Environmental Health & Radiation Safety
Our Mission Statement
The Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) department is committed to achieving and maintaining a safe and healthy environment that advances Temple’s excellence in education, research and health care. Towards this end, EHRS designs and implements programs in four core areas: biological safety, chemical safety, radiation safety and occupational safety. Specifically, EHRS:
- monitors, inspects and audits all research laboratories and patient delivery areas for safety and regulatory compliance;
- collects, inventories and disposes of radioactive and chemical hazardous wastes;
- performs occupational safety and compliance inspections and audits; and
- maintains the University/Health System radiation licensing.
In addition to these core programs, EHRS designs a variety of safety related training courses and provides hazardous materials related emergency response.
How Can We Help You?
Please take a few minutes to look around. Here are links for some of our more frequently requested services:
- Biological Waste Collection Request Form (for use on Temple University-Main Campus only)
- Weekly Eyewash or Shower Check Sheet (updated for 2024)
- Weekly Drench Hose Check Sheet (updated for 2024)
- Chemical Waste Pickup Request Form
- Radioactive Waste Pickup Request Form
- Equipment Clearance Form
- Shipping of Dangerous Goods Notification Form
- EHRS Reference Guide for Principal Investigators
- Laboratory Registration Form
Important Message About Required Incident Reporting
Incidents involving a work-related fatality, a hospitalization, an amputation or the loss of an eye must be reported immediately to Temple University’s Department of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety at 215-707-2520 or [click-for-email].
EPA Ban on Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane) and the Potential Impact on Temple University
The Environmental Protection Agency has recently taken action that may impact your ability to use methylene chloride in the near future. In April 2024, EPA finalized prohibitions and workplace protections under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for methylene chloride to protect human health. The ruling prohibits the manufacturing, processing, and distribution of methylene chloride for all consumer uses and most industrial and commercial uses. Refer to the Final Risk Management Rule for Methylene Chloride for additional information.
The ruling does allow an exemption for use as a laboratory chemical. EHRS is currently reviewing the applicability of the exemption and associated requirements (Workplace Chemical Protection Program). EHRS will develop a program, associated tools, and a training course to ensure compliance if the University is eligible for the exemption. Please begin to review your current and future use of methylene chloride in your area and the possibility of utilizing alternatives (e.g. chloroform, benzotrifluoride, dibasic esters , d-limonene) moving forward. It is unclear at this point what the future availability, costs, and overall impact will be with the continued use of methylene chloride for laboratories. EHRS will continue to evaluate and provide additional updates in the future.
Please contact the Environmental Health & Radiation Safety Chemical Safety Team at [click-for-email] with any questions.