RESEARCH LABORATORY SAFETY TIPS
If hazardous chemicals are used, have a Chemical Hygiene Plan.
See Chapter 3 of the OSU Laboratory Safety Manual for chemical disposal information.
Make sure all lab personnel have attended Hazard Communication Training.
If respirators are used, have a Respiratory Protection Plan.
Make sure all lab personnel have been trained to use a respirator and have a medical evaluation
and fit test.
If radioactive materials are used, obtain authorization from the Radiation Safety Officer.
If human blood, body fluids or tissues are part of your research, be aware of the requirements of
the Bloodborne Pathogen Plan.
If recombinant DNA is to be used, make sure you have the NIH Guidelines for recombinant DNA
and that you have submitted a Recombinant DNA Registration Form to the Institutional Biosafety
Committee.
If infectious agents are used, make sure the agents have been registered with the IBC and that
you have a copy of or access to the OSU Institutional Biosafety Policy as well as the OSU
Biological Research Safety Plan.
If you plan to ship items by air, water, rail, public road or "private vehicle" that qualify under any of
the Department of Transportation (DOT) Dangerous Goods classification, e.g., explosives, gas
(flammable, non-flammable or toxic), flammable liquids, other flammable substances, oxidizing
substances or organic pesticides, toxic and/or infectious, radioactive, corrosive, or items that can
be classified as miscellaneous dangerous goods, call the Dangerous Goods Unit at University
Mailing (744-5385) or the Hazmat Section of EHS (744-7241).
If animals, animal-derived materials or biological materials are to be imported, make sure USDA,
CDC or other required permits have been obtained. Also contact the Institutional Animal Care &
Use Committee.
If x-ray producing devices are used, make sure they are registered with the Radiation Safety
Officer.
Register all laser devices with the Laser Safety Officer. Register all Class IIIb and IV lasers with
the Radiation Safety Officer as well as the Laser Safety Officer.
See OSU Laboratory Environmental Audit (http://www.ehs.okstate.edu/hazmat/labman/Appendix-N.htm) and
Preventing Laboratory Fires (http://www.ehs.okstate.edu/hazmat/Fire-Prevention.htm)
http://www.ehs.okstate.edu/hazmat/Lab_Tips.htm