Safety Resources

The resources below are for informational purposes, to give laboratory workers tools to handle substances commonly found in the lab. Before you begin working in the lab, consult with your director or manager to receive the training appropriate to your work.

Emergency Contacts and Phone Numbers

In the event of ANY medical emergency, always dial 911.

For all other lab emergencies, including chemical burns, eye injuries & other incidents, call the Northwestern University Research Safety Office at 312.503.8300 or email researchsafety@northwestern.edu.

Refer to the Emergency Information: Emergency Notification System and Emergency Evacuation for more information.

​General Laboratory Safety

• Autoclave Safety
• Filling and Maintenance of Liquid Nitrogen Tanks
• Glove Selection
• Hazard Communication Program - Explains the program, responsibilities and general procedures.
• The Importance of Wearing a Flame Resistant (FR-rated) Labcoat
• Laboratory Safety Audit Checklist - A list of steps to ensure safety in the lab.
• Regulator Installation
• Skin Exposures and Effects
• Vacuum Safety​

Biological Safety

• Biohazard Disposal and Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure​
• Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC): How it Works to Protect You
• Responding to a Biological Spill

Chemical Safety

• Chemical Fume Hood Efficiency
• Chemical Hygiene Plan - Explains the plan, responsibilities and general procedures.
• Chemical Waste Disposal Form
• Flammable Liquid Storage Guide
• Glove Penetration, Permeation, and Degradation
• Incompatible Chemicals
• Oxidizing Agents
• Reducing Agents
• Responding to Incidental Chemical Spills
• Safety Data Sheet information​
• SDS Search and Product Safety Center​ (Sigma-Aldrich) - Search for safety data sheets
  using the product number.
• Safety Data Sheets - 3E SDS database​ (available to Lurie Children's staff on the portal)

Radiation Safety

• Declaration Pregnancy Form​
• Pregnancy Fact Sheet
• Instructions Concerning Prenatal Radiation Exposure​
• What do I do if I become pregnant? (Powerpoint)​
• Dosimetry History Request Form
• How do I find my radiation exposure online? (Powerpoint)
• How to use a radiation survey meter (Powerpoint)
• Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety (IDNS) Form J
• IDNS Standards for Protection Against Radiation Form KLA​
• Mixed Waste
• Radiation Film Badge Application​
• Radiation Safe Practices
• Radioactive Disposal​
• Radioactive Spill Instructions & Emergency Contact Information
• Responding to a Radioactive Materials Spill
• Understanding your occupational radiation dose​ (Powerpoint)

Useful Websites

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) - Recognizing the Biosafety Levels
• Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) - Laboratory Safety
• OSHA - Introduction to Ionizing Radiation
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) - Laboratory Safety
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Training Modules - requires login
• NIH - Biosafety Guidance
• American Chemical Society - Chemical Safety Practices & Recommendations
• The Laboratory Safety Institute - Safety Videos
• Northwestern University Office for Research Safety
• Northwestern University Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan
• Stony Brook University - Laboratory Safety