Services and Practical Tools for Safety at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ

We prioritize the well-being of our community through a range of services, including environmental compliance, occupational safety, laboratory safety, fire and life safety, chemical safety, hazardous materials management, insurance and risk management, and comprehensive training programs. Our commitment is to create a secure, safe and sustainable environment for all members of the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ community.

Environmental Compliance

²ÝÁñÊÓƵ is dedicated to environmental responsibility, aiming to minimize our impact. The Environmental Compliance Programs provide regulatory guidance across the diverse university community, addressing potential environmental impacts on air, land, and water. Regulated by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), specific operations may require permits to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. To uphold the highest standards, we conduct periodic external permit reviews, site inspections, and training initiatives.

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Occupational Safety

²ÝÁñÊÓƵ prioritizes safe workplaces for staff, faculty, and contractors, with Occupational Safety and Health as a crucial aspect of our Environmental Health and Safety team's support function. Success hinges on collaboration between the EHS team and our customer base. From working at heights to electrical safety, we ensure the safest workplaces through rigorous training, inspections, and hazard analysis with abatement methods. Our commitment extends to compliance with OSHA Standards and other relevant industry standards like NFPA, ANSI, ASME, NIOSH, etc.

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Laboratory Safety

The ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Research and Laboratory Safety Program addresses safety hazards in research and academic settings, covering all ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ units with hazardous material use. This includes labs, art studios, shops, and custodial services. The primary goal is to ensure a reasonably safe work environment for all employees, fostering collaboration between the Environmental Health and Safety Department and each ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ unit. To achieve these goals, ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ will adhere to applicable Georgia State Laws, OSHA regulations, and other relevant guidelines.

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Fire and Life Safety

The Fire and Life Safety Programs at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ offer information on policies, procedures, and tools for fire and life safety in university facilities. The diverse organization's facilities and operations are governed by the Georgia Safety Fire Law, County ordinances, national standards, and industry best practices. Enforcement is carried out by the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office, Cobb County Fire Marshal’s Office, and ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ's Fire and Life Safety Office. Some regulations may require permits for specific operations, establishing and enforcing minimum requirements for compliance. The highest level of services, including inspections, testing, maintenance, permitting, plan reviews, and trainings, is provided.

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Chemical Management

EHS ensures ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ compliance with EPA's RCRA regulations for handling and disposing of hazardous waste. Chemical Inventory Management, mandated by the Workplace Right to Know Act, is overseen to meet these standards. Labs, art studios, maintenance shops, and grounds-keeping generate hazardous wastes, managed according to the University's procedures. The Chematix Chemical Management System is utilized for tracking chemicals from purchase to disposal.

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Training

Safety training at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ State is integral to enhancing individual and organizational performance and aligning with institutional goals. The EHS department spearheads the development, implementation, and oversight of the comprehensive Environmental and Occupational Safety training program, encompassing compliance and specialized training. Academic and administrative departments play a crucial role in delivering department-level, job-specific training for their members, ensuring compliance with required safety training for faculty, staff, and students.

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