NORTHERN
VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SAFETY
PROGRAM
I. GENERAL
Northern Virginia Community College’s (NVCC) safety and health objective is to follow Virginia’s Occupational safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines in order to reasonably assure that operational support to the staff, faculty and, as applicable, students and the general public is conducted with complete regard to the safety of its staff as well as those people they are supporting.
While NVCC Campuses have operative safety programs, these safety guidelines are considered, in effect, an “umbrella” policy for which the campuses and satellite offices (such as ELI) can use as a guide in developing or updating their campus/agency-unique programs. This umbrella of guidelines covers all concerned within and outside the classrooms. For example, we must hazard assess each area or each task we per form and protect against those hazards that cannot be eliminated, whether it is classroom, office, facilities, maintenance, warehouse, vehicle repair, or other NVCC agency.
NVCC must provide and maintain safe working conditions to include safe equipment.
1) Management at all levels must continue to promote safety awareness and ensure that OSHA safety rules and guidelines are followed in the accomplishment of assigned objectives or individual work requirements. Further, management must ensure that employees be provided sufficient safety training and equipment resources.
2) Each employee is responsible for safety and those in their support, as safety is an integral part of each task performed.
3) Human Resources will provide information relative to safety during new employee orientation. Topics covered will be generally along the topics herein discussed.
4) Management will also audit the safety process in concert with the College Safety Program Manager, principally by monitoring the Employer’s First Report of Accident form and any follow-up investigation and/or action required.
5) Safety involves everybody at NVCC. Therefore, in accordance with campus satellite offices, or agency integrity, we all play and active roll as members of the (respective) safety teams.
1) Each campus and satellite office shall implement its campus/agency unique safety program.
2) The program should include:
a. Establishment of Safety Committee.
b. Periodic survey for hazard assessment of the campus/agency, followed by corrective action and documentation, as appropriate.
c. On going safety awareness measures or campaign.
d. Conduct of agency unique training, to include tailgate or on-the-spot training.
e. Periodic review of stand-alone safety programs in effect.
E. Documentation when there is an employee accident
1) The Employers First Report of Accident form (VWC Form #3) is required to be at Human Resources promptly. Supervisors should immediately alert the Human Resources Workers Compensation officer at (703) 323-3361 that the form is being processed.
2) Supervisors shall alert Campus Police to record accident and take pictures of the area in subject.
3) Supervisors will attach a written report to the form when details are considered beyond the scope of the form. Note: Forward the attachment later if the accident is still being assessed.
4) Sample format is at Tab A (Supervisor’s Detailed Assessment of Accident).
5) Safety Program Manager, in concert with applicable supervisor, will disseminate information to all concerned as appropriate.
6) Campus Facility Manager will continue requesting regional OSHA consultation visits to reinforce areas of concern such as lifting and ladder safety.
1. Our employees may get sick or injured while on the job. Co-workers need to supports those who require first aid or assistance in general. First aid is just that; call 911 for emergencies.
a. If someone in the classroom, office, or work area has a minor cut or has a bloody nose, assist using common sense as guide.
b. If it is a minor cut, "give" the individual a Band-Aid from the agency first-aid kit to put on the cut.
c. If it is a bloody nose, "offer" the individual a paper towel, handkerchief, or Kleenex to apply pressure or coagulate, as appropriate, to stop the bleeding.
d. If any blood contents happen to fall onto the desks, equipment, or floor, and the individual is unable to easily clean it up themselves, block off or mark and stay clear of the area.
e. Equally important, communications to the appropriate departments are key in response to the cleanup of the blood spots or spills.
(1) During normal business hours, please contact Campus Facility Maintenance and provide them the exact location and ask them to coordinate the cleanup and disposal.
(2) After normal business hours (about 3 PM), contact the Campus Police who will, in turn, direct the cleanup crew.
2. It is important to note that "first aid " is just that: FIRST AID. Call 911 for emergencies and then alert campus police in order that they may assist in directing the emergency medical team (EMT) to the correct location.
a. Responsiveness is imperative, especially in an emergency.
b. Fortunately, medical support is in close proximity to our campuses and satellite offices; i.e., an EMT unit is within a 5 to 10 minute response time. (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151)
c. Each campus must maintain (at least) a verbal agreement with the local supporting hospital and a first-responding fire station EMT facility that they acknowledge medical assistance to the campus. Volunteer fire departments are not included if they do not operate around the clock.
d. As a "rule of thumb" and using common sense as a guide, an injury or illness that requires more than a Band-Aid or 2 aspirin assist may necessitate a 911 call. Examples include an individual collapsing or bleeding severely and obviously suffering.
(1) Keep the injured as comfortable as possible, but do not move the individual unless absolutely necessary as further injury could result. Please stay with the individual until medical help arrives.
(2) Alert the employee's supervisor.
(3) The supervisor should alert Human Resources and initiate the "Employer's First Report of Accident" form and process.
(4) If the injury is major, or there is a death, Human Resources or College Safety will notify OSHA.
(5) Human Resources normally programs First Aid and CPR training classes annually. Each NVCC agency and department should try to get one of its employees to attend both CPR and First Aid training.
G. First Aid Kits (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151)
1) All NVCC divisions, departments, agencies should ensure that appropriate first aid kits are accessible to all concerned.
2) Ensure that the kits are properly supplied and enhanced, as appropriate, to meet the needs of the office/agency incumbents mission.
a. All employee should review the contents of the kit to endure they won’t have any adverse reaction to any of the contents taken or used.
b. Every first-aid kit must include surgical gloves, bio-hazard bags, and cold packs.
3) Call the Safety Program Manager for assistance at (703) 323-3551.
H. Emergency Plans & Fire Prevention Plan (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38/Fire Code: F2303/2304)
1) ASPM, Section 28, provides requisite guidelines that each campus and each satellite office shall have a written evacuation and fire prevention plan.
2) The plan shall be accessible to all concerned and reviewed at least annually. The first responding fire station should be requested to walk the campus annually to maintain familiarity.
3) Campuses are required to exercise the plan in each building prior to the start of each semester.
4) Evacuation routes are to be posted in each room.
5) Instructors, during the first meeting of every class, will describe applicable evacuation plans and escape routes, both primary and alternate. Agency supervisors shall conduct a fire evacuation meeting in concert with building fire drill exercises, as appropriate.
6) Plan should include means of assisting the handicapped and seniors.
7) Fire alarm systems should be operative, inspected, and tested in accordance with NFPA-72. Maintain documentation.
8) Fire doors shall not be propped open and unattended. In the event of fire, hot gases and smoke can migrate to corridors and stairwells. Doors can be “held” open by another person until project completion.
9) Fire sprinkler systems shall be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with NFPA-25. Maintain documentation.
10) Exit lights and emergency lighting shall be tested monthly for 30 seconds. The annual test is performed for one hour at each location. Maintain documentation.
I. Fire Extinguisher & Training
1) The selection and distribution of fire extinguishers are positioned based upon the type of workplace fires anticipated.
2) A Class “A” fire is a fire involving combustible products such as paper, cloth, wood or some rubber materials. (leaves an ash.)
a. Class – “A” fire-rated fire extinguisher should be positioned within 75 feet of occupants.
b. This type fire is perhaps the college’s biggest challenge.
3) A Class “B” fire is a fire involving flammable or combustible gases, liquids, or greases. (leaves no ash.)
a. A Class “B” fire rated fire extinguisher should be positioned within 60 feet of occupants.
4) A Class “C” fire involves energized electrical equipment and a Class “C” rated fire extinguisher is positioned accordingly.
5) A Class “D” fire involved combustible metals, such as in a chemistry lab.
a. A Class “D” fire rated fire extinguisher should be positioned within 75 feet of occupants.
6) The college has a combination of A, B, C, and D extinguishers, and ABC extinguishers.
7) Each campus Facility Manager is responsible for location and inspections. Call them when you have a question or are in need of assistance.
8) Building occupants should acknowledge the locations of the extinguishers and ensure that they are charged.
9) Building occupants/selected personnel should be trained in using the fire extinguishers. For example, typical hands-on sequence is as follows:
a. Hold the extinguisher upright. Stand about 8’ –10’ from the blaze.
b. Pull the pin and aim at the base of the fire (not at smoke or the flames).
c. Squeeze the handle and sweep side to side with the extinguisher.
10) Most importantly , training should be conducted to meet the needs of the department. Contact your Facility Manager for assistance in training, as required.
J. Emergency Response Procedures & Spills (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200
Campus/Agency Chemical Hygiene Plans or Hazard Communication Plans normally provide detailed guidelines for spills. Key areas to consider include the following:
1) Update hazard assessment of (potential) spills at labs, automotive or facilities. Most labs have small quantities, but assessments need to be updated.
2) Ensure spill kits are available. Agency personnel should be trained on use of these kits. Normally, campus Environmental Coordinators (positioned in the Science Labs) conduct this training. This training is documented.
3) Situations involving chemical spills that need to be absorbed and neutralized by the department using the chemical and is not a threat to a person’s life or health are not considered an emergency. However, the hazard should be corrected quickly.
4) If spill is beyond the capability of the campus to control, please call 911; and then the campus police and provost office/agency head.
5) The first-responding fire department is normally the focal point until the (regional) HAZMAT Team arrives and takes charge.
6) Campus representative should be prepared to provide appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to the first-responding fire station and/or HAZMAT Team.
7) Campus representative should alert College Safety who will, in turn, notify an environmental cleanup contractor, as appropriate.
K. Hazard Communication Plan (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200)
This is the employee’s right to know about any chemicals in the workplace.
1) Each campus has a basic plan and should be updated annually. Even if the NVCC agency has only a few chemicals, an agency unique plan needs to be developed.
2) Key to every plan is information relative to listing and location of the chemicals, labeling, MSDS for each product, storage, and hazardous-waste training and disposal.
3) Hazardous waste training is conducted periodically by campus lab personnel to ensure that (campus) participants understand and practice the procedures associated with emergency spills and cleanup; and, the difference between satellite and accumulation-site storage areas.
4) Hazardous-waste pickup is scheduled semi-annually. This is normally a college-wide effort coordinated by College Safety; or when prompted earlier by a campus Science lab or Facility manager.
L. Neutralization Tank Cleanup (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200)
1) Tanks which are in support of campus labs are normally cleaned every other year. The limestone gravel rock is replaced every two to four years.
a. The college has been successful in using #3 limestone gravel; 1-1/2” to 3” in size.
b. There is a minimum 90% calcium carbonate in the limestone.
c. This is a college-wide effort coordinated by College Safety in concert with Facility Managers and Campus Environment Coordinators.
d. Very key to the maintenance effort is to ensure that the tanks are flushed during and after each class and frequently thereafter when the college or class labs are not in session. This effort is to prevent chemical buildup and fume emissions.
M. Bloodborne Pathogens (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030)
1. This college-wide program is primarily for those personnel in Health Tech, College Police and Veterinary Tech who can be routinely exposed to blood or body fluids during a job performance. This determination is made between the supervisor and employee.
a. The plan is modified at campus level, as appropriate, to meet the uniqueness of the campus agency.
b. The BBP plan is updated at least annually; copies of the plan are located at campus supervisory level with the Campus Police Departments, Health Tech, and Vet Tech.
c. Those people considered to be in “at-risk:” positions are encouraged to get a three-shot series Hepatitis B vaccination at college expense. Those who decline the series are required to sign a declination form.
d. Annual training is provided by a Health Tech representative who has been certified to teach Bloodborne Pathogens or by contract. Hepatitis B vaccinations documentation are maintained by College Safety and Human Resources.
e. Information on Hepatitis A and C is also provided as appropriate.
f. Those personnel who are not at risk and are subsequently exposed will get follow-on treatment/counseling from the College Contractor, Corporate Health Care, located off Backlick Road in Springfield (703) 813-1230 or (703) 642-5990.
2. If there is an occupational exposure, the affected individual shall alert the supervisor. Follow-on exposure reporting and management/treatment will then be accomplished in accordance with the BBP plan.
a. If the exposed person goes to a medical emergency room other than at Corporate Health Care, he/she should:
(1) Fill out the Post Exposure Report Form with the supervisor, before departure.
(2) Take that filled-out form, a copy of Section 12 of the BBP plan, and the OSHA Section 1910.1030 to the medical facility. This effort is to ensure that the medical facility is advised that, in accordance with OSHA 1910.1030, an occupationally exposed person has a right to be seen and evaluated for immediate medical treatment and/or processed for follow-on exposure management, as appropriate. (On occasion, exposure incidents indicate that some emergency rooms have difficulty understanding the requirements of the OSHA BBP standard.)
1) The college provides for a weekly pickup at Annandale Campus, primarily for the Dental and Medical labs. The Nursing Department at Annandale and Vet Tech at Loudoun program medical-waste pickup about twice a year through College Safety.
2) Any medical-waste pickup at the other campuses is on an on-call basis. Examples include blood products found on campus, or cleanup after a serious injury.
3) Contact College Safety for any assistance.
O. Office and Classroom Safety
1) These areas should not be oversubscribed with occupants and furniture. Aisles and exits should be clear to allow for expeditious departure in an emergency.
2) Staff and faculty should hazard assess for slips, trips, and falls. Any discrepancies should be reported to the supervisor, requesting repair support from Campus Facility Maintenance, as appropriate.
3) A sample checklist of classroom and office practices is provided at Section. B. A detailed check list, unique to the campus or satellite agency, should be developed.
1) Good housekeeping is fundamental to safety and definitely a factor in the reduction of hazards and accidents and prevention of fires.
2) A sample checklist of housekeeping practices is at Section C. A campus or agency unique check list should also be developed for Housekeeping Practices.
1) Lifting of items is normally performed by Facility Maintenance personnel while conducting maintenance repair tasks. There are times when other employees, to include office employees, perform light lifting tasks.
2) Heavy tasks, such as moving several pieces of furniture, should be done by moving contractors. The key to proper lifting is to assess the task to determine if the item can be (reasonably) lifted and moved by one person. If in doubt, ask for assistance; use the “buddy” system. Do not go beyond your capability. Remember to get the professional movers to do the heavy lifting and moving.
3) If you must lift, do not bend your back…let your legs do the lifting.
a Squat down by bending at the hips and knees, maintaining your feet at about shoulder width and your feet pointed diagonally in the direction of subsequent travel. This should prevent twisting.
b. As you lift, keep your shin up. Your ears, shoulder, hips, and on down to your feet should form a relatively straight line.
c. Face the direction you are going to travel. (do not twist.)
4) If you lift, you may wish to use a lifting strap or harness. Please keep in mind these lifting straps do not take the place of proper lifting. These straps, at most should help you get your attention to lift properly.
1) All employees need to hazard assess as they walk the college campus grounds and buildings.
2) Report to the Facility Manager large cracks or crevices, etc., found in the parking lots or sidewalks and walkways, as well as rock or stone accumulations and debris in general. Report wet or slippery areas and rippled carpet in corridors or rooms. These type situations can contribute to a trip or fall resulting in a twisted ankle or other hurt.
3) During snow, ice, and rainstorms, be vigilant and report hazards immediately to Facilities and/or the Campus Police.
a. Identify the location.
b. Explain the hazard.
c. Alert those around you of the hazard.
d. Watch out for vehicular traffic.
4) All concerned should wear proper supporting footwear during all seasons of year. Adequate footwear makes it easier to traverse the campus community.
1) Evacuate the building.
2) Call fire department immediately.
3) Call gas company and report leak (703) 750-1400
1. Twenty-four-hour hotline is 1-800-222-1222.
2. Be prepared to answer if someone swallowed a poison substance:
a. What happened? b. Where it happened?
c. When it happened? d. Why it happened?
3. Be prepared to follow instructions.