Hazard assessments are vital for ensuring safety compliance, preventing injuries, and minimizing environmental impact. They identify risks, guide resource allocation, enhance emergency preparedness, and fulfill legal obligations. Overall, hazard assessments foster a culture of continuous improvement in laboratory, shop, and art studio safety.
LHAT - Laboratory Hazard Assessment
The Lab Hazard Assessment Tool provides Principal Investigators and Responsible Persons with a method for identifying hazards in a lab or activity (e.g., shop, art studio) environment and also recommends personal protective equipment for lab personnel based on the identified hazards.
Only the Responsible Person can certify or re-certify an LHAT.
Quick Links
- Creation of hazard assessment.
- Answering hazard questionnaire.
- Certifying the hazard assessment.
- Group members' acknowledgement of hazard assessment by email notification.
- After all members acknowledge the hazard assessment, it is considered complete.
Review and re-certify your laboratory hazard assessment whenever you add materials, equipment, or new protocols to make sure it is current.
At a minimum, your LHAT must be re-certified at least every 6 months, preferably at the start of fall and spring semesters.
The RSS Assessment module will notify you when your LHAT is overdue, 6 months from your last certification date.
To recertify or amend an existing LHAT, log into the desktop version of RSS software in your browser. When your profile opens, select the MANAGE LAB HAZARD ASSESSMENTS button
Only groups with 'Main Group' in the name are required to have a current LHAT on file. The Main Group has all the group members and locations listed that are included in the LHAT process.
YES – J. Allagash Research Lab - Main Group
NO – J. Allagash Research Lab -TH 931 (for INSPECT)
NO – J. Allagash TH931 - For Hazmat Inspection Only
The Responsible Person(s), such as a Principal Investigator (PI), who is in charge of the space and understands the work that is done in the area, is responsible for completing the lab (or area) hazard assessment (LHAT).
"Main Groups" in RSS that have areas classified as a laboratory or an activity space must have a current and certified hazard assessment on file in the app.
- An activity space is one where hands-on work or academic activities are being done.
- Standard offices or computer-only labs are usually not considered an "activity" space. However, there are exceptions. Contact EH&S if you are unsure.
Log into the desktop version of RSS software in your browser. When the your profile opens, you will see a Begin a Laboratory Hazard Assessment button.
From the RSS home page, select your lab's assessment from your Action Items or Workspace
Using the right-hand menu, add people and locations, and answer questions about your lab's hazards
When all sections are complete, select Submit in the upper-right corner
LHAT Process Instructions (CSUN)
No. Lab Hazard Delegates may only amend or complete an initial assessment and submit to their PI. Delegates CANNOT certify or recertify an LHAT.