Program overview

Research Assistance Program (RAP) specialists assist researchers with their chemical, radiation, and biological laboratory safety needs. Specialists are assigned by building.

• Find out who the RAP contact is for your building.

The Research Assistance Program unifies support and auditing services into one efficient group. Concentrating on specific buildings enables RAP specialists to understand the unique needs of each facility and research area. Laboratory employees develop relationships with their representatives, which improves customer service.

Laboratory audits

RAP specialists audit labs for safety and compliance once per year. Audit results help both researchers and Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) identify and correct problems to maintain a safe work area and ensure compliance with regulations.

RAP audit and consultation services cover most labs. Certain labs and other high-hazard areas are also audited by additional EH&S divisions when any of the following are present:

• Biosafety containment levels greater than BL-2+
• High activity or large quantities of radioactive materials
• Class 3b or 4 lasers or laser systems
• Controlled substances

Audit scoring system:

The laboratory safety audit scoring system assigns 1, 4, or 16 points to violations, depending on severity. Points will double for repeat violations.

The audit score is the total number of violation points. A laboratory with three 4-point violations would receive a score of 12 points. The goal for all laboratories is zero points.

Questions about the Research Assistance Program? Contact Lance Scott, (858) 534-7651.