Working in a science lab presents many hazards to the individuals conducting the work as well as others who may be in the same space. Common categories of hazards include chemical, biological, radiological, and laser.
Special training is provided for PSU staff, faculty, and/or students working in laboratories.
Working Safely in the Lab (annual) Training
Anyone working in a research lab is required to complete safety training within 6 weeks of beginning work and then continuing on an annual basis. Prior to completing the training, students and interns will work under close supervision. Training sessions address a number of safety scenarios that may occur in a research lab, from chemical spills to gas tank storage and transportation. This training is offered on a monthly basis and sessions are led by staff from the Chemistry department and EHS.. Safety training sessions are offered monthly. Please complete the Safety Training form to sign-up for and receive information about the training.
Undergraduate Lab Safety Training
Undergraduate students who are enrolled in a science education lab for the first time in their career at PSU need to take the Undergraduate Laboratory Safety Training. This training is available through Canvas and once it has been completed there is no need to take it again while enrolled at PSU. The course is currently available through self-registration through this link: Undergraduate Lab Safety Training.
Bloodborne Pathogen Training
For more information on who is required to take this annual training and how to access the training, please visit the Bloodborne Pathogens Program page. Oregon employees with exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) are covered under Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OR-OSHA), OAR 437-002-1910.1030, Bloodborne Pathogens.
Formaldehyde Safety Training
If you are planning to work with or are already working with formaldehyde, formalin or paraformaldehyde, you will need to take and successfully pass the annual formaldehyde training. More info on this training and how you can be registered can be found on the Formaldehyde Resources page.
Hydrofluoric Acid Training
If you are planning to work with or are already working with hydrofluoric acid (HF), you will need to take and successfully pass the annual HF training. More info on this training and how you can be registered can be found on the Hydrofluoric Acid Use at PSU page.
Cryogenics Safety Training
If you are planning to work with liquid nitrogen and/or dry ice, you will need to participate in an initial training with one of the members of the Chemistry Stockroom. Please email the stockroom chemstrm@pdx.edu to schedule a training time with stockroom staff.
Gas Cylinder Safety Training
If you are new to working with gas cylinders, it is advised that you have an initial training session with the Chemistry Stockroom Staff. Please email the stockroom chemstrm@pdx.edu to schedule a training time. Feel free to reach out to this email also if you have any questions about transportation, setup, plumbing, and/or regulator use.
Radiation Safety Training
If you are planning to work with radioactive materials, you will need to take initial training and then follow-up training with the Portland State University Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). More information on the requirements needed for working with these materials can be found on the Radiation and Laser Safety page.
Biosafety Training
Faculty, staff and students conducting regulated biosafety research are required to complete the Biosafety research training available via the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI). All listed personnel must complete Biosafety CITI training prior to protocol approval (CITI training must be completed within the last three years).
Visit the Research Administration Training page for specific biosafety training login and completion instructions.
Animal Care & Use Training
Faculty, staff and students conducting animal research or training activities are required to complete animal care and use training via the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI). All listed personnel must complete Animal Care & Use CITI training prior to protocol approval (CITI training must be completed within the last three years).
Visit the Research Administration Training page for animal research login and training instructions.
Woodshop and Laser Cutting Equipment Safety Training
All students planning to uses the woodshop or laser cutting equipment located in Shattuck Hall (room 130) are required to take an initial safety training. To register for an upcoming training, please register through the Woodshop and Laser Cutting training Sign Up sheet.