Science Safety Committee

Science Safety Committee (SSC)

What is the SSC? 

The Science Safety Committee (SSC), formally known as the Chemical Hygiene Committee, is responsible for evaluating and administering the chemical safety aspects of all University programs involving the research and teaching use of hazardous chemicals under the provisions outlined in the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP). The SSC strives to minimize accidents through risk analysis and mitigation holding periodic reviews to address departmental safety concerns, modifications, regulatory deficiencies, incidents, and recommend corrective action.

Download the Chemical Hygiene Plan

SSC Structure 

Below is the SSC structure redesign. Under this structure, the committee is supported by executive leaders who serve as the executive sponsors, who serves as the Dean of the Natural Sciences, and the Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Both of which are members of the committee. The committee consists of two committee co-chairs, one appointed by the executive sponsor, the other is the Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO), who is an EH&S specialist.  Members of the committee are comprised of Department Chairs and their and their respective designees who can be Instruction Support Technicians (ISTs) with institutional knowledge and experience in their respective fields. Elections for the appointed SSC chair are held annually. members to serve at least annually on the committee, depending on their time allowances and availability. 

As a representative for their committee, any updates regarding department concerns, modifications, regulatory deficiencies, incidents, and corrective action, are to be discussed and resolved if possible, through collaborative proposals between the sub-safety committee level. Co-chairs of the SSC serve as a correspondent between the SSC and CWSC and present any issues needing additional help or attention to the CWSC via an informative report to the Director of EH&S. The Director of EH&S will voice the concerns of all the sub-committee to help find a resolution. If a resolution cannot be resolved at the CWSC level without additional guidance and/or interference from higher management, the Director of EH&S will present any unsolved issues at the RMAC for final campus resolution.

SSC Agendas and Meeting Minutes 

• April 8, 2024: Agenda | Minutes
• September 27, 2023: Agenda | Minutes