General Laboratory Safety Training

The Laboratory Safety Program supports departmental efforts to protect employees and students from injury, and to meet regulatory and industry standards. We work closely with academic, research, and campus support organizations to ensure the safest workplace possible. Laboratory related support includes laboratory safety equipment testing, fume hood testing, laboratory surveys, chemical inventory services, safety reviews, incident investigations, spill responses, and assistance with implementing laboratory safety regulations and standards. Laboratory safety applies to all employees or students who work in laboratories or work areas that use or store hazardous chemicals. Employees are expected to use work practices developed in accordance with this program to prevent harmful exposure or injury while using hazardous chemicals.

Why “Laboratory Safety Training” Matters:

Laboratories have a variety of safety and health hazards. You need to understand each hazard and take proper precautions to protect yourself and your coworkers at all times. Laboratories play a vital role in many companies. They enable businesses to search for, develop, and improve a wide variety of products and to expand and fine-tune scientific knowledge. It’s important for lab workers to protect themselves from dangerous exposure without limiting their ability to make productive use of chemicals. Physical hazards include fire, explosion, and reactivity with other substances. These hazards become realities when a chemical is used or stored improperly, exposing it to circumstances that could cause it to burn, explode, etc.

Key Points:

• Conduct a risk assessment for each lab protocol you perform to determine the hazards you face;
• Select appropriate safety measures, such as engineering controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), and work practices to eliminate or minimize risks;
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment at all times; and
• Be prepared to handle lab emergencies swiftly and effectively.