Environmental Health & Safety
Industrial Hygiene
Industrial hygienists are scientists and engineers committed to
protecting the health and safety of people in the workplace and
the community. The goal of the industrial hygienist is to keep workers,
their families, and the community healthy and safe. They play a
vital part in ensuring that federal, state, and local laws and regulations
are followed in the work environment
The IH's primary area of expertise is the evaluation and control
of airborne contaminants including from hazardous chemicals, molds,
and carcinogens. Furthermore ergonomics, hearing protection, electromagnetic
and non-ionizing radiation safety fall under this discipline.
If you have concerns about your work environment then you might
want to contact out Industrial Hygienist.
We have various equipment on site to help identify hazards in your
workplace. Other equipment can be rented as needed.
Chemical Exposure Evaluation
If a potential exposure is suspected, air sampling can be used
to help identify the problem. Also, physicians can be seen through
the Occupational Medicine program at TSRI.
Chemical Fume Hood Certification
Routine fume hood certifications are conducted throughout campus.
Depending on the types and amounts of chemicals or radioactive materials,
fume hoods are checked for compliance either annually or semi-annually.
Fume hoods can be checked at any other time when employees are concerned.
Furthermore, anytime work is performed or parts are replaced, the
fume hood will be checked for appropriate airflow.
For questions or concerns about your fume hoods contact your safety
coordinator.
For the annual certification of biosafety cabinets, laboratories
are required to contact an outside vendor for this service.
Electromagnetic Fields
For those who work in or around strong electromagnetic fields,
measurements can be taken to outline safe working areas.
Ergonomics is the applied science of designing and arranging the
work environment in such a manner as to maximize worker safety and
efficiency. For more information go here.
Hearing Protection
Individuals working in an environment were high sound levels can
effect the long-term health or hearing of the individual will be
placed in our hearing conservation program. Sound levels can be
measured in you work environment and if they exceed the recommended
levels, hearing protection may be prescribed.
Indoor Air Quality
The evaluation of the air being breathed in by employees in their
workplace. Concerns such as allergens, molds and mildews, and hazardous
chemicals can be evaluated using a variety of instruments. This
service can entail not only the sampling of the air quality but
also an evaluation of the air supply and exhaust systems which may
involve the help of the Facilities/Engineering department.
Respiratory Protection
The TSRI EH&S respiratory protection program is currently in
operation. For most employees, fume hoods are the primary inhalation
protection. However, there are occasions when these mechanical controls
are not possible. In such cases, respiratory protection may be the
best way to protect you from inhaling hazardous materials. Before
you use any respiratory protection, from dust masks to self contained
breathing apparatus, contact
our department. You may not need any additional involvement
from our office but let us help ensure that you are wearing equipment
that is safe and effective for the contaminants in your work environment.
Personal Protective Equipment Evaluation
Please check TSRI's
policy on wearing appropriate protective equipment while working
in the lab.
For questions or concerns about obtaining appropriate PPE contact
your safety coordinator.
Lab coats can be obtained by submitting a form 75 to Environmental
Services at IMM27.
Forms
Chemical Carcinogens
|
