General Institutional Safety Index New Employees
Door Alarm Procedures
Office Safety
Consistent with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulations, the College hires employees who are physically qualified for the work they are to perform and who do not create a hazard either to themselves or to fellow employees on the job. Employment and transfer of employees will take into consideration the minimal physical requirements for the position. The Safety Office will schedule pre-employment physicals for potential employees working in or transferring to designated positions. NEOUCOM has an Occupational Health Program for employees and students. All employees are required to participate in this program. Everyone, regardless of job, will need to complete a Health History form and meet with the Nurse to determine any further requirements including, but not limited to, a physical, vaccinations or further testing. The Health History Form contains various questions regarding your overall health status, and this information will remain as confidential as allowed by law. The minimum requirements for most personnel include Health History review and tetanus vaccination within the last 10 years. Certain groups, such as Emergency responders, CMU personnel, food service, certain library personnel and others, will require additional testing. Every effort should be made to develop a safety state-of-mind in each employee early in his employment. The supervisors should follow up with each new employee at regular intervals to review his safety performance and his overall knowledge of work procedures. We want to help new personnel get off to a good start in their jobs. Being fully informed aids them greatly. Supervisors should ask the following safety-related questions of new employees: Do you know: 1. your supervisor's name? 2. smoking, safety, fire, and tornado rules? 3. who to call in emergencies? 4. security rules? 5. your fellow employee's name? 6. Have you read the College's safety manual, especially sections pertaining to your work area? The NEOUCOM Oliver Ocasek Regional Medical Information Center has a special safety section which includes books and literature relating to safety. Film strips and movies are also available. The Center also maintains a special section for the health promotion materials which employees may wish to utilize for personal help. The Health and Wellness Committee provides health and wellness programs for employees of the College. Institutional Safety Committee The NEOUCOM Institutional Safety Committee meets quarterly to discuss issues related to institutional safety at the College of Medicine. The committee consists of individuals of various departments including representatives of the Radiation Safety Committee as well as members of the community. This committee is currently jointly chaired by the Director, Campus Operations and the Associate Dean for Research. The administration of NEOUCOM recognizes and accepts the responsibility for health, safety and environmental programs including: 1. Assigning of a Coordinator of Safety responsible for all Institutional Safety, Hazard Communication and Radiation Safety programs. 2. Providing orientation, instruction and training in health, safety and environmental matters. 3. Requiring that all applicable health, safety, and environmental laws and regulations be observed. 4. Providing appropriate health and first aid programs. 5. Maintaining appropriate health, safety and environmental records. 6. Periodically reviewing and evaluating safety programs. 7. Developing or modifying appropriate health, safety and environmental work rules and standards as needed. 8. Reviewing the performance of the supervisors in carrying out their related safety duties. The Safety Coordinator is responsible for assisting the administration in the development and implementation of health, safety and environmental programs including: 1. Assisting supervisors in developing and implementing effective health, safety and environmental programs. 2. Maintaining and preparing records and reports which will provide information on program status. 3. Recommending corrective action to supervisors. Supervisors have the responsibility to correct unsatisfactory practices. 4. Conducting safety inspections of all NEOUCOM facilities on a periodic basis. 5. Advising administration on the current status and changes in health, safety and environmental laws, regulations and procedures. 6. Coordinating all emergency response activities affecting institutional safety. Supervisors are responsible for implementing the following health, safety and environmental policies and programs in their areas: 1. Providing orientation and training on health, safety and environmental matters. 2. Requiring that all applicable health, safety and environmental laws and regulations are observed in areas under their control. 3. Working with administration to develop or modify appropriate health, safety and environmental rules and standards as needed. 4. Assuring that appropriate College of Medicine emergency medical procedures are followed in case of injury. 5. Investigate and document all accidents or incidents (near misses). 6. Assuring that all equipment is in safe working order and is properly maintained. 7. Support and encourage a continuous safety awareness by employees. Faculty, staff, and students shall comply with all health, safety and environmental procedures including: 1. Observing and following prescribed health, safety and environmental procedures. 2. Reporting all unsafe work conditions and work-related injuries, incidents, and illness to their supervisor or the safety office. 3. Correcting any unsafe working conditions identified in their areas. 1. Safe work practices and procedures shall be established for each work area and shall be observed. 2. Follow instructions. If you are not sure how to perform a particular operation, ask your supervisor. 3. Any injury, no matter how slight, shall be reported to the immediate supervisor as soon as possible and prior to leaving the work area. The Safety Coordinator should then be informed. 4. Unsafe practices or conditions shall be reported at once to the immediate supervisor. 5. Smoking is prohibited except in designated areas. (See Smoking Policy) 6. Work and storage areas shall be maintained in a clean and orderly manner. 7. "Horseplay" shall not be tolerated. 8. Required personal protective clothing and equipment shall be worn. 9. Personal clothing and footwear shall be appropriate for the job being performed and shall be consistent with any established policy. 10. Repairs to all equipment and facilities shall only be made by authorized personnel. 11. Equipment shall not be operated unless and until it is in a safe and proper working condition. 12. Safeguards on machinery, tools, or equipment shall not be removed or deactivated. 13. Aisles and walkways shall be kept clear at all times. 14. No one shall block access to fire doors, fire alarm stations, fire extinguishers, stretcher stations, fire blankets or other emergency equipment. Physical examinations are offered to employees at no charge when possible exposure or physical problems may occur due to a person's work responsibility. NEOUCOM has an Occupational Health Program for employees and students. All employees are required to participate in this program. Everyone, regardless of job, will need to complete a Health History form and meet with the Nurse to determine any further requirements including, but not limited to, a physical, vaccinations or further testing. The Health History Form contains various questions regarding your overall health status, and this information will remain as confidential as allowed by law. The minimum requirements for most personnel include Health History review and tetanus vaccination within the last 10 years. Certain groups, such as Emergency responders, CMU personnel, food service and others, will require additional testing. Post-offer physicals are given to prospective employees in designated positions as determined by the Director of Human Resources, the Director of Safety and Security, and the Coordinator of Safety and Security. This includes employees who are transferred from one position to another. Current employees covered in this program include, but are not limited to Physical Plant, Food Service, Duplicating, Library Depository and Central Stores personnel. Employees must successfully pass the physical in order to work in the position for which they have been selected. The Safety Coordinator, under the guidance of the COM Occupational Health Program Medical Director, will determine the need for physical examinations for those employees who may have been exposed to possible environmental, radiologic, or hazardous material exposure. Although the Safety Coordinator is responsible for overall safety, every supervisor must organize their own department to prepare for emergencies. This includes making certain that emergency telephone numbers and fire/tornado maps are easily accessible and posted in appropriate areas. 1. College Safety and Security Offices To assure the health and safety of all personnel entering the campus, safety and security offices have been established and staffed on the following basis. Security Office - Ext. 5555 (on campus only) This telephone extension is for normal, non-emergency business. The security office is located in room A-90. The Security entrance is to be used by all personnel entering the campus between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 24 hours per day on weekends and holidays unless an ID access card is used at one of the key-card entries. This entrance is the one to the left of the main entrance.
Safety Office: P-3 (Coordinator, Occupational Health and Safety ), Ext. 6494 The safety office is usually staffed between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Coordinator is on call 24 hr./day for emergency response. The Coordinator can also be reached by radio, during business hours, by contacting Security or the physical plant and requesting their response. They may also be reached by cell phone after hours. Every employee has the responsibility to promptly report any unsafe condition or practice to his supervisor. The Safety Office (x6494) should be contacted to report any other safety issues other than medical or fire emergencies. a. TO REPORT A MEDICAL OR FIRE EMERGENCY, dial 9-911. You will talking directly with a 911 dispatcher. State the nature and location of the emergency. Remember it is important to give the exact location of the emergency, building and room number, to facilitate an appropriate response. The College no longer has a medical response team to respond to emergencies. When the fire alarm sounds, ALL faculty, staff, students and visitors shall: a. LEAVE THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY by the nearest exit. b. Close any open windows or doors observed as you exit the building, if time permits. c. Stay far enough from the building to permit easy entrance by fire department personnel and equipment. d. When the building alarm is silenced, DO NOT ENTER THE BUILDING. When it is safe to enter, an audible message will be given. A notice will be sounded outside of the building to make sure all personnel return to the building when it is safe to do so. All personnel except designated response personnel are required to leave the building immediately regardless of activities in progress. No classes, meetings, research, or surgical activities justify endangering human life from fire or toxic gases. Any individuals found remaining in the building will be reported to their supervisor and the vice provost's office. Time should be taken to deactivate miscellaneous electrical and mechanical equipment ONLY if they cannot safely continue running unattended. All campus personnel must follow any emergency instructions given by the Safety Coordinator, local area safety marshal, or fire department personnel during an emergency situation. Coordination with the fire department is essential in pre-planning action to be taken in an emergency. They shall be made aware of special hazards. Maps showing the nearest exit, fire extinguishers and the location of fire alarm pull boxes are found on the walls in each corridor and wing of the Rootstown campus. Physical Plant Services is responsible for maintaining fire protection equipment including fire extinguishers and the fire/weather alarm system in good operating condition. Turn off and disconnect any unattended heating or cooking equipment. Under no circumstances are these devices to be left ON when they will be unattended for more than a brief period. Tornado warnings will be announced via the voice/alarm system to each major area. When the tornado warning is announced, ALL faculty, staff, students and visitors should: a. REMAIN IN THE BUILDING. b. TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY in the closest designated "TORNADO SHELTER AREA" to your place of activity. c. In the event time does not permit you to get to a designated tornado shelter area, seek the nearest low area away from windows and utility pipes. d. After a tornado: Ensure that everyone in your area is safe. Provide first aid and assistance for injured personnel. Call 9-911 if necessary. Inspect for damage immediately, especially electrical problems, gas leaks, and water leaks from roof damage. Heavy rains often follow a tornado so provide shelter for property that could be damaged by water if possible. The College's weather information is received on weather radios in the security office. The tornado warning will be activated on those occasions when the National Weather Service places Portage County under a tornado warning. Medical emergencies can range from minor cuts or abrasions to life threatening situations. NEOUCOM has established the following medical response procedures based on the type and severity of emergency. a. Basic First Aid Minor injuries (such as cuts, scrapes and animal bites) may be self-treated or seen by the nurse during regular office hours. b. Rootstown Rescue Squad NEOUCOM will contact the Rootstown Fire Department's Rescue Squad to provide assistance for all medical emergencies including illnesses of indeterminate cause. The rescue squad will normally transport to Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna. Transport to an alternate location is at the sole discretion of the Rootstown Fire Department and/or its Medical director. Employees desiring to be transported to Akron facilities can make transfer arrangements by private ambulance from Robinson Memorial Hospital. TO REPORT A MEDICAL EMERGENCY: a. Dial 9-911. You will be talking to an actual 911 dispatcher. Report the nature and location of your emergency to the dispatcher. NEOUCOM no longer has a medical response team. Therefore, to minimize critical response time, 9-911 should be called. Turn off and disconnect any unattended heating or cooking equipment or implements. Under no circumstances are these devices to be left ON when they will be unattended for more than a brief period. Red cover plates (115V unless marked 208V) indicate that power is available from these receptacles at all times. Individuals requiring access to locked areas should contact the security office at Ext. 5555. Individuals will not be admitted without proper authorization and identification. College personnel encountering unauthorized individuals in their area should contact the the Security Office immediately at ext. 5555. An alarm system is in operation on all exterior doors at the Rootstown campus. It is necessary for all persons on the campus to follow the procedure described below when exiting from the building after 6:00 p.m. 1. Locking and "alarming of all exit doors will be done electronically at approximately 6:00 p.m. by security officers. 2. Security officers will attach a warning flag to the door handle as a visual reminder that the door has been placed "on alarm." 3. Persons who are in the building and who wish to exit via one of the alarmed doors after 6:00 p.m. must call the security office, ext. 5555, giving name, I. D. card number, and the number of the exit door to be used (these numbers are on the door or red warning signs adjacent to each exit). Personnel may use the "red" phones located near most of the major exits to contact the security office. Individuals may exit a key-card access door by scanning their ID card upon exit. 4. Individuals breaching the security system by exiting from an alarmed door after 6:00 p.m. without having called the security office will not hear the alarm - but the officer in the security office will. Security will respond to the alarmed location to investigate the situation. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention The Health and Wellness Committee was formed to assist NEOUCOM employees in attaining and maintaining a state of wellness and fitness that is of both personal and institutional benefit. Goals of the Committee include providing employees with the appropriate skills and motivation to make progress toward the goal of fully managing their health, creating a climate of wellness at the College, and improving employee morale by responding to their health interests with a well organized program. These goals are attained through Committee activities which include assessing the needs of employees and administration, designing and implementing programs, and monitoring and evaluating the program's effectiveness. Accidents and Injuries On The Job College of Medicine employees are protected by provisions of the Worker's Compensation Law of Ohio which covers expenses for medical care as well as certain compensation benefits in lieu of salary loss for work-related injuries. Medical care cost arising from job related injuries are not covered by the College of Medicine's hospitalization policy. Any injury to an employee on the job (including cuts, animal bites and scratches, etc.), must be reported to the employee's supervisor as soon as possible after the injury's occurrence. "Close calls or near misses" should be reported as well. Supervisors must follow College procedures when accidents occur.
The following is a summary of steps to take if you are injured at work: 1. Notify your supervisor immediately following any accident on Campus. Employees should not leave campus for the day without notifying their supervisor (or designee) that a workplace incident has occurred. If your supervisor is not available, you should follow your normal chain of command for notification. Should no one in your area be available, you may notify the Safety Office or Human Resources (in that order) directly of your workplace incident. Supervisors must notify the Safety Office (in person, by phone or by email), within ONE work day, that a workplace incident has occurred. 2. Should your injury require treatment, the Safety Office will help you begin the necessary paperwork. If the incident is a medical emergency, dial 9-911 for assistance. This information should be taken with you for treatment. Please follow up with the Safety Office as soon as possible to ensure proper processing of your claim. 3. You will need to have an MCO Card with you when you receive your first treatment. The cards and necessary forms you will need are available on the Occupational Health and Safety website at http://www.neoucom.edu/DEPTS/Safe/WORKCOMPINDEX.htm. 4. As soon as possible, complete an Accident Report with your supervisor. You must also complete the First Report of Injury form. These forms need to be delivered to the College of Medicine's Safety Office (P3). The Safety Office will then fax the appropriate forms to the College's MCO. They will also forward copies of the forms to Human Resources. Please be aware that for the purposes of Worker's Compensation, your employer should be listed as NEOUCOM . The forms should have the appropriate manual and policy numbers already filled in. 5. You should select a Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC)-certified provider for your care. A non-BWC certified provider may be selected under the following circumstances:
After the initial treatment of your work-related injury/illness, you should select a Super Med Works network provider or a BWC-certified provider for subsequent or on-going care of your injury or disease. 6. The College's MCO will remain in contact with you and the College until you are released to return to work or you have reached maximum recovery from your injury. 7. ALL employees must follow up with the COM Occupational Health Program Nurse on the first day following return to work. The Clinic is 12:00-4:00 p.m. every Thursday. Accident reports and other necessary forms are available from the Safety Office. Accident reports should be completed and returned to the Safety Office immediately, especially in cases where Worker's Compensation may be involved. Information regarding Worker's Compensation claims may be obtained by contacting the Office of Human Resources in the Rootstown campus (ext. 6725), the Coordinator, Safety , ext. 6494, or by contacting the Bureau of Worker's Compensation directly at 1-800-OHIOBWC. It is essential that the employee inform all service providers (physicians, etc.) that the injury is a possible employee Worker's Compensation claim. It is the employee's responsibility to notify medical service providers of the claim number as soon as possible after receipt from the Bureau of Worker's Compensation. The Bureau makes the initial determination on allowance of claim and compensation. Smoking is a health hazard and may be the cause of annoyance to non-smokers. Smoking is prohibited inside campus buildings and outside the following doors due to air circulation: Door 10; South-facing B-building exit adjacent to the entrance of CSCP. Door 55; South E-building exit to quad in stairwell. 1st floor, B-building exit to quad at bottom of library stairs. Doors 63-64; Exits from R-building and G-building to the quad.
The Board of Trustees of the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine has approved the following policy. Children are permitted in all areas of the College except in laboratories, unless prior written approval has been granted. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) NEOUCOM personnel are directed to wear personal protective clothing and equipment when working with hazardous materials or at other times as directed by the supervisor. The clothing and equipment are provided for your protection and it is mandatory that they be utilized whenever designated. These include but are not limited to face masks, goggles and glasses, face shields, welding helmets, clothing to protect against various hazardous materials and heat or cold, steel toed boots and shoes, respiratory equipment, and ear plugs, muffs or other devices for noise control. The equipment should be properly fitted to the employee who will be using it. Initial instruction will be given by the supervisor to each employee on using the PPE, including nature of exposure and possible injury or health effects if not worn. If you are unsure about the appropriate safety clothing or equipment to wear, contact your supervisor before proceeding with your work. The College is concerned about your health and safety so the necessary clothing and equipment to meet standard requirements when working with materials has been provided. You are expected to use and maintain the clothing and equipment. Anyone found working without proper clothing and equipment may be subject to disciplinary action. A respiratory hazard exists where the air is oxygen deficient or contains a toxic or disease-producing particulate, vapor or gas in a concentration immediately or ultimately dangerous to life or health. Selection of a respirator is based on the hazard involved and the oxygen content of the air. NEOUCOM will follow established OSHA and NIOSH guidelines regarding permissible exposure levels of airborne contaminants. The best ways to control fumes, dusts and gases include substituting less toxic substances, providing good ventilation and confining or enclosing the particular operation. Where such controls are not possible, or are in the process of being instituted, respirators may be necessary. Before supervisors or employees use respirators they must be instructed in their use and fit-tested by a qualified person. 2. Respiratory Protection Procedures The Safety Coordinator will assist supervisors in establishing and maintaining a respiratory protection program. See NEOUCOM Safety Manual for complete Respiratory Protection Plan and OSHA Standard. Requirements for a minimally acceptable program include: a. All individuals who may need to wear a respirator will be evaluated by spirometry to determine if they are physically able to work while wearing a respirator. Examinations will be coordinated by the the Occupational Health Program. b. Respirators shall be selected on the basis of hazards to which the worker is exposed and shall provide adequate respiratory protection in accordance with established standards. c. Users shall be instructed in the proper use of respirators, as well as their specific limitations. d. Users shall be properly fit-tested for the specific respirator they choose. e. Where practicable, respirators should be assigned to individual workers for their exclusive use. f. Respirators shall be regularly cleaned and disinfected by the user. Those issued for the exclusive use of one worker shall be cleaned at least daily following use. Those used by more than one worker shall be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use. g. Respirators shall be stored in a convenient, clean, and sanitary location such as a ziplock storage bag. h. Surveillance of working conditions and degree of employee exposure or stress shall be monitored as deemed appropriate by the Safety Coordinator and evaluations to determine the continued effectiveness of the program will be conducted. Protective footwear ( including the steel-toed variety) will be provided to employees needing protection from potential exposure to slips and falls, as well as the danger of heavy objects falling on the foot. Light weight casual shoes are not to be worn by personnel working on or around heavy machinery, or whose job requires materials handling. Currently, Physical Plant( including Grounds), Central Stores are designated areas. However, other areas may be added upon recommendation by the Safety Office. Arrangements for purchase will be made through Business Operations. If an employee desires shoes costing more than the reasonable allowable cost established under the program, they may pay the additional cost. The College will purchase one pair per year for designated employees. Damaged shoes will be replaced upon the recommendation of the immediate supervisor. Protective footwear must be worn at all times during the employee's work hours unless other conditions have been approved. It is the responsibility of the individual employee and the immediate supervisor to ensure that protective footwear is worn according to policy. The Physical Plant will provide steel-toed shoe guards for temporary or part-time workers. These will be returned at the conclusion of employment. Should the employee not wish to wear the provided shoe guards, he may purchase his own pair of steel-toed shoes at his own cost. Gloves are recommended for all activities where the possibility of hand injuries exists, such as construction work, installation and repair work, handling heavy or rough objects, and handling hot or cold objects. Employees should consult their supervisor or the safety office to determine the appropriate type of glove for a specific activity. Wearing gloves does not necessarily prevent accidents, but does minimize the possibility of injury to the hands. Gloves are required when handling certain chemical, biohazard and radioactive materials. Suitable work clothing is provided by the College for designated departments. This includes but is not limited to laboratory coats, uniforms, and outdoors clothing for grounds personnel. Laboratory coats are not to be worn out of the basic medical sciences areas. When working outside, proper head, arm and foot covering will minimize possible injury. There is always danger of injury to the eyes when they are unprotected. Employees shall wear eye protection as specified by the supervisor and the Safety Office in accordance with COM policy and procedures. Lenses should be kept as clean as possible. Continuous vision through dirty lenses can cause eye fatigue and become a contributory factor in accidents. Keep glasses in a protective container between uses. Contact lenses are discouraged in any situation where materials or vapors may come in contact with the eye. 7. Prescription and Non-Prescription Safety Glasses The COM Protective Eye Wear Program is detailed below. OSHA Standard 1910.133(1) sets the following general requirements for Eye and Face Protection: (1) The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation. (2) The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses eye protection that provides side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects. Detachable side protectors (e.g. clip-on or slide-on side shields) meeting the pertinent requirements of this section are acceptable. (3) The employer shall ensure that each affected employee who wears prescription lenses while engaged in operations that involve eye hazards wear eye protection that incorporates the prescription in its design, or wears eye protection that can be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing the proper position of the prescription lenses or the protective lenses. (4) Eye and face personal protective equipment (PPE) shall be distinctly marked to facilitate identification of the manufacturer. (5) The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses equipment filter lenses that have a shade number appropriate for the work being performed for protection from injurious light radiation. The following are the criteria set by OSHA for protective eye and face devices. (1) Protective eye and face devices purchased after July 5, 1994 shall comply with ANSI Z87.1-1989, "American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection," which is incorporated by reference in Sec. 1910.6. (2) Eye and face protective devices purchased before July 5, 1994 shall comply with the ANSI Z87.1-1968, "USA standard for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection," which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6, or shall be demonstrated by the employer to be equally effective. Therefore, all employees shall wear approved and appropriate eye and face protection in accordance with this standard. Protective eye wear will be provided for designated employees for protection from potential exposure to possible eye damaging situations and must be worn as determined by their job responsibilities. Choice of the purchase of prescription glasses versus goggles and such shall be at the discretion of the employee's immediate Supervisor as long as OSHA compliance is achieved. The employee's department will be responsible for the cost of protective eye wear up to the maximum listed in the "Plan". There are two basic types of eye protection available to employees. They are as follows:
PRESCRIPTION PROTECTIVE EYE WEAR PLAN AND PROCEDURES: The College will purchase, at the supervisor's discretion, one pair of prescription protective eye wear in a two-year period for designated employees. Arrangements to purchase prescription protective eye wear will be made through Business Operations, but all requests shall be initiated with the Safety Office. Damaged or lost protective eye wear will be replaced and reimbursed by the College upon proof and recommendation by the employee's immediate supervisor. The College's Prescription Eye Wear Plan is administered by CO-OP optical. Employees may contact any of five CO-OP locations for an appointment. The maximum reimbursement for Single Vision glasses is $125.00 and the maximum reimbursement for Bifocals is $150.00. These maximums are adequate to ensure an exam, a choice of frames, bifocals and any tinting that may be required for work. If glasses costing more than the established reimbursement is desired, the employee will be required to pay the additional cost. The maximums may be revised at such time that increases are justified. Employees are encouraged to bring an existing prescription with them. CO-OP will make glasses without an exam from an existing prescription that is under two years old. However, employees will not be reimbursed for an exam or protective eye wear provided by any other facility. The College of Medicine will not be responsible for additional costs incurred should an employee be referred to an ophthalmologist. Employees are required to complete any necessary forms and must take a purchase order number with them for their appointment. The College will not pay for custom-made non-prescription glasses from CO-OP. These can be obtained in accordance with number (1) above. 1. The employee should discuss the necessity for prescription protective eye wear with their immediate supervisor. 2. Once the supervisor has agreed to provide prescription protective eye wear, the employee should contact the Safety Office for the necessary forms. 3. The employee's department should process a requisition to CO-OP optical for the maximum. This P.O. number should then be recorded in the appropriate place on the CO-OP Optical form. If the P-card will be used, it should be noted on the form. 4. The employee should contact the CO-OP location of choice for an appointment. 5. The employee must bring their CO-OP form with the P.O. number to their appointment. 6. CO-OP will forward a completed copy of the employee's form to the Safety Office for OSHA compliance record keeping purposes only. This information will be maintained in the employee's medical file in the Health Clinic. 7. Employees whose exams do not show a need for prescription protective eye wear will be referred back to the College for non-prescription protective eye wear. Prescription and non-prescription safety glasses are provided for employees for protection from potential exposure to possible eye damaging situations and must be worn as determined by your job responsibilities. Ear protection is authorized for use as an exposure control method where noise is not controllable within limits by other means. The Safety Office shall recommend to the employee and supervisor which type of ear protection is best for the area from the wide variety of ear protection available. An employee utilizing the phone and a VDT simultaneously for a continuous period throughout the day should contact Media Services to investigate the need for headphones. Headphones may also be helpful to any employee whose primary responsibility is telephone reception. There is a common misconception that persons working in offices are seldom involved in accidents. There are a number of possible accidental injuries which can be controlled. Office accidents can be put into several basic categories: slipping, tripping and falling; improperly used or faulty equipment; collisions or obstructions; falling objects; fire and electricity; and horseplay and accidents. Good office safety includes knowing where fire extinguishers are located and the proper fire escape route. Watch for safety mirrors above various corners which allow you to see intersecting traffic. Approach doors with caution and open slowly. Someone may be on the other side. Where double doors are involved, use the right door. Report defective handrails, lighting, and stair treads. Keep stairways and landings clear. Waste containers shall not be used for disposing of broken glass, tin, partly consumed cigarettes or ashes, or any other articles which may cause fire or injury to persons handling their contents. Each chair should be adjusted to the person occupying it. Improperly adjusted chairs can cause back, neck or leg strain. Chairs should be inspected periodically to be sure there are no broken rollers, nuts and bolts, or other loose of defective parts. Electrical cords which have become frayed and plugs which are broken should be replaced immediately. Do not attempt to tape a broken plug or hold the pieces to a broken plug together and insert it in an outlet. Extension cords should be not be used for unapproved purposes. Place equipment near an outlet to avoid cords running across floors and aisles. If it is necessary to have a cord running across floors temporarily, flag or guard the cord to avoid someone tripping over it. Electric typewriters, electric letter openers, paper shredders and other electric appliances must be grounded or double-insulated. Improperly grounded or insulated equipment can cause severe shocks, especially when operating in damp or wet conditions. All computers must have ground wire connections and be connected to compatible outlets. Do not alter plugs to eliminate the grounding connection. Defective outlets should be repaired immediately. Prior to repair, any such outlets should be taped or otherwise covered so they cannot be used. Unused floor outlets which are flush with the floor must have protective covers in place at all times. Circuit voltage and machine requirements should be compatible. Do not overload circuits with too many machines and appliances. Do not attempt to move heavy office machines from one desk to another. Hazardous equipment shall be adequately guarded before being placed in service. Normally guards are provided by the manufacturer as standard equipment. If not, they should be installed locally before the machine is placed in operation. When stacking boxes, each box should be placed squarely on the box under it. Do not stack boxes too high. Do not stand on chairs or desks. Obtain an appropriate step stool or ladder if necessary. Keep file drawers closed when not in use. The Hazard Communication Program (HazCom) outlines the policies, practices, and procedures for NEOUCOM's coordination and compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations regarding employee exposure to hazardous materials. The program covers: a. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) distribution b. Labeling and other forms of warning c. Employee information and training The Haz-Com program is coordinated by the Coordinator, Safety . Specific details of the program are outlined in the Hazard Communication Plan contained in the COM Safety Manual. Copies of the manual can be obtained from the Safety office (Ext. 6494). |
General Institutional Safety Manual
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