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Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Office Safety
For Laboratory, Facility, and Office Employees
Tulane University
January, 2005
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Objectives
1. To recognize office safety hazards.
2. To learn corrective actions for creating safe office environments.
3. To identify unit inspection requirements.
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Office employees are part of the health and safety process.
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Potential Office Safety Hazards include:
• Ergonomic issues• Fire & evacuation• Electrical cords &
equipment• Heat-generating
sources (coffee pots)• Hand tools
• Office machines (copiers, paper cutters, shredders, jammed machines);
• Slips, trips, falls• Housekeeping• Furniture/layout
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
WORKSTATIONS
• Position equipment securely (away from furniture edges)
• Place frequently used items within safe reach
• Don’t restrict leg room with equipment storage
• Keep all chair legs on the floor (don’t tilt!)
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
LIGHTING
• Areas that have too much or too little light can cause headache, strain, and fatigue.
• Use adjustable task lighting for tasks that require greater illumination.
• Take visual “breaks” every 30 minutes (look at objects at least 20 ft away).
• Get regular eye exams…let your eye doctor know if you are working at a computer!
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
FILING CABINETS
• Keep drawers closed when not in use
• Don’t open all the drawers at the same time
• Use handles to open and close drawers slowly and carefully
• Don’t let a cabinet get top heavy– Fill from bottom up
– Put heavy items in lower drawers
– Put lightweight items in top drawers
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
• Chairs should remain squarely on the floor.• Casters on all chairs should be secured and all
parts of the chair should be sturdy • Furniture should be selected and maintained free
of sharp edges, points, or burrs.
FURNITURE
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
STACKING AND STORAGE
• Store heavy articles on lower shelves• Keep aisles and exit corridors clear• Don’t obstruct fire extinguishers, fire alarm
pull stations, or electrical panels • Limit storage of combustible materials• Maintain 18 in. overhead clearance from sprinkler heads
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
POTENTIAL TRIP HAZARDS
• Loose debris or spills on the floor
• Electrical wire or cables in walkway
• Torn or loose carpeting
• Missing floor tiles
• Broken stair tread edges
• Uneven walking surfaces
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS
• Pick up debris and loose objects (waste paper, pencils, paper clips, etc.)
• Wipe up spills immediately• Report floor defects to Facilities Services• Wear “sensible” shoes (sturdy heels and non-
slip soles)• Use a ladder or step stool when necessary• Walk, don’t run!
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
STAIRS
• Avoid distractions• Take one step at a time• Don’t load your arms so full of materials that
you can’t see• Keep one hand on the handrail• Don’t congregate on stairs or landings• Watch where you’re going
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
OFFICE EQUIPMENT
• Keep loose clothing, jewelry, and long flowing hair away from machines.
• Paper Cutters– Use guard to avoid contact with the cutting
blade by the opposing hand (hand holding the paper).
– When the cutter is not in use, the blade should be in the down position and secured.
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
OFFICE EQUIPMENT
• Sharp tools (i.e. letter openers, Exacto knives, scissors, etc.) – Store properly to prevent tools from rolling and
falling off of desk surfaces.– Use sheaths for knives and razors
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
• Copiers– Know the procedures for safely
clearing jams – Turn power OFF before trying to
clear a jam or changing toner. – Remain aware of areas which may
be hot. – Remember that the power is still
connected
OFFICE EQUIPMENT
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
OFFICE EQUIPMENT
• Paper shredders– Keep hands and fingers clear of paper inlet of
paper shredder.– UNPLUG shredder before trying to clear a
paper jam.
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
COFFEE POTS• Heat source/potential fire hazard
• History of incidents when coffee pots left ON
• Turn OFF when not in use
• Make sure they are OFF before you leave the office
• Consider using an automatic timer
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
OFFICE MACHINES• If you:
– notice a tingling sensation when touching a machine, or
– see smoke or sparks, or
– know that a piece of equipment is in need of repair,
• Unplug it immediately and report it!• Put a sign on the machine indicating to others that
it is out of order
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
OFFICE INSPECTION REPORTS
• See Form 15F-OEHS in Appendix E of OEHS Policies & Procedures Manual
(http://www.som.tulane.edu/oehs/)
• Unit Supervisors/PIs perform inspections quarterly
• DSR gathers and submits forms to OEHS
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Review• Potential hazards may exist in office settings,
including:– Ergonomic issues– Fire & emergency evacuation– Electrical equipment– Heat generating sources– Hand tools– Office machines– Slips, trips & falls– Housekeeping – Furniture and equipment layout
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Review
• Be aware of potential office hazards when setting up a workplace to eliminate the introduction of hazards.
• If hazards are noted, take corrective actions or notify an appropriate party that can take corrective actions.
Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Review
• Know how to safely operate office equipment.
• Areas are to be inspected quarterly by Unit Supervisors/PIs.
• DSR gathers and submits inspection forms to OEHS.
Tulane UniversityOffice of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
www.som.tulane.edu/oehs Karen Douglas (Uptown), Environmental Health & Safety Specialist
(504) 865-5307 / [email protected] Welch (Downtown), Occupational Safety Manager
(504) 988-3996 / [email protected]
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