Category Archives: EHSO

Environmental Health & Safety Office

Reminders to Research Personnel

August 1, 2017

Are you ready to begin a new school year in your laboratory? August is usually a busy month with students starting a new semester, students lining up rotations, new investigators coming to the University, new hires, and so on. Below are a few reminders from EHSO: ✓ Ensure PI and personnel are current with applicable […]

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Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Clinical and Microbiology Laboratories

August 1, 2017

There has been an outbreak linked to Salmonella Typhimurium from microbiological laboratories in 16 states, including Georgia, in 2017. This continues to indicate that laboratory-associated salmonellosis is a public health problem and that proper microbiological techniques should be used. Many of the people who became ill reported not washing hands, not wearing PPE, and using […]

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Reduce Energy Consumption and Minimize Office and Lab Waste

August 1, 2017

Are you interested in reducing energy consumption and minimizing waste in your office and lab? Green Offices at Emory and Green Labs at Emory invite you to certify your work space to help Emory reach its 2015-2025 Sustainability Vision goals. Join your colleagues from the following offices and labs that achieved certification this summer: Environmental Health and Safety Office, Whitehead building […]

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BioRAFT Reminders

July 1, 2017

For annual updates: Go to emory.bioraft.com and log in using your Emory ID and password. Complete the Lab Set Up Wizard: update personnel list Complete the Biological Registration wizard, certify at the bottom of the Lab Biological Summary. If the Compliance liaison is reviewing, he/she clicks “NOTIFY PI” Complete the Chemical registration wizard and Highly […]

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Updated Lab Self-Inspection Form

July 1, 2017

The Laboratory Self-Inspection Form has been updated. Each lab is required to complete a self-inspection every 12 months and upload the Corrective Action Plan to BioRAFT. EHSO Research Safety will use the same form to conduct an inspection of each lab. The Laboratory Self-Inspection Cheat Sheet has also been updated. The inspection process remains the […]

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DEA Controlled Substances Disposal

July 1, 2017

The DEA provides guidance on the proper disposal of controlled substances. Based on DEA guidance, Emory University has a policy that covers the proper use and disposal of controlled substances for non-human subjects research. At this time, a DEA registered reverse distributor must be used to properly dispose of controlled substances. The DEA registration holder […]

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Extension and Power Strip/Surge Protector Safety

June 1, 2017

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that each year, about 4,000 injuries associated with extension cords and power strips/surge protectors are treated in hospital emergency rooms. About half the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions, or sprains from people tripping over cords. The most common causes of fires from extension cords, power strips, or […]

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Safe Use of Isoflurane on Lab Bench Tops

June 1, 2017

By Dr. Michael J. Huerkamp, DVM, DACLAM Isoflurane, known by the brand names Forane and Aerrane, is popularly used for the anesthesia of rodents, including in laboratories by making use of induction chambers. The same properties of quick induction, rapid effect, and the need for close monitoring to prevent the undesirable effects of overdose enabled […]

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Formaldehyde Questionnaire? Do I Really Have to Fill Out Another Form?

May 1, 2017

We’re not surprised if you’ve asked yourself this question before. Unfortunately, the answer is yes. However, we try to make our forms as simple as possible. This is why we redesigned the Formaldehyde Questionnaire based on feedback received from in-person interactions, through email, or the EHSO customer satisfaction survey. This article explains the EHSO Formaldehyde Questionnaire and monitoring program. You are […]

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How To Identify Mercury Thermometers in Your Lab

May 1, 2017

When suitable and effective alternatives are available, we recommend discontinuing the use of mercury thermometers. To aid researchers in this effort, EHSO is exchanging mercury thermometers in your lab for safe, blue alcohol filled thermometers. Participation is easy! Complete the exchange request e-form, available at ehso.emory.edu. The EPA has some questions you can ask to […]

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