Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report a hazard?
Whom do I call if I smell an unusual or persistent odor at work?
What do I do if an inspector from a regulatory agency (includes OSHA, EPA, Air Pollution Control District) arrives at my workplace?
What are the insurance requirements for...?
How do I get my hazardous material picked up?
How do I get my recycling picked up?
Where should we keep a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) file?
Which chemicals require a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
Why do I have to do a Chemical Inventory?
What is Workers' Compensation?
Who can I Contact for Further Information regarding Workers' Compensation?
Can I See My Personal Physician if I am injured on the job?
What to Do If You Are Injured on the Job?

How do I report a hazard?
If the hazard puts employees at imminent danger, call Campus Police @ 911 from a campus phone or 278-8400 from a cell phone. If not, please inform your supervisor. You may also contact the Department of Risk Management and Sustainability directly by calling (559) 278-7422. Hazards can be reported online. This form is also available in pdf form so that it can be printed out and mailed or faxed. Anonymous reporting is permitted but not encouraged because we may need to ask questions to help with the hazard investigation. Additionally, we would not have a way to report our investigation findings back to you. Please see our Report a Hazard section.

Whom do I call if I smell an unusual or persistent odor at work?
Odors can be caused by many sources. If you smell an odor that is particularly strong or persistent, or that is causing you to have an adverse physical reaction, notify your supervisor. Then call DRMS at (559) 278-7422 for assistance. You may want to leave the area until the odor concern has been addressed. For more information, please see the Indoor Air page.

What do I do if an inspector from a regulatory agency (includes OSHA, EPA, Air Pollution Control District) arrives at my workplace?
The Department of Risk Management and Sustainability (DRMS) is the liaison between the campus and regulatory agencies for environmental, health and safety issues. Normally, regulatory agencies contact DRMS before inspecting a site on campus. DRMS then contacts the affected departments about the upcoming inspection.

If an inspector arrives at your workplace unaccompanied by a DRMS staff member, do not turn them away. Please contact DRMS at (559) 278-7422. A DRMS staff member must be present during an inspection.

What are the insurance requirements for...?

Outside entities wishing to use campus facilities: see the Special Events, Insurance Requirements section of our site.
Students and Employees :see applicable information on the Insurance section of our site.

How do I get my hazardous material picked up?
You may submit a request pick up form. This can be completed on-line.

Questions should be referred to Michael Burgess, the EH&S Specialist responsible for coordinating hazardous waste disposal on campus.
His phone number is (559) 278-5365.

How do I get my recycling picked up?
You may submit a request for services form. This can be completed on-line.

Questions should be referred to Matthew Harmin, Sustainability Coordinator. He is responsible for coordinating non-hazardous solid waste and recycling efforts on campus. His phone number is (559) 278-1158.

Where should we keep a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) file?
According to Cal-OSHA Hazard Communication regulations, the MSDS file should be kept in an accessible place for all employees who use chemicals. This is required so that employees are able to review the information before using the chemical, and quickly access the safety information in the event of an emergency. It is preferable to provide copies of MSDSs in each area where chemicals are in use. For more information, please see the Material Safety Data Sheet page, and our Hazard Communication page.

Which chemicals require a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
MSDSs must be kept on file and readily accessible for all chemicals used in a manner that could expose employees via inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption (including eyes) or injection. This includes products that are commonly used in the home or office, such as cleaning or office supplies (such as White-Out). If an exposure incident occurs, emergency responders and/or the attending physician will need a copy of the MSDS to assist with determining proper treatment. Please see the Material Safety Data Sheet page.

Why do I have to do a Chemical Inventory?
The Chemical Inventory is a regulatory requirement designed to give emergency responders and the community information about the hazards in a community.

For more information about this topic, please visit our Chemical Inventory page.

What is Workers' Compensation?
Please see the Workers’ Compensation section of our site. There is specific information of interest to employees and to supervisors.

Who can I Contact for Further Information regarding Workers' Compensation?
If you have any questions concerning Workers' Compensation benefits, forms or general information, please contact the on campus Workers' Compensation Manager, Tracey Garza. Her phone number is (559) 278-2125.

Can I See My Personal Physician if I am injured on the job?
Please refer to the Can I see my own personal physician section of our web site for more details and the necessary form.

What to Do If You Are Injured on the Job?
Employees should refer to the Employee Information and Employee Responsibilities section of our site.