Radiation Safety
Assures that acquisition, use and disposal of radioactive materials and the operation of radiation-producing equipment, are done safely and in compliance with appropriate regulations. Activities include (1) review and approval of proposed uses of radioactive materials and ionizing radiation in research and patient care; (2) periodic inspection and evaluation of facilities where radioactive materials are stored or used; (3) operation of a radiation exposure monitoring program; and (4) assistance to the investigators to assure that the exposure to ionizing radiation is kept as low as reasonably achievable.
Chemical Hygiene
Focuses on safe laboratory operations. Reliance is placed on regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and appropriate Pennsylvania agencies, and on recommendations of consensus organizations. Services include inspection of laboratories and assessment of fume hoods.
Biosafety
Focuses on managing biosafety activities. In addition to conducting biosafety inspections and assisting investigators in meeting legal and other requirements, services include answering inquiries regarding bloodborne and airborne pathogens, enforcement of CDC and OSHA laboratory requirements, and management of the Select Biological Agent Registration program.
Environmental Monitoring
Assesses air and water quality on the Temple campuses. EHRS responds to requests for environmental monitoring in areas such as: indoor air assessment, odor assessment, water monitoring, and workplace analysis.
Emergency Response System
Focuses on the prevention of accidents. Policies have been developed to assure a reduction in the probability of accidents at Temple, including those resulting in fire or spills of chemical, radiological or biological agents. An emergency response plan has been developed (described in detail in Policy No. 1.9 of the EHRS Handbook). Temple’s emergency response plan involves a coordinated effort between EHRS staff, Campus Safety Services staff, Facilities Management, and the City of Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management.
Risk Reduction
Identifies causes of accidents and attempts to reduce their occurrence and associated costs. Included in this program are accident investigation and recordkeeping requirements of OSHA.
Waste Management
Assures and disposal of radioactive, biomedical, chemical, hazardous, and unregulated wastes, which are generated from research and teaching activities at Temple. Waste collection and disposal is done in accordance with federal and Pennsylvania regulations, in the most cost-effective manner.
Training
Organizes legally-mandated courses and seminars and maintains training records in accordance with federal and state regulations. Some of the courses offered are Radiation Safety, Hazard Communication (Right-to-Know), Chemical Hygiene, Biosafety (Bloodborne Pathogens and Airborne Pathogens), and Respiratory Protection.
Information
Produces and disseminates relevant safety information, including the EHRS Handbook (policies and guides on environmental protection and occupational safety) and EHRS Communiqué (departmental newsletter), and maintains the Material Safety Data Sheet database library and website.
Policy Development
Drafts and revises policies and guidelines, in conjunction with safety-related committees. Committees include: Radiation Safety, HSC Safety, Infection Control, Chemical Hygiene, Institutional Biosafety.
For more information, contact EHRS at 215-707-2520. EHRS is located at 3307 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, online at www.research.temple.edu/ehrs.