GENERAL SAFETY

Accident Reporting

IMPORTANT:

Report all accidents to your supervisor, the Safety Office, or the University Police Department, as appropriate.

I. Tarleton State University Employees

Complete "Report of Accident/Illiness" form and send original to Safety Office and a copy to Human Resources. Forms are available in the Safety Office or from the Tarleton Policy Page.

Complete the Tarleton State University Student Services "Accident Report". Send the original to Student Services and a copy to the Safety Office. Forms are available in the Safety Office or from the Tarleton Policy Page.

EXAMPLE:

Report hazards, such as missing manhole covers or chemical spills, to the Safety Office. Report accidents such as vehicle collisions to the University Police Department (UPD).

Americans with Disabilities Act

Handicapped parking and wheelchair ramps must remain accessible at all times. Do not block these areas or tamper with other accessibility equipment. In addition, do not remove Braille tabs on elevator buttons or other signs.

Report accessibility violations such as blocked wheelchair ramps and blocked handicapped parking to the Safety Office or the University Police Department.

Contact the Safety Office for more information on accommodating handicapped individuals or making your workplace more accessible.

Asbestos

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.

NOTE:

Call the Physical Plant before performing work on campus that will disturb building fixtures, walls, or ceiling (e.g., installing computer cables in the ceiling). The Physical Plant will help ensure that the work does not affect asbestos containing materials.

IMPORTANT:

Do not handle asbestos or suspected asbestos or try to remove it yourself.

Dress Code

Always wear clothing that is appropriate for your job. Refer to the chapters on Personal Protective Equipment and Office Safety for more information.

Graphic Arts Media

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

• Duration and frequency of exposure
• Chemical toxicity
• Chemical amount

Follow these safety guidelines for working with graphic media materials:

• Wear protective clothing and follow MSDSs, as appropriate.
• 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.

Solvents

Use the least toxic solvent possible. Denatured or isopropyl alcohol, acetone, and odorless mineral spirits are less toxic than solvents such as chloroform or ethylene.

Aerosol Sprays

Acids and Alkalis

Paints and Pigments

The table below outlines common paint pigments and their hazardous chemical component: 

Photography

IMPORTANT:

Good ventilation is essential when working with photographic chemicals.

Developer:

May cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Stop-bath:

May cause burns and throat irritation.

Fixer:

Highly irritating to lungs.

Intensifier:

Very corrosive and may cause lung cancer.

Reducer:

Contact with heat, concentrated acids, or ultraviolet radiation produces poisonous gas.

Toners:

Highly toxic.

Hardeners and stabilizers:

Often contain formaldehyde which is poisonous, a skin irritant, and a known carcinogen.

Plastics, Acrylics, Epoxy Resins

Certain types of plastics, such as acrylics and epoxy resins are also hazardous. The components in acrylic, for example, include irritants, explosives, and flammables. The main hazard associated with acrylic compounds, however, is inhalation. Always maintain good ventilation when working with acrylic.

The epoxy resins used in laminating, casting, glues, and lacquer coatings, are also skin irritants, sensitizers, and suspected cancer-causing agents. Avoid skin contact and inhalation when working with epoxy resins.

Pottery and Ceramics

Pottery glazes also contain free silica, including flint, feldspar, and talc. Wear a toxic dust respirator when mixing or spraying glazes.

Toxic fumes and gases are often produced during the firing process. Ensure that all kilns are ventilated. In addition, use infrared goggles or a shield to look in the kiln peep hole. Proper eye protection will help prevent cataracts.

Woodworking

Hearing Conservation Program

Before using personal protective equipment, such as ear plugs or muffs, to reduce noise exposure, try to reduce noise levels by changing work procedures. Maintenance practices such as the following can reduce noise levels:

• Replacing worn or loose machine parts
• Performing high-noise operations during hours when people are less likely to be affected
• Maintaining and lubricating equipment to eliminate rattles and squeaks

• Replacing noisy materials
• Using large, low speed fans
• Considering the noise level of new equipment or processes before purchasing or implementing
• Placing heavy machines on rubber mountings
• Using sound-absorbing acoustical tiles or baffles
• Placing noisy machinery or operations in a separate area or room
• Enclosing noisy conveyors

Refer to the chapter on Personal Protective Equipment for more information on hearing protection. Direct all questions regarding hearing conservation to the Safety Office. When requested and necessary, the Safety Office monitors noise levels.

Heat Stress

Heat stress occurs in two forms: heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat Exhaustion

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include the following:

• Exhaustion and restlessness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Cold, clammy, moist skin
• Pale face
• Cramps in abdomen and lower limbs
• Fast, shallow breathing
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Falling body temperature
• Fainting

1. Have the victim lie down in a cool or shaded place.
2. If the victim is conscious, have him/her slowly sip cool water.

If the victim is unconscious or is conscious but does not improve, seek medical aid as soon as possible.
3. If the victim is sweating profusely, have him or her sip cool water that contains one teaspoon of table salt per pint of water.

Heat Stroke

The signs and symptoms of heat stroke include the following:

• Hot, dry skin
• Headache
• Dizziness
• High temperature
• Strong pulse
• Noisy breathing
• Unconsciousness

1. If possible, move the victim to a cool place.
2. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
3. Remove the victim's clothing.
4. If the victim is conscious, place him in a half-sitting position and support the head and shoulders.

If the victim is unconscious, place him on the side with the head facing sideways.
5. Fan the victim and sponge the body with cool water.

Housekeeping

Maintain clear and unobstructed access to emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, pull stations, eye wash units, showers, etc.

For more specific information on housekeeping, refer to the section in this manual that corresponds to your workplace (i.e., Laboratory Safety, Office Safety, etc.)

Indoor Air Quality

Four key elements are involved in the development of poor indoor air quality:

1. Multiple contaminant sources
2. Poor ventilation systems
3. Pollutant pathways
4. Building usage and occupant load

Indoor contaminants are classified according to these categories:

• Combustion products (e.g., smoke)
• Volatile organic compounds (e.g., solvents and cleaning agents)
• Respiratory particulates (e.g., dust, pollen, and asbestos)
• Respiratory byproducts (e.g., carbon dioxide)
• Microbial organisms (e.g., mold, mildew, fungi, and bacteria)
• Radionuclides (e.g, radon)
• Odors (e.g., perfume, smoke, mold, and mildew)

Tarleton State University follows recognized guidelines for new building ventilation systems and air quality control; however, employees are also responsible for the quality of their indoor air. Because indoor air often contains a variety of contaminants at levels far below most exposure standards, it is difficult to link specific health problems with known pollutants. Employees must minimize all contaminants to reduce the low-level pollutant mixtures that commonly cause health problems.

The following practices will help ensure optimum indoor air quality:

• Fix leaks and drips. (Moisture promotes microbial [i.e., mold and mildew] growth.)
• Clean mold and mildew growths with a bleach/water mixture to prevent regrowth.
• Ensure that indoor ventilation filters are changed regularly.
• Keep laboratory doors closed.
• Minimize chemical and aerosol usage. Ventilate your area when chemical or aerosol usage is required. (These compounds include paint, cleaning agents, hairspray, perfume, etc.)
• Do not block air ducts to control the temperature in your office.
• Avoid smoking or cooking in enclosed areas. (Smoking is strictly prohibited within University facilities and vehicles.)
• If possible, open windows when it is cool and dry outside.

Lead Paint

Buildings that were constructed or painted prior to the early 1980's may contain lead paint. Because common sources of lead exposure include ingestion (lead paint) or inhalation (lead-containing dust), it is important to identify all areas that contain lead paint. If lead paint flakes or chips, it must be encapsulated or removed by qualified persons.

The following locations should also be inspected for lead paint:

• Areas where young children or pregnant women are present
• Areas with flaking or deteriorating paint
• Areas that were built or painted prior to the early 1980's (Lead testing is particularly important before beginning renovation on older buildings.)

Lifting

The back supports the weight of the entire upper body. When you lift objects or move heavy loads, your back has to support even more weight. If you exceed your body's natural limits, your back cannot support both your body and the extra load. The excess, unsupported pressure is transferred to the lower back, where injury is imminent. By using the muscles in your arms and legs and exercising proper lifting techniques, you can move loads safely and protect your back from possible injury.

Follow these guidelines to help avoid back injuries:

• Avoid moving objects manually. Plan jobs and arrange work areas so that heavy items may be moved mechanically.
• Keep in good physical condition. If you are not used to lifting and vigorous exercise, do not attempt difficult lifting tasks.
• Think before you act. Use proper lifting techniques and lifting aides such as back support belts, dollies, etc. Get help if you need it.

1. Test the object's weight before handling it. If it seems too heavy or bulky, get assistance.
2. Face the object, place one foot behind the object and one foot along its side.
3. Bend at the knees.
4. Get a firm, balanced grip on the object. Use the palms of your hands, use gloves if necessary.
5. Keep the object as close to your body as possible. (Pull the load in close before lifting.)
6. Lift by straightening your legs and slightly unbending your back.
 
• If the object is too heavy or bulky, get help.
• Do not twist the back or bend sideways.
• Do not perform awkward lifts.
• Do not lift objects at arm's length
7. When moving objects, proceed with caution through doors and around corners.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Before shipping, handling, or disposing of oil-based products, Tarleton State University employees must determine if their products contain PCBs. Common trade names for PCBs include the following:

• Aroclor and Aroclor B
• Abestol
• Askarel and Adkarel
• Chlorextol
• Chlorinol
• Clorphen
• Diaclor
• Dykanol
• Elemex
• Eucarel
• Hyvol
• Inerteen
• No-Flamol
• Pyranol
• Pyroclor
• Saf-T-Kuhl
• Sanotherm

• PCB transformers and owners must be registered with the local Fire Department.
• The PCB transformers and access to the PCB transformer (fences, doors, etc.) must be plainly marked with a PCB label.
• Combustible materials may not be stored within five meters of a PCB transformer or enclosure.
• If a transformer is involved in a fire-related incident, the National Response Center must be notified.
• Radial PCB transformers must be equipped with high current fault protection. Units with secondary voltage of 480 volts or greater must be equipped with low current fault protection.

IMPORTANT:

Report all PCB leaks (e.g., transformer leaks) to the Safety Office immediately.

Preventing Slips and Falls

In addition, employees should follow these guidelines:

• Turn on office lights. Ensure that passageways are adequately lighted.
• Avoid horseplay.
• Avoid unnecessary haste. Do not run in work areas.
• Use ladders or step-stools to reach high places. Never climb onto a chair, drawer, or shelves.
• Keep hallways and stairwells neat and free of obstacles.
• Remove items that may pose a potential slipping hazard.
• Clean up spills as soon as they occur.
• Never obstruct your view when walking.
• Do not wear clothing that is too long or shoes that have slippery heels or soles.
• Hold the handrail when using stairs.
• Be careful when walking on wet surfaces or when entering a building while wearing wet shoes.
• Report uneven surfaces, such as loose or missing floor tiles, to the Physical Plant for repair.

Smoking

• Breathing secondary smoke causes various diseases and allergic reactions in healthy non-smokers.
• Separating smokers and non-smokers within the same air space does not eliminate exposure to environmental tobacco smoke for non-smokers.
• Tobacco smoke and secondary tobacco smoke are Class A carcinogens.

SMOKING POLICY:

All University facilities, buildings, and vehicles, regardless of location or ownership, must be entirely smoke-free. This includes all foyers, entryways, classrooms, restrooms, offices, athletic facilities (indoor and outdoor), eating areas, and university-owned/leased housing.

Visitor Safety

IMPORTANT:

Office visitors should be escorted; worksite visitors should be escorted, supervised, and monitored. Do not bring children to the workplace.

Top of Page    |    Next Page

Safety Manuel Home   |   Policies Home    |    Tarleton Home