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UMASS AMHERST
Environmental Health and Safety Promoting a safe and healthful environment for living, learning and working
FY15 ANNUAL REPORT
CONTENTS Message from the Executive Director Page 1 Policy Statement for EH&S Page 3 FY15 Financial Statement Page 5 Academic Safety and Environmental Health Page 6 Campus Safety and Fire Prevention Page 18 Environmental and Hazardous Materials Page 26
Management Services Emergency Management and Business Continuity Page 38
LEADERSHIP Donald Robinson, Executive Director
Edward Mientka, Associate Director, Campus Safety and Fire Prevention Program Manager
Christine Rogers, Assistant Director, Academic Safety and Environmental Health
Theresa Wolejko, Assistant Director, Environmental and Hazardous Materials Management Services
Jeffrey Hescock, Director of University Emergency Management and Business Continuity
Message from the Executive Director Donald Robinson, Ph.D.
It is a challenge to separate yourself from your life’s work, but after over 40 years as EH&S director, I know the time is coming. There is so much unfinished work and this, coupled with a strong desire to be part of what is yet to be done, makes moving on a difficult process. Cerebrally, I know that transitions in life are unavoidable, but emotionally it is hard to do. In a dated article on the EH&S Radiation Safety Program I made the statement that “the more we do the more we have to do”; this holds as true today as when I stated it back in the late 70s. If this sounds like my “swan song,” I have to admit that in some respects it is. As I pen this report, I have a sense of nostalgia and a strong sense that EH&S, to some extent, defines who I am, but there is also a sense that the time has come for someone else to build on what has been accomplished and take the program to new heights.
This past year has been exciting as we continue to explore new ways of serving the campus. The launching of the EShip program to package, ship and track hazardous materials that UMass sends around the world was a major accomplishment. The program reduces risk while fully complying with complex regulatory requirements including those related to export control. The implementation of the EH&S services management software, although not fully realized, is another example of EH&S trying to better serve the campus community.
Under the leadership of Christine Rogers, we also have continued to strengthen our Laboratory Safety program with this year’s significant effort focused on personal protective equipment and, in particular, the implementation of our Lab Coat Management program. Implementation of new initiatives such as this without additional resources is fraught with challenges and resistance, but the end result is a safer lab environment. Edward Mientka and his staff, particularly Mike Swain, have continued to make fire safety a priority. The latest Campus Fire Safety Right to Know Report can be found at: https://www.ehs.umass.edu/campus-fire-safety-right-know-report-2014. As an EH&S team, I am very proud of what we have accomplished in moving the Fire Prevention program into being arguably the most comprehensive university fire safety program in the nation. The close supportive working arrangement we have with the entire campus community, along with the local fire departments and the state building inspector, is noteworthy.
In a similar vein, under the leadership of Theresa Wolejko, the Environmental Compliance program is a well-established, respected service to the campus community. We have established strong collaborative working relationships with federal EPA and state DEP regulatory agencies including recently hosting a get-together with the leadership team at DEP. With all of the campus construction and renovation projects there have been issues involving hazardous materials, but all such situations have been handled professionally and no fines have been levied against UMass. The proper collection, consolidation, storage and disposal of hazardous materials is a major component of the EH&S program; this is being done well using both in-house staff and outside contractors. Relating back to construction, I am extremely pleased with the effectiveness of our Construction Safety program under the able direction of Maryanne Steele. It is difficult to predict how many injuries were prevented, but UMass has a reputation with contractors for taking safety
1
seriously. Some contractors are not used to such a “safety first” environment, but they soon come to appreciate the benefits of our no-nonsense construction safety culture.
Another related milestone is the establishment of the UMass-based “OSHA Summer Safety Summit” that has now become an annual event bringing together safety and health professionals throughout New England. In addition, the newest and most highly visible area of EH&S, under the direction of Jeffrey Hescock, is the Emergency Management and Business Continuity program which has made great strides in promoting emergency management as a core value of the campus. It has penetrated all levels of the campus community, as well as serving as a resource for all UMass campuses and the President’s Office. Jeff has spearheaded a major effort to obtain grants for both the Amherst campus and other UMass campuses throughout the system. At last count, the grants totaled over $800,000, and new mitigation grant applications are pending. Another major accomplishment has been state and federal approval of our Hazard Mitigation Plan. We are only the second state in New England to have an approved plan which will give us a leg up on the funding of future mitigation grants.
The EH&S mission statement is: “To partner with the campus community to facilitate and promote safety, health, environmental management and emergency management and continuity of operations.” Our vision statement is: “To achieve excellence through stewardship for safety, health, and the environment.” How we go about operationalizing these statements in a meaningful way that is aligned with the overall mission and vision of the campus is and remains a formidable challenge. As an organization, we marked our “golden anniversary” last year and had an opportunity to reflect on how this organization has transitioned from a primary consultative role to a full-fledged service delivery role. There is no finish line in EH&S, but each year, like the one covered by this report, is marked with progress and notable accomplishments. Please read the full report to better understand what the EH&S team has achieved.
2
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
374 Whitmore Administration Building 181 Presidents Drive Amherst, MA 01003-9313
OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR
voice: 413.545.2211 fax: 413.545.2328 www.umass.edu
A Policy of Environmental Health & Safety
It is a policy of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst to maintain, insofar as it is reasonable and within its control, an environment for its faculty, staff, students, and visitors that does not adversely affect their health and safety. In support of this policy the University will give high priority, appropriate support, and steady implementation to eliminate where possible, or to reduce to acceptable limits, environmental and occupational hazards that are a threat to the health and safety of personnel or to property.
The ultimate responsibility for the campus safety and environmental health rests with the Chancellor. The Chancellor has delegated to each dean, director, chairperson, and supervisor the responsibility for safety performance within their respective unit. Everyone with supervisory responsibility will be expected to take the initiative so that safe working conditions are maintained, and to request the assistance of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety to expedite action when necessary. Each supervisor must take the initiative to train the employees and students under his/her supervision in safe work practices. In particular, supervisors should ensure that employees and students know (a) all potentially hazardous conditions associated with the operation and the method established to control them, (b) all safety regulations for the area of operation. In addition, supervisors are expected to promote a safety attitude and awareness that will lead employees and students working under their supervision to take a safe course when faced with situations which are not covered by established regulations and practices.
It is incumbent upon each member of the faculty, staff, and student body to provide the constant vigilance necessary to avoid unsafe acts on his/her part. Faculty, staff, and students have an obligation to take all reasonable precautions to prevent injury to themselves or to their fellow employees or students. They are expected to learn and to follow approved standards and procedures which apply to their activities, and to check with their supervisors when they have any doubts concerning potential hazards.
The Chancellor has delegated to the Director of Environmental Health and Safety the responsibility and authority for assuming overall compliance with applicable* health and safety standards on campus. The Director shall adopt as guides applicable health and safety standards promulgated by Federal and State agencies in establishing campus regulations and policy. Published standards of nationally recognized professional health and safety groups may serve as guidelines in the absence of appropriate statutes and governmental regulations. The Department of Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for working with and through academic and service units by identifying and assisting in resolving health and safety problems, recommending standards, evaluating and reporting on the status of compliance with standards, providing technical and support services, recommending necessary modifications, recording, analyzing and reporting accident experience, and developing training resources.
*Applicability will be determined in consultation with the appropriate faculty committees.
The University of Massachusetts is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution @>Printed on Recycled Paper
3
In emergency situations and when required to do so by code, regulation, or licensure agreement, the Director of Environmental Health and Safety or his/her representative, in consultation with the appropriate Dean or Director, may require the immediate halt or control of practices or conditions that have been determined to constitute an immediate and serious risk of death or serious harm to members of the campus community. Such actions may be appealed to the Chancellor who will make the final determination as to whether the practices may be reinstated .
The University Health Council serves as a referral board for all advisory and administrative committees related to the matters of environmental health and safety and shall review and recommend changes in University policies pertaining to Environmental Health and Safety issues.
Specific committees on Radiation Safety, Biological Safety, Chemical Safety, and Animal Care which report administratively to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement shall be responsible for reviewing and recommending specific operational policies and practices within their area of expertise. In addition, they may advise the Director of Environmental Health and Safety regarding the application of relevant standards for hazards control.
Kumble R. Subbaswamy, Chancellor University of Massachusetts Amherst
November 2013
4
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56,8
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107,
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234,
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271,
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350,
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516,
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132,
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1,54
8,47
72,
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2,90
9,91
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1
FY15
Add
ition
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ase
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e Tr
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ns (1
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71,
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7,02
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ansa
ctio
ns (2
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5,44
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34,5
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319,
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122,
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433,
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43,9
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160,
252
269,
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272,
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318,
946
515,
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132,
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844,
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12,
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9,91
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9,34
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830,
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1,46
8,91
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0,31
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8,03
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8,03
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Faci
lity
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ses
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24,6
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sfer
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r BB
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(4,4
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(1,0
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(6,6
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(12,
144)
(17,
810)
239,
889
76,8
588,
983
85,8
4232
5,73
113
,054
Encu
mbr
ance
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50
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
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0
Bal
ance
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r BB
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ncum
bran
ces
(239
)17
1,89
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17,5
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,731
86,0
4825
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9(2
,460
)(3
,206
)(4
,410
)(1
,092
)(6
,643
)(1
2,14
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7,81
0)23
9,88
976
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8,98
385
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325,
731
13,0
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38)
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890
19,7
7317
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48,7
3186
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257,
699
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(3,2
06)
(4,4
10)
(1,0
92)
(6,6
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(12,
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(17,
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983
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(239
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1,89
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17,5
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4825
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)(4
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976
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8,98
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325,
731
13,0
54
(1)
Sum
mar
y of
Bas
e Tr
ansa
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nsD
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bute
Sta
te a
nd G
OF
base
allo
catio
ns fr
om O
ps to
Dep
ts.
18,8
6648
6,09
456
,866
70,6
9610
7,10
223
4,66
473
9,62
527
1,32
835
0,48
151
6,74
913
2,80
989
8,92
01,
548,
477
2,17
0,28
72,
909,
911
Fund
Neg
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)0
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1,48
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LSL
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ing
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00
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Ste
p In
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1,03
968
268
22,
309
2,30
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alar
y In
crea
ses
00
3,23
40
3,23
43,
234
Tot
als
17,3
8148
6,09
456
,866
70,6
9610
7,10
223
4,66
473
8,14
027
6,63
535
1,52
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6,74
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2,80
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21,
549,
159
2,17
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(2) S
umm
ary
of N
on-B
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Tran
sact
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FY15
Des
ktop
Rep
lace
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t8,
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(2,0
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(2,0
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(2,0
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(2,0
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(6,0
00)
00
00
RA
VE
fund
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(4,0
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(4,0
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(4,0
36)
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(4,0
36)
Big
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(200
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(200
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(2,7
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00
00
0M
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ear T
rade
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00
00
Gas
leak
reim
burs
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t92
60
926
00
926
FY15
YE
Tra
des
96,5
18(5
0,42
6)(1
0,76
6)36
555
,150
44,7
4990
,840
(1,5
18)
(32,
574)
(1,2
34)
(365
)(5
5,15
0)(5
6,74
9)(9
0,84
0)(0
)
Tot
als
105,
444
(52,
426)
(12,
966)
(5,6
71)
53,1
5034
,513
87,5
30(4
,227
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2,57
4)(1
,234
)(3
65)
(55,
150)
(56,
749)
(93,
550)
(6,0
19)
NO
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ronm
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Sum
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30, 2
015
NO
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ALL
BU
DG
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BU
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ET +
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EVEN
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BU
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R&
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R&
R
5
Academic Safety and Environmental Health Program supports the research and teachingmission of the University by assisting 292 faculty, staff and students in 35 buildings. The program maintains safe work, research, studio, and laboratory environment ensuring compliance with various state and federal standards and regulations. The Environmental Health program assists the University in maintaining food safety, residence halls, family housing, and academic buildings for a community of 30,000 individuals, and ensures that the University maintains compliance with state sanitary and food codes. The aim of these programs is to reduce the risk to the University community of incurring adverse health effects from a multitude of sources. This significant effort is accomplished by 9 professional staff, 4 technicians, and a small cohort of part-time students.
ACADEMIC SAFETY PROGRAM
Provides safety training, consultation, and support to faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduatestudents in general lab safety, and chemical, biological and radiation material use;
Conducts safety assessments in more than 778 teaching and research laboratory spaces acrosscampus;
Regularly tests lab safety equipment such as fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, drench showers,eyewash stations, and autoclaves to ensure they are operating properly;
Maintains an inventory of chemical, biological, and radiological agents in each laboratory and forthe campus as a whole;
Evaluates lab, office and other work spaces for odor issues, indoor air contaminants, ventilation,and thermal comfort;
Serves on the following committees: Institutional Chemical Safety Committee, Radiation UseCommittee, Institutional Biosafety Committee, and the Institutional Animal Care and UseCommittee; reviews research protocols specifically to ensure that research is conducted in a safemanner and in compliance with agency standards and regulations;
Continuously updates technical expertise, maintains appropriate credentials, and keeps current withlocal, state, and federal regulation to ensure the campus community is provided with the mostrecent safety and regulatory information, strategies for management, and ability to mitigate risk;
Serves as HAZWOPER response team member; Reviews, authorizes and advises on laboratory, food service or housing construction projects.
ORGANIZATION
Academic Safety & Environmental Health
Biosafety Chemical Safety & Industrial Hygiene Radiation Safety Environmental Health
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HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW/MAJOR INITIATIVES IN FY15
Bio-Inventory. Upon finding several vials of hazardous biological agents in its own freezers, the NIH, CDC and American Biosafety Association issued a memorandum encouraging compliance with a Biosafety Stand Down to clean out all freezers and document their contents. UMass Biosafety participated by requesting reports and compiling data on biological inventories in every lab on campus. PI’s were asked to clean out old freezers and ask for help from EH&S to destroy old biologicals. This initiative allowed us to completely revamp our campus bio-inventory which is now completely logged and documented in the CEMS system to allow each PI to refer back to their inventory. Through this process, we now have a better understanding of the number of PI’s using biological materials in their teaching and research, the types of biological materials, and where they are located.
• Contacted 300+ PI’s (Principal Investigators) regarding biologicals: 271 responded;• 65 PI’s work with biologicals at BSL-1 (150 labs);• 108 PI’s work with biologicals at BSL-2 (245 labs);• 2 PI’s work with biologicals in BSL-3 containment (1 lab);• Out of 778 total labs, 396 labs have biologicals at UMass, representing more than 50% of
all campus labs.
Change in Biohazard Waste Practices. The autoclave waste stream was revamped to bring the waste program into compliance regarding the removal of red biohazard bags from the waste stream. Previously, University solid waste was taken to an incineration facility, but the University decided to change practices and take waste to a landfill instead. Because these facilities handle wastes in very different ways, certain biological and radiological waste practices needed to be adjusted. Medical and biological wastes are regulated in Massachusetts and, while autoclaved wastes are permitted in landfills, the institution must calibrate and verify that autoclaves are functioning properly and that a log is kept of all generated autoclaved waste. Significant effort was made to ensure autoclave users were entering waste runs into revised logs and running Prospores to verify operating conditions. Biosafety worked closely with the DOH’s Department of Sanitation to ensure compliance.
Similarly, changes were required in the disposal of radiological wastes that have already decayed in storage. All stored waste must be sorted through in order to remove or deface remaining radiation warning stickers; all radioactive waste materials also must be scanned for any significant remaining radiation to ensure the waste is safe for the landfill. These extra steps for biological and radiological wastes are done to ensure the University is in compliance with regulations and that we remain good stewards of the environment and protect the health of the community.
Globally Harmonized System of Hazard Communication and Labelling of Chemicals. A new system for categorizing and labelling chemicals, and for structuring Safety Data Sheets, was put into effect on June 1, 2015, in the U.S. that also standardizes chemical information worldwide. Training offerings were updated to provide information on new the GHS, and new Safety Data Sheets were updated with new versions and put into the CEMS system so that they are accessible to all faculty, staff, and students.
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Lab Coat Management Program. The efforts of a multi-year pilot project were rewarded with the rollout of the new lab coat management program that provides a weekly laundering service. Individuals are fitted for a lab coat at their lab safety training session. They are provided two lab coats, so that when they put one in the hamper to be washed, they have another on the rack ready to wear. We have fitted over 1,400 people so far, and while there have certainly been a few gliltches along the way, particularly with ordering times and billing, we are working out these issues.
Outreach. This year, Mount Holyoke College contracted with UMass EH&S to have the Radiation Safety Services (RSO) program perform routine radiation safety duties under the Five Colleges Consortium. The UMass RSO was named as the RSO on the Mount Holyoke College radiation use license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Radiation Control Program (MRCP). Radiation use at Mount Holyoke College consists of some sealed sources and a few x-ray generating devices.
The Biosafety Program assisted UHS and Amherst Fire Department with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) selection and use for Ebola preparedness; 8 meetings were attended, and we worked to resolve problems with the Regional Response Team’s Powered Air Purifying Respirator.
The Environmental Health Program assisted Craig’s Doors, a homeless shelter near the University, by working with Auxiliary Enterprises and the Food Recovery Network (RSO) on good food safety management in utilizing leftovers from Worcester Dining Common to help feed the homeless at the shelter. Currently, Auxiliary Enterprises feeds between 20 and 25 homeless people five days a week when the shelter is open, and may expand in Fall 2015 to seven days a week with different serving hours.
New Research Building. The Paige Laboratory was reopened after a complete renovation of the building. The movement of scientists and their materials was supported by EH&S, as well as the setup of new labs and the clean out of old equipment, biologicals and chemicals.
BIOSAFETY PROGRAM
The Biosafety Program is responsible for oversight of biological research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The program covers biosafety training, designation of laboratory biosafety level, protocol review for compliance committees, assurance of compliance for purchasing biological agents, and field research safety. Biological research is growing rapidly at the University and investigators are pursuing exciting new areas of inquiry. This growth is accompanied by the increased use of biohazardous materials ranging from bacterial and fungal pathogens, to human cancer or other mammalian cell lines, to viral vectors in recombinant DNA research.
The program addresses the challenges that are unique to biomedical and biotechnology research such as the potential to transmit infectious diseases or the possible risks of working with genetically altered microorganisms. We assist investigators in registering their research with the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for use of human subjects in research. The
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Biosafety Program collaborates closely with University faculty to help develop safe research protocols in compliance with federal and state regulations.
Overview of Some Responsibilities:
Biosafety sits on the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), the Infection ControlCommittee (ICC), the Occupational Health Committee, and consults on the InstitutionalAnimal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) whichreviews human research protocols;
Assures biological safety compliance with NIH and the Select Agent Program(CDC/APHIS);
Reviews research proposals involving biohazardous materials; Conducts introductory and specialized biosafety training for faculty, students and staff; Conducts biosafety training for animal care staff and animal researchers; Develops relevant online biosafety training (e.g., Biological Safety Cabinets, Autoclave
Safety); Oversees OSHA blood borne pathogen management/training; Conducts in-depth biosafety laboratory assessments; Coordinates with faculty in developing SOPs and protocols for work with
pathogens/biohazardous materials; Develops biosafety SOP documentation; Develops Occupational Health Programs for animal handlers and researchers; Advises on Institutional Biosafety Committee policy development and training; Oversees biological waste management according to state regulations regarding infectious
biomedical waste; Responds to biological spill emergencies; Manages biological safety cabinet inventory and annual recertification; Manages autoclave inventory and certification; Investigates laboratory incidents in the Life Sciences; Manages the high containment laboratories; Serves on the HAZWOPER Steering Committee; Reviews construction plans for science-based renovations and buildings, and serves on the
Construction Safety Oversight Committee.
Activities in FY15 Sessions Total Students/researchers trained in Biological Safety 59 1004 Students/researchers trained in Autoclave Safety 14 86 Students/researchers trained in Non-human primate safety 11 11 Training checks conducted on students/researchers across campus 988 Autoclave compliance audits conducted 254 Lab/risk assessments done (without formal reports) 97 BSL-2 lab assessments done (with reports) 29 Laboratory incidents investigated 19 Policies evaluated for UHS 19 IRB/IACUC/IBC Protocol Reviews 98
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Other FY15 Activities:
• We have had an abundance of freezer crashes and the consequent clean outs that come withthem. These are usually urgent in nature due to odor and require a significant amount oftime and resources from EH&S.
• Biosafety is working in coordination with Research and Engagement to bring a softwaresolution online that will solve the many issues created by the current IBC Registrationform.
• The medical waste vendor was changed which has lowered monthly costs substantially.We also removed an additional pickup site on campus which saves $4,800 annually.
• The Biosafety team is working with researchers as more non-traditional studies arepursued at UMass. More departments are involved in biotechnology. Additionally,agriculture is stepping into the food production/processing safety realm in new areas.
• To keep up with these changes, many more trainings are offered, both in quantity andvariety, so that we may meet the needs of our researchers in the labs, on the farms and inthe fields.
CHEMICAL SAFETY AND INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE PROGRAM
The Laboratory Chemical Safety and Industrial Hygiene program provides services in: classroom laboratory safety training for newcomers and guidance to all research labs on issues of laboratory safety, ventilation, and personal protective equipment. In addition, we provide risk assessments for research activities involving highly hazardous chemicals, investigate chemical incidents in laboratories and provide advanced lab safety refresher training to these lab groups.
We belong to the EH&S HAZWOPER response team who responds to all lab incidents, spills, leaks, explosions or floods. We ensure that all safety equipment is functioning properly and test all fume hoods annually and drench showers twice yearly for all laboratories on campus and the surrounding experimental stations. We conduct indoor air quality investigations in all buildings on campus, investigate odor complaints, and work with Physical Plant to remediate issues. We also attend project meetings related to laboratory construction or renovations and test all newly installed drench showers and eyewash stations. We provide monthly, and on demand, lab safety training to all contractors doing laboratory renovations on campus.
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL/INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE ASSESSMENTS 25 Odor Investigations included reported mold, cleaning solutions, floor drains that had dried out, dead
animals, food, chemicals, paint, and other sources. 67 Industrial Hygiene Investigations included non-noise work assessments or workplace modeling to
evaluate exposure conditions. 17 Mold Investigations included the assessments of buildings that had water infiltration issues and reported
claims that mold was a concern. 17 Indoor Air Quality Investigations included responding to indoor air quality concerns over dust or reported
poor ventilation. 6 Noise Evaluations consisted of personal dosimetry of representative personnel and sampling of equipment
and areas with elevated noise levels. 258 Respirator Fit Tests. 23 Trained on care and use of powered air purifying respirators (PAPR).
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LABORATORY SAFETY STATISTICS 292 Lab assessments/reports for all lab-based PIs covering 778 laboratories. 31 Lab incidents were investigated including uncontained spills, minor lab injuries, resultant equipment
damage and exposures/injuries that required medical treatment. 520 Drench showers and eyewash units were tested at six month intervals to verify that adequate flow and
temperature is provided before use. Testing was conducted by trained students hired under the University student hire program.
69 Lab Safety Training Sessions that trained 1566 students and employees.
For departments operating laboratory or research spaces, a laboratory safety coordinator and training manager is appointed by the department chair. The role of the lab safety coordinator is to facilitate communication between the departments and EH&S staff. Monthly meetings provide an opportunity for EH&S to answer questions, communicate important new safety issues or regulations, and to build relationships with the academic community.
Annually, seven meetings are held with 46 lab safety coordinators. The responsibility of these coordinators is to:
Attend the Department Laboratory Safety Coordinator meetings and communicateinformation on health and safety policies to the faculty and staff in their department;
Assist faculty and staff members in implementing University safety and health policies; Report safety–related incidents and potential safety problems to EH&S; Training managers keep the OWL training database up-to-date with current lists of
laboratory personnel. They remind those who are out of compliance on their initialclassroom and subsequent annual online lab safety refresher training.
In order to evaluate and reduce risks of chemical hazards to the campus community, the EH&S department maintains a chemical inventory system called CEMS (Chemical Environmental Management System) in which all laboratory hazardous substances are bar-coded and entered into a web-based database. Included in this process is the compilation of associated Safety Data Sheets and coding of the chemicals in accordance with NFPA and Hazard Communication Standards. CEMS provides not only inventory information to laboratory personnel and EH&S, but supplemental safety and emergency response information as well. It provides first responders with the ability to view the hazards in any research building at UMass Amherst. The CEMS database has been expanded to include the University’s biological inventory, radiological inventory, controlled substances inventory, hazardous waste management. CEMS allows us to print the laboratory signage door cards that includes key safety and emergency response information. Additionally, the system is used to track compounds that are regulated by the Department of Homeland Security.
All chemicals are received at a central location in 109 Lederle Graduate Research Tower. We barcode the primary container, note any discrepancies, repackage it into the original shipping package (to comply with DOT regulations), and deliver it to the laboratories the same day. We also pick up empty container log sheets biweekly to remove containers from the database and update the room’s inventory. In order to maintain accuracy of the database, laboratories are periodically re-inventoried on an “as needed” basis. Researchers can query the system to find a list of their chemical inventory, SDS sheets for each chemical, or search for surplus chemicals already on
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campus, thereby reducing inventories and disposal costs. In FY15, the CEMS program area received 13,623 packages and processed 18,074 items within those packages.
RADIATION SAFETY SERVICES
A service area within EH&S, Radiation Safety Services (RSS) provides support for the safe use of radioactive chemicals, sealed radioactive sources, X-ray generating instruments and devices emitting laser, microwaves or radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation. Of these, radioactive chemicals, sealed radioactive sources and x-ray generating instruments require licenses or permits from either the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Radiation Control Program (MRCP) or the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC). These agencies perform announced and unannounced inspections of all licensed and permitted activities. To avoid violations that could potentially curtail research involving radiation, RSS routinely audits licensed and permitted operations to ensure that deficiencies are addressed before an inspection.
In addition to the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) campus, RSS provides support for off-campus customers. During FY15, the major off-campus RSS customers included: Conte Anadromus Fish Laboratory, the Gloucester Marine Laboratory, Amherst College, and Mount Holyoke College. RSS also provides calibration services for personal radiation monitors owned by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
Activities in FY15 include:
Opened two new decay-in-storage locations that are close to points of generation allowingRSS short-term radioactive waste in plastic drums, instead of repacking waste in metaldrums to be stored at the Tillson Farm location. The 3-year goal is to cease using TillsonFarm as a storage location.
New laser cutters were installed in Polymer Science and ELabII bringing the total numberof laser cutters in service on campus to 4. Another laser cutter is scheduled to be purchasedFY16.
The MRCP license needed an amendment to cover the new sealed sources for Kawall andPocar.
Assisted Amherst College in obtaining equipment and setting up an experiment to try toreproduce observations of fluctuations in of radiation half-life based on earth-sun position.
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Use of Radioisotopes, Sealed Sources or X-ray Generating Devices
Figure 1. Laboratories in Service Figure 2. Number of Radiation Use Permits
Two radiation tracking metrics are dictated by regulatory agencies:
Maintaining an inventory record of the total activity of all radioactive material at alllicensed sites to ensure license limits are not exceeded;
Recording the amount of radiation dose received by each researcher using radioactivematerial in sufficient activity or based on the type of radiation being emitted to warrant theRSO to issue a dosimeter.
Inventory of Licensed Radioactive Material. A certain number of radionuclides on the UMass Radiation Materials License have individual activity limits. The percentage of each license limit per radionuclide is presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Percent of license limit for individual radionuclides at the end of 2014
241Am(1) 60Co(1) 137Cs(1) 137Cs(2) 55Fe 125I 63Ni(1) 32P 33P 35S 226Ra 239Pu(2)
<1% <1% 30.1% 33.1% <1% <1% 60.5% <1% <1% 9.8% <1% 93.8% (1) Based on the total number of sealed sources in inventory for this radionuclide, except as described below (2) An individual sealed source with a separate license limit
The total activity inventory of any radionuclide without an individual activity limit on the UMass Radiation Material License must be compared to individual limits in a regulations published by the MRCP. The amount of activity in inventory divided by the individual activity limits found in regulations represents the fraction of an individual limit per radionuclide. When added together, these fractions must be less than 1 (defined as the “R” value in MRCP regulations).
0102030405060708090
100
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
X-ray
S. Source
Wet
Labs in Service
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Radiation Use Permits
13
Table 2. Percent of license limit for combined radionuclides at the end of 2014
“R” of Radionuclides Without Individual
License Limit
0.011
Figure 3. Total Activity Received by Year
Figure 4. Total Number of Radioisotope Packages Received
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
22Na
Nat U
55Fe
63Ni
51Cr
35S
33P
32P
125I
3H
14C
mill
icur
ies
Activity Received by Year
0
50
100
150
200
250
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Number of Packages Received
14
Figure 5. Activity Received by Isotope by Year
Radiation Dosimetry. In tracking the radiation dose or lack thereof received by the research staff, the RSO must record the dose per year from various pathways. Table 3 represents the highest individual dose as compared to each regulator or UMass ALARA(3) dose limit.
Table 3. Highest annual radiation doses for 2014 (in millirem) Whole Body Dose Skin Dose Eye Dose
Extremity Dose
MRCP Regulatory Limit 5,000 50,000 15,000 50,000
UMass ALARA Limit 500 5,000 1,500 5,000
Highest Dose to an Individual for FY14 16 224 107 1,360
(3) ALARA is defined in 105CMR210(B) to be As Low As Reasonably Achievable. The ALARA limit for UMass is set by the RUC as 10% of any regulatory limit.
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
mill
icur
ies
Activity Received by Isotope
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Figure 6. Number of Dosimeters Issued/Year Figure 7. Number of Persons Issued Dosimeters/Year
Table 4 indicates the typical services RSS provided during 2014.
Table 4. Number of Radiation Safety Services for 2014
Service UMass Amherst
Amherst College
Surveys: 5585 431
Calibrations: 54 4
X-Ray Surveys: 14 1
Leak Tests: 57 38
Thyroid Bioassays: 0 0
Lab Audit Deficiencies: 7 0
Radiation Work Permits: 2 0
Training Sessions: 28 0
People Trained 188 0
Radionuclide Deliveries: 60 0
Radioactive Waste Pickups: 25 3
Total Dosimeters Processed 1435 52
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
WB
Ring
Total Dosimeters Issued
65
70
75
80
85
90
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Persons Issued Dosimeters
16
Figure 8. Training Attendees/Year Figure 9. Decommissioning Surveys Performed/Year
Figure 10. Rad Waste for Off-Campus Disposal Figure 11. Rad Waste for Decay-in-Storage
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM Environmental Health Program encompasses food protection and sanitation, housing conditions, water supply quality, swimming pool water quality, solid waste disposal, and conditions of the child care facilities. Routine inspections of many operations are conducted to ensure compliance with federal and state health and sanitation codes. The intention of the Environmental Health Program is to promote practical and attainable levels of protection for personnel, the community, and the environment. In effect, the Environmental Health Program is the watchdog of the University's overall health and sanitation operations. Larry Davis, our Environmental Health Manager, retired from the University last year and is working part-time until a replacement is hired.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
LaserX-rayRad
Number of People Trained
0100200300400500600700800900
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Total Decommissioning Surveys
17
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM STATISTICS FOR FY15: 407 Food inspections/reinspections, catered events, walk-throughs, food complaints 34 Food waivers for student groups 6 Tests for water, mold, and soft serve ice cream 16 Training sessions (food safety, Right-to-Know, bed bugs) for 576 participants 3 Food Safety Certification (ServSafe) courses to Auxiliary Services and Center for Student
Businesses for 55 participants 3 Food Safety Allergen Certification courses for Auxiliary Services and Center for Student
Businesses with 55 participants 2,480 Students completing the online food safety course, a 90 % increase over last year 94 Miscellaneous inspections
Campus Safety and Fire Prevention (CSFP) provides UMass with 24/7 routine and emergencyresponse capability. Calls dispatched through UMPD and the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) main office vary from a hot works permit request to a fire incident to a hazardous materials spill. With life safety of paramount importance, fire safety education programs and fire protections are provided to the University community. Significant FY15 responses with follow-up included: An inverter battery fire at Hampden D.C.; major flooding from broken pipe in Goessmann; major sewer backup in Hasbrouck Lab; and, Whitmore IT battery fire resulted in full evacuation.
FY15 RESPONSE DATA Emergency and Service Responses 1997 Fire Department Responses 123 2015 Response Types Accident Investigations 5 Assists 152 Fire Alarm Activations 123 (includes All AFD Responses) Other Alarms (Trouble, Supervisory, Pre-alarms and Other Non-fire Alarms)
1,034
Fire Investigations 8 Hazardous Materials 39 Health/Sanitation 4 Hot Works Permits 230 Odor Investigations 132 Safety Investigations 27 Smoke Investigations 13 Other 230
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Year EH&S Responses
Fire Department Responses
FY15 1,997 123
FY14 2,105 214
FY13 1,997 200
FY12 2,112 219
FY11 1,979 209
In FY15, CSFP inspection services conducted 154 life safety inspections of campus buildings with 173 deficiencies observed. Deficiencies observed are reported to the appropriate responsible department for corrective action. During January break, all residential dorm rooms were inspected by EH&S and Residential Life Student employees for fire safety hazards. Any Residential Life fire safety policy violations found are cited and submitted for corrective action and follow-up. Fire Safety Services Technicians conducted 169 re-inspections to verify that the hazards are eliminated. Policy violations by a resident results in commensurate discipline through the Residential or Dean of Students judicial process and require attendance at an EH&S fire safety education program. The goal of this program is to document, eliminate, and educate residents on the observed fire hazards and residence hall policy violations.
Life Safety/Code Compliance/Agency Liaison. In addition to routine life safety inspections, CSFP staff accompanies inspectors from the MA Department of Public Safety, the Amherst Fire Department, Hadley Fire Department, and FMGlobal (property insurance carrier for UMass Building Authority buildings) on inspections for which they are responsible. Our staff also fills a liaison and coordination role with Fire Department and State Building Inspectors for campus building construction or renovation projects. Also included are code required acceptance testing of fire protection system.
FY15 CSFP Inspections Life Safety Inspections 154 Violations found during inspections 173 Assembly Inspections 21 Residence Hall Room Re-inspections 169 State Building Inspector Project Inspections 38 Quarterly Inspections with AFD and HFD 7
Fire Evacuation Drills. Fire evacuation drills are conducted by CSFP staff for nearly all UMass buildings. Residence Hall drills are conducted once each semester while drills for service and academic buildings are conducted in June and July. The purpose of fire evacuation drills is to ensure that building occupants are familiar with the sound of the fire alarm system, that occupants know their means of egress, that they know they must evacuate immediately, and that they know all emergency evacuation procedures.
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Fire Protection System Inspection and Testing Program improves fire safety by retrofitting campus buildings with automatic fire sprinklers and upgraded fire alarm systems. Massachusetts State Building Code and Fire Prevention Regulations require that all fire protection systems be inspected, tested and maintained according to National Fire Protection Association standards to ensure operability. CSFP techs inspect, test and facilitate maintenance of our water-based fire sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, and fire pumps to meet these regulatory requirements.
A total of 4,322 portable fire extinguishers were serviced in FY15.
Portable Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Program. Our Fire Safety Services Technicians maintain 4,000 portable fire extinguishers available to the UMass community. Following state and national standards, portable fire extinguishers are inspected monthly with maintenance and testing performed by our technicians, as necessary. In addition, fire extinguishers in Residence Halls are inspected once each semester.
FY15 FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTION AND TESTING TOTALS
Fire Alarm/Sprinkler System Weekly Inspections 7,588 Fire Protection Project Engineer’s Tests 12 AFD Final Acceptance Tests 17 Hydrostatic Tests Witnessed 7 Water Supply Flow Tests 2 Fire Pump Weekly Inspections/Run Tests 717 Academic/Service Bldgs. Fire Alarm Tests 114 Residential Fire Alarm/Emergency Power Tests 52 Annual Testing of Sprinklers in Residential Bldgs. Annual Testing of Sprinklers in Academic Bldgs.
53 33
FY15 FIRE EVACUATION DRILLS 102 Residence Halls
113 Academic/Service Buildings 36 Child Care Fire Drills
14 Summer Camp Fire Drills
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Construction Safety Management. Construction on campus during FY15 continues to require a significant commitment of EH&S staff to ensure site safety, environmental protection, and the health and safety of our campus community. The program achieves safety oversight through contractor pre-construction safety orientation, site specific safety plan review, crane plan review, issuance of excavation permits, attendance at job meetings, and site auditing with documentation and follow-up of deficiencies observed.
Major contractor incidents in FY15 with EH&S following up included:
Electrical line in concrete floor at the Campus Center struck by contractor; Contractor excavated 13.8 KV duct bank; Stopped contractor work for excavation violations at Gorman; Laborer at the South College project seriously injured when struck and pinned by granite
slab; Unstable excavating machine behind Grayson fell over into excavation.
FY15 CONSTRUCTION SAFETY MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES Meetings attended: 44 Pre-construction; 15 Contractor oversights
Issued: 47 Excavation permits; 12 OSHA 10 Construction industry certificates Reviewed: 60 Site-specific safety plans; 59 Crane plans
Monitored: 99 projects Classes: 2 OSHA 10 Construction industry classes
Investigations: 7 Incident/near misses
MAJOR CAMPUS PROJECTS OVERSEEN IN FY15 Campus Center Blue Wall renovations; Champions Center; Chapel; Du Bois Electrical Upgrades; Design Building; East Side Transformer Upgrades; Furcolo Renovations; Gorman Fire Alarm; Morrill Renovations; PVTA Transit Lifts; Paige Lab Renovation; Robsham Visitors Center PV Canopy; South College; Student Union HVAC; Tillson Substations UMass/Eversource.
OSHA Summer Summit 2015. On June 23, 2015, EH&S co-hosted the 2nd Annual OSHA Summer Summit along with OSHA, the OSHA Training Institute at Keene, The Safety Council of Western New England and the American Society of Safety Engineers. The Summit brought high quality safety training to over 400 attendees including many UMass employees. Among the presentations were the Keynote Speaker Mary Hoye, OSHA Area Director for the Springfield, MA office, a safety motivational speech by Eric Giguere entitled: “The Buried Truth,” and eighteen technical sessions on important topics covering various OSHA Emphasis Programs.
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Physical Plant Safety Management investigates accidents, performs safety inspections, attends pre-construction and contractor meetings, and presents training sessions for Physical Plant employees. During FY15, there were: 55 Accident investigations; 43 Contractor inspections; 1247 Informational/Service Requests handled: 129 Physical Plant inspections; 14 Pre-construction/contractor meetings; and 145 Training sessions conducted.
Noteworthy Activities in FY15: Excavation safety focus including training/inspections, and trench safety checklist; Water main
break policy and excavation training by NEWWA; Hearing Conservation Program: Undertook noise survey program for various campus spaces and
coordinated audiometric testing for staff; Crane safety focus with a review of numerous crane plans including on-site inspections; Confined Space: Assisted with coordinating rescue exercise with AFD, PP Mechanical Utilities
and EH&S; Respiratory Protection Program: Updated respiratory qualifications for Building Maintenance
Zone staff for fit testing; Electrical/battery room safety: Instituted a safety inspection program for inviter and battery rooms; Safety Training: Placed major emphasis on safety training including a modified orientation
program specific to Grounds, Custodial, Trades/Utilities departments.
EH&S TRAINING STATISTICS FOR FY15
FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15Courses Provided 7595 9087 9732 7953Attendees 499 492 478 457
400425450475500525550575600625650
0
2000
4000
6000
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12000
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ses P
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EH&S Training Summary
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EH&S TRAININGS BY DEPARTMENT
EH&S TRAININGS BY SUBGROUPS
Academic Departments
Administrative
Auxiliary Services
Other
Physical Plant
Residential Life
Training By UMass Department
Academic
Campus Safety & Fire
Protection
Emergency Management
Environmental
Training By EH&S Subgroups
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BREAKDOWN OF EH&S TRAININGS FOR FY15
Course Title Participants Auxiliary Services Student Safety Training 1135 Bio-Safety Cabinet 90 Biological Safety (For Laboratory Personnel) 608 Bloodborne Pathogens 635 Confined Space Entry 48 Ergonomics for the Computer User 74 Hazardous Waste Management 1756 Laboratory Safety 1173 Lock-Out/Tag-Out 68 Motor Vehicle Idling Policy (UMass employees) 437 Radiation Safety Refresher 88 Right to Know (Hazardous Materials in the Workplace) 1709 Shipping Exempt Biological Substances Category B 59 Shipping with Dry Ice 129 UHS Bloodborne Pathogens and Safe Injection Practices 99 UHS Employee Confidentiality 225 UHS Employee Safety Training 225 UHS Safety/Security 226 Worker Protection Standard (For Agricultural Workers) 334
Notice of Injury Reports are forwarded to EH&S from Human Resources. The following graphs reflect campus injuries by Fiscal Year, Injury Types, Accidents Resulting in Injuries, and Injuries By Department.
FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15Injuries Reported 464 522 504 532Lost Day Cases 238 99 75 135Lost Days Reported 1653 3332 3021 3127
0500
100015002000250030003500
Fiscal Year Injury Comparison
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3 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 7 10 12
18 30 33
85 112
185
Bee StingMultiple
Allergic ReactionCardiac Emergency
Needle StickConcussion
CrushingPunctureFracture
MusculoskeletalForeign Body
InhalationAbrasion
OtherBurn
LacerationContusion
Sprain/Strain
Injury Types
3
5
5
13
13
15
18
28
84
169
179
Insect Bite
Medical Emergency
Needle Stick
Repetitive Motion
Struck Against
Other
Caught Between
Chemical Exposure
Overexertion
Struck By
Slip/Trip/Fall
Accidents Resulting In Injuries
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Environmental and Hazardous Materials Management Services (EHMM) assists and guidescampus departments in environmental compliance issues and acts as a liaison between campus departments and environmental regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations. EHMM works very closely with Physical Plant, Design and Construction Management, Research and Engagement, Residential Life, and Auxiliary Enterprises, not only on maintaining compliance, but also on sustainability practices to reduce associated emissions and hazards. Responsibilities include:
Permitting, tracking, reporting of air and water (waste, reclaimed, storm), emissions; Sampling, inspecting, oversight and disposal of hazardous materials to include hazardous
building materials, spills, solid waste and hazardous waste; Shipping of hazardous materials in compliance with DOT and IATA regulations; Oversight of environmental related equipment such as storage tanks, generators, and central
heating plant equipment; Providing environmental health and safety training, consultation and support to the campus
community on areas related to chemical spills, laboratory use, demolition, construction,sustainability efforts, equipment, and maintenance;
Updating technical expertise, maintaining appropriate credentials, and keeping current withlocal, state, and federal regulation to ensure the campus community is provided with the mostcurrent safety and regulatory information, strategies for management, and ability to mitigaterisk.
UHS
UMPD
All Other Departments
Residential Life
Academic
Physcial Plant
Auxiliary Services
Injuries By Department
26
AIR EMISSIONS From 2004-2008, the campus reduced its overall carbon footprint by over 30% by phasing out the use of coal combustion and building an award winning co-generating Central Heating Plant that utilized the best available control technology at the time the plant was built. Given the increase in newly built energy intensive buildings, such as the Integrated Science Building and the Life Science Laboratory, the University’s air emissions have stayed relatively steady. This was achieved through the use of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) being utilized instead of #2 fuel oil during Berkshire Gas curtailments.
UMass submits an Annual Source Registration Report as required by the campus Title V Air Operating Permit to the MA DEP. In coordination with Utility personnel, EH&S compiles and reports information on Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, Ammonia, Volatile Organic Compounds, Sulfur Dioxide, and Particulate Matter. This report captures emission data associated with all emission sources across the campus including: CHP boilers and combustion turbine, other small boilers, emergency generators, painting operations, fuel tanks, parts degreasers, hot water heaters, and space heaters. Again, a major emission reduction can be seen with the installation of the Central Heating Plant in 2009, which utilizes natural gas and low sulfur diesel.
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) trap heat in the atmosphere. Several different kinds of GHGs are converted to carbon dioxide equivalents (eCO2). As well as providing information for our sustainability initiatives, EHMM tracks GHG emissions to satisfy the new regulatory reporting requirements as follows:
• The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP). MA DEP alsorequires a UMass hired third party verification audit every three years. As of 2015, thiswill no longer be required;
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50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Met
ric T
ons
UMass Annual Source Registration Emissions
SOX
PM10
PM2.5
NOX
CO
VOC
NH3
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• The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);• The UMass Climate Action Plan;• The American College and University Presidential Climate Commitment (ACUPCC).
Data captured for these GHG reports include:
• #2 fuel oil and natural gas used to fuel the Central Heating Plant boilers, turbine and heatrecovery steam generator;
• Gasoline, diesel and biodiesel used to fuel mobile sources including buses, passenger cars,light duty vehicles (trucks, mowers), and heavy duty vehicles (trucks, tractors,excavators);
• Propane, natural gas and #2 fuel oil for small boilers, emergency generators, and spaceheaters;
• Fuels, gases and refrigerant used for Auxiliary Enterprises equipment (ovens/woks/grills),refrigerant used for vehicle air conditioning and refrigerators, chiller repairs, carbondioxide used in beverage dispensers, VOCs released in paint booths, and gases used inlaboratories and welding operations.
Note the increase with eCO2 relative to the turbine. With the replacement of the turbine, the CHP was able to increase the electrical generation from 10 MW to 11 MW.
In FY13 and FY15 (November–April), the University sited a liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage facility, with a storage capacity of 2,500 dekatherms, adjacent to the Central Heating Plant (CHP) as a third fuel option to reduce reliance on fuel oil during the winter heating season.
Potable and Reclaimed Water/Sanitary Sewer. Over the last ten years, the Amherst Campus used an average of 354 million gallons of water per year. Twelve years ago, the Town of Amherst Department of Public Utilities requested that UMass investigate ways to reuse the town’s Waste Water Treatment Plant’s effluent (reclaimed water) on campus. UMass commissioned a study to
-
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
2012 2013 2014
Equivalent Carbon Dioxide Emissions (Metric Tons)
Other
Mobile (buses, trucks,cars, machinery)
CHP Heat Recovery SteamGenerator
Central Heating PlantTurbine
Central Heating PlantBoilers
28
investigate the feasibility of reusing this effluent and confirmed that the reclaimed water was possible for boiler water makeup at the old Power Plant. The best path was to use proven technology: multimedia filters, reverse osmosis membranes, and chlorination.
RO (Reverse Osmosis) Trailer and Storage Tank located adjacent to the Town of Amherst Waste Water Treatment Plant and the UMass Central Heating Plant.
With approval from the Town of Amherst and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the University started utilizing reclaimed water in 2005. The water reuse initiative reduced potable water consumption by about 17%. On April 25, 2013, the University received approval from MA DEP to utilize reclaimed water for the cooling towers at the Central Heating Plant under a Class A Reclaimed Water Permit. UMass started utilizing the Class A permit in July 2013. In FY15, reclaimed water accounted for 17% of water usage on campus saving the University approximately $625,000 in water and sewer fees. On June 8, 2015, DEP authorized UMass to maximize our reclaimed water usage during the summer months to include the Commonwealth Honors Residential Complex. The required connections should be completed by the 2016 cooling season.
53 54 60 67 60 43 51 64 70 67
448 382 277 262 279 303 276 301 279 281 285 302
0
200
400
600
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015Mill
ions
of G
allo
ns
Fiscal Year
UMass Water Consumption (Potable and Reclaimed)
Potable Water
Reclaimed Water
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UMass works closely with the Amherst Waste Water Treatment Plant to minimize any disruptions to their system. Any non-standard discharge greater than 1,000 gallons must have authorization from the Town of Amherst, EHMM and/or Physical Plant. EHMM also works with campus departments to develop water efficient policies and programs which help reduce the quantity of water used and the amount of waste water generated.
Storm Water. Unlike sanitary sewers, storm drains are not connected to a treatment plant, but flow directly into local streams, rivers and lakes. Silt, soaps, degreasers, automotive fluids, litter, and other materials washed off buildings, sidewalks, plazas, parking areas, construction areas, vehicles, and equipment can all pollute our waterways. EHMM audits construction sites for best management practices for erosion and sediment control. Any sites impacting greater than one acre of soil must have a written Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan and must obtain a Storm Water Construction General Permit. The new Central Heating Plant is required to have a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) multi-sector general permit. EHMM and CHP personnel regularly inspect drainage systems and sample quarterly per our permit.
Hazardous Waste Management. EHMM is responsible for storage, tracking, and disposal of all hazardous waste generated by campus departments, laboratories, Physical Plant, Auxiliary Service, Housing and construction sites including UMass’ satellite locations in South Deerfield, Hadley, Gloucester, Belchertown and Wareham.
The University has nearly 900 laboratories with chemicals that are used in a variety of ways. In the end, what is not used up must be disposed of. What makes disposal more difficult is the number of containers and the many classes of chemicals which cannot be combined. In FY15, laboratories submitted 9,507 waste requests with the most prevalent requests coming from Polymer Science and Chemistry. EHMM is required by regulation to move these containers within three working days to a hazardous waste central storage area.
The containers must first be picked up from each laboratory and packaged appropriately for transport to a central location. Many containers are glass. Decisions are made on what will be packed as containers into a larger drum (lab packed) and what will be poured off into a drum (bulked). Most of the containers are mixtures, thus each ingredient is noted and containers are tested for various aspects which determine what can be safely combined in each drum and where and how each drum will be disposed of. The contents and quantity of each container in a lab pack drum must be recorded as part of the manifest and packed to prevent breakage and spillage. Bulk and lab pack drums must then be labeled and packaged according to Department of Transportation and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection regulations and shipped for disposal to a Hazardous Waste Treatment Storage and Disposal Facility. In order to keep up, EHMM works with a full time chemist outsourced through our contracted hazardous waste vendor.
30
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
10000
FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15
Hazardous Waste Pickups
Other
Civil and Env Engineering
Biochemistry
Vet and Animal Science
Biology
Microbiology
Chemical Engineering
Plant Food and Insect Science
Food Science
Chemistry
Polymer Science
$104,392.00 $96,902.75 $115,981.50$159,668.50 $141,381.25
$118,879.85 $97,886.48
$87,287.04
$102,661.92 $111,918.06
$10,362.04 $15,547.13
$38,644.01
$64,122.68 $70,223.54
$-
$50,000.00
$100,000.00
$150,000.00
$200,000.00
$250,000.00
$300,000.00
$350,000.00
FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15
Hazardous Waste Costs
Lab Cleanout
Lab Pack
Outsourcing
31
Note that the hazardous waste costs do not include hazardous material abatement costs. Chemicals with BTU value (oils and solvents) that can be incinerated are a lot less costly than items that need to be landfilled, treated prior to disposal, or incinerated under extremely high temperatures.
Satellite Accumulation Area Inspections. Satellite Accumulation Areas are the collection points of hazardous waste at the point of generation. The generator of the hazardous waste is responsible for their own weekly inspections. However, EHMM audits various areas, based on condition, as well as the volume of hazardous waste generated. We performed 409 assessments during FY15.
Universal Waste. In conjunction with the Office of Waste Management at the Waste Transfer Facility, EHMM is responsible for and manages the disposal of all Universal Wastes which include lamps, batteries, paint and other mercury containing items.
Environmental Site Assessments and Abatement. EHMM assesses all construction projects throughout the UMass Amherst campus, as well as UMass satellite buildings for environmental concerns (asbestos, lead, cadmium, chromium, PCB’s, contaminated soils, etc.). Projects range from a hole in a wall to the demolition of a building. EHMM ensures the safety and welfare of the
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Satellite Accumulation Area Assessments for FY15
32
campus community and maintains compliance with state and federal regulations.
All Hazard Review (AHR) Inspections. A major initiative to reach out to Auxiliary Services, Alterations and OIT this past year, significantly increased the number of All Hazard Review Inspections. AHR is the inspection and review of any work conducted on the campus to identify if regulated hazardous building materials including asbestos, lead, heavy metals, PCBs, contaminated soils, or other EH&S regulated materials like chemicals, biologicals or radiation, might be impacted by the work. The Site Assessment group performs the service for Physical Plant, Housing, OIT, Alterations and Auxiliary Services for daily operations of the campus including maintenance, custodial, renovations, and emergency situations. A weekly meeting is conducted by Physical Plant to review all new Service Requests (SR) and determine the progression of each request which includes whether an AHR is required. AHR inspections are conducted by:
o Contacting the person or party that submitted the request to review the details aboutthe request;
o A review of all past sampling inspections relevant to the request;
o Visual inspection of the area, materials, equipment or unknown to be impacted bythe request;
o If needed, the collection of samples for asbestos, PCBs or lead determination;
o Interpretation of sample results;
o Progressing the SR in the Tririga system as positive or negative.
All Service Requests that go through the AHR process are tracked through the Physical Plant Tririga system and can only be moved out of the AHR system by EHS denoted personnel as:
• Hazard Assessment Negative. The work is cleared and given to the appropriatedepartment to conduct the work.
• Hazard Assessment Positive.o Small Projects: The work is moved to the Physical Plant, Environmental Service
Unit (ESU). The ESU is a select group of trained and licensed workers whoconduct the work associated with the identified hazardous building material forsmall projects (broken floor tiles, broken pipe insulation) with oversite andclearance by EH&S.
o Large Projects: If the abatement part of the project is larger in scale, the SR will bemoved to Physical Plant Service Contracts and the work will be conducted by anAbatement Contractor with oversite by EH&S.
During FY15, 1,294 Service Requests were reviewed and processed through the AHRprocess. In FY14, 666 Service Requests were processed: an increase of 628.
As part of the AHR process, the collection of any questionable materials is performed by a Site Assessment MA licensed Asbestos Inspector when past sampling data is insufficient to make accurate determination as positive or negative for containing asbestos or lead. The samples are sent
33
to ProScience Analytical for asbestos and lead determination. The lab results are then added to the Site Assessments database for reference on future Service Request AHR reviews. The samples may be collected for a routine SR, or to address situations of concern such as:
o The impact of an unintended or unplanned material by contractors or UMasspersonnel;
o Student or staff concerns for dust or deteriorated materials;o Emergency situations.
During FY15, 299 samples were collected for asbestos and lead determination from 75Service Requests, a major increase over FY14, when 48 samples were collected from 16Service Requests.
Department of Environmental (DEP) Notifications. The Site Assessment team submits an Asbestos Removal Notification to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (ANF-001 form) for any asbestos work performed under the UMass Asbestos Blanket held by EH&S for work being completed by the Environmental Services Unit (ESU) department. When an Service Request progresses to “Positive” for containing asbestos, the ESU department submits a notification to the Site Assessment group requesting a DEP notification with the specific details of the job, including the start and end dates of the work. No work impacting any asbestos containing materials can be performed without a valid and active ANF 001 Form.
In FY15, there were 440 Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) ANF 001 Asbestos Blanket Notifications submitted.
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10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Asbestos Notifications
FY13 (341)
FY14 (439)
FY15 (440)
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Asbestos Abatement. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation, as well as a fire retardant. Because of its fiber strength and heat resistant properties, asbestos has been used in roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, asbestos cement products, heat resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, adhesives and coatings. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed by repair, remodeling or demolition activities, microscopic fibers can become airborne and inhaled into the lungs where they can cause significant health problems.
After ESU completes the Asbestos Blanket Notified project, the Site Assessment group completes a visual inspection of the project to ensure that all work has been completed and conducts a final visual inspection and, if required, a final air clearance testing. At a minimum, the final visual inspection is a requirement for all ESU projects, as stated in the DEP regulations 310 CMR 7.15 (8) “Visual Inspection Requirements.” Once the final clearance is conducted and passed, the site assessment progresses the SR through the Tririga system as “Cleared for Entry.”
Site Inspections are conducted for any asbestos, lead or hazardous building materials work being performed on the campus, to ensure that all state and federal regulations and UMass compliance policies are enforced and followed. Site inspection projects include large scale Design & Construction Management (D&CM), Division of Capital Asset Management (DCAM) and Physical Plant service contract maintenance projects. Starting Jan 1, 2015, EHMM began tracking the number of Site Inspections conducted.
Emergency Response. EHMM organizes a monthly HAZWOPER training for the EH&S Hazmat team and has organized tabletop discussions and exercises with outside agencies, as well. As a member of the EH&S Hazmat team, EHMM responds to hazardous material emergencies which may cause injury or exposure, result in extensive property damage, or cause a release to the environment.
22 28 32 42
103 107
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
January February March April May June
Number of Site Inspections, January-June 2015
35
The largest percentage of calls involved laboratory spills. Some of the responses were small cleanups while others required the need to bring in internal and external resources including the district hazmat teams, fire departments, and police. The next largest volume of calls consisted of campus-related hazardous material incidents, with the bulk of these being automobile accidents causing gas, oil and/or antifreeze-related spills. EHMM also responds to spills created by contractors. In most cases, the responsibility for cleanup and reporting fall under the contractor. However, we often provide consultation and immediate services to prevent a spill from further entry into the environment and aid in keeping the public away from the spill. The majority of these responses are hydraulic leaks from equipment. We have also responded to gas leaks and other hazardous material incidents. Note that these numbers do not include the discovery of asbestos or PCBs on a job site, to which we respond as well. The last category, labeled Physical Plant, covers the infrastructure issues. In most cases, we aid Physical Plant in the cleanup in University owned buildings, vehicles or equipment. The majority of these responses involve fuel oil and hydraulic leaks, but EHMM also responds to water leaks which could impact other hazardous materials.
The majority of responses are usually small spills that require only a few people to respond and cleanup. The more memorable incidents in FY15 that required coordination between contractors, utility companies, EH&S, Facilities, Physical Plant, UMass Police, and other outside regulatory agencies are the following:
• Berkshire Dining Common Chemical Spill resulted from adegreasing chemical being poured down the drain thatsomehow got into the storm drain system. The chemicalmust have reacted with some other chemical forming anoxious fume, as well as a chemical sheen on the waterover half a mile from Berkshire Dining Common. DEP andthe Coast Guard were notified. Booms were deployed inthe waterways to prevent the product from entering the Mill River.
• Damage to 13.8 kV Electrical Duct Bank by an Excavatortripped the breakers in the East Side substation. Power waslost to Sylvan, the North Residential Area, LGRC LowRise, Hamlin, Arnold, Leach, Johnson, and Dwight.Damage to the duct bank resulted in a power bump thatbrought down the CHP turbine generator. EHMMconfirmed that the conduits were transite, the duct bankwas transite and six pipes were located in the duct bank.When they pulled the wire out, it broke through two of thetransite conduits. Debris was present on the soil. A UMass house contractor was taskedwith the cleanup of the broken pieces of transite throughout the soil.
• Diesel Spill. EHMM often responds to fuel oil spills and hopes that they are contained to asmall area. However, on this occasion, the spill spread along extended stretches of road.
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The incident involved a Physical Plant truck that leaked from the diesel fill station at PVTA all the way up to Tillson Farm. In addition, it was cold and rainy and occurred after normal working hours. Luckily, the fuel did not enter any storm drains, although where the truck was parked, the diesel released onto the nearby soil. We worked closely with Physical Plant which provided a sander to absorb the diesel and a street sweeper to pick up the sand. EHMM dug up the contaminated soil and an LSP was brought in.
Contaminated Areas. EHMM oversees the monitoring and cleanup of University hazardous material sites on and off the Amherst campus. Many sites can be cleaned up with minimal effort under the direction of EHMM and a Licensed Site Professional; other sites cannot be completely cleaned up and have to be periodically monitored. The following are some of the significant accomplishments for FY15:
Lot 12 Landfill. Oversight for a twelve acre undocumented landfill that was discovered aspart of the Central Heating Plant Access Road Project. The landfill also incorporates aMA DEP regulated chemical dumping site. During FY12, a risk assessment was performedfor the sight which included determining: 1) the boundaries of the landfill via test pits; 2) ifthere were releases to nearby water bodies by sampling the sediment and water in the TanBrook and the Mill River; and, 3) if there are potential risks to the public by installingborings for water, soil and gas samples within the landfill. It was determined that there wasno significant risk from the landfill, although there have been exceedences of 20% of theLEL for methane underground. In FY13 and FY14, the site was further delineated and acorrective action design was developed to provide a sufficient cover for the landfill. Thisdesign was implemented in FY15.
PCB Cleanup. The University is the first in the United States toobtain a Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO) with EPA,which allows UMass to encapsulate the unauthorized PCB sourcematerial (window glazing sealant) in place at Lederle Low Rise andTower A for fifteen years. The CAFO was signed June 20, 2012.In FY15, we removed all of the windows with the exception of oneroom in the LGRC Low Rise.
Shipping of Hazardous Materials. EHMM provides services for shipping dangerous goods and/or research samples domestically and internationally. Shipments must comply with the DOT (ground) or IATA (air) regulations and have the correct packaging, labels, and bill of lading. EHMM reviewed and prepared 295 dangerous goods packages for shipment during FY15. Major improvements for this program included resolving certain billing issues and having Research Affairs help with the challenges of meeting export regulations. EH&S implemented eShipGlobal to further improve our handling and shipping of dangerous goods. In FY15, EHMM shipped 204 packages via eShipGlobal.
Aluminum strip prior to silicone application
37
Design and Construction. EHMM is an integral part of the design and construction for new buildings and building renovations on campus and is involved in all environmental site assessments. EHMM also provides environmental health and safety comments during the design phase of projects and attends various construction meetings to provide EH&S oversight.
Major projects in FY15 included the design and construction of the new Physical Sciences Building, the Design Building, the Champion Center, the Integrated Learning Center, Life Science Lab II, Tillson Farm Substation, and South College. Renovations included Furcolo, Marks Meadow, the Old Chapel, LGRC Low Rise Window Replacement, the Physical Plant Lift Replacement, and the PVTA Lift Project.
Office of Emergency Management (OEM). After four years of working on the campusMulti-Hazard Mitigation Plan, OEM received approval in 2015. Begun in 2011 with a grant for $143,000 to develop a state and federally approved plan, the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan involved countless campus stakeholders on the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Team and CERM Committee. UMass is in very select company as the second university in New England to have a state and federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved plan.
The purpose of the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan is designed to enhance disaster safety and resilience at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, thereby protecting the University’s core mission of teaching, research, and public service. The Plan which assists the University in reducing risk and helps guide and coordinate mitigation activities on campus contains the following:
Identification of hazards and critical facilities and a detailed risk assessment for thehazards and critical facilities on campus;
A list of mitigation strategies including a cost estimate for the proposed actions, apossible funding source, an identified responsible party, and a potential timeline forimplementation.
Having an approved Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan also makes UMass eligible for additional program funding. This project has been a true collaborative effort across campus. The willingness of staff on the committees to actively engage with the planning process has enhanced the effectiveness of the overall effort of continued risk identification and reduction across the campus.
Grant Funds. Utilizing a $106,500 State Homeland Security Grant, on March 19, 2015, UMass Amherst conducted an emergency operations exercise to evaluate the University’s capability to effectively and efficiently respond to and recover from an active shooter incident on campus. This
38
simulated incident involved a shooting at a dining common resulting in two student deaths and multiple injuries. A cross-functional exercise planning team composed of UMass Amherst staff and representatives from partner agencies met over the course of five months to design the scenario and structure the exercise to meet very specific objectives. An outside team conducted and evaluated the exercise in support of UMass Amherst. Overall, the exercise was a success for several important reasons because it:
(1) Highlighted the spirit of partnership and collaboration that exists in support of the University’s Public Safety and Emergency Management programs;
(2) Demonstrated major strengths that the University can refine and build upon in order to enhance its initial response capabilities, as well as develop plans, policies, and procedures for long-term recovery;
(3) Enabled UMass Amherst to purchase a secondary outdoor warning siren system console and antenna that enhances the capability to activate the outdoor warning siren and notify the campus community of an emergency.
OEM applied for and received a grant for $131,200 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Office to conduct a System-wide Emergency Preparedness Functional Exercise in spring 2016. The functional exercise will promote preparedness, validate plans, policies, procedures, emergency notification systems and determine the effectiveness of the command, control, and communication functions from a system, campus, local, regional and state perspective. The exercise will involve key departments from the UMass campuses, area communities, and state agencies that would be responding to an incident impacting the campuses. This is the first ever functional system-wide exercise.
Continuity of Operations. UMass Amherst is committed to the safety and protection of its employees, faculty and students, operations, research and facilities. In April 2015, OEM launched a campus-wide continuity planning project called UMass Ready. In support of this commitment, the University has critical operations that must be performed or rapidly and efficiently resumed in an emergency. UMass Ready is an effort to ensure that essential functions of the University can continue across a wide range of potential emergencies.
OEM worked with Facilities and Campus Services (FCS) to transition operations from the NOTIFIND system to the RAVE system for inner and inter-departmental emergency notifications. FCS’s Solutions Center staff members are now trained to use the RAVE notification system on a daily basis for sharing facility notifications with campus partners. These two notification system users complete the on campus transition to the RAVE system.
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Operations. In FY15, EOC was activated ten different times for events big and small, planned and unplanned. This record of activations demonstrates the critical need to have a team ready, willing and able to respond at a moment’s notice. The EOC Team meets quarterly to prepare for their respective roles with training exercises used to test the Campus Emergency Management Plan and the EOC Team’s specific objectives.
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The University continues to partner with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for planning, training, and incident response. MEMA representatives routinely attend EOC activations and offer a link to the state’s resources when needed. Also, the University and MEMA partnered in a Memorandum of Understanding to serve as a State Staging Site in the event of a regional emergency that would bring physical resources into our area from elsewhere.
New Campus Emergency Plans. In FY15, OEM has worked to develop additional plans and procedures that support the Campus Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). These plans include a Joint Information System, Emergency Dispensing Site Plan, Campus Shelter Plan, Severe Weather Plan and plans for the potential use of the campus as a state-wide staging area.
Interaction with faculty, staff and students. Throughout FY15, OEM tabled at the Campus Center to promote Emergency Preparedness and campaigned for students, faculty and staff to sign up for UMass Amherst Alerts. OEM also tabled at the UFest and the annual Employee Health Fair.
UMass EMS. In the non-employee injury category the student-run Emergency Medical Technician unit, UMass Amherst EMS, cared for a number of sick or injured people at on-campus events. There were a total of 259 patient contacts in FY15, a small increase over FY14’s figure of 221 patient contacts. A total of 56 requests for ambulance transport were initiated by UMass EMS; a small increase over FY14’s number of 47. While FY14 yielded a 21% transport percentage, FY15 reported a 22% transport percentage.
UMass Amherst EMS Members
40
The group worked approximately 480 events in FY15, varying in size from one member standby shifts to twenty member deployments. FY15 marked the return of regular Electronic Dance Music shows at the Mullins Center and home football games at McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Despite the reintroduction of multiple large events with high patient generator potential, the EMS numbers did not change significantly. The new command structure instituted in FY14 produced a significant decrease in the transport percentage from FY13. The consistency of that number throughout FY15 reinforces the efficacy of this model and the achievements made by the group to improve their operations.
A chart of patient contacts by event category is presented below. The data is further divided into care-only contacts (patient was treated and released) versus transport contacts (an ambulance was requested to transport the patient to a hospital). Due to the volume of patients from Men’s and Women’s Rugby, a separate category was created to clearly compare activity at these events. The Mullins Center shows the highest volume in comparison to any other category, considering that this venue hosts the highest number of attendees per year. Of note are Commencement and home football games that were the next largest patient generators. The combined Rugby data indicates that this sport created the same amount of patient contacts as all other UMass Amherst EMS-covered athletic venues combined (excluding the Mullins Center).
Breakdown by chief-complaint categories for FY15 differs from FY14’s results. Most notable was the significant increase in the Medical Emergency category, likely artificial, as closer scrutiny of patient care documentation has resulted in chief complaints conforming to the nationally accepted ICD-9 Codes. In these circumstances, many patients listed as having altered mental status or vomiting may in fact have been intoxicated, drawing down from numbers that would have otherwise been listed in the Alcohol/Drug Related category. The introduction of an electronic patient charting system allows for better data tracking, as alcohol and drug information are separate fields outside of chief complaint in the National Emergency Medical Services Information System Standard schema.
Fine Arts Commencement Rugby Student
UnionAthleticVenues
HomeFootballGames
MullinsCenter
Transport 2 5 3 3 7 7 41Care 6 22 15 6 11 32 99
020406080
100120140160
Care
vs.
Tra
nspo
rts
FY15 Care-Only vs. Transports Divided by Venue
41
At the request of Disability Services, UMass Amherst EMS offered a new service to the campus in FY15. To overcome access issues of mobility challenged students with scheduled classes in the Fine Arts Center, the group trained, scheduled, and performed stair chair services in coordination with affected students. This was initially completed with two-member teams using a manual stair chair device. In Spring Semester 2015, the EMTs started training on a new assisted stair climbing device that is scheduled to be deployed FY16. The group hopes to offer this service, as necessary, to any students confronted with challenges of this nature.
UMass Amherst EMS continues to provide a valuable service to the campus community at both large and small events. The group focused this year on further restructuring the agency and updating equipment to better meet the pre-hospital care needs of patrons at campus events. Student groups, departments, and outside agencies holding events on campus recognize the cost-effective option UMass Amherst EMS offers in providing for the emergency medical needs of their planned activities.
UMass Amherst EMS continues to host an EMT Training Program each semester to ensure that there are incoming, trained and certified emergency medical technicians to replace those members who graduate and leave the University every year. Members of the unit also provide CPR and First Aid training to their peers throughout campus, as well as continuing education training to the EMTs within the unit to ensure that their certification and competency skills are current. During FY15, these training programs served over 350 individuals.
19%
11%
13%
4% 2%
51%
FY15: 259 EMT Treatments At Events
Sports injury Fainting/Syncope Minor Medical
Slip/Fall Alcohol/Drug Related Medical Emergency
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UMASS AMHERST
Environmental Health and Safety Promoting a safe and healthful environment for living, learning and working
Barbara Mitchell, Production Coordinator
Environmental Health and Safety 117 Draper Hall
40 Campus Center Way Amherst, MA 01003-9244
voice: 413-545-2682 fax: 413-545-2600
www.ehs.umass.edu
