Policies, Guides, Standard Operating Procedures

Research involving biological toxins with a mammalian LD 50 of < 100 ug/kg body weight... read more about Acute Biological Toxins

This SOP applies to aerosol-generating procedures with biohazardous materials in UMass Amherst... read more about Aerosol Generating Equipment

Allergic reactions occur in people with sensitivities from exposure to allergens such as food,... read more about Allergy Management on Campus

Guidance information for any request to bring on live animals on campus, including but not... read more about Animals: Request for Live Animals on Campus

Hazardous Material Review and Tracking

Questions about asbestos? Contact the EH&S Main Office at: (413) 545-2682, or the Site... read more about Asbestos FAQs

Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) are a proven method of reducing morbidity and mortality... read more about Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) on Campus

A barbeque is an open air social event with a very limited menu. Food items may include:... read more about Barbeques on Campus

Batteries can discharge hazardous gases or present fire or explosion risks if these are... read more about Batteries

Bleach is commonly used in many lab on campus as a disinfectant for used biological materials. ... read more about Bleach Fact Sheet

This SOP applies to personnel working in or around biosafety cabinets.

It is a policy of the University of Massachusetts... read more about Campus Policy on Environmental Health and Safety

This SOP applies to centrifugation of biohazardous materials in UMass Amherst facilities.

Instructions for maintainers and food handlers for cleaning and disinfecting at Auxiliary... read more about Checklist and Workflow for Cleaning and Disinfecting at Auxiliary Services food establishments

This chart is from the... read more about Chemical Compatibility Chart

As described in our laboratory decommissioning policy, EH&S needs to evaluate the historical... read more about Chip Tank Removal Guidelines

Basic information for Auxiliary Enterprises employees for cleaning relative to COVID-19

Cold rooms are an essential component of many biomedical research laboratories, and are used for... read more about Cold Room Maintenance

This document outlines the procedures to be used for the safe handling of compressed gases.... read more about Compressed Gases

The purpose of these guidelines is to establish the procedures used by UMass personnel and... read more about Confined Space Guidelines

ATC Associates' Release Abatement Measure Plan dated July 12, 2011.

Cuts and punctures are the most common type of injury that occurs in the labs, shops, and... read more about Cut and Puncture Prevention

The purpose of these procedures is to eliminate, as much as possible, any potential hazards to... read more about Decommissioning of Laboratory Space Prior To Relocation, Demolition or Renovation

The products listed below have been reviewed and found effective against SARS-CoV-2 by comparing... read more about Disinfectants used at Umass Amherst that are EPA approved for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 Illness)

Drawing can present hazards related to the materials used and the methods of use. The hazards... read more about Drawing Safety In The Arts

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency letter dated 4/8/10 re: Du Bois Library PCB Approval.

The typical laboratory contains a wide variety of electrically-powered equipment including... read more about Electrical Safety in the Lab

The purpose of these guidelines is to identify the processes and requirements that must be... read more about Emergency Engine and Turbine Requirements

Please print and use the attached checklist that includes the reminders below. Flush eyewash... read more about Emergency Eyewash Station Weekly Inspection Checklist

Provides information on PPE, donning and doffing procedures for emergency response to a room... read more about Emergency Response to COVID 19 Occupied Roms

Workstation ergonomics focuses on the employee and how their work area affects their body. ... read more about Ergonomics

The local couriers have changed their acceptance of Styrofoam coolers being shipped from UMASS... read more about eShip Dry Ice Packaging information -updated 12-2016

Please refer to the ethanol purchasing workflow document to ensure you receive correct pricing... read more about Ethanol Purchasing Workflow

Effective February 17, 2009, all excavators must obtain a permit prior to the creation of a... read more about Excavation and Trench Safety Permit Policy

Register with ... read more about Fire Safety for People with Disabilities

Early microbiologists had to rely on open flames to ensure sterility while engaging in certain... read more about Flaming Inoculating Loops

Information on Food Allergies.  If you or your group is serving food, you are responsible for... read more about Food Allergens

Workflow diagram for food handlers and maintainers at Auxiliary Enterprises food establishments... read more about Food Safety &amp; Workflow for Cleaning and Disinfecting at Auxiliary Enterprises Food Establishments

Basic Food Safety information for events with food on Campus.

See EH&S Food Event Descriptions and Instructions ... read more about Food Waiver Approval Requirements

This SOP describes the hazard mitigation controls necessary to work safely with formaldehyde and... read more about Formaldehyde and Paraformaldehyde

Fume extractors are useful pieces of equipment for affording protection of personnel for various... read more about Fume Extractors

In a lab, the fume hood is used to protect the researcher from toxic substances that may be... read more about Fume Hood Types and Duct Work

 A laboratory gas generator is an on-site unit that delivers a continuous supply of purified gas... read more about Gas Generators

There are different types of gloves to protect against various hazards, including chemical,... read more about Glove Selection

Sometimes many different types of hazards are present at once.  In these cases, gloves that... read more about Gloves for Combination Hazards

Recreational Camps for Children - Guidance document from the Department of Public Health... read more about Guidance document - Camp Emergency Preparedness and Natural Incident Plans

Guidelines For Children And Unauthorized Persons In Labs And Other Potentially Hazardous Areas ... read more about Guidelines For Children And Unauthorized Persons In Labs And Other Potentially Hazardous Areas

This standard operating procedure describes standard precautions when working with human... read more about Handling Human Materials Outside a BSC

This document includes a visual flow chart on the Hazard Assessment, Abatement, Oversight, and... read more about Hazard Assessment, Abatement, Oversight, and Clearance Process - Inside Funded Work

In order to provide UMass faculty, staff, students and other appropriate persons with the... read more about Hazardous Energy Control Policy Lock-Out/Tag-Out

Hazardous Building Material Assessment for Demolition, Renovation and Maintenance Projects.... read more about Hazardous Materials - Building Survey Guidance

Hazardous Chemical Waste Management Guide associated... read more about HCW Associated Document: K Listed Hazardous Waste from Specific Sources

Hazardous Chemical Waste Management Guide associated... read more about HCW Associated Document: Peroxide Forming Compounds

Hazardous Chemical Waste Management Guide associated... read more about HCW Associated Document: Procedures for Lab Treatment of Waste Chemicals

The UMass Amherst Hearing Conservation Program has been... read more about Hearing Conservation Program

High pressure vessels can present physical hazards due to use under conditions of elevated... read more about High Pressure Reaction Vessels SOP

This fact sheet details safe work practices to mitigate hazards posed by use of hot plates. ... read more about Hot Plates

This SOP applies to imaging live cells.

This document is a list of the current lab coat pick up and drop off locations on campus.

Need to find the right size lab coat?  Use our sizing guide to help.

Accidents can occur even after conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing... read more about Lab Incident Database

Please use the handout to accompany the online lab safety training.  The training is completed... read more about Lab Safety Handout

This SOP outlines the requirements and best practices for use of laser cutters on campus. All... read more about Laser Cutters SOP

Leathercraft or leatherworking activities include the use of techniques and processes such as... read more about Leathercraft Safety For the Arts

EH&E Presentation Slides for LGRC PCB meeting held in Campus Center, 5-23-07. 

LGRC EH&E Wipe Samples -Tower A and Low-Rise, 8/22/06. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Response of 6/22/07 to Proposed Cleanup Plan for Low-... read more about LGRC LR and Tower A EPA Response to Proposed Cleanup Plan, 6-22-07

This document is written to detail the communication plan for the Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB... read more about LGRC PCB Communication Plan rev 2013 07 15

LGRC Tower B Exterior Panel Caulking <50 8-22-06. 

Lithography is a method of printing from a stone or a metal plate with a smooth surface, and was... read more about Lithography and Relief Printing Safety In The Arts

The LSL ventilation retrocommissioning project runs through 2018 starting with LSL1 (the north... read more about LSL Retrocommissioning

Mercury is a neurotoxin and can also damage the lungs and kidneys when mercury vapors are... read more about Mercury Containing Devices

This SOP details the basic safe work practices to follow when performing lab-scale operations... read more about Mineral Dusts

MS-222 is also known as Tricaine methanesulphonate (TMS) and is used as an anesthetic and... read more about MS-222 Handling and Disposal

This SOP details basic safe work practices to follow when working with nanomaterials.   While it... read more about Nanomaterials

Welcome to UMass Amherst!  The following is meant to provide basic information to new principal... read more about New Lab and P.I. Start-Up

Noise in the laboratory can be damaging to hearing of occupants.  This fact sheet discusses... read more about Noise In the Lab

This SOP details safe work practices to mitigate hazards posed by use of oil baths.  Correct... read more about Oil Baths

This document provides the procedures required for the ordering and receipt of hazardous... read more about Ordering and Receipt of Hazardous Materials including all CEMS Inventoried Substances

Some hazardous materials can affect your hearing after repeated and prolonged exposure.  These... read more about Ototoxicants

One of the first documented connections between painting pigments and adverse health... read more about Painting Safety In The Arts

The performing arts, including theater, dance and music, can present unique hazards that are... read more about Performing Arts Safety

This SOP provides basic safe practices for working with peroxide-forming materials.  Please also... read more about Peroxide-Forming Materials

Phenol-chloroform extractions are used to separate nucleic acids from proteins and lipids.... read more about Phenol-Chloroform Extractions SOP

This letter has been sent on behalf of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMASS), to... read more about Physical Plant Window Caulk - Response to EPA Comments on Remediation Plan 9/12/12

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the burning of ceremonial cultural material offerings is... read more about Policy for the Burning of Material Offerings for Ceremonial, Cultural, Traditional, or Religious Observance (aka ‘The Smudging Policy’)

Due to the hazardous nature of PCBs, it is required that testing of caulking and sealants for... read more about Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Site Assessment Testing Policy

Food safety information for Potuck communal meals.  A Potluck communal meal means that everyone... read more about Potluck Communal Event Meals

Experiments that can be classified as high risk must receive prior written approval by the P.I... read more about Prior Approval for Work with Particularly Hazardous Materials or Processes

Below are a number of Physical Plant policies and guidelines that interact with EH&S issues... read more about Related EH&amp;S Physical Plant Policies and Guidelines

Individuals who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing a child while working in a lab and... read more about Reproductive Health in the Lab Including Pregnancy and Nursing

To help navigate the unique challenges of sharing, UMass Environmental Health and Safety (EH... read more about Requirements for Laboratories, Work Areas and Equipment Shared Among Principal Investigators

The primary goal of the Respiratory Protection Program is to protect students, staff, and... read more about Respiratory Protection Program

Working in the fine arts can pose significant health and safety risks from a variety of hazards... read more about Safety In The Fine Arts

The application process for Recreational Camps for Children requires that a number of policies... read more about Sample Policies, Templates and Guidance for Camps

You will need to set up your lab profile in SciShield, and you will... read more about SciShield FAQs

Go to Non-Standard Discharge Form... read more about Sewer System Use Protocol

This SOP applies to handling sharps (needles, blades, glass items, wires, etc.) with... read more about Sharps Use

Slips, trips and falls at work are the second most common cause of lost-workday injuries... read more about Slips, Trips and Falls In the Lab

This SOP details basic safe work practices to follow when working with sodium azide.  Sodium... read more about Sodium azide and Azide Compounds

This document provides guidance on developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for work with... read more about SOP Development Guidance

Flammable cabinets and acid/corrosive cabinets underneath fume hoods are typically ventilated... read more about Storage Cabinets and Ventilation

Woodard & Curran PCB Remedian Plan (224189.00) dated March 2011.

Proper gloves should be use when handling hot objects or cryogens.

Heat resistant gloves... read more about Thermal Gloves

This SOP applies to transportation of biohazardous or biological materials through public areas... read more about Transportation of Biological Materials

As a part of the Massachusetts Reopening plan self-certification requirements to re-open we are... read more about UMass Amherst Higher Education COVID-19 Control Plan

To ensure the safety of the campus community, UMass Amherst prohibits the use of hoverboards,... read more about University Ban on Hoverboards

This fact sheet talks about four main types of vacuum pumps (rotary vane vacuum pumps, diaphragm... read more about Vacuum Pumps

This SOP briefly describes different types of welding, cutting and brazing, including electric... read more about Welding, Cutting, and Brazing