The University Chemical Hygiene Officer oversees the conduct of the Laboratory Safety Program and establishes policies and procedures for the safe handling of hazardous materials in laboratories. Common hazardous materials include the use of experimental chemicals with unknown toxicity, carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and chemicals with high toxicity.
The Chemical Hygiene Officer ensures that research involving hazardous materials is conducted in accordance with the OSHA Lab Standards. Researchers wishing to use hazardous materials must do so in accordance with the University's Chemical Hygiene Plan. The Plan also defines the University's expectations for each user of hazardous materials with regard to safe work practices, emergency procedures, individual responsibilities, waste management procedures, training, security procedures, procurement of material, inventory control, and regulatory limits and requirements.
Mandatory Training: ODU Laboratory Safety
Laboratory Safety training is mandatory for Faculty, Staff and Students who work with hazardous chemicals in laboratories. The training consists of two parts. Part 1 is a classroom lecture provided by our EHS, which includes information on the scope and purpose of the OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1450 "Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories" as well as information about our Chemical Hygiene Plan and also includes a self-study workbook with a graded quiz.
Part 2 includes on the job training conducted by the Principal Investigator, and is specific to the hazards encountered in his/her laboratory.
Employees shall be trained at the time of initial assignment to tasks and take refresher every 3 years.
- To schedule training, contact Doug Alexander
See also the Chemcial Waste Management and Environmental Health and Safety Office.