Skip to content
A picture of campus fountains
Occupational and Environmental Safety

Research Safety

The OES Research Safety Group provides support services to Clemson University researchers in the areas of laboratory and chemical safety, biosafety, and radiation safety. The Research Safety Group assists researchers in maintaining regulatory compliance and provides guidance on prudent laboratory practices across numerous research disciplines.

  • What is Research Safety?

    At Clemson University, our Research Safety program is composed of the following components:

    • Biosafety - A specialized discipline of safety that addressed the safe handling and containment of infectious microorganisms and hazardous biological materials to prevent accidental exposure or released into the environment.
    • Lab Safety - The Laboratory Safety program supports the research and education mission of Clemson University by providing guidance on prudent lab practices and assisting researchers in developing and maintaining a robust culture of safety. The lab safety team fosters collaborative partnerships with Clemson researchers and provides resources to help ensure safety and regulatory compliance in new and emerging areas of scientific research.
    • Laser Safety - This program is based on the ANSI Z136.1 Standard. Radiation Safety personnel assures that laser equipment is used in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as Clemson University’s policies.
    • X-Ray Equipment - In South Carolina, use of Radiation Producing (or, x-ray) Equipment is regulated by the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Additionally, the use of RPE in Clemson must be reviewed and approved by the CU Radiation Safety Committee (RSC). Radiation Safety personnel assures that RPE is used in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as Clemson University’s policies.
    • Radioactive Materials - In South Carolina, RAM use is regulated by the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). SC DHEC issues RAM Licenses. Clemson University has a Type A Broad Scope RAM License. This License allows any (but not human!) use of RAM with atomic numbers 1-98 in research and teaching, provided such use was reviewed and approved by the CU Radiation Safety Committee (RSC). Radiation Safety personnel assures that RAM is used prudently and in compliance with all federal, state and local regulations, as well as Clemson University’s policies.
    • Non-ionizing Radiation Safety - CU Radiation Safety provides support services and guidance on prudent laboratory practices to Clemson researchers in the areas of non-ionizing radiation and magnetic field safety across numerous research disciplines.
  • Where can I find more specific information?

    Please visit our specific Research Safety program pages using the links below. You may also navigate using the top menu or buttons below.

  • Where can I obtain Research Safety training?

    Please see each respective program's page for training information. For example the Blood Borne Pathogen (BBP) training information can be found on the Biosafety page.

Research Safety Blog & Events

Clemson Research News