Environmental Health, Safety & Risk

Safety

SOU community: See the Most Current Building Air Quality Listing Here.

Environmental Health, Safety and Risk: Mission Statement

Environmental Health, Safety and Risk is dedicated to ensuring a safety for employees, students, visitors and the environment. Promoting a safe environment through the dissemination of knowledge. Conducting environmental testing, safety inspections and coordinating contractors to perform specialized inspections of equipment.

TRAININGS: Are now in the "Moodle" program. Although some trainings do require classroom sections and are given as needed, contact Southern Oregon University Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Manager for further information.Environmental Health and Safety, Risk Management and Benefits (Workers Comp.) appreciates your ideas and input. Please let us know if you spot any safety improvement opportunities.

If you have a environmental health or safety concern use the safety concern form or send an email to ehs@sou.edu or contact EHS at 541-552-8624.

Heat Safety App:

http://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/15795-niosh-osha-update-heat-safety-app-for-outdoor-workers

Open Flame Request

Please read the guidelines and procedures in the form before applying for the permit.

Open Flame Use Procedure

The following University requirements for the use of open flame devices are drawn from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Oregon Fire Code and through consultation with Ashland Fire and Rescue.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines and procedures by which open flame devices may be used upon the Southern Oregon University campus, including spaces leased and used by the University. It is the intent of this policy to reduce potential hazards which may contribute to loss of property or life at Southern Oregon University. This policy is not intended to restrict the use of laboratory, facility maintenance, or food service equipment used in normal operations.

Responsibilities

All Employees -

Obtain an Open Flame Request form from Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), which is available on the EHS website or at the EHS office at 351 Walker Ave.
Organization, groups or individuals sponsoring events that include open flame devices must complete the “Use of Open Flame Request Form” at least 7 days prior to the event.
The organization, group or individual applying for the use of open flame devices must provide a layout of the venue that shall include the location of the devices along with the location and number of fire extinguishers.
They shall also determine if the building is equipped with fire alarm and/or fire sprinkler system(s).
Open flame devices will only be approved when appropriate measures have been taken to ensure fire safety. In some cases, a permit may be required from Ashland Fire and Rescue. When a permit is required, the organization, group or individual sponsoring the event is responsible for obtaining and paying the permit fee.

Environmental Health & Safety and Campus Public Safety -

Review each event on a case-by-case basis to determine the appropriateness of the venue for the open flame devices.
Approve or deny the use of open flames in a timely manner and report back to the requestor
Shall determine the need for any additional safety measures prior to open flame use.
Maintain records of open flame requests
May suspend the use of open flame devices at their discretion.

Procedure

The use or possession of open flame devices shall be prohibited in all residence halls and apartment complexes. The use or possession of open flame devices in academic/support buildings is only allowed after obtaining written approval or as listed below as an exception.
Open flame devices shall include, but are not limited to, candles, potpourri, burners, torches, bonfires, oil lamps, incense, butane or propane burners or any other flame producing device.
Approval will be granted on a case by case basis for special events, and only when specific safeguards are taken to avoid ignition of combustible materials of injury to occupants. Safeguards include, but are not limited to, adequate fire detection/alarm systems, on-site monitoring, fire extinguishers in place, sturdy protective holders and/or bases, and globes as needed. Candles are not permitted in department or individual offices unless a “Use of Open Flame Request Form” has been approved.
Where approved, open-flame devices used in conjunction with theatrical performances are allowed to be used when adequate safety precautions have been taken in accordance with NFPA 160, Standard for Flame Effects before an Audience.

Exceptions –

A “Use of Open Flame Request Form” is not required in the following circumstances:

Educational and research in science labs.
Processes covered by the SOU Hot Work Permit Program
Food service equipment used in normal dining operations.
Gas barbecue grills are permitted when the following conditions are met:
Minimum distance of 20’ from the building (no indoor grilling)
Grill is located on a non-combustible surface, such as a sidewalk.
Propane tanks shall not be stored inside buildings without the approval of the Environmental Health & Safety office.
Fire extinguisher is readily available and staff has been trained on how to properly use it.
Charcoal grill use may be considered under the “Use of Open Flame Request Form” at the discretion of the Environmental Health & Safety department

Open Flame Approval Form

Send comments or questions to: ehs@sou.edu.

Forms

If you having an on campus event, these are the forms to be completed and submitted. Forms must be submitted before the event is permitted.

Risk Management & SOU Insurance Coverage contact Risk Management at syquiam@sou.edu

Hot Work Form

Preconstruction Checklist

Fall Protection Harness Inspection

Is your event off campus, but is hosted by SOU?

Are you traveling out of the country?

for business?

not for business?

Blood Borne Pathogens:

Hepatitis B vaccine form: Hepatitis B form

Hepatitis B declination form: Hepatitis B declination

Incident Report Forms:

Personnel Incident Form

Equipment Incident Form

Open

Injury reporting

Incident Reporting Property damage:

Incident Insurance Property Report Form

Witness Incident Property Insurance Reporting Form

A student that is not working for Southern Oregon University when the injury occured needs to file a Risk Management claim (see below)?

Student injury:

Student Injury Form

Reporting an injury for an employee: All injuries are to be reported within 24 hours of occurrence. Below are the 2 forms which need to be completed and sent to the Benefits Office/Human Resources.

Employee privacy: While work related injuries do not have the same level of privacy protection, nonetheless Employee's personal information and any non-work related health issues must be protected. This is why work related injury information is to be sent to the Benefits Office.

Student employees: If a student is on-the-job, and suffers an injury, they are considered the same as an employee, and the same procedures are to be followed.

SUPERVISORS: If an Employee is hospitalized, this must be reported to the Benefits Specialist, or if they are not available, to the Environmental Health & Safety Manager as soon as possible. This must be reported to OSHA within a specified time frame.

Under no circumstances is an injured Employee to be transported by any other Employee. Call 911.

If an employee seeks medical treatment, they must have a doctors note before returning to work. That note is to be sent to the Benefits Office.

Treatment options: The injured Employee is able to seek treatment where they wish. However, SAIF may direct the Employee to a more appropriate medical provider if further care is needed. SOU has an arrangements with the Asante Occupational Medical Clinic in Medford for injured employees. Note: Unless it is an emergency, the Employee should check with their physician and make sure the physician will accept Workers Comp. claims. Not all physicians will do this.

Payments: Employees should not have any costs associated with treatment for a Workers Comp. injury or medications, unless SAIF denies the claim. Delays in reporting the injury and completing the paperwork can to Employees being billed for these services. If that happens, contact SAIF.

Forms:

First Report of Injury (SAIF 801): SAIF 801 form

Supervisor's First Report of Injury: Supervisor Incident Report Form

Work Related injury Procedure: Schematic

Contaminated Needle or Sharp Injury: Needle or Sharp Exposure Form

Contact Information:

Leaves Specialist Office at SOU: 541-552-8119

Benefits Office Fax: 541-552-8508

Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Manager: 541-552-8624