The NIU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is committed to providing a safe laboratory experience for our students, faculty, and staff. In an effort to achieve a safe environment, the department provides ongoing safety training and produces a yearly Safety Procedures Manual.

2008-2009 Safety Procedures Manual (pdf)

The above manual contains emergency personnel contact information, as well as procedures for handling severe weather emergencies, medical emergencies, fires, chemical spills, and building evacuations. Building evacuation route maps and safety equipment locator maps are also included in the manual.

Required of our graduate students and open to all faculty and staff, the department provides fire extinguisher training on an annual basis and First Aid and CPR certification training every two years. In conjunction with the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, the department also offers training in laser safety, biosafety, proper waste storage and waste removal, and chemical storage.

All instructional laboratory students are provided with personal protective equipment, including safety goggles and disposable gloves, and with training on instructional laboratory safety equipment (safety phone, eye wash station, fire blanket, and safety showers).

Material safety data sheets (MSDS) are available on all chemicals used in the department; first aid kits are located in every research and instructional lab.

NIU Emergency Contacts

Environmental Health & Safety Director:
Rob Vest
(815) 753-6250, work
(815) 758-6266, home

Safety Officer:
Scott Mooberry
(815) 753-3905, work
(815) 739-2375, cell
(815) 756-9900, home

Biological Safety Specialist:
Michele Crase
(815) 753-9251, work
(815) 751-4294, cell

Chemical Safety Coord.:
Jim Gable
(815)753-1610, work
(815) 751-1934, cell
(815) 498-2658, home

Radiation Safety Officer:
Dave Scharenberg
(815) 753-1093, work
(815) 761-5316, cell
(815) 498-2658, home

Department Emergency Contacts/Alternates:

Andy Small, Lab Manager
(815) 753-6854, work
(815) 758-4084, home

Jon Carnahan, Dept. Chair
(815) 753-1181, work
(815) 757-2580, cell

Ray Foster, Storekeeper
(815) 753-6862, work