1. Custodial Training Specialist
WORK PLACE SAFETY
Frank Martin
Custodial Training Specialist
(301)

2. WORK PLACE SAFETY Four Reasons to be Careful @ Work
We have a responsibility to ourselves not to get injured.
We have a responsibility to our family; when we are injured, we can’t provide.
There is a responsibility to our co-workers; our actions must not endanger them.
We have a responsibility to our company. Employee injury has a negative impact on productivity.

3. WORK PLACE SAFETY Getting To Work; Commuting by Car
Keep vehicles in safe operating condition.
Wear seat belts AND require passengers to wear theirs, too!
Keep your mind on your driving AND your eyes on the road:  AVOID DISTRACTED DRIVING!
Stay 2 to 4 seconds behind the vehicle in front.

4. WORK PLACE SAFETY Getting To Work; Commuting by Car
Obey all traffic rules, signs and signals.
Adjust your speed to suit road and weather conditions.
Keep alert when going through intersections and when passing other vehicles.
Be careful in parking areas, especially when it is dark; staff could be struck by vehicles or assaulted.
Keep vehicles locked when parked and keep the doors locked while driving.

5. WORK PLACE SAFETY Getting To Work; Walking on Foot
Watch where you are walking and wear sturdy walking shoes.
Take extra caution if sidewalks are slippery or when it is dark and visibility is limited.
Be careful crossing streets; use crosswalks or cross at traffic lights whenever possible.
Stay with the crowd on well-traveled streets and stick to well-lit streets when it's dark.
Walk to and from work with a friend or co-worker if you're concerned about safety.

6. WORK PLACE SAFETY Getting To Work; Walking on Foot
Avoid shortcuts through tunnels, alleys, parks, etc.
Walk briskly and confidently, head up and alert to what is around you.
Watch out for people stepping out from doorways or parked cars.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry (or at least keep it out of sight).
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or discussing your destination or daily routine in public.

7. WORK PLACE SAFETY Getting To Work; Commuting by Public Transportation
Watch your step getting on and off buses, rail cars, etc.
Have your fare/fare card ready so you do not need to take out your wallet.
Stand well back from the edge of a subway or train platform.
Avoid entering an empty train or subway car.

8. WORK PLACE SAFETY Getting To Work; Commuting by Public Transportation
Sit near the driver when there are few people on the bus.
Sit up straight and stay awake and alert while traveling.
Hold on to your purse/briefcase securely.
Be alert at bus stops or when walking to or from public transportation, especially at night.

9. WORK PLACE SAFETY Property Inspection
The Preventive Maintenance Program’s weekly work orders, daily/weekly walks of the property.
Correct slip, trip & fall hazards found in the sidewalks, parking lots, turf areas, hallways, laundry rooms, etc.
Repair non-working interior & exterior lights.
Plan big tree work to eliminate dead zones for exterior lights, gutter damage, etc.
Corrective pruning for plant material to eliminate blind spots around buildings, etc.

10. WORK PLACE SAFETY Surface Trash Removal
Use the Niffty Nabber/Trash Grabber.
Use a five (5) gallon bucket.
Wear leather palm work gloves.
Wear comfortable, sturdy work shoes.
Do Not pick up trash with bare or gloved hand.
EMC Intranet ( Volume III, Maintenance, Section E, Landscaping, pages E & Section F, Safety, page F-6.

11. WORK PLACE SAFETY Surface Trash Removal
If there are no dumpsters available to empty the five (5) gallon bucket, utilize a fifty five (55) gallon trash can on wheels; position it in the middle of an area to be trashed. Use the Niffty Nabber/Trash Grabber & five (5) gallon bucket and dump the bucket into the trash can. DO NOT roll the trash can as a replacement for the five (5) gallon bucket.

12. WORK PLACE SAFETY Debris Removal
Use the back pack blower; for two (2) cycle engines, ensure that the gasoline/oil mixture is correct (8 ounces per two (2) gallons of regular unleaded gasoline. Gasoline/oil mixture should be LABELED & in an explosive-proof gas can. Contact Ed Central Wholesalers (301) or Tom Daycon (240) for explosive-proof gas cans..

13. WORK PLACE SAFETY Debris Removal
Wear eye protection, either safety glasses or splash goggles; ensure that they are ANSI Z-87.
Wear hearing protection; at a minimum use disposable ear pugs. Use personal ear plugs or ear muffs/head gear.
Wear leather palm work gloves.
Wear comfortable, sturdy work shoes.
Use proper lifting procedures.

14. WORK PLACE SAFETY Debris Removal
EMC/VMI Employee Intranet ( Volume III, Maintenance, Section E, Landscaping, pages E & Section F, Safety, page F-6.
Use the Billy Goat for debris removal in large areas, i.e., parking lots. Use regular unleaded gasoline only, LABELED & in an explosive-proof gas can. Check the oil prior to each day’s use.
Use the Billy Goat to vacuum debris blown into an area by the back pack blower.
Use caution when emptying the bag; wash out bags weekly.
Limit the use of a broom & SHOVEL (never use a dust pan!). Can be used when the Billy Goat is not available.

15. WORK PLACE SAFETY Moving Appliances
Utilize two (2) staff members & the appliance dolly or purchase the “Stair Climber” (approximately $ with Regional Property Manager’s approval); ensure that the appliance dolly is in safe & proper working order.
Wear comfortable, sturdy work shoes.
Use proper lifting procedures.
Avoid straining & twisting of body to eliminate possible injury.
When ascending or descending steps, a staff member will be positioned below the appliance dolly, assisting the staff member controlling the handle of the dolly.

16. WORK PLACE SAFETY Moving Trash Containers
Utilize two (2) staff members, one positioned at each end of the container, or purchase the “Compactor Tote” (approximately $ with Regional Property Manager’s approval).
Use leather palm gloves.
Wear comfortable, sturdy work shoes.
Avoid straining & twisting of body to eliminate possible injury.

17. WORK PLACE SAFETY Ladders The OSHA/ANSI Label must be clearly visible.
Do Not exceed the weight limit of ladder.
Maintain all ladders in safe & proper working order; repair any deficiency immediately.
Avoid stepping or sitting on top of step ladder.

18. WORK PLACE SAFETY Ladders
Extension ladders should be ¼ the distance from the building as it is high, i.e., 20’ up, 5’ out, and 2’ to 3’ above roof line. Secure bottom and top of ladder.
Observe surroundings, i.e., power lines, before transporting & setting up extension ladders. Use two (2) staff members whenever possible.
EMC Intranet ( Volume III, Maintenance, Section F, Safety, page F-7.

19. WORK PLACE SAFETY Chemicals
Complete the “Chemical Information List” & ENSURE that an MSDS is contained in the “MSDS Book” for EVERY chemical used on the property; this includes all contractors!
All staff members are to review and understand the MSDS for the chemicals. Document the training.
EMC/VMI Employee Intranet ( Volume III, Section F, Safety, page F-10.

20. WORK PLACE SAFETY Chemicals Use splash goggles and face shield.
Use appropriate rubber gloves, i.e., 444 for daily cleaning (windows, etc.), 8333 for heavy cleaning (stoves, graffiti, etc.).
Use rubber apron during heavy cleaning.
Use stripping boots during vinyl composition tile stripping operation.

21. WORK PLACE SAFETY Chemicals
Ensure that every chemical container is properly labeled; this includes all contractors!
This includes primary, i.e., 1 & 1/2 gallon containers, & secondary, i.e., spray bottles.
Use the chemical according to dilution chart on the label; a chemical metering system eliminates incorrect dilution & overuse.
Post “WET FLOOR” signs during any operation that creates slippery conditions, i.e., damp mopping, carpet extraction, cleaning windows, etc.
EMC/VMI Employee Intranet ( Volume III, Maintenance, Section F, Safety, page F-7.

22. WORK PLACE SAFETY Fire Extinguishers
Have an Emergency Evacuation Plan (Shops, Office, etc.). This is an O.S.H.A. requirement.
EMC/VMI Employee Intranet ( Volume III, Maintenance, Section F, Safety, page F-7.
Know the locations and types of all common area fire extinguisher; A (wood/paper), B (oil/grease), C (electrical) or ABC. Ensure that access is not blocked.
Check monthly; ABC: remove, turn upside down & shake, ensure arrow is in the GREEN, ensure Tamper Seal is intact, initial & date card and replace on hanger or in cabinet. Type A is shaken only.

23. WORK PLACE SAFETY Fire Extinguishers
Ensure that all staff are trained and documented on use. Recommend use of your service contractor with RPM approval.
Class of Fire; A, B ,C.
PASS
Pull the Pin
Base of Fire
Squeeze the Trigger
Sweeping Motion

24. WORK PLACE SAFETY Equipment/Machinery
Check that guards are in place at all points where personal contact with moving parts could occur BEFORE turning the machine on. NEVER use a machine with missing or malfunctioning parts!
Be aware of how to turn the power off & on; especially if you should have to do so quickly.
Read the manufacturer's instructions on how to operate the machines safely and properly; FOLLOW THOSE INSTRUCTIONS.

25. WORK PLACE SAFETY Equipment/Machinery
Pay attention to the training on how to use the machines safely & properly, and USE the training. Document ALL training.
Feed material into the machine with push sticks, NOT your hands.
Find a comfortable working position to minimize fatigue.
Take it easy. Rushing through a job is one of the major causes of accidents.
Pay attention! Machines are very powerful and they will run away from you if you are not alert.

26. WORK PLACE SAFETY Equipment/Machinery
Check machines before use. If anything seems to be missing or not working properly, report it. DO NOT use the machine until it has been checked out and repaired.
Make sure maintenance is performed when required; follow the Preventive Maintenance Program and document all service. If you think your equipment might have missed its scheduled maintenance, report it to your Supervisor immediately.
Use the LOCKOUT/TAGOUT procedures when a machine needs repair or maintenance. Turn the machine off and LOCKOUT/TAGOUT the power so that no one can start it up until the lock is removed.
Check the machine after repair or maintenance to ensure that guards are in place before any operation is started.

27. WORK PLACE SAFETY LOCK OUT/TAG OUT
Review the Lock Out/Tag Out Standard & Program with all staff; EMC/VMI Employee Intranet ( Policy Manual, Volume III, Maintenance, Section F, Safety, pages F-20 to F-23. Document the training.
Ensure that each staff member knows who is the “Affected Employee” & who is the “Authorized Employee”.

28. WORK PLACE SAFETY Office Work Stations Chair
Adjust the chair height so that your feet are flat on the floor & thighs are approximately parallel to the floor. Use a footrest if needed.
Sitting back in the chair, adjust backrest height to a comfortable position.
Move the backrest angle, if possible, to a comfortable position.
Adjust the seat pan tilt.
Adjust arm rest if used. Arms should be kept close to your body & lower arms at right angles to upper arms.

29. WORK PLACE SAFETY Office Work Stations Work Surface Height
Adjust the keyboard height & angle so the wrists are in a neutral (straight) position.
Place the mouse where it can be used without reaching.
Adjust the work surface (writing, reading, surface) height so the shoulders are not raised or slouched when writing or reading.

30. WORK PLACE SAFETY Office Work Stations Organize Work Area
Place most commonly used items, i.e., overhead bins, computer keyboard, monitor, telephone adding machine, etc., within easy, comfortable reach. Turn to face items; DO NOT TWIST torso/trunk when reaching for items.
Place all frequently used files within close reach.
Place the monitor at an appropriate reading distance.
Adjust the monitor height so the viewing area is at or slightly below eye level.

31. WORK PLACE SAFETY Office Work Stations Organize Work Area
Adjust monitor to face the user’s eye.
Check for monitor glare. Invest in a good quality glare screen if needed.
Place the work documents about the same distance from the eyes as the monitor. Use a document holder if needed.
Place the telephone on the desktop closest to where most frequently working. Use a headset if needed.

32. WORK PLACE SAFETY Office Work Stations Work Habits
Use the wrist rest to soften the surface under the wrists during pauses.
While keying, move your hand & arm together; use the wrist rest only during pauses.
Keep the wrists straight when using the keyboard. Adjust the keyboard tray height & angle if needed. A downward slope of the tray may be comfortable.
While using the mouse, avoid awkward positions of the arms, hands or shoulders. Position the mouse at the same level as the keyboard & directly next to the keyboard.

33. WORK PLACE SAFETY Office Work Stations Work habits
Avoid resting arms & wrists on sharp edges or hard surfaces. Use a light touch with the keyboard.
Hands should be in a relaxed position on the keyboard.
Clean the computer screen regularly.
Change foot positions often. Use a footrest to allow for movement & alteration of the legs & feet.
Vary tasks to take frequent breaks away from the keyboard.

34. WORK PLACE SAFETY Office Work Stations Work habits
Change body position frequently, readjusting the chair if needed.
Stretch often while sitting or standing to avoid muscle fatigue.
Review the “Computer User’s Handbook” developed for EMC by one of our former Worker’s Comp agencies, AIG Consultants; it is located on the EMC Intranet ( Operations, Office Safety.

35. WORK PLACE SAFETY QUESTIONS?
“It is better to be prepared and not have an opportunity, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.”