If you have questions or concerns about safety in the MVZ, our Safety Manager is Chris Conroy (ondatra[at]berkeley.edu).
See the Emergency Contacts page for a full list of emergency contacts.

Building Safety

Disaster strikes when least expected! Read the following documents for information on how you can prepare for fires, earthquakes, and other disasters while working in the MVZ:

For business hours MVZ maintenance emergencies (e.g., floods, plumbing issues, etc.) call the MVZ Front Office at 510-642-3567.

For VLSB building issues or non-emergency security issues, call Igor Kligman at 510-333-9523.

For after-hours building maintenance or building emergencies, contact Berkeley Facilities Services at 510-642-1032.

Biohazard & Chemical Safety

Anyone working in any lab within the MVZ (e.g., Prep Lab, Herp Lab, Evolutionary Genetics Lab) MUST take the EH&S lab safety class. However, it is strongly recommended that everyone in the MVZ community complete this training.

Additional safety training will be given by the different area managers (e.g., EGL, Prep Lab, Herp Lab, MVZ collections) specific to the hazards present in those locations.

If at any time you do not feel that you have sufficient protection or training for your work, you should stop and inform a staff person and the MVZ Safety Officer. You should not conduct your work unless you feel protected from potential hazards.

In case of a large spill:

For immediate threats to life or property dial 9-1-1 (landline or payphone) or 510-642-3333 (cell phone).

For non-emergencies during business hours (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM), contact the MVZ Front Office at 510-642-3567 and Derek Apodaca (BDS Health & Safety Officer):
dapodaca[at]berkeley.edu
office: 510-642-2467
cell: 510-292-9031

To report a non-emergency spill after business hours, contact Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) at 510-642-3073 or UCPD Non-emergency Services at 510-642-6760.

Fire Alarms & Extinguishers

MVZ has two emergency exits: one each along the side hallways.

There is one fire extinguisher in the Front Office, one extinguisher just inside the Herp Lab on the wall next to the sink, one to the left of the quarantine room/elevators, and several mounted to walls outside of ethanol specimen rooms. There are also fire extinguishers down the side hallways exterior to the office spaces. There is a fire alarm pull near the door to the stairwell next to the elevator. Other fire alarm pulls are in the hallways outside of the entrance to the MVZ.

California law requires immediate evacuation upon the sounding of a fire alarm. Even if you suspect the alarm is a drill you must evacuate immediately. Close your office and lab doors behind you to indicate an empty room, and take your keys and personal belongings with you. Do not use elevators as they pose a risk of entrapment. Exit the building via the stairways and congregate on the south central area outside of the VLSB (the Campanile Way side) for a headcount. Please do not meet or stand on the stairs.

Igor Kligman (VLSB Building Manager) will announce when the building can be re-occupied by calling Chris Conroy (MVZ Safety Manager) via walkie talkie.

First Aid, Eyewash & Shower

First aid supplies are located in a blue box labeled “FIRST AID” atop the Front Office Desk.

There are various eye wash and emergency showers around the MVZ. One emergency shower/eyewash station is located directly outside of Herp Lab.

If there is a serious medical emergency dial 9-1-1 (landline or payphone) or 510-642-3333 (cell phone) or you may take the person directly to Alta Bates Hospital at 2450 Ashby Avenue near Telegraph.

For more information on medical safety, please read the Integrative Biology Injury & Illness Prevention Program document.