Environmental Health, Safety & Compliance
Selasi Kalitsi
Safety and Environmental Compliance Coordinator
skalitsi@bowiestate.edu
301-860-4195
At Bowie State University, the Office of Environmental Health, Safety & Compliance is dedicated to fostering a safe, healthy, and sustainable campus environment. We ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while promoting best practices in environmental stewardship, occupational health, and laboratory safety. Our mission is to protect the well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors by reducing risks, supporting emergency preparedness, and advancing a culture of safety throughout the university community.
Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms that can be present in blood or other bodily fluids and can cause diseases such asHIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Our website provides comprehensive information on bloodborne pathogens, their transmission routes, and the importance of followingproper precautions to minimize the risk of exposure. We emphasize the significance of training and education in understanding the potentialhazards and adopting preventive measures.
Proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, face shields, and gowns, is essential when working with potentially infectiousmaterials. Our guidelines cover the proper use, storage, and disposal of PPE to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
Additionally, we provide information on safe work practices, such as proper hand hygiene, decontamination procedures, and the use ofengineering controls, to minimize the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. By following the recommended protocols and guidelinesoutlined on our website, you contribute to a safe and supportive environment.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials for its fire resistance and durability. However, we now know that asbestos poses significant health risks when its fibers are released into the air and inhaled.
Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health conditions, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Identifying and managing asbestos-containing materials is crucial in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our campus community.
Lead-based paint management is essential for protecting the health of our community members, especially in older buildings where lead-based paint may be present. Our website provides information on the development and implementation of our lead-based paint management plan. This plan aims to identify areas with lead-basedpaint, assess the condition of the paint, and establish strategies to minimize potential lead exposure risks.
We emphasize the importance of conducting lead-based paint surveys and inspections in accordance with regulatory requirements. These surveys help identify areaswith lead-based paint and assess their condition, enabling targeted actions to reduce lead hazards.
Our guidelines cover proper maintenance and repair practices to minimize the deterioration of lead-based paint, as well as safe work practices to prevent lead dust orchips from becoming airborne. We provide information on lead-safe renovation, repair, and painting practices, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. Additionally, we stress the significance of proper training and education for individuals working in or around areas with lead-based paint. Our website offers resourceson lead awareness, hazard communication, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when dealing with lead-based paint.
Bowie State University’s Respiratory Protection Program is designed to protect employees and students from airborne contaminants that may pose healthrisks in laboratory, maintenance, and construction settings. The program ensures compliance with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134)and includes medical evaluations, fit testing, training, and proper respirator selection.
Only trained and authorized individuals may use respirators on campus. If your job or research activities require respiratory protection, contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety for guidance and enrollment in the program.
Bowie State University is committed to protecting human health and the environment through the safe handling, storage, and disposal ofhazardous waste. Our Hazardous Waste Management Program ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, includingEPA and Maryland Department of the Environment standards. We provide training, support, and proper disposal services for all campusdepartments that generate hazardous waste, including laboratories and maintenance areas. Together, we maintain a safe and sustainablecampus community.
LOTO involves isolating energy sources, such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic, and securing them with locks or tags to preventaccidental or unauthorized activation.
We emphasize the significance of training and education in understanding the LOTO process and adhering to established procedures. Ourguidelines cover topics such as energy source identification, equipment preparation, proper lockout/tagout techniques, and the saferemoval of locks and tags.
Bowie State University is committed to protecting the health and safety of our campus community in all working conditions. Guidelines for preventingheat-related illnesses and cold stress are included in the university’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). These provisions ensure thatindividuals working in hot or cold environments are aware of the risks, symptoms, and protective measures associated with extreme temperatures.
All employees and supervisors are encouraged to review the IIPP and follow appropriate practices, including proper hydration, weather-appropriateclothing, scheduled breaks, and monitoring for signs of heat or cold stress.
Microbial growth refers to the proliferation of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and mold, in various environments. Understanding and managing microbial growth is crucial for maintaining a healthy and safe campus environment. Our website provides valuable information on the factors that contribute to microbial growth, including moisture, temperature, nutrient availability, and poor ventilation.
We emphasize the importance of proper moisture control and preventing water intrusion to minimize the conditions favorable for microbial growth. Our guidelines cover effective cleaning and maintenance practices, such as regular inspections, prompt repair of leaks, and adequate ventilation to reduce moisture buildup.
We also provide resources on identifying and addressing common microbial contaminants, such as mold and bacteria. Our website offers information on remediation procedures, including proper cleaning techniques and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure the safety of individuals involved.
Indoor air quality refers to the quality of the air within buildings, including classrooms, offices, laboratories, and residential areas. Good indoor air quality is essential for maintaining the well-being and productivity of our students, faculty, and staff. Our website provides valuable information on the factors that can affect indoor air quality, such as ventilation, temperature,
humidity, and the presence of pollutants.We emphasize the importance of proper ventilation systems, which help maintain a constant supply of fresh air and remove indoor pollutants. Our guidelines cover routine maintenance and inspection of HVAC systems to ensure optimal performance and air circulation.
Additionally, we provide resources on common indoor air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold, allergens, and particulate matter. We offer guidance on reducing and managing these pollutants, including proper cleaning practices, source control, and the use of air purifiers when necessary.
Awareness and education are key to improving indoor air quality. Our website offers information on recognizing and reporting potential air quality concerns and provides resources for addressing them effectively.
Proper handling and disposal of chemical waste are essential for protecting human health, safeguarding the environment, and complyingwith regulatory requirements.
Chemical waste includes unused or expired chemicals, contaminated materials, and byproducts generated during laboratory experiments,research, and educational activities. Improper disposal of chemical waste can have serious consequences, including environmentalpollution, health risks, and legal liabilities.
Here we provide comprehensive guidelines and resources on how to identify, segregate, store, and dispose of chemical waste safely andresponsibly. We emphasize the importance of understanding and adhering to local, state, and federal regulations governing the handlingand disposal of hazardous waste.
To promote sustainable practices, we encourage the reduction and minimization of chemical waste through source reduction, recycling, andsubstitution whenever possible. Our website offers information on waste minimization techniques and initiatives to help you reduce theoverall generation of chemical waste in your laboratory or workspace.
Additionally, we provide guidance on establishing effective waste management programs, including the proper labeling of waste containers,maintaining an inventory of hazardous materials, and conducting regular waste inspections.
Bowie State University’s Hazard Communication (HazCom) Program ensures that all faculty, staff, and students are informed about the chemicalhazards present in their work or study environments. In compliance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), theprogram includes labeling requirements, access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS), chemical inventory management, and employee training.
If you work with or around hazardous chemicals, you have the right to know about the risks and how to protect yourself. Training is required for allpersonnel who handle hazardous substances.
For more information or to access SDS resources, please contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
The Building Safety Committee at Bowie State University exists to ensure a safe, healthy, and compliant environment for all campusoccupants. The committee provides leadership and oversight for safety initiatives, facilitates collaboration across departments, anddevelops policies and procedures that support safe operations in all university buildings. Through regular reviews, audits, and stakeholderengagement, the committee promotes a strong culture of safety aligned with the university’s mission.
Hazardous spills and releases pose significant threats to human health, wildlife, and the environment. Accidents, equipment failures, and human errors can result in the unplanned release of hazardous substances, including chemicals, fuels, and other dangerous materials. These incidents can occur in laboratories, storage areas, construction sites, and transportation routes, among other locations.
Understanding the potential risks associated with hazardous spills and releases is crucial for everyone on campus. Our website provides comprehensive information on how to prevent, prepare for, and respond to such incidents effectively. We emphasize proactive measures, such as proper storage and handling procedures, regular equipment maintenance, and the use of personal protective equipment.
In the event of a hazardous spill or release, quick and appropriate action is essential. Our website offers step-by-step guidelines for reporting the incident, evacuating the affected area, and alerting emergency response personnel. It also provides detailed information on containment strategies, decontamination procedures, and the importance of communication during such emergencies.