The goal of the University of Minnesta's Research Safety Program is to assure that research is carried out in a way that:
Research in the Department of Otolaryngology is carried out in diverse locations and can involve a range of hazardous materials and activities. Federal, state and local regulatory constraints on the conduct of research are extensive and are expanding. This program provides the Department of Otolaryngology with a course of action to supervise and maintain safe, compliant, and responsible research.
Laboratory Safety Training
Every Department of Otolaryngology employee who either works in or oversees a laboratory or research area must complete appropriate federal and state mandated safety training.
New Employees:
New Employee Safety Training is the combination of three online tutorials designed to provide new employees, faculty and students their required safety training. This training is available in person or online. DEHS's in person laboratory safety training is offered once a month and may be registered for online. The online version of the new employee safety training consists of three tutorials which must all be completed. Employees who work with human blood, bodily fluids, or infectious agents also need to complete biological materials training. Register online for in-person training given in conjunction with new employee training or complete the web based module.
Current Employees:
Current employees are required to attend annual refresher training. Refresher training is available as a seminar given by the Research Safety Officer every July. The seminar includes a review of pertinent chemical safety and hazardous waste practices, as well as any changes in laboratory safety policies and updates in audit procedures.
Laboratory Safety Plan
The Department of Otolarygology Laboratory Safety Plan describes policies, procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment and work practices that are capable of protecting employees from the health hazards in laboratories. This Plan is intended to meet the requirements of both the federal Laboratory Safety Standard, formally known as "Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories" and the Minnesota Employee Right To Know Act (MERTKA). The Laboratory Safety Plan is updated annually and distributed to each laboratory. It is also available as a pdf download.
Research Safety Officer
The Department Research Safety Officer works with DEHS, department administration, and principal investigators to ensure our department is in compliance with all standards and regulations and deal with any imminent health hazards.
RSO: Beverly Wuertz
210 Lions Research Building
612-625-3090
knier003@umn.edu