Laboratory Safety Policy

Northern Illinois University requires individuals to utilize PPE in technical areas, research and instructional laboratory environments. Departments must provide appropriate PPE and training to their students and staff and ensure its use. For teaching activities in laboratories, the instructor in charge of the course is responsible for supervision of laboratory safety of that course, and for research activities in laboratories the Principal Investigator is responsible for the supervision of laboratory safety. Although specific duties associated with supervision of laboratory safety may be delegated to qualified and trained students and staff, the responsibility cannot be delegated.

All laboratory accidents, incidents and near misses are to be attended to immediately. Health and safety of individuals is the top priority. All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be documented. The Office of Research Compliance, Integrity, and Safety will investigate all incidences and recommend corrective action. If there is evidence of a threat to the health and safety of people at NIU a laboratory will be closed at the discretion of ORCIS until further notice.

Laboratory activities must be conducted under the supervision of a designated laboratory supervisor safely and in compliance with university policies. For teaching activities in laboratories, the instructor in charge of the course is responsible for supervision of laboratory safety of that course, and for research activities in laboratories the Principal Investigator is responsible for the supervision of laboratory safety. Although specific duties associated with supervision of laboratory safety may be delegated to qualified and trained students and staff, the responsibility cannot be delegated.

All NIU faculty and staff conducting activities with DEA controlled substances must be registered with the DEA and IDFPR and comply with state and federal regulations regarding the acquisition, storage, use and disposal of those substances. Registrants may authorize non-registered agents (see Appendix A for the definition of “agent”) to engage in controlled substance activities on their behalf. These are hereafter referred to as “authorized users”. Laboratory employees can be considered authorized agents of the registrant if they are acting in the usual course of their business or employment. The activities, including the administration of controlled substances, must be delegated by the licensee/registrant to the authorized user in writing.

Consumption and storage of food and drink is prohibited in research areas where animals, hazardous materials, human tissues, or radiological materials are used, handled or stored. Consumption and storage of food and drink are permitted in a designated area (defined as a room with floor to ceiling walls and a closable door) separated from laboratory space. If a separate area can only be accessed by going through the laboratory, then only covered food or beverage items may be carried through the laboratory. Travel mugs or water bottles with lids are appropriate for liquid transport. It is not permissible to eat or drink while passing through the laboratory or research area. Rinsing of beverage or food containers in designated laboratory sinks is not allowed. Food or beverage containers may not be stored in the laboratory and washed drinking cups, food containers or eating utensils may not be dried in the laboratory.

Refrigerators used for storing food or beverages must be dedicated to food and beverages only and should be located outside of the laboratory and clearly labeled with the words Food and Beverages Only. Refrigerators used for storage of hazardous materials should never be used for storage of food or beverages.

Laboratories are not suitable for applying cosmetics/lip balm, adjusting contact lenses, or chewing gum.

All laboratories will be inspected annually based on the laboratory inspection checklist which is publicly available. Additional or follow-up inspections may be required based on the findings from previous inspections or as needed. Violations that present an immediate risk to the safety of the lab and occupants must be corrected during the inspection or the laboratory may be closed by the inspection team. Violations of a less serious nature must be corrected within 30 days upon receipt of the inspection checklist. Noncompliant laboratories must respond to the Laboratory Safety Office detailing all corrective actions. Follow up inspection may be conducted any time after 30 days to verify corrective actions. If the laboratory continues to not be in compliance, the laboratory will be referred to NIU’s Laboratory Safety Committee for additional enforcement actions.

All pressure vessels being used in laboratories must be used comply with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. All vessels must be equipped with a release device. NIU Machine Shops are not permitted to produce homebuilt pressure vessels. All pressure vessel operators must be trained on proper use.

All lasers on NIU campuses must be operated in accordance with all applicable Illinois and federal regulations.

All research and activities involving radioactive materials must be performed in accordance with all applicable Illinois and federal regulations. No research or activities may be conducted without approval from the NIU Radiation Safety Committee.