Table of Contents
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Announcements
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Program Updates (Lab Safety, Biosafety, Radiation Safety)
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Regulatory Update
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Safety Tips
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Engagement
Announcements
Summer Safety Spotlight
Warm weather is here, but lab safety doesn’t take a summer break!
Check out our Summer Lab Safety Survival Guide for tips on staying safe, cool, and compliant all season long.
Team Update
We are pleased to welcome new safety professionals to Northeastern’s Boston campus:
Jessica Martin
Building Safety Manager (140 The Fenway)
Jessica A. Martin, Ph.D. is a safety professional with expertise in laboratory training, risk management, and chemical safety.
With a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry & Chemical Education Research from the University of Connecticut, she has spent over a decade advancing lab safety culture in academic settings.
Jessica has led national initiatives focused on peer-led safety programs and case-based training that have earned an ACS ChemLuminary Award for Recognition of Innovation. Her work has earned her accolades such as the 2019 UConn Excellence in Service Award and the 2024 ACS CHAS Tillmanns-Skolnik Award.
She is also developing a podcast dedicated to transforming how lab workers are trained for safety and success.
Keeve Gurkin
Sr Manager, Building Safety Program (Boston, MA)
Keeve Gurkin earned his BS/MS degree in Chemistry from Northeastern University (2010) and began his career in the materials science sector with a focus on nanomaterials, particularly nanoparticles and quantum dots.
Over the years, he has contributed to research and development efforts at a range of organizations, including startups, large corporations, and academic institutions such as the Wyss Institute.
After more than a decade as a bench scientist in private industry, Keeve transitioned into laboratory safety, joining Harvard University to support research laboratories within the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He was subsequently promoted to serve as the primary laboratory safety advisor for three multidisciplinary research buildings under the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on Harvard’s Cambridge campus.
Keeve has now returned home to his alma mater, where he now serves as the Senior Manager of the Building Safety Program within the Office of Academic and Research Safety (OARS).
Program Updates
Lab Safety
1. Methylene Chloride Substitution Progress
- Many labs have phased out methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane (DCM) in response to the latest EPA regulation.
- Want to see how one lab made the switch successfully? Check out the Joy Lab’s substitution success story below.
2. Sneaky DCM Products—Is Your Lab Using These?
Some DCM-containing products may be hiding in plain sight. If you use any of the items shown below, take the following steps to identify and dispose:
- Inspect your workspace for DCM-containing materials.
- Review product labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), or check for CAS#75-09-2.
- Submit a hazardous waste pickup request via SciShield.
- After disposal, update your lab’s inventory in SciShield ChemTracker.
| Solvent Welding Products | Sealant Removers | Plastic Bonding Agents |
| Electronics Cleaning Agents | Degreasers | Auto-Part Cleaner |
| Paint Strippers | Lubricants | Paint Removers |
| Resin Cleaners | Adhesive Removers | Aerosol Sprays |
3. Working with Dichloromethane (DCM) Training
A new course designed for labs that are approved to work with DCM has recently been published on SciShield.
Biosafety & Biosecurity
Biological Waste Management Training
We’ve launched a new online training module, Biological Waste Management, now available in SciShield.
This course replaces the previous “Regulated Medical Waste” training and reflects updated procedures and best practices.
You may already be assigned these based on your work, but anyone can take it as a refresher on best practices.
Radiation Safety
Does your lab have—or plan to get—a laser, X-ray device, or electron microscope?
Let OARS know!
Here is why:
- Safety controls (g., physical barriers, signage, PPE) must be in place.
- Registration with the Radiation Control Program of the MA Department of Public Health is required within 30 days of installation, transfer, or disposal.
- Training must be completed prior to operating these devices.
Questions? Contact Chris Bingel, Radiation Safety Officer: c.bingel@northeastern.edu
Regulatory Update
A new federal policy on Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential (PEPP) took effect on May 6. It applies to federally funded research involving certain biological agents and toxins.
Action Required:
All registered Principal Investigators (PIs) must complete the DURC/PEPP survey in SciShield by July 31.
Questions? Contact biosafety@northeastern.edu.
Safety Tips
Biowaste—What’s Wrong with These Pictures?
During recent biosafety inspections, we observed a common instance of noncompliance:
❌ Liquids disposed of in biowaste boxes
To prevent spills and ensure proper decontamination, please follow the correct procedure:
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Treat all biological liquids at the site of generation using a 1:9 bleach-to-liquid ratio.
Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes, then dispose of it down the sink.
(Note: Procedures may vary depending on campus policies or IBC-approved protocols.) -
Do NOT place loose liquids or containers with liquids in the biowaste box—regardless of the liquid type or perceived hazard.
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Exception: Trace amounts of liquid (e.g., ~1 µL) that cling to the inner walls of a closed container are permissible. These minimal residues are unlikely to pose a spill risk.
Engagement
Think You Know Biowaste?
Put your knowledge to the test!
Can you spot what’s wrong with the picture on the right?
Submit your answer (click the button below) to enter a raffle for a gift card!
Help Shape Future Issues of OARS Insights
We’d love to hear from you! Tell us what topics you’d like to see in future issues or share feedback using the button below.
Follow OARS on Instagram!
Follow for event updates, safety tips, co-op opportunities, and more!
Supporting a Positive Safety Culture
