Please contact the PPE coordinator at ppe@berkeley.edu or by calling (510) 642-3073 if you have any questions or comments about personal protective equipment for your shop.
Managing Shop Hazards
The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) has developed this Shop Safety Program to manage the hazards associated with various shops and their work activities to comply with Cal-OSHA and other regulations concerning shops.
Through the UC Berkeley Shop Safety program, EH&S provides guidance and direction for establishing and maintaining a safe and healthy environment in shops. It is intended to cover any space where materials are fabricated, maintained, modified, repaired or tested, including:
- Academic shops in which student instruction and use are major components
- Professional shops in which research support, fabrication and facilities maintenance are major components
Hierarchy of Controls
A hierarchy of controls is used as a means of creating a safer system.
Elimination and Substitution
Elimination and substitution are the most effective at mitigating hazards. An example of substitution would be replacing a hazardous chemical used during a cleaning process with a less hazardous one.
Engineering Controls
Engineering controls are used to control – not eliminate - a hazard. Well-designed engineering controls will be independent of worker interactions and provide a high level of protection. Interlocks, machine guards, ventilation systems, and guardrails are examples of engineering controls
Administrative Controls
Administrative controls are behavior-oriented. Training, written procedures, inspections, lights, sirens, and warning signs are administrative controls.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is the last line of defense and is used to supplement other hazard control measures in the hierarchy. Examples of PPE are gloves, safety glasses, protective footwear, and dust masks. Learn more about PPE Safety in Shops.
Role and Responsibilities
This program applies to anyone who enters a shop owned by UC Berkeley or on UC Berkeley property, irrespective of their affiliation with the University.
Shop Managers
Shop managers are responsible for ensuring their shop’s overall condition and culture remains conducive to safe operations. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Authorizing users and revoking authorization when necessary
- Designating restricted areas
- Administering (planning, implementing, and evaluating) an appropriate safety training program
- Ensuring compliance with UC Berkeley’s Hazard Communications Plan and maintaining the Orange Hazard Communication Flip Chart
- Enforcing the requirements of this program
Shop Personnel - "User"
A user is anyone performing work or instruction in a shop, or engaging in shop operations, regardless of academic or non-academic role. Users are responsible for complying with the requirements outlined in the Safe Work Practices and Procedures section of this program, as well as shop-specific safety protocols.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Assessment
Shops must have a documented assessment that specifies if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of PPE.