Policy Section:                 9.0 Workplace Health and Safety

Policy Number and Title: 9.2 Safety Policies and Procedures

Applicable to:                   All Regular Employees

Effective Date:                 April 1, 1995

The University has established Safety Policies and Procedures for:

A. Reporting Emergencies;
B. Fire Emergencies;
C. First Aid Assistance;
D. Personal Protective Equipment;
E. Use of Radiation and Non-Ionizing Radiation;
F. Climbing on University Property - Prohibited
G. Roof Use Restrictions;
H. No Smoking Regulations;
I. Waiver of Indemnity for Toxic Materials

A. Reporting Emergencies - All emergencies should be reported directly to the University's Public Safety Department. A special telephone number has been designated by the Public Safety Office for reporting emergencies.

For emergencies only: Extension 911

When reporting an emergency, the caller should state:

a. name of caller;
b. nature of emergency;
c. building name and precise location (i.e., room number, etc.)
d. required emergency equipment (i.e., ambulance, fire apparatus, first aid equipment, etc.)

B. Fire Emergencies - An extensive smoke detecting and fire alarm system has been installed throughout the University. In case of fire, employees should either activate the fire alarm and/or follow the procedure for reporting an emergency as described in Part A of this policy. Employees are not required or expected to fight fires on University property. All persons should immediately evacuate the fire area.

Employees may use fire extinguishers on small fires, in the incipient stage, provided they have been trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers. Basic training in the use of fire extinguishers is available on request through the Office of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) at Extension 8-5294.

For information about testing, inspecting and maintaining smoke and other detecting systems, call the Maintenance Department's Work Control Center at Extension 8-3423.

For information about inspecting, servicing, or purchasing fire extinguishers, call Building Services at Extension 8-3490.

C. First Aid and Emergency Assistance - The initial contact for emergency first aid assistance is the Public Safety Department. For emergencies, call 911 as instructed in Part A of this policy. For medical assistance in situations that are not life threatening, go to the Employee Health Office at the McCosh Health Center. For employees who need medical attention for a job-related injury, transportation is available by calling Public Safety at Extension 8-3134.

D. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)- The University recognizes its obligations to ensure that protective equipment is available and that it is worn by employees when required. Supervisors are responsible for identifying those tasks which require Personal Protective Equipment for their employees.

Assistance is available from Occupational Health and Safety in making this determination and in the selection of appropriate types of PPE.

There are two categories of ownership with respect to protective equipment: University owned and employee-owned protective equipment.

1. University owned protective equipment is provided by the employee's department at no cost to the employee when and where required. University owned equipment includes such items as protective clothing (excluding shoes), respirators, supplied air equipment, goggles, safety glasses (non-prescription), gloves, etc.

2. Employee-owned protective equipment includes such items as prescription (corrective) safety glasses and safety shoes. Both these articles are personal apparel that must fit the unique needs of the individual. The University provides a service for purchasing prescription safety glasses and safety shoes at considerable savings.

a. Prescription Safety Glasses - Employees who wear corrective glasses and who work at jobs requiring protection against flying particles are required to wear either prescription industrial safety glasses (with optional side shields), safety cover goggles or full face shield over regular glasses. Any employee who wishes to purchase corrective industrial safety glasses through the University service may do so.

b. Safety Shoes - Safety shoes must be worn by employees who are exposed to substantial toe hazards. Employees may purchase approved safety shoes wherever they choose. With Department approval, an annual reimbursement allowance towards the cost of safety shoes is provided.

For information concerning the purchasing of prescription safety glasses and safety shoes, employees should contact Occupational Health and Safety at Extension 8-5294.

E. Use of Ionizing Radiation and Non-Ionizing Radiation

1. Ionizing Radiation - The University's policies and procedures regarding safe use of radiation producing equipment and radioactive materials are found in the University Radiation Safety Guide, fourth edition, Rev. 1991. This manual is periodically updated by page replacements and is available from Occupational Health and Safety.

2. Non-Ionizing Radiation - The University policies regarding the safe use of non-ionizing radiation are found in widely accepted national standards:

• for laser radiation (ANSI Z136.1-1993);
  
• for microwave radiation (ANSI ieee C95.1-1992);
  
• for ultraviolet radiation (TLV ACGIH-1994-95)

Copies are available from Occupational Health and Safety.

F. Climbing on University Property-Prohibited - Climbing on University property (e.g., buildings, trees, statues, flagpoles) is prohibited unless authorized by both the Facilities Department and the Office of Occupational Health & Safety. Violations by employees will be reported to the Department Chair or Office Head.

G. Roof Use Restrictions - The use of roofs of University buildings for social and personal purposes is prohibited. Employees wishing to use roof areas for research or teaching purposes may do so, provided that adequate safeguards are taken and the use of the roof area is approved by and arranged through both the Maintenance Department and the Office of Occupational Health & Safety. Violations by employees will be reported to their Department Chair or Office Head.

H. No Smoking Regulations - Safety related "No Smoking" regulations must be strictly enforced by the department. "No Smoking" signs are placed in areas where smoking would be a violation of existing fire codes and where it would result in a clear and present danger due to the presence of flammable gases, liquids or vapors and/or other combustible materials.

I. Waiver of Indemnity for Toxic Materials - Occasionally a vendor/supplier will not accept an order for a certain toxic material unless and until the purchaser's organization provides a "waiver of indemnity". The only University employee authorized to sign such waivers is the Director of Purchasing. The Director of Purchasing will not sign a waiver of indemnity until he/she has received the following three written responses:

1. An approval signed by the Office of the General Counsel with respect to the language of the waiver.

2. A certification signed by the Office of Occupational Health and Safety indicating that the toxicological hazard data, the recommended precautions, and the safe handling procedures have been obtained and have been transmitted to and discussed with the purchaser.

3. An approval signed by the Department Chair or Office Head.

J. Referral - For assistance or for information regarding the above policies and procedures, as well as information regarding other health and safety standards, rules and regulations, etc., contact the Office of Occupational Health & Safety, Chemical Sciences Building, Forrestal Campus, Extension 8-5294.

K. Health and Safety Reference Materials:

1. In September 1993, the Occupational Health and Safety staff published a comprehensive Health and Safety Guide. Copies have been distributed to all departmental Health and Safety Coordinators and to selected directors, managers and supervisors.

2. All departments whose activities include laboratory operations are subject to the OSHA Laboratory Standard. Under that Standard they are required to develop a departmental chemical hygiene plan and appoint a Chemical Hygiene Officer. If you wish to review your department's plan, please see your Department's Chemical Hygiene Officer.

3. The following Safety Advisories available from the Office of Occupational Health and Safety:

a. Storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids 4/1/91
b. Eye Protection 8/86
c. Compressed Gas Cylinders 9/84
d. Life Safety in Buildings 3/87

Referral:

Office of Occupational Health and Safety