National Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Officer and Laboratory Technician

Eduvos is looking to employ the services of a National Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Officer and Laboratory Technician (SHE Officer (60%) and Laboratory Technician (40%) to be based at our Parc du Cap / Tyger Valley campus.

Type of position:

Permanent

The Position: To facilitate the compliance to health and safety requirements of the science laboratories, thereby maintaining a hazard-free laboratory environment; and to fulfil the role of a laboratory technician

Minimum qualification:

• BSc Honours in Chemistry or relevant 3-year degree in Occupational hygiene or environmental health

Experience:

• At least three years experience as a lab technician, preferably in a teaching / science laboratory, previous experience as a Safety officer would be advantageous.

Responsibilities:

1. Laboratory Technician role (40% of time as agreed) - refer to role play of Laboratory Technician

2. Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Officer - 60% of time

H&S policies and procedures

• Monitor compliance with lab regulations and university guidelines
• Update safety manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and emergency response plans for laboratory operations as input for Lab Manager

Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification

• Conduct regular risk assessments and hazard evaluations of laboratory facilities, equipment, and procedures to identify potential safety hazards and environmental risks
• Develop mitigation strategies and control measures to minimize risks and ensure a safe working environment for laboratory personnel
• Facilitate H&S audits and address / facilitate corrective actions

Safety Training and Education

• Coordinates safety training programs for laboratory staff and faculty members
• Provide guidance and resources to support ongoing safety education and awareness initiatives within the science faculty

Chemical Management and Hazardous Waste Disposal

• Monitors and reports on the safe storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals, reagents, and materials used in laboratory experiments and research
• Monitors and reports on compliance with regulations governing chemical storage, labelling, and waste disposal, including coordinating with waste management vendors for proper disposal

Equipment Safety and Maintenance

• Maintain a preventive maintenance program for laboratory equipment to ensure safe operation and functionality
• Manage external lab-related contractors and service providers (builders / equipment repairs, gas installations)
• Conduct safety inspections and equipment audits to identify potential safety hazards or deficiencies, and coordinate repairs or replacements as needed

Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Develop and maintain emergency response plans for laboratory accidents, chemical spills, fires, and other emergencies
• Conduct drills and training exercises to prepare laboratory personnel for emergency situations and ensure effective response and evacuation procedures

Environmental Compliance

• Monitor laboratory activities for compliance with environmental regulations and best practices, including air emissions, wastewater management, and hazardous materials storage.
• Incident Investigation and Reporting
• Investigate laboratory incidents, accidents, and near-misses to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• Maintain records of safety incidents, near-misses, and corrective actions taken, and report findings to (Facilities Management) and Lab manager

Safety Committee Participation

• Serve as a member of the Eduvos National H&S committee or other relevant committees, contributing expertise and recommendations to enhance safety culture and practices campus-wide

Functional and technical competencies:

• Knowledge and skills related to operating and troubleshooting basic laboratory equipment
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures and troubleshoot challenges
• Know-how regarding the writing of standard operating procedures for use of lab equipment or lab procedures
• Knowledge of general biosafety and hazardous chemicals
• Ability to coaching technical skills development of students

Behavioural competencies:

• Action orientation
• Collaborative relations and teamwork
• Effective communication
• Analysing and problem solving
• Innovation, adaptability and change
• Planning and organising
• Resilience and coping with pressure and setbacks