Mark Cavanaugh, University fire marshal, has been named director of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) for the University of Rochester. He retains his positions as fire marshal and chief safety officer.
Cavanaugh, who had been serving as acting EH&S director since the beginning of 2002, oversees the EH&S staff working to minimize hazards throughout the University. The staff works with University departments to provide safety and advisory services through managing risk; assessing, evaluating, and advocating safe work practices; providing quality educational programs, and ensuring regulatory compliance with University and regulatory standards.
Among other services, EH&S provides safety training for all members of the University's research community, including training on regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency. (Federal compliance calls for all individuals working in the 1,700 labs across the University or supervising lab personnel to attend such sessions annually.) EH&S also conducts regular inspections of labs to ensure that they comply with all relevant regulations, and works with departments to improve general workplace safety.
Additionally, EH&S is responsible for developing and implementing emergency plans for all parts of the University, and reviews construction and renovation plans for code compliance. EH&S units include the Fire Marshal's Office, Industrial Hygiene Unit, Pest Control Unit, and Sanitarian's Office.
Cavanaugh joined the University as Fire Marshal in 1997. Previously, he had worked as manager of fire services at Vallen Safety Supply Company, fire protection engineer at Rochester Gas & Electric's Ginna Nuclear Power Plant, fire protection engineer at Rochester Institute of Technology, and fire marshal at Park Ridge Hospital.
He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland at College Park, and serves as chief of the Pittsford Volunteer Fire Department.