*Information updated Dec. 1, 2023. Found in department safety page.
All graduate students, UROP students, postdocs, visiting scientists, and other researchers working with chemicals and other hazardous materials must complete the Training Needs Assessment Form accessible through the EHS Office training website. Virtually all researchers (with the exception of some theoretical chemists) will be required, at a minimum, to complete the following steps prior to beginning work in areas where hazardous chemicals are in use. Even if you do not work in areas where hazardous chemical are in use, you still need to complete step 5 listed below.
- New personnel must attend the Chemical Hygiene and Safety Lecture that is presented in December and January; or take the online version, “Chemical Hygiene & Safety for Chemists EHS00101w.” The online version is available on the MIT Learning Center (certificates required) and can be accessed on the EHS Office training website. Please note that the preferred browser for EHS online trainings is Firefox 17 ESR.
- Read and understand the Chemistry Department Chemical Hygiene Plan and Safety Manual. Copies of the manual can be obtained from the Department of Chemistry Headquarters Office (Building 18-380) or from Rick Kayser (Building 18-281). You may also email Rick Kayser your location and a manual will be dropped off to you.
- Receive Initial Lab Specific Chemical Hygiene and Safety Training from your Laboratory Supervisor or your EHS Representative. This is an orientation outlining the location of safety equipment in your laboratory and any special hazards specific to your research group.
- Complete the training course—Managing Hazardous Waste. This is offered as a web-based course (certificates required) and is accessible through the EHS Office training website. This is an annual requirement.
- New members of the Department must sign the EHS Clearance Form and obtain their supervisor’s signature. You must submit the form even if you will not be working in an area where hazardous materials are in use.
No individual is permitted to work in areas in which chemicals are in use until all of the above steps have been completed and a signed EHS Clearance Form is submitted.
Note: Additional training is required for individuals working with other hazardous materials including, but not limited to, lasers, radioactive materials, and certain biohazardous materials. Completing the Training Needs Assessment Form will dictate your training needs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to ensure that all of these training requirements are met.
Please contact Rick Kayser, EHS Coordinator, via email or phone at (617) 324-6132 with any questions.