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Safety Statement
The Large Scale Structures Laboratory (LSSL) is a unique work environment with multiple hazards. Laboratory safety has traditionally been synonymous with chemical safety; however, true laboratory safety is achieved only when all hazards in the laboratory environment are considered. Laboratory safety is much more than a written safety manual and regulations; it is a daily work philosophy that is incorporated into all laboratory activities. Laboratory safety entails identifying and understanding the hazards present in the laboratory, assessing risks associated with those hazards, managing risk through the use of safe work practices and preplanning emergency response actions.
The University of Nevada, Reno requires all university personnel including faculty, staff, students and visitors to follow safe working procedures. The UNR Office of Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) is the department principally responsible for assisting in the implementation of University workplace health and safety principles and policies.
LABORATORY USERS
All NEES@UNR personnel are required to comply with UNR EH&S policies and regulations. In addition to the policies and regulations set forth by UNR EH&S, the NEES@UNR Site Safety Plan has been developed to manage laboratory risks so as to permit cutting edge laboratory research while ensuring the health and safety of personnel (including faculty, staff, student, contract employees and visitors). The NEES@UNR Safety Plan is intended to establish a framework for identifying and mitigating workplace hazards, while addressing legal requirements for a formal, written Injury and Illness Prevention Program.
This Safety Plan was developed for students, faculty, staff and/or visitors using the George E. Brown, Jr. Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES) facility at the University of Nevada, Reno (NEES@UNR). This plan is intended to be a supplement to the UNR EH&S Handbook for all users of NEES@UNR lab facilities. Note that prior to engaging in any activities involving NEES@UNR resources, users must complete a safety orientation session provided by LSSL staff in addition to review of this Safety Plan. In addition, users must sign a form verifying that they have received the safety orientation and understood the material contained in the safety documents. All safety documents are available on line at http://nees.unr.edu (and the complete Site Safety Plan can be downloaded from the link on the left). Hard copies of the safety documents and the signed forms will be kept on site in the office of the Lab Manager/Site Safety Officer (HREL 105A).
