Environmental Health & Safety
Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) can assist with safety equipment and resource needs, as well as related compliance and certification requirements that are critical during the Setup stage.
Principal Investigators are responsible for the workplace safety of everyone who works in their laboratory and, depending on research activities being conducted, specific training and expertise may be required. These specialty areas include, but are not limited to, chemical safety, radiation safety, biological safety, diving safety, and procurement of safety and protective equipment.
Roles
- The Chemical Hygiene Officer or Lab Safety Officer are responsible for managing and recording chemical inventory, responding to chemical spills, and preparing and implementing a chemical hygiene plan.
Plan/Act
- Use the , including the EH&S Design Standards Lab Safety Design Guide to determine if the proposed lab space is safety compliant.
- Review and complete the .
- Review sections of the , , , , and/or other as appropriate and implement necessary policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
- All research diving must adhere to the standards in the , divers must obtain medical clearance, and follow .
- Researchers and staff who have contact with animals must participate in the .
- Consult with EH&S when ordering chemical, biological or radioactive materials (see the 鈥淐hemical Procurement鈥� section of the appropriate safety manual).
- Work with your department research administrator or EH&S to identify and complete and document proof of completion.
- Communicate with EH&S as needed, prior to or during procurement, of some lab safety equipment that may be required, such as: , , , , , .
- Ensure that all personnel working in the lab uses appropriate .
- Review with lab staff and offer vaccinations and medical surveillance as appropriate.
Checklist
- Designate a Chemical Hygiene Officer or Lab Safety Officer who will be responsible for managing and recording chemical inventory, responding to chemical spills, and preparing and implementing a chemical hygiene plan.
- Develop a , including (SOPs) that address and procedures specific to the in your laboratory.
- Record chemical inventory in ; then print and post a .
- Review to verify that laboratory meets expectations.
- Develop a , offer hepatitis B vaccine to lab staff, and complete BBP training (if potential for exposure to infectious materials exists).