The laboratory safety program involves policies, standard operating procedures, training and other information to ensure compliance in research and teaching laboratories at Wayne State University. There are various regulatory requirements that laboratories must meet when working with biological, chemical and radiological materials. OEHS specialists will visit your laboratories periodically to conduct safety audits that will assist you with keeping researchers safe and complying with regulations.

If you're starting a new lab or relocating your lab, complete the PI Onboarding Checklist.

Laboratory Safety Fact Sheets

• Bunsen Burner Safety (Bunsen Burner Safety - printable version)
• Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety (Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety - printable version)
• Cryostat Safety (Cryostat Safety - printable version)
• Emergency Eyewash Maintenance Log: Post by eyewash to document that it has been flushed weekly.
• Glove Selection Guide - printable version
• Hot Plate Safety (Hot Plate Safety - printable version)
• Ultraviolet Light (UV) Safety (UV Safety - printable version)
• Refrigeration/Freezing of Flammable Liquids (Refrigeration/Freezing of Flammable Liquids - printable version)
• Flammable Storage Cabinets (Flammable Storage Cabinets - printable version)
• Cryogenic Liquid Safety (Cryogenic Liquid Safety - printable version)
• Liquid Nitrogen Safety Posting
• Grounding and Bonding (Grounding and Binding - printable version) - Safe transfer of flammable liquids
• Hazard Communication in Shared Lab Spaces - printable version
• Ergonomics Symptoms Survey

Policy for Minors Working in Research

Principal Investigators who would like to hire individuals or host volunteers who are minors (under 18 years of age) for work or observation in laboratories and animal research facilities must comply with the WSU Policy for Minors Working in Laboratories. and complete the application process outlined below. This must be completed prior to the minor beginning. Submit applications no later than 2 weeks before the desired start date.

1. Complete and submit the following forms to msriniva@wayne.edu: Appendix A & B in the WSU Policy and Office of General Counsel Release Form: For volunteer minors only. Minors who are in a sponsored program or part of an organized school project do not need to complete this release.
2. Instruct student to complete Laboratory Safety and (if applicable) Biosafety training course(s).
3. OEH&S will schedule a brief safety inspection of the lab prior to the minor/visitor/volunteer beginning work.
4. The PI/ Department must contact the Office of Risk Management at 313-577-3110 regarding insurance/ liability issues for related to hosting a minor, visitor or volunteer.
5. The PI/Department must contact the Office of Internal Audit at 313-577-2128 for Children on Campus/Child Safety Awareness Training.

For questions, call the main OEHS phone line: 313-577-1200.

Laboratory Design Criteria

Building new laboratory spaces or renovating laboratories requires following a variety of standards.  This ensures that WSU laboratories meet various regulatory requirements and are capable of supporting the activities that will occur within them, which includes such things as:

• Equipment support (e.g., electrical lines, gas hook-ups, weight support, etc.)
• Appropriate storage facilities (e.g., supplies, chemicals, etc.)
• Sufficient engineering controls (e.g., ventilation devices, room environment controls, etc.)
• And more!

The WSU Laboratory Design Criteria manual provides information on the minimum acceptable requirements as determined by OEHS.  In addition to reviewing this manual, OEHS must be included as soon as possible in the planning process.  This will help to prevent last minute design revisions.