Report 2017-119 Recommendation 65 Responses

Report 2017-119: California State University: It Has Not Provided Adequate Oversight of the Safety of Employees and Students Who Work With Hazardous Materials (Release Date: April 2018)

Recommendation #65 To: Sonoma State University

Sonoma should continue to implement and adhere to its plan to ensure that it flushes showers and eyewashes and that it inspects fire extinguishers monthly as state regulations require.

Annual Follow-Up Agency Response From October 2019

Sonoma State University has implemented its plan to ensure that it flushes showers and eyewash stations and that it inspects fire extinguishers monthly as state regulations require. All procedures are being performed monthly as assigned in our work order system.

California State Auditor's Assessment of Annual Follow-Up Status: Fully Implemented

Sonoma provided inspection documentation demonstrating that it flushes showers and eyewashes and that it inspects fire extinguishers monthly as state regulations require.


1-Year Agency Response

Sonoma State University is continuing to adhere to our plan concerning eyewash/safety showers and fire extinguishers. A recurring monthly Work Order is generated ensuring a tradesman is assigned to complete the task.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Partially Implemented

Sonoma provided documentation demonstrating that it flushed showers and eyewash stations in March, April, and July 2018 through March 2019, and inspected some fire extinguishers between May and July 2018. However, it did not provide evidence to demonstrate that it inspected fire extinguishers in other months or in 2019, which makes it difficult to know if Sonoma has consistently complied with the requirement to inspect this equipment monthly.


6-Month Agency Response

The university has implemented its plan to ensure that it flushes showers and eyewash stations and that it inspects fire extinguishers monthly as state regulations. The procedures are being conducted monthly as assigned in work order system, documented on site, and the semi annual inspection forms now include verifying monthly checks are complete.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Partially Implemented

Sonoma provided documentation demonstrating that it flushed showers and eyewash stations in October 2018 and inspected fire extinguishers in July 2018. However, it did not provide evidence to demonstrate that it conducted these flushes and inspections in other months, which makes it difficult to know if Sonoma has consistently complied with the requirement to inspect and flush this equipment monthly.


60-Day Agency Response

The university is implementing its plan to ensure that it flushes showers and eyewash stations and that it inspects fire extinguishers monthly as state regulations.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Pending


All Recommendations in 2017-119

Agency responses received are posted verbatim.