Laboratory Safety Coordinator, Environmental Health & Safety

In this dynamic role that reports to the Director you will use your knowledge of laws regulations and sound practices to resolve issues related to laboratory safety. The particular focus is on hazard control hierarchy for chemical physical biological radiological ergonomic or otherwise hazardous factors; selection training and maintenance of PPE; and hazardous waste. The position reviews evaluates and analyzes laboratory environments and designs programs and procedures to control eliminate and prevent disease or injury. It also oversees implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive Laboratory Safety program in support of University teaching and research laboratories; conducts inspections and incident investigations; and requires a broad scope of safety to identify and protect against general issues such as electrical physical and fire hazards. This position is authorized to Stop Work when in the positions professional judgment conditions present an imminent danger. This position demands someone with technical knowledge who can plan and work independently with skills in conflict resolution and public speaking.

Program Management

Responsible for management of lab safety/compliance programs in a liaison role with the chemical hygiene officers across campus which may include but is not necessarily limited to teaching and/or research lab safety; machine shops; laboratory ventilation; safety aspects of experimental design; minors in laboratories; particularly hazardous substances; and role similar to as a radiation safety officer

Programming will include development of written programs procedures or guidelines; conducting periodic audits/inspection; communication and training; and keeping comprehensive and accurate records

Reviews research grant proposals material transfer agreements or protocols submitted through other safety/compliance committees (e.g. IACUC IRB IBC)

Makes recommendations for approval and coordinates with faculty to develop Standard Operating Procedures to address significant hazards noted during reviews

Develops and tracks metrics based on your job functions

Prepares periodic reports forms surveys or other tools that reiterate the goals and accomplishments of assigned programs

Utilizes various media forms to communicate safe work practices/hazards mitigation

Research products technologies tools and resources services procedures etc. and prepares laboratory advisory memos for product recalls/safety hazards

Performs laboratory commissioning and decommissioning oversight coordination and approvals

Inspections/Incident Investigations

Actively monitors laboratory safety/compliance of research diagnostic and teaching laboratories research-related workshops and other spaces through annual program audits (inspections)

Documents and communicates findings and tracks corrective actions to resolution/closure in a timely fashion

Coordinates inspection schedule assignments with research investigators lab management staff departmental safety coordinators or academic department heads

Keeps managers informed on sensitive laboratory safety issues

Performs assessments on safety complaints/concerns non-compliances and laboratory incidents; provides recommended corrective actions and lessons learned

For incidents assess exposure routes degree of potential exposure and occupational medicine follow-up

Prepares reports to be reviewed by the Director for reporting to university senior leadership- incident assessment documentation may affect conclusions reached by Workers Compensation claims and outcome of other investigative activities

Training Development & Delivery

Designs develops and delivers chemical safety general lab safety and other types of safety training for UTC faculty staff students and visitors; this includes updating annual refresher training based on the prior years laboratory audit findings and establishing other innovative methods for delivering refresher training

Develops computerized training programs and training materials and feedback methods

Provides lab safety principles and perspectives to committees such as: Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) Institutional Research Board (IRB) etc.

Prepares reports of training compliance per regulatory and institutional requirements

Classroom or other in-person training approaches may be required

Technical Assistance

Research applicable international federal state and local regulations standards guidelines and UT policies and programs requirements in order to build proficiency and formulate recommendations

Provides programmatic and technical review of high hazard chemical registrations and follow-up consultation

Provides guidance and assistance relative to regulatory and consensus standards requirements (OSHA NFPA IFC)

Serves on and advises committees on applicable lab safety policies regulations and guidelines

Anticipates and recognizes lab safety needs creates safety solutions and provides consultation to support research community in a way that keeps pace with the dynamic research activities

Assists researchers with risk assessments and development review and approval of job hazard analyses

Provides EHS technical liaison to UTCPD CFD and/or Incident Commander during emergency events involving hazardous materials; responds on scene for university emergency events as requested

Coordinates updating the chemical inventory with campus departments

Schedules waste disposals communicating with disposal contractors and campus generators

Writes technical informative or operational reports and papers that may include recommendations and/or corrective actions

Other EHS/Lab Safety Support Services

Provides shipping assistance to researchers who need to ship hazardous materials/dangerous goods as regulated by the Department of Transportation and the International Air and Transportation Association

Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence integrity and collaboration

Cross-trains other EHS staff in laboratory safety basics

Provides 24/7 coverage as the EHS on-call when assigned

Supervises other EHS staff when assigned

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

Knowledge of or ability to learn applicable regulations guidance documents and institutional policies particularly those associated with (T)OSHA ANSI ASTM ASHRAE EPA and applicable building codes

Knowledge of chemical biological environmental and occupational health and safety principles and practices

Knowledge of key concepts of hazards associated with scientific methods including current research techniques

Knowledge of standard laboratory equipment and engineering controls as well as their proper use

Ability to work within research laboratories and vivaria

Technical skills related to computer operation Microsoft applications database use training development audit management and data analysis to generate thoughtful and insightful well-formatted reports

Ability to self-manage in contentious situations with a variety of personality types. Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work independently and follow through on work assignments with minimal direction

Strong communication skills both verbal and written using appropriate vocabulary and grammar to obtain information explain procedures and situations and persuade others to address compliance-related deficiencies

Ability to provide technical training/guidance to individuals or groups in written and/or verbal formats

Ability to complete or documented completion of Incident Command System (ICS)- of OSHA Laboratory Safety Standard EPA/RCRA regulations and fire codes from NFPA ICC/IFC

Ability to survey laboratory and mechanical spaces for chemical safety issues

Ability to wear a respirator

Experienced level of skills working in a high-chemical use setting

Knowledge beyond basic chemistry particularly with respect to hazards to people

Skill in speaking and gaining rapport with persons of various social cultural economic and educational backgrounds

Knowledge of organizational details of research universities

Ability to apply concepts of industrial hygiene occupational safety risk management and emergency response

Knowledge of or ability to learn data and learning management systems e.g. SafetyStratus SafetyCulture Canvas

Ability to wear required personal protective equipment to include a respirator

Review of applications will begin on January 22 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration.

Minimum qualifications: Typically requires bachelors degree in chemistry biology engineering industrial hygiene or other science field and four years of relevant experience creating and delivering laboratory safety (e.g. chemical hygiene biosafety) laboratory risk management chemical/waste shipping and regulatory compliance training programs for various audiences or an equivalent combination of education training and experience. A valid drivers license is required.

Preferred qualifications: A masters degree in chemistry biology engineering industrial hygiene or other science related field; five years or greater experience in a college/university setting; experience supervising working or overseeing safety program implementation within a research and/or teaching lab; BSL-2 or BSL-3 lab; engineering radiological or applied science lab; experience in scientific/technical instruction are preferred.