Menu

Policy on the Safe Use of Personal Electronic Devices in the Laboratory

Last updated on April 22, 2021 3 min read Policy on the Safe Use of Personal Electronic Devices in the Laboratory

I. Purpose

Boston University (BU) is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for faculty, lab personnel, staff, students, and affiliates, and to foster a culture of safety among users of all campus facilities. In the course of conducting BU laboratory activities, individuals may require the use of personal electronic devices. Although they can serve as a valuable tool. They may also be a source of dangerous distraction as well as contamination when working with hazardous materials if specific protocols and guidelines are not followed.

The purpose of this Policy is to set forth best practices for the use of personal electronic devices when engaged in laboratory activities in which there is a reasonable risk of exposure to hazardous material.

II. Scope

This Policy applies to all Principal Investigators (PI), Research Core Directors (RCD), Instructors/Lecturers under the auspices of Boston University. This policy also applies to research laboratory personnel or personnel in related facility at or under the jurisdiction of Boston Medical Center (BMC) performing research in a laboratory environment.

III. Definitions

Contamination: Presence of microbial forms and chemicals on devices, instruments or work surfaces. Microbial forms can be pathogenic or non-pathogenic.

Hazardous: Pertaining to biological origin, defined as infectious micro-organisms that can cause disease in humans. Pertaining to chemical origin means any chemical that is classified as a health hazard or simple asphyxiant in accordance with the Hazard Communication Standard (§1910.1200).

Personal Electronic Devices: Personal electronic devices are pieces of equipment that are not owned by BU and/or kept in the laboratories, and are typically brought to and from the labs by faculty, lab personnel, student or staff member. These devices are manipulated with hands and often used close to the face. Personal electronic devices with restricted use guidelines include but are not limited to: smart phones, mobile phones, iPads/tablets, digital electronic music players, headphones/earbuds, electronic book readers, recording/playback devices, and other personal or research-related electronics.

IV. Responsible Parties

The Laboratory Safety Committee (LSC) is responsible for:

  • The oversight of laboratory activities and establishing appropriate health and safety policies and guidance to comply with federal, state and local regulations and guidelines.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for:

  • Developing policies related to safe practices in the laboratory;
  • Developing and providing general safety training and risk assessment;
  • Advising on best practices for the safe use of personal electronics in the laboratory;
  • Conducting risk assessments and reviews to confirm that required policies and procedures are followed;
  • Conduct incident and accident investigations.

Principal Investigators (PI), Research Core Directors (RCD), and Instructors/Lecturers are responsible for:

  • The safety of faculty, staff, students, affiliates who perform activities under their direction to enforce restrictions and provide information on the risks associated with the use of personal electronic devices while working in the laboratory;
  • The development of lab-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) to address the safe use of personal electronics in the laboratory;
  • Training of lab personnel to ensure adherence to appropriate procedures.

Laboratory personnel are responsible for:

  • Adhering to the policy and the SOP developed and implemented by the laboratory to address the safe use of personal electronic devices.

V. Recommendations

It is recommended that all laboratory personnel develop and maintain SOPs for the safe use of personal electronics in the lab, in consultation with Principal Investigators (PI), Research Core Directors (RCD), Instructors/Lecturers, in collaboration with EHS. In addition, the adherence to departmental policies and other relevant guidance is also recommended.

VI. Restrictions

The aforementioned best practices should be followed, however the use of personal electronic devices should not be allowed in the following situations:

  • Any time chemicals, hazardous materials, or biohazardous materials are used in the laboratory. Biohazardous materials include but are not limited to blood and blood products, test reagents, microbiological cultures, and any primary specimen;
  • Working in an environment where toxic, corrosive, and/or other hazardous chemicals are used;
  • While wearing gloves, regardless if gloves have touched any item that may be contaminated with potentially infectious material;
  • In any situation where use of device would create a potential safety hazard due to distraction of user or other staff and students in laboratory.

Boston University Chemical Hygiene Plan

Boston University Highly Hazardous Chemicals Program Guidance Document

Boston University Biosafety Manual

Boston University EHS COVID-19 Resources

Occupational Health and Safety Administration- Hazard Communication

VIII. Version History

March 9, 2021

Information For...

Back to Top