Emory Research Administration News

Tag: lab safety

  • Safe Use of Isoflurane on Lab Bench Tops

    —

    by

    jruch
    in

    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…

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

    —

    by

    jruch
    in

    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…

  • How To Identify Mercury Thermometers in Your Lab

    —

    by

    jruch
    in

    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…

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

    —

    by

    Beth Savoy
    in

    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…

  • Lab Incident: UH Manoa Lab Explosion

    —

    by

    Beth Savoy
    in

    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…

  • New Laboratory Inspection Infographic

    —

    by

    Beth Savoy
    in

    To make the annual process easier, EHSO recently published a new laboratory inspection infographic to clarify all parts of the process for labs. Please visit ehso.emory.edu/programs/research-biosafety, and click on the “Laboratory Inspection Program” link for more.

  • Preparing for Lab Moves & Close-Outs

    —

    by

    Beth Savoy
    in

    EHSO guidelines for lab decommissioning: http://www.ehso.emory.edu/content-guidelines/LabDecommissioningGuidelines.pdf Proper Laboratory Decommissioning: ensures that the vacated space is in a stable and known condition, safe for individuals unfamiliar with the laboratory to enter. reduces disposal costs associated with unwanted and unknown hazardous materials, and encourages sustainability through redistribution of unwanted, useable laboratory equipment and supplies. Ultimate responsibility for…

  • Registering Volunteers & Minors in the Lab

    —

    by

    Beth Savoy
    in

    Summer is a great time for students to gain valuable laboratory experience through volunteering or internships. Because student volunteers and/or minors may be unaware of hazards and risks associated with working in a laboratory, Emory University policies require training before entering a lab. Minors and Volunteers: Emory Policies 4.83 and 7.21 How does Emory define…

  • Fire Safety in Laboratories: Working with Hot Plates

    —

    by

    Beth Savoy
    in

    A recent fire occurred on campus that caused substantial damage to a chemical fume hood. Many of the components of this important engineering control will have to be replaced. The cause of the fire is suspected to be due to a defect in the hot plate that was used. To continue our discussion on hot…

  • Announcing New Changes to Specific Biosafety Cabinet Certifications

    —

    by

    Beth Savoy
    in

    Direct-connected or canopy connected Biosafety Cabinets (BSCs) Class II, Type A1 and A2 without exhast alarm, will not be certified after April 15, 2016. What is the change? NSF Accredited field certifiers shall no longer certify either direct-connected Type A cabinets or canopy connected Type A cabinets without exhaust alarms, even if specifically asked to…