Tag Archives: environmental compliance

EPA and Georgia EPD Inspections

November 1, 2014

Hazardous materials that result from laboratory operations must be managed safely and in compliance with State of Georgia rules and regulations. EHSO has recently been notified that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD) are conducting unannounced inspections of universities and other entities in our area to ensure compliance with […]

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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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Hazardous Waste Management Program Change

January 1, 2014

Effective January 6, 2014, the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) will begin utilizing a new vendor (PSC Environmental) to collect chemical waste. EHSO will work closely with PSC to provide the same level of service to you, our customers. With the exception of changes to the weekly collection schedule, operational changes will be minimal. […]

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Electronic Waste Recycling

July 1, 2013

Electronic Wastes (e-waste) may contain heavy metals in quantities that are prohibited from landfill disposal and should be recycled whenever possible. Please note that equipment that can be reused is not waste and can be collected by Surplus Properties for possible redistribution. The following are examples of e-waste that must be recycled: Lab equipment Computers, […]

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Cleaning up Biological Spills

March 1, 2013

Minor spills can be safely handled without the assistance of EHSO or emergency response personnel. Spills are considered minor if the volume is less than 100ml.  Here is a simple example.  A researcher is walking to the BSC holding a few test tubes containing blood.  On the way to the BSC, the researcher drops a […]

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Does Your Lab Require a Department of Defense Certificate of Environmental Compliance?

February 1, 2013

To obtain a signature on the Department of Defense Certificate of Environmental Compliance (DOD-CEC) from the Director of EHSO, each PI will need to submit the following documents: Scientific Abstract from Grant Proposal, PI Assurance document, and the Certificate of Environmental Compliance. EHSO will conduct a lab inspection, review the scientific abstract, and verify the […]

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Hazardous Waste Compliance for Laboratories

February 1, 2013

Federal regulations governing management of chemical waste are written and enforced with the goal of protecting our environment. EHSO interprets these very complex regulations and implements programs, such as the Laboratory Self-Inspection Program, that assist laboratories with compliance. The lab inspection process is a tool researchers should use to evaluate compliance with laboratory waste management. […]

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Holiday Hazardous Waste Collection Schedule

December 1, 2012

The Environmental Health and Safety Office will suspend the normal hazardous waste collection schedule from Friday December 21, until Wednesday, January 2.  If there is a critical need for waste collection during this time period please call at (404) 727-5922 or e-mail at chemwaste@emory.edu.  This suspension will not impact Emory University Hospital. The normal hazardous […]

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Controlled Drug Disposal

October 1, 2012

On October 25, 2012 an Agent from the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency (GDNA) will be on campus to receive Controlled Drugs for disposal.  Drugs may be delivered to the Whitehead Biomedical Research Building Suite G-44 from 9-11am.  A completed DEA 41 Form must be completed by the Registrant before Controlled Drugs may be surrendered […]

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