2013 Safety News
Katrina Doolittle Phd, Executive Director, EH&S, has received the university’s 2013 Ralph B. Crouch Memorial Award.
NMSU Interim President Manuel Pacheco presented the award to Doolittle on April 30.
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Distracted Driving Video from NSC
(video - 1953 vintage film)
Watching for Pedestrians, Bicycles & Carts
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Suspension of Chemical Waste Pick-up (4/11/13 - 5/3/13)
On April 11, 2013, EH&S will suspend chemical waste collection during preparation for quarterly disposal shipment.
On May 3, 2013, the pickup service will resume after the scheduled shipment. During the suspension, chemical laboratories and other chemIcal waste generators should follow the "NMSU Waste Accumulation Point Checklist” procedures at http://www.nmsu.edu/~safety/programs/haz_wst/app_checklist_waste_accum_point.htm Please call EH&S at 575-646-3327 to schedule free pickups before or after the noted dates. For distribute to all Campus Lab Supervisors. Message from Drew Kaczmarek, EH&S (3/26//13).
April 16, 2013 Details
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GHS RULE CHANGES OSHA HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM (HAZCOM)
On March 26, 2012, the Federal Register published the final rule on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (known as GHS). The effective date of the rule was 60 days after publication or May 25, 2012.
Major changes to the 1984 HazCom Standards are as follows:
1. Hazard classification: The definitions of hazard have been changed to provide specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards, to help ensure that evaluations of hazardous effects are consistent internationally, and that the labels and safety data sheets are more accurate. (details)
2. Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers must provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. (details)
3. Safety Data Sheets (SDS no longer called MSDS): The revision requires that the information on the Safety Data Sheet is presented using consistent headings in a specified sequence (same as ANSI standard format) which follows a specified 16-section format. (details)
More details on the harmonization of chemical hazards, labels & SDS; an implementation schedule; and a summary video are available at http://safety.nmsu.edu/news/updates/global-harmony-hazcom.html
NMSU-related employment units should print the injury log and posted it on a bulletin board in a central employee area for information. Details ....
Date: January 2, 2013
To: All Lab Supervisors (affected departments please distribute)
From: Drew Kaczmarek, Environmental Manager, EH&S
Subject: Pick Up of Hazardous Waste & Chemicals for Disposal
1. Effective: Thursday, January 10, 2013
Chemical pick ups for disposal will be suspended in preparation for our quarterly hazardous waste shipment.
2. Effective: Friday, February 1, 2013
The pick up service will resume after the scheduled shipment.
3. In the interim, please follow the "NMSU Waste Accumulation Point Checklist” procedures. A copy of these procedures can be found at:
http://www.nmsu.edu/~safety/programs/haz_wst/app_checklist_waste_accum_point.htm
4. Please call EH&S at 575-646-3327 to schedule free pickups before or after these dates.
Thank you for your assistance.
SUPERVISORS PLEASE POST
2012 Safety News Link
NMSU art dept technician recieves FOS [Friend of Safety] award
Adam Labe is a “Friend of Safety” at New Mexico State University. The Department of Art’s manager of chemical safety was recently recognized for working to improve the environmental health and safety culture on campus.
For his efforts, he was presented with an engraved globe, representing the impact safety managers make in the world.
Details at http://goo.gl/bQ3Sd
2012 Maintenance Safety Blitz
On September 12th, 13th & 14th, EH&S will provide six 4-hr long refresher training sessions on maintenance safety, a maintenance training blitz at the Safety Training facility, room 110, Academic Research C.
The safety training blitz is directed at affected employees in the Facility Services, Housing, Special Events, Physical Science Laboratory, Corbett, DACC, and ARS/agriculture as well as other NMSU departments or locations with maintenance activities.
Back to work in the lab!
Forgotten what bad and whats not?
1. What protective gear, gloves, or PPE should you wear in the lab for your research?
2. What changes in lab & chemical safety are there?
3. What is the hazard with this chemical?
Need to refreshen a bit? Well...
EH&S is providing the annual lab refresher in September and October.
More details and disclaimers .....
Flyer for posting at http://safety.nmsu.edu/faq/2012/2012_0906-AnnualLabRefresherFlyer.pdf
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2012 Annual Report on NMSU Drinking Water Quality is available (posted August 3)
The Environmental Protection Agency requires water system operators to test and publish an annual report on the quality of water delivered. NMSU, through Facility Services (FS), owns and operates the campus water system. The annual report from FS describing the testing and NMSU's water quality is availalbe on the FS home page at http://www.ofs.nmsu.edu/, directly at http://goo.gl/n8WHn or via EH&S web at http://goo.gl/GwX5M (pdf copy).
Information Las Cruces drinking water, EPA water standards & contaminants as well as frequently asked questions on water quality is available at
Las Cruces 2012 Water Supply Water Report (Report 1) (local copy) (Report 2)
http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/index.cfm
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/ccr/frequentquestions.cfm
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NMSU 2012 Annual Laboratory Inspections set for May through Aug. (posted May 15)
Checklist
The Annual Laboratory Inspection program has been conducted each summer for the last five years. For 2012, we will start on May 21 with an expected completion of all campus lab by early August. The inspection schedule is provided on EH&S's training & event calendar and we contact each department head in advance of the inspection.
The intent of these inspections is to improve safety in the laboratories. In addition to inspecting the physical facilities with the "inspection checklist", EH&S is hoping to review laboratory work practices and other activities. John Larson, EH&S Safety Manager, is available to help to review the lab research practices. He can meet with the Principal investigator, lab manager, primary researcher, and/or department head to review the processes at each lab location. Individuals can schedule a specific date and time with John Larson (jelarson@nmsu.edu).
The inspection checklist as well as instruction on use are posted on the laboratory safety section of safety programs page on the EH&S website (http://safety.nmsu.edu). As in the past, EH&S will be using this checklist, so it will be useful for review prior to the inspection. If you have questions or concerns on the inspection program or other safety issues, please E-mail or call EH&S at 575-646-3327.
Thanks, David Shearer, Assist. Director, EH&S
- OSHA: 2011 Top Ten Recurring Industrial Safety Violations (OSHA source)
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1. Scaffolding 2. Fall Protection 3. Hazard Communication 4. Respiratory Protection 5. Lockout/Tagout |
6. Electrical, Wiring Method 7. Powered Industrial Truck 8. Ladder 9. Electrical, General Requirements 10. Machine Guarding |
NMSU Safety Policy requires that all employees have the proper equipment and training prior to working in these activities. EH&S provides regular safety training (description) for NMSU employees on many of these topics. Please see EH&S Training Schedule to register.
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Project Heart Start at Pan American Center - June 23 (flyer)
Sudden cardiac arrest kills more than 400,000 people each year in the United States. Most people who arrest from a cardiac cause do not survive. Join in with the Las Cruces Region 2 EMS instructors on Saturday, June 23, 2012 for a free event to learn how you can save someone's life. The Las Cruces Region 2 EMS unit in conjunction with the NM Heart Institute and NMSU will provide 3 One hours sessions at 8, 9, & 10 am at the Pan American Center (MAP & directions) on the NMSU campus.
For more information:
1. Event Brochure,
2. Video on NM HeartStart Program from KOAT Albuquerque
3. Las Cruces event info is also available from Manny Medina, Region 2 EMS, at 575-524-2167 or by email at manuelm@region2ems.com
at Academic Research C, Rm110 (Safety Training Facility, 1620 Standley Drive, map).
Agenda:
1. Injury reports - 3rd & 4th quarter 2011
2. NMSU's 2011 OSHA 300 injury log - NMSU safety web link
3. Pedestrian & Bicycle Survey data - NMSU safety web link
4. EH&S activity report/changes/news
5. Webcast: Lab Accidents in the News: Institutional & Individual Risks, Roles & Responsibilities
This is the archived NACUBO & CSHEMA web presentation from April 2, 2012 - NMSU safety web link. (webcast slides)
I estimate 30 minutes for items 1-4 (above) and 90 minutes plus for item 5 webcast.
The University Safety Committee meeting and webcast is open to NMSU community and guests. If there are questions on this webcast or on safety concerns, please call NMSU EH&S at 646-3327.
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Suspension of Hazardous Waste & Chemical Collection (email 3/28/12)
To: All Lab Supervisors (affected departments please distribute)
From: Drew Kaczmarek, Environmental Manager, EH&S
Subject: Pick Up of Hazardous Waste & Chemicals for Disposal
1. Chemical pick ups for disposal will be suspended Thursday April 12, 2012 in preparation for our quarterly hazardous waste shipment.
2. The pick up service will resume after the scheduled shipment on Friday, Friday May 4, 2012.
3. In the interim, please follow the "NMSU Waste Accumulation Point Checklist” procedures. A copy of these procedures can be found at: http://www.nmsu.edu/~safety/programs/haz_wst/app_checklist_waste_accum_point.htm
4. Please call EH&S at 575-646-3327 to schedule free pickups before or after these dates.
Thank you for your assistance.
SUPERVISORS PLEASE POST
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April 10, Aerial Lift Training
Location: EH&S Training Facility, rm 110, Academic Research C, 1620 Standley Avenue (map).
On April 10, EH&S provided an safety training class on the use of the Facilities Services' Genie Aerial Lift. "Class description" Photos & more information . . .
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April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month (DDAM).
Government and safety organizations continue to note the hazards of driving while texting or talking on cell phone, i.e. distracted driving. For more information please see highlighted links.
- In 2009, 5,474 people were killed in crashes involving driver distraction, and an estimated 448,000 were injured. (NHTSA)
- 16% of fatal crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving. (NHTSA)
- 20% of injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving. (NHTSA)
- In the month of June 2011, more than 196 billion text messages were sent or received in the US, up nearly 50% from June 2009. (CTIA)
- Teen drivers are more likely than other age groups to be involved in a fatal crash where distraction is reported. In 2009, 16% of teen drivers involved in a fatal crash were reported to have been distracted. (NHTSA)
- 40% of all American teens say they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put people in danger. (Pew)
- Drivers who use hand-held devices are 4 times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. (Monash University)
- Text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted. (VTTI)
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Thursday, 03/29/2012, Time:11:45am - 1pm,
Location: Chemistry Bldg, Auditorium CB153, NMSU, Las Cruces, NM
DOES YOUR LAB HAVE A GOOD SAFETY CULTURE?
This seminar reviews several recent lab accidents, resulting investigations, and consequences. It includes several steps and changes to be implemented to help improve the Lab Safety Culture at NMSU. The presentation will also help determine if your lab has a good safety culture.
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Departments/Divisions may incur significant costs as a result of laboratories and research materials that have not been properly decommissioned. Following the Laboratory Decommissioning Procedure prior to vacating any laboratory or other space where chemical, biological, or radioactive agents have been used or stored, will help prevent this.
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Announcement: NMSU 2011 OSHA 300
(posting Feb 1 to April 30, 2012)
Log of Accidents, Injuries and Loss Time
Environmental Health & Safety is pleased to announce that the NMSU 2011 OSHA 300 log, a summary of 2011 NMSU accidents/injury, is posted on our safety.nmsu.edu website (click link or image to enlarge). The log provides summary information on cases and time (days) lost or restricted due to reportable injury (or illness) by NMSU employees in 2011. Links to this webpage are on the safety.nmsu homepage, NMSU_EHS Tweeter and NMSU.EHS Facebook sites.
More -- details on posting, Injury reductions, . . .
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Spr 2012 Training Schedule
Spring 2012 Safety Training (posted Feb, 2012)
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is pleased to provide our 2012 Spring Safety Training Schedule via monthly calenders at http://www.nmsu.edu/~safety/training/class_schedule_index.htm (also on monthly google calendar at safety.nmsu.edu). During the semester, we expect to provide over 100 safety-related classes & instruction to over 1000 persons in an effort to help prevent injury, provide risk management, and comply with OSHA & EPA requirements. More . . . .
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Subject: Suspension of Hazardous Waste & Chemical Collection (1/4/2012):
Date: January 3, 2012
To: All Lab Supervisors (affected departments please distribute)
From: Drew Kaczmarek, Environmental Manager, EH&S
Subject: Pick Up of Hazardous Waste & Chemicals for Disposal
1. Chemical pick ups for disposal will be suspended in preparation for our quarterly hazardous waste shipment, effective Thursday, January 12, 2012
2. The pick up service will resume after the scheduled shipment on Friday, February 3, 2012.
3. In the interim, please follow the "NMSU Waste Accumulation Point Checklist” procedures. A copy of these procedures can be found at:
http://www.nmsu.edu/~safety/programs/haz_wst/app_checklist_waste_accum_point.htm
4. Please call EH&S at 575-646-3327 to schedule free pickups before or after these dates.
Thank you for your assistance.
SUPERVISORS PLEASE POST