Search19 Results

This document is for use by the UNC School of Medicine Nephropathology Laboratory and describes allowable levels of Formaldehyde and Xylene vapor concentration, action limits for exposure to Formaldehyde and Xylene, records of Formaldehyde and Xylene monitoring, and how to properly handle Formaldehyde and Xylene.

This policy applies to Industrial, Maintenance, and Construction, and Support Services operations. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines for research laboratories are contained in Chapter 5 of the Laboratory Safety Manual. Personal Protective Equipment for Clinic operations are governed by the Exposure Control Plan.

This document provides guidance on conducting a risk assessment, implementing a risk mitigation program, communicating during and after the assessment, and developing practices to support ongoing application of the risk assessment process to ensure safe laboratory operations.

A comprehensive biosafety risk assessment is a key component of a successful biosafety program and should be part of an all-hazards risk assessment; it should be conducted on a continual basis to address evolving risks within the laboratory environment.

Risk assessments for arthropod research are multifaceted and focus on risks to individual researchers (harm, injury, disease) and impacts that a breach in containment may have on the community (increased/new vector reservoir, improved vector characteristics). Specific containment recommendations for arthropods deemed to be influential on public health can be found in the "Arthropod Containment Guidelines."

This policy addresses the procedures required by the University and UNC Hospitals to reduce the risk for provider-to-patient transmission of Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and/or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, (HIV) for health care personnel who provide direct patient care. This policy also reinforces the University and UNC Health Care requirements of strict adherence to Standard Precautions for all health care personnel in clinical care areas.

Latex allergy occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to proteins found in natural rubber latex (NRL). NRL, commonly referred to as latex, is most often associated with disposable gloves but may be found in thousands of other products both within a health care setting and in normal daily life.

It is the policy of UNC-Chapel Hill Clinical Facilities and UNC Health Care that all employees be protected from overexposure to glutaraldehyde in the course of performing their jobs. If glutaraldehyde exposure is documented by EHS above 0.2 ppm, engineering or administrative controls will be implemented to reduce exposure below the limit. Typical trade names for glutaraldehyde solutions used in UNC-CH Clinical and UNC Health Care facilities are Cidex, Rapicide, and Wavicide.

Lead exposure can be harmful to individuals of all ages. However, lead exposure is especially damaging to children, fetuses, and women of childbearing age. The effects of lead poisoning may occur gradually and imperceptibly, often showing no obvious symptoms.

UNC employees and contractors must be aware of potential hazards associated with accessing campus roofs, and this policy has been developed to assist in mitigating those hazards.

The purpose of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) Respiratory Protection Program is to protect the health of employees in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134. Respirators shall be used to protect against harmful dusts, fibers, fumes, mists, gasses, smokes, sprays, bio-aerosols, and vapors.

The health and safety of workers and building occupants is the most important factor to consider in laboratory work. In addition to these health and safety concerns, compliance with OSHA, Radiation Protection, and EPA regulations is also important because of the severe financial consequences, especially related to EPA hazardous waste regulations.

Employees are expected to wear footwear appropriate for the duties of their employment. Sandals or other open-toe style shoes are not permitted to be worn in laboratories, shops, or other job locations where glass, caustic or corrosive chemicals, or hot materials are used or handled.

A pair of safety glasses is issued to each student in the first Chemistry laboratory course taken. The students are required to keep this pair of safety glasses for all future Chemistry laboratory courses at UNC. If they lose or break the safety glasses they are required to purchase a replacement pair from the teaching laboratories administrative office.

Safety glasses which are professionally measured and fitted to the individual are recommended for permanent employees whose job duties require frequent eye protection. These specially fitted glasses are available through the Eye Care Center and the North Carolina Department of Corrections.