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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?
- 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?
- 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.
- Food & Water Safety
- 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
- Workplace Safety
