Laboratory Safety

Laboratory Safety encompasses specific areas such as biological, chemical, and radiological materials use, as well as general safe work practices in the lab setting.

Contacts

  • (vacant) Laboratory Safety Officer, (P
  • Nicole Nesser, Research Compliance and Outreach Associate, (P) 541-346-2060
  • Laurie Graham, Laboratory Safety Manager, Biosafety Officer, (P) 541-346-2864

Training

Safety training is a vital component of an organization’s safety program. Basic orientation and safety training should be provided to every laboratory worker prior to their conducting work in the laboratory and again as duties change. Training should serve to inform of hazards and review protocols specific to individual types of laboratory work. Annual lab specific refresher training should reinforce lessons learned from experience.

EHS works with other offices in Safety and Risk Services and academic departments to facilitate laboratory safety training for students and employees. EHS provides content such as basic orientation guidelines, training templates, and web-based or in-person training opportunities. 

Mandatory annual trainings for lab staff: Laboratory Safety Training and Hazardous Waste Management Training are offered in person by EHS staff, check MyTracks to register for the next training session or contact EHS Research Safety for more information. Annual refresher training also provided by EHS staff in-person..

BSL2 Safety,   Bloodborne Pathogens  and  UO Fire Protection in Labs Training  are offered online through MyTracks. You can access these by logging in with your Duck ID.

BSL2 Safety,  Bloodborne Pathogens  and  UO Fire Protection in Labs Training  are also offered online through Linked-In Learning for those that cannot access MyTracks. Request link from Biosafety Officer to access these trainings. Requires you create account through UO and possess a Duck ID. 

  

Lab Resources

Below are templates, checklists, and other resources intended to help PIs set up their labs, train new lab personnel, document trainings, assess hazards in the lab, and perform self-audits prior to annual lab safety inspections.

PI/Staff Orientation & Lab Setup Worksheet: For new PIs/Staff setting up lab spaces and establishing lab member training.

New Lab Member Checklist: A general safety checklist to orient lab members to general lab safety.

Lab Safety Training Worksheet: A way to determine relevant safety trainings for your lab and document when complete.

Lab-Specific Training Guide: Another resource for documenting lab-specific training.

Hazard Assessment Worksheet: Assesses risks involved in various lab processes and/or materials.

Lab Safety Self-Assessment Form: An internal auditing tool to supplement routine lab inspections by EHS. 

Lab Closeout/Deactivation

If you anticipate moving out of your UO laboratory, please complete the Laboratory Closeout Notification form and send to EHS as soon as possible so that we may assist in managing your materials. Additionally, the Lab Closeout Checklist will be used to confirm the dispositon of regulated or hazardous materials.