The key element of the law is to reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals in our laboratory situations. The Laboratory Standard, otherwise known as 29 CFR 1910.1450, Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, is the set of guidelines designed to accomplish this. A Chemical Hygiene Plan , mandated by the Laboratory Standard , is UR's written plan to carry out the law. A component of the plan is the requirement that all employees receive training in order to protect themselves from the hazardous materials they may encounter. UR provides a Safety Training Program for student employees .
Safety is a critically important issue for all scientists.
In the Biology Department, we require that all research students also complete Safety Training as a component of the research experience. The training is given each year during the fall and spring semesters, and is mandatory for employment. This insures that all student employees are made aware of the safety issues involved with their work in our department. Successful completion of our Safety Training is required only once during the length of employment or research, must be completed during the first semester of employment or the first semester of a research project, and is required for continued employment. The student's immediate supervisor will provide additional training pertinent to a specific laboratory.