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EHS Spotlight: Billy Garner Earns ASP Certification

  Laboratory Safety, News & Updates 

 

The Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) team is proud to recognize Billy Garner for achieving his Associate Safety Professional (ASP) certification through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).

About BCSP and the ASP Credential

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, BCSP is a not-for-profit corporation and a global leader in credentialing for safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) practitioners. Since 1969, over 100,000 BCSP credentials have been awarded, setting a high standard of competency for safety professionals around the world.

The ASP certification demonstrates a broad scope of knowledge in SH&E practice and is a key milestone toward the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation. ASPs may serve in technical or program management roles, directly supervise employees, and provide expertise in safety assurance methodologies.

Achieving the ASP credential is no small feat—the examination consists of 200 rigorous multiple-choice questionscompleted within a five-hour timeframe. ASPs must also remain current in their practice by earning recertification points every five years.

Billy’s achievement not only reflects his personal commitment to excellence, but also strengthens our EHS team’s ability to support the University of Tennessee’s safety culture. His success reflects the impact of continuous growth, shared knowledge, and leadership in strengthening our safety culture.

Congratulations, Billy, on this outstanding accomplishment!

Lab Safety Call For Submissions

  Laboratory Safety 

 

Now through October 17th, 2025, the Lab Safety Culture Awards Subcommittee is accepting submissions to our 4th quarter award category.

Submit a short narrative describing the values, attitudes, beliefs, and actions that support the overall wellbeing of your lab members

Please see the flyer above for details and send any questions to Carolina at cdolisl1@utk.edu. 

Heat Safety Awareness

  Health, Industrial Worker Safety, Laboratory Safety 

As the temperature climbs, Environmental Health & Safety offers a few reminders on ways to beat the heat. Remember heat can affect you indoors or outdoors.

These tips can help you avoid heat stress:

  • Acclimate
  • Drink Water
  • Rest
  • Shade 
  • Watch out for each other

Acclimate yourself to working in the heat.

Gradually increase your workload and take more frequent breaks during the first week of work. Gradual exposure to heat gives the body time to become accustomed to higher environmental temperatures.

Follow the 20% Rule. Day 1: work no more than 20% of the shift’s duration at full intensity in the heat. Each Following Day: Increase by no more than 20% per day.

Follow the 20% Rule. Day 1: work no more than 20% of the shift's duration at full intensity in the heat. Each Following Day: Increase by no more than 20% per day.


Drink cool water, at least 1 cup every 20 minutes even if you are not thirsty.

Take enough time to recover before returning to work.

Take breaks in a shady or cool location


Watch out for yourself and your team

Know your limitations, including your age and physical condition. Discuss with your health care provider how medications may affect your tolerance to heat.

Know the signs of heat stroke, which include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, heat cramps and heat rash.

Keep communications open.

Make sure your team knows where you are.

Know your limitations, including your age and physical condition. Discuss with your health care provider how medications may affect your tolerance to heat. Know the signs of heat stroke, which include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, heat cramps and heat rash. Keep communications open. Make sure your team knows where you are. 


The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides extensive resources on Heat Risk and Illness Prevention. https://www.osha.gov/heat/more-resources

For guidance on heat stress prevention or to learn more about it, visit the Environmental Health and Safety website, call 865-974-5084, or email safety@utk.edu.

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