Informative door signs are an essential part in maintaining a safe and compliant laboratory. A door sign should inform entrants on the potential hazards within the space, proper PPE or specialized procedures required for entry, and emergency contact information. It is imperative that all laboratories have an updated door sign in order to assist emergency responders and Facilities Management personnel. Laboratories may create their own door sign or generate a door sign through SciShield. Door signs generated through SciShield are self-serviceable and can be printed and posted the same day. A detailed writeup can be found on the SciShield Knowledge Base under “How do I print a door sign for one of my spaces?”
Legacy door signs that satisfy the above requirements (such as the one pictured below) are still acceptable although a complete transition to SciShield door signs will occur in the future.
Please keep the following in mind when generating a door sign:
- Review you chemical inventory and risk assessments to determine which hazard pictograms should be selected
- Include current contact information and provide a phone number that is continuously monitored for emergencies. Please note that an office extension does not suffice for emergency contact unless it is continuously monitored
- Door signs should be posted on all doors leading into the laboratory
- Door signs should be updated regularly to reflect changes in personnel, research practices, and hazards contained within the laboratory.
- Depending on the research being conducted, some laboratories may require multiple door signs in addition to a general door sign. Additional door signs can include Laser Specific Door Signs, etc. Contact ESH for questions or for assistance with determination.
Contact UMBC ESH at esh@umbc.edu or (5-2918) for questions or for assistance with applying for a laboratory door sign.