Category Archives: EHSO

Environmental Health & Safety Office

USDA APHIS and CDC Permits Reminder

May 31, 2018

Save a copy of all USDA APHIS and CDC permits in your BioRAFT profile under “Documents.” Alternatively, you can send a copy of these permits to biosafe@emory.edu and we can assist with uploading them for you.    

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What is the Purpose of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in a Biological Research Facility?

May 30, 2018

It’s really not a simple answer and requires an understanding of general biosafety. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines biosafety as principles, practices, and strategies aimed at minimizing the unintentional release of a biological agent. Biosafety is achieved by utilizing the four primary controls – engineering, PPE, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and administration. These controls […]

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Preparing for Lab Moves and Close-Outs

May 2, 2018

EHSO guidelines for lab decommissioning: www.ehso.emory.edu/content-guidelines/LabDecommissioningGuidelines.pdf Proper Laboratory Decommissioning: Ensures that the vacated space is in a stable and known condition, safe for individuals unfamiliar with the laboratory to enter, Reduces disposal costs associated with unwanted and unknown hazardous materials, and Encourages sustainability through redistribution of unwanted, useable laboratory equipment and supplies. Ultimate responsibility for preparing a laboratory to be safe and compliant lies […]

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EHSO Website Updates: Research Safety and Radiation Safety Documents

May 2, 2018

The following documents were updated recently on the EHSO website: Research Safety documents: Registration Form for Minors Participating in Activities in Research Laboratories http://www.ehso.emory.edu/documents/minors-registration-form.pdf Lab Signage Requirements Form http://www.ehso.emory.edu/documents/lab-signage-requirements-form.pdf Lab Self-Inspection now includes the Corrective Action Plan http://www.ehso.emory.edu/documents/laboratory-self-inspection-form.pdf Radiation Safety documents: Guideline for Radiation Safety Committee Review of Human Research Studies http://www.ehso.emory.edu/documents/guideline-for-rsc-review-of-human-research-studies.pdf

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Summer Clothing and Lab Safety

May 2, 2018

The weather is warming up, and while shorts and sandals are great if you are spending time outside, it is important to be properly dressed when working in a laboratory to reduce injuries if an accident occurs. Along with proper attire, remember to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) according to your laboratory’s PPE Assessment Form. […]

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Extension and Power Strip/Surge Protector Safety

May 2, 2018

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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Protecting Vacuum Systems from Contamination

May 2, 2018

Aspiration of media into a collection flask under vacuum is one of the most commonly performed laboratory procedures. It is important to protect the house vacuum from liquids and aerosols that might contaminate the system. Use a hydrophobic filter and in-line disinfectant flasks to protect your vacuum system from potential contamination. Effective decontamination and house […]

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Heads Up! EHSO is Transitioning Training Modules to BioRAFT

May 2, 2018

The following training modules can now be completed in BioRAFT: EHSO – Research Lab safety – ANNUAL EHSO – BBP for researchers – ANNUAL EHSO – Biosafety – EVERY THREE YEARS Log into BioRAFT: emory.bioraft.com Go to Course Directory If you have completed your training in ELMS and your training is current, you do not […]

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Breathe Easy!

May 2, 2018

At the Environmental Health & Safety Office (EHSO), we believe your workplace should be a place of comfort that offers adequate indoor air quality and is free of health hazards. If you have concerns about the indoor air quality within your space, proper ventilation, or odor concerns… EHSO can help you!  Do you see mold?  Mold can be a […]

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BioRAFT Chemical Registration – Identifying Highly Hazardous Chemicals Used in the Laboratory

April 4, 2018

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 […]

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