Laboratory Safety Program

Purpose

This University Laboratory Safety Program (LSP) establishes a comprehensive framework for conducting laboratory activities safely and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including the OSHA Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) and Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

The LSP establishes requirements for hazard identification, standard operating procedures (SOPs), engineering and administrative controls, task-specific personal protective equipment (PPE), training, and emergency preparedness. Its purpose is to protect faculty, staff, students, visitors, contractors, and other authorized laboratory personnel while promoting a culture of safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.

Scope

The LSP applies to all University-owned, leased, or operated locations where laboratory activities or laboratory hazards are present. This includes teaching and research laboratories, support and preparation areas, chemical storage areas, instrument and analytical laboratories, art and design studios, photography and printmaking facilities, theater and performing arts shops, maintenance and technical shops, makerspaces, and other areas where hazardous chemicals or laboratory hazards are used, stored, or managed.

Relationship with Other EHS Programs

This LSP establishes the University’s general laboratory safety requirements and is intended to be used in conjunction with applicable specialized Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) programs. These programs include:

• Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) – Requirements for the safe use, handling, storage, labeling, procurement, and disposal of hazardous chemicals.
• Biosafety Plan – Requirements for work involving biological materials, biohazardous agents, recombinant DNA, bloodborne pathogens, and other biological hazards.
• Radiation Safety Program – Requirements for radioactive materials, radiation-producing devices, and ionizing radiation.
• Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) – University-wide emergency response procedures applicable to laboratory operations.
• Hazardous Waste Management Program – Requirements for identification, accumulation, storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous laboratory waste.
• Cryogenic Materials Safety Program – Requirements for the safe handling, storage, transportation, and use of cryogenic materials.
• Compressed Gas Safety Program – Requirements for the safe handling, storage, transportation, and use of compressed gas cylinders.
• Respiratory Protection Program – Requirements for evaluating respiratory hazards and selecting, using, maintaining, and fitting respiratory protective equipment.

Objectives

The LSP establishes the following core laboratory safety objectives:

• Ensure required general and laboratory-specific safety training is completed before personnel begin laboratory work.
• Maintain accessible and operational emergency safety equipment, including eyewash stations and safety showers.
• Develop, review, and maintain laboratory SOPs appropriate to the hazards and activities performed.
• Maintain appropriate exposure-related medical surveillance and records when required.
• Maintain an active Laboratory Safety Committee to periodically review the effectiveness of the LSP and University laboratory safety practices.
• Implement University safety requirements that may exceed minimum regulatory requirements when necessary to protect the University community.

Institutional Commitment

The University is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for individuals working, learning, and conducting research in laboratory settings.

Plan Review and Availability

The LSP will be reviewed at least annually by the Laboratory Safety Committee to evaluate its effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement. Revisions will be documented and the current version maintained by the University.

Physical copies are maintained at designated campus locations, including:

A complete version of the University Laboratory Safety Program is available to download as a PDF. The full LSP contains detailed requirements, procedures, responsibilities, and supporting information.