MIT Reports to the President 1997-98
The Safety Office provides advice, counsel, and programs to the MIT community which promote a safe environment in which to learn and work. The office also implements safety-related functions to ensure compliance with Institute policies and government regulations.
Of major note this year was a visit by members of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Staff from the Safety Office worked with members of the EPA inspection teams and inspectors during the enforcement inspection. The Safety Office also directed preparation efforts prior to the site inspection.
Many of the projects that were undertaken last year continued or were completed during the year.
The fire and emergency response systems study that began last year continued this year. The proposal that was submitted for review will be further considered, in a somewhat modified fashion, again next year.
The work that began at Talbot House last year to install an automatic sprinkler system and an enhanced fire alarm and fire protection monitoring system which will report directly to a Cambridge location was completed during the year.
Record levels of chemical waste shipments were experienced this year due to a campus-wide cleanup. The Safety Office disposed of nearly 1,000 hazardous waste lecture bottles during the cleanup effort.
Numerous safety reviews were conducted again this year including design and construction drawing reviews, art and theatrical reviews, and the review of 80 ergonomic computer workstations.
The Safety Office continued their general oversight of safety needs and programs by participating in ongoing reviews, assessments and evaluations, studies, and projects in laboratories, classrooms, and offices. Another continued priority was ensuring that the Institute was in compliance with all legislated safety requirements. The staff in the Safety Office received additional training and development to further ensure that the Institute was adhering to the many requirements and diverse challenges that the Institute must satisfy.
Walter G. Diaz