Chemical Hygiene and Lab Safety

The Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) oversees chemical hygiene and safety in university laboratories. EH&S conducts periodic inspections of all laboratories and is also available for general consultations. For more information, contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer at 328-6166 or visit the EH&S website.

University Policies

Use of chemicals in laboratories must comply with federal regulations (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450).

Researchers must:
1. Adhere to the standard operating procedures listed in the University's Chemical Hygiene Plan,

2. Develop lab safety plans to identify specific safety equipment and procedures to protect lab workers and the environment, and

3. Have all lab personnel attend mandatory Chemical Hygiene training initially and then every 3 years as a refresher.

Policy also requires that all grant proposals involving the use of chemicals in research be reviewed by an institutional review committee or their designee prior to initiation. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) serves as the review committee for the University. The researcher must submit a completed Hazardous Chemical Use Review Form to EH&S for review and approval (go to http://www.ecu.edu/oehs/Grants/grants.html for additional information and to access forms.