Environmental health and safety
National Radon Action Month
January is National Radon Action Month, and the last week of January is recognized by the CDC as Radon Awareness Week, highlighting the health risks associated with radon exposure. Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas that can build up in homes and buildings and is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States, after cigarette smoking. Because radon cannot be seen or smelled, people may be exposed without realizing it. Testing for radon is the only way to know your risk, and fortunately, radon problems can be fixed to help reduce exposure and protect your health. Learn how to protect yourself and your home with tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), linked below.
Winter Travel Tips
Whether you're escaping the cold or visiting family for the holidays this winter season, it's important to get there safely! Stay up-to-date on your vaccines, check the weather in your destination before traveling, prepare an emergency health kit for your vehicle and check out more specific tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), linked below.
Service. Quality. Knowledge.
The OSU Environmental Health and Safety Department consists of four teams - Environmental Compliance, Fire and Life Safety, Laboratory Safety, and Occupational and Construction Safety. Our primary goal is to promote health, safety, and environmental protection by providing exemplary programs and services in support of the university's mission.
Student Employee Feature
Allison Carlisle
Allison is a student employee for EHS, majoring in Marketing and is a member of Delta Delta Delta. If she could have any superpower, she would choose flying for the sense of freedom it brings. A proud early bird, Allison enjoys starting her mornings calmly and staying organized throughout the day. We’re lucky to have you on the team and appreciate everything you do, Allison!
Laboratory Manager Spotlight
Kendal Henderson
Kendal is a Laboratory Coordinator for the Soil Water and Forage Analytical Laboratory (SWFAL) under the Plant and Soil Sciences department at OSU, where she's worked for the past 18 years. The SWFAL is an Extension Laboratory for the State of Oklahoma, and her team typically processes around 70,000 samples a year from across the state and country, providing insight on anything from soil nutrients to environmental concerns. The high output expected of her team requires efficiency and a comprehensive safety plan, which Kendal is proud to oversee. EHS appreciates your longstanding hard work and commitment to safety, Kendal!
Quarterly Newsletters Newsletter Archive
Monthly Training
Respiratory Protection
- Class will take place the first Tuesday of each month.
- Next opportunity: March 3, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
- Facilities Management North building, Room 101C
Bloodborne Pathogen
- Class will take place the second Tuesday of each month.
- Next opportunity: February 10, 9-9:45 a.m. or 2-2:45 p.m.
- EHS Conference Room, University Health Services 003
Employee Training
- Class will take place the third Thursday of each month.
- Next opportunity: February 19, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- EHS Conference Room, University Health Services 003
Fire Safety Training
- Class will take place the second Friday of each month.
- Next opportunity: February 13, 9-10 a.m.
- EHS Conference Room, University Health Services 003
Laboratory Safety and Hazardous Waste Training
- Class will take place the fourth Tuesday of each month.
- Next opportunity: February 24, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- EHS Conference Room, University Health Services 003
Additional Training Opportunities
OSHA 300A Logs
Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers with more than 10 employees to keep a record of serious work-related injuries and illnesses. The records must be maintained at the worksite for at least five years.
New EPA Regulations on Methylene Chloride
Fact Sheets and Safety Info
The EPA has finalized a rule regarding methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane (DCM) under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). Learn more via the links below.
Timeline of Changes
As a research institution, laboratories on campus are allowed to continue some use of DCM, contingent upon new requirements and compliance with the timeline of changes.
- Initial monitoring by 05/05/2025 with periodic monitoring depending on results
- Ensure new exposure limits are met by 08/2025 and provide PPE for affected employees
- Development of an exposure control plan or Workplace Chemical Protection Program by 10/30/2025
Ensuring Compliance
If you are a PI on campus who uses DCM also known as methylene chloride in your lab spaces, please contact us to conduct air monitoring and an assessment of your current chemical hygiene plan.
Forms and Permits
New Forms
Our department is moving to a new system for submitting permits! CampusOptics is a platform specifically designed to assist with environmental, health, and safety-related program implementation and monitoring on college campuses. Login to your OSU CampusOptics account here!
We hope this new system will streamline our processes, but in the meantime, please contact us with any questions or issues.
Safety Documents
Fact Sheets
Access useful fact sheets and brief safety information. Topics include:
- Accident Investigation
- Ergonomics
- Laboratory Safety
- Slips, Trips, and Falls
Manuals
Access safety information and guidance documents. Topics include:
- Addressable Fire Alarm Systems
- Chemical Hygiene Plan
- Machine Guarding Checklist
- Respiratory Protection Program Manual
Reporting Safety Concerns Call EHS with any concerns regarding the safety of campus personnel or facilities.
Such concerns could include unsafe work environments or classrooms, unsafe work practices, perceived poor indoor air quality, and more.