Research members of The Ohio State University are invited to join Environmental Health and Safety for its virtual fall Lab Manager Q&A session on Nov. 8, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. , to discuss proper waste labeling, field research safety, the laboratory mentoring program, BSL-1 updates, and more. Lab managers can meet their safety representative, ask questions, and learn about regulatory updates. Contact Eric Petz for the link to the Teams meeting.
Often when people hear the term ergonomics, they think of computer workstations, but laboratory workers also need to be aware of their particular workstations and how to maintain proper postures while conducting business in sometimes awkward positions. Laboratory workers are at risk for repetitive motion injuries during routine laboratory procedures, such as pipetting, working at microscopes, operating microtomes, and using cell counters. Repetitive motion injuries develop over time and occur when muscles and joints are stressed, tendons are inflamed, nerves are pinched, and blood flow is restricted.
Working in awkward positions in laboratory hoods or biosafety cabinets also can...
As Buckeyes, we all can do our part to keep campus clean. Please dispose of single-use masks in the trash, not on the ground. While disposable masks protect us from disease, they also can harm the environment when not properly discarded. You can help by properly disposing of your soiled, torn or saturated masks. Litter and other pollutants can end up in stormwater drains and later discharged into our waterways, having harmful effects on water quality and wildlife.
The University Staff Advisory Committee ( USAC ) is proud to recognize Ohio State staff who exemplify what it means to be a Buckeye and is excited to announce that EHS's Ross McClain is a July 2021 Staff Spotlight honoree. Thank you for all that you do to make a positive impact at Ohio State.
What is your official job title at EHS and a general description of your job duties?
I am a Health Physicist Technician working as a Regulatory Compliance Officer in EHS’s Radiation Safety group, to promote the safe use of ionizing radiation and appropriate handling of radioactive materials per state and federal guidelines and regulations. Some of my roles include procuring and shipping radioactive materials, preparing radiotherapy rooms, surveys and decontamination, portal monitor checks, radioactive source checks, and transvac system monitoring in various Ohio State facilities. I also coordinate with other departments, such as Nuclear Medicine/Pharmacy, Brachytherapy, Pathology, and...
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 January - June 2021 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...
Approximately 8 percent of industrial incidents result from the improper use of hand tools. Always follow safety precautions, know the common risk factors, and operate all tools properly to avoid injuries ranging from simple cuts, contusions, and abrasions to amputations, fractures, and punctures.
Hand Tools
Carry all sharp tools in sheath or holsters. Tag worn, damaged, or defective tools as "out of service" and do not use them. Do not use a tool if the handle surface has splinters, burs, cracks, or splits. When handing a tool to another person, direct sharp points and cutting...
In autumn 2020, Environmental Health and Safety launched the Good Catch Program to help prevent injuries or property damage and improve the safety culture in the university. The program provides a new avenue for anyone in the university community to report unsafe acts, conditions, or equipment.
EHS has been pleased to see how the Good Catch Program has continued to gain traction since it was first launched, receiving 42 Good Catch reports as of July 2021, 86% of which have been closed. A Good Catch report is considered closed when EHS intervention between effective parties has implemented proper safety...
Most authorized users, permit holders, and radiation workers eventually will be involved in an inspection by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), the next routine inspection expected sometime during the third or fourth quarter, 2021. To try to determine the status of regulatory compliance, inspectors review records and observe and communicate with laboratory personnel. Environmental Health and Safety provides training and guidance to build consistency and confidence in radioactive material (RAM) users, including performing audits and surveys to ensure laboratories are using RAM safely while indirectly helping to prepare workers for ODH inspections.
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)...
