Laboratory Safety

Commitment to Safety

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to supporting campus-wide laboratory safety. Laboratory safety is the responsibility of all University personnel involved in research. These personnel include those directly involved in conducting research as well as the University functions that support them. Everyone must do their part to ensure the safety at University laboratories. Our hope is to develop and foster a culture of health and safety work practices to recognize the value of safety not only to prevent accidents, but to aid in getting the job completed with the pride and professionalism. We are committed to ensuring that our research community has the knowledge and tools necessary to carry out their safety responsibilities.

Training Support

To ensure our safety goals are met, the University requires all researchers, staff and visitors to UTD laboratories to complete lab safety training commensurate with any risks or hazards associated with their involvement in University labs. These requirements apply to any individual who may be exposed to hazardous materials or equipment, including but not limited to, the following personnel who may perform laboratory functions:

• Faculty
• Non-Faculty Research Scientists
• Lab Staff (Managers, supervisors, technicians, etc.)
• Students (Graduates and undergraduates)
• Post-doctoral fellows
• University visitors

The Office of Research Compliance and Environmental Health & Safety provide general lab safety training that is a general supplement to lab-specific training. In addition to general safety training, Principal Investigators/Lab Supervisors must ensure their lab workers are trained on hazards and procedures that are specific to their labs.

General courses offered include both online- and classroom-based instruction and cover both general research policies and procedures related to laboratory safety. Most courses are required for research compliance by Principal Investigators and lab personnel involved in research at the University of Texas at Dallas. Specific requirements based on laboratory activity are listed below.

Training courses are offered under the following programs:

• Laboratory Safety
• Biological Safety
• Chemical & Hazardous Waste Safety
• Radiation and Laser Safety
• Animal Care and Use

Access to Training

Training courses are access through the BioRAFT system. For guidelines on how to use the system, please click here.

Courses and Requirements

The University of Texas at Dallas has compiled a training matrix that describes the requirements for training and the associated training modules. The Laboratory Safety Training Matrix describes the minimum safety training requirements for all personnel who work in UTD laboratories. Safety training requirements are determined by the tasks, materials and equipment associated with each laboratory. All required training courses are assigned lab personnel through the Research Laboratory Management System based on lab assignment. View the Laboratory Safety Training Matrix .

Biological Safety

• Biosafety: Introduction to proper handling of microorganisms in teaching and research, recombinant DNA, and work conducted in a microbiological laboratory
• Bloodborne Pathogens: The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, Epidemiology & Symptoms, Modes of Transmission, Exposure Control Plan, Tasks & Activities, Methods of Compliance, PPE Selection, PPE Decontamination & Disposal, Hepatitis B Vaccination, Emergency Procedures, Exposures, Post Exposure Evaluation & Follow-up, Signs and Labels, Waste Management (48 min)