Lab Supervisor's Responsibilities

Under Section 2.8 of UW’s Health Safety & Environment Safety Management System (HSEMS), every person in a supervisory position is responsible to his/her line of authority for:
a. Taking every reasonable precaution to protect and promote the health, safety and environment of those persons reporting directly and indirectly to them;
b. Ensuring that persons work in an appropriate manner, and with the equipment, protective devices, measures and procedures required;
c. Advising persons of the existence of potential or actual danger to their health or safety;
d. Fulfilling the requirements of the UW's Health, Safety and Environment Program including training in specific work tasks in areas and operations under their control;
e. Promptly investigating injury/incident reports and taking any appropriate corrective action;
f. Inspecting their area on a regular basis.

Training

Laboratory supervisors must ensure that all lab workers have been trained in the following:

UW Employee Orientation
Lab Safety Program - for general laboratory safety
WHMIS Program
Other lab-specific safety programs
- Biosafety Program
- Laser Safety Program
- Xray Safety Program
- Radiation Safety Program
Safe operating procedures specific to workplace, equipment and duties

Inspections

One of the most effective ways of maintaining a safe lab is to conduct regular inspections. Although monthly inspections should be completed within the department, supervisors should use the same guidelines and checklists to inspect their own labs weekly. Items to include on weekly lab inspections include:

Housekeeping items
Chemical storage
Expiry dates of chemicals and other materials
Annual inspection checks
Testing of safety showers and eyewashes
Maintenance issues

Lab Decommissioning is the responsibility of the principal investigator. Final inspection and department approval must be given before release of a decommissioned lab.