Tag: biosafety
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Grants Management System Update: Implementing Insight
Author: Kim Maune, Emory Chief Implementation Officer, Insight GMS Emory University is investing in a fully integrated research administration grants management package. The product, Insight, is a could-based system unifying distributed and complex organizational processes into one highly integrated system to enable compliance, efficiency, and transparency. Our research systems are currently numerous and not integrated,…
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World Health Organization SARS-CoV-2 Guidance – Biosafety Updates
Authors: Kalpana Rengarajan, PhD, Director Research Safety, EHSO & Rashida Moore, DVM, DACLAM, Assistant Director, EHSO/Asc Staff Vet Scientist, EPC The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published interim guidance on laboratory biosafety related to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). The guidance includes updated recommendations for research and shipping procedures and reflects the latest SARS-CoV-2 scientific knowledge. The guidance…
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Monkeypox: A New Challenge
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…
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Clear the Air – Indoor Air Quality
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…
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Eye and Face Protection
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, each day 2,000 U.S. workers experience a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment. One third of the injuries are treated in hospital emergency departments. Healthcare and laboratory workers are at risk of eye exposures to chemicals and infectious materials. This can occur through direct…
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Prepare for the Holidays – Facility Services and Access
Just a reminder that the holidays are fast approaching. Please keep in mind that due to the Winter Recess Emory University will be closed the last week of December. The University will be closed from Friday, December 24th through Monday, January 3rd. Remember to contact your facility manager(s) to determine what services will be available and/or special access may be needed during the holiday campus closure. For more information about Emory University’s Holidays and Holidays Policy,…
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October is Biosafety Month
This year is the 8th anniversary of the Biosafety & Biosecurity Month. The NIH’s Office of Science Policy (OSP) initially created National Biosafety Month to encourage institutions to highlight the importance of biosafety and undertake activities to strengthen their biosafety programs. The theme for 2021 is “Innovation in Biosafety and Biosecurity.” Innovation in biosafety and…
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Sharps Safety
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 62% – 88% of sharps injuries can be prevented simply by using safer medical devices. Researchers should always consider how to safely handle sharps and identify procedures and/or scenarios when a sharps injury could occur. By identifying when a sharps injury can occur, planned activities can be evaluated, reducing the likelihood of a sharps-related injury. What is the…
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Summer Clothing and Lab Safety
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 and exposures if an incident occurs. Proper laboratory attire includes wearing long pants/skirt, closed-toed shoes, and securing long hair. Along with proper attire, remember to wear your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE),…
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The Safety Theme for June is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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. The minimum PPE required includes a lab coat or disposable gown, long pants/skirt, and closed-toe shoes. Task specific gloves and…