No food, drink, cosmetics, lotions, non-work-related plants or animals

The following statement is the accepted practice for food and drink items in campus laboratories and should be abided by at all times:

“There shall be no food, drink, smoking or applying cosmetics in laboratories which have radioactive materials, biohazardous materials or hazardous chemicals present. There shall be no storage, use or disposal of these ‘consumable’ items in laboratories (including refrigerators within laboratories). Rooms which are adjacent, but separated by floor to ceiling walls, and do not have any chemical, radioactive or biological agents present, may be used for food consumption, preparation, or applying cosmetics at the discretion of the principal investigator responsible for the areas.”

References:

  • BMBL 6th ed. HHS Publication No. (CDC) 300859
  • NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. April 2019. Appendix G-II-A-1-e. and C-1-d.
  • MSU Biosafety and Security Manual.
  • MSU Bloodborne Exposure Control Plan. Appendix C.
  • MSU Chemical Hygiene Plan 2.3
  • OSHA Standard 1910.1450 App A.

Corrective actions:

Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or manipulating contact lenses is not permitted in laboratories.

Food may be stored in cabinets or refrigerators outside the lab space if the area is separated from it by floor-to-ceiling walls and a door that remains closed. BSL-2 spaces require pressurization to ensure air does not flow from the lab into the eating/drinking space.  

Food and kitchen items used in the lab for research purposes must be labeled “Lab/research use only” or something that clearly indicates the item is not for use with food/for human consumption. 

  • Waterproof stickers may be requested through the Safety Portal.  

Lab Safety Inspections