Reference No DHML_SS10_1.0_3.

0
Version No 1.0
Effective Date 04/2021
Review Due Date 04/2023
Pages Page 1 of 3
HOUSEKEEPING Prepared by Ashar Al Rabie
Approved by Dr. Ayman Al Jaru
1.Purpose and Scope:
1.1 Limiting housekeeping activities in the laboratories ensures everybody’s safety.
1.2 Reduce risks and protect the integrity of biological tests.
2.Policy Statement:
2.1 Housekeeping by non laboratory staff is restricted to the removal of non-hazardous waste, or
appropriately labeled and packaged hazardous waste and periodic cleaning of the floors, walls and
ceilings. A designated person in the laboratory should oversee lab housekeeping.
2.2 The laboratories technician is responsible for cleaning laboratory benches, equipments and area that
required specialized technical knowledge.
2.3 Laboratory housekeeping should be limited to lab staff and a designated person in the laboratory should
oversee lab housekeeping. Cleaning up is an integral part of laboratory safety and it is very difficult for
someone else to do safely.
3.Definitions:
3.1 A housekeeper: Is a person responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of premises.
4.Procedure and Responsibility:
4.1 Keep the laboratory neat and free of clutter. Surfaces should be clean and free of infrequently used
chemicals, glassware and equipment. Access to sinks, eyewashes, emergency showers and fire
extinguishers must not be blocked.
4.2 Provide a workplace that is free of physical hazards. Aisles and corridors should be free of tripping
hazards. Attention should be paid to electrical safety, especially as it relates to the use of extension
cords, proper grounding of equipment, and avoidance of overloaded electrical circuits and avoidance of
the creation of electrical hazards in wet areas.
4.3 The housekeeper is responsible to understand how to use the disinfectant and the proper dilution
factor.
4.4 Remove unnecessary items from floors, under benches or in corners.
4.5 Never use fume hoods for storage of chemicals or other materials.
4.6 Keep bulk chemicals stored in cabinets or designated storage rooms. Only obtain an amount to keep
your test going, like a one day supply.
4.7 Keep the lids on chemical containers used. This sounds obvious but it will effectively reduce the
possibility of a spill and reduce any fumes released into lab.
4.8 Do not leave anything on the floor where it is liable to impede the free passage of others. Exits, corridors
and access to safety equipment (such as eyewash equipment) should be kept free from obstruction.
4.9 Personal protective equipment must be provided to the housekeeping, as necessary.
4.10 Properly dispose of chemicals and wastes. Old and unused chemicals should be disposed of promptly
and properly. Follow Laboratory Safety Officer Policies.
4.11 All syringe needles are to be treated as sharps. Therefore, discard all needles into an approved
biohazard sharps container.
4.12 Reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls by cleaning up liquid or solid spills immediately, keeping doors
and drawers closed.
4.13 Clothing should be hung in proper locations and not draped over equipment or benches.
4.14 Less commonly used equipment should be kept in storage.
4.15 Do not store chemical containers on the floor.
4.16 Do not store excess cardboard boxes, equipment boxes, Styrofoam, etc. under lab benches, on shelves,
or above shelves/cabinets throughout the lab. This can be fire hazard.
4.17 Do not allow dirty glassware to accumulate in the sink. Clean your glassware regularly.

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 Reference No DHML_SS10_1.0_3.0
Version No 1.0
Effective Date 04/2021
Review Due Date 04/2023
Pages Page 2 of 3
HOUSEKEEPING Prepared by Ashar Al Rabie
Approved by Dr. Ayman Al Jaru
4.18 Notice if there are enough waste containers and in case they are full they have to be removed.

5. Tools/Attachments Documents:
N/A

6. References:
6.1 UCI Biosafety Handbook, http://www.ehs.uci.edu/programs/biosafety/BiosafetyManual.pdf
6.2 http://www.microlab.ucla.edu/EmergencySafety/safetytutorial/house.htm
6.3 http://www.louisville.edu/admin/dehs/LSM/general.htm
6.4 Toronto Medical Laboratories \ Mount Sinai Hospital, http://www.mountsinai.on.ca

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 Reference No DHML_SS10_1.0_3.0
Version No 1.0
Effective Date 04/2021
Review Due Date 04/2023
Pages Page 3 of 3
HOUSEKEEPING Prepared by Ashar Al Rabie
Approved by Dr. Ayman Al Jaru

AUTHOROZATION FORM
Prepared By: Signature
Name Ashar Al Rabie
Designation Quality Control Manager

Date 04-09-2014
Reviewed and Approved By: Signature
Name Dr. Ayman Al Jaru
Designation Laboratory Director

Date 28-09-2014

REVISION HISTORY
Change
Revision No. Revision Date Revised by Version No. Approved by
(Yes/No)
1.0 01-10-2016 Ashar Al Rabie 1.0 No Dr. Ayman Al Jaru

2.0 10/2018 Ashar Al Rabie 1.0 No Dr. Ayman Al Jaru

3.0 04/2021 Ashar Al Rabie 1.0 No Dr. Ayman Al Jaru

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