May 16, 2008
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<H1>Department Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</H1>

Department Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Lab Safety FAQs<br> Lab Safety FAQs
Q.  Does my laboratory need a chemical hygiene plan?
A.  Each laboratory must have a customized chemical hygiene plan that addresses the particular chemical hazards in the laboratory.  This can be done by developing lab-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) and providing documented lab-specific chemical safety training that supplement the University Chemical Hygiene Plan (http://www.ehs.unr.edu/website/Portals/0/Files/CHP%20rev11-06.pdf) and general laboratory safety training provided by EH&S.
Q.  When do I need to submit a biological agent use protocol (referred to as a Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement or MOUA) to the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)?
A.  Each supervisor who possesses or uses any biological agents must submit a MOUA to the IBC, regardless of the risk level of the biological agent.  Biological agents include: 1) microorganisms; 2) viruses; 3) prions; 4) human body fluids, cells or tissues; 5) cultured cells of any origin; 6) recombinant DNA or RNA and toxic products; 7) animals infected with human pathogens and as sources of zoonotic agents; 8) genetically modified plants; and 9) insects.  Generally, the MOUA should be written to cover all use of biological agents in a particular lab so that only one MOUA is submitted per laboratory.  More information on the MOUA process is available in the UNR Biosafety Manual (http://www.ehs.unr.edu/website/Portals/0/Files/BSM rev1-04.doc, see Chapter 2).
Occupational Safety FAQs Occupational Safety FAQs
Q.  What types of occupational safety services are offered through the EH&S Department?
A.  EH&S offers mishap/accident investigation, safety assessment & consultation, respirator fit testing, confined space entry assistance, noise monitoring, and training on most occupational safety topics.
Q.  What happens if safety deficiencies are discovered or noted during EH&S visits or self-assessments?
A.  EH&S will focus on providing solutions to deficiencies and safety concerns to the greatest extent possible.  You may feel free to bring attention to any safety concern or deficiency without fear of reprisal or negative action.  Please contact EH&S at x75040 or submit your concern to one of the related safety committees (http://www.ehs.unr.edu/website/Default.aspx?tabid=164) that have been organized to address these issues.
Radiation Safety FAQs Radiation Safety FAQs
Q.  What are the requirements for a new user of radioactive materials (RAM), sealed radioactive sources, or a radiation producing machine, such as x-ray equipment?
A.  All radiation uses are reviewed and approved by the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC). Prior authorization from the RSC is required. A Radiation Use Application form is available from the DOCS & Forms section of the EH&S website. Completed application form must be submitted to the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and RSO, in turn submits it to the RSC. The RSO will notify the applicant of the RSC’s decision. Assistance in laboratory set-up for radiation use will be provided once the application has been approved by the RSC.
Q.  Can I purchase or possess radioactive material if I am not authorized by the RSC?
A.  No, only users authorized by the RSC may purchase and possess RAM.
Q.  Can I work with radiation in a laboratory authorized to use radiation?
A.  Yes, but only after completing appropriate radiation safety training. All personnel who work with radiation must receive radiation safety training and become familiar with radiation safety policies and procedures.
Hazardous Waste Management FAQs Hazardous Waste Management FAQs
Q.  What do I do with chemical waste generated in my laboratory/work space?
A.  EH&S has interactive web forms for requesting pick up of all types of chemical  waste, items for recycle, and replacement waste containers.  The forms are  available on the EH&S website www.ehs.unr.edu by clicking FORMS in the  banner of the main page, then clicking on CHEMICAL WASTE FORMS.  You  must be registered in the system prior to making your requests.  If your name is  not on the User List you will be prompted to fill out a simple form to be added to  the list.  This normally takes 24 to 48 hours to process before you can place your  request for waste pick ups.
Q.  What do I do if there is a chemical spill in my laboratory?
A.  Most laboratory spills are small quantities of known chemicals and it is generally  expected that the laboratory worker absorb/pick up the material, decontaminate  the area (if necessary) and submit the waste materials for chemical waste pick up.   EH&S has provided chemical spill kits (white, 5-gallon pail with a yellow label)  in every lab on campus for this purpose.  If fire or injury is associated with the  incident or the spill is beyond the capabilities of the lab staff (large quantity,  extremely hazardous material, etc.) outside assistance is available by calling  EH&S at 75040 or 9-911 for fire department or EMS.
Training FAQs Training FAQs
Q.  What is the next class on ...?
A.  On website calendar.
Q.  What training do I need?
A.  Depends on hazards associated with workplace and tasks (see "Training Requirements" page)
Q.  What training does EH&S offer?
A.  The most frequently requested topics are on the Training Calendar. EH&S has and can facilitate training on over 65 topics.
Q.  Does training received someplace besides EH&S count toward requirements?
A.  Often trainig and/or experience will substitute for EH&S classess if properly demonstrated. Contact EH&S for an assessment and possible waiver.
Indoor Air Qual/Ventilation FAQs Indoor Air Qual/Ventilation FAQs
Q.  Who do I contact to get my laboratory hood working?
A.  If your hood does not operate or is not working, you can call buildings and grounds at x48020 or submit an online work order at http://www.howler.unr.edu/facilitiesmgt/buildingsgrounds/work_order.htm. All hoods are tested at least annually; however, you can contact EH&S to verify that your hood is still functioning properly by calling x75040.  These numbers are provided at the bottom of the hood survey sticker on each campus laboratory hood.
Q.  Has the air quality at my work location been assessed?
A.  The EH&S Department responds to concerns regarding air quality on a routine basis.  Additionally, the EH&S Department conducts proactive air quality assessment of indoor environments throughout the campus.  It is likely that air quality in your area has been assessed as some time in recent history.  If you have concerns regarding air quality in your work area please contact EH&S at x75040.
Emergency Planning FAQs Emergency Planning FAQs
Q.  What are the most common hazards facing the campus?
A.  Fires, hazardous materials, floods and earthquakes.
Q.  How do I know how to evacuate out of a building?
A.  Evacuation maps have been placed on each floor of buildings.
Environmental Affairs FAQs Environmental Affairs FAQs
Q.  What kind of discharge permits does UNR maintain?
A.  UNR has air discharge permits for our fume hoods, central heat plant and backup generators. We have sewer discharge permits for many buildings, and permits for our interceptors.
Q.  What kind of data are collected for permits?
A.  The sewer effluent from seven buildings (mostly laboratory-containing) is sampled twice a year and reported. The fuel use data is reported for generators and the heat plant. The fume hood data report is a mass balance which requires an accurate inventory and collection of data on incoming shipments and waste being removed.
Q.  Where can I recycle on campus?
A.  There are paper recycling bins in almost every office on campus, glass plastic and aluminum can be recycled in various bins in most buildings, please see the recycling pages for maps of locations.
Chemical Inventory FAQs Chemical Inventory FAQs
Q.  How is chemical inventory maintained at UNR?
A.  Your lab or work area will be inventoried once per year by EH&S staff.  The staff will enter your work area, handle all the chemicals and update the electronic inventory database.  EH&S also inventories all chemicals delivered to UNR on a daily basis at Central Services. For more information about the Central Receiving inventory, click here.
Q.  What electronic database is used for chemical inventory and can I access it?
A.  UNR uses the software package called ChemTracker to store and manage chemical inventory.  The software is available through the EH&S website.  Yes, you may use/access ChemTracker.  If you just plan to view your inventory, you may obtain a read-only ChemTracker user account without any special training.  However, if you wish to actively use ChemTracker to edit, add or delete chemicals, you will need to attend a ChemTracker training class.  Contact the Chemical Inventory Coordinator for addition information.
Q.  Am I, or is each lab, required to maintain their own inventory on a regular basis?
A.  No, research labs or work areas may choose to maintain their inventory on a voluntary basis. Only the EH&S Department is required to maintain chemical inventory by University Administration.  However, if a lab chooses to maintain their inventory, they must be trained to use ChemTracker by EH&S staff, they must add all chemicals that are brought into their work area and must delete all empty containers on a regular basis.  Contact the Chemical Inventory Coordinator for addition information.
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