1. In an office environment and other frequently cited violations
Top Safety Hazards
In an office environment and other frequently cited violations

2. Common Hazards in the Workplace
Top Workplace Hazards:
Chemical Hazards
Fire
Over-exertion and Stress
Electrical Hazards
Accidental Falls and Flying Objects

3. Unauthorized Storage (Mechanical/Electrical/Stairwell)

4. Fire Extinguishers (Monthly Inspection/Mounted)
Fire extinguishers not being inspected monthly
NFPA Fire extinguishers shall be inspected either manually or by means of an electronic monitoring device/system at a minimum of 30-day intervals.
NFPA 10 ( ) Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed using any of the following means:
Securely on a hanger intended for the extinguisher
In the bracket supplied by the extinguisher manufacturer
In a listed bracket approved for such purpose
In cabinets or wall recesses

5. Obstructed or blocked from view fire extinguishing equipment.
NFPA 10 ( ) Fire extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view.

6. Emergency Lighting Non-Functional
Not being inspected monthly / annually
NFPA 101 ( ) Periodic Testing of Emergency Lighting Equipment.
A functional test shall be conducted on every required
emergency lighting system at 30-day intervals for a
minimum of 30 seconds. An annual test shall be
conducted for the 1 1/2-hour duration. Equipment shall
be fully operational for the duration of the test.
Public Works has all emergency lighting within C4I Complex on Preventive Maintenance Interval (PMI) schedule beginning 2012.

7. Hazardous Materials HAZMAT not properly labeled.
Users don’t have access to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
MSDS’s can be found on most manufacturer’s websites.
Household cleaning supplies require an MSDS also (if allowed on AUL)

8. DD Form 2522 / NFPA 704 HAZMAT Missing Label requirements:
(a) Identity of material or chemical
(b) Name & address of manufacturer
(c) Appropriate hazard warning, including
target organs

9. Sprinkler Head Clearance
Sprinkler spacing. The employer shall assure that sprinklers are spaced to provide a maximum protection area per sprinkler, a minimum of interference to the discharge pattern by building or structural members or building contents and suitable sensitivity to possible fire hazards. The minimum vertical clearance between sprinklers and material below shall be 18 inches (45.7 cm).

10. Examples of Fire Sprinkler Obstruction
At right is an example of materials stored on shelving that is too high, obstructing the sprinkler head and giving the sprinkler head and giving the sprinkler less than an inch of coverage. Stacked materials should never exceed the height of 18 inches below sprinkler heads.
To the left is an example of an unacceptable practice with sprinklers. Creating an opening in the storage around a sprinkler does not satisfy code requirements because the sprinkler water is still blocked from reaching the wall.

11. Exposed Wiring
(b)(1)(ii) Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall be effectively closed.
Applies to power panels and electrical boxes.

12. Applies to power panels and electrical outlets.
Exposed Wiring
(b)(1)(ii) Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall be effectively closed.
Applies to power panels and electrical outlets.

13. Required Space in Front of Electrical Panels
(g)(1)(i)(A) The depth of the working space in the direction of access to live parts may not be less than 3ft. Distances shall be measured from the live parts if they are exposed or from the enclosure front or opening if they are enclosed;
(g)(1)(i)(B) In all cases, the working space shall permit at least a 90-degree opening of equipment doors or hinged panels; and
(g)(1)(ii) Working space required by this standard may not be used for storage. When normally enclosed live parts are exposed for inspection or servicing, the working space, if in a passageway or general open space, shall be suitably guarded.
Wrong
Wrong

14. Extension Cords
Do NOT run extension cords through windows, walls, ceilings or doorways.
(g)(1)(iv) Unless specifically permitted otherwise in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, flexible cords and cables may not be used:
(g)(1)(iv)(A) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure;
(g)(1)(iv)(B) Where run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors;
(g)(1)(iv)(C) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings;

15. Extension Cord Limited Use Only* Authorized for temporary use indoors
Use Fan during work hours
Portable Power Tools
Floor Strippers / Buffers
Check with your FD for rules on seasonal lighting
NOT authorized for use on base
Limited Use Only*
*Check with Safety if you are unclear when and where to use extension cords

16. Inappropriate Use of Extension Cords
Using as permanent wiring
Using unapproved extension cords
Overloading power capabilities of the cord during temporary use
Daisy chaining (plugging one extension cord into another and another, etc.)
Using one surge protector/power strip to power another
Basic Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Extension Cords
Cords must be properly approved (by Underwriters Laboratory, etc.)
Approved cords must be for temporary use only (no more than 90 days)
Extension cords may be used for remodeling and maintenance or repair of structures or equipment
It is permissible to use extension cords to light holiday decorations
Examples of Improper Extension Cords and Power Strips
To the right is a common example of improper extension cord usage. As seen in this photo from a Congressional facility, one extension cord is being used to power multiple devices. This cord is of the common household variety and not approved for this type of use.

17. Common Hazards to Avoid with Power Cords
Power cords with frayed or damaged external sheathing torn away from the plug head, or ground prongs removed
Pulling a plug from a socket by jerking the cord rather than removing the plug carefully by hand
Regulations Related to Damaged and Ungrounded Power Cords
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR ) states that electrical insulation shall be free from recognized hazards that cause death or serious physical harm to employees
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR (a)(ii)) requires damaged or defective power equipment to be removed from service until repairs are made and tests show the equipment is safe
Missing ground prongs are a violation of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and the National Electric Code. As required by CFR (a)(3)(ii), attachment plugs and receptacles may not be connected or altered in a manner which would prevent proper continuity of the grounding conductor
To the left is a power cord in use in a Congressional facility. The cord has had its protective sheathing torn away from the plug head, exposing energized wires.

18. Approved?
Can you use power strips (surge protectors) with these appliances and electronics?
Check with Safety if you are unclear what can be plugged into a surge protector

19. Overloaded Surge Protector/Power Strip
(b)(4) Outlet devices. Outlet devices shall have an ampere rating not less than the load to be served.
Caused by: Surge Protectors/power strips being used with refrigerators,
microwaves, space heaters, daisy-chained, and coffee pots.

20. Daisy-Chained Power Strips
(b)(2) Installation and use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.

21. Heat Producing Appliances with Exposed Coils
Toaster ovens and toasters are not authorized in work areas.
[Exception: Kitchenette and galleys are authorized areas]

22. Multi-Plug Adapter Not Authorized on base
(b)(4) Outlet devices. Outlet devices shall have an ampere rating not less than the load to be served.

23. Notify Facilities to have EXIT lights repaired or replaced
EXIT lights being inoperative or missing
Notify Facilities to have EXIT lights repaired or replaced

24. Things to Keep Away From Space Heaters in the Workplace
Damaged power cords or excessive wiring
Stacks of paper, wood, or other combustibles
Clothing
Precautions for Safe Use of Space Heaters in the Workplace
Should be approved by an OSHA recognized laboratory (such as Underwriters Laboratory, Factory Mutual, or the European
Commission electrical standard CE)
Should be in areas free of combustibles
Should be equipped with a tip-over switch
Should NOT be used with extension cords
Should NOT be used with missing or broken parts (such as nobs, grills, or stands)
Prior to any installation or use of portable heaters or coffee makers check with your base FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU for guidance on the local written authorization permit requirements.
EXAMPLE

25. Proper Fire Doors and Fire Door Self-Closing Devices are Required
Not all doors are fire doors: Fire doors must be certified by recognized testing laboratories (such as UL) and must have the
laboratory’s certification label
OSHA regulations require that fire doors not be held open unless equipped with a device that releases the door upon activation of
the fire alarm [29 CFR (a)(3)]
When Fire Doors are Needed
Where a door has an EXIT sign on or around it
Where a door leads to exit stairwells and horizontal exits
Where a door leads to a hazardous area such as flammable storage
In general, where a door leads to a hallway or from one fully enclosed room to another
Hazards to Avoid With Fire Doors
Fire doors should never be tied open or held open by unapproved devices, such as door wedges and blocks
Fire doors can only be held open by a device that automatically releases when the fire alarm is activated (such as an
electromagnetic hold open device)
Even when closed, fire doors should never have latch taped over; during a fire, hot gases can easily build up enough pressure to
cause fire doors to blow open
At right is an example of a fire door that has been improperly held open by tying it to the wall. Fire doors can only be held open by a device that automatically releases when the fire alarm is activated (such as an electromagnetic hold open device)

26. Grounding Pin Missing
(b)(2)(iv)(A) Where a grounding means exists in the receptacle enclosure or a grounding conductor is installed, grounding-type receptacles shall be used and shall be connected to the grounding means or conductor

27. Talk with your local Safety Office
Questions?
Additional Office Safety Resource:
Office’s Have Safety Hazards (Video)
Talk with your local Safety Office