Lab Safety

Providing support, in the form of risk assessment, review, consultation(link sends e-mail), training, and the necessary resources and guidance for research at UC Berkeley.

Lab Fire Caused By Hotplate Heating Oil Bath That Injured Researcher

March 31, 2013
Office of Environment, Health, and Safety
What Happened?

A chemistry researcher was using an older model hot plate to heat an oil bath to 120-150°F. He borrowed the hotplate from someone else and was not familiar with the temperature controls. On this particular hot plate the temperature dial could go around from “LO” to “OFF” and back to “HI” heat. The researcher thought he had turned the hotplate “OFF” but it was still in the “ON” position and 30 minutes later the mineral oil bath ignited.

Fortunately, the oil bath was in a fume hood which kept the flames and fire inside the hood, it was reasonably clean and no other...

Biological Safety

Providing support, in the form of risk assessment, review, consultation and training, for research at UC Berkeley that involves the use of recombinant DNA, biohazardous materials and biological toxins.

Biosafety How Do I: collapse all expand all...

Biological Safety Program Manual

2026

UC Berkeley is committed to maintaining a healthy and safe workplace for all laboratory workers, students and visitors. This manual is an overview of the administrative steps necessary to obtain and maintain approval for the use of biological materials in laboratories, as well as a reference for good work practices and safe handling of other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).

Waste Tubs, medical, stacking

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2003

Biological Spill Kits

EH&S will provide one biological spill kit to each lab with an approved Biological Use Authorization (BUA). This kit contains the supplies needed to safely clean up small spills of biological materials. Bleach or other disinfectants must be made fresh in the event of a spill.

Equipment and Tool Safety

hammer and wrench icon Providing resources and guidance for the safe use of tools by UC Berkeley personnel.

Formaldehyde: Hazards and Precautions

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2026

Training

The EH&S training team creates, delivers, and tracks health, safety, and environmental training for all faculty, staff, and students.

Lab Hood Repair

Facilities Services
2022

Lab Hood Exhaust Ductwork Repair

Facilities Services
2022