In June, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety partnered with Staff Council for the first time in the annual Take Your Child to Work Day. The event took place in a mock laboratory space on campus. 

Before entering the mock laboratory space, each participant was provided basic laboratory personal protective equipment (PPE), which included laboratory coats, safety goggles, and gloves. Participants’ ages ranged from 11 to 14 years old.  

Participants experienced interactive demonstrations at five separate safety stations.  At each safety station there were representatives from each safety team within EHS, which includes Biological, Chemical, Radiation and Regulated Waste & Environmental Compliance, and Occupational. Activities included:  

• Effective hand-washing techniques 
• Fume hood functionality demonstration pH testing and recognizing chemical labels 
• Using meters to detect radiation 
• Activating an emergency eye wash and safety shower AND 
• Disposing of different types of mock regulated hazardous waste properly 

Only household items were used to create these interactive activities. 

The EHS team was excited to showcase the Office’s unique ways in which it serves the research community while having the opportunity to inspire young minds. The team is looking forward to next year!