Lab Research Safety

All College of Agricultural Sciences Laboratories are required to follow the University's Laboratory and Research Safety Plan (.doc). The University developed the Laboratory and Research Safety Plan to promote the safety of employees, students and visitors working in laboratories and research areas. The plan provides guidelines for prudent practices and procedures for the safe management of chemicals and other hazards possible in the laboratory/research setting, and for work practices regarding equipment and personal protective equipment that are capable of protecting individuals from potential health hazards.

The Laboratory and Research Safety Plan is intended to be a central safety resource and hazard assessment for the laboratory or research area. The complete Safety Plan Binder needs to include the following:

1. Laboratory and Research Safety Plan
a. UNIT SPECIFIC PLAN
i. Certification of Agreement (needs re-signed every year)
ii. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
b. PERSONNEL LABORATORY AND RESEARCH SAFETY TRAINING RECORDS (by individual)
i. Initial
ii. Refresher
c. CHEMICAL INVENTORY (CHIMS) PRINTOUT (needs printed yearly)
d. LABORATORY AND RESEARCH SAFETY SELF-INSPECTION FORMS

2. Laboratory Waste Management Plan
a. SATELITE ACCUMULATION AREA WEEKLY INSPECTION FORM (AT LEAST 3 YEARS)

3. Laser Safety (if applicable)
a. EHS Laser Registration form
b. Training Documentation Form
c. Self-Inspection Form
d. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

4. Radiation Producing Equipment (if applicable)
a. EHS Equipment Registration form
b. Personnel Training Records
c. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

5. Rules and Procedures for use of Radioactive Material at The Pennsylvania State University (if applicable)

For more information, please see EHS's guideline on What Needs To Be On Paper In The Laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Principle Investigator / Supervisor Responsibilities
• Laboratory/ Research Safety Officer Responsibilities
• Lab Employee, Student, and Visiting Researcher Responsibilities

Laboratory Inspections

EHS and Departmental Safety Officers conduct Laboratory Inspections each spring to insure laboratories have up to date documentation, correct chemical labels, waste accumulation practices/disposal, lab signage, and a hazard free working environment.

Prior to the physical lab inspection, laboratories are required to complete a yearly self inspection form and return it to their respective department contact along with all training records from the past year.

After the lab inspection, the PI will be given an inspection report from EH&S indicating any issues that need corrected. The PI must then correct the issues, sign, and return the report to their Departmental Safety Officer.