Health and safety: It takes a communityThe number of full-time Environmental Health and Safety staff members at New Paltz has increased in response to heightened fire, health and safety regulations affecting colleges throughout New York state and the nation.
The increased number of staff members is commensurate with the size of the campus and population. The Environmental Health and Safety Office acts as a campus liaison for regulatory agencies such as the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Labor’s Public Health and Safety Bureau, to maintain regulation compliance. “One accident or one fire is one too many,” said Colandrea. Responsibles for Colandrea and his crew include a number of health and safety issues such as air quality, animal control, asbestos and hazardous materials. Fire is the largest single issue the staff deals with, according to Colandrea. In 2003, New York state initiated new fire code provisions that included expanded fire safety inspections for campuses and allowed the Department of State to assess fines for non-compliance. Consequently, the State University of New York system and private college campuses are under heightened scrutiny when it comes to fire safety compliance and were directed to increase staff in the areas of health and safety.
Coordinators will receive training and perform periodic checks of such items as fire extinguisher locations, exit blockage, non-functioning lights and exit signs, use of extension cords and storage of excess combustible materials. “Safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said Colandrea. “We’re here to help provide information and assistance.” For more information, contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office at x3310 or by e-mail at colandrb@newpaltz.edu. |
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November 20, 2006
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News Pulse is published every other week for the faculty and staff of SUNY New Paltz by the Office of Public Affairs. It is printed in-house on recycled paper. To submit information to the newsletter, please complete the online submission form. If you are requesting inclusion in the December 4 issue, your submission must be received by noon on November 29. Contact Eric Gullickson or Kristin Charles-Scaringi with any questions. Phone: 845-257-3245 | ||||
Brian Colandrea arrived
on campus in June to serve as
director of the Office of
Environmental Health and
Safety, replacing Brian
McCabe. Kathryn Vacca joined the staff in July as
assistant director, a new position.
Another new position,
which deals directly with fire
prevention issues, is currently
posted. Ed Kolisz served in
that role for four months and
is leaving for other career
opportunities. Erin Stewart filled another new appointment
and provides administrative
support for the office.
Colandrea said the office is
focused on the prevention of
fires and other health and
safety incidents, and the safety
of those who live, work
and study on campus.
In addition, the college is
changing the roles of building
coordinators to include routine
fire safety inspections to help
the Environmental Health and
Safety Office. Each building
will have a full-time professional
staff member serve as
building coordinator.