msepostdoc-list MSE Safety & Equipment Newsletter for Sept/Oct 2023
Erk, Kendra A
erk at purdue.edu
Thu Sep 21 14:28:30 EDT 2023
To view this newsletter on the web, visit: https://engineering.purdue.edu/MSE/research/newsletter/safety-equipment-newsletter
To view this as a PDF (intranet), visit: https://engineering.purdue.edu/Intranet/Groups/Schools/MSE/Facilities/SafetyNewsletters/September-2023.pdf
MSE Safety & Equipment Newsletter for September/October 2023
**** Important Upcoming Dates ****
* Thursday, October 5: PUMA Teaching Labs Cleaning Day in ARMS. Details coming soon from Cameron Hillsman, PUMA Safety Chair.
* Friday, October 6: First-Friday Lab Clean Up for ARMS 2130-2136. Sign-up here<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.signupgenius.com%2Fgo%2F10C0849A5A72BA7FCC43-arms%23%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmsepostdoc-list%40ecn.purdue.edu%7C7b9bd500558643d3c4b108dbbad08df9%7C4130bd397c53419cb1e58758d6d63f21%7C0%7C0%7C638309177130258608%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=9kMaHnQUFiDsnddoYffF52YSPx7d9fm3qIzdrp3q7aA%3D&reserved=0>.
* Friday, October 27: Deadline to submit entries for the “Creep It Safe” poster contest by MSEGSA (details below).
**** New MSE Safety Officer: Mr. Casey Peters ****
In July 2023, the School welcomed Mr. Casey Peters as our new MSE Safety Officer. Casey obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry (minor in Physics) from Simpson College in 2004 and joins Purdue with over 15 years of experience in laboratory operations, safety, and manufacturing. He spent the early part of his career working at Eurofins Scientific and BASF Plant Science. For the last 5 years, he worked in manufacturing, holding positions in production, operations, safety, and continuous improvement. Most recently he served as Operations Supervisor with California Pellet Mill in Crawfordsville, Indiana where he helped with production efficiency, standard operating procedures (SOP) documentation, training, and safety, and increased the reproducibility of the Rubig machine (plasma nitriding process) for die production. In his role as MSE Safety Officer, Casey will focus on safety and training program development to ensure that the School continues to meet and exceed safety standards. Welcome Casey!
**** Alarms & Sirens ****
Do you know what to do if you hear a fire alarm? What about a tornado siren? In general, you should always move away from alarms – go outside if you hear a fire alarm inside of a building; move indoors if you hear a siren outside. The info graphic below describes what to do in ARMS. The Building Emergency Plans for other buildings across campus can be accessed here<https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/emergency-preparedness/emergency-plans/bep/docs/pu-fire-evac-2016.pdf>.
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Full posting here<https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/emergency-preparedness/emergency-plans/bep/docs/pu-fire-evac-2016.pdf>
**** Updated Emergency Reminders ****
* Purdue Environmental Health & Safety Website<https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/>
* Purdue’s Emergency Procedures Guide<https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/emergency-preparedness/emergency-plans/emergency-procedures-guide.php>
* Purdue’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), formerly known as REM<https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/rem/>
* To report an injury to Purdue EHS: link<https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/rem/froi/ai.html>
* To report a campus-wide safety concern to Purdue EHS: link<https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/rem/froi/reports.html>
* For injury reporting and/or any safety concerns, questions, or ideas specific to MSE:
* Email to: mse-safety at purdue.edu
* Talk to: Casey Peters, Prof. Erk, Nicole Franklin (MSE GSA) or Cameron Hillsman (PUMA)
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**** Safety Best-Practice: Lab and Office Ergonomics ****
We want to shed light on a crucial aspect of your research experience – ergonomics. Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging your workspace to optimize efficiency and minimize discomfort or injury. Creating an ergonomic workspace in your lab and office can significantly improve your productivity, comfort, and long-term health. Below are six points to ensure a safer and more efficient research environment. (From Nicole Franklin, MSE GSA Safety Chair)
1. The Lab Bench / Desk Setup
* Workbench Height: Ensure your lab bench is adjusted to a comfortable height. You should be able to work with your elbows close to your body and your forearms parallel to the ground.
* Chair Selection: Choose a lab chair with good lumbar support and adjust it to the correct height to maintain a neutral spine posture.
* Monitor Placement: Position your computer monitor at eye level to avoid neck strain. If using microscopes or other equipment, adjust their height for comfortable viewing.
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Image: EHS Purdue Personal Ergonomics<https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/rem/laboratory/Personal/ergo.html>
2. Laboratory Equipment and Tools
* Microscope Ergonomics: Adjust the microscope eyepieces and the stage to maintain a relaxed neck and back posture.
* Pipetting Technique: Use an ergonomic pipette with a comfortable grip. Avoid overexertion by using your whole hand and not just your fingers. If sitting remember to sit with an upright straight back and relaxed shoulders with your hips as far back in the chair as possible.
* Lab Instruments: Familiarize yourself with the correct posture for using lab instruments. Maintain a relaxed wrist and forearm alignment to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries. When doing a repetitive task such as pipetting take frequent breaks to rest and stretch.
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Image: Labmanager.com<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.labmanager.com%2Fergonomic-risk-factors-in-the-lab-26903&data=05%7C01%7Cmsepostdoc-list%40ecn.purdue.edu%7C7b9bd500558643d3c4b108dbbad08df9%7C4130bd397c53419cb1e58758d6d63f21%7C0%7C0%7C638309177130258608%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ky1vc0KtMMfBQkz6xikD00EueDWlhVUIDw6Iba2AwSY%3D&reserved=0>
3. Lab Organization
* Keep it Neat: A clutter-free lab bench allows for better organization and reduces the chances of accidents.
* Proper Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting to prevent eye strain when reading instruments or labels.
* Anti-Fatigue Mats: If you spend long hours standing, consider using anti-fatigue mats to reduce discomfort.
4. Regular Breaks and Stretching
* Take short breaks every hour to stand up, stretch, and relax your muscles.
* DRINK WATER! We know it’s hard to remember to hydrate, but set timers for yourself while in lab for long periods to remember to leave lab and hydrate (not just coffee).
* Incorporate simple stretches into your routine to prevent stiffness.
5. Self-Care
Prioritize your health and well-being. Proper nutrition, hydration, and adequate sleep are essential for maintaining your energy and focus in the lab as well as preventing any injuries.
6. Seek Guidance
Don't hesitate to ask your lab supervisor or safety officer for guidance on optimizing your lab and office workspace. They may provide additional equipment or recommendations. Also check these helpful Links:
* Ergonomic Shoes For Lab<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.workbootsguru.com%2Fbest-work-shoes-for-laboratory-work%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmsepostdoc-list%40ecn.purdue.edu%7C7b9bd500558643d3c4b108dbbad08df9%7C4130bd397c53419cb1e58758d6d63f21%7C0%7C0%7C638309177130258608%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FyKUdgD7T8zAws9IOZTSuRnWLtXbvaSy1kEJF862oLE%3D&reserved=0>
* Labmanager.com Ergonomic Risk Factors<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.labmanager.com%2Fergonomic-risk-factors-in-the-lab-26903&data=05%7C01%7Cmsepostdoc-list%40ecn.purdue.edu%7C7b9bd500558643d3c4b108dbbad08df9%7C4130bd397c53419cb1e58758d6d63f21%7C0%7C0%7C638309177130258608%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ky1vc0KtMMfBQkz6xikD00EueDWlhVUIDw6Iba2AwSY%3D&reserved=0>
* EHS Purdue Ergonomics<https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/rem/laboratory/Personal/ergo.html>
**** MSEGSA “Creep It Safe”: Halloween Laboratory Poster Contest ****
Get your creative cauldrons bubbling and your spooky senses tingling! In the spirit of Halloween, we challenge you to create a workplace-themed safety poster with a spine-tingling twist. Incorporate the eerie elements of the season, like ghosts, zombies, and horror, to remind everyone that safety is no ghost story. Your poster should be both frighteningly funny and seriously safe incorporating fundamentals to lab and office safety. So, channel your inner mad scientist and concoct a poster that will make lab safety a real scream!
* DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS FRIDAY OCT. 27th. Your poster should be informative about lab safety and have a theme of Horror or Halloween (don't make it gory!) Be creative! Drawings, photography, digital artwork is all welcome here.
* TOP THREE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE SPOOKY SAFE PRIZES. Posters will be displayed in lab and office spaces in ARMS after contest. See QR code below for contest information and poster examples.
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**** New Hazardous Waste Website & Procedures ****
New Hazardous Waste Pickup procedures are now in place. You can submit online (similar to before) and now you can also see what pickups have been completed. See screenshots below. Visit https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/rem/waste/hazwaste.html for the submission link and more details.
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**** Helpful Links for New Researchers ****
· Lab access requests (form<https://engineering.purdue.edu/Intranet/Groups/Schools/MSE/Facilities/LabAccessRequest>)
· iLab equipment training requests (link<https://engineering.purdue.edu/MSE/research/facilities/iLab>)
· Hazard Assessments (form<https://engineering.purdue.edu/MSE/research/safety/Purdue%20EHS%20Hazard%20Assessment%20Form.pdf>): Hazard Assessment (HA) is a process required by law that is intended to help researchers to identify the hazards associated with a defined task and then to prescribe the relevant protection measures, including personal protective equipment (PPE), that must be employed to reduce the risk from the hazards. If you are planning to perform a new research or educational activity that you believe has specific hazards associated with it (e.g., creating an uncommon etchant formulation; designing a new heat treatment; testing a new processing method; etc.), you are required to complete the following steps:
1. Obtain and review the safety data sheets for each material (solid, liquid, gas) that will be used in your activity. Note all required PPE.
2. Identify all hazards that are applicable to your activity and note all required PPE. To help, you can first review the table of common laboratory hazards (link<https://engineering.purdue.edu/MSE/research/safety/Purdue%20EHS%20Hazard%20Table.pdf>) and identify which hazards are most applicable to your experiment. Please note that this table is not comprehensive.
3. Obtain and review any known safety procedures or documentation that is available for your activity. For example, established procedures for various metal etchants are available online.
4. Consider what hazardous waste materials (solids, liquids, and/or gases) may be generated from your activity. Create a plan for safely collecting and disposing of all waste materials.
5. Considering all information you have collected in steps 1, 2, 3, and 4, complete the single-task HA form (form<https://engineering.purdue.edu/MSE/research/safety/Purdue%20EHS%20Hazard%20Assessment%20Form.pdf>). In the section entitled "Other Control Measures", include your plan for hazardous waste collection and disposal.
6. Discuss the completed HA form with your research supervisor. Then send a copy of the completed HA form and the SDS/SOP you used to mse-safety at purdue.edu<mailto:mse-safety at purdue.edu> with the subject "Single-task HA". Your HA must be signed by you AND your PI.
7. You should then print out and physically post a copy of the completed HA form in the location of your activity (for example, on the fume hood or on the main lab door). The HA form is to remain posted until the activity has concluded.
Please contact the MSE Safety Officer with any questions about the Hazard Assessment process.
**** ARMS 2130/2132/2136 First Friday Clean-Ups ****
The MSE Safety Committee in consultation with Purdue EHS now facilitates monthly clean-up sessions for the Sample Prep / Polishing / Microscopy lab spaces in ARMS (ARMS 2136, 2132, and 2130). These clean-up sessions are in response to lab user feedback from our recent safety survey (“the labs are dirty and disorganized”) as well as to the growing number of safety infractions and near-misses that have occurred over the past year in these spaces. As you all know first-hand, it is so much easier, safer, and more fun to complete your research activities in a clean, well-organized lab space. *** All active lab users of these spaces are required to help with 2 clean-up sessions per year, which take place on the first Friday of every month from 3-4 pm. Each session will involve 5-7 lab users as well as Casey Peters. Checklists are utilized for each lab space to streamline the workflow. The next cleaning session will be Friday, October 6th. To sign-up for this session or any future session, please click here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0849A5A72BA7FCC43-arms#/<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.signupgenius.com%2Fgo%2F10C0849A5A72BA7FCC43-arms%23%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmsepostdoc-list%40ecn.purdue.edu%7C7b9bd500558643d3c4b108dbbad08df9%7C4130bd397c53419cb1e58758d6d63f21%7C0%7C0%7C638309177130414818%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=x8kNeQBljRq0H%2BOfyzwivRamRHj3LDrr8kE0GXDq%2F%2BI%3D&reserved=0>
**** Equipment Reporting Reminder ****
If you encounter a piece of broken equipment, or have any questions about a specific piece of equipment, you should contact a member of the MSE Technical Staff:
* For sample prep (i.e., saws, grinding wheels) equipment and mechanical testing equipment: Tim VanMeter<mailto:tcvanmet at purdue.edu>
* For characterization equipment and iLab: Danielle Heichel<mailto:heichel1 at purdue.edu> (interim)
**** Important Links and Contact Information ****
* For MSE safety questions, concerns, and lab access issues: mse-safety at purdue.edu<mailto:mse-safety at purdue.edu> or speak directly to MSE Safety Officer Casey<mailto:fiferj at purdue.edu> Peters (ARMS 2200-1)
* Equipment/Safety/Consumables Reporting Form<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpurdue.ca1.qualtrics.com%2Fjfe%2Fform%2FSV_7QcGyO9IVMwWRPD%3F_ga%3D2.245543812.1817797620.1567020868-632661468.1565031036&data=05%7C01%7Cmsepostdoc-list%40ecn.purdue.edu%7C7b9bd500558643d3c4b108dbbad08df9%7C4130bd397c53419cb1e58758d6d63f21%7C0%7C0%7C638309177130414818%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XpUrNdv1O6z6D%2BbrB%2BoAyWQtfn2m6yRpqDCKgoXF7ZI%3D&reserved=0> (QR Code on MSE lab doors)
* Purdue REM Researcher’s Guide<https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/rem/laboratory/researchers.html#cs2>
* ARMS general safety information<https://engineering.purdue.edu/Intranet/Groups/Facilities/ArmstrongHall>
* Purdue Environmental Health & Safety Website<https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/>
* Purdue’s Emergency Procedures Guide<https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/emergency-preparedness/emergency-plans/emergency-procedures-guide.php>
* Purdue’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), formerly known as REM<https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/rem/>
* To report an injury to Purdue EHS: link<https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/rem/froi/ai.html>
* To report a campus-wide safety concern to Purdue EHS: link<https://www.purdue.edu/ehps/rem/froi/reports.html>
* Purdue Police Non-Emergency: (765) 494-8221
* Purdue Fire Non-Emergency: (765) 494-6919
* Purdue REM Non-Emergency: (765) 494-6371
* For all emergencies, dial 911.
Thanks for reading everyone!
Prof. Erk, Casey Peters, Nicole Franklin and the MSE Safety Committee
Kendra A. Erk
Associate Professor of Materials Engineering
Purdue University
soft-material-mechanics.squarespace.com
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