Hazards are identified, evaluated and corrected as a routine part of planning work and when warranted, through inspections. The integrated safety management (ISM) approach can improve safety in almost every work situation. The following steps can be thought of as a continuous cycle or loop:
Keep your workplace clean, safe, and efficient. You are encouraged to review the following 5S tool for hazard identification:
The EH&S Hazard Communication program seeks to help campus departments fulfill the requirements of Cal/OSHA Section 5194, also known as the "Employee Right-to-Know" law. The law requires employers to provide information on physical and health hazards of the materials employees use or come into contact with as part of their work. There are three basic components of the Hazard Communication standard:
Each laboratory using hazardous materials needs to have a completed Chemical Hygiene Plan signed by each laboratory employee in order to meet Hazard Communication requirements.
Shops and other production or service areas using hazardous materials need to have a completed "Hazard Communication" signed by each employee using the facility to assist in meeting the training requirements.
See: Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)
All UC Berkeley laboratory personnel who work with laboratory chemicals must know and follow the guidance outlined in this online CHP Component and the CHP Flipchart. Every laboratory worker is responsible for following safe work practices. Practicing safe chemical hygiene protects you and other lab members.
Take required and recommended safety training.
Higher hazard work requires advanced authorizations from EH&S (e.g., laser use, radiation use, biohazardous material use, animal use, etc.)