In response to the December lab death of one of its students, UCLA conducted a study on the safety of its research laboratories. The study, released July 20, concludes that the school has made progress in protecting campus lab workers but should do more.
On Dec. 29, UCLA research assistant Sheri Sangji, 23, was working on an organic chemistry experiment when she was severely burned after the chemical compound she was working on caught fire. Two and a half weeks later she died of her injuries.
Sangji’s death prompted the creation of UCLA’s campus-wide Laboratory Safety Committee (LSC). The LSC report highlights the school’s significant and existing efforts and resources dedicated to lab safety. It also describes many of the recent improvements that were put into place following the December laboratory accident. That said, several areas were identified that need improvement.
The report recommends UCLA:
- Improve and Expand Outreach and Training
- Increase Accountability and Oversight
- Improve Laboratory Design
- Improve Inventory and Recordkeeping
To read the full report, click here.