Author: jruch
-
Be a Ladder Safety Pro! March is Ladder Safety Month
Most people have used a ladder before, either at home or at work – So, what’s the big deal? It’s just a ladder! While ladders are inexpensive and useful ways to access elevated areas, they can also be very dangerous or even fatal, if used improperly. According to a NIOSH study, ladder falls are involved…
-
Now Available: Updated Emory University’s Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan
The updated version of the Emory University’s Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan (ECP) is now available on the EHSO website. The Exposure Control Plan is an important part of the University’s effort to protect employees from occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The ECP includes: Determination of “at risk” personnel Methods for exposure control including: Universal…
-
BioRAFT Chemical Registration – Identifying Highly Hazardous Chemicals Used in the Laboratory
Completing your Chemical Registration is the final step in BioRAFT for all laboratories using highly hazardous chemicals. If your lab has Highly Hazardous Chemicals (HHC), you need to complete the HHC Survey and update personnel handling these chemicals in your laboratory. A special feature of the BioRAFT platform is the option of having a chemical…
-
Biological, Chemical and Chemicals in Animals Registrations/Forms Review in 2018
The use of biological materials and chemicals in the laboratory or in animals require the review and approval of the Biosafety Office. Biological and Chemical Registrations, as well as, Chemicals in Animals Forms are maintained in BioRAFT. We are making efforts to synchronize the review of all modules to occur…
-
EHSO Research Safety Inspection Report Changes
Starting December 2018, EHSO will be using new software to conduct and document Research Safety Inspections for the Emory research community. Using your feedback, we have updated the reporting format to clearly communicate identified findings and provide recommendations for corrective action. These changes are summarized in Table 1. Changes to look for: A Corrective Action…
-
Do You Protect Your Eyes and Face? Do Not Become a Statistic
Protecting your eyes and face is important in the workplace and outside of work. 40% of all accidents that cause blindness occur at home. OSHA states that eye injuries cost employers over $300 million per year in lost production time, medical expenses, and worker compensation. Things to consider when working with hazardous material in the lab:…
-
Inspection Process Changes
Research laboratories need to be inspected or walked-through every year to ensure that any hazard is identified and possible exposure is mitigated. Any item(s) that need to be corrected were usually summarized in the Corrective Action Plan (CAP). In 2018, we are consolidating the self-inspection and the generation of the CAP. Lab Self-Inspection and…
-
Urgent! Do you Store Hazardous Chemical Waste?
The State of Georgia Environmental Protection Division has implemented new rules for hazardous waste management. Here are the current guidelines for hazardous chemical waste management implemented by Emory EHSO: LABEL all chemical waste containers to indicate contents (Picture 1). Find labels at www.ehso.emory.edu. AFFIX a GHS pictogram (Figure 1) to the containers that defines the hazard…
-
Spill Kit Essentials and Basic Clean Up Steps
All personnel working in research laboratories should know the location of the biological spill clean up kit, the basic steps to clean up small spills, who to call in case of an emergency and the reporting procedures. Before you start your work with biological agents: Identify the location of the nearest spill kit Check the…
-
Do You Hand Wash?
Good hand washing is important to prevent the spread of germs. Think about everything that you touch from the moment you wake up, come to work, and go home. Your hands may have come into contact with germs doing your daily activities. Check out this APIC film festival winning video that shows a day in…