Category Archives: EHSO

Environmental Health & Safety Office

What Can You Do to Improve the Safety Culture of Your Lab?

May 1, 2014

Would you like to begin incorporating safety into everyday activities of your research?  Do you want to reduce the probability of accidents or injuries in your lab?  If your answer is “yes” to these questions, then consider including “lab safety moments” in every lab meeting.  At the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), the Department […]

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The Global Phase-Out of Mercury Thermometers

May 1, 2014

Several governmental agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are jump-starting an effort to phase out mercury (Hg) thermometers from common use.  At Emory University, we want to follow the same precedent and also raise awareness about the dangers of mercury.  Below are some quick facts about Hg thermometers […]

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PDF: May 2014 Lab Rat Newsletter

May 1, 2014

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Is Your Lab Leaving Emory or Relocating to another Lab on Campus?

April 1, 2014

Prior to departing from an assigned research space, all labs are requested to contact EHSO to schedule a Lab Decommissioning meeting. During this meeting, our office provides a comprehensive overview of the decommissioning process.  This meeting is an opportunity to discuss the safety requirements that apply to your lab move. Additionally, at the meeting, we […]

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Proper Use of a Steam Autoclave

April 1, 2014

Laboratories use autoclaves as a method to sterilize instruments, glassware or media.  The lab can also use the autoclave to decontaminate waste before disposal.  The chart and tips provided in this article can be used as a guide and reference for all personnel who use autoclaves.  Safe use and operation of the autoclave will ensure […]

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PDF: April 2014 Lab Rat Newsletter

April 1, 2014

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Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan Revision

March 1, 2014

Each year, OSHA requires Emory to review and update our Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan.  This document is a “living” document and serves as a source of information for bloodborne pathogen-related questions.  The Exposure Control Plan ensures that exposure control procedures are in place at Emory. The 2014 edition had a few minor edits including […]

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Upcoming National Institutes of Health (NIH) Site Visit

March 1, 2014

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Biotechnology Activities (OBA) will conduct a site visit at Emory’s main campus on March 18th, 2014.  During the site visit, the team will review and evaluate the Institution’s compliance with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules.  The site visit will primarily […]

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Laboratory Signage Updates

March 1, 2014

In March 2012, OSHA revised its Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).  This update made 3 significant changes to the standard regarding label wording, pictograms, and Safety Data Sheets (for more details, read the September 2013 issue of the Lab Rat). As […]

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PDF: March 2014 Lab Rat Newsletter

March 1, 2014

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