ONLINE ORIENTATION
Office Orientation
What is the UNC Environmental, Health and
Safety department?
2
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) is
committed to providing a safe and healthful environment for
all persons associated with the University, including faculty,
staff, students, visitors, and members of the Chapel Hill
community.
`The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH)
Department of Environment, Health & Safety supports the
University's core mission of teaching, research, and service by
providing comprehensive environmental, health, and safety
services to the University community. This includes education
through training and consultation, maintaining a safe
environment through recognizing and controlling health and
safety hazards, ensuring a process of regulatory compliance,
and minimizing future potential liabilities. (See list of regulating entities
here.)
Here are just some of the responsibilities & services
EHS provides to our campus and community.
3

Biological Safety

Laboratory Safety

Chemical Safety

Occupational Hygiene

Emergency Response

Radiation Safety

Environmental Hygiene

Regulatory Compliance

Environmental
Management

Seasonal Influenza
Vaccinations

Environmental Permitting

Shipping Regulations

Fire Safety

Waste Management

Health and Safety
Training

Workers’ Compensation

University Employee
Occupational Health Clinic

Laboratory Inspections
UNC-CH Safety & Health Program
4
In accordance with University policy and North Carolina
General Statute Article 63, each state agency must have a
written health and safety program (UNC Workplace
Requirement).
The Environment, Health and Safety manual along with
other manuals, such as Radiation Safety, Laboratory Safety
and Biological Safety, serve as the University's written
health and safety program (UNC Workplace Requirement
Program).
These manuals provide University employees with the
necessary guidance in maintaining a safe work
environment. You can find the manuals here, or by going
to “Manuals” on the EHS web site.
UNC-CH Safety & Health Program
5
The UNC Safety & Health Program includes:
 New employee training to help with the identification of
and correction of hazards,
 Reviewing workplace incidents and develop ways to
eliminate or minimize hazards,
 Employee input through participation in UNC health and
safety committees. These committees perform workplace
inspections, review injury and illness records, make
advisory recommendations to the administration.
 UNC employees should contact EHS or any committee
member regarding safety concerns.
UNC-CH Safety & Health Program
6
The UNC health and safety committees report to the
Chancellor through the following administrative structure.
For more information about the committees, go here, or go to
the EHS website and click on “Committees.”
If you are interested in serving on one of the committees
please contact the EHS office at (919) 962-5507.
Pre-test
7
1. The UNC Environment, Health and Safety
department has the responsibility to oversee the
UNC-CH health and safety program. T/F
2. In accordance with University policy and North
Carolina General Statute Article 63, each state
agency must have a written health and safety
program (UNC Workplace Requirement Program).
T/F
Pre-test
8
3. The Environment, Health and Safety department is
responsible for administering programs on:
Office and workplace safety
laboratory safety
fire safety
emergency response
environmental hygiene
waste management
employee health
Worker’s Compensation Program and
other programs that impact employee health and
safety.
all of the above.
Pre-test
9
4. UNC has workplace safety committees that
encourage employee input and participation and
are responsible for workplace inspections,
reviewing injury and illness records and making
advisory recommendations to the
administration. T/F
What you can do about fire safety in your workplace.
10

Regularly inspect your work area for the following:

Electrical hazards

Storage in hallways

Blocked exit ways

Adequate lighting of exits

General housekeeping

Inspecting your work area can prevent a fire from
occurring and provide employees with a safe passage in
the event of a fire.

Immediately report any fire hazards or other safety
concerns to the department of Environment, Health and
Safety at (919) 962-5507.
UNC’s Fire Safety program is based on NFPA 101 Life Safety Code,
N.C. Fire Prevention Code, and OSHA 1910 Subpart E.
The University’s Emergency Action Plan
11

EHS has a general Emergency Action Plan for
the University to follow that includes what to do
in a fire emergency.

This plan includes the following:
Posting of planned evacuation routes
 Procedures to follow in the event of a fire or
emergency
 Procedures to account for employees after
evacuation
 Procedures for employees who remain to operate
critical equipment in an emergency

Getting out Safely
12

If a fire or other emergency occurs in your building,
employees must know two Means of Egress (exit).

OSHA defines Means of Egress as “A continuous and
unobstructed way of exit travel from any point in a
building or structure to a public way.”

The three main components of Means of Egress are:
 The way of Exit Access
 The Exit
 The way of Exit Discharge
Getting out Safely
13
Exit Access:
The area in which
an employee uses
as their means of
exiting to an exit.
Exit Discharge:
The exit from a
building to a
public way.
Exit:
The protected way
of travel to the exit
discharge.
Building Evacuation Procedures
14

Employees should know at least two evacuation routes for
their designated work area and in any area they frequent
often.

Employees are encouraged to evaluate the building
evacuation areas daily to ensure that there are no
obstructions.

If obstructions are found, please report it to EHS
immediately at (919) 962-5507.
Remembering RACE could save your life
15

If a fire emergency occurs in your workplace, it is vital
that you are prepared to react.

The acronym RACE provides the basic steps of the
Emergency Action Plan:
Remove or rescue individuals in immediate danger.
Activate the nearest fire pull station and call 911.
Confine the fire by closing windows, vents and doors.
Evacuate to a safe area (know the evacuation routes for
your area).
16
Emergency Coordinators and their role in
campus safety.
Emergency Coordinator(EC) have been designated for all
occupied buildings.
Each EC is responsible for assisting in the safe evacuation of
employees.
The EC completes an information document that responders can
use in an emergency. The document lists:

Evacuation monitors’ names

Employee names and phone numbers occupying building

Location of employees needing assistance

Rooms containing hazardous material

Equipment needing special attention
To obtain the name of your building’s Emergency Coordinator
contact the Fire Safety section at EHS at (919) 962-5507.
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Emergency Coordinators and their role in
campus safety.








In an emergency, each Emergency Coordinator is responsible
for the following in accordance with the University Emergency
Plan:
Sweep through assigned area to alert occupants that an
evacuation is in process.
Assist building occupants needing special assistance
Report to the University Emergency Command Sector with
emergency information card
Advise emergency personnel regarding building contents
Account for all employees by meeting building occupants at
the assembly area
Advise building occupants regarding situation and when reentry is permitted
Advise Facilities Services personnel in cleanup operations.
Fire Extinguishers in the workplace
18
Currently University buildings are equipped with Type ABC fire
extinguishers, that extinguish ordinary combustible items,
flammable liquids and electrical fires. (See below.)
University buildings are equipped with Type ABC & D fire
extinguishers, except in computer labs or mechanical rooms
which have CO2 extinguishers.
Class
Fire Type
Extinguisher Contains
Class A
Ordinary combustible products
such as paper, cloth or wood
Water
Class B
Flammable Liquids such as
petroleum base oil, solvents,
greases, and gasses
Dry chemicals such as carbon
dioxide or halogenated agents
Class C
Electrical
Dry chemicals such as carbon
dioxide or halogenated agents
Class D
Combustible Metals (ex:
magnesium sodium)
Special liquid or dry powder
agent
Operating a fire extinguisher
19
It is beneficial to know how a fire extinguisher
is used.
Remembering the acronym PASS will assist in
the proper use of a fire extinguisher.
 Pull the pin between the handles.
 Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
 Squeeze the handles together.
 Sweep the extinguisher from side to side
at the base of the fire.
To request hands-on fire extinguisher
training for your staff, call 9625507.
Fire Safety and Electrical Hazards
20
Electrical Hazards include the following:
 Defective outlets
 Broken plugs and frayed cords
 Plugs with missing ground prongs
 Missing covers on junction boxes
 Missing covers on wall receptacles
 Use of electrical “octopuses” to obtain more
outlets
 Do not use extension cords through doorways or in
place of permanent wiring.
 Make sure all electrical outlets are covered before
spraying room or floors with water based
cleaners/disinfectant.
Fire Safety Reminders
21

Everyone is responsible for keeping the work area safe from fires.

Review your evacuation routes to ensure that exits and passageways
are unobstructed.

Practice good general housekeeping.

Store flammable liquids and combustible material properly.

Eliminate all electrical hazards.

Immediately report any fire hazards or other safety concerns to the
department of Environment, Health and Safety at (919) 962-5507.

For more information about fire safety, go to
http://ehs.unc.edu/manuals/ehsmanual/index.shtml#ch4
Fire Safety Pretest
22
1. Employees should know at least two evacuation routes for their
designated work area and in any area they frequent often. T/F
2. PASS is an acronym that stands for the proper use of a fire
extinguisher.

Pull the pin between the handles.

Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.

Squeeze the handles together.

Sweep the extinguisher from side to side at the base of the
fire.

T/F
3. RACE is an acronym that stands for
Remove or rescue individuals in immediate danger.
Activate the nearest fire pull station and call 911.
Confine the fire by closing windows, vents and doors.
Evacuate to a safe area (know the evacuation routes for your
area).
T/F
Fire Safety Pretest
23
4. EHS has a general Emergency Action Plan for the
University to follow that includes what to do in a
fire emergency. T/F
5. Many buildings on campus have an Emergency
Building Coordinator that is assigned to assist the
occupants in an emergency. T/F
Workers’ Compensation Program
24
Workers' Compensation benefits are available to
any University employee who are:
 full-time
 part-time
 Temporary.
Workers’ Compensation benefits are available to
any University employee who suffers disability
through accident or illness, arising out of, and, in
the scope of, his or her employment, according to
the North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act.
Workers’ Compensation Program
25
The benefits provided to University Employees
include medical and leave.
Medical benefits:
Including all authorized medical services such as
physician visit, prescriptions, physical therapy,
rehabilitation, etc.
Leave benefits:
Provided to employees when an authorized medical
provider places an employee out work.
Medical Treatment
26
For a life-threatening injury or illness, go directly to the UNCH
Emergency Department located on Manning Drive.
If you have an injury or occupational illness go to the University
Employee Occupational Health Clinic (UEOHC) at 145 N. Medical
Drive. UEOHC hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday thru Friday,
except holidays. For after-hour or weekend injuries that do not
require immediate medical care, report to the UEOHC as soon as
the University Health Clinic is open.
For after hours or weekend needlestick/human blood or body fluid
exposures, please call UEOHC at 966-9119. The UEOHC line will
automatically forward your call to Healthlink in order to gather
the appropriate information and put you in contact with the
Family Practice physician covering the needlestick hotline.
On the Job Injury or Illness
27
If you experienced an on-the-job injury or illness,
you are to report the incident immediately to your
supervisor, no matter how minor.
You also must complete an NCIC Form 19 reporting
your injury. http://ehs.unc.edu/workplace_safety/worker_comp/docs/form19.pdf
Once the injury is reported, an incident investigation
will occur to determine the cause of the incident and
corrective action taken to prevent the incident from
reoccurring.
Please note: Failure to report an injury could result
in the denial of your claim.
Workers’ Compensation Program
28
For further information concerning University policies on
workplace injuries and illnesses, refer to the Workers'
Compensation pages on the EHS web site.
Workers’ Compensation Pre-test
29
1. Workers' Compensation benefits are available to any
University employee, including full-time, part-time or
temporary employees. T/F
2. If I experience an on-the-job injury or illness, I am to
report the incident immediately to my supervisor, no
matter how minor. T/F
3. If I am injured at work and need medical attention I
required to go to the University Employee Occupational
Health Clinic. If the injury is life threatening I should go to
the UNCH Hospital Emergency Department. T/F
Hazard Communication Background
What is OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard?
OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR
1910.1200), promulgated 1994, requires that
employees be informed of the hazards of chemical(s)
that they work with or are present in their work area.
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
(continued)
The four elements of the program include:
 Ensuring chemicals are labeled
 Maintaining departmental/work unit/laboratory
chemical inventories
 Maintaining Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
 Training of personnel by Supervisor on the
chemicals that are used or in the workplace
OSHA collaborates with United Nation
Understanding the need for
consistent classifications of
hazards chemicals, OSHA
decided to better align with the
United Nations’ Globally
Harmonized System by adopting
a common classification and
labeling of chemicals.
To view details of this
report, double click picture.
Benefits of Adopting GHS
There are several benefits for OSHA in adopting the
Globally Harmonized system. In particular, it will
provide a common and coherent approach to
classifying chemicals and communicating hazard
information on labels and safety data sheets. Thus
resulting in:
• Consistency of information provided
• Increase comprehension of hazards
• Help address literacy problems
• Facilitation of international trade of chemicals
OSHA Publishes Revised Standard
In March 2012, the revised Hazard Communication Standard
became law and included an established timeframe for
implementation. The table below outlines the effective dates,
requirements and responsible parties.
Effective Completion Date
Requirement(s)
Who
December 1, 2013
Train employees on the new label elements and SDS
format.
Employers
June 1, 2015*
Comply with all modified provisions of this final rule,
except:
December 1, 2015
Distributors may ship products labeled by
manufacturers under the old system until December 1,
2015.
Chemical
manufacturers,
importers, distributors
and employers
June 1, 2016
Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard
communication program as necessary, and provide
additional employee training for newly identified
physical or health hazards.
Employers
Transition Period
Comply with either 29 CFR 1910.1200 (this final
standard), or the current standard, or both
All chemical
manufacturers,
importers, distributors
and employers
Benefit of HazCom2012
With the University’s mission to “serve North Carolina,
the United States, and the World through teaching,
research, and public service,” the new requirements
under HazCom 2012 will enhance clarity for
University employees positioned on campus as well as
abroad.
HazCom2012 Requirements
By December 2013, all University employees are to
have received general training regarding
“definitions”, “label” and “Safety Data Sheet” for
chemicals under new HazCom 2012 standard.
Supervisors are still required to provide job specific
training to employees on the chemicals used in their
area at least once and every time a new chemical is
added. The training must cover proper use, handling,
and personal protective equipment required for the
safe handling of the hazardous chemicals.
Definitions
HazCom 2012 will use a “specification” approach
rather than a “performance-oriented” approach.
Hazards will be classified thus providing a specific
criteria for classification of health and physical
hazards, as well as classification of mixtures.
Specifically:



Appendix A defines health and physical hazards
Appendix B includes additional parameters to evaluate health
hazard data
Appendix F pertains to Carcinogens
Labels
HazCom 2012 requires
chemical manufacturers and
importers to provide a
label that includes a
harmonized product
identifier, pictogram, signal
word, and hazard
statement for each hazard
class and category.
Precautionary statements
must also be provided.
Labels - Pictograms
Pictograms are required on labels to alert users of the chemical
hazards to which they may be exposed. Each pictogram consists
of a symbol on a white background framed within a red border
and represents a distinct hazard(s), such as health, physical, and
environmental . The pictogram on the label is determined by the
chemical hazard classification. There are nine pictograms with
only the environmental pictogram being optional.
Labels – Distinct Hazards
As previously stated, “Distinct hazards” are chemicals
in which there is scientific evidence that a health,
physical, and/or environmental hazards may occur.



Health Hazard - acute or chronic health affects may occur if
exposed.
Physical Hazard - a combustible liquid, a compressed gas,
explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer,
pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive
Environmental Hazard – pose risk or danger to the
environment
Labels – Pictograms (Health)
Skull and Cross Bones will appear on the most severely toxic
chemicals. Depending on the toxicity of the chemical, the skull
and crossbones indicates that the chemical may be toxic or
fatal. Specifically it can mean:
 Acute Toxicity (fatal and toxic)
 Fatal in contact with skin
 Fatal if inhaled
 Fatal if swallowed
 Toxic if swallowed
 Toxic in contact with skin
Examples: Carbon Monoxide, Ammonia,
Acrylonitrile, Arsenic
Labels – Pictograms (Health)
Corrosive will appear on chemicals that have
corrosive properties. Depending on the properties
of the chemical(s) in the product, the corrosion
pictogram can mean:

May be corrosive to metals

Causes severe skin burns

Causes serious eye damage
Examples: Sodium Hydroxide (lye) and Sulfuric Acid
Labels – Pictograms (Health)
Exclamation Mark will appear on chemicals with less severe toxicity. This
symbol will never be used with “skull and crossbones” symbol. Depending
on the health hazard, it can mean:











Harmful if swallowed
Acute Toxicity (harmful)
Harmful in contact with skin
Skin Sensitizer
Harmful if inhaled
Respiratory Tract Irritant
Causes skin irritation
Irritant (skin and eye)
Causes serious eye irritation
May cause allergic skin reaction
Hazardous to Ozone Layer
Examples: Isopropyl Alcohol, Ethyl Alcohol, Acetone
Labels – Pictograms (Health)
Health Hazard will appear on chemicals with less severe toxicity. This
symbol will never be used with “skull and crossbones” symbol. Depending
on the health hazard, it can mean:

Carcinogen

Mutagenicity

Reproductive Toxicity

Respiratory Sensitizer

Target Organ Toxicity

Aspiration Toxicity
Examples: Carbon Monoxide, Hexanes
Labels – Pictograms (Health/Physical)
Gas Cylinder can cause fires, explosions, oxygen
deficient atmospheres, toxic gas exposures as well as the
innate physical hazard associated with cylinders under
high pressure





Gases under pressure
Compressed gases
Liquefied gases
Refrigerated liquefied gases
Dissolved gases
Examples: Butane and Propane
Labels – Pictograms (Physical)
Exploding Bomb symbol will appear on chemicals that
have explosive properties.



Unstable Explosives
Self-reactive substances and mixtures
Organic peroxides
Examples: Nitroglycerine and TNT, Gunpowder, Rocket
propellants, and Pyrotechnic mixtures (fireworks).
Labels – Pictograms (Physical)
Flame symbol will appear on chemicals that are flammable.
Depending on the properties of the chemical(s) and the
product, the flame can mean:








Extremely flammable gas
Extremely flammable aerosol
Self-Heating
Flammable aerosol
Extremely flammable liquid and vapor
Highly flammable liquid and vapor
Flammable liquid and vapor
Flammable solid
Examples: Butane, Pyrophorics, Organic Peroxides
Labels – Pictograms (Physical)
Flame over circle symbol will appear on chemicals that are:


Oxidizers
Oxidizing gases, liquids, and solids
Examples: Hydrogen Peroxide and Nitrous Oxide
Labels – Pictograms (Environment)
Environment symbol will appear on chemicals which
are acutely hazardous to fish, crustacean, or aquatic
plants. This is the only symbol that is not mandatory.

Aquatic Toxicity

Acute hazards to the aquatic environment

Chronic hazards to the aquatic environment
Label – Signal Word
A Signal Word is used to indicate
the relative level of severity of
hazard and alert the reader to a
potential hazard on the label. The
signal words used are:


"Danger" - used for the more
severe hazards
“Warning" - used for less
severe hazards.
Labels- Hazard Statement
A Hazard Statement describes the nature of the
hazard(s) of a chemical, including where appropriate
the degree of hazard.
All of the applicable hazard
statements must appear on
the label.
Labels – Precautionary Statement
A Precautionary Statement
is a statement that describes
recommended measures that
should be taken to minimize
or prevent adverse effects.
Label –
What do UNC Employees need to do?
Effective June 1 2015, all chemicals received
at the University should have the required
label. Any material transferred to another
container must also have the same label
versus just chemical/product name.
Safety Data Sheets
HazCom 2012 requires Safety Data Sheets - SDS
(formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets –
MSDS) to use a specified 16-section standardized
format.
Under the new format, employees wanting information
regarding Exposure Controls/Personal Protection will
always refer to Section 8 of the Safety Data Sheets.
Safety Data Sheets
To improve employee understanding, information
listed on the label, like Precautionary Statement, will
be same information the employee will find on the
Safety Data Sheet.
The standardize 16 sections is broken down as
follows:
Safety Data Sheet – 16 Sections
1.
2.
3.
Identification of the substance
or mixture and of the supplier
11.
12.
Hazards identification
Composition/information on
ingredients Substance/Mixture
4.
First aid measures
5.
Firefighting measures
6.
Accidental release measures
7.
Handling and storage
8.
Exposure controls/personal protection
9.
Physical and chemical properties
10.
Stability and reactivity
13.
14.
15.
16.
Toxicological
Ecological information
(non mandatory)
Disposal considerations
(non mandatory)
Transport information
(non mandatory)
Regulatory information
(non mandatory)
Other information including information
on preparation and revision of the SDS
Safety Data Sheets –
What do UNC Employees need to do?
By December 2015, distributors must provide the new
format of Safety Data Sheets. Supervisors need to
update the Safety Data Sheet notebooks and/or
computer links in their job specific area to the newly
format sheets.
Remember SDS(s) must be accessible to employees at
all times.
NC OSHA– Enforcement
By June 2016, NC OSHA will begin to enforce
compliance with HazCom 2012 by conducting site
evaluations.
Environment, Health and Safety will continue to assist
University departments with the implementation of the
specific requirements covered in this training.
Resources OSHA’s HazCom2012 Web Page
OSHA has
developed an
extensive web
page to provide
additional
resources for
employees at
http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html
Resources Guidance & Outreach
Supervisors can find printable
guidance material that can be utilized
when training employees.
• Guidance
»
»
»
OSHA Briefs
Fact Sheet
Quick Cards
Asbestos on Campus






As an employee of UNC, EHS is informing you of the presence of asbestoscontaining materials in residence halls and campus buildings. Provided the materials
are in good condition, they pose no health risk to the building occupants.
http://www.ehs.unc.edu/ih/asbestos.shtml
UNC has an Asbestos Control Policy and Program to manage asbestos on UNC's
campus.
Materials containing asbestos may include flooring, ceilings, walls, thermal system
insulation on tanks, pipes and other miscellaneous materials.
UNC maintains asbestos-containing materials so they do not release asbestos fibers
into the air. When asbestos containing materials become damaged, isolation, repair
and/or removal are implemented immediately.
The University has a staff of accredited professionals that conduct building
inspections, coordinate and supervise asbestos related construction activities,
perform air monitoring and provide employee training.
If you have any questions concerning asbestos in a specific building on campus,
please feel free to contact EHS at 919-962-5507 to make an appointment to
review the building inspection reports.
Common causes of accidents in an office
62
Understanding potential hazards that may be
created in the office environment is essential in
preventing accidents and injuries. Some of the
well-known causes of incidents in the office are:






Floors
Walkways
Electricity
Files
Storage
Equipment and Machines
Safe Surfaces - Floors
63

Carpets can be trip hazards.
If the carpet starts to wear,
tear or come loose, have it
repaired or removed.

Clean up spills as soon as
possible and notify Facilities
Services about any water
leaks. Wet carpets are an
ideal place to grow mold.
Safe Surfaces - Floors
64

Walk with caution over wet floors and when
you have wet shoes. On rainy or snowy
days, take a few extra minutes to wipe off
your shoe soles as soon as you enter any
building on campus.

Be aware of distractions. For instance,
running or walking while reading can make
accidents more likely. Whether you are
walking across campus or around your
office, always be aware of your
surroundings.
Safe Walkways
65

Keep trashcans, briefcases and
other items out of walk spaces.

Clearly mark any difference in floor
level that could cause an accident.
Brightly colored tape is a great
warning of a "sudden step ahead."

Ensure that glass doors have some
type of marking to keep people
from walking through them.
Safe Walkways
66

Electrical cords can be a trip hazard. Keep cords
secured away from feet, walk spaces, drawers and
sharp edges.

Do not tape cords down or run them underneath
carpet. This can cause overheating of the wire
insulation and cord damage that cannot be seen until
it starts a fire. If you cannot move a cord, have a new
outlet installed. In the meantime, secure the cord to
the floor with cord covering strips.
Safe Use of Electricity
67

Electrical equipment should be
plugged directly into the wall
outlet. Do not use extension
cords for permanent appliances
and do not use power strips at
all. (Exception: Approved power
strips for computer equipment.)

Keep ignitable materials away
from outlets.
Office and Filing Safety
68

Organize file cabinets to have
frequently accessed files at waist or
chest level.

Place infrequently used or heavy
file loads in the bottom levels and
lighter loads in the top drawers.

Do not store files on top of
cabinets.

Open one drawer at a time. Opening
two drawers at once can cause the
entire cabinet to fall on you!

Do not put heavy items in the top
drawer with nothing in the bottom.
This can also cause the cabinet to
tip.
Storage Safety
69

Use the proper equipment to
reach high items. Step stools
and ladders are small
inexpensive ways to make the
job easier and safer.

Do not store heavy objects
above the head.

Never stand on revolving
chairs or chairs with castors!
Storage Safety
70

Do not stack items so high
that they block smoke
detectors and sprinklers.

Allow for at least 18"
clearance as required by NFPA
to allow proper sprinkler
discharge in case of a fire.
Safe Use of Equipment and Machines
71

Put equipment away properly when you are
finished with it.

The first time you use a new piece of
equipment, read the instructions and ask for
instruction from someone who has used it
before.

Store sharp items such as pens and scissors
pointing downward when not in use. Always
carry scissors pointing downwards.

Be alert to "Household Use Only" precautions
on appliances. Check the UL label to see if the
appliance is approved for use in the
workplace.
General Safety Principles
72

Avoid picking up broken glass with
your bare hands. Wear gloves and
use a broom and a dustpan.

Always use handrails on the stairs.

Do not lean too far back in your
chair. Do not use desk chairs with
fewer than 5 castors. They tip over
much more easily than 5-point
castor chairs.
General Safety Principles
73

Do not attempt to stop an elevator door with your
hands. Take the next elevator and avoid a hand
crush hazard.

Have broken equipment fixed or thrown away. If
you leave the equipment laying around, someone
may pick it up and try to use it.
Minimizing Workplace Hazards Pre-test
74
1. Trip hazards can be caused by (check all that
apply):
 Wet floors
 Electrical Cords
 Items not properly stored
 Steps not clearly marked
2. Extension should not be used for permanent
appliances. T/F
3. Heavy file loads should be placed in he bottom
levels and lighter loads in the top drawers. T/F
Minimizing Workplace Hazards Pre-test
75
4. Check the items below that are most recommended for
workplace safety.
A.
B.
Use the proper equipment to reach high items. Step stools and
ladders are small inexpensive ways to make the job easier and
safer.
Do not store heavy objects above the head.
C.
Never stand on revolving chairs or chairs with casters!
D.
Do not stack items so high that they block smoke detector and
sprinklers.
E.
Store sharp items such as pens and scissors pointing
downward when not in use. Always carry scissors pointing
downwards.
F.
Do not attempt to stop an elevator door with your hands. Take
the next elevator and avoid a hand crush hazard.
Ergonomics
76
The goal of ergonomics is to find ways to arrange the
workstation, work tools and work practices to minimize
potential for musculoskeletal disorders.
Ergonomics is concerned with eliminating or minimizing
the following “Ergonomic Stressors” found in routine
tasks:
 Force – High force tasks involve heavy exertion for
the muscles involved.
 Repetition – Performing the same movements over
and over with little change in motions or muscles
used.
 Extreme/Awkward/Static Postures – Prolonged or
repeated time spent holding joints in an awkward or
fixed position.
Safe Lifting
77
 Lifting incorrectly can
increase your risk of
developing a back
injury.
 If it looks heavy and
awkward, it probably
is. Ask someone to help
you or use a
mechanical lift.
 Think about the
distance and height to
the destination before
lifting.

Do not carry more than
30 pounds by yourself.

Get help for objects with
a width 18 inches or
greater.

If possible, break the load
down and make several
trips with more
manageable loads.

Go to
http://ehs.unc.edu/workplace_s
afety/ergonomics/stu.shtml for
an online ergonomics assessment
tool.
Ergonomics Pre-test
78
1.
Ergonomics is concerned eliminating or
minimizing which of the following:
•
Force – High force tasks involve heavy exertion for
the muscles involved.
Repetition – Performing the same movements over
and over with little change in motions or muscles
used.
Extreme/Awkward/Static Postures – Prolonged or
repeated time spent holding joints in an awkward
or fixed position.
•
•
Ergonomics Pre-test
79
2. Which of the following are recommended
ergonomic procedures. (Check all that apply.)
 Lifting incorrectly can increase your risk of
developing a back injury.
 Do not carry more than 30 pounds.
 Get help with objects that are 18 inches wide
or greater.
 If possible, break the load down and make
several trips.
For more ergonomic information
80
Additional ergonomic reference web sites:
UNC EHS Homepage
UNC Ergonomics
UCLA Ergonomics
Typing Injuries Frequently Asked Questions: Answered
Ergoweb
Yale Ergonomics
US Army Ergonomics Program
OSHA's Ergonomics Section
Office Ergonomics Training
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Regulating bodies of UNC Workplace Health
and Safety
81

Occupational Safety and
Health Act (OSHA)

Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA)

NC DENR NC Department
of Environment and
Natural Resources

Joint Commission on
Accreditation of
Healthcare Organization
(JCAHO)

NC Radiation Protection
Section (NCRPS)

Office of State Personnel
(OSP)

NC Fire Prevention Codes

NFPA 101 Life Safety
Codes
Completion and Post-Test
82
You have completed the New Employee
Office Orientation.
In order to receive credit for this training, you
must complete the post test.
If you have any questions regarding this
training or any safety and health issue,
please contact EHS at (919) 962-5507.