Scientists working on the transmission of the H5N1 avian influenza strain have voluntarily agreed to halt research for 60 days to allow time for international discussion on its benefits and potential harms.

Laboratories are filled with hazardous chemicals, biological materials, animals, and equipment. It’s often the responsibility of lab managers to make sure everyone in their lab completes the various safety training, inventory, and individual registration requirements.

But for How Long?

New York's aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center is preparing to be phased out by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, NBAF, currently being built in Manhattan, Kan.

James Gibson, Ph.D., Director of the Office of Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S), and Nancy Wayne, Ph.D., Professor of Physiology and Associate Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), discuss the recently formed UC Center for Laboratory Safety, its mission and its goals.

The National Safety Council reports that about 1000 people are electrocuted each year in the United States. That means grounded plugs on all electrical equipment in the lab are very important.

The FDA recently took legal action against a dietary supplement maker and owner for substituting ingredients and products without noting the changes on the final product labels.

For labs dealing with infectious substances, a biosecurity plan is just as important as a strong safety program.