The Staff at the Controlled Environment Facility (CEF) are committed to the safety and well-being of CEF researchers and staff. Our goal is to provide a safe environment for all users by implementing policies and procedures that protect people, the facility and its resources.
CEF Specific Safety Documents
- Illness and Injury Protection Program
- Emergency Action Plan
- Hazard Communication Program Summary
- Lockout/Tagout Plan
- Site Specific Training Form
EH&S Sponsored Safety Documents
- Hazard Communication Program
- Shop Safety Manual
- Lockout/Tagout Program
- Autoclave SafetyNet
- PPE Checklist
Required Training
The CEF Basic User Training covers the Worker Protection Standard. It also covers general safety guidelines and procedures for working safely. Because the Worker Protection Standard training is required annually, this class needs to be completed annually. You can sign up for it here:
Hazards at the Controlled Environment Facility
Transgenic Plants
A Biological Use Authorization (BUA) is required for working with transgenic plants in the CEF. Be sure to tell the CEF management if you have a BUA that applies to this facility. Follow what your BUA says.
“All transgenic plant material, debris, and soil must be contained (i.e., autoclave bag, sealed container, etc.) to prevent seed, fruit, flowers/pollen, or vegetative propagules from dispersal while in transit to the designated waste receptacle.”
Transgenic plants must be adequately segregated from non‐transgenic plants unless an experimental condition or growth chamber space does not allow for such segregation. (Adequate segregation is separation that will not allow seeds or pollen for transgenics to affect surrounding plants.) If non‐ transgenic plants are being kept closely located with transgenic plants, all plants must be treated as transgenic.
Read UC Davis EH&S information on transgenic plants.
Pesticides
Pesticides are sprayed in the CEF every Wednesday afternoon. Nobody is allowed to enter or remain in the facility from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm on Wednesdays.
- Pesticide Labels and SDS
- Pesticide Applications in Last 30 Days
- Pesticide Safety Information Series (PSIS) Leaflets
- Pesticide Safety Rules for farm workers
Autoclave
CEF-A has an autoclave that researchers can use. Autoclaves (steam sterilizers) are metal pressure vessels that are used for steam sterilization of media, instruments, and lab ware, and for decontamination of biological waste. Autoclaves function by pressurizing steam in an airtight chamber, which increases the steam temperature significantly. The superheated steam kills all microorganisms and degrades most macromolecules rapidly. Autoclaves are generally easy to use but they are ineffective and potentially very hazardous if operated incorrectly, especially if the door is opened too soon or too rapidly after a run is completed. Autoclave waste packaging, treatment, and handling are also subject to regulations which carry substantial penalties if waste is handled incorrectly. You must be trained on the use of this autoclave to ensure that it is used safely, effectively, and in compliance with applicable regulations. For training email the Office of Research Safety Officer Tony Schrick (tschrick@ucdavis.edu)
Reporting Hazards
If you see a hazard in the facility, use the below form to report it. You can email it to cefrequest@ucdavis.edu or drop it off in the in the request box outside the office in CEF-A or CEF-B.