Environmental Health and Safety

EHS News & Announcements

Engine Idling Notice

EHS reminds drivers of university vehicles of the District of Columbia engine idling regulations, which state that vehicles may not idle for  more than three minutes while the vehicle is parked, stopped or standing.  Violators may be ticketed for up to $1,000 for first-time offenses.  See the District Department of the Environment website for more information.

New DC Sustainability Initiatives

The District has launched two interactive online tools aimed at helping home owners reduce their environmental impact and to help students and all District residents better understand the city’s progress to become more environmentally sustainable.  The tools, GreenUp DC and the Green Dashboard, are part of the city’s overall effort to engage citizens to become active participants in the Mayor’s sustainability initiatives and to track performance of various environmental programs.

Check their website for more details. 

 Charges in UCLA lab death first of its kind in US

By GREG RISLING, Associated Press

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

The unusual decision to bring criminal charges against the University of California, Los Angeles following the death of a staff research assistant could bring needed attention to safety issues at campus laboratories, two industry observers said Wednesday.

The death of Sheharbano "Sheri" Sangji three years ago has created awareness among universities and colleges about preventing similar incidents by improving safety in academic labs. However, the case my spur officials to re-examine their policies now that they could be charged with a crime.

OSHA Heat Safety Tool - New App for Android or iPhone

Workers frequently outdoors should prepare for the summer weather with this new app from OSHA.  The free App allows workers and supervisors to calculate the heat index for their worksite, and, based on the heat index, displays a risk level to outdoor workers. Then, with a simple "click," you can get reminders about the protective measures that should be taken to protect workers from heat-related illness.  Download here. 

Upcoming Dates

• MAY

  9
  

  EHS and BFPE International will conduct the annual fire alarm and fire sprinkler equipment testing throughout residential buildings May 7-10. 

• MAY

  14
  Testing of campus audible and visual alarms (bells and strobes) will begin on May 14 at 6:00 a.m., starting with the Pryzbyla Center.  The testing will then proceed to other buildings and is estimated to conclude on May 25.
  

• • Hazardous Waste Pick Up for laboratory and work shops. Please contact Will Wood at x5865 or woodw@cua.edu if you have items that need to be picked up.

  MAY

  16

  66