University of Rochester


Environmental Health & Safety
Occupational Safety Unit
Safety in Laboratories



Do you work in a lab?

Many of our research personnel have advanced degrees in the biological sciences and are experts in their research field / test methods.  However, many of the researchers may not be aware of the physical and health hazards of the chemicals.  For example:

The Occupational Safety (OS) Unit recommends researchers review the precautions for the safe handling of chemicals and physical hazards posted at http://www.safety.rochester.edu/ih/ihalphaindex.html.   Additional safety precautions can be found on Environmental Health & Safety’s website at http://www.safety.rochester.edu/ih/ihalphaindex.html.   Read them, discuss them with your lab mates, bookmark them and implement the recommendations listed.  If you implement these practices and those listed in the University’s Chemical Hygiene Program, http://www.safety.rochester.edu/ih/chp/chpindex.html, your lab should be in good shape.  Don’t forget the required annual training for lab personnel at http://www.safety.rochester.edu/ih/ihlabhome.html.

Occupational Safety’s Laboratory Inspection Program is another way to ensure a high level of safety in labs.  By looking at the physical conditions in a lab and checking the training lab personnel receive, especially new staff members, a higher level of safety can be maintained in your lab.  It also gives you the opportunity to ask questions about the safe handling of chemicals.


QUESTIONS or COMMENTS?
Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.

This page last updated 3/22/2013. Disclaimer.