Environmental Health & Safety

Chemical Safety Committee

MISSION

The Chemical Safety Committee (CSC) provides expertise, advice and recommendations concerning chemical safety and best practices to the Vice Chancellor/Vice President for Research. The CSC focuses on promoting a safe chemical laboratory environment by serving as a resource for the development and review of the UH Chemical Hygiene Plan, reviewing chemical safety policies and procedures, addressing chemical safety challenges, and reviewing and approving protocols involving hazardous chemicals.

CONVENING AUTHORITY

The Vice Chancellor/Vice President for Research, on behalf of the Chancellor/President for UHS/UH, shall appoint members to the Chemical Safety Committee (CSC, also referred to as the Committee). The CSC reports to the Vice Chancellor/Vice President for Research on matters related to the use of hazardous chemicals in research laboratory facilities at UH.

COMPOSTITION

  • The membership process will consist of formal appointment to the CSC by the VC/VP for Research. Appointments will be for a renewable term of up to three years.
  • CSC membershis
    Full membership – The committee shall consist of no fewer than seven voting members, of whom:

i. At least one Principal Investigator (PI) as a representative from each unit below:

        1. Cullen College of Engineering (Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering)
        2. College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics (Chemistry, Biology and Biochemistry, Physics)
        3. College of Pharmacy (Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences).
        4. University Level Centers & Institutes

The PIs must have appropriate laboratory experience and an active research program involving the use of high-risk hazardous chemicals. A Chemistry Department representative will always be a CSC member.

ii. Representation from other colleges or units, as appropriate.
iii. UH Chemical Safety Officer (ex officio, voting)
iv. Director, Environmental Health and Safety Department, or delegate. (ex officio, voting)
v. The VC/VP for Research or delegate. (ex officio, voting)
vi. Regulated Waste Manager, Environmental Health and Safety Department (ex officio, non-voting) 

  • Additional members may be appointed to serve as delegates for voting members or as ad hoc members to provide subject matter expertise for a special project or initiative.

Term of Membership: Three-year term.