Laboratory Safety Specialist, Environmental Health and Safety

Company: University of Delaware
Location: Newark
Posted on: August 6, 2022

Job Description:

• Public Safety, Security, & Emergency Services 1 Laboratory Safety Specialist, Environmental Health and Safety Apply now Job no: 498892
  College / VP Area: Campus & Public Safety
  Work type: Staff
  Location: Newark
  Categories: Public Safety, Security, & Emergency Services, Full Time
  PAY GRADE: 30ECONTEXT OF THE JOB: The Laboratory Safety Specialist provides oversight and support for programs under the purview of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) with primary duties associated with, but not limited to, chemical hygiene and laboratory safety programs. In addition to the Qualifications and Special Requirements listed below, the LSS will be required to meet program-specific qualifications and certifications. Under general direction, the LSS plans, arranges own tasks, and applies standard policy or procedure to routine problems or duties without the benefit of specific guidelines. The ideal candidate will have experience with academic research safety, specifically in chemical and biological hazards, reviewing hazardous material operation protocols, conducting laboratory inspections, and risk assessments.
  
  The LSS assists with developing and implementing new procedures for resolving non-routine matters that are highly visible. University policy, government regulations, institutional precedents, professional standards, and accepted best practices govern independent action. The LSS routinely interacts with students and staff and functions as an internal consultant in safety and health matters relating to occupational and environmental issues. Failure to perform tasks satisfactorily can result in liability, property damage, injury, and regulatory noncompliance.This position is designated Essential Personnel for specific University operations.MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Identifies benchmarking metrics for laboratory safety and uses database technology and tracking systems to generate reports regularly.
  • Develops, reviews, and disseminates documentation relating to Laboratory Safety programs and processes, including drafting safety-related communications and documents.
  • Assists with reviewing Standard Operating Procedures, including researching appropriate hazard control and mitigation strategies, including engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) needs for laboratory research operations.
  • Provide support to the users of the BioRAFT Safety Management System for tracking of research within laboratory spaces.
  • Conduct lab inspections with timely issuance of reports and follow-up to verify deficiencies are corrected.
  • Works with research teams to develop procedures for maintaining their laboratories' chemical inventory, and supports a chemical inventory system for high-risk materials and systems (high hazard chemicals, toxic gas cabinets, alarm systems, etc.),
  • Assists with conducting required EHS training related to general lab safety, chemical safety, proper chemical waste disposal, etc.
  • Makes recommendations that will help maintain University compliance with federal, state, and local safety and health regulations and codes that will achieve the optimal control or reduction of hazards and exposures.
  • Attend safety committee meetings as EHS representative. Document and coordinate action items including but not limited to injury reporting, facility inspection deficiencies, training, and fire drills, to facilitate laboratory injury prevention, best practices, and lessons learned.
  • Assists in maintaining compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental compliance guidelines and regulations. Provides regulatory interpretations, technical assistance, and recommendations related to laboratory safety programs. -
  • Represents the EHS Office and University at professional meetings and conferences.
  • Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS:
    • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Hygiene or a life science field and three to five years of directly related environmental health & safety experience in an academic or research and development setting, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Graduate degree in a science with a strong emphasis in chemistry preferred.
    • Experience working in a laboratory setting for a minimum of three years required.
    • Knowledge of basic principles of laboratory safety and chemical hazards.
    • Experience in Chemical Hygiene/laboratory safety prudent practices.
    • Ability to develop, implement and enforce safety programs and protocols.
    • Knowledge of applicable regulations and standards such as OSHA, EPA, DNREC, NFPA, IBC, IFC, BOCA, ASHRAE and ANSI s preferred. -
    • Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations, protocols, and procedures.
    • Possess, or have the ability to, attain certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Hazardous Material Manager (CHMM), Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP), or Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP).
    • Must have or be able to obtain 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification and DOT Certification.
    • Ability to operate sampling and analytical equipment and instruments.
    • Excellent written, verbal, analytical, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.
    • Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
      • Employee must be able to pass a background check. -
      • Employee must be able to pass hazmat physical examination in order to qualify the individual for emergency response involving all levels of respiratory protection. -
      • Requires the use of personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials. With or without assistance, requires the ability to exert 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly; without assistance must be able to lift 50 pounds and maneuver 55 gallon drums weighing up to 600 pounds.
      • Must be able to ascend and descend ladders, walk and stand for long periods of time, walk on uneven surfaces, be able to work above and below ground level, work in cramped or confined spaces and work outside in various environmental conditions which include but are not limited to cold temperatures, hot temperatures, windy conditions and inclement weather. -
      • Individual must have a valid driver's license in order to maneuver throughout Newark and Wilmington campuses and other UD locations when operationally necessary.
      • Must have access to reliable private means of transportation and preferably live within 30-minute travel time to the University for emergency response purposes.Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
        The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Keywords: University of Delaware, Newark , Laboratory Safety Specialist, Environmental Health and Safety, Healthcare , Newark, New Jersey