Gravitec Systems Inc. issued a product safety alert for MSA WORKMAN® MINI & V-EDGE™ WEB 8ft/2.4m PFLs equipment. The alert requests users of this equipment to perform an enhanced pre-use inspection to determine fall clearance, as it was discovered that some WORKMAN MINI PFL units have greater fall clearance than specified in instruction manuals.
EH&S launched a new version of the Lab Safety Dashboard that offers a Self-Inspection Tool that allows PIs and CHOs to conduct and record an audit of their laboratory spaces using the lab survey checklist.
October is National Biosafety Month, a time to focus on your lab’s biosafety practices and policies. For 2019, EH&S is focusing on biosafety beyond the lab. We are encouraging you to reflect and seek opportunities to strengthen your practices related to biohazards outside of the lab.
1. Transport biohazards safely
Keep these two posters in an easily accessible location in your workspace.
EH&S has a new Spill Response Poster that instructs you what to do in the event of a radiological, chemical or biohazardous spill. For all spills, you should S.W.I.M.:
Effective September 16, the EH&S Employee Health Center will no longer provide annual tuberculosis (TB) screening for most client groups. The Employee Health Center will provide TB screening only at hire or upon placement in a position that requires TB screening. Based on specific occupational risks, some client groups will still receive annual TB screening. Those with a latent TB infection will continue to complete an annual TB symptom survey.
A slip, trip or fall can have a serious impact on a person’s health and well-being.
Many safety measures and the use of PPE can prevent spills and exposures to hazardous materials. However, if you do experience an exposure, your safety, and the safety of others, depends on your response to the incident.
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) developed the UW Lead Safety Program Manual to help personnel who work with lead materials limit their potential lead exposure to the lowest levels possible. Lead is a potent poison, which may cause significant acute and chronic health effects if not used or handled safely.
Personnel working with lead-containing materials:
A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) can help prevent work-related injuries or illnesses by eliminating or controlling hazards. A JHA is a method for identifying and evaluating hazards associated with tasks (steps) for a specific job or activity and eliminating or controlling them before doing the activity. EH&S has created a JHA webpage to help departments and employees conduct and implement JHAs for their work activities.
Has your lab created a tool, resource, or practice to enhance safety in your workspace?
Submit it to EH&S for a chance to be recognized at the 2019 Laboratory Safety Awards & Innovations Event.
To enter, email a description of your innovation to labcheck@uw.edu (with ”Innovation” as the subject header). Selected innovations will be shared at the event on December 9 through presentations and posters.
