EHS Highlights - 2025: EHS supports the University’s mission of research, education, patient care and service through the promotion of safety, regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship. So, what exactly does this mean, and what exactly does EHS do? Learn more by exploring our 2025 Highlights (pdf).
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) being readily accessible to employees is a mandatory Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard requirement. EHS and UVA Health System are in partnership to provide the UVA community with access to a searchable web-based SDS library. See the 2025 article in UVA Health Connect for details on why we rely on SDS.
UVA Health's laser safety program was developed to provide hospital staff the training tools needed to provide a safe work environment during the use of healthcare laser systems. The program follows the ANSI standards Z136.1 (American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers) and Z136.3 (American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care), which are the guiding documents for the proper and safe use of laser systems. See the 2025 article in UVA Health Connect for details on the UVA Health Laser Safety program.
Monitoring Radiation Exposure: EHS has published a short video which demonstrates the proper method for installing your issued dosimeter into the plastic holder clip and wearing the dosimeter on your body. Find this video on the EHS Dosimetry page. Also check out this article in UVA Health Connect about the people and resources required to manage the Radiation Dosimatry Program at the University.
(Lithium) Battery Safety: EHS has published a new educational web page to provide users information about how to safely use lithium batteries. The new web page can be viewed here.
Lab Safety Awareness Week: UVA is a member of the Campus Safety, Health and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA), the pre-eminent leadership organization representing the EHS profession in campus environments. CSHEMA is celebrating its second annual Lab Safety Awareness Week February 12-16, 2024.
Serious Event Reporting: Environmental Health & Safety reports work-related incidents to the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry in a manner which ensures compliance with Virginia Code § 40.1-51.1. If you learn about any of the following events happening in the work-place: fatality, amputation, loss of an eye, inpatient hospitalization of one or more persons, or a medical event (i.e. heart attack) GO TO THIS PAGE AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS!
Outdoor Air Quality: Find current levels of outdoor pollution and learn how to protect yourself when the outdoor air quality reaches unhealthy levels with our new AIR QUALITY INDEX (AQI) web page.
Reuse of Empty Containers for Waste Collection: If reusing an empty container for waste collection, it is advisable to ONLY use the empty container for a similar and compatible material as compared to the original contents! For example, use an empty ethanol bottle for non-halogenated solvent waste collection. Chemical reactions, leading to bottle explosion, have occurred when using empty plastic alcohol bottles for acid waste, even after rinsing! Learn more about empty chemical containers here.
Chemical Fume Hoods (New safety resource!): EHS has published a new educational module to provide users an introduction to chemical fume hoods, how to determine it is safe for use, and guidance for implementing safe work practices. The module can be viewed here: Proper Practices for Chemical Fume Hood Use.
Reproductive Health & Pregnancy in the Laboratory: On April 25, 2023, EHS published new web page resources. The information provided through this new resource will assist persons to identify laboratory related risks and to develop mitigation strategies when working in the laboratory environment.
Skid Steers (aka Bobcats): On April 18, 2023 EHS published a new web page resource for Skid Steer use at UVA. The new resource includes a newly minted EHS Skid Steer Safety Program, a discussion of hazards, and required training and inspections for Skid Steer operators and Departments.
Hazardous Waste Inspection: EPA and Virginia DEQ representatives inspected UVA hazardous waste operations in December 2022. The purpose of the inspection was to evaluate institutional compliance with hazardous waste management laws and regulations. No issues of non-compliance were identified.
EHS Highlights - 2024: download
EHS Highlights - 2022: download