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Person in blue jacket and safety glasses pipetting inside a biosafety cabinet

Award-Winning Labs Share Everyday Safety Practices

  • by Brenda Dawson
Find out the 2026 Lab Safety Award winners and get practical insights into how they establish a safety culture in their lab and keep safety practices as part of their daily routines.

Formic Acid Storage: Check Whether Venting Is Required

Review formic acid storage requirements to determine whether periodic venting is needed.

Higher concentrations of formic acid may require periodic venting to prevent pressure from building up inside the container. Review the product-specific safety data sheet (SDS) for the formic acid in your laboratory, including the manufacturer’s storage requirements in Section 7, to determine whether venting is required.

person getting a flu shot in their left arm and holding their right arm in front of their chest

Flu and COVID Vaccinations Strongly Recommended

The University of California strongly recommends that all employees receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines by Dec. 15. Only healthcare workers need to report or decline their vaccination status.

Lesson Learned: Death after Hydrofluoric Acid Exposure

A graduate student at Hokkaido University died following severe exposure to hydrofluoric acid, while two students who attempted a rescue suffered minor injuries. The incident highlights the importance of proper training, emergency preparation and strict safety procedures when handling HF or HF-producing materials.

Prepare Your Lab for Fall 2026

As the new academic year begins, Lab Managers, Safety Delegates and PIs should review and update their laboratory safety programs. Start the year by updating group rosters and confirming that all new and returning lab members have completed their required safety training.
Graphic: yellow triangular high-voltage warning sign with DANGER label

Electrical Safety Policy Update

The Electrical Safety Policy is being updated to strengthen safety practices across campus and align with the latest NFPA standards. The changes will provide clearer guidance for selecting, maintaining and approving electrical equipment while establishing updated safety roles and responsibilities.
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