 |
Back to Topic Index
Principal Investigator EHS Information
- Introduction
- Background Information
- Step by Step Checklist
Introduction
Whether you are new to MIT, are beginning a new line of research with new hazards, or want a ready reference for your environment, health and safety responsibilities, if you oversee or maintain a laboratory where research involves potential environment, health, and safety hazards, this web site is for you. It is designed to provide an overview of key aspects of our system for addressing EHS matters and to link you to information and resources for meeting your environment, health and safety responsibilities at MIT. Environment, health and safety hazards include, but are not limited to hazardous chemicals, biological agents, radioactive materials, ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation such as lasers, electrical hazards, and physical hazards such as working at heights.
For new Faculty coming to MIT, familiarizing yourself with MIT’s
EHS requirements can be done before getting to MIT. Most
web pages are readily accessible to the public. If you have
an MIT
ID and Kerberos name and certificates on your computer, you
can complete some of the EHS Training available on the web and
review EHS SOPs posted on the web.
For those expanding to a new area of research involving new hazards,
referring to this page can assist you in determining any additional
requirements you may need to meet.
back to top
Background Information
Environmental
Policy
The MIT Environmental Health and Safety Policy defines the expectations
for EHS performance at MIT.
Environment, Health and Safety Management System Summary
The summary describes the Environment, Health and Safety Management
System (EHS-MS) at MIT, a system that defines the structure and
provides the tools for implementing the EHS policy. Organization
chart for the EHS-MS.
EHS-MS Website
The
website for the EHS-MS with links to the EHS-MS manual and to
the tools for the EHS-MS.
EHS-MS Responsibilities
Principle Investigators play a key role in assuring the research
they oversee is done in accordance with EHS requirements and
best practices as can be seen in the summary of responsibilities.
EHS Office and Programs, and EHS Resources
The Environment Health and Safety Office is a resource to support
you in meeting your EHS needs and responsibilities. Links
in purple to the left will lead to information about many of the
EHS programs and services. Some links in gray to the
right will lead to some specific key EHS websites. You can
call one number, (617-452-EHSS) to obtain services or reach any
EHS staff member.
back to top
Step by step checklist
for new Faculty(PI) overseeing research labs
|
Get to know your Department,
Lab or Center’s EHS
Coordinator and Lead Contact. Refer to the table linked
at right for name and contact information. |
EHS
Coordinator and Lead Contact List
|
Complete required training and
assure all personnel working in the lab complete training
(need MIT ID and Kerberos name and certificates). |
Training
Page
Training
FAQ |
If renovations are being done to prepare a space for your
research needs, involve EHS to assure the space meets your
EHS needs. |
EHS
Considerations for Lab Design and Remodeling
|
Designate a person to be the
lab EHS Rep. (Note: Sometimes
new PIs serve as the EHS Rep until their lab is more established.) |
EHS
Rep Responsibilities |
Once the lab is operational and
an EHS Rep is chosen, contact EHS Coordinator to register
space and obtain emergency green cards. |
Summary
of Space Registration
EHS Coordinator List
|
Establish a Chemical Inventory
using one of the tools provided. |
Chemical Inventory Information
|
Biological agents. For
most research with biological agents, you will need to complete
a biological research registration for review by the Committee
on Assessment of Biohazards (CAB). Contact the Biosafety Program
at 2-EHSS for assistance. |
Details
for Registering Biological Research |
Human materials. For work
with human materials, you will need to complete an exposure
control plan. |
Details
for Completing an Exposure Control Plan
|
Radioactive materials. For
work with radioactive materials, you will need a Radioactive
Materials Use Authorization. Contact
the Radiation Protection Program at 2-3477. |
Radiation Protection Program
|
Obtain and enforce use of personal
protective equipment for lab research. In addition
to information linked at right, you will find useful information
on PPE requirements and selection in your department's Chemical
Hygiene Plan. |
Information
Regarding Personal Protective Equipment
|
Work with your EHS Coordinator to establish hazardous waste
management procedures in your lab. |
EHS Coordinator List
Waste Management Guidance
|
Establish procedures for conducting
weekly inspections in the lab, referred to as Level I Inspections,
and addressing inspection findings. |
Inspection Information and Checklists - Level I
|
Be prepared for bi-annual inspections, referred to as level
II inspections, and to act on any inspection findings. |
Inspection
Information and Checklists - Level II
|
| Other MIT organizations may be critical in establishing
your research at MIT in accordance with regulatory requirements
and/or guidelines. A second list of links in gray to
the far right will lead you to many of them. |
|
