Safety Requirements for Guest Instructors/Supervisors

The College of the Arts (COTA) often allows non-COTA personnel to use COTA space for various approved activities and programs. The College administration is required by law (Cal/OSHA and Cal/EPA regulations) and University policy to ensure that all such activities comply with established health, safety and environmental policies. In order to make sure that your program/activity has incorporated the appropriate level of safety, please examine the following list of key requirements. Each activity/program must comply with these guidelines.

1. Instructor/Supervisor Responsibility

Each guest instructor/supervisor is responsible for personally following and enforcing with those supervised, the health, safety, security and environmental policies outlined in this document. Unattended rooms must be locked. Report any problems that prevent this basic security measure. If health and/or safety questions arise, feel free to call the COTA Safety Office, x55246 or the CSULB Office of Environmental Health and Safety at X58893. The COTA Safety Office is located in room AS-115. Feel free to use these same numbers if you would like help in achieving and maintaining full compliance with these safety policies. Additional information is available on the COTA Safety Website.

2. Instructor/Supervisor Safety Training

Guest supervisors are usually considered employees according to Labor Code and Cal/OSHA guidelines (even if volunteers). Many programs/events are jointly sponsored and hence involve multiple employers. It is the responsibility of the guest supervisor to determine which employer (if any) is responsible for Workers Compensation Insurance in the event of injury. Regardless of employee status, each guest supervisor must participate in an appropriate level of safety training. Guest laboratory supervisors are strongly encouraged to participate in the full COTA employee safety training program. The full program consists of an online slide show, quiz and documentation via the Safety Website Forms (coming soon).

In lieu of the full employee training program, a careful review of and adherence to this two-page safety guide will be accepted as alternative safety training for short-term guest instructors/supervisors.

3. Injury or Incident Reporting

911 from a campus phone is the emergency number to use for major incidents. Special dedicated emergency phone boxes are available in hallways, elevators and across campus (push and release button, wait for response, then talk). In the event of minor injuries, chemical spills or discovery of dangerous conditions, notify your sponsoring department and COTA Safety (X55246). If YOU are injured, it may be classified as an "industrial accident" covered by "Worker's Compensation"; you may be instructed to seek treatment by the designated contract physician.

4. Food, Drink, and Smoking

Food or drink may not be brought into COTA laboratory space. Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings and State vehicles. Keeping students from bringing personal water bottles into laboratories is the biggest challenge to compliance.

5. Hazard Determination

Prior to conducting your activity, examine the site(s). Review the health and safety information summarized on the "Hazard Summary Label" posted on the outside of each room. In addition, examine the area to determine the storage location of any hazardous materials -- shelves, cabinets, refrigerators, etc. (Typically, guest classes may NOT be conducted in a radioactive materials area). Also note the location of eyewash/deluge showers, fire extinguishers, and emergency exit routes to ensure that the site is adequate for your needs.

If the work areas, chemical inventory, equipment or other features of the assigned space appear unsafe or suspect (especially if your program participants will be minors), report your concerns to the department and/or Safety Office. Appropriate action will be taken.

6. Chemicals/Hazardous Materials

You must be familiar with Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) type information for any chemical/product used in your activity. Such safety information must be relayed to the students and other affected parties. MSDS's are available from the COTA for materials they provide, and are also available via the COTA Safety Website. Obtain clearance from the COTA safety office prior to bringing your own stock of hazardous materials into a COTA facility. Arrangements must be made in advance if your project will generate hazardous waste. Proper personal protective equipment (chemical splash goggles, gloves, acid apron, etc.) must be employed during chemical handling. If corrosive liquids are in use anywhere in a lab, ALL PERSONS IN THE LABS or STUDIOS must wear properly rated chemical splash goggles. PRESCRIPTION GLASSES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE PROTECTION.

Hazardous and non-hazardous materials must be clearly labeled whenever not immediately under your supervision. A COTA "Chemical Label Guide" should be posted in each lab. Write the complete name of the material on the container (or rack/box of containers) AND the primary hazard if any e.g. flammable, corrosive, poison, oxidizer etc. (usually indicated on the original shipping container). Example: "Concentrated hydrochloric acid, corrosive" is correct; writing just "HCL" is not acceptable.

7. Physical Hazards

All items used in the course/activity must employ safety features and warning labels as required by Cal/OSHA. Belts and chains must be guarded. Dangerous voltages, lasers, UV light sources etc. MUST be adequately shielded to prevent injury. Employ personal protective equipment (eyewear, gloves, earplugs, etc.) as appropriate.

8. Trash

No sharp objects (broken glass, glass pipettes, slides, nails, sheet metal etc.) may be placed in regular trash containers. These items must be collected in a separate container. Most labs use a small, strong, fiberboard box. When the box is full, or when the activity/course concludes, such boxes must be taped shut and labeled "broken glass," then set in the hallway for custodial pickup. Hazardous materials or contaminated items will be handled as hazardous waste and may not be disposed of in regular trash or broken glass containers.

9. Housekeeping

You and your activity participants are responsible for maintaining a neat and clean work area. Maintain clear aisles. Do not block the safety shower. DO NOT TAPE ITEMS TO HALLWAY WALLS unless using special masking tape that does not damage paint. Ask your department contact about posting items inside rooms. Please erase boards when finished.

10. First Aid

A first aid kit appropriate for very minor injuries may be available in department offices.