An institution’s commitment to provide a safe and healthy work environment, and protect the natural environment creates particular requirements for investigators in research laboratories. There are chemicals, biological materials, animals, and radioactive materials housed and used in labs that can pose hazards to health and the environment. The proper management of these hazards is not only good lab management; it is also a regulatory and institutional requirement.
Regulations governing the environment, health, and safety are promulgated at the federal, state, and local level. In addition to regulations, research activities involving hazardous materials are subject to a broad range of mandatory guidelines, institutional policies, and related requirements. Oversight to and assistance with these requirements is provided by various different resources.
The Environmental Health and Safety Offices (EH&S) often provide a chemical waste management system, a safety policies and procedures manual, extensive training programs, fact sheets, laboratory safety manual templates, safety standard operating procedures, a biosafety manual template and bloodborne pathogen exposure control plan templates, as well as other resources and tools.
Biological agents used in research are overseen by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). The IBC is typically a Presidential Committee reporting through the Vice Provost for Research. Work with recombinant DNA, infectious or biohazardous agents require special review and approval by the IBC prior to the initiation of research. Use of animals in research is overseen by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Work with animals requires special review and approval by the IACUC. Assistance with these requirements are usually available through the Office of the Campus Veterinarian.
Radioactive materials used in research are overseen by the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) and Radiation Safety Office (RSO) or EH&S. Work with radioactive isotopes or radiation producing equipment or machines must be reviewed and approved by the RSC.
In the research environment, the investigator is in a critical position to understand the operation and equipment involved, the material and methods used, and therefore, the potential risks associated with the work being done. Importantly, the investigator’s attitude toward health and safety will contribute significantly to both the institution’s commitment and to the education of students regarding the conduct of research.
Think Safety. Act Safely!