The most prominent hazards in the workplace are chemical, physical, biological and ergonomic hazards. The health and safety standards included in the following chapters are furnished for the guidance of all University employees and students. It should be understood that these are minimum standards that apply to all University operations, both on and off campus. Most are drawn from existing standards promulgated by either Federal or State occupational safety and health regulations. The remaining guidelines are derived from various consensus standards published by nationally recognized private organizations such as: National Fire Protection Association, American National Standards Institute, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, and others.
In the event that existing or future Federal, or State regulations are found to differ from the requirements contained in this manual, those legally accepted regulations will be followed.
1. University employees shall not energize, use, repair, or operate any machine, tool, equipment, vehicle, or other dangerous material unless authorized by a supervisor.
2. Safety devices furnished by the University or department must be used. Removal or non-use may be authorized only by the supervisor and when approved by the department and RM/EHS.
3. Approved personal protective equipment shall be worn whenever the exposure indicates the need for it as specified in Section II, Chapter 8, "Personal Protective Equipment"
4. Only properly maintained and adjusted equipment, machinery and tools may be used. University-provided tools may not be modified unless authorized by a supervisor.
5. Floors must be kept clean and free of materials or substances that might constitute a tripping or slipping hazard. Employees responsible for any spilled material or substance shall clean it up immediately.
6. Horseplay, running and practical jokes are prohibited in buildings.
1. Employees will wear clothing appropriate to their work assignments. Clothing will be clean, dry, and in good condition.
2. Supervisors will inform their employees of clothing requirements and associated hazards.
3. All clothing should be well fitted, with no loose or flowing appendages. Long-sleeves should be buttoned at the wrist or rolled up neatly past the elbow. The practice of working without a shirt is not allowed.
4. Unless working conditions dictate otherwise, employees must wear shoes while at work. Shoes should be well-fitted with good soles and heels and a style that completely covers the foot. Open-toe shoes or lightweight shoes of the canvas "sneaker" type may not be safe. Safety shoes or safety toecaps are mandatory in foot-hazardous work. Persons with bare feet are not allowed in campus buildings.
5. Long hair must be secured when working around machinery.
6. Jewelry such as rings, pendants, necklaces, earrings, watches (other than those with breakaway bands), etc., shall not be worn whenever they constitute an electrical or physical hazard, i.e. working around moving machinery, electrical or electronics equipment, etc.
Confined Spaces, as defined by OSHA regulations, are spaces that:
1. Are large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and
2. Have limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and
3. Are not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
Confined Spaces must not be entered into without the necessary training, personal protective equipment, a safe system of work, and a Confined Space Entry Permit from RM/EHS. Testing for the presence of combustible or dangerous gases, oxygen deficiency or rich atmosphere shall be made with an instrument approved by Risk Management/Environmental Health & Safety. All non-exempt University personnel and private contractors shall not be permitted to enter in a confined space unless their entrance has been authorized by RM/EHS and issued a confined space entry permit. If in doubt the University Risk Management/Environmental Health & Safety office must be contacted prior to entry of any confined space. The Confined Spaced Entry Program is contained in a separate written document.
1. UWG’s responsibilities with regard to contracted services are:
a. To determine which areas the contractor or vendor will operate and the possible safety and health exposures in those areas,
b. To communicate health and safety information and training requirements to the contractor and to obtain written proof that the contractor will relay pertinent safety and health information to his/her employees.
c. UWG reserves the right to stop work that does not meet our safety requirements.
2. Contractors and vendors will be held accountable for relaying this information to their employees. Before work begins, the contractor must provide all written safety procedures/documentation pertinent to the job to the UWG Project Superintendent or to the Office of Risk Management/Environmental Health & Safety.
1. Flexible cords will be maintained in good repair and must bear the Underwriters Laboratory label (UL) or meet standards of the NFPA 70. Do not use cords that are frayed or damaged.
2. Flexible cords should be short (6-8 feet in length), limited to temporary use, and never used across traveled pathways unless suitably protected to avoid damage and the creation of tripping hazards.
3. Cords and adapter plugs without grounds are not permitted on campus.
4. Only University electricians may splice electrical cords.
5. Cords shall not be tacked onto surfaces, nor shall they be strung across ceilings, over pipes, near hot or wet surfaces or near chemical or physical hazards. Furthermore, cords shall not be subjected to stress or tension, pressure or bending. For additional details, see Section II, Chapter 13, "Electrical Safety".
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) revised its lifting guidelines. The basic concept is to have a load constant of 51 pounds (23 kg.). This is the maximum that can be lifted or lowered safely by an individual in good physical shape on a continuous or repetitive basis. Regardless of the weight, always size up the load. Make sure you can handle it by yourself. If not, get help!
The basic rules for proper lifting are:
1. Approach the load and size it up (weight, size and shape). Consider your physical ability to handle the load. Look at your intended path and clear all hazards. Have someone spot you to open doors. Select the location where you intend to place the item. Select a location as close to you waist as possible, such as a table or chair. Left a corner of the item to determine its weight. Assess how you intend to pick up the item, and select gloves if needed.
2. Stand with your feet shoulder-length apart and close to the object to be lifted.
3. Bend the knees to the degree that is comfortable and get a good handhold. Keep your back straight and lift the load with your legs, smoothly and evenly. If the weight is too heavy or too uneven, put down the object by reversing this step and get some help.
4. Adjust the object into carrying position, making no turning or twisting movements until the item is secure and you have a firm grip. Keep the object as close to your body as possible.
5. Turn your body with changes of foot position.
6. Set down the load by using your leg and back muscles, comfortably lower the load by bending your knees. When load is securely positioned, release your grip.