Laboratory Safety

The University of Idaho is committed to providing a safe laboratory environment for its faculty, staff, students and visitors. The goal of the University Laboratory Safety Program is to minimize the risk of injury or illness to laboratory workers by ensuring that they have the training, information, and support needed to work safely in the laboratory. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) promulgated rules titled Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (29 CFR Part 1910.1450). The regulation specifies that a written Laboratory Safety Plan must be developed and implemented. The Laboratory Safety Plan must include work practices, procedures, and policies to ensure that employees are protected from all potentially hazardous materials in use in their work area. The University of Idaho Laboratory Safety Plan applies to all laboratories that handle hazardous chemicals, radioactive materials, biological agents, or operate certain types of equipment that could cause physical harm.