Lab Safety Specialist
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for development and administration of ECU’s comprehensive Environmental Health and Safety program for the entire University including the East (Main) Campus, Health Sciences Campus (including West Research Campus) and all outlying areas (local and regional locations) owned/operated by East Carolina University. It is the goal of the Environmental Health and Safety Office to provide a campus work environment free from occupational and environmental hazards and to promote safe work practices through training and staff development for our faculty, staff, students, patients and visitors. Activities are geared primarily towards prevention and control of occupational hazards, environmental management and emergency management through safety education and voluntary compliance rather than enforcement activities. Audits and advises departments concerning actions necessary to prevent or abate health, safety, environmental and emergency preparedness deficiencies and maintain compliance with applicable local, state and federal occupational health and safety regulations.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Laboratory/Research Safety Support – Assist with Lab Safety Inspections and Hazard Reviews; Coordinate corrective measures with labs and conduct follow-up inspections to confirm completion. Conduct hazard assessments/PPE evaluations. Assist departments in development of safety plans and standard operating procedures for hazardous procedures performed in the laboratory. Assist with industrial hygiene evaluations in labs to evaluate employee exposure.
Grant Review Support – Review and approve research proposals submitted to the Office of Sponsored Programs that involve the use of hazardous chemicals.
Injury/Illness Management Support – Monitor injury/illness data for laboratories. Conduct accident investigations for lab incidents and recommend corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
Chemical Inventory Management and Hazard Communication – Manage chemical inventory system. Annually update master chemical inventory and monitor inventory for flagged materials (highly toxic, reporting quantities, etc.). Manage the University’s Hazard Communication Program including Safety Data Sheet and Labeling systems.
INSPECTIONS/AUDITS/INVESTIGATIONS
Conducts lab safety inspections annually and assists with other EH&S inspections/audits.
Conduct accident investigations for incidents occurring in laboratories and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Properly communicate the results of inspection and ensure correction of deficiencies through appropriate follow-up.
TRAINING/EDUCATION
Provides or coordinates effective training programs at required frequency, to meet the needs of the audience and minimize risk (including lab safety, hazard communication and hazmat response).
This position will also serve as a member of the University’s HAZMAT response team.
Minimum Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a physical science, biological science, environmental science/engineering, occupational safety, industrial technology or related discipline; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require additional training, certifications, or licensure. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.