EHRS Training--May

The following training programs are required by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (DEP), for all employees who work with hazardous substances including: chemicals, human blood, blood products, fluids, and human tissue specimens and radioactive materials. These programs are presented by the Office of Environmental Health & Radiation Safety (EHRS). Attendance is required at one or more session, depending upon the employee's potential exposures. All classes held in Class of 1962, John Morgan Bldg., unless otherwise specified.

Introduction to Laboratory Safety at Penn (Chemical Hygiene Training). Provides a comprehensive introduction to laboratory safety practices and procedures at Penn and familiarizes the laboratory employee with the Chemical Hygiene Plan. This course is designed for employees who have not previously attended Laboratory Safety at the University. Required for all University employees who work in laboratories. May 5, 9:30 a.m.

Laboratory Safety--Annual Update. Required annually for all laboratory employees who are not exposed to human source material. Faculty and staff who work with human source material, HIV or hepatitis viruses must attend Laboratoy Safety and Bloodborne Pathogens--Annual Update. May 6, 9:30 a.m.

Radiation Safety Training--Annual Update. This program updates radioisotope users on current Radiation safety issues and practices. It is required of all personnel who work in areas where radioisotopes are used or stored. May 6 and 19, 10:30 a.m.

Introduction to Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens. This course provides significant information for lab employees who have not previously attended Bloodborne Pathogens training at the University and have potential exposure to human bloodborne pathogens. Course oriented toward research laboratory exposures. May 10, 9:30 a.m.

Laboratory Safety and Bloodborne Pathogens--Annual Update. This program is required annually for all faculty and staff who work with human source material, HIV or hepatitis viruses and have previously attended Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens. Participation in Laboratory Safety--Annual Update is not required if this program is attended. May 13, 9:30 a.m.

Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens (in a clinical setting). Required for all University faculty and staff who have potential clinical exposures to blood and other human source material. It is intended for employees with direct patient contact, or those who handle clinical specimens, and administrators who routinely work in a clinical environment. Registration is required for this course: call 898-4453. May 19, 9:30 a.m., 104 Logan Hall.

Radiation Safety Training--Irradiator Users. Individuals interested in becoming authorized to use an irradiator must first receive operational training from the irradiator licensee and radiation safety training from EHRS. May 19, 10:30 a.m., 1412 Blockley Hall

Radiation Safety Training--New Worker. Required of all personnel working in laboratories where radioactive materials are present. May 20, 3 p.m., EHRS conference room, Blockley Hall. Or, on-line at our web site www.ehrs.upenn.edu/ under Radiation Safety Programs, Training for Credit.

Check the EHRS web site, www.ehrs.upenn.edu for additional programs, dates and times. If you have any questions, please call Bob Leonzio at (215) 898-4453.

Employee Exposure Records Employee exposure to toxic substances and harmful physical agents is monitored by the Office of Environmental Health & Radiation Safety (EHRS). EHRS maintains employee exposure records. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) standard, Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records (29CFR1910.1020) permits access to employer-maintained exposure and medical records by employees or their designated representative and by OSHA. University employees may obtain a copy of their exposure record by calling EHRS at 898-4453 or by e-mail: ehrs@ehrs.upenn.edu. Hazard Communication Program The University's Hazard Communication Program consists of information regarding access to Material Safety Data Sheets, proper labeling of hazardous chemicals, and the hazard communication training programs required for all employees who handle hazardous chemicals as part of their work. Laboratory workers should refer to Penn's Chemical Hygiene Plan (www.ehrs.upenn.edu/programs/labsafety/chp/intro.html) for additional information concerning the safe handling of chemicals in laboratories. The University's written Hazard Communication Program is available in the Office of Environmental Health & Radiation Safety, 14th floor Blockley Hall/6021. A library of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for hazardous chemicals used at the University is on file at EHRS. An MSDS describes the physical and chemical properties of a product, health hazards and routes of exposure, precautions for safe handling and use, emergency procedures, reactivity data, and control measures. Many MSDSs are also available on the web. Copies of MSDSs for products used in all non-research areas are also maintained at each zone. University employees may obtain an MSDS by calling EHRS at 898-4453 or by e-mail: ehrs@ehrs.upenn.edu.

Almanac, Vol. 45, No. 30, April 27, 1999

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