Laboratory Safety-Related Topics



			Universal Waste Proper management and disposal of Universal Wastes is one of the items brought to our attention during the recent Santa Clara County Hazardous Materials and Waste inspection. Batteries, electronic devices, fluorescent bulbs, aerosol cans, and mercury-containing devices fall under the "UNIVERSAL WASTE" regulations.

Key elements for managing Hazardous Materials and Waste are defined in the University's Chemical Hygiene Plan. Hazardous materials include hazardous chemicals, biohazards and radioactive materials. Areas storing or using hazardous materials are required to complete a self-inspection of these areas on at least a quarterly basis and are subject to chemical inventory reporting requirements.

Chemical Safety - There are health (toxicity and exposure) and physical (flammability, reactivity, explosivity) hazards associated with chemical use with chemical labeling, handling, storage, and inventory reporting requirements that are mandated by local, state and federal regulations.

BioSafety includes research involving known and potentially infectious agents, recombinant DNA and human gene therapy.

Health Physics and Radiation Safety - Information on Health Physics-related programs is available on the University's website.

Laser Safety - Information on Health Physics-related programs is available on the University's website.

Quarterly Lab-Shop Self-Inspections is a quarterly walk-through conducted by a department member with the objective of identifying any unsafe conditions in laboratories/shops that are using or storing hazardous materials or waste.