• Responsibilities
• Resources to help you do the job
• Update your safety contact information
• How ASCs differ from Department Safety Coordinators (DSCs)

Responsibilities of an ASC include:

• Serve as a contact person for safety audits conducted by Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S). EH&S will review area safety performance during scheduled audits and work cooperatively with ASCs to address any problems.
• Read Scoring System for Laboratory Safety Audits for information on general lab safety audits conducted by Research Assistance Program auditors.
• Certain labs and other high-hazard areas are also audited by additional EH&S divisions when any of the following are present:
• Biosafety containment levels of BL-2 or greater
• High activity or large quantities of radioactive materials
• Class 3b or 4 lasers or laser systems
• Controlled substances

• Follow up on issues identified during EH&S safety audits within 10 days of receiving audit results. Correct problems identified in the audit, or notify the person(s) responsible for the violation.
Perform an area self-audit 3 months after the EH&S safety audit. Target the issues revealed during the audit to identify persisting problems. EH&S will send out a reminder when this audit is due.

• Conduct new employee orientations. Make sure new employees receive required and recommended safety training.

• For laboratory employees:
• Complete the New Laboratory Worker Checklist (PDF) for all new lab personnel.
• See General Lab Safety and Chemical Safety Training for training requirements.

• For trades and arts employees:
• Find training requirements at:
• Safety Training for Trades Employees
• Safety Training for Arts, Crafts, and Theater Employees

• Perform monthly inspections of fire extinguishers located inside your laboratory or the area under your control. Learn about fire extinguishers and inspection at:
• Fire Extinguisher Overview
• Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist

• Ensure proper disposal of chemicals that have been abandoned by personnel who no longer work in your area. See:
• How to Request a Hazardous Waste Collection

• Coordinate safety activities with your Department Safety Coordinator. Receive and distribute information from EH&S to personnel in your area.

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Resources to help you do the job:

• Read Safety Coordinator Resources for guidance. You don't have to start from scratch.

Update your safety contact information:  Most UCSD labs, shops, and studios already have a designated safety contact for their area. Research facilities have historically called these contacts "Lab Safety Contacts." The current contact name, "Area Safety Coordinator," acknowledges that areas handling hazardous materials include not only labs, but also shops and studios.

To update your safety contact information:

• Print and complete a PI information sheet (PDF).
• Send it to EH&S:
• E-mail: ehschem@ucsd.edu
• Mail Code: 0089
• Fax: (858) 822-7763

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How Area Safety Coordinators (ASCs) differ from Department Safety Coordinators (DSCs):

• DSCs represent all their co-workers, regardless of the kind of work performed. Every UCSD department should have at least one DSC. Large departments and departments with multiple locations may need more than one DSC to be effective.

• ASCs do not serve an entire department. An ASC is assigned to a specific facility where work with hazardous material occurs, typically a lab, shop, or studio.

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Need an expert? Contact an EH&S Research Assistance Program specialist.