Faculty and Researcher Information

Principal Investigators (PIs) play a fundamental role in ensuring a safe and compliant research laboratory environment. Their responsibilities cover a wide range of proactive, supervisory, and regulatory activities:

1. Leadership & Safety Culture

• Lead by example to promote a positive safety culture in the laboratory.
• Cultivate an environment where staff and students feel empowered to raise safety concerns without fear of retaliation.
• Instill ownership of safety among research personnel by empowering and holding them accountable for safe practices.

2. Hazard Identification, Assessment, and Control

• Evaluate lab hazards, communicate associated risks, and train personnel on proper procedures and controls.
• Complete the Research Safety Checklist for all lab workers.
• Conduct and document Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) hazard assessments for all personnel and update them when introducing new hazards.
• Develop written protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for hazardous materials, procedures, and equipment and maintain them in the Google Drive Lab Safety Folder.
• Ensure all laboratory hazards are identified and controlled, and perform regular self-inspections.

3. Training & Communication

• Ensure lab members complete all required safety training, including general and lab-specific modules.
• Training for new individuals should be requested using the Training Request Form located in the Google Drive Lab Safety Folder.
• Provide clear instructions on safety concerns and mitigation strategies for all experiments and operations involving hazards.
• Communicate new safety issues and updates promptly to all lab personnel.

4. Supervision & Compliance

• Supervise and approve all work involving hazardous materials.
• Ensure compliance with University, local, state, and federal safety regulations and policies (e.g., OSHA, NIH, EPA).
• Respond to internal and external safety inspections, taking prompt corrective action as needed.

5. Incident & Exposure Management

• Investigate all laboratory injuries, exposures, and incidents, and report them using the Injury/Incident Form located in the Google Drive Lab Safety Folder.
• Notify employees, students, and visitors of hazard monitoring results and potential exposures, and ensure those with symptoms have access to medical evaluation.

6. Laboratory Operations

• Update the Research Regulatory Review at least annually so we can provide you with the proper resources.
• Enforce the use of engineering controls (e.g., fume hoods), safe work practices, and the required PPE at all times.
• Ensure laboratory safety equipment is available, maintained, and functional.
• Test eyewash and safety showers at least weekly.
• Maintain and update emergency response and evacuation procedures, and ensure lab members are familiar with these protocols.

7. Documentation & Recordkeeping

• Maintain complete, current records of lab roster, training, hazard assessments, safety incidents, and SOPs within the Google Drive Lab Safety Folder.
• Review and update lab safety plans and protocols (such as the Laboratory Research Safety Plan) at least annually.

Additional Requirements

NIH-funded investigators and staff involved in clinical trials must complete training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the principles of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).

Wake Forest University requires Responsible Conduct of Research training for all undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers paid by NSF grants.