1.  California Code of Regulations

2.  California Health and Safety Code

3.  UCSD Policy & Procedure Sections

   516-3	Biosafety
   516-4	Chemical Carcinogens
   516-10.7	Environmental Sanitation--Waste Disposal
   516-11	Fire/Life Safety Program
   516-12.2	General Safety--Non-structural Seismic Hazard Reduction
   516-12.3	General Safety--Shops, Vivaria and Building Operations
   516-22	Radiation Safety

Academic research and teaching laboratories are complex workplaces. A wide variety of potential hazards exist either resulting directly from the work conducted or the tools used to conduct that work. It is the policy of the University to provide and maintain a safe environment for its students, academic appointees, staff, visitors, and surrounding communities. It is the policy of the University that all laboratory research and teaching involving chemical, physical, and biological hazards will be conducted in a safe and responsible manner.

1. Laboratory Safety

   The UCSD Laboratory Safety Guide, UCSD Biosafety Handbook, UCSD Radiation Safety Manual, UCSD Laser Safety Manual, and the referenced PPM's shall serve as the basic guidance and generally accepted practices for safety in the laboratory. All work in the laboratory shall be conducted in a safe and responsible manner. Related safety activities (e.g., the preparation of Radiation Use Authorizations, the preparation of Biohazard Use Authorizations, the completion of Chemical Hygiene Plans) shall be completed responsibly and with diligence. Failure of laboratory staff and students to follow safety instruction from the Principal Investigator or supervisor may result in restriction of laboratory activities up to and including a prohibition of performing any laboratory activities.

1. Chemical Safety and Surveillance Committee (CSSC)

   The Chemical Safety and Surveillance Committee (CSSC) is advisory to the Chancellor on all matters relating to the safe use of hazardous chemicals. The primary charge to the Committee is to reduce risks associated with hazardous chemicals; establish policies and procedures which meet or exceed applicable norms; monitor new regulations; and implement adopted policies and procedures for hazardous chemicals. Should there be a willful or negligent violation of UCSD's established chemical safety practices and procedures, the Committee has the authority to impose disciplinary measures which are subject to review and/or modification by the Chancellor or his/her designated representative. Specific CSSC responsibilities are outlined in the UCSD Laboratory Safety Guide and the committee charter.

2. Radiation Safety and Surveillance Committee (RSSC)

   Members of the Radiation Safety and Surveillance Committee (RSSC) are responsible for approving and monitoring the use of radioactive materials and radiation producing devices at UCSD facilities. The current membership and additional information about the RSSC is found in the UCSD Radiation Safety Manual and the committee charter.

3. Laser Safety Committee (LSC)

   The Laser Safety Committee (LSC) is responsible for setting policies and procedures for the safe use of lasers at UCSD facilities. Specific information and responsibilities about the LSC may be found in the UCSD Laser Safety Manual.

4. Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

   The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is responsible for advising the Chancellor or his/her designee on all matters related to hazardous biological agents; assessing the safety of related research experiments; assessing any potential risk to public health or the environment; and assuring the implementation of the policies and practices contained in the above references.

   The IBC is responsible for formulation of campus policies which govern research involving biohazardous agents, including infectious agents and recombinant DNA, and provides advice and guidance to EH&S in carrying out the biosafety program. The Chair of the IBC or the Biosafety Officer (BSO) may act to limit or suspend use of such agents pending review by the full IBC. Specific responsibilities are outlined in the UCSD Biosafety Handbook and the committee charter.

5. Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S)

   Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) is responsible for providing evaluation of facilities, work practices, and investigation of potential exposure situations or events. EH&S is to provide general, specific, and technical guidance to the user regarding the safe handing and storage of chemical, biological, and physical agents. EH&S is the reporting body to the state and local agencies related to use and reportable incidents involving hazardous chemical, biological, and physical agents. Should an imminent hazard exist, in the opinion of EH&S, that may result in personal injury, serious exposure, or property damage, the EH&S Director or her/his designee has the authority to impose restrictive measures on the operations of concern. These restrictions are subject to review by the governing committees. Specific EH&S responsibilities and authorities are outlined in the UCSD Laboratory Safety Guide, UCSD Biosafety Handbook, UCSD Laser Safety Manual, and UCSD Radiation Safety Manual.

6. Principal Investigator (PI)

   The Principal Investigator (PI) is responsible for adherence with the applicable policies, practices, and procedures set forth in the UCSD Safety Manuals (Laboratory, Radiation, Biosafety, and Laser). This responsibility extends to all aspects of laboratory work involving all individuals who enter or work in the PI's laboratory or collaborate in carrying out the PI's research. Although the PI may choose to delegate aspects of the laboratory safety program in his/her laboratory to other laboratory personnel or faculty, this does not absolve the PI from the ultimate responsibility. The PI remains accountable for all activities occurring in his/her lab. Documentation of training and compliance with appropriate laboratory practices and procedures is essential.