Industrial Hygiene and Safety

Faculty, staff, and students at Augusta University (AU) are entitled to an environment free of unsafe and unhealthy conditions. The Industrial Hygiene and Safety (IHS) Office provides support services, including assessment and monitoring of indoor air quality and other occupational safety issues, securing of hazards that can affect the environment, and universal/regulated waste removal and disposal.

IHS Training

Laser Safety Training

Augusta University Training

Contact Us

Industrial Hygiene and Safety Office

Physical Plant Shops

706-721-2663

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

706-664-8607

After hours, weekends and holidays, call: 706-721-2911

Services

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

The Industrial Hygiene and Safety (IHS) Office will respond to, and sample for:

  • Odors 
  • Suspect mold
  • Dust/particulates
  • Water intrusion
  • Water quality
  • Noise
  • Any other IEQ-related concerns

 

Policies and Laws

Environmental Activities

Universal Waste

IHS is responsible for disposing of hazardous waste within our campus. It is against the law to dispose of waste material that can negatively impact land, water, and air quality. Please review and submit the land-disturbing activity form if you need IHS to help. Additional information can be found on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.

Includes mercury-containing lamps, equipment and thermostats, and batteries containing heavy metals.

 

Regulated Waste

Information on materials such as asbestos and lead.

Occupational Safety

Employees, students, and staff members have the right to perform their jobs knowing that the correct safety measures have been implemented. Please see the occupational health safety standards below. More information is available at the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).

AED Locations

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are located around campus. They are used in case of a heart event and, when the device is placed on the chest, will deliver an electric shock to the victim if an irregular heartbeat is detected.


Respiratory Protection Program

This program is to prevent adverse health effects from the inhalation of hazardous airborne contaminants. 


Chemical Fume Hoods

Lab staff are responsible for proper use and daily maintenance of fume hoods. Fume Hoods are to be certified annually.

Laser Safety

Eyewash Stations and Safety Showers

Eyewash Stations and Safety Showers

Eyewash stations and safety showers should always be in working condition. 

IHS

  • Performs annual flushes and inspections of all eyewash stations and safety showers as outlined in Section B of this procedure.
  • Inspects and adds tags to all newly installed eyewash stations and safety showers before use.  *Note: Sink nozzle-mount units are not tagged.
  • Maintains a record of each annual inspection. 

AU Departments

  • Will inspect all eyewash stations within their department (at least quarterly) following the Operation Checklist below. This includes flushing eyewashes for at least 10 seconds or until the water runs clear.

  • Sign the monthly inspection form every time the eyewash station is flushed (at least quarterly).

Operation Checklist:

1. Activate the eyewash and allow water to run at least 10 seconds to remove rust or microorganisms that may be in the water line.
2. Check for equal pressure. Both streams should cross in the center.
3. Check for adequate flow of water. Too little flow, or excess pressure, are unacceptable and need correcting.
4. Check for clogged drains or leakage around pipes.

FAQs

What makes the air in my area feel stuffy?

The problem may be related to an air handler ventilation problem or possibly be due to having more people or activities in the area than it was designed for. In either case, heat and carbon dioxide generated by each person builds up and causes a rise in temperature and CO2 level. If the air is not being replaced with fresh air quickly enough, the area will feel stuffy. Also, high partitions in open work areas can interfere with design airflow for the area and reduce it to the point where coolness and comfort are compromised.

For office environments, what is the acceptable temperature and relative humidity range?

Temperature should remain between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity should be between 35% and 65%.

What can be done if there is a musty odor in my part of the building?

IHS can sample for airborne and surface molds and request that Facilities Operations check the air handling unit. Mold can grow if there is sufficient moisture, warm temperatures, and nutrients that can be found in building materials. Any mold discovered during an IHS investigation should be cleaned or have the building materials removed. If building leaks are found, these must be repaired to control the moisture source.

What happens if I report a bad odor in my work area?

When alerted, IHS responds to the area as quickly as possible and tries to determine the cause of the problem. IHS will initiate corrective measures whenever possible. The earlier it is reported, the more likely it can be controlled.

How can I report a suspected problem with the environment in my work area?

Call EHS at extension 1-2663 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). After working hours, call Public Safety, at extension 1-2911 and report the problem. They will contact the on-call person for EHS to respond.

Does someone check our building air handler to make sure it works properly?

Yes. Facilities Operations Zone Maintenance personnel do preventive maintenance inspections periodically, depending on the needs of the equipment. If a problem is suspected, you can call extension 1-2434 to report it.

How do I get rid of large quantities of glass (slides, test tubes, etc.)?

Contact EH&S at extension 1-2663 for recommended options. Typically, cardboard cartons, plastic pails, or other appropriate containers will be suggested, depending on the situation. Packing advice is also given.

What is the difference between a biosafety cabinet and a fume hood?

A biosafety cabinet is a movable cabinet with supply and exhaust filters that typically exhausts 30% of the air it takes in. It filters and recirculates the rest. A few of these cabinets exhaust to the exterior of the building. This type cabinet offers personal safety protection from contaminants in the hood, as well as product protection. A laminar flow cabinet typically offers product protection only. A fume hood is equipment built into the building structure to exhaust all contaminants to the exterior via a roof stack. It rarely has a filter.

When does our biosafety cabinet need recertifying?

Most cabinets are recertified annually. Some are recertified every six months, depending on the nature of their use. Cabinets need to be recertified after being moved to another location, either in the same room or another area. Lab Equipment Services should be contacted to do this at extension 1-6124.

When does a fume hood need recertifying?

IHS recertifies fume hoods annually. If there is a question or problem with your fume hood, you can report it to IHS at extension 1-2663. IHS will check it out and adjust it or have Facilities Operations Zone Maintenance work on it.

Can I throw batteries in the trash?

Alkaline batteries can be trashed. All other batteries should be placed in labeled collection pails in various locations for recycling. If you need a pail for this purpose, contact IHS at extension 1-2663.

How do I dispose of wet infectious waste?

Normally, it is disposed of as biomedical waste in a red plastic pail. In some cases, you can obtain Isolyser Plus, a disinfectant and solidifier. After using Isolyser Plus, the biowaste can be placed in regular trash. Never place pathological waste, including blood or body fluids in regular trash unless they are first isolyzed.

Where can I get red bags and sharps containers?

Contact Environmental Services. For campus, the number is extension 1-2434. For AU Hospital & Clinics, the number is extension 1-4550.