Environmental Health & Safety

We all rely on electricity to perform our jobs, and rarely give it a second thought until the power goes out. Fortunately, thanks to decades of safety improvements, working around electricity can be a safe endeavor; however, in some cases, our own creativity can produce unsafe conditions.

Did you know 69% of all electrical fatalities involved non-electrical occupations?*

Here are a few tips to remember regarding electrical safety on campus:

1. Know when to say when. If you feel unsafe performing a job, say something
2. Be aware of potential electrical hazards in the workplace. Avoid electrical rooms and other potentially hazardous areas
3. All electrical work should be completed by qualified workers with proper training
4. GFCI protection should be installed where electricity and water may come in contact
5. 5 sources accounted for 92% of all electrical fatalities:
   1. Overhead power lines
   2. Unexpected contact with electricity
   3. Working on energized parts
   4. Ground faults
   5. Damaged wiring

*Source: PDF: Workplace Safety:Avoid Common Electrical Hazards

Prohibited Items

For the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and guests, the following items are prohibited from use in any campus building:

Prohibited Electrical Items

Panel Fire Icon

Space Heater

Plug Icon

Daisy-Chained Electrical Cords

Bicycle Icon

E-Bike, E-Scooter, E-Board, etc.

Other Resources

PDF: Extension Cord Safety Tips

PDF: How To Spot Battery Problems

PDF: How To Store & Charge Batteries

PDF: Importance Of Proper Recycling