Lab/Shop/Studio Overview
Safety in the lab is everyone's responsibility.
- Lab personnel are responsible for understanding the information in the lab hazard assessment and wearing the appropriate PPE.
- Lab supervisors, Instructors, and PI's are responsible for insuring a hazard assessment has been done for their area, providing effective safety controls, and training personnel on these hazards and safety controls.
- Departments are responsible for safety and accountability of all personnel in the department.
- For a more detailed breakdown of safety responsibilities review the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Requirements
Training:
- Chemical Safety Training: Online (REQUIRED ANNUALLY for ALL LABORATORY EMPLOYEES)
- Includes Hazard Communication, General Lab Safety, and Hazardous Waste Management
- Training records kept by EHS
- Department specific training : as applicable
- Training records kept by dept
- Lab specific content: Should include topics described Lab Safety Orientation Checklist guidance document and the Lab Hazard and PPE Assessment. These documents should be personalized to accurately reflect the type of work and hazard present in a laboratory.
- Training records kept by lab
- Equipment Specific training as needed i.e. autoclave training.
- Training records kept by department or laboratory
Documents:
The following documents must be accessible to all persons working in laboratory spaces.
- General Safety Documents, Forms, and Policies
- Chemical Hygiene Plan
- Chemical Safety Data Sheets (CHIMERA or physical copies)
- Lab Hazard and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Assessment
- University Accident and Injury Reporting Form
- Exposure and Spill Response Posters
Additional Documents:
The following documents may be relevant to your laboratory depending on the specific hazards.
- Biomedical Waste Treatment Plan
- Biosafety Manual
- Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Exposure Control Plan
- BSL-2 Biohazard Sign
- Radiation Safety Manual
-
File
WWU Lab Decommissioning Toolkit.pdf (315.94 KB) - Peroxide Forming Chemicals Procedures
Safety Surveys
EHS partners with Academic and Research laboratories to conduct periodic safety surveys in labs, shops, and studios. Included are any academic, laboratories, studios, shops, and areas where hazardous materials/equipment are used or hazardous processes are performed. Our Safety Survey Program provides an "outside" set of eyes to look over routine or new activities as well as the safety controls used to help minimize risk at the university. The Safer we all are the Happier we are!
Shipping Hazardous Materials:
EHS can advise you on proper shipping of hazardous materials and dangerous goods. Please contact ehs@wwu.edu for advice and contact Mail Services to arrange shipment.
CHIMERA
CHIMERA is a software system that Western utilizes for chemical inventorying. Head to CHIMERA: Links, Instructions, and FAQ.
Contact Information
For questions regarding laboratory set up or laboratory safety please contact your department safety coordinator or EHS.