Author: Beth Savoy
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“Beak Method” Glove Removal Technique
Nitrile gloves are the most commonly used gloves in research laboratories on campus. They are disposable and when properly used, gloves can help protect you from chemical and biological contamination. In addition to being properly used, gloves must be properly removed as well. Improperly removing gloves can potentially expose you to contamination on the outside…
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Flammable Chemicals and Refrigerator Storage
Recently, there was a refrigerator explosion on Emory’s main campus that was caused by storing flammables in a conventional refrigerator. Luckily, no one was around during the time of the explosion, but this incident serves as a reminder that flammables should never be stored in non-approved refrigerators or freezers. A flammable liquid is defined by OSHA as “having…
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Hazardous Materials Shipping Label Changes
Per DOT regulations, the Class 6 Infectious Substance label and the Class 9 Miscellaneous Hazard label have been updated. Effective October 1, 2014, commercial carriers have switched to new labels. Only trained personnel are permitted to ship hazardous materials, including dry ice. CLASS 6 INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCE LABEL For Class 6 Infectious Substance labels, the text “In U.S.A.…
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EPA and Georgia EPD Inspections
Hazardous materials that result from laboratory operations must be managed safely and in compliance with State of Georgia rules and regulations. EHSO has recently been notified that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD) are conducting unannounced inspections of universities and other entities in our area to ensure compliance with…
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Do You Know How to Use a Fire Extinguisher?
Fire extinguishers are provided to the labs in the event that a small fire develops. A small fire can be defined as “trash can-sized” or an incipient stage fire. All Emory-owned buildings are equipped with ABC-Combination extinguishers. ABC-rated, multipurpose, dry powder extinguishers are the most common on campus, particularly in the corridors of the academic…