The purpose of the Asbestos Management Program (AMP) is to reduce or eliminate the risk of exposure to asbestos by way of asbestos-containing materials (ACM). This program is designed to complement other university health and safety programs.
Standardized methods of asbestos management at university properties include:
For questions regarding the Asbestos Management Plan, general health and safety information or emergencies please contact:
Mary Schlagel, Facilities Health and Safety Officer, Asbestos Program Coordinator (APC)
Department of Environmental Health and Safety
815-753-1577
Scott Mooberry, Director
Department of Environmental Health and Safety
815-753-6250
Bloodborne pathogens are disease-causing bacteria or viruses found in blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). They can be transmitted through needlesticks, bites, cuts, abrasions or piercing of mucous membranes. The Exposure Control Plan (ECP) is used to prevent or minimize potential exposure to these pathogens.
Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan (DOCX)
For those involved in medical or research tasks where they could be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, refer also to NIU’s Office of Research Compliance, Integrity and Safety (ORCIS).
The Hazard Communication Program is used to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals purchased, used, and maintained at the NIU facility are evaluated and controlled and that all information concerning these hazards is communicated to all affected employees. Under this program, employees will be informed of the contents of the Hazard Communication Standard, the hazardous properties of chemicals with which they work, safe handling procedures, hazards associated with non-routine tasks, and measures to take in order to protect employees from these chemicals.
The Hazard Communication (Hazcom) Program demonstrates Northern Illinois University’s commitment to compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard as adopted by the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL). A written hazard communication plan is required by federal regulations specified in 29 CFR 1910.1200, which states that each employer is required “to provide information to their employees about the hazardous chemicals to which they are exposed by means of a hazard communication program, labels, and other forms of warning, safety data sheets, and information and training.”
The purpose of the Respiratory Protection Program is to protect Northern Illinois University personnel and students from inhaling hazardous contaminants such as dust particles, smoke, chemicals, mists, fumes, gases, fog, vapors, and sprays by using a respirator. Inhaling these hazardous containments can lead to respiratory issues. This program will outline the necessary steps to protect the respiratory system in accordance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, the program will provide procedural guidelines for how to select, use, clean, and maintain a respirator.
Respirators protect workers against hazards that may cause cancer, lung impairment, diseases or death. Respirators protect the user in two basic ways. The first is by the removal of contaminants from the air. Respirators of this type include particulate respirators, which filter out airborne particles, and air-purifying respirators with cartridges/canisters which filter out chemicals and gases. Other respirators protect by supplying clean respirable air from another source. Respirators that fall into this category include airline respirators, which use compressed air from a remote source, and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which include their own air supply.
The NIU Respiratory Protection Program serves as a resource to assist campus departments in keeping employees safe while complying with applicable OSHA requirements.
Environmental Health and Safety
Dorland Building 200
ehs@niu.edu