Hello

EHS was asked if we could provide a safety checklist for facilities when they need to fix clogged or malfunctioning lab vacuum lines. We have requirements for disinfectants and a filter for biologicals, and researchers have been taught the proper setup for vacuum flasks. But mistakes happen, and the copper lines sometimes get clogged by corrosion or debris. When discussing whether anyone has ever seen a safety checklist for vacuum lines, the conversation moved to whether the facility personnel should even be doing this type of work.

Two questions for the listserv: do the other universities or colleges have a safety checklist or equivalent for vacuum line repair/maintenance, and do you have your facilities personnel perform the repair/maintenance?