Category: EHSO
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Lab Safety Training Format Changes in ELMS
The Lab Safety Training course is now divided into three separate presentations, three separate quizzes, and a survey. In order to receive credit for the course, each individual must complete all three presentations, complete all of the quiz questions, and complete the survey. The course format was changed in an attempt to address the scoring…
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Microscope Safety
For both inexperienced and experienced users, microscopes should always be handled with care. Proper microscope use will help prevent damage to the equipment and prevent laboratory accidents such as breaking slides. Clean the microscope after each use. Clean smudged lenses with lens paper. Avoid applying pressure with a cloth as the lenses are very fragile.…
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Lessons Learned: Chemical Burns
Lab coats protect your skin and clothes from laboratory contamination such as splashes and spills. The lab coat can be easily removed and reduce your exposure to laboratory contamination. Additionally, when wearing synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, acrylic, etc.), the fabric can ignite after a chemical splash, causing the material to melt and cling onto your…
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Defacing Chemical Labels
Recyclables are being rejected from Emory University’s recycling vendor when chemical bottles are not properly defaced. One undefaced label will send the entire batch of recyclables to the landfill. To properly deface labels for non P-listed chemicals, see the steps below. All P-listed chemicals must be disposed of through EHSO. Radioactive materials must be…
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Laboratory Animal Allergies
Laboratory animal allergies (LAA) are significant occupational hazards for researchers and staff that work with laboratory animals. Most workers that develop LAA will do so within one to three years of first exposure, and symptoms usually begin with sneezing and a runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, and/or rashes.1 Rats and mice are the most common causes…
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“Beak Method” Glove Removal Technique
Nitrile gloves are the most commonly used gloves in research laboratories on campus. They are disposable and when properly used, gloves can help protect you from chemical and biological contamination. In addition to being properly used, gloves must be properly removed as well. Improperly removing gloves can potentially expose you to contamination on the outside…