Chemical Safety and Surveillance Committee (CSSC)

2020-21 Chemical Safety and Surveillance Committee Charge

This committee advises the chancellor through the Vice Chancellor – Resource Management & Planning on all matters relating to the safe use of hazardous chemicals.

Its primary charge is to reduce risks associated with hazardous chemicals and establish policies and procedures that meet or exceed applicable norms, monitor new regulations, and implement adopted policies and procedures for hazardous chemicals.

Should there be a willful or negligent violation of UC San Diego's established chemical safety practices and procedures, the committee has the authority to impose disciplinary measures, which are subject to review and/or modification by the chancellor or his/her designated representative. The committee's members represent a diversity of disciplines relevant to the work being evaluated, developing technology, chemical health and safety and engineering. The committee will:

• Develop policies for handling and safe use of chemicals in research, teaching, maintenance, shop, and clinical applications.
• Monitor and investigate accidents, incidents, injuries, and illnesses that involve hazardous chemicals, make recommendations, and report findings. These matters shall be reported to the appropriate department chairs.
• Identify, review, and approve where appropriate, operations or projects which may present an extraordinary risk due to the nature, concentration, form, or quantity of the chemical, or type of project. Take action to mitigate undue risks including: review operational criteria, provide guidance, require the work to follow standard operating procedures, and if necessary, exercise the authority to prevent or halt work.
• Monitor and evaluate UC San Diego's chemical-related regulatory compliance program. Make recommendations and report findings on policies, programs, procedures, and effectiveness. Develop position statements on proposed chemical-related regulation that may affect the conduct or quality of research, education, or the operations of the university.
• Monitor, evaluate, and promote methods and procedures to minimize production of hazardous wastes from research, maintenance, patient care, teaching, and other university activities. Monitor disposal costs, methods of disposal, and the funding process for these activities.
• Provide a forum for the campus community to raise concerns regarding the safe use and handling of chemicals and assist in the resolution of disputes regarding chemical safety issues.

Committee Chair: Joseph O'Connor

Committee Contact: Darren Cannone 

VC RMP Committee Contact: Marie-Pierre Murry mpmurry@ucsd.edu