HOW WE WORK

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

WORKING TOGETHER TO CREATE A CULTURE OF SAFETY

UNIVERSITY PARTNERS

EHS works closely with other campus departments such as Facilities Risk Management, Design & Construction, Property Services, Healthcare Quality & Safety, Infection Control & Healthcare Epidemiology, Portfolio Management, Utilities, UT System Police, and the University’s schools.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS EHS serves as a liaison with regulatory and compliance agencies such as: The Joint Commission, EPA, DEA, U.S. DOT, TCEQ, Texas DSHS, FAA, Federal Select Agent Program, Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office, NIH Office of Science Policy, AAALAC, and local municipalities. EHS is charged with certain health and safety inspections and compliance for all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and other EHS requirements intended to protect safety, health, and the environment.

In FY20 EHS received 246 calls for emergency suppor t ranging from f ire alarm activations to hazardous material spills.

CUSTOMERS

EHS serves the entire UTMB community. Our customers include patients, faculty, staff, students, campus visitors, and volunteers.

HOW WE WORK

UTMB SUPPORT

UTMB HEALTH EHS provides support on UTMB campuses in ensuring healthy and safe operations, protecting students, faculty, staff, and visitors, and protection of the environment.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

• Construction plan review • Serving on regulatory committees • Subject matter experts on health and safety issues to ensure safe design, construction and operation of

UTMB facilities

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

• Support of Regional

Ebola Treatment Center

Biocontainment Critical Care

Unit • SETRAC/IDRU Training • NETEC/SPRN • CLC-monthly meetings • GNL Outreach Team

SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Odor & Indoor Air Quality response • Hazardous materials shipments • Risk assessments • Accident investigations • Emergency incident response • Exposure monitoring • Respirator fit testing • Occupational Health &

Medical Surveillance Program

HEALTHCARE

• Environment of Care • Committee Support • TJC documentation • Survey support • Risk Assessments • Support the

Biocontainment Critical

Care Unit (BCCU)

SAFE CAMPUS

• 24/7 incident response • Food establishment inspections • Drinking water testing • Identification of slip/ trip/fall hazards • Spill cleanup • Facility Safety Audits • Fire System Repairs

TRAINING

• Update and maintain online safety courses • Instructor-led training • Specialized training as requested

RESEARCH

• Technical review for renovations • Space evaluations • Fume Hood & Biosafety cabinet certifications • Lab Audits • Controlled substance disposal • Protocol & permit reviews for committees • Consulting on safe lab practices • New PI orientation • Equipment cleanup/ monitoring • Lab setup/closeouts

ENVIRONMENTAL

• Storm Water Programs • Title V Permit Management • Chemical & Biological spill cleanup • Hazardous Waste Disposal • Potable Water System Permit