Laboratory Safety Partnership

The Laboratory Safety Partnership is a joint effort between the ISU research community and EH&S to increase safety performance and awareness in laboratories. A Departmental Lab Safety Contact (DLSC) is appointed by the department chair and serves as the department’s representative within the Partnership while members of the Laboratory Safety Group serve as the representatives for EH&S.

The Partnership is aimed at empowering and developing the role of the DLSC in order to build a stronger relationship between EH&S and researchers. By creating trust, reliability, and cooperation between departments and EH&S, the message and practice of safety can be delivered more effectively.

This Partnership also provides an avenue for prompt feedback, therefore promoting timely and continual program improvement.

Partnership objectives include the following:

  • Webpage – a resource specifically customized for the Departmental Laboratory Safety Contacts
  • Lab Safety Digest – electronic summary of lab safety information distributed semi-annually
  • Safety Snapshot – electronic summary of lab safety survey results for six month period; DLSCs will only be able to view the Snapshots for their designated departments
  • Customized Curriculum – curriculum created for designated DLSCs; provides a framework for general and departmental-specific laboratory safety
  • Forum – department and EH&S representatives will meet on an annual basis to network and discuss questions or challenges amongst peers; the luncheon will also provide an opportunity to recognize members of the Partnership or hear from guest presenters; objectives for the following year will also be presented at the Forum

 

Definitions and Duties

The Departmental Laboratory Safety Contact (DLSC) serves as EH&S’ point of contact for laboratory safety within the department and is appointed by the department chair.

At a minimum, the responsibilities of the DLSC include the following:

  • Assist laboratory supervisors in implementing requirements of the Laboratory Safety Manual in laboratories under their administrative control
  • Disseminate information published by EH&S
  • Act as a conduit of departmental information and concerns to EH&S
  • Help facilitate EH&S safety surveys         
  • Act as the department representative within the Laboratory Safety Partnership Program

Laboratory Safety Digest Archive

The Laboratory Safety Digest is an electronic summary of laboratory safety information published by EH&S on a semi-annual basis. The Digest consists of links to relevant publications, EH&S updates, helpful resources, and provides information on upcoming events. Additionally, a Departmental Lab Safety Contact and EH&S staff member will be featured in the Digest.

All Laboratory Safety Digests will be archived at this location.

July 2016

January 2017

July 2017

January 2018

July 2018

January 2019

July 2019

January 2020

July 2021

July 2022

Meeting Minutes

All presentation slides and documents from DLSC meetings will be archived here.

Kickoff Event, May 2016 Meeting Minutes

November 2016 Annual Forum Presentation Slides

Hazardous Waste Tag Focus Group - March 27th, 2017

November 2017 Annual Forum Meeting Minutes

November 2018 Annual Forum Meeting Minutes

November 2019 Annual Forum Meeting Minutes

November 2021 Annual Forum Meeting Minutes

November 2022 Annual Forum Meeting Minutes

November 2023 Annual Forum Meeting Minutes