As we approach the Winter Recess, we want to remind all researchers of the risks associated with many laboratory activities and ask that everyone does their part to ensure that USC laboratories remain safe during the campus closure.
When ongoing research continues beyond regular business hours, it is especially important that researchers take extra precautions. Please review the memo for pertinent emergency and safety information.
MEMORANDUM
| To: | Principal Investigators, Lab Managers and Supervisors, and Research Staff |
| From: | Ishwar K. Puri, PhD, Senior Vice President of Research and Innovation Deona Willes, MPH, CLS, Executive Director |
| Subject: | Laboratory Safety During Winter Recess |
As we draw closer to our Winter Recess where most campus activities are in hiatus, please review these important safety reminders.
- Working Alone: Do not work alone on procedures involving hazardous materials, chemicals, biohazardous materials, or high-risk physical hazards. Researchers/students working alone during off-hours or periods of campus closure have an increased risk of delayed emergency response following a serious incident.
- Low-risk Work: Exceptions can be made for low-risk research activities if the PI or Supervisor ensures the following for each research staff member or student:
- Everyone fully understands emergency and standard operating procedures.
- Required personal protective equipment (PPE) is available, properly maintained, and utilized in accordance with the USC PPE Standards.
- An effective communication system that consists of a two-way radio, telephone, or cellular phone with adequate reception is immediately available.
- Emergency Reporting: Immediately report all accidents, fires, hazardous materials spills, or other incidents, regardless of size to DPS at (213) 740-4321.
- Serious Injuries. Serious injuries must also be reported within 8 hours to EH&S at (323) 442-2200. EH&S will continue to monitor serious injury reports 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the Winter Recess.
- Spill Response and Clean-Up. Review the Spill Response and Clean-Up web page and Lab Emergency/Non-Emergency Notification and Reporting.
- Emergency Eyewash & Shower. Reacquaint yourself with your lab’s emergency eyewash/shower station location(s) and the Emergency Eyewash & Shower Activation Guide Sheet.
Finally, ensure all required emergency equipment (e.g., first aid kit, emergency showers/eyewash, and fire extinguishers) that supports staff/student work assignments is (a) available, (b) functional, and (c) compatible with the risk.
Thank you for your efforts in ensuring a healthy and safe Winter Recess for all laboratory personnel. Please contact EH&S at (323) 442-2200 or EHS@usc.edu if you have any questions/concerns.