This column is for research labs that involve animal procedures or surgeries. We encounter anesthetic gas use in many settings such as medical research, veterinary schools, dental research labs and dental colleges, and biological research facilities.

This column will focus on ethylene oxide, a frequently used and potentially dangerous sterilizing agent. Also known as EtO or EO, it is highly compatible with today’s polymer-based single-use medical devices, procedure kits, surgical trays, etc.

But for How Long?

We have written previously on LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) certification program for green buildings. In this column, the Safety Guys will look at some of the potential health and safety issues involved when building green.

One focus of laboratory management is equipment, and a basic fixture in any laboratory is the chemical fume hood. We recently had an issue with a chemical hood that we think is a common occurrence, and we feel it is a good time to discuss chemical fume hood design and installation.

A Dozen Tips for Working Safely with Laboratory Glassware

Given the current economic climate, most employers are probably looking to save on operations and improve their bottom lines. Usually they begin by trying to increase efficiency, or “trim the fat,” as the saying goes. And those of us who work in the area of health and safety know that we are usually prime targets.

Recognize this mobile phone commercial cliché? Well, you might be hearing it in your lab as this phrase is repeated more and more—not relating to poor cell phone service, but the insides of buildings and laboratories.

One of the most common and important things we Safety Guys deal with is the start-up of new laboratories. As construction is completed, new research buildings open and the labs come online, issues inevitably arise.

OSHA celebrated its 40th birthday this year. And to commemorate the milestone, Assistant Secretary of Labor Dr. David Michaels gave some excellent remarks at the Center for American Progress in April.

We all know how diamonds are formed. You take a lump of carbon and subject it to intense pressure and high temperatures, and magically those carbon atoms are pressed into a diamond. The diamonds we are discussing in this article are formed much more easily.

Formaldehyde is one of the nastiest chemicals around

Every workplace involves cutting tasks where utility knives are used. By observing your various cutting operations and the type of utility knives used, you can ensure the proper tool is used for the task.

A good system for chemical management begins with a complete inventory of the laboratory's chemicals and a material safety data sheet (MSDS) collection for those materials.