The Laboratory Safety Program establishes institutional requirements for the safe operation and lifecycle management of laboratory facilities while providing foundational laboratory safety training for personnel working within laboratory environments. EHS supports regulatory compliance by providing the framework for verifying that laboratory safety infrastructure remains functional throughout the operational lifecycle and by promoting safe work practices through education and training.
The program applies to all teaching, research, and support laboratories operated by the University, as well as faculty, staff, students, facilities personnel, and other individuals whose responsibilities require entry into laboratory environments. EHS assumes responsibility for laboratory oversight once laboratory spaces are placed into operational service and maintains oversight throughout its lifecycle. Program activities include initial operational laboratory assessments, periodic laboratory inspections, laboratory safety training, and coordination with Physical Plant and institutional committees regarding laboratory modifications that affect its infrastructure. These activities may occur throughout the laboratory lifecycle, including operational turnover, modification or repurposing, decommissioning, and laboratory closeout.
Departments, laboratory manager, and/or Principal Investigator is responsible for development of lab specific Standard Operating Procedures, certification and testing of laboratory equipment. These activities must address the specific hazards associated with laboratory activities and be developed in accordance with applicable University policies, regulatory requirements, and EHS guidance.
Additional resources, including laboratory safety training, guidance documents, inspection checklists, lifecycle management resources, and program information, are available through the links provided on this page.
