Author: jruch
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Chemical Fume Hood Annual Performance Testing
Chemical fume hoods (CFHs) are found in most research labs and must undergo annual performance testing (previously referred to as certification). Annual Performance Testing(formerly known as certification) 1. Measure the flow rate (linear feet per minute, lfm) with the sash set at 18 inches from the fume hood surface/bench. Multiple data points are recorded and…
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Safer Alternatives in Research – Addressing Ethidium Bromide
Ethidium Bromide is a commonly used stain for gel electrophoresis in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols, despite inherent health risks associated with it. Ethidium Bromide is a mutagen and causes acute toxicity if inhaled. You will find the following GHS pictograms on the manufacturer label and SDS. However, there are safer alternatives to ethidium bromide.…
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Do You Protect Your Eyes and Face?
Are you in danger of becoming a statistic? Protecting your eyes and face is important in the workplace and outside of work. Thousands of people are blinded each year from work related eye injuries that could have been prevented with proper eye and face protection. The Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) requires employers to ensure…
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Using Smart Devices at Emory University
There are security and safety issues associated with the use of smart devices at Emory. Provided below is a list of safety issues[1] associated with using smart devices, specifically in research laboratories, and ways to mitigate these. Safety Issue Recommendation to mitigate risk Contamination[2] Electronics can bring contamination to your sterile environment – surface decontaminate…
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Yerkes Scavenger Hunt Winners
Thank you to those who came out to Get to Know EHSO on November 21, 2019! We appreciate all who participated and we want to congratulate the winners of the scavenger hunt. First 10 people to complete the hunt successfully: Susana Contreras Alcantara Olivia Delmas Callie Wilson-Minott Charlott Morel Sanchez Ariel Robinson Lelah Harmon Reese…
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Lab Spotlight
EHSO would like to recognize the Bostick Lab for the November Lab Safety Spotlight. Congratulations to the members of Dr. Roberd Bostick’s research group for embracing a culture of safety. Keep up the great work! About the Bostick Lab: “Our laboratory is a histology, immunohistochemistry, and image analysis research laboratory primarily focused in measuring biomarkers…
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Laser Safety at Emory University
Researchers that conduct experiments involving the use of Class 3B and 4 devices are included in the Emory University Laser Safety Program. The program covers the services that EHSO provides including: online training, registration, risk assessments, laser eye protection evaluation, hazard signage, as well as the requirements that researchers must follow when using lasers in…
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Slips, Trips and Falls
Slips, trips and falls are frequent causes of accidents both on and off the job. According to OSHA, slips, trips and falls constitute the majority of general industry accidents and result in back injuries, strains and sprains, contusions and fractures. Additionally, they cause 15 percent of all accidental deaths and are second only to motor…
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Holiday Safety
Fire Safety The holidays are here and with all the joy and cheer may come unwanted hazards. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) wants everyone to be aware of potential fire risks and be mindful when decorating your home to help make the holidays safer. See the NFPA’s 9 Ways You’re a Holiday Decorating Disaster…
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Lab Safety Spotlight
EHSO would like to recognize the Kang Lab for the October Lab Safety Spotlight. Congratulations to the members of Dr. Sumin Kang ‘s research group for embracing a culture of safety. Keep up the great work! About the Kang Lab: The Kang lab has focused on how disruption of molecular communication networks leads to cancer,…