Box cutters can be very convenient tools that are easy to use. However, just because they are simple does not mean they are not hazardous. Follow the tips below to ensure you are handling these sharp objects safely!
Safety Tips
Ensure the blade is exposed just enough to cut through the material. Be sure to cut away from your body when cutting something, instead of cutting towards you. Apply consistent pressure, do not exert excessive force when cutting. Keep your hands and other body parts away from the blade when cutting. Wear protective leather gloves. Secure the...
Volunteers are needed to help support autumn clean-up efforts at the Jennings Hall Rain Garden at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 8. Environmental Health and Safety needs volunteers to remove trash, weeds, mulch and maintain the garden boxes. These efforts will ensure that this important storm water facility maintains its beauty and functionality as a rain garden.
Since 2013, the garden has been maintained by students and student organizations , as well as faculty and staff members interested in the environment, sustainability and volunteerism.
For individuals or organizations interested in participating, please email FOD Safety...
Employees who wear a respirator as part of their job duties are required to follow Environmental Health and Safety’s (EHS) respiratory protection program guidelines. Developed in compliance with the State of Ohio Public Employment Risk Reduction Program (PERRP) and OSHA rules, the guidelines support a safe working environment while ensuring employees comply with regulations. Annual online training and fit testing for respirator users is provided through EHS. If you are unsure whether a respirator is required, contact EHS for a hazard assessment of your work area.
Please Note: Wexner Medical Center employees should schedule fit...
As Buckeyes, we all can do our part to keep campus clean. Litter and other pollutants can end up in stormwater drains and later discharged into our waterways, having harmful effects on water quality and wildlife.
Ancillalry staff (housekeeping, maintenance, security, environmental services, facilities management, and emergency response personnel) should receive instruction before working in or visiting an area where entry is controlled because of the presence of radiation, such as research laboratories and patient care areas. Regulations require the extent of instruction be appropriate for the potential radiation safety issues in the area. Departments may request training on an "as needed" basis from Radiation Safety .
Radioactive Material Use Area Entry
All areas that are approved to contain Radioactive Material (RAM)...
The University Laboratory Safety Committee (ULSC) at The Ohio State University recognized the fifth annual winners of the “Excellence in Safety” Award. The award, in three categories, recognizes a university faculty or staff member (Individual Award), an undergraduate or graduate student (Student Award) and a laboratory research group (Group Award) who has made a considerable contribution to improving laboratory safety on the Ohio State campus. Such contributions can be defined as, but are not limited to, actions taken to prevent injury or illness, outstanding response and cooperation given to resolve unsafe conditions, consistent improvement during laboratory inspections, or any...
What is your official job title at EHS and a general description of your job duties? My official job title here at EHS is an OSHA Program Specialist! A general description of my job includes working and overseeing all aspects of compliance mainly regarding the Hearing Conservation Program and the Respiratory Protection Program.
When did you begin working for OSU? I officially started working for Ohio State the first week of July 2022.
How long have you been with EHS? I have only been with EHS since July 2022,...
Unlabeled organic solvent waste was poured into a larger 4-liter container of aqua regia (concentrated hydrochloric acid and concentrated nitric acid). The aqua regia waste container was recapped, the hood sash was closed and left alone. Within minutes, lab occupants heard a whistling sound, followed by a loud explosion. When mixed, the incompatible wastes created a rapid reaction and over-pressurization of the container resulting in an explosion that destroyed the hood and cracked an exterior window. Luckily, no one was injured.
Lessons Learned
Remember to immediately label all waste containers. If you encounter an unknown waste,...
Participation in the Ohio State’s Occupational Health Program is mandatory for all faculty, staff, students, and volunteers who work in university laboratories and animal facilities. Additional university employees participate in the program due to job-related duties. Part of this program is completion of an online risk assessment (ORAT) to identify, evaluate, manage and reduce potential health risks associated with animals (direct or indirect contact), hazardous agents, operations or environments that may be encountered as part of work-related responsibilities.
Faculty, staff, students and volunteers are required to update their information when changes in potential...
