Occupational Safety and Health

Expand all   |   Collapse all  

Animal Research

Research involving animals must be approved by Marquette's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The IACUC ensures that all research involving vertebrate animals is performed ethically and in accordance with all regulating agencies. Currently Marquette University has full accreditation from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC).

For additional information on Marquette's policies regarding animal research, please refer to the Office of Research Compliance webpage on Animal Research.

Asbestos Management

The purpose of this program is to establish methods for management of asbestos-containing material (ACM) on campus as well as provide safety training and promote awareness. The asbestos protocol covers the identification, maintenance and removal of regulated asbestos containing material in university facilities. This program is intended to comply with state and federal asbestos regulations, including the standards of EPA and OSHA.  A Campus Inventory Database of potential asbestos-containing materials is kept up to date to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Asbestos is a serious health hazard commonly found in our environment today, thus it is highly important for employees to know where it is likely to be found and how to avoid exposure, and to have an adequate understanding of the associated hazards.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is the name applied to a group of naturally occurring minerals that are mined from the earth. The six different types of regulated asbestos are:

  • Asbestos Danger SignAmosite
  • Chrysotile
  • Tremolite
  • Actinolite
  • Anthophyllite
  • Crocidolite

Of these six, three are used more commonly. Chrysotile (white) is the most common, but it is not unusual to encounter amosite (brown/off-white) or crocidolite (blue) as well. In many instances a single product will have a mixture of different asbestos types.

All types of asbestos can break into very tiny fibers. These individual fibers can be broken down so small that they can only be identified using an electron microscope. Some individual fibers may be up to 700 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. Because asbestos fibers are so small, once released into the air, they may stay suspended there for hours or even days.

Asbestos fibers are virtually indestructible. They are resistant to chemicals and heat, and are very stable in the environment. They do not evaporate into air or dissolve in water, and they are not broken down over time. Asbestos is probably the best insulator known to humans. Because asbestos has so many useful properties, it has been used in more than 3,000 different products.

Usually asbestos is mixed with other materials to actually form the products. Floor tiles, for example, may contain only a small percentage of asbestos. Depending on what the product is, the amount of asbestos in asbestos-containing materials may vary from less than 1 percent to 100 percent.

Where Is Asbestos Found?

Asbestos may be found in many different products and many different places. Examples of products that might contain asbestos are:

  • Sprayed-on fireproofing and insulation in buildingsAsbestos Containing Material
  • Insulation for pipes and boilers
  • Wall and ceiling insulation
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Floor tiles
  • Putties, caulks and cements (such as in chemical-carrying cement pipes)
  • Roofing shingles
  • Siding shingles on old residential buildings
  • Wall and ceiling texture in older buildings and homes
  • Joint compound in older buildings and homes
  • Brake linings and clutch pads

At Marquette, asbestos is most likely to be found in:

  • Sprayed-on insulation in locations such as various mechanical rooms, steel reinforcing beams and some ceilings in older buildings
  • Ceiling tiles in buildings built prior to 1981
  • Most 9-inch floor tiles in buildings built prior to 1981
  • A few 12-inch floor tiles in buildings built prior to 1981
  • Insulation around pipes and boilers
  • Interiors of fire doors

When Is Asbestos Dangerous?

The most common way for asbestos fibers to enter the body is through breathing. In fact, asbestos-containing material is not generally considered to be harmful unless it is releasing dust or fibers into the air where they can be inhaled or ingested. Many of the fibers will become trapped in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat where they can then be removed, but some may pass deep into the lungs, or, if swallowed, into the digestive tract. Once they are trapped in the body, the fibers can cause health problems.

For further information on the Health Effects of Asbestos, follow the link.

Asbestos is most hazardous when it is friable. The term "friable" means that the asbestos is easily crumbled by hand, releasing fibers into the air. Sprayed-on asbestos insulation is highly friable. Asbestos floor tile generally is not.  Asbestos-containing ceiling tiles, floor tiles, undamaged laboratory cabinet tops, shingles, fire doors, siding shingles, etc. will not release asbestos fibers unless they are disturbed or damaged in some way. If an asbestos ceiling tile is drilled or broken, for example, it may release fibers into the air. If it is left alone and not disturbed, it generally will not. Asbestos pipe and boiler insulation does not present a hazard unless the protective canvas covering is cut or damaged in such a way that the asbestos underneath is actually exposed to the air.

Damage and deterioration will increase the friability of asbestos-containing materials. Water damage, continual vibration, aging and physical impact such as drilling, grinding, buffing, cutting, sawing or striking can break the materials down, making fiber release more likely.

How to Avoid Asbestos Exposure

To avoid being exposed to asbestos, you must be aware of the locations it is likely to be found. If you do not know whether something is asbestos, assume that it is until it is verified otherwise. Remember that you cannot tell if floor or ceiling tiles contain asbestos just by looking at them. Never try to take a sample yourself unless you are licensed to do so.

The Marquette Facilities Services Department has a licensed asbestos abatement contractor that can take samples from materials to determine whether  they contain asbestos. If you need to have materials analyzed or tested for asbestos, contact your coordinator.

If you do not know that a building material is asbestos free, DO NOT DISTURB IT. 

Never:

    • Drill                      
    • Hammer
    • Cut
    • Saw
    • Break
    • Damage
    • Move
    • Disturb

...any building materials or equipment that has not been proved asbestos free by a certified inspector.

If you need to do work that might involve asbestos (lifting ceiling tiles, repairing insulated pipelines, etc.), check with your coordinator to find out what can be done safely.

For example, before moving any ceiling tiles to perform maintenance work, it will be necessary to ensure they do not contain asbestos. If they do contain asbestos, they will need to be removed by licensed asbestos abatement workers before the work may be performed.

Housekeeping

Housekeepers and custodians should never sand or dry buff asbestos-containing floor tiles, and only wet stripping methods may be used during stripping operations. Low abrasion pads should be used at speeds below 300 rpm.

Broken and fallen ceiling tiles should be left in place until identified. Only after they have been identified as asbestos free may they be removed. Asbestos tiles will be removed by asbestos abatement workers. Broken and damaged asbestos floor tiles must also be removed by asbestos abatement workers.

It is important to report any damaged asbestos-containing materials to your coordinator immediately. Do not attempt to clean up spills yourself!

By knowing where asbestos is likely to be located and then taking measures not to disturb it, you will protect yourself and others from exposure to this hazardous substance.

OSHA Regulations

OSHA began regulating workplace exposure to asbestos in 1970. In the mid-1980s, the EPA's Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) heightened the public's awareness of asbestos. Over the years, more information on the adverse health effects of asbestos exposure has become available. This prompted OSHA to revise the Occupational Exposure to Asbestos standard (29 CFR 1926.1101, August 1994). In November 2000, the EPA adopted by reference the OSHA standards, thereby intending the same protection to state and local government-sector workers as that provided to private-sector workers. The OSHA standard, the EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (40 CFR 763, Section 6), and to some extent the EPA AHERA standard, dictate asbestos management policies and practices at Marquette University.

For further information, refer to Marquette’s Asbestos Awareness Training Program (PowerPoint presentation).

Biosafety

Institutional biosafety concerns the use of recombinant DNA technology (rDNA) and organisms and viruses containing rDNA (transgenic organisms). All research utilizing rDNA must be registered with the Office of Research Compliance. Marquette University's Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is tasked with reviewing all rDNA research conducted at or sponsored by Marquette for compliance with the NIH guidelines.

For additional information regarding Marquette's Institutional Biosafety Committee, please refer to the Office of Research Compliance webpage on Biosafety.

PLEASE NOTE: The Institutional Biosafety Committee ultimately determines the correct biosafety level for each project.  Therefore, all investigators must submit the IBC registration form even if they believe their project is exempt.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Workers in many different occupations are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS. First-aid team members, housekeeping personnel in some settings, nurses and other health care providers are examples of workers who may be at risk of exposure.

To address these risks, Marquette University has developed a BBP Exposure Control Plan

Bloodborne Pathogens Training

References and Resources

The following references aid in recognizing and evaluating bloodborne pathogen hazards and provide possible solutions for these hazards.

Chemical Inventory System

On Marquette's campus, thousands of chemicals are used, dispensed, transported and disposed. To oversee the handling and storage of these chemicals, Marquette University has procured the chemical inventory database system, Chemical Inventory System (CHIMERA).

The CHIMERA system enables Marquette to track chemical containers “cradle to grave.” This inventory system is tied into the product catalogs of major chemical suppliers and enables users to look up product and hazard information including safety data sheets (SDS). In addition, the system identifies a chemical’s National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and the chemical’s hazard classification storage number. This will assist the labs in developing user-friendly chemical storage systems and will address storage incompatibilities.

The system also enables Marquette to generate Department of Homeland Security chemicals of interest reports, Fire Code reports and EPA reports. The CHIMERA system will help Marquette track particularly hazardous substances and their accompanying standard operating procedures.

Confined Space Entry Program

Confined Space Entry Program

Contractor Safety

The safety policy of Marquette University is to provide for the protection of its faculty, staff, students, visitors, facilities and surrounding environment through the development and implementation of a comprehensive safety program.

Contractors are required to also provide safe workplaces and implement their own safety programs. Marquette has prepared a Contractor Safety, Health and Environmental Guidebook to assist in coordinating Marquette facilities and contractor operations during construction, renovation projects and maintenance.

Additionally, contractors are required to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and university policies and follow safe work practices for the construction trades.

Electrical Safety

To protect employees working in and around energized electrical conductors, Marquette University has developed an electrical safety program. No university employees or contractors engaged by Marquette are permitted to work on energized equipment unless:

  • They are authorized employees;
  • They have been trained; and,
  • They are attired and equipped appropriately.

Marquette's policy is to avoid energized work whenever possible. Appropriate planning and coordination shall be completed to ensure that systems are de-energized.

Training and Resources:

Ergonomics

Personal Plan for Comfort and Health at Your Workstation

Chair

  1. Feet are flat on the floor or on a footrest.
  2. Upper legs are approximately parallel to the floor.
  3. Back is comfortably supported when keying.

Keyboard

  1. Upper arms are comfortably at my side.
  2. Forearms are approximately parallel with the floor.
  3. Fingers are slightly curled without bending the wrist to the side.
  4. I land my hands periodically on a palm or wrist rest during pauses.
  5. Wrists are straight with knuckles slightly raised above forearms.
  6. Mouse is at the same level and distance as the keyboard

Monitor

  1. The top of the screen is below eye level and at a comfortable height.
  2. Screen contrast, brightness and colors are adjusted for eye comfort.
  3. Glare and reflections are reduced by monitor tilting/positioning, hoods or anti-glare screens, drapes or light reflectors.

Workstation Layout

  1. There is adequate space for efficient and comfortable completion of various tasks.
  2. Reference manuals or materials are easily accessible and can be comfortably positioned when referred to while keying or using the telephone.
  3. Document holders are at the same viewing distance as the monitor and are positioned to reduce head twisting.
  4. There is adequate space for writing and reading tasks.
  5. Office supplies, equipment and files are adequately arranged for ease of reach and comfort.

Personal Habits

  1. Changing my work position throughout the day.
  2. Looking away from the screen periodically and momentarily focusing on a distant object, blinking and following prolonged periods of concentration.
  3. Periodically stretching muscles in the back, legs, shoulders, arms, neck, wrists and fingers while standing up.
  4. Having vision checked and corrected regularly if needed.
  5. Maintaining an exercise program and lifestyle outside the office that supports good work fitness.

If you have discovered areas that need to be changed in your work setting, please contact your supervisor and the Office of Risk Management for ergonomic review of your workstation.

Quick Fix for Your Workstation

Foot Rest

  • Phone book(s)
  • Box
  • Two three-ring binders – one on top of another
  • Shelf/platform

Wrist Rest

  • Bubble wrap strip covered with fabric
  • High-density foam strip
  • Rolled up hand towel

Monitor Stand

  • Phone book
  • Ream of paper
  • Wooden shelf/platform
  • Computer printouts

Back Support

  • Small pillow or cushion
  • Rolled-up bubble wrap for packaging
  • Rolled-up towel

Creativity and imagination are the key!

Training and Resources

Fall Protection Program

Fall Protection Program

Fire Safety

Fire Safety Emergency Procedures

  1. Upon discovering a fire, explosion or smoke in the building, activate the fire
    alarm system by pulling the nearest fire alarm.
  2. Call Marquette Police Department at x8-1911 (288-1911 off campus) and be prepared to provide:
    • Building name
    • Location of fire/smoke
    • Type of incident (chemicals present, etc.)
  3. Do not use elevators during a fire emergency.
  4. When a fire alarm sounds, evacuation is required. Walk, do not run, to the
    nearest stairway exit and proceed to the ground level. If a stairway contains
    smoke, use an alternate stairway exit. If possible, close doors and windows as
    you leave. The alarm may not sound continuously in your building. If
    the alarm stops, continue the evacuation and keep others from entering.
  5. After exiting, move at least 100 feet from the building, leaving the drives and
    walkways open for emergency personnel. Do not return to the building
    until directed to do so by public safety officers or fire department personnel.
    Persons with disabilities who are unable to move away from the building
    should request assistance from emergency personnel.
  6. Notify firefighters on the scene if you suspect someone may be trapped inside
    the building.
  7. Public safety officers will work with the responding fire department
    personnel to provide access to any affected areas.
  8. Report potential hazards or refer fire prevention questions to Marquette’s
    Office of Environmental Health and Safety at x8-8411 (288-8411 off campus).

Note: Only trained personnel should use fire extinguishers. Your safety is more
important than property damage. Individuals should leave the area and allow
trained emergency personnel to extinguish fires.

Training and Resources

Hazard Communication

Responsibilities

The Hazard Communication Standard affects everyone who manufactures, distributes, provides, uses or stores hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

Note: The following text for 1910.1200 has been updated to align with the U.N. Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Revision 3, issued in the Federal Register, March 16, 2012.

By law, chemical manufacturers or distributors must determine the physical and health hazards of each product that they make or distribute. Then they must let users know about those hazards by using container labels and SDSs.

Employers must develop a Written Hazard Communication Program. They must also:

  1. Inform employees about the Hazard Communication Standard.
  2. Explain how it’s being put into effect in their workplace.
  3. Provide information and training on hazardous chemicals in the workplace including:
    1. Recognizing, understanding and using labels and SDSs.
    2. Using safe procedures when working with hazardous substances.

Employees must take positive actions to protect themselves as well. They must read labels, SDSs and follow their instructions and warnings.

OSHA has developed these safety regulations and Marquette University has developed a compliance program to protect you. The only person who can keep you safe on the job, however, is YOU!

Make these rules part of your job:

  1. Identify hazards before you start a job. If you aren’t familiar with a chemical, read the SDS.
  2. Respect all warnings and precautions, don’t take chances.
  3. When in doubt, ask your supervisor.
  4. Know in advance what could go wrong and what to do about it.
  5. Know how and where to get help.
  6. Learn basic first-aid measures.

Labeling and Other Forms of Warning

Every container of hazardous chemicals is labeled by the manufacturer. The actual format may differ, but the labels must contain similar types of information. That makes it easy to find out at a glance about the chemical’s possible hazards, and the basic steps you can take to protect yourself against those risks.

The label may use words or symbols to tell you:

  1. The common name of the chemical.
  2. The name, address and emergency phone number of the company that made or imported the chemical.
  3. A signal word.
    In order of seriousness, signal words are: Danger and Warning.
  4. The principal hazards:
    1. Physical hazards such as explosiveness, reactivity, etc. (Will it explode, catch fire, reactive?).
    2. Health hazards such as toxicity, etc. (Is it toxic? Could it cause cancer? Is it an irritant?).
  5. Recommended precautionary measures.
    Basic protective clothing, equipment and procedures that are recommended when working with this chemical.
  6. The first-aid instructions.
  7. The proper handling and storage instructions.

If using an unlabeled container, notify your supervisor and ask for instructions. The label contains valuable information but if you don’t find everything you need, refer to the SDS.

To determine if a chemical is hazardous, check the container’s label. There are different types of labels, but all will tell you if a chemical is hazardous. Many Marquette University chemical substances may contain a hazard coding label. Read the labels on all containers and follow all instructions. If you have questions, ask your supervisor or refer to the SDS.

Marquette maintains labels, as provided by manufacturers or distributors, on containers of hazardous chemicals and will not remove or deface existing labels on such containers. When transferring a chemical from one container to another, the new container must be labeled properly. Empty containers that may be reused for other purposes must have their original labels removed or obliterated and relabeled as shown below:

  1. Identity of the chemical,
  2. Appropriate hazard warnings and
  3. Supplier name and address.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

An SDS is a written or printed data sheet concerning a chemical that is prepared and distributed by chemical manufacturers and/or distributors.

Updates of SDSs on campus are done as new or updated manufacturer SDSs are received. New materials introduced into work areas will be controlled by the appropriate departments. SDS files are maintained throughout our facilities for all hazardous chemicals used in work areas.

SDSs are in English and available to all employees and contain the following:

The SDS will provide you with everything you need to work safely with chemicals. SDSs may differ in length, but you will find a summary of everything that’s known about the chemical, its hazards, and precautions to take to avoid injury and illness when handling that particular hazardous substance.

Read the SDS before using a chemical substance.

Hazard Communication Training Requirements

Employee Training: employers must provide employees with effective information and training regarding hazardous chemicals in their work area prior to starting work, and whenever a new physical and/or health hazard is introduced into the work area. The following information must be covered: Hazard Communications Training

Locations of the Lists of Hazardous Chemicals on Campus

The official list of hazardous chemicals known to be present in the Marquette University workplace can be found in the Department of Environmental Health and Safety. Employees may contact their supervisors or the Department of Environmental Health and Safety regarding chemicals used in their jobs.

Contractors

Marquette purchase orders will contain a brief description of the contractor’s responsibilities. Contractors bringing hazardous chemicals on site are responsible for providing SDSs with appropriate hazard information. Marquette employees working in the vicinity of the contractor’s work site may review the contractor’s SDSs. In turn, SDSs of Marquette chemicals used at the work site may be reviewed by the contractor’s employees.

Exemptions

Not all university areas are subject to this standard and hazardous materials are generally identified. If you have questions regarding your department, please contact Environmental Health and Safety.

All users of chemicals and their supervisors in all university departments should be aware of the hazardous substances holding areas in Chemistry and Biology. EH&S has a program in place for chemical and hazardous waste disposal from these sites. Marquette is a small-quantity generator under the federal act and must comply with regulations.

The regulations require that the name of each chemical to be stored and/or to be disposed must be clearly marked on each container. As a general rule, chemicals should not be combined; however, in situations where that is acceptable, all substances included must be clearly marked and dated on the container. The date of the accumulation of the stored material must also be clearly marked.

In the case where the exact chemical information is not known, we have contracted with certified laboratories to test the substances. If the composition is unknown, this must also be clearly marked and dated as to placement in any storage or disposal container. Individuals from Chemistry and Biology will assist in log maintenance and shall be trained in the proper protocols for handling these substances.

Summary

Marquette’s Hazard Communication program is designed to ensure safe handling of chemicals on the job and may also be helpful to you at home. Contact your supervisor or the Department of Environmental Health and Safety if you have any questions about this program or safe handling of chemicals on the job.

Marquette follows a “least risk” policy for all hazardous materials procured, received, handled, stored and disposed of. This means that only the quantity of material absolutely necessary should be on hand.

Hot Work Program

Hot work is defined as any temporary operation involving open flames or producing heat and/or sparks that includes but is not limited to brazing, open-flame soldering, oxygen cutting, grinding, arc welding, cutting, thawing, oxy-fuel gas welding, hot taps and torch-applied roofing.

No employee of Marquette University, contractor hired by Marquette University or subcontractor hired by the contractor shall perform any hot work unless a hot work permit is obtained.

Training and Resources

Lockout / Tagout

"Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)" refers to specific practices and procedures to safeguard employees from the unexpected energization or startup of machinery and equipment, or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities.

Approximately 3 million workers service equipment and face the greatest risk of injury if lockout/tagout is not properly implemented. Compliance with the lockout/tagout standard (29 CFR 1910.147) prevents an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year. Workers injured on the job from exposure to hazardous energy lose an average of 24 workdays for recuperation. In a study conducted by the United Auto Workers, 20 percent of the fatalities (83 of 414) that occurred among their members between 1973 and 1995 were attributed to inadequate hazardous energy control procedures, specifically, lockout/tagout procedures.

For additional information, refer to OSHA's Safety and Health topic page:

Machine Guarding

Machine and Equipment Safety

Rotating equipment or apparatuses that can trap clothing, hair or body parts include: vacuum pumps, centrifuges, mechanical stirrers and rotary evaporators; hazardous grinding, drilling, and cutting equipment in shops.

All machines consist of three fundamental areas: the point of operation, the power transmission device and the operating controls. Despite all machines having the same basic components, their safeguarding needs widely differ due to varying physical characteristics and operator involvement.

The following OSHA Standards have been established to ensure the safety of machine operators and other employees in the area: 

Prior to operating a piece of equipment or machinery, an operator must be formally trained and authorized to operate that specific piece of equipment. Operators must not remove guards or tamper with safety interlock devices. All machine operators must be equipped with appropriate personal protective devices: glasses, gloves, goggles or face shield.

Additional Machine Guarding Resources

The following resources aid in recognizing and evaluating machine guarding hazards and provide guidelines for control measures.

Mercury Program

Mercury Reduction Program

Mercury is a persistent, bio-accumulative toxin with a complex environmental behavior in air, water and soil. Mercury can cause a variety of harmful health effects, including damage to the brain, central nervous system and kidneys and is particularly harmful to children, prenatal life and infants through the toxin's exposure to both pregnant and nursing women. The element's unique and interesting properties have proven it to be a useful asset in a variety of laboratory and commercial practices.  However, given that many safe alternatives to mercury exist, it is now understood that the overall health and environmental risk associated with its continued use far surpass any benefit. 

Mercury is one of the most significant environmental toxins found in the United States, and has been targeted by the Environmental Protection Agency as a persistent global pollutant that must be reduced.  The ability of mercury to bio-accumulate in the environment and tissue makes it particularly hazardous to humans and animals. Marquette University's mercury reduction plan has been developed in order to reduce the risks and costs associated with mercury contamination. The university recognizes the threats presented by mercury and is committed to its reduction/elimination throughout campus.

In 2007 Marquette embarked on mercury reduction program to address the serious environmental and human health risks posed by the release of mercury into the environment.  The program sought to reduce the potential health and environmental risks to the campus and the surrounding community.  The program involves replacing mercury thermometers and other mercury-containing devices with non-mercury alternatives.  The Department of Environmental Health & Safety worked with the university’s Laboratory Safety Group to ascertain and evaluate all mercury sources on campus and identify ways to reduce the use of mercury.  A variety of uses of mercury-containing equipment were found, including fluorescent light bulbs and mercury-containing switches, barometers, lamps, laboratory bubblers and thermometers. 

Mercury Thermometer Exchange Program

Without question, mercury is the most frequently spilled in the form of broken thermometers. The thermometer exchange program was initiated to eliminate this easily avoidable risk of laboratory contamination and costly cleanup.  Safe, non-toxic and environmentally friendly thermometers are a perfectly viable alternative to mercury-based units. Please complete this form to request an exchange. 

Mercury Remediation Process for Laboratories

Mercury-containing devices are used in many laboratory settings. Mercury thermometers are commonly encountered, but other devices potentially containing mercury include manometers, sphygmomanometers, barometers and electrical components. They are easy to use, relatively inexpensive, accurate  and reliable. Unfortunately, they are also fragile, increasing the likelihood of a mercury release if the devise is broken.  The Mercury Reduction Program calls for all non-essential uses of elemental mercury to be eliminated from campus laboratories. EH&S provides the recommendations and goals in reducing the use of mercury and mercury containing devices in laboratories:

Resources

Cleanup and Safety

Mercury is toxic to the human nervous system. The developing brains of fetuses and infants are especially sensitive to mercury’s toxic effects. Mercury can be particularly hazardous because it can be easily absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream. Exposure to mercury vapors can occur when mercury products (such as thermometers and fluorescent lamps) are broken. Even very small amounts of mercury (several drops) may raise air concentrations to levels that may be harmful to human health.

Elemental mercury is a shiny liquid, silver-white in color and has many useful properties. It is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature. Mercury combines easily with other metals, is a good conductor of electricity, and expands and contracts evenly with temperature changes. As a result, mercury has been used in many household, medical and industrial products such as thermometers and barometers, thermostats and old latex paints. Elemental mercury when spilled at room temperature can break up into small droplets and evaporate to form mercury vapor. The higher the room temperature, the more mercury vapors will be released. Mercury vapors are also heavier than air and may linger in higher concentrations at the site of the spill.

Cautions

  • NEVER touch mercury with bare hands.
  • NEVER use a vacuum cleaner on a mercury spill; it will cause vaporization.
  • NEVER use a broom to clean up a mercury spill; it will cause the mercury to
    break up into smaller beads that will be difficult to collect.
  • NEVER put mercury waste down the drain, in the trash or incinerator.
  • NEVER use household cleaners to clean up mercury spills.

Always call Environmental Health & Safety (414) 288-8411 for assistance whenever you have a mercury spill. After evaluation, EH&S will contact a professional emergency response contractor to come in and properly clean up the spill.

Steps in mercury spill cleanup

  • EVACUATE THE SPILL AREA: If people were in the room when the spill occurred, be sure that their shoes, clothing and other articles have not been splashed with mercury before they leave the room. If mercury has contaminated any clothing or articles, remove these items from the person and place them in a plastic bag. Keep everyone else out of the spill area to prevent tracking. Keep the mercury from spreading into cracks, crevices, floor drains or onto sloped or porous surfaces, which are difficult to clean. If necessary, use masking tape or duct tape to make a vertical "fence" around the mercury droplets and confine them to a limited area for cleanup. Wash any exposed skin with soap and water.
  • LOWER the TEMPERATURE by turning down the thermostat. The lower the temperature, the less mercury vapor will be released into the air. Mercury vapors are odorless and colorless.
  • TURN OFF CENTRAL VENTILATING OR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS that could circulate air from the spill area to other parts of the home or building.
  • CLOSE INTERIOR DOORS leading to other rooms, but VENTILATE THE ROOM WITH THE SPILL TO THE OUTDOORS by opening windows and any exterior doors. Place fans, facing out, in open windows or doors to speed up ventilation.
  • POST SPILL WARNING SIGNS by entrances notifying personnel that a mercury spill has occurred and they should stay out of the area. Identify the contact person for responding personal.

Personal Protective Equipment

General Information

OSHA requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce employee exposure to hazards when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or effective in reducing these exposures to acceptable levels. Employers are required to determine if PPE should be used to protect their workers.

If PPE is to be used, a PPE program should be implemented. This program should address the hazards present; the selection, maintenance and use of PPE; the training of employees; and monitoring of the program to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.

Categories of Personal Protective Equipment

  • Eye and Face Protection
  • Foot Protection
  • Hand Protection
  • Head Protection
  • Hearing Protection
  • Respiratory Protection

Radiation Safety

The use of radioactive materials at Marquette University is authorized by the Department of Health and Family Services of the State of Wisconsin (DHFS). The use and possession of radioactive sources at Marquette is controlled and administered by the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC). Only authorized users, who are Marquette faculty and staff, can obtain radioactive material for use in their research laboratories.

Please refer to the Office of Research Compliance website for information specific to Marquette's policies on Radioisotopes.

Additional Information and Resources

The following link to OSHA information about non-ionizing and ionizing radiation in the workplace.

Non-Ionizing Radiation

Non-Ionizing Radiation
Electromagnetic radiation ranging from extremely low frequency (ELF) to ultraviolet (UV) compose non-ionizing radiation.
ELF Radiation | RF/MW Radiation | IR | Visible | UV | Laser Radiation

 
Ionizing Radiation

Ionizing Radiation

The two types of ionizing radiation are particulate (alpha, beta, neutrons) and electromagnetic (X-rays, gamma rays) radiation.

Particulate Radiation | Electromagnetic Radiation