Tag: COVID-19

  • 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…

  • Spring 2021 Faculty and Staff Onboarding Reminder

    by

    in

    Beginning January 5, 2021, the Spring 2021 Onboarding clearance process can be accessed through the Emory Forward website. Please note, the Spring 2021 Onboarding portal will provide new items that are required for the new term even if you were previously approved to return to campus. Faculty and staff will need to complete the following:…

  • Environmental Health and Safety: Year In Review

    The Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) has the mission of providing comprehensive environmental and occupational health and safety support services to our research community and other Emory stakeholders with an aim of protecting people, environment and reputation by ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.  This past year’s activities contributed to the mission of ORA and…

  • Emory COVID-19 Prevention, Tracing, and COVID Positive (COVID+) Response During Return to Campus for Research

    In response to returning to campus for research, Emory University has put processes and protocols into place to prepare Faculty, Staff, and Researchers to return to campus and how to maintain a healthy environment while on campus. A COVID-19 Dashboard was also recently launched to provide accurate and timely updates of all positive case reports…

  • IRB Updates

    We updated out COVID-19 guidance to include links to FDA guidance re: acceptable consent methods for participants in isolation. We also made various minor updates throughout. Important updated External IRB guidelines on what to submit to Emory IRB at time of continuing review and after major reportable events. Guidelines to avoid delay when submitting study…

  • Influenza season is here!

    by

    in

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a flu vaccination in September or October but getting vaccinated anytime during the flu season can help protect you. A flu vaccine is especially important this season because it can also help reduce the burden on healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and save medical resources…

  • EHSO has published COVID-19 Related Guidance for Return to Campus

    by

    in

    Based on the current COVID-19 conditions in Atlanta, Emory’s Environmental Health and Safety Office has developed guidelines to promote a safe environment on campus. Our priority is to protect the well-being of all members of our community and campus visitors. Following these guidelines will help keep our community safe and healthy. This guidance is intended to…

  • Keeping Your Lab Door Closed

    by

    in

    Remember to keep those lab doors closed! This helps ensure negative air pressure is being maintained. The buildings are designed to maintain negative directional air flow from the corridor to the lab spaces. When the doors are left open, the building’s ability to do this is compromised. This is also an important component for maintaining…

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Laboratory Disinfection when Returning to Research during the COVID-19 Pandemic

    by

    in

    1.   Where do we get disinfection wipes to disinfect the lab? We understand that sourcing pre-moistened disinfection wipes via Emory Express is difficult due to current supply chain constraints. Following the Disinfection Guidance for Laboratories and Workspaces posted on EHSO’s website (ehso.emory.edu), lab personnel can use their normal disinfection products – 70% alcohol (ethanol or…

  • Reminders for Returning to Laboratory Research

    by

    in

    The Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) and the Office of Research Administration (ORA) in concert with Emory Executive Leadership have developed requirements and guidance for the Phased Return of Research to Campus including a Return to Laboratory Research Checklist available on the EHSO website. There are also several other guidance documents provided on the…