Research Area Safety Coordinator Responsibilities and Resources

Following the EH&S onboarding process is critical to ensure new researchers receive initial EH&S training, are assigned to high hazard use authorizations and the personnel protective equipment assessment (LHAT). Ensure personnel protective equipment fittings are conducted by EH&S and assigned PPE has been documented.

ASC action items for new researcher onboarding:

• Add personnel to any hazard control plan (HCP) using the HCP application 
• Assign new personnel to the Laboratory Hazard Assessment Tool (LHAT)
• Complete New Laboratory Worker Checklist
• Distribute applicable Hazard Control Plans to the new lab worker using the HCP application
• Add person to the lab's Biohazard Use Authorization (BUA) if applicable
• Complete Enrollment Form for Researchers Using Unsealed Radioisotopes if applicable
• Complete Personnel Screening Data Sheet for Controlled Substance Users if applicable

 ASC ongoing action items:

• Process authorization requests in a timely fashion
• Update lab locations if location has changed
• Track all training
• Track all personal protective equipment.

 ASC action items for departing researchers:

• Remove from lab roster
• Remove from OTP
• Ensure PPE is returned

Individual Principal Investigators, ASCs and Supervisors must identify job-specific hazards and make sure lab personnel complete safety training appropriate for their work. Keep all training records for a minimum of 3 years.

Go to the Safety Training for Researchers page for Environment Health & Safety (EH&S) user-specific training instructions.

• Research Area Safety Coordinators are 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.
• Correct problems identified in the audit, or notify the person(s) responsible for the violation.
• Perform an area self-audit every 3 months using the Lab Self-Audit Form after the EH&S safety audit. Target the issues revealed during the audit to identify persisting problems.

Be prepared to lead if there is an emergency. Maintain a "grab" folder with a list of current personnel in case of an evacuation:

Learn more about handling an emergency:

• UC San Diego Emergency Guide
• Be Prepared for a Power Outage
• Eye Wash and Emergency Shower Guidelines
• If You Discover a Fire ...
• Safety Data Sheets
• Reduce Workplace Earthquake Hazards

Perform monthly inspections of emergency equipment inside your laboratory or the area under your control:

• Fire Extinguisher Types and Maintenance and Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist
• First Aid Kits

Individual generators of waste must be trained on hazardous waste procedures and management, but ASCs can assist in managing the labs hazardous waste. Legally, individual generators of waste must make the hazardous waste determination and ensure proper labeling and management.

The following resources will assist in maintaining compliance with hazardous waste regulations.

• Hazardous Waste Management
• Get a Waste Generator Number
• How to Use UC San Diego Hazardous Waste Tags to learn about:
  • Hazardous waste labeling requirements
  • The UC San Diego automated Online Waste Tag Program (OTP)
• Request a Hazardous Waste Collection

• See Environmental Protection for links to environmental compliance requirements, guidelines, and resources.

• Cal/ OSHA Inspections (PDF)
• EH&S Forms
• EH&S Contacts
• Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
• Hazard and Caution Signs
• Helpful Lab Safety Management Tool (Excel)
• Lab Safety Labels
• Laboratory Clean Areas
• My Research Safety portal
• Research Assistance Program (RAP) and RAP contacts
• What to Do if a Work-Related Injury or Illness Occurs

For more information visit the Laboratory Safety Manual page.