Lab Hazard Rank System

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The Lab Hazard Rank System (LHR) provides a framework to rank the potential hazards found within each lab. The LHR provides an objective approach to prioritize labs for audit based on: type of hazardous materials present and quantities, hazardous operations and equipment, engineering controls and procedures, and facility history. Our goal is to institute cyclical lab audits based on the LHR. There are five LHR classes ranging from the least hazardous (LHR 0) to the most potentially hazardous (LHR 4). The frequency of audit is noted within each LHR. Lab inspections performed by Derpy_Melon. To get your lab inspected, leave a request on the talk page.


LHR 4 - High Hazard

LHR4 has the highest potential severity of hazards present. LHR 4 labs typically work with large or production volumes of solvent or corrosives, and/or large quantities of particularly hazardous materials (nanomaterials, chemotherapy agents, highly toxic compounds). Gases in this category include full size cylinders of toxic/pyrophoric gases or over 3 cylinders of flammable gases. Risk Group 3 biological agents, Select Agents, or large quantities of Risk Group 2 agents are included in this rank. Non-traditional use of hazardous materials, lab equipment, or research fabricated equipment will also be classified into LHR4. Labs that have had previous serious accidents, occupational disease, or poor previous audit results will also be placed in this category.

LHR 3 - Moderate Hazard

LHR 3 is our standard lab that works with non-production volumes of many toxic and flammable chemicals. Use of carcinogens, pyrophorics, acutely toxic materials, sensitizers, and reproductive toxins is typically in small quantities. Toxic gases are used only in lecture bottle sizes. Flammable gas usage is limited to two full size cylinders. Biological agents include Risk Group 2 infectious agents, recombinant DNA, and bloodborne pathogens are in this rank. LHR 3 also includes Class 3B or 4 lasers with controls. A lab in this category may use LHR 4 materials and quantities if the lab has been specifically designed to do so with superb engineering controls and procedures. LHR 2 or LHR 1 laboratories with previous major accidents, occupational disease, or poor previous audit results may be moved up into this category.

LHR 2 - Low Hazard

LHR 2 labs are relatively low hazard labs. Typical chemical work involves small volumes of solvents, acids and toxic chemicals. Hazardous materials are used with good engineering controls as necessary. Only low-hazard gases are used. Standard biomedical research involving tissue culture, PCR, and work with BL1 infectious agents are LHR 2. Well managed clinical labs working with larger volumes of solvent, formaldehyde, and tissue preparation procedures with good engineering controls are included in LHR 2. Other low hazard or well controlled labs involving class 3R and lower lasers, electronics labs, machine shops, fabrication labs, analytical labs, MRI, NMR facilities are LHR 2.

LHR 1 - Very Low Hazard

Laboratories in this category have minimal quantities of hazardous chemicals perhaps only used for critical surface cleaning. Hazards still exist but are well controlled with standardized equipment and procedures. LHR 1 includes: teaching labs, autoclave and dishwashing rooms, high performing BSL 1 or 2 labs, and those with an excellent safety and health record. Additional LHR 1 space includes lab related storage rooms, support spaces, freezer rooms, linear equipment corridors, and equipment rooms.

LHR 0 - No Hazard

Labs with this rank have no hazardous materials, any dangerous procedures, and other notmsafe for work conditions.