safety manual

The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama, concerned with the health and safety of its students, faculty, staff and visitors, acknowledges its responsibility to endeavor to create, maintain, and enhance a healthful and safe environment for all individuals associated with the institution. To this end, the University is committed to provide reasonable resources and support for the development, implementation and maintenance of an effective health and safety program.

The University is committed to the principle that such a program will minimize University losses, reduce costs, improve morale and increase productivity.

For these reasons, the University requires that health promotion and accident prevention be integrated into all its academic and operational activities and has established a central Office of Environmental Health and Safety on campus. This office has been charged to oversee the development and implementation of an effective health and safety program. To best fulfill this responsibility, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety will develop and assist in implementing University guidelines and standards compatible with existing external agencies' rules and regulations. Compliance with all University health and safety guidelines will be required. All supervisory personnel shall bear primary responsibility for the health and safety concerns within their respective area.

PREFACE

The development of this safety manual represents a significant achievement for the University of Alabama. Our goal was to produce a comprehensive guideline and informational source for all employees. Every issue and possibility has not been addressed. This would be impossible. However, this safety manual does provide good safety information and establishes the foundation for further growth and development of the University safety program. For specific instances or occurrences, which are not addressed in this manual, the applicable OSHA or EPA regulation should be followed. EHS is prepared to provide information or any assistance that is needed.

The efforts of all University personnel are needed in order for safety to become an integral part of each job. With your assistance much progress has been made; with continual emphasis more progress will be made.

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety is committed to this effort. We believe our goals can be achieved by being responsive to the individual needs of employees and departments. If at any time we can assist you with information, advice or consultation, please let us know.

Hal Barrett

Director, Office of Environmental Health and Safety

348-5905

December 14, 2001

I. GENERAL

(A.) ADMINISTRATION

The overall safety program of The University of Alabama is administered by Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).
The Office of EHS responds to the guidance and assistance of the Health and Safety Committee, Radiation Control Advisory Committee, Laser Safety Committee, Institutional Biological Safety Committee and Hazardous Material Advisory Committee.
Each unit or department administrator, supervisor and employee is responsible for compliance with guidelines, regulations and mandates as they apply to the University of Alabama (UA).

(B.) TRAINING

The purpose of the EHS training program is to reduce risk, minimize injuries and provide information to UA personnel and students.
The Office of EHS routinely provides training to University personnel and students on the following topics:

Right to Know (Required for all Employees)

Fire Safety Ergonomics

Proper Lifting Hazardous Material Management

Eye Protection Proper Use of Fire Extinguishers

Accident Prevention Lab Safety

Bloodborne Pathogen Safety Radiation Safety

Regulatory Compliance Laser Safety

Other training topics are provided as needed or requested.
EHS endeavors to incorporate a variety of media into each training session and to present the most accurate and up to date information possible.
To schedule a training session or to obtain further information, contact EHS at 348-5905. Additional information may be available in another document offered by EHS. See Appendix A for a listing of other documents available from EHS.
Specific training such as chemical hygiene, hazard communication, etc. shall be provided by the department in which the employee works.

(C.) INJURY REPORTING

All on-the-job injuries (OJI's) should be reported to the department or unit supervisor immediately and an on-the-job injury accident form should be completed and forwarded to Risk Management within forty-eight hours following the incident. Risk Management must be contacted immediately to assure approval of workman's compensation (348-4534 or Box 870119). If an injury occurs after hours, contact Risk Management the following workday.
An employee with an OJI that requires medical treatment should be sent to University Medical Center. If University Medical Center is closed, then the injured employee is to go to DCH Regional Medical Facility. It is in the employee's best interest to seek medical treatment immediately to prevent further injury or infection. The facilities at University Medical Center are available for limited out-patient emergency care at no cost to the employee. Employees are required to use University Medical Center except for extensive or major injuries which require a greater degree of care than University Medical Center can provide. If the employee chooses to go to another facility on his own, the OJI is not approved until treatment is received at University Medical Center. University Medical Center's hours of operation are available by calling (205) 348-1770.
Students injured on campus and requiring medical treatment should complete a Student Injury Report. A copy of this form may be printed from the EHS web page at www.bama.ua.edu/~ehs or obtained from Russell Student Health Center.
An OJI shall be reviewed by EHS in order to determine the facts relating to the incident. Contact is made with the employee or supervisor to assure unsafe conditions are corrected or unsafe acts are addressed. A memo is generated to the supervisor detailing what occurred and it also lists all previous OJI's by the employee. Recommendations for corrective action which may include training, counseling or written disciplinary action (when safety procedures were not followed) will be provided on this memo as well. Copies of this memo are distributed to those who need to review the information pertaining to the OJI at hand.
Questions concerning on the job injury reporting, injury treatment, etc. shall be addressed to Risk Management (348-4534).
Injury rates, statistics and comparisons shall be periodically distributed by EHS.

(D.) VISITOR AND CONTRACTOR SAFETY

All visitors and contractors are responsible for following all OSHA, EPA, state, local and UA regulations and guidelines.
Contractors may obtain additional information from Construction Administration (348-5950).

(E.) REGULATORY AGENCY INSPECTIONS

In the event a regulatory compliance officer (OSHA, EPA, ADEM) visits the University campus in order to inspect the premises, the following procedures shall be observed.

Ask the officer to be seated until someone is available to assist him/her.
Contact the department head or responsible person to assist the compliance officer.
Notify EHS (348-5905).
The department head or responsible person and an EHS representative shall accompany the officer during the inspection or conference.
All press releases, comments, etc. shall be through University Relations.

First aid reports, worker compensation records and medical records shall not be provided except by approval of the Office of Counsel (348-5490).

(F.) SIGNS AND LABELS

Appropriate warning signs and/or labels shall be affixed to equipment or means of egress where the potential of a significant injury exists if certain procedures are not followed.
If warning signs and/or labels are needed, they shall be conspicuously posted.
Warning signs and/or labels shall be easily read and of contrasting colors.
Specific signage and/or labels related to laboratories or specific hazards are contained in other documents that are available from EHS.

(G.) ANIMAL CONTROL

Animals shall not be brought onto the UA campus unless they are under the complete control of the owner and present no hazard to people.
Animals are not permitted in any UA building even though leashed, except for animals (dogs) assisting the physically impaired or animals involved in research projects.
Animals may not be tethered on campus.
Animals, including dogs and cats, found running at large or without evidence of current rabies vaccination are subject to confinement in the Tuscaloosa Animal Shelter.
Complaints concerning animals in UA buildings or running loose on campus should be reported to UA Pest Control Services at 348-6001.
Concerns relating to dead animals on the UA campus should contact Facilities Maintenance Landscape and Grounds Department or the work order clerk at 348-6001.

(H.) FIRST AID

Each department/area within the University shall develop a written first aid policy.
The first aid policy shall address the following:

Allowable treatment (Band-Aids, etc.)

Action to be taken by departmental personnel

Notifications (UAPD, Departmental office, University Medical Center, etc).

The first aid policy shall be maintained in the departmental office and shall be known by and available to faculty, staff, students and occupants of the department, and it shall be posted in all laboratory areas.

(I.) CLOTHING

Clothing shall be in good condition, clean and appropriate to the work assignment.
Employees who work with machinery should wear well fitting shirts, pants, overalls, etc.
Unless instructed otherwise, employees must wear shoes while at work.
Safety shoes (steel toe) shall be worn by all personnel in certain designated occupations unless there are medical reasons to the contrary.
Jewelry should not be worn in circumstances when it may create a hazard (e.g. working around machinery, electrical equipment, etc.).
Long hair must be confined if the possibility of entanglement exists.
Electricians shall wear natural fiber clothing.

(J.) LIFTING, WALKING & STANDING

In general, a limit of 50 lbs. for men and 25 lbs. for women has been established for continuous or repetitive lifting.
Lift by bending your knees rather than bending your waist.
When lifting and carrying an object, hold it close to your body (no higher than chest level).
Do not twist while lifting an object.
Always test the load before lifting by rocking it back and forth to determine if it can be lifted
Push rather than pull when moving heavy objects.
Always walk with good posture and with your head held high, chin tucked in and toes straight ahead. Use your natural stride, and swing your arms naturally at your side when walking.
Always stand with one foot forward and knees slightly bent while maintaining good posture and change your position frequently to alleviate back pain.
When possible, use carts, dollies, etc. to lift or move objects.
The following lifting technique prescribed by EHS shall be used. Contact EHS for training.

Keep your feet apart for a stable base; point toes out.

Bend your knees. Don’t bend at your waist.

Tighten stomach muscles to support your spine when you lift. Lift with your legs, not your weaker back muscles. Keep your back up right.

Keep your load close to your body to keep the force of the load off your back.

Avoid twisting. Instead turn your leading foot 90 degrees toward the direction you want to turn.

Bring the lagging foot next to the leading foot. Do not twist your body.

(K.) SEASONAL

Candles are prohibited from use on campus, unless approved by EHS.
Only artificial trees will be used during the Christmas season in UA buildings unless otherwise approved by EHS.
Turn off Christmas lights after working hours.
Assure all electrical cords are UL approved and are not frayed.
Electrical plugs must be in good condition and properly grounded.
Electrical circuits shall not be overloaded.
Assure food is not left out for extended periods of time.
Contact EHS prior to the establishment of any seasonal decorations.

II. REGULATORY PROGRAMS

(A.) MEDICAL WASTE

All materials defined as a medical waste shall be managed in accordance with the UA Medical Waste Management Plan, which is available from EHS.
A material classified as medical waste shall be defined as meeting one or more of the following criteria.

Animal Waste - carcasses and body parts of animals exposed to human infectious agents as a result of the animal being used for the production and/or testing of biological and pharmaceuticals or in research. Bulk blood, blood components and potentially infectious body fluids from these animals shall be handled as specified for human blood and body fluids. All materials discarded from surgical procedures involving these animals which are grossly contaminated with bulk blood, blood components, or body fluids shall be treated as specified in surgical waste.
Blood and Body Fluids - all human bulk blood, bulk blood components (serum and plasma, for example), and bulk laboratory specimens of blood, tissue, semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, and amniotic fluid. Precautions do not apply to feces, nasal secretion, sputum, sweat, tears, urine or vomitus unless they contain visible blood. Free flowing materials or items saturated to the point of dripping liquids containing visible blood or blood components would be treated/handled as bulk blood and bulk blood components.
Microbiological Waste - discarded cultures and stocks of human infectious agents and associated microbiological agents; human and animal cell cultures from medical and pathological laboratories; cultures and stocks of infectious agents from research and industrial laboratories; waste from the production of biologicals, discarded live and attenuated vaccines; culture dishes and devices used to transfer, inoculate and mix cultures. Only those animal vaccines which are potentially infectious to humans (Strain 19 Brucellosis Vaccine, Feline Pneumonitis Vaccine, contagious Eczema Vaccine for Sheep, Newcastle Disease Vaccine, Anthrax Spore Vaccine, and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Vaccine) shall be considered microbiological waste.
Pathological Waste - all discarded human tissues, organs and body parts which are removed during surgery, obstetrical procedures, autopsy, laboratory, embalming, or other medical procedures, or traumatic amputation. Extracted teeth are included in this definition.
Renal Dialysis Waste - all liquid waste from renal dialysis contaminated with peritoneal fluid of with human blood visible to the human eye. Solid renal dialysis waste is considered medical waste if it is saturated, having the potential to drip or splash regulated blood or body fluids contained in the above.
Sharps - any used or unused discarded article that may cause punctures or cuts and which has been or is intended for use in animal or human medical care, medical research, or in laboratories utilizing microorganisms. Such waste includes, but is not limited to, hypodermic needles, IV tubing with needles attached, scalpel blades, and syringes (with or without a needle attached). Items listed above that have been removed from their original sterile containers are included in this definition. Glassware, blood vials, pipettes, and similar items are to be handled as sharps if they are contaminated with blood or body fluids.
Surgical Waste - all materials discarded from surgical procedures which are contaminated with human bulk blood, blood components, or body fluids, including but not limited to, disposable gowns, dressing, sponges, lavage tubes, drainage sets, underpads, and surgical gloves. Discarded material is considered medical waste if it is saturated, having the potential to drip or splash regulated blood or body fluids contained in the above.

(B.) BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

The University Bloodborne Pathogen Policy was developed in 1993 by an ad-hoc committee.
The program is administered by EHS.
The specific requirements under the Bloodborne Pathogen Policy are available in a separate EHS document.

(C.) HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT

Hazardous wastes and unwanted chemicals are managed by EHS in accordance with EPA regulations.
Hazardous wastes and unwanted chemicals are picked up as requested by EHS.
The Hazardous Material Management Program is operated by EHS within the specifications established in the Hazardous Material Management Program Guidelines, which are available from EHS.

(D.) CHEMICAL AND BULB RECYCLING

As a method of waste minimization, EHS endeavors to recycle as many materials as possible.
EHS recycles fluorescent, metal halide and mercury vapor light bulbs. These bulbs are stored in designated locations (usually inside mechanical rooms) throughout campus or may be brought directly to EHS. Contact EHS to determine proper storage areas for these bulbs. All old bulbs must have the prong connector bent and stored in a box to be picked up by EHS.
EHS also serves as a collection site for used oil.

(E.) CHEMICAL HYGIENE AND LAB SAFETY

All laboratories, defined as "a facility or area where the laboratory use of potentially hazardous materials or chemicals occurs", are under the requirements of the UA chemical Hygiene Plan unless exempted by EHS.
The UA Chemical Hygiene Plan is available from EHS.

(F.) EMERGENCY RESPONSE

The Office of EHS operates an emergency response unit that is available to respond to incidents of a hazardous nature on campus.
Spills or incidents of a potentially hazardous nature should be immediately reported to EHS at 348-5905 or 348-5454 after hours, on weekends, or during holidays.
EHS personnel will handle the containment and removal of the hazardous material with the assistance of a knowledgeable person from the facility or area associated with the spill.
EHS personnel will determine the need for any further action, such as ventilation of the area or evacuation.

(G.) RIGHT TO KNOW

University employees have a right to know the hazardous or potentially hazardous properties of the materials or processes associated with their work.
EHS provides right to know training on a periodic basis to all UA employees. All employees are required to attend this training.
It is the responsibility of the department or unit supervisor to provide information to affected employees concerning the materials that they use.
Hazard information related to chemicals is available from the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
Employees utilizing secondary containers of chemicals such as cleaners shall properly label these containers according to their contents. Any secondary container missing a label or improperly labeled shall not be used by any employee and shall be discarded properly.

(H.) MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's) for each chemical or potentially hazardous material which is stored or used shall be maintained at the departmental level and in each laboratory, classroom, or work area.
An extensive MSDS Library is maintained by EHS. Contact EHS for further access information.
Additional information concerning MSDS's is available in the Chemical Hygiene Plan and Laboratory Guide, which is obtained from EHS. The EHS web page at www.bama.ua.edu/~ehs also contains numerous links where MSDS’s may be obtained quickly.

(I.) SARA TITLE III

Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) requires maintenance of an inventory of all chemicals utilized by the University of Alabama.
Copies of all chemical purchases are routed to EHS.
Information obtained from the requisitions is entered into a database.
EHS annually files a report with ADEM and the Tuscaloosa County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), which details the amount of certain specified chemicals that are utilized on campus.
SARA Title III also required the formation of a Tuscaloosa County Local Emergency Planning Committee of which EHS personnel serves as active members.

(J.) RADIATION SAFETY

The Radiation Safety program operates with the guidance and assistance of the Radiation Control Advisory Committee (RCAC).
All operations involving the use of radioactive materials shall be in accordance with the Radiation Safety Manual, which is available from EHS.
Wipe tests, surveys, monitoring, extremely low frequency (ELF) investigations, etc. shall be conducted by EHS as needed or requested.
DOT training and information is available from EHS (348-5905).

(K.) DOT REQUIREMENTS

Due to the complexity and extent of the Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements for shipping and handling hazardous materials, these instances are reviewed by EHS on a case-by-case basis.
Contact EHS (348-5905) for information or training regarding DOT requirements.

(L.) UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS

The Underground Storage Tank (UST) program is administered by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety in conjunction with Construction Administration.
All UST's are equipped with a continuous monitoring system.
Additional information concerning the underground storage tank program is available from EHS (348-5905).

(M.) CONFINED SPACE

The confined space program is administered by EHS.
The specific requirements of the confined space compliance program are available under a separate document from EHS.

(N.) LOCKOUT TAGOUT PROCEDURES

When maintenance or servicing is required for machines or equipment, lockout of energy isolating devices is required to ensure that the machine or equipment is stopped and isolated from all potentially hazardous energy sources prior to employees performing any servicing or maintenance where the unexpected energization or start-up of the machine or equipment, or release of stored energy could cause injury.
Lockout and tagout devices shall be capable of withstanding environmental factors to which they are exposed for the maximum amount of exposure time.
Tagout devices shall be constructed and printed to withstand environmental factors such as damp or wet environments so that the message on the tag does not deteriorate or become illegible.
Tags shall not deteriorate when used in corrosive environments.
All lockout or tagout devices should be standardized within the facility either by color, shape or size with standardized format and print. Tagout devices shall state legibly “Do Not Start. Do Not Open. Do Not Close. Do Not Energize. Do Not Operate.” along with a hazardous warning if the machine or equipment is energized.
Lockout devices should be substantial enough to prevent removal of such devices without using excessive force. Pad locks may be used but they must be made by a reputable lock company and should only have one key (master keys may not be used and duplicate keys must be kept under supervisory control at all times).
Tagout devices should be substantial enough to prevent accidental or inadvertent removal.
Tagout devices should be attached by hand and use a non-reusable, self-locking single device (such as an all-environment tolerant, nylon cable tie).
Any lockout or tagout device shall indicate the identity of the employee applying the device.
Any employee expected to participate in the Lockout Tagout Procedure must understand and be trained in the purpose, skills, recognition of hazardous energy sources and actions required to effectively follow the procedure.
Retraining is required whenever there is a change in job assignment or a change in some part of the machine or equipment that may present a new hazard or change in procedure. Retraining may also be used to reestablish proficiency or introduce new procedures.
An acceptable lockout procedure is as follows:

Alert the users of the system that it will be shut off prior to applying any controls.
Prepare for the shutdown by reviewing the equipment, hazards of the energy to be controlled and methods for controlling this energy.
Follow procedures for proper shutdown or turning off of equipment.
Physically locate all energy isolating devices that are needed to control the energy to the equipment or machine.
Place your own lockout device (padlock) on the isolated device (control switch, lever or valve) used to control the energy, even though someone may have already locked the control.
Anytime a tagout is used it should be affixed at the same location as a lockout device (or as close to the isolated device as possible).
The isolated device shall be affixed in a “safe” or “off” position (any removal of the isolated device from this position is strictly prohibited).
Place signs and/or blocks around the area warning people that the system has been locked out.
Assure all stored or residual energy is relieved, disconnected, restrained or otherwise rendered safe and continue this process if there is a possibility of accumulated energy until the hazard no longer exists.
Test the lockout to make sure the system is off and de-energized prior to starting work.
Prior to releasing lockout tagout devices, ensure all nonessential items have been removed, essential items and parts are in place and all affected employees are notified and safely positioned or removed from the equipment.
Each lockout tagout device shall be removed from the energy isolating device by the employee who applied the device (only when this individual is no longer available is the employer able to remove the device after it has been verified that the employee is not at the University, reasonable effort has been made to contact this employee and inform him/her that the device was removed and assure that this employee has been made aware that the lockout tagout device was removed before resuming work).
Never allow someone else to remove your padlock for you.
When through working, remove signs and blocks.
Re-energize the system and restart the equipment following startup procedures.

If lockout or tagout devices must temporarily be removed to test or position the machine or equipment the following procedure should be followed:

Alert the users of the system that it will be re-energized prior to removing any control.
Prepare for the startup by reviewing the equipment, hazards of the energy and methods for releasing control of this energy.
Clear machine or equipment of tools and materials, assuring that all nonessential items have been removed, essential items and parts are in place and all affected employees are notified and safely positioned or removed from the equipment.

UA Health and Safety Policy

Preface

I. GENERAL

(A) Administration
(B) Training
(C) Injury Reporting
(D) Visitor and Contractor Safety
(E) Regulatory Agency Inspections
(F) Signs and Labels
(G) Animal Control
(H) First Aid
(I) Clothing
(J) Lifting, Walking & Standing
(K) Seasonal

II. REGULATORY PROGRAMS

(A) Medical Waste
(B) Bloodborne Pathogens
(C) Hazardous Waste Management
(D) Chemical and Bulb Recycling
(E) Chemical Hygiene and Lab Safety
(F) Emergency Response
(G) Right to Know
(H) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
(I) SARA Title III
(J) Radiation Safety
(K) DOT Requirements
(L) Underground Storage Tanks
(M) Confined Space
(N) Lockout Tagout Procedures
(O) General Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
(P) Indoor Air Quality - Smoking Policy
(Q) Indoor Air Quality – Mold
(R) Food Handling
(S) Pest Control
(T) Asbestos Abatement
(U) Lead Abatement
(V) Ergonomics
(W) Analytical Chemistry Lab
(X) Asbestos Lab

III. BUILDING SAFETY

(A) Space Requirements
(B) Assembly Areas
(C) Floors
(D) Corridors and Aisles
(E) Doors
(F) Elevators
(G) Exits
(H) Indoor Storage
(I) Freezers and Cold Storage
(J) General Ventilation
(K) Exhaust Ventilation
(L) Housekeeping
(M) Humidity
(N) Noise
(O) Evacuation and Emergency Procedures
(P) Guardrails
(Q) Kilns
(R) Compressed Gases
(S) Lasers
(T) Ultraviolet Lamps
(U) Magnetic Field and Microwaves

IV. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE SAFETY

(A) Painting
(B) Electrical Safety
(C) Electrical Extension Cords
(D) Bonding and Grounding
(E) Excavation
(F) Floor Openings
(G) Asphalt Roofing
(H) Ladders
(I) Scaffolds
(J) Safety Belts and Lanyards
(K) Hoists
(L) Cables and Ropes
(M) Aerial Lifts
(N) Welding, Cutting and Brazing
(O) Woodworking Equipment
(P) Metalworking Equipment
(Q) Abrasive Wheels
(R) Moving Parts
(S) Outdoor Storage
(T) Heat Stress
(U) Cold Stress
(V) Mowers and Trimmers
(W) Tree Trimming

V. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

(A) General
(B) Clothing
(C) Gloves
(D) Eye Protection
(E) Eyewash and Showers
(F) Head Protection
(G) Hearing Protection
(H) Respiratory Protection

VI. FIRE SAFETY

(A) Fire Safety Devices
(B) Fire Alarm Systems
(C) Extinguishers
(D) Special Extinguishing Systems
(E) Sprinkler Systems
(F) Flammable Materials

VII. VEHICLE SAFETY

(A) Vehicle Operation
(B) Vehicle Accidents
(C) Bicycles
(D) Fork Lifts

VIII. ROBOTIC SAFETY

(A) Guarding and Shielding
(B) Signage and Warnings
(C) Training
(D) Safety Features

APPENDIXES

Appendix A: DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE AT EHS
Appendix B: CHECKLIST FOR THE INSPECTION OF VEHICLES