Are there special considerations for unattended operations in the laboratory?
Yes, every laboratory group that might leave an experiment running unattended should develop a written lab procedure entitled “Unattended Operations”. ES provides a sample template to use for this documentation on our website under Compliance Support > Forms. Download and print the pdf at: http://www.uvm.edu/~esf/assets/UnattendedOperations.pdf Recommendations for Unattended Operations include leaving lab lights on, placing an appropriate sign on the door, and providing for containment of hazardous substances in the event of failure of a utility service (such as electricity). Also review “Prudent Practices in the Laboratory” by the National Research Council, pg 230, at http://www.nap.
