1. Responsibilities of Individuals

All Students, Faculty, Staff, Visitors and Guests

Every employee, student, or other person authorized to conduct activities at the University of California at Berkeley is responsible to:

  • Comply with applicable environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations, University policy, and accepted safe work practices.
  • Observe environmental, health and safety-related signs, posters, warning signals, and written directions.
  • Be familiar with the emergency plan, the emergency assembly area and emergency coordinators for their building, and participate in emergency drills.
  • Learn about potential hazards associated with their work and work area; know where information on these hazards is kept for their review, and use this information when needed.
  • Follow safe operating procedures and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) guidance applicable to work performed, if the work involves hazardous materials.
  • Follow procedures and observe precautions for the use of special materials (such as carcinogens or biohazards), as detailed in the use authorization or other operating procedures.
  • Use personal protective equipment and engineering controls (e.g., fume hoods) appropriate to their work.
  • Curtail or stop their work if they reasonably believe a continuation of the work poses an imminent danger to health or safety, and immediately notify a supervisor in the chain of authority over the work.
  • Report all unsafe conditions to their supervisor or safety committee as soon as is reasonably possible.
  • Warn co-workers about defective equipment and other hazards.
  • Participate in health and safety training applicable to their work situation.
  • Participate in required inspection and monitoring programs.