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Alexander named to head OSEH

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The University Record, July 6 , 1999 By Jane R. Elgass

Alexander

Terrance G. Alexander has been appointed director of the Department of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health (OSEH), effective July 1. As director, he will plan and direct occupational safety and environmental health programs for the University, including radiation safety, industrial hygiene and safety, biological safety, hazardous materials management and environmental programs.

Alexander, manager of environmental programs since 1995, has been responsible for programs involving property investigations, chemical storage tanks, air emissions and incinerator operation, storm water management and sanitary sewer system discharges, and other environmental issues.

“Alexander has been a key member of the OSEH management team in addition to his contributions with the University’s environmental program efforts,” said Henry D. Baier, associate vice president for facilities and operations, in announcing the appointment June 25. “Terry’s in-depth experience in radiation safety, industrial hygiene and environmental management provides the right background to manage environment, health and safety for a complex university such as ours. In addition, Terry listens carefully and seeks participation from interested stakeholders.”

Before joining the U-M, Alexander was an environmental consultant in the Chicago area for seven years, specializing in property investigation, environmental clean-up and restoration, and industrial hygiene. Prior to that he was manager of environmental remediation for the Department of Energy at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory. Alexander began his career as an industrial hygienist and environmental engineer with the U.S. Air Force, and is a major in the inactive reserves.

Alexander is a licensed professional engineer in Michigan and Illinois, a certified industrial hygienist and a diplomat to the American Academy of Environmental Engineers. He holds a B.S. in civil engineering from South Dakota State University and a M.S. in environmental science from the University of Idaho.

About OSEH

A national leader in the field for more than 40 years, OSEH’s specialized programs promote and support health, safety, protection and enhancement of the environment, and regulatory compliance within the University community.

These programs include:

  • Biological and Laboratory Safety Program, which promotes and supports safety in research through training, site inspections, direct support services and risk reduction in partnership in academic units.

  • Environmental Laboratory Program, which provides analytical services and consultation.

  • Environmental Programs, which assist the University with liability/risk management and compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to storage tanks, air, soil, water, site investigations, remediation and other environmental issues.

  • Hazardous Materials Program, which focuses on the proper identification, labeling, and collection for shipment and disposal of biological, chemical and radioactive materials. It also provides consultation on pollution prevention and waste minimization for the university community.

  • Pollution Prevention Program, which provides information on methods of detoxifying/concentrating hazardous materials from waste, consultation on minimizing waste and development of protocols that can reduce or eliminate the use of radioisotopes in research.

  • Industrial Hygiene and Safety Program, which focuses on health, safety and sanitation concerns. It also provides help in selecting appropriate control measures and provides training programs on compliance with state and federal regulations.

  • Radiation Safety Service Program, which oversees the use of radioactive material and radiation-producing devices in accordance with federal and state regulations and the University’s Byproduct Material (Broad Scope) License.

  • Scientific Diving Safety Program, which operates jointly with the U-M Diving Safety Control Board to regulate health and safety issues related to underwater diving operations.