Groundbreaking research requires innovation, and that begins with a culture of safety. On August 17 and 18, Environmental Health & Safety transformed Jordan Hall of Science into an interactive learning hub for its annual Hands-On Lab Safety Training.
Designed as an immersive alternate to standard online safety modules, the two-day event offered faculty, staff, and graduate students a practical, real-world approach to laboratory protocol. Over 90 minutes, attendees rotated through interactive stations designed to bridge the gap between learning on the screen and everyday benchwork.
Participants engaged directly with hands-on scenarios, including:
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Emergency Preparedness: Physically operating safety showers, eyewash stations, and live fire extinguishers under the guidance of the Notre Dame Fire Department.
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Hazard Management: Cleaning up a simulated spill, mastering compressed gas cylinder safety with Airgas experts, and identifying improper hazardous waste labeling.
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Risk Prevention: Participated in "Chemical Compatibility Speed Dating" and spotting hidden workspace violations.
Beyond acquiring critical safety skills, attendees connected with vendors, gathered valuable lab samples, entered swag raffles, and enjoyed free ice cream.
By transforming mandatory safety trainings into a collaborative, hands-on experience, EH&S ensures that Notre Dame researchers are not only prepared for emergencies, but empowered to conduct their cutting-edge work safely and effectively.