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 UWF Design Standards, including the EH&S Design Standards Lab Safety Design Guide to determine if the proposed lab space is safety compliant.
• Review and complete the Move In Checklist in Section 10 of the UW laboratory Safety Manual.
• Review sections of the Laboratory Safety Manual, Biosafety Manual, Field Operations Safety Manual, Radiation Safety Manual, and/or other safety manuals as appropriate and implement necessary policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
• All research diving must adhere to the standards in the Diving Safety Manual, divers must obtain medical clearance, and follow Diving Safety Program guidance.
• Researchers and staff who have contact with animals must participate in the Animal Use Medical Screening Program.
• Consult with EH&S when ordering chemical, biological or radioactive materials (see the “Chemical Procurement” section of the appropriate safety manual).
• Work with your department research administrator or EH&S to identify and complete required training courses 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: Fume hood, Biological safety cabinet, Eyewash and shower, Chemical spill kit, Mercury spill kit, First aid kit.
• Ensure that all personnel working in the lab uses appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Review Occupational Health Recommendation 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 Chemical Hygiene Plan, including standard operating procedures (SOPs) that address spill and exposure response procedures specific to the hazards in your laboratory.
• Record chemical inventory in MyChem; then print and post a caution sign.
• Review survey and inspection checklists to verify that laboratory meets expectations.
• Develop a Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Exposure Control Plan, offer hepatitis B vaccine to lab staff, and complete BBP training (if potential for exposure to infectious materials exists).