Environmental health and safety
Thanksgiving Safety Tips
- Stay at home when cooking your large meal, even if it takes a while. Check on the turkey frequently.
- Keep children away from the stove and other appliances that might have hot food or liquids. Steam and splashes can cause serious burns.
- Keep your knives safely away from the edge of the counter.
- Minimize the number of cooks in the kitchen to prevent chaos and accidents.
- With extra people in your home, keep the floor and walkways clear of obstruction from shoes, bags or toys.
- Only use turkey friers outdoors, away from structures and flammable items.
- Keep a working fire extinguisher on hand along with a list of emergency numbers in case you need them.
Service. Quality. Knowledge.
Student Employee Feature
Quarterly NewslettersNewsletter Archive
Monthly Training
Respiratory Protection
Required annually for members who wear respiratory protection.
Register- Class will take place the first Tuesday of each month.
- Next opportunity: December 3, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
- Facilities Management North building, Room 101C
Bloodborne Pathogen
Required annually for members under OSHA's standard.
Register- Class will take place the second Tuesday of each month.
- Next opportunity: December 10, 9-9:45 a.m. or 2-2:45 p.m.
- EHS Conference Room, University Health Services 003
Employee Training
Topics include haz comm, fire safety, office safety, back safety, and slips, trips, and falls.
Register- Class will take place the third Thursday of each month.
- Next opportunity: November 21, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- EHS Conference Room, University Health Services 003
Fire Safety Training
Includes hands-on fire extinguisher training using the Bullex simulator.
Register- Class will take place the second Friday of each month.
- Next opportunity: December 13, 9-10 a.m.
- EHS Conference Room, University Health Services 003
Laboratory Safety and Hazardous Waste Training
Training for principal investigators and graduate assistants.
Register- Class will take place the fourth Tuesday of each month.
- Next opportunity: November 26, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- EHS Conference Room, University Health Services 003
Additional Training Opportunities
OSHA 300A Logs
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 ConcernsCall 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.