It is the policy of the University, for laboratories conducting research involving hazardous materials, that there be a person responsible for the safety of the laboratory personnel at all times. When away from the laboratory for extended periods of time, such as for sabbaticals or for medical leave, the principal investigator is to designate a qualified individual, subject to approval of the department head, to assume his/her responsibilities for the safe conduct of research activities and to act on behalf of the principal investigator in the event of an emergency. The individual may be another faculty member within the department, or an individual designated by the PI or department head. This individual is to be named in the laboratory safety plan (LSP) which is submitted to the Environment, Health and Safety Office. An updated cover sheet of the LSP, with the name of the designated individual (and/or alternate(s)), is to be submitted annually with the laboratory safety self-inspection checklist.