Don't be Spooked by the Lab, Check Out Lab Safety Fair on Halloween

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2017) — As an effort to highlight the importance of laboratory safety in an engaging way, The University of Kentucky’s Division of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) will host its fifth annual Lab Safety Fair with the theme “Safety is Coming” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, in the Biomedical/Biological Sciences Research Building (BBSRB) atrium.

“The Lab Safety Fair emphasizes to our customers that safety is everyone’s responsibility and that good science is safe science,” said David Hibbard, senior director of EHS.  “The fair is one of a number of ways we continue to promote a culture of safety within our research and teaching laboratories. It is also fun with plenty of games and free food!”

The programs and services provided by EHS are intended to provide safe and healthy conditions for work and study, protect the environment, and comply with applicable laws and regulations. EHS also provides periodic audits and compliance assistance. 

Also in attendance to reinforce the importance of safety will be the University of Kentucky Police Department’s Division of Crisis Management and Preparedness, and the EHS departments of University Fire Marshal, Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Management, Radiation Safety and Biological Safety. Each department has a carnival-style game with candy and prizes. In addition, each participant will receive a free tote bag, T-shirt and lunch ticket upon completion of all activities at each table.

In the past, fun activities that reinforced the message of safety have centered around proper hand-washing, waste triage practices, knowledge of blood-borne pathogens and general lab safety. In addition, three companies — Scott-Gross, Cintas and VWR — will be at the fair.  Scott-Gross and Cintas will present 30-minute talks during the lunch hour on compressed gas safety and proper use of personal protective equipment.

“We wanted to create an event where members of the research community can interact with us in a positive way and demonstrate our appreciation for what they do,” said Brandy Nelson, biological safety officer.

Participants are highly encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes. A best costume prize will be awarded at noon.