LABORATORY SAFETY

Biosafety

Villanova’s biosafety program addresses the safe handling and containment of infectious microorganisms and hazardous biological materials. The program is implemented via the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and focuses on safe work practices, safety equipment and facility safeguards to protect laboratory workers, the environment and the public from exposure to infectious microorganisms that are handled and stored in the laboratory. The bloodborne pathogen program is included as part of the biosafety program. Villanova University provides annual training to all employees with potential exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens.

Chemical Waste

For assistance with chemical waste, please contact us. To order University Hazardous Waste Labels, email Graphic Services and include your choice of label.

Half Page Label - (5.5 X 8.5)

Quarter Page Size Label - (4.25 X 5.5)

Hazard Communication

A repository of chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) is maintained in Chimera. All employees and students may use Chimera to find SDSs for any chemical they may encounter on campus. Faculty and staff who would like to create their own SDS departmental database may contact us to request an account. 

Medical Waste Disposal

EHS provides medical waste disposal services for the campus. Medical waste consists of solid waste contaminated with potentially infectious microorganisms, blood, human tissues, human cell lines, needles, animal carcasses, animal bedding and some drugs from medical or animal research.

All Villanova employees working with Infectious materials or medical waste must have annual blood-borne pathogen training (see Bloodborne Pathogen Program). All laboratory protocols involving infectious materials or human cell lines must be submitted to the Institutional Biological Safety Committee (IBC) for review and approval prior to beginning work. Please check with the IBC to see if autoclaving of your laboratory waste or lab-ware is required.

Radiation Safety

The Radiation Safety Program provides guidance and oversight to users of radiation producing devices and radioactive materials on campus to assure safety and compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.

For more information on Villanova's Radiation Safety Program, please contact us.

Universal Waste

Universal waste is a category of “hazardous waste” that includes widespread, commonly encountered items. Batteries, fluorescent lamps (bulbs), fluorescent lamp ballasts, mercury containing devices and pesticides are considered universal waste. Although these items exhibit low-level hazards they must be properly managed as required by environmental regulatory agencies.