Directory of Services
Accident Investigations
Injuries requiring medical attention (other than minor first aid) may require a follow-up investigation to determine the cause. Corrective action or further training may be needed to prevent a repeat of the accident. The Department Chair or supervisor of the injured can carry out investigations. In some cases, EH&S will conduct the investigation depending on the severity of the injury.
Air Monitoring/Indoor Air Quality
EH&S performs exposure assessments for a variety of chemical and biological agents. In addition to these assessments, EH&S conducts indoor air quality investigations for some types of indoor air quality problems. EH&S has the capabilities for conducting monitoring of volatile organic compounds, combustible gases, oxygen deficiency and confined spaces. Asbestos, lead and more specialized tests are available utilizing off campus resources.
Asbestos Monitoring and EvaluationAsbestos is a mineral fiber that was used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. It is hazardous if small fibers are inhaled into the lungs as they accumulate and cause health problems such as cancer and lung scarring. Symptoms of disease usually do not show up until many years after exposure begins.
EH&S evaluates and monitors activities involving renovation or remolding that may disturb asbestos. EH&S also assists in developing abatement plans that minimize disturbance of asbestos containing material. We inspect work areas during and after abatement projects to ensure proper and safe adherence to OSHA guidelines. At SRJC, we are making good progress at removing asbestos containing materials found in various building areas.
Biohazardous MaterialsBiohazardous materials and medical waste are generated at several locations at SRJC. Pathological waste is created at Life Sciences and other regulated items such as blood-contaminated items and sharps are generated at Student Health Services and Health Sciences among others. These items must be disposed of properly by EH&S personnel. They must be deposited in special bags and containers and are treated differently than other hazardous wastes generated by the college.
Bloodborne Pathogens/Exposure ControlSRJC has established an Exposure Control Plan to minimize or eliminate exposure to Bloodborne pathogens. In conjunction with this program, Hepatitis B vaccinations are offered to those campus employees that are considered in the High Risk category for exposure to HBV.
Emergency ResponseIf you have spilled a hazardous material, immediately notify EH&S at ext. 4803 and Campus Police at ext. 1000 (after hours ext. 2770). Materials are available for cleanup of small spills. Larger spills will be referred to the City of Santa Rosa Fire Department.
Ergonomic EvaluationsErgonomics means designing work environments and tasks to fit the workers needs for comfort and safety, rather than expecting the worker to adapt to an uncomfortable situation. EH&S will evaluate the employee at their workstation and recommend minor adjustments for comfort. These can be as simple as readjusting the chair, raising or lowering the monitor, adding a footstool or taking breaks from our computers to relieve the stress of sitting for long periods of time. In some cases, corrective furniture is necessary to solve ergonomic problems. For an ergonomic evaluation, please notify EH&S.
Fire / Evacuation Drills and Fire Alarm ChecksAccording to the Fire Safety codes, fire alarm systems must be tested on at least an annual basis. Each year, SRJC tests the alarms in each building. It is expected that occupants of the building will practice proper evacuation procedures such as, using the stairs and remaining 150 feet from the building until the all clear signal.
Fire ExtinguishersThese are located in the hallways of every building on campus - in wall cabinets, standing alone or with a fire hose. They may also be found hanging in hazardous materials locations or close to electrical or mechanical equipment. ABC type of extinguishers are most widely used, however, CO2 extinguishers may be placed in specific locations as required.
Fire InspectionsFire inspections are conducted by EH&S personnel and City of Santa Rosa Fire Department officials on a continuous basis. Following an inspection, you may receive reports on items found to be deficient.
Fluorescent Light TubesFluorescent light tubes are a fairly new waste stream at SRJC. They fall into the category of Universal Waste so the Environmental Protection Agency relaxes some of the stringent regulations concerning their disposal. They are regulated because they contain mercury, an extremely toxic material. Once light tubes are burned out, they are collected by SRJC custodians and ultimately are given to EH&S for disposal. The tubes are recycled at a nearby facility. The entire tube is recycled, from the glass to the end caps. The mercury vapor is condensed and re-used as well. For questions or pickup service, please call Custodial at ext. 4205 or EH&S at ext. 4803.
Food SanitationEH&S provides inspection and consultation for management, staff and students involved in food receiving, storage, preparation, and service. EH&S investigates any reports of suspected food-borne illness.
Hazard Evaluations/Safety InspectionsIdentification of hazards within the department serves to prevent accidents and injuries. Potential problems can occur due to electrical extension cords, storage of flammable liquids, use of machinery, hazardous materials, for example. Identifying all possible hazardous situations, procedures, or equipment will help a department in developing a list of training needs for employees and students. If you notice a situation that has the potential to cause an accident, notify EH&S. In addition to inspections on request EH&S conducts regular safety evaluations of all college facilities.
Hazardous Waste DisposalAll hazardous waste must be disposed of utilizing a hazwaste contractor hired by the college to legally dispose of this material. Waste is disposed of every 180 days. If you have waste materials or are unsure of what is considered a hazardous waste, call or email EH&S. If you have household hazardous waste such as pesticides, old paint and cleaning materials, call the Sonoma County Hazardous Materials Information at 565-1152 or the ECO Desk at 565-3375 for information about disposal.
Health SurveillanceThis program was developed to identify faculty and staff who, because of their exposure to certain health hazards on the job, are required by federal and state regulations to receive specific and periodic medical examinations to insure their health and safety. Examples of those employees who would be involved in this program are those who work with pesticides, hazardous substances such as asbestos, state-regulated carcinogens, those required to use a respirator, or work in high noise level environments.
Laboratory and Shop Safety InspectionsEH&S ensures that laboratory workers and students are informed about the hazards of chemicals in their workplace and that they are protected from any chemical exposures that exceed allowable levels. Inspections are conducted and consultation provided to occupants of all science, art and technology labs and shops at the college.
Material Safety Data SheetsThe Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS, provides a range of information about the hazards and safe use of a specific chemical or mixture of chemicals. Chemical Manufacturers should provide a copy of the MSDS for the chemical at the time of purchase. EH&S is able to help you obtain a copy of the MSDS from the manufacturer or help you retrieve one on-line.
Noise EvaluationsAs part of SRJC’s Hearing Conservation program, noise evaluations are conducted on an as needed basis. Noise monitoring is also conducted to determine the level of hearing protection required for unusual activities or conditions that may occur on campus. EH&S should be contacted if you believe you are exposed to noise above the 85 decibel range for safe noise exposure.
Respiratory ProtectionIn some situations, exposure to hazardous materials cannot be avoided. EH&S coordinates the campus-wide program which provides proper fit testing and approved respirators for all persons working in areas where exposure to harmful levels of dusts or chemical vapors occur.
Waste MinimizationThe university is under State and Federal regulations to minimize the amount of hazardous waste generated by the campus. Any suggestions to help achieve our goal will be appreciated.
Wastewater DischargeAt SRJC we generate many chemicals and materials that cannot be disposed of through common routes, such as the city sanitary sewer. Mineral spirits, oil, and photo fixers are examples of these. The cities of Santa Rosa and Petaluma regularly monitor wastewater discharge and will fine the District if we are found to be in violation of city ordinance regarding chemical disposal. The discharge limits change often and are generally more stringent in Petaluma than in Santa Rosa. Regulatory agencies also monitor storm drain discharge. There is no tolerance for storm drain violations: Nothing can go down a storm drain except rainwater! Generally, storm drains are located outside whereas sewer drains/pipes are located inside buildings. For questions about wastewater or chemical dumping, please call EH&S at ext. 4803.
Questions about services provided by EH&S at SRJC? Email EH&S at ehsweb@santarosa.edu or call 527-4803.
Last Revised 9/05/07
|
Arts/Crafts/Theater