Laboratory Personnel - Understanding Your Responsibilities | Laboratory Chemical Safety Toolkit

Laboratory Personnel - Understanding Your Responsibilities

Summary: Per Stanford University’s Chemical Hygiene Plan, laboratory personnel who work with hazardous chemicals in research laboratories have the responsibilities listed below. Consult with your PI/Laboratory Supervisor as you implement your responsibilities. For each responsibility, there is a corresponding page in the toolkit to provide guidance.
Responsibility	Refer to Toolkit
1. Follow the CHP and any individual Laboratory Safety Plan.	Safety Training and Hazard Info
2. Follow oral and written laboratory safety rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures required for the tasks assigned.	Safe Laboratory Practices Creating Standard Operating Procedures
3. Keep work areas safe and uncluttered.	Safe Laboratory Practices
4. Review and understand chemical hazards and hazards of laboratory procedures prior to conducting work.	Chem Hazards Info Creating Standard Operating Procedures
5. Utilize appropriate measures to control identified hazards, including consistent and proper use of engineering controls, personal protective equipment, and administrative controls.	Safe Laboratory Practices Safe Fume Hood Practices Personal Protective Equipment
6. Understand the capabilities and limitations of personal protective equipment issued.	Personal Protective Equipment
7. Gain prior approval from the PI/Lab Supervisor for the use of Restricted Chemicals.	Prior Approval and Special Precautions
8. Consult with PI/Laboratory Supervisor prior to higher risk chemical usage and operations so that special safety precautions may be taken.	Prior Approval and Special Precautions
9. Promptly report accidents and unsafe conditions to PI/Laboratory Supervisor.	Emergencies - Spills or Procedures
10. Complete all required health and safety training.	Safety Training and Hazard Info
11. Participate in the medical surveillance program, when required.	Medical Surveillance
12. Inform PI/Laboratory Supervisor of any work modification ordered by physician as a result of medical surveillance or occupational injury or exposure.	Medical Surveillance
*In addition to the above responsibilities, laboratory personnel working autonomously or performing independent research are also responsible for:* Providing the PI/Laboratory Supervisor with a written scope of work for their proposed research. Notifying and consulting with the PI/Laboratory Supervisor, in advance, if they intend to deviate from their written scope or scale of work. Preparing SOPs and performing literature searches relevant to safety and health that are appropriate for their work. Providing appropriate oversight, training and safety information to laboratory personnel they supervise or direct.

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