FIRE SAFETY
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
GENERAL OFFICE SAFETY
SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM
POLICY: Safety training will be offered to all employees with occupational exposure, initially before assignment and annually with facility staff when safety review is scheduled. Training records will be retained for 3 years. Each employee will have access to the OSHA safety manual and given safety information at time of training. Employees will have the opportunity to ask questions. The person supplying training will be knowledgeable about safety and competent to answer questions. Record keeping will include: date, name of employee, social security number (optional), content of program and instructor. New employee record keeping will also include: job classification form, Hepatitis vaccine form and Mantoux test form.
The following will be covered when presenting a safety training program:
Revised Global Hazard Communication Standard (GHS) & Occupational Exposure Standard (OES)
Explanation of contents of GHS and OES Information on potential chemical hazards found in work place
Protective measures (PPE)
Understanding chemical labels
How to use safety data sheets (SDS)
Where to find SDS’s
How to clean up a chemical spill
How to report an accident or exposure
Location of the safety manual and chemical safety plan
Bloodborne Pathqgen Standard (BPS)
Explanation of the BPS and location of exposure control plan
Epidemiology and transmission of Hepatitis and HIV
Safety for specific job tasks (work practice and engineering controls)
Use of PPE
Information on Hepatitis B vaccine
How to report an exposure incident
How exposure incidents are followed up
Explanation of biohazard labels
Where to find a copy of regulation and explanation of the contents
Opportunity for questions and answers
Tuberculosis Infection Control
Transmission of TB
Potential for occupational exposure
Infection control policies
Purpose of PPD skin testing
Medical follow up and evaluation post exposure
Treatment of disease
Miscellaneous Safety
Fire safety
Electrical safety
Lifting and carrying
Instrument/equipment safety
Computer safety (if applicable)
Safety Policies Specific to the Facility
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DOCUMENTATION OF SAFETY TRAININGS WILL INCLUDE:
Name of employee
Date of training
Outline of program contents
Person who trained employee
Training records must be kept for 3 years
SAFETY TRAINER:
The safety trainer must be knowledgeable about the subject matter and able to apply the regulations to the practice and tasks performed by employees. Trainer must be able to document competency of specialized courses, degree programs or work experience.List trainer(s) and year(s) they conducted program:
Years(s) Name of Trainer
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continue on additional page if needed (page follows)
Helpful tip: Compile a new employee safety training packet of information and forms from this manual. Keep a master - ready to copy and give to all new employees. Have them read it, then go over the information with them and ask if they have questions. Fill out the “training record” form found at the end of this chapter. New employees must fill out an Hepatitis form, job risk classification form and Mantoux status form. The new employee is now set until your next yearly group training program. Training books with quizzes are available from POC - call for information.
ADDITIONAL PAGE TO DOCUMENT SAFETY TRAINER
The safety trainer must be knowledgeable about the subject matter and able to apply the regulations to the practice and tasks performed by employees. Trainer must be able to document competency of specialized courses, degree programs or work experience.List trainer(s) and year(s) they conducted program:
Years(s) Name of Trainer
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CHECK LIST TO ASSIST SAFETY OFFICER
WHEN PLANNING A SAFETY PROGRAM
The key to a complete and successful program is planning. The person presenting the program must be knowledgeable about the regulations and be able to relate how the regulations and safety policies relate to the work place. Using a video alone without access to a knowledgeable person to answer questions is a violation of the regulations. This check list will be helpful to the safety officer when preparing a program for the facility.__ Read the regulations. Do you understand them well enough to teach others?
__ Are you familiar with chemicals in the facility that would be considered hazardous?
__ Have chemical products changed since the last time you gave training?
Do you have the SDS for the new chemicals?
__ Can you explain chemical labels (e.g. NFPA labels)?
__ Is your hazard communication and chemical hygiene plan up to date?
__ Is your exposure control plan (Bloodborne Standard) up to date?
__ Have you observed employees? Are they following Universal Precautions?
__ Can you explain work practice and engineering controls, use of personnel protective equipment, housekeeping/disinfecting policies?
__ Can you explain how exposures and injuries are followed up?
__ Have all employees filled out job classification forms?
__ Have employees classified in category 1 & 2 been offered HBV vaccines (prior towork assignments with potential exposure) and signed appropriate forms?
__ Can you explain epidemiology and signs and symptoms of hepatitis B & C, HIV and TB?
__ Can you explain the TB infection control program?
__ Have employees had a baseline Mantoux test?
__ Have you put together safety training information to give new employees (at time of hire)?
__ Have you kept current with changes in the regulations?
Training books with quizzes are available from POC - call for information.
FIRE SAFETY POLICY
Fires can be encountered anywhere. The fire safety program will be reviewed annually by the safety officer. The management will provide training and information on the fire policy at the time of employment and review annually. Your local fire company or a private agency can provide information and perform an inspection of facility.FACILITY POLICY:
1. Adequate fire extinguishers will be located in the facility. Inspection of fire extinguishers will be documented on an inspection tag.1. Fire exits will be marked with an illuminated exit sign.
2. If the exits are not immediately apparent, they will be marked with “direction to” exit signs.
3. Fire exits will be kept free of obstruction.
4. All doors will be labeled (e.g. closet, restroom) to prevent confusion to patients and visitors.
6. If facility has a fire alarm system or sprinkler system, it will be tested annually.
7. All employees will participate in mock fire drill. Some employees will act as patients.
8. Do not use elevators to evacuate building (if applicable).
9. An evacuation plan will be posted in the facility. (a grid to design one is on page 7-12).
The following is a brief fire emergency plan:
How fire is reported: ________________________________________________
Duties of employees: ________________________________________________
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Evacuation Policy: ________________________________________________
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Meeting area after evacuation and accounting of all personnel and patients:
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FIRE TIPS - REMEMBER:
DO NOT endanger yourself, patients, visitors or staff REMAIN CALM at all times, reassure patients and visitors..
Only attempt to put out fires that are small enough to handle safely.
Whenever you see any smoke or flame - pull the fire alarm!
Do not open a door unless you are sure it is safe
Stay close to the floor where it is less smokey.
To enhance your breathing, cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth.
Fire Extinguisher Use:
Before fighting any fire - call 911, the fire department or other fire emergency number. Do not attempt to fight the fire if there is considerable heat, smoke, fumes or the possibility that you can be trapped by the fire.
Know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher.
To use the fire extinguisher - remember “PASS”:
1) Pull the pin - point the nozzle away from you and release the locking mechanism.
2) Aim low - hold the extinguisher upright and aim at the base of the fire.
3) Squeeze the trigger; the extinguishing agent may come out with considerable force or noise.
4) Sweep the nozzle from side to side, driving the fire back.
Recharge or replace after use.
Fire Extinguisher Location and Quality Control
Check charge once a month. This is done by the facility (log follows).
Annual maintenance must be recorded - tag should be punched, stamped or signed.
Fire extinguisher will be provided, mounted and identified for easy accessibility to employees
If fire extinguisher is removed for service - a replacement will be provided during absence.
Types of Fire Extinguishers:
All fire extinguishers are not created equal. The type of fire extinguisher must be appropriate for type of fire it will fight. Fire extinguishers are classified and labeled according to “what is burning”. The codes used are as follows:
“A” in a diamond: ordinary combustibles - wood, paper, rubber, household rubbish and many plastics.
“B” in a square: flammable liquids - oil , greases, tars, oil-based paints, lacquers, flammable gases and some plastics.
“C” in a circle: “plugged in” electrical equipment - household appliances, computer equipment, house/building wiring and fuse boxes.
Employee Training:
Employees will be trained on how to use a fire extinguisher at orientation and annually.
ELECTRICAL SATETY
Faulty electrical wiring and faulty equipment is one of the common causes of fires.FACILITY POLICY:
1. All laboratory/medical diagnostic equipment will be grounded.
2. Surge suppressors will be used on computerized equipment.
3. Defective cords will be repaired immediately. Equipment will be unplugged and not used until repair is made.
4. If any equipment produces a tingling sensation it will be immediately unplugged and not used until serviced.
5. All instruments must be grounded using three prong plugs. This includes household type appliances in the facility.
6. Extension cords will be avoided if possible. If used make sure they are appropriate for the electrical current generated by equipment.
7. Unplug equipment when replacing fuses. Fused that blow frequently indicate a problem.
8. Do not overload electrical outlets.
9. Never remove the grounding prong from any plug.
10. Never handle electrical equipment with wet hands.
11. Cord will not be “pinched” behind desks and walls to prevent friction. Cords will not be “snaked” under rugs.
12. Cords that cross aisles are between desks or cross entrances or exits will be covered or taped down.
13. Unplug by holding plug - never pull by cord.
14. Know where the circuit breaker/fuse box is located. Make sure each breaker/fuse is labeled to indicate the electrical line it services.
REMEMBER: If there is a fire - electricity and water do not mix! Use a fire extinguisher made for use in electrical fires
GENERAL OFFICE SAFETY POLICIES
The principles of accident prevention are fundamental. Used on a day-to-day basis, they can virtually eliminate accidents. Some of these principles are common sense, good work habits, knowing your environment, getting help when needed and being safety conscious at all times. Accidents will be reported as soon as possible (within 48 hours) to the safety officer or employer and followed up as needed. An accident incident report form is found in the record keeping section of this manual. Detailed information on ergonomic safety and injuries can be found in chapter 10 - Ergonomics.Preventing Falls:
1. Never leave or store articles (boxes, trash cans, etc.) in hallways, stairways or passageways.
2. Keep halls free of materials that can cause slipping, falling and serious injury.
3. Never walk on wet floor. Wet floors will be marked by sign.
4. Straighten or remove rugs or mats that do not lie flat on the floor.
Equipment / Instrument Safety:
1. Know how to correctly operate any equipment/instrument that you may have. Follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations.
2. If equipment/instrument needs repair - turn power off before removing the cover.
3. After repair - replace the cover before operating.
4. Copy the equipment/instrument safety page from the manufacturer and add to this manual.
General Business Office Safety:
1. Close drawers and doors immediately after using them.2. Never stand on furniture to reach high places.
3. Open file cabinet drawers one at a time.
4. Put heavy files in the bottom drawers of the file cabinets.
5. Use handles when closing drawers and files.
6. Store sharp objects such as pens, pencils, letter openers or scissors in drawers or with the tips pointing down in a container.
7. Do not tilt the chair you are sitting in on its back two legs.
8. Carry pencils, scissors and other sharp objects with the tips pointing down.
9. Use a ladder or step stool to retrieve or store items that are located above your head.
10. Keep fingers away from the ejector slot when loading or testing stapling devices.
11. Use a staple remover, not your fingers, for removing staples.
12. Do not place your fingers in or near the feed of a paper shredder.
13. Turn any piece of equipment off before performing any service on it.
14. At the end of the day, the last person leaving the office will check that all the office electrical equipment (typewriters, copy machines, computers, etc.) have been turned off. The coffee pot and appliances in the lunch room will be checked and unplugged. ‘Windows will be closed and all doors locked.
15. If employees leave the building after dark, make sure the parking lot is well lit. Make sure walkways are shoveled and salted in winter (if applicable).