SGS, the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company with 145 years of service excellence, is seeking a Lab Safety Specialist to conduct routine laboratory safety inspections, risk assessments, monitor hazardous chemical management systems, and ensure compliance with ISO standards and local regulatory requirements across laboratory facilities in Al Ain, UAE.
About SGS
SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance) is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company trusted by organizations globally to achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance, and sustainability. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals who combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies.
With over 145 years of service excellence, SGS provides comprehensive testing, inspection, verification, and certification services across industries including food, agriculture, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, automotive, consumer goods, and more. Our commitment to scientific rigor, safety standards, and regulatory compliance makes SGS the partner of choice for organizations seeking to ensure product quality, workplace safety, and environmental sustainability.
💡 Why This Role Matters: As Lab Safety Specialist at SGS, you protect laboratory personnel from chemical, biological, and physical hazards, ensure compliance with UAE and international safety regulations, prevent laboratory accidents through proactive risk management, and champion a culture of safety excellence across testing and research facilities.
Job Description & Key Responsibilities
As Lab Safety Specialist at SGS Al Ain, your comprehensive responsibilities include:
Laboratory Safety Inspections & Risk Assessments
- Conduct routine laboratory safety inspections across testing and research facilities
- Perform comprehensive risk assessments identifying chemical, biological, physical, and ergonomic hazards
- Document safety inspection findings and track corrective action implementation
- Evaluate laboratory layouts, workflows, and procedures for safety compliance
- Identify unsafe conditions, practices, or equipment requiring immediate attention
Hazardous Chemical Management System
- Monitor hazardous chemical management system ensuring compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements
- Oversee chemical inventory, storage, handling, and disposal procedures
- Monitor and manage University Chemical Management System (UCMS) Project in coordination with OHS Manager and relevant stakeholders
- Ensure proper labeling, compatibility assessment, and segregation of hazardous chemicals
- Manage MSDS/SDS documentation ensuring accessibility and currency
- Verify chemical compatibility to prevent dangerous reactions
Laboratory Safety Procedures & Protocols
- Monitor, review, and maintain laboratory-specific safety procedures as applicable
- Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for safe laboratory practices
- Ensure procedures align with ISO 17025 (laboratory accreditation), ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety), and ISO 9001 (quality management) standards
- Review and approve new experimental protocols from safety perspective
- Update procedures reflecting regulatory changes and lessons learned from incidents
Incident Investigation & Emergency Preparedness
- Ensure Incident Investigation system is in place across laboratories with availability of necessary records
- Lead investigations of laboratory accidents, near-misses, and safety incidents
- Identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions
- Monitor and coordinate potential emergency preparedness response within scope of laboratory activities
- Develop and maintain emergency response plans for chemical spills, fires, exposures, and evacuations
- Ensure availability and functionality of emergency equipment including spill kits, eyewash stations, safety showers, fire extinguishers
Laboratory Safety Training & Education
- Provide comprehensive laboratory safety training, inductions, and refresher programs for staff, contractors, interns, and visitors
- Deliver chemical safety, biosafety, waste management, and emergency response training
- Conduct new employee safety orientations and role-specific training
- Maintain training records documenting competency and compliance
- Participate in safety awareness campaigns and promote proactive laboratory safety culture
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Management
- Ensure availability, suitability, and correct use of PPE based on risk management principles
- Conduct PPE assessments identifying required protective equipment for each laboratory task
- Monitor PPE compliance and provide guidance on proper selection, use, and maintenance
- Manage PPE inventory ensuring adequate stock of gloves, lab coats, safety glasses, respirators, and specialized protection
Laboratory Safety Audits & Regulatory Compliance
- Conduct laboratory safety audits and inspections ensuring regulatory compliance
- Support regulatory authority visits and external audits wherever required
- Ensure compliance with Ministry of Education (MOE) guidelines, ADOSH (Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health) codes, Civil Defence codes, and other relevant local authority regulations
- Prepare audit reports documenting findings, non-conformances, and recommendations
- Track audit findings to closure ensuring timely corrective action implementation
Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this lab safety specialist position must possess:
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety (OHS)
- OR Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Industrial Chemistry
- OR Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Microbiology, or Biological Sciences
- OR Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or Food Safety
- OR Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Health, or related discipline
Professional Experience
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in laboratory safety, HSE management, or regulated laboratory environments
- Proven track record managing chemical safety programs in testing, research, or analytical laboratories
- Experience conducting safety audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations
- Background working with hazardous materials, chemical inventories, and waste management systems
Technical Knowledge & Expertise
- Strong knowledge of laboratory safety regulations including chemical safety, biosafety, and waste management practices
- Working knowledge of ISO standards including ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety management), ISO 17025 (testing and calibration laboratories), ISO 9001 (quality management)
- Deep understanding of relevant local regulatory requirements including MOE guidelines, ADOSH codes, and Civil Defence regulations
- Expertise in MSDS/SDS management, chemical compatibility assessment, and emergency spill response procedures
- Knowledge of chemical storage requirements, hazard classification systems, and safety data interpretation
Professional Certifications
- Professional certifications in Laboratory Safety such as Certified Laboratory Safety Professional (CLSP)
- HSE certifications including NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health)
- IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) certification
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
- Chemical safety or hazardous materials management certifications
Technical Skills & Tools
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for safety documentation and reporting
- Experience with safety reporting tools and incident management systems
- Ability to use safety monitoring equipment including gas detectors, noise meters, and environmental monitoring devices
- Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and chemical inventory software
Who Should Apply?
This HSE laboratory safety role at SGS is ideal for:
- Laboratory Safety Officers: With 3-5 years experience in testing or research facilities
- HSE Specialists: From chemical, pharmaceutical, or food testing laboratories
- Chemical Safety Managers: Ready to advance into laboratory safety leadership
- EHS Coordinators: From regulated laboratory environments seeking SGS opportunities
- Safety Professionals: With chemistry or biotechnology backgrounds entering laboratory safety
How to Apply
To apply for this Lab Safety Specialist position at SGS Al Ain, submit your application including:
- Updated CV highlighting Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Food Science, Microbiology, or Environmental Science
- Details of 3-5 years experience in laboratory safety, HSE, or regulated laboratory environments
- Professional certifications in Laboratory Safety, HSE, or related fields (if applicable)
- Knowledge of ISO standards (ISO 45001, ISO 17025, ISO 9001) and UAE regulatory requirements
- Experience with MSDS/SDS management, chemical safety, and emergency response
- Professional references from laboratory safety or HSE roles
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