Laboratory Safety
environmental health & safety
Biological Safety
The purpose of Biological Safety is to contain and thereby reduce or eliminate the exposure of lab workers and the general public to potentially hazardous and infectious agents. Primary protection for lab workers is provided through the use of safety equipment and good microbiological techniques.
Boston College’s Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) meets twice annually. It overlooks lab practices and approves protocols involving biohazards and recombinant DNA work before they begin. For more information, please see BC’s Biosafety Manual.
For further assistance, please contact Sunil Gulab, Biosafety Officer, at (617) 552-0363.
Helpful Sites:
American Biological Safety Association
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institutes of Health
Radiation Safety
The purpose of Radiation Safety is to keep exposure to Radiation As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA). This is done by using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), training users in protection from radiation and in regulatory compliance, keeping work areas clean, and monitoring for accidents and spills of radioactive materials.
Prior to the use of Radioactive materials, one must undergo the Initial Radiation Safety Training and have their protocol approved by Boston College’s Radiation Safety Committee. The Radiation Safety Committee meets quarterly to approve protocols and keep the University in compliance. For more information, please see BC’s Radiation Safety Manual.
For notification of or assistance with a radioactive spill, please contact Sunil Gulab, Associate Radiation Safety Officer, at (617) 552-0363.
Helpful Sites:
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Committee
Chemical Safety
The purpose of Chemical Safety is to ensure the proper handling of hazardous chemicals, as well as hazardous waste management and disposal. Exposure to hazardous chemicals is kept at a minimum by using the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and by performing experiments in a certified chemical fume hood.
The Chemical Hygiene Committee meets twice annually; this committee oversees lab protocols with hazardous chemicals and keeps up with regulatory compliance. For more information, please see Boston College’s Chemical Hygiene Plan.
For further assistance, please contact Sunil Gulab, Chemical Hygiene Officer, at (617) 552-0363.
Helpful Sites:
American Chemical Society
Vermont Safety Information Resources, Inc. (SIRI)