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Lab Safety Training

Lab safety, whether as part of a class or for independent research, is our highest priority. All personnel are required to complete safety training as appropriate for the lab in which they will learn/work.  Employees may not enter any laboratory until all required safety training is completed. This is true for faculty, staff, post-doctoral scholars, visiting researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, and high school students working with a faculty mentor.

Report any unsafe or dangerous behavior in the laboratory to the responsible faculty member, the department safety officer, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, or UK Environmental Health and Safety (859)257-3827.


Engineering Safety Officers

Joyce Evans, Biomedical Engineering, 514G RMB, 257-2685
Nancy Miller, Chemical and Materials Engineering, 059C FPAT, 257-5127
Nick Cprek, Chemical and Materials Engineering, 061 FPAT, 257-2917
Rong Chen, Center for Aluminum Technology, 1505 Bull Lea Rd, 514-5989 Ext 109
Brian Wajdyk, Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering, 372 ASTeCC, 218-6548
Robert (Bob) Day, Civil Engineering, 264 OHR, 257-8036
Clark Graves, Kentucky Transportation Center, 176 OHR, 257-7388
Yongwook Song, Computer Science/Vision Center, 204F2 DMB, 257-1257 Ext 82249
Richard Anderson, Electrical and Computer Engineering, 558 FPAT, 257-8396
John May, Environmental Research and Training Lab, C340 OHR, 257-1123
Dali Qian, Electron Microscope Center, A004 ASTeCC, 218-6511
Herb Mefford, Mechanical Engineering/IR4TD/ISM, 006 RGAN, 218-0757
Joshua Calnan, Mining Engineering,  131 MMRB, 257-8032


UK Environmental Health and Safety

The EHS Division supports the University’s teaching, research, and public service mission by promoting a safe, healthful, clean, and accessible campus environment. The Division’s programs are intended to provide safe and healthy conditions for work and study, protect the environment, and comply with applicable laws and regulations. The Division serves the University community by providing technical services, education and training, periodic audits, and compliance assistance. Below are some of their commonly used online resources:

  • All laboratory doors must display a completed laboratory safety sheet. To create a sign specific to your lab, visit the following page on the UK Environmental Health and Safety website.  http://ehs.uky.edu/apps/lab_sign/
  • The UK Office of Environmental Health and Safety offers a number of safety courses on-line.  For a list of on-line safety courses visit: http://ehs.uky.edu/classes/
  • To obtain a transcript of the online courses you have completed visit: http://ehs.uky.edu/authenticate.php

General Laboratory Safety Procedures

  • Complete appropriate safety training before working in any lab
  • If you are unsure as to what training to complete, ask the PI, department safety officer, or review this chart. (link to the safety training chart I will send to you)
  • Do not work alone in the laboratory, particularly after regular business hours
  • Know the location of all room and building exits, fire alarms, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, eyewash, and safety shower
  • Approved eye protection (safety glasses, or goggles) must be worn at all times in the laboratory. Standard prescription eyeglasses are not acceptable for eye protection
  • Always wear appropriate attire when working in the lab. No shorts, skirts, dresses, or other clothing that leave areas of skin exposed where hazardous chemicals are in use.
  • Shoes must completely cover the foot. No sandals, open-toed shoes, shorts, or crocs are allowed
  • Long hair must be tied back, and all loose-fitting clothing or dangling jewelry must be secured or removed while in the laboratory.
  • No food or drink of any kind is allowed at any time in the laboratory
  • No equipment may be used without proper training or demonstrated competency
  • All aisles must be kept clear. All exits, eyewash stations, safety showers, fire extinguishers, and emergency disconnects, must remain accessible at all times
  • All equipment guards must remain in place. You may not modify equipment without approval of the PI or department safety officer who must do a hazard assessment associated with proposed changes
  • All chemical storage rules must be observed at all times. All chemicals must remain closed until used, and all chemicals must be marked with substance name, hazard information, concentration, date of creation, and the person responsible
  • All chemical waste must be disposed of in approved and labeled containers. Do not place chemicals or other hazardous waste into sinks or garbage cans
  • Any unsafe or dangerous behavior must be reported to the PI, department safety officer, or UK EHS (859)257-3827.