Each year, EHS conducts a laboratory safety site visit of all campus research laboratories using hazardous chemicals and biological materials. The site visit focuses on appropriate facilities, protocols that minimize risks, and properly trained competent personnel. Achieving compliance is not a matter of chance but a matter of choice!
EHS would like to congratulate the following Principal Investigators and their laboratory staff for making the July - December 2022 Laboratory Safety Dean’s List, with no items of concern noted during the initial annual site visit. Thank you for your continued commitment to making Ohio State a safe...
As shared on the Office of Academic Affairs website , in 2019, Ohio State began to implement a university-wide Shared Values Initiative that reminds us of the values that we share as a university community and our shared commitment to those values. The Shared Values are:
Excellence and Impact Diversity and Innovation Inclusion and Equity Care and Compassion Integrity and Respect
In 2023, you may be seeing a new safety representative in your areas. Each inspector is working to introduce themselve to you. In the meantime, please view the redistribution of building representatives below.
What is your official job title at EHS and a general description of your job duties? Director, Environmental Affairs . I manage the university’s environmental compliance program. This includes ensuring compliance with applicable air, water, waste, and hazardous materials regulations.
When did you begin working for OSU? March 2013
How long have you been with EHS? Almost 10 years
Why did you decide on a career in health and safety? I have a degree in Environmental Science and Biology and have been working...
Do you know where to seek medical treatment if you have a potential exposure or an injury in the laboratory? Where you seek treatment for all non-life threatening potential exposures or injuries is dependent upon your employment status at Ohio State. EHS has created a Potential Exposure and Injury Response flow chart to help assist laboratories with where to go. It is recommended this be reviewed with lab staff to ensure they know where to go to seek treatment. If staff are uncertain of their employment status, they can review it on their Online Risk Assessment Tool...
Animal satellite housing areas are approved locations outside of dedicated housing used to house animals. As more satellite housing space is approved on campus, EHS would like to remind laboratory staff that the space is an extension of the laboratory and all practices and procedures in the laboratory should be followed in addition to the expectations set forth by the Animal Care and Use Program. Animal Hazard Safety Protocols (AHSPs) must be posted for the duration listed on the AHSP. Additionally, the requirements listed on the AHSPs such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and engineering controls must be...
Radiation Safety will be participating in a Department of Energy (DOE) funded program called SCATR (Source Collection and Threat Reduction) and are reaching out to groups who maintain radioactive Sealed Source permits. The goal of the SCATR program is to collect and dispose of unwanted sealed sources. Participation in the program is voluntary and cost (if any) will be determined based on participation . Eligible sources include but are not limited to Electron Capture Detectors (Ni-63), Liquid Scintillation Counter (LSC) sources (Cs-137/Ba-133), calibration and exempted low activity check sources (C-14, Cs-137). Sources embedded in analytical equipment such as a...
Almost everything in an office today operates on electricity. Electrical equipment is potentially hazardous if improperly used or maintained. Below are tips to keep your workspace safe from electrical hazards.
Ensure all electrical equipment is certified by a nationally recognized laboratory and read all manufacturers’ instructions carefully. Conduct a monthly check for cracks, cuts, or abrasions on cables, wires, and cords. Perform regular fire risk assessments to identify areas at risk of fire caused by bad wiring and/or faulty circuits. Unplug equipment when not in use to save energy and minimize the risk of shock and fire. Avoid...
Submit nominations for the 2023 University Laboratory Committee “Excellence in Safety” Awards. These awards recognize a university faculty or staff member (Individual Award), student (Individual Student Award) and a laboratory research group (Group Award) who have made a considerable contribution to improving laboratory safety on the Ohio State campus. Nominations will be accepted through March 31, 2023.
Safety Brief - Compressed gas cylinders can be very useful in numerous ways, but improperly storing them can lead to very serious hazards. Severe injuries and property damage can occur if not handled correctly. Here are some tips on how to properly store these cylinders.
Proper Storage of Compressed Gas Cylinders
Always store upright with caps over the valves.
Cylinders should always be properly secured at all times to prevent falling or rolling.
Do not store incompatible gas cylinders (flammables/oxidizers).
Store cylinders in cool, dry, and well-ventilated areas to prevent inhalation hazards....
