Announcements

Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) launched an updated version of the “Lockout and Tagout” or “LOTO” Program. “LOTO” applies to operations where the unexpected energization of the machine or equipment could cause an injury to employee(s). This program provides safe work practices to effectively control the energy sources of equipment while performing maintenance operations.

Please refer to this memo for more information on how this program may affect your area(s).

If the LOTO program impacts you or your employee(s), or you are unsure, please take this brief survey. This will help EH&S identify if you need additional support.
NOTE:  The survey will not take more than a minute to complete.

EH&S is happy to announce four, 1-hour, virtual lab safety seminars for FIU staff and students. We invite you to join us for as many sessions as possible! 

The topics covered vary with each session. Here are the dates and topics:

October 21 - EH&S & Fisher Scientific discuss chemical safety
October 28 - Environmental & general safety 
November 4 - Laboratory safety topics relating to the lab self-audit, hazardous waste, biosafety, radiationa and laser safety
November 10 - EH&S website, trainings, and fire safety
November 18 - Safety questions and Lab Self-Audit Program

You will receive 1 hour of CEU's for each session you attend. Please let us know you will be attending by going to our training calendar and RSVPing. 

Update: The transition will now take place on July 31. Please continue to complete training on Moodle and download/save your certificates from now until July 31.

We are excited to announce that as of July 31, the courses previously found in Moodle will have a new home, FIU Develop.  

FIU Develop is the new home for online professional development at the University.  To access FIU Develop, visit develop.fiu.edu and search for your course of interest.  

If you have previously completed coursework or certificates in Moodle, please take this opportunity to download those certificates prior to the July 31 transition. 

To learn more about FIU Develop, visit develop.fiu.edu 

In case you have been unable to participate in the latest laboratory roundtable events, you still have one more chance to attend the October 3rd session! It will be hosted in BBC and will include a polycom broadcast. For more information and to RSVP, go here.

Additionally, we will be hosting a Biosafety Seminar on October 8th! Along with your EH&S partners, guest speakers from Steris and Triumvirate will be offering a wealth of safety information and tips pertaining to hazardous waste, autoclaving, spills and more! For more information and to RSVP, go here.

As the University readies itself for Hurricane Dorian's potential impact on South Florida, EH&S wants you and your workspace to be fully prepared for any outcome. 

Please use and follow the resources and information listed below:

General:

• FIU Alert System Sign-up
• Miami-Dade County's Hurricane Guide 
• National Hurricane Center 
• Monitor FIU email for updates about the storm and University operations
• If possible, cover computers and other electronics with plastic or water repellent materials
• Remove items from the floor, especially first floor offices and labs
• Ensure computer files/documents are being stored/backed-up in your FIU OneDrive, not your desktop
• No sheltering allowed in unauthorized FIU locations, such as laboratories, offices, etc. 

Laboratories: 

• Hurricane Preparedness Guidelines for Laboratories
• Dry Ice Usage Guidelines
• Dry Ice Safety Quick Guide

EH&S is bringing its roundtable safety series to the Engineering Center!

Multiple EH&S personnel will be presenting and answering questions in the following areas:
1. EH&S webpage and forms
2. Lab self-audit
3. Chemical safety
4. Radiation and laser safety
5. Fire safety
6. Electrical/industrial safety

For full event details and to RSVP, including how to join in with Zoom, please click here.

EH&S is teaming up again with Fisher Scientific, Triumvirate, Brady, and TEL to host a Laboratory Safety Seminar.

Topics will include: Fumehood Use; General Laboratory Safety Practices; Spill Kits; EHS Training and Website.

Please RSVP by clicking here, and in the new page, click on the "I'm Interested" button. Use your FIU Employee ID to RSVP. For more information about the event, please contact Gina Oubrar at 348-6849 or gigallia@fiu.edu.  

Refreshments will be provided. 

Polycom will be available at BBC in MSB 362.

Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is kick starting the 2018 Laboratory Self-Audit (LSA) to continue to promote awareness of safety and regulatory compliance for the FIU laboratory community. EH&S is very appreciative of all participants that contributed to the success of the 2017 LSA. 

NEW!! The LSA Summary Reports for 2016 and 2017 are now available for review. Visit the Lab Safety Webpage to access the reports. 

The 2018 LSA is mandatory for all FIU research and academic laboratories to submit. Completion of the LSA fulfills the FIU EH&S requirement for the Annual Safety Inspections. NOTE: this does not include Special Hazard Compliance Inspections. 

The 2018 LSA will commence on August 15^th and conclude on November 30^th, 2018. The LSA Preview will be made available August 13^th, 2018 & the links for the LSA Survey and the LSA feedback survey will only work during the scheduled time frame. 

EH&S is teaming up with Fisher Scientific, Medrep, and Health Environmental Services (HES) to host the EH&S Biosafety Seminar.

In recognition of National Biosafety Month, the National Institute of Health (NIH) is encouraging institutions to focus their efforts on sustaining and enhancing a culture of safety and responsibility in life science research laboratories. EH&S will provide information and resources focusing on biosafety procedures, policies and safe practices. In addition, those who attend will earn 2.0 hours towards professional development/continuing education.

For full event details and RSVP information, please click here

If you encounter any issues with the calendar or reservation, please contact the Safety Education Office at 305-348-1421.

Fire Prevention Week is in full swing and we want you to come by one of our events to learn about fire safety, prevention, and response!

The Department of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is hosting the 2018 Lab Safety Roundtable on September 11^th, 2018 from 10 AM to 12 PM in WC 130. EH&S will provide information on upcoming programs, safety initiatives, and regulatory changes that impact your areas.

This roundtable presents a great opportunity to:

• Help EH&S continue to improve the culture of safety at FIU
• Ask questions and voice your safety and compliance concerns
• Meet the FIU EH&S Team 

Target Audience:

We request that all PIs and Lab Managers be present for this session. Lab Staff, Graduate Students, Interns or any individual that works in a lab space AND is familiar with lab procedures, processes, compliance, and safety issues should also attend.

Please RVSP by clicking the link below, selecting the “I’m Interested” button, and logging in with your FIU credentials. For more information about the event, please contact Tamece Knowles at 348-3387 or knowles@fiu.edu. Polycom will be available for BBC attendees. 

Feel free to share the event invite with others. We look forward to seeing you there!!!

To RSVP, click here: https://calendar.fiu.edu/event/2018_lab_safety_roundtable_1?utm_campaign=widget&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Florida+International+University#.W4gUg8Qna70

If you encounter any issues with the calendar or reservation, please contact the Safety Education Office at 348-1421.

With the summer months in full swing, the risk of bites and stings increases with outdoor activities.  EH&S wants you to be aware of these potential threats and be safe while enjoying the beautiful South Florida summers!

Please feel free to print or download this guideline to preventing bites and stings. 

Mosquitoes and Zika 

As the summer months roll on in South Florida, so does the rainy season. During the rainy season, mosquito populations increase, along with the risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission.

The Zika Virus has been a global concern, and in the past few years, has made its way to South Florida. Although reported cases of infection are extremely low and remain rare, Florida International University takes the threat seriously and is being proactive in its approach to preventing members of the community, especially its students, faculty and staff, from exposure by raising awareness.

At this moment, FIU is not aware of any member of the University community being personally impacted by Zika. In order for the community to remain vigilant against Zika, and other mosquito-borne diseases, FIU urges each community member to use the following resources to educate yourself and stay informed: