Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I report a hazard?
- Whom do I call if I smell an unusual or persistent odor at work?
- What do I do if an inspector from a regulatory agency (includes OSHA, EPA, Air Pollution Control District) arrives at my workplace?
- What are the insurance requirements for...?
- How do I get my hazardous material picked up?
- How do I get my recycling picked up?
- Where should we keep a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) file?
- Which chemicals require a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
- Why do I have to do a Chemical Inventory?
- Who can I Contact for Further Information regarding Workers Compensation?
How do I report a
hazard?
If the hazard puts employees at imminent danger, call Campus
Police @ 911 from a campus phone or (559) 278-8400 from a cell
phone. If not, please inform your supervisor. You may also contact
the Office of Environmental Health & Safety, Risk Management
and Sustainability directly by calling (559) 278-7422. Hazards can
be reported online. This form is also available in pdf form so that
it can be printed out and mailed or faxed. Anonymous reporting is
permitted but not encouraged because we may need to ask questions
to help with the hazard investigation. Additionally, we would not
have a way to report our investigation findings back to you. Please
see our
Report a Hazard section.
Whom do I call if I
smell an unusual or persistent odor at work?
Odors can be caused by many sources. If you smell an odor
that is particularly strong or persistent, or that is causing you
to have an adverse physical reaction, notify your supervisor. Then
call EHS RMS at (559) 278-7422 for assistance. You may want to
leave the area until the odor concern has been addressed. For more
information, please see the
Indoor Air page.
What do I do if an
inspector from a regulatory agency (includes OSHA, EPA, Air
Pollution Control District) arrives at my workplace?
The Office of Environmental Health & Safety, Risk
Management and Sustainability (EHS RMS) is the liaison between the
campus and regulatory agencies for environmental, health and safety
issues. Normally, regulatory agencies contact EHS RMS before
inspecting a site on campus. EHS RMS then contacts the affected
departments about the upcoming inspection.
If an inspector arrives at your workplace unaccompanied by a
EHS RMS staff member, do not turn them away. Please contact EHS RMS
at (559) 278-7422. A EHS RMS staff member must be present during an
inspection.
What are the insurance requirements for...?
- Outside entities wishing to use campus facilities: see the Special Events, Insurance Requirements section of our site.
- Students and Employees :see applicable information on the Insurance section of our site.
How do I get my
hazardous material picked up?
You may submit a
request pick up
form. This can be completed on-line.
Questions should be referred to Michael Burgess, the EH&S
Specialist responsible for coordinating hazardous waste disposal on
campus. His phone number is (559) 278-5365.
How do I get my recycling
picked up?
You may submit a
request for services form.
This can be completed on-line.
Questions should be referred to Lisa Kao, EHS RMS Manager.
She is responsible for coordinating non-hazardous solid waste and
recycling efforts on campus. Her phone number is (559)
278-6910.
Where should we keep a
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) file?
According to Cal-OSHA Hazard Communication regulations, the
MSDS file should be kept in an accessible place for all employees
who use chemicals. This is required so that employees are able to
review the information before using the chemical, and quickly
access the safety information in the event of an emergency. It is
preferable to provide copies of MSDSs in each area where chemicals
are in use. For more information, please see the
Material Safety Data
Sheet page, and our
Hazard
Communication page.
Which chemicals require a
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
MSDSs must be kept on file and readily accessible for all
chemicals used in a manner that could expose employees via
inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption (including eyes) or
injection. This includes products that are commonly used in the
home or office, such as cleaning or office supplies (such as
White-Out). If an exposure incident occurs, emergency responders
and/or the attending physician will need a copy of the MSDS to
assist with determining proper treatment. Please see the
Material Safety Data
Sheet page.
Why do I have to do a
Chemical Inventory?
The Chemical Inventory is a regulatory requirement designed
to give emergency responders and the community information about
the hazards in a community.
For more information about this topic, please visit our
Chemical Inventory
page.
Who can I Contact
for Further Information regarding Workers Compensation?
If you have any questions concerning Workers Compensation
benefits, forms or general information, please contact the Workers
Compensation Manager, Tracey Garza. Her phone number is (559)
278-2125.
