Hardin-Baylor

UNIVERSITY OF MARY

HARDIN-BAYLOR

SAFETY MANUAL

Approved 6/26/2007

Revisions 2/24/2009

Revisions 10/7/2010

1.0 INTRODUCTION

. TOPIC / SECTION
President's Letter / 1.1
Office of Risk Management / 1.2
Responsibilities / 1.3
UMHB Safety Manual / 1.4
Employee Safety Training / 1.5
Safety Surveys / 1.6
Safety Committee / 1.7

1.1 PRESIDENT’S LETTER

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

900 College Street, Belton, TX 76513

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is committed to providing its employees, students and visitors a safe environment in which to work, study and enjoy their surroundings. Safety is the responsibility of everyone and can be achieved best through proper engineering, education, training, protective equipment and enforcement of safety standards. Each employee and student is responsible for understanding and practicing appropriate safety procedures for their self-preservation and that of their colleagues.

All Vice-Presidents, Deans, Department Heads, Directors, Supervisors and Chairpersons must assume an active role in the university’s safety program by initiating all preventive measures, including department-specific policies and procedures, to control the hazards associated with activities within their areas of responsibility. This Safety Manual has been developed to assist you in this endeavor.

It is your positive safety attitude, knowledge of safe practices, and your actions that determine the success of the UMHB safety program.

Dr. Randy O’Rear

President

1.2 OFFICE of RISK MANAGEMENT

The office of Risk Management is responsible for managing safety programs for the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. The overall objective is to maximize the safety and health of employees, students and visitors throughout the UMHB system.

Programs and services provided by or monitored by Risk Management include the following:

·  Monitor safety programs

·  Conduct safety surveys (buildings & grounds)

·  Develop policies and/or protocols concerning safety and health-safety issues

·  Disseminate information concerning safety regulations, policies, and protocols

·  Submit reports and other required documentation to local & state agencies

·  Evaluate facilities to maintain safe work environments

·  Report results of risk assessments along with recommended corrective measures to appropriate personnel for action

·  Manage the hazardous materials & waste disposal programs

·  Assist departments in planning safety, response and compliance

·  Conduct safety and emergency preparedness training

·  Evaluate accident and injury reports for trends and conduct investigations as necessary

·  Assist with emergency preparedness planning for major disasters

·  Conduct an annual review of the safety program with the assistance and cooperation of university faculty and staff

1.3 RESPONSIBILITIES

All university employees are responsible and accountable for safety performance and environmental protection, to the best of their ability.

1.3.1 UMHB Administration

UMHB Administration is responsible for:

·  Providing the facilities and equipment required for a safe work environment

·  Reviewing and approving health and safety policies and protocols

·  Establishing methods for disseminating safety information and policies

·  Establishing criteria for implementing safety policies and protocols

·  Establishing a system for safety accountability

·  Correcting safety deficiencies by establishing priorities and committing resources

1.3.2 Supervisors, Department Heads, and Directors

Supervisors, Department Heads, and Directors are responsible for:

·  Promoting safety and loss prevention.

·  Controlling or eliminating occupational hazards.

·  Participating in safety and loss control evaluations.

·  Ensuring that employees are adequately trained in safety policies and protocols.

·  Ensuring that employees are provided with appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment for safe job performance.

·  Reporting accidents and unsafe practices or conditions.

1.3.3 Faculty & Staff

Faculty and staff are responsible for:

·  Performing their jobs in the safest prescribed manner.

·  Eliminating and/or reporting workplace hazards.

·  Reporting accidents and unsafe practices or conditions to supervisors.

·  Complying with safety and health policies and protocols.

1.3.4 All Employees

It is the responsibility of all employees to;

·  Maintain a clean and safe work environment.

·  Use good judgment and safety practices while engaging in any activity associated with the university – on and off campus.

·  Utilize all necessary safety precautions, devices, protective equipment, etc. in accordance with procedures and/or manufacturer recommendations.

·  Report all accidents, unsafe conditions, and/or hazards to their respective Supervisor, Risk Management and/or Campus Police.

·  Adhere, to best of their ability, to the guidelines, requirements and recommendations set forth in this safety manual.

1.4 UMHB SAFETY MANUAL

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Safety Manual has been developed by Risk Management with the cooperation, expertise and experience of representatives of various university functions. Other sources of information such as insurance program recommendations, state & federal guidelines, and other institutions of higher learning were consulted. The manual is a guide that contains programs, practices, requirements and recommendations to be followed to help ensure a safe and healthy environment.

It is the intent of the university to comply with relevant occupational and environmental regulations and nationally recognized codes and standards. Using the manual's protocols will complement responsible efforts to foster safe work habits and to maintain safe work environments.

Individual departments should develop the policies and procedures necessary for employees to safely perform their duties within each respective workplace, and should also implement training programs for their employees to ensure that every person is able and knowledgeable to perform in a safe, efficient and effective manner.

Any department safety plans developed should be submitted to the office of Risk Management for review to ensure compliance with applicable standards and acceptable practices. Risk Management is available to assist supervisors, department heads and groups in the development and implementation of those plans.

A review of the safety program will be conducted by Risk Management annually to ensure completeness and accuracy, with the assistance and cooperation of faculty and staff.

1.5 EMPLOYEE SAFETY TRAINING

All new UMHB employees must attend employee safety training within the first ninety (90) days of employment with the university. This training is important in order to familiarize employees with the safety program and equip them to respond to various emergencies. It is usually conducted in conjunction with new employee orientation.

UMHB employees will periodically receive safety refresher training subsequent to their initial orientation, as needed. This training is necessary in order to ensure that employees are made aware of revisions to safety and emergency plans and to encourage participation in the university’s safety program.

Risk Management will maintain a training database documenting each employee’s participation in the safety program, including initial and refresher safety training as well as any other safety training sessions conducted, i.e. safety training conducted at the request of a department for its employees.

1.6 SAFETY SURVEYS

The office of Risk Management will conduct safety surveys of university buildings and grounds, in cooperation with other departments including Facilities Services and Campus Police, and with the cooperation of department employees in order to ensure that a high level of safety as well as a low level of risk is maintained.

Safety surveys of each university building will be conducted periodically and all safety-related deficiencies identified will be corrected in a prompt manner based upon reasonable priorities. Short term solutions must be implemented when necessary to ensure the safety of life and property while long term solutions are evaluated and implemented.

Risk Management will cooperate with and consult agencies, such as fire department, facilities services, health services and law enforcement officials to ensure that the condition of university properties are in compliance with applicable regulations.

1.7 SAFETY COMMITTEE

This Safety Manual establishes a Safety Committee that will serve to promote, evaluate and propose safety requirements for the university. Safety issues will be referred to the Safety Committee for research and evaluation by the Sr. Vice President of Campus Planning & Support Services.

The Risk Manager will serve as the chairperson of the Safety Committee. Members will be selected to ensure appropriate representation.

The Safety Committee will meet quarterly or more often as deemed necessary. The Committee will:

·  Monitor accident rates and identify trends.

·  Review drills and exercises conducted on campus.

·  Consider safety issues and make appropriate recommendations.

·  Review safety related issues referred by V.P. Business & Finance.

·  Review the Safety Manual annually to ensure accuracy, completeness and effectiveness.

2.0 GENERAL SAFETY

TOPIC / SECTION
Reporting / 2.1
Dress Code / 2.2
Americans with Disabilities Act / 2.3
Asbestos / 2.4
Graphic Arts / 2.5
Hearing Conservation / 2.6
Heat Stress / 2.7
Cold Stress / 2.8
Housekeeping / 2.9
Indoor Air Quality / 2.10
Lead Paint / 2.11
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) / 2.12
Smoking / 2.13
Preventing Slips and Falls / 2.14
Lifting / 2.15
Visitor Safety / 2.16
Building Coordinators / 2.17
Appendix
Accident Report
Building Coordinators

2.1 REPORTING

An accident is an unexpected occurrence that may result in personnel injury, or damage to property, equipment, or the environment. When accidents are reported promptly, injured employees, students, and visitors receive timely medical care and unsafe conditions receive prompt corrective action. The office of Risk Management investigates and/or monitors accidents to identify accident trends, determine the effectiveness of current safety programs, and prevent future accidents.

2.1.1 Reporting Emergencies

Report all emergencies requiring law enforcement or emergency services to the UMHB Campus Police department at 5555 and/or 911 (report to 5555 first).

Campus Police will respond to the emergency and will request other assistance deemed necessary (i.e. medical, police, fire, etc.).

2.1.2 Reporting Accidents

1) Accidents must be reported via the appropriate Supervisor and/or Department Head to the Campus Police and the office of Risk Management.

o  This reporting requirement does not include simple first aid (i.e. for a minor cut requiring only a band aid).

o  An Accident Report will be completed and each incident will be investigated to determine the cause, and if any conditions exist which need to be corrected to prevent a recurrence.

o  After business hours accidents will be reported to Campus Police for immediate response and investigation.

2) Life-threatening injuries and/or those requiring immediate medical assistance should be reported immediately to 5555 and/or 911 (report to 5555 first).

o  Campus Police mobile units are equipped with automatic external defibrillators (AEDs).

o  Campus Police will request any additional assistance needed.

3) All employee injuries or exposures that occur on-the-job must be reported by the Employee and/or the Supervisor to Human Resources to complete a Report of Injury form.

o  If an employee is out of work for more than one day the incident is governed by Worker’s Compensation regulations.

4) Vehicular accidents that occur on campus should be reported directly to UMHB Campus Police at extension 5555.

o  Off-campus vehicular accidents should be reported via 911.

5) Employees must report hazards which have the potential to cause an accident or injury to Risk Management immediately.

o  After business hours such hazards should be reported to Campus Police so that appropriate steps can be implemented to prevent injury.

2.2 DRESS CODE

Personnel must dress in a manner that does not impair safety. Loose clothing, long hair, dangling jewelry, and inappropriate footwear (i.e. open toe shoes) may be dangerous around moving equipment. Always wear clothing that is appropriate for your job.

2.3 AMERICANS with DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

UMHB complies with the requirements and guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This means that new facilities and renovations to existing facilities are designed to provide accessibility for handicapped personnel. Upgrades to other existing facilities will be accomplished as scheduling and funding permits.

Handicapped parking and wheelchair ramps must remain accessible at all times. Do not block these areas or tamper with accessibility equipment.

Report accessibility violations such as blocked wheelchair ramps and blocked handicapped parking to the UMHB Campus Police.

2.4 ASBESTOS

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that causes cancer and various respiratory illnesses. Older buildings constructed prior to 1980 may contain asbestos. Asbestos is commonly found in older appliances, insulation, shingles, siding, putties, and caulking. Generally, it is not a problem unless the material is disturbed or if it becomes friable (crumbles, flakes, and becomes air-borne).

The Texas Asbestos Health Protection Rules do not require building owners to conduct inspections and identify all asbestos locations. Inspections are required, however, prior to renovation or dismantling activities.

UMHB strives to eliminate the potential hazards associated with asbestos and handles contracts for consultation and/or abatement prior to all building renovations.

NOTE: Work on campus that will disturb building fixtures, walls, or ceilings (e.g., installing computer cables) must never be done without first consulting with the Facilities Services Department and the office of Risk Management.

2.5 GRAPHIC ARTS

2.5.1 General

The art supplies and chemicals associated with graphic media are often extremely hazardous. Depending on the type of art supplies used, artists can develop the same types of occupational diseases as industrial workers. Studies show that people who work with hazardous graphic media chemicals can develop dermatitis, lead poisoning, silicosis, liver and kidney damage, nerve damage, reproductive problems, carbon monoxide poisoning, cancer, and other ailments.

The risk of chemical hazards is directly linked to the following factors:

·  Duration and frequency of exposure

·  Chemical toxicity

·  Chemical amount

Workers are exposed to graphic media hazards through skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion.

Follow these safety guidelines for working with graphic media materials:

·  Wear protective clothing and consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the material.

·  Use nontoxic or less toxic solvents and chemicals when possible.

·  Eliminate toxic metals such as lead and cadmium. Instead, use cadmium-free silver solders and lead-free paint, glazes and enamels.

·  Use water-based instead of solvent-based materials.

·  Use liquid materials to replace powders.

·  Use wet techniques (such as wet sanding) instead of dry techniques.

·  Apply coatings by brushing or dipping instead of spraying.

·  Eliminate cancer-causing chemicals.

2.5.2 Solvents

Solvents are used to dissolve oils, resins, varnishes, and inks. They are also used to remove paint and lacquer. Due to their common usage, solvents are one of the most underrated media hazards. Most organic solvents are poisonous if swallowed or inhaled in sufficient quantities. They also cause dermatitis and narcosis.