Credit:
Randall L. Heald
There are many safety-focused groups and initiatives across the American Chemical Society. This diversity is both appropriate and necessary because safety is fundamental to every aspect of the chemistry enterprise. At the same time, risks, needs, and effective approaches to safety vary depending on factors such as the type of chemistry being conducted, the setting in which it takes place (for example, a classroom, teaching laboratory, research laboratory, or manufacturing facility), and the experience level of those involved. Although these groups share the common goal of advancing chemical safety, they tailor their efforts to meet the unique needs of the communities they serve.
The existence of multiple organizations focused on improving safety creates valuable opportunities for collaboration. By combining expertise and resources, these groups can pursue more ambitious initiatives, expand their reach, and increase their overall impact. This philosophy has guided several safety-focused collaborations supported by the ACS Committee on Chemical Safety (CCS) in recent years. The most significant example is the launch of the ACS Safety Network, which was chartered in August 2025 by representatives from CCS, the Division of Chemical Health and Safety (CHAS), the Division of Chemical Education Safety Committee, the Corporation Associates Safety Engagement subcommittee of the Committee on Corporation Associates, ACS Chemical Health and Safety (ACS CHAS), and the ACS Office of Safety Programs.
