Community Health and Safety
Discover essential health and safety resources that support safe, healthy living—on campus and beyond.
Environmental Safety
Agricultural Safety
Penn State University has a diverse risk profile with many non-traditional hazards and unique operations, including the farms! The agricultural industry continues to be one of the most hazardous occupations in the nation. Penn State aims to provide resources and services to agricultural workers to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for staff, faculty, students, visitors, and the environment.
EHS maintains a wide variety of programs related to safety, health, and the environment and several of these programs are applicable to agriculture. To determine full applicability of EHS Policies and Programs, please complete the LionSafe Risk Assessment or consult directly with EHS.
Below are some of the most common programs relevant to agricultural work:
Confined Spaces
Confined spaces at Penn State farms may include silos, grain bins, manholes, manure pits, tanks, or any other space that is (1) large enough to enter, (2) not designed for human occupancy, and (3) has limited means of egress. Some of these spaces require entry for some purpose such as maintenance, cleaning, fumigation, etc. Entry into confined spaces with serious hazards requires a written permit. The Penn State Confined Space Program is designed to ensure the safe entry of these spaces.
Environmental Emergency Plans
Penn State has a variety of plans that address facilities, such as the farms, that store fuels, oils, and hazardous materials. The purpose of these plans is to describe measures to prevent spills and releases from occurring and to prepare for an effective, safe, and timely response to mitigate the impacts of a spill/release. Under or above ground storage tanks for fuel, oils, and chemicals also have specific requirements that must be considered.
Fall Protection
Some agricultural tasks consist of working from heights (specifically 4 feet or greater). This program explains the different types of fall protection that can be used as well as how to comply with regulatory requirements surrounding fall protection.
Field Research Safety Plan
Due to the unique and sometimes unpredictable hazards involved with field work or research, we encourage those performing this type of work to conduct a Field Research Safety Plan prior to work so that individuals can be prepared and safe.
Hazard Communication
Penn State farms use and store many chemicals such as oil, lubricants, pesticides, paint, compressed gases, etc. Those who work with hazardous chemicals have a right to know the hazards associated with them. The Hazard Communication program outlines how to ensure regulatory compliance.
Lockout Tagout
The Lockout Tagout Program establishes procedures to protect individuals from injury during the servicing of equipment by preventing unexpected energization of hazardous energy. Penn State farms conduct maintenance of farm equipment with hazardous energy such as tractors, air compressors, electrical panels, grain bins, etc. Those working on or near energized electrical devices must also adhere to the EHS Energized Electrical Safety Program.
Machine Shops
Shops are sometimes housed at farms to have adequate space and tools to conduct necessary maintenance on equipment. Shops most commonly include equipment such as saws, presses, hand tools, grinders, and welding (hot work) equipment. These types of spaces and equipment can have unique hazards that constitute more rigorous training and compliance to ensure the safety of those working in shops at Penn State.
Personal Protective Equipment
Penn State farms may be required to wear safety shoes, safety glasses, respirators, hearing protection, Tyvek, and/or other PPE to protect themselves from hazards such as flying debris, animal handling, abrasions, hazardous chemicals, dust, excessive noise, etc. The Personal Protective Equipment program provides training and a means to conduct a hazard assessment related to PPE use at the farms.
Pesticide Safety and Worker Protection Standard
Most farms at Penn State involve the use of pesticides. This program aims to ensure the safe use of pesticides and protection of workers who may potentially be exposed to pesticides throughout their work and/or research.
Powered Industrial Trucks and Aerial/Scissor Lifts
Penn State farms harbor a plethora of equipment such as tractors, mowers, trucks, forklifts, aerial/scissor lifts, etc. Some of this equipment has specific regulatory requirements that must be followed to ensure safe operation.
Trench/Excavation
Sometimes holes need to be dug to conduct research or maintain farm operations. Digging holes sounds otherwise safe, however there are many hazards associated with trenches and excavations and this EHS program was established to protect personnel from harm when working in or near trenches/excavations as well as compliance with regulatory requirements.
Waste Disposal
Farms often find themselves in a position where they need to dispose of waste that cannot simply go into the trash. Types of hazardous waste may include chemicals, batteries, bulbs, or infectious waste. Penn State farms must ensure they are abiding by the requirements surrounding disposal of hazardous waste.
You can find more information related to safety on the College of Agricultural Sciences landing page for Safety.
Penn State Extension’s Farm Safety and Agricultural Health Program also has many resources for agricultural work performed at Penn State.
Here you can find articles, courses, guides, videos, webinars, workshops, and other tools related to agricultural safety. Some topics include Animal Handling, Farm Equipment, Protective Gear, Disaster Preparedness, and more.
The “Agricultural Safety and Health Insights” has the latest news along with information on publications, videos, and upcoming events. This quarterly e-newsletter covers a wide range of agricultural safety and health topics that can be used in the day-to-day operation of a farm. You can sign up for the newsletter.
Public Recycling Resources
It's in everyone's interest to ensure that automotive fluids such as waste motor oil and antifreeze, as well as items like mercury thermostats that are generated from home are properly disposed of. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection provides resources to find recycling locations for the public.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection website
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Automated External Defibrillators (AED)
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.
Family Emergency Preparedness
The family emergency plan provides instructions for preparing for and surviving disasters.
Facility Safety
Campus Lighting
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.
Portable Heaters
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.
Animal Event Guidelines
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.
Health and Hygiene
Influenza
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
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.
Covid-19
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)
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)
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
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.
Bed Bugs
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
Pest Control
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.