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.
Be ready to drop, cover and hold on when UC Davis tests its WarnMe emergency communications system as a participant in the Great California ShakeOut Thursday, Oct. 15.
Victor Duraj, co-safety coordinator in Biological and Agricultural Engineering, earns Safety Star recognition for going above and beyond to help students safely build capstone projects and support safe teaching and research at UC Davis.
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.
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.
A potential dimethylmercury incident at MIT led to the temporary closure of its chemistry building and medical monitoring for a graduate student and nearby lab members. The incident highlights the importance of understanding chemical hazards, reviewing synthesis plans before beginning work and seeking help whenever health or safety may be at risk.
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.
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.
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.
The annual ShakeOut Earthquake Drill will take place on October 15, with a WarnMe test message sent at 10:15 a.m. Campus community members are encouraged to practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On” and learn how to adapt these safety steps to their individual needs.
A strong El Niño is expected this winter, bringing the potential for significant weather impacts. UC Davis encourages event planners to prepare ahead, monitor conditions and have weather contingency plans in place.
This month's Safety Star recognizes Randi Famula for her outstanding contributions to research safety and regulatory compliance. Through her leadership and collaborative approach, she helps foster a safe and successful research community at UC Davis.
Long before she led emergency preparedness, managed risk or helped guide the university through the COVID-19 pandemic, Gaby was a UC Davis student with a clipboard standing at the corner of Hutchison Drive and California Avenue counting cyclists wearing helmets as part of a campus safety survey.
After more than 25 years in environmental health and safety, Tarran Richardson retires from UC Davis with a legacy of dedication, expertise, and impact. From supporting critical operations at the Medical Center Blood Bank to shaping campuswide safety programs, his work strengthened laboratory and workplace safety while leaving a lasting impression on colleagues and the broader campus community.
Safety Services has achieved a remarkable 99% compliance rate with this Cal/OSHA requirement, after redesigning the annual IIPP process to be more efficient and user-friendly.
