Research Safety Mission
The Research Safety Program of EHS supports the university’s research mission by providing oversight and guidance for the use, storage and disposal of materials and equipment used in research, clinical, academic, outreach and operational activities. This includes involvement in a variety of areas such as:
- Chemicals
- Biological material, infectious agents, or recombinant DNA agents
- Radioactive materials
- Lasers
- Physical Hazards in Labs, including hazards from equipment and processes
Lab Registration
Any time a new research or teaching lab space is started, lab registration is required. We consider a space a “new lab space” if:
- A new PI or instructor, who had not previously been responsible for research or teaching at UA, is assigned to a lab space
- An existing lab research program moves into a newly assigned lab space, either as a result of moving to a new location or through expansion.
In order to register a new lab, please contact the Lab Safety Manager at 205-348-5905.
Laboratory Decommissioning guidelines and equipment/room tags are posted at Forms and Supporting Documents. Before anyone else can move into a lab room, all lab spaces MUST be decommissioned (by the exiting Lab PI or Research Group) anytime you relinquish control the space for any reason.
Required Training
Training is required for all lab personnel. Required training courses depend on the hazards involved in the laboratories or departments. Information about training and the training course request can be found at Training.
Committees
EHS Research Safety activities are guided by the following institutional committees:
- Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (administered by the Office of Research Compliance)
- Institutional Biosafety Committee (administered by the Office of Research Compliance)
- Laboratory Safety Committee (password required)
- Laser Safety Committee (password required)
- Radiation Control Advisory Committee (password required)