Belmont University Environmental Policy Statement
As a part of a Christian community, Belmont University strives to empower its students, faculty and staff by educating them on protecting and caring for Creation. The university will endeavor to model for its students and the broader community behaviors that protect the environment in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Belmont University will prevent pollution and reduce its negative on the environment by using renewable resources wherever possible, and educating its population on the best environmental practices related to university environmental processes and regulations. By providing a framework for continuous and methodical improvement and supplying the reasonable resources necessary, Belmont University the environmental goals can be attained
Belmont will meet these commitments by:
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Develop and recommend environmental objectives as well as solutions to implement those objectives.
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Perform initial and thereafter annual reviews of Belmont’s EPA-mandated environmental aspects and impacts.
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Choose objectives from the aspect and impact review for approval by the Senior Leadership Team and assignment to the appropriate department on campus for action.
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Conduct quarterly audits to assess progress on attaining objectives and sharing reports with the Senior Leadership Team.
The EH&ST will coordinate its efforts with all ongoing campus environmental initiatives and assist as needed with the planning and coordination of such ongoing campus environmental initiatives whenever possible.
Other Policies
Purpose:
Belmont University is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The Hazard Communications Policy aims to provide clear guidelines for the identification, evaluation, and communication of chemical hazards within the university. This policy complies with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and other applicable regulations.
Scope:
This policy applies to all university departments, including academic and research laboratories, maintenance and operations, and any other areas where hazardous chemicals are used, stored, or handled.
Responsibilities:
- Office of Risk Management and Compliance:
- Develop and maintain the Hazard Communication Program.
- Provide training and resources for the safe handling of hazardous chemicals.
- Maintain a central repository of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals used on campus.
- Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with this policy.
- Department Heads and Supervisors:
- Ensure that all employees and students are informed about the hazards of chemicals they may encounter.
- Ensure that SDS are readily accessible in their respective areas.
- Implement appropriate controls and protective measures for hazardous chemicals.
- Ensure that all containers of hazardous chemicals are properly labeled.
- Employees and Students:
- Participate in training sessions provided by the Office of Risk Management and Compliance and individual departments.
- Follow all safety procedures and use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
- Report any unsafe conditions or practices to their supervisor or the EHS office.
- Maintain awareness of the hazards associated with the chemicals they handle.
Procedures:
- Labeling:
- All containers of hazardous chemicals must be labeled with the identity of the chemical, appropriate hazard warnings, and the manufacturer's information.
- Secondary containers must also be labeled if the chemical is transferred from the original container.
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS):
- SDS for all hazardous chemicals must be accessible to all employees and students.
- Departments must ensure that SDS are available and up to date in their respective areas.
- The Office of Risk Management and Compliance will maintain an electronic database of SDS.
- Training and Information:
- The Office of Risk Management and Compliance and individual departments will provide training on the Hazard Communication Standard, the university's Hazard Communication Program, and the specific hazards of chemicals used on campus.
- Training will be provided whenever a new hazard is introduced.
- Employees and students must be informed of the location of the Hazard Communication Program and SDS.
- Emergency Procedures:
- Departments must develop and implement emergency procedures for chemical spills, exposures, and other incidents.
- The Office of Riak Management and Compliance will provide guidance and support for emergency responses.
- Recordkeeping:
- Training records, chemical inventories, and SDS must be maintained by the Office of Risk Management and individual departments.
- Departments must maintain records of their chemical inventories and any specific training provided.
**Review and Revision**
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Office of Risk Management and Compliance and revised as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to address any changes in university operations or procedures.
Purpose:
The purpose of this Fire Prevention Policy is to safeguard the lives of students, faculty, staff, and visitors, as well as to protect Belmont University’s property from fire hazards. This policy outlines the responsibilities, procedures, and preventative measures necessary to minimize the risk of fire and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
Scope:
This policy applies to all buildings, facilities, and properties owned, leased, or operated by Belmont University.
Responsibilities:
- Facilities Management and Office of Risk Management:
- Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of fire detection and suppression systems.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant fire safety codes and regulations.
- Coordinate and oversee fire drills and evacuation procedures.
- Department Heads and Supervisors:
- Ensure that employees and students are aware of fire safety procedures and policies.
- Conduct regular fire safety training and drills for their departments.
- Report any fire hazards or unsafe conditions to Facilities Management.
- Students, Faculty, and Staff:
- Familiarize themselves with the locations of fire exits, alarms, and extinguishers.
- Participate in fire drills and safety training sessions.
- Report any fire hazards or suspicious activities to Campus Security, Risk Management or Facilities Management.
- Follow all fire safety procedures and regulations.
Fire Prevention Measures:
- General Housekeeping:
- Keep workspaces, dorm rooms, and common areas free of clutter and combustible materials.
- Store flammable materials in designated areas and proper containers.
- Dispose of waste materials in appropriate receptacles promptly.
- Electrical Safety:
- Ensure that all electrical equipment is in good working condition and free from defects.
- Do not overload electrical outlets or use extension cords as permanent wiring.
- Turn off and unplug non-essential electrical equipment when not in use.
- Cooking Safety:
- Use designated kitchen areas for cooking and never leave cooking equipment unattended.
- Ensure cooking appliances are turned off after use.
- Avoid using open flames or hot plates in dorm rooms or offices.
- Smoking Policy:
- Adhere to the university’s no-smoking policy in all buildings and designated smoke-free areas.
- Dispose of smoking materials in designated receptacles.
- Decorations and Holiday Safety:
- Use flame-retardant materials for decorations.
- Do not block exits or fire equipment with decorations.
- Follow specific guidelines for holiday decorations and lighting.
- Fire Detection and Suppression Sytems:
- Maintain and regularly test fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, and extinguishers.
- Ensure fire doors and emergency exits are operational and unobstructed.
- Post evacuation maps and emergency contact information in visible locations.
Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safe and compliant management of universal waste at Belmont University. This policy aims to minimize environmental impact, promote safety, and comply with federal, state, and local regulations concerning universal waste management.
Scope:
This policy applies to all Belmont University faculty, staff, students, contractors, and visitors who generate or handle universal waste on university property.
Definition of Universal Waste:
Universal waste includes, but is not limited to:
- Batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium, lithium, lead-acid)
- Pesticides
- Mercury-containing equipment (e.g., thermostats, barometers)
- Lamps (e.g., fluorescent, high-intensity discharge)
- Electronic waste (e.g., computers, monitors, printers)
Responsibilities:
- Facilities Management and Office of Risk Management and Compliance:
- Oversee the implementation of the universal waste management program, conduct training, and ensures compliance with regulations.
- Facilities Management:
- Ensures proper collection, storage, and disposal of universal waste.
- Faculty, Staff, and Students:
- Adhere to universal waste handling procedures and report any issues or concerns to EHS.
- Contactors:
- Comply with the university's universal waste policy when working on campus.
Handling and Storage Procedures:
- Labeling:
- All universal waste containers must be labeled with the specific type of waste and the words “Universal Waste.”
- Storage:
- Universal waste must be stored in designated areas that are secure, well-ventilated, and protected from the elements. Containers must be kept closed unless adding or removing waste.
- Accumulation Time:
- Universal waste may not be accumulated for more than one year from the date the waste is generated.
- Spill Response:
- In the event of a spill, immediately contain the spill, report it to Office of Risk Management and Facilities Management for proper containment and cleanup.
Disposal and Recycling:
- Pesticides:
- Managed through a licensed hazardous waste disposal contractor.
- Mercury-Containing Equipment:
- Handled by trained personnel and disposed of through a certified mercury recycling program.
- Lamps:
- Collected in designated containers and recycled through a certified lamp recycling program.
- Electronic Waste:
- Collected and recycled through an e-waste recycling program.
Training:
- All personnel who handle universal waste must receive training on proper handling, storage, and disposal procedures.
Recordkeeping:
- Records of universal waste shipments, training sessions, and inspection logs must be maintained for at least three years. Facilities Management is responsible for keeping these records.
Inspections:
- Office of Risk Management and Compliance will conduct regular inspections of universal waste storage areas to ensure compliance with this policy and applicable regulations. Any deficiencies must be corrected promptly.
Compliance and Enforcement:
- Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary action, including fines or penalties imposed by regulatory agencies. It is the responsibility of all university personnel to adhere to this policy to maintain a safe and environmentally responsible campus.
Policy Review:
- This policy will be reviewed annually by the Office of Risk Management and Compliance and updated as necessary to ensure continued compliance with applicable regulations and best practices.
Contact Information:
- For questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact:
Office of Risk Management and Compliance Office
Phone: 615.460.5429
Email: riskmanagement@belmont.edu