Environmental Health & Safety

Facilities | EH&S | General Information | FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers 

Are Palomar College properties/facilities frequently inspected for safety?  If so how often?

Yes, all facilities are scheduled to receive inspections on an annual basis by the Environmental Health & Safety Office staff.  However, in order to assure a safe working and learning environment, it is necessary for faculty, staff, students and visitors to be aware of their surroundings and report any concerns or unsafe concerns to their supervisor and/or EH&S by calling 760/744-1150, extension 3677.

How do I maintain and inspect my ladder?

Even though there are various ladder types and materials, there are common guidelines to consider when maintaining and inspecting ladders.  Inspect a ladder thoroughly before each use.  Rungs, steps and rails should be intact and sturdy.  Fasteners and braces should be in place and secure.  Any moving parts should be in good working order.  Keep the rungs clean, dry and free of any oil or grease.  If an inspection reveals damage, the ladder should be repaired to its original condition.  If repair is not practical or feasible, the ladder should be taken out-of-service.  Ladders should not be painted because paint may disguise or cover cracks and damage.  Ladders should be stored in a safe, dry location.

How do I obtain a license to drive a college-owned maintenance cart?

·     Log onto the Palomar College website: http://www.palomar.edu/

·     Select “Quick Links”

·     Take the task bar down until you find “Facilities”

·     Select “Facilities” and click on “Go”

·     Select Environmental Health & Safety

·     Click on “Training”

·     Select “Cart Safety Training”

·     A “File Download” box will appear.  Select “Open”

·   A Pop-Up box will appear asking you to input your “Username and Password”

·     Turn on your computer’s speakers.

·     At the end of the training, you will be asked to select a website link to access the “Cart Safety Quiz”

·    The completed “Cart Safety Quiz” will be sent to the Facilities Health & Safety Technician

·    Once an employee has successfully passed the “Cart Safety Quiz,” a lamented cart license will be sent to your attention through campus mail

How do I obtain information about Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)?

·     Access the Environmental Health & Safety website: http://www.palomar.edu/facilities/LeftNav/EnvironmentalHealthAndSafety.html

·     Select “Hazardous Materials”

·     Select “Material Safety Data Sheets”

·     Click on a department to view a listing of “Material Safety Data Sheets”

How do I perform a self-guided safety inspection of my classroom, office and/or department?

·     Access the Environmental Health & Safety website: http://www.palomar.edu/facilities/LeftNav/EnvironmentalHealthAndSafety.html

·     Select “Forms”

·     Select “Safety Inspection Checklist”

·     Once you have completed the form, click on “Submit” and the form will be sent automatically to the Facilities Health & Safety Technician

How do I report hazardous situations?

·     Access the Environmental Health & Safety website: http://www.palomar.edu/facilities/LeftNav/EnvironmentalHealthAndSafety.html

·     Select “Hazardous Materials”

·     Select the “Hazard Identification Form”

·    Once you have completed the form, click on “Submit” and the form will be sent automatically to the Facilities Health & Safety Technician.

·     If you do not have access to a computer, please report hazardous situations to the Environmental Health & Safety Office at extension 3677 or 2772.

How do I request a workstation evaluation?

·     Access the Environmental Health & Safety website: http://www.palomar.edu/facilities/LeftNav/EnvironmentalHealthAndSafety.html

·     Select “Ergonomics”

·     Select ”Ergonomics Checklist for Computer Workstation Form”

·    Once you have completed the form, click on “Submit” and the form will be sent automatically to the Facilities Health & Safety Technician.

·  The Environmental Health & Safety Office will schedule an ergonomic evaluation with you once the form has been received in their office.

In case of an emergency, what procedures should I follow?

Access the Environmental Health & Safety website: http://www.palomar.edu/facilities/LeftNav/EnvironmentalHealthAndSafety.html 

In what situations should I use the Emergency Blue Phones?

The Emergency Blue Phones have been placed through campus for use in any situation in which the services of Campus Police are required.  They can be used to report emergencies, request an escort across campus, report possible crimes, or any other situation which you deem appropriate.  The Emergency Blue Phones provide a direct line of contact with Campus Police Dispatch which are available 7 days a week/24 hours per day.

What is the difference between lockout and tagout?

Lockout is the placement of an energy isolation device on a piece of equipment to render it inoperable.  A lockout uses a lock to hold an energy isolating device in a safe position and prevents the energization of the machine or equipment. 

Tagout is when a tag is placed on a piece of equipment to indicate that the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed.

What is the Environmental Health & Safety Office responsible for?  Why would I need to contact it?

The Environmental Health & Safety Office is responsible for monitoring all issues on campus regarding the health and safety of individuals and the environment.  Areas of interest include indoor air quality, asbestos removal and hazardous waste.  If you have questions regarding EH&S services, please contact the Manager, Environmental Health & Safety at 760/744-1150, extension 2772.

What is the Injury and Illness Prevention Program?

The IIPP in compliance with Cal-OSHA General Industry Safety Order 3203, effective July 1, 1991, is a written “safety” program designed to help Palomar College staff and students maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment. 

Who should I contact if I am new here at the College and feel that I am being exposed to hazardous materials?

Health and safety issues can be directed to Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) at extension 3677.  EH&S has developed policies and plans for many of the hazards present at the College (see our website at http://www.palomar.edu/facilities/LeftNav/EnvironmentalHealthAndSafety.html).  These hazards should not pose a hazard to you.  However, EH&S should be contacted to check your work location as a precaution.

Who should I contact if I’m concerned about the noise levels in my work space?

Please contact the Environmental Health & Safety Office at extension 3677.