Updates to Clearance to Work in Laboratories Procedure

The Clearance to Work in Laboratories Procedure outlines steps to ensure that U of A and contracted trades personnel are able to conduct work safely in a laboratory setting. The procedure includes a checklist that laboratory supervisors complete and post to verify that hazards in the space have been properly assessed and controlled before trades personnel enter to conduct their work.

The procedure has recently been updated to align with the existing U of A Facility Services Request process and to clarify roles and responsibilities for both laboratory and trades personnel where specialized maintenance or other services are required. 

The Clearance to Work in Laboratories Procedure must be used where service requests include the following:

• Work involving temperature & HVAC systems, lights and power, plumbing, specialized cleaning, lock & doors, structural concerns, leaks, patching, painting, flooring & ceiling, windows, or moving equipment (biosafety cabinet, etc.)
• Annual testing of equipment, including but not limited to fume hoods, eyewashes and emergency showers 
• Project/external contractor work

Key updates to the procedure include the following:

• Trades personnel must provide a service window to clients as determined by their internal processes.
• Clients must be available during the service window (in-person/phone) to validate entry for trades personnel.
• Trades must take a picture of the validated checklist and upload it to their Field Level Hazard Assessment in Site Docs.
• Once work is complete, the Clearance to Work Checklist must be removed from the door by either laboratory or trades personnel.

If you have any questions, please contact hse.info@ualberta.ca.