CSHEMA Laboratory Safety Awareness Week
February 9 - 13, 2026
Lab Safety Awareness Week
UTMB Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) is joining CSHEMA, the Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association and academic institutions nationwide in recognizing Lab Safety Awareness Week.
EHS Booth & Outreach Activities
Meet the EHS Team
EHS staff will be available to share laboratory safety tips, answer questions, and provide guidance on safe lab practices.
Fire Safety Demonstration
Hands-on fire extinguisher training will be available.
Giveaways & Games
Participate in interactive activities and enjoy exciting giveaways throughout the week.
EHS will be at the following locations the week of 09 February 2026:
Monday 09 February 2026
MRB – 1st floor lobby
0900 – 1200
Wednesday 11 February 2026
SON – 1st floor lobby
0900 – 1200
Friday 13 February 2026
MRB – 1st floor lobby
0900 - 1200
General Lab Safety Reminders
Help maintain a safe laboratory environment by consistently following these best practices:
- Conduct a risk/hazard assessment before beginning new work or changing the scope of work
- Review lab/area Standard Operating Procedures/Chemical Hygiene Plan (SOPs) before beginning any hazardous work.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and lab coats
- Perform tasks that may generate hazardous gases or vapors in a fume hood or other approved exhaust system
- In an emergency, call UTMB Police at 409-772-1111 anytime or EHS at 409-747-0515 (Monday – Friday 0800-1700.)
- If an work-related injury or illness occurs, supervisors must submit an injury/illness report as soon as possible after the incident.
- If you see a potential hazard that should be brought to EHS’ attention, please submit a Report a Concern form.
Safety Spotlight
Recognize individual(s) or lab groups who creatively embody or embrace lab safety in their practices.
Resources
Past Laboratory Safety Awareness Week Winners
2025 Laboratory Safety Awareness Week - February 10- 14, 2025
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Laboratory Safety Awareness Week Challenge! Each of the following lab staff received a prize bag from Environmental Health & Safety:
- Rahul Dilawari – Dr. Sowers’ lab
- Mack Harrison – Dr. Geisbert’s lab
- Cynthia Jerez – Dr. Kayed’s lab
- Jully Singh – Dr. Laezza’s lab
- Daniel Deer - Dr. Geisbert’s lab
- Krystle Agans - Dr. Geisbert’s lab
- Bruce Chang-Gu – Sowers’ lab
- Ajay Pal – Dr. Yuan’s lab
2024 Laboratory Safety Awareness Week - February 12 - 16, 2024
Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Laboratory Safety Awareness Week Challenge! Each of the following lab staff received a prize bag from Environmental Health & Safety:
- Kristyn Gonzales – Dr. Robert Abbott
- Susana Oaxaca-Torres – Dr. Alfredo Torres
- Jason Herring – Dr. Lawrence Sowers
- Paige Diaz – Dr. Alison Coady
- Jully Singh – Dr. Fernanda Laezza
- Leandra Koff – Dr. Fernanda Laezza
- Sadhana Chauhan – Dr. Mark Endsley
- Prem Shankar – Dr. Brenden Prideaux
- Bandana Bera – Dr. Brendan Prideaux