Safety

The Large Scale Structures Laboratory is a unique work environment with multiple hazards. Laboratory safety has traditionally been synonymous with chemical safety; however, true laboratory safety is achieved only when all hazards in the laboratory environment are considered. Laboratory safety is much more than a written safety manual and regulations. It is a daily work philosophy that is incorporated into all laboratory activities. Laboratory safety entails identifying and understanding the hazards present in the laboratory, assessing risks associated with those hazards, managing risk through the use of safe work practices and pre-planning emergency response actions.

The University of Nevada, Reno requires all university personnel including faculty, staff, students and visitors to follow safe working procedures. The University Office of Environmental, Health and Safety, or EH&S, is the department principally responsible for assisting in the implementation of University workplace health and safety principles and policies.

Laboratory users

All CCEER personnel are required to comply with EH&S policies and regulations. In addition to the policies and regulations set forth by EH&S, a site safety plan has been developed to manage laboratory risk so as to permit cutting edge laboratory research while ensuring the health and safety of personnel (including faculty, staff, student, contract employees and visitors). The safety plan is intended to establish a framework for identifying and mitigating workplace hazards, while addressing legal requirements for a formal, written Injury and Illness Prevention Program.

Note that prior to engaging in any activities involving lab resources, users must complete a safety orientation session provided by LSSL staff. In addition, users must sign a form verifying that they have received the safety orientation and understood the material contained in the safety documents. Hard copies of the safety documents and the signed forms will be kept on site in the office of the lab manager/site safety officer (HREL 105A).