Faculty Handbook

SUNY College of Optometry

Faculty Handbook 2022-23

The SUNY Optometry Emergency Mass Notification System is able to send text and email messages to all subscribers to the system. The system will be activated as one of the means of communicating the nature of the emergency and the required course of action employees should take during any life safety emergency on campus. Information about College closures or cancelation of academic and clinical programs will be posted on the College’s website, main telephone line 212-938-4000, Office 365-Outlook electronic mail system, and through the SUNY Optometry Emergency Mass Notification System. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (EHS) The EHS Office is responsible for the overall environmental well-being of the college and its occupants. The Office is in room 3M05 opened Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. EHS office can be reached at extension 5581. Some of 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: 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, safety data sheet gathering, and employee training. • SAFETY DATA SHEETS (SDS) SDS 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. SDS are located in the UPD department by the 43rd street desk and also on 3M in room 3M07. Safety Data Sheets are also available electronically in SharePoint; in the Resources (Document Center), select the Safety Resources folder. SDS are readily available to all employees upon request. • LIST OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS The EHS Office 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. BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS (BBP) The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published the Blood borne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030, this standard applies to all persons who regularly participate in the care of patients at University Eye Center, including (but not limited to) University Eye Center employees, affiliate employees, students, and volunteers, if their duties involve potential occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens. The

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