Spring 2011 - UCLA - Environment, Health & Safety

Volume 4, No. 3
Director’s Note
“Spring cleaning” can be a good opportunity
to organize your tools, properly store and
segregate chemicals and dispose of any
accumulated waste. Keeping your work
space clean and uncluttered is an important
step in maintaining a safe and healthy work
environment. Taking the time to organize
minimizes hazards, reduces the chances
of tripping and falling, and decreases
the likelihood of accidents, such as spilling
a chemical container. To make your spring
cleaning complete, also review safety
guidelines and SOPs so that you always
work safely.
As part of our spring cleaning initiative,
we have launched a new safety campaign
entitled “got safety concerns?” This
campaign is intended to educate the
campus about safety initiatives and facilitate
a dialogue about safety with our campus
partners and clientele.
Everyone at EH&S wishes you a happy and
safe Spring.
— James Gibson, EH&S Director
New Machine Entrapment
Safety Sheet
EH&S developed a new safety advisory
with important information about preventing
machine entrapment.
Fact Sheet
Safety Advisory
Precautions Against Machine Entrapment
Always Work Safely Around Machines
A variety of machines are used in many campus shops including:
• Drill presses
• Table saws
• Band saws
• Grinders
• Milling machines
• Lathes
These may present real and signifi cant hazards, such as physical entrapment, severe
disfi gurement, and even death. The guidelines and rules must always be followed to help prevent
work-related injuries in shops.
Machinery Safety
Guidelines:
You must always have specifi c
training before using machines
Follow machine operating manuals
Never work alone when using
heavy equipment or machinery
Always tie back hair
Do not wear loose fi tting clothing
Use required PPE
Ensure proper guards are in place
Stay alert and keep others at a
safe distance
Select the appropriate machine/
tool for the job
Get everything prepared before
using a machine. Change dull
blades, clamp work, secure bits,
and remove chuck keys
Familiarize yourself with operating
controls before you begin work
Exercise Lockout/Tagout
procedures
Always turn off machinery when
unattended
Be safe, stay informed.
Rules for Proper Shop Attire
Always secure
long hair with a
hair tie and/or
hat
Always cuff
or roll up long
sleeves.
Never wear ties
or other loose
clothing.
Always wear the
proper PPE
Need more information?
The Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) is available
for consultation and can provide additional guidance on the
appropriate safety measures to be applied when working with
machinery.
Contact EH&S:
Tel: 310-825-9797
Email: injuryprevention@ehs.ucla.edu
www.ehs.ucla.edu
2011
www.ehs.ucla.edu
Spring 2011
News & Notes
501 Westwood Blvd . Los Angeles, CA 90095-1605
Since 1978
Keeping Pests Under Control at UCLA
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is
an environmentally-sensitive method
that effectively controls pests and
minimizes the need for pesticides. EH&S
employs IPM across campus to effectively reduce the
chance that pests can either spread disease or create
problems that disrupt the work environment. IPM is a
comprehensive approach that finds the best pest control solution
with minimum impact on human health and the environment.
What are Pests?
Pests are often a normal part of the ecosystem, but can spread
illness and damage property if their numbers become too large.
They include ants, cockroaches, and rodents. The campus
community can be proactive in eliminating conditions that
encourage pests to thrive.
How Does IPM Work?
IPM is a holistic approach that includes learning the root cause of
pest infestation with a targeted treatment specific to each scenario.
It includes working with a licensed pest control technician and
practicing simple prevention techniques. Read on to learn about
important factors in controlling the pest population.
Keep Your Workplace Clean
Follow these simple tips to help avoid pest infestations:
9 Empty garbage cans on a nightly basis and keep loading docks
organized and clean. Garbage dumpsters with overflowing
trash can cause rodent populations to increase exponentially
in the general vicinity.
9 Keep employee break rooms and kitchens clean.
Set up a cleaning schedule with a checklist of
tasks, since campus custodial services do not
clean kitchen spaces.
9 Maintain your desk or other work space.
Clean up crumbs and make sure food
and beverages are stored in tightly
sealed containers.
Continued on page 2
Integrated Pest Management P.1
Online Bug Resources P.2
Lab & Spring Cleaning P.3
Green Chemistry P.3
this issue
“got safety?” Campaign P.4
Respirator & Fit Testing P.4
Summer Training Requests P.4
CPR Training P.4

2
Report Building Maintenance Concerns to Facilities
Pests are able to move in and out of buildings and rooms through building deficiencies. Contact Facilities
Management (FM) Trouble Call by phone at 310-825-9236 or by completing a Trouble Ticket online if
you discover pest entry points. Look for cracks in foundations, holes in walls, missing ceiling tile, and
openings around plumbing or vents.
Fact Sheet
Rodent Facts
Mice and rats are a public health concern because they are capable of transmitting
disease. In addition, rodents cause property damage and can potentially start fi res by
gnawing on electrical wires.
It can be diffi cult to identify an infestation because rodents are nocturnal. When mice
and rats scavenge for food, water and refuge they travel adjacent to walls.
The following are key signs of infestation:
• Gnaw markings
• Droppings (small, black, pellet shaped)
• Greasy and dirty baseboards
Rat Droppings
Easy Fixes:
1. Keep food in airtight containers
with a tight fi tting lid and clean up
food source.
Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
2. Keep sinks, counters and
appliances clean.
Remember to clean underneath appliances.
3. Rinse all recyclable cans, bottles,
and plastic containers.
Store in bin with airtight lid.
4. Keep trash cans tightly covered.
If possible, move trash with food scrapes to
an outside dumpster at least once daily.
EH&S Facts
Pest Control: Rodent Management
How can you report an infestation?
Contact Trouble Call (x59236) to report any pest problems. Within 48 hours, an EH&S representative and/or pest
control technician from the contracted vendor will arrive to evaluate the situation and provide recommendations.
What can you do to protect yourself before
pest control arrives?
Practice good sanitation
• Maintain clean conditions in work and living spaces.
• Remove unnecessary clutter.
Practice good food storage
• Remove food and water sources.
DO NOT LET THEM IN!
• Keep doors closed.
• Routinely check for small gaps and openings.
• Rodents are capable of squeezing under doors with
gaps and openings as small as 1/4 of an inch.
• Contact Trouble Call if you notice bulding defi ciencies
(x59236).
Keys to Remember
• Trapping for rodents is effective but does not eliminate the source of infestation.
Continue following suggested recommendations.
Need additional resources?
• www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/menu.house.html
Seal up, Trap up and Clean up
www.ehs.ucla.edu
What are rodents attracted to?
• Seeds, cereal grains, fruits, nuts, berries.
• High fat and protein foods such as meat, fi sh, bacon,
butter and sweets.
Contact Information:
Tel: 310-825-5689
Fax: 310-825-7076
www.ehs.ucla.edu
3/2011
News and Notes
Communicate Pest Control Sightings Properly
It is important to provide detailed information about a pest infestation. Make sure your building manager is aware
of the situation and then call the FM Trouble Call at 310-
825-9236. Be sure to provide the following information:
9 Area of concern
9 How to gain access to location
9 Detailed contact information
Be prepared to be present during the inspection and
report the written results of the inspection to your building
manager so that corrective measures can be taken.
What pest control requests get serviced the fastest?
Calls are handled on a first come, first serve basis in
order to provide service to the campus community in a
fair and equitable manner. All calls reported to the Trouble
Ticket system are automatically routed to both EH&S and
the University contracted pest control vendor (Terminix).
It is normal to see an influx of calls during periods of
sustained hot weather or heavy rains, especially for
ants. Exceptions are made to the first come, first serve
policy when EH&S or Terminix determines that there is
an imminent health and safety concern, such as a rodent
infestation. Please note that a large amount of ants is not
an imminent health and safety concern.
All of these steps have helped save the University
valuable work, time, and money. Of course, they have
also contributed to maintaining a healthier workplace. For
additional information, please see the IPM website.
Fact Sheet
Easy Fixes:
1. Keep food in airtight
containers and clean up food
source.
Clean up crumbs and spills
immediately.
2. Keep sinks, counters and
appliances clean.
Remember to clean underneath
appliances
3. Keep a regular cleaning
schedule for shared spaces.
Communal kitchens are a contributing
source of most infestations
4. Rinse all recyclable
cans, bottles, and plastic
containers.
Store in bin with airtight lid.
5. Keep trash cans tightly
covered.
If possible, move trash with food
scrapes to an outside dumpster daily.
EH&S Facts
Pest Control: Ant Management
Ant Facts
Ants often enter buildings looking for food, water and refuge from dry, hot weather or
fl ooded conditions. When ants scavenge, they leave behind a trail of chemicals called
pheromones which allows them to fi nd food sources and their colony.
How can you report an infestation?
Contact Trouble Call (x59236) to report any pest problems. Within 48 hours, an EH&S representative and/or pest
control technician from a contracted vendor will arrive to evaluate the situation and provide recommendations.
Keep your area clean
Ants are attracted to sugar-based food products like syrups, honey, and candies. Store foods/snacks in air tight
containers before you throw it away. Make sure trash is emptied in your area everyday. Keep work area free of
crumbs and spills.
Need additional resources?
• www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/menu.house.html
Seal up, Trap up and Clean up
What can you do before pest control arrives?
Identify the source
• As a temporary measure fi ll entry point cracks or holes with
petroleum jelly (Vaseline).
• Pest control or Facilities will caulk as necessary.
Remove food sources
• Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
Remove open water source
• Fix leaky plumbing and eliminate standing water.
Vacuum the ant trail
• Wipe ants with soapy water or window cleaner.
Keys to Remember
Treatments, particularly baits, take time to address the source
of infestation. During extended periods of dry, hot weather or
heavy rains, pest control response may take longer than 48
hours due to high call volume. Continue following suggested
recommendations to alleviate ant problems.
Contact Information:
Tel: 310-825-5689
Fax: 310-825-7076
www.ehs.ucla.edu
3/2011
Fact Sheet
Bug Resources on the Web
EH&S Facts
Pest Control: Cockroach Management
Cockroach Facts
Cockroaches have been thriving long before the time of dinosaurs, hence they
are very adaptive to their settings. The best way to deal with cockroaches is to “seal up,
trap up and clean up.”
Seal Up: Repair entry points
Trap Up: Trap and bait for roaches
Clean Up: Keep your workspace and community areas clean and organized.
Roaches can enter buildings between cracks measuring 1/16 of an inch looking for food, water and warm conditions.
They are nocturnal and scavenge for food and water at night, leaving behind droppings that resemble black pepper.
How can you report an infestation?
Contact Trouble Call (x59236) to report any pest problems. Within 48 hours, an EH&S representative and/or pest
control technician from a contracted vendor will arrive to evaluate the situation and provide recommendations.
What can you do before pest control arrives?
Easy Fixes:
Identify the source when possible
1. Keep food in airtight containers
• Locate entry point
and clean up food source.
Clean up crumbs and spills immediately. Remove food sources
2. Keep sinks, counters and
• Clean up crumbs and spills immediately
appliances clean.
Remove open water sources
Remember to clean underneath
• Fix leaky plumbing and eliminate standing water
appliances and repair leaks.
3. Keep a regular cleaning
Remove any unnecessary clutter
schedule for shared spaces.
Where do cockroaches live?
Communal kitchens are common
contributors to infestations.
• Cracks
• Crawl spaces
4. Rinse all recyclable cans,
• Dark places such as the underside of cabinets, appliances,
bottles, and plastic containers.
closets and bookshelves
Store in bin with airtight lid.
• Warm and moist environments
5. Keep trash cans tightly
• Cardboard boxes
covered.
If possible, move trash with food scraps What attracts cockroaches?
to an outside dumpster at least daily.
• Crumbs, food, dead leaves, trash, standing water
Keys to Remember
Treatments, particularly baits and traps, take time to address the source
of infestation. Continue following suggested recommendations to ensure
infestation does not reoccur.
Need additional resources?
• www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/menu.house.html
Seal up, Trap up and Clean up
Contact Information:
Tel: 310-825-5689
Fax: 310-825-7076
www.ehs.ucla.edu
3/2011
Did You Know?
9 EH&S has developed Pest
Control Fact Sheets for a
variety of pests to inform
clients how to deal with
the requested pest control
issue. Topics include
preventive and interim
steps to keep the pest
from creating more severe
problems.
9 EH&S works very closely
with Facilities Management to ensure that buildings
with deficiencies allowing for pest access are
repaired in a reasonable time frame.
9 EH&S monitors loading dock conditions and
requests corrective action from building managers
and Facilities Management to ensure they remain
orderly.
9 IPM is effective! There has been a 25% decrease
in pest control requests since EH&S implemented
IPM.
EH&S has a variety of fact sheets online that provide guidance on controlling pests commonly found on
campus. Read more to learn interesting facts about these creatures and about sustainable ways of
dealing with them.
Fact Sheet
EH&S Facts
Pest Control: Wasp and Bee Management
Wasp and Bee Facts
To avoid an infestation of wasps or bees it is advised that foods and drink be covered as they will
hunt around a previous food source long after it has been removed.
Stung by a Wasp or Bee?
Wasps can sting repeatedly and must be brushed off promptly with deliberate movements; once removed quietly
leave the area. A single bee can only sting once. If you are stung and are allergic to wasp or bee stings, seek
emergency medical attention immediately.
How can you report an infestation?
Contact Trouble Call (x59236) to report any wasp or bee problems. Within 48 hours, an EH&S representative and/or
pest control technician from the contracted vendor will arrive to evaluate the situation and provide recommendations.
Wasps and bees should be avoided and reported to Trouble Call so that the area of concern can be secured. Wasps
and bees are capable of entering buildings through openings greater than 1/8 of an inch. If you notice building
defi ciencies contact Trouble Call (x59236).
Easy Fixes:
What can you do to protect yourself before pest
control arrives?
1. Keep food in airtight containers Do not panic
and clean up food source.
• If you encounter a wasp or bee keep still and then slowly
Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
back away.
2. Rinse all recyclable cans,
• If a wasp or bee lands on you, wait for it to leave or gently
bottles, and plastic containers.
brush it off. You are more likely to get stung by waving or
swatting at the wasp or bee.
Store in bin with airtight lid.
• If you are allergic to wasp or bee stings wear a Medic-alert
3. Keep trash cans tightly
bracelet.
covered.
Do not disturb the nest
If possible, move trash with food scrapes,
• Wasps or bees fl ying from a hole in the ground or a building
to an outside dumpster at least once daily.
indicate a probable nest.
Do not crush the bee or wasp
Common Nesting Areas
• This will send off pheromones that act as an alarm for other
• Ceiling overhangs and eaves
wasps or bees in the area and could entice them to attack.
• Window sills
• Cavities in buildings and trees
• Holes located in the ground or under shrubbery
Keys to Remember
• Nests near areas of human activity pose a potential concern and should be
treated as necessary by trained professionals.
• Wasps and bee nests that are visible but not threatening areas of human
activity may not need to be treated.
Need additional resources?
• www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/menu.house.html
Seal up, Trap up and Clean up
Contact Information:
Tel: 310-825-9797
Fax: 310-825-7076
www.ehs.ucla.edu
Prevent pests before they become a problem.
Fact Sheet
What is IPM?
Why is IPM important?
EH&S Facts
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally-sensitive method that effectively
controls pests and minimizes the need for pesticides. EH&S works closely with UCLA’s
contracted pest vendor to inspect buildings and identify conditions that provide pests with
entrance, food, water or shelter. The inspection information, along with knowledge about
the life cycle of pests, is then used to eliminate or reduce unwanted visitors like ants,
cockroaches, and rodents.
Although pests are a normal part of the ecosystem, they can also spread illness and damage property if
their numbers become too large. The campus community can be proactive in eliminating conditions that
encourage pests to thrive. This approach also reduces pesticides applied on campus and limits the potential
adverse effects to humans and the environment.
Prevent pests from entering.
What can you do to help?
Shutting exterior doors, open only screened windows and close
gaps between doors and the ground to 1/8”.
Contact Trouble Call (x59236) if you discover pest entry
points.
Look for cracks in foundation, holes in walls, missing ceiling tile or
openings around plumbing.
Fix leaky plumbing and eliminate standing water.
Ban clutter, which attracts rodents.
Keep food in containers with airtight lids.
Keep sinks, counters, and appliances clean.
Clean up food sources, crumbs & spills immediately.
Rinse all recyclable cans, bottles, and plastic containers.
Keep trash cans tightly covered.
Don’t forget to check under plants and the fridge.
Use plastic, metal, or glass.
Don’t forget to clean underneath as well.
Store recyclables in a bin with airtight lid.
Empty trash cans to an outside dumpster daily.
How can you report a pest infestation?
Contact Trouble Call (x59236) to report any pest problems. Within 48 hours, an EH&S representative and/or
pest control technician from the contracted vendor will arrive to evaluate the situation. At this time, building
occupants will also be provided with recommendations to prevent future problems.
Want to know more?
Refer to the EH&S webpage
for more information:
Prevent pests before they become a problem.
Storage Tips:
For information about specifi c rodents and
insects, use the UC Statewide IPM website:
www.ehs.ucla.edu www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/menu.house.html
• Avoid using loading docks as storage
areas.
• Organize storage areas and remove
clutter.
• Minimize cardboard and paper boxes.
• If food must be stored, use airtight
containers with tight-fi tting lids.
• Ensure storage areas are free of pest
entry points.
• Shelve all
materials at
least 6” above
the fl oor.
Contact Information:
Tel: (310) 825-9797
Fax: 310-825-7076
06/2009
3/2011

News and Notes
It’s Time for Lab & Shop Spring Cleaning!
Having a clean space decreases the chances of an
accident occurring. We know spring cleaning takes
time, but significant safety improvements can be
made in minutes. The simple checklist below will
help labs and shops steer clear of some of the most
common safety deficiencies EH&S inspectors find
on campus. Springtime is not only a good time for
cleaning, but also an opportunity to review safety
procedures.
Spring Cleaning Checklist for Labs & Shops
Wipe down bench tops & working areas
Remove clutter & unnecessary items in sinks, on bench tops, in fume hoods
and around machinery
Discard hazardous waste at appropriate pick-up location and dispose of
deteriorating containers as hazardous waste - see waste pick-up schedule
Ensure 24” clearance in all hallways and corridors
Update NFPA fire diamond - email laboratorysafety@ehs.ucla.edu if your
diamond needs updating
Re-stock first aid kits & chemical spill kits
Double-chain all compressed gas cylinders - see compressed gas cylinder fact sheet
Raise all power strips 12” from the floor
Lab-Specific Cleaning Checklist
Segregate all particularly hazardous substances
(PHS) in secondary containment (carcinogens,
reproductive toxins & acute toxins) - see Policy
907: PHS.
Keep all laboratory doors closed.
Send lab coats for a cleaning.
Dispose of sharps containers if ¾ full.
What is Green Chemistry?
Green chemistry, also known as sustainable chemistry,
is the design and use of chemical products that reduce
or eliminate the generation of hazardous substances.
This applies across the life cycle of a chemical product,
including its design, manufacture, use
and disposal.
Why Go Green?
Handling less hazardous compounds
in the lab helps to:
j Reduce the potential for health risks
to researchers
Green Chemistry
j Reduce the necessary compliance paperwork
j Simplify spill clean-up
j Impact secondary environmental costs,
such as the energy required to operate
fume hoods
Need Additional Info?
j NIH Labs Go Green Fact Sheet
j American Chemical Society Green
Chemistry Institute
j MIT “Green” Alternatives Wizard
j Email laboratorysafety@ehs.ucla.edu
www.ehs.ucla.edu
Shop-Specific Cleaning Checklist
Check ladder storage and restraints. Ensure the
proper weight rating labels are affixed.
Check PPE for wear and tear, and replace as
necessary.
Check for adequate machine guards, shields
and cover plates on moving parts - see Machine
Entrapment Safety Advisory.
Do preventive maintenance check on machinery.
3

4
“got safety?”
EH&S launched a new campus safety campaign in April
with the goal of continuing to improve the safety culture
on the UCLA campus by:
1. Increasing awareness of the EH&S Hotline
2. Increasing reportage of safety concerns, safety
ideas, near misses, and accidents and injuries
3. Increasing injury-prevention education to help
prevent and decrease work-related injury
How Can You Be Involved?
Call the EH&S Hotline (310-825-9797) with safety
concerns or to report accidents, injuries and near
misses. Spread the word by telling your co-workers
about the Hotline. Follow the EH&S Facebook group and
join the Listserv (see below).
EH&S Facebook Page and WorkSafe Listserv
To encourage collaboration and promote safety
communication, EH&S created a new Safety
Facebook page. Click “like” and visit the page
through your Facebook account to stay up-todate
with safety news.
Join the WorkSafe Listserv to receive the quarterly
newsletter and other EH&S information.
Upcoming Safety Event at Facilities Management
To formally kick-off the campaign at Facilities
Management, EH&S will be hosting a lunch-time safety
event on Wednesday, May 11 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Please join us if you work in Facilities Management or
have an interest in safety.
got safety concerns?
Please join Facilities Management and Environment, Health and Safety
to Launch the “got safety concerns?” Campaign
When: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Facilities Management Yard
Why: Learn about initiatives designed to promote safety and reduce injuries
Food: Snacks will be served!
Rae Prizes: Gift cards from Target & Jamba Juice!
Training & Outreach News & Events
www.ehs.ucla.edu
News and Notes
Changes to Respirator & Fit Testing
Training
EH&S is doing some spring cleaning of our
own. Effective June 1st, the Respirator and
Fit Testing Training will be separated into
two classes:
1. N-95 Users
2. Half-face Users
This change will facilitate the training process
and make the sessions more relevant to
attendees.
For more information or to enroll in
training, see the Respiratory Protection
Program page online.
Do You Need Group Summer
Safety Training?
EH&S now offers Lab Safety Fundamental Concepts on
a weekly basis to accommodate the growing demand for
this class. If you need to arrange for summer lab safety
training for groups who will be at UCLA on a shortterm
basis, please see our training schedule website
for dates and times. If you have any questions, please
email training@ehs.ucla.edu.
CPR Training Continues
Sign Up Today!
The David Geffen School of Medicine is continuing to offer
monthly CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED) and first
aid training to the campus community.
Upon successful course completion,
you will receive an American
Heart Association certification,
which is valid for 2 years.
Learn more and register at:
https://www.cpc.mednet.ucla.
edu/cpc/course/heartsaver.
EH&S News and Notes Editorial Staff
Editorial Staff: Karin Wasler, Estey Theriault
Contributors: Josh Witt, Katy McNamara, Elizabeth Hardy, James Gibson, Estey
Theriault
Comments or suggestions? Please contact Estey Theriault at ext. 45654 or
etheriault@ehs.ucla.edu.