Carnegie Mellon

Environmental Health & Safety

One of the goals of the management of Carnegie Mellon University is to provide an environment free of hazards that could cause injury, illness, or property damage. In order to eliminate or control potential and actual environmental threats, the Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) manages proactive and responsive health, fire, ergonomic, student construction, chemical, biological, work place, and radiation safety programs. Training in these areas is available through our office.

Each person should be aware that safety practices are the responsibility of each individual as well as the university's. Unsafe conditions should be reported to the person's supervisor, principal investigator, Dean, or EH&S. Each person planning to use any hazardous material or operate equipment that he/she is unfamiliar with should request and receive training in proper usage and safety. Handling hazardous materials are regulated by laws and training is mandatory. Contact your supervisor or EH&S (http://ehs-alert.fms.bap.cmu.edu/EHSWebSite/Training/training.htm) to arrange for specialized training.

All student construction must follow the structural guidelines located at http://ehs-alert.fms.bap.cmu.edu/EHSWebSite/Construction/StudentConstruction.htm. These guidelines cover a plan review process and building requirements that must be followed by students erecting any temporary structure in university buildings or on university grounds. They also refer to certain municipal permit requirements relating to the use of "tents" and "open flames."

All construction, renovation and occupancy of university property require that building and occupancy permits be obtained and posted by the administration. Plans for construction must be reviewed by EH&S to ensure they meet with regulations regarding building structures. Fire and life safety codes shall not be violated by any individual or organization. It is expected that all members of the university community strive toward a safe environment through safe practices.

Questions or concerns regarding health and safety or safety training should be directed to the Environmental Health and Safety Department (8-8182).

Fire Extinguishers And Sprinkler Systems

Fire extinguishers and full-coverage sprinkler systems are provided in residence halls and other University areas to increase the safety of the occupants. Activating or discharging them for any reason other than extinguishing a fire is a violation of University regulations and will be subject to disciplinary action.