Policy Number: I-88
Last Reviewed: April 23, 2026
Responsible Dept.: Vice President of Academic & Workforce Solutions
A signed copy of this policy is available in the President’s Office.
Introduction and Purpose
This Policy aligns with Virginia Community College System Policy 10.7.0 and requires assessment of emerging patterns which can aid in the prevention of incidents, accidents and occurrences in all High-Risk Instructional Programs and establishes basic lab safety and security requirements.
The purpose of this policy is as follows: To establish basic lab safety and security requirements.
This policy applies to all credit and Workforce labs both on campus and at off-campus sites but does not apply to classes taught by high school faculty in the high schools for dual enrollment.
Definitions. As used in this Policy, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context requires otherwise:
- “High Risk Programs” means instructional programs that have identified hazards, either known hazards or potential hazards, with the propensity to cause injury or illness.
- “Incident” means an event that may result in a claim against the institution, and/or business interruption.
- “Accident” means an unplanned event with a specific time and place resulting in injury or property damage.
- “Occurrence” means an accident with the limitation of time removed.
- “Lab Activity” means any instructional activity conducted outside of the normal classroom environment (i.e. general science experiments, culinary classes, etc.).
High Risk Instructional Program Safety
Hazardous Conditions. Hazardous conditions that may result in exposure (or potential exposure) to injury, illness, liability, or property damage during instructional activities include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- Exposure to compressed gas.
- Use of ladders.
- Use of power tools.
- Use of open flames or heating devices.
- Use of electrical equipment.
- Use of mechanical or energized devices.
- Exposure to noise.
- Thermal exposure.
- Use of vehicles.
- Exposure to biohazards.
- Use of sharp tools or equipment.
- Use of radiation.
- Exposure to hazardous particulates, vapors or fumes.
- Exposure to blood or other bodily fluids.
- Use of personal protective equipment.
- Exposure to heights or working from heights.
The above list is given as an example and may not be all inclusive of hazardous conditions that may result in exposure (or potential exposure) to injury, illness, liability, or property damage.
Lab Security/Safety
All labs shall be secured when not in use or otherwise occupied. When there is no instructor or other appropriate/designated individuals present in the lab or shop, students shall stop working and equipment shall be powered down. Properly secure all cultures and chemicals and turn off Bunsen burners and other hazardous lab equipment.
Labs are not to be used for individual purposes which are not sanctioned by the college. Such prohibited activities include experiments or research used for personal financial gain, personal business, or outside employment. The VCCS does not allow exceptions to this Policy.
Lab Safety: All labs should be clean and organized with properly displayed safety signage as appropriate to the type of lab.
Lab Activity: A lab activity is any instructional activity conducted outside of the normal classroom environment, i.e., general science experiments, culinary classes, etc. Tasks for each individual responsible for lab safety include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
- Ensure that inventory is locked when not in use.
- Ensure that unauthorized persons are not admitted.
- Ensure that the designated person(s) monitors access responsible for key control.
- Ensure that labs are not occupied by anyone except administrative staff (including student, and visitors) without instructional supervision.
- Ensure that labs are only used for their designated purpose. No meetings, alternate office space, or other social or student study activities are allowed. Lab areas are unique spaces and present an opportunity for injury when used for purposes other than specified lab activity.
- Ensure that labs are not used for any unauthorized use.
- Ensure that regular inspections of equipment occur and are documented.
Non-Instructional Lab Use
Any activity not falling under specific course curriculum guidelines, as described by a syllabus, is prohibited, except for specific activities sanctioned by college administration and supervised by personnel approved by the college.
Instructor Currency
Instructors in high-risk instructional programs shall stay current in the safety regulations and best practices associated with their instructional field. Instructors should regularly discuss safety-related topics with their Curriculum Advisory Committees as one means of staying current and keeping their program current. Currency shall be discussed with their dean or supervisor during their faculty evaluation process.
Course Materials and Practices
Course Syllabi: All course syllabi for high-risk instructional programs shall contain:
- Information about program safety
- A listing of all safety equipment available in the lab or classroom
- Written lab and classroom rules
Safety Manuals: all high-risk instructional programs should have a safety manual that is available and distributed to students. This may be linked in the syllabus.
Safety Awareness and Tests: All students in high-risk instructional programs must:
- Complete safety awareness and emergency training before working in the lab
- Pass a safety test before working in the lab.
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