Mission Statement
Execute compliance and prevention activities that contribute to the overall health, safety and welfare of the campus community and the natural environment. Identify and manage existing or potential liability issues.
Environmental Health
NSU is committed to compliance with all applicable local, state and federal regulatory requirements. Regulatory compliance issues include indoor and outdoor air quality, chemical management, physical hazard identification, pollution prevention and other activities which preserve and protect the campus community and the natural environment.
The EHS & RM office interprets and implements regulatory standards promulgated and enforced by the Virginia Department of Labor & Industry, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and local agencies. These regulations form the basis of employee and environmental health and safety programs. Virginia Occupational Safety and Health standards may be found at the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. Environmental regulations may be accessed at Virginia Department of Environmental Quality website.
Air Quality
Asbestos Abatement
Certified and licensed contractors are retained for the removal of asbestos from buildings. Procedures that ensure capture or encapsulation of asbestos fibers during removal are utilized. Air monitoring tests during and after removals are performed provide assurance of successful abatement.
Mold prevention, detection and abatement
Molds are found on indoor and outdoor surfaces, and can grow on almost any substance when moisture is present. Common building materials, such as plywood, drywall, carpets, and carpet padding are food for molds.
Mold spread can be thwarted:
- During humid weather, windows should be kept closed to minimize indoor moisture accumulation. Air vents should never be blocked.
- Keep housing areas dry -- don't let water build up anywhere, ventilate damp rooms, wipe shower walls and doors after use.
- Don't leave wet clothes in washing machines where mold can quickly grow. Dry wet clothing and towels in laundry dryers.
- Don't keep too many indoor plants -- especially in dorm rooms -- as mold can grow in plant soil.
- Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Turn off humidifiers if you see condensation on windows. Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners in areas of buildings where mold tends to grow, especially when it’s hot and humid. Clean dehumidifiers and humidifiers weekly.
- If mold is found, use a damp cloth or paper towel to remove it; dry completely. Spraying with cleansers may cause mold to release spores into the air, which may pose potential respiratory hazards.
- Report any leak from plumbing or rainfall to Facilities Management quickly for abatement or prevention of mold growth.