Operating Procedures

Compliance Policies

The Compliance Policies ensure that the University's operations consistently function within the appropriate regulatory boundaries. The boundaries include state and federal, UT Board of Regents' Rules and Regulations, University of Texas System and University of Texas at Austin Policies and Procedures.

All UT employees, including Undergraduate and Graduate Research Assistants, are required to take the following compliance training courses.

  • SSN Acknowledgment
  • Ethics Statement
  • Compliance Training (Sexual Harassment and Equal Employment Opportunity)
  • Employee Compliance Guide (Print the Acknowledgment Form on page 21, sign and return to department)

    • Lab Safety

    All Ferguson Lab employees who work in the lab are required to take the following safety training courses.

  • OH 101 Hazard Communication
  • OH 102 Site Specific Training (held at FSEL)
  • OH 201 Laboratory Safety
  • FF 205 Fire Extinguisher Training

    • Reporting and Managing Spills

    In the event of an oil spill in or outside the lab, refer to the Procedure for Reporting and Managing Spills.

    Chemical Storage and Disposal

    The University of Texas Office of Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS) conducts periodic inspections of all laboratory facilities. University regulations concerning storage and disposal of chemicals must be followed.

    FSEL Truck

    To drive the FSEL truck, obtain the keys from Blake or Dennis. There is a vehicle usage log located inside the vehicle that must be filled out for each trip.

  • You must have a valid Texas drivers license
  • You must have a current defensive driver certificate on file Online Training (get instruction sheet from Admin Staff)
  • Clean out the truck upon return
  • The project will incur the expense for damage to the truck
  • In the event of an accident, refer to the vehicle insurance and claim procedures packet located in the glove box.

    • FSEL Instrumentation Trailer

    The FSEL instrumentation trailer is available for field testing. To ensure correct ball and hitch compatibility, the trailer may only be used with the FSEL truck. Contact Blake or Dennis to reserve the trailer.

  • The trailer is equipped with electronic brakes; check with Blake or Dennis to make sure the cables are connected properly
  • Follow proper hitching procedures; check with Blake or Dennis to make sure the trailer is securely hitched to the FSEL truck
  • Strap down all equipment placed in the trailer to prevent damage to the equipment and the trailer
  • Clean out the trailer upon return
  • The project will incur the expense for damage to the trailer
  • In the event of an accident, refer to the vehicle insurance and claim procedures packet located in the front of the trailer

    • Comdata Fuel Cards

    There are two fuel credit cards for use when traveling. One card is designated for UT Vehicles only. The other card is designated for rental cars only.

  • There is an ID associated with each card (obtain from Admin Staff)
  • Can be used anywhere in U.S.
  • For fuel and vehicle related purchases and services (tow trucks, repair costs, car wash)
  • Can not be used to rent a vehicle
  • Instructions: confirm that the fueling location accepts Comdata - insert the Comdata card into reader - enter card ID - enter odometer reading - fuel vehicle
  • Keep receipt, turn in with Comdata credit card