Environmental Safety - University of Georgia

ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY DIVISION
THE FIRE SAFETY PROGRAM
Summary of Major Accomplishments
The Fire Safety program continued to grow in size and ability in Fiscal Year 2007 with
the approval of an additional fire safety inspector position. This position was filled in
August 2007 by Bill Wellmeier, a retired captain of the DeKalb County Fire Department,
who brought excellent credentials and experience.
Fire Safety Inspector Tori Outlaw, who was hired in June 2006, continues to grow in her
knowledge of the University and has provided growth and excellence in the areas of fire
safety training, inspection services and expansion of UGA’s fire safety Web page. Fire
Safety Manager Russell Dukes worked with the Office of the University Architects and
the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department to establish formatting of pre-emergency fire
plans.
The Fire Safety program continues to exceed its established goals with over 502 life
safety code inspections conducted and well over 500 contact hours of training provided to
the University community. In Fiscal Year 2007, the staff also were able to update the
TISCOR fire extinguisher computer tracking program and develop customized training
for the University of Georgia Police Department. Fire Safety Manager Russell D. Dukes
also obtained certification in arson investigation levels I and II.
Summary of FY 2008 Goals
The goals of the Fire Safety program will be to maintain basic services to the University
with a minimum of 300 life safety code inspections and 300 contact hours of training. In
addition, the staff have established a goal of conducting fire pre-planning for at least 50
buildings and training Inspector Wellmeier for his new position.
Another goal of the Fire Safety program is to provide training to all relevant ESD
personnel in the operation and capabilities of the updated TISCOR computer program.
This training will be in conjunction with the development of the fire safety component of
Chematix as an eventual replacement for the TISCOR software.
RADIATION SAFETY
Summary of Major Accomplishments
In May 2007, Radiation Safety contracted with a vendor to pick up 1,659 pounds of lowlevel radioactive waste for disposal. This reduced the inventory of stored radioactive
waste by 42 containers (primarily 30 gallon drums). UGA’s disposal vendor uses “best
way processing” for this waste, including super-compaction and incineration, prior to
final burial in a licensed radioactive waste facility in Utah.
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During the summer of 2007, two technicians resigned from their positions with Radiation
Safety and were replaced. One technician left to pursue a calling in education, and the
other technician chose to advance his career in radiation safety at another university. Two
replacement technicians were recruited and hired at the end of the fiscal year. One of the
new technicians was formerly employed as a state inspector with the Georgia Department
of Natural Resources’ Radioactive Materials Program and has extensive experience in the
radiation safety field. The other is a former DuPont employee with significant safety,
laboratory and quality control experience.
Summary of FY 2008 Goals
The University’s radioactive materials license with the state of Georgia is due for its fiveyear renewal in September 2007. Radiation Safety’s goal is to submit all of the required
license renewal paperwork at least a month early and to include some updates and items
that will streamline and improve UGA’s radiation safety program.
Radiation Safety plans to continue its radioactive waste reduction project, with a focus on
reducing the liquid radioactive waste inventory. Radiation Safety will continue to provide
radiation safety training and monitor/support safety compliance through laboratory
inspections. The development of the radiation safety aspect of the Chematix software also
will be supported.
CHEMICAL AND LABORATORY SAFETY
Summary of Major Accomplishments
In 2007, the Office of Chemical and Laboratory Safety completed laboratory audits for
all of the main campus facilities (teaching/research labs, art studios, farms, etc.).
Additionally, the Lab Safety staff were able to complete testing of 845 safety showers
and 1,157 eyewash stations. A new environmental safety specialist was brought onto the
staff to provide assistance to all food and pool facilities on campus and to ensure
compliance with state regulations. All UGA food establishments have now been educated
on new food code regulations; work has begun on public health issues such as the West
Nile Virus, rabies and food recalls; and a better rapport has been established with UGA
food and pool establishments as well as county and state officials.
Chemical and Laboratory Safety staff have been involved in a few special efforts,
including a heat study done at the Thomas Street art building, which determined that
temperature levels were too high for students to perform their required work in the wood
working and welding shops. ESD recommended the expenditure of $50,000 of lab safety
funds from Major Repair and Renovation (MRR) over two years in order to alleviate the
problem; the remaining $25,000 in MRR funding was allocated to the repair and
installation of eyewashes and safety showers, as well as gas cylinder storage racks.
Several benchmarks with the chemical tracking system (Chematix) were met, including
the completion of an online lab inspection module as well as the introduction, testing and
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initial implementation of the hazardous waste module throughout several buildings on
campus. Work also has been started to incorporate fume hood, fire extinguisher, safety
shower and eyewash inspections into the Chematix system. In addition, work continued
in the respiratory protection program as well as laboratory opening and closing protocols.
The Right-to-Know training underwent a facelift to provide a more engaging interface for
trainees, and an AA-sanctioned driver improvement program was begun in which training
is offered to UGA employees to reduce risk and increase safety in both state and
privately-owned vehicles.
Summary of FY 2008 Goals
A number of programs mentioned in this report will carry through to the next calendar
year. Chemical and Laboratory Safety will continue to work towards the maintenance of
improvements and the development of further advancements at the University of Georgia.
HAZARD ASSESSMENT RESPONSE TEAM (HART)
Summary of Major Accomplishments
During the previous year, the Hazard Assessment Response Team (HART) responded to
33 calls on the UGA campus. The emergency response calls involved either chemical,
biological or radiological incidents, or indoor air quality problems.
HART continues to hold monthly training sessions and emergency response drills at the
FIRST building. The performance of regular drills allows team members to stay current
concerning hazmat standard operating procedures and operation of hazmat equipment.
HART recently purchased $37,000 worth of hazmat equipment that was provided through
a Department of Homeland Security grant administered by GEMA. The equipment
includes upgrades for respiratory protection and advanced hazardous materials response.
The FIRST building has been employed extensively by Athens-Clarke County officials
for numerous meetings, including planning sessions for an upcoming multi-agency drill
that will involve the University of Georgia’s Office of Security and Emergency
Preparedness, HART, Athens-Clarke County Emergency Management and the local
hospitals. The drill is scheduled for December 2007.
Summary of FY 2008 Goals
HART will continue to train and prepare for any possible hazardous materials situation
that may involve UGA or the northeast Georgia community.
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ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS COMPLIANCE
Summary of Major Accomplishments
Environmental Safety is instrumental in keeping the University in compliance with
various state and federal regulations. It constantly assists departments in preparing and
complying with the Georgia Environmental Policy Act. Strict adherence to this law
ensures that every major project undertaken by the University has as little adverse
environmental impact as possible. Environmental Safety works with various state
agencies to ensure that UGA’s air emissions do not exceed permitted amounts.
Summary of FY 2008 Goals
Environmental Safety will continue its work to ensure that UGA’s activities do not
pollute the water or air, and that they do not harm the state’s timber, archaeological,
historical or other resources.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS PROGRAM
Summary of Major Accomplishments
In Fiscal Year 2007, the Hazardous Materials program continued working with the
University of Georgia research community in its efforts to properly manage hazardous
waste routinely generated on campus.
During the fiscal year, the Hazardous Materials program received a total of 322 requests
for hazardous waste removal from personnel in various research and teaching
laboratories. The total number of containers removed from the University of Georgia’s
main campus was 13,496, which resulted in the disposal of 88,566 pounds of hazardous
waste during the year. The Hazardous Materials program was able to accomplish its goal
of providing faster service for all service requests (average 2-3 working days) despite
continued growth in the research community and with no additional personnel.
Regulatory compliance inspections from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division
found no major violations at the Hazardous Materials Treatment Facility or elsewhere on
the University of Georgia campus.
Many improvements have been made in the Hazardous Materials Treatment Facility
(HMTF) which allow the staff to work more safely and efficiently. These improvements
were made possible due to MRR funding, which provided for the design of a new
covered loading dock area, a new supplied air breathing system, application of chemicalresistant floor coating inside the chemical storage area and general workspace
enhancements.
The Hazardous Materials staff works closely with lab safety personnel charged with the
task of implementing the new Chematix waste tracking system. The Hazardous Materials
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program will continue to provide support and resources as needed in order to ensure the
successful implementation of this program.
Summary of FY 2008 Goals
The Hazardous Materials program will strive to provide the best service possible to
UGA’s research community, ensuring that all hazardous waste is removed in a timely
manner while maintaining full regulatory compliance with the rules for hazardous waste
management.
OUTREACH PROGRAM
Summary of Major Accomplishments
The Outlying Facilities program completed its sixth year of support and outreach service
in FY 2007. The program provides environmental, health, safety and regulatory support
to nine marine and agricultural sites across the state, which include approximately 200
laboratories. All of the outlying sites are becoming more proactive in their efforts to
improve safety and regulatory compliance.
Management of the hazardous waste removal process provides a means for responsible
removal of chemical waste, which ultimately promotes a safer working environment and
improved regulatory compliance.
Major Repair and Renovation (MRR) funding continues to play an essential role in the
ongoing support effort of each site for research and education. MRR funding over the
past year supported electrical system upgrades; eye wash and shower safety upgrades;
fume hood installations; vital equipment installations; and facility renovations. An
ongoing effort to salvage surplus equipment from Athens campus buildings and share this
equipment with outlying facilities continues. This process has saved more than $100,000
over the past three years while providing much needed equipment and materials to
research sites.
Summary of FY 2007-08 Goals
In an effort to encourage constant laboratory improvement and monitoring, the
Laboratory Self-Inspection (LSI) program will continue. This project requires
laboratories to perform self-inspections via the Internet twice/year. The data is evaluated
by ESD and used to address the researchers’ safety needs and concerns. Also, the effort
continues to secure MRR funding to support the outlying sites. Finally, on-site training
and Web site instructional support for these outlying facilities will be enhanced.
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Environmental Safety Division
Statistics
FY 2006- FY 2005- FY 2004- FY 2003- FY 2002- FY 20012007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
Asbestos
Asbestos site inspections
Asbestos air samples taken
Asbestos bulk samples taken
Chemical and Laboratory Safety
Consultations
Laboratory Surveys
Safety showers inspected
Eye wash stations tested
New eye wash/safety shower installations
Assistance to other instituitions/industries
Respirator-fit tests provided
Contact hours of training given
Contact hours of training received
Chemical Abstracts Reviewed
4
26
86
6
35
165
6
30
120
5
75
262
6
30
60
78
65
625
575
987
845
1157
70/10
47
32
320
406
0
590
977
808
1027
0
72
59
411
241.5
21
790
932
733
890
1
14
42
385
154
574
459
988
0
0
102
7
37
0
163.75
714
919
751
905
32
73
16
0
84
887
1031
794
1036
164
4
35
259
439
16
12
14
13
3
388
608
2282
1725
1
3
4
8
2
3
22
5
648 1,150.25
364
104
158
700
2
13
2
3
1683
249
281
2266
NA
11
4
6
289
202
235
1192
NA
18
6
9
373
206
Environmental Health/Safety
Pool inspections
Food/restaurant inspections
Food inspection follow-ups
7
30
2
Air Quality
Air Quality control-building site investigation
22
Fire Safety
Annual inspections
Fire safety deficiencies noted
Certificates of Occupancy revoked
Certificates of Occupancy issued
Structure fires
Other fires
Contact hours of training given
Contact hours of training received
502
2402
0
6
2
25
568.5
333.5
Georgia Environmental Policy Act
Project Evaluations
Hazardous Material Program
Number of manifests completed
Number of waste containers processed
Average time to remove hazardous waste, once request
is received
Number of drums shipped
Number of shipments
Cost of shipments
10
13
14
17
22
41
322
11682
264
9829
441
12,852
538
10212
430
6277
411
5530
2-3 days 5-7 days 3-5 days 4-8 days 4-5 days 4-5 days
204
236
264
234
191
264
7
7
7
6
5
8
$24,793 $ 29,120 $26,425 $24,714 $22,480 $43,101
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Environmental Safety Division
Statistics
FY 2006- FY 2005- FY 2004- FY 2003- FY 2002- FY 20012007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
Weight of disposals (pounds)
88,566
88,901 108,285 104,577
77,269 100,251
Number of pesonnel trained
928
715
1,013
1,190
815
742
New Principal Investigator enrolled in disposal program
11
15
19
61
27
60
Off Site Facility Support and Outreach
Number of sites serviced statewide
Laboratory surveys/consultations
Fume hoods inspected
Safety showers tested
Eye wash stations tested
Respirator training/fit test provided
Faculty/Staff trained
Contacts requesting assistance
Laboratory chemical closures to assit in
renovation/improvements
Radiation Safety
Radiation incident investigations
Lab surveys
Sealed sources checked
Instruments calibrated
Bio assays performed
X-Ray surveys
Liquid scintillation samples processed
Other tests (laser, microwaves, fumehoods)
Film badges exchanged
Radioactive shipments processed and delivered
Assistance to other institutions/industry
Radioactive waste removed at researchers' request (gl)
New user license applications
User amendments
Individuals accessing on-line radiation safety training
Contact hours of training given
Contact hours of training received
9
203
105
147
157
53
163
117
10
211
110
150
162
45
180
95
10
221
112
153
167
52
175
103
10
210
120
145
160
42
205
83
9
205
122
138
153
39
279
56
9
201
125
141
151
38
190
23
3
7
9
11
0
0
1
198
174
167
17
1
3084
0
1880
960
2
3972
4
43
205
322
116
2
353
170
183
15
3
2493
0
2032
897
5
3745
5
31
216
306
68
3
442
177
178
27
3
2239
1
2072
1001
1
2775
8
39
244
338
74
3
465
150
159
17
0
5870
0
2197
1110
3
3936
4
74
271
1063
124
4
270
144
179
11
0
3758
0
2320
1350
6
4193
7
55
229
310
0
0
111
144
184
49
0
3594
0
2764
1413
0
4058
4
45
218
536
194
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ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY DIVISION
ORGANIZATION CHART
.
E. Wayne Dill
Associate Vice President
Nancy L. Autry
Administrative Specialist I
Charles Meaders
Management Information Manager
Romesa Lewellen
Administrative Associate I
Russell Dukes
Fire Safety Manager
Carol Adams
Administrative Associate I
George McElhannon
Fire Safety Inspector
Chad Jordan
Lab Safety Manager
Joe Holmes
Fire Extinguisher Inspector
Bill Megathlin
ESD Safety Coordinator
Victoria Outlaw
Fire Safety Inspector
Greg Bell
ESD Safety Coordinator
William Wellmeier
Fire Safety Inspector
Bruce Hild
Environmental Safety Specialist
Regena Pope
Administrative Associate I
Heath Hardison
Environmental Safety Specialist
Jody Jacobs
Radiation Safety Manager
Chad Cheely
Environmental Safety Specialist
Dennis Widner
Radiation Safety Specialist
Beth Maples
Environmental Safety Specialist
Ted Shanks
Radiation Safety Specialist
Brian Adams
Hazardous Materials Manager
Lauren Palmer
Radiation Safety Technician
Jeff Shirey
Hazardous Materials Specialist
John Pyle
Radiation Safety Technician
Matt Slafkosky
Hazardous Materials Specialist
Mika Melton
Administrative Associate I
Wes Kolar
HART Team Coordinator
Mike Stover
Regulatory/Environ. Compliance Mgr.
Bill Favaloro
Outlying Facilities Coordinator
Dana Shellnut
Administrative Associate I
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