HazWaste staff uses the database to generate an itinerary for daily collection rounds. Brungard, who worked with ARL to design the electronic forms, said a display on the PDA lists pick-up location, chemical name, quantity of material, number of items, phone number of a contact at the location and hazard class. If, when a staff member arrives for a pick up, the number of containers differs from the information in the database, the team member can edit it on the spot. Names of chemicals also are validated on-site. Previously, we spent time editing the information that was submitted to us and printing it out for pick-ups.
Customer service is more efficient and so is the use of staff time.
In 1997 Penn State and Vanguard entered into a multi-year technology services trial. The arrangement allows the University to gain experience with new digital wireless services and provides assistance to Vanguard in understanding capacity and deployment issues. But keeping up with the wide variety of issues for a department can be daunting and intimidating. To implement this process, the University-wide Safety Council with members representing academic colleges and administrative units plays a key role under the direction of the EHS office. The EHS staff can make site visits, review renovation plans and talk with office supply vendors about the proper size or height of equipment.