Safety
The William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is committed to the highest level of research quality, especially as it relates to safety while conducting research activities. Our researchers and students are expected to take ownership of safety issues and to periodically ensure that all appropriate documentation and training are accurate and up-to-date and to maintain the safest possible work environment. According to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety:
"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 science. Regulations which address these issues are intended to formalize existing protocols and training practices. These protocols, practices and regulatory issues regarding research are routinely practiced and addressed in the private sector. Thus implementation, while legally mandated, enhances the academic experience of our students and prepares them to recognize regulatory aspects of research operations at OSU and elsewhere. All faculty, staff and lab personnel have responsibilities to ensure a safe environment for academic research."
The following links are meant to assist in understanding the basic framework for the environment we are attempting to maintain within our department. Please take some time to explore them.
A brief guide to safe laboratory practices by the Chemical Hygiene Committee (ChyComm).
EHS Safety Data Sheets on Demand
A safety data sheet (SDS) provides important safety information regarding specific chemicals, chemical compounds, and chemical mixtures. A SDS should be available for reference in any area where chemicals are being used or stored.
Chemical Fume Hood Safety Rules
A chemical fune hood is a type of ventilation device that is used to limit exposure to hazardous or toxic fumes, vapors, or dusts. Many different types of fume hoods exist, but there are certain rules that should be followed for all types of chemical fume hoods.
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety main menu.
Link to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health main page.
Lab safety standards through EHS.
Safety measures when dealing with bloodborne pathogens.
Wherever possible, we would like to reduce or eliminate the use of mercury thermometers because of the potential health hazards associated with them. Please consider having yours replaced, at no cost, with safer non-mercury based equivalents.
This link allows you to request a hazardous waste pickup. All waste should be labeled with a sheet like the one linked here Hazardous Waste Container Label or label stickers can be requested from EHS.
CBE Lab Standard Training (An OSU login id and password are required)
All lab personal are required to complete the following EHS trainings:
Building Emergency Action Plan (BEAP)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
All wet labs should have a specific lab training done on EHS and in person for all new personal.