Health & Safety

Summary of Policy

All faculty, staff, students, and visitors working with potentially hazardous materials (biological, chemical, or radiological) at Dartmouth are subject to registration, oversight, training, inspection, and audit by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).

Affected Parties

All Groups

Policy Statement

Applies to: All employees

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) helps ensure that Dartmouth complies with occupational and environmental regulations that apply to an academic institution. The goal of EHS is essentially two-fold: 1) to help reduce the potential for harm and losses caused by occupational accidents, illnesses, and injuries through the development of effective (and compliant) health and safety programs; and 2) to carefully manage and dispose of hazardous materials in the interest of environmental protection and public health. Environmental compliance includes regulatory requirements related to recordkeeping and pollution prevention as well as waste collection and proper disposal.  

EHS has the vested authority to prohibit, stop, or otherwise limit potential occupational or environmental harm to individuals, public health, or the environment.

Definitions and Regulations:

All faculty, staff, students, and visitors working with potentially hazardous materials (biological, chemical, or radiological) at Dartmouth are subject to registration, oversight, training, inspection, and audit by EHS.

All faculty, staff, students, and visitors working with tools, equipment, or energies at Dartmouth that may be hazardous or pose a potential risk if not properly controlled must comply with Dartmouth's written programs. Where no specific program exists, they are required to use reasonable care and precautions.

Dartmouth provides a wide range of consultation, information, training, resources, and personal protective equipment to ensure individuals are protected.

Procedure:

EHS requires mandatory safety and environmental management training for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors working with potentially hazardous materials.

EHS coordinates or approves the disposal of all hazardous materials.

Safety is a shared responsibility. Supervisors at all levels are responsible for the safety of those they supervise. Employees must report all real or perceived concerns to their supervisor and/or EHS.

FIRE OR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES – CALL 911 (5555 DHMC)

Emergencies involving hazardous materials (chemicals, radioactivity, biological products) affecting human health, property or the environment require immediate and specific response. 

Examples: chemical spill/exposure, oil spill, gas leak, needle stick, unknown odor, etc.

In the Case of an EHS Emergency

During the workday, call the EHS office immediately at 603-646-1762

After hours (4:00 pm - 7:30 am), on holidays, or on weekends, call the Department of Safety and Security (DOSS): 603-646-4000

DHMC/Hospital Complex - Dial 5555

Please DO NOT EMAIL if you have an emergency.

Other Emergencies

For life-threatening emergencies please call 911 (5555 DHMC) for immediate help or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Documentation:

EHS can be reached at: (603) 646-1762.
Visit http://www.dartmouth.edu/~ehs/ for more information.

Policy ID

032-0023

Effective Date

December 1, 2006

Last Revised Date

August 19, 2024

Division

Office of the President

Office of Primary Responsibility

Office of Human Resources (HR)

Last Reviewed Date

August 19, 2024

Next Review Date

2029