Forms, Policies & Procedures

Department Safety Committee Policy

1. PURPOSE
   This policy is developed to provide guidance to Department Safety Committees by establishing uniform administrative procedures and minimum requirements. It is the Department Safety Committee’s charge along with the Department of Environmental Health and Safety to provide the University Community with a safe and healthful work environment. It is also the intent of the Department Safety Committee to assure compliance with all University Safety Policies.
2. SCOPE OF POLICY
   1. Establishment of Committees
      While all departments are encouraged to have Safety Committees, departments designated by the Director of Environmental Health and Safety shall establish Department Safety Committees. A list of current department safety committees can be found at Environmental Health and Safety web site.
   2. Establishment of Contacts
      Department heads or his/her designee will serve as the Safety contact in all University departments who do not have safety committees. These contacts will receive communications from the Department of Environmental Health and Safety regarding safety issues and serve as the safety liaison for their department. A list of current department safety contacts can be found at Environmental Health and Safety web site.
   3. Membership
      Department heads shall appoint Safety Committee members and designate a Chairperson. The names of committee members shall be forwarded to the Director of Environmental Health and Safety each year by June 30. Terms shall be at the discretion of the Department Head.The Director of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety or their designee shall serve as an ex officio member on all Safety Committees.Department Safety Committee membership should, when applicable, include representatives of the professional staff, faculty, salaried staff, hourly employees and students.
   4. Meetings
      Department Safety Committees shall meet periodically at a frequency determined by the committee, but not less than four times per year. By June 30 each year Safety Committee Chairs shall communicate to the Director of Environmental Health and Safety the months in which meetings are planned for the next fiscal year. Minutes shall be recorded. Minutes should include members attending, members absent, disposition of old business and new business covering items identified under Minimum Requirements (section IV).
   5. Annual Report
      Individual departments shall submit an annual report of their committee’s activities to the Department of Environmental Health and Safety. The reports are to be submitted using the forms developed by Environmental Health and Safety which can be found at Environmental Health and Safety web site. These reports are due by June 30 for the previous year. A summary of these reports is presented to the Risk Management Advisory Council annually.

The complete policy and more can be found on the General Counsel’s web site.

Driver’s Requirements and Verification

1. PURPOSE
   To provide reasonable assurance that each individual who operates any motor vehicle on university business possesses a valid license of the appropriate classification and to minimize the University’s liability in motor vehicle accidents.

Questions pertaining to Driver’s Licensing and classification can be referred to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.

Questions pertaining to insurance coverage can be referred to the Office of Risk Management, 302-831-2971.

Related Links

Drug/Alcohol Testing – Commercial Driver’s Licenses and Safety Sensitive Functions Web Policy

The complete policy and more can be found on the General Counsel’s web site.

Drug/Alcohol Testing – Commercial Driver’s Licenses and Safety Sensitive Functions

1. POLICY
   The University of Delaware recognizes the importance of safety protocols for employees operating University Commercial Motor Vehicles and other employees performing safety sensitive functions and intends to follow all laws, rules and regulations applicable to such activities through application of this policy.
2. SCOPE OF POLICY
   This policy applies to the Employees Subject to Testing and is intended to comply with the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 (“OTETA”) and in accordance with Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 382 and 391, Subpart H.

   Employees Subject to Testing – Full-time, part-time, miscellaneous wage, casual wage, temporary or seasonal employees, who possess a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with the intent of operating a University commercial motor vehicle (this includes any rented leased, or personal vehicle used as a requirement of their job function) requiring such license, as well as employees performing safety sensitive functions, are subject to testing. All Departments are required to advise the University’s Department of Transportation’s (DOT) On-site Coordinator of all employees required to possess a CDL, as a condition of employment.

Related Links

Driver’s Requirements and Verification Web Policy

The complete policy and more can be found on the General Counsel’s web site.

Emergency Management Policy

1. POLICY
   The State of Delaware can be threatened by emergency and disaster situations both natural, such as flash floods, hurricanes, winter storms and fires, and man-made, such as hazardous materials accidents, nuclear releases, civil disorders and terrorist threats.

   Because the University of Delaware differs in size, complexity, and function from public agencies in the State of Delaware and the County of New Castle, it is prudent for the University to develop an emergency management program of its own to focus on disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation.

Questions related to this policy should be directed to: Executive Director of Campus and Public Safety

The complete policy and more can be found on the General Counsel’s web site.

Emergency Notification Policy

1. POLICY
   The University of Delaware is responsible for providing accurate and timely information to the campus community and the public during emergencies. The University is also responsible to students, faculty, and staff when they express concerns about personal safety and security, and consistent with University policies concerning the release of personal information. This Emergency Notification Policy specifies policies and procedures for facilitating the communication of critical emergency information. The policy utilizes the best science and technology available in order to ensure that the University can notify both University and other interested parties of an emergency and provide appropriate direction on how to avoid potential harm.
2. SCOPE OF PURPOSE
   The University’s approach to crisis incidents follows the Phases of Emergency Management as addressed in the full University Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and Critical Incident Management Plan (CIMP). These documents can be found online at www.udel.edu/safety/plans.

The complete policy and more can be found on the General Counsel’s web site.

Emergency Response/Fire–Other Emergencies

1. SCOPE OF PURPOSE
   To establish uniform procedures throughout the University for the provision of reasonable life safety for employees, students, and guests of the University in case of a fire or other emergencies.

The complete policy and more can be found on the General Counsel’s web site.

Extension Cords

1. PURPOSE
   To establish a uniform policy regarding the use of extension cords.
2. POLICY
   All extension cord use shall comply with NFPA 70 (National Electric Code).
   1. Extension cords shall not be used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a facility, laboratory or shop.
   2. Extension cords shall not be used for permanent or semi-permanent installations, ie, must be less than 30 days. Exception: Extension cords designed for use with portable equipment.
   3. Extension cords shall be listed by the Underwriters’ Laboratory (U.L.) and bear the U.L. label.
   4. Extension cords shall be a minimum of 16 gauge copper wire and rated for not less than 13 amperes, shall be of the grounding type (three wire) and shall not be used in excess of their rated capacity.
   5. Extension cords shall be used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap. Terminals and insulation shall be free of defects such as cracked, split or nicked insulation; exposed wires; knots; burn marks; loose connectors; or other damage that may present a fire or electrocution hazard. Destroy any extension cords showing defects.
   6. Extension cords shall not be connected in series.
   7. Extension cords shall not be used in bathrooms. Extension cords used in wet or damp areas shall be connected to a ground fault interrupter device or GFCI circuit only.
   8. For three wire extension cords, the ground prong shall not be removed. Departments shall request the installation of three prong type wall outlets where not provided.
   9. Proper polarization shall be maintained at all times.
   10. For extension cords equipped with single plug-in capability, a multiple plug adapter may be utilized provided the adapter is U.L. listed and rated for not less than 125 volts/15 amperes. Multiple plug adapters are not otherwise permitted in conjunction with an extension cord.
   11. Extension cords shall not be covered by carpeting, clothing, furniture, or other objects that could prevent adequate air circulation and cooling of the cord.
   12. Extension cords shall not be tacked, stapled or otherwise affixed in semi-permanent or permanent manner. Major appliances such as refrigerators, television sets, or other devices drawing currents for starting motors shall not be connected to an extension cord.
   13. Multi-plug devices may be used for: computer equipment, televisions, stereos, radios and similar devices. They may not be used with refrigerators, microwaves, coffee pots, hot plates toaster ovens and similar devices. Multi-plug devices must be Underwriters Laboratory approved or approved by a similar nationally recognized testing laboratory and they must contain an integral circuit breaker.

For more information regarding this policy, contact either the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at extension 8475 or the Supervisor of Electrical Services at extension 2621.

The complete policy and more can be found on the General Counsel’s web site.

Eye Protection Policy

1. PURPOSE
   To establish an eye protection policy that protects the University community from the hazards which can lead to eye injuries.
2. SCOPE AND APPLICATION
   This policy applies to all University personnel, contract personnel, and visitors in applicable University facilities and/or University operations.

For additional information visit Environmental Health and Safety web site.

The complete policy and more can be found on the General Counsel’s web site.

Facility Safety Equipment

1. SCOPE OF PURPOSE
   To establish minimum safety equipment requirements for new or newly renovated laboratories, rooms, areas or facilities where hazardous chemicals will be used or stored or where other hazardous operations will occur.
2. POLICY
   Unless otherwise specified or exempted by the Director of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, each new or newly renovated laboratory, room, area or facility in which hazardous chemicals or materials are used or stored shall be equipped with the following…

The complete policy and more can be found on the General Counsel’s web site.

Fire Protection/Life Safety Equipment, Design, Installation and Maintenance

1. SCOPE OF PURPOSE
   To ensure all activities involving fire protection/life safety equipment and systems are conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, local regulations and according to the procedures established by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

The complete policy and more can be found on the General Counsel’s web site.

First Aid Kits

1. SCOPE OF PURPOSE
   To establish a uniform standard approved by the University Physician and the Department of Environmental Health and Safety for First Aid Supplies.

The complete policy and more can be found on the General Counsel’s web site.

Hazardous Chemical Information

1. SCOPE OF PURPOSE
   The State of Delaware Hazardous Chemical Information Act, Title 16 Delaware Code, Chapter 24, requires employers to provide information regarding hazardous chemicals to employees and students who may be exposed to such chemicals in the workplace, laboratory, classroom, etc. This policy and its accompanying procedures establish mechanisms to assure compliance with the Hazardous Chemical Information Act.

   Effective Date: This policy shall be effective on July 1, 1985.

The complete policy and more can be found on the General Counsel’s web site.