Workplace Safety and Environmental Protection (WSE)
The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department at our university plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and compliant environment for students, staff, and faculty. EHS works in close cooperation with various campus safety committees and departments to review compliance issues and develop appropriate procedures and policies.
One of the key areas EHS focuses on is indoor air quality (IAQ). The Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Procedure, a policy under EHS, likely addresses issues related to IAQ on campus. This could include guidelines for maintaining healthy indoor air quality, as well as handling chemicals and biological substances that might impact air quality.
EHS collaborates closely with the Department of Safety and Security for emergency planning and preparedness. In case of an emergency, it is essential that workers and emergency personnel have proper and reliable information for safe chemical handling and emergency response. To facilitate this, EHS utilizes resources such as the SIRI MSDS Database and provides an MSDS Search service.
The SIRI MSDS Database is a valuable resource, offering comprehensive access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) from chemical manufacturers and suppliers. EHS also provides resources for SDS through ChemBioFinder Search. These databases often come with search options by brand name, CAS number, or enzyme commission number, making it easy for users to find the information they need.
In addition to these databases, EHS's website offers a wealth of educational materials and guidance on interpreting SDS content. This includes physical data, toxicity, health effects, first aid, storage, disposal procedures, spill/leak response, and personal protective equipment use. Access to official university EHS policies, training, and procedures regarding chemical safety and handling is also available.
Moreover, EHS offers safety posters and awareness tools to support chemical safety culture. These resources, which can be themed by popular culture, help to promote a safety-conscious environment across the campus.
EHS's responsibilities extend beyond indoor air quality and chemical safety. The department also works with the Department of Facilities Planning and Construction to ensure that renovation and construction projects are performed in a safe and compliant manner. This cooperation ensures that our university remains in compliance with federal, state, and local environmental and occupational health and safety laws.
In conclusion, the Environmental Health and Safety department plays a vital role in maintaining a safe and compliant campus environment. By providing resources for Safety Data Sheets, collaborating with various departments for emergency planning and preparedness, and ensuring safe and compliant renovation and construction projects, EHS is an essential extension of the Department of Facilities Operations.
- The Department of Environmental Science, a crucial part of our university, might delve into the scientific aspects of health and wellness, considering EHS's focus on maintaining healthy indoor air quality.
- With EHS's commitment to environmental science in ensuring safe and compliant construction projects, they could potentially collaborate with the Department of Environmental Science to address sustainability issues in campus building and renovation practices.
){kind=link}