1. How do I get to OEH&S? 

• UCSF Parnassus Campus Map and Directions to Parnassus Campus
  
• Other useful maps and destinations:
  • Laurel Heights Campus Map
  • UCSF / Mt. Zion Campus Map and Directions to UCSF / Mt. Zion Campus
  • San Francisco General Hospital map
  • Veteran's Affairs Medical Center map

2. What is a Department Safety Advisor (DSA), and how do I find out who is the DSA for my unit? 

A Department Safety Advisor (DSA) is a highly trained individual who is the single point of contact between your unit and OEH&S. Your DSA is the person who comes to your lab and performs safety inspections and audits. Most inquiries you have can be answered by your DSA; if, however, there is a question s/he cannot answer, s/he can obtain the information from other specialists in this department. If you need any forms, flyers, newsletters, manuals, etc., your DSA will be sure that you get them.  

If you don’t know who your DSA is, simply call OEH&S and we will be happy to advise you. For further information, see campus program: Department Safety Advisor (DSA). 

3. How do I find out if I passed the Radiation Safety examination? 

You will be notified of your examination results via campus mail. If for some reason you do not receive the results, you can contact your Department Safety Advisor or OEH&S at 476-1300 to obtain this information. For further information, see Campus Program: Safety Training. 

4. How do I get a copy of a Material Safety Data Sheet? 

When you place an order for a chemical, ask the vendor for a copy of the corresponding Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS. If for some reason you do not receive the MSDS, you can either look it up on the OEH&S web site through the links page, or contact OEH&S at 476-1300 and we will be happy to send it to you. For further information, see:MSDS.

5. I need a waste pickup - I have radioactive, chemical, and biological waste. What should I do? 

If you need a waste pick up, simply call any of the following OEH&S numbers: 

Chemical Waste: 476-0544 

Radioactive Waste: 476-1771  

Biological Waste: 476-1300 - to obtain appropriate number for your building. 

A pick up will be scheduled for you as soon as possible. You can also contact your DSA and s/he will help you. For more information on waste pick up and schedules, see HMM Program: Chemical Waste Disposal, Medical Waste, and Radioactive Waste Disposal. 

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6. What do I do if detect an unusual odor at work? 

If you detect an unusual odor, contact OEH&S and a member of the Emergency Response Team will be paged to contact you. The Emergency Responder will come to your location to investigate the odor. It may be necessary to have a member of the Industrial Hygiene Group visit your location to perform an Indoor Air Quality study. For more detailed information on this topic, see Clinical Program: Occupational and Environmental Monitoring.

7. I need to have Tuberculosis (TB) Respirator Fit Testing and Training. What do I do? 

If you need to be Fit Tested and Trained for a TB Respirator, call OEH&S at 476-1300 to schedule an appointment. Fit testing is done on Thursdays between the hours of 1:00-4:00 p.m. Note: the session locations alternate: on the 1^st, 2^nd & 4^th Thursday sessions are held at the Parnassus Campus, on the 3^rd Thursday the session is held at Mt. Zion. For more detailed information on this topic, see Clinical Program: TB Exposure Control Program. 

8. How do I sign up for training courses, i.e., – radiation safety, bloodborne pathogens, annual safety, hazcom, etc.? 

All you need to do is call OEH&S at 476-1300 you will be scheduled for the course or courses your require. For more detailed information on this topic, see Clinical Program: Safety Training. 

9. I ordered radioisotopes and have not yet received them. How do I find out if they have been delivered yet? 

To find out if your radioisotopes have been delivered call the OEH&S Radiation Safety Office at 476-1771 or 476-1662. For more detailed information on this topic, see HMM Program: Radioactive Material Receiving . 

10. An inspector from an outside agency has arrived at my facility to do a site inspection. What should I do? 

You should first contact OEH&S to notify the Office that an inspector is at your facility. OEH&S is typically aware of scheduled inspections and will be present during the process. If, however, an inspector arrives unannounced, contact OEH&S immediately so an OEH&S staff meet you at your location. 

11. What is an IIPP?

An IIPP, or an Illness and Injury Prevention Program, is a document prepared by this office that contains valuable information regarding injury prevention, ergonomics, and the role and responsibilities of Department Safety Committees. For more detailed information on this topic, see Campus Program: Illness and Injury Prevention Program (IIPP). 

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12. Where are fire extinguishers kept and how do I use one ? 

Type A, B, and C type fire extinguishers are located at strategic points around all of our buildings. The different types of fire extinguishers are designed to be effective against different types of fires. For more detailed information about the use of fire extinguishers, see the OEH&S fire safety update titled: Fire Safety Procedures and Equipment. 

13. I need a copy of a form and/or manual but cannot print from my computer. How do I get copies of these items ? 

Simply contact your Department Safety Advisor or call OEH&S at 476-1300 and we will we happy to send these materials to you.

14. I need a film badge and/or a finger ring. How do I obtain one or both ? 

If you need a film badge and/or a finger ring call the Dosimetry Coordinator at 476-5505 or advise you Department Safety Coordinator. For more detailed information, see Radiation Safety Manual External Radiation Exposure Monitoring, and, Campus Program: Film Badge Program .

15. I would like to have an Ergonomic evaluation on my workstation. What procedure do I follow ? 

Call OEH&S and request and ergonomic evaluation and a member of the department will meet with you to evaluate your workstation. For more information on ergonomics, see: Workplace Ergonomics Program.

16. I need supplies for my lab - such as labels, waste tags, red bags. How do I get these items? 

Your DSA can provide these materials for you; simply contact your DSA and let him or her what items you need.  

17. What is the ERT?

The acronym ERT stands for Emergency Response Team. If you have an incident or emergency in your unit, one or more members of the ERT will respond to assist you in handling the matter. For more detailed information see Clinical Program: Emergency Response Team .

18. My lab is moving to a new location, or being remodeled. What procedures should be followed? 

There are many factors to be considered when vacating a lab for a move or remodel. In addition to seeing that the lab is clean, the following must be taken into consideration: verification that there is no radioactive contamination in the lab if radioisotopes have been used in the lab, removal of excess chemicals - some of which may present special hazards. For more detailed information, see HMM program: Laboratory Clean-Out, and, Jan/Feb 98 newsletter. 

19. I need to have my Radiation Detection / Measurement Instrument calibrated. Where can I have this done? 

If you need to have your radiation detection / measurement instrument calibrated, contact the OEH&S Radiation Safety office at 476-1771 or 476-1772. For more information, see HMM section: Radiation Detection Instrument Calibration. 

20. What procedures do I follow when transporting hazardous materials? 

Again, there are many considerations regarding transport of hazardous materials, for example, whether you are transporting within the UC campus, off campus, etc. For information specific to your transportation situation, see: Hazardous Material Transport, UCSF Infectious Agent Transport Policy, Transportation of Radionuclides and Transporting chemicals.