Environmental Health & Safety

Hazardous Materials Donations Policy

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Title: Hazardous Materials Donations Policy
Policy Owner: Environmental Health and Safety
Applies to: University Workforce Members and Students
Campus Applicability: All UConn Campuses, except for UConn Health
Approval Date: April 30, 2026
Effective Date: June 1, 2026
For More Information, Contact: Environmental Health and Safety
Contact Information: (860) 486-3613/ ehs@uconn.edu
Official Website: Environmental Health and Safety

PURPOSE

To ensure Hazardous Materials Donations (i.e., biological, chemical, radioactive, or other regulated materials) are evaluated and authorized by Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) prior to acceptance by workforce members to protect workers, ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and University policies, conform to building and fire codes, and minimize disposal costs to the University.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to workforce members who accept Hazardous Material Donations at all campuses, except UConn Health.

DEFINITIONS

Hazardous Material Donation: The voluntary, unconditional transfer of hazardous materials (i.e., biological, chemical, radiological, or other regulated materials) from any external organization to a college, department, school, or workforce member at the University of Connecticut.

POLICY STATEMENT

Colleges, departments, schools, or workforce members must receive written approval from Environmental Health and Safety prior to accepting Hazardous Material Donations.

If Hazardous Material Donations do not receive written authorization from EHS prior to delivery or receipt, the costs associated with shipping unsafe, non-compliant, or nonessential hazardous materials back to the external organization will be covered by the college, department, or school who authorized the shipment.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy and any related procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Workforce members must complete the Hazardous Materials Donation Form on the EHS Website prior to accepting any donation.

The appropriate EHS team(s) will assess Hazard Material Donations prior to approval. The assessment may include, but is not limited to, reviewing the following:

  • Material type and characteristics
    • number of containers or items
    • quantity of material
    • physical form(s) (e.g., solid, liquid, gas)
    • condition of materials (e.g., age, opened vs unopened, etc.)
  • procedures in place to use the materials
  • storage location(s)
  • control measures in place (e.g., fume hoods, local ventilation, etc.)
  • any required permits or licensing
  • costs associated with disposal.

EHS may also contact UConn’s Fire Marshal, Building Inspector & Security Technology office, when appropriate, to ensure compliance with applicable building and fire codes.

Following the assessment, EHS will either authorize the Hazardous Material Donation, request more information, or deny the donation in writing. If the donation is authorized and involves laboratory chemicals, the workforce member must contact EHS to barcode the chemicals upon arrival to comply with the Laboratory Chemical Inventory Program.

REFERENCES

Environmental Health and Safety Website
Hazardous Materials Donation Form
Laboratory Chemical Inventory Program

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created:  April 30, 2026 (Approved by the University Senior Policy Council and President)

Revisions:

Working Alone in Immediately Hazardous Environments, Policy on

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Title: Working Alone in Immediately Hazardous Environments
Policy Owner: UConn Storrs and Regional Campuses
Division of University Safety – Environmental Health and Safety 

UConn Health
Facilities Development & Operations – Environmental Health & Safety
Applies to: University Workforce Members, Students
Campus Applicability: All UConn Campuses
Approval Date: September 8, 2026
Effective Date: September 9, 2026
For More Information, Contact UConn Storrs and Regional Campuses
Phone: (860) 486-3613
Email: ehs@uconn.edu 

UConn Health
Phone: (860) 679-2723
Email: envhealthsafety@uchc.edu
Contact Information: (860) 486-3613
Official Website: UConn Storrs and Regional Campuses: Environmental Health and Safety
UConn Health: Environmental Health & Safety

PURPOSE

To help prevent injuries while Working Alone with hazardous materials, equipment, or in areas that may result in serious injuries that pose an immediate threat to life or health.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to workforce members and students including, undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers exposed or potentially exposed to an Immediately Hazardous Environment.

DEFINITIONS

Working Alone: A workforce member or student performing work without the direct supervision or physical presence of a qualified coworker to provide Direct Observation or emergency response.

Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) Value: An atmospheric concentration of any toxic, corrosive or asphyxiant substance that poses an immediate threat to life or would cause irreversible or delayed adverse health effects or would interfere with an individual’s ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere.

Immediately Hazardous Environment: Any area where materials, equipment, activities, or circumstances could result in incapacitation and/or a serious life-threatening injury rendering an individual unable to seek assistance. Examples include, but are not limited to: exposure to acutely toxic chemicals or gases at a level approaching Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH); work with explosive or pyrophoric chemicals; work with pressurized chemical systems; entry into confined spaces; work on or near exposed energized conductors greater than 50 volts (students); working on or near high voltage equipment at or greater than 600 volts (qualified employees); or work with power equipment that could pinch or entangle body parts and/or clothing.

Unit Managers: Department heads, principal investigators, faculty, managers, supervisors, student club leadership, and others responsible for assigning work to workforce members or students that involve potential exposure to an immediately hazardous environment.

Subject Matter Expert: A safety professional from the UConn Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) or another qualified person who provides guidance to Unit Managers and/or their designees regarding the requirements and procedures for Working Alone in immediately hazardous environments.

Direct Observation: A second person in the line of sight or close hearing range assigned to monitor an individual working in an immediately hazardous environment.

POLICY STATEMENT

No University workforce member or student is permitted to work alone in an Immediately Hazardous Environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

All Workforce Members and Students are responsible for notifying their Unit Managers of situations that present the possibility of an individual Working Alone in an Immediately Hazardous Environment. Workforce Members and Students whose work involves Immediately Hazardous Environments must remain current with all EHS and work-area-specific training requirements, adhering to all safety procedures mutually agreed upon with their Unit Manager, and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS/EH&S) is responsible for assisting Unit Managers and individuals in identifying Immediately Hazardous Environments and Working Alone situations, upon request. EHS shall assist in the recognition and assessment of actual and potential hazards, provide guidance in developing appropriate controls to prevent injuries, and review the Workplace Hazard Assessment forms to ensure the proper PPE is available for the proposed work. Under OSHA, if there is an IDLH situation or environment or other circumstances Immediately Hazardous, EHS/EH&S has the authority to stop work restrict access or cease operations and require corrective measures before work may resume.

Unit Managers are responsible for identifying the risks of materials, activities, conditions, or areas that may place an individual in an Immediately Hazardous Environment. When uncertain about the risks associated with a specific task, substance, or location, Unit Managers must consult with EHS/EH&S or another qualified Subject Matter Expert to assist with hazard identification, risk assessment, and the development of appropriate controls.

The Unit Manager is also responsible for ensuring that individuals are properly trained, procedures are in place to minimize risk to the greatest extent possible, and PPE is readily available and being used, as documented in the Workplace Hazard Assessment form.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy and any related procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

PROCEDURES

When a Unit Manager determines that an Immediately Hazardous Environment exists, either alone or through consultation with EHS/EH&S or other subject matter experts, the Unit Manager must notify all affected workforce members and students and:

  1. Assign a second, qualified person who is familiar with the hazards and emergency procedures to keep watch and provide Direct Observation at all times for the duration of work in the Immediately Hazardous Environment; or
  2. Reschedule the work to a time when others are available to help monitor the welfare of the individual.

RESOURCES

UConn Storrs and Regionals
EHS Website
Workplace Hazard Assessment form

UConn Health
UConn Health EH&S Website
UConn Health Workplace Hazard Assessment Form

POLICY HISTORY

Replaces: Consolidation of the UConn (last reviewed January 2013) and UConn Health (last reviewed April 2017) Working Alone Policies

Policy Created: 08/17/2026 (Approved by the University Senior Policy Council)

Space Heaters in University Buildings

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Title: Space Heaters in University Buildings
Policy Owner: UConn Fire Marshal and Building Inspector
Applies to: University Workforce Members and Students
Campus Applicability: All UConn Campuses except UConn Health
Approval Date: December 24, 2024
Effective Date: January 1, 2025
For More Information, Contact: UConn Fire Marshal
Contact Information: firemarshal@uconn.edu
Official Website: https://firemarshal.universitysafety.uconn.edu/

PURPOSE

To protect employees, students, and visitors from fire, electrical, and other safety risks associated with space heaters. The policy is designed to comply with the Connecticut State Fire Prevention & Building Codes, regulations from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and the Connecticut Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to University workforce members and students using space heaters in University-Property at the Storrs and Regional Campuses, extension centers, and the UConn School of Law.

DEFINITIONS

University Property: Any building, space, or area under the control of or leased by the University of Connecticut.

POLICY STATEMENT

The University of Connecticut is committed to providing a safe and healthful environment.

Improper usage of space heaters poses serious fire and safety risks to the UConn community. Space heaters must be selected from the UConn Fire Department/Fire Marshal Unit (FD/FMU) list of approved models and used only under conditions outlined in this policy. Unapproved or non-electric space heaters are strictly prohibited.

All space heaters require a permit for use. Space heaters are only permitted under the following conditions:

  1. When heating systems fail within an occupied space.
  2. To supplement existing heating systems for employee comfort, in spaces that are not restricted.
  3. When temporary heating is required in unheated spaces.

In residential occupancies, space heaters may only be used temporarily, with restrictions on the duration of use, and must have a permit issued by the FD/FMU prior to use. Space heaters are prohibited in laboratories, workshops, art studios, storage areas, or any space where chemicals or combustible materials are present, as well as any space not actively occupied by people. In limited cases, space heaters may be allowed in laboratory offices if the UConn FD/FMU grants permission.

The UConn FD/FMU reserves the right to inspect and remove any space heater that is used inappropriately or presents a danger to life or property.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy or associated procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

PROCEDURES

The following procedures to request a space heater must be followed:

  1. Contact Facilities Operations to submit a work order to evaluate and adjust the temperatures in the affected area. Facilities Operations will determine whether repairs to the heating system can resolve the issue.
  2. If Facilities Operations cannot resolve the heating issue, the affected individual must contact the UConn FD/FMU.
  3. The UConn FD/FMU, in coordination with Facilities Operations as necessary, will determine whether the proposed location and electrical circuit can accommodate a space heater.
  4. If the proposed location is approved, the UConn FD/FMU will issue a permit and provide a list of approved space heaters to the affected individual(s). Other space heaters that have not been approved by the UConn FD/FMU must be taken out of service and be removed from the building.
  5. If the proposed location is not approved for a space heater (e.g., the proposed location is in a laboratory, the electrical circuit is inadequate, etc.), additional options will be evaluated.

Upon approval and receipt of a permit by the UConn FD/FMU, individuals must comply with the following procedures while using space heaters:

  1. Read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions before using a space heater.
  2. Inspect the space heater for dust before each use and clean if necessary.
  3. Inspect the electrical cord and plug outlet for damage before each use. Remove the space heater from service if any damage to the cord or other parts are found.
  4. Never leave a space heater operating unattended. Always turn off the device and unplug it when the area is vacant or when going to bed.
  5. Plug space heaters into an electrical circuit that is rated for 15 amps or more to prevent overloading.
  6. Always plug space heaters directly into a permanent wall outlet (receptacle). Do not use an extension cord or power strip.
    1. Exception: Radiant panel heaters may be used with extension cords or power strips rated for 15 amps or more, if approved by the UConn FD/FMU.
  7. Never run an electrical cord for a space heater under a carpet or floor mat.
  8. Do not place space heaters under desks or in enclosed spaces.
  9. Ensure space heaters are placed on a stable level surface to prevent tipping, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
  10. Never use a space heater where flammable materials or vapors are present.
  11. Do not place a space heater near combustible materials such as papers, fabric, plastics, or furniture.
  12. Do not use space heaters in or near wet areas.
  13. Keep space heaters out of high traffic areas. Never block an exit.
  14. Maintain the manufacturer’s recommended clearance around the space heater for safe operation.
  15. Avoid placing space heaters near room thermostats.
  16. Inspect space heaters at least annually and have them repaired, as needed, by a qualified electrician.
  17. Discard any space heater that cannot be repaired, and, while unplugged, cut off the plug to prevent inadvertent use by others.

If space heaters are deemed unsafe and removed from service, they will be relocated to a designated storage area for owners to retrieve and remove from University property.

Department-owned space heaters may be removed through Surplus Operations.

POLICY HISTORY

Revisions:
01/24/2004
09/28/2011
02/06/2012
12/24/2024

 

Health and Safety Policy

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Title: Health and Safety Policy
Policy Owner: Department of Environmental Health and Safety
Applies to: Faculty, Staff, Students, Others
Campus Applicability: UConn Storrs, Regionals, and the Law School
Effective Date: April 27, 2023
For More Information, Contact Department of Environmental Health and Safety
Contact Information: (860) 486-3613 or ehs@uconn.edu
Official Website: http://www.ehs.uconn.edu/

PURPOSE

The University of Connecticut is committed to providing a safe and healthful environment for all activities under the jurisdiction of the University.  Accordingly, the University has developed this top level over-arching health and safety policy to outline responsibilities and establish the framework of compliance with all applicable Federal, State and local regulations and University policies and procedures pertaining to worker safety and public health.* Compliance with this policy along with subordinate health and safety policies, programs and procedures linked at the end of this policy document is mandatory.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, researchers, and all other individuals working at the University of Connecticut Storrs, regional campuses and the Law School.

POLICY STATEMENT

The health and safety of all faculty, staff, students and visitors shall be a principal consideration in the planning and conduct of all University activities and programs, and in the design, construction, modification, or renovation of all University buildings and facilities.

This broad policy requires that health and safety regulations of Federal, State and local authorities, appropriate consensus standards of recognized organizations, and University specific policies are met.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy including, subordinate health and safety policies, programs or procedures may result in disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Individuals – Safety is the responsibility of each and every person at the University of Connecticut. All members of the University community are individually and collectively the owners of safety and share the responsibility to provide and maintain a safe environment.  Each individual is expected to comply with health and safety regulations and University policies, programs and procedures; perform work in a safe and sensible manner and to act to ensure the health and safety of self, coworkers, fellow students and all others at the University.

Individuals working for the University (employees) are required within five days of employment, transfer or job change to discuss potential hazards that they may encounter during the course of their employment with their supervisor.  That discussion shall include identification of workplace hazards along with required controls, personal protective equipment (PPE) and requisite safety training.  Completion and submission of an employee specific Employee Safety Training Assessment defines required safety training.  Individuals are responsible to comply with defined controls, wear the appropriate PPE and attend requisite safety training in a timely manner.

Principal Investigators/Unit Managers – All personnel who assign and/or oversee work are responsible to ensure that compliant work controls and procedures consistent with Federal, State and local regulations and University policies are implemented to provide for the protection of all personnel and to safeguard the environment.   PIs/Unit Managers in consultation with EHS shall respond in a timely manner to address safety complaints, non-compliances and mitigate potentially unsafe conditions.  PIs/Unit Managers should set, by example, high standards for health and safety. These standards must be consistently applied and appropriate action taken when personnel fail to meet them.

PIs/Unit Managers (supervisors) are responsible to identify hazards in the work environment along with required controls and PPE using the Workplace Hazard Assessment (WHA) form. The WHA must be kept current and reviewed regularly.

The WHA and the ESTA are generic tools that must be used by the PI/Unit Manager (or designee) to document review of hazards in the workplace along with appropriate controls, PPE and safety training.  The ESTA must be completed with the employee within five days of their arrival, transfer or job change.  Failure to complete an ESTA or to ensure that employees attend the required training may result in disciplinary action.

Deans, Directors, and Department Heads – Each Dean, Director, and Department Head is charged to ensure organizational compliance with regulations and University policies and with maintaining a healthful and safe environment for all personnel.  They are expected to take appropriate action to ensure all identified hazards are addressed and identified issues of non-compliance corrected in a timely manner.

Updates are requested from each Dean, Department Head and Director to the Building and Emergency Contact Listing (BEC List) to ensure the timely and effective communication of information to assigned contacts within each building, regarding emergencies, incidents, projects, and other activities that may impact the health and safety of building occupants.

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) – EHS is charged by the University with implementing all University health and safety policies and procedures* in the Biological, Chemical, Occupational, Public Health, Environmental, and Radiation health and safety fields. EHS has been authorized by, and is accountable to, the University President and Senior University Management to identify, assess and enforce this Health and Safety policy and subordinate health and safety regulations, policies, and procedures.

EHS is responsible for maintaining a comprehensive program that combines training, consultation, control, and inspection to protect the health and safety of all personnel in the course of University sanctioned activities.  EHS staff provides professional services to measure and evaluate hazards to which the University community may be exposed and ensure compliance with regulations and University policies.  EHS’s responsibilities include:

  • Ensure that all written policies, procedures, and training materials for applicable health and safety regulatory standards are established, current, and available for delivery to appropriate campus groups;
  • Maintain an up-to-date webpage to enhance access to health and safety policies, procedures, technical guidance documents, and compliance assistance information;
  • Facilitate health and safety communications with the University community, and stress the importance of campus wide adherence to appropriate regulations, standards, and policies;
  • Provide graded approach (risk based) inspection services to enhance campus health and safety; and facilitate timely correction of identified non-compliances through escalating notification and enforcement;
  • Verify completion, adequacy, and adherence to required health and safety tools (e.g., WHA, ESTAs);
  • Promote EHS’s role as an environmental health and safety information resource ready to meet the needs of the campus community; and
  • Take appropriate measures (including Stop Work Authority for imminent hazard situations) to maintain acceptable margins of safety and regulatory compliance over all University operations.

* Matters pertaining to public safety, fire safety, and building code compliance, are addressed by other units within the Division of University Safety.

Administrative Oversight – The Associate Vice President of University Safety and the Director of EHS review and approve health and safety policies for the University on behalf of the President and Board of Trustees.  The Associate Vice President of University Safety is the responsible Senior University Manager for EHS and oversees the implementation of these policies.

COMMITTEES

Environmental Health and Safety Committee

The Environmental Health and Safety Committee has a diverse membership appointed by the Associate Vice President of University Safety.  Members represent the administration, faculty, and staff along with collective bargaining units, and students. The Committee meets quarterly, as mandated by CT General Statute 31-40v, “Establishment of Safety and Health Committees by Certain Employers,” to fulfill its functions and responsibilities. The committee is charged with but not limited to establishing procedures for sharing ideas with the employer concerning:

  1. Safety inspections;
  2. Investigating safety incidents, accidents, illnesses, and deaths;
  3. Evaluating accident and illness prevention programs;
  4. Establishing training programs for the identification and reduction of hazards in the workplace which damage the reproductive system of employees; and
  5. Establishing training programs to assist committee members in understanding and identifying the effects of employee substance abuse on workplace accidents and safety.

Focused Subject Matter Safety Committees

A number of safety committees reporting to the Vice President of Research have been established that address aspects of health and safety specific to research activities or focused subject matter.   These committees serve as advisory boards and research protocol review boards working in partnership with EHS to fulfill University goals.  Committee and subject matter information is linked below.

Chemical Hygiene Committee
Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Laser Safety Committee
Radiation Safety Committee

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Building and Emergency Contact (BEC) list
Employee Safety Training Assessment (ESTA)
Workplace Hazard Assessment (WHA)

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH and SAFETY POLICIES, PROGRAMS AND PROCEDURES

The University Health and Safety Policy is implemented through a series of policies, programs, procedures and other documents, as appropriate to the operations of UConn. These documents have been developed by EHS in response to regulatory requirements and/or University committee decisions.  These items, listed below, are mandatory in nature, and must be followed to ensure compliance.  They can also be found on the EHS website at:   http://www.ehs.uconn.edu/ppp/

Analytical X-Ray Safety Program
Arboricultural Operations Procedures
Asbestos Management Plan
Biological Safety Manual
Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
Chemical Hygiene Plan
Chemical Waste Disposal Manual
Confined Spaced Program
Contractor EHS Manual
Controlled Substances Policy
Electrical Safety Program
Excavation and Trenching Procedures
Fall Protection Program
Food Service Policies
General Workplace Health & Safety Inspection Program
Hazard Communication Program
Hearing Conservation Program
Laboratory Chemical Inventory Program
Laboratory Inspection Program
Laser Safety Manual
Lockout/Tagout Program
Occupational Health and Safety Program for Animal Handlers
PCB Management Plan
Powered Industrial Truck Program
Radiation Safety Committee Policy on Minor Modifications to an Existing Protocol
Radiation Safety Manual
Respirator Program
Rooftop Laboratory Exhaust Systems Maintenance Procedure
Silica in Construction Exposure Plan
Silica in General Industry Exposure Control Plan
Space Heaters Policy
Transportation of Biological Materials
Working Alone Policy

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created: 10/14/2014 (Approved by Senior Policy Council)
Revisions: 03/10/2023 (Approved by Senior Policy Council 04/26/2023)