Category: EHSO
-
Are You Aware of DURC?
The United States Government (USG) issued in March 2012 the Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) Policy, and subsequently, the Policy for Institutional Oversight of Life Sciences DURC. The USG defines DURC as: …life sciences research that, based on current understanding, can be reasonably anticipated to provide knowledge, information, products, or technology that could be directly misapplied to pose a significant threat with broad potential consequences to public health and safety, plants, animals,…
-
Do You Know How to Use a Fire Extinguisher?
ABC-rated, multipurpose, dry powder extinguishers are provided to the labs in the event that a small fire develops. A small fire can be defined as “trash can-sized” or an incipient stage fire. Extinguishers are usually red in color and have either a long narrow hose or no hose (just a short nozzle). There are also…
-
September Reminders
Just a few reminders for the month of September from EHSO: When moving Biological Safety Cabinets to a different floor or a different building, the BSC must be decontaminated prior to the move and affixed with the equipment hazard tag. Be sure to visit the regulated waste schedule. Personnel working in your lab who are…
-
Clean Up, Clean Up
Recently, an employee from building residential services was injured after entering a lab space to perform routine cleaning after hours. The employee received a chemical burn after a corrosives bottle on the benchtop caught onto her sleeve and spilled acid on her arm. The container was left near the edge of the benchtop instead of…
-
Sharps Safety Tips
Sharps are medical devices that can cut or puncture the skin, which include needles, razor blades, exposed ends of dental wires, capillary tubes, etc. These sharp safety tips will help prevent accidental punctures and cuts. Before working with sharps: Consider safer medical devices (blunt tip needles, retractable scalpels and blades, etc.). The CDC estimates that…
-
Laboratory Safety: Electrical Hazards
This is the second part of our series on the hazards posed with electrical equipment. by: Nicole Campbell, Safety and Industrial Hygiene Specialist Background Last month, we reviewed two common issues we find in laboratories: frayed cords and improper use of extension cords. This month, we continue our discussion on the use of extension cords…
-
How Do I Handle Contaminated Broken Glass?
Last month, we reviewed that only clean broken glass should go into the broken glass disposal box. This month, we will discuss how to dispose of broken glass contaminated with either a chemical or biological agent. As with any spill, you should consult your written Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), which contains specific guidance on cleaning…