SKIP TO PAGE CONTENT

Rules, Manuals, and Standard Operating Procedures

Environmental Health and Safety at WTAMU is composed of two (2) distinct, but integrated environmental safety departments which report to the Vice President of Risk and Compliance. Academic and Research Environmental Health and Safety (AR-EHS) is responsible for research and academic-related compliance, which includes laboratory and academic research and the associated compliance committees. Fire and Life Safety (FLS) is responsible for fire-related compliance, which includes fire and life safety inspections of campus buildings and testing fire detection and suppression systems.

The West Texas A&M University Environmental Health and Safety Program (EHS) supports the A&M System's purpose by establishing a campus community-wide culture of environmental protection and health safety. The program establishes both required and best management practices to provide a safe working environment for campus community members, the public, and environmental protection. The Environmental Health and Safety Program is designed to meet the specific environmental, health, and safety protection challenges and requirements for the community at WTAMU.

The rules, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and any associated forms are posted below.

West Texas A&M University rules and procedures must be reviewed in conjunction with related System Policies and System Regulations. For additional information, please visit West Texas A&M University Rules and Procedures.

For questions, please contact Academic and Research Environmental Health and Safety (AR-EHS) at 806-651-2740 or ar-ehs@wtamu.edu.

Rules:

15.01.03.W1  Financial Conflict of Interest in Research
15.02.99.W1  Export Controls
15.99.01.W1  Use of Human Subjects in Research
15.99.03.W1  Ethics in Research, Scholarship, and Creative Work: Research Misconduct
15.99.07.W1  Use of Vertebrate Animals
15.99.06.W1  Use of Biohazards in Research, Teaching, and Testing
 
Standard Operating Procedures:

15.99.05.W1.01AR WTAMU Institutional Review Board (Human Subject Research)
15.99.05.W1.02AR WTAMU Institutional Animal Care and Use
15.99.05.W1.03AR WTAMU Institutional Biosafety Committee
15.99.05.W1.05AR WTAMU Potential Non-Compliance in the Course of Human Subjects Research
15.99.05.W1.06AR WTAMU Emergency Operations for Institutional Animal Care and Use (Vertebrate Animals)
15.99.05.W1.07AR WTAMU Potential Non-Compliance in the Course of Vertebrate Animal Care and Use Research
15.99.05.W1.08AR WTAMU Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects - Initial Review of Research
15.99.05.W1.09AR WTAMU Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects - Continuing Review of Research
15.99.05.W1.10AR WTAMU Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects - Amendment of Research
15.99.05.W1.11AR WTAMU Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects - Post Approval Monitoring (PAM) Procedure
15.99.05.W1.12AR WTAMU Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects - Suspension or Termination of Research
15.99.05.W1.13AR WTAMU Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects - Unanticipated Problems and Serious Adverse Events Procedure
15.99.05.W1.014AR Potential Non-Compliance in the Course of Institutional Biosafety


24.01.01.W1.01AR: WTAMU Environmental Health and Safety Program
24.01.01.W1.02AR WTAMU Hazard Communications Program
24.01.01.W1.03AR WTAMU Hazardous Materials Labeling, Handling, and Segregation Procedure
24.01.01.W1.04AR WTAMU Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste Identification Procedure
24.01.01.W1.05AR WTAMU Satellite Accumulation Procedure
24.01.01.W1.06AR WTAMU Drain Disposal Procedure
24.01.01.W1.07AR WTAMU Empty Container Procedure
24.01.01.W1.08AR WTAMU Universal Waste Management Procedure
24.01.01.W1.09AR WTAMU Source Reduction and Waste Minimization Plan
24.01.01.W1.10AR WTAMU Small Quantity Generator Procedure
24.01.01.W1.11AR WTAMU Ventilation Control and Atmospheric Release Procedure
24.01.01.W1.12AR WTAMU Federal and State Threatened and Endangered Species Policy
24.01.01.W1.13AR WTAMU General Sanitation Procedure
24.01.01.W1.14AR WTAMU Thermal Stress
24.01.01.W1.15AR WTAMU Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
24.01.01.W1.16AR WTAMU Asbestos Management Procedure
24.01.01.W1.17AR WTAMU Mobile and Heavy Equipment Management Procedure
24.01.01.W1.18AR WTAMU Laboratory Safety and Health Management Procedure
24.01.01.W1.19AR WTAMU Reproductive Risks Procedure
24.01.01.W1.20AR WTAMU Radiation Safety Procedure
24.01.01.W1.22AR WTAMU Chemical Safety Procedure
24.01.01.W1.23AR WTAMU Biological Safety Procedure
24.01.01.W1.24AR WTAMU Lockout/Tagout Hazardous Energy Procedure
24.01.01.W1.25AR WTAMU Agriculture Safety Procedure
24.01.01.W1.26AR WTAMU Fire and Life Safety Procedure
24.01.01.W1.27AR WTAMU Personal Protective Equipment Procedure
24.01.01.W1.28AR WTAMU Confined Space Entry Procedure
24.01.01.W1.31AR WTAMU Chemical Procurement Procedure
24.01.01.W1.32AR WTAMU Lab Inspection Procedures
24.01.01.W1.33AR WTAMU Chemical Hygiene Plan
24.01.01.W1.37AR WTAMU KRC/PDRF Laboratory Authorization Access
24.01.01.W1.38AR WTAMU Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment Procedure
24.01.01.W1.39AR WTAMU Laser Safety Procedure
24.01.01.W1.40AR WTAMU Respiratory Protection Program
24.01.01.W1.41AR WTAMU Autoclave Quality Control Program
24.01.01.W1.42AR WTAMU Laundry Guidelines and Restrictions
24.01.01.W1.43AR WTAMU Occupational Health Program
24.01.01.W1.44AR WTAMU General Use for Cryogenic Liquids
24.01.01.W1.45AR WTAMU Phlebotomy Procedure

24.01.07 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

24.01.99.W1.46AR WTAMU Controlled Substances Procedure
24.01.99.W1.47AR WTAMU Fire and Life Building Inspections
24.01.99.W1.48AR WTAMU Chemical Inventory
24.01.99.W1.49AR WTAMU Hot Work
24.01.99.W1.50AR Environmental Advisory Council
24.01.99.W1.51AR WTAMU Service Animals

24.02.W1.01.AR Visitor Safety - Access Control Program

College of Art, Theatre and Dance:

24.01.99.W1.01AT WTAMU General Art Safety Guide
24.01.99.W1.02AT WTAMU Hot Shop: Glass Furnace and Kiln Safety
24.01.99.W1.03AT WTAMU Scene Shop

WTAMU EHS Documents and Descriptions:

24.01.01.W1.01AR: WTAMU Environmental Health and Safety Program Overview The Texas A&M University System strives to protect the health and safety of its faculty, staff, students, and visitors. The West Texas A&M University Environmental Health and Safety Program (EHS) supports the Texas A&M System's purpose by establishing a campus-community-wide culture of environmental protection and health safety. The program establishes both required and best management practices to provide a safe working environment for campus community members, the public, and environmental protection. The Environmental Health and Safety Program is designed to meet the specific environmental, health, and safety protection challenges and requirements for the community at WTAMU.

24.01.01.W1.02AR: WTAMU Hazard Communications Program. The purpose of this written program is to advise and provide guidance on the employer/employee requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), the Texas Hazard Communication Act, and the Texas A&M System Policy 24.02.02.

24.01.01.W1.03AR: WTAMU Hazardous Materials Labeling, Handling, and Segregation Procedure. To establish a program for labeling containers of hazardous material. This procedure provides personnel the information necessary to alert them to the potential hazards to which they may be exposed under normal conditions of use in a foreseeable emergency.

24.01.01.W1.04AR: WTAMU Hazardous Material and Hazardous Waste Identification Procedure. This procedure outlines the requirements and methods to be used to determine if a material or waste must be classified as "hazardous."

24.01.01.W1.05AR: WTAMU Satellite Waste Accumulation Procedures. Under the Resource and Recovery Act (RCRA), regulated generators of hazardous waste are required to accumulate those hazardous wastes in designated facility "hazardous waste accumulation areas." The degree to which a generator is regulated is determined by the total monthly volumes of wastes generated or accumulated by the facility.

RCRA includes provisions for accumulating these wastes at the site of generation in a process called "satellite accumulation." These secondary accumulation areas are called Satellite Accumulation Areas (SAAs). Hazardous wastes require special handling and reporting procedures. This document outlines the requirements and best management practices (BMP) for operating an SAA.

Forms

24.01.01.W1.06AR: WTAMU Drain Disposal Procedure. To establish a procedure for the drain disposal in accordance with the governing authorities including, but not limited to, the City of Canyon. Drain disposal for facilities falls into two categories: (1) laboratories that have specific exemptions, and (2) all other drains, such as those found in the Arts and other areas that do not qualify for the laboratory drain exemptions.

This procedure addresses the daily operations and activities in the laboratory, such as rinse and wash and chemicals used in process and bench experiments.

Excess chemicals and those chemicals that are no longer useable should be submitted to EHS per 24.01.01.W1.04AR Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste Identification Procedure.

24.01.01.W1.07AR: WTAMU Empty Container Procedure. Empty containers represent a significant waste stream on the university campus.  Containers can be regulated as hazardous waste under RCRA if they do not meet the definition of "RCRA empty." The regulations covering the management of hazardous waste stored in containers are found in 40 CFR Parts 264/265, Subpart I.  These specific requirements must be met by the university. The regulations covering the management of container residues and the definition of when residues in containers are exempt from regulation are found at 40 CFR §261.7. These regulations set out procedures for establishing a container as "empty." Since empty containers no longer contain hazardous waste, these regulations are also used to determine when containers are no longer subject to the requirements of RCRA.

Forms

24.01.01.W1.08AR: WTAMU Universal Waste Management Procedure. There are many common discarded products that, when disposed of, meet the EPA definition of being a hazardous waste. These products can include antifreeze, paint and paint-related materials and residue (if managed in Texas), fluorescent bulbs, pesticides, and mercury-containing electrical components.

Rather than trying to manage these diverse waste streams according to the hazardous waste regulations and the regulatory burden associated with such management, the EPA has issued a relaxed set of procedures to assist in managing batteries, pesticides, and mercury-containing thermostats. These wastes are labeled as Universal Waste (UW). The EPA anticipates adding additional materials to the list of universal wastes in the future. If these wastes are not handled as UW then they are considered "hazardous waste" and must be handled as such.  An assessment of the waste as UW results in significant cost savings to the university.

Forms

24.01.01.W1.09AR: WTAMU Source Reduction and Waste Minimization Plan. West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) is committed to making reasonable efforts to minimize waste generated as a result of WTAMU activities and to achieve the goals set out in the Governor's Executive Order AWR-92-2, Texas Waste Reduction Policy Act (1991) and other applicable requirements.

Texas Waste Reduction Policy Act (Senate Bill 1099 of 1991) requires industries, businesses, and institutions that generate hazardous waste or release toxins into the environment to prepare a Source Reduction and Waste Minimization Plan. This plan influences the activities of WTAMU. To this end, the WTAMU Environmental Health and Safety shall coordinate the development and implementation of appropriate procedures.

24.01.01.W1.10AR: WTAMU Small Quantity Generator Procedure. The purpose of this document is to establish procedures and requirements for West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) to operate as a Small Quantity Generator (SQG) for hazardous wastes.  This procedure lists the minimum requirements for operation for a Small Quantity Generator. While many of the requirements in this procedure are not legally required for a hazardous waste generator operating as a Conditionally Exempt Small-Quantity Generator (CESQG), the best management practice is to follow the requirements to the maximum extent feasible. If in any one month a facility exceeds the requirements to be classified as a CESQG, the facility must operate and meet the requirements for operation as an SQG or LQG.

WTAMU currently operates as a CESQG. It is a best management practice for WTAMU to follow the requirements for operation as an SQG to the maximum extent feasible.

24.01.01.W1.11AR: WTAMU Ventilation Control and Atmospheric Release Program. This procedure is written to ensure air quality is conducive to a productive environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors.  This procedure advises and provides guidance for compliance with regulations that apply to all public buildings on the WTAMU campus and all WTAMU facilities.  This will help prevent occupational exposures to potentially harmful air contaminants, heat, and microbiological hazards.

24.01.01.W1.12AR: WTAMU Federal and State Threatened and Endangered Species Policy. To establish a policy for West Texas A & M University (WTAMU) to meet the requirements and procedures of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973.

24.01.01.W1.13AR: WTAMU General Sanitation Procedure. Provides guidelines to establish environmental conditions favorable to health.  This procedure covers drinking water and wastewater, solid waste disposal, vermin control, and general cleanliness of facilities as defined in the Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 5, subtitle A, chapter 341.

24.01.01.W1.14AR: WTAMU Thermal Stress Procedure. The following information is provided to assist WTAMU departments in developing procedures to protect students and employees from thermal stress.  This program sets forth recommended minimum requirements that need to be followed to maximize the safety of all faculty, staff, and students that may be subject to excessive heat or exhaustion.

24.01.01.W1.15AR: WTAMU Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan. The purpose of this Exposure Control Plan is to prevent or minimize the exposure of employees to bloodborne pathogens in accordance with Health and Safety Code, Chapter 81, Subchapter H, and analogous to OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

Forms

24.01.01.W1.16AR: WTAMU Asbestos Management Procedure. The purpose of this program is to advise and provide guidance for compliance with regulations that apply to public buildings including, but not limited to, Texas Asbestos Health Protection Rules (25 TAC 295.31-73),  EPA National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M), EPA Asbestos Worker Protection (40 CFR 763, Subpart G), and Asbestos Disposal (30 TAC 330.136).

24.01.01.W1.17AR: WTAMU Mobile and Heavy Equipment Management Procedure. This procedure is provided to inform all staff, faculty, and students about any workplace hazards associated with mobile equipment and heavy equipment.  The procedure develops a standard operating procedure to reduce risk to employees, students, and visitors for identified hazards.

24.01.01.W1.18AR: Laboratory Safety and Health Management Procedure. This procedure is provided to assist WTAMU Departments in meeting laboratory safety requirements to protect students, employees, and the environment as stated in A&M System Standard 24.01.04.EHS-14.

24.01.01.W1.19AR: WTAMU Reproductive Risks Procedure. This procedure is provided to protect West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) employees, students, and their progeny from the adverse effects arising from the handling or exposure to hazardous materials or conditions as part of their work or academic activities.

24.01.01.W1.20AR: WTAMU Radiation Safety Procedure. WTAMU maintains strict requirements for working with sources of radiation. The radiation safety program at WTAMU protects employees, students, and visitors, as well as the public and the environment, from the harmful effects of exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) governs the protocol and use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing devices on campus. Any faculty or staff member who desires to work with radioisotopes or radiation-producing devices must apply for and receive a permit from EHS. In addition, their employees and other employees who work with sources of radiation must receive formal training in equipment operation, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures.

24.01.01.W1.22AR: WTAMU Chemical Safety Procedure. The following information is provided to assist WTAMU departments in developing procedures to meet chemical safety requirements to protect students, employees, and the environment.  This program sets forth recommended minimum requirements that need to be followed to maximize the safety of all workers handling chemicals. EHS has developed and placed a Laboratory Safety Training for Faculty and Staff on TrainTraq and Student Laboratory Safety Training on WTClass.

24.01.01.W1.23AR: WTAMU Biological Safety Procedure. The following information is provided to assist WTAMU departments in developing procedures to meet biological safety requirements to protect students, employees, and the environment. This procedure sets forth recommended minimum requirements that need to be followed to maximize the safety of all workers.

24.01.01.W1.24AR: WTAMU Lockout/Tagout Hazardous Energy Procedure. This program establishes recommended minimum requirements for the lockout/tagout of energy isolating devices. It shall be used to ensure that the machine or equipment is stopped, isolated from all potentially hazardous energy sources, and locked out before energization or start-up of the machine or equipment or release of stored energy could cause injury.  When the energy isolating devices are not lockable, tagout (tagout device) may be used, provided additional training and more rigorous periodic inspections are accomplished.  When tagout is used and the energy isolating devices are lockable, full employee protection, as well as additional training and more rigorous periodic inspections, is necessary.  For complex systems, more comprehensive procedures may need to be developed, documented, and utilized.

24.01.01.W1.25AR: WTAMU Agriculture Safety Procedure. The following information is provided to assist WTAMU departments in developing procedures to meet agriculture safety requirements to protect students, employees, and the environment.  This program sets forth recommended minimum requirements that need to be followed to maximize the safety of all workers.

24.01.01.W1.26AR: WTAMU Fire and Life Safety Procedure. Fire and life safety involves numerous safety issues including fire prevention, fire suppression, and emergency evacuation/response. Fire/life safety is everyone's responsibility.  IMPORTANT: Learn how to prevent fires and respond to fires. What you learn will be invaluable.  WTAMU is committed to providing a safe environment for building occupants and emergency response personnel. WTAMU uses nationally accepted codes as guidelines for inspections, testing, and procedures.

24.01.01.W1.27AR: WTAMU Personal Protective Equipment Procedure. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes all clothing and work accessories designed to protect employees from workplace hazards. Protective equipment should not replace engineering, administrative, or procedural controls for safety; it should be used in conjunction with these controls. Employees must wear protective equipment as required and when instructed by a supervisor.

24.01.01.W1.28AR: WTAMU Confined Space Entry Procedure. This procedure is provided to inform WTAMU departments on procedures necessary to meet safety requirements for entry into a confined space. This procedure sets forth recommended minimum requirements that must be followed to maximize the safety of all workers entering such spaces, against known or potential hazards.

15.99.05.W1.01AR: WTAMU Institutional Review Board for Human Subject Research. The purpose of this policy and procedures document is to protect human subjects used in research at West Texas A&M University by complying with regulations specified by the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as with other ethical and professional standards for use of human subjects in research. Following these standards and guidelines will not only protect human subjects used in research but will also protect the researcher and the university. Any substantive modifications in this document recommended by the Institutional Review Board are subject to approval by the president of the university.​

15.99.05.W1.05AR: WTAMU Potential Non-Compliance in the Course of Human Subjects Research. This procedure describes the reporting requirements, investigative process, and obligations involved in the response to reports of potential non-compliance during the course of research involving human subjects. This procedure applies to all faculty, staff, students, affiliated researchers, or other affiliated individuals who are involved in human subjects research being conducted under the auspices of West Texas A&M University regardless of the location of the research and regardless of the source of funding or whether the research is funded or unfunded.

15.99.05.W1.08AR: WTAMU Institutional Review Board Human Subject Research - Initial Review of Research Procedure. 

This procedure describes the procedures relating to HHS regulation 45 CFR 46.103(b)(4) and (5) the p ro c edu r es whi ch the I RB will follow for condu cting its initi al revi ew of re s ea r ch . This procedure is intended to enhance human subject protection, the quality of research data and education of faculty, staff, and students involved in the conduct of human subjects research and the individuals involved in the ethics and compliance activities related to such research, including IRB members and staff.

15.99.05.W1.09AR: WTAMU Institutional Review Board Human Subject Research - Continuing Review of Research Procedure. 

This procedure describes the procedures relating to HHS regulation 45 CFR 46.103(b)(4) and (5) the p ro c edu r es whi ch the I RB will follow for condu cting its initi al revi ew of re s ea r ch . This procedure is intended to enhance human subject protection, the quality of research data and education of faculty, staff, and students involved in the conduct of human subjects research and the individuals involved in the ethics and compliance activities related to such research, including IRB members and staff.

15.99.05.W1.10AR: WTAMU Institutional Review Board Human Subject Research - Amendment of Research Procedure

This procedure describes the procedures relating to HHS regulation 45 CFR 46.103(b)(4) and (5) the procedures which the IRB will follow for ensuring prompt reporting to the IRB of proposed changes in research activity, and for ensuring that such changes in approved research, during the period for which IRB approval has already been given, may not be initiated without IRB review and approval except when necessary to eliminate apparent immediate hazards to the subject.  This procedure is intended to enhance human subject protection, the quality of research data and education of faculty, staff, and students involved in the conduct of human subjects research and the individuals involved in the ethics and compliance activities related to such research, including IRB members and staff.{C}{C}

15.99.05.W1.11AR: WTAMU Institutional Review Board Human Subjects - Post Approval Monitoring (PAM) Procedure. This procedure describes the procedures relating to HHS regulation 45 CFR 46.103(b)(5) the procedures which the IRB will follow for determining which projects need verification from sources other than the investigators that no material changes have occurred since previous Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects (IRB) review. The post-approval monitoring is intended to enhance human subject protection, the quality of research data and education of faculty, staff, and students involved in the conduct of human subjects research and the individuals involved in the ethics and compliance activities related to such research, including IRB members and staff.

15.99.05.W1.12AR: WTAMU Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects - Suspension or Termination of Research. This procedure describes the procedures relating to HHS regulation 45 CFR 46.103(b)(5) the procedures which the IRB will follow for determining which projects require review more often than annually in the Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects (IRB) review. This procedure is intended to enhance human subject protection, the quality of research data and education of faculty, staff, and students involved in the conduct of human subjects research and the individuals involved in the ethics and compliance activities related to such research, including IRB members and staff.

15.99.05.W1.13AR Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects - Unanticipated Problems and Serious Adverse Events Procedure. The purpose of this document is to describe the process and reporting requirements and obligations in the case of an unanticipated problem or adverse event in the course of human subjects research. The procedure requires investigators to promptly report all unanticipated problems involving risks to human subjects and others. This procedure describes the procedures relating to HHS regulation 45 CFR 46.103(b)(4) and (5) the procedures for ensuring prompt reporting to the IRB, appropriate institutional officials, any Department or Agency head, and OHRP of:

(a) any unanticipated problems involving risks to subjects or others (hereinafter referred to as unanticipated problems);
(b) any serious or continuing noncompliance with 45 CFR Part 46 or the requirements or determinations of the IRB; and
(c) any suspension or termination of IRB approval.

This procedure is intended to enhance human subject protection, the quality of research data and education of faculty, staff, and students involved in the conduct of human subjects research and the individuals involved in the ethics and compliance activities related to such research, including IRB members and staff.

15.99.05.W1.014AR: WTAMU Potential Non-Compliance in the Course of Institutional Biosafety. This procedure describes the reporting requirements, investigative process, and obligations involved in the response to reports of potential non-compliance during the course of research involving biohazardous material. This procedure applies to all faculty, staff, students, affiliated researchers, or other affiliated individuals who are involved in research with biohazardous materials being conducted under the auspices of West Texas A&M University regardless of the location of the research and regardless of the source of funding or whether the research is funded or unfunded.

15.99.05.W1.02AR: WTAMU Institutional Animal Care and Use

WTAMU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is charged with overseeing all aspects of animal care and use at WTAMU and affiliated entities. The IACUC monitors the animal care and uses the program by conducting thorough reviews of the program and inspections of the animal facilities. After review and inspection, a written report (including any minority views) is compiled and provided to the IO about the status of the program including any recommendations. The IACUC may approve, require modification of, or withhold approval of a project. Animal use in the absence of IACUC approval is a serious violation of University procedure (SOP No. 15.99.05.W1.07AR WTAMU Potential Non-Compliance in the Course of Vertebrate Animal Care and Use Research) and a violation of federal law.

15.99.05.W1.06AR: WTAMU Emergency Operations for Institutional Animal Care and Use (Vertebrate Animals). West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) is committed to ensuring that vertebrate animals used in research are treated in a humane, ethical manner, with the highest standard of care according to applied federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies. This policy is intended to provide WTAMU’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), faculty, staff and students, a general plan of action in the event of an emergency or disaster with potential impact to the animals housed in campus laboratories or in WTAMU associated animal care facilities, to include the Nance Ranch, WTAMU Feedlot, WTAMU Horse Center, and the Buffalo Mascot facility.

15.99.05.W1.07AR: WTAMU Potential Non-Compliance in the Course of Vertebrate Animal Care and Use Research. This procedure describes the reporting requirements, investigative process, and obligations involved in the response to reports of potential non-compliance during the course of research involving animal subjects.  This procedure applies to all faculty, staff, and students, affiliated researchers or other affiliated individuals who are involved in vertebrate animal research being conducted under the auspices of West Texas A&M University regardless of the location of the research and regardless of the source of funding or whether the research is funded or unfunded.

15.99.05.W1.03AR: WTAMU Institutional Biosafety Committee Procedure. A Registration Document for an IBC Permit is required for laboratory research involving recombinant DNA, biohazardous, and/or synthetic nucleic acids all biohazardous materials and for clinical research involving human gene transfer. Obtaining an IBC permit will help ensure that your research is conducted in compliance with recombinant DNA, biohazardous, and/or synthetic nucleic acids regulations (e.g., NIH, CDC, etc.) prior to the possession or use of the material.

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), which is composed of academic and research faculty, staff, and outside community members (Appendix A), will perform a risk assessment of research experiments as listed on the Registration Document (Appendix B) and assign an appropriate level of biological safety containment to protect WTAMU faculty, staff, students, the surrounding community, and the environment. An IBC permit is required and must be approved prior to the use of recombinant DNA, biohazardous, and/or synthetic nucleic acids. 

Forms

24.01.01.W1.33AR Chemical Hygiene Plan

The Chemical Hygiene Plan is intended to protect West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) faculty, students, visitors, and staff from physical and chemical health hazards associated with laboratory environments.

24.01.01.W1.31AR: Chemical Procurement Procedure. The EHS chemical procurement process has been developed by West Texas A&M University as a service to researchers and instructors and to ensure the safe and reliable management of chemicals within the University.  In managing chemicals, EHS advocates a risk management approach to minimize the risks to staff, students, contractors, and visitors in relation to the purchase of chemical materials associated with the range of research and teaching.

24.01.01.W1.32AR: Laboratory Inspection Procedure

The purpose of EHS laboratory inspection procedures is to enhance safe laboratory work practices within the WTAMU research community with the goal to provide a safe work environment for users of WTAMU laboratories and to ensure compliance with state and federal safety regulations.

24.01.01.W1.37AR: WTAMU Laboratory Authorization Access. Laboratory research often involves potentially hazardous and regulated materials, such as biological and chemical agents, toxins, radioisotopes, and potentially hazardous equipment.  For this reason, regular access to West Texas A&M University laboratories and research support facilities is restricted to authorized laboratory personnel, determined and approved by the responsible laboratory Primary Investigator (PI) and the associated building supervisor (Dean or designee).  The PI’s have tremendous responsibility and accountability for lab safety and compliance and must supervise and provide training to all who work within the laboratory setting, including faculty, staff, and students whose presence is part of laboratory employment, faculty research collaboration, or student supervised research or coursework . Note: Laboratories at WTAMU are diverse in their scope, work, and structure. Some labs may have a PI and a lab manager who share health and safety responsibilities.  EHS serves to assist PIs with lab safety needs

Forms

24.01.01.W1.38AR: WTAMU Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment Procedure. The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure is to outline the requirements for the installation, inspection, use, and maintenance of Emergency Eyewash and Emergency Shower Equipment.

24.01.01.W1.39AR: WTAMU Laser Safety Procedure. The West Texas A & M University Laser Safety Procedure sets forth controls and safety guidance for research and educational activities involving lasers. This program is established to institute prudent safety practices and to meet the requirements of 25 Texas Administrative Code §289.301.

Forms

24.01.01.W1.40 AR WTAMU Respiratory Protection Program. The purpose of this program is to ensure that all WTAMU employees and students are protected from exposure to respiratory hazards, such as chemical vapors, certain biohazards, asbestos, and other particulates. 

Forms

24.01.01.W1.41AR: WTAMU Autoclave Quality Control Program. Materials from microbiology, biomedical, and all laboratories handling materials that may be considered biohazardous, including contaminated equipment and labware must be rendered non- infectious prior to washing, storage or disposal, even if they are not classified as biohazardous or medical wastes. An autoclave that uses saturated steam under pressure has over the years become the generally-accepted method for inactivation of all microbes.
Operational standards require that the autoclave reach a temperature of not less than 121° C (250° F) for 30 minutes at 15 pounds per square inch pressure; or in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions. A variety of factors can affect the efficiency of an autoclave, therefore, when treating biohazardous wastes, it is recommended that 115°C be reached and maintained for a minimum of 20 minutes within the waste itself. Biohazard waste that has been autoclaved within these standards is considered to be no longer biohazardous and is considered solid waste for disposal purposes.

Forms

24.01.01.W1.42AR: WTAMU Laundry Guidelines and Restrictions. Reusable laboratory PPE should be laundered regularly. There is always a risk these items may become contaminated with chemical, biological, and/or radiological materials depending on the environment in which you work. Even if you suspect your laboratory items are NOT contaminated, they should never be laundered at home. 

Forms

24.01.01.W1.43AR: WTAMU Occupational Health Program . The West Texas A & M University (WTAMU) Occupational Health Program (OHP) is an umbrella program that covers a broad range of areas that are within diverse disciplines. The purpose and goal of the WTAMU OHP are to identify, evaluate, manage, and reduce potential health risks associated with the WTAMU environment. It integrates exposure assessment, risk mitigation, and medical surveillance services to improve the occupational health and safety of the WTAMU employees and to comply with federal and state regulations.

Forms

24.01.01.W1.44AR WTAMU General Use for Cryogenics Liquids This standard operating procedure (SOP) is intended to provide general guidance on how to safely work with cryogenic liquids and dry ice. This general use SOP only addresses safety issues specific to the cryogenic hazards of chemicals. If you have questions concerning the applicability of any item listed in this procedure contact the Principal Investigator/Laboratory Supervisor of your laboratory or Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at 651-2270.

24.02.02.W1.01AR: Visitor Safety - Access Control Program. The purpose of this procedure is to protect the health and welfare of visitors on the West Texas A&M University campus, by controlling access to hazardous and restricted locations by all persons, other than approved persons with the appropriate information, training, and supervision. The program is designed to eliminate the potential for injury to visitors or risk to the University's business operations that could occur from uncontrolled access to such locations. This SOP refers to visitors in teaching and research areas at WTAMU. It supplements WTAMU Rule 24.02.02.W1/BF, TAMU System Policy 24.2, and System Regulation 24.02.02. 

Forms

24.01.01.W1.45AR WTAMU Phlebotomy Procedure. This standard operating procedure (SOP) is intended to provide standards for phlebotomy and retrieval of blood samples, in a manner that ensures the delivery of safe, competent, and effective care.

24.01.99.W1.46AR WTAMU Controlled Substances Procedure. The purpose of West Texas A & M University’s standard operating procedure establishes processes and controls for the purchase, storage, use, and disposal of controlled substances.

Forms

24.01.99.W1.50 WTAMU Environmental Advisory Council West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) is committed to providing its students, faculty, and staff with a safe working and academic environment and to serve as a model of responsible environmental protection and stewardship. The University is committed to protecting the local community and environment and to assist when called upon, in local emergency planning and response. 

WTAMU is committed to establishing a culture of safety, health, and environmental protection and to promote educational activities to enhance environmental awareness, safety, and action.

In accordance with this commitment, WTAMU will comply with applicable laws and regulations and implement needed 'best management practices’ to achieve the following objectives:

  • Protection of lives and health of students, faculty, and staff;
  • Safeguard the WTAMU community’s environmental health, safety, and well-being;
  • Minimize adverse environmental impacts;
  • Protect WTAMU resources, facilities, and assets;
  • Encourage the purchase of renewable, reusable, recyclable and recycled materials;
  • Reduce risks associated with the use and storage of hazardous substances;
  • Promote strategies to minimize the generation of wastes and encourage reuse and recycling;
  • Support environmentally responsible teaching, research and outreach;
  • Inspire environmental research and assessment;
  • Encourage individuals to be aware of environmental sustainability issues;
  • Provide open communication about the environment and sustainability; and,
  • Conserve, protect, and maintain natural and built resources.

24.01.99.W1.51AR: WTAMU Service Animals. The purpose of this procedure is to provide guidance for West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) faculty, staff, and students regarding facility access for service animals.  WTAMU is committed to providing all students with equal access to quality education.  WTAMU seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified persons with disabilities.  As, such, the university will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required.

Forms

24.01.01.W1.47 WTAMU Fire and Life Building InspectionsThe purpose of Fire and Life building inspection procedure is to enhance safe work practices within the WTAMU community with the goal of providing a safe work environment for users of WTAMU to ensure compliance with state and federal safety regulations. 

24.01.99.W1.48AR WTAMU Chemical Inventory. I n order to comply with numerous regulatory requirements, including the Hazard Communication Regulation - CFR 1910.1200 (Haz Com), West Texas A & M University (WTAMU) produces an annual chemical inventory identifying the location (building and room) and quantity of all institutional research hazardous materials. An on-line inventory software system is used to support chemical tracking in the fulfillment of all regulatory requirements. Hazard Communication Regulation - CFR 1910.1200 (HazCom) was created to ensure that the hazards of chemicals produced or imported are evaluated, and that appropriate hazard information is transmitted to employers and employees.

24.01.99.W1.49 WTAMU Hot Work The purpose of the Hot Work Program is to provide guidance for West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) faculty, staff, and students who manage, supervise, or perform hot work operations.

24.01.99.W1.01AT: WTAMU General Art Safety. Much of what we do in art brings us into contact with hazardous materials and processes, as well as tools and equipment that need proper safety procedures. Don’t be alarmed—be aware. This safety guide provides basic information on the primary hazards associated with different artistic mediums along with the safe use of tools and equipment.
This information is not meant to discourage you from practicing your art! Instead, it is meant to make you a wiser and healthier art practitioner—all that you have to do is 1) read this information, 2) know what you’re dealing with before you start working in an area where hazardous materials or processes are used and 3) follow the recommended precautions.
Improper use of equipment, poor work practices, inappropriate handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials can have dire consequences on your health and safety.

24.01.99.W1.02AT: WTAMU Hot Shop: Glass Furnace and Kiln Safety. This procedure is written to ensure oversight and operations of the GLASS FURNACE, GLASS KILNS/ANNEALERS, and CERAMIC ELECTRIC AND GAS KILNS is conducive to a productive environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors.  This procedure advises and provides guidance for compliance with regulations that apply to all public buildings on the WTAMU campus and all WTAMU facilities.  This will help prevent occupational exposures to potentially harmful air contaminants, heat, and other potentially harmful operations and materials.

24.01.99.W1.03AT: WTAMU Scene Shop Procedure. This procedure is written to ensure oversight and operations of the WTAMU Theatre Scene Shop are conducive to a productive environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors. This procedure advises and provides guidance for compliance with regulations that apply to all public buildings on the WTAMU campus and all WTAMU facilities. This will help prevent occupational exposures to potentially harmful contaminants and situations.