COVID-19

Working Close During COVID-19

July 8, 2021

If unvaccinated people need to work closer than 6-feet apart for lab work, training, maintenance or other activities with others, the following process needs to be applied:

Participants shall be current for all required campus training and COVID-19 testing. Think creatively about all available options. Can it be done by Zoom? Are there portions that don't require close proximity work? Is there an alternate methodology? If close proximity work cannot be eliminated, unvaccinated persons should wear their cloth face mask or a properly fitted N95 for voluntary use (voluntary N95 use...

Return to campus updates

July 2, 2021

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:

Face coverings Indoors

Face coverings continue to be required at all...

COVID-19 Lab Spot Check Inspections

July 7, 2020

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

The next general lab safety...

FDA warning about hand sanitizer manufactured by Eskbiochem

June 23, 2020

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

The FDA warns against using hand sanitizer containing toxic methanol

August 5, 2020
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.

The FDA has a created webpage offering a...

Prevent Hand Sanitizer Burns

May 28, 2020
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.

Take Action Avoid touching any surface until the hand-sanitizer has completely dried. Stay away from any potential ignition source while sanitizer...

Coronavirus COVID-19 Information

March 5, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information:

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

If you are looking for additional health-related information, please refer to the latest UHS Health Advisory and the Coronavirus Health...

Use of Heaters in Temporary Tents & Awnings

December 21, 2020

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

Use of Heaters in Temporary Tents &...

Tracking COVID in Bay Area Sewers

November 4, 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.

Tim Pine, an environmental protection specialist, and Al Sanchez, a senior hazardous materials technician of the Office of Environment, Health and Safety have been collecting weekly samples of wastewater from University Village since mid-July and also samples from sewers that drain from UC Berkeley’s undergraduate dormitories and surrounding neighborhoods. Testing of wastewater will help guide public...