General and Office Safety Oregon State University Environmental Health and Safety 130 Oak Creek Building Corvallis, OR 97331 541-737-2273 ehs@oregonstate.edu

General Safety Applies to Everyone

Safety Rules Employee's Responsibility It is the responsibility of every employee to perform work in a safe manner. Knowledge of appropriate safe work procedures and safety rules is essential. Employees are expected to follow established safety rules and to maintain their work areas free of hazards by correcting unsafe conditions or by reporting them to supervisors.

Safety Rules (continued) Supervisor's Responsibilities Every supervisor will provide and document initial and continuing safety training. New employees experience a high number of injuries, primarily because they may be unfamiliar with proper safe work procedures. Guidelines for safe work practices are provided in the links below. Safety Instructions were developed to provide basic safety information for work environments found at OSU, based on prudent safety procedures and safety codes. Safety Instructions are helpful tools for initial safety training, but should not be considered as complete and may not include all necessary precautionary measures. Departments and supervisors are encouraged to establish additional safety rules appropriate for their work environment. Safety Rules/Instructions Acknowledgement of safety rules (form)

Emergencies (Medical emergency, fire, personal safety threat, etc.) Campus Emergency -- 737-7000 Off-Campus Emergency -- 911 Non-Emergency -- 737-3010 OSU Emergency Response Policy and Procedure: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/budgets/SAFManual/SAF102.htm

Emergency Preparation The following Emergency Preparation items are important; review them with your supervisor. Know the meaning of emergency warning signals in your work area. Know the location of fire alarm pull stations and fire extinguishers. Know the location of exits, escapes, and evacuation routes. Know the location of first aid kits, and how to report accidents. Know how to get help in case of an emergency.

Department of Public Safety and Oregon State Police Department of Public Safety and Oregon State Police web page: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/security/home Safety Related Services: 24-hour Public Assistance Building Access Building and Perimeter Security Incident and Emergency Response Provide Personal Safety Escorts Student Medical Transport to Student Health Center Crime Prevention Programs

Office Environment Safety Close a drawer to a filing cabinet as soon as you are through with it and before opening another Use the handle for opening and closing drawers

Office Environment Safety Do not open more than one of the top drawers at the same time Heavier materials should be kept in the lower drawers of filing cabinets.

Office Environment Safety Do not use electric cords which are frayed or defective. Power cords should be attached directly to the wall or floor outlet whenever possible. Do not place cords, cables, or telephone wires across. walkways creating a tripping hazard.

Office Environment Safety Extension cords must not be used to connect permanent electrical equipment. The only exception to this are "fused" multi-outlet strips which are "UL listed."

Report All Injuries and Unsafe Conditions To Your Supervisor Failure to comply could delay correction of the situation that caused the injury. Near misses and unsafe behavior should also be reported. Accident recording system: http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/sites/default/files/pdf/si/accident_recording_system_si018.pdf Report of Accident form: http://oregonstate.edu/admin/hr/benefits/roa.pdf

Possession or Use of Alcohol on State Property Prohibited No worker shall report for duty, or perform duties, while under the influence of intoxicants.

Use of Narcotics or Tranquilizers During Work Hours is Prohibited This includes over-the-counter medications if they cause drowsiness, impaired judgment, or diminished physical skills. (There may be an exemption for employees who are under the supervision of a physician and with the knowledge of their supervisor.)

Fighting and Horseplay Will Not be Tolerated This includes distracting a fellow employee.

Maintain Good Housekeeping Clean up waste materials promptly after a job is completed. Keep floors and walkways clear of clutter.

Smoking is Prohibited There is no tobacco use allowed on OSU property. More information can found at http://oregonstate.edu/smokefree/

Hazard Awareness Sign System A caution sign system has been established at OSU; its purpose is to warn employees and visitors entering laboratories and other hazardous areas. The appropriate sign will be placed at entrances to each laboratory room or complex by Environmental Health & Safety. Signs are produced by EH&S, but providing information to keep the sign up-to-date is the responsibility of laboratory personnel. Go to the Hazard Awareness Sign System to provide current information to EH&S.

Hazard Awareness Sign System (cont.) http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/sites/default/files/pdf/si/lab_hazard_sign_si028.pdf

Hazard Awareness Sign System (cont.) The sign shown above will typically have only a few hazard symbols, as appropriate for the lab. All signs will contain emergency contact information.

Safeguards, Safety Devices, Notices and Warnings Hazard signs and barriers should not be: Removed Displaced Damaged Destroyed

Use Approved Step Stools or Ladders Never use a box, bucket, chair or shelf as a ladder. Use the ladder only as it is intended.

Report Damaged Or Faulty Equipment Report to Supervisor. No need to report if you are qualified to repair. Reports of malfunctioning building equipment should be made to Facilities Services. Facilities Services Work Coordination Center (WCC) 737-2969 Facilities@oregonstate.edu

Electrical & Mechanical Repairs Are to Be Performed by Authorized Employees Only

Cords and Cables Extension cords are not to be used as permanent wiring. The use of a "Fused UL Rated" multi-outlet strip is permissible as long as it is plugged directly into a wall outlet. Do not place cords, cables, or telephone wires across. walkways creating a tripping hazard. Electrical cords must be free of cracks, splices, frayed areas, loose connections, or other damage.

Fire Safety Know the location of fire alarms. Access to electrical panels must be free from obstructions. Burning decorative candles is prohibited.

Fire Safety (Continued) Do not hang items on fire sprinkler systems. Do not block or cover extinguishers, sprinkler heads or fire alarms. Do not block open fire doors.

Upon Discovering a Fire Pull Fire Alarm, or otherwise alert other occupants. Call 911; give name, department and location of fire. Small fires may be fought with fire extinguisher. When in doubt, get out!

Purpose of Fire Extinguishers The main reasons for having fire extinguishers readily available are to: Suppress a fire along an escape route so trapped persons can exit a burning structure. Extinguish or contain a fire to protect property. Unless you have been properly trained to use a fire extinguisher, leave firefighting to the professionals. Remember – life safety is more important than saving property.

Egress From Building Do not block: Aisle, passageway, hallway, stairway, or exit. Do not use these areas for storage.

Stair Safety Keep one hand free for the hand rail. Do not carry loads so large that the view of the treads is obscured. Keep stairs clear of objects. Pick up anything you find.

Chemical Safety OSU Hazardous Materials Disposal Guide Keep in mind that not all chemicals are used in laboratories. Do not remove labels from chemical containers. Properly dispose of hazardous materials – this includes all types of batteries. OSU Hazardous Materials Disposal Guide

Chemical Safety (Continued) Immediately report spills of hazardous materials to the Department of Public Safety (737-7000) Clean up spills of non- hazardous materials immediately, as they may pose a slip hazard. Place warning signs near wet areas. EH&S 737-2273 ehs@oregonstate.edu

First Aid Kits and Supplies General Oregon OSHA codes require that first aid supplies be available in all work areas for the immediate treatment of minor injuries. First aid supplies must be stored in clearly marked containers and adequately protected from damage, deterioration, or contamination. Contact EH&S to discuss types of first aid kits and training necessary for remote sites. Kits should be inspected monthly and supplies replenished when necessary. Safety Instruction 6: First Aid Kits and Supplies

Observe All Traffic Rules & Regulations When Driving

Vehicle Safety Employees are not permitted in the back of moving trucks. Drivers renting 8 passenger, 12 passenger, or large cargo vans from the Motor Pool have additional training requirements . See the Motor Pool Van Safety Policy

Office Safety Post emergency numbers on or near your phone. Know the location of the nearest fire alarms and exits. Familiarize yourself with activities being conducted in your building and locations of hazardous materials. Be aware of suspicious individuals or behavior.

Comfortable Computing Advice for setting up your computer can be found in the EH&S Comfortable Computing Guide Topics include: Adjusting Your Workstation Adjusting Your Environment Chair Adjustment Work surface/Keyboard Adjustment Monitor Adjustment Workstation Accessory Adjustment Work Habits

Keyboard and Mouse Use Warm up. Use correct hand position. Take frequent breaks. Ease up on your grip and hold the mouse lightly. It is not necessary to hold the mouse tightly. Relax your hand and let go of the mouse when it is not being used. Further information can be found the EH&S Keyboard and Mouse Use Guide

Ergonomic Evaluations Upon request, Environmental Health & Safety will perform ergonomic evaluations and make work station recommendations.

Back Care and Lifting 41

Back Injuries Some back injuries involve the “soft tissue” that is the muscle, ligament type injury. A more serious injury occurs when the discs of the spine are involved. 42

Disc Herniation Factors Many factors increase the risk for disc herniation: Lifestyle choices such as tobacco use, lack of regular exercise, and inadequate nutrition substantially contribute to poor disc health. As the body ages, natural biochemical changes cause discs to gradually dry out affecting disc strength and resiliency. Poor posture combined with the habitual use of incorrect body mechanics stresses the lumbar spine and affects its normal ability to carry the bulk of the body's weight. 43

Disc Problems Combine these factors with the effects from daily wear and tear, injury, incorrect lifting, or twisting and it is easy to understand why a disc may herniate. For example, lifting something incorrectly can cause disc pressure to rise to several hundred pounds per square inch! A herniation may develop suddenly or gradually over weeks or months. 44

Safe Lifting Carrying the load… Hold the load close so you can see over it. Keep the load balanced. Avoid twisting the body. Watch out for pinch points -- doorways, etc. Face the way you will be moving. 45

Safe Lifting For those Awkward Moments... If you must lift or lower from a high place: Stand on a platform instead of a ladder. Lift the load in smaller pieces if possible. Push the load to see how heavy and stable it is. Slide the load as close to yourself as possible before lifting up or down. Get help when needed to avoid an injury. 46

Safe Lifting From hard-to-get-at places... Get as close to the load as possible. Keep back straight, stomach muscles tight. Push buttocks out behind you. Bend your knees. Use leg, stomach, and buttock muscles to lift -- not your back. 47

Bend your knees - not your back! Get Help with heavy or awkward loads! Safe Lifting Use Your Head and Save Your Back! Bend your knees - not your back! Let your legs do the lifting STAND close to the load Get Help with heavy or awkward loads! Use the right tools! 48

Push and Pull in the Right Direction Pushing is preferred over pulling because it requires less muscle effort to the low back plus increases your visibility. Lighten the load when possible. Make sure items are secured to equipment and they do not obstruct your vision. Maintain neutral posture. Do not bend or twist at the back.

Additional Safety Instructions #15 Fire Safety: A Safe & Quick Exit #5 Unsafe Condition Notice #3 Unsafe Conditions: Top Ten  

Useful Links OSU Safety Policies and Procedures: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/budgets/SAFManual/SAFTOC.htm OSU safety documents: http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/safety-instructions OSU Environmental Health and Safety web page: http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/ OSU Environmental Health and Safety contacts: http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/staff

Office Safety Training Acknowledgement Click on the link below for the acknowledgment form: Online Training Acknowledgement