The EHS website 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 to learn about the 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 a 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.

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 in West Lafayette, Indianapolis and on regional campuses, university research farms, agricultural centers and related facilities and operations engaged in the use of biohazardous agents.

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, labels and other provisions.

The Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) was developed by Purdue University to comply with the OSHA Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450) requirement 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 in West Lafayette, Indianapolis, 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.

*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 that 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 (pdf).

The EPA, authorized by the 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 along with related university policies, procedures and instructions as given in the Hazardous Waste Disposal Guidelines. The PI must also 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 Hazardous Materials Management section for more Information.

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.

All individuals utilizing controlled substances for teaching and research must be registered with the Indiana Board of Pharmacy and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Refer to the Controlled Substances webpage for program specific registration, documentation, forms and controlled substance handling requirements.

If your research involves direct contact with or collection of information from human subjects, approval is required from the Office of the Vice President for Research Human Research Protection Program (HRPP).

HRPP Contact Information

• Address:
  Purdue University
  Ernest C. Young Hall
  10th Floor, Room 1032
  155 S. Grant Street
  West Lafayette, IN 47907-2114
• Phone: 765-494-5942
• Fax: 765-494-9911
• Email: irb@purdue.edu

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

Refer to the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) resources in this section for program-specific training, documentation and posting requirements.

Purdue University Laser Safety Committee developed the Laser Safety Guidelines with the purpose of providing individuals using lasers with information on laser hazards, laser-related policies and procedures along with 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.

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

The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) program implements the requirements of OSHA regulations 29 CFR 1910.132 through 29 CFR 1910.140. The program applies to the use of PPE in all laboratories at Purdue in West Lafayette, Indianapolis, regional campuses, university research farms, agricultural centers and related facilities and operations. Purdue University procedure 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 that 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 program contains appendices with tables, required forms and the Guidelines For Hazard Assessment and Personal Protective Equipment Selection to help with the hazard assessment process.

The EPA, through 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 Occupational and Facility Safety for more information or to schedule a training session.

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.

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.

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 in West Lafayette, Indianapolis, on regional campuses, university research farms, agricultural centers and related facilities and operations. The primary objective of the 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.

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 work day. 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:

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.