News

We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all employees, and your role as a safety coordinator is instrumental in achieving this goal. This Safety Newsletter is intended to build community and raise awareness about safety topics. 

Behind every groundbreaking scientific discovery at UC Berkeley’s Innovative Genomics Institute, there lies an almost invisible force that keeps the research running smoothly — its facility services team. While scientists like Nobel Laureate Jennifer Doudna develop revolutionary genome-editing technology, Building Manager Teddy Prompichai and Lab Operations Manager Josh Miller work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure labs are safe, equipment is functional, and researchers have the support they need.

A new Cal/OSHA Indoor Heat Illness Standard went into effect July 2024 to protect workers in areas where temperatures may exceed 82°F. During Bay Area heat waves, our building ventilation systems may be challenged to maintain temperatures below this threshold, potentially affecting all campus employees.

The campus Drain Disposal Restrictions have been revised in an effort to simplify the guidelines and mitigate improper disposal practices. Discharge of hazardous chemical wastes into the municipal sanitary sewer system is prohibited by campus policy and is regulated by federal, state, and regional laws. UC Berkeley is committed to the protection of the local community and the environment.

Replace your protective eyewear 

Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) is excited to announce a one-time opportunity to exchange your eyewear for FREE

This special opportunity will take place on Wednesday, February 26th at 775B Tan Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

CSHEMA's Lab Safety Awareness Week is held from February 10-14, 2025, and is intended to promote laboratory health and safety programs and offer information and ideas on how to keep our faculty, staff, and students safe.

Following guidance from Cal/OSHA and the University of California Office of the President (UCOP), UC Berkeley’s Guidelines on Protecting Workers from COVID-19 training, the COVID-19 Prevention Program, and the COVID-19 Workplace Exposure dashboard will be retired.

Please refer to the University Health Services website for the latest COVID-19 information.

All EH&S web applications will be shut down for a system upgrade on Saturday, January 18, from 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM.

Why?

We’re implementing a newer database version that will enable

• better integration with our systems and others
• easier, faster creation of new tools and features

Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) is preparing the 2025 Manufactured Nanoscale Materials Disclosure for the City of Berkeley.

If you use nanoscale materials in your lab, and

    a. you have never filled out the Nanoscale Materials Information Form,

or,

    b. you have begun using new nanoscale materials, or a new class of nanoscale materials 

The following materials are for researchers, principal investigators, staff, and faculty involved in off-campus fieldwork–both domestic and international. 

EH&S is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all employees. The role of Department Safety Coordinator (DSC) is instrumental in achieving this goal. EH&S has launched a Safety Newsletter to build community and raise awareness about safety topics. 

Practice your Drop (or Lock), Cover, and Hold on this ShakeOut at 10:17 am on October 17. 

We invite you to get involved by taking actionable steps to bolster your personal preparedness for earthquakes and other emergencies that can impact our campus and region.

Where? South Side of McCone Hall

When? 11 am to 2 pm Thursday, October 17

Get MyShake on the App Store 

Off-Campus, Field, and International Research: Resources for a Safe and Inclusive Experience

Know Before You Go: Planning Resources for Fieldwork

The town hall will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 online from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.

Zoom Information

Access Zoom link

Zoom Meeting ID: 948 3905 3719

Passcode: 6427540.

Warmer temperatures are returning. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the region. Heat can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It is important to take precautions and to be prepared for high heat conditions. Please share this information with supervisors and employees in your department that work outdoors or may be exposed to high temperatures indoors during their workday.

Following the enactment of California law SB 553, UC Berkeley is introducing a Workplace Violence Prevention (WPVP) Plan. This plan is designed to protect you and everyone on campus by clearly outlining what constitutes prohibited conduct, including any act or threat of violence that occurs in the workplace.

Important Reminder for Principal Investigators and Laboratory Safety Coordinators

Complete a self-inspection

• Submit your self-inspection online through Inspect, an RSS web application. 

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE 21ST ANNUAL LASER SAFETY VENDOR FAIR!

October 24, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | 775 Tan Hall

To ensure new lab members can obtain PPE, please review the following reminders.

1. Make sure your lab's hazard assessment is certified

A new Field Hazards section was added to LHAT earlier this year. If you have not already done so, please complete the field hazards section by following these directions: