Tag: research safety
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Environmental Health and Safety Office Updates (February 2025)
Authors: Kalpana Rengarajan, PhD & Rashida Moore DVM DCLAM The Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) is working on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institute of Health (NIH) driven initiatives including downgrading of biocontainment requirements for SARS CoV-2 work and new guidelines for Dual Use Research of Concern. Also included is…
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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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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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Prepare for the Holidays – Facility Services and Access
Just a reminder that the holidays are fast 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/or special access may be needed during the holiday campus closure. For more information about Emory University’s Holidays and Holidays Policy,…
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Update to Emory University’s IBC Policies and Procedures
The Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) updated the Policies and Procedures of the Emory University Institutional Biosafety Committee. The current version is on the EHSO website under Forms/Documents. This document outlines the responsibilities of the Emory University Institutional Biosafety Committee in accordance with NIH Guidelines, which includes the review of research that involves recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids. A highlight of the changes includes updates to: Appendix 1 Guidelines…
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October is Biosafety Month
This year is the 8th anniversary of the Biosafety & Biosecurity Month. The NIH’s Office of Science Policy (OSP) initially created National Biosafety Month to encourage institutions to highlight the importance of biosafety and undertake activities to strengthen their biosafety programs. The theme for 2021 is “Innovation in Biosafety and Biosecurity.” Innovation in biosafety and…
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Sharps Safety
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 62% – 88% of sharps injuries can be prevented simply by using safer medical devices. Researchers should always consider how to safely handle sharps and identify procedures and/or scenarios when a sharps injury could occur. By identifying when a sharps injury can occur, planned activities can be evaluated, reducing the likelihood of a sharps-related injury. What is the…
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Welcome Fall Semester
Fall semester is here and we would like to welcome back the Emory community returning to campus. The Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) is here to work with you to help keep Emory safe. With the new school year ahead of us, be sure to review the following resources: Emory Forward website – provides current COVID-19 information for the Emory community including the COVID-19 Visitor Policy. EHSO Research Safety Building Liaisons – see who the…
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Volunteers
Effective July 1, 2021 general campus-wide visitor restrictions are lifted. Visitors are welcome to access campus; however, certain public-facing spaces may enforce additional restrictions or limitations including reduced services, scheduled appointments, or other measures. Visitors are asked to review current campus COVID-19 policies and protocols on Emory Forward prior to their visit and follow the…
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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),…