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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 consultation with the appropriate faculty
committees.
John
V. Lombardi, Chancellor
University of Massachusetts/Amherst
November 2003
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