• Responsible for working with club members to incorporate safety into club planning and ensure club members are following policies and procedures established by the Institute, EHS, Club Sponsor and the club membership.  
• Review club activities and identify any tools, equipment, chemical, or substances that the club needs to safely perform their work. 
• Act as a liaison between the club and club sponsor to ensure proper funding for resources needed to reduce the hazards associated with their activities, including appropriate space, materials and equipment. 
• Assist with creation or review of the club's written safety program and associated documents, such as standard operating procedures, job hazard analyses, chemical labels, and/or safety data sheets that the club needs to perform activities safely. 
• Assist with development and/or review of the club training plan. Keep a current club roster and ensure training of club members is completed as required or recommended. 
• Perform regular walkthroughs/inspections of the club’s designated workspaces. Assist club members in determining a solution to any activity or situation that is not in compliance.  
• Participate in investigations of incidents and injuries occurring in areas under their supervision. 

NOTE: Technical Advisors may be assigned to clubs that require specific technical expertise for safely planning and conducting club activities. Technical Advisors may be the Club Advisor or appointed in addition to the Club Advisor.

The proper planning of activities is an essential component of safety.

Will the club’s activities include any of the following:

• Use of chemicals?
• Use of tools or equipment?
• Working in laboratory, shops or research spaces?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, specific preparation and review is needed by the club members and the club advisor to incorporate safety into the club activities. The Student Clubs and Organizations Safety Policy provides requirements and resources for clubs and club advisors.

Appropriate Space for Club Activities

The Club Advisor should work with the Club Sponsor to ensure appropriate space is available for club activities. Depending on the nature of the work, specific engineering controls may be needed, such as fume hoods, glove boxes or other ventilation. EHS and Campus Planning & Facilities Design (CPFD) should be consulted as needed to ensure the space is appropriate for the activities.

Chemical Use

The EHS Chemical Safety webpage has detailed information on proper use and management of chemicals. This is the best starting point for your student organization to better understand requirements and safe practices for using chemicals.

• All chemicals must be approved by EHS before ordering. Chemicals include items such as paint, epoxy, sealants, cleaners, etc.
• Plan ahead for proper storage of chemicals in appropriate locations.
• A chemical inventory must be maintained for all locations where chemicals will be used and stored.
• Ensure all students have been trained, including a review of Safety Data Sheets and specific procedures, prior to use with a chemical.

Use of Tools and Equipment

A job hazard analysis (JHA), sometimes referred to as a job safety analysis, helps identify and control unrecognized hazards, as well as hazards that might emerge when a new process or piece of equipment is introduced. The Job Hazard Analysis webpage has more information and forms that can be used during the planning phases. Completed job hazard analyses can be used as training tools for new members.

Advisors should ensure student clubs and organizations have JHAs for equipment operation, tasks and processes in order to control hazards and document proper procedures.

Training is an essential component of student organization safety. There are many types of training available and advisors should meet with their student clubs and organizations regularly (at a minimum, at the start of each semester) to review the training plan for student organization members. Advisors must maintain a current member list and ensure appropriate training is assigned to club members.

Percipio Training 

Depending on the type of work and location of club activities, the following courses may be required in Percipio. These courses may be assigned by EHS or can be located in Percipio under Optional Compliance Assignments. Use these Instructions for Accessing Required Modules in Percipio to locate these training courses:

• Rensselaer's Laboratory Safety Series
• Rensselaer Manufacturing and Prototyping Laboratories-Safety Orientation

Other Percipio training may be required based on the club activities. The Club Advisor should review a training plan with EHS to identify additional training needs.

In-Person EHS Training

EHS offers in-person safety training on a variety of topics, including Hot Work, Fire Extinguishers, Respiratory Protection, Hearing Conservation. Student club members are able to take these courses once a training plan has been developed and approved by their Club Advisor. Contact EHS@rpi.edu for more information and to sign up for these sessions. 

This Student Clubs and Organizations Safety Inspection Checklist should be used in the planning phase as work areas are being designed and set up for club activities. 

Club Advisors are responsible for overseeing the student club activities. It is recommended that the Club Advisor performs a safety inspection of any spaces where the club is conducting activities at least once per semester. The Student Clubs and Organizations Safety Inspection Checklist should be used for the inspection. 

Student Clubs that perform activities in Institute spaces, including laboratories, shops and research spaces, are required to complete routine safety inspections of their work areas. Safety inspections are recommended on a monthly basis, and must be completed at least once per semester. Student Clubs should identify individuals from the club who are responsible for completing the safety inspections. The Student Clubs and Organizations Safety Inspection Checklist should be used for the inspection and kept on file for the the Club Advisor and EHS to review.