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Signage and Labels

NEW! (3/23/2012)
Biohazard sign is no longer required and will be incorporated into the UVa Hazard Communication Sign

  • What is different?
    • The biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) door sign (below, left) has been discontinued and should not be posted.
    • The UVa Hazard Communication Sign (below, right) has been modified to incorporate language as indicated in the publication CDC/NIH Biosafety in the Microbiology and Biomedical Laboratory, 5th edition (BMBL).

The UVa Hazard Communication Sign is not intended to restrict access, but to communicate that biohazardous materials may be present in the laboratory.

University support staffs (Housekeeping, Facilities Management, Police, etc.) have been notified of the change, and have been trained to understand that when laboratory personnel are present, they should enter as instructed.

  • Why the change?
    • Updates to BMBL:
      • require that a biohazard sign be posted at the laboratory entry when biohazardous materials are present (previously stated when experiments are in progress).
      • allow consolidation of biohazard warning information into the existing UVa Hazard Communication Sign.
    • The former practice of sign "flipping" was confusing, burdensome, and inconsistently applied.
  • Questions? Call Environmental Health & Safety at 982-4911

Door Signs (UVa Hazard Communication Sign)

All laboratories including BSL-1 labs, tissue culture rooms, cold rooms, common equipment or autoclave rooms must have an UVa Hazard Communication Sign posted. This door sign will indicate what types of hazards (e.g. biological, radiological, or chemical) are found in the lab and will also have PI and emergency contact information.

 

When changes occur door signs should be updated as soon as possible!

To request new or updated UVa Hazard Communication Signs (free-of-charge!), contact Dwight Smith at dss2j@virginia.edu or 982-4911.

Biohazard Labels

All equipment and materials used to manipulate, store, or transport infectious material must be labeled with the universal "Biohazard" symbol. The label must be orange or red-orange with the biohazard symbol in a contrasting color. Contact EHS Biosafety for information on labels at 982-4911.