Select one of the links below for more information.
Training
It is important that you have the required training before you start to work in the lab. Every laboratory worker is required to take Laboratory Safety Training annually. Also, if you work with certain biological materials, you may be required to take Bloodborne Pathogens training annually. These courses, provided by the Division of Occupational Health and Safety, are the minimum required training to begin working in a laboratory at the NIH. Please speak with your supervisor to arrange task-specific training. Additional course information is available here.
The table below outlines the mandatory training courses, who is required to take the course and when to take the course.
You may find the following supplemental training resources helpful:
STARLITE (Safety Training Advances Research - Laboratory Interactive Training Environment)
link to top of page Chemical Safety
As an NIH employee, you should be familiar with the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP). The CHP provides basic information regarding how employees must work with, store, and dispose of chemicals at the NIH. You should also be able to read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and have access to the MSDS for any chemical that you work with. OSHA also provides guidance on many chemicals at the following website: Occupational Safety and Health Guidelines by Chemical.
The following list are general classes of chemicals and some helpful information
Hazard Signage and Chemical Labeling
There are currently two official methods for labeling chemicals in the United States; the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Hazard Identification System (NFPA Diamond) or the American Coatings Association's (ACA) Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS). In the near future, all chemicals and chemical products distributed in the U.S. will utilize the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) developed by the United Nations. Some federal agencies already require the use of GHS to label chemicals (DOT and EPA). The GHS has not yet been adopted by OSHA but it is expected in the near future.
Laboratory personnel should be familiar with all three labeling systems and be able to distinguish the differences between the systems. GHS numerical hazard ratings are, generally, the opposite rating of NFPA and ACA. For example, in the GHS system acetaldehyde has a flammable rating of 1 but in the NFPA system it has a flammable rating of 4.
The following resources will help you learn the differences between the three labeling systems.
Below are some additional resources on laboratory chemical safety
- There are many resources online regarding chemical safety:
link to top of page Biological Safety
Below are some links that you may find useful in addition to the DOHS biosafety website. If you need more specific information or help, please contact your Safety Specialist.
link to top of page Safe Lab Equipment
The following websites provide useful information on the safe use of lab equipment.
- Lyophilizers
- Centrifuges
- Autoclaves
- Vacuums
- Electronic Equipment
- Lasers
- Sonicators
link to top of page Emergency Procedures
Use the links below to help familiarize yourself with NIH emergency procedures. Speak with your PI about lab specific emergency procedures.
link to top of page OSHA and Lab Safety
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has several laws and guidance documents that pertain to laboratory workers. The links below are a compilation of some of the pertinent resources from OSHA.
link to top of page