Administrative Controls

Administrative controls consist of training, policies, and written guidance. Several documents have been created at the university level to provide general policy and guidance for safe practices in various situations. They are as follows:

Training

Proper training serves as a dedicated time to communicate about hazards, safe practices, emergency procedures, and to identify safety information resources. Required training components include general training administered by EHS, specific training provided by PIs or lab supervisors on the hazards present in the lab, and training required by institutional committees, such as the IACUC, IBC, or IRB. To review EHS course offerings visit the EHS training page.

Hazard Communication training is required for anyone using chemicals in the course of their work or research activities.
Hazardous Waste Awareness training is required for anyone that handles or generates a hazardous waste.
Radiation Safety Training (sealed and unsealed) training is required for anyone working with radioisotopes or sealed sources.
Laser Safety Training is required for class 3B or 4 users. Training is provided online. Contact EHS to register.
Laboratory Safety Training is required for all staff new to work in a laboratory setting. Contact EHS for training options.
Respiratory Protection Training is required for any employee using a respirator at KSU. Other requirements include registration, medical approval, and fit testing. Contact EHS.
Training related to an IACUC, IBC, or IRB reviewed research activities is administered through URCO.

In addition to training offered by EHS and URCO, training specific to the laboratory should be provided by the supervisor or PI. This specific training should cover:

An appraisal of hazardous chemicals present in the workplace including permissible exposure limits, the physical and chemical hazards, signs and symptoms of exposure, and methods to detect the release of these chemicals
Appraisal of other hazards present (radiation, laser, pathogen, biological materials)
The measures employees can take to protect themselves from those hazards
The location and availability of Safety Data Sheets and other reference material on the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals present in the laboratory
The details of the laboratory’s Chemical Hygiene Program, Hazard Communication Program, Biosafety Manual, and Standard Operating Procedures, if applicable.
The location and how to use and maintain safety and emergency equipment (e.g., PPE, safety showers, eye wash, fire extinguisher, spill kits, first aid kits, etc.)
The emergency evacuation route and emergency plans

Laboratory or Program Specific Policies

Several policies have been generated at the university level. These documents are necessarily broad and non-specific. It may be that more specific policies need to be developed in order to provide adequate guidance for the situations that arise in your laboratory.

For example, if your laboratory uses or stores hazardous chemicals you are required to have a written hazard communication plan detailing how the Hazard Communication Standard Program requirements are being met and a written Chemical Hygiene Program. If recombinant DNA or infectious material is used in your laboratory, a Biosafety Manual must be developed and kept on hand.

Standard Operating Procedures

A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a combination of a detailed procedure and the safety controls selected during a hazard assessment. An SOP cannot be created until after a hazard assessment has been performed for the specific task and the scope of the SOP should not exceed the scope of the relevant hazard assessment(s).

Each laboratory should have available for review written SOP for activities posing potential risks to students, faculty, or staff in laboratories or shops supporting laboratory and/or research activities and for activities designated for documentation through regulation.

Reference information useful for identifying hazards and selecting safety controls is available throughout this document (see especially; Specific Hazards and Laboratory Equipment ).

Contact EHS for guidance.