Tag Archives: lab safety

Considerations When Using Sharps on Rodent Studies

September 6, 2017

By Sherrie Jean, DVM, DACLAM Associate Veterinarian Yerkes National Primate Research Center Many biomedical and basic science research studies involve the use of rodent animal models. The animals and experimental agents (eg. cell lines, chemicals, biologicals, etc.) involved with these projects often pose a human health and safety risk to the personnel conducting those studies. […]

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Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls

September 6, 2017

By Stephanie Lord EHSO EHS Professional II General Safety and Industrial Hygiene Do you ever think about how to prevent slips, trips and falls? Of course not! Most slips, trips and falls happen because we are distracted and/or do not notice the hazards around us. Hazards and Remedies Spills Clean up any spills or report […]

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Reminders to Research Personnel

August 1, 2017

Are you ready to begin a new school year in your laboratory? August is usually a busy month with students starting a new semester, students lining up rotations, new investigators coming to the University, new hires, and so on. Below are a few reminders from EHSO: ✓ Ensure PI and personnel are current with applicable […]

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Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Clinical and Microbiology Laboratories

August 1, 2017

There has been an outbreak linked to Salmonella Typhimurium from microbiological laboratories in 16 states, including Georgia, in 2017. This continues to indicate that laboratory-associated salmonellosis is a public health problem and that proper microbiological techniques should be used. Many of the people who became ill reported not washing hands, not wearing PPE, and using […]

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Updated Lab Self-Inspection Form

July 1, 2017

The Laboratory Self-Inspection Form has been updated. Each lab is required to complete a self-inspection every 12 months and upload the Corrective Action Plan to BioRAFT. EHSO Research Safety will use the same form to conduct an inspection of each lab. The Laboratory Self-Inspection Cheat Sheet has also been updated. The inspection process remains the […]

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Safe Use of Isoflurane on Lab Bench Tops

June 1, 2017

By Dr. Michael J. Huerkamp, DVM, DACLAM Isoflurane, known by the brand names Forane and Aerrane, is popularly used for the anesthesia of rodents, including in laboratories by making use of induction chambers. The same properties of quick induction, rapid effect, and the need for close monitoring to prevent the undesirable effects of overdose enabled […]

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Formaldehyde Questionnaire? Do I Really Have to Fill Out Another Form?

May 1, 2017

We’re not surprised if you’ve asked yourself this question before. Unfortunately, the answer is yes. However, we try to make our forms as simple as possible. This is why we redesigned the Formaldehyde Questionnaire based on feedback received from in-person interactions, through email, or the EHSO customer satisfaction survey. This article explains the EHSO Formaldehyde Questionnaire and monitoring program. You are […]

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How To Identify Mercury Thermometers in Your Lab

May 1, 2017

When suitable and effective alternatives are available, we recommend discontinuing the use of mercury thermometers. To aid researchers in this effort, EHSO is exchanging mercury thermometers in your lab for safe, blue alcohol filled thermometers. Participation is easy! Complete the exchange request e-form, available at ehso.emory.edu. The EPA has some questions you can ask to […]

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Electrical Safety: Lab Incident at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

August 1, 2016

A recent electrical incident in a research laboratory at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign resulted in second degree burns on one hand and a reminder to revisit electrical safety. The former Director of Research Safety at this university, Peter Ashbrook, published the following pieces of advice in a recent article in the Journal of […]

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Lab Incident: UH Manoa Lab Explosion

July 5, 2016

On Monday, April 18, 2016, the Honolulu Fire Department released the investigation report on the cause and origin of a laboratory explosion at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The explosion occurred on March 16 in a Hawaii Natural Energy Institute biofuels research laboratory in the Pacific Ocean Science and Technology (POST) building. A visiting […]

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