Chemical Safety Committee

Charge
The Committee reports to the EVPR on matters related to the use of chemicals that may be hazardous in the research, clinical and educational activities of UTHSC-Houston. Hazardous chemicals are defined as substances which are potential physical or health hazards by exhibiting harmful characteristics such as toxicity, reactivity or flammability. The Environmental Health and Safety Department is the monitoring and effector arm of the Chemical Committee. Specific charges to the Committee include the following:

• To recommend to the EVPR policies and procedures to ensure the health and safety of all individuals within UTHSC-H.

• To recommend to the EVPR policies and procedures to ensure UTHSC-H's compliance with all federal, state and local statutes, regulations, procedures and principles relating to the purchase, storage, use and disposal of hazardous chemicals used in UTHSC-H's research, clinical and educational programs.

• To certify investigators, their laboratories and their programs for work with hazardous chemicals. Designated high-risk activities may not proceed without the written consent of the Committee.

• To recommend to the EVPR the need for general and specific training programs for research, clinical and teaching activities dealing with hazardous chemicals, and to review the appropriateness and effectiveness of such UT-Houston's training programs.

• To submit reports, at least annually, to the EVPR recommending measures to control potential chemical hazards and to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

Committee Composition

Chair
Designated by the President on recommendation from the Executive Vice President for Research (EVPR) from the membership.

Membership
All members must have appropriate experience and an active research program involving the use of chemicals. The membership shall include at least:

• One faculty representative from the School of Nursing and the School of Public Health;
• Two faculty representatives from the Dental Branch; and
• One student member, and six faculty representatives from the Medical School.
• Additional faculty members may be appointed by the President as deemed necessary to provide adequate expertise and size as dictated by the issues and work encountered and as recommended by the Committee. Such members shall be selected to reflect the degree of research activity involving potential chemical hazards at various UTHSC- H Schools.

Ex Officio Membership (without vote)
Chair, Institutional Biosafety Committee
Executive Vice President for Research
Executive Director, Environmental Health and Safety
Manager, Chemical Safety
Manager, Environmental Protection
Additional faculty members providing invaluable expertise

Terms of Membership
Staggered three-year terms with one expiring each year.