Laboratory Safety
A foundation of scientific excellence
At Central Michigan University, we view laboratory safety not as a requirement, but as a core component of scientific training. Every student and researcher working in our laboratories receives comprehensive, high-impact safety instruction designed to uphold the highest standards of academic research and professional practice.
Safety training for researchers: a structured and mandatory process
Before any research begins in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, all personnel...faculty, staff, undergraduate researchers, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and lab technicians...must complete a multi-step laboratory safety certification. This ensures that everyone entering our labs is well-prepared to operate in a professional, compliant, and safe research environment.
Required Steps:
- Complete laboratory safety training in-classroom or online
- Complete the lab safety training evaluation as instructed
- Complete this Safety Training Form with your research advisor and return it to the Office of Laboratory and Field Safety
- Consult with your research advisor about any other laboratory-specific trainings (e.g. standard operating procedures) that are required prior to beginning research
This process reinforces our commitment to safety, accountability, and research readiness.
Annual refresher: maintaining a culture of continuous improvement
Research environments evolve, and so must our training. All laboratory personnel are required to participate in annual safety refresher training, reinforcing best practices and introducing updates in compliance standards and lab procedures.
The department hosts a yearly refresher event in Dow Science Complex 135, led by experts from CMU’s Office of Laboratory & Field Safety. The session is designed to be both engaging and educational, integrating case studies, interactive activities, and real-world problem-solving scenarios to sharpen safety awareness. A chemistry social follows the session, encouraging collaboration and community among CMU researchers.
Excellence in safety, excellence in research
At CMU, we don’t just prepare you to work in a lab, we prepare you to lead in one. Our commitment to safety is a reflection of our commitment to scientific integrity, professional rigor, and research excellence. When you train here, you join a department that demands the highest standards and prepares you to meet them confidently.