Emergency Information
Call the Georgia Tech Police Department at 404-894-2500 immediately if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, or need a fire truck or ambulance.
For links to information about a campus-wide emergency, or to sign up for emergency alerts, go to Georgia Tech's main emergency page.
Biosafety
My autoclave is not working. What should I do?
Follow the standard operating procedure poster posted nearby the autoclave. Here's what to do:
- Inform your building manager so that they can notify Steris.
- Call Getinge (1-800-660-1687) to report the problem and provide them the serial number of the autoclave and/or boiler.
- Email the Biosafety Office (biosafety@ehs.gatech.edu) indicating: the unit location, the problem, when you notified Getinge and if they have returned your call.
- Post the Out of Service sign nearby indicating when you called Getinge to prevent the continued use of a broken autoclave.
- While filling out an IBC application, how do I classify my IBC protocol?
Go to Section III of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules to determine what category your work falls under. If you need assistance, contact the Biosafety Officer. - How do I know if I need a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) for my biological material shipment?
This determination will be made by the Office of Sponsored Programs. There is information on their website that can help you determine if an MTA is required for your shipment. - I need more biohazard waste boxes. Who do I contact?
The Hazardous Waste office provides biohazard waste boxes and the red plastic liners for these boxes. Visit their site for who to contact. - Do I really need an appointment to drop off a biological material shipment?
Yes, you really do need to schedule an appointment. Showing up unexpected or trying to coordinate a shipment drop-off the day-of your desired shipment will likely result in disappointment. To ensure that someone is available to receive your samples and has reserved time to ship your package, please be sure to schedule an appointment using the Shipping Appointment webform. - Does Biosafety provide sharps bins?
No. Labs may purchase these from any lab supply company. - How do I know whether I need to submit an IBC application or a BMSC application?
Check out our biosafety protocol submission page to learn more about each of these approval processes. How do I get a biosafety cabinet decontaminated?
Contact us to schedule a time for the technician to come to campus and service your unit. The email should include:- The unit’s manufacturer, model number, and serial number
- The building and room number
- Why the unit needs to be decontaminated.
Note that the unit will likely require re-certification depending on what is done to the unit after decontamination, something that also needs to be coordinated through the Biosafety Office.
- How often do biosafety cabinets / laminar flow hoods / clean benches need to be recertified?
All biosafety cabinets, laminar flow hoods, and clean benches must be re-certified on an annual basis, as well as after they are repaired and after they are moved to a new location. This service is offered through a Biosafety Office managed vendor and can be coordinated through Biosafety. - Which office conducts export control review?
The Office of Research Integrity Assurance conducts export control review. Why can't I use an open flame in a BSC?
There are several reasons why this practice is prohibited:- The flame itself creates turbulence within the BSC which will disrupt the airflow inside the unit causing convection rather than intended laminar air flow patterns. Laminar air patterns maintain both a clean work environment and protect your health from what you’re working with.
- Cabinets are not designed for high heat; heat that can disrupt electrical equipment within the unit itself and grossly damage the HEPA filter leading to a loss of containment.
- Most BSCs recirculate a percentage of air, so were the flame to go out, flammable gas would collect within the cabinet and reach explosive concentrations.
This policy is in accordance with recommendations from numerous agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and major biosafety cabinet manufacturers themselves.
- What biosafety trainings do I need to take and how frequently?
The trainings that are required vary based on what materials you're working with, and all courses require a refresher periodically. See the Biosafety Training page for more details. My biosafety cabinet / laminar flow hood / clean bench is not working properly. What should I do?
Contact us (and cc your building manager) as soon as possible stating specifically- Which unit is down
- Where the unit is located
- What issues the unit is reportedly having
- How long the unit has been malfunctioning.
Put an out of service sign on the cabinet to prevent others from using it. Biosafety will get a technician on campus as soon as possible.
- Where is Concentra?
Concentra is located at 688 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308. Physically, it’s located across the interstate, just south of Tech Square and directly north of the Varsity. If you take the underground tunnel to cross the highway, Concentra will be on your immediate right upon exiting the tunnel and on Spring Street. Their phone number is 404-881-1155. - Do I need to autoclave my biological waste first before having it picked up?
Solid, non-sharp biohazard waste from BSL-1 labs and BSL-2 labs may be disposed of directly into EHS-supplied biohazard waste boxes lined with red biohazard bags. These boxes are decontaminated offsite via incineration. - Who do I call to pick up solid biohazard waste?
The Hazardous Waste office within EHS picks up biohazardous waste. See more details here on how to submit a request. - Who needs to enroll in the Biosafety Occupational Health Program (BOHP)?
Anyone working with animals or biological materials. See more information here.
Environmental
- I'm doing a renovation/demolition project. Do I have to do a lead survey or lead abatement?
Most likely not. We do not do lead abatement projects very often, because we currently have very few spaces that are considered to be "child-occupied facilities" that are in danger of having lead paint.
We do require that contractors use lead-safe best work practices for every renovation or demolition project.
- I'm doing a renovation/demolition project. Do I have to do an asbestos survey? What if the building is less than 10 years old?
Yes, unless we have survey data of the space already. Usually we can figure out if a survey is needed with a quick site visit and check of our records.
Fire
How often should I be checking the fire extinguishers in my lab?
Fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly by lab personnel. The reverse side of the tag should contain an area for this monthly check to be documented. Checks include physical condition of the fire extinguisher (i.e. no visible damage to cylinder or hose); presence of the pin in the handle; a plastic tab that has not been broken (indicating that It’s been discharged); and finally, a check of the gauge (if present) to verify it is not over- or under-charged.
General
- How do I register for the online defensive driving course?
To register for the online defensive driving course, please visit Trains then search for “(EHS) Defensive Driving Online Tutuorial Access Request” or go directly to the course page. Then follow the instructions to get enrolled in the course.
- How do I request forklift certification training?
Email General Safety to schedule a session for this on-demand course.
- If I need to drive institutional vans, do I have to take defensive driving training as well as van safety?
Yes, the defensive driving course is a prerequisite to the van safety course. You must either take the online defensive driving course or the in-class defensive driving course.
- How do I register for the online van safety course?
To register for the online van safety course, please visit Trains then search for “(EHS) 15 Passenger Van Safety” or go directly to the course page. Then follow the instructions to get enrolled in the course.
- How do I request an ergonomic evaluation?
Email General Safety to schedule an ergonomic assessment. Please include the following information:- Full name
- Workstation location (ex: building/suite#)
- Issues you are experiencing
- What are the differences between in-class defensive driving course and the online defensive driving course?
- The in-class defensive driving course is a 6 hour defensive driving course developed from the National Safety Council, this course is not a point reduction course. After successful completion of this course a certificate is generated that allows for insurance deductions.
- The online defensive driving course is a defensive driving course that is 45 minutes in length, after successful completion of this course a certificate is generated, however this course does not qualify for insurance deductions. Both course certification period is 3 years.
- How do I request a specific occupational safety course for my operational area?
Email General Safety to schedule an occupational safety awareness training.
- How do I request a general safety audit of my instructional or workplace area?
Email General Safety to schedule a jobsite safety evaluation. Please allow up to 5 days for appointment scheduling.
Hazardous
- Why can't you tell me when you will pick up my waste?
We average at least 15 individual pick-up requests each day (often more). We have found it generally more efficient for us and more convenient for our customers, if we just show up. We will, on occasion, set a definite date/time for service. We try to get your waste within 3 days of the request – if we haven’t been there and you haven’t heard from us – please follow-up.
- Who do I contact to pick up chemical waste?
The EHS Hazardous Waste Office picks up all chemical waste. Submit a waste pickup request via EHSA.
- I have a full glass disposal box. Who should I contact to pick it up?
Glass disposal boxes must be disposed of by lab personnel. Once the box is 3/4 full, tape the glass disposal lid onto the box and take the glass disposal to the appropriate waste disposal area.
- Where do I get containers for waste?
Laboratories are responsible for providing their own waste containers. Most labs simply use empty containers that they have generated (make sure the waste is compatible with the initial contents or the container has been thoroughly cleaned before adding waste). We will under certain circumstances and after coordination, provide 5 gallon and larger containers, please note that if you are using large waste containers such as 30 gallon drums, you may be subject to additional administrative and safety requirements.
- How do we get our waste containers returned?
If the following apply, we make a “good faith” effort to return them to the generating laboratory:- The waste is compatible with waste from other sources and can, hence, be combined into larger containers.
- The container is clearly marked with “return to” and the lab/room designation.
- We do not return:
- 4 liter (1 gal) containers or smaller.
- 5 gal containers which originally contained solvent.
- Any container which, in our opinion, is no longer suitable for waste.
- Also note that we do not rinse or otherwise clean waste containers; you must either use them for waste compatible with the original contents or clean them appropriately.
Where or how do I get bio waste bags and boxes?
Bio waste bags and boxes are stocked in five places on campus:- Whitaker (BME) in the basement closet, close to the service elevator
- Ford ES&T, VWR Storeroom
- IBB, Building Manager's office in basement
- EBB, VWR Storeroom
- MoSE, 4th floor west
Please take only what you need, and let us know if stocks are empty or low.- Do I need to autoclave my biological waste first before having it picked up?
Solid, non-sharp biohazard waste from BSL-1 labs and BSL-2 labs may be disposed of directly into EHS-supplied biohazard waste boxes lined with red biohazard bags. These boxes are decontaminated offsite.
- Can I move chemical waste from one of my labs to another one for convenience?
No with an exception. Each lab should have a satellite accumulation area (SAA) where their chemical waste is placed until HazMat picks it up. The SAA should be within the walls of the lab meaning you should not take the waste through a door. Once the waste is removed from the SAA it must be taken to a regulated 90-day accumulation area. Exceptions are in buildings where regulated 90-day accumulation areas have been established.
- Do I have to put waste labels on virgin chemicals?
No with an exception. Virgin chemical waste is tracked using the EHSA chemical barcode. Virgin chemical waste management is located here (need the EHSA link to Virgin chemical procedure.) However, if the chemical has not been managed properly and the chemical is not in EHSA with a valid barcode assigned to it, you will need to create and attach an EHSA waste ticket.
- I’m trying to make a waste ticket, but the lab I need is not listed. How do I add a lab location for waste?
Email ehsa.gatech.edu for assistance.
Lab & Chemical
- Can flammable materials be stored in refrigerators?
Flammable materials can only be stored in flammable-safe refrigerators or explosion-proof refrigerators. Flammable materials cannot be stored in conventional refrigerators. Electrical sparks from a conventional refrigerator can ignite flammable vapors that build up inside.
- How often should I be checking the safety shower in my lab?
Safety showers that do not have a drain must be inspected at least annually by Facilities Management. Safety showers that are drained should additionally be checked annually by lab personnel. EHS encourages lab personnel to check these themselves as often as possible if there is equipment and personnel to do so regardless of the presence of a drain!
- What is a hazardous chemical?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration defines a hazardous chemical as "any chemical which is a physical or a health hazard".
- Can I ship my own materials?
EHS personnel must ship your materials to ensure all regulations are adhered to. The penalties for failing to ship properly include fines for Georgia Tech and yourself, as well as possible criminal charges. For more information please visit the Chemical Shipping page.
- Are GT Emergency Procedures required to be posted in the lab?
GT Emergency Procedures are required to be posted on the interior of all lab exit doors. It must be filled out in its entirety. You can order the poster via EHSA, using the Barcode Request feature. This feature offers variety of lab-safety items, helping to improve the lab safety in your lab.
- What are the most common causes of IAQ problems?
The most common causes of IAQ problems in buildings are:- Not enough ventilation, lack of fresh outdoor air, or air that has been contaminated with allergens, such as pollen or dust, being brought into the building
- Poor upkeep of ventilation, heating, and air-conditioning systems
- Dampness and moisture damage due to leaks, flooding or high humidity
- Occupant activities, such as construction or remodeling
- Indoor and outdoor contaminated air
- Lack of proper upkeep with regard to cleaning activities such as cleaning of carpets, removal of trash, and other regular “housekeeping” activities.
- I have a full glass disposal box. Who should I contact to pick it up?
Glass disposal boxes must be disposed of by lab personnel. Once the box is 3/4 full, tape the glass disposal lid onto the box and take the glass disposal to the appropriate waste disposal area.
- How often should I be checking the fire extinguishers in my lab?
Fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly by lab personnel. The reverse side of the tag should contain an area for this monthly check to be documented. Checks include physical condition of the fire extinguisher (i.e. no visible damage to cylinder or hose); presence of the pin in the handle; a plastic tab that has not been broken (indicating that It’s been discharged); and finally, a check of the gauge (if present) to verify it is not over- or under-charged.
- What time do I need to have my shipment to EHS in order for the shipment to go out the same day?
All shipments must be received no later than 12:00pm in order to have the shipment go out the same day. Schedule your shipping appointment using this web form: https://ehs.gatech.edu/shipping/request
- What is EHSA?
EHSA is the database used to track chemicals at Georgia Tech. Please see our EHSA page for more information.
- How often do I have to reconcile my chemicals?
Laboratories, facilities maintenance areas, and all GT areas in which chemicals are used or stored are required to reconcile chemicals semi-annually (deadlines: June and December). EHS submits the GT Campus Inventory Report to the Board of Regents shortly after (as required by Georgia law). First responders use the GT campus inventory to assess the situation in the case of an emergency. Please see the EHSA page for more information.
- What is considered good IAQ?
The qualities of good IAQ should include comfortable temperature and humidity, adequate supply of fresh outdoor air, and control of pollutants from inside and outside of the building.
- What do I need to bring with me to my chemical shipment appointment?
This information can be found in detail on the Chemical Shipping page. To summarize, on the day of shipment, bring the following to EHS:- Material in a secure and sealed inner container, which should be secured in secondary containment (a Ziploc bag is sufficient for small quantities)
- Dry Ice, if applicable
- Safety information, such as an SDS, if applicable
- All completed paperwork
- What does PPE mean?
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. PPE refers to the clothing or equipment that is designed to protect the wearer’s body from injury or infection. Please see the PPE page for more information.
- Is there a single test that can find an IAQ problem?
No, there is no single test that will identify all IAQ issues. EHS typically uses a variety of instruments to produce a comprehensive summary of air quality parameters.
- What is an SDS?
SDS stands for Safety Data Sheets, formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets. SDSs are formal documents that contains important information about the characteristics and actual or potential hazards of the product. SDSs also include important spill and emergency response information. It is always a good idea to review the SDS for a material or chemical before using it!
- How often should I be checking the eyewash in my lab?
Eyewash units that are located on sinks must be checked weekly by lab personnel. For those not located on sinks, they must be checked annually.
- How do I reconcile my chemicals?
Follow the instructions here in the EHSA User Handbook.
- I don’t have a computer with internet in my lab. How can I reconcile?
You can use a laptop, tablet, your smartphone etc. Your school may also have laptops or tablets to loan. Reconciliation process on other devices follows the same procedural steps to working with your stationery computer.- Pair the scanner with your device (if you use the EHS scanner, go to Bluetooth option and “add a new device”).
- Open the reconciliation EHSA page on your device.
- Start reconciliation process on your device like you would do on your computer. Remember about clicking in the barcode field before starting scanning.
- Can I wear headphones in the lab?
Headphones or earbuds are not permitted in the lab. You must be able to hear what is going on around you. Other forms of music/radio may be played in the lab but nothing requiring the use of headphones.
- How do I document my corrective actions for my lab inspection?
All lab inspection corrective actions must be documented in EHSA following these instructions. If you are having any problems with EHSA, please email us with as much detail as possible.
- How do I label my chemical waste?
Chemical waste containers must be labeled before you start adding waste to the container. Print the label from EHSA following these instructions.
- Are there currently any regulations on mold?
No, there are currently no established levels for mold exposure. The effects from mold exposure can vary between individuals based on many factors.
- Can chemicals with high toxicity be used on open benchtops?
Chemicals with high toxicity are to only be used in properly ventilated spaces, such as a chemical fume hood. Please contact lab-chemsafety@gatech.edu if you need a risk assessment or process evaluation completed for a highly toxic material.
- What can I wear to lab?
Your safety in the lab starts at what you wear to lab. Below are some of the basic requirements:- Long hair must be tied back
- Long pants that cover to the ankle
- Shorts and skirts not allowed
- Pants that are frayed or torn are not recommended.
- Shirts that cover your torso are required
- Crop tops are not allowed.
- Natural fibers are recommended because they are fire resistant
- Nylons (aka pantyhose), Leggings, Jeggings are not recommended
- Canvas shoes, open front or back shoes, open weave shoes, ballet flats, Crocs with holes are not allowed.
- The best shoes for lab work completely enclose the foot and can be wiped clean.
- Can I use my scanner to reconcile, or can I borrow one from EHS?
All Voyagers used with Chematix should work with EHSA. They Voyagers do not have a very long range, so sometimes do not reach from your computer to your chemical storage area. EHS offers loaner Bluetooth scanners with a range up to 50 feet.
All EHS scanners are loaned with a Bluetooth dongle. It works similarly to your wireless mouse, connecting the scanner to your computer. You only need a USB port. After receiving our loaner combo (scanner + Bluetooth dongle), download the software from the CD (Bluetooth dongle box), pair the scanner with a computer (follow the scanner instruction book), and start reconciling
- What operating height does my sash have to be on the fume hood?
Fume hoods should be operated with the sash at 18". Please remember to close the sash when the hood is not in use.
- How much flammable and combustible materials can I have in my area?
No more than 120 gallons of Class I, Class II, and Class IIIA liquids, combined, may be stored in a storage cabinet. Of this total, no more than 60 gallons may be of Class I and Class II liquids, combined, and not more than three such cabinets may be in a single fire compartment area. (i.e., a room that is separated from other rooms/areas by fire walls). Please refer to the Lab Safety Manual, under "Flammable and Combustible Liquids" then "Flammable Storage Lockers and Refrigerators" for more information.
- My fume hood is not working. What should I do?
Contact EHS: lab-chemsafety@gatech.edu and an EHS professional will make the appropriate assessment of the next steps.
- How long does sampling take?
Depending on the type of monitoring that is required, sampling can range from a few hours to a week or more. EHS can provide additional information on sampling times during the initial meeting.
- What lab and chemical safety trainings do I need to take and how frequently?
The trainings that are required vary based on what materials you're working with, and all courses require a refresher periodically. See the Chemical Safety Training page for more details.
- Who do I contact if I feel I need a respirator?
EHS oversees the Respiratory Protection Program on campus and can determine if respiratory protection is needed. Please see our website for more information and email us with your concerns.
- Who do I contact to pick up chemical waste?
The EHS Hazardous Waste Office picks up all chemical waste. Submit a waste pickup request via EHSA.
- I ran out of chemical inventory barcodes. How do I get more?
The GT inventory barcodes can be ordered via the Barcode Request feature on our EHSA. Submit the order via EHSA and your barcodes will be delivered to your lab.
Radiation
- How do I determine what laser eye protection to buy?
The LSO calculates the optical density needed for protection against the wavelengths in use in your lab. There are occasions where multiple optical densities are needed for a given wavelength. For instance, an optical density of 4 might be needed for protection against an accidental exposure to a direct beam. For the same wavelength, another pair of eyewear with optical density of only 2 would be sufficient for alignment purposes only. Be sure to communicate with the Laser Safety Officer.
- What do I need to do to become a Laser Supervisor?
You must be a full-time Georgia Tech faculty or staff member.- Complete the initial online laser safety training (instructions here).
- Complete Form LS-1 (Laser Supervisor Registration) and provide your signature as the Laser Supervisor either
- via DocuSign or
- by signing the hard copy
- Email the signed form to the Laser Safety Officer.
- What material can I use as a laser barrier or laser curtain in my lab?
The material to be used depends on the laser class and a variety of other factors. The LSO will determine the most appropriate barrier type as part of a laser hazard assessment. Generally, Class 4 lasers and some higher-powered Class 3B lasers will require the use of "laser rated" barrier material that has been tested to withstand up to a certain laser intensity and has been tested to be flame retardant.
- My lab plans to surplus our x-ray machine Is there anything special I need to do before asking Georgia Tech Logistics to pick it up?
Yes. Notify the Office of Radiological Safety that you would like to surplus your x-ray machine. ORS will remove the x-ray tube (if applicable), and provide a letter indicating to GT Logistics that it is acceptable to surplus.
- I have a piece of equipment that I used with radioactive material. It needs to go to a lab without radioactive material or be used for purposes that don't involve radioactive material. What do I need to do?
Contact the Office of Radiological Safety so that a contamination survey of the equipment can be completed before it is moved.
- How often do I need to complete laser safety training?
Laser Safety Training must be completed prior to your first use of a Class 3B or Class 4 laser. Refresher training is then required every 2 years.
- My lab purchased uranyl acetate for staining electron microscope samples. Are there any Georgia Tech radiation safety program requirements for uranyl acetate?
There are a variety of uranium and thorium compounds (most commonly acetates and nitrates) that can be purchased from a vendor without showing proof of a radioactive material license. Uranyl acetate is one of the compounds. These compounds typically fall under what Georgia regulations define as a General License.
This document describes the minor requirements of the Georgia Tech radiation safety program for these types of compounds. Requirements regarding collection of waste as well as transportation or shipment of the source must be followed.
- I completed IEN's Cleanroom Orientation that included X-Ray Safety Training, but I still don't have access to the x-ray machine I need to use. What do I do?
Email the Office of Radiological Safety. Common reasons include not having completed a Form B for that x-ray machine or not having completed the X-Ray Refresher Training, required every 2 years.
- My radioactive material, x-ray radiation, or other radiation related posting/label is lost or damaged. How can I get a replacement?
Contact the Office of Radiological Safety and indicate which posting needs to be replaced. ORS will provide a new posting.
- What do I need to do to become a Laser User?
- Complete the initial online laser safety training (instructions here).
- Complete Form LU-1 (Laser User Registration) and sign as the Laser User by typing your name in the indicated field.
- Submit the form.