Laboratory Use
Effective: January 1, 2008
Reviewed/Updated: January 2024
Contact: Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S)
Introduction
Work performed in laboratories at Iowa State University is a highly regulated activity. Iowa State University must comply with various regulations including, but not limited to, those established by the--
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),
- State Fire Marshal,
- Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (IHHS),
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Each laboratory is governed by OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.1450, Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories Standard (commonly known as the OSHA Lab Standard).
At Iowa State University, laboratories are defined as, but not limited to, any location where research or teaching is conducted using hazardous chemicals, biohazardous or biological materials, radioactive materials, radiation producing devices, and/or physical hazards.
Policy Statement
All personnel (faculty, staff, students, and visitors) who use laboratory facilities at Iowa State University shall follow the procedures detailed in the ISU Laboratory Safety Manual. Successful completion of appropriate safety training as specified in the Safety Training Curriculum for Laboratory Personnel is required prior to beginning work in a laboratory.