"Lab Safety Officer"

Job Description

This position provides support to the EHS in creating a safe and healthy work environment in University laboratories and assisting University of Oklahoma laboratory personnel in meeting the requirements necessary to operate in compliance with all applicable state and federal standards and regulations, and funding agency guidelines.

Duties:

• Conducts laboratory surveys on the OU-Norman campus. Documents and provides laboratory personnel with findings, recommends corrective action and follows up to ensure corrective measures have been taken.
• Communicates any ongoing or serious compliance issues to the Office of Compliance Administration (e.g. Director and EHSO) and Academic Administration (E.g. VPR, Dean, Chair). This may involve periodically conducting surveys of the OU Health Science Center campus.
• Develops, maintains, revises and distributes standard operating procedures including, but not limited to a comprehensive Laboratory Safety Manual, laboratory close-out policy, spill procedures, biosafety procedures, etc. that are suitable for all OU campuses.
• Assists laboratory personnel with creating safe standard operating procedures.
• Creates other appropriate documents that will support safe laboratory activities.
• Reviews IACUC and IBC protocol and SOPs for hazardous material or infectious agent use.
• Recommends modifications to improve safety and compliance. This may in done in conjunction with Laboratory Safety personnel responsible for laboratory compliance on the OU-Health Sciences Center campus.
• Develops, presents, and maintains training programs Provides training to departments as needed.
• Assists with review, update, development, and maintenance of training programs, to include training sessions, on-line programs.
• Assists with the production of periodic newsletters., and other means of communication.
• Assists in performing industrial hygiene, safety and indoor air quality investigations, as needed.
• Trains faculty, staff, and students on safe lab practices, regulations, and compliance policies.
• Provides assistance and information regarding chemical and physical hazards.
• Performs emergency response to chemical/biological spills
• Reports significant findings to the University Environmental Health and Safety Officer as appropriate

Job Requirements

Required education: Bachelor's Degree, AND:

• 24 months of related work experience.

Skills:

• Knowledge of the use of chemicals and any interactions, danger signs, lab techniques, and disposal methods.
• Knowledge of recombinant DNA and/or microbiological processes and lab techniques
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to use computers to create, manipulate, print, and send electronic documents.
• Ability to identify a problem, evaluate options, and implement solutions.
• Ability to lift up to 45 pounds and wear a respirator and other appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing and build rapport with students, faculty and staff

Working Conditions:

• Physical:
  • Standing for prolonged periods.
  • Manual dexterity.
  • Ability to lift up to 45 pounds.
  • Reaching, bending, and stooping.
• Environment:
  • Laboratory Environment
  • Office Environment
  • Occasional exposure to odors, dirty materials, extreme temperature changes.