The start of the new academic year brings new opportunities for scientific research at USC and is a good time to evaluate your lab safety procedures and practices, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Starting in Fall 2017, EH&S launched an initiative that focuses on the proper use of eye protection. Below is the recent memo released to the USC community.
MEMORANDUM
| To: | Principal Investigators, Lab Managers and Supervisors, and Research Staff |
| From: | Randolph Hall/Vice-President for Research James H. Gibson/Executive Director, EH&S |
| Subject: | Eye Protection Initiative |
As we begin the new academic year, we take the opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of maintaining a safe work environment that includes the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as outlined in the USC PPE Standard. Recent laboratory accidents at USC have resulted in exposures and minor eye injuries that could have been prevented with the proper use of eye and face protection. To increase PPE awareness and enhance the safety culture at USC, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) will soon begin an Eye Protection Initiative.
Over the next few weeks, EH&S Safety Specialists will schedule visits to your laboratories to demonstrate the different types of eye protection available. Prior to these visits, however, you will be emailed a very short survey to fill out to better gauge your understanding of PPE use and requirements.
During the visit, EH&S will provide: (a) a free pair of splash goggles, (b) information on how to purchase additional goggles as well as other PPE that may be required for your research, and (c) pertinent Fact Sheets and other educational materials to encourage complete eye protection whenever working with hazardous materials.
Thank you again for your continuing efforts to protect the health and safety of the campus community. If you have any questions or safety concerns, please contact labsafety@usc.edu or call 323-442-2200.