The University of Iowa

New Principle Investigator Orientation Topics

  1. How to Prepare for a lab review
  2. Bloodborne Pathogens
  3. Chemical Hygiene Plan
  4. Chemical Inventory
  5. Chemical Security Regulation, COI
  6. Grants - Safety Program Submittals
  7. PPE Hazard Assessment for Lab
  8. Radiation
  9. Recombinant DNA (rDNA)
  10. Respiratory Protection/Nanomaterials
  11. 1st Report of Injury
  12. Spill Preparedness and Response
  13. Select Agent Toxins Exempt
  14. Training
  15. Biological Information - hardcopy handouts
  16. Chemical Information - hardcopy handouts

1. How to prepare for a lab review

An overview of the research lab review program including types of reviews and their frequency for biological, chemical, and radiation safety programs will be provided.  The process of scheduling reviews, expectations at the time of the review and lab review follow-up communications will also be explained. 

2. Bloodborne Pathogens

How UI complies with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens regulation in research labs will be discussed.  Required training, the Exposure Control Plan, Exposure Control Officers, and how to use necessary forms to support compliance with this program for employees who handle human blood, human cell lines, and other potentially infectious material will be covered.

3. Chemical Hygiene Plan

The Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) is required by the OSHA Lab Standard to document safe practices for working with chemicals in the lab.  EHS staff will discuss the UI CHP, what is included in the plan and the need to be aware of the plan topics, general lab safety and the process and form for annual review of the plan by lab staff.

4. Chemical Inventory

The UI chemical inventory program (EHS Assistant), what should be included in the lab chemical inventory, how often it should be updated, the chemical review statement, and EHS contacts for assistance will be discussed.

5. Chemical Security Regulation, COI

The Department of Homeland Security Chemicals-of-Interest (COI) regulation, reminder emails regarding necessary chemical inventory updates, and contacting EHS prior to purchase of COIs will be discussed.

6. Grants – Safety Program Submittals

The need to report to EHS when PIs are requested to sign a “Principal Investigator Assurance” form by their grant sponsor will be discussed.  Army and DoD grant recipients may be required to participate in the sponsor’s grant safety program.  Forms and communications needed for compliance with this safety program will also be explained.

7. PPE Hazard Assessment for Lab

The PPE hazard assessment process and training is required by the OSHA PPE regulations.  The research lab hazard assessment process and form will be discussed.  Assistance with completion of the first assessment will be provided and management of the assessment and training documents will be discussed.  General personal protective equipment program expectations and training requirements will also be discussed.

 8. Radiation

PI plans to use radioactive materials will be discussed. The application process for approval to use radioactive materials, the radioactive materials use program, required annual training and the lab survey process for approved users will be discussed.  EHS contacts for radioactive materials use will be provided.

9. Recombinant DNA (rDNA)

An overview of the recombinant DNA program as well as the application and review process will be provided. Assistance will be provided with completing the first application, if desired.  The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), their review process and approval periods as well and required rDNA training will be covered.

10. Respiratory Protection /Nanomaterials

When any respirator or dust mask is used for employee protection or comfort, a respirator evaluation is required.  Training is also required.  An overview of this program will be discussed.

Users of nanomaterials are requested to complete a “Nanomaterials Use in Research Laboratories” inventory form.  Resources are provided for safe handling of nanomaterials in research.

11. 1st Report of Injury

An overview of the First Report of Injury process is provided including the location of 1st Report of Injury information on UI web site. What to do if an injury occurs and where to go for treatment is discussed.

12. Spill Preparedness and Response

A guide for what to maintain in a spill kit and spill guides for various types of spills are provided and discussed.  An overview of how to prepare lab staff for a hazardous material spill, what spill response materials the lab needs to maintain, and a general spill response plan will also be discussed.

13. Select Agents and Toxins

The HHS and USDA select agent and toxin list and the UI program will be discussed.  PIs wishing to work with exempt amounts of select agent toxins will be provided information on what is expected regarding possession/use of the material, inventory and storage requirements, and training.

14. Training

Discuss the required training for the PI’s lab staff, frequency of training, and site-specific training forms.

15. Biological Information – hardcopy handouts

Several postings and information documents will be provided.

16. Chemical Information – hardcopy handouts

Several postings and information documents will be provided.