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Required Approvals

RSO’s – note and delete: Certain laboratory operations, procedures or activities may warrant prior approval from a designated supervisor. Procedures involving chemicals listed in Tables 1-5 should be considered for prior approval. The PIs in the department must consider the toxicity of the chemicals used, the hazards of each procedure, and the knowledge and experience of the laboratory workers, and decide which will require pre-approval. Each PI should forward a list of the selected SOPs to the departmental Research Safety Officer for reference in this section of the LSP. If none of the SOPs require prior approval, the PI should note this fact and forward a brief explanation to the RSO. In Subsection A, the RSO should summarize the department's SOPs designated for prior approval. Subsection B also requires action. The RSO must work with the PIs to develop a prior approval procedure. This procedure should be described in Subsection B.

‘High hazard’ research is that which due to the nature of the hazard, or the quantity of the material, or the potential for exposure poses higher than usual risk to the worker. Such research may require formal review and approval by a researcher’s departmental safety committee, perhaps with involvement of DEHS personnel. High hazard research could include gases or chemicals listed in Tables 1-5 of this Laboratory Safety Plan, or certain biological or physical agents. RSOs should conduct laboratory audits and consult with Principal Investigators to identify research programs which may fall into this ‘high hazard’ category.

PI’s whose research is identified as ‘high hazard’ should provide copies of their SOPs to the RSO and their department’s safety committee for review and approval. The committee should respond with any comments or requests for changes in a timely manner, and keep a written record of approvals within the department.