All posts by Melinda Box

SERMACS 2023 CHAS Presentations

The 2023 Southeast Regional Meeting hosted a Division of Chemical Health and Safety symposium titled Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in Laboratory Safety. Links to the powerpoint files are listed below.

Microcredentialing – New Frontier in undergraduate safety training. M.C. Box

Creation, assessment, and application of postgraduate virtual reality experiences in laboratory safety. D.S. Lawrence

Improving chemists’ safety in research and development laboratories: By eliminating all bench-level obstructions with a MAC hood support safety device. T.D. McKibben

Accessing chemical hazard and safety data via the internet. A.J. Williams, T. Martin, V. Tkachenko

Applying lessons of NOD to chemical laboratory safety. R.H. Hill

Understanding, developing, and implementing laboratory safety culture in academic institutions. D.F. Henry

Professional Workshops

[If you are looking for the LST Workshop (“Empowering Academic Researchers to Strengthen Safety Culture”) or the RAMP Workshop (“RAMP in the Research Lab”), please click here.]

CHAS no longer holds in-person workshops in conjunction with the ACS National Meetings due to the costs associated with the meeting rooms and attendee travel costs. We now have online workshops via zoom covering the same variety of topics. These are held twice a year, usually 2-4 weeks after national meetings. For the Spring 2023 session, we are experimenting with half-day sessions, but may return to full-day for the Fall depending on attendance and enthusiasm for the half-day sessions.

Below are links to registration for the Spring sessions to be held the first week of May. All sessions begin at 1PM EDST and the cost is $195 per session. Please let me know if you have any questions!

If you are interested in arranging any of these trainings for your company or local section meetings, contact us at membership@dchas.org

Upcoming Workshops for Fall 2023

“How to Convince Others (that safety is important and that you’re serious about it)” – Jim Kaufman, Laboratory Safety Institute

Monday, Oct 2, 2023

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-convince-others-that-safety-is-important-tickets-714537620257?aff=oddtdtcreator

Throughout the world, this is the most frequently asked question about lab safety. The answer is simple and, for the most part, inexpensive. The short answer is to create a more effective lab safety program. This interesting and entertaining four-hour presentation provides an overview of some of the 33 critical program elements. It confronts one of the more common excuses for not having or improving the lab safety program … “It costs too much.” This is simply not true. Excellent lab safety programs do not need to cost large amounts of money.

Participants learn how to convince others by creating a more effective lab safety program (without a purchase order or requisition). You don’t want to miss this opportunity for a highly informative, worthwhile and enjoyable learning experience. Here’s a unique opportunity to take a look at your lab safety program to see how you’re doing and how you can do it even better. The participants will receive the Laboratory Safety Institute’s (LSI) lab safety program review checklist with 33 components. You will learn how to use this checklist to evaluate your program both qualitatively and quantitatively. The result is a simple, clear, low/no cost path for lab safety program development and improvement. And, with courage, you can score your program on a scale of zero to 100!

“Why Fume Hoods Go Wrong- And How to Make Them Right” – Victor Neuman, FumeHoodCertified.com

Tuesday, Oct 3, 2023

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/714541672377?aff=oddtdtcreator

There are more than 1 million laboratory chemical fume hoods in the USA and more than 15% have one or more safety problems. The three main areas to be covered in this presentation are: Setting up the fume hood safely and testing it; connecting to the air conditioning; and getting exhaust away from the lab building. Testing has shown that over 5% have chemical vapors blown back into the lab building by the wind.
Victor is the liaison from the ASHRAE ventilation engineering society to the American Chemical Society. He has been a Co-Author of ANSI Z9.5 “Laboratory Ventilation” since 1988.

“Laboratory Waste Management 2023” – Russ Phifer, WC Environmental, LLC

Wednesday, Oct 4, 2023

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/laboratory-waste-management-2023-tickets-714082739697?aff=oddtdtcreator

Each new generation of laboratory personnel is quickly confronted with the requirement to properly manage chemical waste in compliance with state and federal regulations as well as facility policies. This presentation introduces the full scope of regulation, with a focus on waste determinations, disposal technologies, variances & exemptions, and appropriate training of workers. In addition, the workshop will discuss economic and liability decisions necessary for effective waste management. Whether you are new to lab waste or just need a refresher, this program will give you what you need to manage waste safely and in compliance with requirements.

“Chemical Safety in the Lab: Purchasing, Handling, Storage, Disposal, and Labeling” – Jim Kaufman, Laboratory Safety Institute

Thursday, Oct 5, 2023

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/714546837827?aff=oddtdtcreator

The safer use of chemicals in the laboratory is critical. There are far too many examples of things gone very wrong resulting in serious injuries and deaths. This interactive half-day workshop will focus on the five-major area of chemical use in the lab.


Participants will learn more effective ways to purchase, handle, store, dispose, and label chemicals. They will discover how to create a stronger culture osf chemical safety. They will acquire a better understanding of principles of safer chemical use. Learn the answers to the four simple questions: What are the hazards? What can go wrong? What do I need to do to be prepared? What are the prudent practices, protective facilities and protective equipment needed to minimize the risk?

“How to be a More Effective Chemical Hygiene Officer” – Russ Phifer, WC Environmental and Jim Kaufman, Laboratory Safety Institute

Friday, Oct 6, 2023

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-be-a-more-effective-chemical-hygiene-officier-tickets-714121876757?aff=oddtdtcreator

CHAS offers the How to be a more effective Chemical Hygiene Officer workshop to provide participants with a detailed analysis of the CHO position and to prepare for the “CHO” Certification exam. Participants receive a clear perspective on safety issues in the laboratory, focusing on what the CHO does and how to do it better. OSHA, EPA & DOT regulations that impact laboratory operations are included in the discussion.

The workshop covers the content areas of the NRCC certification exam, including a sample test in the same format as the real one. Whether you are a new Chemical Hygiene Officer or an “old” one, you will find something to put to real use in this fast-paced presentation. There is extensive opportunity for questions during the workshop and with follow-up by phone and email.


Ongoing

The ACS Youtube channel hosts chemical safety related videos on a variety of topics and styles for specific audiences. They are all available for Creative Commons use in classes with attribution.
This extensive 15 hour course on chemical safety in the laboratory is designed for undergraduate STEM students and others with a need to review the fundamentals of chemical safety in the laboratory. Register at https://institute.acs.org/courses/foundations-chemical-safety.html
ACS Essentials of Lab Safety for General Chemistry
On line, registration fee required.

If you have any questions about these workshops, contact us at membership@dchas.org or complete the form below.

Peer-Led Workshops

Current Workshops Schedule

[If you are looking for other workshops run by CHAS, please click here.]

History of Peer-Led Workshops

The 1st Peer-Led Workshop

In 2018, Dr. Kali A. Miller, at the time a graduate researcher at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign and involved in the laboratory safety team there, developed a workshop called “Developing Graduate Student Leadership Skills in Laboratory Safety.” Initially supported by the ACS Committee on Chemical Safety, ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety, ACS Safety Programs, and the ACS Office of Graduate Education, the workshop was first held at the ACS National Meeting in Spring 2018. A paper was published describing this pilot workshop and initial survey analysis that can be found here. The workshop continued to be held at ACS National Meetings with different graduate researcher facilitators.

Jessica A. Martin began working closely with Dr. Miller to coordinate, and eventually take over general management of the workshop. They also interviewed graduate researcher leaders of LST teams as a means of learning more about the movement and improving the offerings of the workshop. This resulted in a publication about LSTs that can be found here.

As 2020 approached, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid shift to a virtual world. Starting with the Spring 2020 ACS National Meeting, Jessica worked with the Facilitators for that workshop to rapidly convert the workshop to a virtual format. Additionally, graduate researchers representing 12 different LSTs came together to write another peer-reviewed publication that can be found here discussing how the teams have survived the stress test introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As interest in the workshop continued to blossom in the academic community, it was recognized that the virtual version could reach a wider audience and be held independent of conferences. Jessica recruited known and active advocates in the ACS safety community to constitute a Mentorship Team to continue to improve the workshop. Graduate researchers involved in the LST leadership at their own institutions were also regularly recruited to serve as Facilitators and Moderators to share their experiences and improve their own professional skills. The workshop was renamed “Empowering Academic Researchers to Strengthen Safety Culture” in recognition of the changes made to it.

The 2nd Peer-Led Workshop

In 2021, Taysir BaderCatherine WilhelmKerry BetzWhitney HessHaim Weizman, and Ralph Stuartdeveloped a second workshop called “RAMP Risk Management in the Research Lab”. with funding from an ACS Innovative Project Grant.  The goal of the grant was to identify how to use the RAMP paradigm as both an educational and operational tool for chemists in higher education.

The workshop used the same peer-led structure developed in the first workshop, recruiting graduate researchers to help run the workshops as Workshop Leaders, Facilitators, and Moderators. This workshop is also supported by the Mentorship Team. This workshop has been successfully delivered virtually and in-person to both general audiences and specific universities. 

2023 Peer-Led Workshops

For 2022 and 2023, Monica Nyansa of the Michigan Technological University is serving as the Workshop Leader for “Empowering Academic Researchers to Strengthen Safety Culture”. She has described her experience with the workshop as part of her professional development in a posting for the ACS Chemistry Grad and Postdoc blog. 

For 2022 and 2023, Brady Bresnahan of the University of Minnesota is serving as the Workshop Leader for “RAMP Risk Management in the Research Lab”

Listed below are all of the individuals who have helped run the workshops as Workshop Leaders, Facilitators, and Moderators. Below that is a list of the fantastic Mentorship Team members!

Please check our workshop schedule for information and registration for the latest workshops!

Workshop date (year, month)RoleNameInstitutionTeam name
2023. 10 (Virtual) LSTLeaderMonica NyansaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2023. 10 (Virtual) LSTFacilitator Babatunde Samuel ObadawoThe University of Toledo
2023. 10 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorCaroline DonaghyUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2023. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMasha AleksichUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2023. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMuhammad Qasim AliTexas Tech University
2023. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorSrijana PandeyOhio University
2023. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMarilyn NaeemUniversity of Massachusetts Dartmouth
2023. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAdonis AmoliMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2023. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAntigoni KonstantinouUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2023.10 (In Person) RAMPLeaderBrady BresnahanUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2023.10 (In Person) RAMPFacilitatorEmily PinerNorth Carolina State University
2023.10 (In Person) RAMPFacilitatorEmma MurphyUniversity of North Carolina Chapel HillUNC
Joint Safety Team
2023.08 (Virtual) RAMPLeaderUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2023.08 (Virtual) RAMPFacilitatorEmily PinerNorth Carolina State University
2023.08 (Virtual) RAMPFacilitatorEmma MurphyUniversity of North Carolina Chapel Hill
2023.08 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorSamya SamantaTexas A&M UniversityChemistry Student Safety Committee
2023.08 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorHanne HenricksenUNC Chapel HillUNC Joint Safety Team
2023.08 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorMuhammad Zaeem IdreesUniversity of Idaho
2023.08 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorMustapha AbdulmojeedNorth Carolina State University
2023.08 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorQAISAR MAQBOOLUniversity of south florida
2023.08 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorAnelisse ClarosUniversity of ArkansasEngineering Safety Club
2023.08 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorMaya ButlerUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2023.08 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorIvan CockmanNorth Carolina State University
2023.06 (In Person) LSTLeaderMonica NyansaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2023.06 (In Person) LSTFacilitatorUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2023.06 (In Person) LSTModeratorBabatunde Samuel ObadawoThe University of Toledo
2023.06 (In Person) LSTModeratorJessica MartinMentorship Team Member
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPLeaderUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPFacilitatorKris ElbeinUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPFacilitatorAishanee SurTexas A & M UniverityChemistry Student Safety Committee
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorGretchen BurkeUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorKyle SeabournUniversity of Idaho
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorMaya ButlerUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorRain TalosigUniversity of California, IrvineGraduate Safety Team
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorSofia Estela Ramirez LopezUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorYuri LeeThe Ohio State University
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorEleni SpanoliosUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorQaisar MaqboolUniversity of South Florida
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTLeaderMonica NyansaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorAdelina OronovaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorChristy DyerThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorJamiu OyetoroUniversity of Ibadan
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorSrijana PandeyOhio University
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorBabatunde Samuel ObadawoThe University of Toledo
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorPopoola Olamilekan EmmanuelUniversity of Ibadan
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorProsenjit RayAuburn University
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorCaroline DonaghyUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorQaisar MaqboolUniversity of South Florida
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPLeaderBrady BresnahanUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPFacilitatorHossain ShadmanThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPFacilitatorKris ElbeinUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorMurphi WilliamsUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorRain TalosigUniversity of California, IrvineGraduate Safety Team
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorCalla McCulleyMentorship Team Member
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorAmanda ChungMentorship Team Member
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorRalph StuartMentorship Team Member
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorSamuella SigmannMentorship Team Member
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTLeaderMonica NyansaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorOmar Leon RuizUniversity of California, Los AngelesJoint Research Safety Initiative (JRSI)
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorAdelina OronovaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorSaghar GomrokThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorJamiu OyetoroUniversity of Ibadan
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorPopoola Olamilekan EmmanuelUniversity of Ibadan
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorChristy DyerThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorSrijana PandeyOhio University
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorBabatunde ObadawoThe University of ToledoENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND RADIATION SAFETY
2022. 07 (In Person) RAMPFacilitatorTaysir BaderUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2022. 07 (In Person) RAMPFacilitatorBrady BresnahanUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTLeaderMonica NyansaMichigan Technological University
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorHossain ShadmanThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorAmanda ChungUniversity of California, IrvineGraduate Safety Team
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorDinesh GautamOhio University
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorChristy DyerThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorBrady BresnahanUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAshan WettasingheUniversity of Texas at Dallas
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMelissa AlfonsoThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAdelina OronovaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTLeaderMonica NyansaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorRachel WileyThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorOmar Leon RuizUniversity of California, Los AngelesJoint Research Safety Initiative (JRSI)
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorHossain ShadmanThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAmanda ChungUniversity of California, IrvineGraduate Safety Team
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAbhijeet PatilMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorSaghar GomrokThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorHemanta TimsinaUniversity of ArkansasEngineering Safety Club
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorFarouq BusariUniversity of Ibadan (Nigeria)
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorJessica MartinMentorship Team Member
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorTammy Lutz-RechtinMentorship Team Member
2022. 01 (In Person) RAMPFacilitatorTaysir BaderUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2022. 01 (In Person) RAMPFacilitatorCatherine WilhelmUniversity of Michigan
2021. 11 (Virtual) RAMPFacilitatorTaysir BaderUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2021. 11 (Virtual) RAMPFacilitatorCatherine WilhelmUniversity of Michigan
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTLeaderJessica MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorMonica NyansaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorCalla McCulleyUniversity of Texas at AustinChemistry Student Safety Organization (CSSO)
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAustin MoyleWashington University in St. LouisChemistry Peer Review Safety Group (CPRSG)
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAbhijeet PatilMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorRachel WileyThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMaggi Braasch-TuriColorado State University
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMelissa AlfonsoThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorHemanta TimsinaUniversity of ArkansasEngineering Safety Club
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAdelina OronovaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorFarouq BusariUniversity of Ibadan (Nigeria)
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTLeaderJessica MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorLindsey ApplegateUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorJessica DeYoungUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorTaysir BaderUniversity of MinnesotaJoint Safety Team
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAbhijeet PatilMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMonica NyansaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorCalla McCulleyUniversity of Texas at AustinChemistry Student Safety Organization (CSSO)
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorRachel WileyThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Graduate Safety Team
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAustin MoyleWashington University in St. LouisChemistry Peer Review Safety Group (CPRSG)
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMaggi Braasch-TuriColorado State University
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTLeaderJessica MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorOmar Leon RuizUCLAJoint Research Safety Initiative
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorDagen HughesUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTModeratorLindsey ApplegateUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTModeratorJessica DeYoungUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTModeratorCristian Aviles-MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTModeratorTaysir BaderUniversity of MinnesotaJoint Safety Team
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMelissa AlfonsoUniversity of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAbhijeet PatilMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMonica NyansaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTModeratorCalla McCulleyUniversity of Texas at AustinChemistry Student Safety Organization (CSSO)
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTLeaderJessica MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorSarah ZinnUniversity of ChicagoThe Joint Research Safety Initiative
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorJessica DeYoungUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMarta GmurczykMentorship Team Member
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMary Beth KozaMentorship Team Member
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTModeratorLindsey ApplegateUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTModeratorDagen HughesUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTModeratorKali MillerMentorship Team Member
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTModeratorDavid FinsterMentorship Team Member
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTModeratorCristian Aviles-MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTModeratorOmar Leon RuizUCLAJoint Research Safety Initiative
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTLeaderJessica MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorCristian Aviles-MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorOmar Leon RuizUCLAJoint Research Safety Initiative
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTModeratorSarah ZinnUniversity of ChicagoThe Joint Research Safety Initiative
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTModeratorJessica DeYoungUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTModeratorKali MillerMentorship Team Member
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMarta GmurczykMentorship Team Member
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTModeratorSammye SigmannMentorship Team Member
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTModeratorDavid FinsterMentorship Team Member
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTModeratorRalph StuartMentorship Team Member
2020. 03 (Virtual) LSTLeaderJessica MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2020. 03 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorVictor BeaumontYale UniversityChemistry Joint Safety Team
2020. 03 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorVeronica HayesUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2019. 08 (In Person) LSTLeaderKali MillerUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChemistry Joint Safety Team
2019. 08 (In Person) LSTFacilitatorJessica MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2019. 08 (In Person) LSTFacilitatorChandra KarkiThe University of South Dakota
2019. 06 (In Person) LSTLeaderKali MillerUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChemistry Joint Safety Team
2019. 06 (In Person) LSTFacilitatorJessica MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2019. 06 (In Person) LSTFacilitatorDavid FinsterMentorship Team Member
2019. 03 (In Person) LSTLeaderKali MillerUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChemistry Joint Safety Team
2019. 03 (In Person) LSTFacilitatorKendra DenlingerXavier University
2018. 08 (In Person) LSTLeaderKali MillerUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChemistry Joint Safety Team
2018. 08 (In Person) LSTFacilitatorKaitlin TylerUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChemistry Joint Safety Team
2018. 03 (In Person) LSTLeaderKali MillerUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChemistry Joint Safety Team
2018. 03 (In Person) LSTFacilitatorMichail VlysidisUniversity of MinnesotaJoint Safety Team

Description of Roles:

Leader: Recruits and trains Facilitators and Moderators; manages updates to workshop content; organizes logistics; communicates with participants before and after workshop as needed; manages technology during the workshop; leads pre-workshop practice and post-workshop review sessions for Facilitators with the Mentorship Team

Facilitator: Student researchers who have previously attended the workshop and served as Moderators, participate in updates to workshop content through pre-workshop practice and post-workshop review sessions with the Leader and Mentorship Team; delivers workshop content to live audience; facilitates small group and large group activities and discussion during the workshop.

Moderator (Position created for virtual workshops): Student researchers who have previously attended the workshop who now serve in the practice audience for pre-workshop practice sessions and participate in post-workshop review sessions; contribute to updates to workshop content; monitor Breakout Room activities during the workshop.

Mentorship Team: This team is a group of senior CHAS members and other safety professionals who support the workshop leaders with content review and advice and who also serve as back-up moderators for virtual workshops.

2021 Mentorship Team

  • Kali A. Miller
  • David Finster
  • Marta Gmurczyk
  • Mary Beth Koza
  • Ralph Stuart 
  • Samuella Sigmann

2023 Mentorship Team

  • Amanda Chung
  • Calla McCulley
  • Catherine Wilhelm
  • Dwayne Henry
  • Jessica Martin
  • Kali Miller
  • Marta Gmurczyk
  • Mary Beth Koza
  • Sammye Sigmann
  • Sara Johnson
  • Sarah Zinn
  • Tammy Lutz-Rechtin
  • Taysir Bader
  • Tilak Chandra
  • Ken Kretchman

ACS Webinar: How to Safely Manage Chemicals in Educational Settings

May 2023

Most professionals and educators understand the importance of safe chemical management in today’s world. Unfortunately, many undergraduate, graduate, and secondary education programs do not provide equal coverage of this critical competency.

Join Professor of Chemical Education Susan Wiediger of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Safety Education Consultant Samuella B. Sigmann as they discuss the fundamentals and best practices for chemical management, highlighting avenues for individuals to pursue more knowledge.

This ACS Webinar is moderated by Amanda Chung, Chemical Hygiene Officer at the University of North Texas and is co-produced with the ACS Division of Chemical Health & Safety and the Committee on Chemical Safety.

Presenters were Susan Wiediger, Professor, Chemical Education, Department of Chemistry, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Samuella B. Sigmann, Safety Education Consultant & Past Stockroom, Director, and Chemical Hygiene Officer, Appalachian State University (Retired).

What You Will Learn

  • How and why to organize chemicals based on hazard categories
  • Best practices for upkeep and maintenance of chemical storage areas
  • Essential information needed for inventory management including best labeling practices for secondary containers

Webinar Presentation

The transcript of the Q&A following the presentation:

Become a Member

Membership Benefits

Membership in the Division of Chemical Heath and Safety is a powerful tool for chemical health and safety professionals in industry, academia and government. Membership benefits include access to theDCHAS e-mail listserv. This diverse group is comprised of safety professionals (with a wide range of backgrounds and careers) who freely share their experiences, insight, and knowledge when members have questions and serve to mentor safety professionals to help ensure their success. You will also receive notice of papers to be presented and social events at National Meetings.

You can join the Division at the ACS web site at https://home.acs.org/forms/s/technical-divisions?sc=1234

To receive the ACS Journal of Chemical Health and Safety, you can receive it as a membership benefit by joining the ACS itself at the ACS membership website.
For more information, please contact Taysir Bader, Membership Chair at membership@dchas.org.

About Us

DCHAS is a technical division of the American Chemical Society. We have about 1700 members and very active in partnering with other technical divisions and committees of the ACS, as well as sister organizations outside the ACS. We are also the parent division of the ACS Cannabis Subdivision.

Below is a powerpoint summary of the purpose of the Division and its activities. If you would like to share this in an oral presentation, we’ll be glad to share with you the powerpoint file for you to customize for this purpose. Contact membership@dchas.org for this file.

Vision Statement

Improving people’s lives through the power of best chemical health and safety practices

Mission Statement

The ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety provides authoritative technical resources and mentorship in chemical health and safety for all.

Administrative Information

CHAS Leadership and Committees

CHAS provides chemical safety professionals with professional development opportunities by working on Divisional activities. These opportunities enable members to stay up to date on emerging technical and cultural aspects of chemical safety while networking with peers nationally and globally. Many have found this work to an be important asset both for themselves and the stakeholders they work with. To get involved in the Division’s work, indicate your interest in specific opportunities in the form on this page.

Elected Officers

  • 2023 Chair: Daniel Kuespert, Johns Hopkins University (Participation by Dr. Kuespert does not constitute or imply endorsement by the Johns Hopkins University or the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System)
  • Chair Elect: Robin Izzo, Princeton University.
  • Past Chair, Chair of Nominating Committee:   Christopher Incarvito, Yale University
  • Treasurer (term ending 2024): Mary Beth Koza, Univ of North Carolina (retired)
  • Secretary (term ending 2023): Monique Wilhelm, University of Michigan-Flint
  • Executive Committee Member‑at‑Large (term ending 2024): Shannon Nephew, SUNY Plattsburgh
  • Executive Committee Member-at-Large (term ending 2023): Kendra Denlinger, Xavier University
  • ACS Councilor (term ending 2025): Kali Aleyse Miller
  • ACS Councilor (term ending 2023): Frankie Wood-Black, Sophic Pursuits, Inc.
  • Alternate ACS Councilor (term ending 2025): Debbie Decker, Univ of California Davis  (retired)
  • Alternate ACS Councilor (term ending 2023): Brandon Chance Southern Methodist University

Committee Chairs

  • Programming Committee: Debbie M. Decker, University of California, Davis and Joe Pickel, Oak Ridge National Lab
  • Educational Program Team: Russell W. Phifer, WC Environmental, LLC
  • Awards Committee: Brandon Chance, Southern Methodist University
  • Long Range Planning Committee: Sammye Sigmann, Appalachian State University (retired)
  • Membership Committee, Website and Email Administrator: Jack Reidy, Stanford University 
  • Regional Meeting Committee: Mark Lassiter, Montreat College 
  • Audit Committee: Mary Beth Koza, Univ of North Carolina 
  • Development Committee: Chris Incarvito, Yale University
  • Professional Workshops Coordinator: Russ Phifer, National Registry of Certified Chemists
  • Peer-led Workshops Coordinator: Jessica Martin, ACS
  • Education ad-hoc Committee: Shannon Nephew, SUNY Plattsburgh
  • Strategic Plan ad-hoc Committee: Dan Kuespert, Johns Hopkins University (Participation by Dr. Kuespert does not constitute or imply endorsement by the Johns Hopkins University or the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System)
  • Web Presence ad-hoc Committee: Robin Izzo, Princeton University

Liaisons

  • National Registry of Certified Chemists: Russ Phifer
  • Committee on Chemical Safety: Ken Fivizzani 
  • ACS Division of Chemistry and the Law: Neal Langerman 
  • American Industrial Hygiene Association: Bill Galdenzi
  • Division of Chemical Education: Dave Finster
  • Divison of Chemistry and the Law: Neal Langerman
  • Committee on International Affairs: Brandon Chase
  • American Intitute of Chemical Engineers: Jerry Jones

CANN Subdivision

  • Chair: Julia Bramante
  • Past Chair: Andrew Pham
  • Vice Chair: Kyle Boyar
  • Secretary: Melissa Wilcox
  • Treasurer: Mary Beth Koza
  • Awards Committee Chair: Michael Coffin
  • Programming Committee Chair: Amber Wise
  • Membership Committee Co-Chairs: Brandon Canfield and Nick Mulder
  • Development Committee Chair: Ezra Pryor
  • Senior Advisory Committee Chair: Harry Elston
  • Publication Committee Chair: Nigam Arora
  • Public Relations Committee Chair: Brittaney Dowd

Leadership History

YEAR    CHAIR    SECRETARY    TREASURER    COUNCILORS

2022 C. Incarvito M.B. Koza F. Wood-Black, D. Decker

2021 H. Elston M. Wilhelm    M.B. Koza    F. Wood-Black, D. Decker

2020 R. Izzo M. Wilhelm    M.B. Koza    F. Wood-Black, D. Decker

2019    S. Sigmann    M. Wilhelm    M.B. Koza    F. Wood-Black, D. Decker

2018    J. Pickel    M. Wilhelm    N. Langerman    F. Wood-Black, D. Decker

2017    H. Elston    R. Stuart    N. Langerman    F. Wood-Black, R. Hill

2016    J. Palmer    R. Stuart    N. Langerman    F. Wood-Black, R. Hill

2015    D. Decker    R. Stuart    N. Langerman    F. Wood-Black, R. Hill

2014    K. Fivizzani    R. Stuart    N. Langerman    F. Wood-Black, R. Hill

2013    D. Schmidt    R. Stuart    N. Langerman    F. Wood-Black, G. Wahl

2012    K. Jeskie    R. Stuart    N. Langerman    F. Wood-Black, G. Wahl

2011    K. Fivizzani    R. Stuart    N. Langerman    F. Wood-Black, G. Wahl

2010    S. Wawzyniecki    R. Stuart    N. Langerman    F. Wood-Black, G. Wahl

2009    R. Phifer    R. Stuart    N. Langerman    G. Wahl

2008    E. Talley    R. Stuart    N. Langerman    K. Benedict G. Wahl

2007    B. Foster    R. Stuart    N. Langerman    K. Benedict G. Wahl

2006    J. Kapin    R. Stuart    N. Langerman    K. Benedict G. Wahl

2005    R. Phifer    B. Foster    E. Talley    E. Segal G. Wahl

2004    Neal Langerman    B. Foster    E. Talley    E. Segal G. Wahl

2003    Robert Hill    R. Phifer    E. Talley    E. Segal M. Solstad G. Wahl

2002    J. Palmer    R. Phifer    E. Talley    E. Segal M. Solstad G. Wahl

2001    F. Wood-Black    R. Phifer    E. Talley    D. Schmidt E. Segal G. Wahl

2000    K. Fivizzani    S. Moon    E. Talley    W. Kingsley E. Segal G. Wahl

1999    R. Hathaway    S. Moon    P. Ashbrook    W. Kingsley E. Segal G. Wahl

1998    M. Solstad    S. Moon    P. Ashbrook    W. Kingsley E. Segal G. Wahl

1997    P.- Y. Lu    S. Moon    P. Ashbrook    A. Norberg E. Segal G. Wahl

1996    W. Kingsley    S. Moon    P. Ashbrook    A. Norberg R. Phifer E. Segal

1995    G. Wahl    S. Moon    P. Ashbrook    A. Norberg R. Phifer E. Segal

1994    S. Sichak    R. Hathaway    P. Ashbrook    R. Phifer E. Segal G. Wahl

1993    J. Breazeale    R. Hathaway    S. Szabo    E. Segal M. Solstad

1992    D. Marsick    R. Hathaway    S. Szabo    E. Segal M. Solstad

1991    H. Fawcett    R. Hathaway    S. Szabo    L. Phifer M. Solstad

1990    R. Alaimo    R. Hathaway    S. Szabo    L. Phifer M. Solstad

1989    P. Redden    R. Hathaway    D. Katz    E. Brown L. Phifer

1988    J. Kaufman    E. Garcia    D. Katz    E. Brown D. Walters

1987    L.J. Nicholls    E. Garcia    D. Katz    E. Brown D. Walters

1986    C. Marlowe    E. Garcia    D. Katz    L. Doemeny D. Walters

1985    L. Phifer    E. Garcia    D. Katz    L. Doemeny J. Young

1984    D. Walters    E. Garcia    D. Katz    L. Doemeny J. Young

1983    R. Scott    E. Garcia    L. Phifer    E. Becker J. Young

1982    M. Renfrew    D. Walters    L. Phifer    E. Becker H. Fawcett

1981    L. Doemeny    D. Walters    L. Phifer    E. Becker H. Fawcett

1980    J. Young    D. Walters    L. Phifer    H. Fawcett

1979    H. Fawcett    E. Becker*    E. Becker*

1978    H. Fawcett    E. Becker

Welcome to 2019!

Welcome to the Division of Chemical Health and Safety’s (CHAS) website. Our organization is an all-volunteer technical division of the American Chemical Society. The Division is home to chemists from industry and academia and safety professionals who are interested in the well-being of those who use chemicals (at work, in education, or at home) and the protection of the environment.

Sammye Sigmann
2019 Chair of CHAS

Through our mission to, “…provide authoritative technical resources and mentorship in chemical health and safety for all.”, we support Safety in the Chemistry Enterprise. Please take a few minutes and browse the various pages of our website to learn more about our divisional activities.

We invite you to join CHAS, which gives you access to all of the resources our division has to offer. Membership in the Division provides opportunities to network with professionals from variety of disciplines who share a common passion for industrial and research chemical safety and chemical safety education.

When you become a member, you will have access to:

Our volunteers are active in:

  • Communicating health and safety information to the greater community by our website and social media platforms,
  • Working with other ACS partners such as the Committee on Chemical Safety (CCS) to produce high quality educational materials,
  • Organizing technical symposia (often co-sponsored with other divisions and/or the CCS)­­­­ at National and Regional ACS meetings,
  • Providing information on careers, education, and ACS resources in chemical health and safety by working in the ACS sponsored Expo booth at National Meetings. 

We recognize contributions from our volunteers and sponsors:

  • With several divisional awards,
  • Through social events at National meetings.

2019 looks to be a very busy year as we work with other divisions such as Industrial & Engineering Chemistry (I&EC), Chemical Education (CHED), and Analytical Chemistry (ANYL) to include safety symposia in their programing.

Wishing you a productive & safe year in your educational and/or work endeavors,

-Samuella (Sammye) Sigmann, 2019 Chair
ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety