Sharps injuries are one of the most common incidents reported in research laboratories. Injuries from a cryostat or microtome blade can be significant. The following practices should be used when sectioning: The blade, handwheel, and …
Biosafety
Taking a safety moment: How to respond to close calls
Close calls are unplanned events where a deviation or mistake occurs, but an accident (such as an injury, spill, or release event) is thankfully avoided. Close calls can be helpful learning experiences. It is important …
ABSL-2 research training requirements for animal care & veterinary staff
If your lab engages in ABSL-2 research and houses animals in a vivarium or other dedicated animal housing space, you are required to provide training to animal care and veterinary staff annually, and whenever a new research …
Closing the loop: Nitrile glove recycling at UW–Madison laboratories
In the bustling research environment of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, thousands of nitrile gloves are used daily across laboratories to ensure biosafety and contamination control. Nitrile gloves, made from synthetic rubber, are a staple in …
Poliovirus containment: All you need to know about PIM
As part of our commitment to minimize the risk of poliovirus release from our research and diagnostic laboratories, UW-Madison must report the acquisition or discovery of any poliovirus potentially infectious materials to the U.S. National …
All About ChemManager+
What is ChemManager+? ChemManager+ is a barcoded chemical inventory platform that integrates with ShopUW+ to streamline chemical inventory management and hazard communication. It is used by anyone that needs to search for, order, and purchase …
Sharps and needles: Best practices to keep you safe
Many researchers and health care professionals use needles daily. Surprisingly, data from the Center of Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 385,000 US healthcare workers accidently stick themselves with a needle every year. Needle stick injuries …
Evaluating the Biosafety Cabinet Replacement Program: Ergonomic, environmental and economic wins
Biological safety cabinets (BSCs) serve as the primary means of protecting laboratory workers and their surrounding environments from pathogens. At the UW–Madison, many BSCs were procured more than two decades ago. These old units are …
Contact EH&S BEFORE Purchasing an EtO Sterilizing Unit
Are you considering the purchase of an ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilizing unit? If you are, please be aware that EtO sterilizing units and related emissions require coverage under the UW-Madison air permit and may also …
Creating a safe working environment in a lab and biological safety cabinet
Here are a few tips to ensure a safe workspace in your lab and BSC. Before Look at the area where the BSC is located. Make sure there are no obstructions such as a door …