ONLINE ORIENTATION
Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine
Training Goal
To educate new DLAM employees on the
environmental, health and safety issues
associated with employment at the University.
The Department of Environment, Health
& Safety (EHS)
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Mission Statement:
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We support the University’s core mission of teaching,
research, and service by providing comprehensive
environmental, health, and safety services to the University
community including:
Education through training and consultation
 Maintaining a safe work environment
 Ensuring regulatory compliance
 Controlling recognized health and safety hazards
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To achieve this mission we must rely on the Division of
Laboratory Animal Medicine employees to understand and
recognize safety policy and procedures.
Purpose and Responsibility of EHS
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EHS is responsible for developing and maintaining a comprehensive
program to comply with the following agencies and regulations:
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR)
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO)
NC Radiation Protection Section (NCRPS)
Office of State Personnel (OSP)
NC Fire Prevention Codes
NFPA 101 Life Safety Codes
NC Medical Waste Policy
EHS performs periodic inspections of UNC-CH facilities to identify problem
areas and to assist departments in identifying needs
EHS staff is also available for consultation on recognized or suspected
hazardous conditions.
Sections of EHS
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EHS provides comprehensive support for the
University community in the areas of environmental
compliance and occupational health and safety.
To learn more about each section, click on the
buttons below:
Director
Biological Safety
Environmental
Affairs
Fire Safety and
Emergency Response
Occupational and
Environmental
Hygiene
Chemical Safety
Radiation Safety
Workplace Safety
Workplace Safety Program
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According to University policy and North Carolina General
Statute Article 63, each state agency must have a written
Health and Safety program with clearly stated goals or
objectives that promote safe and healthful working
conditions.
The Environment, Health and Safety Manual along with other
specific manuals, such as Biological, Laboratory and
Radiation Safety Manuals serve as the University’s written
Health and Safety program.
These manuals provide University employees with the
necessary guidance in maintaining a safe work environment.
Each of these manuals can be viewed in more detail by
selecting “Manuals” from the EHS web site.
Elements of Workplace Safety Program
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Conduct new employee training to help with the
identification of and correction of hazards.
Review workplace incidents and develop ways to
eliminate or minimize hazards.
Employee input through safety committees.
Workplace Safety Committees
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Duties and Responsibilities:
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UNC employees should contact EHS or
any committee member regarding
safety concerns
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Perform workplace inspections
Review injury and illness records
Make advisory recommendations to the
administration through committee structure
shown
Perform other functions determined by the
State Personnel Commission
The Hazards Management Safety Committee
oversees issues related to DLAM employees
Two representatives from DLAM sit on this
committee
If you are interested in serving on one
of the committees please feel free to
contact the EHS office at (919) 9625507.
Investigations
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Request for Special Safety Investigation
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The Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina provides that
employees may request an inspection or evaluation of conditions which they
believe may constitute a health or safety hazard.
University employees are encouraged to request a “Special Investigation” into
the need for corrective action by contacting EHS at (919) 962-5507.
Employees are also guaranteed the right to request an inspection from the State
Department of Labor (1-800-LABOR NC) by giving notice to them of a violation
of a safety or health standard that he/she believes threatens physical harm or
constitutes immediate danger.
The rights of an employee in reporting complaints of matters affecting
environment, health and safety shall be exercised without retaliation on the part
of any other person.
Anonymous Investigations
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Persons requesting an inspection by EHS may request confidentiality and, by law,
their name will not appear on any record published, released, or made
available to the public or to the immediate supervisor or department head.
Fire Safety Program
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UNC’s Fire Safety program is based on NFPA 101 Life Safety Code,
N.C. Fire Prevention Code, and OSHA 1910 Subpart E.
Understanding fire safety is the key to an effective fire protection
program for the University.
Regularly inspect your work area for the following:
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Electrical hazards
Storage in hallways
Blocked exit ways
Adequate lighting of exits
General housekeeping
Inspecting your work area can prevent a fire from occurring and
provide employees with a safe passage in the event of a fire.
Report any fire hazards or other safety concerns immediately to the
department of Environment, Health and Safety at (919) 962-5507.
Egress
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If a fire or other emergency occurs in your building,
employees must know two Means of Egress (exit).
OSHA defines Means of Egress as “A continuous
and unobstructed way of exit travel from any point
in a building or structure to a public way.”
The three main components of Means of Egress are:
 The
way of Exit Access
 The Exit
 The way of Exit Discharge
Components of Egress
Exit Access is the
area in which an
employee uses as
their means of
exiting to an exit.
Exit Discharge
is the exit from
a building to a
public way.
Exit is the protected way of
travel to the exit discharge.
Emergency Action Plan
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EHS has a general Emergency Action Plan for the
University to follow
An Emergency Action Plan is a “plan for the workplace
describing what procedures the employers and
employees must take to ensure employee safety from
fire and other emergencies”.
This plan includes the following:
Posting of planned evacuation routes
 Procedures to follow in the event of a fire or emergency
 Procedures to account for employees after evacuation
 Procedures for employees who remain to operate critical
equipment in an emergency
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Building Evacuation Procedures
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Building evacuation procedures should be posted on
the office bulletin board and at all elevators.
Employees should know at least two evacuation
routes for their designated work area and in any
area they frequent often.
Employees are encouraged to evaluate the building
evacuation areas daily to ensure that there are no
obstructions.
If obstructions are found, please report it to EHS
immediately at (919) 962-5507.
Fire Emergency Procedures
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If a fire emergency occurs in your workplace, it is vital
that you are prepared to react.
The acronym RACE provides the basic steps of the
Emergency Action Plan:
 Remove
or rescue individuals in immediate danger
 Activate the nearest fire pull station and call 911
 Confine the fire by closing windows, vents and doors
 Evacuate to a safe area (know the evacuation routes for
your area)
Emergency Coordinators
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Emergency Coordinator(s) have been designated for all occupied
buildings.
Each EC is responsible for assisting in the safe evacuation of
employees.
Prior to an emergency, the EC completes an information card that
includes:
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Evacuation monitors’ names
Employee names and phone numbers occupying building
Location of employees needing assistance
Rooms containing hazardous material
Equipment needing special attention
To obtain the name of your building’s Emergency Coordinator
contact the Fire Safety section at EHS at (919) 962-5507.
Fire Extinguishers
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Extinguishing a fire requires the appropriate determination of which type of fire extinguisher to use. There are
three classes of fire extinguishers to choose from:
Class B
A fire extinguisher labeled with letter "B" is for use on Class B fires. Class B fires are fires that involve flammable
and combustible liquids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel oil, oil-based paints, lacquers, etc., and flammable gases.
Class C
A fire extinguisher labeled with letter "C" is for use on Class C fires. Class C fires are fires that involve energized
electrical equipment.
Class D
A fire extinguisher labeled with letter "D" is for use on Class D fires. Class D fires are fires that involve
combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium and sodium.
DLAM areas are equipped with ABC type extinguishers.
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
Insure the extinguisher is located in its proper location, properly located in plain view and its access is
unobstructed.
Lab personal should ensure monthly that the pressure gage pointer (ABC type only) is within the green operable
pressure range.
Ensure safety pin and inspection tamper seal are in place.
Annual hands-on fire extinguisher training is not required for DLAM employees but can be requested by contacting
EHS at (919) 962-5507.
Using the Fire Extinguisher
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The acronym PASS will assist in
remembering the proper use of a
fire extinguisher:
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Pull the pin between the handles
Aim the nozzle at the base of the
fire
Squeeze the handles together
Sweep the extinguisher from side
to side
Stand six to eight feet away
from the fire with your back to
the exit.
If the fire does not begin to
immediately go out, evacuate the
area.
Fire Prevention
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Electrical Hazards include the following:
Defective outlets
 Broken plugs and frayed cords
 Plugs with missing ground prongs
 Missing covers on junction boxes
 Missing covers on wall receptacles
 Use of electrical “octopuses” to obtain more outlets
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Do not use extension cords through doorways or in
place of permanent wiring
Make sure all electrical outlets are covered before
spraying room or floors with water based
cleaners/disinfectant
Workers Compensation Program
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Workers Compensation benefits are available to any
University employee (whether full-time, part-time or
temporary) who suffers disability through accident or illness
arising out of, and in the scope of, his or her employment,
according to the North Carolina Workers Compensation Act.
The benefits provided to University Employees include medical
and leave:
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Medical Benefits – include all authorized medical services such as
physician visit, prescriptions, physical therapy, rehabilitation, etc.
Leave Benefits – are provided to employees when an authorized
medical provider places an employee out work.
For further information concerning University policies on
workplace injuries and illnesses, refer to the Workers
Compensation section on the EHS web site.
Medical Treatment
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If you have an occupational injury or illness report
directly to the University Employee Occupational
Health Clinic (UEOHC).
The UEOHC is located at 145 Medical Drive and is
open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday through
Friday, except holidays.
For after hours needlestick/human blood or body
fluid exposures, please call UEOHC at 966-9119.
The UEOHC line will automatically forward your
call to Healthlink in order to gather the
appropriate information and put you in contact
with the Family Practice physician covering the
needlestick hotline.
For all other after hours work related injuries that
require immediate medical care, go directly to the
UNC Emergency Department. If immediate
medical care is not needed, then please report to
the UEOHC the following day.
For a life-threatening injury or illness, call 911 or
report to the Emergency Department located in the
Neurosciences Hospital on Manning Drive.
On-the-Job Injury or Illness
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Report the incident to your supervisor immediately no
matter how minor.
Once the injury or illness is reported, an accident
investigation will occur to determine the cause of
incident and corrective action taken to prevent the
incident from reoccurring.
A NCIC Form 19 must be completed
Please note: Failure to report an incident could result in
denial of a workers compensation claim.
Hazard Communication Background
What is OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard?
OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR
1910.1200), promulgated 1994, requires that
employees be informed of the hazards of chemical(s)
that they work with or are present in their work area.
OSHA Hazard Communication
Standard (continued)
The four elements of the program include:
 Ensuring chemicals are labeled
 Maintaining departmental/work unit/laboratory
chemical inventories
 Maintaining Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
 Training of personnel by Supervisor on the
chemicals that are used or in the workplace
OSHA collaborates with United Nation
Understanding the need for
consistent classifications of
hazards chemicals, OSHA
decided to better align with the
United Nations’ Globally
Harmonized System by adopting
a common classification and
labeling of chemicals.
To view details of this
report, double click picture.
Benefits of Adopting GHS
There are several benefits for OSHA in adopting the
Globally Harmonized system. In particular, it will
provide a common and coherent approach to
classifying chemicals and communicating hazard
information on labels and safety data sheets. Thus
resulting in:
• Consistency of information provided
• Increase comprehension of hazards
• Help address literacy problems
• Facilitation of international trade of chemicals
OSHA Publishes Revised Standard
In March 2012, the revised Hazard Communication Standard
became law and included an established timeframe for
implementation. The table below outlines the effective dates,
requirements and responsible parties.
Effective Completion Date
Requirement(s)
Who
December 1, 2013
Train employees on the new label elements and SDS
format.
Employers
June 1, 2015*
Comply with all modified provisions of this final rule,
except:
December 1, 2015
Distributors may ship products labeled by
manufacturers under the old system until December 1,
2015.
Chemical
manufacturers,
importers, distributors
and employers
June 1, 2016
Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard
communication program as necessary, and provide
additional employee training for newly identified
physical or health hazards.
Employers
Transition Period
Comply with either 29 CFR 1910.1200 (this final
standard), or the current standard, or both
All chemical
manufacturers,
importers, distributors
and employers
Benefit of HazCom2012
With the University’s mission to “serve North Carolina,
the United States, and the World through teaching,
research, and public service,” the new requirements
under HazCom 2012 will enhance clarity for
University employees positioned on campus as well as
abroad.
HazCom2012 Requirements
By December 2013, all University employees are to
have received general training regarding
“definitions”, “label” and “Safety Data Sheet” for
chemicals under new HazCom 2012 standard.
Supervisors are still required to provide job specific
training to employees on the chemicals used in their
area at least once and every time a new chemical is
added. The training must cover proper use, handling,
and personal protective equipment required for the
safe handling of the hazardous chemicals.
Definitions
HazCom 2012 will use a “specification” approach
rather than a “performance-oriented” approach.
Hazards will be classified thus providing a specific
criteria for classification of health and physical
hazards, as well as classification of mixtures.
Specifically:
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Appendix A defines health and physical hazards
Appendix B includes additional parameters to evaluate health
hazard data
Appendix F pertains to Carcinogens
Labels
HazCom 2012 requires
chemical manufacturers and
importers to provide a
label that includes a
harmonized product
identifier, pictogram, signal
word, and hazard
statement for each hazard
class and category.
Precautionary statements
must also be provided.
Labels - Pictograms
Pictograms are required on labels to alert users of the chemical
hazards to which they may be exposed. Each pictogram consists
of a symbol on a white background framed within a red border
and represents a distinct hazard(s), such as health, physical, and
environmental . The pictogram on the label is determined by the
chemical hazard classification. There are nine pictograms with
only the environmental pictogram being optional.
Labels – Distinct Hazards
As previously stated, “Distinct hazards” are chemicals
in which there is scientific evidence that a health,
physical, and/or environmental hazards may occur.
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Health Hazard - acute or chronic health affects may occur if
exposed.
Physical Hazard - a combustible liquid, a compressed gas,
explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer,
pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive
Environmental Hazard – pose risk or danger to the
environment
Labels – Pictograms (Health)
Skull and Cross Bones will appear on the most severely toxic
chemicals. Depending on the toxicity of the chemical, the skull
and crossbones indicates that the chemical may be toxic or
fatal. Specifically it can mean:
 Acute Toxicity (fatal and toxic)
 Fatal in contact with skin
 Fatal if inhaled
 Fatal if swallowed
 Toxic if swallowed
 Toxic in contact with skin
Examples: Carbon Monoxide, Ammonia,
Acrylonitrile, Arsenic
Labels – Pictograms (Health)
Corrosive will appear on chemicals that have
corrosive properties. Depending on the properties
of the chemical(s) in the product, the corrosion
pictogram can mean:
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May be corrosive to metals
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Causes severe skin burns
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Causes serious eye damage
Examples: Sodium Hydroxide (lye) and Sulfuric Acid
Labels – Pictograms (Health)
Exclamation Mark will appear on chemicals with less severe toxicity. This
symbol will never be used with “skull and crossbones” symbol. Depending
on the health hazard, it can mean:
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Harmful if swallowed
Acute Toxicity (harmful)
Harmful in contact with skin
Skin Sensitizer
Harmful if inhaled
Respiratory Tract Irritant
Causes skin irritation
Irritant (skin and eye)
Causes serious eye irritation
May cause allergic skin reaction
Hazardous to Ozone Layer
Examples: Isopropyl Alcohol, Ethyl Alcohol, Acetone
Labels – Pictograms (Health)
Health Hazard will appear on chemicals with less severe toxicity. This
symbol will never be used with “skull and crossbones” symbol. Depending
on the health hazard, it can mean:
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Carcinogen
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Mutagenicity
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Reproductive Toxicity
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Respiratory Sensitizer
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Target Organ Toxicity
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Aspiration Toxicity
Examples: Carbon Monoxide, Hexanes
Labels – Pictograms (Health/Physical)
Gas Cylinder can cause fires, explosions, oxygen
deficient atmospheres, toxic gas exposures as well as the
innate physical hazard associated with cylinders under
high pressure
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Gases under pressure
Compressed gases
Liquefied gases
Refrigerated liquefied gases
Dissolved gases
Examples: Butane and Propane
Labels – Pictograms (Physical)
Exploding Bomb symbol will appear on chemicals that
have explosive properties.
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Unstable Explosives
Self-reactive substances and mixtures
Organic peroxides
Examples: Nitroglycerine and TNT, Gunpowder, Rocket
propellants, and Pyrotechnic mixtures (fireworks).
Labels – Pictograms (Physical)
Flame symbol will appear on chemicals that are flammable.
Depending on the properties of the chemical(s) and the
product, the flame can mean:
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Extremely flammable gas
Extremely flammable aerosol
Self-Heating
Flammable aerosol
Extremely flammable liquid and vapor
Highly flammable liquid and vapor
Flammable liquid and vapor
Flammable solid
Examples: Butane, Pyrophorics, Organic Peroxides
Labels – Pictograms (Physical)
Flame over circle symbol will appear on chemicals that are:
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Oxidizers
Oxidizing gases, liquids, and solids
Examples: Hydrogen Peroxide and Nitrous Oxide
Labels – Pictograms (Environment)
Environment symbol will appear on chemicals which
are acutely hazardous to fish, crustacean, or aquatic
plants. This is the only symbol that is not mandatory.
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Aquatic Toxicity
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Acute hazards to the aquatic environment
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Chronic hazards to the aquatic environment
Label – Signal Word
A Signal Word is used to indicate
the relative level of severity of
hazard and alert the reader to a
potential hazard on the label. The
signal words used are:
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"Danger" - used for the more
severe hazards
“Warning" - used for less
severe hazards.
Labels- Hazard Statement
A Hazard Statement describes the nature of the
hazard(s) of a chemical, including where appropriate
the degree of hazard.
All of the applicable hazard
statements must appear on
the label.
Labels – Precautionary Statement
A Precautionary Statement
is a statement that describes
recommended measures that
should be taken to minimize
or prevent adverse effects.
Label –
What do UNC Employees need to do?
Effective June 1 2015, all chemicals received
at the University should have the required
label. Any material transferred to another
container must also have the same label
versus just chemical/product name.
Safety Data Sheets
HazCom 2012 requires Safety Data Sheets - SDS
(formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets –
MSDS) to use a specified 16-section standardized
format.
Under the new format, employees wanting information
regarding Exposure Controls/Personal Protection will
always refer to Section 8 of the Safety Data Sheets.
Safety Data Sheets
To improve employee understanding, information
listed on the label, like Precautionary Statement, will
be same information the employee will find on the
Safety Data Sheet.
The standardize 16 sections is broken down as
follows:
Safety Data Sheet – 16 Sections
1.
2.
3.
Identification of the substance
or mixture and of the supplier
11.
12.
Hazards identification
Composition/information on
ingredients Substance/Mixture
4.
First aid measures
5.
Firefighting measures
6.
Accidental release measures
7.
Handling and storage
8.
Exposure controls/personal protection
9.
Physical and chemical properties
10.
Stability and reactivity
13.
14.
15.
16.
Toxicological
Ecological information
(non mandatory)
Disposal considerations
(non mandatory)
Transport information
(non mandatory)
Regulatory information
(non mandatory)
Other information including information
on preparation and revision of the SDS
Safety Data Sheets –
What do UNC Employees need to do?
By December 2015, distributors must provide the new
format of Safety Data Sheets. Supervisors need to
update the Safety Data Sheet notebooks and/or
computer links in their job specific area to the newly
format sheets.
Remember SDS(s) must be accessible to employees at
all times.
NC OSHA– Enforcement
By June 2016, NC OSHA will begin to enforce
compliance with HazCom 2012 by conducting site
evaluations.
Environment, Health and Safety will continue to assist
University departments with the implementation of the
specific requirements covered in this training.
Resources OSHA’s HazCom2012 Web Page
OSHA has
developed an
extensive web
page to provide
additional
resources for
employees at
http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html
Resources Guidance & Outreach
Supervisors can find printable
guidance material that can be utilized
when training employees.
• Guidance
»
»
»
OSHA Briefs
Fact Sheet
Quick Cards
Asbestos on Campus
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As an employee of UNC, EHS is informing you of the presence of asbestoscontaining materials in residence halls and campus buildings. Provided the materials
are in good condition, they pose no health risk to the building occupants.
http://www.ehs.unc.edu/ih/asbestos.shtml
UNC has an Asbestos Control Policy and Program to manage asbestos on UNC's
campus.
Materials containing asbestos may include flooring, ceilings, walls, thermal system
insulation on tanks, pipes and other miscellaneous materials.
UNC maintains asbestos-containing materials so they do not release asbestos fibers
into the air. When asbestos containing materials become damaged, isolation, repair
and/or removal are implemented immediately.
The University has a staff of accredited professionals that conduct building
inspections, coordinate and supervise asbestos related construction activities,
perform air monitoring and provide employee training.
If you have any questions concerning asbestos in a specific building on campus,
please feel free to contact EHS at 919-962-5507 to make an appointment to
review the building inspection reports.
Minimizing Hazards
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There are three main controls used to eliminate or minimize workplace
hazards:
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Administrative – policies and procedures that control the time and amount of
exposure.
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Engineering – physical changes to the workplace to reduce or minimize a hazard.
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Rest breaks
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Biological safety cabinets
Chemical fume hoods
Ventilated dumping stations
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – equipment you wear to protect the head,
face, eyes, feet, respiratory system, hearing and body from injury.
Where possible, engineering and/or administrative controls should be
attempted before requiring PPE.
When PPE is necessary, it is provided to employees at no cost.
Your supervisor should issue the appropriate PPE for your job duties.
Fundamentals of PPE
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Each DLAM facility supervisor is responsible for reviewing the use and
care of PPE required for each job function.
This required training is documented by the supervisor and employee
signing the “Certificate of Personal Protective Equipment Training” as
part of the facility Hazard Management Plan (HMP).
PPE should always be inspected prior to use to make sure it is sanitary
and in good working condition (check for holes, scratches, cracks, frayed
parts).
A good work practice is to clean reusable PPE before storing it.
All PPE should be stored in a cool, dry, secure area.
Earplugs and N-95 respirators should never be shared among
employees.
PPE Required for Lab Entry
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DLAM areas should have a sign posted on the door
describing what PPE is necessary to be worn in
order to access the room.
If a sign is not posted or if you are unsure of what
PPE is required, contact your supervisor.
Eye and Face Protection
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If you are exposed to flying particles, liquid chemicals,
acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or radiation then
safety glasses, goggles or a face shield are required.
Sometimes eye and face protection may be required to
be worn together (i.e. goggles & face shield).
Note: Contacts DO NOT protect the eye from injury!
The University has a prescription safety glasses
program for employees that wear glasses. Contact EHS
at (919) 962-5507 for further information
Hand Protection
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Gloves should be worn to
prevent contact with chemicals,
cuts, abrasions, punctures or
exposures to temperature
extremes
Types of gloves:
Nitrile – used with acids
 Latex – used with weak
chemicals
 Heat resistant – used in areas
where autoclaving is conducted
 Cryogenic – used for removing
objects from ultra-cold freezers
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Foot Protection
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Foot protection is required if there is
the potential in your job for injury to
the foot due to:
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falling or rolling objects
working around wet surfaces
working with large animals
electrical shock
objects that can pierce the sole of
your shoe
The University policy is that anyone
lifting more than 15 pounds is
required to wear safety shoes.
The University will pay up to $80
for safety shoes in accordance with
the Office of State Personnel.
Respiratory Protection
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A surgical mask which is standard PPE in DLAM areas is not a
respirator!
A respirator is worn to prevent exposure to harmful dusts, fogs, fumes,
mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors.
Wearing a respirator is a last resort and should never be a first line of
defense.
Our first line of defense is to “engineer out” the need for a respirator.
Thus, a respirator is required in areas where exposure cannot be fully
controlled.
At UNC-CH we have a written respiratory program in place which
offers the following:
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Selection of respirators
Annual medical evaluation
Annual training
Annual fit testing
Respirator Use and Storage

Before each use, inspect your respirator for damage and defects and check
for:
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Tightness of connections
Condition of all parts
Face piece for pliable or deteriorated parts
After using be sure to clean it according to the manufacturers guidelines.
Store your respirator in a sealed bag or plastic container to protect it from:
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Damage
Contamination
Dust
Sunlight
Extreme temperatures
Moisture
Chemicals
Noise

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Excessive noise can damage your hearing and
cause fatigue and stress.
Hearing protection should be used when working
around loud noises for extended periods of time.
Our first line of defense is to evaluate the area to
see if the noise can be “engineered out”.
Using engineering controls might include erecting
sound barriers, insulating the equipment, or closing
off the equipment entirely.
Hearing Conservation Program

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The University has a Hearing Conservation Program (HCP)
which requires annual training and annual audiometric
testing to prevent the loss of hearing.
The OSHA standard requires anyone who is exposed to a
noise level of 85 decibels or higher over an 8 time weighted
average (TWA) hour period to be part of the HCP.
OSHA also requires the employer to provide training in the
use of all hearing protectors provided to employees.
At UNC-CH the following hearing protectors are available:
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Earplugs
Earmuffs
Ear Bands
High Noise Areas Within DLAM

Hearing protection may
be needed when
performing certain
activities such as:
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Working in cage wash
areas
Working in dog run areas
Working with/around
large animals
If you have concerns
about noise levels in your
area contact EHS at (919)
962-5507
How to Insert Earplugs


Ensure that hearing protection is properly used as improper
use of hearing protection can reduce its effectiveness and put
your hearing at risk.
Steps to take when donning (putting on) ear plugs:

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Make sure your hands are clean. Dirt and moisture in your ear
canal have the potential to cause an infection.
Compress the plug between your thumb and forefinger.
With the opposite hand, pull outer ear backward and upward, then
insert plug as far into ear as possible.
Hold your finger against the plug until it starts to expand.
For preformed plugs, pull outer ear backward and upward. Insert
plug by twisting and pushing until it fits snugly and you feel a
vacuum-like seal.
When doffing (taking off) hearing protection, again be sure your
hands are clean.
Animal allergies

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
Exposure to animals or animal products (dander, hair,
scales, fur, saliva and body wastes) in the workplace
can cause asthma and allergies.
DLAM employees have prolonged and close contact
with animals on a daily basis and are at greater risk
of developing animal allergies.
If you have a pre-existing animal allergy, disclose this
on the animal handler form.
If you develop signs of an animal allergy, contact the
UEOHC for an appointment.
Ergonomics

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The goal of ergonomics is to find ways to arrange the
workstation, work tools and work practices to minimize
potential for musculoskeletal disorders.
Ergonomics is concerned with eliminating or minimizing
the following “Ergonomic Stressors” found in routine
tasks:
Force – High force tasks involve heavy exertion for the
muscles involved.
 Repetition – Performing the same movements over and over
with little change in motions or muscles used.
 Extreme/Awkward/Static Postures – Prolonged or repeated
time spent holding joints in an awkward or fixed position.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

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
Musculoskeletal disorders are disorders of the muscles,
nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage and spinal discs.
Musculoskeletal disorders are gradual-onset injuries that
usually occur after repeated micro-trauma to a specific
body part. They may take weeks, months or years to
develop and are often ignored in the beginning due to a
slow onset of symptoms.
DLAM personnel may be at risk for developing
musculoskeletal disorders during routine tasks such as:
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Lifting feed bags
Adding and removing bedding material
Cleaning and stacking cages, bottle, etc.
Prolonged periods of standing/walking
Safe Lifting
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Lifting incorrectly can increase your
risk of developing a back injury.
If it looks heavy and awkward it
probably is – ask someone to help
you or use a mechanical lift.
Think about the distance and height
to the destination before lifting.
Do not carry more than 30 pounds
by yourself.
Get help for objects with a width 18
inches or greater.
If possible, break the load down
and make several trips with more
manageable loads.
Proper Lifting Technique
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Feet shoulder width apart
Crouch don’t stoop
Get a good grip on the object
Keep the object close to your body
As you grip the load, keep your back straight,
shoulders back and stick your buttocks out.
Let your legs push your body up slowly and
smoothly, no jerking motions.
Lifting in Awkward Places

If you must lift or lower an
object from a high place:
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Stand on a platform
instead of a ladder
Lift the load in smaller
pieces if possible
Push the load to see how
heavy and stable it is
Slide the load as close to
yourself as possible before
lifting up or down
Get help when needed to
avoid injury
Lockout/Tagout
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DLAM facilities contain equipment that may require general
servicing or maintenance.
Workers performing service or maintenance on equipment may
be exposed to injuries from the unexpected startup of the
equipment.
The OSHA Lockout/Tagout standard requires workers to
shutdown equipment, isolate it from its energy source(s), and
perform lockout/tagout to prevent injuries while maintenance
and servicing activities are being performed
For example, prior to working on cage wash
equipment, employees should shut down the
washer, turn off the main power supply and
perform lockout/tagout.
Slips/Trips/Falls

DLAM employees should be
alert for the following
Slip/Trip/Fall hazards:
 Wet
floors
 Pipes protruding from wall
or floor areas
 Missing floor drain covers
 Dogs running free in dog
run areas
 Steps that do not have a
slip resistant coating on
them
Who Cleans Up Spills?

DLAM employees are capable of cleaning up the
majority of small spills.
Control the spill area
 Assess whether you can clean up the spill
 Place waste in disposal containers and submit an online
waste pickup form.

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If the spill is large, a high hazard chemical or you are
not comfortable cleaning it up contact EHS immediately
at (919) 962-5507.
Call 911 if a large or high hazard spill occurs after
5:00pm or on the weekends.
Handling Cages with Chemical Hazards

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In the course of research, laboratory animals may
be dosed with toxic chemicals.
Use of all chemicals in animals must be documented
in a protocol approved by the UNC Institutional
Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
The animals may excrete toxic chemicals or toxic
metabolites of these chemicals, particularly during
the first 48 hours after dosing.
Handling Cages with Chemical Hazards

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Prior to dosing animals with toxic chemicals,
research staff must communicate with the DLAM
Facility Manager regarding dosing schedule,
location of animals and chemical to be used.
When these dosed animals are returned to their
cages, research staff will place Chemical HazardIncinerate Bedding cards (provided by DLAM) on
each cage.
A Chemical Hazard sign will also be placed on the
room door by the research staff.
Handling Cages with Chemical Hazards
Handling Cages with Chemical Hazards

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All bedding used within 48 hours of dosing will be
considered contaminated.
Cages with contaminated bedding must be changed
in a ventilated cage changing station or a
biological safety cabinet.
Handling Cages with Chemical Hazards

The Chemical Hazard-Incinerate Bedding card will
be placed on the dirty cage when sent to cage
wash. This will identify cages that need to be
dumped separately into a bag that will be sent to
the incinerator, instead of the landfill.
Handling Cages with Chemical Hazards

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In addition to the usual PPE required in their cage
wash area, all staff dumping this contaminated
bedding must wear an N-95 (or better) respirator.
Respirator use requires medical clearance, fit testing
and training.
Biohazard Waste

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
Biohazards are infectious
microorganisms that can affect the
health of humans.
Biohazard materials also include any
equipment that was used such as
syringes, pipettes and scalpel blades.
Biohazardous waste has to be
autoclaved prior to disposal in the
landfill
 Autoclaving provides sterilization
through super heated steam under
pressure.
 Autoclaving has the ability to
destroy microorganisms rendering
the waste harmless.
Cage Dumping

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The dumping of animal cages has the potential to
produce aerosols.
Cages should be dumped in front of the Biobubble
at all times to capture aerosols.
The waste bin should be within 5 inches of the prefilter of the Biobubble.
Biobubble Maintenance
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The ventilation balloon in the back
of the Biobubble must be fully
inflated at all times when dumping
cages.
A shrunken balloon indicates
restricted airflow through the prefilter.
The pre-filter must be cleaned
after each dumping session or
when the balloon indicates
restricted airflow.
The Biobubble must be certified
annually.
Broken Glass and Sharps

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
Non-contaminated or decontaminated glassware
and sharps are placed in a plastic bag within a
cardboard box.
The box should be labeled, “CAUTION, GLASS and
SHARPS, NON-HAZARDOUS MATERIAL ONLY”
When ready to dispose, tape securely and place in
dumpsters.
Sharp objects such as needles, scalpels, or razor
blades are to be disposed of in metal cans and
labeled appropriately.
Chemical Waste

Chemical waste is used, obsolete or unwanted chemicals such as:

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Formalin
Alcohols
Expired pharmaceuticals
Batteries
Chemical waste should be disposed of by requesting a Chemical Waste
Pickup online under the Chemical Disposal button on the EHS web site.
UNC-CH is concerned that chemicals not make their way into our creeks
and rivers.
You should not pour chemicals, cleaners or mop water outside on the
ground or into outside storm drains.
For mop water, the best practice is to pour it into sink drains or animal
room floor drains which go directly into the sanitary sewer system.
If you see anyone pouring liquids down the storm drains please notify
EHS at (919) 962-5507.
Other DLAM Training

Based on the facility you work in or the types of hazards
you encounter during your work operations you might be
required to take the following safety trainings:
Bloodborne Pathogen
 Biosafety Level 2
 Biosafety Level 3
 Occupational Noise Exposure
 Respiratory Protection
 Supervisor Led Hazard Communication
 Supervisor Led Personal Protective Equipment


Your supervisor or DLAM training coordinator will inform
you if any of these are required for your specific job.
Training Post-test



You have completed the DLAM Orientation training
module.
If you have any questions regarding this training or
ever have any environment, health or safety
concerns please contact Environment, Health and
Safety at (919) 962-5507.
In order for you to receive credit for this training,
you must complete the post-test by clicking the
forward arrow below.