Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

HANDLING BROKEN FLUORESCENT LAMPS  
SOP-01

GROUNDSKEEPING, MAINTENANCE

Standard Operating Procedure: 
Background: Standard fluorescent lamps range in different sizes and shape and are constructed of a thin glass wall with a fluorescent coating of blended metallic salts and phosphors.  The pressure inside the lamps is kept at .3% of atmospheric pressure creating a vacuum when the glass is broken and a loud pop. The gasses inside the tube are a mixture of many inert gases that are used in light generation and mercury vapor.  This mercury vapor makes the lamp a hazardous waste when disposed of.  An intact bulb is considered Universal Waste, but a broken bulb is contaminated with mercury and must be disposed of as hazardous waste.  Maintenance 

Type of Hazard: 

• High Risk: Inhalation (Mercury vapors) 
• Low Risk: Injection, Ingestion (Glass Injury, mercury)  

Note: All precautions and care must be taken to ensure that fluorescent lamps are kept intact.  Always use safe processes to prevent bulbs from breaking.  
When a fluorescent lamp is accidentally broken there is potential for eye injury from the force of flying glass. When changing out lamps or working with lamps be sure to be wearing at minimum work gloves and a pair of safety glasses.

Preparation for cleanup:

• Proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) needed for this job are as follows: 
• Cut Resistant Gloves
• A properly worn N95 for dust 

Tools Needed:

• A broom and dustpan.
• Duct tape for picking up small particles.
• A small sealable waste receptacle. (i.e., Tupperware).  
• Damp disposable cleaning cloth
• Vacuuming should not be done unless glass is embedded in carpet.  If vacuuming must be done a HEPA collection bag must be used and the bag must be disposed of as Hazardous Waste

Procedure:

1. Once a fluorescent bulb is broken evacuate the space and shut off the ventilation if possible. After 10-15 minutes the mercury vapors would have dissipated enough to begin cleanup operations safely. 
2. Clean up large pieces of broken glass and metal parts of the broken bulb and place in sealed container. 
3. Use dry and wet cleaning methods to pick up all dust and broken glass not captured during other cleaning methods. 
4. Seal all glass inside container and dispose of as mercury contaminated hazardous waste.

HANDLING BIRD DROPPINGS AND DEBRIS SOP-02

GROUNDSKEEPING, MAINTENANCE

Standard Operating Procedure: Cleaning Bird Droppings

Background: Bird feces and other debris (i.e., Nesting materials, feathers, deceased animals) left from bird habitation and roosting areas can be a source of not only parasitic insects such as fleas or lice but also hazardous disease-causing organisms from bacterial to fungi. Known diseases caused by contact with bird droppings are cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis and psittacosis. Avian influenza can also be transmitted by contact with infected birds.

Type of Hazard:

High Risk: Inhalation  
Low Risk: Injection, Ingestion

Preparation:

Cordon off the area in which work is to be performed. Seek time for removal to coordinate with the absence of building inhabitants and students.

The proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) needed for this job is as follows:   
Disposable Non latex rubber gloves  
A properly worn N95 or KN95. Face mask for power washing of large amounts of debris.  
A disposable chemical resistant suit (i.e., Tyvek) if power washing.

Tools Needed:

A scraper and brush for removing the debris from the cement or other hard surface.  
A waste receptacle (I.e., trash bag ready for acceptance of waste) 
A 1 to 9 ratio of bleach to water or campus designated disinfectant in a clean pump sprayer.

Procedure:

Once PPE is worn the removal will start with spraying of the bleach-water mixture on the feces and let it sit for contact time. (5-10 minutes)

Once material has been soaked then proceed with scraping and disposal into ready trash bag. Ensure that if removal starts to produce dust or floating particles then stop and repeat the previous step. Once all bulk is removed and only staining remains clean normally with scrubbing or power washing off all surfaces.

Dispose of all contaminated materials. Bird droppings and debris can be disposed of in regular garbage outdoors. Do not dispose of waste in indoor garbage receptacles or trash compactor.

HANDLING RODENT DROPPINGS AND DEBRIS SOP-03

GROUNDSKEEPING, MAINTENANCE

Standard Operating Procedure: Cleaning Rodent droppings and debris

Background: Rodent feces and other debris (i.e., urine, bedding materials, deceased animals) left from rodent habitation and nesting areas can be a source of not only parasitic insects such as fleas or lice but also hazardous disease-causing organisms from bacteria to fungi. Known diseases caused by contact with rodent droppings are leptospirosis and salmonellosis. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) can also be transmitted by contact with infected rodent debris and dust (urine, droppings and saliva carry the virus).

Type of Hazard:

High Risk: Inhalation 
Low Risk: Injection, Ingestion

Preparation:

Cordon off the area in which work is to be performed. Let airborne particles settle while increasing ventilation to the area. (approximately 30 minutes wait time) 
The proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) needed for this job is as follows:  
Disposable Non latex rubber gloves 
A properly worn dust mask.

Tools Needed:

A scrubbing device to remove any hard to clean debris. 
A waste receptacle (I.e., trash bag ready for acceptance of waste) 
A 1 to 9 ratio of bleach to water or a designated disinfectant in a clean pump sprayer.

Procedure:

Don gloves and dust mask. 
Once PPE is in place the removal will start with spraying of the bleach-water mix or other disinfectant on the droppings and debris and let it sit for contact time. (5-10 minutes) 
Once the material has been soaked then proceed with collecting, scrubbing and disposal into ready trash bag. Ensure that if the removal starts to produce dust, then stop and repeat the previous step. 
Remove PPE and put it into trash bag. If the debris is heavy, double bag the material.  
Dispose of all contaminated materials. Rodent droppings and debris can be disposed of in regular garbage outdoors. Do not dispose of waste in indoor garbage receptacles or in a trash compactor. 
Wash Hands thoroughly or apply hand cleaner if washing facilities are not available.

Seattle Colleges SOP 

MOLD REMEDIATION (small area)

SOP-06

Departments most likely to utilize this SOP: GROUNDSKEEPING, MAINTENANCE

Standard Operating Procedure: Mold Remediation  

Background: Molds are multicellular fungi that break down organic matter.  Molds can be grown on any surface and only need moisture, organic material and oxygen.  Mold spores are everywhere due to how prolific and microscopic the spores are, so it is nearly impossible to eliminate the presence of mold indoors.  Molds produce allergens, irritants and some strains will produce a potentially toxic substance.  Inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.  

Type of Hazard: 
Highest Risk: Inhalation, Skin contact
Low Risk: Ingestion 
Pre-Preparation:
Assess the mold infestation, if mold is greater than 10ft2 then this should be considered a large job and in-house remediation is not advised.  A large amount of mold suggests a bigger problem than just surface mold and there may be mold in areas not visible. 
If the mold meets the size requirement for in-house remediation, then a person must be properly trained to remediate the mold and have proper PPE available to them.  The proper training is to finish the courses and reading material below. 
The EPA has produced a course on mold remediation, and it can be found here: 
Mold Course: Introduction | US EPA
Also, the properly trained employee must be familiar with the EPA section on schools this is found at 
Mold and Indoor Air Quality in Schools | US EPA
Once these courses have been completed then the employee is adequately trained in removing small areas of mold growth safely.  
Respirator Use 
If an employee is designated to remove mold, they must be properly fitted and evaluated for wearing a N95 respirator.   
Medical Evaluation must be completed but having the designated employee fill out an OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire and having it reviewed by a medical professional.  Any positive responses in Section 2 of the form must be given a follow-up exam. 
See Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire for further details. 
After an employee is cleared by a medical professional the employee must be given a fit test using the type of respirator that will be used for the mold removal operation. A fit test kit must be purchased for this by the Facility Department. 
Preparation: 
Cordon off the area in which work is to be performed. Seek time for removal to coordinate with the absence of building inhabitants and students. 
The proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) needed for this job is as follows: 
Disposable Non latex rubber gloves with arm protection. 
A properly worn and fit tested N95 respirator or full-face respirator with P100 filters. A PAPR with P100 filters would be acceptable.
Goggles/ Eye protection (no vents)
Tools Needed:
Basic Mold Removal: 
A hard durable brush for chemical application of chemical to mold.   
Seattle Colleges Safety Team Approved Biocide (RMR -141 is recommended)  
RMR-141 RTU Disinfectant | Kills 99.9% of Household Bacteria & Viruses – RMR Solutions, LLC
Clean water 
Dry towels or Rags
Procedure:
It is important before any mold remediation is started that the source of the moisture is eliminated.  Using dehumidifiers and fans will assist in drying the moist areas after the source of water has been eliminated.  Without elimination of the moisture source cleaning mold will not be effective as more molds will continue to grow in the area.  
Don PPE as recommended.  Ensure PPE is properly fitted and in good condition before use.  
Spray solution to mold area or apply using a brush (process is dependent on chemical used). Work solution into mold area with brush.  
Allow the chemical solution to sit for required contact time.  (Time for RMR – 141 is 10 minutes. For other products see product sheets for appropriate contact times)   
Once a chemical has been allowed to sit for the required contact time use a clean rag to wipe off excess chemicals and mold. (If the solution has dried completely, apply more of the solution and wipe away). 
Once mold and chemicals have been wiped away, apply clean water to rinse the affected area.  Ensure clean water is properly dried once the rinse has been completed.  
Continue to apply drying methods to the area until the area is completely dry. 
Dispose of all contaminated materials in an outdoor trash receptacle, do not leave indoors. 
Monitor location for regrowth of mold regularly to ensure mold has been remediated.  

Seattle Colleges SOP

Routine Cleaning of Deep Fat Fryers 
(Daily and Quarterly)
SOP-04

Departments most likely to utilize this SOP: Culinary

Background: Deep fat flyers are utilized in our culinary programs as they are part of a chef’s necessities to prepare meals.  Once the fryer oil becomes dirty and old it is necessary to replace it with fresh oil. During the use of a fryer there are residues that will continue to stick to the fryer and contaminate the new oil.  In the process of cleaning the fryer, it is important to utilize corrosives and high heat to ensure the cleanliness of the storage tank and the baskets.

Type of Hazards:

Highest Risk: Skin Contact (corrosive material, high heat burns)  

Low risk: Inhalation, Ingestion, injection

Daily Oil Replacement: (Low Hazard Risk)

Pre Preparation:

Before any employee or student changes the oil in a deep fryer they must be adequately trained and supervised the first few times they are changing the oil.

Tools and PPE Needed:

High Heat Gloves
Fine Mesh Skimmer 
Coveralls or Apron

Procedure:

Shut off the fryer and ensure the oil has cooled down sufficiently

Utilizing the automated filter machine, filter the oil two times, ensuring all the crumbs and debris leaves the fryer into the filter.  Utilize a fine mesh skimmer to assist in this process if needed.

Close the fryer drain and refill the tank with the filtered oil and fresh oil if needed.

Quarterly Boil Out: (Medium Hazard risk)

Pre Preparation:

Before any employee or student changes the oil in a deep fryer they must be adequately trained and supervised the first few times they are changing the oil.

Since this process involves using a corrosive substance it is important that the employee or student consults the SDS and has attended all applicable training (HazCom).

Tools and PPE Needed:

High Heat Chemical Resistant (rubberized) Gloves arm length.
Heat and Chemical Resistant 
Chemical resistant goggles and face shield.
Fine Mesh Skimmer or scraping tool
Low-foaming Cleaner/Degreaser
Commercial Boil-out tablets.  
Vinegar

Employees must consult the SDS for each chemical needed if they are not familiar with the chemical.

Procedure:

Notify employees and students (if present) that this process is occurring in the workspace.

Drain the tank and flush out scraps and sediment with a small amount of warm water using a dedicated tank brush. Ensure waste cooking oil is disposed of in accordance with local policies and law.

Using warm water, rinse out the tank once more to ensure the removal of all debris before cleaning.

Inspect and then don the required PPE.

Use a low-foaming cleaner and degreaser to begin cleaning the fry tank.  Lightly scrub and rinse.

Add approved fryer boil out product (Smart Tabs) to the tank and add water to the tank ensuring to not overfill the tank.

Boil the water with the chemical cleanser for at least 15 minutes.  Once cooled, drain into an appropriate container and dispose of the material safely.  

Rinse tank with acidic solution (vinegar) and water to neutralize basic cleaner residue. Bring solution to a light boil and let simmer for at least 10 minutes.  

Drain neutralization solution and rinse thoroughly with hot water. Properly dispose of solution.

Dry the tank and close the valve.