General Safety and Emergency Information

Support from all Avenues

We work closely with Campus Security, Environmental Health and Safety, and other campus entities. The Quick Links to the right will take you to the official sites of each department or to a service request system called TDX. Many departments use TDX, where maintenance and laboratory access requests may be placed. 

General Information for Emergencies:

 In an emergency, follow the protocols below. 

Contacts:

Important Numbers

  • Pomona, Director of Institutional Core Facilities: (909)-469-8338  officeofcorefacilities@westernu.edu
  • Pomona Campus Security: (909) 706-3000 
  • COMP-NW Campus Security: (541) 968-4840
  • CHS-NW Campus Security: (541) 954-7900
  • WesternU Facilities: (909) 469-5258  facilities@westernu.edu
  • Environmental Health and Safety (EHS): (909) - 469- 8231 ehs@westernu.edu
  • Paramedics/Ambulance: 911   
  • Pomona Valley Fire Department Non-Emergency Number: 909-620-2218
  • Pomona Valley Police Department Non-Emergency Number: 909-620-2141
  • Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 

Relevant Policy

  • Emergency Action Plan for WesternU Health-Pomona

911 Assistance 

  • When calling 911 from campus phone, Campus Security is notified
  • When calling 911 from cell phone, you must also notify Campus Security so they may coordinate emergency services to your location
  • Using SafeZone, both are notified

WesternU strongly encourages all employees, students, and visitors to download and use the SafeZone App. This app provides direct communication with Campus Security and emergency services in case of a safety or medical emergency.

  • Key Features of SafeZone:
    • Emergency Alerts: Tap the "Emergency" button in the app to immediately alert Campus Security to your location and situation. This triggers an immediate response and helps guide emergency responders directly to you.
    • First Aid: Use the app to request both non-emergency or emergency first aid issues.   
    • Real-time Communication: You can directly communicate with Campus Security via the app’s chat feature for updates or further assistance.
    • Help/Escort: Enable if you feel unsafe moving across campus. This feature allows Campus Security to track your journey and provide immediate help if needed.
    • Check In: Check-in after hours to ensure Security knows you are on campus and safe.

How to Get the SafeZone App:

  • Download the SafeZone App from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
  • Register with your WesternU credentials to connect with Campus Security.

Using the SafeZone App:

  1. Tap “Emergency” to call for immediate help in critical situations.
  2. Tap “First Aid” for medical assistance.
  3. Tap “Help/Escort” for more options and to reach security directly. This for Security Escort and non-emergency communication. 

 

  1. Immediate Response

    • Assess the situation and ensure the injured person is in a safe location.
    • Contact emergency services if the injury requires immediate medical attention.
      • Call 911 from a campus phone (Campus Security will be automatically notified) or a mobile phone. If you use a cell phone, you must also notify Campus Security to assist emergency responders when they arrive on campus. You can also use the SafeZone App. Using the app also notifies authorities of your location. 
      • Simultaneously, if using a cell phone, notify Campus Security at:
        • Pomona: (909) 706-3000 or extension 3000.
        • Lebanon (COMP-NW): (541) 968-4840​
        • Lebanon (CHS-NW): (541) 954 - 7900
  2. Notify Campus Security  (if not notified previously)

    • Provide details about the location and nature of the injury to Campus Security.
    • Security will assist first responders in locating and addressing the emergency if required. 
  3. Report the Incident

    • Complete the online Incident Report Form provided by the Office of University Risk Management.
    • The report must include details such as the time, location, and circumstances of the injury​.
  4. Follow-Up Procedure

    • Depending on the nature of the incident, the appropriate department will contact you. 

Relevant Policies or Documents

  • 911 Emergency Assistance 
  • Emergency Response Plan
  • Emergency Action Plan for WesternU Health-Pomona
  1. Immediate Safety Measures

    • Evacuate the immediate area if the chemical spill poses a direct threat to health or safety.
    • Alert nearby individuals about the spill or exposure to prevent further harm.
    • If safe to do so, attempt to contain the spill using appropriate spill kits, but only if you have been trained to do so.
  2. Contact Campus Security

    • Call Campus Security immediately at:
      1. Pomona: (909) 706-3000 or extension 3000.
      2. Lebanon (COMP-NW): (541) 968-4840.
      3. Lebanon (CHS-NW): (541) 954 - 7900
    • If there are immediate injuries or health impacts, call 911 from a campus phone or a mobile phone and notify Campus Security simultaneously​. 
  3. Report the Chemical Incident

    1. Provide detailed information to 911 and Campus Security, including:
      • The location of the spill.
      • The type of chemical (if known).
      • Any injuries or health concerns resulting from the spill.
    2. Security will coordinate with Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) and assist with first responders if required.
  4. Follow-Up and Documentation

    • Complete the online Incident Report Form provided by the Office of University Risk Management to document the event and its details.
    • EHS will conduct an assessment of the chemical hazard and determine if additional containment or cleanup measures are necessary.
  5. Additional Notifications

    • Notify your supervisor or Principal Investigator and Office of Institutional Core Facilities  to ensure that the incident is recorded in the lab’s safety records.
    • Depending on the severity, Campus Security or EHS may notify external agencies, such as the local fire department.

Relevant Policies or Documents

  • Chemical Handling
  • WesternU Chemical Hygiene Plan

1. Initial Response – Call Security

If you identify a building emergency (e.g., power outage, pipe leak, structural damage), immediately call the Security Front Desk. This should be the first action taken to ensure a coordinated and safe response.

  • Security Front Desk Contact Information:

    • Phone: (909) - 706 -3000

For significant infrastructure issues (e.g., electrical failures, water leaks), Security will notify appropriate emergency response teams and coordinate access with the Facilities team to assess the situation.

2. Notify the Office of Institutional Core Facilities

After contacting Security, promptly notify the Office of Institutional Core Facilities. This office is responsible for coordinating building maintenance and operational responses.

4. Notify Trained Facilities Personnel

  • Security will notify the appropriate individuals within Facilities
  • The Facilities team members are trained specifically to address building infrastructure issues. These individuals will respond to assess the extent of the problem and implement necessary measures.
  • Facilities Department Contact Information:

5. Evaluate the Situation

If the emergency involves utilities or structural concerns, the Facilities team will evaluate the situation in collaboration with Security and Core Facilities. This evaluation will determine if areas need to be closed off, or evacuated, or if temporary power or plumbing solutions are necessary.

Relevant Policy or Documents

  • Emergency Response Plan

General Lab Safety and Guidelines:

The basics of laboratory safety. More information can be found under Lab Management Tools and Institutional Shared Services. The General Lab Safety Guide can be found online and in the Lab Safety Binders provided for each PI by EHS.

  • Purpose: To protect all personnel from potential hazards in the laboratory.
  • Key Guidelines:
    • Lab Coats: Lab coats are mandatory in all labs and must be worn at all times. Lab coats are provided by the Office of Research and Biotechnology.
    • Gloves: Wear appropriate gloves for the materials you are handling. Change gloves regularly, especially if they become contaminated.
    • Eye Protection: Use safety goggles or face shields when handling chemicals, working with open flames, or performing procedures with a risk of splashing.
    • Closed-Toed Shoes: Only closed-toed shoes are allowed in the laboratory to protect feet from spills or falling objects.
    • Long Pants: Long pants must be worn in the lab to minimize exposure to chemicals or burns.

Relevant Policies or Documents

  • General Lab Safety Guide
  • Purpose: Maintain a Clean and Functional Work Area
  • Key Guidelines:
    • Keep work areas clean and always organized to minimize hazards.
    • Dispose of waste promptly and properly.
    • Ensure that all pathways and emergency exits remain clear and unobstructed.
    • Cardboard boxes are a hazard due to absorption and fire hazards. Please refrain from keeping cardboard boxes for long-term storage.
  • Key Guidelines :
    • Familiarize yourself with all lab equipment before use. If you are unsure, seek training or guidance from your supervisor.
    • Report any malfunctioning or damaged equipment to your supervisor and/or Office of Institutional Core Facilities immediately.
    • Avoid using it until repairs are completed. 
    • If you have equipment to dispose of, please contact Asset Management. Please include the tag number. 

Biohazardous and Other Regulated Waste Disposal

  • Purpose: To safely manage the disposal of biohazardous waste in compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Key Procedures:
    • Use red biohazard bags and ensure all waste is securely double-bagged when necessary.
    • Dispose of sharps in rigid, puncture-resistant containers.
    • Pathological waste must be handled with specialized disposal methods, such as incineration.

 Hazardous Materials Management

  • Purpose: To minimize exposure to hazardous materials and comply with safety regulations.
  • Key Procedures:
    • Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS):
      • Before storing a chemical, review the SDS for specific storage requirements.
  • Group Chemicals by Hazard Class:
    • Use designated cabinets for:
      • Flammables: Store in a flammable storage cabinet.
      • Acids and Bases: Store separately in cabinets designed for corrosive materials.
      • Oxidizers: Keep away from flammable substances.
    • Examples: Acetic acid (an acid) should be stored separately from sodium hydroxide (a base).
    • Regularly review and update the chemical inventory and safety protocols via SciShield.

Relevant Policies or Documents

  • Hazardous Materials and Waste Management
  • WesternU Chemical Hygiene Plan
  • Purpose: Ensuring eyewash and shower stations are properly utilized
  • Usage Instructions:
    • Immediate Flushing of Eyes
      • If exposed to hazardous chemicals, use the nearest eyewash station or shower station immediately
      • Flush the affected area for at least 15 minutes, up to 60 minutes for highly corrosive substances.
      • Refer to Safety Data Sheets for further information.
      • Call Campus Security and/or 911 for emergencies.
    • Report any malfunctions to Facilities and EHS immediately.

Relevant Policies or Documents

  • Emergency Eyewash Shower Station Guidelines
  • Purpose: To prepare laboratories for earthquakes and ensure safe evacuation. Ensure the Associated Documents are properly filled out and have on hand. 
  • Preparation Checklist:
    • Identify safe and hazardous areas in your lab.
    • Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and assembly points.
    • Secure gas cylinders and large liquid nitrogen Dewars
    • Ensure all chemical storage areas have latches or restraints to prevent tipping.
    • Fill out the Lab Emergency Information form and keep in the Lab Safety Binders prepared and distributed by EHS. 
  • During an Earthquake:
    • Take cover under a sturdy table or near a wall if in an office.
    • If in a lab with hazardous materials, evacuate to the nearest corridor or safer location outside the lab.
  • After an Earthquake:
    • Check for spilled chemicals, inspect storage areas, and ensure equipment is functioning properly.
    • Report crucial items or hazards to EHS and emergency assembly personnel

Associated Documents: