During fiscal year 2021, the EHSO Research Safety team conducted assessments of research spaces to help ensure a safe work environment, to identify and correct laboratory hazards and to assist with regulatory compliance. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a modified assessment was performed in research and core facility laboratories following COVID-19 safety recommendations. The checklist of items reviewed was communicated to researchers in the Special Edition Lab Rat Newsletter published on January 14, 2021. A total of 424 assessments were complete between February and July.
Average Assessment Scores:
- Emory University (overall) – 91% compliant
- Emory School of Medicine – 91% compliant
- Emory College of Arts and Science – 87% compliant
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing + Rollins School of Public Health – 94% compliant
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center – 98% compliant
Top 5 Assessment Findings:
- Chemical waste was not maintained according to Emory’s Regulated Waste Guidelines.
- Most commonly, waste containers were not fully labeled with GHS hazard class pictogram(s) and EHSO Hazardous Waste Label at start of waste generation.
- Lab Self Inspection (LSI) had not been completed within the last 12 months.
- Emergency eyewash equipment was not activated monthly or maintained.
- All lab personnel did not complete initial and/or refresher laboratory safety training coursework. This includes lab-specific and applicable EHSO training courses.
- All lab personnel were not listed in the PI’s BioRAFT member roster.
Please contact your Research Safety Building Liaison if you have any questions.
