Community Health and Safety

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. As more people become at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, the probability of a cardiac arrest increases. The use of AEDs has been critical to surviving a sudden and unexpected cardiac arrest.

Learn more about the AED program.

The family emergency plan provides instructions for preparing for and surviving disasters.

Learn about building an emergency kit.

The goal of the campus lighting program is to provide a safe and well lit campus for night travel, to provide timely response to lights that are out or not functioning properly, and to identify areas where lighting enhancements are needed. At University Park, a semi-annual lighting survey is conducted to identify areas where lighting is needed or needs to be improved. At non-University Park locations, if you have concerns about lighting, please contact the Business Services office.

University Park Night Map

Review the Fire Prevention and Protection Program.

• Use portable heaters only to supplement a room’s primary heat source—not as the main source.
• Keep at least three feet of clearance from combustible materials (e.g., bins, furniture, drapes).
• Plug heaters directly into wall outlets; do not use extension cords.
• Avoid placing cords across doorways, aisles, under rugs, or in areas prone to damage.
• Keep ventilation openings clear and unaltered.
• Turn off and unplug heaters when the office is unoccupied.
• Do not use heaters near flammable liquids, gases, or in dusty environments.
• Avoid placing heaters in high-traffic areas.
• Use heaters with automatic tip-over shutoff switches.
• Ensure all heaters are UL-approved.
• Follow Penn State Policy AD64 – Energy Conservation Policy for heater use at University locations.

When hosting events with live animals on university property, the goal is to minimize health, safety, and liability risks. This policy applies to all campuses except the College of Medicine and does not cover events already governed by other university policies.

Download the Guidelines for Animal Events on University Property.

Each year, typically between December and May, 5–20% of the U.S. population gets the flu. Seasonal flu can cause severe illness or death in young children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions. For this reason, everyone should get a flu shot unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.

In 1918, 1957, and 1968, flu pandemics caused widespread illness and death. Public health experts warn that another pandemic is likely, possibly triggered by a mutated avian flu strain.

What is the flu?

The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory illness caused by airborne viruses that spread from person-to-person by droplets from coughing, sneezing, or speaking. The period between becoming infected with the virus and becoming ill is usually 1 to 4 days. The contagious period is 3 to 5 days from the onset of symptoms. Symptoms of the flu, or influenza, are:

• Fever (up to 104 degrees) and sweating/chills
• Headache, muscle aches and/or stiffness
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting and nausea (in children)

How Flu Spreads.

Flu viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing, sneezing and speaking. They usually spread from close person-to-person contact, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, eyes or nose. The virus can live for as long as two days on surfaces like doorknobs, desks and tables.

Healthy adults, infected with the virus, may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you can pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Personal Hygiene Procedures 

Follow these measures to limit the transmission of infectious materials:

• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Use tissues to contain respiratory secretions and dispose of them in the nearest waste receptacle after use.
• Perform hand hygiene (e.g., handwashing) after contact with respiratory secretions or contaminated objects/materials.
• Wash hands properly:
  • Use soap and water
  • Rub hands for at least 20 seconds
  • Rinse thoroughly and dry

Download the CDC Cover your Cough Poster.

Guideline for Influenza Prevention Through Hand Washing and Other Measures

MRSA (Methacillin Resistant Staph Aureus) is a bacteria that can cause serious health problems if not dealt with promptly and properly.  This fact sheet provides information on what MRSA is and how to deal with it.

MRSA - What You Should Know

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety is fully engaged with Penn State's integrated effort to keep faculty, staff, and students safe.  This page is dedicated to providing information on the University's efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 and personal actions to help protect yourself and others on campus. 

• For the latest COVID-19 news and updates from the University, visit psu.edu/virusinfo.

COVID-19 Pandemic Safety Officer

Pandemic Safety Officer Roles and Responsibilities - In coordination with the Unit Executive, the unit-specific Pandemic Safety Officer is responsible for implementing the COVID-19 safety procedures within their respective unit workplaces and buildings.  This document outlines the roles and responsibilities associated with the Pandemic Safety Officer. (8/07/20)

Pandemic Safety Officer List – This list identifies both the primary and backup Pandemic Safety Officers for all University locations.  Contact information is provided for each individual.  (08/23/22)

COVID-19 General Resources

Cloth Mask and Face Covering - General guidance on the use and care of cloth masks and face coverings based on updated University COVID mitigation resources. (8/18/22)

COVID-19 Supervisors Instructions for Assessment and Reporting - The following guidance has been prepared in coordination with University Health Services and Occupational Medicine.  These instructions guide supervisors and Pandemic Safety Officers to assess the impacts of a suspected COVID-19 case in their unit regarding closing work areas and potential cleaning and disinfecting before re-opening.  An online COVID-19 Case Reporting Tool is available for supervisors to report COVID-19 cases. (7/16/21) 

Pandemic Supply List - This guidance outlines the pandemic supplies available to order from Penn State General Stores via Penn State eBuy.  The document provides specific application guidance to direct users to the proper selection of supplies as well as to the General Stores catalog numbers to facilitate ordering. (7/21/22)

Classroom Guidance for Instructors - Health and safety guidance for instructors is available on the Penn State Keep Teaching Website and FAQs. (7/16/21)

COVID-19 Cleaning Resources

Cleaning Guidelines - Refer to OPP Custodial Operations webpage for updated information. (7/16/21)

Betco GE FightBac - A general-purpose cleaning and disinfectant product that is pre-mixed and Ready-to-Use (RTU) by any Penn State employee/student.  No PPE is required for general use.  RTU disinfectant is available to order from Penn State General Stores via Penn State eBuy. (7/16/21) 

Cleaning Guidelines - Computer and Related Products - Guidance provided for personal care and disinfecting sensitive electronics, computers, and related products. (7/17/20)

In addition to these resources, please refer to the OPP Custodial Operations webpage for additional cleaning and decontamination procedures, specifically the Procedure for Cleaning and Disinfecting Infectious Areas.

Mold is a simple, plant-like organism that exists everywhere.  There is a great deal of information available about mold, much of it wrong or designed to alarm people unnecessarily.

Refer to the Penn State EHS Indoor Air Quality page for more complete Penn State guidelines, resources, and additional information on mold and mold management.

The documents below provide some general information on bed bugs as well as some specific procedures for Penn State personnel.

Bed Bug Information for Penn State

There are Bed Bugs in My Office - Now What?!?

Penn State Extension Bed Bug Information

Pests in University buildings can be disruptive to normal operations and, in some cases, present a health and safety hazard to the occupants.  While the University has a pest management process, there may be times where employees or students may need to report the presence of a pest.  To clarify steps to be taken for pest control, the following information is provided.

Non-Emergencies

For pest problems such as insects (ants, cockroaches, etc.) and pests behind walls or above ceilings that cannot be seen, contact your Area Services Shop or campus Business Services Office and report the problem. The University's pest control vendor checks the complaint log daily, and will decide on the most appropriate course of action.

Emergencies

Some pest problems require immediate action. This includes flying pests (birds, bats) in buildings and/or rodents (such as squirrels, chipmunks, etc.) which are interfering with normal operations. At University Park, the pest control vendor will respond to emergencies within three hours of being contacted, and often have a technician already on campus. They may be summoned by contacting the OPP Work Reception Center at 865-4731. At all other locations, contact the campus Business Services Office.  In Dining Commons and Residence Halls, similar procedures should be followed; contact the area Housing or Food Services Manager, who will in turn contact the pest control vendor.

If the animal appears to be acting in a strange manner suggesting illness or injury, contact University Police. Be aware that University Police may determine that it is necessary to destroy the animal to remove it from the building.

To help prevent pests from entering buildings, please be sure to close all windows and doors at the end of the workday, regardless of the outdoor temperature. Most birds, bats and rodents enter buildings through open windows or doors.

Integrated Pest Management at University Park

At the University Park campus, the Integrated Pest Management Plan guides the process for preventing pest conducive situations, identifying pests, and eliminating them.  For more information see the Integrated Pest Management webpage.

Compact fluorescent lights (aka. CFLs) work by exciting a phosphorous coating within the tube to emit light.  This process requires very small amounts of mercury sealed within the glass tubing - an average of 5 milligrams (roughly equivalent to the tip of a ball-point pen). Mercury is an essential, irreplaceable element in CFLs and is what allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. By comparison, older home thermometers contain 500 milligrams of mercury and many manual thermostats contain up to 3000 milligrams. It would take between 100 and 600 CFLs to equal those amounts.  There is currently no substitute for mercury in CFLs; however, manufacturers have taken significant steps to reduce mercury used in their fluorescent lighting products over the past decade.

How should I dispose of CFL’s?

The presence of mercury requires that all CFL bulbs are properly disposed of when they no longer work or are no longer needed.

• For CFL’s purchased and used at a Penn State location, proper disposal is through the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHS).  To schedule a pickup please complete the online Chemical Waste Pickup Request Form.  There is no cost to you for this disposal.
• CFL’s from your home can be disposed of at most locations that sell CFL’s.  A listing of CFL recycling locations in your area can be found at: http://earth911.com/recycling-center-search-guides/ 

How should I clean up a broken fluorescent bulb?

Because there is such a small amount of mercury in CFLs, the greatest hazard exposure is from getting cut by glass shards. Research indicates that there is no immediate health risk to people should a bulb break and it's cleaned up properly. You can minimize any risks by following these proper clean-up and disposal guidelines:

Before Clean-up:

• Ventilate the Room
• Have people leave the room, and don't let anyone walk through the breakage area on their way out.
• Open a window, if possible and leave the room for 15 minutes or more. 

Clean-Up Steps for Hard Surfaces: 

• Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place   in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.
• Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and
• Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the glass jar or plastic bag. Place first bag in a second plastic bag as an added precaution.
• Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.

Clean-up Steps for Carpeting or Rug:

• Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.
• Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.
• If vacuuming is needed after all visible material is removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken.
• Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag.

Clean-up Steps for Clothing, Bedding, etc.:

• If clothing or bedding materials come in direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from inside the bulb that may stick to the fabric, the clothing or bedding should be discarded. Do not wash such clothing or bedding because mercury residue in the clothing may contaminate the machine and/or pollute sewage.
• You can, however, wash clothing or other materials that have been exposed to the mercury vapor from a broken CFL, such as the clothing you happened to be wearing when you cleaned up the broken CFL, as long as that clothing has not come into direct contact with the materials from the broken bulb.
• If shoes come into direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from the bulb, wipe them off with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place the towels or wipes in a glass jar or plastic bag for disposal.

Disposal of Clean-up Materials:

• Immediately place all cleanup materials in two plastic bags (referred to as double –bagging) or other sealed container, for disposal through EHS. To schedule a pickup please complete the online Chemical Waste Pickup Request Form.There is no cost to you for this disposal.
• Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials.

Future Cleaning of Carpeting or Rug:

• Ventilate the room during and after vacuuming; the next several times you vacuum the carpet open windows, if possible.

At Penn State, proper cleanup and disposal is handled by housing or technical service employees and is covered by Safety Policy SY31 Lamp Use and Disposal. The University is required by Federal Regulations, 40 CFR 273 (Universal Waste Regulations), to ensure the proper handling and disposal of these wastes.

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/promotions/change_light/downloads/Fact_Sheet_Mercury.pdf

What are Pesticides?

Pesticides are substances intended to control, destroy, repel, or attract a pest. Pests can be animals (like mice or insects), unwanted plants (weeds), or microorganisms (like plant diseases, bacteria, or viruses). Though often misunderstood to refer only to insecticides, the term pesticide also applies to herbicides, fungicides, and various other substances used to control pests. Many household products are pesticides. All of these common products are considered pesticides:

• Cockroach sprays and baits
• Insect repellents for personal use
• Rat and other rodent poisons
• Flea and tick sprays, powders, and pet collars
• Kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants and sanitizers (such as bleach)
• Products that kill mold and mildew (such as Lysol)
• Some lawn and garden products, such as weed killers
• Some swimming pool chemicals

Why does Penn State Use Pesticides?

At Penn State, pesticides are used for various purposes to protect human health and in landscaping and agriculture, including for insect, rodent, and weed control. However, before a pesticide is used, other non-toxic preventative measures are used to attempt to get rid of the pest. These methods, which are part of a program called “Integrated Pest Management” are intended to first attempt to eliminate the pest by cultural (e.g., sanitation and habitat change), physical (e.g., screens, crack sealing), and biological (e.g., predators and parasites) methods. If these are not effective at reducing the numbers of pests below acceptable levels, then pesticides may be used.

Is Pesticide Use at Penn State Safe?

Pesticide use is strictly controlled. Although pesticides are designed to be toxic to their target pests, at Penn State the least toxic pesticide to accomplish the job is selected. All pesticide applications are performed under the direction of a certified pesticide applicator. These applicators have been trained in the proper use of pesticides and in how to ensure that these applications pose minimal risk to both the applicators and the public. You may notice employees who are using pesticides wearing respirators, gloves or other special clothing. This is to ensure they are protected while in direct contact during handling and use. The Penn State Pesticide Management Program provides oversight for all pesticide storage and use throughout the University.

Portable heaters are designed to supplement a room’s primary heat source. Portable heaters are not designed for continuous use and should not be used as a primary heating source for an area.

• Maintain 3 foot minimum clearance between the heater and any combustible materials (i.e. trash / recycling bins, furniture, coat racks, draperies etc.)
• Portable Heaters must be plugged directly into an electrical outlet (Do not use extension cords)
• Electrical cords should not be located across doorways, aisle ways, under rugs or in areas where the cord may be exposed to possible physical or environmental damage.
• Portable heater ventilation openings should not be altered or obstructed.
• Portable heaters should be turned off and unplugged when the office is not occupied.
• Portable heaters are not designed for use in areas where flammable or combustible liquids or gases are used or stored.
• Portable heaters should not be used in dusty environments (work shops, agricultural buildings etc.)
• Portable heaters should not be placed in high traffic areas.
• Portable heaters need to be provided with automatic safety switches that turn off the unit if it is accidentally tipped over.
• All portable heaters shall be Underwriter Laboratory (UL) Approved.

Penn State University Policy AD64 “Energy Conservation Policy” governs the use of portable heaters at all University locations.

The US Environmental Protection Agency and other organizations nationwide have dedicate January as National Radon Action Month to encourage the public to test their homes for radon and get radon problems fixed, see: http://www.epa.gov/radon001/nram/index.html 

Did you know?

• According to the EPA, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, next to smoking, in the US, causing over 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year!
• Nearly 1 in 15 homes in the U.S. has elevated levels of radon.
• The U.S. Surgeon General and EPA recommend all homes be tested for radon.
• Radon testing is easy and inexpensive.
• Homes with elevated radon levels can be fixed.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of naturally occurring uranium and thorium in rocks and soils. It is found everywhere, even in the outside air, and has been a part of our environment since the beginning of time. Indoor radon levels can become elevated, especially in colder months, when your house is closed up and the heat is on. The combustion of fuels, or heated air loss from electric heat, causes the air pressure inside to be less than outside. It is this difference in air pressure that draws radon in from the soils surrounding your home. Any openings in the basement like sumps, drains, and cracks in the floor or walls, allows radon to enter. Porous foundation materials like unsealed cinder block can also let radon in. 

Levels can vary greatly from one house to the next. It does not matter whether your house was constructed last week or 100 years ago, testing is the only way to know if your home has a high level of radon. In Pennsylvania professional testing and mitigating service providers are required to be certified and licensed by Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Radiation Protection. A listing of these companies can be found on the State’s radon web page:

http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/RadiationProtection/RadonDivision/Pages/default.aspx

Local companies are listed under “Radon Testing and Remediation Services” in the yellow pages. You can also buy sampling kits yourself. These kits come as either a short term or a long term version that you open and leave in your home for a few days (short term) or 6 to 12 months (long term). At the end of the sampling period you will need to mail the sampler to a processor for analysis. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely to ensure an accurate test.

If initial testing shows that you have an elevated level of radon, you will want to test again in a few months. The EPA recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) is meant to be a yearly average action level; a single result does not provide yearly average information. Consider short term testing once in each season and then averaging the results or purchase a long term test that provides a yearly average directly. If you’ve determined that mitigation is needed, check the State’s listing for certified and licensed radon mitigation professionals to perform the work. After the mitigation system is installed always have your home retested to insure levels have been reduced below the recommended action level.

For additional information check the State’s radon web page listed above or the EPA web page at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/ .

Residential heating oil tanks are used to store fuel for furnaces or boilers to heat homes.  The tanks can either be aboveground tanks, normally located in basements or utility rooms, but sometimes located outdoors; or underground tanks, generally located adjacent to dwellings.  Heating oil tanks can cause a threat to public safety and the environment from spills or leaks.  Leaking tanks can contaminate ground water, surface water, and soils, as well as create the potential for fires and explosions.  This fact sheet, consistent with PSU’s program, provides the points to inspect for tanks, indicators of leaks or spills, and the actions to be taken in the event of a spill or leak.

All tanks should be inspected routinely.  The lists below contain the points of an inspection.

Aboveground Tank Inspections:

• Are the tank legs unstable?

• Are there signs of rust, wet spots, or excessive dents?

• Are there any drips or signs of leakage around the fuel lines, filter, valves, or fittings?

• Is there danger of snow or ice falling on the tank?

• Is the tank vent restricted by ice, snow, or insect nests?

• Is the overfill whistle functional?  (Ask the delivery person)

• Are there signs of spills around the fill pipe or vent pipe?  (The oil distributor can install a spill basket to catch spills that may occur during deliveries)

• Is the fuel gauge functional and are there any signs of leakage around it?

• Is more fuel being consumed than expected?

Underground Tank Inspections:

• Is more fuel being consumed than expected?

• Is the tank taking on water? (This can be checked by the oil distributor or by purchasing water-finding paste and checking it yourself)

• Are there any drips or signs of leakage around the filter, valves, or fittings?

• Is the tank vent restricted by ice, snow, or insect nests?

• Is the overfill whistle functional?  (Ask the delivery person)

Indicators of a Leak or Spill:

• Soil is soaked with heating oil;

• Soil or other surface around the fill pipe is stained;

• Product vapors are in the soils, basement, or other tank area;

• Fuel is seeping into the basement, stream, etc.;

• Well or spring water has a fuel odor or sheen;

• Fuel consumption has suddenly increased or tank fuel level has suddenly decreased;

• Furnace or boiler is operating erratically; or

• Neighbors are complaining of fuel odors.

Steps to Take if a Leak is Discovered:

1. Identify the source of the spill or leak – you may need a professional to test either the tank or the piping.

2. Stop or contain the release – absorbent material such as cat litter or peat moss can help stop the release from spreading.  If the source is a leaking tank, call the oil distributor to remove the remaining product from the tank.

3. Report any release to the environment to DEP – you are required by state laws to notify the appropriate regional office (see the blue pages of the phone book for phone number) and take immediate actions to contain the spill/leak. 

4. Begin the clean-up – contact professionals to help if needed.  DEP can provide information on spill clean-up and responsibilities.

Keep detailed and accurate records of all clean-up activities.