Laboratory

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:

• Emergency Incident/Injury Procedure Guidelines 
• Hurricane Preparedness Guidelines for Lab Areas
• Dry Ice Usage Guidelines
• Dry Ice Safety Quick Guide
• Lab Glassware Disposal Guidelines
• Fume Hood Use Guidelines
• Protective Glove Guidelines
• Emergency Shutdown Guidelines
• New P.I. Safety Compliance Guide (Fillable Microsoft Word Version) or (PDF Version)
• Laboratory Closeout Activity Checklist
• Hazardous Agent/Equipment Approval Request Form - NEW!

Links:

• OSHA Lab Safety Standard

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. 

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

• System Overview
• Space and Member Management
• Chemical Inventory
• Hazardous Waste Requests
• Training Program Overvew

To request access to the system, please contact the Chemical Safety Officer at mkhabins@fiu.edu. Make sure to include the lab space(s) and your relationship to the space(s).

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:

• Log in to CampusOptics to complete the door signage
  • If you are having an issue, contact EH&S at ehs@fiu.edu.
• 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).

Stay Updated:

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

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, 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. 

LSA Timeframe

The 2026 LSA will be open for three months:

🕛Start Date: August 1, 2026

⏰End Date: October 31, 2026

Training

Need to know what training is required for your type of lab? Check out the laboratory training matrix and stay compliant!