Declaration Of Openness
Safety and environmental awareness in dealing with chemicals
KU Leuven's Department of Chemistry arranges the education programs for chemists. These comprise acquiring and practicing the apprehension and insight in the structure and the properties of matter. This implies also imparting the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to handle chemicals in a safe and environmentally justified way in a lab environment.
Watching over the correct use of chemicals by people on the job site or in the close vicinity is unmistakably an integral part of the professional duties of a chemist. He/she is supposed to be an expert in the field of chemicals.
Potential risks in connection with chemicals must be acknowledged objectively. All necessary precautions have to be taken in order to prevent these substances from endangering the environment and the health of others in the unlikely event of their spreading outside of the laboratories.
The Department of Chemistry warrants that all personnel and all students – in collaboration with the Health, Safety and Environment service (HSE) of KU Leuven - receive the necessary scientific and social education to allow them to act as reliable experts in a safe and environmentally friendly handling of chemicals in laboratories, both in the course of their training and later in their professional career.
The Department of Chemistry of KU Leuven expects that all personnel and students follow the applicable rules (see circular rector and general manager) at all times and immediately report abuse, offences or slovenliness to the departmental HSE antenna, manager or chairman of the department.
Prof. Luc Van Meervelt
Chairman