidelines to follow when installing, using, or transporting arc or flash lamps. 

138 

Portable Torch Safety A list of portable torch safety precautions to take when handling these. Torches attached directly to gas cylinders are specifically prohibited. 

139

Guidelines for Handling Formaldehyde Safety precautions to take when handling formaldehyde including a list of symptoms of exposure, employee information and training, ventilation, respiratory protection, safe work practices, etc. 

140 

Guidelines for Handling Dichloromethane (Methylene Chloride) Safety precautions to take when handling dichloromethane (methylene chloride) including a list of symptoms of exposure, employee information and training, ventilation, respiratory protection, safe work practices, etc. 

141 

Crane and Hoist Safety A list of general rules for safely operating cranes and hoists 

142

Guidance for Complying with the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standard (CFATS)  Description of the procedure to follow in order to comply with Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standard (CFATS). 

143

Cal/OSHA Inspections  Description of Cal/OSHA inspections including an explanation for what triggers an inspection, what will happen during the inspection, how to prepare, inspection DOs and DONT'S, etc. 

144

Laser Pointer Safety 

A list of safety measures to follow when using a laser pointer as well as considerations for laser pointer purchases.

145

Safe Operation of Livestock Squeeze Chute  General recommended safe practices for operation of livestock squeeze chutes. Note: training consists of both reading the operating manual AND 'hands on' training from an experienced, trained operator. 

146

Microtome Use Hazards and Precautions  List of hazards and precautions to know when operating a microtome.

147

Safe Handling of Wooden Pallets List of safety precautions to take when loading, inspecting, handling and using pallets. 

148

Office Safety and Training  General information regarding office safety and training including identifying  office hazards, knowing fire safety, etc. 

149

3D Printing  Description of hazards associated with 3D printing and precautions that should be followed to prevent injury.

150

Transporting Hazardous Materials Through Public Spaces How to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when transporting hazardous materials between labs within a building.

151

Lecture Bottle Safety Safe use and storage of lecture bottle gas cylinders.

152

Corrosive Bath Safety Safe use and alternatives to corrosive baths for cleaning laboratory glassware.

153

Environmental Rooms Environmentally controlled room safety.

501

Construction Inspection Checklist (Fire Permit Card)  Construction inspection checklist, downloadable PDF. 

502

Airport Inspection Checklist Airport inspection checklist, downloadable PDF. 

503 

Airport Inspections Guidelines The UC Davis Fire Department has created a Fire and Life Safety Program-Airport Inspection Checklist to assist airport hangar occupants in making their respective hangars and area around their hangars safe.

504

Emergency Evacuation Signs Emergency evacuation signs checklist for buildings over one story high. 

505

Fire Protection System Shutdown Request Guideline This form was created by the campus Fire Alarm Committee to establish clear guidelines for planned impairments to the campus' fire protection systems.  Downloadable PDF form is included. 

506

Firewatch Guidelines General information regarding the Firewatch program including the duties of individuals serving in the program. 

507

Self Inspection Checklist UC Davis Fire Prevention self inspection checklist. Downloadable PDF is included. 

508

Candle and Open Flame Guidelines List of candle and open flame guidelines. Organizations with requirements for candles during formal functions may purchase battery-operated candles which are suitable for such purposes. 

509

Compressed Gas Cylinders
This SafetyNet was removed July 2020.

510

Corridor Storage Guidelines List of corridor storage guideline in order to ensure fir and life safety in a building or occupancy. 

512

Electrical Safety List of guidelines to follow in order to reduce the risk of fire due to overload or improperly used extension cords or surge protectors. 

513

Fire Door Regulations Fire door regulations and requirements to provide as much resistance as possible to the spread of fire, smoke, and toxic gases. 

514

Flammable and Combustible Liquids  General information regarding flammable and combustible liquids including their properties and storage.

516

Portable Space Heater Guidelines UC Davis Fire Prevention has compiled a list of safety tips related to electric space heater operation in order to avoid fire damage and injury. 

517

Recycling Container Guidelines The following guidelines were jointly prepared by UC Davis Fire Prevention Services and Project Recycle in an effort to assist in the proper placement of containers used for recycling.

518

Solvent Purification Guidelines to follow in order to significantly reduce or eliminate the routine use of thermal methods. This document also includes general solvent purification information including local exhaust ventilation, electrical safety, alarms, fire detection, and suppression, etc. 

519

Venting Flammable Storage Cabinets General information regarding venting flammable storage cabinets including when installation is appropriate and who to contact for this procedure. 

520

Using Heating Devices in Labs Recommended safety procedures when using heating devices in labs. 

521

Housekeeping The guidelines outlined in this document are meant to establish the requirements and responsibilities for routine housekeeping to ensure that work areas are maintained in a clean manner, and present an acceptable appearance. This Standard Practice applies to all personnel and facilities of the University.

522

UCSC Hotplate Study
This SafetyNet was removed July 2020.

523

Flammable Liquid Storage 
This SafetyNet was removed July 2020.

524

Flammable Liquid Storage FAQ  
This SafetyNet was removed July 2020.

526

Fire Hydrant Placement Standards The purpose of this guideline is to provide the basic information necessary to meet minimum requirements for the design and installation of private hydrant and/or sprinkler supply underground piping in accordance with the provisions of the 2016 California Fire Code (CFC), the 2016 California Building Code (CBC), and the 2016 editions of NFPA 24

529

Knox Box Procedures General information regarding knox box procedures including the basis for the requirements and their use. 

530

Welding Brazing Cutting Guidelines This document contains the welding brazing cutting guidelines including non-emergency hot work procedures, general requirements, contract work, setting up work area checklist, etc.

531

Hazardous Conditions (HOTWORK) Permit Guidelines This document includes examples of conditions necessitating a Hazardous Conditions or Hot Work permit.

532

Temporary Use Permit-Construction Site General information regarding Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Permits including basis for requirements and the application process. 

533

Facilities Hotwork Procedures This document includes a hot work procedure that shall be followed by FO&M employees and on FO&M and A/E contracted projects that include any hot work activity inside or within 100 feet of campus buildings.

534

Emergency Evacuation of Disabled Persons This guide is intended to serve as a tool to facilitate the inclusion of people with disabilities in emergency plans. Use it to help customize your emergency plan and perhaps modify policies, procedures and equipment in order to reach the requisite end result of safety for all employees.

535

Fire Department Access This document outlines the parameters for the creation and maintenance of emergency access roads. It specifies their required size, location, weight demands, and the timing for the construction of required access roads for new construction projects.

536 

Sprinkler Riser Diagram
This SafetyNet was removed July 2020.

537

Water Supply Apparatus Painting Water supply apparatus painting and wording guidelines. 

538

Fire Extinguisher Inspection Procedures List of fire extinguisher inspection guidelines.

540

Operating Portable Fire Extinguishers Guidelines for how to operate and read symbols on portable fire extinguishers around the UC Davis campus.

541

Reporting a Missing/ Damaged/ Discharged Fire Extinguisher  Information on how to report a missing/damaged/discharged fire extinguisher.

542

Requesting a Fire Extinguisher Property Loan Information on who contact to request a fire extinguisher property loan. 

543

Requesting a New Fire Extinguisher or Fire Extinguisher Training Information on how to request a new fire extinguisher and/ or fire extinguisher training. 

544

Fire Alarm Submittal Checklist Fire alarm submittal form. The following checklist must be used to verify that your submittal is complete.

545

Fire Alarm Submittal Requirements This document is intended to provide a model plan review checklist to serve the needs of groups both inside and outside of UC Davis in preparing a complete initial submittal package for review and approval of fire alarm projects.

546

Fire Sprinkler Submittal Checklist Fire sprinkler submittal checklist. 

547

Fire Sprinkler Submittal Requirements  This document is intended to provide a model plan review checklist to serve the needs of groups both inside and outside of UC Davis in preparing a complete initial submittal package for review and approval of fire sprinkler projects

548

Fire Clearance  General information regarding the requirement of a fire clearance detailing what circumstances arise the need of a fire clearance. 

549

Plan Review Checksheet The purpose of this check sheet is to assist designers, project managers, IPE’s and others in providing the basic fire/life safety information so that an initial plan review can be adequately conducted.

551

Submittal Process Information regarding the submittal process  for 3 different categories: General Submittal, Deferred Submittal or Fire Sprinkler, Underground Fire Line.

552

Agricultural Burning Guidelines List of agricultural burning guidelines that must be followed when performing this activity on the UC Davis campus or properties under the control of UC Davis.

553

Barbecue Guidelines General barbecue guidelines that must be followed in order to safely perform this activity.  

554

Tent Requirements This document details the requirements that need to be met in order to receive a tent permit.

555

Food Booth and Vendor Regulations This document contains the certain minimum fire and life safety requirements, which are common to most events involving food or craft booths. This includes: 

food/vendor booth construction and location, heating equipment, propane, electrical power, etc.