Everyday, meaningful research is conducted across the CU Boulder campus and this research often includes hazardous materials. Ensuring the health and safety of all faculty, staff, and students is our first priority, supporting the tradition of excellence in research at CU Boulder. We help to maintain regulatory compliance standards required by many research funding sources. In order to help research groups at the university accomplish the most in the safest environment possible, EH&S has developed a three-pronged approach through training, research, and lab material support.

General Lab Safety

As a national leader in research, the innovation and discovery on the CU Boulder campus have an incredible impact. EH&S is proud to play an integral role in supporting the tradition of excellence in research at CU Boulder by ensuring the health and safety of all faculty, staff, and students. We provide critical training, resources, and both knowledge and material support.

Animal Research

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to ethical and safe treatment of animals in research. All individuals at CU Boulder who have exposure to research and/or teaching animals are required to participate in the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) program to ensure compliance with federal, state and university regulations.

Biological Materials

The Biosafety Unit oversees safety and compliance for all research involving biological materials on the CU Boulder campus. Regulated biological materials in research include biological agents, infected animals or tissues, recombinant DNA, select agents and toxins, and work with human blood, bodily fluids, and tissues, or cells in culture.

Chemicals & Hazardous Materials

Chemicals and hazardous materials used at CU Boulder are overseen by the Hazardous Materials and Waste Management (Hazmat) Unit and the Environmental Compliance & Industrial Hygiene Units. The Hazmat Unit supports research and study on the CU Boulder campus through the education, minimization, and responsible recycling and disposal of hazardous materials.

Hazardous Waste & Disposal Guidance

Potentially unsafe materials in the lab or classroom require disposal. Maintaining regulatory compliance standards required by many research funding sources, EH&S provides many types of disposal support for a variety of related materials including biological materials, chemical and hazardous materials, and radioactive materials. Environmental safety is maintained with all disposals.

Radiation Safety

The Radiation Safety Office supports all research and other uses involving ionizing radiation on the CU Boulder and Colorado Springs campuses, including radioactive materials and x-ray machine use. Our office provides resources, training, and various other programs to help laboratories conduct research and minimize risk while working with radiation. The Radiation Safety Office collaborates with laboratories to ensure the safe and compliant use of ionizing radiation.

Lasers

Lasers and laser systems are used by various departments for research purposes. Environmental Health & Safety ensures the safe use of Class 3B and 4 lasers/laser systems at CU Boulder. Laboratories working with these lasers are encouraged to follow the recommendations from the most recent ANSI standard related to safe use. Design of laser facilities should comply with university guidelines based on ANSI standards.

Occupational Health

The Occupational Health and Safety Unit works to create safe work spaces and prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. We provide guidance and support to all groups on campus from laboratories to maintenance shops and ensure compliance with federal, state and university regulations.