What is the process when working with chemicals?

The Research Safety Program in the Environmental Health & Safety Office (EHSO) is responsible for administration of programs in the research and non-research community regarding management of chemicals. 

The Research Safety Program provides oversight and assistance for programs that include:

·        chemical inventory program (for labs and non-research areas),

·        chemical hygiene program,

·        chemical hazard assessments,  consulting and assistance with safe chemical handling and management

·        respiratory protection and personal protective equipment for labs,

·        all fume hood performance testing,

·        hazard assessment for required personal protective equipment (PPE)

·        emergency and spill preparedness for hazardous materials.

 

EHSO Main Phone: 404-727-5922

Website:  http://www.ehso.emory.edu/about/what-we-do.html

Kalpana Rengarajan
Associate Director of EHSO
 Research Safety
 404-727-8863
 krengar@emory.edu 

 

Esmeralda Meyer
Assistant Director of EHSO
 Research Safety
 404-727-8083
 evargas@emory.edu

The Chemical Safety Protocol – Notice of Intent Guidelines outlines the submission and approval process for investigators working with chemicals.  Investigators must complete a Chemical Safety Protocol Notice of Intent Form (the link in the guidelines to this form are not functional – please update for the handbook) and submit to the EHSO.  

For advice and guidance on the Biosafety Protocol Submission and Approval (BIORAFT) process, please contact the Biosafety Officer within the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO)If you need to submit a new Chemical Safety protocol for administering chemicals in animals, please contact chemsafe@emory.edu to request access in BioRAFT. 

Starting January 2017, all investigators will be requested to complete the Hazardous Chemical Wizard in BioRAFT. 

According to the Office of Animal Resources policies, some chemicals may require approval for use in animal protocols. If you need to submit a new Chemical Safety protocol for administering chemicals in animals, please contact chemsafe@emory.edu to request access in BioRAFT.

Contact Kalpana Rengarjan at 404-727-8863to obtain information on the pertinent chemical health and safety program s as well as on the setting up a lab, and EHSO laboratory review process. 

 

All personnel must complete the Lab Safety Training.  EHSO training resources are available on the website: http://www.ehso.emory.edu/training/courses.html.

Guidelines and manuals for chemical safety are available on the EHSO website.

 

·       The Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)
 A CHP must be implemented in each lab by the Principal Investigator.  EHS provides a generic written program that includes sections on all aspects of safe chemical use and management including safe compatible storage and minimization of hazards during use.  PIs are expected to include laboratory-specific procedures as attachments to the CHP and, in particular, procedures for dealing with particularly hazardous chemicals.  Training, including lab-specific training, is also required by the Lab Standard.  Labs should include emergency preparedness and response training and resources to staff as part of the required training.

·       Personal protective equipment
Labs must comply with Institution of Occupational Safety and Health regulations regarding the use of personal protective equipment and respirators.  A hazard assessment must be conducted by each PI or their designee.  Training, including lab-specific training, is required to convey to laboratory workers the personal protective clothing and equipment expectations and availability.

·       Chemicals of Interest
Investigators are also responsible for becoming aware of chemicals listed as chemicals of interest (COIs) in the Department of Homeland Security  Chemical Security Anti-Terrorism Standards and work with EHS Chemical Safety staff prior to the purchase of selected COIs.  The investigator’s chemical inventory must be accurately maintained to allow for University COI tracking and specific reporting requirements of the regulation.

·       Special Requirements in Dept. of Defense (DoD) Grants
EHS manages the institutional safety program required for DoD grant recipients.  A Facility Safety Plan is part of the safety program and has been sponsor-approved for the University.  Additional items pertinent to investigators include: 

o   Investigators need to contact EHS whenever the DoD requests a PI Safety Assurance document

o   The investigator and EHS will briefly discuss safety issues associated with the funded project during a site visit to the lab

o   The investigator will be required to submit simple internal forms  to EHS declaring project hazards, safety programs in place in the lab, and changes in hazards and equipment from one year to the next