Safety Information and Training

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 resources listed here 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.

Training and Information

1. CBE Lab Standard Training

All lab personal are required to complete the following EHS trainings (.an OSU login id and password are required):

Building Emergency Action Plan (BEAP)

Hazard Communication

Chemical Safety

Chemical Spill Cleanup

Fume Hood Safety

Laboratory Standard Training

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Toxicology

All wet labs should have a specific lab training done on EHS and in person for all new personnel.

 

 

2. 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.

You can look up thousands of safety data sheets on the EHS website. A link on the EHS website will navigate the user to the Chemwatch chemical management system. Go to the EHS home page and find the “Safety Data Sheet Search” icon. There you can enter the desired chemical, compound, or mixture. This system has tens of thousands of safety data sheets available for users to browse, track, and print.

Find your desired SDS at the EHS website.

 

3. Chemical Fume Hood Safety Rules

A chemical fume 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.

Sash Height

You should keep the sash opened no further than 18 inches above the air foil. Typically, there is an arrow indicating where the sash should be opened to when working in the fume hood.

Proper Usage

Never store equipment or materials permanently in a hood. Do not place items that block the baffles. Always ensure the hood is working properly before beginning any work inside of it.

Certification

Chemical fume hoods must be certified annually by Facilities Operation and Development to ensure proper working order. If the fume hood needs repaired or certified, please contact Service2Facilities at 614-292-HELP or s2f.osu.edu.

Energy Conservation

Fully close the sash when not actively working in the hood or all persons have left the room for the day.

Training

An online safety training module (Fume Hood Safety) is available on the EHS website.

 

5. Bloodborne Pathogens

Visit the EHS website for information on safety measures when dealing with bloodborne pathogens.

 

6. Mercury thermometers

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 Hazardous Waste Label. Right-click to save and print the image below or request a label from EHS.

hazardous waste label

 

Other Resources

1. Office of Environmental Health and Safety

  • Visit the main menu of the Office of Environmental Health and Safety home page.
  • Visit the Environmental Health and Safety Lab safety standards page.

 

2. Department of Occupational Safety and Health

  • Visit the main page of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health.