Lab Worker's Responsibilities

Under Section 2.10 of UW’s Health Safety & Environment Safety Management System (HSEMS), every worker is responsible for:
a. Complying with HSE legislation and UW's Health, Safety and Environment Policy and Program;
b. Using or wearing the appropriate equipment, protective devices or clothing;
c. Reporting promptly any hazardous condition or injury to his/her supervisor; and
d. Refraining from any activity that may endanger the health and safety of themselves or of any other person.

Training

Before starting work, lab workers must be trained in and understand the following, as applicable to their work duties:

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

Circumstances Requiring Prior Approval & Safety Reports

Any process or experiment that you have not performed before must be approved before the work starts. In conjunction with the request for approval, a safety report must be completed and submitted to your supervisor. The safety report should include the following sections:

General safety practices for the lab.
Hazardous substances (chemical, biological, radioactive, laser) including potential health effects, first aid response and required personal protective equipment
Equipment used, including safety issues and safe operating procedures.
Waste disposal of hazardous substances.

Lab Worker 's Responsibilities

Training

Circumstances Requiring Prior Approval & Safety Reports