OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR
July 22, 1997
KEY ADMINISTRATORS/KEY SUPPORT STAFF SUBJECT: UCSD Policy on Environmental Health and Safety UCSD is committed to providing a safe environment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Attached is a copy of the UCSD policy on environmental health and safety. Please recognize that all members of our campus community have responsibility for their own safety, as well as the safety of all persons working in facilities over which they have control. Deans, department chairs, principal investigators, and supervisors are responsible for establishing and maintaining procedures in their areas which will provide all personnel with information and education concerning the safe handling of hazardous materials and equipment. This also includes the maintenance of fire exit ways, proper storage of equipment and furniture, plus the use of building safety features.
The Office of Environment, Health and Safety is available to provide assistance with respect to developing and implementing departmental safety programs, including self-inspections for code compliance, resource lists, training and other items necessary to meet the various regulatory requirements.
If there are questions on specific program objectives or policies, please contact Martha McDougall, EH&S Director, at extension 43659.
Robert C. Dynes
Chancellor
Attachment
_________________________________________________________________ UCSD POLICY ON
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
I. POLICY
A. It is the policy of the University of California, San Diego to maintain a safe environment for its students, academic appointees, staff and visitors. B. University operations shall be conducted in compliance with applicable regulations, and with appropriate accepted health and safety standards.
II. RESPONSIBILITY
A. The Chancellor is responsible for the implementation of UCSD's Policy on Environmental Health and Safety at all facilities under campus control.
B. The appropriate Vice Chancellors and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Center are responsible for implementation and enforcement of the Environmental Health and Safety policy in all facilities and operations within their respective jurisdictions.
C. Deans, Provosts, Laboratory Directors and Department Heads are responsible for establishing and maintaining programs which comply with this policy and which will provide a safe and healthy work and living environment.
D. Principal Investigators, Managers, and Supervisors are responsible for implementing the health, safety, and environmental management program as it relates to operations under their control. The Office of Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) is responsible for preparing documents and guidelines for programs to ensure university compliance. All employees and students are responsible for maintaining compliance with this policy as it relates to operations under their control.
E. EH&S is responsible for advising the campus community of its responsibilities, recommending appropriate actions or programs, and consulting with external agencies and regulatory bodies on behalf of the university. EH&S makes recommendations for improvements and notes instances of noncompliance by and for Principal Investigators, Chairs, Directors and Deans. In case of imminent danger to life or health, the Director of EH&S or his/her designee has the authority to order the cessation of the hazardous activity until the danger is abated or adequate measures are taken to minimize exposure to campus personnel, students and the public.
III. PROGRAM ELEMENTS AND OBJECTIVES A. The Environment, Health and Safety Office will establish oversight, advisory and compliance programs for monitoring campus operations and activities to assure adequate environmental health and safety measures are undertaken. Applicable health and safety standards promulgated by federal, state and local agencies, as well as campus policies, shall be followed in establishing the criteria to assist departments in compliance activities. In the absence of appropriate statutes and governmental regulations, the published standards of recognized professional health and safety organizations shall serve as guides.
Programs for health, safety and environmental protection shall include but not be limited to the following:
Biological Safety
Chemical Safety
Disaster Preparedness
Environmental Protection
Fire and Life Safety
General Safety and Accident Prevention Industrial Hygiene
Laboratory Animal Care
Laser Safety
Occupational Health and Hygiene
Radiation Safety
Sanitation