EHRS is always working at minimizing hazardous waste. We are doing this in three ways:
1.) CHEMICAL REDISTRIBUTION: This means that EHRS will take unused and unexpired chemicals from one lab and allocate them to another lab that requests them.
Here's how it works:
1.) Look over this LIST. ( LIST UPDATED 12/1/08)
2.) If there are any chemicals that your laboratory is interested in, send an e-mail to ehs@temple.edu. Please include the following info: Name and quantity of desired chemical(s), the name of the lab's P.I., location chemicals should be delivered to, and phone number.
3.) EHRS will be in touch with you regarding your request.
Please note that this is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact EHRS at 2-2520 with any questions or concerns about this program.
2.) MERCURY EXCHANGE: Equipment containing mercury (such as thermometers, sphygmomanometers, thermostats, etc) are a hazard to you and the environment. EHRS is working with departments to reduce the number of items that use mercury and to replace them with mercury-free alternatives.
3.) CHEMICAL RECYCLING: Certain chemicals can be recycled and reused, saving the cost of purchasing new chemicals or disposing of old ones. EHRS can and will recycle chemicals and redistribute them to those labs that request them.
For complete information, please take a look at this flyer. If you have any questions, or would like to participate in any of the three minimization programs, please contact EHRS at 2-2520.[12/01/08]
New Employee Safety Orientation Reference Materials Available Online
If you had New Employee Safety Orientation a long time ago or even just recently, a new webpage created by Environmental Health & Radiation Safety allows you to download in PDF format a number of very important and informative documents. Examples of the many documents housed here include information on Hepatitis B and C, what to do in the event of a needlestick incident, and guidance on Back Safety. Please note, however, that these materials do not replace the actual completion of New Employee Safety Orientation training, either in person or online.[7/17/08]
PerkinElmer Revises Handling Cost for All Shipments
Effective June 1, 2008, PerkinElmer will be changing the handling fee applicable to all PerkinElmer reagents and consumable orders. The new fee will be $30 per shipment. The complete statement by PerkinElmer regarding this change can be found here. [5/21/08]
EHRS Wins Award for Waste Minimization Program
Environmental Health & Radiation Safety has won the Award of Recognition from the Campus Safety Health and Environmental Management Association’s Solutions at Work Program. EHRS won this award for its program“Thinking Outside the Box: One University’s Approach to In-House Waste Minimization.”
EHRS presently has a high-volume waste minimization program. There are three things that EHRS does to minimize waste: 1) Chemical Redistribution (the taking of unused and unexpired chemicals and allocating them to other labs); 2) Mercury Exchange (changing out mercury-containing equipment for mercury-free alternatives); 3) Chemical Recycling (certain chemicals can be recycled and reused, saving on the cost of purchasing new chemicals or the disposal of old ones).
The CSHEMA judges, while scoring EHRS a 98 out of a possible 100, agreed with the department’s assertion that this is a universal problem. They noted in their judging comments that the cost may be high in the beginning but “the effectiveness and cost savings down the road will also be high.”
The award will be presented at the International Conference on Campus Safety, to be held Monday, July 28, 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri.[5/21/08]
Updated Form 1 (for Ordering Radioactive Materials) is Now Available There is a new version of the EHRS Form 1. This form must be completed and submitted to EHRS when placing orders for radioactive material.
Assurance on Hazardous Procedures Form Has Been Revised and Updated
The Assurance on Hazardous Procedures form has been revised and updated by EHRS. You can download the form here. If you have previously saved the older version of this form to your computer, please make sure to replace it with this newer version. [7/17/07]
EHRS & Chemistry Department Work to Reduce Number of Mercury Thermometers
Mercury thermometers used to be a common, but dangerous, everyday laboratory item. Luckily, technology has advanced to the point where mercury is no longer a requirement in thermometers. To this end, Environmental Health & Radiation Safety and the Department of Chemistry have worked together to reduce the number of mercury thermometers in Beury Hall. EHRS has switched out approximately 100 mercury thermometers, replacing them with a safer, non-mercury-based solution.
EHRS would like to thank Drs. Albert Findeisen, Mary Jane Daub, Robert Levis and Rodrigo Andrade of the Department of Chemistry for their assistance with this project.
If you have a mercury thermometer that you like to exchange, please call EHRS at 2-2520 and we will be more than happy to assist you. [7/12/07]
PerkinElmer RAM Shipping Costs
The following are the shipping costs when radioactive materials are ordered from PerkinElmer:
Friday shipping for Monday arrival: $4
Monday shipping for Tuesday arrival: $4
Shipping for all other days will cost $24
Please contact EHRS at 2-2520 with any questions or concerns.
Eyewash Check Sheet Updated for 2008
Environmental Health & Radiation Safety has released an updated Eyewash Check Sheet for 2008. It is available here.
Important Information re: Shipping of Dangerous Goods via UPS
On November 7, 2007, the University announced that it was switching from DHL to UPS as its preferred shipping vendor. EHRS would like to provide some information to shippers of dangerous goods to help facilitate your shipments.
UPS accepts international dangerous goods shipments on a contract basis only.
While UPS does ship many dangerous goods, it will NOT ship Category A Infectious Substances. This includes anything with the proper shipping names Infectious Substances, Affecting Humans or Infectious Substances, Affecting Animals. If you need to ship a Category A Infectious Substance, please find another vendor.
Substances being transported for diagnostic purposes that are, to the best of the shipper's knowledge, unlikely to cause disease in animals or humans are exempted from the regulations. Common exemptions are dried blood spots, blood or blood components collected for the purpose of transfusions or any tissue or organs intended for use in transplantation. Shipments of these materials do not require a UPS contract.
Air shipments must be in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions Check with EHRS (2-2520), which has a current edition on file.
UPS has developed a table of accepted goods. This has been posted here on the EHRS website.
UPS will only transport dangerous to and from approved countries. A list of approved countries has been posted on the EHRS website or contact UPS Customer Services Department for qualification and approval information.
UPS will not guarantee time-in-transit for dangerous goods packages.
For more information, call the UPS Hazardous Materials Support Center at 1-800-554-9964 or atthis website.
A Reminder to All Who Order Radioactive Material and/or Select Biological Agents
As you are no doubt aware, Temple University will be closed from December 22, 2007 to January 2, 2008. To assure that there are no disruptions to your research activities during these days, please deliver order requests for RAM or SBA to EHRS by December 20, 2007, with delivery requested for no later than Friday, December 21, 2007.
No Waste Pick-Up During Holiday Break EHRS will not be making any regularly scheduled chemical or radioactive waste pick-ups during Temple's Holiday Break. Pick-ups will resume after the University re-opens on January 2, 2008.
New Shipping of Dangerous Goods Refresher Training Courses On-line
Environmental Health & Radiation Safety has added three Shipping of Dangerous Goods Refresher Training courses to the University's Blackboard system. The classes are: Shipping of Dangerous Goods: General Topic; Shipping of Dangerous Goods: Infectious Substances; and Shipping of Dangerous Goods: Regulated Medical Waste. To access these courses, follow these instructions.
Texas A&M Violates Federal Law in Biodefense Lab Infection
In February 2006, a researcher at Texas A&M University was infected with the bioweapons agent brucella. The infection was not reported to the Centers for Disease Control, a violation of federal law. The University could face fines of $750,000 or more.
What do you do when your Xerox machine dry ink bottle runs dry? Or when you have to change a printer cartridge? One thing you should definitely not do is throw them in the regular trash. Only Xerox or printer supply company representatives should remove used supplies from your department or office. Once they are collected they are shipped back to the computer (Xerox, Hewlett-Packard, etc.) for proper disposal and/or recycling. Please contact your appropriate company representative when you need used Xerox or printer materials removed.
Any further questions can be directed to EHRS at 2-2520.[3/9/07]
University of Washington Prof Could Face Prison After Illegal Chemical Dump
Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer, March 8, 2007
A University of Washington Pharmacology professor pleaded guilty in federal court to pouring ethyl ether down the drain of his laboratory sink after deciding it would be too costly to have it properly removed, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported.
Daniel R. Storm could be sentenced to up to five years in prison and be fined $250,000 for his actions. Storm had been told by the University of Washington’s Environmental Health and Safety Department that proper disposal of the ethyl ether – an extremely flammable chemical – would cost $15,000. Rather than face that cost, Storm poured the solvent down the drain, followed by a water and ethanol solution, in an attempt to dilute it.
Though Storm could go to prison for his actions, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Seattle is recommending probation.
Environmental Health and Radiation Safety reminds all laboratory workers to dispose of chemicals properly. Our Chemical Waste Pickup Request Form can be found here. If you have any questions about safe lab practices, please call EHRS at 2-2520.[3/08/07]
5th Edition of CDC BMBL Guide Online
Access the CDC Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories Guide here. [2/21/07]
North Carolina Institutions Fined for Waste Violations
Winston-Salem University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte were both fined substantial amounts of money for violating hazardous waste storage regulations. Winston-Salem was fined $27,000 while UNC-Charlotte was assessed a $19,633 penalty. A common violation in both cases was a failure to properly label and identify containers that held hazardous wastes. More information can be found here.
Environmental Health and Radiation Safety reminds all laboratory workers to please make their best effort in following safe laboratory practices. If you have any questions about safe lab practices, please call EHRS at 2-2520.[2/21/07]
Radiation Safety Initial Training Class Will Be Held Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The EHRS Radiation Safety Initial Training Class will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, NOT March 22, as has previously been advertised on the EHRS website. The time and place remain the same (9 am to 4 pm, SFC (HSC) Room D).
EHRS will now require that all who wish to take EHRS Classroom Training pre-register for classes. This will ensure that EHRS has enough materials for all participants. It will also allow us to contact you if there are any changes to the class time or location. To register for classes, call Kisha Echevarria at 2-7697.
Eyewash Check Sheet for 2007 Now Available
The Weekly Eyewash Check Sheet for 2007 is now available here.
Safe Science: Have You Made the Mark Facility Wise?
n the Fall 2006 issue of "Speaking of Safety," Dr. Ken Roy discusses the different signage required in a laboratory setting and the reasoning behind these requirements. He specifically goes over required symbols, signs and labels, and Chemical Storage Area Markings. Dr. Roy reminds readers at the end of the article: "Signage is not only important to maintaining a safe working environment for employees and students, it is the law." The entire article can be found here.
Incidents On Other College Campuses Raise Important Laboratory Safety Issues
Earlier this month, a "PhD. level graduate student" at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX apparently created an adverse reaction with nitrogen gas. The incident nearly caused an entire building on campus to be shut down. A news story on the incident can be found here.
There was also a recent incident at the University of Kentucky that sent seven students to the hospital. In this case, a student was pouring nitric acid into a waste container when an explosion occurred. The container shattered and the student was injured about the face and neck by the debris. The explosion shut down part of the university building. Six other people nearby when the explosion occurred were taken to the University of Kentucky Hospital and later released. A news story on this incident can be found here.
Hood Safety During Loss of Power
Environmental Health and Radiation Safety was recently informed of power outages in certain buildings on Main Campus. The question of hood safety when faced with a loss of power was raised. Below is an excerpt from the relevant EHRS Policy (10.6 - Lab Ventilation Program):
Hood Failure or System Malfunction
In the event that an airflow alarm or indicator would signal low or no airflow, or that lab personnel recognized that such a condition exists otherwise, the person first recognizing his problem must:
*Immediately stop all work in the hood
*If possible, stabilize reactions and turn off equipment(i.e. hot plates) or other electric devices.
*The lab and or building must be evacuated if any process or reactions that could create a hazard to the lab or building occupants exist.
*Close any opened/exposed containers of hazardous materials (if safe to do so).
*Close the hood sash.
*Immediately report the problem to Facilities Management, Principal Investigator or Manager and EHRS.
*Notify others in the area and on additional shifts that the hood is not operating and must not be used.
*Post a sign on the hood that boldly states that the hood(s) is/are not functioning and may not be used until repairs or corrections have been made and this sign is removed.
*Do not use the hood until cleared for reuse by Facilities Management and EHRS.
The complete Lab Ventilation Program policy (10.6) can be found here on the EHRS Website.
If there are any questions or concerns regarding this or any safety issue, please call EHRS at 2-2520.
Article Emphasizes Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety
The article “Do you have rocket in your laboratory or plant?” was recently published in the Journal of Chemical Health and Safety by Frankie Wood-Black and Tim Pasquarelli. In the article, the authors raised some serious issues regarding the safe storage of compressed gas cylinders.
One problem the authors keyed on is the general feeling of apathy that may kick in, an idea that "familiarity breeds an acceptance of risk" or awareness. They pointed out things that could cause incidents, such as "a cylinder [that] has been stored without its protective traveling cap, a cylinder is stored or is in use without being properly secured, cylinders of incompatible materials stored together, or too many of particular type in the area (asphyxiation hazards)."
It is also mentioned that moving the cylinder properly is essential to safety – simple safety steps include making sure that the right cart is used and ensuring that the person doing the moving is physically capable of handling the cylinder. One more hazard associated with compressed gas cylinders is the mistaken impression that a cylinder is empty. It is noted in the article that a cylinder can appear to be empty but could, in fact, still contain enough pressure to be dangerous.
The authors conclude that the best way to ensure compressed gas cylinder safety is to be vigilant. “As a safety professional – you need to train yourself to ALWAYS look at the cylinders. Look for the potential hazards, and keep awareness around these items high,” they counsel.
SOURCE: Wood-Black, Frankie and Tim Pasquarelli. “Do you have a rocket in your laboratory or plant?” Journal of Chemical Health and Safety, 13.5 (2006): 40.
No Waste Pick-Up During Holiday Break
EHRS will not be making any regulary scheduled chemical or radioactive waste pick-ups during Temple's Holiday Break. Pick-ups will resume once the University re-opens on January 2, 2007.
A Message to All Users of Radioactive Material and/or Special Biological Agents
As you are no doubt aware, Temple University will be closed from December 23, 2006 to January 2, 2007. To assure that there are no disruptions to your research activities during these days, please place your orders for radioactive materials (RAM) prior to December 21, 2006 in order to receive the RAM by Friday December 22, 2006. EHRS wishes all of you a happy and safe holiday season!
Sections of New Employee Orientation Training Now On-line
Certain sections of New Employee Orientation are available on-line. These training sections can be done on-line in lieu of actual classroom training (which will still be offered each month). The only exception, however, is Bloodborne Pathogen training. That course must still be taken in person. To register for that class, please contact EHRS Training Coordinator Kisha Echevarria at 2-7697.
For a listing of sections of NEO available on-line, go to the EHRS Training page.
"Do I Need This Training?" New Online Training Matrix Will Provide Assistance
Not sure what EHRS training classes you need to take? Unsure of when you need to take a refresher? To help answer these questions EHRS has posted a training matrix that lists the classes EHRS offers, the employees or job types that are required to take the classes and the frequency the classes need to be taken. The matrix can be found here. If you have any questions about this matrix or any questions about training in general, please call EHRS at 2-2520.
PerkinElmer Radioactive Material Discount Price List for Temple University
PerkinElmer has recently provided EHRS with a new and revised price list for radioactive materials.
To look over the catalog and the pricing, click here.
Attention Radioactive Material Users re: Ordering of Radioactive Materials
Environmental Health and Radiation Safety is no longer able to obtain Emergency Purchase Order numbers for users of radioactive material. From this point forward, Principal Investigators and their Departments should obtain Master Purchase Orders for each company they may order material from. If a radioactive material purchase request comes into EHRS without a Purchase Order number we will return it without ordering. Please contact the Purchasing Department for more information regarding Master Purchase Orders.
PerkinElmer No Longer Offers Free Shipping For RAM Orders
PerkinElmer has notified Environmental Health & Radiation Safety that they will no longer offer free shipping for radioactive material. The cost of shipping on any Friday and Monday will be $2 per package. The shipping cost for the remainder of the week will be $22 per package.
Northeastern Hospital Cited By U.S. Department of Transportation
Recently Northeastern Hospital was cited by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Included was a proposed fine of $7,000. Violations were for:
The Infectious waste bags (red bags) were not securely closed.
There was a rigid suction container in a red bag.
There were no markings on the red bags to indicate that the bags meet the ASTM D 1992 standard for tear resistance and the ASTM D 1709 standard for impact resistance.
Please ensure that all red bags bare the correct ASTM markings (be aware that each bag must not exceed its listed weight according to the ASTM specification shown), red bags are tightly closed prior to offering them for shipment and disposal, and that breakable rigid containers are not inappropriately placed directly into red bags.
In addition, the DOT regulations required all individuals (Lab workers, Environmental Services, Facilities, Dock workers, Storeroom staff, etc.) who prepare a package containing chemical, biological or infectious materials must have the DOT required special training. This includes anyone who signs a manifest or prepares/packages infectious waste, chemicals, hazardous materials, diagnostic specimens, dry ice, etc. for shipment. EHRS provides this training free of charge. Also, individuals who receive these types of materials are required to attend a special training session related to their job function as a receiver of hazardous materials. Please contact Kisha Echevarria at 2-7697 for additional information.
Also, all locations offering these types of materials for shipment (including disposal of waste materials) must obtain and have on file a letter from the transport/disposal contractor that they have implemented the DOT required Security Plan.
Please feel free to contact EHRS at 2-2520 if you have any questions
Mercury Exchange Program Announced
EHRS has recently launched a Mercury Thermometer exchange program. The elimination of the use of mercury is an important goal here at Temple University. The way it works is simple. You give us a mercury thermometer and we will replace it with an environmentally safe thermometer absolutely free.
EHRS has the following thermometers available:
Partial Immersion Thermometer (-20C to 150c)
Total Immersion Thermometer (-20 c to 110c)
Simply submit a chemical waste pickup form requesting that your mercury thermometer gets replaced with an environmentally safe thermometer. Please state that you want an environmental safe thermometer on the form.
Act quickly as supplies are limited.
Select Biological Agents Refresher Training Now On-line
As of April 18, 2006, the refresher training for Select Biological Agent users is now available on-line, via TUportal and Blackboard. Please note that this refresher cannot replace the live classroom session Initial Training that is required for newly approved Authorized Users for SBA and their newly registered SBA workers. All information on EHRS training can be foundhere.
Letter from IBC Regarding OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
The Institutional Biosafety Committee has released a letter clarifying necessary compliance to the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. This letter is of particular interest to all laboratory personnel that work with human or primate cell lines, body fluids or tissues. If you are an employee that works with these materials, please read this letter. Any questions should be directed to EHRS at 2-2520.
Waste Minimization Plan Encourages Disposal of Harmful Chemicals
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) has identified 31 chemicals that can be harmful to both humans and the environment. Some of the items on this list - such as Mercury, Cadmium, and Pyrene - may be chemicals you use commonly in the laboratory. We have been encouraged to eliminate, replace or reduce the volume we purchase and dispose. EHRS would like to concentrate on these chemicals as part of the waste minimization plan. Please contact EHRS at 215-707-2520 if you have any questions concerning this waste minimization plan.
LIST UPDATED 12/1/08) 
