Laboratory, Shop, and Studio Safety Program

RWU's laboratories, shops, and studios play important roles in our architecture, art, construction management, engineering, graphic design, science, and theatre programs.

These specialized workspaces host a variety of equipment and processes that enable our students, faculty, and staff to work, study, create, and conduct research safely. 

All laboratory, shop, and studio users should please review the following information:

Training

     All laboratory, shop, and studio users (faculty, staff, students, and visitors) are required to complete the following training items:

  1. Laboratory Safety Agreement and/or Shop and Studio Safety Agreement (each semester)
  2. Working Environment Safety Trainings (each academic year) - for each work space you are working/taking classes in
  3. Process, Task, and Equipment Trainings (each academic year) - for each task, process, or equipment item you are doing/using
  4. Hands-On Training for the specific process, task, or equipment (each academic year) - hands-on training from your instructor or supervisor for the process, task, or equipment you are doing/using

     Laboratory, Shop, and Studio Safety Training Links: The training links for the above items are posted on this PDF and broken out into the four categories listed above, with requirements listed by area (chemistry, biology, visual arts, etc.). UPDATED: 01/26/24 (V4; spring agreements, tool updates)

     Training Completion Reports (for faculty/staff review only): The training completion reports links are posted on this PDF and are for faculty/staff to review to confirm that all students/employees have completed the necessary trainings (please reach out to EHS for the access code if you do not have it). UPDATED: 01/26/24 (V4; spring agreements)

    Hand and Power Tool Training for Supervisors, Managers, Technicians, and Monitors: For employees managing/supervising tool users or instructing/training/providing safety oversight to tool users (Hard Hat Training - $39.00 course registration fee - please pay with your department credit card) (Please send copy of course completion certificate to safety@rwu.edu and cconley@rwu.edu)

     Confused about the training process? Review this video walkthrough

Plans, Procedures, and Posters

Facility Construction and Renovations

  • EHS will work with Capital Projects and departments on new construction of (and renovations to existing) laboratory, shop, and studio spaces with regards to regulatory compliance needs (fire safety, wastewater, chemical, eyewash/safety shower, ventilation, etc.)

Equipment Updates and Purchases

  • Faculty and staff: please reach out to EHS prior to purchasing new or replacing existing laboratory, shop, and studio items, including:
    • a chemical or biological material we do not currently have in our inventory
    • any equipment with a radiological or laser component
    • hand or power tools, welding/soldering or other hot work equipment, laser cutters, 3D printers, etc.
    • metalworking/shaping/plating equipment, paint cleaning equipment, kilns, cylinders and compressed gases
    • any equipment with ventilation needs (spray booths, fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, welding fume extractors, etc.)
  • EHS will work with you and your department to make sure all safety requirements are in place prior to equipment being used (examples: state licensure, safety inspections, training programs in place, PPE purchased and available, waste disposal procedures in place, etc.)

Processes and Tasks Safety Reviews

  • Faculty and staff: please reach out to EHS with new (or significant changes to existing) processes and tasks involving physical, chemical, biological, or radiologically hazardous equipment or items, so we can review safety requirements with you prior to beginning the new/updated process or task

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and First Aid Kits

  • PPE requirements vary based on workspace and the tasks being performed
  • First aid kits are purchased by the departments and should include adhesive bandages of several sizes, as well as individual packets of antibacterial wipes or ointment. Please do not include items such as burn cream or tourniquets in the first aid kits. All laboratory, shop, and studio injuries must be reported to RWU Public Safety and documented on the illness/injury reporting form
  • Faculty and staff: please reach out to EHS with questions regarding PPE and first aid kits

Safety Committees

  • SSNS hosts the Laboratory Safety Committee and EHS hosts the Shop and Studio Safety Committee. Please connect with the Chemistry Department Chair for the Laboratory Safety Committee or Cat Conley for the Shop and Studio Safety Committee.