Laboratory Safety Committee

The University Laboratory Safety Committee and its Chair are appointed by the Provost and advise them on all matters relating to laboratory safety.  New members of the committee shall be appointed by the Chair.  The Committee is responsible for regulating the use of hazardous materials or apparatus in any area where academically-related activities are conducted to assure compliance with appropriate laws, regulations and guidelines and to safeguard the health and safety of WPI students, faculty, staff and the community. 

The Committee formulates such policies as are necessary to establish safe work practice and chemical hygiene.  Procedural monitoring and control functions of the Committee relate primarily to the fundamental responsibility of WPI to determine that hazardous agents (e.g. chemical, physical, electrical, etc.) are procured, used, and disposed of in such a manner that they do not endanger the health or safety of personnel or of the community.  The Committee will address, among other things, laboratory safety concerns relevant to facilities, procedures, emergency response and education. 

The Committee shall establish the mechanisms whereby issues concerning laboratory safety are identified, prioritized and systematically addressed.  Inherent to this charge is the requirement that the Committee work closely with other campus committees, building managers, and stakeholders in developing appropriate safety policy. 

The Committee fulfills the appropriate oversight and support functions of a Chemical Hygiene Committee as established in OSHA regulations 29 CFR 1910.1450.

The Committee may also recommend budgetary priorities to the Provost or by submitting a Capital Project request through Facilities for infrastructure repairs and improvements necessary to maintain or improve safe laboratory conditions.  In such matters, the Committee will also assist and advise Departments and Divisions to incorporate detailed estimates and justifications in their direct budget requests.