FAQs

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Emergencies

What should I do if I hear the fire alarm system?

Evacuate the building using the nearest exit and meet at the designated exterior assembly location.

Can I use the elevator during a building emergency evacuation?

No, elevators shall not be used by building occupants during a building emergency evacuation.

Where is my designated exterior building assembly point?

Building evacuation exterior assembly points are identified on the specific Building Emergency Evacuation Plan.  The plans can be found on the Fire & Life Safety webpage.

Hazard and Incident Reporting

What should I do if I notice a safety hazard on campus?

If you recognize a hazard or unsafe condition, you should report it to your supervisor and/or to the EHS office.  If you would like to report anonymously, please access the EHS website and click the request / report tab.

How do I report an incident that resulted in an occupational injury?

If you are involved in a work-related injury, you need to notify your supervisor immediately, seek medical treatment at the Student Health Center and complete the employee incident report.

Where do I go for occupational injury medical treatment?

If your injury requires medical attention, seek treatment at one of the Medical Providers Authorized for Work-Related Injuries. The Student Health Center on campus is the primary point of initial medical treatment for non-life threatening injuries. You must take the completed Employee Incident Report form with you to the authorized treating provider; your supervisor’s signature on the Employee Incident Report form serves as an authorization for your initial treatment.

Training

What are the environmental health and safety training requirements?

Environmental health and safety training is required based upon your work environment. EHS has outlined these requirements on the Training Registration webpage located under the Training tab.

How do I log into to complete online EHS training?

Log into the Learning & Organizational Development website

Am I required to complete Cornerstone EHS training if I am a remote employee, student employee, volunteer worker, Teaching Assistant or Graduate Assistant?

Yes, OSHA requires all employees, regardless of remote status or position to complete the required EHS training courses.

For more information, see Environmental Health and Safety website: https://safety.charlotte.edu/training/get-started or training by work environment. 

Am I required to take the EHS Fire Safety and Building Emergency Evacuation compliance training every year?

In accordance with Local, State and Federal regulatory requirements  all employees are required to Fire Safety and Building Emergency Evacuation training. The training is required every year. All employees will receive an email in January with links to training courses.  The two online training courses are due by February 15th of each year.

Laboratory Safety

Where do I find containers for my chemical waste?

The EHS office generally does not provide chemcial waste containers.  Chemical waste containers can be purchased on 49er Mart.

Who performs laboratory chemical fume hood performance testing?

The EHS office performs laboratory chemical fume hood performance testing on an annual basis. The performance test general take approximately 30 – 60 minutes and are scheduled during the 1st quarter each year.

How do I obtain laboratory hazard warning signage?

To request laboratory hazard warning signage, do the following: 

  • Visit the Environmental Health and Safety website 
  • Click the Report/Request menu button  
  • Enter general information 
  • Select Laboratory & Research from the Requested Service Category drop-down list
  • Select Hazard Warning Signs and Labels from the Requested Service drop-down list 
  • Click Submit 
How do I dispose of hazardous chemical waste?

Most chemical wastes must be disposed of through the EHS Hazardous Waste Program. To have hazardous waste removed from your laboratory, do the following:

  • Visit the Environmental Health and Safety website 
  • Click the Report/Request menu button  
  • Enter general information 
  • Select Laboratory & Research from the Requested Service Category drop-down list
  • Select Hazardous Waste Pick-up from the Requested Service drop-down list 
  • Click Submit 

In the meantime, adhere to the following:

  • Store chemical waste in appropriate containers
  • Segregate chemical waste by compatibility
  • Ensure chemical waste containers are properly labeled
  • Do not disposal of chemicals in regular trash or sanitary sewer system
Who can I contact for help with chemical use in my lab?

The EHS office is available to provide safety consultations to assist with laboratory chemical use.  Please contact EHS by entering a safety service request, 704-687-1111 or ehsoffice@uncc.edu.

Can I eat or drink in laboratory?

It is strictly prohibited to eat or drink in laboratories. The storage of food and drink in laboratories is also strictly prohibited.

Building Safety

What should I do if I suspect mold in my work area?

If you suspect mold in your work area, contact EHS by entering a safety service request, calling 704-687-1111 or emailing ehsoffic@uncc.edu.

Are buildings inspected?

Yes. Buildings are periodically inspected by the EHS office to ensure regulatory compliance and safe working conditions.

Can I use an extension cord?

You are not allowed to use “household use only” extension cords on campus or any extension cord in place of permanent electrical wiring. Therefore, heavy duty extension cords are allowed for temporary purposes, such as accommodating the wiring needs of a meeting or setting up special lighting for a couple of hours.

Can I store combustible or flammable materials in a mechanical room?

No, storing combustible or flammable materials in mechanical rooms is prohibited.

Can I store materials in hallways or in stairwells?

No, storing materials in hallways or in stairwells is prohibited.

Is it okay to leave stairwell doors propped open?

Most stairwell doors are considered fire doors and should never be propped open. The only exception is if the stairwell fire doors are connected to the fire alarm system using magentic holds or other approved devices.

Office Safety

How do I request a computer workstation ergonomic assessment?
  • Visit the Environmental Health and Safety website 
  • Click the Report/Request menu button  
  • Enter general information 
  • Select Health and Safety from the Requested Service Category drop-down list
  • Select Ergonomic Assessment from the Requested Service drop-down list 
  • Click Submit 
Does EHS pay for new office equipment?

EHS does not purchase new office equipment for campus departments. However, EHS can provide recommendations for equipment purchases.

Can I use a space heater in my office?

The Environmental Health and Safety Office must approve the use of space heaters.

Special Events and Decorations

Do I need to complete event safety permits prior to scheduling an event?

Event safety permits (i.e., tents, pyrotechnics/fireworks, etc.) are required for various types of events. In most instances, contacting EHS office 30 days prior to your event will ensure all safety permits are submitted and approved in a timely manner.​

Are burning candles and incense allowed in buildings?

The use of burning candles and incense are prohibited on campus. The only exception is the approval by EHS office and the Department of Insurance for special events.

Are fireworks permitted on campus?

Pyrotechnics / Fireworks are generally prohibited on campus. The only exception is the approval by EHS office and the Department of Insurance to use Pyrotechnic/Fireworks for special events.

Safety monitor

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Where do I access the UNC Charlotte Fire Drill Schedule?
  • Should I wear my Safety Monitor vest, and bring my Safety Monitor equipment during fire drills and fire emergencies?
    • Yes, if you are able to get your Safety Monitor equipment safely during a planned or unplanned drill or emergency, please wear your safety vest as this will identify you as the contact for building occupants and/or emergency responders.
  • How do I become a Safety Monitor?
    • All Safety Monitors are appointed by the Vice Chancellor’s (VC) of the University. You can contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHS) to facilitate this request and communication with the Executive Assistant to the VC and begin the enrollment process.
  • What should I do if I am transferring to another department, or leaving the University?
    • You can either contact the Executive Assistant to the VC of your building/department or contact EHS to facilitate communication regarding this change of status as a Safety Monitor. All Safety Monitor equipment should be returned to EHS.
  • What should I do if I no longer want to be a Safety Monitor?
    • You can either contact the Executive Assistant to the VC of your building/department or contact EHS to facilitate communication regarding the request to no longer be a Safety Monitor. The EHS office does not appoint or remove Safety Monitors from their role.
  • How do I get additional training?
    • EHS offers both initial and supplemental training for new and existing Safety Monitors. Please contact EHS to request, schedule or learn about additional training we provide. EHS will also communicate through the Safety Monitor Google Group of any upcoming training. 
  • How do I schedule an EHS-guided tour of my building to learn more about the fire safety equipment covered in the Safety Monitor training?
    • You can contact either the EHS main office or one of the Fire and Life Safety Team members directly. You can also submit a Safety Service request, using the link below.
  • How should I notify other Safety Monitor’s in my building that I am working remotely or will be out of the office?

You can send an email to communicate your schedule, if you choose, or create a shared calendar with the other Safety Monitors in your building. If you’d like assistance with facilitating this, please contact EHS. 

  • Do I need to change my remote work schedule?
    • No, you do not have to adjust your remote schedule to accommodate your role as a Safety Monitor. If you feel you are no longer able to fulfill your role as a Safety Monitor due to your work schedule, please notify your Executive Assistant to the VC.

Resources

Safety Service Form