In 1990, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) began the implementation of a federal law dealing with laboratory safety. The law was intended to reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories. The University of Richmond is dedicated to maintaining laboratories that are safe and healthful environments for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
A chemical hygiene plan, mandated by the Laboratory Standard, is the University's written plan to carry out the law. A component of the plan is the requirement that all employees receive training to protect themselves from the hazardous materials they may encounter.
Chemical inventory, labeling, storage and waste disposal procedures for laboratories at the University are designed to provide a safe working environment for students, faculty and staff as well as to be in compliance with OSHA regulations. Students and faculty working in the labs will also encounter various kinds of equipment, which have specific handling guidelines.
Safety is a critically important issue for all scientists. At Richmond, a Safety Training Program is required for all student employees as well as for student researchers and is offered each year during the fall and spring semesters.
For further information about lab safety at the University of Richmond, contact the laboratory manager.
