Author: Beth Savoy
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New Update: NIH Guidelines for working with AAV and rAAV vectors
NEW UPDATE: NIH Guidelines The “Guidelines for working with replication-incompetent Adeno-Associated (AAV), recombinant AdenoAssociated (rAAV), Lentivirus and Adeno viral vectors in lab and animal research” have been updated to reflect current NIH/OBA guidance. What was the change in the NIH Guide? Appendix B-1 assessed AAV and rAAV as Risk Group 1 (RG1) agents. RG1 agents are…
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Restricted Areas and Shared Laboratory Spaces
Restricted areas are areas to which access is limited by the Licensee to protect individuals from exposure to radiation and radioactive materials (RAM). Restricted areas in shared laboratories usually have designated radiation work areas. These areas are marked by “Caution Radioactive Materials” signs and with radioactive material labels and stickers as shown in the photo…
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Lab Safety Training Format Changes in ELMS
The Lab Safety Training course is now divided into three separate presentations, three separate quizzes, and a survey. In order to receive credit for the course, each individual must complete all three presentations, complete all of the quiz questions, and complete the survey. The course format was changed in an attempt to address the scoring…
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Microscope Safety
For both inexperienced and experienced users, microscopes should always be handled with care. Proper microscope use will help prevent damage to the equipment and prevent laboratory accidents such as breaking slides. Clean the microscope after each use. Clean smudged lenses with lens paper. Avoid applying pressure with a cloth as the lenses are very fragile.…
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Lessons Learned: Chemical Burns
Lab coats protect your skin and clothes from laboratory contamination such as splashes and spills. The lab coat can be easily removed and reduce your exposure to laboratory contamination. Additionally, when wearing synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, acrylic, etc.), the fabric can ignite after a chemical splash, causing the material to melt and cling onto your…
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Defacing Chemical Labels
Recyclables are being rejected from Emory University’s recycling vendor when chemical bottles are not properly defaced. One undefaced label will send the entire batch of recyclables to the landfill. To properly deface labels for non P-listed chemicals, see the steps below. All P-listed chemicals must be disposed of through EHSO. Radioactive materials must be…
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Laboratory Animal Allergies
Laboratory animal allergies (LAA) are significant occupational hazards for researchers and staff that work with laboratory animals. Most workers that develop LAA will do so within one to three years of first exposure, and symptoms usually begin with sneezing and a runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, and/or rashes.1 Rats and mice are the most common causes…