Employee Rules and
Regulations Safety Handbook
SCHOOL YEAR 2013-14
Table of Contents
Introduction
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Safety: What Does It Mean
What is a Safety Mindset?
Avoiding Unsafe Conditions
3
Delegation of Responsibilities
Management
Department of Health and Safety
Employees
Non-BCPS Facilities
4
4
6
6
7
Safety Rules
Housekeeping
Lifting and Carrying
Ladders/Scaffolds/Work Platforms
7
8
8
8
3
3
3
4
Fire Prevention and Life Safety
Fire Extinguishers
Emergency Exits
Emergency Plan for Persons w/Disabilities
Emergency Evacuation Plan
Emergency Guidelines for Fires
Fleet Safety Program
Chemical Safety Programs
Hazard Communication Program (Employee Right-to-Know)
Chemical Hygiene Plan (Lab Safety Standard)
Hazardous and Controlled Waste Management
Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE)
Machinery/Equipment/Tools
Electrical Safety
Welding/Cutting (Hot Work)
Trenching/Shoring/Excavation
Compressed Gas Cylinder Storage and Use
9
10
10
10
11
11
12
12
12
12
13
13
14
15
15
16
16
Conclusion
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Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) – Health and Safety Handbook
Introduction
Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) is committed to providing a safe and healthy
workplace and community for its students, staff, and visitors. The City Schools’ approach
incorporates the practice of risk management, occupational safety and health, environmental
protection, property conservation and regulatory compliance.
This handbook has been developed to introduce you to the basics of the City Schools’ Health &
Safety (H&S) Program that has been established to provide a safe and healthy environment.
Since this handbook cannot cover all safety, health and environmental issues, it is essential that
you, as a member of the City Schools’ team, act in a safe and responsible manner at all times. If
at any time you are not sure of the proper procedure or safety precautions to take -- ask your
principal, manager, or supervisor. If you identify or become aware of any situation or condition
that could directly or indirectly contribute to an injury, illness or property damage, report it to
your manager or supervisor immediately.
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Fire/Police/Ambulance Service
911
City Schools Office of School Police
410-396-8588
City Schools Department Health and Safety
410-396-8679
o Reporting serious accidents involving school personnel or unsafe work
environment, safety practices, and health and safety inspections.
City Schools Department of Facilities
410-396-8670
o Requesting assistance with building repair issues and deficiencies.
ACTEC Reporting
1-877-607-8600
o Reporting injuries/illnesses that may lead to a claim. All work related incidences
must be reported within 24 hours.
SAFETY: What Does It Mean?
At City Schools, safety is Thinking, Acting and Working in such a manner that unsafe acts and
conditions are avoided. Your safety and health, along with that of your co-workers, has the
highest priority. As such, we want and expect our facilities to be accident free. Avoiding these
unsafe acts and conditions requires everyone to have the proper "SAFETY MINDSET.”
What Is A SAFETY MINDSET?
Having a safety mindset means making safety an integral part of your life. It means that you are
constantly observing your surroundings and preventing unsafe acts from happening - whether
by you or your co-workers. If unsafe conditions are present, it is your responsibility to alert
others about them and initiate action to get them corrected. Overall, someone who has a safety
mindset makes safety and health the number one priority in everything he/she does or observes.
To develop or enhance your safety mindset, you must actively participate.
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Avoiding Unsafe Conditions
Whenever dangerous working conditions exist which require immediate corrective action, the
employee(s) shall notify their manager/supervisor at once. The manager/supervisor shall take
immediate action to correct the hazard. If corrective action is not taken immediately by the
manager/supervisor, the employee(s) shall notify the Director/Department Head of their
department. The Director/Department Head shall take immediate action to correct the hazard.
If the appropriate corrective action is still not taken immediately, the employee(s) shall notify
the Department of Health & Safety (H&S).
Employees have the right to refuse a work assignment if there is a reasonable belief that the task
would endanger his/her physical safety (beyond the normal hazards associated with the
occupation), or would violate governmental safety standards. Any employee who refuses to
perform the assigned work task shall not be required to resume the work assignment until either
the hazard has been corrected or a determination has been made by a qualified person stating
that the work is not unsafe or dangerous.
No employee who refuses to perform work in accordance with this section shall be disciplined,
retaliated against or lose the right to perform the work once the hazardous condition has been
corrected.
Delegation of Responsibilities
City Schools is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its students,
and visitors.
staff
All members of the City Schools’ community, at every level, have the responsibility to actively
participate in helping to create a safe and healthy environment. Each individual must accept
their responsibility to prevent injuries to themselves and their fellow employees by prudently
following the policies and procedures established under the H&S Program.
Management
Management shall provide the guidance, resources and full support of all safety procedures and
programs, training and hazard elimination practices. Specific responsibilities under the H&S
Program include, but are not limited to:
1. Maintain and enforce compliance with all rules, procedures and programs as established
under the H&S Program that are applicable to their operations. Also, with the assistance
of the H&S Department, ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory standards and
guidelines.
2. Identify facilities and/or equipment that present a risk to safety and health and
implement the appropriate corrective action(s). If the corrective action requires the
replacement, upgrade or addition of new equipment or facilities, management shall
provide the appropriate funds and resources as deemed necessary.
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3. Ensure that all managers, supervisors, and department personnel are properly informed
of and fully understand all departmental safety rules and procedures.
4. Allocate adequate funds and resources to provide the appropriate safety equipment,
protective devices and tools that departmental personnel need to perform their jobs
safely and effectively.
5. Ensure that all departmental personnel are provided proper medical treatment when a
work-related injury or illness occurs.
6. Ensure that all accidents resulting in or having the potential to result in a loss due to
injury, illness and/or property damage are properly reported, investigated, and that
appropriate corrective actions are implemented.
7. Actively solicit suggestions or recommendations from all department personnel which
will contribute to the continuous improvement of the H&S Program.
Managers and supervisors are directly responsible for the instruction of all personnel under
their supervision in regard to proper procedures and safe methods to be utilized in performing
assigned activities, for taking appropriate corrective actions to eliminate hazardous conditions
and or practices necessary to prevent accidents. Specific responsibilities under the H&S
Program include, but are not limited to:
1. Enforce, at all times, the rules and procedures established under the H&S Program.
2. Do not permit safety or health to be compromised for any reason regardless of
productivity, time limitations or lack of available resources or funds.
3. Develop and implement safe standard operating procedures and departmental safety
rules for all job tasks or activities.
4. Ensure that all personnel under their supervision are properly trained on and fully
understand the rules and procedures established under the H&S program and or specific
departmental procedures.
5. Provide personnel with needed personal protective equipment, safety devices and/or
proper tools, and ensure that personnel can demonstrate the proper use and limitations
of the equipment assigned to them.
6. Ensure that all work areas are inspected for hazardous conditions or unsafe practices
and utilize all available resources to identify the appropriate corrective actions necessary
to minimize or eliminate the potential hazard sources.
7. Investigate all accidents promptly to identify all direct and contributing causative factors
and report said findings to the appropriate management personnel and the H&S
Department.
8. Ensure that any injured or ill personnel receive prompt medical treatment and that all
incidents are properly reported and investigated.
9. Include accident records and overall safety performance as part of the annual
performance review for each individual under your supervision.
10. Motivate interest in health and safety by commending and recognizing personnel, who
demonstrate a safety mindset, maintain an accident-free work record and, who
contributes ideas and practices for continuous improvement of the safety program.
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Department of Health & Safety (H&S)
Health & Safety (H&S), in conjunction with the various operating units, is responsible for the
planning, implementation and administration of environmental health and safety programs.
H&S shall be the primary source for reviewing and interpreting new codes and regulatory
guidelines, as established by Federal, State and local agencies, and identifying their applicability
to the various operations.
A primary function of H&S is to assist operating departments in meeting their assigned
responsibilities as outlined under the H&S Program. H&S shall provide technical and
administrative consultation to each operating unit to assist in identifying, developing and
implementing proactive rules and procedures designed to reduce or eliminate potential risks
and hazards which could adversely impact the safety and well-being of the school community.
Specific responsibilities of H&S include, but are not limited to:
1. Serve as City Schools’ primary liaison with all regulatory agencies responsible for safety,
health and environmental standards, codes and guidelines.
2. Assist all operating units in identifying and developing appropriate education and
awareness programs and assist with identifying suitable and cost effective training
resources and tools.
3. Assure that no departmental operation or activity presents any unrecognized or
excessive exposure to harmful chemicals and/or agents that exceed established allowable
limits.
4. Assist each operating unit in the investigation of all incidents that result in personal
injury, illness, or property damage to identify causative factors and develop appropriate
corrective actions to eliminate or reduce recurrence.
Employees
All City Schools’ employees, including full-time and part-time staff, shall comply with the rules
and procedures established under the H&S Program and any and all departmental rules and
procedures which do not conflict or compromise the intent of the overall safety program.
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1. Perform no task or activity which is considered hazardous, or is known to be hazardous,
without requesting and obtaining assistance from their supervisor as to the proper safety
procedures and controls. Safety and health related problems or disputes that cannot be
settled at either the supervisor or department level shall be referred to the H&S
Department for final resolution.
2. Perform no task or activity that compromises and/or violates any rules or procedures
established under the H&S Program, any departmental rules or procedures, or any
regulatory standard or guideline.
3. Report any unsafe conditions, practices or equipment to your manager/supervisor
whenever deficiencies are observed as often as necessary to ensure that the appropriate
corrective action is taken.
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4. Immediately report to your manager/supervisor all accidents resulting in or having the
potential to result in injury, illness, or property damage. Assist in obtaining prompt
medical attention for any co-worker who is injured or becomes ill.
5. Understand and comply with all departmental safety instructions, whether written or
verbal, when performing assigned tasks or activities.
6. Do not use, store or handle any hazardous chemicals or materials without receiving
proper training.
7. Submit to your manager, supervisor or safety committee representative any
recommendations you believe can effectively contribute to the continuous improvement
of either the overall H&S Program and/or departmental procedures.
Non-City Schools Facilities
All facilities and organizations located in non-City Schools facilities are an integral part of the
City Schools community. These facilities and organizations shall comply with the same
responsibilities related to safety, health and environmental issues as their counterparts located
in facilities owned by the City Schools. Each facility and organization shall adopt all applicable
rules and regulations as established under the H&S Program and shall develop procedures and
rules as necessary for their specific operations.
Safety Rules
The following rules apply to all employees. Each department may implement additional rules
and procedures that address specific hazards and/or conditions which may be unique to their
operations. Your manager/supervisor is responsible for reviewing these rules and/or procedures
with you at the time of your initial assignment to the department, or when any review is deemed
necessary.
1. Notify your principal, manager, or supervisor of any unsafe condition(s) or unsafe act(s)
that exist in your work area.
2. Be aware of all potential hazards that may exist in your work area. Know your
responsibilities regarding reporting and handling emergencies.
3. Know when safety devices, equipment and procedures are required and use them.
4. Read and observe all warning signs. Do not remove or deface any warning sign that has
been posted in your work area.
5. Horseplay and practical jokes are prohibited at the work place.
6. Walk up or down stairs one step at a time and always use the handrail for support.
7. Do not walk or stand under a suspended load. When operating a lifting device, it is your
responsibility to enforce this rule.
8. Use designated aisles and walkways at all times. Do not take short cuts through roped-off
areas, work areas, across ditches or over rough ground.
9. Use of illegal drugs and consumption of alcohol on the job is prohibited. Notify your
principal, manager, or supervisor if you are taking a legally prescribed medication which
could impair your ability to work or operate equipment or machinery.
10. All areas in and around school buildings are smoke-free.
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Housekeeping
1. Keep aisles and walkways clear and usable at all times. Do not block access to doors,
equipment or electrical panels.
2. Keep desk drawers, file cabinets and locker doors closed when not in use.
3. Clean up spilled, non-hazardous material (liquid or solid) properly, promptly and
completely. If hazardous material is involved, notify your manager/supervisor or follow
appropriate procedures.
4. Keep all floor surfaces clean and dry. "Caution" or "Wet Floor" signs shall be posted
when floors are wet.
5. Remove and properly dispose of all excess and scrap material upon job completion.
6. Oil and/or solvent soaked rags shall be properly stored or disposed of in appropriate fireproof containers.
7. Do not stockpile supplies of potentially hazardous material (such as solvents, chemicals
or paints). Be alert to the compatibility of materials being stored together.
8. In accordance with local fire codes, if your building has a fire sprinkler system, do not
store any materials within 18 inches of the ceiling. If your building is not equipped with a
fire sprinkler system, materials can only be stored within 24 inches of the ceiling
Lifting and Carrying
1. Do not attempt to lift or carry an object or load which is too large or weighs more than
you can safely manage. Get help from a co-worker or use a lifting/moving device such as
a dolly or pallet jack.
2. Do not lift heavy or cumbersome objects higher than waist level.
3. Before lifting and carrying heavy or large objects, you must first check the route of travel
for distance, floor conditions and clearances. Always maintain a clear view over the load.
4. Make sure that the object to be handled is clean and free of sharp edges or projections
that could cause cuts or punctures. Wipe any grease, oil, water and or dirt off the load
before lifting.
5. When lifting, keep your back straight and knees bent. Lift with your leg muscles in a
gradual and smooth motion. Avoid jerking or twisting, and keep the load close to your
body. Reverse the procedures when setting an object down.
6. When two or more people are handling the same object/load, one should be designated
to call the signals and provide directions. Warn each other if you start to lose your grip or
cannot control the load.
7. Managers/supervisors are responsible for making the appropriate material handling
devices available to their employees and ensuring that the proper devices are used and
maintained.
Ladders, Scaffolds and Work Platforms
1. Do not use a chair, box, carton, shelves or anything else that is handy as a
ladder. Use only approved ladders, step-stools, scaffolds or work platforms
for reaching heights.
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2. Inspect the ladders, stools, scaffolds, etc., prior to each use to ensure that they are in
good condition. Do not climb or use any device that has a broken, bent or loose rail, rung
or support. Do not try to repair any damaged ladders.
3. In setting up an extension or straight ladder follow the 4-to-1 rule, for every 4 feet of
ladder height, position the ladder’s base one foot away from the vertical support.
4. Do not use metal or wet wooden ladders near power lines. Fiberglass or other insulated
ladders, rated for electrical work, are required when working on or around electrical
equipment.
5. Secure (tie off) the ladder as close to the top as you can. While you secure or unfasten a
tie-off, have someone hold the ladder to keep it steady.
6. Rest the ladder’s feet on a solid, level surface. If the surface is slightly uneven, use a flat
board as a shim. Tie off the feet so that the ladder won’t slide off the board.
7. Extend the ladder at least three (3) feet above the supporting edge when you’ll be
climbing onto a roof or platform. Hold the side rails that extend above the ladder’s
support to steady yourself as you climb on and off a roof or platform.
8. Block any doors that open into or near the ladder. For extra security, keep the
surrounding area clear of people and traffic.
9. Keep the area near the ladder’s base free of clutter and debris.
10. Stay off the top three rungs of an extension or straight ladder. Stay off the top two rungs
of a stepladder.
11. When using a step ladder, make sure that it is fully spread and locked. Check for unsafe
hinges as well as damaged steps and uprights.
12. Do not climb a ladder that is occupied by someone else, unless it is designed and certified
for such use by the manufacturer.
13. When climbing or descending, face the ladder, hold onto each rung and stay centered
between the rails. Carry tools in a belt or apron, or raise and lower them by a hand line.
14. Never lean the center of your body out past the side rails. No attempt should be made to
reach beyond a normal arm’s length while standing on the ladder.
15. Scaffolds and any related ropes and lines shall be in good repair and equipped with
operable safety brakes. Inspect scaffolds each time they are erected and before each use.
16. Move, if possible, or protect persons, furniture, equipment or machinery, under a
scaffold.
17. Where a scaffold or work platform is above six (6) feet high, guardrails and toe boards
must be installed on any open side or end.
18. Scaffolds shall not be moved horizontally while in use. Do not work on scaffolds or
ladders during a storm or high wind.
19. Employees working at elevations of six (6) feet or higher shall wear an approved safety
harness attached to a lifeline. The lifeline shall be attached to a structurally sound part of
the building or to securely rigged lines. Do not attach the lifeline to the scaffold or its
supports.
20. Work platforms or man-lifts that are equipped with out-riggers must be properly
positioned and secured before work begins.
Fire Prevention & Life Safety
The Facilities Department, administers the fire prevention and life safety programs in all school
facilities. The program includes inspection and testing of fire protection systems to ensure they
are operating properly, life safety inspections of school buildings to ensure compliance with
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local fire codes, investigation of fire-related incidents to identify causes and preventative
measures, and the training of employees in fire prevention techniques.
The following guidelines are provided to assist each school employees on how to protect
themselves and co-workers from fire risks.
Fire Extinguishers
A portable fire extinguisher is a "first aid" device and can be very effective in protecting lives and
property when used while the fire is small and in its early (incipient) stage. The key factor is that
the fire extinguisher must match the type of fire class and only be used by an individual who has
been trained in the proper use and limitations of the device. As an example, a pressurized-water
extinguisher is only effective for fighting a fire involving ordinary combustibles (Class A Fire)
such as paper, wood and cloth, and would not be effective against a chemical or electrical fire. It
is essential that you know the type of fire hazards in your work area and the type and locations
of fire extinguishers that are available in your work area.
Extinguishers shall be conspicuously located and readily accessible in all school buildings. The
devices shall be located along normal paths of travel and egress such as hallways, corridors and
common areas. Fire extinguishers should not be stored in locked offices or closets which would
prevent ready access to the units. If you should find a fire extinguisher that has been discharged,
tampered with, or in need of service, please contact H&S or the Facilities Department
immediately.
Although fire extinguisher training is provided to designated employees, City Schools does not
require its employees to fight fires. In the event of a fire every employee is expected to alert
other employees of the situation, immediately evacuate the building in an orderly manner, and
call 911.
Emergency Exits
Every exit shall be clearly visible, or the route to it conspicuously identified in such a manner
that building occupants will be able to readily identify the direction of egress from any point
within the building. Exit (egress) paths, including main corridors and stairwells, shall not be
obstructed in any manner that would hinder exiting from the building. At no time shall exit
doors be locked, chained or blocked in any manner that would prevent egress from the building
at any time. Stairwells are designed to be fire resistant and can act as a barrier to flames and
smoke as long as the doors are kept closed. DO NOT BLOCK OPEN doors to stairwells.
Any door way or passageway that is not an exit or access way to an exit should be clearly marked
with a sign indicating "Not an Exit" or a sign indicating the actual usage (i.e., Janitor’s Closet,
Mechanical Room, etc.). Exits and exit paths shall be clearly marked.
Emergency Plan for Persons with Disabilities
Any principal, manager, or supervisor who has an employee(s) with any disability that might
hamper or prevent the employee(s) from safely evacuating a building, is responsible for
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developing and implementing an emergency plan to provide for the care and protection of the
employee(s) in the event that an evacuation of the building is required. The plan should enlist
the input of the disabled person(s). The plan must take into consideration the building’s layout,
the individual’s work location, the type of disability, level of assistance required, and the
availability of assistance. No one is required to endanger him/herself in order to effect or assist
with the evacuation of others, but everyone has the duty to ensure that other occupants are
aware of the emergency. Similarly, it is expected that employees will aid any individual
requiring assistance to safely evacuate the premises.
Emergency Evacuation Plan
Each facility shall develop an emergency evacuation plan. This plan should be coordinated
through the designated principal/facilities manager for each building and should address, as a
minimum, the following issues:
1. Evacuation notification for building occupants. In buildings equipped with a fire alarm
system, activate the fire alarm. Buildings that are not equipped with a fire alarm system
will require some form of verbal communication to notify building occupants.
2. Identification of utilities and main cutoff systems.
3. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
4. Designated evacuation routes and pre-designated assembly areas for building occupants.
5. If the fire alarm system is to be used for emergencies other than a fire, make sure
advance notification is provided to City Schools’ Office of School Police so that they can
properly inform the local response agency of the type of emergency.
Emergency Guidelines for Fires
1. If you discover a fire:
Activate the nearest fire alarm. If there is no fire alarm system for the building,
initiate verbal notification to the building occupants.
Call 911. Give your name, the nature of the emergency and the location of the
emergency.
2. Attempt to fight the fire ONLY if:
The fire department has been properly notified, AND
The fire is small and confined to its area of origin, AND
You can attack the fire while maintaining an unobstructed route of egress, AND
You have the proper type of extinguisher that is in good working order, AND
You have been properly trained to use an extinguisher.
3. If you hear a fire alarm or evacuation notification:
Evacuate the area immediately. Close windows and shut your door as you leave.
DO NOT lock the door unless there is a special security issue.
Leave the building and move away from the exits to a pre-designated assembly
area. Do not block or interfere with emergency operations.
Report to your manager/supervisor so they can determine that all personnel have
safely evacuated and are accounted for.
Remain outside until the proper authorities (Fire Department – School Police)
have given an "ALL CLEAR" notification to return to the building.
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4. Evacuation routes:
Learn at least two escape routes and emergency exits from your area.
Never use an elevator as part of your escape route.
Learn the location of and how to activate the fire alarm in your building.
Take an active part in fire drills when they are held in your building.
Fleet Safety Program
This program is designed to reduce and/or prevent losses to school vehicles resulting from
motor vehicle accidents and to ensure the safety of staff and students who operate school or cityowned vehicles. The program establishes specific guidelines and procedures that all school
employees are required to comply with. The primary elements of the program include:
Maintenance of all motor vehicles in a proper and safe operating condition.
Ensuring that all motor vehicles meet federal, state and local regulations and operating
requirements.
Proper designation of personnel who are authorized to operate school or city-owned
vehicles.
Chemical Safety Programs
Due to the variety of operations that are performed within school facilities involving hazardous
chemicals and/or substances there is a potential for serious safety and health problems to arise,
H&S has developed and implemented several programs designed to inform employees of these
hazards and provide guidelines for the proper usage, storage and disposal.
Hazard Communication Program (Employee Right-to-Know)
Employees have the right to know about hazardous materials used in their workplace. The City
Schools’ Hazard Communication Program was developed to help employees better understand
the hazards associated with the chemicals they may work with. This program is available to all
employees and includes the following components:
Hazard determination and classification
Material safety data sheets (MSDS)
Container labeling and other forms of warning
Employee training and information
Chemical inventories
Informing contractors of the presence and location of hazardous materials
Chemical Hygiene Plan (Lab Safety Standard)
The Chemical Hygiene Plan was developed to provide safety and health information and
guidelines for personnel who may have a potential for exposure to hazardous chemicals and/or
substances while working in laboratories. This program is available to all employees who work
in laboratory operations and includes the following components:
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Assignment of responsibilities
Protective apparel and equipment
General principles for exposure minimization
Record-keeping and program documentation
Laboratory facility guidelines and operations
Warning signs and labels
Chemical procurement, distribution and storage
Medical surveillance and industrial hygiene programs
Housekeeping, inspections and maintenance guidelines
Waste management and minimization guidelines
For more information regarding the City Schools’ Hazard Communication Program and/or the
Chemical Hygiene Plan, contact your manager/supervisor or H&S.
Hazardous and Controlled Waste Management
The Hazardous Waste Management Program has been established to provide for the safe and
efficient disposal of hazardous chemicals and controlled waste materials in accordance with
strict Federal and State regulations. The collection and disposal of these waste materials is
controlled by the H&S Department.
If your work area generates any waste that exhibits the following characteristics, it shall be
treated as hazardous and shall be disposed of through the Hazardous Waste Management
Program.
Flammable - solvents such as acetone, toluene, alcohol’s, ethyl ether, etc.
Corrosive - acids or bases such as sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, potassium hydroxide, mercury,
polychlorinated biphenyls, etc.,
Reactive - unstable materials such as sodium metal, perchloric acid, methyl-dichlorosilane, etc.,
Toxic - poisons or highly toxic materials such as chloroform, phenol, nitrobenzene, etc.,
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
1. Managers/supervisors are responsible for conducting a hazard assessment of their work
areas to determine whether or not and what types of PPE is required for their employees.
2. Managers/supervisors are responsible for furnishing each employee with the appropriate
PPE as identified through the hazard assessment procedure.
3. It is the employee’s responsibility to use, maintain and clean the PPE furnished to them.
4. Eye and face protection shall be provided and worn when there is the potential for injury
from chemical splashes, flying particles or projectiles, and/or injurious radiant energy.
5. Head protection (hard hat) shall be provided and worn when there is potential for injury
from falling objects or if you work near exposed electrical conductors which could
contact the head.
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6. Hand protection shall be provided and worn when there is a potential for injury from
skin absorption of harmful substances, severe cuts or lacerations, severe abrasions,
punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns and harmful temperature extremes.
7. Foot protection (safety shoes) shall be provided and worn when there is a potential for
injury from heavy or sharp objects falling on or rolling over the foot, or from objects
piercing the sole of your shoe.
8. In accordance with OSHA’s Interpretation of Standard, dated March 8, 1991, "back belts"
as control measures to prevent back injury are not recognized, and therefore City Schools
does not endorse their use and will not provide these devices to employees.
Machinery, Equipment and Tools
1. Managers, supervisors and employees share equally in the responsibility for ensuring
that equipment and tools are safe. Employees shall immediately notify the
manager/supervisor of any defective equipment.
2. Only appropriately trained employees shall be authorized to operate tools and
machinery. The manager/supervisor is responsible for ensuring that employees are
properly trained.
3. All tools and equipment are to be kept clean and in a safe operating condition. Keep all
tools properly lubricated and make sure all cutting tools are sharp.
4. Use a tool only for the purposes for which it was designed.
5. Do not carry any tool or piece of equipment by the cord or yank the cord to disconnect it
from the receptacle.
6. Secure your work by using clamps or a vise.
7. When sawing, never reach under the material being cut.
8. Never exceed the manufacturer’s recommended speed (RPM) on any rotary equipment.
9. All rotary operating machines and all pinch points must be protected by a proper guard
or shield.
10. Electric tools shall be grounded or double-insulated in an approved manner and control
switches shall be placed at a readily accessible point.
11. Buffers, floor machines and wet-dry vacuums are to be grounded and the cords shall be
kept clear of water.
12. When using powder-activated or pneumatic-driven equipment (e.g., nail guns, RAM
SET, etc.), extreme caution shall be used. Only properly trained employees shall use this
type of equipment.
13. Air-powered (pneumatic) tools shall be secured to the hose in such a manner as to
prevent disconnection, and the manufacturer’s recommended safe operating pressure
shall not be exceeded.
14. Compressed air used for cleaning purposes shall be properly regulated to not exceed 30
psi.
15. Tractors or other equipment with power take-off shafts shall be guarded. This equipment
shall be shut off before the operator dismounts to make any repairs or adjustments.
16. Abrasive wheel and stand grinders shall be provided with safety guards which cover the
spindle ends, nut and flange projections, and are strong enough to withstand the effects
of a bursting wheel.
17. Floor and bench-mounted grinders shall be equipped with a rigid work rest adjusted to a
clearance not to exceed 1/8 inch between the rest and the wheel surface.
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18. Abrasive wheels shall be closely inspected and ring-tested before mounting to ensure
they are free from defects. Abrasive wheels should be inspected daily for cracks.
19. Before any repairs or adjustments are made to equipment or machinery, the
power/energy source shall be properly disconnected and locked and tagged out-ofservice in accordance with Hazardous Energy - Lockout/Tagout operating procedures.
Electrical Safety
1. Coffee pots, hot plates, electric irons and other special heating and high wattage
equipment shall only be used when plugged directly into a wall outlet. No extension
cords may be used for these types of appliances.
2. Extension cords are for temporary use only and must be properly sized or rated for the
tool or equipment being used, and must be removed immediately after each use.
3. Always use grounded electrical outlets and do not overload them. Never remove the
grounding post from a three-prong plug to make it fit into a two-plug outlet.
4. If additional electrical outlets are needed in a work area, only power strips equipped with
a 15-amp (minimum) circuit breaker, for overload protection, shall be used.
5. Do not use any extension cords that are frayed or have been spliced together.
6. All electrical cords and cables shall be properly secured and located as not to present a
tripping hazard.
7. Extension cords that are used outdoors and/or near water sources shall be equipped with
a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
8. Any electrical receptacle located within six (6) feet of a water source (e.g., sink, water
fountain, etc.), shall be protected by a GFCI.
9. Proper clearance (36 inches) shall be maintained in front of all electrical panels and
switch gears. Electrical rooms shall not be used for storage and should be secured at all
times.
10. Before any work or repairs is conducted on an electrical source, the power/energy source
shall be properly disconnected, discharged, and locked and tagged out-of-service in
accordance with Hazardous Energy - Lockout/Tagout operating procedures.
Welding and Cutting (Hot Work)
1. Welding and cutting are two forms of hot work that require special safety precautions.
Other forms of hot work include burning, brazing, soldering, grinding or any process that
uses an open-flame or produces sparks that can cause a fire.
2. All hot work must be conducted in a designated "hot work area" such as a welding shop,
or a hot work permit must be issued to perform the work in a "non-designated hot work
area.”
3. Before conducting any welding or cutting operations, all equipment must be inspected.
Welding leads must be completely insulated and in good condition.
4. Cutting tools must be leak-free and equipped with proper fittings, gauges, regulators,
and flashback devices. Oxygen and acetylene tanks must be secured and stored upright.
5. Select the proper personal protective equipment for the type of hot work to be
performed. Welding helmets shall provide adequate shielding and visor tint to protect
the eyes from harmful UV-light. Wear fireproof aprons and gloves.
6. Take care to protect other people who may be working in or adjacent to the hot work
area. Use a welding curtain to protect other employees from sparks or harmful UV-light.
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7. A fire extinguisher, properly rated for the type of fire hazard, shall be present or readily
accessible at all times.
Trenching, Shoring and Excavation
1. Before opening any excavation, the area shall be properly reviewed with all available
sources to determine if there are any underground utility installations that could present
a hazard and/or be damaged.
2. The walls and faces of trenches five (5) feet or more deep and all excavations, in which
employees are exposed to danger from moving ground or cave-in, shall be guarded by
either a shoring system, sloping the ground, or combination of both.
3. All open excavations shall be properly barricaded and marked with appropriate warning
signs or devices.
4. Excavated material must be shored or retained two (2) feet or more from the edge of the
excavation.
5. Trenches of four (4) feet deep or more shall have an adequate means of exit such as
ladders or steps, located so as to require no more than twenty-five (25) feet of lateral
travel.
6. Daily inspections of excavations shall be made by the job supervisor. If evidence of
possible cave-ins or slides is apparent, all work in the excavation shall cease until the
necessary precautions have been taken to safeguard the employees.
Compressed Gas Cylinder Storage and Use
1. All cylinders (full or empty) shall be stored and secured, with a chain or strap, in an
upright position at all times, except if necessary for short periods of time when the
cylinders are being hoisted or carried.
2. The valve protection cap shall be in place when cylinders are transported, moved or
stored.
3. Cylinder valves shall be closed when work is completed and when cylinders are empty or
are moved.
4. Cylinders shall be marked/tagged to indicate the cylinder usage status (e.g., FULL, IN
USE, or EMPTY).
5. Cylinders containing flammable gases shall be kept at a safe distance or shielded from
welding or cutting operations. Cylinders shall be placed where they cannot come into
contact with an electrical circuit.
6. Cylinders containing flammable materials shall be separated from oxidizers by a distance
of at least twenty (20) feet, or they must be separated by a five (5) foot high fire wall,
when stored and/or not in use.
7. Empty re-usable cylinders shall be returned to the original gas supplier. Empty cylinders
shall not be re-filled or modified for other uses.
Conclusion
The Safety Rules and Regulations in this handbook have been assembled to help City Schools’ employees
work safely. By following these safety principles, accidents can be avoided and injuries prevented.
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