Workplace Safety
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Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) provides guidance and assistance to departments by developing programs that recognize, evaluate and prevent the hazards that cause accidents. This is the science of the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of hazards arising in or from the workplace that could impair the health and well-being of UofL Staff, Faculty, Students, and Visitors.
Workplace Safety Programs
The purpose of this program is to establish procedures to manage the demolition and removal of asbestos containing material at University of Louisville facilities in order to protect employees, students, visitors, contractors and the environment. DEHS provides oversight and guidance for this program, while Physical Plant manages Asbestos abatement and contractor performance.
All asbestos abatement must be performed by a properly licensed contractor. Faculty and staff must notify Physical Plant of any renovation or maintenance work to ensure asbestos containing materials are properly identified and abated.
The University of Louisville has a permit system to manage entrance into permit required confined spaces. Below are the standard forms for reclassifying a confined space and permit confined space entry. These forms help to prevent unauthorized entry and allow supervisors and authorized, trained employees to evaluate the hazards of permit spaces prior to entry. These forms are designed to meet all the requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 Permit Required Confined Spaces Standard.
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The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard ("Right-to-Know") governs non-laboratory workplaces where hazardous chemicals are used. This regulation also applies to clinics and clinical laboratories. The University Program requires all covered work units to complete a Unit-specific Hazard Communication Plan that details how the unit will comply with OSHA requirements. DEHS provides general Hazard Communication Training; supervisors must provide training specific to the chemicals and procedures used at the work site.
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University of Louisville employees whose occupational noise exposure exceeds 85 decibels for an 8-hour time-weighted average must be enrolled in the Hearing Conservation Program. An effected employee's department is responsible for implementation of the program, including developing a written plan, requesting noise monitoring, providing annual audiometric testing, providing a selection of appropriate hearing protection devices, employee training and maintaining documents. DEHS conducts hearing conservation training and is available to assist with the unit-specific written plan, noise monitoring, selection of hearing protection and locating a hearing test provider.
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The University of Louisville is committed to providing a work environment free of recognized hazards and investigating complaints that related to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). IAQ involves the contents of indoor air that could affect the health and comfort of building occupants. Though specific regulations have not been developed for IAQ in the work place, DEHS considers recommendations from the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
Reporting an Indoor Air Quality Concern
Immediately report the following events to Physical Plant at 502-852-6241 (Belknap) or 502-852-5695 (HSC) or Public Safety 502-852-6111 if after hours:
- Visible water leaks or water intrusion
- Sewage backflows
- Natural gas leak or sewer odor
For temperature, odor or smell complaint, suspected water leaks, or visible mold:
- The occupant reports concern to Physical Plant through the work order system.
- Physical Plant will investigate and determine the source and make any necessary repairs.
- Physical Plant will defer the complaint to the DEHS if they cannot remedy the problem.
- DEHS will interview building occupants and conduct an area survey.
- The occupant will complete the General IAQ Request Form and Questionnaire and submit it to the DEHS Service Account (dehsih@louisville.edu).
For IAQ concerns with no visible leak, mold, or odor source:
- The occupant will complete the General IAQ Request Form and Questionnaire and submit it to the DEHS Service Account (dehsih@louisville.edu).
- DEHS will interview building occupants and conduct an area survey.
- DEHS may contact Physical Plant to identify and confirm issues with the HVAC or other building systems.
How to Minimize IAQ Concerns:
- Do not block or shut vents or building returns.
- Do not block thermostats with furniture or equipment.
- Observe the University’s NO SMOKING Policy.
- Regularly empty food waste receptacles.
- Do not over-water plants or allow mold growth to occur in the dirt.
- Clean up water or other liquid or food-based spills IMMEDIATELY.
- Avoid concentrating electronic office equipment within small, unventilated areas.
- Do not burn candles or have other scent-producing materials.
Resources:
- General IAQ Request Form and Questionnaire [PDF]
- Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Living Conditions in Residence Halls [PDF]
- NIOSH Indoor Environmental Quality
- AIHA Consumer Resources
Hazards exist in every workplace, in many different forms. Controlling a hazard at its source by using engineering, administrative, or work practice controls is the best way to protect employees and is required by OSHA. When these controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection, personal protective equipment (PPE) may be used as a last line of defense.
Supervisors are responsible for:
- Performing a hazard assessment of the workplace to identify physical and health hazards
- Identifying and providing appropriate PPE for employees
- Training employees in the use and care of PPE
- Maintaining PPE and replacing worn or damaged PPE
Employees Contribute By:
- Properly wearing PPE
- Attending training on PPE
- Caring for, cleaning and maintaining PPE
- Informing a supervisor of the need to repair or replace PPE
For further information or assistance regarding the selection and use of PPE, contact DEHS: 502-852-6670.
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Whenever feasible, hazards should be eliminated through engineering control measures or substitution with less hazardous materials. Respiratory Protection is always the last line of protection and should only be considered when there are no other options to protect employees. In some work environments, Respiratory Protection must be provided and used to protect personnel against hazards capable of causing injury, illness, or impairment. Respiratory Protection should only be considered in collaboration with DEHS.
All employees using respiratory protection must review the below Respiratory Protection Program, receive training, and pass respiratory clearance and fit testing (if applicable).
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The University of Louisville requires that all employees and contractors conducting trenching or excavation operations on campus follow the trench safety program. Trenching and excavating can expose workers to the possibility of severe injury and death if not done properly. A trenching permit must be completed by a qualified UofL employee prior to employees entering the trench or excavation. This requirement applies to employees and contractors conducting work on behalf of the University.
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