Responsibilities

The principal investigator/laboratory supervisor should explain lab expectations, hazards, safety requirements/resources, and emergency procedures associated with the particular materials, equipment, procedures, etc. associated with their lab. The PI/LS is responsible for training staff and visitors on the use of all lab equipment and processes, and ensuring that they work in a safe manner, follow standard operating procedures, and use the required personal protective equipment.

PI/lab supervisors are responsible for inspections of their lab and ensuring deficiencies are corrected. In addition, they must inform all lab users of any required corrective actions.

The responsibilities with respect to safety of university employees and students are outlined in Policy 34.

The lab supervisor or designate should escort all visitors to the lab due to potential hazards and to protect the security of the research, equipment, and supplies. The lab supervisor must not knowingly permit entrance to anyone not qualified to be in the lab i.e. has not completed the mandatory training or unauthorized persons without appointments.

Any critical injury at a workplace, whether suffered by a student, visitor, or another employee, may give rise to immediate reporting and evidence preservation obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (the OHSA). These employer accident reporting obligations are initiated when any person, not just a worker, is killed or critically injured.

Safety of visitors is the responsibility of the person in the department who is hosting them or bringing them into the department. If a visitor will only be in the department for one day or less, AND will not be performing any laboratory duties, they should be accompanied at all times to ensure they are kept safe. If the visitor will be staying for longer than one day AND/OR they will be working in a lab, they should read this safety manual.