Tag Archives: workshops

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.

CHAS Workshops 2021

The Division of Chemical Safety presents several workshops as part of the American Chemical Society’s continuing education program around chemical safety issues. CHAS has two workshop tracks, aimed at either specific stakeholders or chemistry professionals who need specific chemical safety education to complete their expertise, either in the lab or in business settings. The stakeholder workshops are taught by people from that group with safety experience (e.g. grad students teaching grad students), whereas the professional development workshops are taught by full time Environmental Health and Safety professionals.

To register for any of these workshops, click on the the workshop description for that workshop.

We can also help arrange presentations of these workshops in other venues. If you are interested in arranging any of these trainings for your company or local section meetings, contact us at membership@dchas.org

Also known as the Lab Safety Teams workshop, taught by chemistry graduate students with experience with implementing and maintaining laboratory safety programs at their home institution. This workshop will next be offered Sunday, October 17, 2021; you can register for it here.
Conducting risk assessments in the research lab requires special considerations. This workshop will explore using the RAMP paradigm to meet this need and will be offered this November. You can register for this workshop here.




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 workshop below.

CHAS Workshop: Empowering academic researchers to strengthen safety culture, October 17 2021

This 4-hour workshop is primarily directed at frontline researchers in academic institutions: graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and undergraduate students. Faculty and safety staff are also very much encouraged to participate.

Workshop goals are to:

  • Educate participants about the value of risk assessment
  • Guide participants towards gaining awareness of safety culture messages from the leadership at their institutions
  • Empower participants to expand their safety networks and develop laboratory safety teams.

The next workshop is scheduled for Sunday, October 17, 2021 from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time. The workshop is $25 per participant. To register for this workshop date, please follow this link to our Eventbrite registration page. If you have any questions about the workshop, please email lstworkshop@dchas.org. 

For more information:

To see our Zotero list of Lab Safety Team resources. visit this page.

For information about the history of the workshop, visit this page.

CHAS Spring 2021 Professional Workshops, APril 1 – April 2

To register, scroll to the form at the bottom of this page

NEW for 2021: Half-day workshop on
Writing Safety Statements in Publications

Thursday, April 1, 1 PM Eastern Daylight Time, $150

The ACS now requires that authors include a statement of safety concerns in manuscripts submitted to ACS journals. The 2020 edition of the ACS Guide to Scholarly Communication, section 1.3 (Communicating Safety Information) provides guidelines to developing appropriate information for scholarly communication, but there are no complete examples provided, only excerpts. Furthermore, the chapter provides only information—it cannot impart the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out the instructions in the section. The purpose of this workshop is to put into practice the guidelines for writing effective safety statements based on the science and the intended audience using risk assessment.

Presented by: Sammye Sigmann, Leah McEwen, Daniel Kuespert

Laboratory Waste Management 2021, $300

Thursday, April 1, 11 AM Eastern Daylight Time

CHAS offers the Laboratory Waste Management workshop to assist participants with the various regulatory requirements that apply to laboratories which generate hazardous waste, as well as to provide insight into the options for on-site management and off-site disposal. Includes details on the Hazardous Waste Improvement Rule and how it impacts laboratories. Focus will include discussion on recycling/ reclamation techniques, economical handling of wastes and liability issues. There is extensive opportunity for questions both during the workshop with follow-up by phone and email.

taught by Russ Phifer, WC Environmental

How to be a more effective Chemical Hygiene Officer, $300

Friday, April 2, 11 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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 NRCC Chemical Hygiene Officer Board 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.

taught by Russ Phifer, Jim Kaufman
(Note that the Chemical Hygiene Officer certification exams are offered online. These exams are managed by the National Registry of Certified Chemists. Visit their web site at http://www.nrcc6.org for further information.)

Registration Notes:

One person may register for multiple workshops on a single Registration form. If you have more than one person to register using the same credit card or billing method or if you need help with the registration process, please contact Russ Phifer at 610-322-0657 or rphifer@wcenvironmental.com 

You will receive a confirmation that your registration has been submitted immediately upon registering. You will be sent a confirmation of registration email as soon as your registration is reviewed. Please contact 610-322-0657 if you do not receive the confirmation within four working days.

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Note: Conditions and Cancellation/Refund Policy

Upon verified registration, information will be sent to each participant containing specific location information of the workshop. Companies may substitute registrants without prior notice or penalty.

Full refund available for cancellations up to three (3) weeks prior to workshop date. 50% refund up to one (1) week prior to workshop. Cancellations made less than seven (7) days prior to workshop start date will be charged, but an 80% credit may be applied toward a future program. No-shows receive no credit and will be billed.

In the event that the Division of Chemical Health and Safety is forced to cancel a workshop due to lack of registration or other causes, CHAS will notify participants at least ten (10) days in advance by email. We will notify you by email as soon as we know that the workshops will be held, i.e. we have sufficient registrants to present the workshop.

ACS CHAS Workshop: Empowering academic researchers to strengthen safety culture

This 4-hour workshop is primarily directed at researchers in academic institutions that may include graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and undergraduate students. Faculty and safety staff are also very much encouraged to participate.

Workshop goals are to:

  • Educate participants about the value of risk assessment
  • Guide participants towards gaining awareness of safety culture messages from the leadership at their institutions
  • Empower participants to expand their safety networks and develop laboratory safety teams.

The next workshop is scheduled for Sunday, February 7, 2 PM to 6 PM Eastern Time. The workshop is $25 per participant. To register for this workshop date, please follow this link to our Eventbrite registration page. If you have any questions about the workshop, please email lstworkshop@dchas.org. 

For more information:

For a list of technical resources related to LSTs, visit this page.

For information about the history of the workshop, visit this page.

Fall 2020 “Empowering academic researchers to strengthen safety culture” Workshop Details

The American Chemical Society is sponsoring a workshop to help educate graduate students and other interested academic lab workers about lab safety culture and opportunities for promoting safety in their schools. Thanks to the overwhelming response from the academic community for the virtual version of this workshop, the August 16th workshop is full. Luckily, we will be holding this workshop again in virtual form on Thursday, November 12, 3 PM to 6 PM EDT. Participants will be awarded a certificate that can be noted on their resumes.

This 3-hour workshop is primarily directed at researchers in academic institutions that may include graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and undergraduate students. Faculty and safety staff are also very much encouraged to participate.

Workshop goals are to:

  • Educate participants about key technical resources to expand their ability to think systematically about safety.
  • Guide participants to identify everyone’s responsibility for laboratory safety in the hierarchy at their institutions.
  • Empower participants to strengthen the safety culture at their institutions through expanding their safety networks and developing laboratory safety teams.

You can read more about the results of previous workshops and the current LST movement in the linked articles from the journal ACS Chemical Health & Safety

The workshop will take place on November 12, 2020 at 3 PM to 6 PM EDT (please remember to adjust for your time zone) via Zoom. It will be facilitated by Sarah Zinn of the University of Chicago (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-zinn/) and Jessica DeYoung from the University of Iowa (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-deyoung/), graduate students actively involved in their universities’ Laboratory Safety Teams (LSTs).

The overall design and organization of this workshop is done by the Workshop Leader Jessica A. Martin (current graduate student at the University of Connecticut) and the CHAS Coordinator Kali A. Miller of ACS Publications (formerly of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign). Please contact them if you have any questions about this workshop and future workshops at lstworkshop@dchas.org.

This workshop is sponsored by the ACS Safety Programs and the ACS Office of Graduate Education, with technical support provided by the leadership of the ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety.

This workshop now has full registration. If you are interested in hearing about future offerings, please contact us at membership@dchas.org