Documentation plays a key role for research labs in complying with various safety regulations and campus policies. Reading and understanding documentation prior to signing ensures researchers have been communicated the necessary information to protect themselves while working in a hazardous environment. Even though PIs have responsibility over everyone working in their lab spaces, the researcher is equally responsible once they sign their name on the document as well.
The Chemical Hygiene plan establishes safety procedures and guidelines for chemical storage/handling in the laboratory. The CHP applies to all research laboratories containing potentially hazardous chemicals and all lab personnel working in these areas.
Download Current CHP and review changes using the 2019 CHP Update Summary
-The Chemical Hygiene Plan should be accessible
-Printed hard copy or electronically saved
-Location should be known by everyone in the lab
-Annual review of the CHP and documented electronically through Worksafe
Review on Worksafe
Site Safety Training Sheet
A standard operating procedure is a written document detailing all the steps and/or activities of a process. Per Cal/OSHA regulations, an SOP is necessary when an operation involves the handling of hazardous materials. SOPs may also be utilized for hazardous work operations, emphasizing the parts of the operations, emphasizing the parts of the operation that may impact the health and safety of the user and those around them.
Lab Site Safety Orientation Training
All new incoming lab personnel are required to be given an orientation to the lab covering basic safety information and identifying various items that may be used in the event of an accident/emergency. Labs may utilize the orientation checklist created by the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) or a Site Safety Training Sheet.
Lab Site Safety Orientation Checklist
Site Safety Training Sheet
Laboratory Hazard Assessment Tool (LHAT)
The Laboratory Hazard Assessment Tool is a web application designed by EH&S to assist researchers with identifying hazards (chemical, physical, biological, radiological, lasers) present in the laboratory environment. Per Cal/OSHA safety regulations, a hazard assessment must be conducted for all working areas under the PIs responsibility and the information has to be communicated to all lab personnel situated in these areas.
-The lab hazard assessment needs to be submitted on an annual basis
-Ensure all lab personnel, locations, answers to the hazard questionnaire is accurate prior to submitting it for acceptance
-Previously accepted LHATs are eligible to be renewed
-Review information prior to submitting it for acceptance
The chemical inventory system allows users to have an overview of all the chemicals present in the laboratory spaces occupied by the PI. This system also allows UCLA to comply with city, state, and federal regulations requiring chemical inventory maintenance and reporting.
-Chemical inventory uploaded for every lab space with chemicals
-Compressed gas cylinders and lecture bottles should also be included
-Periodically check the inventory throughout the year to ensure data is as accurate as can be
Trainings are checked for all labs.
-Laboratory Safety Fundamentals - Online Training
-Laboratory Safety Fundamentals for PIs and Lab Supervisors - In class Training
-Laboratory Safety Refresher - Online Training
