Lab, Building and Operational Safety
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we offer essential guidance for laboratory compliance at Texas A&M University, covering everything from the initial Project Safety Analysis (PSA) and equipment certifications to the decommissioning of research spaces. We also provide instructions on shipping hazardous materials, shop safety, and other information you must know to meet university standards and regulatory requirements while prioritizing campus safety and operational excellence.
Engineering Safety
Who should file a PSA?
Principal Investigators (PIs) and laboratory managers initiating new or modified activities involving significant hazards—such as compressed gases, cryogens, high-energy/pressure systems, lasers, or nanomaterials—are required to file a PSA. Additionally, student capstone and competition teams engaging with non-routine hazards should also complete a PSA.
When should I begin the PSA process?
It's best to start as early as possible. Ideally, initiate the process during the planning or design phase or before purchasing or installing equipment. This proactive approach ensures that safety requirements are integrated into the setup rather than addressed afterward.
How do I initiate a PSA?
To get started, download the PSA template and draft the essential sections. Once completed, email us your PSA so our team can review it and schedule a walkthrough if necessary.
Do I need to update the PSA if my project changes?
Yes, updates are necessary. Re-submit your PSA for review if there are changes in materials, scale, equipment, location, procedures, or if any incidents or near-misses reveal new hazards.
Can I begin work before PSA approval?
No, hazardous work must not commence until the PSA is approved, all required training is completed, and the necessary controls are in place.
Can I request a lab safety consultation or site visit? if so, how?
Absolutely! To request a consultation or a site visit, please email the Engineering Safety team with your Principal Investigator's name, the building/room number, a brief description of the scope, and your preferred dates. We will confirm a virtual meeting or arrange an on-site review.
What about renovations or new equipment installations?
It's important to engage the EHS team early in the process. Provide sketches or vendor drawings to ensure that ventilation, gas cabinets, detection systems, interlocks, utilities, and code compliance are addressed before any purchase or construction.
Lab Safety
Which laboratory safety training is required for my role?
All lab personnel—including PIs, managers, and students—must complete General Laboratory Safety Training (Classroom) before starting work. Additional modules are needed for specific hazards, such as Cryogenic Safety for liquefied gases or Tier II Inventory Reporting for chemical management. Teaching Assistants must complete the LSTA module to prepare to supervise students.
How can I register for safety training?
Employees (staff, faculty, and paid students) access online training through SSO TrainTraq. Non-employee students should email the Lab Safety Team to receive a temporary password for the TrainTraq External Gateway.
Where can eyewash activation logs be requested?
By emailing the Lab Safety Team or calling 979-845-2132. You must provide the requested quantity, department name, recipient, and TAMU mail stop.
What is the procedure for obtaining "No Food or Drink" or "Not Safe for Flammable Storage" be obtained?
These specific safety labels are provided upon request by the EHS Lab Safety team.
Submit a request to the Lab Safety Team or call 979-845-2132. Provide the department name, recipient, mail stop, and the number of labels needed.
What are the steps for registering or decommissioning a laboratory?
All new or moving labs must register through the Texas A&M BioRAFT portal. First-time Principal Investigators (PIs) are guided by the General Lab Set-up Wizard to identify hazards and personnel. Notify EHS at least three months before vacating a space. Submit the Notice of Laboratory Decommissioning form to trigger consultations with Lab Safety, Radiation Safety, and Biosafety. EHS will conduct a final close-out survey within 30 days of the exit.
What are the main rules for safe chemical storage?
- Segregate chemicals by hazard class (flammables, corrosives, oxidizers, etc.), not alphabetically.
- Label all containers clearly and date them when opened.
- Store hazardous materials below shoulder height and never inside fume hoods.
For eyewash logs or safety labels, email the Lab Safety Team with your request details.
- Do:
- Label all containers
- Date upon receipt or opening
- Store hazardous materials below shoulder height
- Don't:
- Store chemicals in fume hoods
- Store chemicals under sinks or on open benches
What is required to approve laboratory equipment for surplus?
Equipment must be decontaminated according to its specific hazard (chemical, biological, or radiological). You must then attach a completed TAMU Equipment Decontamination Form to the unit. EHS approval is required only for radiological or laser equipment. While EHS approval is generally not required for surplus (except for radiological or laser equipment), Surplus Property may refuse items without visible decontamination documentation.
Is financial assistance available for purchasing safety equipment?
Yes, the Safety Equipment Program offers up to 50% cost-sharing for faculty purchasing chemical storage cabinets or flammable-safe refrigerators/freezers. Eligibility is determined by EHS based on risk reduction and existing lab deficiencies.
How can I verify if a fume hood is functioning correctly?
Check that the unit has been certified within the last year. If you smell vapors, do not hear the fan running, or the unit fails a "Kim-wipe" airflow test, email us immediately.
What indicates that a fume hood has passed its certification?
A successful inspection is marked by a white sticker located on the right-hand side of the sash. This sticker must display the inspection date, the inspector's initials, and the average face velocity.
How do I identify a fume hood that has failed inspection?
Failed hoods are tagged with a highly visible "Out of Service" notice on the sash. You must not use the hood for any hazardous materials until it has been repaired and recertified by EHS.