Beware of Heat Stress

Summer is in full swing and many outdoor activities and jobs are taking place. There is a lot of concern regarding UV rays and warnings to protect one's self with sunscreen. However, the issue of heat stress is often overlooked. Heat stress is as dangerous as prolonged sun exposure and should be considered when planning activities or work.

Heat stress, also referred to as Hyperthermia, is the term applied to medical conditions caused by the heat. Illnesses caused by heat stress include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramp, heat collapse, heat rash, and heat fatigue..

Heat stress occurs when a person's core body temperature continues to rise because of exposure to situations involving increased temperatures. A mild or moderate heat stress can lead to discomfort. This may adversely affect one's performance and safety, but is not harmful to one's health. However, as the heat stress approaches human tolerance limits, the risk of heat-related disorders increases. If body temperature should rise to 6.5 F or more above normal, death can occur.

Click HERE To find out more information on Heat Stress and related conditions. Or visit The EHS&RM website for additional information.

Electronic Waste….

What is electronic waste? How do you dispose of electronic waste? How can we be good stewards of our environment? These are just some of the questions that the EHS&RM staff field routinely. 

Electronics are often at the top of lists these days, as they generally make our lives a little easier and more efficient. You probably know someone who received a new computer or TV, a cell phone, DVD, CD, MP3 player or IPOD or some other gadget that requires batteries (preferably rechargeable ones) this past year. As you may be aware, some of these items consist of a considerable amount of heavy metals and toxic materials; such as, lead and mercury that if disposed of improperly can leach into ground water and soil or contribute to air pollution if incinerated at a municipal incinerator.

This is why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the GA Dept of Natural Resources Sustainability Division-P2AD have developed Regulations and Protocols  to prevent the improper disposal of these materials; specifically, rechargeable batteries, cathode ray tubes (CRTs which are in monitors & pre-flat screen TVs) and mercury containing devices (compact fluorescent light bulbs, thermometers, etc). Other items such as DVDs, CDs and MP3 players are of increasing concern due to the fact that they are part of the quickest growing waste category across the country.  

Please reference the following protocols if your department or lab has e-waste for surplus. Contact Information Technology Services dept at: service@kennesaw.edu for IT related equipment only. Contact EHS&RM for all other university related e-waste at: ehs@kennesaw.edu  for assistance or guidance. There are hundreds of sites on the Web that facilitate materials exchanges, auctions, and swaps that may be useful as well for e-waste at home. For more information on recycling and materials exchanges, visit P²AD's Recycling Links page at: http://p2ad.org/documents/ma_recycling.html .

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Vanessa Keel, Chemical Safety Manager at: 678-797-2415, or vkeel@kennesaw.edu .

We are all stewards of our environmental resources. Let’s continue to fulfill these roles responsibly.

See you around campus!

Gerald C. Donaldson, REM
Director-EHS&RM

Automotive Liability

DOAS Risk Management Services administers a self-funded Liability Insurance Program that protects state government and its employees from claims brought against them while performing official duties.

FAQ:

Which accidents should I report?

*Yellow Card

Am I covered in my personal vehicle?

Can I be sued personally?

Am I covered in a rental vehicle?

Does the state carry medical payments or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage?

If I am in my personal vehicle and doing the state’s business, will you pay for the damage to my vehicle?

Can subcontractors drive state vehicles?

Who do I speak with about damage to State Vehicles?

EYE INJURY PREVENTION MONTH