Programs
Confined Space
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The purpose of the Confined Space Entry Program is to protect employees from those hazards of entry into and work within confined spaces and to ensure that all activities requiring entry into a confined space are conducted in a manner consistent with Lehigh University's procedures and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 (General Industry) and OSHA 29 CFR 1926 (Construction). The Permit-Required Confined Space Program includes the following: |
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- Safe entry procedures
- Required equipment and training
- The evaluation of confined spaces
- Responsibilities of department/supervisors/employees
- Confined Space Permits
Confined Space training is available online at the Environmental Health and Safety website.
Contacts
- Overall Program Management - Randy Shebby (610)758-6240 rasf@lehigh.edu
References
- OSHA Permit-Required Confined Space Standard (29 CFR 1910.146) - General Industry
- OSHA Permit-Required Confined Space Standard (29 CFR 1926.21 (6)(6)) - Construction
- OSHA Permit-Required Confined Space Standard (29 CFR 1926.352 (g)) - Construction
- OSHA Permit-Required Confined Space Standard (29 CFR.1926.353 (6)) - Construction
Lehigh Safety Resources
Contractor Safety
Contractors performing work at Lehigh University are required to adhere to safety requirements established by Environmental Health and Safety. The contractor shall ensure their activities and the activities of their employees are in strict compliance with all federal, state, and local statutes, ordinances, regulations and rules including the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA).
A PowerPoint presentation on Contractor Safety requirements is available on the LU Facilities website and the Environmental Health and Safety website.
Contacts
- Overall Program Management - Randy Shebby (610)758-6240 rasf@lehigh.edu
References
- General Industry and Construction Standard ( OSHA 29 CFR 1910 , OSHA 29 CFR 1926)
Lehigh Safety Resources
Fall Protection
Falls in construction, industries, and other environments can occur in a large variety of work situations. The Fall Protection Standard OSHA 29 CFR 1910.66 establishes fall prevention guidelines for Lehigh University employees and outside contractors exposed to heights of six feet or more and at lower heights where especially hazardous circumstances exist, such as over open vessels, machinery, or moving equipment; over water; or over objects which may impose impalement hazards.
Fall Protection training is available on the Environmental Health and Safety website.
Contacts
- Overall Program Management - Randy Shebby (610)758-6240 rasf@lehigh.edu
References
Lehigh Safety Resources
Forklift Safety
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Training is to be provided to all new employees, regardless of experience, by a qualified industrial truck operator who has extensive knowledge and experience with not only the operation of the powered truck, but also the safety guidelines regarding the work environment. Training consists of both online training and hands-on training. OSHA mandates that all powered industrial truck operators be re-evaluated and receive refresher training every three years. |
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Forklift Safety online training is available on the Environmental Health and Safety website.
Contacts
- Overall Program Management - Randy Shebby 610-758-6240 rasf@lehigh.edu
References
Lehigh Safety Resources
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Environmental Health and Safety has established written procedures for Hazardous Waste Disposal. The guidelines for these procedures are enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EH&S has a waste room located on Packer Campus in the Seeley-Mudd Building and also at Mountaintop Campus in Iacocca Hall.
The following should be adhered to when storing or handling chemical waste in your laboratory:
- Chemical waste must be labeled as soon as waste is put into the container. The chemical content portion of the label must also be filled out as soon as waste is put into the container.
- The words "Hazardous Waste" must be on the label. Old waste tags do not contain these words and must not be used.
- Do not generalize waste such as "Halogenated Waste”. Proper chemical names must be used and written in English. No abbreviations.
- Always keep chemical waste containers closed except when adding or removing material from the container.
- Chemical waste must not be stored near usable chemicals. It is a good idea to have a separate storage area designated in your laboratory for chemical waste.
- Waste containers need to be in good condition.
Consult the Waste Disposal Procedures Handbook for specific hazardous waste disposal information. Labels can be obtained by contacting EH&S. Call Elaine Kuchera 610-758-4248 or e-mail emk3@lehigh.edu to schedule a hazardous waste pickup.
Contacts
- Overall Program Management - Elaine Kuchera, Hazardous Materials Manager 610-758-4248 emk3@lehigh.edu
References
Lehigh Safety Resources
- Waste Disposal Policy
- Hazardous Waste Disposal Procedures Handbook
- Hazardous Waste Disposal Label
- Hazardous Waste Disposal Poster
Hearing Conservation
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The purpose of the Hearing Conservation Program is to prevent occupational noise exposures which could lead to noise-induced hearing loss and to comply with existing federal occupational noise exposure regulations. Employees who experience an average exposure of 85 decibels, Time-Weighted Average (TWA), over an 8-hour work shift are included in Lehigh University's Hearing Conservation Program that includes training and annual hearing tests (audiograms). The audiograms are performed at Lehigh Valley Health Network, Healthworks. |
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The Hearing Conservation Training Program is available online at the Environmental Health and Safety website.
Contacts
- Overall Program Management - Randy Shebby 610-758-6240 rasf@lehigh.edu
References
Lehigh Safety Resources
Laser Safety
Virtually all of the U.S. domestic, as well as, all international standards divide lasers into four major hazard categories called the laser hazard classifications. The classes are based upon a scheme of graded risk and the ability of a beam to cause biological damage to the eye or skin and are assigned one of four broad Classes (I to IV) depending on the potential biological damage.
Control measures shall be devised to reduce the possibility of exposure to the eye and skin to hazardous levels of laser radiation and other hazards associated with the operation of laser devices during operation, maintenance, and service. There are three basic categories useful in laser environments. They are engineering controls, administrative and procedural controls, and general laser control measures. The controls are based upon recommendations from the ANSI Z.136.1 Standard.
Prior to any laser activity, adequate training for all personnel is required. Laser Safety training is available online at the Environmental Health and Safety website. Each laboratory should have written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Also, operators of any Class IIIB or Class IV laser should have a medical examination prior to laser use and an eye examination should be conducted at termination of employment or permanent reassignment to non-laser related duties.
Contacts
- Overall Program Management - Randy Shebby 610-758-6240 rasf@lehigh.edu
Reference
Lehigh Safety Resources
Respiratory Protection
The purpose of the written Respiratory Protection Program is to establish uniform administrative procedures and minimum requirements related to respiratory protection.
Lehigh's policy is to control employee exposures to air contaminants through the use of engineering controls, ventilation technologies, and the substitution of less toxic materials. Respirators are required when the above control measures are not feasible or are being installed, in emergencies and when the exposure to air contaminants is likely to exceed an OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) and/or an action level (AL).
Contacts
- Overall Program Management - Elaine Kuchera 610-758-4248 emk3@lehigh.edu
References
Lehigh Safety Resources