Industrial Hygiene

Industrial hygiene is the science of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace conditions that may cause workers' injury or illness. Industrial hygienists and the Industrial Hygiene Unit at Emory use environmental monitoring and analytical methods to detect the extent of worker exposure and employ engineering, work practice controls, and other methods to control potential health hazards. 

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The Asbestos Program has been established to maintain a safe and health work environment for Emory University students, staff, visitors, and contractors. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) will be managed according to applicable federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines. The objectives of the program are:

  • Identification of ACMs
  • Assessment and Hazard Communication
  • Training
  • Proper documentation in university facilities associated with asbestos abatement projects

Guidance

Asbestos/Lead Assessment 

Need an assessment to identify the presence of asbestos/lead in a building? 
Request An Assessment 

Formaldehyde is used in various mixtures (formaldehyde, formalin, and paraformaldehyde) in clinical laboratories, gross anatomy laboratories, DAR laboratories, and the morgue on Emory's campus. Formaldehyde is a sensitizing agent and a cancer hazard. Emory's Formaldehyde Program was developed to protect Emory University employees, students, and visitors from exposure to elevated levels of formaldehyde. The Program includes a written formaldehyde program, labeling, monitoring, and employee training, for any employee exposed to formaldehyde at or above 0.1 ppm.

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OSHA has estimated that more than 32 million workers are exposed to 650,000 hazardous chemical products in more than 3 million American workplaces each year. Emory's Hazard Communication (HazCom) Program was developed to comply with regulatory standards to ensure chemical safety for Emory University employees, students, and visitors. This program makes sure that information about health and physical hazards associated with chemical use and associated protective measures are disseminated to Emory University employees, students, and visitors. As part of the program, EHSO retains an online database of safety data sheets (SDS), has developed a HazCom program, provides training and labeling information for potentially exposed employees.

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According to OSHA, elevated noise, is one of the most common health problems in American workplaces. Exposure to high levels of noise may cause hearing loss, create physical and psychological stress, reduce productivity, interfere with communication, and contribute to accidents and injuries. Emory's Hearing Conservation Program was developed to conserve the hearing of Emory University employees, students, and visitors by focusing on preventing occupational noise-induced hearing loss. The program includes:

  • Monitoring,
  • Audiometric testing,
  • Hearing protection,
  • Employee training, and
  • Recordkeeping for any employee exposed to noise levels at or above 85 dBA.

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Emory University is committed to the prevention of heat related illnesses and injuries for university employees, students and visitors caused by activities performed in high heat environments. EHSO has developed a heat stress program that includes a written program, identification of high heat areas, signs and symptoms of heat-related conditions, assessments, monitoring and training.

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Symptoms

Where will you be working?

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) deals with the content of interior air that could affect the health and comfort of building occupants. Investigation and remediation of IAQ concerns are a joint effort between Campus Services, EHSO, and the person(s) reporting the problem. Most IAQ problems or complaints can be remedied quickly. However, in complex situations (e.g. large areas of fungal growth, multiple causative agents), it may take more time to reach a resolution. In any case, EHSO and Campus Services will make it a point to keep building occupants informed of progress in addressing the situation.

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The Lead Program has been established to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for Emory University students, staff, visitors, and contractors. Lead materials will be managed according to applicable federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines. The objectives of the program are:

  • Inspection of target housing and child-occupied facilities prior to performing activities that may disturb lead-based paint.
  • Consultation on safe work practices related to construction projects that impact lead-containing materials.
  • Coordination and provision of project oversight on lead paint abatement projects.
  • Provision of waste characterization and disposal for projects occurring in Emory's facilities.

Guidance

Asbestos/Lead Assessment 

Need an assessment to identify the presence of asbestos/lead in a building? 
Request An Assessment 

A respirator is a device that protects you from inhaling dangerous substances, such as chemicals and infectious particles, and may also protect workers from insufficient oxygen environments. According to OSHA, as estimated 5 million workers are required to wear respirators in 1.3 million workplaces across the U.S. Emory's Respiratory Protection Program was developed to protect Emory employees, students, and visitors from exposure to respiratory hazards. The program includes assessment of work areas, procedures for selecting respirators, medical evaluations, respirator fit testing, procedures for evaluation of the program and training on respiratory hazards, respirator use and care. If a respirator is voluntarily worn by an employee if not required by the employer, EHSO must be contacted prior to respirator use.

To schedule respirator fit testing please complete the following steps:

  • Obtain Medical Clearance
    • Employees should Log into Peoplesoft Self-Service using your Network ID and password
    • Click the Workplace Health Tile and look for N95 Questionnaire under the “bell icon” at top middle of screen. If not available, please contact employee health at home@emoryhealthcare.org
    • An appointment is not necessary, first complete N95 Questionnaire and Employee Health will review and contact you if further information is needed or a visit to the clinic is warranted.
    • You must be prepared to show proof of Medical Clearance completed in HOME to the individual fit testing you.
    • Students should complete the medical questionnaire form and have it signed by a Program designated healthcare provider.
    • You must bring with you the medical clearance form signed by the healthcare professional provided by your Program
  • Take the Respirator training course
    • Log into EHSA.
    • Select the appropriate online training course
      • Respiratory Protection for Single Use Respirators (N95)
      • Respiratory Protection for University Workers
    • Contact EHSO at ehsotraining@emory.edu if you need assistance. 

You must be clean shaven to be fit tested.
No drinking, eating, smoking, or chewing gum 30 minutes prior to fit testing.

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