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.

UC Berkeley Mold Awareness and Guidance

Overview

Mold is a type of fungus that can produce spores which are released into the air. Mold can be found everywhere and can be detected year-round, both indoors and outdoors. Persistent warm and humid conditions promote mold growth. Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. For people who are sensitive to mold, exposure can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, and in some cases, skin irritation.

No matter what type of mold is present it should be removed.

Please...

Coming Soon: New BUA Process

December 12, 2023
Office of Environment, Health, and Safety
Information for Biological Use Authorization (BUA) holders

We are modernizing the Biological Use Authorization (BUA) submission process by moving to the online UC Risk & Safety Solutions software system (“RSS BUA”).

RSS BUA improves the BUA submission process Easily add or remove information – for amendments or renewals. Easily address reviewer comments and questions found within the application. What to expect The biosafety team will transfer data from your BUA document into RSS BUA...

Order and purchase List I/II and CA precursors

Federal and State List I/II and CA Precursor Chemicals

List I/II and Precursor Chemicals that have legitimate uses in research but also have the potential to be used in the manufacture of controlled substances. State and federal laws require campus vendors to uphold stringent regulations regarding distribution of these chemicals.

The Federal List can be referencedDEA List I/II

The...

Precursor Chemicals

Precursor chemicals and List I Chemicals are chemicals that have legitimate uses and also have the potential to be used in the manufacture of controlled substances. State and federal laws require campus vendors to uphold stringent regulations regarding distribution of these chemicals.

Federal list (List I Chemicals)

Navigate to “Alphabetical Order” under the List I and II Regulated Chemicals section...

Updates to Hazardous Waste Recharge

August 26, 2024
Office of Environment, Health, and Safety

Please review important changes to hazardous waste disposal costs.

What’s new

Research labs, core facilities, and instructional labs will no longer be recharged for routine waste disposal. Subsidizing waste disposal is a part of the University’s strategy to reduce unsafe quantities of hazardous materials storage, and is a key recommendation from UCOP’s ...

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Fume Hoods

Common Sensors on Campus collapse all expand all Magnehelic and Minihelic

magnehelic gauge...

Chemical Abbreviation Guide

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2024

All containers (including beakers, flasks and vials) must be clearly labeled with the contents and a hazard indication. Labs may use abbreviations as long as a guide is posted in the space. Please use this template to capture all chemical abbreviations for a material. Below are some common examples. Extend the list as necessary. Post in a visible location in each lab room. Near the door may be best. If you use a large variety of chemicals in multiple spaces, you can use the same list in all rooms as long as the list is comprehensive.

If you have questions about chemical...

Workplace Safety

California state regulations require every employer to establish, implement and maintain an effective Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). In August 2017, the University adopted a campuswide Workplace Safety Program that serves as the University’s central IIPP for creating a safe and healthful work environment. Having one program for the whole University helps to improve access, consistency, and usability across all departments. EH&S is the responsible department for overseeing the campuswide Workplace Safety Program. The campus Workplace Safety Program is based on the Injury...

Updating hazard assessment and other semester start reminders

August 29, 2024
Office of Environment, Health, and Safety

To ensure new lab members can obtain PPE, please review the following reminders.

1. Make sure your lab's hazard assessment is certified

A new Field Hazards section was added to LHAT earlier this year. If you have not already done so, please complete the field hazards section by following these directions:

Principal Investigators (PIs) or Lab Safety Coordinators (LSCs)

Select “Amend” and choose “yes” or “no” depending on if...