Facilities & Safety
FACILITY REQUESTS & EMERGENCIES
For all general facilities requests (non-urgent) in Müller Lab and Frear North, please email Aaron Knight at amk31@psu.edu
For facilities emergencies (loss of power, flooding), please contact Aaron Knight at 814-863-2154. If unavailable, please contact the OPP Work Reception Center at 814-865-4731.
EQUIPMENT REPAIRS, MOVES & DISPOSALS
To initiate equipment repairs or moves, please contact Aaron Knight at 
amk31@psu.edu.
For disposal of equipment, the removal of any hazardous materials (oil, gases/refrigerant) must be completed beforehand. Contact Aaron Knight to initiate a work order with OPP. Please note that this cost will be charged to the current user/PI. In addition, any large items, such as ultra-low freezers and deli cases, will have to be removed and transported by OPP, thus there is an additional charge associated with this.
For smaller items, please place them in the receiving area by the loading dock on 1st floor in Müller Lab and send an email to amk31@psu.edu with a list of items, including any property tag #’s found on any equipment.
LAB REUSE PROGRAM
This program offers a selection of laboratory supplies (excluding chemicals), consumables, and used equipment to all department members. It was designed to promote sustainability as well as provide cost-savings to our researchers and instructors. To view the current inventory, please click on the SharePoint link below. To request a visit to the space (321 Müller Lab), please email Aaron Knight, amk31@psu.edu, to make an appointment.
Reuse Inventory.xlsx
The program is also accepting donations. If you have any supplies you no longer plan to use or older equipment that is still functional, please consider donating them to the program. To arrange a donation, please contact Aaron Knight to schedule a convenient time for pickup.
SHARED EQUIPMENT (Department Use Only)
Please view the linked file below for a list of equipment available for shared use. For further information, including location and access, please contact Aaron Knight (amk31@psu.edu).
Biology shared equipment.xlsx
ACCESS REQUESTS
For access requests, including keys and card swipes, a completed FAAR form is required. Please submit the form to Aaron Knight at amk31@psu.edu.
*Huck occupants need to send their requests to huckaccess@psu.edu.
INJURY REPORTING
Employees: To initiate Report of Injury, notify the following contact within 24 hours of the incident:
- Cassie Cavell (510 Thomas Bldg.) 814-863-0869 (Office), 814-571-0259 (Cell)
Students and Volunteers: Please complete the following form and send to the address listed at the top of the form. Also, please notify the department safety officer for record purposes and possible follow-up. Incident Form
SAFETY
The Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), with the support of the department and Eberly College, requires work-specific safety training for all faculty, staff, and students who engage in laboratory research. For more information on laboratory safety (policies, procedures), click here.
Required trainings:
- Initial Laboratory and Research Safety Training – UP (first-year/new hires and volunteers)
- Laboratory and Research Safety Refresher Training (subsequent years)
* Please send a copy of the certification of completion to Aaron Knight (amk31@psu.edu) for departmental records. Training records should also be accessible in the respective labs.
- Worker Protection Standard – Worker Training
* A requirement for greenhouse access and use. Contact the greenhouse manager for details.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Program
The Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) has issued the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Program to address the spotted lanternfly outbreak in Pennsylvania. This outbreak of invasive species can and will have a major economic and agricultural impact. This is a new PA law and Penn State is required to comply. If you travel to and work within the quarantine zone pictured above, please contact Aaron Knight at amk31@psu.edu for required training and permitting. If you are just traveling directly through the zone, this does not apply.
Why do we need to do this?
There are multiple reasons:
1. It is the law in PA. Penn State (including all people who work for Penn State) is required to comply. PSU policy states we will comply with all laws.
2. Penn State is in support of this program, and the College of Agriculture is assisting the state with this effort.
3. The spotted lanternfly can quickly decimate hardwoods, fruit trees, including grapes and hops, and nurseries. PA is a major producer and exporter in these industries, and the economic impact will be great if this is not controlled.
4. People not complying can receive a ticket and fine from the police.
To learn more about this program, please use the following link.