Lab Supervisors

Principal investigators (PIs), lab managers and others assigned supervisory responsibilities are considered Lab Supervisors. Lab Supervisors bear responsibility for the Environmental and Safety programs in their labs and for ensuring that all individuals working in their laboratory have the materials and training needed to work safely.

All lab supervisors are required to receive Lab Supervisor Training - a one-on-one briefing provided by EHS. Contact Robin Izzo at 258-6259 to schedule a briefing.

The following materials may be helpful:

Lab Management

• Training for Laboratory Workers - it is the Lab Supervisor's responsibility to ensure that all lab workers have received appropriate training.
• Review your department's Chemical Hygiene Plan and know who the Chemical Hygiene Officer is for your department.
• Consider scheduling regular self-inspections of laboratory safety in your lab. See Inspections for checklists and additional information.
• Ensure your laboratory collects, stores and disposes of waste materials in accordance with University procedures.
• Promote pollution prevention, waste minimization and energy conservation in your lab. Tell EHS about your successes.
• Contact EHS if you need assistance shipping hazardous materials.
• Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to work (paid or unpaid) in the lab. If you are considering hosting a high school student (ages 16 or 17), follow the procedures for High School Students in the Lab.
• Ensure everyone in the lab follows the Laboratory Security Policy.
• If you are considering a procedure that involves unusual or high hazards, such as high voltage, high pressure, etc., contact EHS for consultation. As needed, EHS will organize a review team to assist with planning for safety.
• Consider appointing a Lab Manager to assist with supervisory issues, coordinate waste disposal, oversee training, etc. Contact Robin Izzo at 258-6259 to request Lab Supervisor Training for this individual or group.

Preparedness

• Emergency Procedures - Lab Emergency Procedures Guides should be posted in each laboratory. Contact Robin Izzo for a copy. Also be sure to have calcium gluconate gel on hand if hydrofluoric acid is used and polyethylene glycol if phenol is used in the lab.
• Emergency Information Posters - must be completed and affixed to the entrance to each lab.
• Spill Kits - be sure to have spill control materials available for the chemicals used in the lab, including special materials for mercury or hydrofluoric acid.
• Fire Extinguishers - contact Bob Gregory at 258-6805 to request a new or replacement extinguisher. Be sure that you have the appropriate extinguisher for the materials in your lab (e.g., CO2 extinguishers in laser labs, Class D extinguishers for water-reactive metals, etc.).

Materials and Infrastructure

• Check whether your lab will use Particularly Hazardous Substances. If so, ensure that all laboratory workers expected to use these materials understand the hazards by having them complete an approval form.
• If your lab is planning on using biological materials or toxins on the Centers for Disease Control Select Agent List, contact EHS immediately.
• If you are planning to use radioactive materials, contact Sue Dupre, Radiation Safety Officer, for authorization.
• If planning to use live viruses, contact Don Robasser to begin the approval process.
• Consider the need for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. If systems other than the small units used for computer backup are needed, contact Facilities-Engineering (258-5475) for assistance in selecting and maintaining the system.
• For labs in E-Quad, any changes to building infrastructure or utilities must be approved by completing and submitting the Facilities Modification Form.