Tagged: Newsletter

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Read more tips about storm water pollution prevention and what you can do to help keep our campus and waterways clean.

Training for Ancillary Staff

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.

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.

The cost of radioactive material waste disposal has increased with the new fiscal year. Rates were last changed for fiscal year 2020.

Pricing is as follows:

FY 2023

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.