Research Safety
Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) is committed to providing a safe laboratory work environment for its faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To provide a safe laboratory work environment, the goal of the Research Safety Program is to minimize the risk of injury or illness to laboratory personnel by ensuring that they have the training, information, support, and equipment needed to work safely in the laboratory.
Laboratory operations involve the use of hazardous chemicals and equipment, which may pose health hazards and physical hazards to laboratory personnel. These hazards can be managed or minimized through appropriate facilities, protocols, and knowledgeable personnel: the foundations of practicing safe work practices.
Regulations that address these issues, such as the Lab(oratory) Standard created by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are intended to formalize existing protocols and training practices. All individuals who work with hazardous materials in science laboratories are obligated to comply with the Lab Standard. Work with hazardous materials outside of laboratories is covered by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. All faculty, staff, and lab personnel have responsibilities to ensure a safe work environment for research.
The information below is provided to aid in safe work practices at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB).