Lab Research Safety

UCSC is committed to providing a safe laboratory environment for its faculty, staff, students and visitors. The goal of the Lab Research Safety Program is to minimize the risk of injury or illness to laboratory workers by ensuring that they have the training, information, support and equipment needed to work safely in the laboratory.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) promulgated a regulation entitled Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, otherwise known as the Laboratory Standard. The goal of the Lab Standard is to ensure that laboratory workers are informed about the hazards of chemicals in their workplace and are protected from chemical exposures exceeding allowable levels (e.g., OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits).

All individuals who work with hazardous chemicals in science and engineering laboratories are obligated to comply with the Lab Standard. Work with chemicals outside of laboratories is covered by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. For more information about how a particular department complies with the Laboratory Standard, see the departmental Chemical Hygiene Plan.

OSHA's Laboratory Standard

Read the classic reference Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals free online at National Academy Press

American Industrial Hygiene Association page of laboratory safety incidents

Laboratory Safety Institute

Laboratory safety information at Interactive Learning Paradigms, Inc.

Laboratory Safety Committee of the Campus Safety, Health and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA)