The Faculty is responsible for the safe and legal conduct of the student under their purview.
The Faculty Researcher has specific responsibilities to provide for the health and safety of those supervised and is in a key position in the organizational structure to carry out the department's safety policies and to prevent injuries to their student employees.
The Faculty shall:
- Be thoroughly informed of the contents of the Laboratory Research and Safety Plan (LRSP), per policy SY43, and how it applies to their areas of responsibility and authority.
- Review the Unit Specific Safety Plan for each Unit/lab being utilized.
- Be properly trained in the operation of equipment they are using.
- Be aware of the physical and health hazards associated with all materials and equipment present and maintain a safe environment.
- In the event of an accident, shall initiate appropriate emergency procedures.
- Inform all new and current student employees that safety and health, and concern for the environment, are priorities at Penn State.
- Ensure the students know what safety training is required and where to access the online training on the EHS website.
- Complete the initial EHS Laboratory and Research Safety Training - Non-UP Locations and/or EHS Laboratory and Research Safety Refresher training annually (if the initial training has already been completed) by August 15 each year, prior to working in a high/medium risk lab.
- Ensure all individuals working in the lab have signed-off on the Unit Specific Safety Plan and are aware of all hazards associated with their work. This includes students working on projects/assignments outside of class time and unsupervised by a faculty/staff member, lab coordinator, lab safety officer, and/or technician.
- Assist the lab coordinator and safety chair(s) in the preparation of a Unit Specific Safety Plan, the annual update of the Plan, and making all laboratory personnel aware of the Unit Specific Safety Plan.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Faculty shall:
- Ensure that required safety equipment, devices/personal protective equipment, and apparel are provided and maintained.
- Re-evaluate PPE needs for work areas and/or job tasks should any changes occur.
- Report any PPE needs to lab coordinator and/or lab safety officer.
Chemicals – Faculty shall:
- Complete the initial EHS Laboratory and Research Safety training - Non-UP locations and/or the EHS Laboratory and Research Lab Safety refresher training annually (if the initial has already been completed) provided by EHS prior to beginning work with any chemicals.
- Be responsible for instructing students on proper laboratory procedures, including labeling all chemicals, ensuring access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all laboratory/research chemicals, specifying personal protective equipment, conducting regular safety inspections, and managing hazardous waste disposal in accordance with the University’s hazardous waste policy, SY20 Hazardous Waste Disposal.
- Ensure secondary containers are properly labeled.
Lasers – Supervisor shall:
- Complete the fundamental laser safety training provided by EHS prior to beginning work with any lasers.
- Ensure that users of their laser have also completed the training and document laser training on the EHS laser specific training documentation form. Adhere to the requirements of this policy.