Faculty Handbook 2020-2021

SUNY College of Optometry

Faculty Handbook 2020-21

II. Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) The EHS Office is responsible for the overall environmental well being of the college and its occupants. The Office is located in room 3M06A opened Monday through Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm.The EHS officer can be reached at extension 5581. Some our typical responsibilities are: • Respond to complaints of environmental concerns • Provide employees with training on safety and hazards in the workplace • Provide and or recommend appropriate PPE to employees as needed • Conduct inspection of the facility and make recommendations to mitigate problems Some of the EHS programs include but are not limited to the following: A. Hazard Communication/Right-To-Know This program will ensure that the hazards associated with all chemicals and commercial products used by employees are evaluated and that this information is transmitted to the affected employee. In general, each employee at the facility will be trained on the substance of the laws, the hazardous properties of the chemicals with which they work, and the measures needed to protect themselves while working with these chemicals. The Hazard Communication/Right to Know Program includes provisions for container labeling, material safety data sheet gathering, and employee training. • Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) MSDS lists the hazards of chemicals such as physical properties, health effects, special precautions that must be taken when using the chemical such as personal protective equipment and first aid measures. MSDS binders are located in the UPD department by the 43rd street desk and also in the EHS office room 3M06A. MSDS are readily available to all employees upon request. • List of Hazardous Chemicals The EHS Officer will maintain a list of all hazardous chemicals used in the facility and update the list as new chemicals come into the facility. • Training Each employee who works with, or is potentially exposed to, hazardous chemicals will receive initial training on the Hazard Communication/Right-to-Know Law. Training will include the safe use of the hazardous chemicals before initial assignment, annually thereafter, and whenever a new hazard is introduced into their work areas.

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