Washington State University
Environmental Health & Safety Housekeeping

Housekeeping

  • Do not use stairways, hallways, or mechanical spaces as storage areas (Refer to Laboratory Safety Manual Appendix A).
  • Access to exits, emergency equipment, controls, and the like must never be blocked (Refer to Laboratory Safety Manual Appendix A).
  • Floors should be cleaned regularly and kept free of obstructions. Washington State University (WSU) custodial services may clean floors in some laboratories. In the areas serviced by custodial staff, laboratory personnel must keep floors free of obstructions and hazards to allow custodial staff to do their jobs effectively and safely.
  • The number of chemicals in a laboratory should be kept to a minimum. Discard or recycle chemicals not being used. Avoid stockpiling of chemicals.
  • Small, non-hazardous spills should be cleaned up immediately by laboratory personnel. Hazardous chemical spills that cannot be cleaned up safely by laboratory personnel should be reported according to the procedures outlined in Section II.I.1.
  • Unlabeled containers and chemical wastes should be disposed of promptly by using appropriate procedures (Refer to Laboratory Safety Manual Appendix E).
  • Equipment and chemicals should be stored properly; clutter should be minimized.
  • Questions about custodial services should be directed to Facilities Operations at 335-9000. Questions about laboratory housekeeping practices should be directed to EH&S at 335-3041.
  • Waste should be deposited in appropriate receptacles. Custodial services will not collect waste containing improperly packaged waste glass, hazardous chemicals, radioactive materials, or pathological/biohazardous waste materials. Proper disposal practices for waste glass are described in the WSU Safety Policies and Procedures Manual, Section S4.26. Pertinent disposal practices for hazardous chemical wastes are described in Appendix E of this manual. Also in this manual, required disposal practices for radioactive wastes are provided in Appendix J and applicable disposal practices for pathological/biohazardous waste materials are presented in Appendix H and Appendix I.