Tagged: Occupational Health and Safety

Introduction

In April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule regulating methylene chloride (dichloromethane, DCM, CAS# 75-09-2) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This regulation significantly impacts campus research, facilities, and operations, introducing stringent compliance requirements for laboratories and non-laboratory units. The ruling prohibits most industrial and commercial uses of the methylene chloride, including in research, laboratory and workspaces.

Maintaining a clean environment through custodial work responsibilities can be both physically demanding and have the potential to cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) due to ergonomic risk factors. Some of these risk factors include repetitive motions, awkward postures, vibration, bending, and lifting. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to adhere to proper ergonomic practices. Here are some tips that can enhance custodial ergonomics.

Lead Exposure

Lead is a toxic metal that is widely used in numerous working environments including construction sites and manufacturing facilities. It is also found in various types of batteries, glazes, plastics, and many other building materials.

What is silica and how do I get exposed?

Crystalline silica is a basic component of soil, sand, granite, and many other minerals. Quartz is the most common form of crystalline silica. Exposure occurs through inhalation of respirable particles created when silica-containing materials are manipulated. Activities such as chipping, cutting, cutting, drilling, blasting, and grinding of silica-containing materials are expected to produce respirable particles.

OSHA Safety Day Agenda 2023 (PDF)

This template can be adapted and utilized by Ohio State departments when developing machine-specific lockout/tagout procedures.

Lockout Tagout Procedure Template (Word Doc)

This document is a resource that covers bloodborne pathogen training information for custodians. 

Toolbox Talk Custodial Bloodborne Pathogens (PDF)

This training covers general information on varying types of personal protective equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment Training (PDF)