Effective April 11, 2022, face coverings will be strongly recommended while indoors
for those who are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including any booster dose when eligible,
and will remain required for anyone who is not up to date on vaccinations.
Staff/Faculty may request a face covering from EH&S. Students may request a face covering from The Well.
What is Safety & Industrial Hygiene?
Safety & Industrial Hygiene is the practice of ensuring the general health and safety of the campus by supplying information, services, and equipment to help identify, evaluate, and control potentially harmful activities in the work and learning environment.
For more information, contact Safety or Industrial Hygiene or call (951) 827-5528.
Pre-Renovation/Demolition Hazardous Materials Building Survey Request
General Safety
Safety program areas help you prevent injuries and illnesses while you are working.
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AED Program
AED
AED Written Program
What Is An AED?
AEDs, or automated external defibrillators, are small electronic devices that were designed to allow minimally-trained people to provide lifesaving defibrillation (electric shock to the heart) to victims of sudden cardiac arrest.
Unlike the defibrillators seen on medical TV shows, AEDs are small, lightweight and very easy to operate. They are about the size of a lunch box and have adhesive electrode pads that rescuers attach to the person's chest.
An AED is very simple to use yet houses the same sophisticated defibrillation technology relied on by emergency medical services personnel and physicians.
Visit the AED page for details on locations, training and more.
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Aerial Work Platforms
The Aerial Lift/Elevating Work Platform Safety Program works to manage the safe selection, procurement, use or and safe work practices, inspection, inventory tracking and record keeping of all university owned or rented Aerial Lift/Elevating Work Platform.
Aerial Lift Platform Written Program
Aerial Lift Equipment Inventory
Aerial Lift Pre-Use Inspection (online)
Aerial Lift Authorized Operators List
Aerial Lift Site Operation Hazard Assessment
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 1670; 3637; 3638; 3639; 3640; 3642; 3645; 3646; 3647; 3648
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Confined Space
Confined Space Location Inventory
4-Gas Meter (QRAE 3) Manual and Quick-Start Guide
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 5157
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Compressed Gas
The University requires the safe handling, use, and storage of compressed gas cylinders to protect employees and students from potential physical and health hazards associated with using compressed gases in laboratories or other locations that are part of the University.
Compressed Gas Quick Reference
On-demand webinar: Safe Gas Handling and Storage in Research Laboratories, Lab Manager
Lab Gas Handling Safety Infographic, Lab Manager
University laboratory (not UCR) liquid nitrogen explosion incident and alert
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Cranes, Hoists, and Rigging
Large mobile cranes brought on campus require a permit from UCR Building & Safety be submitted via the Citizenserve portal. See detailed requirements here.
All manual and powered hoists used in labs, shops, loading areas, etc. need annual certification. All types of hoists should be registered with EH&S to ensure proper record keeping. USers of hoists must receive training and daily pre-use inspections are required. If you have hoists in you areas, please contact ehssafety@ucr.edu for assistance and training.
Overhead lifting and rigging requires rated hardware and components. All hardware must be rated for overhead lifting and purchased from a reputable rigging supplier. All rigging must be designed to include a 10:1 safety factor. Rigging systems should be designed and risk assessment completed prior to first lift. Systems designed for log-term or permanent use must have all screw in connection and turnbuckles secured with safety wire. All truss use on campus for lifting applications must be evaluated and approved by campus Safety Engineer. For assistance with rigging design and use, please contact ehssafety@ucr.edu for assistance.
- Dining Safety
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Drone Safety Program
The Drone Safety Program contains information about how to use University drones legally and safely for research, educational, scientific, and business purposes.
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Electrical Safety
Electrical Cord Inspection Checklist
Electrical Safety in the Lab, Lab Manager, IRA WAINLESS, B.CH.E., PE, CIH, March 3, 2021
Proper Application and Use of Power Strips (RPTS)
Use, Inspection, & Storage of Electrical Extension Cords
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 3314
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Fall Protection
The Fall Protection Safety Program applies to any department on campus, at field stations, or on leased property where any type of activities could result in injuries from falls. The campus Fall Protection Program outlines roles and responsibilities for the users of FPE (including full time employees, contract employees and graduate students performing research related activities in field stations and remote research facilities) as well as those of EH&S in managing this program, and “Owner Departments” that purchase, maintain and manage an inventory of fall protection equipment, and train their personnel on its safe use and proper care. In addition, this program describes all aspects of secondary FPE use, inspection, personnel accountability for the condition and use of the equipment, safe work practices, training requirements, and record keeping.
Fall Protection Written Program
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 1620; 1621; 1660; 1662; 1663; 1664; 1669; 1670; 1671; 1671.1; 1671.2; 1704; 1710; 1712; 1716; 1730; 3416
Federal OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1926.500
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Forklift Safety
The Forklift Safety program works to provide forklift operator safety training for all University of California departments, field stations and work/research operations that use these types of equipment.
Forklift Safety Written Program
Forklift Authorized Operators List
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 3668
Cal/OSHA Operating Rules for Industrial Trucks
Federal OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.178
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Hazard Communication
The Hazard Communication Program (HAZCOM) is designed to maintain a healthy work environment by increasing employee awareness about the hazards of the chemicals that they work with.
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 5194
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Heat Illness Prevention
Southern California is a desert and it is important to remember that working outdoors during hot days can lead to heat illness. Water. Rest. Shade. Learn more about the Heat Illness Prevention resources available.
UCR Heat Illness Written Program
Heat Illness Training in UC Learn Center: English or Spanish
2021 Heat Ilness Quiz: Online English or Spanish or Paper English or Spanish
How to Handle Heat Stress, Lab Manager, VINCE MCLEOD, CIH, May 4, 2020
Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention
Federal OSHA Occupational Heat Exposure
Using the Heat Index: Guide for Employers (OSHA)
OSHA Heat Safety Tool for Android or Apple
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 3395
Infographic: Health Effects of Heat
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Hot Work Program
The Hot Work Program details the process required to obtain and complete a hot work permit to perform hot work (welding, burning, grinding, and cutting) activities at the UC Riverside campus and facilities. These procedures have been established to prevent accidental fires, loss of life, injury from exposure to sparks, heat, or flames, and/or property loss. The hazards associated with hot work can be reduced through the implementation of an effective control program
Hot Work Designated Area Request
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 6777
Tutorial:
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Injury Illness and Prevention Program
Per California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3203, we have incorporated a campus wide Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP) which describes specific requirements for program responsibility, compliance, communication, hazard assessment, accident/exposure investigations, hazard correction, training, and record keeping. This is incorporated in the IIPP campus policy, which includes specifics about responsibilities, implementation, and program elements.
Injury and Illness Prevention Plan online
Injury Illness Prevention Plan pdf
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 3395
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Janitorial Safety
Janitorial Safety Training Guide
developed by the Labor Occupational Health Program (LOHP) -
Ladder Safety
The Ladder Safety Program manages the safe selection, procurement, use of and safe work practices, inspection, inventory tracking and record keeping of all University owned ladders. This program describes all aspects of ladder safety including a ladder safe-use policy, personnel accountability, hazard assessment and proper ladder selection, safe work practices, training requirements, and record keeping.
The Ladder Safety Written Program
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 1675; 3276; 3277; 3287; 3413
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Lockout/Tagout
The purpose of this Lockout/Tagout Program is to ensure that their employees' health is protected from hazardous energies in the work environment.
Lockout/Tagout Written Program
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 3314
Federal OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.147
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Personal Protective Equiptment
Personal protective equipment controls hazards that cannot be eliminated through engineering and administrative controls*. PPE includes all clothing and accessories designed to protect against safety and health hazards.
PPE Hazard Assessment Certification
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 3380
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Shop Safety
Shop Safety Program to manage the hazards associated with various shops and their work activities to comply with Cal-OSHA and other regulations concerning shops. Included are work activities conducted by temporary employees and graduate students performing research at field stations and remote research facilities.
UC Shop Safety Program & Manual
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 3301; 3314; 4650; 5110
Federal OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.147
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Theater & Performing Arts Safety
The goal of the Theater & Performance Safety Program is to ensure that a safe, healthy environment shall be maintained at all times within all campus Theatre & Performing Arts departments and programs. This includes the control and minimization of all known and potential hazards associated within creative, artistic, and performance development.
UC Performing Arts Safety Manual
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Utility Tunnel Safety Program
The Utility Tunnel Safety Program provides procedures for safely working in the UCR tunnel system and sets forth the requirements for all University employees, associated contractors and vendors. This program applies to the University of California, Riverside spaces requiring a tunnel key for entry, and to all persons entering tunnel spaces on behalf of the University of California. This program also applies to any campus utility tunnels, except sections specifically designated as "Confined Spaces".
Utility Tunnel Safety Written Program
Utility Tunnel Safety Work Plan
Confined Space Location Inventory
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 8403; 8404; 8410; 8411; 8414; 8422; 8424; 8425; 8246; 8427; 8428; 8430; 8437; 8440; 8445
Federal OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1926
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Vehicle Safety
Vehicle use by employees can pose a serious potential for injury if not operated in a safe manner. All vehicle use on campus must comply with local and state regulations. All operators must have a valid driver's license and be over 18 years of age to operate UCR owned vehicles. Special use vehicles such as ATVs, UTVs, or snowmobiles have additional requirements and must be registered with UCR Fleet Services and EH&S. Please review the specific vehicle information below.
Motorized Carts Program
ATV Program
UTV Program
Smowmobile Program
Defensive Driver Online Class
Distracted Driver Avoidance Online Class
Motorized Carts Online Training
Industrial Hygiene
Industrial hygiene activities involve the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of workplace hazards.
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Asbestos
Asbestos is the name given to six minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers that can be separated into thin, durable threads for use in commercial and industrial applications. If products containing asbestos are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they may get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long time. Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation, which can affect breathing and lead to serious health problems. It is important for employees to follow proper work practices to minimize the potential for disturbing any presumed asbestos containing material (PACM) and potentially releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Prior to any demolition or renovation project, be sure to submit a Pre-Renovation/Demolition Hazardous Materials Building Survey Request
Abatement Project Notification
Download UCR's Asbestos Management Plan
Annual Campus Asbestos Notification
Resources:
- Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 1529; 5208; 8358
- Federal OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.1001; 1926.1101
- EPA Asbestos Website
- Asbestos FAQ
- Awareness Training
- For more information on these and other health effects of asbestos exposure, see the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry website.
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Crystalline Silica Program
The purpose of the Crystalline Silica Program is to protect the UC Riverside campus community from health hazards associated with exposures to respirable dust that contains crystalline silica and ensure campus compliance with applicable health and safety regulations. To request a respirator, please email ehsih@ucr.edu.
UCR's Written Crystalline Silica Program
Cal/OSHA Table 1 Specified Exposure Control Methods
Cal/OSHA Regulation: 8 CCR 1532
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Fume Hoods
Chemical Fume Hoods capture and remove contaminants to prevent overexposure to personnel within the lab. When properly used, a well-designed hood in a ventilated room will protect you (a trained laboratory worker) from most airborne exposures to hazardous laboratory chemicals.
2020 Fume Hood Program Document
Guide to Health, Safety, and Environmental Responsibilities for Researchers
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 5154.1
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Indoor Air Quality
The quality of indoor air inside offices, schools, and other workplaces is important not only for workers' comfort but also for their health. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has been tied to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. The General Duty Clause of the OSH Act (the law that created OSHA) requires employers to provide workers with a safe workplace that does not have any known hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious injury.
California Indoor Air Quality State Plan (OSHA)
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Lead
The University has measures in place to inform you of, and protect you from, the dangers of lead.
Prior to any demolition or renovation project, be sure to submit a Pre-Renovation/Demolition Hazardous Materials Building Survey Request
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Water Intrusion & Mold
Mold is fungi that is found everywhere – both indoors and outdoors all year round. The terms fungi and mold are often used interchangeably, but mold is actually a type of fungi. Concern about indoor exposure to mold has increased along with public awareness that exposure to mold can cause a variety of adverse health effects. There are many thousands of species of mold and most if not all of the mold found indoors comes from outdoor sources. It seems likely to grow and become a problem only when there is water damage, high humidity, or dampness.
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Respiratory Protection
Respiratory Protection Program
EH&S evaluates workplaces for possible airborne hazards and recommends ways to reduce these hazards when found. When appropriate, EH&S will fit campus workers with respirators and provide annual training on their proper use. EH&S evaluates a person's ability to safely wear a respirator prior to a respirator being issued. For more information visit the Respiratory Protection Page.
Do not buy, borrow or wear a respirator without contacting EH&S first!
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Wild Fire Smoke Protection
The University has measures in place to inform you of, and protect you from, the dangers of inhaling wildfire smoke.
Wildfire Smoke Protection Training
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8CCR 5141.1 | View in Spanish
Mandatory Training Requirements (Appendix B) -
Workplace Exposure Assessments
The Workplace Exposure Assessment Program is established at UCR in order to evaluate potential personal exposures to hazardous substances. The program consists of a variety of activities implemented to evaluate a person’s exposure including observation of job routine, evaluation of work place control measures and environmental sampling. Several types of sampling are performed by Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) depending on the nature of the chemical hazard, the frequency of chemical use and the way the chemical is handled.
Chemical exposure monitoring is often initiated by EH&S and can also be provided upon request. Some of the typical chemicals, which are monitored at UCR, include:
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Asbestos
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Lead particulate (Lead Based Paint)
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Formaldehyde
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Hazardous laboratory chemicals
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Solvent based materials and cleaning products
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Chemical carcinogens or extremely toxic substances
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 5204
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Hearing Conservation
Hearing conservation programs strive to prevent initial occupational hearing loss, preserve and protect remaining hearing, and equip workers with the knowledge and hearing protection devices necessary to safeguard themselves. Employees who are routinely exposed to high levels of workplace noise must participate in the Hearing Conservation Program. At UCR, this level is 85 dB(A) averaged out over an 8-hour workday. Those affected may include, but are not limited to, personnel in:
- Machine shops
- Maintenance and utilities
- Groundskeeping
- Carpentry and machine shops
- Housing and dining services facilities
- Engineering
- Vivaria
Testing for Hearing Conservation is conducted annually in December, contact EH&S at (951) 827-5528 for details
OSHA Hearing Conservation Standard
Occupational exposure to noise: evaluation, prevention and control (WHO)
Cal/OSHA Regulation 8 CCR 5097 5095