The Chemical Safety and Responsibilities Stewards (CSARS) at the University of Iowa is a shining example of how safety and community engagement can go hand in hand.  CSARS is a dedicated group of graduate students committed to fostering a robust safety culture within the department of Chemistry. Established in 2020, CSARS operates as an American Chemical Society (ACS) recognized Graduate Student Organization (GSO) and an active member of the Joint Safety Team Network.  Last year, CSARS was one of 8 graduate student organizations to be awarded a commendable rating by the Society Committee on Education through ACS.

CSARS is an organization focused on promoting lab safety. Activities include:

• Annual safety meetings with safety liaisons (members of a research group who are responsible for communicating information and ensuring safe working and research conditions for the full group).
• Assisting with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) lab reviews.
• Strategically placing spill carts throughout the Chemistry building and the Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratories (IATL).  Members maintain the shared spill carts and ensure they are stocked and ready for use.
• Maintaining "Safety Minute" archives that give quick tips on staying safe in the lab.

At its core, CSARS is focused on fostering a culture of safety. Through safety training, workshops, and awareness campaigns, the organization ensures that students, faculty, and staff are well-versed in best practices for handling chemicals and conducting experiments. What sets CSARS apart is its innovative approach to community engagement. The organization hosts a variety of fun and interactive events that not only emphasize the importance of safety but also bring the community together. Standout events are Tie-Dye PPE, Safety Olympics and Spring into Safety.

CSARS's initiatives demonstrate that safety and community can coexist harmoniously. By combining safety with engaging activities, the organization has created a supportive and enjoyable environment for everyone in the Chemistry department.

CSARS members are always interested in collaborating with other departments or student groups to implement shared initiatives in chemical safety/safety in research labs, outreach activities, or networking.  Other departments interested in setting up a safety-focused graduate student group should also reach out to CSARS for more information.  Contact members through their email at: grp365-chemistrycsars@iowa.onmicrosoft.com  

CSARS is more than just a safety organization; it is a vibrant community that brings people together through a shared commitment to safety and fun. Their work is a testament to the idea that promoting safety is an exciting and unifying experience.

Want to know more? Check out their official website.