SERVICES
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B Vaccines are offered to employees at no charge if they are potentially exposed to blood as part of their job duties. Vaccinations are given by Student Health Services. Employees must receive training in the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and be approved by the Safety Office before the shots can be given. Employees may refuse the vaccination. Please consult the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard for more information. The following occupations on campus have been identified as having occupational exposure to blood:

• Nurses
• Police Officers
• Athletic Trainers
• Lifeguards
• Housekeepers
• Plumbers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

The Hepatitis A vaccine is offered to all plumbers at the university. There is no charge for the vaccine. Employees may refuse the shot.

Sampling

The Safety Office has several instruments for measuring employee exposure to chemical and physical agents in the work environment. Some of the more common agents that the Safety Office samples are listed below:

• Asbestos
• Lead paint
• Silica
• Carbon dioxide
• Carbon monoxide
• Flammable vapors
• Noise
• Natural gas
• Formaldehyde
• Relative humidity
• Oxygen
• Ionizing radiation
• Microwaves
• Electromagnetic fields
• Light levels
• Organic vapors

Noise

Exposure to high noise levels can permanently damage your hearing. Employees must be placed in a Hearing Conservation Program if they are expose to greater than 85 decibels averaged over an 8 hour day.  Please call the Safety Office if you would like an assessment of noise levels in your area. The Safety Office will do the following:

• Schedule annual audiometric tests for all employees exposed to noise levels over 85 decibels (costs are the responsibility of the affected department).
• Ensure that hearing protection devices are offered to employees exposed above 85 dB, and make hearing protective. devices mandatory for employees exposed above 90dB.
• Provide annual training for employees exposed above 85 dB.

DOT Drug/Alcohol Testing

Individuals who hold a commercial drivers license and drive a commercial motor vehicle on campus are subject to drug and alcohol testing. This program is coordinated by the Safety Office. There is no charge to departments for the testing. Employees are sent to the Carilion New River Medical Center for testing. 

Indoor Air Quality/Odors

Please call the Safety Office to report odors or if you have health concerns about the quality of indoor air in your area. Report comfort concerns about temperature and humidity to Facilities Management. If you smell smoke or natural gas, also call the Campus Police. The Safety Office has equipment to determine if the air flow in your area meets designs specifications and is adequate for the number of people in your area.

Asbestos

Asbestos containing materials (ACM) on campus are inspected every six months by Safety Office personnel to assess its condition. The Safety Office maintains maps showing the location of ACM on campus. If you have a concern about ACM in your area please call the Safety Office. Do not disturb a suspected asbestos release. Prevent access to the site and call the Campus Police and the Safety Office. The Safety Office will clean up small releases or call an asbestos contractor to clean up large spills. Evacuation of the area or the building may be necessary. Consult the Emergency Response Plan for details on responding to asbestos spills. 

Lead Paint

The Safety Office ensures that buildings on campus are surveyed for lead paint and maintains records for maintenance personnel. Please call the Safety Office if you have any concerns about lead paint in your area.

Training

Training classes are offered by the Safety Office for a variety of subjects in Occupational Health. Please call the Safety Office at 831-7790 to schedule a class.