Tag: ehso
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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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Chemical Safety Spotlight – Corrosives and Flammables
CORROSIVES Corrosives can cause serious damage to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Corrosives can also destroy or react with plastics, metals, and other materials they come into contact with such as clothing and work surfaces. This can include acids (e.g., acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid), bases (e.g., sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide), and…
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Chemical Safety Spotlight – Corrosives and Flammables
CORROSIVES Corrosives can cause serious damage to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Corrosives can also destroy or react with plastics, metals, and other materials they come into contact with such as clothing and work surfaces. This can include acids, bases, and some organic solvents. Some examples include sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphorus pentoxide,…
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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 your Laboratory for the Holidays
Just a reminder that the holidays are quickly 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 to determine if special access may…
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Healthy Habits to Help Protect Against Flu
The single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated each year. This year Emory University has required that all faculty, staff and students receive a flu shot and complete the Attestation Form by October 29, 2021. In addition to the flu shot, healthy habits like staying home when you are sick, avoiding close contact with others, and washing your hands often…
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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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Accident Response and Reporting
In the event of an accident, incident, or near-miss employees must notify their supervisor and report it. This includes injuries, exposures, illnesses, falls, and fires. Injuries or Exposures: If there is a medical emergency requiring transport to the nearest emergency department, call 911. Immediately address the injury or exposure: Bites, needlesticks, cuts, hand or arm exposures – Wash exposed area with soap and water for 15…
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Do I Need Respiratory Protection?
Emory has a commitment to its faculty, staff, and students to keep them safe while they conduct research. One type of hazard found while conducting research activities is airborne contaminants. This includes chemicals, animal dander, physical hazards, including nanoparticles, and/or biological agents. Emory uses the “Hierarchy of Controls” to minimize employee exposure to hazards, including airborne contaminants. When eliminating or substituting a process that produces an…