Tag: hazards
-
Biological, Chemical and Chemicals in Animals Registrations/Forms Review in 2019
The use of biological materials and chemicals in the laboratory or in animals require the review and approval of the Biosafety Office. Biological and Chemical Registrations, as well as, Chemicals in Animals Forms are maintained in BioRAFT. We are making efforts to synchronize the review of all modules to occur at around the same time…
-
BioRAFT Chemical Registration – Identifying Highly Hazardous Chemicals Used in the Laboratory
Completing your Chemical Registration is the final step in BioRAFT for all laboratories using highly hazardous chemicals. If your lab has Highly Hazardous Chemicals (HHC), you need to complete the HHC Survey and update personnel handling these chemicals in your laboratory. A special feature of the BioRAFT platform is the option of having a chemical…
-
Electrical Safety in Research Laboratories
Mismanaged electrical equipment is one of the top five causes of laboratory and industrial fires. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that electrical power cords cause about 4,000 injuries and 3,300 residential fires each year. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage and/or misuse of these power cords. Misused…
-
Think Before You Act!
Researchers beware! Do not leave research materials, such as ice buckets, in common spaces. Research materials need to stay in the lab and food needs to stay out of the laboratory space. EHSO recently received the images below via email from a concerned lab worker. The bucket was left unattended on a table at the…
-
Chemical Container Labeling
Chemical containers must meet the labeling requirements of the Global Harmonization Standard (GHS). GHS hazard information, including pictograms and hazard warnings, are necessary to ensure that both lab personnel and non-lab personnel are aware of the physical and/or health hazards of the chemical. The hazard warnings may be communicated through pictures, symbols, words, or a…
-
Do I Need Respiratory Protection?
Emory has a commitment to its faculty and staff to keep them safe while they conduct the world renowned research that has made our name globally recognized. One of the hazards some our researchers face are airborne contaminants. These can be chemicals, animal dander, physical hazards (such as nanoparticles) and biological agents. Emory uses the…
-
Lab Findings: Avoid creating a biohazard risk for yourself, coworkers or other ancillary personnel
Early morning, during the month of May, EHSO was contacted by Building Residential Services (BRS) to notify us that one of the workers had found syringes with unshielded needles on the edge of a counter in a laboratory while they were collecting regular waste during the night shift. BRS provided the following picture: A close-up…
-
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 if an accident occurs. Along with proper attire, remember to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) according to your laboratory’s PPE Assessment Form.…
-
Breathe Easy!
At the Environmental Health & Safety Office (EHSO), we believe your workplace should be a place of comfort that offers adequate indoor air quality and is free of health hazards. If you have concerns about the indoor air quality within your space, proper ventilation, or odor concerns… EHSO can help you!  Do you see mold? Mold can be a…
-
The 3 C’s of Chemical Waste Management
April is Environmental Month. The EHSO Environmental Compliance Group assists Emory University investigators in compliancing with applicable United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) regulations. These regulations were developed to protect our natural resources. EHSO provides guidance on chemical waste disposal to ensure that our natural resources are protected and that Emory maintains regulatory compliance.…