Research
Safety Home
Research is an essential part of the Department's Mission - we strive to conduct world-class research that advances the current state of knowledge in all areas of chemical engineering while supporting the education and development of our undergraduate and graduate students. Penn State provides a unique environment in which leading scholars and promising students work together to solve critical research problems in the chemical / biological sciences and engineering.
Just as importantly, we are committed to conducting our research activities in an environment that insures the safety and protection of the entire Chemical Engineering community. People are our most important resource, and we are fully committed to providing the education, tools, training, and policies needed to prevent accidents, control hazards, and eliminate environmental incidents.
Our commitment to safety not only enhances the effectiveness of our research programs, it also provides our students with the training and experience they will need to work effectively and safely throughout their professional careers.
This website provides links to critical safety information, resources, and training programs. Involvement in safety activities develops safety knowledge, increases awareness of and sensitivity to hazards, and prevents injuries. Everyone is expected to comply with all of the University and Departmental regulations regarding laboratory safety, including understanding what training you need to work in the laboratory and knowing all procedures for the proper evacuation of Fenske in case of an emergency. Safety is everyone's responsibility - that means pointing out potential hazards when you see them and immediately speaking with colleagues, staff, and students who aren't following appropriate safety guidelines.
You should feel free to contact the Department's safety officer (Roger Dunlap) or the Department Head (Andrew Zydney) at any time if you have concerns about safety policies or practices - these discussions will be handled in complete confidence with the goal of addressing the concerns as quickly and effectively as possible.
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Basic Safety Training / Requirements
- Chemical Safety
- Biological Safety
- Radioactive Materials
- Ergonomics
- Using Compressed Gas Cylinders
- Working with Sharps
- Working with Lasers
- Disposal of Chemical / Biological Wastes
- What to do in an Emergency
- Chemical Spills
- Reporting Accidents / Incidents
- University Environmental Health & Safety
This page is still under development - additional links / resources will be provided in the near future.