Environmental Health and Safety

Researcher's Guide

EHS's Role

Welcome to Purdue! It is the policy of Purdue University to take every reasonable precaution to provide a work environment that is free from recognized hazards for its employees in accordance with the General Duty clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Act (Public Law 91-596, Section 5(a)(l)). Our department, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), is here to help you maintain a safe laboratory and comply with all pertinent regulatory agency requirements.

EHS manages University policies as well as programs and guidelines mandated by Federal and State agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). In addition to common "across the board" regulatory requirements, there may be special regulatory requirements that apply to specific types of research.

Our Web Site

The EHS web site is continuously updated and should be your main source for radiological, environmental, and safety information. It contains extensive information that includes all necessary documentation and other resources needed to run a safe and compliant laboratory (e.g., policies, forms, postings, templates).

  • Please visit the Integrated Safety Plan (ISP) page. ISP is a strategic plan for safety at Purdue that provides a structure to communicate environmental, health and safety issues across the organization. The ISP Self Audit Checklist is an ISP tool that was developed as a means to help you gauge regulatory compliance and/or determine areas of concern that need to be addressed in your laboratory. In addition to EHS assistance, many areas have Safety Committees that can help with safety and regulatory requirements.
  • The Programs page contains links to all EHS's guidance, policy, regulatory documents.
  • The Forms page contains links to the forms you may need. 
  • The Labels, Signs, and Stickers page provides descriptions and explanations of these type materials that are provided by EHS.
  • The Training page provides a list of training provided by each EHS section.

Compliance requirements

  
  
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* It is strongly recommended that all researchers review and comply with the policies and program requirements of these items.

Biological Safety

Reference: Biological Safety Manual and Institutional Biosafety Committee Web Site

Laboratory supervisors and principal investigators are responsible for biological safety in the laboratory. They are also responsible for registering their project with the Institutional Biosafety Committee. They must ensure the following:

  • Workers know and follow biological safety rules
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is available, in working order, and that appropriate training has been provided for its use
  • Current legal and University requirements concerning biological safety are known and communicated
  • Ensure that specific training for the use of a biohazardous agent

This program was developed to comply with OSHA, CDC, NIH, and the USDA. The Biological Safety Program applies to all personnel at Purdue University's West Lafayette Campus and Regional Campuses, University research farms and agricultural centers, and related facilities and operations engaged in the use of biohazardous agents.

Training requirements:

Documentation requirements:

Posting requirements:

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Bloodborne Pathogens Safety

Reference: Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan

OSHA initiated the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) in 1992 to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens (i.e., Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Exposures to Bloodborne pathogens can be minimized or eliminated using a combination of engineering and work practice controls, personal protective clothing and equipment, training, medical surveillance, Hepatitis B vaccination, signs and labels, and other provisions.

Training requirements:

  • Annual bloodborne pathogen training must be within 10 working days of employment. Contact EHS for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Documentation requirements:

Posting requirements:

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Chemical Safety

Reference: Chemical Hygiene Plan Manual*

The Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) was developed by Purdue University to comply with the OSHA Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) requiEHSent to ensure that the necessary work practices, procedures and policies are implemented to protect laboratory employees from all potentially hazardous chemicals in use in their work area. The CHP serves as the written document for laboratories using chemicals at Purdue University and applies to all personnel at Purdue University's West Lafayette Campus, Regional Campuses, University research farms, agricultural centers, and related facilities and operations engaged in the laboratory use of hazardous chemicals.

The CHP is a regular, continuing effort, not a standby or short-term activity. Departments, divisions, sections, or other work units engaged in laboratory work whose hazards are not sufficiently covered in this written CHP manual must customize it by adding their own sections as appropriate (e.g. standard operating procedures, emergency procedures, identifying activities requiring prior approval). The CHP also contains several appendices that will be useful in ensuring compliance with its requirements. Contact EHS for additional information about the CHP.

Training requirements:

  • Read and follow instructions in the CHP Manual. Training available upon request from EHS's Industrial Hygiene section.

Documentation requirements:

Posting requirements:

*The CHP does not apply to the laboratory uses of hazardous chemicals that have no potential for employee exposure or the use of hazardous chemicals which do not meet the definition of laboratory use. The laboratory uses of chemicals not covered by the CHP are subject to the full provisions of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) and the Purdue University Right-to-Know Program.

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Chemical Shipments

Reference: EHS's Shipping Hazardous Material Web Page

Shipping chemicals, research samples, or other similar materials off campus is potentially regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and/or other regulatory agencies. Chemicals regulated for shipping require very specific types of packaging, labeling, and documentation and must be prepared by trained personnel. Shipments that are not prepared by trained personnel can result in delays, loss of research samples, and potential regulatory fines.

EHS can assist by either providing shipment services, or if necessary, training personnel on proper shipping procedures. EHS does not charge for shipment preparation or training services; however the researcher is responsible for the cost of proper packaging materials, dry ice (if applicable) and shipping costs.

Training requirements:

  • Contact EHS at (765) 494-0121 to schedule training.

Posting requirements:

  • None

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Chemical Waste Disposal

Reference: Hazardous Waste Disposal Guidelines

The EPA authorized by Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) administers the regulations found in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR) to ensure proper identification, handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste for protection of human health and the environment. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) also regulates and administers the hazardous waste compliance program in Indiana. This combination of federal and state rules, regulations, and procedures govern the management of hazardous waste from the point of generation to the point of final disposition (also known as "Cradle to Grave Management").

It is essential that each individual generating hazardous waste at Purdue University comply with the rules, policies, and procedures stated in the "Hazardous Waste Disposal Guidelines". The principal investigator has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring their units comply with all environmental, health and safety regulations; and related University policies, procedures, and instructions as given in the Hazardous Waste Disposal Guidelines and provide proper instruction to personnel under their supervision.

The Hazardous Waste Disposal Guidelines have several figures and tables to help with characterizing, storing and disposing of your hazardous waste. There is a sample waste pickup form in the "Labels and Forms" section. Contact EHS's Hazardous Materials Management section for more Information.

Training requirements:

Documentation requirements:

Posting requirements:

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Controlled Substances

Reference: DEA Controlled Substances All individuals utilizing controlled substances for teaching and research must be registered with the Indiana Board of Pharmacy and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Appropriate forms and information materials are available online from EHS's web site at the link referenced above.

Refer to the above referenced link for program specific registration, documentation, and controlled substance handling requirements.

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Human Subjects

Reference: If your research involves direct contact or obtaining information/data from human subjects you will need to contact Office of the Vice President for Research Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) for approval at: 

Purdue University
Ernest C. Young Hall
10th Floor, Room 1032
155 S. Grant Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2114
Phone: (765) 49-45942
Fax: (765) 49-49911
Email: irb@purdue.edu

In addition, review the Determination of Human Subjects Research HRPP Guideline 202 document.

Refer to the above references for program specific training, documentation, and posting requirements.

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Lasers

Reference: Laser Safety Guidelines

Purdue University Laser Safety Committee developed the Laser Safety Guidelines with the purpose of providing individuals using lasers information on laser hazards, laser-related policies and procedures, recommendations for the safe use of lasers, and laser safety training. It has been designed to provide the basis for safe laser use in the research and teaching environment without placing excessive burdens of cost or use restrictions on those responsible for laser operations. Much of the information contained is based on the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) for Safe Use of Lasers (ANSI Z136.1-2007) and is the accepted standard for laser safety in the United States. ANSI Standards require that all Class 3B and Class 4 lasers to be placed under the oversight of the Laser Safety Program; this mandate is reinforced under Executive Memorandum Number D-2. If you need additional information or assistance, contact any member of the Committee or the EHS Laser Safety Officer.

Training requirements:

  • Read and follow instructions provided on EHS's Laser Safety Program training web page.

Documentation requirements:

Posting requirements:

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Nanoparticles

Reference: Nanoparticles Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

This SOP provides environmental health and safety guidelines for small scale research projects involving nanoparticles.

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy & Hazard Assessment Process

Reference: Personal Protective Equipment (Policy)

The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policy implements the requirements of OSHA regulations 29 CFR 1910.132 thru 29 CFR 1910.140. The policy applies to the use of PPE in all laboratories at the West Lafayette Campus, regional Campuses, University Research Farms and Agricultural Centers, related facilities and operations. Purdue University policy is that personal protective equipment be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition. PPE such as protective clothing, respiratory devices (respirators), shields, and barriers shall be used to protect against chemical, radiological, biological, or mechanical hazards and irritants capable of causing injury or impairment through absorption, inhalation, or physical contact.

Hazard assessment is the process (required by law) of identifying the hazards associated with a defined task and prescribing personal protective equipment along with other relevant protection measures which must be employed to reduce the risk from the hazards. The supervisor shall assess each work assignment to determine if hazards are present or likely to be present and require the use of personal protective equipment. The PPE policy contains appendices with tables, required forms, and the Guidelines For Hazard Assessment and Personal Protective Equipment Selection to help with the hazard assessment process.

Training requirements:

  • The supervisor shall provide adequate training to each employee who is required to use PPE as per the PPE Policy.

Documentation requirements:

Posting requirements:

  • Certification of Hazard Assessment - (PPE Policy, Appendix A1 or A2 or A3* [depending on situation], pages 7-9).

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Pesticide Safety (includes Farms, Forest, Nurseries, and Greenhouses)

Reference: Worker Protection Standard

The EPA through the Title 40, part 170 of the Code of Federal Regulations(40 CFR 170) established the Worker Protection Standard which pertains to the safety and health of employees who work on farms, in forests, in greenhouses or in nurseries where agricultural use pesticides are used or stored in the production of agricultural plants grown or maintained for commercial or research purposes. The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) requires agricultural establishment owners such as Purdue University to take steps to reduce the risk of pesticide related illness and injury (1) if they use these pesticides, or (2) employ workers or pesticide handlers who are exposed to such pesticides. To ensure compliance with the WPS, EHS offers Pesticide Handler Training which provides for employees information about exposure to pesticides, protection against exposure to pesticides, and ways to mitigate exposures to pesticides.

Notification of scheduled training sessions is done via e-mail notifications to departmental contacts that distribute and post notifications as necessary. On campus training for affected departments is provided at the beginning of each semester or on an as "needed basis". Training for satellite operations and farms is also available upon request. There is no sign-up required, simply attend any session that suits an individual's schedule. Contact Brian McDonald for more information or to schedule a training session.

Training requirements:

  • Worker Protection Standard pesticide safety training sessions are scheduled at the beginning of each semester and can be arranged thorough EHS on an as needed basis.

Documentation requirements:

Posting requirements:

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Radiation-Producing Equipment

Reference: Radiation Safety Manual

The use of radiation-producing devices is regulated by the State of Indiana. The State Department of Health is responsible for the promulgation and enforcement of rules concerning the inspection of machine-produced radiation such as diagnostic and therapeutic x-ray machines, analytical x-ray units, electron microscopes, and particle accelerators. Regulations can be found in the Title 410 Part 5 of the Indiana Administrative Code.

The use of radiation-producing devices at Purdue University is overseen by Purdue’s Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). To initiate a project, complete the following forms listed under the “Documentation requirements” section below: Forms A-1, A1-S, A-4, and SM-1; submit these forms to the Radiation Safety Office (Sharon Rudolph/EHS/HAMP). Ensure all individuals on the project have completed the appropriate training. All new uses of radiation-producing devices and major changes in existing authorizations must be approved by the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC). Preliminary project review is conducted by EHS. Upon recommendation of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), the RSC may grant interim approval of the project. Final approval is granted at quarterly meetings of the RSC.

The Principal Investigator (PI) will receive a Project Authorization Form from the Radiation Safety Office upon project approval. This form will outline the restrictions to personnel, locations, and controls under which the project will operate, in addition to the restrictions established in the Radiation Safety Manual. Final approval is granted at quarterly meetings of the RSC.

The Principal Investigator (PI) will receive a Project Authorization Form from the Radiation Safety Office upon project approval. This form will outline the restrictions to personnel, locations, and controls under which the project will operate, in addition to the restrictions established in the Radiation Safety Manual.

Training requirements:

  • Current regulations require that individuals using sources of ionizing radiation have appropriate training prior to the initiation of any work. Basic training in the areas of radiation safety and emergency procedures is provided by EHS. Information regarding the type and instructions for various training is provided on the Radiation Safety Program training web page.

Documentation requirements:

Posting requirements:

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Radioactive Materials

Reference: Radiation Safety Manual

The possession and use of radioactive materials is governed mainly by federal regulations. The NRC under Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) regulates the use of by-product material, source and special nuclear material, accelerator-produced material, naturally occurring radioactive material, and reactor operations. Nearly all of the radioactive material used at Purdue University falls under a broad scope license issued by the NRC. This type of license differs from a specific license in that Purdue University is granted the authority and responsibility to set specific conditions of use within the institution. However, these conditions must be compatible with state and federal regulations, representations made to the NRC, and specific license conditions. The broad scope license number is 13-02812-04 and is scheduled for renewal on a five-year basis.

To initiate a project, complete the following forms listed under the “Documentation requirements” section below: Forms A-1, A1-S, A-4, and SM-1; submit these forms to the Radiation Safety Office (Sharon Rudolph/EHS/HAMP). Ensure all individuals on the project have completed the appropriate training. All new uses of radioactive material and major changes in existing authorizations must be approved by the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC). Preliminary project review is conducted by EHS. Upon recommendation of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), the RSC may grant interim approval of the project. Final approval is granted at quarterly meetings of the RSC.

The Principal Investigator (PI) will receive a Project Authorization Form from the Radiation Safety Office upon project approval. This form will outline the restrictions to personnel, locations, and controls under which the project will operate, in addition to the restrictions established in the Radiation Safety Manual.

Training requirements:

  • Current regulations require that individuals using sources of ionizing radiation have appropriate training prior to the initiation of any work. Basic training in the areas of radiation safety and emergency procedures is provided by EHS. Information regarding the type and instructions for various training is provided on the Radiation Safety Program training web page.

Documentation requirements:

Posting requirements:

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Radioactive Materials Waste Disposal

Reference: Radiation Safety Manual

The Radiation Safety Program oversees all aspects of radioactive material use at the university. Please access the links provided for information specific to the related topic:

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Respiratory Protection

Reference: Respiratory Protection Program

The purpose of this Respiratory Protection Program is to ensure effective implementation, operation, and record-keeping of a University respiratory protection program in compliance with the OSHA Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134). The provisions of the Respiratory Protection Program apply to all personnel at Purdue University's West Lafayette Campus, Regional Campuses, University research farms and agricultural centers, and related facilities and operations. The primary objective Purdue Respiratory Protection Program shall be to prevent occupational diseases and injuries caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors. This shall be accomplished, as far as feasible, by accepted engineering control measures (i.e., enclosure or confinement of the operation, general and local ventilation) and substitution of less toxic materials. When effective engineering controls are not feasible, or while they are being instituted, appropriate respiratory protection shall be used. Contact the EHS Industrial Hygiene section for more information.

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Sharps and Infectious Waste Disposal

Reference: Sharps and Infectious Waste: Handling and Disposal Guidelines

This document is for laboratory employees that routinely work with sharps and for building services personnel who are at risk of being punctured or lacerated during their workday. It is important to properly handle and dispose of this type of waste material in order to prevent injury and potential disease transmission. EHS investigates all improperly disposed sharps and sharp related accidents. Lab generated biohazardous waste disposal procedures are covered further at this link:

Training requirements:

Documentation requirements:

Postings requirements:

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Vertebrate Animals

Reference: Purdue Animal Care and Use Committee (PACUC) Handbook

The Purdue Animal Care and Use Committee (PACUC) exists to facilitate the performance of productive scientific and scholarly endeavor, involving vertebrate animals. Refer to the above referenced web site for program specific training, documentation, and posting requirements.

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