Safety Training
Safety training provides the knowledge and skills needed to work safely in our teaching and research laboratories. Before beginning laboratory work, all personnel must complete the training required for their role and the hazards associated with their work.
Training requirements may vary depending on your research activities, laboratory assignments, and the materials or equipment you use. Your Principal Investigator (PI), supervisor, and the Safety Coordinator can help determine which training courses are required.
Please note: These departmental trainings supplement the required modules in UNM’s Learning Central and address specific local procedures, hazards, and equipment.
Getting Started
New laboratory personnel should:
- Complete all required University and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) training.
- Receive laboratory-specific training from their PI or supervisor.
- Review applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Become familiar with emergency procedures, laboratory equipment, and required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Ask questions whenever something is unclear.
Training is an ongoing process. Additional training may be required when procedures change, new equipment is introduced, or new hazards are added to the laboratory.
Everyone must take annually:
Area Emergency Plan Training, Emergency Quick GuideandQuiz
Hazardous Communication Training andQuiz
Laboratory Technicians and Researchers must take annually:
Eyewash & Safety Showers andQuiz
Hazardous Waste Management Training and Printout and Quiz
Sharps Safety Training, SHARPS Quick Guide, and Quiz
As Needed Annually:
Liquid Nitrogen Safety Part 1, SOP and Quiz (Contact Safety Coordinator for Part 2)
Peroxide Formers, SOP, and Quiz
Common & Laboratory-Specific Training
Depending on your work, you may also be required to complete training in areas such as:
- Fire Safety
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Biosafety
- Radiation Safety
- Laser Safety
- Compressed Gas Safety
In addition to the above trainings, every researcher is responsible for learning the specific procedures used in their laboratory. This includes:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Equipment operation
- Emergency procedures
- Chemical hazards
- Laboratory housekeeping expectations
- Waste management procedures
No one should perform work until they have been trained and authorized to do so.
Questions?
If you are unsure which training applies to your work, contact your PI, supervisor, or the Safety Coordinator before beginning laboratory activities.
More Training Resources
