Yet another UCLA lab update
The investigation concerning a UCLA laboratory fire that resulted in the death of staff research associate Sheharbano (Sheri) Sangji in December continues to unfold, drawing in occupational safety, laboratory, and even legal ties.
Last month UCLA paid more than $31,000 in fines levied against them by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) and then appealed the state regulator’s findings. The appeal was intended to show that UCLA admits no fault in connection with the findings, according to Kevin Reed, vice chancellor for legal affairs at UCLA.
However on Friday UCLA pulled a 180 and decided to withdraw its appeal, according to the Los Angeles Times. Reed told the Times on Monday that the appeal was not worth the “hue and cry” it had raised from family members and the union that represents Sangji.
However many more details remain unturned in this story such as exactly how much t-butyl lithium Sangji transferred at the time of the incident. Sangji’s family contends she made three transfers of 50 milliliters each or 1.7 ounces. The investigators report put the volume at 20 milliliters, and UCLA fire marshal’s report quoted professor Patrick Harran as saying Sangji was probably transferring 40 to 50 milliliters of the chemical.
However, Cal/OSHA chief Len Welsh has also pledged a “rigorous and effective” criminal investigation, according to the Times. Welsh left a voicemail for Sangji’s sister, Naveen explaining his intent.
“I can’t tell you what the results will be right now, but I can tell you we are reviewing everything from the very beginning of this inspection and we will take appropriate action,” Welsh said Thursday in the voice message which the Times obtained.
But Welsh also told the Times Cal/OSHA would not seek harsher civil penalties against UCLA as sought out by the family. The current investigation is intended to determine criminal liability.
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David LaHoda
David LaHoda, the managing editor of Medical Environment Update and OSHA Watch, has produced healthcare training videos and consulted for medical practices and ambulatory healthcare facilities.
David has written 187 posts.
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