EH&S
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA 99004
phone: 509.359.6496
fax: 509.359.4690

Frequently Asked Questions

 

In order to receive assistance from Environmental Health and Safety, all requests must be in writing on our "Service/Investigation/Complaint Form".  Your supervisor or Residential Life Representative (if you are EWU Housing Resident) must sign and submit this form.  If forms are not submitted and signed, the work will not be conducted. 

Employees

Supervisors will receive copies of any electronic reports, letters, or e-mails generated for this requested work.  Supervisors will be informed in writing, in advance as to the nature of the investigative methods. It will be up to the supervisor to provide access to secure/sensitive areas and to inform employees as to the investigation.  Final electronic reports will be sent to the supervisor and Deans or Directos will be CC'd.  It will be up to the employee's supervisor in inform the employee(s) or their group as to the report's content.  Before work is released, it is subject to management review.  It will be up to the supervisor to submit any needed work orders (if any) to remedy the situation. 

Students

Complaints, requests for assistance, etc. must be via e-mail or in writing.  If the complaint or request for assistance is associated with on campus housing, the student should work through their residential hall live-in staff or representative for that dorm or apartment complex.  If any request originating from a dormitory or apartment issue are not signed off the a residential hall live-in staff member or representative, then the form will be rerouted back to Residential Life for their acknowledgement.  All responses, reports etc. will be via e-mail to the Residential Life representative to inform the resident(s) as the the report's content.  It will be up to the Residential Life representative to submit any needed work orders (if any) to remedy the situation. 

If a complaint or request for assistance is not related to a housing situation, then they will be evaluated and a case opened. 

Do you have a suggestion for a frequently asked question?
Email your suggestion to djohnson@ewu.edu

Where is EH&S located?

Currently, we are located in Huston Hall Room 101. Our mailing address is 101 HUS and our phone number is 509.359.6496.

Where can I get an incident report?

They are available on our web page or you can call us at 509.359.6496 and we can send you one.

I am feeling discomfort with my workstation. What do I do?

Contact EH&S so that a workplace evaluation can be performed. With this evaluation there will be recommendations made to help ease your discomfort.

What do I do if I am injured at work?

The first priority is to take care of yourself and inform your supervisor of the injury. Make sure that you receive medical treatment if necessary. When you are at the doctor's office, please tell them that your injury is work related and that you need to fill out a worker compensation form. When you return to work please fill out and incident report and return it to EH&S so that an accident investigation may be performed. Please be sure to have your supervisor sign the incident report.

What does an indoor air quality investigation involve?

An initial visit from EH&S staff, the building occupants fill out a questionnaire, and from that point the investigation is unique depending on the situation.

What do I do if I smell an irritating odor?

Contact EH&S so that we can conduct an indoor air quality investigation.

How do I help prevent fires?

Unplug small appliances when not in use. Avoid accumulation of combustibles like paper. Do not use extension cords for permanent applications.

What do I do if I notice a fire extinguisher is missing, low or discharged?

Contact EH&S so that we may replace the fire extinguisher with one that is fully charged.

What do I do if the fire alarm sounds?

Leave the building as quickly as possible. Assemble in an area away from the building. Make sure that someone calls 911 from a safe location.

What is a hazardous waste?

Any material (solid, liquid, and gas) that poses physical or health hazards or may harm the environment if released. If in doubt, call 509.359.6496.

What do I do with hazardous waste?

You can submit a hazardous waste collection request online, or call EH&S at 509.359.6496.

Are all products that contain asbestos a health risk?

No, a health risk occurs when asbestos fibers are released from the material in such a manner as to become airborne with the potential to be inhaled. Asbestos that is easily crumbled (friable) has the greatest potential for asbestos fibers to be released and therefore has the greatest potential for health risk.

Do all people exposed to asbestos develop asbestos-related diseases?

No, most people who are exposed to small amounts of asbestos do not develop any related health problems. Health studies show that asbestos workers and other who have been subjected to large quantities of asbestos over long period of time may develop lung cancer, asbestosis (non-cancerous lung disease), and mesothelioma.

Who pays for ergonomic equipment?

Each department is responsible for purchasing ergonomic equipment.  This includes any recommended equipment that was identified during a workplace evaluation.
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