News

Originally posted in UC Berkeley’s Response & Recovery Newsletter.

Response & Recovery, July 2, 2021 Issue

The return to campus section of the coronavirus site has been updated with new information regarding face coverings, meetings, physical distancing and more. Here are the highlights:

Institutional Review

• During this transition period toward full reopening of campus activities, please check the Return to Campus web page for updates. 
• Review and follow the VCRO’s COVID-19 Field Research Guidelines & Checklist.

UC Berkeley continues to take critical steps to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the campus community. Please refer to the face coverings distribution schedule below.

Distribution schedule pending updates to campus access restrictions:

On March 31, 2021 Alameda County and the City of Berkeley transitioned to the Orange (“Moderate”) Tier in the State Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Given low rates of COVID-19 cases among on-campus researchers and rising availability of vaccines in the community, campus leadership has approved additional on-campus research access under a new Phase 4.

CAL FIRE Information Bulletin
Office of the State Fire Marshal
Issued: December 15, 2020

UC Berkeley researchers have developed a unique, easy, and effective method for testing the presence of the COVID-19 virus in the wastewater flowing through municipal sewer systems. 

Message for Radiation Use Authorization (RUA) holders and Lab Contacts, October 2020.

Effective immediately, the UC Learning Center will be used to deliver and document: 

• Training of RUA SOPs and the
• Radiological Hazards Awareness Training for Non-Users.  

Instructions for how users can access the SOP and non-user training are below.  Radiation Safety staff will work with you during your next survey to update the LMS for those users who have already signed off on SOP training or have completed their non-user training.

Click here to see the Campus Air Quality Map.

All EH&S web applications will be shut down for a system upgrade starting at 5 PM on Friday, Oct 2nd, 2020.

Why?

We’re implementing a new data model that will enable

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

As a reminder, chemical inventory and door hazard signs should continue to be updated for both emergency response and regulatory purposes. However, we understand that it may be difficult to perform a full survey of your group's inventory due to the constraints and limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Don't Use Methanol-based Hand Sanitizer.

The FDA has seen a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol) but that have tested positive for methanol contamination. Hand sanitizers that contain methanol - a “toxic alcohol” - can cause blindness and/or death when absorbed through the skin or when swallowed.

EH&S will be performing spot checks of labs on campus to confirm that COVID-19 research ramp-up plans are being followed (checklist below). These will be coordinated with the department safety coordinator or building coordinator. A general lab safety inspector will reach out to LSCs before the inspection. However, random spot checks may occur if scheduling proves difficult.

Lab Inspections during the COVID-19 Pandemic

When: Starting mid-July 2020
Findings: A summary of the spot checks will be sent to the DSC

Please see: 
FDA advises consumers not to use hand sanitizer products manufactured by Eskbiochem (FDA)

You can prevent burns by allowing alcohol-based sanitizers to dry/evaporate before resuming work activity.

Hand sanitizers contain high concentrations of alcohol and alcohol vapors can flame or flash if exposed to an ignition source, switches, or any surface containing static electricity.

When a disinfectant or hand sanitizer ignites it produces an almost invisible, blue flame that can quickly produce harmful burns. 

Guidance for Campus Food Facilities

To reduce the risk of virus transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic, food facilities must follow guidance from the California Department of Public Health and establish a written Workplace - Specific Plan that includes Control Measures and Screening, Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols, and Physical Distancing Guidelines. 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information:

For the latest information on the coronavirus outbreak from campus leadership, please visit the Berkeley News - Coronavirus Information website.

What happened?

A vacuum chamber over-pressurized while a researcher was returning the vacuum to atmosphere by venting with nitrogen from a gas cylinder. The chamber was left to fill while the researcher worked on other tasks. By the time the researcher returned, the chamber had over-pressurized and the view window shattered.