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The EH&S Laboratory Safety program helps researchers, lab managers, and supporting lab staff establish a safe work environment and maintain compliance with all local, state and federal regulations.

The program is managed by a team of skilled professionals that provide guidance and oversight to research staff in the following areas:

  • Use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials
  • Research proposal safety reviews
  • Hazard assessments
  • Lab equipment certifications
  • Development of specific laboratory safety programs
  • New lab walkthroughs/consultations
  • Special hazard materials/equipment approvals

For more information, please contact the Lab Safety Team members or send an email to ehs@fiu.edu

Documents & Forms:

Links:

CampusOptics Safety Compliance Platform

EH&S is excited to announce the transition to CampusOptics. This cloud-based system allows user-friendly management of chemical inventories, hazardous waste disposal, and lab space and membership overview with more features coming soon. To access the new system, click the logo below. 

CampusOptics

Here are a few quick start guides to help you get started:

Check the EH&S Announcements webpage for upcoming CampusOptics virtual info sessions and tutorials.

If you have any questions or to request access to the system, please contact the Chemical Safety Officer at mkhabins@fiu.edu or 7-0489.

Emergency Signage Program

Welcome to FIU’s Emergency Signage Program! We aim to keep everyone safe and ensure first responders have the critical information they need in an emergency. Here's how it works:

What the Program Does:

  • Displays hazards and emergency contacts on signage for spaces with hazards.
  • Helps first responders quickly understand the risks of entering the space, make informed decisions, and provide them with contacts to discuss operations and hazards in more detail.

How to Get Started:

  • Review the Emergency Signage Support Doc: This PDF outlines the details you’ll need to submit a request.
    • If you already know the information, skip ahead to the request form.
  • Submit Your Request: Fill out the Emergency Signage Request Form
    • Important Note for Shared or Connected Spaces:
      • All doors leading into a shared or connected space must display all hazards present in the space, even if different groups manage different hazards. Select all hazards found in the space (not just the ones you manage).
      • Emergency contacts can differ per door, but hazards must be consistent. Provide your group’s emergency contacts for your door(s).

The Process in 4 Simple Steps:

  1. Determine Participants: Group Leads (e.g., Principal Investigators, Space Managers, etc.) or an authorized representative (proxy) can submit the request. ONLY FIU EMPLOYEES can be identified as emergency contacts.
  2. Submit the request by using the link above to identify the group or groups that share the space, the two (2) emergency contacts that will be displayed in the space, and all the hazards found in the space (not just the ones you manage).
  3. Approval Process Begins: EH&S verifies the details, and automated emails are sent to Group Leads to verify that the information is correct.
  4. Signage Creation: EH&S creates and installs the signage once approved.

Major Changes to the Program

  • The Approval Process: All the Group Leads (i.e., Principal Investigators, Academic/Space Managers) identified in the request, will receive an automated email to verify the accuracy of the information and approve the request.
    • Please note that EH&S cannot create or issue the emergency signage request until all approvals have been submitted.
  • Automated Emails: Three tiers of automated emails will be sent to participants, either updating them on the stage of the process or requesting their verification/approval of the provided information.

Stay Updated:

Ensure the Emergency Signage database is up to date by promptly updating hazards and personnel information as changes occur.

Contact Information:

For further assistance or questions, please contact:

Victoria Villa, EH&S Safety Officer

 

Lab Self-Audit

The Laboratory Self Audit (LSA) is FIU's required self-inspection program for academic and research laboratories. It promotes individual accountability and helps ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

Completed annually through an online survey, the LSA enables laboratories to assess their practices, identify areas for improvement, and access resources that support safe and compliant operations.

Note: Only FIU employees, such as faculty and staff, are allowed to complete the LSA. Students, volunteers, and interns may not submit the LSA unless they are employed by FIU and authorized by the lab’s Principal Investigator or Lab Manager.

New for 2025

We’ve introduced a few updates this year to improve clarity and transparency:

  • A List of Spaces Required to Submit the LSA is now available to clearly communicate the expectations for the spaces and groups that must participate in the 2025 LSA. We have listened to your feedback and are committed to effectively communicating these expectations from the start of this process.
    • If your space is not on the list, you are not required to complete the survey.
  • Every group in a shared space is responsible for submitting their own LSA.

Support Tools and Guidance

Before beginning the LSA, use these tools to assist with preparation and improve accuracy:

🔍 List of Spaces Required to Submit the LSA: Click here.
      View the list of all spaces required to complete the LSA this year.

📄 LSA Preview: PDFComing Soon!
     A complete PDF copy of the online survey questions, including explanations and answer choices. For reference only. Do not submit this version.

✅ LSA Checklist: PDF Coming Soon!
      A condensed version of the survey in checklist format, useful for quick walkthroughs or ongoing safety checks.

 📖 Additional Guidance Materials:Details and dates coming soon.
       Helpful content and events that guide you through the process. You can ask questions and get clear answers to better understand what you need to know. 

LSA Access and Timeframe

The 2025 LSA will be open for three months:

🕛Start Date: August 1, 2025

⏰End Date: October 31, 2025

Link to Access the LSA: A link will be provided beginning August 1, 2025. 

Contact Information

For questions about the LSA, please contact:

Victoria Villa, EH&S Safety Officer and LSA Program Coordinator

📧 Email Victoria Villa: vmvilla@fiu.edu

Past LSA Data Reports:

2024 LSA Data Report

2023 LSA Data Report
2022 LSA Data Report
2021 LSA Data Report
2020 LSA Data Report
2019 LSA Data Report
2018 LSA Data Report
2017 LSA Data Report
2016 LSA Data Report