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BACKGROUND – Who Must Attend
Today every workplace using chemicals in its work is required by law to have a written program referred to as the chemical hygiene plan (CHP) that outlines the department and institutions procedures, training plans, and the protective measures in use to protect its workers from the health hazards associated with their work. A formal program of safety training is a required element in chemical hygiene plans and should be completed before beginning any actual work in a laboratory. Depending on the nature of the work you will be doing, you may also be expected to complete some specialty training as well.
Laboratory Safety Training is required for any individual working (paid or unpaid) in a Toolik Field Station (TFS) laboratory. This includes, but is not limited to, Faculty, Post Docs, Graduate
Students, Undergraduate Students, Staff, Research Assistants & Associates and Visitors.
WEB BASED TRAINING
TFS Laboratory Safety Training is presented as an on-line Power Point followed by an on-line quiz. Records of successful completion of this training will be maintained by the UAF Department of Environmental Heath and Safety & Risk Management (EHS&RM) and forwarded to TFS management. The presentation covers key elements of UAF’s Chemical Hygiene Plan and TFS specific laboratory safety including, but not limited to, the following topics:
- Introduction to the UAF Chemical Hygiene Plan
- Hazard Communication
- TFS Lab User information and training
- General lab rules
- Personal hygiene
- Housekeeping
- Protective clothing and equipment
- Chemical hazards
- Physical hazards
- Ventilation
- Spill response
- Exposure monitoring
- TFS Hazardous Waste Management
Radiation safety training is not covered under this module. Use of radioactive materials are administered under the UAF Radiation Safety Program and requires prior authorization from the UAF Radiation Safety Officer (907-474-6771). All projects and personnel must complete UAF radiation safety training.
WHEN MUST UAF SPECIFIC LABORATORY TRAINING BE COMPLETED?
TFS Laboratory Safety Training is required within one month of initial assignment to a laboratory. During that one month period an individual may work in a laboratory without having first attended the training provided that:
- They are approved for work by the Project Laboratory Supervisor,
- Supervised at all times,
- And have read the UAF/TFS Chemical Hygiene Plan & Laboratory Safety Manual in its entirety.
SUPERVISORS AND PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS
Supervisors and Principal Investigators are responsible for ensuring that laboratory workers complete TFS Laboratory Safety Training. More specifically, Supervisors and Principal Investigators are expected to do the following:
- Ensure project members, including staff, students and volunteers, complete Laboratory Safety Training.
- Ensure laboratory workers understand the potential health and physical hazards of the chemicals and equipment used in the laboratory.
- Explain proper and safe procedures for handling, under all circumstances, the hazardous substances used in the laboratory.
- Provide appropriate engineering controls and personal protective equipment to allow project laboratory workers to work safely.
- Provide laboratory workers with the location and availability of the UAF Chemical Hygiene Plan and reference materials, including material safety data sheets (MSDSs).
- Review and approve work with particularly hazardous substances.
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
TFS Hazardous Waste Management 2009 (Word Doc)
UAF Chemical Hygiene Plan (Word Docs)
UPDATE 4-30-10 MAA
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