In May, the School of Veterinary Medicine and the Laboratory Safety Review program collaborated on a first-of-its-kind on this campus, hands-on laboratory safety class. The class was divided into two sections. The first part took place in a lecture room and focused on documentation and training. The second part took place in a laboratory where common violations such as missing labeling, improper waste disposal and improper chemical segregation were staged.

The objective of these interactive exercises was to train participants how to identify common findings noted during the laboratory safety review program and provide guidance on completing self-inspections and preparing for internal and external laboratory safety audits. Class concluded with a slide show of images of what non-compliance looks like and the “why” of requirements and regulations. Participants also received tips on how to avoid common violations and how to incorporate best practices.

The laboratory safety review team will be collaborating next with the College of Engineering to bring this course to engineering labs this summer. The goal is to collaborate with each of the schools and colleges to bring the course to their areas making it more convenient for the lab members to participate.

Thank you to all the participants who attended and provided their helpful feedback. Thank you also to VetMed for collaborating on this new venture.