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As a national leader in research, the innovation and discovery on the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder campus have an incredible impact. EH&S is proud to play an integral role in supporting the tradition of excellence in research at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder by ensuring the health and safety of all faculty, staff, and students. We provide critical training, resources, and both knowledge and material support.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to ethical and safe treatment of animals in research. All individuals at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder who have exposure to research and/or teaching animals are required to participate in the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) program to ensure compliance with federal, state and university regulations.

The Biosafety Unit oversees safety and compliance for all research involving biological materials on the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder campus. Regulated biological materials in research include biological agents, infected animals or tissues, recombinant DNA, select agents and toxins, and work with human blood, bodily fluids, and tissues, or cells in culture.

Chemicals and hazardous materials used at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder are overseen by the Hazardous Materials and Waste Management (Hazmat) Unit and the Environmental Compliance & Industrial Hygiene Units. The Hazmat Unit supports research and study on the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder campus through the education, minimization, and responsible recycling and disposal of hazardous materials.

Potentially unsafe materials in the lab or classroom require disposal. Maintaining regulatory compliance standards required by many research funding sources, EH&S provides many types of disposal support for a variety of related materials including biological materials, chemical and hazardous materials, and radioactive materials. Environmental safety is maintained with all disposals.

The Radiation Safety Office supports all research and other uses involving ionizing radiation on the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder and Colorado Springs campuses, including radioactive materials and x-ray machine use. Our office provides resources, training, and various other programs to help laboratories conduct research and minimize risk while working with radiation. The Radiation Safety Office collaborates with laboratories to ensure the safe and compliant use of ionizing radiation.

Lasers and laser systems are used by various departments for research purposes. Environmental Health & Safety ensures the safe use of Class 3B and 4 lasers/laser systems at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder. Laboratories working with these lasers are encouraged to follow the recommendations from the most recent ANSI standard related to safe use. Design of laser facilities should comply with university guidelines based on ANSI standards.

The Occupational Health and Safety Unit works to create safe work spaces and prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. We provide guidance and support to all groups on campus from laboratories to maintenance shops and ensure compliance with federal, state and university regulations.