The College of Engineering Safety Program is designed to assists the university community in providing and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment foster students, faculty, staff, contractors and visitors.
Our vision is to protect human health and the environment by collaborating with Ohio State Environmental, Health, and Safety and providing expertise and oversight promoting a culture of safety throughout the College of Engineering.
Our mission is to promote safety and compliance, while supporting a healthy environment by providing quality resources and establishing trusted partnerships to The Ohio State University community.
Please see the following accordions for more information on Facilities and Safety Procedures.
Asbestos is a generic name for a group of naturally occurring hydrated mineral silicates of the serpentine or amphibole series that are characterized by fibers or bundles of fibers of fine single crystal fibrils. It should be noted that these minerals may occur in a non-fibrous form, in which case they are not considered as asbestos. The six major recognized species of asbestos minerals are chrysotile of the serpentine group (white asbestos) and amosite (brown asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos), anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite of the amphibole group.
The purpose of the asbestos Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Program is to prevent the improper disturbance of asbestos containing materials (ACM) and presumed asbestos containing material (PACM), to control the release of asbestos fibers until ACM is scheduled for removal and to provide corrective measures when asbestos hazards are encountered. Compliance with these measures will allow asbestos to be safely managed in place, nuisances corrected and danger to human health and the environment to be reduced or eliminated.
Environmental, Health and Safety assists the university to assess its building renovation projects for the presence of hazardous building materials, including asbestos and lead. This program ensures that projects are in compliance with applicable regulations and without risk to the university community.
Please use the below link to submit an Asbestos Assessment Request.
Crane Safety single-arrow-squareThe Ohio State University Crane, Hoist and Sling Safety Program applies to all OSU staff members who operate and/or are responsible for cranes, hoists and slings. Moving large, heavy loads may involve the use of specialized lifting devices such as cranes, hoists and slings. There are significant safety issues to be considered, both for the operators and for workers in proximity to them.
Supervisors or department heads of areas where cranes, hoists and/or slings are operated are responsible for the following:
Designating and identifying personnel authorized to operate cranes, hoists and slings;
Ensuring authorized operators have received proper training;
Ensure cranes, hoists and slings are maintained in proper working order and repaired when necessary.
Ensure scheduled inspections and testing is conducted as required by the equipment being utilized
Operators of cranes are responsible for the following:
Attending and passing training and evaluation of competence prior to operating a crane, hoist or sling
Performing and documenting pre-use inspections
Reporting all maintenance/repair issues to his/her supervisor and removing the equipment from service if necessary
Operating and maintaining equipment in a safe manner at all times
1. Complete/Pass the Online Crane, Sling, & Hoist Safety Program Training
2. Complete/Pass the Hands-On Crane Operator Evaluation with a Certified Trainer
The Crane Operator Evaluation should assess the operator under typical working conditions and tasks and include:
Performing pre-use inspections
Safe operation of the crane
Handling a load
For questions concerning the crane safety program please contact Justin Ellis, COE Health and Safety Coordinator, by phone at 614-247-8434 or by email at ellis.578@osu.edu. You may also contact the OSU Environmental Health and Safety Office by phone at (614) 292-1284 or visit their website at ehs.osu.edu.
Forklift Safety single-arrow-squareThe Ohio State University Forklift and Powered Industrial Truck Safety Program applies to all OSU staff members who operate and/or are responsible for forklifts and/or powered industrial trucks.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) have established rules and guidelines for the protection of workers and facilities relating to powered industrial trucks in 29 CFR 1910.178 Powered Industrial Trucks; and NFPA 505 Fire Safety Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks including Type, Designation, Areas of Use, Conversions, Maintenance and Operations, which are incorporated into this plan.
Supervisors must ensure all forklift operators are adequately trained prior to operating a forklift/industrial truck.
1. Complete/Pass the Online Forklift Safety Program Training
2. Complete/Pass the Hands-On Forklift Operator Evaluation with a Certified Trainer
The Forklift Operator Evaluation should assess the operator under typical working conditions and tasks and include
*** Operators must be re-evaluated at least once every three years and receive refresher training***
For questions concerning the forklift program please contact Justin Ellis, COE Health and Safety Coordinator, by phone at 614-247-8434 or by email at ellis.578@osu.edu. You may also contact the OSU Environmental Health and Safety Office by phone at (614) 292-1284 or visit their website at ehs.osu.edu.
Laboratory Inspections single-arrow-squareEnvironmental Health and Safety (EHS) conducts routine university wide laboratory safety inspections with the intent to reduce risk, determine compliance with Federal and State regulations and to promote a culture of safety. Inspections encompass chemical, biological and hazard communication topics and are conducted in the presence of a laboratory employee familiar with the operations. Inspections are announced and often times scheduled with the process typically taking between 20 to 40 minutes. Each year laboratories are encouraged to obtain a copy of the revised laboratory safety checklist and to perform periodic self-inspections. The self-inspection process allows groups the opportunity to raise awareness to the risks while promoting a safety culture with the laboratory.
The results of the inspections are shared directly with researchers and departments assisting them in identifying strengths and weaknesses in their laboratory safety programs. EHS uses the information to help focus resources on reducing risk and on developing and implementing strategies that will increase compliance with State and Federal regulations. Please contact EHS for questions or to schedule a laboratory safety inspection.
Following the inspection process EHS provides the Principal Investigator (P.I.) with an email detailing any necessary inspection follow-up. When noted deficiencies are found, the P.I. must acknowledge receipt of the inspection report by responding with a corrective action plan using the web-based EHS Assist (EHSA) system within 15 calendar days as to the status of compliance issues. Correspondence using the EHSA system is necessary for documentation and provides a means of communicating to the status of pending action items. Checklist items considered to be a significant risk are required to be reviewed by the designated inspector. EHS understands that some issues may take additional time and resources to correct, however, the written corrective action plan should be submitted within 15 calendar days. Once all action items have been completed the P.I. will receive an email indicating the inspection is considered closed.
Lockout Tagout Program (LOTO) single-arrow-squareThe Ohio State LOTO Program establishes requirements for the lockout of energy-isolating devices. The intent is to ensure that equipment is de-energized and isolated from all potentially hazardous energy sources and locked out (and tagged) before employees perform service or maintenance tasks where the unexpected energizing, start-up or release of stored energy could cause injury.
1. Implement LOTO Program
2. Conduct Periodic Evaluation of the Program
3. EHS Online LOTO Training (Documented)
4. Hands-on Site Specific Training (Documented)
5. Maintain a list of authorized employees who perform LOTO
6. Provide sufficient locks and tags for the LOTO procedures being conducted
7. Develop equipment specific LOTO procedures for each type of equipment.
For questions concerning the LOTO program please contact Justin Ellis, COE Health and Safety Coordinator, by phone at 614-247-8434 or by email at ellis.578@osu.edu. You may also contact the OSU Environmental Health and Safety Office by phone at (614) 292-1284 or visit their website at ehs.osu.edu.
Research Safety single-arrow-squareResearch Safety focuses on management and regulatory compliance involving the research laboratories at The Ohio State University.
(see Chemical Hygiene Plan/Lab Standard Program accordion for more information)
The Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories standard (29 CFR § 1910.1450) defines the Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) as a written program developed and implemented by the employer which sets forth procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment and work practices that are capable of protecting employees from health effects associated with hazardous chemical use in the laboratory. EHS maintains a generic CHP for use by university laboratories. The plan applies to all employees working in laboratories involving use of hazardous chemicals. Personnel covered by the plan should be familiar with the CHP and have continuous access.
(see Standard Operating Procedures accordion on this page for more information)
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are required by Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s (OSHA) laboratory standard section (1910.1450(e3i)) to be developed and maintained by individual laboratories. The Chemical Hygiene Plan must contain “Standard Operating Procedures relevant to safety and health considerations to be followed when laboratory work involves the use of hazardous chemicals.” Laboratories in conjunction with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) must perform a hazard assessment of the laboratory procedures to determine which SOPs must be developed. At a minimum a laboratory must have laboratory specific SOPs for the chemical and biological hazards and any agents which are used in approved animal studies.
(see Laboratory PPE accordion for more information)
In research facilities, personal protective equipment (PPE) is used to help prevent employee exposure to hazards; this includes physical, chemical and biological hazards. Personal protective equipment is not a substitute for engineering controls, administrative controls or safe operating procedures, but is used in conjunction with these controls. Common examples of PPE include chemical resistant gloves, latex gloves, chemical splash goggles, safety glasses, lab coats, aprons, face shields, respirators and hearing protection, just to name a few.
(see Laboratory Inspections accordion for more information)
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) conducts routine university wide laboratory safety inspections with the intent to reduce risk, determine compliance with Federal and State regulations and to promote a culture of safety. Inspections encompass chemical, biological and hazard communication topics and are conducted in the presence of a laboratory employee familiar with the operations. Inspections are announced and often times scheduled with the process typically taking between 20 to 40 minutes. Each year laboratories are encouraged to obtain a copy of the revised laboratory safety checklist and to perform periodic self-inspections. The self-inspection process allows groups the opportunity to raise awareness to the risks while promoting a safety culture with the laboratory.
The results of the inspections are shared directly with researchers and departments assisting them in identifying strengths and weaknesses in their laboratory safety programs. EHS uses the information to help focus resources on reducing risk and on developing and implementing strategies that will increase compliance with State and Federal regulations.
Chemical safety involves all phases of chemical use from procurement, storage, transportation, manipulation, decontamination and disposal. Before working with any new chemical, personnel should start by familiarizing themselves with the hazards and potential risks associated with the chemical. The chemical's toxicological and physical hazards should be evaluated and the appropriate precautions taken to eliminate or reduce the inherent risks. There are a number of considerations and resources that should be reviewed when assessing the hazards of a new chemical.
Respirator Protection Program single-arrow-squareOhio State's Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) group, in compliance with state laws, adopted from Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules found at 29 CFR 1910.134, has developed a General Respiratory Protection Program. This program covers all faculty and staff employed by The Ohio State University, who are required to wear respiratory protection.
EHS provides respiratory fit tests for Ohio State employees required to use respiratory protection. Respiratory fit tests can be scheduled by using the Service Request Form.
Particulate respirators and nuisance dust masks often are confused. These masks may look similar, but they have very important differences! If you wear a respirator in the workplace, make sure you know the differences and that you are wearing the appropriate equipment.
Fore more information visit, ehs.osu.edu
Any chemical labeled with the GHS signal word of “DANGER” on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), or having specific handling procedures, must have a laboratory specific SOP. One example of a chemical is Hydrofluoric Acid. Chemicals with the GHS signal word of “Warning”, no GHS signal word, or having similar handling requirements can be developed as a blanket SOP. Some common examples of a blanket SOPs include: flammable liquids, corrosives and compressed gas cylinders. SOPs should also be developed for any Risk Group 2 Biological Agent work that is performed in a laboratory.
An SOP must contain at a minimum a description of the laboratory procedure that will be performed, specific personal protective equipment required, engineering controls, decontamination procedures, waste disposal procedures and potential routes of occupational exposure. EHS has developed an SOP template that is accessible on the EHS website. Some specific and blanket SOPs can also be found on the EHS website for the laboratories’ reference. Any SOP that is used from the EHS website must be modified for the laboratories’ specific procedures and policies.
SOPs must be uploaded into the laboratories’ online Chemical Hygiene Plan or placed with the hazard communication plan and all employees must have access to the SOPs for the laboratory. The laboratory is responsible to train all employees on appropriate handling procedures for those chemical and biological hazards. SOPs should be reviewed annually to ensure that the entire document is updated with any procedural or location changes. New SOPs must be developed when a new hazard is presented in the laboratory.