Transcript New Employee Environmental Health & Safety Orientation Key Information for Tulane University Personnel Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

New Employee
Environmental Health & Safety
Orientation
Key Information for Tulane University Personnel
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Objective
• This presentation is designed to familiarize Tulane
University staff and faculty members with the OEHS
and important environmental health and safety (EHS)
policies and procedures
• The content of this presentation is limited to key EHS
topics in the SAFETY GUIDE, an OEHS publication
distributed during orientation.
• The SAFETY GUIDE & the University’s
Environmental Health & Safety Policies &
Procedures Manual are found on the OEHS website
http://tulane.edu/oehs/
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
OEHS Info
• Technical advisory department for all Tulane departments &
facilities EXCEPT TMC (hospital & clinic)
• Assist with EHS regulatory compliance (OSHA, DEQ, DHH,
State Fire Marshal, fire department, etc.)
• Contact OEHS immediately if a representative from one of
these agencies contacts you or shows up on campus
• Office Locations
– Main office:
• TUHSC/Tidewater Suite 1156 (TW-16), 988-5486
– Uptown campus:
• Facilities Services Bldg, 865-5307
– TNPRC: 862-8040 ext 6653 (toll free from TUHSC) or 985-871-6653
• OEHS website: http://tulane.edu/oehs/
• TU Environmental Health & Safety Policies & Procedures
Manual Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Some Procedures May Vary!
• Tulane has facilities and operations in several
geographic locations (not only Uptown, TUHSC,
& TNPRC campuses)
• These procedures may vary:
– Where to report for medical evaluation of work-related
accidents/illnesses
– Emergency procedures for fires, spills, hurricanes, etc.
– Hazardous (radioactive, chemical, medical, biological)
waste disposal
• Be sure you know specific policies & procedures
for your facility
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Departmental Safety Representatives (DSRs)
• Tulane’s EHS Compliance Management System consists of:
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EHS Policy Committee
EHS Operations Committee
OEHS
Committees (Radiation Safety, Institutional Biosafety, Emergency
Operations, Control of Occupational Exposure)
– DSRs
• Each “unit” head (department, section, etc.) asked to appoint at
least one DSR
• DSR acts as liaison between OEHS & unit
• DSRs attend quarterly training sessions & share info w/ their
unit
Be sure to find out who the DSR is for your unit
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Emergency Situations
• Includes: fire/explosions, hazardous material spills, serious injury
or accident, multiple illnesses or injuries, etc.
• During normal work hours, contact OEHS directly (988-5486 &
press 1 to reach an attendant)
• Other times, contact Tulane Police for your facility:
– Uptown: 865-5200 (or 5200 from UT campus phone)
– TUHSC: 988-5555 (or 55555 from TUHSC downtown campus phone)
– TNPRC : 985-871-6411 (or 6411 from TNPRC campus phone)
• Tulane Police will notify “on-call” member of OEHS
• Emergency Response Guides are available from OEHS
• In case of large scale emergencies, the University will activate
the Tulane Alert Line
– 862-8080 or 877-862-8080
– Check official Tulane Emergency website http://emergency.tulane.edu/
– Don’t rely on news media announcements!
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Fire Emergency
• Preplan your response to a fire emergency
• Review the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for your
building.
• Know locations of:
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Fire alarm pull station (usually near exits or stairwells)
Fire extinguisher
Exit/exit stairwell
Outside assembly area
• Know phone numbers for Tulane Police & other
emergency responders
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Fire Response (E S CA P E)
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Evaluate the situation
Secure the area
Close doors to contain the fire
Activate the building fire alarm system (use nearest pull
station or use voice notification)
• Phone Tulane Police
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TUHSC x 55555
Uptown x 5200
TNPRC x 6411
Other locations: call 911
• Extinguish the fire
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Use of Portable Fire Extinguisher
• Use ONLY if you are trained and feel comfortable
• Use ONLY if fire is small & confined (not
spreading)
• Make sure you have an unobstructed escape route
behind you
• Make sure you have the right extinguisher for the
job:
– Class ABC (dry chemical) for all general fires
– Class BC (carbon dioxide) for electrical fires &
flammable liquids
– Class D for combustible metals
– Class K for grease fires
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Fire Extinguisher Use (P A S S)
• To use a portable fire extinguisher,
remember PASS:
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Pull the pin on the handle
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher and
Sweep the nozzle from side to side
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Hazardous Material Spills
• Hazardous = toxic, flammable, infectious, radioactive,
corrosive, etc.
• Contact OEHS or Tulane Police. Provide:
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Exact location of spill
Chemical or product name
Approximate quantity
Your contact information
• Attempt to confine/contain spill
– Cover with absorbent material (towels, etc.)
– Close door to spill area
– Ventilate if possible (use fume hood, etc.)
• Warn others in immediate area.
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Hurricane Preparedness
• Each department should have a hurricane plan that:
– Identifies departmental Emergency Response Team
– Includes a procedure to contact with department personnel
after a hurricane
– Explains how to secure departmental assets (equipment, data,
lab samples, etc.)
– Can restore academic and business activities as quickly as
possible post-event
• Tulane Office of Emergency Response has guidance on
this at http://emergency.tulane.edu/
• NOTE: Tulane buildings are NOT shelters during a
storm. Buildings will be secured.
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Animal Research
• Persons who handle animals in teaching or
research must participate in Animal Handler
Health Surveillance (AHHS) Program which is
coordinated by OEHS.
• Risk Assessment & History Form must be
completed prior to work w/ animals
• Tetanus immunization highly recommended for all
individuals with animal contact
• Contact Vivarium personnel for details on animal
handling
• Contact OEHS about AHHS Program
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Asbestos Management
• Asbestos or asbestos-containing material (ACM)
IS present in many older Tulane facilities (pipe
insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, etc.)
• BUT, asbestos poses no threat as long as it is
maintained in good condition and is not disturbed.
• Each building is periodically inspected for ACM
& results documented in Asbestos Management
Plan.
• Heed asbestos warning signs/labels; do not disturb
• Notify OEHS if you have questions or concerns
about known or suspect ACM.
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) & Blood Exposure
• BBP Exposure Control Plan (ECP) is available online at
OEHS website
• ECP covers all employees with potential occupational
exposure to bloodborne pathogens or other potentially
infectious material (OPIM)
– Initial and annual training
– Offered Hepatitis B vaccine
• If direct contact with blood or OPIM, must complete “First
Report of Injury”
• May need immediate medical treatment (preferably within
4 hrs)
• Report exposures to OEHS Bloodborne Pathogens
Coordinator ASAP (504-419-1391)
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Compressed Gas Cylinders
• Must be secured at all times—even if empty.
• Cap must be in place unless cylinder is in use.
• Transport cylinders with special hand truck or
cart.
• Cylinders containing flammable gases must be
stored separately from cylinders containing
oxygen
• Return used/empty cylinders promptly to avoid
continued payment of cylinder rental (demurrage)
charges
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
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Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Electrical Safety
• Use of extension cords or 3-way plugs is a fire code
violation except:
– When used for temporary equipment, i.e. power tools, custodial
equipment, audio-visual equipment
– If multiple outlet strips (with a circuit breaker) are used with
computer equipment
• Flexible power cords can not be run through doors or into
concealed spaces
• Have equipment with frayed wires, broken plugs, exposed
wiring taken out of service or arrange to have it
repaired/discarded.
• Only Facilities Services and approved equipment service
personnel are authorized to make electrical repairs!
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
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Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Ergonomics
• Definition: Study of human characteristics for design
of living & working environment
• One size does NOT fit all!
• Examples of ergonomic design: cars & air bags,
computer workstations, tools
• Poor design can lead to musculoskeletal disorders
(MSDs) such as back strain, neck strain, carpal tunnel,
etc.
• MSD contributing causes: awkward positions, poor fit,
repetitive motion, heavy/bulky materials handling, etc.
• OEHS is available to evaluate work area & make
recommendations.
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
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Fire Safety
• Exit corridors, stairwells, and hallways must be
kept clear of obstructions at all times.
• Must maintain at least 18 inch clearance at
sprinkler heads.
• Lit candles are strictly prohibited.
• Holiday decorations policy distributed every Fall.
• Be sure you know how to respond to a fire
emergency!
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
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Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Flammable & Combustible Liquids
• Keep containers covered except when actively
pouring.
• Work in a well ventilated area (preferably a fume
hood)
• Never store flammable liquids in an ordinary
refrigerator (unless you want a big BOOM!)
• Maximum of 10 gallons of flammable liquids can
be stored in a single area outside of an approved
storage cabinet
• Date cans of ethyl ether upon opening.
• NEVER pour flammable liquids into drain
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Hazard Communication (HazCom)
• OSHA Standard that applies to hazardous
chemicals
• Tulane’s written HazCom program & HazCom
training courses are on OEHS website
• HazCom Program includes:
– Container labeling requirements
– Training of personnel on chemical hazards
– Chemical inventory and employee access to Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
• MSDSs are available in work area, online, upon
request to OEHS
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Hazardous Material Disposal
• Never place hazardous chemicals down drain or in
trash receptacles.
• Contact OEHS for waste pickup/disposal info
(Can submit online request for waste pickup from
OEHS website.)
• Waste containers should be labeled with words:
HAZARDOUS WASTE and the identity of the
chemical. (NO abbreviations!).
• Empty chemical containers can be disposed of
with regular waste as long as the label is
removed/defaced.
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
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Hazardous Material Disposal
• Contact OEHS Radiation Safety Manager for
details on disposal of radioactive waste
• Sharps must be placed in rigid, puncture-resistant
containers.
• Infectious (“red bag”) waste must be bagged, then
boxed.
NOTE: Temporary waste storage areas vary;
contact OEHS for details
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Hazard Reporting
• Report hazards or unsafe conditions to
departmental supervisor &/or DSR
• Take defective equipment out of service and put
warning label on it.
• If serious or imminent safety hazard is found,
contact OEHS immediately.
• Calls to OEHS will be kept confidential.
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Injury/Illness Reporting
• Employees
– Report incident to Supervisor
– If serious injury, call Tulane Police. (They will call
911 if deemed necessary)
– Supervisor responsible for completing “First Report of
Occupational Injury/Illness”
– Submit “First Report” to OEHS; take copy to medical
provider
– Inform medical provider that injury is covered by
Workers Comp – don’t use your health insurance!!
• Visitors
– Notify Tulane Police
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Injury/Illness Reporting (cont’d)
• Students
– Notify course instructor (and Tulane Police if necessary)
– If related to campus activities or unsafe condition, complete
“Student Report of Injury” (on OEHS website)
• Examples:
– Student becomes ill during chemistry class after a chemical spill
– Student cuts themselves while handling recycled glass for art
classes
– Submit “Student Report of Injury” to OEHS (even if student
does not seek medical attention)
– Faculty should be aware of these procedures & should
inform their students at start of semester
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Lab Safety/Chemical Hygiene Plan
• Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) has been developed in
accordance with OSHA Lab Standard
• CHP is available online at OEHS website (Laboratory
Safety/Section 30 of P & P Manual)
• Elements of the CHP include:
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General operating procedures for labs + lab specific SOPs
Documented safety training (available online)
Lab & fume hood inspections
OEHS approval prior to work with certain high risk substances
Signage/labeling requirements (including door signs)
All lab personnel, especially Supervisors & PIs are
strongly advised to review section 30 of the P & P
manual
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Lab Safety - General
• Eating, drinking, gum chewing prohibited in labs
• Food/drinks can not be placed in refrigerators used
to store chemical, radioactive, biological materials.
• Eyewash stations required to be readily accessible &
activated weekly.
• Chemicals and hazardous waste containers must be
labeled with full name NOT chemical symbols.
• OEHS checks chemical fume hood performance
annually.
• OEHS arranges for certification of Biological Safety
Cabinets/Laminar Flow Workstations.
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
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Lab Safety - Formaldehyde
• Formaldehyde (or formalin) is a preservative that
is widely used in labs
• Irritant, sensitizer & suspect human carcinogen
with its own OSHA standard (29 CFR 1910.1048)
that requires initial/annual training & other
compliance activities
• If using solutions with greater than 0.1%
formaldehyde:
– Must have eyewash station in immediate area
– Need special warning label on door sign
– Contact OEHS to verify compliance
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Lab/Art Studio Closeouts &
Equipment Transfer
• Notify OEHS in advance if labs/art studios
containing chemicals will be vacated or if
potentially contaminated equipment will be moved
or disposed of.
• Equipment must be decontaminated and hazardous
components removed by the department prior to
repair, service or disposal .
• OEHS will issue an authorization sticker for
equipment that is safe to move.
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• PPE includes hard hats, respirators, hearing
protection, goggles, safety glasses, chemical
protective clothing, etc.
• Hazard Assessment required to determine what
PPE is necessary for specific hazards
• Required PPE should be provided by your dept
• OEHS can assist with selection of PPE and can
provide training materials
• Info on “PPE Hazard Assessment Certification
Program” is available in the EHS P & P Manual
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
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Purchases Requiring OEHS Approval
• All Chemicals
• Radioactive materials
• Biological safety cabinets/laminar flow
workstations
• Chemical fume hoods
• Class III & IV Lasers/Laser Systems
• Respirators (except N-95)
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Purchasing Chemicals
• Purchase quantities of chemicals that will be
quickly used.
• Don’t buy in bulk to save money. Chemical
disposal can be very expensive!
• Avoid purchasing devices that contain mercury &
other hazardous materials.
• Substitute with less hazardous materials/chemicals
whenever possible.
• Review Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for
chemical safety information.
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Radiation Safety/Lasers
• Radiation Safety Manual & other info posted on
OEHS website
• Purchases of radioactive materials must be approved
by OEHS
• OEHS manages monitoring program (dosimetry) for
employees w/ exposure to ionizing radiation (those
who work w/ X-ray equipment or radioactive
materials)
• OEHS Laser Safety Officer must approve purchases
of all Class III & IV laser generating equipment
• All Class III & IV laser systems must be registered
with the OEHS
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Respiratory Protection
• Respirator selection is a complex process
• Contact OEHS for guidance
• All personnel who are required to wear respirators must
be medically evaluated, fit tested and trained prior to
respirator use.
• Medical evaluation requires completion of a medical
history questionnaire that is reviewed by a healthcare
professional.
• Hands-on medical evaluation is NOT always necessary
• NOTE: Most respirators will not seal properly if facial
hair interferes with the seal between the face and the
respirator
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Tuberculosis (TB) Policy
• Policy focuses on at-risk employees
• Testing recommended for:
– Vivarial staff
– Healthcare personnel who work in patient-care areas, shelters,
prisons, or rehab programs
– Lab personnel working with M. tuberculosis
– Day care center personnel
• TNPRC policy requires testing every 6 months for
researchers & persons who work w/ non-human primates
• N-95 respirators should be worn while in contact w/
suspect TB cases (respirator fit testing is required to ensure
a good facial seal.)
• On-line TB training is available on OEHS website
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Miscellaneous Safety Stuff
• Employees have a right to access their exposure
(environmental monitoring data) & medical records.
OEHS maintains exposure records & some medical
surveillance records.
• If an inspector from an outside agency with
jurisdiction or responsibilities for EHS (OSHA, DEQ,
Health Dept, etc) contacts you or shows up in your
area, notify OEHS immediately.
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Be Sure You Find Out:
• Who is your Departmental Safety Representative
(DSR)
• Emergency response procedures (fire, spill, injury,
hurricane, etc.)
• Facility contact info for Tulane Police
• Building evacuation procedures (exits, assembly
areas, alarm systems, etc.) as per the Emergency
Action Plan (EAP)
• Location of emergency equipment (fire alarm pull
station, fire extinguisher, eyewash station, safety
shower, spill kit, etc.)
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Tulane University
Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
1430 Tulane Avenue (TW-16)
New Orleans, LA 70112
Uptown: 865-5307 TUHSC: 988-5486 TNPRC: 862-8040 ext 6653
http://tulane.edu/oehs
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