The KAUST Laboratory Safety Manual establishes the minimum health, safety, and environmental requirements for all laboratories across the University. It provides a comprehensive framework to help protect faculty, staff, students, visitors, facilities, and the environment while enabling world-class research to be conducted safely and responsibly.
The manual defines roles and responsibilities for Principal Investigators, laboratory personnel, Laboratory Safety Representatives, and the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Department, emphasizing shared accountability and individual responsibility for maintaining a safe laboratory environment.
It outlines essential laboratory safety expectations, including the development and annual review of Laboratory Safety Plans, hazard identification and risk assessment, standard operating procedures (SOPs), mandatory training, and incident reporting. Clear guidance is provided for emergency actions, such as fires, chemical spills, medical emergencies, and exposures, including the proper use of emergency equipment like eyewash stations and safety showers.
While the manual sets minimum University-wide requirements, laboratories are encouraged to implement additional or more stringent controls based on their specific hazards and research activities. Overall, the Laboratory Safety Manual supports KAUST’s commitment to fostering a strong culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement in all laboratory operations.
