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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. 

Click on the topic link below to access EHS COVID-19 updates.

Pandemic Safety Officer    |   General Resources   |    Return to Work / Instructor Resources 

Cleaning Resources   |   Research and Laboratory Resources   

External Resources   |   Service Provider/Vendors/Contractors

 

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.  (9/4/20)

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COVID-19 General Resources

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. (9/1/20) 

COVID Prohibited Access Signage - Sign to post on entrances to areas closed in response to a suspected COVID-19 case being reported.  This signage is posted in coordination with the COVID-19 Supervisors Reporting Instructions. (4/2/20)

Working on Campus - Employee health and safety guidance for individuals working on campus. (8/18/20)

Working on Campus Health and Safety Questions - Employee frequently asked questions. (5/03/20)

Cloth Mask - General guidance on the use and care of cloth masks. (8/18/20)

Guidance for Contractors, Vendors, and Other Third Parties Performing Non-Construction Work on University Property - This document describes measures that must be taken by third party employers to protect all campus personnel from the spread of COVID-19. (8/14/20)

SARS Coronavirus SDS - The Canadian Health Department has prepared a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on the SARS Coronavirus responsible for COVID-19.  This sheet provides details on the virus, its physical characteristics, environmental survivability, disinfection, and other pertinent information.  This is a valuable, albeit highly technical, resource.

Handwashing - Public service announcement to "Defend yourself from germs, wash your hands!" (3/18/20)

Temporary Operational & Equipment Inspection Guidance - Resource to help with operational and compliance inspection requirements in response to current actions taken to prevent the spread of the virus. (9/16/20) 

EHS Ergonomic Resources:  This page provides information on proper work station set-up, whether in your office or at home. (7/9/20)

 

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COVID-19 Return to Work / Instructor Resources

Return to Workplace Planning Guide - This guidance has been prepared as an optional planning tool for non-research related Work Units to use in coordination with the University's Return to Workplace authorization process.  This tool provides guidance to assist in planning and preparing strategies to promote a safe return to work for our employees.  It also provides reminders to aid in the physical preparation of workplaces, methods to obtain pandemic supplies, and guidance to employees on their safe return to the workplace. The Word version of this guide is available here.  (5/26/20)

Laboratory and Research Ramp-up Planning Guide - This guidance is specific to laboratories and research facilities planning to return to work and to ramp-up research operations in coordination with the OSVPR "Gradually Increasing On-Campus Research-Related Activities at Penn State." This tool provides guidance to assist in planning and preparing strategies to promote a safe return to work for our research community.  It also provides reminders to assess for hazards when first returning to the laboratory, as well as an aid in the physical preparation of workplaces, methods to obtain pandemic supplies, and guidance to employees on their safe return to the workplace. The Word version of this guide is available here.  (5/19/20)

Classroom Guidance for Instructors - This document describes the steps that faculty can take to provide a positive learning environment and manage COVID-19-related concerns in the classroom.  The guidance includes a sample statement for faculty to include in their course syllabi and a series of steps that faculty can take if a student fails to adhere to health and safety requirements.

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. (8/26/20)

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COVID-19 Cleaning Resources

Cleaning Guidelines - OPP Cleaning Standards in Response to Coronavirus - Overview of the Office of Physical Plant cleaning standards and practices in response to coronavirus including disinfecting products and procedures, cleaning frequencies, and personal protective requirements. (7/29/20)

"NEW – COVID-19 Space Cleaning Protocol & Decision Guide" – This document is developed in coordination with several work units to support the selection of cleaning protocols based on the types and uses of occupied spaces and the relative needs for re-occupancy of these spaces. (9/16/20)

Cleaning Guidance - Laboratory - Guidance provided to laboratories and research facilities to help identify approved COVID-19 disinfection methods researchers can follow for their high touch work areas and equipment. (3/19/20)

Betco GE FightBac - A general-purpose disinfectant 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. (8/07/20) 

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 Modified Service webpage for additional cleaning and decontamination procedures, specifically the Procedure for Cleaning and Disinfecting Infectious Areas.

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COVID-19 Research and Laboratory Resources

Guidance for Performing Remote Research or Teaching from Home - Information for faculty members who wish to conduct teaching demonstrations or research activities while working from home.  A three-tiered approach has been established to provide guidance on four hazard categories (biological, chemical, physical, and radiation) using a table format.  (4/16/20)

Guidance for Performing Teaching Demonstrations in University Labs or Shops - Information for faculty or staff members who wish to Livestream/record class demonstrations from on-campus laboratories or shops.  Guidance on working alone and the use of a "buddy system" is included. (4/16/20)

Guidance for Fieldwork - Information to minimize potential risks associated with fieldwork during the coronavirus pandemic. Applies to teaching or research activities conducted by University faculty, staff, or students in outdoor areas (on or off campus). (7/14/20)

Research Continuity Guide - Guidance provided to aid Deans, Department Chairs, Safety Officers, and Principal Investigators (PIs) in considering the additional steps that should be taken to protect laboratory personnel and the valuable research being conducted at Penn State during a temporary campus shutdown. (3/19/20)

Laboratory and Research Ramp Down Checklist - Tool to guide researchers/lab personnel during the ramp down and temporary closure of their laboratory. (9/14/20)

Cleaning Guidance - Laboratory - Guidance provided to laboratories and research facilities to help identify approved COVID-19 disinfection methods researchers can follow for their high touch work areas and equipment. (3/19/20)

Lab Suspension Sign - Signage to post on entrances to laboratories and research facilities closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Provides emergency contact information for space if needed. (3/19/20)

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COVID-19 External Resources

COVID-19 Safety Procedures for Businesses Flyer - PaDOH

How to Protect Yourself and Others - CDC

Use of Cloth Face Coverings - CDC

Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home - CDC

What to do if You are Sick - CDC

Work-From-Home Best Practices - National Safety Council

Home Fire Safety during the COVID-19 Pandemic - Guidance from the NFPA

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COVID-19 Service Provider/Vendors/Contractors

OPP Design and Construction COVID-19 Guidance –   This document has been developed to provide COVID-19 guidelines for all third party construction managers, contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, suppliers, and consultants who conduct work on PSU property in furtherance of design and construction projects, inclusive of all Commonwealth Campuses. (8/13/20)

Guidance for Contractors, Vendors, and Other Third Parties Performing Non-Construction Work on University Property - This document describes measures that must be taken by third party employers to protect all campus personnel from the spread of COVID-19. (8/14/20)

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