Safety & Security
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) provides services and support to promote the safety of Bethel employees, students, and visitors.
Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene
EHS staff evaluate all labs on campus at least once a year, while some higher-risk labs are evaluated more frequently. We maintain chemical inventories, keep updated safety data sheets, and annually inspect chemical fume hoods and compressed gas cylinders. Staff provides training and guidance on laboratory topics, including:
- Chemical hygiene safety
- Hazard communication/employee right-to-know
- Biological safety
- Select agents and toxins
- Controlled substances
Preparedness
We oversee the following emergency preparedness and inspection efforts:
- Electrical hazards
- Evacuation plans and drills
- Fire equipment
- Fire procedures
- Fire protection systems
- Inspections
- Life safety
- Occupancy type and limits
Occupational Safety
EHS oversees the following occupational safety efforts:
- Accident/incident investigation
- Aerial lift safety
- Bloodborne pathogen exposure prevention
- Compressed gas safety
- Confined space safety
- Fall protection
- Hazardous energy control (lockout/tagout)
- Hearing conservation
- Indoor air quality
- Industrial hygiene
- Mold remediation
- Respiratory protection
- Risk assessments
Waste Disposal
EHS oversees the proper disposal of regulated or potentially-regulated waste, including laboratory reagents, spent solvents, and used oil. Waste generators are instructed in chemical safety, hazardous waste management, and waste minimization that occur on campus. We oversee materials, such as:
- Asbestos
- Hazardous waste disposal
- Lead paint
- Mold
- Pre-renovation surveys
- Underground/aboveground storage tank management
Other Programs and Support Areas
EHS also works with the campus community to minimize human/wildlife interactions, perform food and drinking water safety inspections, design and review project plans, and provide training and outreach.