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. Check out the CSHEMA's new Lab Safety Awareness Week resources here.
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 here and here. The information provided through these new resources 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.
EHS Highlights - 2022 - View EHS highlights for 2022 in this pdf.
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.
Monkeypox: Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a virus that is in the same family of virus as variola virus, which causes small pox. Go here, for more information.
Effective May 2, 2022: UVA Student Health & Wellness will no longer be providing occupational health medical assessments for students seeking approval to handle vertebrate animals. Students in need of medical services associated with activities involving vertebrate animals, hazardous materials (e.g., biological, chemical) or research related incidents should contact UVA WorkMed, similar to employees.
EHS Highlights - 2021 - View EHS highlights for 2021 in this pdf.
A revised Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) was published August 1, 2021. The purpose of the RPP is to comply with provisions set forth in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection to provide respiratory protection and prevent exposure to hazardous airborne contaminants while performing work, research, or other activities at UVA.
On July 1, 2021 UVA Policy ID: SEC-009: Utilization of Radioactive Materials, was revised and renamed to SEC-009: Radiation Safety Program. The revised policy clarifies institutional governance of Radiation Producing Equipment.
Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Radioactive Materials Program Inspection - On January 28, 2021 five representatives from the VDH completed a 3-day inspection of the University and Health System. Their facility inspections, interviews with personnel, and evaluation of records found ZERO license violations! UVA has one of the largest and most complex broad-scope radioactive materials licenses in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Inspections - The EHS Chemical and Laboratory Safety group periodically inspects all laboratories, and educational shops, studios and makerspaces across UVA. EHS also inspects select non-academic University spaces that utilize chemicals and generate hazardous waste.
Safety Program for Shops, Studios & Makerspaces - This Safety Program, created as a collaboration between Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) and the UVA Maker Grounds Safety Committee, provides current information for safety measures and best safety practices to eliminate or minimize risks. The Program's success strongly depends on the Maker Grounds community's active participation to share ideas and promote a safety culture.
Satellite Accumulation Areas - Satellite Accumulation Areas are the areas in labs or work spaces where hazardous waste containers are stored when full. These areas must be "near the point of generation" of the waste. New regulations require the posting of updated signs in the many Satellite Accumulation Areas at the University.
Hazardous (Chemical) Waste Stickers - Virginia regulations require Hazardous Waste Stickers and waste labeling requirements.
Vacuum Systems & Traps - Several of UVA's research facilities are equipped with building vacuum systems. It is important to understand its limitations and use the system as designed when evacuating liquids. Refer to our guidelines to properly set-up a vacuum trap.
Fire Safety - Fire Safety in Labs, Shops, & Studios - Recommended training for persons who work in laboratories, shops and studios. Training helps familiarize users to the unique fire safety considerations in an academic setting. This module will provide background on fire prevention code, common fire code issues, situations or conditions that could lead to a fire, and what you can do to prevent a fire.
User Agreement - UVA Shop, Studio, & Makerspace - Persons using Shop, Studio, or Makerspace at the University of Virginia must complete the "User Agreement for UVA Shop, Studio, & Makerspace" as required by overseeing faculty or space managers.
Programs & Services Report - 2018 - Environmental Health & Safety 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 by exploring our 2018 report.
View older news items in the EHS NEWS ARCHIVE.
