The University of Vermont
PHYSICAL PLANT DEPARTMENT
Salvatore Chiarelli, Director
web
http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmppd/
“SEE THE NEED, TAKE THE LEAD”
TO:
All Physical Plant Employees
FROM:
Salvatore Chiarelli
Director of Physical Plant
SUBJECT:
Working Smart and Safe Protocol/Suggestions
DATE:
December 3, 2008
Over the years it has become apparent that we have random cases of avoidable disruption as a result of
work performed by Physical Plant staff, contractors as well as Researchers and their Assistants.
I am calling upon all of you in our department to take a closer look at: the work that you do, why you do it,
when you do it and how you do it. We need to avoid, as much as practical, interruption of the mission of
the University as well as inconveniencing (mostly without warning) other colleagues, students, departments
and programs.
Before you begin work, besides making sure you are safe and have the appropriate safety gear, think about
the work you are going to perform.
Some things for you to consider;
1.
2.
3.
4.
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Did I communicate what I am about to do to the people in the building? Do I have a contact in
the building that I can discuss the work with?,
Can Jodi and/or Tammy, your supervisor, anyone help me communicate?
Am I going to create dust?
Am I using anything that can create a smell?
Am I going to shoot dust, fumes into this window or air intake?
Do I know where the air intakes are when I am working outside a building?
Am I going to burn down the building or start a fire by performing this task?
Do I have the proper permits?
Are there hazardous materials present?
Am I going to create noise?
Am I going to cause vibration?
Do I know the schedule of what is happening in the building? Think ahead…
If I shut down this system (like an air handler) who is it affecting?
If I shut a breaker am I going to shut down someone’s computer or other important device?
What happens if I turn of the water or other utility in this building?
If I do turn this off am I leaving a tag or a lock with instructions so the next person knows why it
is shut off or turned on?
And so on..
Three things that are common to all of these items are PLANNING, ANTICIPATING and
COMMUNICATIONS. Do not let all of the good things you do be overshadowed by the infrequent snafu
you might cause. Believe me they add up when randomly each of us does one or two a year. This is a very
important issue that we all must work hard to improve upon. If you see others working improperly on
campus let your supervisor know. I look forward to your cooperation and I expect everyone to think about
your responsibility towards the campus as a whole.
Take care and work safe and smart.
Sal