(Approved by the Executive Director of Health Sciences Administration by authority of Executive Order No. 1)
The mission of the Environmental Health and Safety Department (EH&S) is to assure that adequate health and safety programs exist for the protection of all individuals associated with the University of Washington. EH&S works in cooperation with University departments to achieve this goal. Broad categories of concern include:
| 1) | Health and Safety in the
Workplace—Provide advice and interpretation pertaining to the
Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) requirements. Conduct worksite
safety and health inspections, recommend corrective action, and investigate
accidents. |
| 2) | Accident Reporting—Collect
and compile accident and incident reporting data to assist in the identification
of accident trends, initiate accident investigations, and ensure the correction of
unsafe practices and conditions. |
| 3) | Protective Clothing and
Equipment—Recommend proper safety clothing and equipment and interpret
regulations governing the use of personal protective equipment and clothing to meet
safety, health, and regulatory requirements. |
| 4) | Diving Safety—Coordinate
compliance with the UW Diving Safety Policy. Authorize individuals to dive and audit
their procedures and practices to ensure they conform to the standards and limitations
established by the Diving Control Committee. No person may dive under University auspices
without being certified as qualified to do so by the UW Diving Safety Officer. Detailed
policies and procedures are contained in the Diving Safety Manual, which can
be obtained by calling 206-543-0465. |
| 5) | Pressure Systems Safety—Provide information on safety requirements for pressure vessels and systems. Evaluate
proposed installations for compliance with standards and codes. Review safe practices
for use, handling, and storage of compressed gas cylinders. |
| 6) | Chemical Safety—Provide
advice, support, and resources to departments for management of hazardous chemicals,
including hazard communication program support, maintenance of a comprehensive Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) collection, and chemical inventory coordination and reporting.
Administer the Laboratory Safety Standard relating to occupational exposures to
hazardous chemicals in laboratories. More information on chemical safety in laboratories
an be found in the Laboratory Safety Manual in most laboratories. |
| 7) | Industrial Hygiene—Provide
information and monitoring on safe use and control of hazardous chemicals, metals,
gases, etc., such as mercury, pesticides, epoxies, silver solder, carbon monoxide,
nitrous oxide, formaldehyde, and methane gas. Provide advice on corrective measures, if
indicated. Evaluate work environments to reduce exposure of personnel to toxic and
nuisance substances as defined by occupational health standards. Respond to indoor air
quality complaints and work with the Physical Plant Department to correct ventilation
problems. |
| 8) | Fire Safety—Provide
information and advice on storage of flammable materials and conduct fire investigations
and fire safety inspections. Provide fire protection engineering services for campus
construction and renovation activities. (Note: The Physical Plant Department,
206-685-1411, provides maintenance of fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and
sprinklers.) |
| 9) | Biohazard Control—Provide
consultation on the classification, use, and control of disease causing organisms
(biohazards). Administer the bloodborne pathogen exposure control program. Authorize
use of recombinant DNA materials through the University's Recombinant DNA Committee.
Detailed information and policies are contained in the Biohazard Safety Manual,
which can be obtained by calling EH&S,
206-543-9510. |
| 10) | Radioactive Materials License
Administration—Monitor all uses of radioactive materials at the University
for compliance with applicable codes and regulations. Coordinate monitoring and record
keeping requirements of state and federal regulations. Audit the procedures and practices
of individual investigators to ensure they conform to standards and limitations
established by the University Radiation Safety Committee. For more information refer to
the Radiation Safety Manual. |
| 11) | Radioactive Material
Shipments—Receive, inspect, and deliver all shipments of radioactive
materials to the University. Monitor shipping of all radioactive materials from the
University (for more information see the Radiation Safety Manual). |
| 12) | Building Construction and Renovation Plan Review—Review design drawings to ensure that safety and health requirements are met. |
| 1) | Pollution Control—Establish
and provide information about guidelines for responding to a pollution incident and for
compliance with pollution control requirements. |
| 2) | Public Events—Provide
advice and interpretation of rules pertaining to public health, sanitation, and life
safety requirements for public events on campus. |
| 3) | Pest Control—Evaluate
problems; advise and maintain surveillance over activity of the University-contracted
exterminator. |
| 4) | Hazardous Waste Handling and Disposal—Provide information and advice on the packaging, collection, and disposal of hazardous wastes, including chemical, biohazardous, radioactive, and hospital wastes. Provide collection and disposal service for hazardous chemical and radioactive wastes. |
| 1) | Food
Service Sanitation—Assist University
Food Services in complying with Washington State
Board of Health regulations. Inspect food service
areas. Certify food service workers. Provide information
on safe methods and requirements for sale and
distribution of food on campus. |
| 2) | Occupational
Health—Provide physical
examinations, vaccinations, and medical surveillance
for employees whose occupations involve health
hazards. Evaluate effects on individuals of
hazards in the workplace. |
| 3) | Radiation
Personnel Services—Provide bioassay services
to detect and control internal exposure to radiation
(e.g., exposure by breathing in or swallowing
contaminated material). Provide dosimetry services
to detect and control external exposure to radiation
(e.g., skin exposed to contaminated material).
Assist in the development of techniques for reducing
exposure of personnel to radiation. |
| 4) | Hospital Health Physics—Test hospital
diagnostic x-ray machines for accuracy and
reliability. Investigate hospital personnel
radiation exposures. Develop techniques to
reduce patient radiation exposure. |
| 5) | Employee Training—Provide training for University employees in the following areas: |
May 1994.