APS 12.7 – Oversight of Chemical and Physical Safety Requirements in Research and Academic Environments

(Approved by the President by authority of Executive Order No. 1)

1. Purpose

This policy establishes University requirements for oversight of chemical and physical safety in research and academic environments, including the establishment of an Institutional Chemical and Physical Safety Committee (ICAPS). The Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S) is the lead unit for implementing this policy on behalf of the University in conjunction with ICAPS.

2. Scope

This policy applies to safety practices for the chemical and physical hazards present in research and teaching laboratories, fieldwork, sponsored clubs, competitions, and events, as well as support facilities, and storage facilities used for teaching and research-related activities, including the work of student organizations in these settings.

This policy does not apply to shops operated by UW Facilities, construction sites, clinical labs, or non-academic operations. However, federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations still apply in these settings

3. Responsibilities and Authorities

A. Environmental Health and Safety

The Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S) is responsible for for the oversight of laboratory safety and responsible for administering and implementing the University’s research and teaching safety programs, policies, and procedures. This responsibility includes performing inspections of research facilities and operations, and reporting findings to the appropriate unit for corrective action. EH&S can implement an escalation process for unresolved laboratory or unit findings and can act as the authority to order immediate shutdowns for safety deficiencies posing an immediate danger to life and health (IDLH).

B. Executive Office

The Executive Office is responsible for overseeing and supporting EH&S in the development and implementation of University policies and procedures to protect health and safety and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

C. Institutional Chemical and Physical Safety Committee

The Institutional Chemical and Physical Safety Committee (ICAPS) is composed of faculty members, EH&S staff, and other University employees with relevant expertise. The committee is charged with review of University safety policies and required practices that address the chemical and physical hazards in research and academic environments. ICAPS supports EH&S and the Executive Office with the development and implementation of University policies and procedures to ensure health and safety and compliance with applicable regulations. This includes the escalation process for unresolved laboratory or unit findings. Members are appointed by the Executive Office.

D. University Units

It is University policy that each dean, director, department chair, and supervisor is responsible for the health and safety performance in each respective unit. This responsibility cannot be transferred or delegated.

The dean, director, department chair, and supervisor are required to work with EH&S, ICAPS, and the Executive Office to resolve safety findings in the laboratories, fieldwork, sponsored clubs, competitions, support facilities, and storage facilities within their unit.

4. Responsible Office and Additional Information

For additional information contact the Environmental Health & Safety Department. This office provides guidance for policy implementation and compliance.

Additional relevant policy can be found here:

5. History

December 31, 2020.

Table of Contents