Forms
Permit Procedures & Applications, Forms
Food Permits
A Temporary Food Permit (TFP) must be obtained, and public food safety rules apply whenever food is sold or distributed on campus by employees, students, and community visitors.
Procedures
Applicants must read the UHCL Temporary Food Permit Policies and Procedures before applying, sign a Declaration of Acknowledgement (DOA) page stating they've read the procedures, and upload that DOA signature page into the online permit system. After the DOA is uploaded, the permit application button will appear for you to click open the application. Review the policy and procedures and upload a new signed DOA every year.
Training
All risk level food permits, all homemade foods, and all participants are required to have Food Handler's Training through an accredited training provider, such as ServSafe or Learn2Serve at a nominal cost ($7-15) to the applicant, which is valid for 3-5 years. Every person participating in making, preparing, handling, or selling food must have taken this training and uploaded their Food Handler's certificate into the online permit system.
Open Flames (if applicable)
Fire Extinguisher training and an Open Flame Permit are required when sternos, barbecue grills (outside), candles, etc. are requested to be used for hot holding, cooking, or decorative fire use. Training is needed for the person(s) who will be present at the event as the designated fire watch. In the online permit system, select Open Flame Permit (OFP) on the application, and upload the Fire Training Certificate, which is good for one year. The OFP is generated and emailed along with the food permit when approved by EHS. Print the OFP and keep it with you at the event. You may borrow a fire extinguisher from the Fire Marshal's office (x.2110) if there is not one nearby at the event. Please communicate in advance, and stop by at least the business day before the event to pick up and return the following business day after your event.
Applications
Requests for Food permits must be submitted online at least two weeks in advance in the Environmental, Health and Safety - Permit Request system. Online application credentials are the same as your campus computer login.
You may be contacted by phone or campus email for application items needing clarification
or adjustments required to meet food safety rules. Check and reply to your campus email, as application requests are not automatically
approved.
Your Event
Only Low-Risk, Dry baked goods are allowed to be made / cooked by individuals at home. High-Risk, home-cooked food and/or beverages are not permitted to be sold or distributed
by individuals or groups at UHCL. Only UHCL sponsored special events planned well in advance are considered for High-Risk
food items made / cooked on campus. Food risk levels and example items are described
in the procedure.
Prevent Contamination: Have plenty of serving utensils, tongs, gloves, hand sanitizer, napkins, and food
covers. Home baked goods being sold or donated must be individually wrapped before
serving. Store-bought goods should be kept closed with the lid except when distributing
(for free only).
Temperature Control: Non-shelf-stable food and beverage must be kept hot or cold during the event.
Time: The maximum amount of time for each permit is four hours.
Table Printouts: Food items prepared in an individual's home kitchen must have a Home Operations Food Statement, and list potential allergen ingredients. This statement flyer is generated within the online permit system and
submitted via email along with the food permit when approved. Print both the permit
and home operations statement, and post at your table.
Private events (not advertised around campus, only for your group, not for fundraising or profit) do not need a food permit, but if held in a public space, groups must post signs that it is for their members only, not the general public.
Catering: When an event will be catered, remember that restaurant / professionally prepared food cannot be resold for fundraising purposes. Also, UHCL Dining Services has the first right to cater on campus, so they must be asked for catering services, or a waiver request form submitted for specific foods/vendors. See the Food Service Waiver Request form on the Procurement and Payables page for amounts over $100 using University funds.
Should the online permit system be down, you may submit a paper food permit application to FoodPermits@uhcl.edu at least two weeks in advance. If you are not a UHCL student or employee, and are renting out UHCL facilities for a private event, coordinate with the Scheduling Department or location to submit the online application for your event. Individuals or businesses wishing to rent UHCL facilities for a profit with food / beverages should apply to the City of Houston or Pasadena for their Temporary Food Permit.
Request and receive approval for your event location in Ad Astra.
If you have questions or concerns that is not addressed above or in the Procedures, please email FoodPermits@uhcl.edu.
Food Safety Regulations and Reference:
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code 2017
- Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) Food Establishments Guidance webpage
- Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) pdf of 25 TAC 228
- 25 TAC 228.222 Temporary Food Establishments Rules & Regulations
- UHS System Administrative Memorandum (SAM) 01.F.03 Food Safety Standard
Hot Work
A Hot Work Permit is required when performing any work that involves burning, welding, or cutting using fire or spark producing tools, or tools that produces a source of ignition. Contact the University Fire Marshal at 281-283-2110 for questions concerning any work being performed on campus that may require a Hot Work Permit.
Incident Reporting Forms
- If you witness an incident, a statement must be submitted.
- Below, please locate the proper form(s) for employees, and students and visitors.
- Employee worker's compensation information can be found on the HR Workers Comp Benefits web page.
Employees (faculty, staff, and paid student workers)
Students and Visitors
Safety Concerns, Near Misses & Equipment/Property Incidents
In the same way accidents/incidents are investigated for actions to prevent recurrence, it is important to learn from near misses and eliminate unsafe conditions to prevent an accident from actually occurring.
UHCL asks that all employees report and correct potential hazards concerns and near misses immediately to help prevent incidents and maintain a safe work environment.
Safety concerns can be brought up by any method - phone (x.2106), email, or form: Near misses, or Incidents that result in property damage must be reported within 24 hours.
Inter Departmental Transfer (IDT) Form
The Inter Departmental Transfer (IDT) form is used for billing costs back to departments
for projects, fees, or items purchased that EHS assists with. For example, items needed
with renovations such as asbestos or mold testing and remediation, fire sprinkler
updates; or first aid training materials cost, safety items needing purchased, and
state license fees.
Save IDT form to computer, then right click to open and choose "edit with Adobe Acrobat." Type in the fields and sign where needed.
Liability Release and Indemnification Agreement
This form is created by the UH System Office of General Counsel, and is used for an activity or trip on or off campus. Any updates to the form can be searched for on the UHS OGC Miscellaneous Contracts and Forms page.