Laboratory Safety

Overview

The mission of the USF Laboratory Safety Program is to assist laboratories, shops, and art studios in maintaining safe and compliant operations by advising and training on applicable federal, state, and local regulations, the USF Chemical Hygiene Plan, and best practices.

SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE INSPECTIONS

EH&S Laboratory Safety Specialists conduct annual inspections of research and teaching laboratories, academic shops, and art studios. Each supervisor receives a written summary of any deficiencies found and how to correct them. The Chemical Hygiene Plan (.pdf) and Lab Safety Quick Reference Guide (.pdf) offer guidelines for a safe and compliant working and learning environment.

TRAINING

Lab personnel must complete EH&S Laboratory and Research Safety Training every year. See the EH&S Training page for more information and to register for training courses. Additional training is required when laboratories use recombinant DNA, infectious agents, select agents, biological toxins, lasers, X-rays, radioisotopes, and/or radiation-producing machines.  See the RIC Training page for more information. Safety training must also be provided by the supervisor on research-specific topics before work begins.

CHEMATIX CHEMICAL INVENTORY/WASTE TRACKING SYSTEM

CHEMATIX is a comprehensive online chemical inventory control system providing real-time chemical inventory information to users and emergency responders, and facilitates efficient and compliant disposal of chemical waste. To obtain access to HITS, complete the CHEMATIX Access Request Form.  To learn more about CHEMATIX complete CHEMATIX User Training.