Laboratory Technicians Committee Charter

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Convening Authority and Composition

Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT) shall appoint a WIT Laboratory Technicians Committee (Committee). The Committee shall consist of all laboratory technicians or designees, who are affiliated with WIT laboratories, studios, makerspaces, and workshops. The membership shall also include the WIT employees and consultants with knowledge and experience in the areas of occupational safety and health, laboratory safety, hazardous materials, processes, and environmental protection.

The Chair and Back-up Chair of the committee will be appointed by the Committee. The positions have specific responsibilities, which are outlined in the document entitled “Responsibilities of Committee Appointed Positions”

General Purpose

The Committee has two main purposes:

  1. Formulate and recommend to the WIT policies governing laboratory safety, hazardous materials, laboratory processes, and environmental protection, and occupational safety and health.
  2. Monitor compliance at WIT with respect to federal, state, and local regulations, and WIT policies pertaining to the above.

Specific Requirements

The Committee shall be responsible for:

  1. Recommending policies and procedures for occupational and environmental safety and compliance in laboratories including but not limited to education and training, inspection and compliance, containment, waste disposal, and occupational medicine.
  2. Reviewing the relevant safety and compliance programs on an annual basis or more frequently, if warranted,
  3. Recommending policy development or revision when deficiencies in the safety and compliance programs are noted,
  4. Reviewing incident reports received by a reporting entity as well as any other information or issues pertaining to occupational and environmental safety and compliance in laboratories,
  5. Establishing subcommittees or ad hoc committees, as necessary, to carry out its overall responsibilities, and
  6. Maintaining a written record of actions taken by the Committee.

Administrative Procedures

  1. The policies and procedures recommended by the Committee shall be carried out by individuals and offices.
  2. All members of the Committee shall have voting rights.
  3. The Committee shall meet at least twice a semester. Additional meetings may be scheduled if requested by any three members of the Committee.
  4. The Committee may make recommendations for follow-up with the Department Heads/Dean’s Office, where, in its judgment, personnel or property may be endangered or put at risk.
  5. A quorum shall consist of greater than 50 percent of the voting members of the Committee. 
  6. Approval of motions shall require a majority of those present.

Amendments to the Charter

This charter may be amended upon three-fourths vote of all the members of the Committee.