Laboratory & Research Safety

Overview

Faculty and students who work in scientific laboratories are exposed to many kinds of hazards. EH&S supports laboratories with guidance, incident response, SDS management, and a variety of services that are important to keeping a safe workplace for all faculty, staff, and students who work in the sciences.

Come celebrate with us at our 2026 Lab Safety Event at the ISC Atrium on Wednesday, 2/11, from 11 – 1.  Learn to use a fire extinguisher and participate in our poster competition. Hark upon safety, first! 

Resources

• The EH&S Introduction to New Faculty & Staff (pdf) provides useful information on the EH&S Office's support of the sciences and how Principal Investigators can keep their laboratories safe.
• The University Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) (doc) covers core safety issues common to most laboratories. Lab-specific CHPs are complementary to the university CHP.
• The William & Mary Office of Sponsored Programs serves the research mission of the university by assisting faculty in the application for and management of external awards.
• The Laboratory Animal Occupational Health Program (pdf) addresses requirements to manage and mitigate health risks associated with working in laboratory animal facilities.
• The EH&S CampusOptics Laboratory Guidance Document (pdf) is utilized for inspections related to laboratories. Sign in to CampusOptics to look at a space (lab) you are associated with.