EPISD RISK MANAGEMENT. Custodial Safety

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1 Custodial Safety

2 Custodial Safety The on-going maintenance of school and support facilities require custodians to perform a variety of tasks. These tasks must be performed in a neat, orderly, efficient, and safe manner. Custodial responsibilities exposes them to potentially hazardous conditions. To ensure employee safety, established principles of accident prevention must be followed by all custodians in the performance of their duties.

3 Potential Hazards Slips the risk of a slip is present when custodians mop or strip floors or while cleaning up spills. Falls custodians are required to climb ladders while changing light bulbs, or in general cleaning. The risk of falls increases when they work in elevated conditions. Cuts contents from trash receptacles may contain items that can cause cuts, such as broken glass, or other sharp items.

4 Potential Hazards Back Injuries custodians must lift, move, and handle heavy cumbersome objects. All custodians must practice safe lifting techniques. (for more information on safe lifting, log onto the EPISD Safety website at EPISDsafety.org) Burns cleaning may require the use of extremely hot water from taps or faucets or even from equipment such as steam cleaners or hot-water extractors. Repetitive Motion Injuries consistent movement of body parts, such as wrists and hands when mopping or vacuuming floors.

5 Hazard Prevention Slips, Trips, and Falls Use caution when mopping floors, do one-half of the area at a time, wait for that side to dry, then do the other half. Put out caution signs indicating, Caution or Wet Floor if you cannot mop after hours. Place them where they are visible when cleaning, rinsing, waxing, or stripping floors. Never move furniture when the floor is wet. Wear proper footwear. Maintain floors free of any slick materials that may inadvertently cause a person to slip and fall.

6 Hazard Prevention Slips, Trips, and Falls Use adequate lighting to prevent students or staff from tripping, or walking into obstructions. Natural soaps should be avoided, they leave a slippery film. Immediately wet-mop and dry-vacuum all spills, liquids, or suds. Immediately remove oil drippings or grease spots by scraping or mopping, or by using a nonflammable absorbent.

7 Hazard Prevention Slips, Trips, and Falls Never use solvents that will soften and damage the tiles of composition floors. Special adhesive strips should be used on stairs and ramps to reduce the danger of slipping. Fore more information regarding Slips, Trips and Falls, log onto the EPISD Safety Website at EPISDsafety.org

8 Fire Prevention Good housekeeping is vital for preventing fires. Accumulation of trash is a frequent source of fires. Never use volatile flammable liquids for cleaning. Brooms, mops and dusters present fire hazards and should be kept in ventilated metal containers. Keep flammable liquids in approved containers. Fore more information regarding Fire Extinguisher and Prevention Training, log onto the EPISD Safety Website at EPISDsafety.org

9 Ladders Tread should rest on level ground when ladders are open. The automatic spreader or locking device must be used to lock step-ladders in the open position. Metal ladders should never be used near electrical conductors or devices. Ladders must be inspected before each use. Defective or broken ladders should be red-tagged and taken out of service.

10 Ladders Only qualified personnel are authorized to repair ladders. Be sure shoes and rungs are free of grease and mud. When using a ladder, be sure someone else is in the building, in your area or nearby. Use the Buddy system. Fore more information regarding ladder safety, log onto the EPISD Safety Website at EPISDsafety.org

11 Containers Ensure all storage containers are secured with tight lids. Do not store flammable materials in open containers. All containers must be properly labeled. Custodial closets and store rooms should be inspected on a regular basis to avoid accumulation of waste and improper storage of supplies. Electrical and mechanicals areas should not be used as storerooms.

12 Electrical Equipment Equipment must be properly maintained to ensure safety and reduce fire hazards. Electrical equipment should be properly grounded. Equipment found to be defective should immediately be taken out of service and red-tagged for repair. Keep electrical cords clear of walkways to prevent tripping hazards. Know the locations of all shut-off s for power, water, and gas.

13 Electrical Equipment Inspect power tools prior to and after use. Ensure that grounding pins are secure in equipment that requires grounding. Ensure that grounding pins are not broken off in wall outlets. Inspect electrical cords for cuts, kinks, or knots and replace cord if any are found defective. Check the batteries in battery powered equipment. Check that battery chargers are working correctly.

14 Electrical Equipment Batteries should be maintained according to manufacturer s instructions. While charging batteries, provide adequate ventilation to prevent build-up of gases generated from the charging process. Make sure outlets have a GFCI when working around water. Fore more information on Electrical Safety, log onto the EPISD Safety web site at: EPISDsafety.org

15 Buffers & Stripping Operations Place equipment, tools, and supplies near the stripping area. Park equipment on matting to prevent damage to floors. Tanks on all machines must be empty, power cords must be free of cuts or breaks, and electrical plugs must have three intact terminals. Before using, you should be trained in the proper operation of the buffer, and how to install pad drivers, change buffing pads, and to lever a buffer to change directions.

16 Buffers & Stripping Operations Review the manufacturer s manual before use. Inspect the connections and hoses on high-pressure washers to prevent serious injury. Damaged hoses or loose connections can leak water under high pressure and result in burns or lacerations.

17 Chemical Safety If you are unsure how to safely handle or store a chemical, check with your supervisor. Read the container label and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before using a chemical product. Be familiar with all instructions and precautions in using the product. Never mix a chemical with another substance, even water, unless instructed by the manufacturer s written directions for use.

18 Chemical Safety If required, use appropriate personal protective equipment. Be sure chemical containers are properly labeled and capped to avoid spills and fume emissions. To avoid spills, store chemicals on shelves that are no higher than chest level. Store chemicals in accordance with the MSDS. Place any stored, leftover chemical solution in an appropriate secondary container with a label indicating the contents.

19 Chemical Safety When you must mix chemicals, always use a funnel and a measuring cup and follow the manufacturer s instructions. After each use, rinse out any chemical residue left on the funnel and measuring cup. If bleach is mixed with an acid-containing toilet bowl cleaner, deadly chlorine gas will be released. If bleach is mixed with an ammonia-based cleaning agent, harmful chlorine gas is generated. Never mix any cleaning products.

20 Chemical Safety The following personal protective equipment may be required when working with chemicals. Long pants and long sleeved shirts to prevent contact with splashed chemicals. Eye goggles, face shields and waterproof, chemical-resistant, nitrile gloves. Footwear must be water resistant and chemical resistant, protect the feet, ankles and lower legs. (refer to the MSDS) Fore more information regarding Hazard Communication Training, log onto the EPISD Safety Website at EPISDsafety.org

21 Chemical Safety Hand washing is the single most important safety procedure for preventing infection. Although various products are available, hand washing can be accomplished with plain soap, detergents, or antimicrobial containing products. Hand washing with plain soaps or detergents (bar, granule, leaflet, or liquid form) suspends microorganisms and allows them to be rinsed off. In addition, hand washing with antimicrobial containing products kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms. For routine hand washing, a vigorous rubbing together of all surfaces of lathered hands for at least 20 seconds. Wash all surfaces, back of hands, wrists, between fingers and under nails. Rinse thoroughly under a stream of water. Dry hands with a disposal paper towel or hand dry. If bar soap is used, it should be kept on racks that allow drainage of water. If liquid soap is used, the dispenser should be replaced or cleaned and filled with fresh product when empty.

22 Employee Responsibility Accept responsibility for your own Safety. Follow all Safety regulations. Use protective clothing and devices when needed. Use equipment and tools that are in good, safe working condition. Do not distract others when performing a hazardous job. Refrain from all forms of pranks or horseplay. Report unsafe practices or working conditions to your immediate supervisor. Report all accidents to your immediate supervisor immediately.