The Faculty is responsible for the safe and legal conduct of the student under his or her 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 his/her student employees.
The Faculty shall:
- Be thoroughly informed of the contents of the Laboratory Research and Safety Plan (LRSP) and how it applies to their areas of responsibility and authority.
- Review the Unit Specific Safety Plan for each Unit be utilized.
- Be properly trained in the operation of equipment he/she is using.
- Be aware of the physical and health hazards associated with all materials 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.
- Ensure that 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.
- Assist the Safety Director in the preparation of a Unit Specific Safety Plan and the annual update of the Plan, and shall make all laboratory personnel aware of the Unit Specific Safety Plan.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Faculty shall:
- Ensure that required safety equipment, devices and personal protective equipment, and apparel are provided and maintained.
- Re-evaluate PPE needs for work areas and/or job tasks should any changes occur.
Chemicals – Faculty shall:
- Be responsible for instructing students on proper laboratory procedures, including for 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, Hazardous Waste Disposal, SY20.
- 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 hazard evaluation and classification form. Adhere to the requirements of this policy.