The Laboratory Safety Institute (LSI)

The Laboratory Safety Institute (LSI) The Laboratory Safety Institute is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering people to practice safer science worldwide.

No lesson is so important & no task is so urgent that we cannot take the time to Teach, Learn, and Practice Science Safely. The Laboratory Safety Institute is an international nonprofit education organization for laboratory safety. LSI provides the highest quality laboratory safety training, audits, inspections and consultation services throughout the world.

Take advantage of two of LSIโ€™s most popular year-end professional development courses, designed to strengthen compliance...
12/11/2025

Take advantage of two of LSIโ€™s most popular year-end professional development courses, designed to strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and make your lab safer and more effective.

December 16: Lab Waste Management Course
This one-day course covers the proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste, including EPA, RCRA, and DOT requirements for labeling, segregation, transportation, vendor management, and more.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Register: https://www.labsafety.org/events/lab-waste-management-12-16-25

December 18: How to Be a More Effective CHO Course
Created with the ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety, this course supports those preparing for the NRCC CHO Certification Exam and is equally valuable for anyone working in a lab. Packed with real-world fail stories, practical insights, and humor, it brings the OSHA Lab Standard to life and empowers you to spot hazards others miss.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Register: https://www.labsafety.org/events/how-to-be-a-more-effective-chemical-hygiene-officer-12-18-25

Weโ€™re proud to announce that LSI and our Safer Science Program are now STEM.org Accreditedโ„ข and ranked in the Top 5% Bes...
12/10/2025

Weโ€™re proud to announce that LSI and our Safer Science Program are now STEM.org Accreditedโ„ข and ranked in the Top 5% Best in STEM!

This recognition reflects our commitment to transforming how science safety is understood worldwide. We are honored to help educators and institutions create safer, stronger, and more sustainable lab environments through practical tools, real-world expertise, and a culture-first approach to science safety, empowering safer science worldwide.

Thank you to our incredible community who make this work meaningful!

๐Ÿ‘‰ Learn more about our training and programs: www.labsafety.org

Kโ€“12 science labs are facing a growing safety crisis, not from a lack of rules, but from too many. What began as a clear...
12/09/2025

Kโ€“12 science labs are facing a growing safety crisis, not from a lack of rules, but from too many. What began as a clear framework under OSHAโ€™s Laboratory Standard has expanded into a dense web of federal, state, and local requirements that most educators simply do not have the time or training to navigate.

LSI surveys consistently reveal:
โ€ข Many teachers have never read their Chemical Hygiene Plan
โ€ข Most do not know who their Chemical Hygiene Officer is
โ€ข Practical, hands-on safety training is minimal

At the same time, thousands of students are injured each year in STEAM activities, often from hazards completely outside chemical regulations.

In our second article for, The Science Teacher_NSTA, LSI's Executive Director, Stephen Taylor, explores why a fundamental shift is needed: moving from a paperwork driven model to a culture driven approach. Simplified guidance, integrated professional development, active safety committees, and a living safety manual that makes the CHP usable (not just compliant) are essential steps.

Real safety happens through daily practice, not documents buried in a binder.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Read the full article:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00368555.2025.2567185

Reminder: Eye and Face Protection Webinar - This Friday!This one-hour webinar will break down:- When to use glasses, gog...
12/08/2025

Reminder: Eye and Face Protection Webinar - This Friday!

This one-hour webinar will break down:
- When to use glasses, goggles, or face shields
- How to match PPE to the hazard
- Key ANSI requirements educators and lab personnel must know
- Best practices for safe laboratory environments

Register is still open: https://www.labsafety.org/.../eye-face-protection-12-12-25

๐—Ÿ๐—ฎ๐˜€๐˜ ๐—Ÿ๐—ฎ๐—ฏ ๐—ช๐—ฎ๐˜€๐˜๐—ฒ ๐— ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฎ๐—ด๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜ ๐—–๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐˜€๐—ฒ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฑ โ€” ๐——๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฒ!If you handle chemicals, oversee labs, or manage safety programs,...
12/05/2025

๐—Ÿ๐—ฎ๐˜€๐˜ ๐—Ÿ๐—ฎ๐—ฏ ๐—ช๐—ฎ๐˜€๐˜๐—ฒ ๐— ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฎ๐—ด๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜ ๐—–๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐˜€๐—ฒ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฑ โ€” ๐——๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฒ!

If you handle chemicals, oversee labs, or manage safety programs, this is your final chance this year to get trained in one of LSIโ€™s most essential courses.

This one-day class gives you the knowledge and practical skills to manage laboratory waste safely, legally, and efficiently. Learn how to interpret regulations, make proper waste determinations, manage storage and consolidation, work with vendors, and review manifests.

Whether you're in education, research, or industry, this course prepares you to keep your institution compliant and your people safe.

๐Ÿ“… Date: December 16
โฐ Time: 9 AMโ€“5 PM EST

๐Ÿ”— Register now before it sells out: https://www.labsafety.org/events/lab-waste-management-12-16-25

๐—œ๐˜€ ๐˜†๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐˜€๐—ฎ๐—ณ๐—ฒ๐˜๐˜† ๐—ฝ๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ป๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—น๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—ธ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐˜†๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ต?Recent incidents around the world have shown that the biggest hazards o...
12/04/2025

๐—œ๐˜€ ๐˜†๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐˜€๐—ฎ๐—ณ๐—ฒ๐˜๐˜† ๐—ฝ๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ป๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—น๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—ธ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐˜†๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ต?

Recent incidents around the world have shown that the biggest hazards often donโ€™t start inside the lab at all. Earthquakes hundreds of miles away, toxic fumes drifting from neighboring facilities, and renovation projects on another floor have all triggered real laboratory emergencies.

The safest lab is one that prepares for risks both inside and outside its walls. Our latest blog explores how external threats such as construction, environmental events, industrial activity, and building infrastructure can create unexpected dangers for classrooms and laboratories.

๐Ÿ” In this blog, youโ€™ll learn:
- Why external hazards are often overlooked
- Real events where offsite events led to unexpected danger
- Practical steps to assess environmental and structural risks
- How to broaden your hazard analysis beyond the immediate workspace

๐Ÿ‘‰ Read the full article:
https://www.labsafety.org/thinking-outside-the-lab-recognizing-safety-threats-from-beyond-the-bench

Letโ€™s rethink what it means to keep our labs safe, starting with the world just outside the door.

Are you selecting the right PPE for the hazard?Not all PPE is created equal, and when it comes to working in the lab the...
12/03/2025

Are you selecting the right PPE for the hazard?

Not all PPE is created equal, and when it comes to working in the lab the difference matters. ANSI sets the standards for proper eye and face protection, and choosing the correct equipment for each specific hazard is essential to ensuring full protection.

Safety glasses, chemical splash goggles, and face shields each serve different purposes, and ANSI outlines when each must be used. Understanding these requirements helps prevent serious injuries and supports a safer learning and working environment.

Join our upcoming PPE Safety Webinar, where weโ€™ll break down:
- When to use glasses, goggles, or face shields
- How to match PPE to the hazard
- Key ANSI requirements educators and lab personnel must know
- Best practices for safe laboratory environments

๐Ÿ‘‰ Register today and strengthen your safety knowledge!
https://www.labsafety.org/events/eye-face-protection-12-12-25

A recent chemical spill at Wi******er High School is a powerful reminder of why strong science safety programs are essen...
12/02/2025

A recent chemical spill at Wi******er High School is a powerful reminder of why strong science safety programs are essential.

Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive chemical capable of causing severe burns and significant tissue damage. According to officials, a leaking container in a chemistry prep-room storage cabinet prompted a multi-agency emergency response in Wi******er, MA. Fire officials, the Massachusetts Hazmat Team, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the local Health Department all responded to secure the area and protect students and staff.

Incidents like this underscore how vital it is for Kโ€“12 schools to have clear safety protocols, compliant chemical storage practices, and educators trained in the regulations that keep our learning communities safe.

๐—ฆ๐—ฎ๐—ณ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—ฆ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ ๐—ฆ๐˜‚๐—บ๐—บ๐—ถ๐˜: we invite all STEAM Educators (grades 6-12) to our 3rd annual Summit!

This immersive event strengthens understanding of federal and state lab safety regulations and supports educators in building safe, compliant STEAM environments.

๐—Ÿ๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜€ (๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฒ):
โ€ข Little Rock, AR
โ€ข Cincinnati, OH
โ€ข Urbana-Champaign, IL
โ€ข Greensboro, NC
โ€ข Portland, OR
โ€ข Cleveland, OH
โ€ข Boston, MA

Pre-register for FREE:

๐Ÿ”— https://lnkd.in/eruwDHSB



Get Ahead of Your 2026 Safety Goals!December is the perfect time to elevate your laboratoryโ€™s safety performance. Our ex...
12/01/2025

Get Ahead of Your 2026 Safety Goals!

December is the perfect time to elevate your laboratoryโ€™s safety performance. Our expert-led programs are designed to strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and empower your team with practical, immediately applicable skills.

Two-Day Lab Safety Course | December 3โ€“4
๐Ÿ‘‰ https://www.labsafety.org/events/two-day-lab-safety-short-course-december-3-4
A comprehensive, fast-paced program covering essential lab safety principles. Ideal for anyone responsible for creating or maintaining a safe laboratory environment.

Eye and Face Protection Webinar | December 12
๐Ÿ‘‰ https://www.labsafety.org/events/eye-face-protection-12-12-25
One-Hour session on preventing the most common, and most serious, lab injuries.

Lab Waste Management Course | December 16
๐Ÿ‘‰ https://www.labsafety.org/events/lab-waste-management-12-16-25
Learn cost-saving strategies, compliance essentials, and best practices for managing laboratory waste safely and efficiently.

How to Be a More Effective CHO | December 18
๐Ÿ‘‰ https://www.labsafety.org/events/how-to-be-a-more-effective-chemical-hygiene-officer-12-18-25
Strengthen your CHO role with practical tools, leadership strategies, and real-world solutions.

Reserve your seat now and close out 2025 with stronger safety systems in place. | www.labsafety.org

Publication Announcement: LSI Featured in ๐“๐ก๐ž ๐’๐œ๐ข๐ž๐ง๐œ๐ž ๐“๐ž๐š๐œ๐ก๐ž๐ซ!Weโ€™re proud to share that LSI's Executive Director, Stephe...
11/24/2025

Publication Announcement: LSI Featured in ๐“๐ก๐ž ๐’๐œ๐ข๐ž๐ง๐œ๐ž ๐“๐ž๐š๐œ๐ก๐ž๐ซ!

Weโ€™re proud to share that LSI's Executive Director, Stephen, has been published in The Science Teacher_NSTA, an award-winning, peer-reviewed practitionersโ€™ journal for grade 9โ€“12 educators, university faculty, and science education leaders.

๐“๐ก๐ž ๐’๐œ๐ข๐ž๐ง๐œ๐ž ๐“๐ž๐š๐œ๐ก๐ž๐ซ highlights innovative, classroom-tested strategies that align with the Framework for Kโ€“12 Science Education. It is a leading venue for educators seeking research-backed approaches to modern science instruction.

Stephenโ€™s article uses national data and LSI fieldwork to reveal the systemic gaps that allow hazardous, outdated, and unlabeled chemicals to accumulate in school labs. Underfunding, limited oversight, and inadequate professional development have pushed many educators away from lab-based learning. The article calls for coordinated action including chemical audits, safer curricula, disposal funding, mandatory safety training, and stronger partnerships between schools, regulators, and communities. Creating safe, sustainable science labs is essential for protecting both students and the future of science education.

Read Stephenโ€™s publication:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00368555.2025.2535256

Weโ€™re thrilled to see Stephenโ€™s expertise recognized in a journal that influences science educators nationwide.

Need support improving lab safety at your school?
Contact LSI to learn how we can help assess risks, strengthen safety culture, and provide training for educators and administrators.

How to Be a More Effective Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO)๐Ÿ“… November 25, 2025 ยท Live on ZoomThe CHO role is one of the mo...
11/21/2025

How to Be a More Effective Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO)
๐Ÿ“… November 25, 2025 ยท Live on Zoom

The CHO role is one of the most important (and often least supported) positions in any lab environment. Chemical hazards remain a leading cause of lab incidents, and many CHOs inherit responsibilities without the structured guidance needed to perform them effectively.

This one-day course gives you the tools, clarity, and real-world insight needed to strengthen chemical safety in your organization.

๐Ÿ”น Strengthen Your Chemical Hygiene Program
Assess and improve your Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP), identify gaps, and apply practical strategies to better protect people and facilities.

๐Ÿ”น Build Confidence in Your CHO Responsibilities
Gain clarity on OSHA requirements, hazard identification, control methods, and safety leadership so you can perform your CHO role with confidence and competence.

๐Ÿ”น Learn What Others Miss
Get real-world examples, case studies, and expert insights that most CHOs arenโ€™t formally trained on. Spot risks earlier, respond more effectively, and elevate your safety culture.

๐Ÿ”น Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
Strengthen your expertise and your professional credentials.

If safety leadership matters in your workplace, this course is essential.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Register now: https://www.labsafety.org/more-effective-chemical-hygiene-officer

Is your school planning for safer, stronger science programs in 2026?With the holiday break approaching, now is the perf...
11/20/2025

Is your school planning for safer, stronger science programs in 2026?

With the holiday break approaching, now is the perfect time to assess your science safety readiness, and LSI is here to help. Weโ€™re excited to offer FREE Safer Scienceโ„ข Self-Assessments for Kโ€“12 schools and small higher-ed institutions.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Kโ€“12 Schools
Safer Science Self-Assessment โ†’ https://app.agolix.com/assessment/25838

๐Ÿซ Small Universities, Colleges & Community Colleges
Safer Science Self-Assessment โ†’ https://app.agolix.com/assessment/27128

These quick assessments help you identify strengths, uncover hidden risks, and highlight opportunities to build a safer, more effective STEM environment.

Our Safer Scienceโ„ข Program gives educators and administrators a comprehensive framework to integrate safety into every part of science education. Built for todayโ€™s classrooms, it offers:
โœ”๏ธCustomizable Solutions
โœ”๏ธComprehensive Resources
โœ”๏ธOngoing Support
โœ”๏ธStandards-Aligned

Use this holiday break to jump-start meaningful improvements and empower teachers, staff, and students with safer science practicesโ€”starting today.

Address

Natick, MA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15086471900

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Our Story

The Laboratory Safety Institute is a nonprofit educational institution providing safety courses and consulting for chemical laboratories worldwide.

We have taught courses to more than 100,000 people in 27 countries, spanning 130 different industries, including research, high-tech, government, medicine, and academia. Many of our students say they love our courses because they are engaging and make a wealth of information easy to absorb and retain. Virtually any lab, anywhere can benefit from our expert training, audits and inspections.

The Laboratory Safety Institute was founded by James Kaufman, Ph.D. in 1978. While driving home from work in 1973, he heard on the radio that there had been a serious explosion at nearby Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Kaufman had recently completed post-doctoral work at Worcester Polytechnic, and had earned his Ph.D. there a few years before. Upon hearing the news of the accident, he bypassed his house, driving straight to the Worcester lab instead.

"I got there two hours after the explosion," Kaufman remembers. "The light fixtures had been blown off the ceiling, the windows had been blown out of the room. A grad student I knew blew off portions of his hands, and he was lucky he wasn't killed."