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Principal Investigators
This section provides information for faculty who conduct research in the COSE. Research assistants and guest faculty should review project protocols with the Principal Investigator(s) of the research project.
General Responsibility
A Principal Investigator (PI) is the manager of his or her work space and personnel. Along with the ability to make decisions, managing people brings with it the responsibility for their safety. As the manager, you are responsible for the following tasks that support a compliant and effective safety program.
1. Familiarize yourself with the written safety programs that apply to you, especially these:
- Biosfety Plan
- Chemical Hygiene Plan
- Hazard Communication Program
- Injury and Illness Prevention Program
2. Inspect your work area regularly – each quarter for areas with hazardous materials.
- Quarterly Self-Inspection Report for Areas with Hazardous Materials
- Check that fume hoods, refrigerators, and emergency eye washes are operational
3. Complete the recommended corrective actions after a health and safety staff compliance audit in a timely manner.
4. Maintain a current list of hazardous chemicals in your work area. Make sure everyone knows how to obtain Materials Safety Data Sheets. You must submit an annual update to Campus EHOS in the Spring.
5. Evaluate the potential hazards of the chemicals and equipment you use and highlight high hazard equipment or processes. Use this evaluation to write safe operating procedures (or Codes of Safe Work Practices).
6. Conduct and document initial safety orientation for new hires within 30 days of their first day of work. As the “expert” in his/her area, the PI determines the duration and extent of the training necessary to work safely in that area.
