Christopher Newport University is committed to maintaining a safe working, learning and living environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors. For more information, view the Environmental Health and Safety Policy.
The Environmental Health and Safety Department works to mitigate and minimize risk to the campus community and facilitate safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible operations. We provide guidance and best practices that promote continuous advancement and support the alignment of university activities with regulatory standards.
EHS provides technical assistance and support in these areas:
- Biological safety in the laboratory
- Bloodborne pathogens exposure control
- Building fire safety
- Chemical hygiene
- Chemical safety
- Electrical safety
- Ergonomics
- Fall protection
- First aid
- Occupational accident and injury investigation
- Hazardous and regulated waste management and disposal
- Hearing conservation
- Indoor air quality investigation
- Industrial machinery and equipment safety
- Laboratory and research safety
- Respiratory protection
- Personal protective equipment
The Environmental Health and Safety Department uses CampusOptics to support our safety and compliance process. CampusOptics is a cross-functional EHS management platform designed specifically for institutions of higher education. This software helps improve collaboration, reduce institutional risk, and enhance safety culture. We use CampusOptics to help centralize and manage our inspection reports and permits, track and resolve incidents and issues, and facilitate the regulated waste removal process. If you receive an email from CampusOptics, please do not delete, this is a trusted source generated by the EHS Department that requires your attention.
Please reach out to the EHS Department with any questions.
Safety training is required for personnel exposed to hazards as part of their activities on campus. Required training is determined based on specific activities and associated hazards. Before individuals are exposed to hazards, their supervisors or sponsors must ensure that they are properly trained. The intention is to adequately inform individuals about the physical and health hazards present and make them aware of methods for minimizing the risks of exposure.
The EHS Department facilitates training for faculty, staff, and students. Online, self-paced safety training modules from TrainingToday are available to the campus community. Please contact EHS at ehs@cnu.edu to indicate which training modules are needed and to have a username and password assigned for yourself and/or those under your supervision. Individuals enrolled in the training modules should look for login information and course invitations via email from TrainingToday Gold.
If technology or communication issues make online training unreasonable, or if more comprehensive training is needed, the EHS Department will accommodate as needed by providing in-person training or by coordinating training from external resources. Please contact EHS staff with any questions.
This training will be helpful for students working in faculty research labs or supporting instructional lab prep and is intended for new research students, new student workers, or those that would like a refresher. Topics will include the basics of laboratory safety including chemical safety and hygiene, biological, and physical hazards, emergencies and response.
Training will be held in Forbes 2070C from 12:20 - 1:20 p.m. on the following dates:
- Thursday, January 16, 2025
- Thursday, February 20, 2025
- Thursday, March 20, 2025
- Thursday, April 17, 2025
Employer: Supports a safe and sustainable campus.
EHS Department: Develops and administers processes and programs that improve health, safety, and sustainability. Facilitates training for employees and students.
Supervisor: Implements processes and programs to meet health, safety, and sustainability goals. Coordinates with EHS to ensure the employees and workplaces under their supervision are current on all training and best practices.
Employee: Supports EHS departmental efforts. Knows and adheres to all requirements and best practices applicable to their work activities.