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What should you know about Environmental Health & Safety on Campus?

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) stays up-to-date on health and safety regulations and standards which apply to the University and provides advice and counsel on best practices. We are not the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nor any other national, state, or local regulatory agency which enforces standards and regulations.

ASBESTOS
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in construction materials in the past. It is commonly found in floor tiles, thermal system insulation, ceiling tiles, wallboard, spray on acoustical and spray on fire proofing materials in buildings on campus. Asbestos containing material can be a potential health hazard if the fibers are airborne. Asbestos fibers can become airborne when moving ceiling tiles, knocking holes in walls or floor tiles, or disturbing other asbestos containing materials.
Because there is no thorough inventory of asbestos on campus, the University's policy is to assume that buildings contain asbestos in one form or another. All remodeling, construction, and installation projects are coordinated by project managers, who are responsible for recognizing possible asbestos hazards, and dealing with them appropriately. See our Asbestos management program.

BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
The use of biological materials must comply with the University's BioSafety Protocol. Requirements include registering all biological pathogens with EHS and following procedures in the BioSafety Manual.

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
Bloodborne pathogens are disease inducing microorganisms which can be transmitted through human blood and other body fluids. Anyone whose job responsibilities require them to work with human blood or other possibly infectious material must comply with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. Some of the requirements include a written exposure control plan, vaccinations, training, and following Universal Precautions. Information specific to your area should come from your supervisor before you begin work.

CHEMICAL SAFETY
There are OSHA standards that regulate how we work with chemicals on campus. One of those is the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom). It requires that non laboratory employees be informed of any hazardous chemicals in their work place. Another is the Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories Standard which applies to the safe use of chemicals in research and teaching labs. The objective for both the HazCom and Lab Safety standards is employee safety and health in the work area when chemicals are present. Your supervisor or Principal Investigator is the University's representative and is responsible for informing you of hazards in your workplace and how to work safely. See our website for a model HazCom program and a Chemical Hygiene Plan template.

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY
The campus is under constant remodeling and construction. Be sure to use the alternate pathways that are marked. Respect the fences, safety zones and signs that are posted. They are there for your safety.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
The University has a disaster response and recovery plan that identifies roles and responsibilities for those disasters which we are most vulnerable to for example: earthquakes, hazardous materials incidents, power outages, severe weather, and fire. When required, the President will declare the disaster and close the institution. Specific instructions for response to emergencies and disasters are available on our website. Please read and be familiar with these instructions. The University's disaster response plan and suggestions for emergency preparedness can also be found at our website: www.ehs.utah.edu.

EMERGENCY SHOWER & EYE WASH
Emergency showers and eye wash stations are common equipment in University laboratories and shop areas. Become familiar with their locations, and ensure the path to them is unobstructed. Flush the exposed area for at least 15 minutes before seeking medical attention.

ERGONOMICS
There are a number of jobs on campus that increase the risk of back and repetitive motion injuries. Be proactive by properly arranging your work station, taking breaks, using the right tools, lifting correctly, and getting exercise. EHS does not support or endorse the use of back belts on campus. See our website for ergonomics protocols.

FIRE ALARMS
Most University buildings contain fire alarm systems. You should become familiar with the sound of the fire alarm and the locations of pull stations in your building. Learn how to activate these pull stations in case of emergencies. If the alarm is activated in your building, exit immediately. Close the doors to your area as you leave. Ask visitors and guests to leave the building with you. Do not stay behind and argue with anyone who refuses to leave. Evacuate to your designated meeting location outside the building. Emergency responders will notify you when it is clear to reenter. Evacuate on all alarms. Just because you don't see flames or smell smoke doesn't mean there isn't a problem.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Fire extinguishers are located in all University buildings, usually in the corridors. You must be educated in the proper use before using a fire extinguisher. Activate the fire alarm before you attempt to fight the fire. Report any used or missing extinguishers to EHS 801-581-6590.

FIRE PREVENTION
All University employees are responsible for fire prevention in their area. Know the hazards associated with your job activities and use proper preventive measures. If you see a specific fire or life safety problem such as blocked corridors, stairwells or doorways, report it to your supervisor. If you can make an immediate correction to a problem in your area, do it. If you notice a problem outside your work area, contact the department involved or EHS.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
There are specific regulations regarding the disposal of hazardous materials. There are significant financial and environmental consequences for noncompliance. Chemicals do not go down drains or up hoods. Collection from your lab or shop is available twice a week from EHS. EHS defines when your hazardous materials become a hazardous waste. The University has organized a Pollution Prevention Program to minimize waste.

INCIDENT REPORTING
There are two incident reports currently being used by the University. Report injuries and illnesses on the job with the First Report of Injury or the E 1 form. The second report is the University Incident/Accident Report, and is used to record damage to University property or injuries and illnesses of students and visitors. Report all injuries, illnesses, losses or damage immediately. If you are aware of a safety hazard or have a safety concern, report it directly to EHS by phone or via the web (click on AHazard Report@).

MEDICAL TREATMENT - employees
Life threatening emergencies

  • Call Public Safety 801-585-2677 (5-COPS).
  • Consult Environmental Health and Safety 801-581-6590. If the incident is OSHA reportable, it needs to be reported by Environmental Health and Safety within 8 hours.
  • Your supervisor should help fill out a Worker’s Compensation First Report of Injury (E-1) form.
Non Life threatening emergencies For more details or student/visitor info see our Injury/Illness page.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
All PPE, such as gloves, dust masks, respirators, eye protection, etc., must be approved by your supervisor or EHS before use.

POLICY
Environmental Health and Safety, University Policy and Procedures 2-73.

RADIATION SAFETY
Use of radiological materials must be approved by the Radiological Health Department on campus: 801-581-6141.

SAFETY TRAINING
Safety training classes are offered by EHS on topics such as Biological and Chemical Safety, Ergonomics, Bloodborne Pathogens, and many more. Special classes can be arranged. Check the current schedule at our website.

SANITATION
There are guidelines for safe food handling at the University. Temporary food handling permits for public events are required. Public events fall under the jurisdiction of the Salt Lake County Health Department Bureau of Food Protection. University employees, students and volunteers must comply with their regulations. Private functions must remain private.

SMOKING
Smoking is not allowed in any University facility or vehicle; owned, operated or leased.

TRAX
Never walk on or near the light rail tracks. Besides being very dangerous it's also against the law. Never toss or throw anything at a train. Never put anything on the train tracks. Do not race a train. Never try to go around crossing gates when they are down, even if you don't see a train coming. That goes for pedestrians, too. When going to or from a TRAX station, remember jaywalking is illegal. Always use the crosswalk. Always look both directions before crossing the tracks. A second train might be coming.
Turn LEFT only at designated intersections and only on a green arrow. Remember that some left turn lanes are shared with the train. Look for warning signs: flashing lights, signals and crossing gates. Be prepared to stop if they are activated

WELLNESS
The University sees you as more than just an employee. Take advantage of all the benefits University employment has to offer. There are many culturally enriching events, intellectually stimulating seminars, and recreational activities available to us. Maintain some balance in your life; stay sane, be happy, don't worry, exercise, and be safe.

QUESTIONS??
Visit our home page at http://www.ehs.utah.edu for more information. Feel free to write us at questions@ehs.utah.edu if you can't find an answer here.

July 30, 2003