Welcome to Temple University (TU)! Whether you are an existing Principal Investigator (PI), new to the University or you are moving into a new role as a PI, we know that you are eager to have your laboratory run smoothly while achieving compliance with all federal, state, local and university requirements.  

Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) offers group or one-on-one consultation with new or existing PIs and laboratory personnel to assist in properly setting up and maintaining your laboratory. EHRS will review important items such as the TU-EHSA platform, completion of Laboratory Hazard Profile, required training, administrative requirements, and important safety information.  

Contact EHRS via [click-for-email] to schedule an initial consultation to review important compliance information and guidance on how to ensure research and laboratory spaces are properly registered. 

The EHRS Reference Guide for Principal Investigators (PIs) located below will assist you in ensuring you are meeting your regulatory compliance obligations.  

RESOURCES 

• EHRS Reference Guide for Principal Investigators (PIs)  

Proper lab closeouts or decommissioning ensure the safety of all personnel involved and prevents potential issues relating to waste disposal and material transport, which have the potential to generate fines from regulatory agencies. The best approach is to involve EHRS as early as possible in the process to prevent delays or unexpected issues. For this reason, labs should report any upcoming vacancies, moves or relocations to EHRS at least 30 days in advance.  

1. Review the Lab Vacancy or Relocation Guide  
2. Report a lab closeout by submitting the Lab Vacancy or Relocation Form at least 30 days in advance of scheduled closeout. 
3. EHRS will contact the PI with additional information and instructions on how to conduct a successful closeout. EHRS can be contacted via [click-for-email] to schedule an in-person consultation.
4. Complete all items on the Laboratory Clearance Form. An EHRS representative will periodically check in to offer assistance and guidance during the close out process.
5. Schedule a laboratory clearance inspection via [click-for-email] once all items on the form and in the initial instructions have been completed. Once approved by EHRS, place a copy of the signed form on all exterior doors and maintain a copy for your records. EHRS approved forms are valid for 45 business days.  

RESOURCES 

• Lab Vacancy or Relocation Guide 
• Lab Vacancy or Relocation Form 
• Laboratory Clearance Form  

Equipment (ex. centrifuges, incubators, refrigerators, freezers, chemical fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, etc.) are required to be decontaminated prior to removal from the laboratory. All equipment must be in a clean, sanitary condition prior to removal, even if it was not used for hazardous materials. 

• Clean/decontaminate lab equipment in a manner appropriate for the hazards or potential hazards.
  • Chemical Hazards will be removed from equipment and surfaces using soap and water.
  • Biological Hazards will be removed from equipment and surfaces using a 10% bleach solution, 30-minute contact times, and all bleach residue removed with ethanol or IPA. Alternatively, you may use an EPA-registered disinfectant following the required contact time.
  • Radiation Hazards will need to be assessed by Radiation Safety. Never remove a radiation hazard sticker without authorization from Radiation Safety. Contact Radiation Safety at [click-for-email] for more information.
• Complete and submit an Equipment Clearance Form to EHRS via [click-for-email]. EHRS will contact you to schedule equipment clearance verification consultation. Once approved by EHRS, place a copy of the signed form on the equipment and maintain a copy for your records. EHRS approved forms are valid for 30 business days. 

RESOURCES 

• Equipment Clearance Form  

TU-EHSA is a modular, user-friendly, comprehensive, online information management system that assists university personnel with managing their safety and compliance responsibilities and information. TU-EHSA will: 

• reduce administrative and management burden.
• improve efficiency.
• improve data accuracy.
• increase data transparency. 

Principal Investigators (PIs) can use TU-EHSA to access and manage the following chemical safety information under their jurisdiction.  

• Laboratory Hazard Profile(s)
• EHRS Assigned Permits
• Reviewing training requirements and status
• Chemical Inventory
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Register and take EHRS training courses. 

TU-EHSA-GETTING STARTED 

To get started, you will first need EHSA Onsite login authorization to access the system. To obtain login authorization, please contact the TU- EHSA administration via [click-for-email] 

The information on this page will be updated regularly as new functionality is available or additional user guides or information become available. 

The Temple University Chemical Hygiene Plan (TUCHP) is a written plan developed and implemented to establish minimum safety standards for the use of hazardous chemicals in laboratories and ensures compliance with the OSHA laboratory standard. This plan defines procedures for safely managing known chemical hazards, integrates applicable regulations and best practices, and outlines how Temple University meets these standards.  

All research and instructional activities involving hazardous chemicals conducted in laboratories must comply with the TUCHP. 

PLAN 

• CHE017-Temple University-Chemical Hygiene Plan 

1. Effective implementation of the provisions of the Temple University Chemical Hygiene Plan and associated guidance documents. 
2. Development and implementation of laboratory-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and information. Must be reviewed and approved by PI.
3. Completion and documentation of all applicable required university and laboratory-specific training for the Principal Investigator (PI) and all laboratory personnel.
4. Systematic on-going assessment of hazards within each laboratory and implementation of protective measures and controls. 
5. Implementation of other EHRS programs, as necessary, based on information in the above plans and procedures.
6. Maintaining a laboratory roster with designation of roles for all laboratory personnel.  

The university plan is not intended to be comprehensive but should supplement laboratory specific procedures and information developed by the person(s) responsible for unique laboratory hazards in areas under their responsibility. 

The administration of chemical hazards to laboratory animals requires careful planning to prevent uncontrolled exposures for research, veterinary and animal husbandry staff. It is the Principal Investigator's responsibility to notify IACUC and ULAR prior to administering hazards to animals. Prior notification provides time needed to educate students and staff involved in the care of the research animals on the precautions required to prevent exposure and inadvertent release of hazards into the environment. 

Refer to CHE081-Use of Hazardous Chemicals in Chemicals in ULAR that describes specific guidance on the safe use of hazardous chemicals in ULAR areas. In addition, chemical hazard door signs (Caution and Danger) are also available for hazardous chemicals that are commonly used in ULAR facilities. Notify [click-for-email] to request additional chemical hazard doors signs. 

ULAR Chemical Hazard Door Signs:

• 1 - 9
• A - B
• C
• D - E
• F - L
• M - O
• P - R
• S - Z

RESOURCES (For use in ULAR Facilities) 

• CHE079-Use of Hazardous Chemicals in Chemicals in ULAR 

CHEMICAL SAFETY GUIDES: GENERAL 

• CHE057-Developing a Chemical SOP in Laboratories
• CHE058-Chemical Standard Operating Procedure Template
• CHE059-Laboratory Chemical Safety Audits (LCSA)
• CHE060-Laboratory Chemical Safety Audit Flow Chart
• CHE023-Developing a Chemical SOP in Laboratories
• CHE061-Procurement of Tax-Free Alcohol in Research
• CHE073-Chemical Segregation Chart
• CHE079-Use of Hazardous Chemicals in ULAR 

CHEMICAL SAFETY GUIDES: CHEMICAL CLASSES

• CHE074-CSG-Acutely Toxic Chemicals
• CHE075-CSG-Carcinogens
• CHE067-CSG-Compressed Gases
• CHE068-CSG-Corrosive Chemicals
• CHE069-CSG-Cryogenic Liquids
• CHE077-CSG-Explosive Chemicals
• CHE070-CSG-Flammable Chemicals
• CHE076-CSG-Oxidizing Chemicals
• CHE071-CSG-Peroxide Forming Chemicals
• CHE078-CSG-Pyrophoric Chemicals 

CHEMICAL SAFETY GUIDES-SPECIFIC CHEMICALS 

• TBD 

Due to their potential for misuse and abuse, scheduled drugs (controlled substances) listed by the US Department of Justice and/or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are subject to strict regulation. These rules are aimed at preventing diversion of controlled substances through a variety of administrative and physical controls, including special procurement, storage, use, and disposal requirements. 

It is the responsibility of individual Principal Investigators (PIs) ordering and conducting research with these materials to obtain appropriate registrations and licenses. PIs must obtain federal licensing (prior to procurement), maintain detailed storage, and use records, and follow proper disposal procedures.  

DEA regulations allow Temple University (TU) researchers to obtain and use controlled substances in research. To do so, Principal Investigators (PI) must either: 

• hold a current individual DEA researcher certificate of registration or
• conduct their research as an authorized user of a Principal Investigator who holds a current DEA researcher certificate of registration.  

This program is specific to researchers and does not apply to DEA registrations of licensed physicians, pharmacists, or veterinarians or for the use of controlled substances associated with human research subjects in a clinical setting. 

The Controlled Substances Used in Research Manual and the information provided in the Research Safety Resources below are intended to assist researchers in maintaining compliance with university requirements and federal regulations. 

Plan 

• Controlled Substances Used in Research Manual
• DEA Researchers Manual  

1. Review the DEA Researchers Manual prior to ordering a DEA scheduled controlled substance and comply with all federal regulations pertaining to the proper registration, acquisition, storage, use, and disposal of controlled substances. This also includes proper maintenance of all records.
2. Obtain Institutional Review & Approval (if applicable)

• Principal Investigators (PIs) who want to conduct research involving scheduled controlled substances should identify specific appropriately controlled/secure space and inform their Department Chair and applicable Associate Dean for Research prior to applying for license to store and use controlled substances in research at the university. Approval is required for all DEA schedules (I –V).
• DEA regulations allow Temple University (TU) researchers to obtain and use controlled substances in OVPR approved research, IACUC-approved animal research, or Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) approved research (“laboratory research”). The proposed use of controlled substances for use in university research and PI with current DEA certificate of registration must be listed in applicable protocol submissions. 

3. Obtain a DEA Researcher registration prior to obtaining a scheduled controlled substance. DEA certificate of registration for researchers are valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually. 

1. Notify EHRS via [click-for-email]  if/when DEA Diversion Investigators plan a visit the university. EHRS will attend and assist during the initial inspection. EHRS is also available for consultation prior to any initial site visits by the DEA. 

Notify EHRS once a DEA researcher registration is approved and received. Complete and submit the Controlled Substances Registration Form to [click-for-email]. Schedule I registrations must be submitted on a separate form from schedule II-V.  

Identify authorized users, properly screen authorized users, and directly supervise controlled substance use by authorized users.  

Completion and documentation of all applicable required university and laboratory-specific training for the Principal Investigator (PI) and all authorized users. 

Maintain accurate records related to purchasing, inventory, use, storage, and disposal. All documents related to controlled substances must be readily retrievable and available for immediate inspection. Refer to Research Safety Resources for university records and forms that should be used when conducting research involving controlled substances at the university.  

Properly dispose of all unwanted controlled substances prior to vacating a space, leaving the university, or allowing a registration to expire. DEA registrant who “orphan” controlled substances by abandoning them or losing control of them are in violation of federal law.  

 EHRS is not authorized by the DEA to remove, dispose, or manage controlled substances.  

Immediately report theft, loss, diversion, or significant inventory discrepancies to Temple University Public Safety, OVPR, DEA and EHRS

CHEMICAL SAFETY GUIDES 

• Controlled Substances Registration Form
• Temple University-Authorized User Background Review
• Authorized Lab Worker Log
• Initial/Biennial Inventory Form
• General Inventory Form 

REGULATED WASTE GUIDES 

• CHE026-Controlled Substances Waste Management  

Temple University is a hub of scientific research. While many of these activities are conducted in a laboratory environment, some are conducted in the field. Field work, field studies, and field research are essential components of various academic programs at the University. Conducting research in the field presents potential environment-related, health, safety hazards, and emergencies. The introduction of hazardous materials (e.g., biological, chemical, and radiological materials) in such settings pose additional risks to researchers and the environment. 

Whether the activity is planned for a day or an extended period in a local, urban, or rural environment, careful planning and preparation is critical to the success of field research activities.  

1. Review EHRS Research Safety Documents and Forms-Refer to Research Safety Resources below for information.
2. Develop a Research Safety Plan-The key to a safe field research project starts with planning. Assess hazards that may be encountered, identify strategies for dealing with them, and plan for emergencies to ensure a successful project.

• Field Hazard Identification Form-Use the form to identify potential hazards and control measures. Communicate information to all field researchers prior to travel.
• Pre-Trip Orientation Checklist- Useful for overall planning, establishing expectations, and smooth transition to the field environment.

1. All field researchers should be trained in the hazards and controls by the Principal Investigator (PI), and all training should be documented.

• It is recommended that all field researchers attend basic CPR/First Aid. We highly recommend researchers who are going to be traveling to areas greater than one hour from medical care to have Wilderness First Aid Training.

1. Contact applicable University departments to inquire about approvals, vehicle insurance, workers compensation, vaccinations, and international travel concerns.  

 Additional Tips for Field Research

• Obtain Emergency and Local contacts information including local emergency services.
• Arrange for and obtain Medical Tests and Vaccinations
• Review Environmental and Physical Hazards
• Consider Hazards from Animals and Pests
• Arrange for the necessary Safety supplies and Equipment.
• Personal protective equipment that may be needed for the activities
• Emergency preparedness policies and procedures including injury or illness reporting in your Field Safety Plan.
• Guidance on safe storage, usage, and disposal of hazardous materials in the field (if applicable) 

EHRS Field Research safety equipment Loan Program allows Principal Investigators (PIs) to request available safety equipment for fieldwork, with the PI assuming full responsibility for its safe use and return. The following equipment can be requested via the Field Research Equipment Request Form: 

• Garmin In Reach Satellite Messenger
• Two-way Radio
• Portable AED
• Wilderness First Aid Kit
• Safety Vest
• Hard Hat 

General

• Field Hazard Identification Form
• Pre-Trip Orientation Checklist
• Research Specific Training for Field Work Checklist
• Field Research Equipment Request Form 

Field Research Safety Hazard Guidelines

• Animals - General
• Animals - Large Predator
• Animals - Snakes
• Hiking
• Altitude Sickness
• ATV - UTV
• Boating 

Teaching and Research Laboratories require a plan to prepare for emergencies in an all-hazard approach to ensure continued performance of laboratory essential functions under a broad range of circumstances. 

The TU Office of Emergency Management can provide assistance with Emergency Management Plans for your laboratory. 

TIPS ON PLANNING FOR LABORATORY EMERGENCIES: 

• Take actions and precautions to minimize the impact of fire, severe weather events, utility failures e.g. (power outages, heat, water, air conditioning, etc.) 

• Develop a specific laboratory plan, in coordination with your Building Coordinator, Department or College, Office of Emergency Management, etc. 

• Maintain and constantly update inventories of hazardous materials including quantities and locations of all flammables, pyrophoric, oxidizing, toxic, corrosive, reactive, radioactive materials, nonionizing radiation, biological materials, and compressed and liquefied gases. 

• Maintain and periodically update a list of responsible personnel who are designated and trained to consult with other university departments during emergencies (Fire Marshal Office, Office of Emergency Management, TUPD, EHRS). 

• Develop instructions to be taken in event of a Fire Alarm such as instructions to turn off flames and other ignition sources, closing the fume hood sash, securing hazardous materials containers, turning off all electrical equipment prior to exiting the building. 

• Post notice indicating location of nearby emergency equipment in the laboratory (fire extinguishers, emergency shower, eyewash, and spill kit). 

• Provide instructions on responding to small fires using Fire Extinguishers, using emergency shower and eyewash and spill kits as well as First Aid Kits. 

• Ensure the laboratory door signs located at the main entrance are current and accurate with emergency contact (name and telephone numbers) and hazard information.  

• Post the most recent copy of the EHRS Emergency telephone Contacts and EHRS Emergency Response & Spill Management sheets near the laboratory exits/or phone.  

The availability and use of safety equipment is essential to the practice of safe science. Safety equipment should be in well-marked, highly visible, and easily accessible locations in or near all laboratories/support areas that work with or store hazardous material.  

Contact Facilities Management, equipment manufacturer or technical representative for equipment malfunction, maintenance, and repairs. 

Chemical fume hoods are one of the primary safety devices in a laboratory. When well designed, professionally installed and maintained, fume hoods offer substantial degree of protection to the laboratory personnel; but they must be used as designed with full understanding of its limitations. When working properly, fume hoods capture, contain and expel chemical fumes to the exhaust, away from the user. When the sash is down, it provides a limited protective barrier between the user and the chemical or chemical reactions.  

EHRS validates chemical fume operation after initial installation/commissioning and annually. Contact EHRS via [click-for-email] if you require a chemical fume hood inspection or are unsure if the chemicals that you are working with are compatible with your hood (perchloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, etc.). 

RESOURCES 

• OCC012-Local Exhaust Ventilation-Fume Hoods
• CHE025-Proper & Safe Use of Chemical Fume Hoods
• Fume Hood Safety Fact Sheet
• Chemical Fume Hood Signage 

EMERGECNY EYEWASHES 

Eyewashes are used to flush both the face and the eyes in the event of a hazardous materials splash. Temple University laboratories with hazardous materials are equipped with emergency eyewashes within the work area for emergency use to promote personnel safety. 

SAFETY SHOWERS 

Safety showers provide an effective means of initial treatment in the event of hazardous materials contamination of skin or clothing. Temple University laboratories with hazardous materials may be equipped with safety showers within the work area for emergency use to promote personnel safety. 

INSTALLATION  

Eyewashes must be readily accessible, clear of obstructions, fully functional, and clearly labeled. The use of hands must not be required to maintain water flow. All eyewashes are required to be installed in compliance with the latest ANSI Standard Z358.1. 

TESTING & WEEKLY ACTIVATION 

Eyewashes are evaluated annually by Facilities Management to ensure that the eyewash and/or shower is functioning properly, and that proper water flow is provided. Laboratory personnel must activate eyewashes/showers weekly to ensure that they are working properly. Weekly eyewash/shower testing must be documented by the laboratory.  

In the event of hazardous materials contamination of the eyes or face, immediately flush the eye/face for 15 minutes and seek medical attention.  

RESOURCES 

• OCC027-Emergency Eyewashes & Showers
• Weekly Eyewash or Shower Check Sheet
• Weekly Drench Hose Check Sheet 

Fire is a common hazard that is present in university laboratories, especially those working with hazardous chemicals. Hot work (i.e., work that involves burning, welding, etc.) poses the risk of fire and explosions, especially around hazardous materials. Flammable and combustible liquid use in laboratories are sources of ignition which can lead to unplanned fires. Laboratories are equipped with fire extinguishers to supplement fire protective systems and help protect laboratory personnel by putting out small fires.  

The TU Fire Marshal recommends that employees and students become familiar with the buildings in which they work, including the location of exits, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers in case of emergencies. 

For more information about fire extinguishers, annual inspection requests or to request training in the use of fire extinguishers, Contact TU Fire Marshal for the Main Campus at 215-204-1385 and HSC at (215)-707-4702.  

Hazardous chemicals stored left open in the laboratory/work area shall be kept to the minimum necessary for the work to be done. When not in use, all flammable chemicals must be kept in an approved flammable liquid storage cabinet. Flammable liquids must also be stored in appropriate storage cabinets when quantities exceed the Total Allowable Quantities as determined by the University Fire Marshal. 

A flammable liquid storage cabinet is an approved cabinet that has been designed and constructed to protect the contents from external fires. Storage cabinets are usually equipped with vents, which are plugged by the cabinet manufacturer. Since venting is not required and since venting may prevent the cabinet from protecting its contents, vents should always remain plugged. Storage cabinets must also be conspicuously labeled "FLAMMABLE – KEEP FIRE AWAY" 

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: 

• When using flammable liquids, no more than 10 gallons (37.9L) may be kept outside of the cabinet at any time.
• Flammable and combustible liquid storage cabinets shall meet appropriate NFPA standards and may not be modified in any manner.
• Ensure that all stored containers are in good condition, closed and properly labeled.
• Avoid placing ignition sources (hot materials, flames, or sparking equipment) in the general vicinity of these liquids. If possible, replace open flames with electrical heating.
• Do not store flammable chemicals in a chemical fume hood. 

Laboratory refrigerators and freezers, in contrast to domestic household alternatives, can release vapors from the contents. The hazardous contents may spill, creating an ignition hazard and there is also the presence of incompatible chemicals. It is unsafe to store flammable liquids in domestic refrigerators or freezers. Laboratory grade refrigerators and freezers are designed to maintain critical storage temperatures despite frequent door openings. 

Consequently, only refrigerators and freezers designated for laboratory use must be used to store hazardous chemicals. Most laboratory fridges are UL listed, manufactured with stringent standards required by health, science and industry with explosion proof and flammable options. 

 General Laboratory refrigerators and freezers, while not suitable for the laboratory environment, may be used to store aqueous solutions only. Flammable materials must not be stored in these units. To prevent ignition of flammable refrigerators, EHRS recommends one of two types of refrigerators: 

• “Laboratory-safe” or “flammable material”
• “Explosion-proof” 

Flammable solids and liquids must only be stored in flammable material refrigerators and freezers. These units have the compressor and other electrical circuits at the top to reduce the potential for ignition of flammable vapors. Explosion proof units are designed to be operated in areas where the environment outside of the refrigerator could become explosive. 

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: 

• Food and drinks for human consumption are not allowed in laboratory refrigerators and freezers. Post a label to indicate so.
• Do not store strong oxidizers or acids with flammable liquids.
• Compressed gases should not be stored in enclosed spaces like refrigerators.  

Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) is committed to supporting the education and training of fledgling scientists by stewardship of the Minors in Research Laboratories Program. Temple University (TU) hosts a robust and ever-expanding scientific research program with hundreds of laboratories that store and/or utilize an array of hazardous materials as part of their work.  

The Minors in Research Laboratories Program allow for the performance of hazard identification and risk assessment by EHRS staff for a wide variety of projects minor students actively conduct or observe with mentorship and guidance of university researchers.  

Completion of this program’s requirements is crucial in ensuring that standard operating procedures, appropriate safety practices, and online training are documented and in place before minor students can safely begin work in these spaces. 

Principal Investigators (PIs) who intend to host individuals who are minors (under 18 years of age) for work or observation in laboratories must complete the process outlined below. This must be completed prior to beginning any work in a laboratory. 

1. Register with Temple University Ethics and Compliance Office. All programs and activities involving minors at Temple University must be registered using the Minors on Campus registration system. Registration must be completed at least 60 days prior to the first scheduled date of participation by minors.
2. Review CHE087-RSG-Minors in Research Laboratories. Section 6 of the document identifies hazardous materials and/or activities that are restricted.
3. Instruct all participating students to complete EHRS Initial Safety Training for Researchers and any laboratory-specific training required by the PI. All training must be completed by each minor prior to using or being exposed to any hazardous materials or operations. Additional training courses may be deemed necessary by the minors’ supervisor and/or EHRS.
4. EHRS will review the information submitted in the registration and contact the PI if additional information, documentation (SOPs), and/or controls are required prior to the minor beginning work. EHRS may conduct a brief visit of the lab prior to the minor beginning any work.
5. EHRS will notify the PI once the EHRS review has been completed. Minors are prohibited from working in the laboratory until the PI receives notification from EHRS. 

NOTE: EHRS may delay/deny the proposed research activity if the PI and associated labs have prior compliance issues or failure adhering to TU/EHRS policies and procedures.  

CHEMICAL SAFETY GUIDES

• CHE087-Minors in Research Labs