DCHAS-L Archives, Nov 12 2012 - Re: [DCHAS-L] CHO hiring algorithm?

From: Samuella B Sigmann <sigmannsb**At_Symbol_Here**APPSTATE.EDU>
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] CHO hiring algorithm?
Date: November 12, 2012 2:16:05 PM EST
Reply-To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU>
Message-ID: <FADD02FF-213B-4F24-96F7-D2770B7EFEF8**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org>

Hi Ralph - I have a somewhat different approach to this. I think that any high risk department (chemistry, biology, technology, and possibly others such as art, physics, etc. should have a faculty position in the department who has AT LEAST 6 hrs release time to oversee the program in the really at risk departments.

Logic behind this:

This person will typically have a better working relationship with other faculty (very important) and can offer immediate assistance with questions. The better integrated the safety implementation process is at allowing research to proceed in a way that makes sense, the more likely it will be accepted.
This person is on the floor observing on a daily basis and problems can be addressed as identified.
This person can act as a liaison between the safety office and the department.
This person can be invaluable to the chair of a high risk department for advise and troubleshooting.

This should not be a "tag you're it" person, but rather a person who actually has training in the field of study and in CHO and OSH duties. This person would not replace a university level CHO. I think that at a minimum any university should have a full time CHO in the EHS office if they have departments that use chemicals or engage in hazardous processes.

My two cents.
Sammye

On 11/12/2012 11:49 AM, Secretary, ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety wrote:

A colleague writes:
==I've been asked by a college system comprised of 13 institutions if they should hire a full- or part-time chemical hygiene officer. Do you know what parameter(s) per CHO hour may be the best way to think about it (student enrollment, number of science faculty, chemical inventory, current state of the program, etc.)? 
==I agreed to send the question to the DCHAS-L for input from people who may have faced this question in their setting.

Any responses would be appreciated.

- Ralph


Ralph Stuart
secretary**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org
Secretary
Division of Chemical Health and Safety
American Chemical Society

Previous post | Top of Page | Next post

The content of this page reflects the personal opinion(s) of the author(s) only, not the American Chemical Society, ILPI, Safety Emporium, or any other party. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. Unauthorized reproduction of these materials is prohibited. Send questions/comments about the archive to secretary@dchas.org.
The maintenance and hosting of the DCHAS-L archive is provided through the generous support of Safety Emporium.

About This Archive \|	DCHAS-L 2012 Index \|	DCHAS-L Yearly Index
Search All Posts: Advanced Search Disclaimer