Research Safety
The Research Safety Team partners with faculty, staff, students, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scholars to promote a culture of safety that enables research excellence. We provide guidance, tools, training, and technical expertise to help the UNM research community identify hazards, manage risk, and maintain compliance with applicable regulations and university requirements.
Whether conducting research in a laboratory, clinic, field location, workshop, or other research environment, our goal is to help researchers work safely while advancing discovery and innovation.
What we do:
The Research Safety Team provides a broad range of services to support research and academic operations across UNM, including:
- Chemical hazard assessments
- Chemical inventory support
- Hazardous waste management and disposal guidance
- Spill response assistance
- Chemical safety training and resources
- Chemical fume hood certifications and support
- Laboratory safety inspections
- Hazard assessments and risk evaluations
- Hazard communication guidance
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) templates and resources
- Laboratory self-audit tools
- Safety program development and implementation assistance
- PPE selection and hazard-specific recommendations
- Flame-resistant laboratory coats
- Laser safety eyewear
- Cut-resistant gloves
- Specialty PPE guidance and requests
- Laser registration and inspections
- Hazard evaluations
- Safety signage guidance
- Laser safety training and consultation
- Safe operating procedure support
- Field research risk assessments
- Field Research Assessment Tool (Field RAT) guidance
- Travel and remote work safety planning
- Off-campus and international research safety support
Regulatory Compliance Support
- Chemical Hygiene Plan implementation
- Chemical safety guidance and compliance assistance
- Exposure control recommendations
- Engineering control evaluations
- Regulatory interpretation and consultation
Resources for Researchers
The Research Safety Team maintains a variety of tools and resources to help researchers work safely and efficiently, including:
- Chemical Hygiene Plan guidance
- Hazard assessment resources
- Safety program guidance documents
Request Assistance
Research Safety is available to assist with safety questions, hazard evaluations, laboratory operations, project planning, regulatory compliance, and incident prevention. We encourage everyone involved in research activities to engage EHS early in the planning process for new projects, new equipment, new chemicals, field work, or unique research activities so potential hazards can be identified and addressed before work begins.
Research Safety Services Include:
- Safety consultations
- Laboratory and research space assessments
- Hazard evaluations
- Training and outreach
- Program development assistance
- Compliance support
- Incident and near-miss prevention
Our Commitment
At UNM, research safety is an integral part of research excellence. The Research Safety Team is committed to providing responsive support, practical solutions, and collaborative partnerships that help create a safe environment for teaching, research, innovation, and discovery.
Chemical Hygiene Plan
Comprehensive Guidelines + Instructions
RMM
Access to web-based chemical inventories (RMM)
Chemicals of Interest
Department of Homeland Security Compliance
Chemical Safety Guidelines
Information + Instructions
