Health and Safety News For The Princeton Community • Vol. V No. II, April 2021
HAPPY SPRING FROM EHS!
New Emergency Preparedness Director to Coordinate Campus Planning, Response
As part of a major effort to expand the scope and efficacy of emergency management services and information on campus, Princeton University has hired Derek Ziegler to fill the newly-created position of Assistant Director for Emergency Preparedness.

EHS Director Elevated to AVP Position as Part of Reorganization
EHS Executive Director Robin Izzo will be promoted to Assistant Vice President for EHS, effective July 1. The AVPs of EHS and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) will report directly to Laura Strickler, who will become Deputy Vice President and Chief of Staff under Executive Vice President Treby Williams. Read More »
COVID-19 Policies Still in Place; Website Has Updates
Follow Princeton EHS on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook
Roof Use Policy Reminder
University policy prohibits the use of roofs on campus for personal or social purposes. This is done because of the obvious hazard of falls, as well as the possibility of roof damage.

Some roofs may be used for research and teaching with prior approval by contacting Jamie McQuaid of Environmental Health & Safety at extension 8-5106 or via e-mail at jmcquaid@princeton.edu and Chris Machusak of the Maintenance Department at extension 8-6607.
Any proposed roof use must also adhere to all COVID 19 campus protocols, including adherence to the current University’s Gathering and Face Coverings policies as well as social distancing, while these policies are in effect. 

The full text of this policy may be found at: ehs.princeton.edu/roof-safety
Leaving So Soon? Lab Closeout Procedures
Planning to graduate or otherwise finish up research at Princeton this spring or summer? There are some important procedures to follow before leaving your lab space for good.

If you are looking to dispose of an entire stock of chemicals, EHS may be able to arrange for help from our waste contractor. Please give advanced notice for scheduling. 

For waste pickup requests, use our online waste removal request form.
Stay Sharp: Sharps Disposal Practices
Proper disposal of sharps is one of the most important components of laboratory safety. Labs are responsible for obtaining their own sharps containers through University stockrooms or supply companies. 
Remember: Always dispose sharps directly into sharps container. Never clip, bend, shear, or separate needles from syringes. Do not recap needles for disposal. When the sharps container is 3/4 full, close and lock the lid.
COVID-19 PPE Disposal
While you continue to wear face coverings on campus, remember to dispose of all used, disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) properly.
As good stewards to the environment, Princeton University and the surrounding community, be sure to dispose of all used disposable PPE in a lined trash can and never deposit litter on the ground. Also, take care when exiting your vehicle to ensure used PPE does not fall out.

After removing your used PPE, always remember to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. 
Earth Month Tip! Reduce waste by using reusable cloth face coverings. Look for cloth masks made from organic or recycled materials when possible—or make your own! Learn more on the Princeton Sustainability website.
Survey Shows Compliance With Mask-Wearing
A new survey of Princeton researchers finds high levels of compliance with mask-wearing and other measures designed to protect people working on campus. Continued adherence to the policies is needed despite rising vaccination rates because regional cases remain high and viral variants are gaining prevalence.
Princeton Drone Policy

All use of drones on property owned or controlled by Princeton must be approved by the UAS Management Team. A required request form is available on ServiceNow. Currently, only flights for business and research/coursework purposes will be considered (no recreational flights).

Learn more by reading the knowledge article (login required) and browsing the drones website: drones.princeton.edu
Hazardous Waste Collection

Mark your calendar: Mercer County household hazardous waste collection and electronic recycling takes place at the Dempster Fire School (350 Lawrence Station Rd.) on June 5 from 8am-2pm.

The next document shredding event is Oct. 9 from 9am-noon at 651 Broad Street, across from the Mercer County admin building in Trenton.
Upcoming EHS Trainings April - July 2021
The following trainings are conducted virtually. Course registrants will receive a Zoom invite via email prior to training.

Fire Extinguisher Training (Virtual)
April 26 2-3 p.m.

Intro to Biosafety (Virtual)
April 28 4-5 p.m. 
May 4 4-5 p.m.

Bloodborne Pathogens For Researchers (Virtual)
May 12 4-5 p.m.
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Laboratory Safety at Princeton University (Online)
New researchers to Princeton University should complete the following steps as part of the online Laboratory Safety Training Sequence.

  1. Complete the online components of the laboratory safety training: Fundamentals of Laboratory Safety 1-5 and Final Test, available at: https://putrain.learn.com
  2. After completing the online components, sign up for and attend an instructor-led Laboratory Safety Training session.

Note: Instructor-led sessions will be conducted via Zoom. Meeting information for the Zoom session will be sent out shortly before the class. Additional information for the Zoom-based training sessions are available in the Guide for Virtual Lab Safety Training.

Upcoming dates for virtual sessions:

Laboratory Safety at Princeton University (Virtual)
April 30
May 11, 28
June 8, 25
July 6, 23
All sessions are from 3-4:30 p.m.

To sign up for a training session, go to:
Select Environmental Health & Safety under "Training By Department"

Contact the editor with any feedback or story ideas at  js74@princeton.edu

Looking for old  Waste Paper content? Archives are  available online. 
Princeton University
Environmental Health & Safety
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Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 258-5294