JSNN RESEARCH GUIDELINES

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Nanomaterial Health and Safety Program

This program applies to procurement, generation, use, distribution, shipment, and disposal of the nanomaterials at JSNN research labs. Nanomaterials include any fiber or particle with at least one dimension less than 100 nanometers (0.1 micrometers). All new experiments using nanomaterial must receive the Research Operations and Environmental Health and Safety (ROEHS) review and written approval. Researchers using nanomaterial must also adhere to the following program requirements:

  1. All users must review the Requirements for Working Safely With Nanomaterials at JSNN Research Labs document.
  2. Users must complete the annual nanomaterial safety training.
  3. Users must perform a hazard review and develop required SOPs where health and physical hazards associated with the material, as well as the safe handling procedures and protective measures are documented and communicated with all users
  4. Labs must document the processes under their lab safety plan/chemical hygiene plan.
  5. Research labs must have access to a functional fume hood and perform all processes involving the use of nanomaterial inside the hood (or a ROEHS-approved exhaust enclosure)

 

Resources and study references

Please review the following documents for more in-depth information on nanomaterial safety:

  1. CDC/NIOSH- Safe Nanotechnology in the Workplace
  2. CDC/NISO – General Safe Practices for Working with Engineered Nanomaterials in Research Laboratories
  3. OSHA Fact Sheet – Working Safely with Nanomaterials 
  4. CDC/NIOSH- Controlling Health Hazards When Working with Nanomaterials
  5. AIHA- Personal Protective Equipment for Engineered Nanoparticles

JSNN Annual safety training

The Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN) is committed to providing a safe laboratory and research environment for students and users to conduct their work.  After attending this training, complete, sign, and return the Training Confirmation Form.docx

Lab safety Training and Access Request

To request Lab Safety and Hazardous Waste training, please complete and submit this form

For JSNN access card, Submit an access card application to Dr. Nafisa Sirelkhatim at the Dean’s suite JSNN-Security-Access-Card-2022

Procedure for After hours Access

Before researchers are granted after-hour access to a specific lab or equipment, succeeding steps must be followed on the order listed below:

1. PI submits an email to JSNN ROEHS (mhfahim @uncg.edu and nhsirelk@uncg.edu ) and requests access for a specific individual. The PI in charge of the lab, as well as the equipment manager (if applicable) need also be copied on this email
2. The JSNN ROEHS reviews and replies to the email and provides information on the required next steps
3. Individual needing access to the lab /equipment completes and submits the “JSNN After-Hour Access Request From”
4. The lab/equipment manager (or the PI in charge of the lab for which the access request is submitted, when access is not for a specific equipment) completes and submits the    “JSNN Lab/Equipment Manager after hours access approval” form
5. The JSNN ROEHS reviews the request and grants access after all requirements are met.

Procedure for Off-Boarding

To ensure a safe, compliant, and smooth transition, all students are required to fill out the “Off Boarding Checklist” upon their graduation and before departure.

JSNN Research Guidelines Related to COVID-19 

Beginning on March 7, 2022, the use of face coverings will be optional at JSNN. These changes are in alignment with guidance we have received from the UNC System Office, the County, the Governor, as well as North Carolina A&T State University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. This guidance is a result of a decline of COVID-19 cases nationally.

While masks are optional, both NC A&T and UNCG continue to encourage all members of the university community, including us at JSNN, to wear face coverings indoors. The use of face coverings, while not mandated, should be considered when: 

  • In proximity to those who are immunocompromised, or who are care givers of others that cannot be vaccinated due to age or other health risks. 
  • If you enter a faculty or staff member’s office who requests that you wear a mask. 
  • If conditions in a teaching setting make it safer to be in masks.There will be no more contact tracing taking place effective March 7, 2022. In addition, the universities will no longer require mandatory testing for students and employees who have not provided proof of vaccination.                                                                                                      

For best protection:

  • Face coverings will continue to be made available to all students, staff, and faculty. 
  • We encourage you to get vaccinated and keep your vaccination up    to date. Vaccines remain the best defense against COVID-19 and      have proven effective against the most severe symptoms.

We, at JSNN, will continue to monitor conditions very closely and will make adjustments to our protocols as needed. Please continue to monitor updates posted on JSNN weekly.

Thank you for your continued commitment to safety and respect for everyone.

For JSNN Trainers and Trainees

Effective November 1, 2020, JSNN students may be trained to conduct experimental research as approved by their academic advisor. All trainers and trainees must:

  • Attend a training seminar
  • New students who have not done so must attend a lab safety training
  • Be provided with the proper PPE
  • Complete the required access request forms

JSNN-COVID-19-TRAINER-ACKNOWLEDGEMENT-FORM

JSNN-COVID-19-TRAINEE-ACKNOWLEDGEMENT-FORM

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