It is a policy of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst to maintain, insofar as it is reasonable and within its control, an environment for its faculty, staff, students, and visitors that does not adversely affect their health and safety. In support of this policy the University will give high priority, appropriate support, and steady implementation to eliminate where possible, or to reduce to acceptable limits, environmental and occupational hazards that are a threat to the health and safety of personnel or to property.

The ultimate responsibility for the campus safety and environmental health rests with the Chancellor. The Chancellor has delegated to each dean, director, chairperson, and supervisor the responsibility for safety performance within their respective unit. Everyone with supervisory responsibility will be expected to take the initiative so that safe working conditions are maintained, and to request the assistance of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety to expedite action when necessary. Each supervisor must take the initiative to train the employees and students under his/her supervision in safe work practices. In particular, supervisors should ensure that employees and students know (a) all potentially hazardous conditions associated with the operation and the method established to control them, (b) all safety regulations for the area of operation. In addition, supervisors are expected to promote a safety attitude and awareness that will lead employees and students working under their supervision to take a safe course when faced with situations which are not covered by established regulations and practices.

It is incumbent upon each member of the faculty, staff, and student body to provide the constant vigilance necessary to avoid unsafe acts on his/her part. Faculty, staff, and students have an obligation to take all reasonable precautions to prevent injury to themselves or to their fellow employees or students. They are expected to learn and to follow approved standards and procedures which apply to their activities, and to check with their supervisors when they have any doubts concerning potential hazards.

The Chancellor has delegated to the Director of Environmental Health and Safety the responsibility and authority for assuming overall compliance with applicable* health and safety standards on campus. The Director shall adopt as guides applicable health and safety standards promulgated by Federal and State agencies in establishing campus regulations and policy. Published standards of nationally recognized professional health and safety groups may serve as guidelines in the absence of appropriate statutes and governmental regulations.

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for working with and through academic and service units by identifying and assisting in resolving health and safety problems, recommending standards, evaluating and reporting on the status of compliance with standards, providing technical and support services, recommending necessary modifications, recording, analyzing and reporting accident experience, and developing training resources.

In emergency situations and when required to do so by code, regulation, or licensure agreement, the Director of Environmental Health and Safety or his/her representative, in consultation with the appropriate Dean or Director, may require the immediate halt or control of practices or conditions that have been determined to constitute an immediate and serious risk of death or serious harm to members of the campus community. Such actions may be appealed to the Chancellor who will make the final determination as to whether the practices may be reinstated.

The University Health Council serves as a referral board for all advisory and administrative committees related to the matters of environmental health and safety and shall review and recommend changes in University policies pertaining to Environmental Health and Safety issues.

Specific faculty committees on Radioisotope Use, Biosafety, Chemical Hygiene, and Animal Care which report administratively to the Vice Provost for Research shall be responsible for reviewing and recommending specific operational policies and practices within their area of expertise. In addition, they may advise the Director of Environmental Health and Safety regarding the application of relevant standards for hazards control.

*Applicability will be determined in