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storm-drain-labelThe UAB Department of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) and the city of Birmingham have collaborated on a project to label storm water drains on the UAB Academic and Medical Campuses. The project aims to protect the receiving water bodies from pollution and to elevate environmental compliance and awareness at UAB. The storm water drain inlets are to be labeled with markers that discourage the public from illegally dumping chemicals and trash into storm water drains (picture below). These markers are unique to UAB.

The first phase of this project has been completed, and a team of OH&S and City of Birmingham employees have labeled thirty storm water drains around campus that have been identified as high and medium dumping risks. The team will start working on labeling the rest of the medium dumping risk drains this month as a part of the project's second phase.

You can always play a part in improving the quality of the environment at UAB and the city of Birmingham by using proper methods to dispose of chemicals, trash, and cigarette butts. If you witness illegal dumping of chemicals, please notify OH&S.

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public domain mark image by James Gathany
As we enjoy the outdoors, it's important to remember to protect ourselves from mosquitoes and ticks that may spread the viruses or bacteria that cause serious illness such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Fortunately, we can all take steps such as:
  • use an effective insect repellent on skin and clothing
  • wear long sleeves and long pants (when it's not too hot)
  • take care of our yards to get rid of standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs
  • reduce brush, tall grasses, leaf litter, and harborage where ticks may like to hang out
OH&S Safety Short: Fight the Bite

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cc icon attribution small 2.0cc icon non commercial 2.0 generic image by KQED QUEST
Be smart about using, storing, and disposing household products.

According to the EPA, the average home can have as much as 100 pounds of environmentally harmful products stored in various areas.

Always:
  • Read the label
  • Keep products in original containers & stored safely away from children and pets
  • Dispose of household products safely
  • Try alternative products when available
Never:
  • Pour harmful household products down a sink, toilet, or bathtub drain unless they're made for that purpose
  • Pour products like used oil or bug killer on the ground or into storm drains
  • Store leftover products in food or beverage containers
For more helpful tips, visit the EPA's Household Hazardous Waste page and their household products brochure.
  1. Heat Safety: Check the backseat
  2. National Safe Boating Week
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