Tag: research safety
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Working with Limited Chemical Storage Space: Corrosives
In this multi-part series, we will discuss common problems with storage of chemicals in Emory research labs, and some practical solutions. Background Through the lab safety self inspection process, we have encouraged lab personnel to use secondary containers for corrosives and we now find acids and bases are stored this way. However, follow up lab…
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Volunteers and Minors in the Lab
Summer is a great time for students to gain valuable laboratory or research experience through volunteering or internships. Working in a laboratory presents the risk of exposure to hazardous materials, which requires inexperienced lab personnel to receive training to help them identify the inherent hazards of experiments. EHSO has an established registration program to help…
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The Safety Issues of Hotplate Heating Controls
Background Spontaneous and unexpected heating of hotplates has been the cause of laboratory fires and explosions. In 2005, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory issued a safety advisory related to a Corning model PC 420 hot plate. In 2007, 2011, 2012, 2014 the University of California, University of Pennsylvania, MIT, and Oak Ridge National Lab issued similar…
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New Update: NIH Guidelines for working with AAV and rAAV vectors
NEW UPDATE: NIH Guidelines The “Guidelines for working with replication-incompetent Adeno-Associated (AAV), recombinant AdenoAssociated (rAAV), Lentivirus and Adeno viral vectors in lab and animal research” have been updated to reflect current NIH/OBA guidance. What was the change in the NIH Guide? Appendix B-1 assessed AAV and rAAV as Risk Group 1 (RG1) agents. RG1 agents are…
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Restricted Areas and Shared Laboratory Spaces
Restricted areas are areas to which access is limited by the Licensee to protect individuals from exposure to radiation and radioactive materials (RAM). Restricted areas in shared laboratories usually have designated radiation work areas. These areas are marked by “Caution Radioactive Materials” signs and with radioactive material labels and stickers as shown in the photo…
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Microscope Safety
For both inexperienced and experienced users, microscopes should always be handled with care. Proper microscope use will help prevent damage to the equipment and prevent laboratory accidents such as breaking slides. Clean the microscope after each use. Clean smudged lenses with lens paper. Avoid applying pressure with a cloth as the lenses are very fragile.…
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Lessons Learned: Chemical Burns
Lab coats protect your skin and clothes from laboratory contamination such as splashes and spills. The lab coat can be easily removed and reduce your exposure to laboratory contamination. Additionally, when wearing synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, acrylic, etc.), the fabric can ignite after a chemical splash, causing the material to melt and cling onto your…
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Defacing Chemical Labels
Recyclables are being rejected from Emory University’s recycling vendor when chemical bottles are not properly defaced. One undefaced label will send the entire batch of recyclables to the landfill. To properly deface labels for non P-listed chemicals, see the steps below. All P-listed chemicals must be disposed of through EHSO. Radioactive materials must be…
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Laboratory Animal Allergies
Laboratory animal allergies (LAA) are significant occupational hazards for researchers and staff that work with laboratory animals. Most workers that develop LAA will do so within one to three years of first exposure, and symptoms usually begin with sneezing and a runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, and/or rashes.1 Rats and mice are the most common causes…
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“Beak Method” Glove Removal Technique
Nitrile gloves are the most commonly used gloves in research laboratories on campus. They are disposable and when properly used, gloves can help protect you from chemical and biological contamination. In addition to being properly used, gloves must be properly removed as well. Improperly removing gloves can potentially expose you to contamination on the outside…