Announcements

Environmental Health & Safety stays up to do date to ensure that you get the latest safety and environmental compliance information. Check here for the newest alerts.

• Lab Self-Audit Launch - August 15, 2018 - NOW LIVE!

  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. 

  For more information on the 2018 LSA (general information, changes to the format, etc.), please refer to the memo. If you have any questions about the LSA, please contact Tamece Knowles (knowles@fiu.edu or 348-3387) or Victoria Leyland (vleyland@fiu.edu or 348-1331).

You can find historical EH&S events and campaigns in the section below.

• Biosafety Seminar - A Laboratory Safety Seminar Series Event - October 18, 2018

  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: October 7 - 13, 2018

  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!

  

• EH&S Lab Safety Roundtable #1 - September 11, 2018

  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.

• Bites & Stings - Summer 2018

  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 - 2016 to Present

  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:

  Center For Disease Control (CDC)	General information pertaining to Zika
  Miami-Dade County	Information pertaining to current mosquito control techniques being used by Miami-Dade
  US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)	Information pertaining to the practice of controlling mosquito populations
  FIU's Department of Emergency Management (DEM)	Information pertaining to FIU community Zika awareness resources
  Commonly Used Pesticides	Naled Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (BTI)