June 20, 2011

Health, Safety and Environment to survey offices for hazards

Due to several incidents, including a small fire, that have occurred in offices, the Office of Health, Safety and Environment will initiate a program of surveying all university and hospital offices for safety hazards. Focused on fire safety, the survey will specifically address electrical hazards due to overloaded circuits, hazards from using improper light bulbs, maintaining a minimum 18-inch clearance below ceilings with sprinklers and 24 inches below those without, use of unapproved personal heaters such as ceramic, radiant and convection, and use of unapproved electrical equipment.

Surveys will be scheduled with each department so as to minimize disruption. Questions should be directed to John Schaefer, associate director of Health, Safety and Environment, at jas@jhmi.edu.