MCPS Systemwide Safety Programs
Department of Facilities Management
Media Services Technicians Meeting
Safety update
October 7, 2014
Systemwide Safety Programs
Staff
Peter Park, Team Leader
Peter_Park@mcpsmd.org
Laurie Lyons, Program Technician
Laurie_E_Lyons@mcpsmd.org
Office: 240-314-1070
Emergencies: 301-370-2141
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/facilities/safety/
Systemwide Safety Programs
Mission
Help establish and maintain a safe,
healthful learning and working
environment for students, staff,
contractors, and visitors.
Systemwide Safety Programs
Major Functions

Guidance/direction to facilities, offices, departments

Oversight of student and employee safety programs

Compliance with safety and health regulations

Safety training

Hazard evaluation, accident investigation

Playground renovation
How safe is MCPS?
CY2013 Occupational Injury/Illness Data

942 recordable occupational injuries/illnesses*

246 lost workday cases, 8,802 lost work days

$3,164,262.44 incurred workers’ compensation costs

Incidence rate (injuries/illnesses per 100 full-time
employees): 5.7
* Result in lost work days, job restriction or transfer, or medical treatment
beyond first aid.
Today’s Topics

Orchestra Pit Fillers

Fall Protection

Stage Rigging

Chemical Use

Online Safety Training
Orchestra Pit Fillers
Wenger Strata Units Installed (FY14)


Magruder HS
Damascus HS
Considerations
Depth
 Usage
 Available school funds

Orchestra Pit Fillers
Damascus HS
Orchestra Pit Fillers
Fall Protection

Catwalks

Ladders (Fixed, Portable)

Stage Edges
Fall Protection
Catwalks, Elevated Work Platforms
OSHA/MOSH Requirements

Guardrails
◦ 42” tall top rail1, mid rail2, 4” toeboard

Safe Access/Egress

Lighting

Obstructions
1
36” - 44” acceptable, must be capable of withstanding at least 200 lb pressure.
2 Must be halfway between top rail and walking surface.
Fall Protection
Fall Protection
Ladders
Fall Protection
Ladders
Fall Protection
Ladders
3’ above point of support?
Fall Protection
Ladders
UNSAFE ANGLE
SAFE ANGLE (4:1)
Stage Rigging
Inspection Requirements/Recommendations

PLASA (Professional Lighting and Sound Assoc.)
◦ Rec. annual inspection of powered hoists (ANSI E1.6-1 - 2012
Entertainment Technology - Powered Hoist Systems)
◦ Rec. annual inspection of electric chain hoists (ANSI E1.6-2 - 2013
Entertainment Technology - Design, Inspection, and Maintenance of Electric
Chain Hoists for the Entertainment Industry)
Stage Rigging
Inspection Requirements/Recommendations

OSHA/MOSH
◦ Req. annual inspection of steel chain alloy slings (1910.184
Slings)
Hazardous Chemicals
Two Questions
1. Does your school have hazardous chemicals?
2. Do you use hazardous chemicals at work?
Hazardous Chemicals
What makes chemicals “hazardous”?
The chemical is a:

Physical hazard (gasoline, paint thinner, glues)

Health hazard (paints, cleaning chemicals, wood dust)

Simple asphyxiant (refrigerants, fog)

Combustible dust (wood dust)

Pyrophoric gas, or hazard not otherwise classified
Hazardous Chemicals
Hazardous Chemicals
Hazardous Chemicals
Fog Machines
Fog machines are permitted if operated in accordance with MCPS’
required procedure. The procedure is as follows:
1. An appropriate fog machine must be selected for the application. It must bear
a label showing it has been tested by a recognized independent testing
laboratory for safety.
2. A material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the fog “juice”, the liquid used to
generate the fog, must be provided to Sean Yarup of the Indoor Air Quality Unit,
Division of Maintenance, for review. The fog juice must be designed for use with
the specific fog machine selected. If Sean does not approve the product, it may
not be used.
Hazardous Chemicals
Fog Machines
3. If an appropriate machine is selected and the fog juice is approved, a smoke
detector test must be completed to determine if the intended use will activate
any smoke detectors. Please note that not all smoke detectors are readily visible;
some are located in ducts. The required steps for conducting a smoke detector
test are:
a. Schedule the test with the school principal and building service manager. The
test may not be conducted while classes are in session.
b. Before activating the fog machine, notify school administration and
Department of School Safety and Security, Electronic Detection Unit (301-2793232), that a test will be conducted that might activate the fire alarm system.
c. Ensure a copy of the fog juice MSDS is available. The MSDS is needed for fire
personnel if the test activates the fire alarm system and to address any healthrelated concerns that might arise.
Hazardous Chemicals
Fog Machines
d. Activate the fog machine in the location required for the performance, producing
the amount of fog needed. If the test activates the fire alarm system, fire evacuation
procedures must be followed: call 911 and evacuate the building. The building may not
be re-occupied until permission is granted by the fire department.
e. If the test does not activate the fire alarm system, the location and quantity of fog
generated should be recorded. School administration and the Electronic Detection
Unit should be notified the test has been completed.
f. If the test indicates the fog machine will not activate the fire alarm system, it may be
used in a similar manner for the performance.
g. For the performance, audience notification of fog machine use must be provided via
a lobby and program notice. The notice must also note that audience members may
contact a production representative if there are questions or concerns. The MSDS
should be reviewed for any information indicating potential hazards for individuals
with respiratory conditions, and a copy must be available during the performance.
h. If the fog machine activates the fire alarm system during the performance, fire
evacuation procedures must be followed.
Hazardous Chemicals
Tips
1. Complete required safety training
2. Only use MCPS-approved products
3. Keep Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) at the
school
4. Follow directions on labels and MSDSs – Do not use
chemicals in ways they are not intended to be used
5. Never mix chemicals!
6. Use proper procedures, equipment, PPE
7. Ask for help, give help
Online Safety Training
Required training for MSTs (upon assignment):

Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Prevention – Full Course
Required training for MSTs (annual):

Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Prevention – Annual Refresher
Additional training:

Office Ergonomics

Ladder Safety

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Hazard Communication: Right to Understand

Safety Data Sheets: Globally Harmonized System (GHS)

Electrical Safety
Demonstration, handout*
*http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/departments/facilities/safety/Online%20
Safety%20Training%20Tutorial.pdf
Drama and Theater Safety Handbook
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/facilities/safety/com
pliance.aspx#theater
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/departments
/facilities/safety/Drama%20and%20Theater%20safety%20handbook.
pdf
Questions?