Safety Awareness Initiatives

Environmental Health and Safety, in conjunction with the Safety, Security, and Health Committee, coordinates the publicity of University safety programs and objectives. Activities change each year, but generally include a combination of:

Information Dissemination
  • Safety Literature: emails, newsletters, posters
  • Safety Seminars
Special Employee Training
  • Accident prevention
  • Fire and Lab safety

Fire Safety

Fire safety is an important area of concern for Trinity University. The goal of the EHS Fire Safety Program is to provide faculty, staff, students, and visitors with the safest possible environment, free from potential hazardous conditions.

This goal is accomplished by:

  1. Conducting monthly fire safety inspections of all campus buildings 
  2. Increasing the fire safety awareness of employees and students by conducting periodic training on basic fire safety
  3. Conducting third-party fire safety audits via our insurance consortia
photo of student putting out a fire with a fire extinguisher

 

Fire Safety Inspections

Regarding fire safety inspections, fire and life safety features of the buildings shall be in compliance with all applicable standards of the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and the City of San Antonio Fire Department.

Our office conducts fire extinguisher inspections of all campus buildings at least once per month, although some buildings may be inspected more frequently when deemed necessary by the Director of Environmental Health and Safety. 
 

Residence Halls

Residence halls on the Trinity campus are covered by a fire alarm system that is monitored 24 hours per day, seven days per week. 

Residential Life staff also receive intensive and comprehensive fire safety training at the beginning of each academic year, including:

  • University Fire Prevention Policy
  • What action to take if a fire is reported or discovered
  • Building evacuation assembly areas and persons accounting procedures
  • Fire extinguisher operation 

 

Fire Extinguisher Loans

If you are having an event on campus that will involve combustible or flammable material (i.e. grilling), please complete the Fire Extinguisher Loan Agreement to borrow a fire extinguisher. This form must be submitted at least 2 business days prior to your event and the loaned extinguisher must be returned to EHS within 3 business days after the event.

 

 

Evacuation Assembly Areas

Every Evacuation Assembly Area (EAA) should be an open area that is located at a distance from the building and out of the way of responding emergency personnel. Occupants meet after evacuation so they may be accounted for or lend assistance as needed.

Please review the maps below to locate the nearest EAA (Tmail sign-in required):


Laboratory Safety

The goal of the Laboratory Safety Program is to ensure that employees and students are provided with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of the initial assignment and whenever a new physical or health hazard is introduced into a working or learning area. EHS safety procedures are designed to minimize potential exposure to chemical and biological materials.

The Chemical Hygiene Plan is a tool for Trinity personnel that handle hazardous chemicals in their work area. It provides critical information regarding appropriate personal protective equipment, container labeling, material safety data sheet lists, function-specific instructions, and general awareness training.

If you would like to learn more about the Chemical Hygiene Plan or other laboratory practices at Trinity University, please contact us.


Sharps Injury Log

The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standard requires you to establish and maintain a Sharps Injury Log to record all contaminated sharps injuries in a facility. The purpose of this log is to help you evaluate and identify problem devices or procedures that require attention.

The University’s Sharps Injury Log:

Maintains sharps injuries separately from other injuries and illnesses kept on the Injury and Illness Log required by WAC 296-27;
Includes all sharps injuries that occur during a calendar year;
Is retained for five years beyond the completion of that calendar year; and
Preserves the confidentiality of affected employees.