Green River District Health Department
Employee Safety and Health Manual
These Emergency Action and Fire Prevention Plans are prepared in compliance with Code of Federal
Regulation, Title 29, Part 1910.38, which covers those designated actions employers and employees must take to ensure employee safety during fires and other emergencies and steps to take for the prevention of fires within the facility.
These Plans shall be maintained at each agency facility and be made available for review by employees.

Emergency escape routes will be conspicuously posted and emergency exits clearly marked.

In the event of an emergency requiring the evacuation of the premises or notification of the emergency, instructions will be given via the phone paging system by nursing supervisor, director, or staff.

Procedures to account for all employees after emergency evacuation have been completed:
1.
In the event of an evacuation, all employees will assemble as soon as practical in the designated area for your location .
2.
When all employees have congregated at the meeting place, there will be an accounting of employees, to ensure everyone has been evacuated.

Preferred means of reporting fires and other emergencies:
1.
Employees will be alerted to a fire by the activation of a Fire Alarm located in the facility.
2.
In addition, 9-1-1 will be called to notify the Fire Department.
3.
Any additional emergency numbers will be posted in the OSHA sign-in and sign-out log located at each facility.

The employer shall advise each employee of his or her responsibility under the plan:
1.
Initially, when the plan is developed;
2.
Whenever the employee’s responsibilities or designated actions under the plan change; and
3.
Whenever the plan is changed.
4.
The employer shall review with each employee upon initial employment those parts of the plan which the employee must know to protect himself or herself in the event of an emergency, including alarm systems.
Effective June 2000
Revised August 2011
400
400

Green River District Health Department
Employee Safety and Health Manual

All employees shall be familiar with fire evacuation procedures.

A floor plan identifying escape routes and locations of fire extinguishers will be placed conspicuously in each agency facility.

Local center staff will discuss fire evacuation procedures as frequently as necessary.
If you discover a fire:

Stay calm and above all do not jeopardize your personal safety.

Activate the nearest fire alarm and alert employees in the immediate area about the fire.

Call the fire department at 9-1-1 if applicable.

Remove anyone in immediate danger.

Confine the fire by closing windows and doors, as much as possible.

Very small fires (incipient stage) can be put out with a fire extinguisher.

If the fire cannot be immediately contained, evacuate the facility. Consider the possibility of toxic fumes or explosions from burning materials and especially from compressed gas.

Stay low when moving through smoke.

When passing through an exit, move quickly away from the exit to avoid creating a bottleneck that slows the escape of others.

If you are trapped inside a room, keep the doors closed and seal any cracks with wet towels, if possible.
1.
Open a window for air and call for help. Do not break the glass unless absolutely necessary (outside smoke could be drawn into the room)
2.
Do not panic or jump.
3.
Close as many doors between you and the fire as possible.

Do not reenter the building after you have exited, but proceed directly to the designated assembly area.
1.
Follow the directions of the supervisors present and the emergency personnel at the scene.
2.
If someone is missing, do not attempt to reenter the building. Notify the firefighters or emergency personnel at the scene, and describe where the person was last seen.
Effective June 2000
Revised August 2011
401
401

Green River District Health Department
Employee Safety and Health Manual
Tornadoes occur more frequently in the spring and early summer months, although they can occur at any time.
Supervisors should pay close attention to weather reports during tornado “season” and be prepared to implement appropriate emergency procedures when notified by local authorities or the sounding of tornado sirens.
If you are inside:
1.
Proceed to lowest level of building and locate an inner hallway or room away from glass or doorways.
2.
If there is no time, crouch under a desk or table, away from windows or glass dividers.
3.
Stay away from tall objects, such as file cabinets.
If you are outside:
4.
Seek cover in low lying depressions away from buildings, trees, telephones and electric lines.
Although earthquakes do not often occur in many parts of the United States, they can occur anywhere.
Employees should know the appropriate actions to take.
1.
Earthquakes strike without warning and may range in intensity from slight tremors to major shocks. They may last only a few seconds or several minutes. After a major earthquake, “aftershocks,” generally less violent, should be anticipated. The great majority of injuries experienced in earthquakes are the result of people being hit by falling objects. Therefore, it is extremely dangerous to rush outside immediately, where considerable falling debris may be encountered.
If you are inside:
2.
Stand in a doorway, or crouch under a desk or table, away from windows or glass dividers.
3.
Stay away from tall objects, such as file cabinets.
If you are outside:
4.
Stand away from buildings, trees, telephones and electric lines
Any employee upon receiving information regarding a bomb threat should follow these steps:
1.
Remain calm
2.
Obtain as much information as possible
3.
Do not hang up on the caller
4.
Alert a fellow employee to use another phone to call 911
5.
Note if caller is a male or female
6.
Does the caller speak with an accent or speech impediment
7.
Is there any background noise
8.
If possible ask questions like:
What time is it set for?
Where is it?
What does it look like?
Who are you?
Evacuate the building using the means of egress plan.
Effective June 2000
Revised August 2011
402
402

Green River District Health Department
Employee Safety and Health Manual
VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE
The Green River District Health Department has taken the stance that “Violence of any kind is unacceptable. All abusive behavior and acts of aggression will be reported, in good faith without fear of retaliation.” The goal of the
Green River District Health Department is zero acts of violence.
Examples of materials that may be used as a weapon are:
- Any device from which a projectile may be fired by an explosive
- Any simulated firearm operated by gas or compressed air
- Sling shots
- Sand clubs
- Metal knuckles
- Any spring blade knife
- Any knife that opens or is ejected open by an outward, downward thrust or movement
- Any instrument which can be used as a club and poses a reasonable risk of injury
Protecting employees from threats and assaults from coworkers and clients is part of the Green River District Health
Department’s obligation to provide a safe workplace under the general duty clause of the Occupational Safety and
Health Act.
TYPES OF VIOLENCE
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists homicide as the number two cause of death in the workplace, and the number one cause of workplace death for women. Recent studies suggest that one out of four employees were attacked, threatened or harassed at their workplace last year. Workplace violence is more commonly thought of as homicide, but it also takes other forms such as: hitting, shoving, pushing, kicking, sexual assaults, and verbal threats which include harassment, abuse and intimidation.
SOURCES OF VIOLENCE
INTERNAL - Violence that comes from within the organization and is perpetrated by current or former employees.
EXTERNAL - Violence perpetrated by clients, vandals, spouses of employees, etc. Angry clients may resort to violence when they aren’t satisfied with the service they are given, they have to wait longer than they expected, mistakes are made and promises aren’t kept. Abusive spouses may follow the employee to work and violence results.
RECOGNIZING POTENTIAL VOLATILE SITUATIONS
Perpetrators of workplace violence often leave a series of clues. A threat is the clearest indication that violence will follow. The signs to look for are not subtle. The most common signs are specific, repeated threats such as a direct threat, “Someone is going to have a serious accident on the way home.” Veiled threats such as, “This place would shut down for days if there were a fire” and conditional threats “If I’m fired, there will be trouble.”
There are other signs that usually accompany a threat. A potentially violent person
- Is unusually argumentative -Doesn’t cooperate well with others
-
-
-
-
Has problems with authority figures
Is depressed
Has a history of violence
Handgun is weapon of choice
-Frequently blames others for their problems
-Abuses alcohol and drugs
-Acts alone
- Has a psychological diagnosis
A potentially violent person may not exhibit all these signs. Similarly it is important not to make hasty judgments about someone. For example, a co-worker who is having a bad day may appear frustrated, but that does not mean she will return the next day and become violent. Use your common sense .
A key characteristic of a potentially violent person is an unnatural intensity of feeling. Anger does not diminish over time. Something that happened a year ago is still fresh. The person has a strong sense of right and wrong, and is convinced that they are “in the right.” Be careful of people who see conspiracies everywhere, making such statements as “Everyone in the company is out to get me.” This is the biggest warning sign of impending violence.
Vandalism and theft are also often precursors to violence.
Effective June 2000
Revised August 2011
403
403

Green River District Health Department
Employee Safety and Health Manual
RESPONDING TO VERBAL OUTBURSTS/CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Conflicts and problems can be discussed and diffused before harassing or abusive behavior develops. It is important to solve conflicts so that problems don’t escalate into violent behavior.
PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS
Report all threats and/or behavior that you believe could lead to a violent response. If a situation has gone beyond reporting and your well being is threatened:
- Try talking the person into calming down
- Empathize - this allows you to identify with the feeling and thoughts of others.
If you can relate to their problem, it will help you find a solution
- Sympathize - this allows you to feel sorry for the other person
- Ask what you can do to help
- Restate what it is the other is upset about, this helps to identify the problem
- Focus on the behavior not the person
- Call for help when necessary
- Try to control your emotions
- Ignore sarcastic remarks and don’t respond to an argument
- Explain things you can do to help
There are several ways to solve conflicts - compromise, collaboration and avoidance.

Compromise on an issue when both parties have competing goals, each person gives up something to meet halfway.
 Collaborating on an issue will help you resolve conflicts, each person’s position is clear, but an alternate solution is achieved.

Avoid responding to the conflict if the issue is trivial, someone else could more effectively resolve the problem or both of you need time to cool off.
When an emotionally upset or antagonistic acting individual is intent on making their problems yours, you have several self-protecting responses:
 Don’t deny the allegations or the other’s account of your shortcoming
 Don’t get defensive and think you have to spell out and prove your goodness and the badness of what was spewed your way
 Don’t counterattack by aggressively bad mouthing your attacker
 Don’t over explain or make any effort to convince the individual of something he or she doesn’t want to be convinced of
 Don’t apologize for something that may not have been your fault or responsibility
 Don’t justify yourself and your existence in a humble, atoning way

Say nothing, or use selective silence. Selective silence is an effective tool to avoid getting caught up in an argument.

Remove yourself from the presence of the individual
Trying to use any of these responses may prove frustrating to you. Try to remember others have a right to be wrong, as much as we may not like it.
HANDLING A CRISIS
If you are faced with a client or employee with a gun do not resist. If they want material things give it to them. Call
911 immediately. Carefully and accurately describe the act and the attacker. Don’t change anything at the scene, don’t clean up, reset furniture or touch any object handled by the attacker. In case of a sexual assault do not wash yourself or change clothes until a doctor has completed an exam. If it is not an attack that warrants a call to the police, immediately report the incident to your supervisor.
Effective June 2000
Revised August 2011
404
404

Green River District Health Department
Employee Safety and Health Manual
REPORTING WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
It is crucial that you report any violence, verbal or physical to your supervisor. Don’t ignore it. If the perpetrator commits the violence he or she threatens, the consequences can be devastating; personal guilt if someone is killed or harmed or property is lost. The supervisor will contact the Crisis Response Team immediately. The Crisis
Response Team members are listed below. Thoroughly report the actual behavior or threats made. Just give the facts - where it happened, what was said, who witnessed it and any precipitating factors. The Crisis Response Team will meet and review the incident. Follow up will be determined then.
PREVENTION
Know the warning signs. Report any violent or potentially violent behavior. Learn to deal effectively with stress and conflict.
SUMMARY
Although workplace violence is on the increase you can decrease the odds that you will be a victim.
Keep in mind that verbal threats are as much a form of violence as physical attacks. Don’t ignore angry outbursts. Identify a potential problem by using cues t o pick up on another’s behavior. Physical cues such as facial expressions and body language may be exhibited. Verbal cues may be identified by the language used and what is actually said. Situational cues are what are actually happening at the moment.
CRISIS RESPONSE TEAM MEMBERS
Supervisor or chain of command:
HR Director
Director of the Health Department
852-5587
852-5592
Effective June 2000
Revised August 2011
405
405

Green River District Health Department
Employee Safety and Health Manual
Facility notification and announcement procedures
Each facility is equipped with a public announcement or intercom system. These system should utilized for notify building occupants of occurring emergencies with clear and concise announcement.
Announcements should be made in plain language without any technical jargon or code words.
The use of plain speak/text allows for flexibility to responding to a variety of situations. Instructions and announcements should be consistent with emergency procedure outlined in the other sections of this emergency action plan. When announcing drills, the message should begin with and end with the statement “This is a drill.”
Examples of announcements:
Evacuation (sample) – used for emergencies such as fire, bomb threat or hazardous material spill.
May I have your attention please?
May I have your attention please?
This is an emergency. It is not a drill.
Please evacuate the building now.
This is an emergency.
Begin evacuation now.
Use stairways; do NOT use the elevators.
Exit the building and proceed to the designated assembly meeting area(s).
(Repeat at least once.)
Announcement at the END of the Evacuation (Sample)
May I have your attention please? May I have your attention please?
The emergency is over.
The emergency is over.
Please return to your workstation.
(OR: You are released to go home.)
Please return to your workstation.
(OR: You are released to go home.)
(Repeat)
Evacuation of a hazardous substance or suspicious package announcement (Sample)
May I have your attention please?
May I have your attention please?
This is an emergency announcement. It is not a drill.
Please stop what you are doing and listen.
We have found a suspicious package on the _____ floor.
Occupants of the _____ floor please walk to the ___________ (floor or relocation site).
Use stairways; do NOT use the elevators.
Wait at the relocation site for further instructions.
(Repeat this message at least once)
406
Effective June 2000
Revised August 2011
406

Green River District Health Department
Employee Safety and Health Manual
Message at the END Of The Suspicious Package/Substance Emergency (Sample)
May I have your attention please? May I have your attention please?
The emergency is over.
The emergency is over.
Please return to your workstation.
(OR: You are released to go home.)
Please return to your workstation.
(OR: You are released to go home.)
(Repeat)
Shelter-In-Place and Tornado Warning Announcement (Sample) – may be used for threatening situation outside the building or an external hazardous materials release. In cases of tornado warnings instruct occupants to go to designated safe areas
May I have your attention please?
May I have your attention please?
This is an emergency announcement. It is not a drill.
Please stop what you are doing and listen.
We are going into Shelter-in-Place mode.
Remain at your workstation for further instructions.
OR
Move calmly and quickly to your assigned shelter-in-place location.
Close office windows and doors as you leave your offices. Turn off individual fans, heat, and air conditioning units. (for biological and chemical spills)
(Repeat at least once.)
Announcement at The end of the Shelter-In-Place Emergency (Sample)
May I have your attention please?
May I have your attention please?
The emergency is over.
The emergency is over.
Please return to your workstation.
(OR: You are released to go home.)
Please return to your workstation.
(OR: You are released to go home.)
(Repeat)
Effective June 2000
Revised August 2011
407
407

Green River District Health Department
Employee Safety and Health Manual
GRDHD is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace. An “intentional accident” can produce a type of threat to the employees by affecting the community we work and live in. Examples of such threats are varied in nature. The acronym of “BNICE” is used to remember the forms these threats may take:

Biological - examples experienced in the 21 st century is anthrax, smallpox

Nuclear – detonation versus contamination

Incendiary – fire, arson

Chemical – nerve agents, blister agents, blood agents, choking agents, incapacitating agents

Explosive – bombs
In the event of an intentional accident, the safety of the clients and staff are most important. An awareness of this potential risk is the first step towards everyone’s safety. The next step is the development and implementation of a community wide plan. The GRDHD participates with the area’s emergency management services in implementation of this plan. For additional information please call 270-686-7747 and ask for the preparedness planners or epidemiologist.
Steps to keep in mind in the event of any threat of intentional accident
1.
Keep the agent(s) away from the people
2.
If people are exposed, remove the agents as soon as possible
3.
Seek medical help, if exposed
4.
Do not panic!
The Green River District Health Department has implemented the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as a means to respond to an event that results in the potential for violence against the public. Each employee receives training in the NIMS and is strongly encouraged to participate in a variety of exercises at their worksite to increase their knowledge and awareness of the system.
Effective June 2000
Revised August 2011
408
408

Green River District Health Department
Employee Safety and Health Manual
National Incident Management System
“Cheat Sheet”
Recorder
*document problems identified
*document decisions made
*maintain attendance logs
*maintain a status board(s)
*use flip charts & colored markers
**status board lets everyone know where we are in the situation at a glance-usually posted around the command center**
Safety and Security Officer
*establish security command post
*secure operations area
*be alert for potentially hazardous
situations that may cause harm to
public or staff
*provide traffic control
Incident Commander
*1 st to arrive
*begin organizing & assessing situation
*set up area for emergency operation center (EOC)
*appoint section Chiefs: Logistics
Planning
action plan
Finance
Operations
*appoint: Recorder
Liaison Officer
Public Information Officer
*quickly pull these groups together to develop an
*authorize resources needed by section Chiefs
Liaison Officer
*coordinate health department activity
with other emergency responders
*inform governmental officials of
status of the situation
*assist in the credentialing process
of volunteers
*open communication link for all
participating agencies
Public Information Officer
*establish a media area – explain
restricted areas to media
*speak as “ONE VOICE”
under unified command
for all
*obtain progress reports from
section Chiefs
*Direct volunteer calls to the labor pool
**all media releases require IC’s
approval**
Logistics Chief
*maintenance of physical area
*safety of all workers, volunteers and public in area being used for the situation
*works closely with IC, Finance, Communications and Liaison Officers/Leaders
*assigns: Damage Assessment/Facility Unit Leader–checking for unsafe areas & security needs,
prepares for the possibility of evacuation/relocate
Technology Unit Leader – coordinate communication and computers
Transportation Unit Leader – assess needs for personnel and materials,
direct parking, assist in security
Nutritional Supply Unit Leader – estimate staff meal and H2O needs & procure,
handwrite WIC vouchers,
distribute H2O and formula to the public
Planning Chief
*assesses for projected needs during situation
*develops staffing plan (immediate, intermediate and extended timeframes)
*Direct link for staff’s concerns
*assigns: Labor Pool Unit Leader – assign personnel, assist with credentialing and
assignment of volunteer staff, translators
Patient Tracking Recorder – obtain patient census, maintain logs of location
and times of patients cared for/disposition
Effective June 2000
Revised August 2011
409
409

Green River District Health Department
Employee Safety and Health Manual
Operations Chief
*establish a financial section operations center
*approve
*establish operations center
“cost-to-date” incident reports
*all patient (and staff) care fall into this area of responsibility
*summarize financial data to include personnel, supplies and misc. expenses
*relate estimated data to IC and appropriate officers/leaders
establishes routine and emergency care orders,
*assigns: Time Unit Leader – document personnel hours worked: utilize Disaster
Environmental Unit Leader – issue guidance for food and H2O safety,
Materials Supply & Procurement Unit Leader – keeps track of all supplies & costs associated to the emergency,
conduct inspections as necessary, work with
Ag Dept. for dead animal disposal
Claims Unit Leader – receive and document alleged claims issued by staff, volunteers and public,
Communicable Disease/Immun. Unit Leader –assist in surveillance,
develop educational mat’l for media release,
Cost Unit Leader – assists in tracking costs in all areas of incident
**
Clinical Assessment & surveillance Unit Leader –gather information on scope of incident,
determine quarantine and containment strategies,
assess pt. care needs
ARNP Unit Leader – provide immediate care, stabilization, triage, direct care
Operations Chief
*establish operations center
*all patient (and staff) care fall into this area of responsibility
*assigns: Medical Director – Physician to direct care rendered, signs orders,
establishes routine and emergency care orders,
works collaboratively with Fankfort and local Medical
Environmental Unit Leader – issue guidance for food and H2O safety,
conduct inspections as necessary, work with
Ag Dept. for dead animal disposal
Communicable Disease/Immun. Unit Leader –assist in surveillance,
develop educational mat’l for media release,
maintain vaccine supply, inventory
Clinical Assessment & surveillance Unit Leader –gather information on scope of incident,
determine quarantine and containment strategies,
assess pt. care needs
ARNP Unit Leader – provide immediate care, stabilization, triage, direct care
Human Services Supervisor
*assist in overall operations of incident/emergency
*assist in updating overall action plan, establish Dependent Care area
*assigns: Psychology/Staff Support Unit Leader –sets up staff break areas, works with Labor Pool U.L.
for staffing, works with resources for staff comfort,
concerns and “family care” issues
Employee Dependent Care Unit Leader – work with volunteers to care for family left in care area,
monitor for safety and nutritional/medical needs,
implement ID system, make routine contact with staff
Home Visitor Unit Leader –determine patients in alternative locations need for care,
assign staff for “HOME” clientele, triage,
collaborate with Transportation U.L. for assistance.
School Health Unit Leader – receive status report on students and school personnel/school
building, triage, procure resources
Bioterrorism Supervisor
*assist in surveillance
*collaborate with F’fort PH, Medical Director, IC and Liaison Officer
*brief PIO for appropriate media releases
*assigns: BT Laboratory Unit Leader –assist in set up ER lab operations, suspends routine lab testing,
procures supplies & inventory
BT Pharmacy Unit Leader –inventory of pharmaceuticals, distributions of Inventory,
collaborate with Finance & Medical
BT Morgue Unit Leader –secure location for morgue, safety, casualty status
Effective June 2000
Revised August 2011
410
410

Green River District Health Department
Employee Safety and Health Manual
PREPARE YOUR OFFICE:
BATTERY OPERATED RADIO
FLASHLIGHT
WORK GLOVES
NECESSARY PRECRIPTION MEDICATION
CANDLES AND MATCHES
PILLOW, BLANKET
WATER
PREPARE YOUR HOME:
CHLORINE BLEACH
POST IT NOTES
CHANGE OF CLOTHES INCLUDING JOGGING
PANTS, SWEATSHIRT, TEE SHIRT,
COMFORTABLE SOCKS AND SHOES
HYGIENE PRODUCTS
KNOW HOW TO SHUT OFF THE NATURAL
GAS, WATER AND ELECTRICITY AND
NECESSARY TOOLS
WATER SUPPLY FOR EACH PERSON
FOR 72 HOURS
CHLORINE BLEACH
LARGE TRASH CAN TO HOLD STORED
NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS SUCH AS
DRIED FRUIT, MEAT, CRACKERS, PEANUT
BUTTER, TUNA, CEREAL, CANNED BEANS,
CAN OPENER/SHARP KNIFE
DISPOSABLE EATING UTENSILS
PAPER PRODUCTS
ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP OR DIAPER WIPES
PLASTIC DISH PAN
LARGE ROLL OF CLEAR PLASTIC
CORDLESS PHONE WILL NOT WORK IN
POWER OUTAGE
CARRY IN YOUR CAR:
COMFORTABLE SHOES AND SOCKS
FOR WALKING
FLASHLIGHT (EXTRA BATTERIES)
TRASH BAGS-LARGE WHITE FOR
VISIBILITY AND HEAVY DUTY FOR WARMTH
HEAVY DUTY WORK GLOVES
POST IT NOTES TO LEAVE MESSAGES
CARRY IN YOUR CAR FOR WINTER:
BLANKET
BOTTLES OF WATER
BOOTS
LARGE CONTAINER AND LID
TWO (2) PILLAR CANDLES (NOT TAPERS)
SHOVEL
Effective June 2000
Revised August 2011
411
411
MEDICINE/FIRST AID KIT/NECESSARY
PRESCRIPTIONS
BATTERY OPERATED RADIO
KEROSENE LANTERN
FLASH LIGHTS AND BATTERIES
TRASH BAGS
BLANKETS
APPROPRIATE CLOTHES
CARDS, GAMES, READING MATERIALS
POST IT NOTES
AX OR HATCHETT
FULL TANK OF GAS IN ALL VEHICLES
CASH MONEY
HAMMER OR SMALL HATCHETT
JUMPER CABLES
FLAT FIX CAN
PAPER TOWELS
JOGGING PANTS
ICE SCRAPER (CAN OF DEICER)
CAT LITTER
TOLIET PAPER
MATCHES OR LIGHTER

Green River District Health Department
Employee Safety and Health Manual
RIGHT TO KNOW OR HAZARDOUS COMMUNICATIONS
Everyday more than a million people handle hazardous chemicals in their workplace. Annually one in 20 of us will suffer an exposure that causes temporary symptoms, permanent injury or debilitating illness or death. To protect those people, OSHA enacted the Hazardous Communications Act of 1993.
This act provides workers with the right to know about the hazardous chemicals they are working with, what the symptoms of exposure are and how to protect themselves and their co-workers. This is the most frequently cited of all OSHA noncompliance violations.
In general companies are required to:

Keep accurate records - Up-to-date MSDS, Chemicals lists

Provide MSDS sheets

Train employees

Provide appropriate engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective controls
The employee is required to:

Know what the hazards are. If you have any questions or concerns, ask before you put yourself at risk.

Know how to protect yourself, use the appropriate supplied controls

Use the chemical appropriately
 Think and act safely. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Chemicals are considered hazardous if they pose either a physical or health hazard to workers exposed to them.
PHYSICAL HAZARDS

Fire or combustibility

Explosion or a sudden release of pressure (O2 gas tank or an aerosol can if punctured)

Reactivity- After contact with water, air or other chemicals the chemical can: o burn o explode o release dangerous gases
HEALTH HAZARDS
All illnesses or other health problems that could develop as a result of exposure to a hazardous chemical. May be minor (headache) or major (cancer), acute (trouble breathing) or chronic (cancer).
TYPICAL HAZARDS

Corrosive - burns eyes or skin

Explosive - violent expansion of gas

Flammable -catches fire easily

Reactive -can burn, explode or release toxic vapor if exposed to water, air, heat or other chemicals

Toxic - causes illness or death, either acute or chronic
HOW CHEMICALS ENTER YOUR BODY

Absorption or contact with an opening in your skin, eye contact, and mucosa contact by either splashing, splattering, spilling, through an opening in your skin, etc

Swallowing or ingestion

Breathing or inhaling

Injection
Effective June 2000
Revised August 2011
412
412

Green River District Health Department
Employee Safety and Health Manual
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS LISTS OR MSDS (This is a red notebook in your facility)
This list shows every product in use by the GRDHD that OSHA considers to be hazardous. The list may be divided into three working categories:
Office
Medical
Maintenance
The products are listed by trade name along with the corresponding number in the red hazardous communications manual. Additionally, hazardous chemical lists are posted in each of the appropriate work site areas. Traveling personnel may call the local health center for the appropriate information as needed.
MSDS
Are received and supplied per the chemical manufacturer. For the safety of the GRDHD employees each MSDS also has an accompanying short form that is to be used solely in the event of an emergency. The essential parts of this informative sheet are as follows:

Supplier info (who made this)

Hazardous ingredients (what is this)

Physical/Chemical characteristics (what will change this into terminator chemical)

Fire/Explosive (when will this burn or explode)

Reactivity (reaction if this stuff gets mixed with water, air) (how is the fire contained)

Health hazards (what will this do to me) and (how do I fix it First Aid)

Precautions for safe handling (how to handle, store and dispose of this)

Control measure (what do I wear with this stuff)
LABELS
Original labels must remain on original container. A label tells you:

Identity of product (Trade name or common name) and Chemical name

Name and address of company that manufactures it

Physical hazards (Flammable, Combustible, Explosive, Reactivity)

Health hazards (Possible health hazards from over-exposure or in appropriate use)

Storage and handling (Use only in well ventilated areas)

PPE (Avoid contact with skin, use gloves)
COLOR AND NUMBER LABELS
Blue - Health hazard
White - Special hazard or protective equipment required
Red - Fire hazard
Yellow - Reactive hazard
NUMBER SHOW DEGREE OF HAZARD
0-Minimum hazard
2- Moderate
4- Severe
1-Slight
3- Serious
NEW PRODUCT USED IN GRDHD

The MSDS is to be received and reviewed prior to purchase of product. The GRDHD is committed to the safety of every employee.

HR/Risk Assessment reviews the MSDS to determine risk of potential complications for employees. The review is inclusive of but not limited to contact lenses permeation, potential allergens for respiratory problems, etc.
Develop a MSDS short sheet for the employees to use along with the MSDS sheet.
Effective June 2000
Revised August 2011
413
413

Green River District Health Department
Employee Safety and Health Manual
General Protocol
The Green River District Health Department is committed to providing public health and employee safety. The
Green River District Health Department strongly recommends and encourages that every employee provides their full attention to the road when they are driving. Traffic fatalities occur when the driver does not pay attention to what the task is at hand and is distracted. Driving a vehicle safely, whether one provided by the agency or a personal vehicle, requires attention to multiple things, such as the oncoming and surrounding traffic, attention to the road and attention to the vehicle that is being driven.
The Green River District Health Department requires all employees to follow all traffic laws and drive defensively.
Employees are discouraged from use of a cell phone while driving, working on any type of electronic device, reading a map, programming or locating a radio station, etc.
The following are suggestions to assure your vehicle is road-ready:

Keep the gas tank at least half full. This will help to control condensation inside the tank, keeping the fuel free of water.

Keep your tires properly inflated and inspect the tread for uneven wear. Uneven tread wear indicates a need for a wheel alignment. Tires lose about 1 pound of inflation for every 10-degree drop in temperature.

Keep your windshield wiper blades in good condition. Generally windshield wipers need replacing every 6 months.

Keep the wiper reservoir filled with wiper solvent.

Keep your lights in proper working order, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers.

Keep routine maintenance on your vehicle o Oil change o Check for damaged hose(s) and belts o Have fluid levels checked – power steering, brake, transmission, antifreeze o
Tune-ups o Tire check-ups
The following are suggestions to assure the driver is road-ready:

Get plenty of rest

Be aware and alert

Know where you are going

If your schedule to work extends beyond normal working hours, make sure your supervisor is aware that you are out.
Mileage Reimbursement for Personal Vehicle Use:
The employee is reimbursed a set amount per mile if they drive a personal vehicle to complete assigned essential work functions. This reimbursement is understood to assist the employee with expenses of gas, insurance, and normal wear and tear of their vehicle. The employee is expected to have vehicle insurance. The employee must submit to their supervisor a travel expense voucher. This voucher is then forwarded to the finance department. A check is issued and sent to the home address of the employee on file.
*For more information refer to H.R. 6000P in the Policy, Procedure and Protocol Manual.
Effective June 2000
Revised August 2011
414
414