Sponsored Program Compliance

2. Environmental Health and Safety

University Environmental Health and Safety

Environmental Health & Safety's mission is to provide safety and advisory services to the University Community through:

• Managing risk
• Assessing and evaluating the environment
• Advocating safe work practices
• Providing quality educational programs
• Ensuring compliance with University and regulatory standards

This commitment to providing a safe environment creates particular requirements for PIs in research laboratories. In the research environment, the PI is in a critical position to understand the operation and equipment involved, the materials and methods used, and, therefore, the potential risks associated with the work being done. Importantly, the PI's attitude toward health and safety will contribute significantly to the education of students regarding the conduct of research.

Labs at the University house biohazards, chemicals, equipment and other materials that can pose hazards to health. The proper management of these hazards is not only good lab management; it is also a regulatory requirement.

Guidance for Principal Investigators and Supervisors is available through the EH&S Web site. Particular attention should be paid to federal regulations affecting UR research and clinical labs that pertain to "select agents". This more stringent set of regulations was enacted given intensified concern over bioterrorism, and the University has enacted its own Select Agent Program in response to the legislation. Additional safety related information not limited just to laboratories is found throughout the rest of the EH&S Web pages.

Vigilance in the lab also requires ongoing communication and the prompt reporting of problems. Staff is encouraged to contact EH&S with any safety concerns. Please refer to the department's directory of personnel to direct your concern to the proper person or contact the office at ext. 5-3241.

In addition to general safety requirements, there are two particular research areas that require special reviews and approvals. If your research involves either:

• Recombinant DNA molecules, infectious or biohazardous agents, OR
• Radioactive isotopes, or ionizing, ultraviolet laser and/or microwave radiation

Your project protocol MUST BE REVIEWED AND APPROVED IN ADVANCE BY AN ADMINISTRATIVE PANEL. Faculty working with biohazardous agents and/or recombinant DNA molecules should be familiar with the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). Those working with radiation should contact the Radiation Safety Officer, Frederic Mis, for additional information.