Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is used in building products due to its fiber strength and heat-resistant qualities. Most of its use in these products has been discontinued; however, it still is permitted in certain applications and can be found in older building materials. Unfortunately, asbestos can cause severe disease to individuals exposed to it, especially if inhaled.

To protect employees, students, and visitors, the University aggressively removes any asbestos that presents a hazard to people and as it renovates buildings. This includes hiring professional contractors who are properly trained and equipped to remove asbestos. The University also periodically inspects buildings for asbestos and provides training to employees who may come across asbestos during their normal duties.

For more information on the asbestos program, please contact EHS at 410-706-7055.

Resources

OSHA on Asbestos

EPA on Asbestos

State of Maryland (covers asbestos in state facilities)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permit-Required Confined Space standard protects employees from the hazards encountered while working in confined spaces. These hazards include the buildup of toxic or explosive vapors or gasses, lack of oxygen, mechanical hazards, and difficulty during emergency rescue operations. Examples of confined spaces include manholes, tanks, vaults, pits, and storage bins. To meet OSHA requirements, the University has developed a policy on Permit-Required Confined Spaces.  

For more information of the University's confined space program, please contact EHS at 410-706-7055.

Confined Space Entry Form A - Use if non-hazardous environment

Confined Space Entry Form B - Use for Permit-Required Spaces (needs to be modified for correct phone number)

Resources

University Policy on Confined Space Entry

OSHA Permit-Required Confined Space Standard

The University has an electrical safety program and provides training, tools, and personal protective equipment to staff who service electrical equipment. If you have questions about electrical safety, call EHS at 410-706-7055 for assistance.  

Resources

OSHA on Electrical Safety

The goal of the University's Hazard Communication program is to provide employees with the training and information they need to work with chemicals safely. The key components the Hazard Communication program includes access to information on chemicals, proper labeling of chemicals, and employee training.

Below is an online resource for Safety Data Sheets (SDS), which contain important information on the hazards and safe-handling procedures to use when working with a chemical. If you or your staff would like to schedule hazard communication training, contact EHS at 410-706-7055.

Resources

Safety Data Sheets

University Policy on Hazard Communication

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 

People using University facilities may have concerns regarding the air quality in their workspace. These are often related to temperature or humidity issues, inadequate ventilation, or unusual odors. If you have concerns about the air quality in your office or workspace, contact EHS at 410-706-7055. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publication titled “An Office Building Occupant's Guide to Indoor Air Quality” provides additional information on improving air quality in office workspaces. Some of the measures it talks about are:

• Do not block air vents or grilles
• Water and maintain office plants properly
• Dispose of garbage promptly and properly
• Store food properly
• Avoid bringing products into the building that could release harmful or bothersome odors or contaminants
• Notify your building or facility manager immediately if you suspect an indoor air quality problem

Resources

EPA on Indoor Air Quality

OSHA on Indoor Air Quality

In 1978, the federal government banned the use of lead-based paint. Lead-based paint is not commonly found in UMB buildings since most were constructed or renovated after 1978. In circumstances where lead-based paint is present and needs to be removed, the University uses licensed lead-abatement contractors and ensures all the work is done according to regulations.

If you have concerns that lead-based paint is present in your work area or is being removed improperly, contact EHS at 410-706-7055.

Resources

University Policy on Lead Exposure in Construction

OSHA Lead in Construction Standard

OSHA Lead Safety and Health

EPA Lead Safety

Maryland Department of the Environment Lead Protection Program

The goal of an effective lockout tagout program is to prevent employees from injury by the unexpected energization of equipment they are servicing. Key elements of an effective lockout tagout program include the development of procedures to de-energize equipment, the use of locks assigned to individuals, prevention of the unauthorized removal of locks, and employee training. 

The Department of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) has developed a lockout tagout program that protects its employees from the unexpected energization of equipment. This program is available at the link below.

If you do not work for O&M and have a piece of equipment that needs to be locked out during servicing, contact EHS at 410-706-7055 for assistance. Equipment that can be de-energized by unplugging the cord is normally exempt from the lockout tagout standard.

Operations and Maintenance Lockout Tagout Program

Related Websites

• OSHA Lockout Tagout Standard
• OSHA Lockout Tagout

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is sometimes required for a person to do their work safely. University policy on the use of PPE requires that departments provide employees with appropriate PPE for their work and ensure that they know how to use it. If you have questions about the type of PPE to use in your work area, contact EHS at 410-706-7055. 

Resources

UM Policy on Personal Protective Equipment

OSHA Personal Protective Equipment

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) standard on powered industrial trucks requires individuals who operate powered industrial trucks to be properly trained. If you operate a powered industrial truck on campus, contact EHS at 410-706-7055 to schedule training.  

Examples of powered industrial trucks include fork trucks, tractors, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, powered hand jacks, electric pallet jacks, electric carts, and any other specialized industrial trucks powered by electric or combustion engines. 

Resources

OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks

Employees who are required to wear a respirator need to enroll in the University respiratory protection program. The program requires that employees be medically approved to wear a respirator, get fit-tested to determine appropriate size, and complete training on how to use the respirator. To enroll in the program, contact EHS at 410-706-7055. The complete written respiratory protection program is at the link listed below.

Related Websites

• UM Written Respiratory Protection Program
• OSHA-Respirator Protection