Research safety

The College of Science and Engineering views chemical, biological and other safety issues as critically important in its operations. Currently, each department has a Departmental Safety Officer (DSO) formerly known as a Research Safety Officer (RSO). See a list of Departmental Safety Officers.

Safety committees

Departments are encouraged to establish a safety committee. These committees are encouraged to meet regularly, include students and staff that work in the labs, and continually seek out and facilitate safety improvements. The Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Materials Science have a joint safety team led by students. This safety committee was featured in the National Academies Press publication on Safe Science: Promoting a Culture of Safety in Academic Chemical Research.

Policies and procedures

Policies and procedures governing research safety and environmental hazards can be found on the University of Minnesota Department of Environmental Health and Safety (DEHS). A Research Safety Specialist from DEHS is assigned to the college to coordinate safety related concerns and issues. See a list of DEHS Research Safety Professionals.