The Vanderbilt University Physics & Astronomy Department Safety Committee is comprised of faculty, research group representatives, and machine shop staff within the Physics & Astronomy Department.  The committee’s mission is to recommend and coordinate proper implementation of environmental and occupational health guidelines, including fire protection, hazard communication, chemical hygiene, and hazardous waste disposal.  The committee is charged with the following: 

1) To develop and implement a Departmental Safety Plan;

2) Administer a safety audit of all areas of Physics & Astronomy including but not limited to electrical, laser, chemical, and radiological safety; and

3) Develop and implement a plan to administer training for faculty, staff, post-doctorates, graduate, and undergraduate students in the Physics and Astronomy Department for general laboratory safety, chemical waste disposal, and specialized training for specific laboratory procedures.

Committee Chair
Anthony Hmelo, Ph D

Faculty
A.V. Ramayya, Ph D
Julia Velkovska, Ph D

Staff
Ron Reiserer, VIIBRE (Laboratory Manager)                            

Ex officio
Robert Scherrer, Ph D, Physics & Astronomy (Department Chair)
Kenneth E. Schriver, Ph D, Physics & Astronomy
Sandy Childress, Physics & Astronomy
Kevin Warren, Program Manager, VEHS
Stephen Hopkins, Safety officer, VEHS
Mark J. Bogard, Senior Safety Officer, VEHS