Spotlight on Safety

Health and Safety News For The Princeton Community, Dec. 2024

"Not Even a Mouse"

 Avoiding Holiday Pest Issues

"Twas the night before Christmas and ... not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." At least, that's what we hope! As many of us prepare for some extended time away from our offices over the winter holidays, please take some time to prepare your office suites for decreased occupancy.


To reduce the risk of pests moving into your office areas during the holidays, be sure to: 


  • Only store food in hard-walled plastic or glass with sealed lids in office areas and breakrooms. Rodents can smell and will eat through cardboard boxes and plastic bags. This draws them into your space and makes them happy residents.
  • Dispose of food waste in breakroom or kitchen waste containers. Avoid using waste containers in personal offices.
  • Clean up after holiday parties and office events. Be sure to put away excess food at the end of the workday.
  • Report any signs of pest problems early. If you see any signs of pests (droppings, missing food, holes in food containers, etc.), report the issue to Building Services as soon as possible via a work order. 

Holiday Shipping and Waste

EHS has some useful considerations for labs to plan for a safe holiday period and help avoid any unexpected disruptions.


Read More on the EHS Website »

Wintersession Features Beer


Registration is open for Wintersession 2025, coming in January, and among the many sessions offered is You Can Brew: A Beer-brewing Workshop with EHS Director for Research Safety Steve Elwood. Other sessions cover how-to, the arts, wellness, and professional growth.


Wintersession Registration »

EHS Launches New Lab Coat Program

EHS is introducing a new Lab Coat Program offering automated lab coat services, including inventory, inspection and laundering, to replace the current system.


The lab coat collection and distribution program will help students and researchers focus on their research by providing a convenient way to maintain clean, safe and properly fitting lab coats for all lab workers.  Learn More on the EHS Website »

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Biosafety Month a Success


Our fall Biosafety Month event at Icahn was great fun! Thanks to everyone who came by for games, treats and fun giveaways.


Stay tuned for information on our next campus event, which will take place at E-Quad during Lab Safety Awareness Week in February.

Photo Gallery of Event

Lithium Battery Safety


Wondering how to safely handle, store and charge the lithium batteries that come with all those holiday gadgets? EHS has a webpage dedicated to the subject. We also have information specifically on e-bike battery safety.

Upcoming Trainings


Laboratory Safety at Princeton University (Online)

New researchers to Princeton University should complete the following steps as part of the online Laboratory Safety Training Sequence.


  1. Complete the online components of the laboratory safety training: Fundamentals of Laboratory Safety 1-5 and Final Test, available at: https://putrain.learn.com
  2. After completing the online components, sign up for and attend an instructor-led Laboratory Safety Training session.


Upcoming dates for instructor-led Laboratory Safety Training sessions:


Laboratory Safety at Princeton University


Jan. 3, 14, 31


To sign up for a training session, go to:

https://putrain.learn.com

Select Environmental Health & Safety under "Training By Department"


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Contact the editor with any feedback or story ideas at  js74@princeton.edu

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Environmental Health & Safety
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