This document is intended to provide basic safety guidelines for the Physical Plant Department at Community College of Allegheny County. The information provided in this guide may vary by site. Version 1.0
Table of Contents I. Objective II. III. IV. Scope Policies Responsibilities V. Fire Safety VI. VII. First Aid Record Keeping Attachments A. Training Outline B. Training Sign-in Sheet 2
I. OBJECTIVE Community College of Allegheny County At Community College of Allegheny County, safety is our number one priority. We take pride in our facilities and our employees. Our ongoing goal is to provide our employees with the proper training and equipment to ensure their safety and a safe work environment. This manual is designed to provide an overview of Community College of Allegheny County's safety rules, guidelines and policies. II. SCOPE The policies of this manual cover all Community College of Allegheny County employees. All new hires will be required to read this manual at the time of their employee orientation. Additionally, supervisors should review these policies with their staff at least annually to ensure continued adherence. III. POLICIES Working safely and promoting safety is expected of each employee during their employment at Community College of Allegheny County. Any employee that willfully disregards safety regulations, policies and/or procedures or that bypasses or attempts to bypass safety features on equipment will face disciplinary action up to and including termination. A. Training All employees shall receive proper training for their work areas or jobs. Employees are expected to actively participate in their training to the fullest extent possible. Training can take the form of videos, in-services, classroom instruction, demonstrations, study/quizzes, etc. Employees requiring certification for specific jobs or duties will be given the necessary training and will be required to maintain valid certification as long as required for their job assignment. B. Safety Meetings Safety training will be held as needed to ensure that new or updated safety information is provided to all employees in a timely manner. Employees must attend all safety training as required by their immediate supervisor. C. Some basic safety rules for employees include: Employees should know how to properly perform their assigned task. If unsure, they should contact their supervisor immediately before continuing any work. Employees should assess working areas and equipment before beginning work to identify any hazards. Corrective action to eliminate such hazards should be taken. Work areas should be kept clean and organized. Walkways and paths should be free of any clutter or storage. Use tools for their intended purpose only. All tools and equipment should be properly cleaned and stored after use. 3
Policies, continued Spills or other causes of a wet surface should be immediately cleaned up and dried to prevent slips and falls. Employees should use good posture at all times and take regular breaks (as provided by your immediate supervisor) to minimize the possibility of musculoskeletal disorders or back injuries. Additionally, proper lifting techniques should be used at all times. Proper use and care of personal protective equipment is mandatory. All necessary equipment will be provided by Community College of Allegheny County at no charge to the employee. Employees should wear appropriate clothing for their job. All jewelry and rings must be removed before working in, on and around equipment. Horseplay is never allowed while on the clock or on company grounds. IV. RESPONSIBILITIES To maintain a safe work environment, everyone must take an active role. Community College of Allegheny County's responsibilities include providing the necessary resources (money, equipment, employees, etc.) to ensure that all employees are able to perform their duties safely. It is then up to the employees to do their part. A multi-stream flow of communication is vital to keep everyone informed of safety rules, needs and changes. A. Management All management personnel should lead by example. Safety rules should not only be enforced but also followed. Management is ultimately responsible for all safety issues and for compliance with this and other Community College of Allegheny County safety policies by employees. Management should be very active in the relaying of information to supervisors and employees from outside contractors, suppliers and management. Management shall maintain all necessary records as required. B. Supervisors Supervisors must be thoroughly knowledgeable in all areas of safety. Supervisors should make inspections of work areas and equipment on a regular basis. Supervisors shall have the authority to shut down equipment for any safety reason. Supervisors should know the cause, severity and cost associated with all accidents in their area. Supervisors must provide specific training as needed to new employees. Additionally, new training should be provided to all employees whenever a process is changed or new equipment is introduced. Supervisors must communicate with management and employees, ensuring all necessary safety information is presented and understood by everyone. C. Employees All employees are responsible for complying with Community College of Allegheny County's rules and procedures. Employees are responsible for having a safety attitude and developing safe work habits. 4
Responsibilities, continued Employees must report any accident or near accident to their immediate supervisor. Employees must report any unsafe equipment or unsafe work conditions to their supervisor. V. FIRE SAFETY Employees must follow Community College of Allegheny County's fire safety rules as outlined in the Fire Safety Plan and Emergency Guidelines Manual. Fire safety is everyone s responsibility. Prevention is the best defense against fire hazards. Employees should know the location of and how to use the fire alarm nearest to their workstation/area. Different types of fires require different types of extinguishers. Never attempt to use an extinguisher unless you are knowledgeable about the differences. Employees should know the location of, how to use, and when to use the nearest fire extinguisher. During a fire emergency, employees should remember three important steps: 1. Activate the alarm. 2. Assist others in exiting the building. 3. Attempt to extinguish the fire only if the fire is small and contained, you are safe from toxic smoke, you have a means of escape and you know how to properly use the fire extinguisher. Follow the procedures in the Emergency Guidelines Manual. VI. FIRST AID Employees should know what do to in an emergency. First aid is temporary care administered until trained emergency medical help arrives. First aid can prevent death or additional injuries if properly administered. Employees should never attempt to perform any first aid for which they are not properly trained. Employees should know the location of all first aid kits, the location of any first aid stations (eye wash or emergency shower) and who is CPR-trained in the facility. Employees should call the Security Department immediately in case of an emergency and notify their immediate supervisor as soon as possible. Employees must follow the rules and regulations as stated in the college Bloodborne Pathogens located in the Physical Plant Department. VII. RECORDKEEPING Community College of Allegheny County maintains records on all work-related fatalities, injuries and illnesses. To ensure that we comply fully with the law, employees need to report any and all accidents or near accidents to their immediate supervisor. By keeping accurate records, we can provide a safer work area for all employees. 5
Training Outline - I. INTRODUCTION A. This program is designed to help employees recognize and prevent common hazards in the workplace. This program is not a comprehensive training program for each topic covered. Its purpose is to provide an accurate but brief overview of the various topics discussed. B. Overview of training Positive Safety Attitude Slips, Trips and Falls Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Reducing the Risk of Back Injury Personal Protective Equipment Control of Hazardous Chemicals Fire Safety First Aid II. POSITIVE SAFETY ATTITUDE IN THE WORKPLACE A. A positive safety attitude is recognizable by the behavior of the employee. To have a positive safety attitude means recognizing hazards before they occur and taking steps to eliminate those hazards. B. Employees with a positive safety attitude will display characteristics such as: 1. Alertness to their surroundings and the ability to identify hazards and ways to prevent them. These employees are focused on what they are doing. 2. Always following safety rules and procedures even if it takes a little longer. 3. Taking personal responsibility to ensure the safety of themselves as well as their coworkers. C. Employees might have a negative safety attitude if: 1. They are complacent with what they are doing and take short cuts that are not safe for themselves or others around them. 2. They are distracted by their surroundings, don't pay close enough attention to detail or don't follow safety rules and procedures. 3. They work while fatigued. They may make some poor choices or make a wrong move that will result in injury to themselves or others. III. SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS Slips, trips and falls are the most common source of injuries in the workplace but are also the easiest hazards to prevent. A. Slips 1. Slips are caused predominantly by wet surfaces due to spills. 2. Not all slips are caused by the surface itself but may be caused by the employee's shoes. Employees should wear slip resistant shoes whenever possible, especially those working in areas that are prone to be wet. 3. Marking and cleaning up spills immediately will prevent some workplace injuries. 6
Slips, Trips and Falls, continued B. Trips 1. The causes of trips are easily identifiable. An object obstructing the view of the path Hard to see walkways due to poor lighting Clutter in the walkway Wrinkled carpet Uncovered cables crossing the path Uneven walkways (usually in doorways) 2. Ways to prevent common causes of trips include: Removing obstacles from walking path. Keeping work areas well lit. Replacing burned-out light bulbs immediately. Rerouting or properly covering exposed cables that cross pathways. Straightening, repairing or removing flooring that is loose. C. Falls One risks falling when working at any elevation. Falls can also be the result of slips and trips. 1. There are several things in the workplace that can result in a fall. Ladders that are damaged, used incorrectly or are on uneven ground. The improper use of scaffolding. Climbing an object without fall protection. 2. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent falling. Know the correct use of fall prevention equipment. Never use a ladder or scaffold improperly. Repair or discard any defective equipment. IV. MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (MSD) A. Musculoskeletal disorders are illnesses that gradually damage muscles, tendons and nerves in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck and back. No job is exempt from the risk of MSD, whether it be construction, cashier, mechanic, lifters, keyboarders and more. Musculoskeletal disorders are commonly caused by: 1. Repetitive motions 2. Awkward working positions 3. Long periods of time in one position 4. Use of steady force B. Many companies use ergonomics to help prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Ergonomics deals with designing and arranging items/equipment people use so the person and items work together efficiently and safely. Some of the ways employees can help minimize musculoskeletal disorders include: 1. Avoiding repetitive motions and alternating positions frequently. 2. Taking regular breaks. 3. Using a power tool instead of a manual tool. 4. Keeping wrists straight rather than bent or flexed. 5. Adjusting chairs for comfort and good posture. 7
V. REDUCING THE RISK OF BACK INJURY A. Lifting the wrong way can cause serious injury to your back. B. Use proper lifting techniques whenever you lift an object. 1. Test the object to verify that it is not too heavy for one person to pick up. 2. Plan a direct route to carry the object to its new location. 3. Bend at your hips and knees while maintaining a straight back. 4. Keeping feet shoulder width apart. 5. Tighten your stomach. 6. Get a good grip on the object. 7. Lift the object close to the body. 8. Lift the load with your legs. 9. Move your whole body to change directions. 10. Lower the load by bending your knees slowly. C. Always work with another person when lifting a heavy object. D. Use special equipment whenever possible to move items. E. If possible, avoid sitting for long periods of time. Shift positions frequently and take breaks often to stand and stretch the back. VI. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) A. PPE is an important defense against job-related hazards. B. OSHA requires employers to provide employees with the proper PPE needed. It is important that PPE: Fit properly Provide the correct protection Be comfortable enough to perform the job Be worn properly C. There are many forms of PPE. It is important to properly select the PPE necessary to protect employees from job-specific hazards. 1. Gloves protect the hands from spills, cuts, chemicals and electrical shock. Each hazard requires gloves made from different materials: Cotton fabric for abrasion hazards Leather for burn hazards Rubber, neoprene, vinyl or latex for contact with hazardous chemicals and pathogens Metal mesh for cutting hazards Special insulation for electrical shock hazards 2. Hard hats protect the head from falling objects and bumps. Employees should never wear a metal hard hat when working with electricity. 3. Safety glasses and goggles prevent flying objects, splashes and ultraviolet radiation from damaging the eyes. 4. Protective clothing, such as aprons, protects employees from chemical spills, heat and sparks. 5. Boots and safety shoes prevent foot injuries from falling objects, punctures, wet floors, electrical shock and heat. 6. Ear plugs help protect the ears from high, intense, loud noises. 7. Respirators protect employees from inhaling harmful dusts, gases and chemical mists. 8
Personal Protective Equipment, continued D. PPE must always be properly maintained to ensure continued protection. 1. Always check PPE for damage after it is used. 2. Clean the PPE before it is put away. 3. Dispose of any single use PPE in the proper place. 4. Avoid storing PPE in a place that could damage it due to heat, light, moisture, etc. VII. CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS A. OSHA requires the employer to train employees to know: 1. What chemicals are used in the facility. 2. What the employer is doing to protect them. 3. The physical and health hazards of each chemical. 4. The procedures for protecting themselves against chemical hazards. B. Each chemical container must have labels that provide the consumer with certain information. 1. While information such as PPE and proper storage and handling can be listed, labels must: Contain the identity of the chemical. Contain the name and address of the manufacturer. State appropriate hazard warnings. Be legible, in English (and additional languages if desired) and prominently displayed. 2. There is no set format for chemical labels. HMIS and NFPA are the most popular types used. HMIS uses a label with up to six color-coded bars. NFPA uses a diamond shape label consisting of four individual color-coded diamonds. Both types have certain hazards assigned to the different colors. And each hazard is then assigned a number based on the severity of the chemical hazard. The rating systems are different and should not be interchanged. 3. Chemicals that do not have labels should never be used. C. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Each chemical should have an SDS. The SDS is a detailed information bulletin prepared by the manufacturer and importer of a chemical that describes the chemical. Chemical manufacturers and importers must develop a SDS for each hazardous chemical they produce or import, and must provide the SDS automatically at the time of the initial shipment of a hazardous chemical to a downstream distributor or user. An SDS must: Be written in English and include information regarding the specific chemical identity of the hazardous chemical(s) involved and the common names. Provide information on the physical and chemical characteristics of the hazardous chemical. Provide information on the hazardous chemical s acute or chronic health effects. Provide information on exposure limits. Provide information on the carcinogenic potential of the chemical. Provide information on generally applicable precautions for safe handling and use. Provide information on generally applicable control measures. Provide information on emergency and first-aid procedures. Provide identification of the organization responsible for preparing the sheet. 9
VIII. FIRE SAFETY A. Fire hazards are present everywhere. Prevention is the best defense against this hazard. Your employer is required to have a fire prevention plan that, at a minimum, includes: 1. A list of major fire hazards, proper handling and storage procedures, potential fire sources and their control, and the type of equipment needed to control each major hazard. 2. Procedures to control accumulations of flammable and combustible waste material. 3. Procedures for regular maintenance of safeguards installed on heat-producing equipment to prevent the accidental ignition of combustible materials. 4. The name or job title of employees responsible for maintenance of equipment used to prevent or control sources of ignition or fires. 5. The name or job title of employees responsible for control of fuel source hazards. B. You should know how to use the fire alarm installed in your workplace as well as the locations of all extinguishers. C. Different classes of fires 1. Class A fires are the most common. They usually ignite from wood, paper, rubber, plastic or cloth. 2. Class B fires are caused by flammable liquids, gases and grease. 3. Class C fires start from electrical current. 4. Class D fires involve flammable metals including sodium, titanium, magnesium, potassium and lithium. D. Different fires require different extinguishing agents. 1. Water--use on Class A only--removes heat 2. Dry Chemical--use on A, B or C--inhibits the chemical reaction 3. Carbon Dioxide--use on A, B or C--removes oxygen 4. Halogenated or Clean Agent--use on A, B or C (usually C)--removes oxygen 5. Metl-X--use on D 6. Foam--use on B holds down the vapors (mostly professional use) E. During a fire emergency, you should remember the three A's: 1. Activate the fire alarm or contact 911. 2. Assist others in exiting the building. 3. Attempt to extinguish Only fight a fire when: The fire is small and contained. You are safe from toxic smoke. You have a means of escape. Your instincts tell you it is OK. You must know how to use an extinguisher before attempting to extinguish a fire. Make sure you are using the correct extinguisher or you could actually spread the fire. Use the PASS system: Pull the pin by the handle. Aim the hose of the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Squeeze the trigger. Sweep back and forth. 10
IX. FIRST AID A. First aid is limited care for an illness or injury until trained medical attention can arrive. Not all injuries require higher levels of treatment. B. Be prepared: 1. Know the locations of all first aid kits. 2. Know the location of the nearest eye wash and emergency shower. 3. Know who is CPR-(cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certified in your department. C. The "3 P's" of first aid: 1. Preserve life 2. Prevent injury 3. Promote recovery D. Know what to do in an emergency 1. Call for medical help. Know the phone number to be contacted. Know the type of injury. Know the location of victim. 2. Check to see if the victim is breathing. 3. If necessary, move the victim from danger. E. Report every incident to your employer. The accident will then be investigated to help prevent it from happening again. X. CONCLUSION You should always have a positive safety attitude and promote safety in your workplace. Maintain a clean work environment to prevent slips and trips. Always wear the proper PPE required by your employer. Follow all your employer's safety rules and procedures. Always pay close attention to safety training. Ask your supervisor if you have any questions about equipment or procedure. 11
Training: Instructor: Date Name Department 12