EH&S provides these guidance documents below for extreme hazard chemicals and/or in response to commonly requested guidance. It is the responsibility of every laboratory member and principal investigator to ensure operations in their laboratories are performed safely and to ensure the safety of themselves and others within the laboratory.
Chemical Safety & Laboratory Safety
The Chemical Safety and Laboratory Compliance unit (Chem Safety) is committed to providing ongoing support for the campus and its researchers to ensure that all labs and facilities throughout campus meet all regulatory requirements while minimizing the impact that new or changing regulations might have on labs. We work with labs to ensure they can operate in the safest and efficient way possible.
In our thriving and leading-edge research university, we see every variation of chemicals get used and have to account for the significant amount of hazards that come with it. Chem Safety works to ensure that all of these hazardous materials can be accounted for and that they get safely stored and used by all research and faculty members. We also help the facilities properly accumulate the hazardous waste that is generated from these activities, and make sure it meets the requirements and regulations for its eventual disposal through our Hazardous Waste Management group.
We support safe and compliant workplaces by offering numerous workplace safety training, lab safety training, hazardous waste generator training, chemical safety inspections, and maintenance of the chemical inventory system. Our resources and services are aimed at helping researchers maintain the highest level of both knowledge and safety.
Lab Audits
Once a year, all laboratories that use chemicals will be subject to a safety audit. A representative from EH&S will contact the laboratory proctor or Principal Investigator (PI) in advance to coordinate this inspection.
Fume Hood Inspections
Fume hood air velocity will be measured and the EH&S hood certification card will be noted certifying when it has been inspected. If an issue arises during the inspection, Facilities Management will be automatically notified of this. This audit is handled automatically by EH&S staff, no action is required for laboratory personnel.
Respirator Fit Test
If you are under a respiratory protection program you are required to have the fit of your respirator checked and approved by EH&S. Once per year (or on the acquisition of a new respirator, or change of facial hair), you will bring your respirator to EH&S where we will test its fit.
Learn More About Disposal Guidance