Laboratory Safety

University laboratories offer a wide range of pursuits and safety concerns. Each laboratory has its own unique hazards, which may include electrical, fire, chemical, biological, and radiological sources, among others. Therefore, it is important for each lab worker or student to be familiar with the hazards, protective measures, and safe work practices for their work and the other activities happening around them.

Laboratory Registration

All Principal Investigators (PIs) and/or Lab Managers must register laboratory space assigned to them before conducting research or teaching activities at Texas A&M University-San Antonio (A&M-SA). To register lab space, complete the Lab Registration Form and submit it to EHS (ens@tamusa.edu). Once reviewed by EHS, the PI will be contacted if necessary to discuss university policies, lab safety guidelines, and training requirements related to the research or teaching activities being conducted.

EHS can best serve your needs and those of the University by registering your laboratory’s information with you.

Providing EHS with information about your laboratory and your lab members will help our efforts to ensure that proper training is available to lab personnel, prevent accidents, and keep your laboratory safe. Additionally, it allows A&M-SA to meet the compliance requirements of federal and state laws. This is important to maintain eligibility for you and your fellow researchers to apply for grants and other financial assistance.

The lab registration will collect the following information:

1. Laboratory contact information.
   1. Principal Investigator or Lab Manager
   2. 2 Alternate Contacts: Check applicable boxes if the contact will be notified after working hours for emergencies; contact in the absence (e.g., vacation, etc.) of PI/Manager to answer questions or correct issues in the lab; Chemical Inventory - will have access to change online inventory for the lab. 
      1. (Note: All lab personnel will have access to online inventories and SDSs, but only those authorized will be able to change the inventory/SDS.)
2. A general description of your laboratory’s purpose and research focus.
3. Laboratory Location(s) and Category: Provide the building name and room number for the lab space and the primary category of the lab, and if this is shared space, provide the names of the other PIs occupying the lab.- Provide the Building Name and room
4. Hazard Assessment
   1. Check applicable boxes for hazards that are present in the laboratory.
   2. Please describe procedures using chemicals that may pose higher hazards to personnel or property.
   3. Please describe any other hazards or special concerns not covered already.
5. Waste: Check the applicable boxes for anticipated waste that will be generated in the lab.
6. Local Exhaust Ventilation: Provide information for laboratory biosafety cabinets or chemical fume hoods.
7. Safety Equipment / PPE: Check the laboratory's boxes for safety equipment and PPE.
8. Laboratory Personnel: Provide the laboratory personnel's name, UIN, title, and e-mail. Also, check the appropriate box(es) for hazards to which the personnel may be exposed.

Laboratory Registration Form