Getting Started with Research Safety

Essential Resources and Responsibilities for Starting Research Safely

Research excellence starts with safety. Before you begin any lab or research activity, know the safety requirements that apply to your work and where to go for help.

EHS Resources

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is your primary resource for lab safety, environmental compliance, radiation, safety, training, forms and program guidance. Review the EHS website before starting research activities.

Safety Is Shared. It starts with PIs and supervisors.

Principal Investigators and supervisors set the safety culture of a lab. They are accountable for:

• Identifying and evaluating hazards in their research
• Securing required approvals, registrations and authorizations before work begins
• Writing and maintaining lab-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Ensuring personnel are trained and supervised
• Providing and enforcing required PPE
• Meeting university policy and regulatory requirements
• Communicating hazards, controls and emergency procedures to everyone in the lab

Every researcher, staff member and student is expected to:

• Complete required training before starting work
• Read lab-specific SOPs and hazard assessments
• Understand the hazards in their own work
• Follow lab procedures and wear required PPE
• Report incidents, near-misses and concerns to their supervisor
• Contribute to a strong safety culture

Know Which Programs Apply to You

• Chemical Safety / Chemical Hygiene Plan
• Biological Safety / Institutional Biosafety Committee
• Radiation Safety
• Laser Safety
• Hazardous Waste Management
• Bloodborne Pathogens Safety
• Controlled Substances and other regulated activities

Many of these require approval before work starts — e.g., IBC approval for certain biological research, Radiation Safety Committee authorization for radiation sources or equipment. Confirm what applies to you with your PI and EHS.

Before You Start Work, Know Your Lab

• Laboratory information door postings
• Hazard assessments
• Lab-specific SOPs
• Emergency procedures
• Required PPE
• Chemical, biological, radiological and physical hazards specific to your work

This is an effective way to prevent injuries, exposures and research disruptions.

What EHS Provides

• Training and education
• Hazard and risk assessments
• Lab safety guidance
• Biological, chemical, laser and radiation safety support
• Hazardous waste management
• PPE selection
• Inspections and safety consultations

Start Safe, Stay Safe

As the semester begins, take time to understand the hazards associated with your research, complete required training, obtain necessary approvals and become familiar with the resources available through EHS.

A strong safety culture starts with engaged leadership and informed researchers. By working together, we can maintain safe, compliant and productive research environments.

Contact

Environmental Health and Safety
researchsafety@purdue.edu
765-494-6371