Health and Safety

Purchase College’s policies and procedures require that all persons in a campus building evacuate any time the fire alarm system is activated, and/or upon notification by campus officials.

These policies and procedures apply to both actual emergencies and drills, and must be followed by all members of the campus community. All persons are expected to evacuate in the event of an actual emergency or drill, if they can do so safely. Always close doors behind you as you leave.

If an individual is unable to safely evacuate without assistance, they should move to the nearest enclosed stairwell entrance away from the path of traffic and call UPD at 6911 or (914) 251-6911 for assistance. If the hazard becomes life-threatening before emergency responders arrive, move immediately into the enclosed stairwell and close all doors. If the nearest enclosed stairwell entrance is impeded or an individual is otherwise unable to safely move to those areas, the individual may shelter-in-place. Any individuals that must shelter-in-place should contact UPD and report their location for further assistance.

These procedures are applicable to all members of the Purchase College campus community, including, but not limited to, faculty, staff, students, contractors, and visitors.

An evacuation exception may occur upon prior notification or announcement by campus officials.

Note: Members of the Purchase College staff, faculty, and student body are not responsible for evacuating any other individuals on campus.

For more information, consult the Emergency Evacuation Procedures page. 

Additional information on fire safety is available in the University Police Emergency Guide.

 

Chemicals, toxins, radioactive materials, and other potentially hazardous substances must not be brought onto the campus unless bought through the Office of Purchasing and Accounts Payable. In the event any have not gone through the proper process, they must be reported to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

Federal law requires the campus to have a Safety Data Sheet on file for each substance on campus and also requires that the community be alerted if the amount of a toxin exceeds a certain quantity. Faculty members must send a note to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety indicating:

(a) The type and amount of the material brought to campus,

(b) The storage and use locations, and

(c) Attach a copy of the Safety Data Sheet for each substance.

A copy of each SDS must be given to the chair or director for inclusion in the “Safety Data Sheet” binder.

Health and safety concerns may be brought to the Union-Management Environmental Health and Safety Committee via any of its members, which include building managers. The committee is co-chaired by Louis Wirtz, Associate Director Environmental, Health & Safety, and a UUP chapter representative.