The University of Iowa

SAFETYmatters - Updates to EHS Safety Programs and Manuals

Over the past year, EHS staff have been updating our documents to reflect the new University branding guide.  These updates will significantly change the look of our safety manuals, forms, and site-specific training material.  However, individuals will not be asked to download new documents due to branding updates. 

Safety programs and manuals that have also had content changes are described below.  The campus community should update any downloaded documents with the newest version and have any printed material ready for the annual EHS review.

Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP):  Section 8.1 – Standard Laboratory Attire was updated by the Laboratory Safety Committee.  Updated information clarifies that skin should be covered from the neck down, with the exception of the lower portion of the arms.

Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Assessment Tool (PPE HAT): Page 1 of the PPE HAT has been updated with the standard laboratory attire expectations.  Laboratories should replace page 1 in their PPE HAT and ensure staff are aware of the change in expectations during the annual training.

Biosafety Manual: Multiple sections were updated to incorporate changes following release of the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), 6th Edition.

Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan template (BBP ECP): Sections were updated to incorporate changes from the BMBL, 6th Ed., the post-exposure phone number, STICK (1-319-467-8425), was added for post-exposure evaluation, and the Incident Investigation Report was removed as the report is now completed through Workflow.  The Biosafety Officer will contact each Exposure Control Officer when it is time for their annual program review and send them the updated template.

Chemical Waste and Controlled Substance Disposal Manuals:  Due to his retirement from the University, Bill Murray is no longer assisting with controlled substance disposal.  Zach Beyerink has assumed this role in EHS; the manuals have been updated with his contact information.