News
04.30.08
Renovation
On Monday May 5, 2008 much of Environmental Safety including the Administrative Office, Occupational Safety, Biological Safety Office, Fire Marshal's Office, and Risk Management & Communication will be moving so that our current work area can be renovated. Consequently on Monday, May 5th and Tuesday, May 6th DES staff may have limited access to our telephone and email. If you need assistance, please contact the main office at (301) 405-3960.
01.16.08
Smoking and Home Fires
Every year, almost 1,000 smokers and non-smokers are killed in home fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials. The U.S. Fire Administration is working to help prevent home fire deaths and injuries caused by smoking materials. Fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials are preventable.
12.06.07
UM Must Respond to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Chemical Facility Rule
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a new regulation, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (6 CFR Part 27) for any facility that manufactures, uses, stores, or distributes any of the listed chemicals above a specified quantity. Colleges and universities must comply with this regulation in a very short time frame by reporting the listed chemicals if the regulatory screening threshold quantities are met. Since reporting requirements are based on aggregate amounts on campus, individual laboratories or other locations are not exempt from reporting as even small quantities must be factored in to the campus total. [Read Complete Text of this Important Notice]
9.19.07
Increase in College Dorm Fires Prompts Officials to Issue Warning
As students go off to college and leave the comforts of home, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning about the dangers of fires in college housing such as dormitories, fraternities, sororities and barracks.
8.30.07
Fall 2007 Newsletter
Safety Talk, our Fall 2007 newsletter, is now available.
08.16.07
Department of Homeland Security Issues Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards in April 2007. Since the rule does not include a definition of chemical facility, colleges and universities may be subject to the requirements. The complete rule is available at http://www.dhs.gov/chemicalsecurity. A draft Appendix A list of chemicals is available at http://www.dhs.gov/xprevprot/laws/gc_1175537180929.shtm with a final version expected in early fall. Information will be provided to affected UM departments as it becomes available.
05.10.07
UM Alert—The University of Maryland's Emergency Text Messaging System
The University of Maryland is urging all students, faculty and staff to quickly register for UM Alert—the university's new emergency text messaging system. UM Alert is now available to all members of the university community. UM Alert is a software-based web application that allows the University of Maryland to send emergency text messages to cell phones, pagers, BlackBerries, PDAs, and/or email accounts.
3.30.07
Spring 2007 and Fall 2006 Newsletter
Safety Talk, our Spring 2007 and Fall 2006 newsletters are now available
12.12.06
Biosafety Level 2 Training
Biosafety Level 2 Training is now available.
11.03.06
Annual Report
The DES Annual report for 2005-2006 is now available.
11.06.07
"Appendix A" of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Released
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday, November 2, released a pre-publication, revised list of chemicals that industry, research institutions, and others must inventory and report on because of their potential for misuse and criminal activity. Read more
11.19.07
Crane and Hoist Safety Training
Crane and Hoist Safety Training is now available online.
07.02.07
Teen Workers More Likely to be Injured on the Job
Young workers are exposed to many of the same on-the-job risks as their adult counterparts, but they are more likely to be injured at work than adult workers write the authors of the "Protecting Young Workers - Coordinated Strategies Help To Raise Safety Awareness" article in the American Society of Safety Engineers Professional Safety Journal's June issue.
04.24.07
New Online Training
Safe Handling and Use of Cryogenic Liquids Training is now available.
04.24.07
Recyclemania
Results of Recyclemania: the recycling competition for colleges nationwide have arrived.
02.01.06
Recyclemania
Help the University win Recyclemania: the recycling competition for colleges nationwide.
03.07.06
2007 Smart and Sustainable Campuses Conference
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to Address the Smart and Sustainable Campuses Conference. Join us at the University of Maryland, College Park, April 17 - 19, for this enlightening program developed by the university, the EPA, NACUBO, and five additional associations.
11.30.06
2nd Smart & Sustainable Campuses Conference
A call for submission has been issued for the 2nd Annual Smart and Sustainable Campuses Conference: Integrating Sustainability to be held on April 18 and 19, 2007 at the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland. Submissions are due by January 10, 2007.
11.20.06
Holiday Safety Tips
Follow these safety tips and campus regulations to keep the holidays safe.
10.12.06
Compliance Officer Workshop
For those of you who have not had an opportunity to attend a Compliance Office Workshop in the recent past, DES is again offering our annual Compliance Officer Workshop on Monday, October 30, 2006. We have changed the format to a half-day class, and have updated the program so it is more relevant to you - the CO - and your role on campus.
09.19.06
What You Should Know About the Avian Flu
You have been hearing the local, regional, national and international
concerns about the potential for an avian (bird) flu pandemic. Many
experts have predicted that it could happen, and that it could happen
here in the United States. University officials are hoping that
scenario is never realized. However, as stewards of the health and
well-being of the campus community, we must take every step to prepare
for this potential pandemic.
To that end, a task force was appointed last spring to identify the
critical issues that we may have to face, and to plan for what actions
we must take in the event of such a reality. We have put those thoughts
into a University-wide Avian Flu Pandemic Response Plan. We encourage
you to view the details of the plan on the University web site.
8.1.06
What You Need to Know About Excessive Heat
Heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable yet hundreds of people die each year due to excessive heat exposure. Information on how to protect yourself and recognize heat-related health emergencies are available through the CDC, OSHA
and the National Weather Service.
3.14.06
2005-2006 Laboratory Audits
The DES will continue the 2005-2006 Laboratory Audits this Spring semester. More information on the audit program, the audit form DES will be using and a Question & Answer resource is now available.
3.01.06
Mercury Thermometer Exchange Program
As part of DES's commitment to Pollution Prevention, Waste Minimization, and "Thinking Green" we are reinstating the mercury thermometer exchange program this semester. Mercury spills from broken thermometers are the most common type of hazardous material cleaned up on campus. Not only do mercury spills cost the University valuable resources to properly clean up and dispose, but they are also toxic to the environment and could pose a chronic health risk to the laboratory personnel.
4.04.06
Do you have a mercury thermometer?
Discover how you may exchange all of your unbroken mercury thermometers for a mercury-free thermometer at no cost to you. Our Mercury thermometer exchange program flyer is now available to help you promote this program within your department and/or college.
2.13.06
Spring 2006 Newsletter
Safety Talk, our Spring 2006 newsletter, is now available
2.2.06
OSHA 300 summary
The 2005 calendar year OSHA 300 summary is now available
1.25.06
Fire Safety in Off-Campus Housing
For information on fire prevention, evacuation and questions to ask before signing a rental agreement, visit:
Answer these 10 questions before signing a rental agreement
Fire Safety 101: for Colleges and Universities
Fire Safety - People with Disabilities
12.06.05
Annual Report
The DES Annual report for 2004-2005 is now available.
12.01.05
Holiday Safety Tips
Follow these safety tips and campus regulations to keep the holidays safe.
11.15.05
Pandemic Influenza
There is an official U.S. government website on pandemic flu & avian flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has a web site on Resources for Pandemic Flu.
9.20.05
Fall 2005 Newsletter
Safety Talk, our Fall 2005 newsletter, is now available
6.22.05
Documents in Spanish/Documentos En Español
For your convenience you may now access many of Environmental Safety's documents in Spanish.
Para su conveniencia usted puede ahora tener acceso a muchos de los documentos de seguridad ambiental en español.
6.6.05
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan is now available.
6.1.05
June is National Safety Month
The National Safety Council web site will provide new data on injury-related deaths at home, work and play -- and lead you to all sorts of ideas and information on how you can keep yourself, your family, your community and your co-workers safer. This year's theme will be "Safety: Where We Live, Work and Play."
5.31.05
RSS Feed
Environmental Safety now has an RSS Feed to notify you of new information, new features and news as it is posted on this web site.
5.19.05
Hurricane Awareness
June 1 to November 30 is hurrican season. Some Hurricane Resource information is available as part of Hurricane Awareness Week.
5.10.05
BBP Refresher Training
The annual online BBP refresher training has been updated.
2.4.05
OSHA 300 summary
The 2004 calendar year OSHA 300 summary is now available
10.27.04
Comprehensive Water Testing Program
Contamination of drinking water with lead was reported in certain metropolitan Washington water supplies this past year. In an effort to determine if systemic contamination also exists at the University, the Facilities Council funded a comprehensive testing of the drinking water system on campus. Representative samples from nearly all buildings were collected by the Departments of Environmental Safety & Facilities Management, and forwarded to independent laboratories for analysis. Test results indicate that there is no systemic lead contamination in the University water supply. [More]
10.11.04
DES Training Record
You may now view your DES training record.
10.11.04
Asbestos Management Plan
The 2004 Asbestos Management Plan is now available.
10.01.04
Hearing Protection
The hearing protection page has been updated and new information has been added.
09.28.04
Hazard Communication Program Responsibilities
View information for entities responsible for Hazard Communication administration
09.07.04
New web address
We now have a new web address. It is http://www.des.umd.edu. Please update your links and bookmarks accordingly.
08.23.04
Certificates for this web site
We have a new site certificate. To avoid having to click through those annoying pop-up boxes every time you load a page that is secured with a University-signed certificate, install the University Root Certificate into your browser.
07.26.04
Standard Operating Procedure Examples and Resources
Additional information to assist in the creation of Standard Operating Procedures is now available.
07.8.04
CSHEMA Web Award
Our home page won third place in the competition sponsored by the Campus, Safety, Health and Environmental Management Association. This award recognizes web sites based on editorial content, ease of navigation, consistency with the school's image and goals, use of the technological medium and opportunities for reader responses.
06.21.04
Laser Safety Training
Laser Safety Training is now online.
05.26.04
Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines For Construction, Renovation and Demolition
The Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines For Construction, Renovation and Demolition is now online.
04.13.04
UM Asbestos Operations And Maintenance Manual
The UM Asbestos Operations And Maintenance Manual is now online. This document contains procedures for working with asbestos materials.
03.31.04
Personal Property Losses
Two new pages on Personal Property Losses are now available. The Personal Property Losses factsheet and
Important Insurance Information for Students.
02.17.04
Certificates for this web site
To avoid having to click through those annoying pop-up boxes every time you load a page that is secured with a University-signed certificate, install the University Root Certificate into your browser.
03.03.04
OSHA Summary
The 2003 calendar year OSHA 300 summary is now available.
11.20.03
New Online Training
DES has significantly revised and updated the Hazardous Waste Training
which is required annually. DES has also added BBP refresher Training as an online class.
01.14.03
Diving Safety
Read the Outlook article on the University's Diving Safety program - Taking Safety to New Depths
Updated Feb. 3, 2004
•February Radiation Safety Newsletter includes information on dosimetry.
•UL and the NFPA Offer Tips for Holiday Season Safety
•UM has been awarded a Green Campus Recognition by the National Wildlife Federation
•Regulations For Indoor Display of Evergreen Trees (Christmas Trees)
•DES has implemented new security measures. Please use https:// instead of http:// when accessing applications on des.umd.edu
•Governor Robert Ehrlich presents an IWIF Safety Award to the University of Maryland in honor of Safety Saves Week
•The Mercury Thermometer Exchange Program is now complete.
Updated November 5, 2003
•The 2002 calendar year OSHA 300 summary is now available
•Thanks to everyone who made the Beyond Compliance - Campus Greening through Stewardship Conference a success
Updated July 4, 2003
Governor Robert Ehrlich presents IWIF Safety Awards to six Maryland businesses, including the University of Maryland, in honor of Safety Saves Week
(Towson, MD) - According to the Maryland Department of Labor 146,000 job-related injuries occur in Maryland annually. What is worse, 60 to 80 Marylanders die each year while working. Maryland workplaces are safer today, however, than they were in the past. In 2001, the last year for which data are available, Maryland had 4.3 injures for every 100 workers. That is down from 4.6 in 2000 and 4.9 in 1999. It is also estimated that 90% of all workplace accidents are a result of unsafe behavior. There are Maryland companies that take safety issues seriously. So seriously, they were recently honored for their workplace safety practices.
On June 18, 2003, the Injured Workers' Insurance Fund (IWIF), Maryland's largest workers' compensation insurance carrier, and Governor Robert Ehrlich Jr. personally recognized six Maryland businesses for their exemplary safety records. The safety awards ceremony launched IWIF's third annual Safety Saves Week, which was June 22-28. The awards ceremony took place in the Governor's Reception room at the State House in Annapolis. The following organizations, insured by IWIF, were honored with the Safety Saves With IWIF Premier Partnership Awards:
Representing Maryland's private sector employers:
- Controlled Demolition, Inc.
- Manganaro Corporation
Representing Maryland's municipal/county employers:
- Dorchester County
- Garrett County
Representing Maryland's State Agencies
- The University of Maryland
- Maryland State Highway Administration
"I am very concerned about safety regarding Maryland businesses and their employees," exclaimed Gov. Ehrlich. "I am pleased to present these awards today to these fine companies. Workplace safety is important. Safety saves lives and saves businesses money."
First proclaimed by the Governor's office in 2001, IWIF's Maryland Safety Saves Week honors and supports the National Safety Council's National Workplace Safety Week. "As Maryland's workplace safety leader, we realize the best way to reduce the number of workplace injuries and illnesses is by drawing attention to and by educating Maryland employers and their employees about the value of creating safer work environments," says Thomas Bromwell, IWIF President and CEO.
Established in 1914, IWIF insures more than 1 in 4 Maryland employers and their employees.
Pictured from left to right are: John Farley, Assistance VP of Administrative Affairs; Elise Franklin, Asst. Director of Occupational Safety & Health; Gov. Robert Ehrlich; Donna McMahon, Asst. Director of Risk Management; Leon Igras, Director, Dept. of Environmental Safety; and Tom Bromwell, IWIF President and CEO.
January Radiation Safety Newsletter includes information on inventory of material, dosimetry and security.
UM wins IWIF "Safety Saves" award!
The University of Maryland received IWIF's Safety Saves Award for 2002.
The award was announced during IWIF's Safety Saves Week, which was held June 23-29th, 2002. Among the university's safety initiatives that helped earn this recognition from IWIF:
- A full-time safety department of 40 employees
- Active safety and risk management committees
- An effective return-to-work program
- Utilization of Johns Hopkins for medical management
- Utilization of UM Medical center
- Trained and certified safety officers from each of several department separate from the safety department
- Trained and certified 25 workers' compensation officers throughout the university
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