Apr . 15, 2024 15:12 Back to list

NOTHING IS COOLER THAN A SAFE COLD ROOM

A cold room is an environmental room designed to control temperature as low as 35°F. Cold rooms are mainly used for storage of biological/chemical materials and reagents but can also be used for general chemistry and biological experiments. They have closed air circulation environments and recirculation of most of the air, which can create the potential for retained aerosols formed during research procedures. This may cause cross-contamination of research projects and personal exposures. It is important to keep cold rooms as clean as possible. Below are some Do's and Don'ts for cold room best practices. 

Do's 

  • Perform a visual inspection 
  • Keep doors closed 
  • Have a point of contact list posted on the outside door 
  • Routinely check the door seals and gaskets for tears, gaps and other damage  
  • Ensure that emergency release mechanisms work 
  • Check for leaks or drips from plumbing 
  • Wear shoes with no-slip soles 
  • Dress appropriately by layering clothing 
  • Consider wearing insulated gloves when working in the cold room for long periods of time 
  • Take a 10-minute break every 50 minutes when working inside the cold room 
  • Let others know you're working inside 
  • Clean up all spills immediately 
  • Wipe down surfaces prior to leaving  
  • Clean mold immediately and notify the point of contact for the cold room (1:10 dilution mixture of household bleach or 70% ethanol for metal surfaces to avoid pitting) 
  • Use stir plates (without heat)  
  • Check that outlets have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)  
  • Follow an established cleaning schedule every (6 months at a minimum) 

 

Blast Cold Room

 
Don'ts 

  • Obstruct the door 
  • Prop the door open 
  • Work alone (let a coworker know) 
  • Use hot plates, as they can alter the temperature of the cold room 
  • Use extension cords for equipment (electrical hazard)  
  • Store compressed gas, dry ice or liquid nitrogen (asphyxiation and explosive hazard) 
  • Store flammables, corrosives, oxidizers, peroxide formers (lack of ventilation)  
  • Store food, drink, cardboard or other paper products (promotes mold growth)  
  • Keep a trashcan in the cold room (promotes mold growth) 

 

Following these steps helps maintain a safe work environment for both the researchers and everyone around them. Typical cold room environments are very conducive for mold growth and mold can get out of hand if not addressed in a timely manner. Laboratories are responsible for maintaining cold room items, cleaning up spills and mold, and reporting maintenance issues.

 

The Division of Occupational Health and Safety is available to answer your questions. Our Safety Specialists are assigned by Institute/Center.



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