FAQs

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Chemical, Biological & Radiological
- How do I dispose of chemicals and sharps?
  - To learn how to properly dispose of chemicals and sharps, consult the NIH Waste Disposal Guide. If you would like a printed copy of the guide for your laboratory or have additional questions, contact your Safety Specialist or call (301) 496-2346.
- Who do I contact to report spills that may be hazardous?
  - To report spills, call the fire department: 911 on-campus: 9-911 and off-campus. After calling for emergency response, promptly notify your Safety Specialist or call (301) 496-2346 for additional guidance.
- How do I enroll in the Select Agent Program?
  - Call the Division of Occupational Health and Safety at (301) 496-2960 or email at nihselectagentprogram@mail.nih.gov .
- What form will I need for shipping biological materials out of the U.S.?
  - To ship any biological material to a destination outside the United States, you must submit form NIH form 2388 "Declaration for Exportation of Biological Materials" to the NIH Quarantine Permit Service Office (QPSO). The form should be submitted by email to qpso@mail.nih.gov. Applicants must allow at least 5 business days for review by the QPSO. Following review, the QPSO will email the the approved form to the applicant. The export declaration is valid only on the approved shipment date and should be included with the package's shipping manifest. Note: Depending on the biological material to be exported, a Department of Commerce export license may also be required.
- What form will I need to receive a shipment of biological materials coming into the U.S.?
  - To receive any biological material from a destination outside the United States of America, you must submit a request to the NIH QPSO that includes information about the recipient, sender, and the material to be imported. Requesters must allow at least 5 business days for review by the QPSO. Following review, the QPSO will refer the requester to the appropriate permitting agency and/or provide an NIH Letter for Non-Infectious Importation. The importer may then supply the appropriate documents to the sender for inclusion with the package's shipping manifest.
- When should a researcher contact QPSO?
  - When (s)he wants to import, transfer, or export any biological material to/from NIH.
- My material is non-infectious. Do I still need to contact QPSO?
  - Yes. Infectivity is only one factor in considering whether biological material requires an import permit.
- Does QPSO deal with chemicals?
  - No. Please direct questions regarding chemicals to the NIH, Office of Research Facilities, Division of Environmental Protection at (301) 496-3537.
- Does my biological material need an export license?
  - Possibly. It depends on the material, recipient, destination, and other factors.
- I have a shipping question. Who do I contact?
  - Please direct shipping questions to Freight Forwarding located in Building 13, First Floor Loading Dock, (301) 496-5921. You can access shipping policies and procedures here.
Employee Resources
- What should I bring when I am using a lactation room?
  - The NIH Lactation Rooms are equipped with Lactina Select breast pumps. If you wish to use the program pump, you must bring your own attachment kit. Also, you must store your milk in your own insulated bag with frozen ice packs. Refrigerators are not available in the rooms.
- What services are provided by the Nursing Mothers Program?
  - The Nursing Mothers Program provides prenatal breastfeeding education classes, telephone support, return to work consultation, and onsite lactation rooms. Any current or prospective nursing mother working on the NIH campus may enroll in the Nursing Mothers Program. We recommend that you sign up for the Nursing Mothers Program during the third trimester of your pregnancy in order to utilize all of the educational and counseling services available. You may use the lactation rooms without receiving the other services of the Nursing Mothers Program. To use a room you must still register with the program. A visitor may use a lactation room as space is available. Contact the Nursing Mothers Program office at (301) 435-7850, a week in advance of your visit to make arrangements to use a room. The NIH Lactation Rooms are equipped with Lactina Select breast pumps. If you wish to use the program pump, you must bring your own attachment kit. Also, you must store your milk in your own insulated bag with frozen ice packs. Refrigerators are not available in the rooms.
- What is the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
  - The EAP provides professional consultation services for NIH employees who are experiencing personal issues which may impair their work performance. The program offers assessment, referral, consultation, coaching, short-term counseling, and follow-up for employees confronted with family and marital issues, substance abuse, stress, depression, work-related issues and any other emotional challenges.
    There is no cost to the employee for the services of the EAP. If a referral is necessary to an outside facility, the cost of covering that service is the responsibility of the employee. The EAP consultant works closely with the employee to choose a referral that is covered by health insurance or that is within the employee's financial means. To schedule an appointment, call (301) 496-3164.
- As a supervisor, where can I get more information about my safety and health responsibilities?
  - Supervisors and managers can learn more about their safety responsibilities here.
- What health and safety programs are available to me as an employee at the NIH?
  - The following are opportunities available to employees at the workplace to begin, change or maintain health behaviors.
    Blood Pressure Monitoring
    CPR/AED Training (Intranet only)
    Employee Assistance Program
    Ergonomic evaluations and training
    Fitness
    NIH Fitness Center
    Nursing Mothers Program
    Occupational Medical Service
    Safety, Health and Wellness Day
Food & Water Safety
- Who supplies the water at NIH?
  - Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is charged with supplying potable water that meets the U.S. EPA’s national drinking water standards to the NIH and all of its other customers. The WSSC routinely tests the quality of the water it supplies to NIH to ensure meeting these standards.
- Does the NIH test the drinking water?
  - The Community Health Branch’s Drinking Water Safety Program supports NIH facility management by sampling drinking water on an as-needed basis and responding to concerns associated with drinking water. Employees should report drinking water concerns to the building Facility Manager who will contact us for assistance if necessary.
- Why is bottled water supplied in some buildings and not others?
  - If the water distribution system (plumbing, filters, etc.) within a building is affecting drinking water quality, ORF facility management provides an alternative source of drinking water until the problem is corrected. The NIH is prohibited from providing bottled water unless the drinking water is determined to be unsuitable or unavailable for consumption.
- Who do I contact for approval of a “temporary food event” at which food will be sold?
  - Whenever food is sold at an NIH event, two contacts must be made. First, approval to sell food must be obtained from the Division of Amenities and Travel Services (DATS) at least 45 days prior to the event. Second, notification must be given to the Division of Occupational Health and Safety at least two weeks prior to the event to schedule a food safety inspection for your event. Our Sanitarian can provide guidelines to assist in the planning of your event.
- Are NIH food facilities inspected? Can I review the inspection findings?
  - The NIH supported food facilities, both full service and concession stands, are routinely inspected on a risk-based frequency. Anyone within NIH can request inspection results by contacting the Food Safety Program Manager at (301) 496-2346. More information may be found on our Food Safety webpage.
- Who should I contact if I have a concern related to an NIH supported food facility?
  - Contact the Community Health Branch Food Safety Program Manager at (301) 496-2346.
Injuries and Illnesses
- How do I report a work-related injury or illness?
  - You should notify your supervisor of any injury or illness AND report to the Occupational Medical Service immediately. The Occupational Medical Service is located in Bldg. 10, Room 6C306 and the telephone number is (301) 496-4411.
- Should I report a near miss incident?
  - Yes! Reporting a near miss incident is important because it allows us to try to get the hazard fixed before someone gets hurt. Call the Division of Occupational Health and Safety at (301) 496-2960 immediately!
- What happens when I report a work-related injury or illness?
  - The Division of Occupational Health and Safety reviews the reports received from the Occupational Medical Service paying careful attention to the employee's injury/illness description and the comments from the employee and supervisor. Often, the initial investigation of the incident by the supervisor identifies the root cause(s) of the injury/illness and a solution. Where no initial investigation is conducted by the supervisor or the report fails to provide enough information, the Division of Occupational Health and Safety may take additional action.
- What is the purpose of an accident or illness investigation?
  - The Division of Occupational Health and Safety initiates the incident investigations by contacting the employee and supervisor for additional information. The purpose of the investigation is to develop an action plan for preventing future incidents, not assigning blame. It is important that the employee and supervisor work with the Division of Occupational Health and Safety to develop an action plan that addresses the root cause(s) of the injury/illness while simultaneously achieving the operational goals of the organizational unit.
Pest Management
- What pest management services are offered at NIH?
  - The NIH Integrated Pest Management Program is a proactive program that provides:
    Regular surveys and monitoring of all areas in all NIH facilities. Wildlife management in NIH facilities on NIH grounds.
    Insect identification services and recommendations for corrective action if necessary.
    Detailed reports of conditions in and around facilities that contribute to pest problems.
    Renovation and construction plan review to “build out” pests.
- How do I report a pest problem?
  - To report a pest sighting or evidence of pests in your workspace call (301) 496-4294. Please provide your name, phone and office number, and the nature and location of the pest problem and a technician will be sent out.
- What are the three most common feral rodents found at NIH and how can I keep them out of my workspace?
  - The most common feral rodents found at NIH are the deer mouse, field mouse, and Norway rat.
    To discourage hungry rodents from moving into your workplace:
    Store food in rodent-proof containers, preferably in a kitchen or common break area (not in your desk).
    Minimize clutter on floor and other horizontal surfaces.
    Arrange to have trash picked up at the end of the day so food scraps don’t sit overnight.
    Clean up crumbs around microwaves and toaster ovens. If possible, ensure doors are kept closed and door-sweeps are installed properly. Remember, mice can get in through an opening the diameter of a pencil.
- What are the facts about bed bugs?
  - Bed bugs are true bugs in the order Hemiptera. Adult female bed bugs can lay one to five eggs per day - up to 500 in a lifetime. Development takes from five weeks to four months, depending on the temperature, relative humidity and availability of blood. Under normal room temperatures and adequate food supply bed bugs can live approximately one year. Male and female bed bugs feed exclusively on blood and on average take eight to twelve minutes to feed. Bed bugs are wingless and travel by walking but can also be transported by people in luggage, furniture, bags, clothing and equipment. Bed bugs are nocturnal and come out to feed when all is quiet. Common bed bugs have been found to at least 27 pathogens, but bed bugs have never been proven to transmit pathogens to humans.
Safety Training
- What laboratory safety training classes am I required to take?
  - Visit our website for a description of training requirements and a schedule of available courses.
- I am getting a message that my account has been marked inactive, what do I do?
  - Please enter your email address into the text box under the notice to initiate reactivation and submit. You will receive a notice that an email has been sent. You will receive an email with a link allowing you to login. You must immediately reset your password. If you no longer have access to the email you registered in your profile under and cannot complete self-reactivation, please call or email the system administrator.
- I can’t remember my password, how do I reset it?
  - If you are an NIH employee your NIH ID number has been saved in your profile, you can login using option 1- login with your NIH PIV card. Click on "Update profile" then "Change Password".
    If you do not have an NIH ID then you must use the password reset tool on the login page.
    From the account login page, click on option 2- user ID and password login. Below the option 2 login text boxes there is a link to reset password. Click on the "Reset Your Password" link and follow the steps. If you no longer have access to the email registered in your profile, please call or email the system administrator.
- When I try to register for classes the site indicates my badge number already exists. What do I do?
  - This means you have more than one training account. The duplicate account must be deleted by the system administrator and your training record(s) compiled into the remaining account. E-mail the safety training system administrator.
- How can I contact someone for assistance with the Safety Training website?
  - You can place a helpdesk ticket in the website by clicking on “contact us” at the bottom of the page. You can also contact us be phone at 301-827-6091 (leave a voicemail) or by email at orssafetytraining@mail.nih.gov. Please allow up to three days for response.
Workplace Safety
- How do I contact my Safety and Health Specialist?
  - The Safety and Health Specialists are listed by Institute, Center or Facility on our website or you may also find your specialist by calling our office at (301) 496-2960.
- Who do I contact to report a water intrusion or mold concern in my work area?
  - You should contact the Division of Occupational Health and Safety at (301) 496-2960 to request a survey of the area. The Division of Occupational Health and Safety in conjunction with the Office of Research Facilities Development and Operations can evaluate the extent of water penetration and potential for mold growth to ensure proper remediation of the affected areas.
- How do I schedule an ergonomic evaluation of my workstation?
  - Send an email to NIHErgonomic@mail.nih.gov or call the Technical Assistance Branch of the Division of Occupational Health and Safety at (301) 496-2960.
- Who should I contact about a problem with the indoor air quality in my work area?
  - You should contact the Division of Occupational Health and Safety at (301) 496-2960 to request an indoor air quality assessment. The Division of Occupational Health and Safety in conjunction with the Office of Research Facilities Development and Operations can evaluate your indoor air quality.
- Who should I contact if I'm concerned about the noise levels in my work space?
  - The Division of Occupational Health and Safety can conduct a noise survey of your area. Contact the Hearing Conservation Program Manager at (301) 496-2960.
- Who do I contact to have my work area monitored for xylene, formaldehyde, anesthetic gases or ethylene oxide?
  - The Division of Occupational Health and Safety provides employee monitoring for many chemical, biological, and physical agents. Contact your Safety and Health Specialist at (301) 496-2960.
- How do I obtain required safety shoes?
  - In recognition of the utility of foot protection, any NIH employee whose job involves exposure to a potential foot injury can obtain safety shoes free of charge. The process to acquire safety shoes is simple: 1) Complete the Safety Shoe Form; 2) Obtain your supervisor's signature; 3) Visit the ShoeMobile to choose your shoes. Please visit the Safety Shoes page to download the form and find additional information.
- How can I get trained to use the defibrillators and administer CPR?
  - To register for training in the use of Automated External Defibrillators and CPR visit the CPR/AED webpage or call the Division of Occupational Health and Safety at (301) 402-3743.
- How many Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are there at NIH and how do they work?
  - Presently there are approximately 340 AEDs provided by the Division of Occupational Health and Safety throughout the NIH community. AEDs analyze the heart's rhythm and--only if necessary--allow the responder to deliver an electrical charge that can help restore a normal heart rhythm.
- How do I find the AED closest to my workspace?
  - AEDs are posted throughout the NIH campus including off-campus locations. Each AED location can be found on our website.

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