fireworks are not toys! celebrate safely · if you have any questions about the appropriateness of...
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Health and Safety News For The Princeton Community • Vol. III No. III, July 2019
Fireworks Are Not Toys! Celebrate SafelyPrinceton University policy
prohibits the use of any fireworksor pyrotechnics device at the
University. Should you choose touse legally-approved devices off
campus, remember that anyfireworks are inherently
dangerous because they can burnpeople, animals and property.
Photo Credit: Princeton University
We've got more illuminating fireworks safety tips and advicefrom Princeton University fire marshal Scott Loh.
READ MORE »
Heat Safety: Know the 'Real Feel'
When planning outdoor work during thesummer, keep a close eye on the weather—and not just the raw temperature. Just asimportant to heat safety is the heat index, whichtakes both temperature and humidity intoaccount.
Learn More »
The National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH) and OSHA publish a heat index app, which
monitors local conditions for a quick assessment of thecurrent heat index and recommended precautions. The app is
available through the CDC Website.
Download the App
Safety Doesn’t Take a Vacation
It may be Chacos weather outdoors, butproper attire is still essential in thelaboratory. Standards of proper dress andPPE do not change when the weather heatsup.
Remember the following rules of dresswhen working in the lab:
No open-toed or woven shoes. Legs cannot be uncovered: thismeans no shorts, capris, skirts orripped jeans. Shirts and tops must cover theshoulders and upper torso. Long hair should be tied back. Loose jewelry or neckwear (such asties, shawls or scarves) that hangoutside the lab coat is not permitted.Use of headphones and earbuds isprohibited.
Of course, lab coats, eye protection andother required PPE must also be worn. Anyclothing or accessories that impede ordiscourage the use of PPE is not allowed.
Also, while summer is the season for beachblankets and BBQs, remember that workingin a lab is no picnic—literally! No food orbeverage of any kind is allowed (noteven hot dogs, chips and egg salad).
If you have any questions about theappropriateness of lab attire, ask yourPrincipal Investigator or contact EHS [email protected] or 609-258-5294.
Improper Disposal of Helium Tank Near-Miss
Helium balloon kits like these are available from manyretailers and can be an a rac ve op on when hos ng anevent or summer cookout. However, they are compressed gas
On a Monday morning, aUniversity sanita onworker was opera ng atrash compactor oncampus. Unbeknownst tothe operator, someonehad disposed of a closedhelium balloon tank suchas the one picturedbelow. Upon compac on,the cylinder over-pressurized and burst,spraying sharp metalpieces across the area.Luckily, the worker wasnot injured
cylinders under significant pressure and users are responsiblefor understanding the hazards they present, and for followingmanufacturer’s instructions for safe handling and disposal.
HELIUM TANKS SHOULD NEVER BEDISPOSED OF IN THE TRASH.
If helium balloons are a necessity for your event, considerordering them pre-inflated rather than purchasing a tank. Ifneither of those options are feasible, follow themanufacturers’ instructions on proper disposal.
LEARN MORE »
Safe+ Sound WeekReturns August 12-18
Safe + Sound Week is a nationwideevent to celebrate the successes ofemployers that have implementedsafety and health programs in theworkplace. Partners of Safe + Soundshow their commitment to safety byfocusing on management leadership,worker participation, and a systematicapproach to finding and fixing hazardsin workplaces.
During Safe + Sound week, look forEHS promotions and specialannouncements demonstratingPrinceton University’s commitment tosafety in the workplace.
Lightning Safety: WhenThunder Roars, GoIndoors!
About 25 million cloud-to-groundlightning flashes occur in the U.S.annually, according to the NationalWeather Service. In an average year,300 people are struck and 30 killed,with many more suffering lifelongdisabilities.
The good news is these incidents areavoidable. By paying attention toweather forecasts and alerts, andtaking action when thunderstormsapproach, you can minimize the riskof having an outdoor activity end intragedy.
READ MORE »READ MORE »
EHS Departmental NewsChange is constant and we at EHS are marking some important,
celebratory and bittersweet milestones this summer.
As of July 1, EHS Director Robin Izzo has a new title: ExecutiveDirector, Environmental Health and Safety. The change wasannounced on June 13 by Executive Vice President TrebyWilliams, who praised Robin’s “extraordinary contributions toward
advancing the University’s mission.”
EHS welcomed a new dedicated IT support technician, MichaelWilliams, in April. Mike is splitting his time between EHS and DPS,providing technical support on software, hardware and networkissues. He has already made a big impact in the office andbecome a valuable part of the EHS team.
Joining EHS in July will be Halina Staniszewska. Many of youknow Halina from her work in the Schultz Lab in theDepartment of Molecular Biology, where she has been aresearch specialist since 2008 (senior research specialistsince 2014).
Halina will be bringing her experience in laboratory safety,shipping, biosafety and lab management to her role as EHS’snewest lab safety specialist, working with Assistant Director ofBiosafety and Environmental Health, Jaqueline Wagner.
Lab Safety Specialist Brittany Armstrong was recently promoted tothe position of Senior Laboratory Safety Specialist, effective Aug. 1.“The change reflects an increase in the role Brittany serves within theoffice as a key contributor to laboratory safety, as well asacknowledgment of a job well done under an increased workloadresulting from office vacancies occurring in 2018,” notes AssociateDirector Stephen Elwood.
Finally, we must announce the departure of Senior Lab SafetySpecialist for Radiation Safety, Caitlin Root. Caitlin, who joined EHS in2016, will be leaving us in early August for a job at the Oak RidgeNational Laboratory. We wish Caitlin the best in her next careerchapter.
EHS Profiles: Joan HutzlyYou may know Laboratory SafetySpecialist Joan Hutzly for helping tomaintain the proper functionality of fumehoods and other lab equipment aroundcampus.
But Joan's job has taken her to every nookand cranny of campus over the last 34years. Learn more in our video profile!
Watch the embedded video or view on theEHS YouTube page .
Upcoming Trainings July - August 2019Intro to Biosafety
July 10 10-11 a.m. Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Room 118
Bloodborne Pathogens For ResearchersJuly 11 3-4 p.m. Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Room 118
Intro to BiosafetyAugust 7 10-11 a.m. Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Room 118
Bloodborne Pathogens For ResearchersAugust 15 3-4 p.m. Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Room 118
To sign up for a training session, go to: https://putrain.learn.com
SUBSCRIBE
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