Health and Safety News For The Princeton Community • Vol. III No. III, July 2019
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Fireworks Are Not Toys! Celebrate Safely
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Princeton University policy prohibits the use of any fireworks or pyrotechnics device at the University. Should you choose to use legally-approved devices off campus, remember that any fireworks are inherently dangerous because they can burn people, animals and property.
Photo Credit: Princeton University
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We've got more illuminating fireworks safety tips and advice from Princeton University fire marshal
Scott Loh
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Heat Safety: Know the 'Real Feel'
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When planning outdoor work during the summer, keep a close eye on the weather—and not just the raw temperature. Just as important to heat safety is the heat index, which takes both temperature and humidity into account.
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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 the current heat index and recommended precautions. The app is available through the CDC Website.
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Safety Doesn’t Take a Vacation
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It may be Chacos weather outdoors, but
proper attire is still essential in the laboratory. Standards of proper dress and PPE do not change when the weather heats up.
Remember the following rules of dress when working in the lab:
- No open-toed or woven shoes.
- Legs cannot be uncovered: this means no shorts, capris, skirts or ripped jeans.
- Shirts and tops must cover the shoulders and upper torso.
- Long hair should be tied back.
- Loose jewelry or neckwear (such as ties, shawls or scarves) that hang outside the lab coat is not permitted.
- Use of headphones and earbuds is prohibited.
Of course, lab coats, eye protection and other required PPE must also be worn. Any clothing or accessories that impede or discourage the use of PPE is not allowed.
Also, while summer is the season for beach blankets and BBQs, remember that working in a lab is no picnic—literally!
No food or beverage of any kind is allowed (not even hot dogs, chips and egg salad).
If you have any questions about the appropriateness of lab attire, ask your Principal Investigator or contact EHS at ehs@princeton.edu or 609-258-5294.
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Improper Disposal of Helium Tank Near-Miss
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Helium balloon kits like these are available from many retailers and can be an attractive option when hosting an event or summer cookout. However, they are compressed gas cylinders under significant pressure and users are responsible for understanding the hazards they present, and for following manufacturer’s instructions for safe handling and disposal.
HELIUM TANKS SHOULD NEVER BE DISPOSED OF IN THE TRASH.
If helium balloons are a necessity for your event, consider ordering them pre-inflated rather than purchasing a tank. If neither of those options are feasible, follow the manufacturers’ instructions on proper disposal.
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On a Monday morning, a University sanitation worker was operating a trash compactor on campus. Unbeknownst to the operator, someone had disposed of a closed helium balloon tank such as the one pictured below. Upon compaction, the cylinder over-pressurized and burst, spraying sharp metal pieces across the area. Luckily, the worker was not injured
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Safe+ Sound Week Returns August 12-18
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Safe + Sound Week is a nationwide event to celebrate the successes of employers that have implemented safety and health programs in the workplace. Partners of Safe + Sound show their commitment to safety by focusing on management leadership, worker participation, and a systematic approach to finding and fixing hazards in workplaces.
During Safe + Sound week, look for EHS promotions and special announcements demonstrating Princeton University’s commitment to safety in the workplace.
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Lightning Safety: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
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About 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes occur in the U.S. annually, according to the National Weather Service. In an average year, 300 people are struck and 30 killed, with many more suffering lifelong disabilities.
The good news is these incidents are avoidable. By paying attention to weather forecasts and alerts, and taking action when thunderstorms approach, you can minimize the risk of having an outdoor activity end in tragedy.
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Change is constant and we at EHS are marking some important, celebratory and bittersweet milestones this summer.
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As of July 1, EHS Director
Robin Izzo has a new title: Executive Director, Environmental Health and Safety. The change was announced on June 13 by Executive Vice President Treby Williams, who praised Robin’s “extraordinary contributions toward advancing the University’s mission.”
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EHS welcomed a new dedicated IT support technician,
Michael Williams, in April. Mike is splitting his time between EHS and DPS, providing technical support on software, hardware and network issues. He has already made a big impact in the office and become a valuable part of the EHS team.
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Joining EHS in July will be
Halina Staniszewska. Many of you know Halina from her work in the Schultz Lab in the Department of Molecular Biology, where she has been a research specialist since 2008 (senior research specialist since 2014).
Halina will be bringing her experience in laboratory safety, shipping, biosafety and lab management to her role as EHS’s newest lab safety specialist, working with Assistant Director of Biosafety and Environmental Health, Jaqueline Wagner.
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Lab Safety Specialist
Brittany Armstrong was recently promoted to the position of Senior Laboratory Safety Specialist, effective Aug. 1. “The change reflects an increase in the role Brittany serves within the office as a key contributor to laboratory safety, as well as acknowledgment of a job well done under an increased workload resulting from office vacancies occurring in 2018,” notes Associate Director Stephen Elwood.
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Finally, we must announce the departure of Senior Lab Safety Specialist for Radiation Safety,
Caitlin Root. Caitlin, who joined EHS in 2016, will be leaving us in early August for a job at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. We wish Caitlin the best in her next career chapter.
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EHS Profiles: Joan Hutzly
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You may know Laboratory Safety Specialist Joan Hutzly for helping to maintain the proper functionality of fume hoods and other lab equipment around campus.
But Joan's job has taken her to every nook and cranny of campus over the last 34 years. Learn more in our video profile!
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Upcoming Trainings July - August 2019
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Intro to Biosafety
July 10 10-11 a.m. Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Room 118
Bloodborne Pathogens For Researchers
July 11 3-4 p.m. Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Room 118
Intro to Biosafety
August 7 10-11 a.m. Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Room 118
Bloodborne Pathogens For Researchers
August 15 3-4 p.m. Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Room 118
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Princeton University
Environmental
Health & Safety
262 Alexander Street
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 258-5294
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