Health and Safety

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which is found in various building components and miscellaneous materials and when that concentration is at or above 1% asbestos, the material is considered an Asbestos-Containing-Material (ACM). The presence of asbestos would normally be associated with heating insulation, sound proofing, fire protection, or other high-temperature applications and as a strengthening additive to structural materials. Prior to 1980, the use of ACM was prevalent in the construction industry, automotive design, electrical applications and high-temperature applications where conventional materials were too costly, heavy or burdensome. Due to the age of the University infrastructure, it is probable that many buildings contain some asbestos within the construction materials. That material would commonly be found in/on walls, floors, ceilings, wiring, doors, piping and mechanical rooms. While not hazardous if left undisturbed, any activity which disturbs ACM could result in the release of asbestos fibers into the air. Asbestos, similar to any chemical substance, has an exposure threshold (i.e. “permissible exposure limit” [PEL]). For asbestos that level is measured at 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc) of air as an eight (8)-hour time-weighted average (TWA), or 1.0 f/cc as averaged over a sampling period of thirty (30) minutes. Such measurements must be taken by a certified technician or industrial hygienist pursuant to a specific EPA laboratory method.

The University monitors all construction or renovation activity to verify that the materials being worked are asbestos-free. If asbestos is identified through area sampling, then the material shall be abated by a certified contractor prior to any construction-related work. It is essential that staff and faculty know not to initiate any work in offices, laboratories or classrooms that might cause building infrastructure to be disturbed. Such requests should be directed to Facilities Services or Planning & Construction who in turn shall coordinate any subsequent investigation into the presence or absence of asbestos prior to the work commencing. On an annual basis the RM/EHS Office distributes a memorandum to all departments reminding them that asbestos may exist in our buildings and such precautions are necessary to protect the health and well being of our campus community (Reference Examples on this Webpage). A listing of those building(s) which may contain suspect ACM is provided on this page as a resource. It is the University’s position that if a material has not been sampled and determined to be negative for asbestos, then it shall always be presumed to contain asbestos, and considered an ACM in those buildings where suspect ACM exist.

The University maintains an Asbestos Management administrative procedure (AP 419), which is reviewed and updated as needed. It is the position of the University that asbestos abatement related work shall be contracted out to qualified contractors, and that any abatement activity be monitored by an independent air monitoring firm separate from the abatement contractor and answering to the building owner. Questions pertaining to asbestos management at the University should be directed to the RM/EHS Office at ext. 3-3527.

Resources

One of the goals of the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) office is the protection and preservation of human health and the environment. Strict compliance with the myriad of federal laws, state regulations and county ordinances is a major component of our Environmental Control program. A variety of regulatory programs are administered and maintained to minimize potential environmental hazards.

Additional responsibilities include the identification, inspection and evaluation of potential environmental hazards, such as asbestos, lead, and indoor air quality. By tracking, labeling and communicating these issues, we are better able to protect the human health and environment for our University community.

Besides the population immediately on campus, the Environmental Control program has an even greater responsibility. That is to be a leader in environmental regulatory compliance, to be a good neighbor, and to control all phases of our operations in order to minimize any adverse effects to the environment we live in. To achieve this lofty goal it is essential to provide employees with information to understand their responsibilities for the lawful handling of environmental problems relating to hazardous substances, air pollution, and water pollution. Join us in making this world an even better place for everyone.

If you have questions about Environmental Control, email Mike Morales or call (323)343-3534.

The University EHS Office is the only department authorized to issue temporary food permits for food activities on campus. The process is that any food-related sponsor must review the University's food guidelines and initiate a temporary food permit for their specific activity. Any unauthorized or non-permitted food activity is subject to immediate closure. There are specific restrictions related to BBQs on campus and the guidelines should be reviewed thoroughly before proceeding with any such activity.

All University food establishments are inspected by the County and receive a letter grade consistent with Los Angeles County health standards. University organizations and visitors are allowed to use a caterer on campus as long as the caterer maintains a minimum of 85 or greater health rating with the County DHS. The EHS Office reviews this requirement when a temporary food permit-utilizing caterers is submitted. To find out the health rating of any establishment in Los Angeles County go to the Department of Health Services site.

For questions contact EHS Office at extension 3-3549 or UAS at extension 3-5370.

Please visit the LA County Health Department website to access food facility ratings.

Resources

Food Safety

The Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) office endeavors to prevent occupational exposures and accidents through the establishment of workplace health and safety standards for all University Facilities containing potentially hazardous substances, conditions, and/or practices. In general, these standards are adopted from CAL/OSHA regulations, which are required for all employers to administer in a workplace environment. Contained within this site are the University's occupational safety and health procedures and guidelines that guide administrators, Departments, and the general campus community on a safe working/educational experience.

Specific incidents/reports of unsafe conditions or hazardous situations should be reported to extensions 3-3549, 3-3531, or 3-3527. For chemical spills or hazardous material incidents contact extensions 3-3549, 3-3531, or 3-3527. After hours contact Public Safety Dispatch at 3-3700 for emergencies.

To report an unsafe condition, file a 'Report a Safety Concern', or email RMEHS, or call (323)343-3531.

Illness / Injury / Hazard Reporting

Health and Safety Performance

Heat Stress

Emergency Information

Health Related Information

The following information addresses health and safety related issues and emergency procedures about which faculty are expected to advise or assist students.

Classroom Safety Checklists

These forms will assist faculty in understanding their role in providing a safe learning environment for the students, according to the CSU policy on Health and Safety for Employees and Students. Students will be provided with the appropriate safety information related to hazards encountered in each instructional environment. Faculty, Graduate Assistants and Teaching Assistants will be responsible for providing this information during the first class meeting and throughout the semester. Reference Executive Order 1039 from the Chancellor's Office.

Checklists

Safety and relevant hazard information for the instructional environment is provided below for both faculty and students. Note that the "instructor" version is developed to assist faculty in presenting this information. The "student" version should be completed by each student and retained in the department records. Records should be retained for at least 3 years per CSU retention schedule.

Generally Applicable
Specific Classes

Contact

If you have any questions related to these checklists please contact the RM/EHS office at extension 3-3549 or 3-3531.

Additional Resources