Laboratory Security

Laboratory security is an integral part of an effective laboratory safety program. Follow these procedures to ensure a secure working environment:

1. Keep laboratory doors locked when unoccupied.
2. Keep an accurate record of valuable equipment, chemicals, stocks, cultures, project materials, growth media, and those items that support project activities.
3. Notify University Police (2-6412) if materials are missing from the laboratory.
4. Inspect all packages arriving at the work area.
5. Do not leave chemicals unattended on loading docks and public access areas.
6. Report any suspicious material orders (e.g., chemicals organisms). Ensure you match invoices to orders received in the lab.
7. When research is completed for the day, ensure that chemicals and biological materials have been properly stored and secured.
8. Ask strangers (someone you do not recognize as a co-worker or support staff) for university identification. If they are not authorized to enter, ask them to leave or report their presence to management or University Police.
9. Keep high hazard materials in locked storage units whenever they are not in use. High hazard or high security materials include:
   1. Radioisotopes
   2. Carcinogens
   3. Select Agents
   4. Controlled substances and other narcotics
   5. Explosives or highly reactive materials
10. Maintain a catalog for receiving, using, and disposing of high hazard materials.

There are additional requirements and specific regulations for Select Agents.