To establish a framework for the safety and environmental health program at the University of Tennessee system. Implementation of the program will provide a safe and healthful environment for university faculty, staff, students and guests and maintain a climate conducive to the safe conduct of the university’s various missions.

Each campus will maintain records for safety, health and environmental protection.

To provide university officials guidelines to assist campuses/institutes/units to develop and maintain plans and procedures that meet emergency prevention/mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery requirements within the National Incident Management System and the Tennessee Emergency Management Plan. These plans and procedures will help ensure that all campuses/institutes/units are able to respond appropriately in the case of emergencies or disasters which could occur within or around the university community in order to minimize negative effects on persons and property and facilitate recovery from these incidents.

Each campus or institute that possesses or uses ionizing radiation sources shall establish policies and procedures governing the generation, use, storage, transport, or disposal of such sources. Sources of ionizing radiation include, but are not limited to: radioactive materials (both naturally occurring and man-made), radiation producing devices (including x-ray machines, accelerators and cyclotrons), and equipment or devices intended for other uses, but which emit ionizing radiation as a by-product of their primary function (e.g. generally licensed devices). Additionally, where applicable, the campus/institute shall provide for the appointment of a radiation safety officer and/or a radiation safety committee at each location.

Each university location will establish a program for the safe handling, transport, storage and disposal of hazardous materials.

To establish requirements for a written program for the safe use, storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous biological materials and select agents at University of Tennessee campuses.

To identify the required policies and procedures for the safe use of non-ionizing radiation, including but not limited to lasers, microwave, radio frequency and UV radiation sources.

Protect the safety and health of minors on campus who are engaged in University-sponsored activities in laboratories and shops.

Minors visit campuses and institutes of The University of Tennessee System for a variety of reasons and are involved in a variety of programs and activities sponsored by the University or by third parties using University facilities or resources. The objective of this policy is to promote a safe environment for minors by fostering a University culture that is committed to preventing, recognizing, reporting, and addressing child abuse and child sexual abuse.

To establish a method for reporting safety and health concerns and potential problems without fear of reprisal.

To define the safety and environmental health responsibilities of individuals and departments within the university community.

Each campus/institute will establish a program for training in safety, occupational health and environmental compliance. The content of the information shall be based on regulatory requirements, needs of the campus and best management practices.

To establish the guidelines for the creation of a safety committee at each major location of the University of Tennessee system.

To create and maintain a safe educational and working environment for students and employees by establishing rules for employees for possessing and carrying firearms on University property. Questions about this safety policy and their answers can be found at Questions and Answers About UT Safety Policy 0875 – Firearms About UT Safety Policy 0875 – Firearms.

To protect the health and safety of University students, employees, and visitors; to promote a healthy and safe work, educational, and living environment; and to comply with the Tennessee Non-Smoker Protection Act and other applicable state laws, the University prohibits smoking in, and near all entrances to, all University buildings.

To ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including without limitation, FAA regulations. To mitigate to the University and to individuals potentially affected by the operations of unmanned aircraft systems (e.g., risks relating to safety, security, privacy, and liability).