All laboratory researchers at Stanford must receive general and laboratory-specific safety. General safety training is completed through the STARS online training portal or in-person through EH&S. Laboratory-specific training includes both initial training given before beginning work in the laboratory (use Stanford University’s Laboratory-Specific Training Checklist), as well as training prior to changes in work that involve new hazardous materials, agents, or processes (use the Additional Laboratory-Specific or Job-Specific Training Log).
The Principal Investigator (PI) may authorize another person to conduct the training on their behalf, but it remains the PI’s responsibility to ensure that all personnel in the lab have received training for activities involving hazardous processes or materials.
For questions or if you would like a consultation on developing your laboratory-specific training, please contact EH&S at 723-0448.
Who needs to be trained?
Researchers who work with hazardous materials or processes in the laboratory must be provided laboratory-specific training. Personnel who work in “dry” laboratory computational environments or serve an administrative role are not required to complete laboratory-specific training.
For individuals under the age of 18, refer to Health & Safety Requirements for Minors in Laboratories at Stanford University.
What does laboratory specific training need to include?
Laboratory groups can develop laboratory-specific training using the How To Develop Lab-Specific Training Template. Laboratory specific training must include:
- An orientation of emergency/safety equipment and procedures.
- A review of the hazards specific to the laboratory.
- Where to find safety information (e.g. SDSs, SOPs, Safety Fact Sheets, local lab plans/protocols, health and safety manuals, equipment manuals, etc.)
- Direction on when PI or EH&S authorizations, consultations, or additional trainings are needed.
How do I document my laboratory specific training?
Training documentation must state who was trained, the date training occurred, and topics covered. Retain laboratory-specific training records for at least 1 year. Use the Stanford University Laboratory-Specific Training Checklist to document the initial laboratory specific training for new personnel. For ongoing training, use the Additional Laboratory-Specific or Job-Specific Training Log to document additional training.
How often must laboratory specific training be provided?
Laboratory-specific training needs to be provided initially when a researcher joins the lab and when any of the hazards or processes change.
