<\/p>\n
Welcome back to everyone!<\/p>\n
While some of you were enjoying time off this summer, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) was busy completing projects and conducting inspections to support Life Safety on campus. With the help of Physical Plant, a student worker and departmental technical assistants, inspections and testing were completed on the following systems and equipment:
\nFire Alarms, Fire Sprinklers, Fire Hydrants, Fire Suppression Systems, Fire Extinguishers, Backflow Prevention Devices, Passenger and Freight Elevators, Automotive Lifts, Chemical Fume Hoods, Biological Safety Cabinets and Laminar Flow Benches, Forklifts, Hoists and Cranes, Fire Doors in the Science Center and Daycare Buildings and Theater Rigging in the Maureen Stapleton Theatre.<\/p>\n
These inspections are conducted to ensure continued operation and to identify any needed repairs. When deficiencies are found, EHS works closely with the Academic Departments or Physical Plant to ensure issues are resolved.<\/p>\n
The following projects also were completed through EHS with the help and patience of all involved: Installation of ventilation systems for the asphalt ovens and concrete mixing operations in the HUD 137 Materials Lab; cleanout of oil water separators and storm drain catch basins; flame treatment of curtains in the McDonough Field House and the BTC TV Studios; decontamination of fume hoods, laboratory equipment and surfaces in the vacated Fitzgibbons and Amstuz lab spaces; shielding designs and acceptance testing for new Dental Hygiene X-Ray units, and the abatement of asbestos-containing floor tile in the second floor offices of Brahan Hall.<\/p>\n
EHS would like to remind everyone of several important campus fire safety practices:
\n\u2022 Keep all exits and means of egress clear and free of stored items
\n\u2022 Do not block fire extinguishers
\n\u2022 Power strips, extension cords, refrigerators and portable heaters need to be plugged directly in to wall outlets
\n\u2022 Extension cords are for temporary use only, no household extension cords are allowed on campus. For more information on extension cord safety, see the following fact sheet: http:\/\/www.compliance.gov\/forms-pubs\/eresources\/fastfacts_extensioncords.pdf<\/a>
\n\u2022 Clearance must be maintained between stored items and ceilings; 18 inches must be maintained in buildings with sprinklers and 24 inches in buildings without sprinklers
\n\u2022 Burning of candles, incense or sparklers is prohibited
\n\u2022 When cooking, especially popcorn, do not leave food unattended
\n\u2022 When you hear or see the fire alarm, immediately gather your items and leave the building. Be sure to escort your students out with you. Do not re-enter the building until given the \u201cAll Clear\u201d by Public Safety or the Fire Department.<\/p>\n