Safety Equipment
Safety equipment is an essential part of providing a safe work environment for campus faculty, staff and students. It is the responsibility of the supervisor, Principal Investigator and the University to review the need and provide proper safety equipment to all employees.
Some typical safety equipment may include eyewash fountains, safety showers, safety shields, spill control kits, first-aid kits, emergency lights, local exhaust ventilation, biosafety cabinets, personal protective equipment, fire extinguishers, fire doors, fire sprinklers, fire hoses and emergency equipment.
Eyewash Fountains and Safety Showers
Eyewash fountains and safety showers need to be available in areas where chemicals are handled. They should be used for immediate first-aid treatment of chemical splashes and extinguishing clothing fires. The emergency eyewash and shower should not be blocked at any time and be well marked for emergency use. Campus Facilities Maintenance tests and tags all University eyewash fountains and safety showers for proper flow two (2) times per year.
Safety Shields
Safety shields provide protection against possible explosions or splash hazards. The front sash of the conventional laboratory hood can provide shielding. Portable shields can be used to protect against hazards of limited severity only. Polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride and laminated safety plate glass are satisfactory transparent shielding materials. The shielding material needs to be compatible with the type hazard. Contact EHS at Ext. 27018 for additional information.
Spill-Control Kits
Spill-control kits must be immediately available for the type of hazardous or biological material present in the area. It is the responsibility of the area supervisor or Principal Investigator to supply and maintain the spill control kit for small releases. The kit normally contains proper spill clean-up instructions, contact numbers, absorbent pads or mixture, neutralization solution, polyethylene scoop, thick polyethylene bags, hazard labels and personal protective equipment. Larger releases should be reported immediately to EHS at Ext. 27018 for assistance.
First-Aid Kits
First-Aid kits should be easily accessible to each work area with the necessary supplies available, periodically inspected and replenished as needed. The supplies should be adequate for the operational hazards and exposures for the particular area. It is advisable to get a medical physicians approval of the first-aid kit supplies. Contact University Work Injury Services or Student Health for additional information.
Automated External Defibrillator
AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator. An AED analyzes the heart's rhythm and tells a first aid provider to deliver a shock to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. This shock, called defibrillation and may help the heart reestablish an effective rhythm. Studies have shown that early defibrillation increases a victim of sudden cardiac arrest chances for survival. Each minute that defibrillation is delayed reduces the chance of survival by about 10%. For additional information please see our specific AED page.
Emergency Lighting
Emergency lighting is needed to provide the necessary illumination to exit or egress the University building easily and safely. Proper exit signage must also be present to identify the primary path of travel and exit route(s). Emergency lighting must be provided with a standby power source in case of a complete building power failure. Emergency lighting should be checked by area occupants on a monthly basis with battery replacement as needed.
Contact Environmental Health & Safety at (573) 882-7018 if there is any additional information, direction or other safety equipment questions specific to your work or operation.
