Programs & Policies
The Environmental Health & Safety programs outlined below are structured to comply with local, state and federal law and provide the campus community with a safe environment to live, work and learn. Program-related forms are available on our forms directory. We also offer additional information and forms on insurance.
Biological Safety
Towson's campus is home to a Health Center and a variety of science research programs. Our biological safety program helps to minimize risks associated with bloodborne pathogens, biological spills, animals in university buildings, special medical waste, and occupational health.
Chemical Safety
From electronics and battery recycling programs to chemical spill and hazardous waste management procedures, we provide information on chemical-related safety.
CPR/AED
CPR and automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) are crucial life support tools in emergency situations. The College of Health Professions and Campus Recreation offer CPR training to the campus community. You can also access maps and information on our more than 50 campus AED locations. Anyone on campus can use AEDs in an emergency situation—no advance training necessary. Locations of AEDs can be found in lobbies and/or elevators.
Employee Safety Program
Employee safety programs are designed to minimize injuries and hazardous material exposure among campus employees.
Environmental Safety
Our environmental safety program concerns all hazards related to the workplace, including lead paint, drinking water and spill prevention.
Occupational Safety
Our occupational safety programs cover a myriad of issues that affect workplace safety including equipment safety, ergonomics, fall protection, hearing conservation, respiratory protection and much more.
Radiation Safety
Towson has limited use of radioactive materials and a variety of radiation-producing devices in teaching and research laboratories on campus. Through our radiation safety program, we work to assure the safety of faculty, staff and students who might be exposed to radiation in the course of their work and comply with local, state, and federal law.
Smoke-Free Policy
Towson University’s smoke-free policy prohibits all forms of smoking, including electronic cigarettes, in all campus buildings and on all exterior grounds owned or operated by TU. This includes all open spaces, parking lots and garages, on-campus sidewalks, streets, driveways, stadiums, recreational spaces and practice facilities, and in all university-owned or leased vehicles. The policy has been in effect since August 1, 2010. Faculty, staff and students who violate the policy are subject to a fine and disciplinary action through the Office of Human Resources or the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices. Visitors who violate the policy may be escorted off-campus.
Stormwater Management
Towson University (TU) maintains three (3) NPDES permits: an individual permit, which is specifically tailored to controlling the University's discharge of wastewater to surrounding surface waters; a general permit, which covers the discharge of stormwater runoff from land, pavement, building rooftops, and construction sites on campus; and a permit for discharges from stormwater associated with campus industrial activities. The Stormwater Management program involves these permits, and requires personnel education and outreach, public involvement and participation, illicit discharge detection and elimination (see the TU Policy), construction runoff control, pollution prevention, reporting, inspections, and recordkeeping. There are many things that we can do to help reduce pollution from this runoff:
- Disposing of waste properly
- Placing litter in proper containers
- Never dump anything into a storm drain
- Check vehicles for leaking fluids
- Recycle used motor oil
An illicit discharge is disposal of anything other than storm water into the storm water drainage system. To report an illicit discharge, please contact the Towson University Police Department at (410) 704-4444.