Safety within CSM Labs

The College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) is committed to providing safe, supportive environments where Kennesaw State University faculty, staff, and students can learn and conduct research in confidence. Through our laboratory safety guidelines, we equip the KSU community with the knowledge and practices needed to work responsibly in spaces where hazardous materials and/or equipment are regularly used. 

Basic Lab Safety Guidelines

Anyone entering research spaces within CSM buildings are expected to wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow established rules and regulations. These best practices help maintain a safe laboratory environment for all KSU faculty, staff, and students.

Personal Protection Guidelines

  • Tie long hair back and secure loose clothing.
  • Legs must be covered to the ankle. No yoga pants in chemical labs.
  • Regular eye wear without side shields is NOT considered PPE.
  • Shoes must cover the feet completely. No sandals or open-toed shoes.
  • If a non-standard type of PPE is required in a lab, it needs to be always worn.

General Lab Rules

  • Avoid working in the lab alone. Utilize the buddy system.
  • Lab tables should remain uncluttered. Keep aisles clear of obstacles.
  • Clean your lab area before leaving the room.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions. 
  • Keep cell phones on your person, but do not use them while performing experiments.

Additional lab safety guidelines can be found in the CSM Lab Safety Handbook. 

CSM Lab Safety Training 

Faculty, staff, and students must complete the general CSM lab safety training course before entering a laboratory or conducting experiments. Additional training or refresher courses may be required based on specific hazards present in a research space. 
 

  • This training builds foundational safety knowledge applicable to all lab users, covering hazard recognition, PPE, emergency procedures, safe work practices, and basic regulatory awareness.

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  • This training provides faculty with a comprehensive overview of laboratory safety expectations, including institutional policies, regulatory compliance, administrative responsibilities, and oversight of lab safety programs. It expands upon the general lab safety training with a focus on leadership and accountability in research environments. 

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  • This training covers the identification and response to chemical and biological spills in the lab, with an emphasis on risk assessment, proper spill kits, containment procedures, and reporting requirements to ensure safe cleanup and minimize exposure. 

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  • This training focuses on the safe handling, storage, transport, and use of compressed gas cylinders and tanks. It also highlights the types of gases (e.g., flammable, inert, toxic), pressure hazards, regulator use, and securing cylinders to prevent accidents. 

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  • This training covers proper segregation, labeling, and storage of chemicals, with an emphasis on flammable and corrosive substances. It also addresses hazardous waste handling, accumulation, and disposal procedures in compliance with safety and environmental regulations. 

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  • This training introduces the biological risk categories, safe handling of biological materials, and contamination prevention. It also covers the proper operation of autoclaves for sterilization, safety precautions, and waste treatment procedures. 

    • Yearly refresher training is required. 
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  • This training covers fire prevention, identification of fire hazards, and emergency response procedures, including hands-on training with fire extinguishers and practical exercises in fire response and evacuation. 

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  • This training explains the role of laboratory ventilation systems in exposure control. It covers proper use of chemical fume hoods and biosafety cabinets, airflow principles, limitations, and user responsibilities for maintaining safety. 
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  • This training addresses hazards encountered during fieldwork (e.g., environmental, physical, biological), including risk assessment, situational awareness, emergency planning, communication protocols, and personal safety practices in off-site environments. 

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Lab Safety Micro-credential 

Demonstrate your commitment to laboratory safety by earning the Laboratory Safety Technician micro-credential! 
Eligible recipients must attend all CSM lab safety trainings listed with an asterisk (*) and earn a score of 70% or better on the D2L assessment quiz within two years of attending your first safety training session. 

For more information, visit the CSM micro-credential webpage »  

CSM Resources 

KSU Resources