Cleaning materials, housekeeping, prevention

Housekeeping is the routine care and cleaning that needs to be acted on daily in order for a facility to function safety and properly. In Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.38 (b) (3), it states that the employer shall control accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials and residues so that they do not contribute to a fire emergency. Additionally, housekeeping procedures shall be included in the written fire prevention plan. Additionally, 29 CFR 1926.25 similarly states the need for housekeeping activities at construction locations. Common injuries due to poor housekeeping include slips, trips, and falls. 

Other types of materials stored around and/or on top of the cabinets must adhere to general housekeeping requirements under 1910.22(a), and 1910.106(e)(9) which will tend to control leakage and prevent the accidental escape of flammable liquids. All spills must be cleaned up promptly. 

Good housekeeping Keeping your working area clean, neat, and free of extraneous materials and equipment can help prevent spills. Do not store chemicals on the floor where they might be broken as someone trips over them. Always return chemicals to their proper storage place. Minimize the number of chemicals in your laboratory space. You should not store heavy objects over your experiments or chemicals. 

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