Category Archives: EHSO

Environmental Health & Safety Office

Monkeypox: A New Challenge

July 26, 2022

The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that the global monkeypox outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).  Monkeypox is an orthopoxvirus that causes disease that is similar but not as severe as smallpox and is endemic to central and western Africa.  Since May of 2022, monkeypox has been reported in countries […]

Posted in EHSO | Tagged , , , | Comments closed

The Safety Theme for July is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

June 28, 2022

The purpose of PPE is to protect yourself from potential exposures as well as protect others by keeping what you work with inside the lab. PPE is one aspect of risk minimization, and it serves as your last line of defense against direct exposures to hazardous materials and environments (e.g., hot or cold surfaces, contaminated […]

Posted in EHSO | Tagged , | Comments closed

Respiratory Protection

June 28, 2022

Do I Need Respiratory Protection? Emory has a commitment to its faculty, staff, and students to keep them safe while they conduct research. One type of hazard found while conducting research activities is airborne contaminants. This includes chemicals, animal dander, physical hazards, including nanoparticles, and/or biological agents. Emory uses the “Hierarchy of Controls” to minimize […]

Posted in EHSO | Tagged , | Comments closed

Non Emory Research Affiliates

June 28, 2022

*Volunteers are not permitted in Emory research laboratories. EHSO’s former Volunteers and Minors Registration Forms are no longer accepted and have been removed from our website. Do You Have a Non-Emory Individual Participating in Research Laboratory Activities? New guidelines for volunteers in research laboratories were established in Fall 2021. Please review the following Requirements for […]

Posted in EHSO | Tagged | Comments closed

Chemical Hygiene Plan Update

May 31, 2022

The annual review of the EHS-405 Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) was completed as required by the OSHA’s Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450); known as the Laboratory Standard. The CHP’s purpose is to provide a written program outlining policies, procedures, and responsibilities that protect employees from hazardous chemicals in their […]

Posted in EHSO | Comments closed

What’s the New Acronym ENPRC?

May 31, 2022

In a recent announcement, President Fenves communicated decisions of the names reviewed by the University Committee on Naming Honors. The University Committee on Naming Honors was tasked with examining new historic names and reviewing contested historic names that honor individuals at Emory. The Committee submitted their 2021 report to President Fenves last spring.  One of […]

Posted in EHSO | Comments closed

Chemical Fume Hood Best Practices

May 27, 2022

For proper airflow in your chemical fume hood, avoid obstructing the air intake at the back baffles and ensure the interior panels are intact. Items required to be left inside the hood should be placed on a shelf or platform to allow airflow around the object(s). Paper towels or wipes used to clean the hood’s […]

Posted in EHSO | Comments closed

Clear the Air – Indoor Air Quality

May 27, 2022

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Poor ventilation, humidity, and moisture are some factors that can affect the quality of indoor air. Investigation and remediation of IAQ concerns is a joint effort between EHSO, Campus […]

Posted in EHSO | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Chemical Safety Spotlight – Corrosives and Flammables

April 29, 2022

  CORROSIVES Corrosives can cause serious damage to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Corrosives can also destroy or react with plastics, metals, and other materials they come into contact with such as clothing and work surfaces. This can include acids (e.g., acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid), bases (e.g., sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide), and […]

Posted in EHSO | Tagged , , , | Comments closed

Extension Cord and Power Strip Safety

April 29, 2022

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that electrical power cords cause about 4,000 injuries and 3,300 residential fires each year. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage and/or misuse of these power cords. Misused and damaged power cords have caused painful injuries, fires, equipment damage and regulatory citations […]

Posted in EHSO | Tagged | Comments closed