SAFETY MEMORANDUM

COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS

Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Program

DATE: September 5, 1994

TO: ALL CNS FACULTY, STAFF, FOUNDATION & STUDENT EMPLOYEES

FROM: Jim Sample, Chair CNSM Environmental Health and Safety Committee

SUBJECT: SAFETY MEMO 53

TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS -- Moving hazardous materials (except for modest amounts of "consumer" chemicals) to or from campus is not permitted unless specific approval has been granted. One of the main reasons this activity is restricted is due to the complex, stringent federal requirements set forth in U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations (enforced in California by the Highway Patrol). These regulations make it essentially impossible for university personnel to legally transport common laboratory chemicals or chemical waste over public roads -- unless you call the CNSM Safety Office (985-5623) first!

The CNSM Safety Office will assist you in effecting the safe, legal and authorized transport of hazardous laboratory materials essential for field/off-campus activities.

HUMAN BLOOD CONCERNS -- Cuts from broken glass are the most common workplace injuries to CNSM personnel. Helping the victim of a cut is a natural response, but keep in mind the dangers of contact with blood: exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B virus and HIV. Clean-up of spilled blood, broken glass and other blood-contaminated items involve the same risk.

To protect yourself and to comply with Cal/OSHA regulations, DO NOT CLEAN UP OR DISPOSE OF BLOOD OR BLOOD-CONTAMINATED ITEMS YOURSELF! This clean-up must be performed by specifically-trained individuals. When necessary, use the emergency telephones or dial 911 from regular campus phones to get help. Campus police and campus safety personnel are equipped and trained to respond to such incidents.

FACILITY MODIFICATION RULES -- Our 1950's era instructional spaces and support areas are less than ideal for today's needs. Modifications are often needed -- but many changes to University space MUST be formally approved. Modifications of utilities (electrical, gas, plumbing, steam, air, vacuum etc.) may not be executed without such authorization. Similarly, the construction of a wall, doorway or walk-in enclosure requires specific authorization. Please work with the CNSM Associate Dean for Facilities, Bob Loeschen, to ensure that your modification meets all University requirements.

JUNK AND UNWANTED ITEMS -- The abandonment of items in hallways, or on the Peterson Hall 2/3 loading dock constitutes a violation of State Fire regulations. An effective mechanism has now been developed to rid your workspace of unwanted items. All that YOU have to do is call the appropriate technician with the location and description of the item (including property number if applicable). The item should be removed within three weeks. If there is a problem or if your technician is unavailable, please call Jeff or John in the Safety Office at x55623. The appropriate technicians are listed on the reverse side.

_{cc: Campus EH&S}