Laboratory Safety Leads
Laboratory Safety Leads (LSLs) are a community of research graduate students, postdocs and in some cases undergraduate students who meet to discuss and lead safety discussions within their own labs. LSLs meet as a group on a monthly basis to review lab protocols and updated safety information. All research labs are encouraged to participate in the community with at least one LSL. Ideally each LSL will commit to at least two years of service.
If you are interested in volunteering to be your lab's LSL, please submit a Lab Safety Lead Volunteer Interest Form response.
LSL Responsibilities:
- Perform weekly checks of all eyewash stations
- Inspect your research group laboratories for PPE compliance and proper chemical storage
- Maintain and restock first aid kits and spill kits when needed – reach out to EHS when needed
- Work with the responsible faculty member to ensure that proper lab signage and emergency contact information is maintained.
- Assist in writing/evaluating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Each LSL meeting will discuss two SOP’s
- Be able to identify locations of safety equipment in each laboratory (Safety showers, eyewash station, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, spill kits, etc.)
- Be familiar with hazardous waste requirements and storage. The packaging and disposal of waste is not a specific responsibility of an LSL, although it may fall into their responsibilities as research student if assigned by the responsible faculty member.
- Submit Near-Miss and Incident Report for incidents that occur within the LSL's own lab when necessary
- Mentor next LSL for two months before leaving position
- Attend at least one laboratory assessment annually
Please send all inquiries to psu-lab-safety-leads-group@pdx.edu