ROWAN UNIVERSITY POLICY
Title: Laboratory and Environmental Safety
Subject: Facilities and Operations
Policy No: Fac: 2015:05
Applies: University-Wide
Issuing Authority: Vice President for Facilities, Planning and Operations
Responsible Officer: Assistant Vice President for Facilities and Operations
Adopted:
Last Revision: 7/26/2024
Last Reviewed: 7/26/2024
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to ensure safe work practices and procedures for all laboratory personnel.
II. ACCOUNTABILITY
The Assistant Vice President for Facilities and Operations shall implement this policy under the direction of the Vice President for Facilities, Planning, and Operations. Each laboratory's principal investigator (PI) is ultimately responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of its laboratory operations.
III. APPLICABILITY
This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, and volunteers working in or assisting with laboratories at Rowan University.
IV. REFERENCES
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Federal Laboratory Safety Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450
V. POLICY
- Chemical Hygiene Plan
- The University will comply with the Federal Laboratory Safety Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450.
- Each laboratory must have a site-specific Chemical Hygiene Plan developed by the laboratory manager or director. See Rowan University’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) website for more information on the site-specific plan requirements.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Each laboratory is required to perform a hazard assessment and determine appropriate PPE. Appropriate PPE must be worn in laboratories at all times.
- Non-compliance with PPE requirements may result in disciplinary action for employees and students.
- Fume Hoods and Maintenance
- Fume hood functions must be checked before each use. Malfunctioning hoods must be tagged "Out of Service" and reported for repair.
- Regular maintenance and testing of fume hoods and emergency equipment must be conducted, and records kept for inspection.
- Any fume hood or local exhaust (e.g. snorkel) that is found to not be working must be tagged "Out of Service" and a warning sign placed on the door/sash/equipment.
- Fume Hoods must be re-certified annually by EHS (contact EHS at EHS@Rowan.edu with concerns or questions).
- General Laboratory Safety Rules
- It is highly recommended that no one be allowed to work alone in a laboratory when using hazardous chemicals.
- Smoking, drinking, and eating are prohibited in all laboratories.
- ALL employees or students must complete applicable CITI Training before accessing laboratory or research space (see EHS web page for more details).
- Horseplay or inappropriate conduct is not tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary action.
- NJ DEP RCRA & NJDOH Right to Know (RTK) Requirements
- Policies and procedures have been developed to comply with local/state/federal regulations. Compliance with these policies and procedures is an individual responsibility.
- The EHS Department will perform periodic compliance lab audits and assist individuals in developing safe work practices and complying with applicable EHS regulations
- Hazardous Materials Storage and Disposal
- All hazardous materials must be stored and disposed of in accordance with state and federal regulations and industry best practices.
- The principal investigator is responsible for compliance with these policies.
VI. PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR RESPONSIBILITY
- The principal investigator (PI) is ultimately responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of their laboratory operations. This includes:
- Developing and maintaining a site-specific Chemical Hygiene Plan.
- Ensuring all personnel are trained and adhere to safety protocols, including PPE use.
- Regular inspection and maintenance of laboratory equipment and safety devices.
- Proper storage and disposal of hazardous materials.
- Immediate reporting and remediation of any safety violations or incidents.
VII. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For further details or assistance, contact the Rowan University EHS Department via email (ehs@rowan.edu) or by phone (856-256-5105).
Go to the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) web page for more information.