Health and Safety

The mission of the NSH Health & Safety Committee is to provide current information in various aspects of the laboratory to include physical, chemical and biological hazards.  The committee promotes safe working environments by distributing information on engineering controls, work practices and PPE.  The committee is knowledgeable of safety regulations and compliance through OSHA, EPA and CAP.

Qualification in Laboratory Safety, QLS

A Qualification through the ASCP will give you visibile recognition of specific skills in a technical area with the Qualification initials after the ASCP credentials, more job possibilities, and professional growth.

To read more about the eligibility requirements, CLICK HERE to visit the ASCP website.

Committee Business

Click Here to Join the Committee 

2012 Annual Report
2011 Annual Report
2010 Annual Report 
2009 Committee Meeting Minutes

Resources & Publications
Howard Hughes Safety Videos
These training videos are available for loan for a 2 week period.  Cost is free  for all NSH members.  If you would like a video please send your request to the H&S chair, Maureen Doran.  Topics include:
• Centrification Hazards
• Chemical Storage & Hazards
• Emergency Response
• Mammalian Cell Cultivation
• X-ray Diffraction
• Assessing Hazards of Toxic
• Chemicals
• HIV in the Research Lab
• Radionucltide
• Practicing Safe Science

NSH Self Assessment Book #14: Lab Safety
The fourteenth in the NSH HT/HTL Self Assessment series.  The text provides a comprehensive review of safety topics applicable to laboratory personnel.  Included are Agencies, Organizations, Regulations, Precautions. Chemical hazards and biohazards as well as general safety precautions such as electrical, fire, first aid, shipping, ergonomics and radiation are included.  The paper book is available for purchase through the NSH Marketplace. or you can purchase an online version through the NSH Online Learning Center.  The online version provides the ability to earn up to 9 CEUs .

H&S Information Packet
The packet includes: BBP Program Checklist, Biosafety Levels, Carcinogens, Chemical Storage, OSHA Summary CHP, Glove Resistance Chart, Target Organ Poster, Guide for Select Agents, Suggested NFPA Codes, Workplace PPE, Fire Safety Checklist, Particulate Respirators, Ergonomics Plan, Waste Management, Formaldehyde Guide

Created as resource for histologists, the packet is available for download as PDF. 

Safety Snippets
Snippets are quick reads with important facts about a safety topic.  Click the titles below to read a snippet.

Safety Snippet #1: Stains Can Be a Chemical Hazard Too!
Safety Snippet #2: Silver Stain Safety
Safety Snippet #3: Safely Working With Xylene Substitutes

Safety Guidelines for Wet Workshops
Offering or presenting hands on wet workshops is a wonderful opportunity for participants to not only hear about a subject but also experience it.  It is important to remember that wet workshops are often taught outside of the lab and therefore following safety guidelines is critical to ensuring a safe learning environment.  Click here to download the guidelines.  

Meetings & Events