RMU Safety Update Published by the Robert Morris University Safety Department, (412) 262-8328 March 2006 Inside This Issue: Written Safety Policies...2 and Procedures...3 Members Partnerships Helped...4 Develop New Community Policing Program Spring Cleaning...5 Safety Tips Hazard Surveillance Inspections One of the key and important aspects of a good safety process is establishing a system to assess and monitor safety conditions on an ongoing basis. To achieve this goal, RMU has implemented a Hazard Surveillance Inspection (HSI) process. Formal HSIs will be coordinated by the Safety Department and will include physical inspections within all RMU facilities. completion of the inspection, a The purpose of these inspections is report identifying each of the to assess all areas/operations for deficiencies will be prepared and possible deficiencies, hazards or sent to the responsible unsafe work practices. administrator, who is responsible for Additionally, the process includes the completion of corrective a documented plan for actions. correction. The inspections will be Our goal is to inspect all facilities conducted by a team which annually. Visit our new Safety Web includes representatives from Page and find the 2006 schedule Safety, Facilities/Building identifying which month each Maintenance and Environmental facility will be inspected. For more Services. A representative from information, please contact the the department being inspected Safety Department at (412)262- will also be invited to participate 8328. in the inspection. Upon RMU Safety on the Web For quick access to complete information and details regarding RMU s Safety Process, visit our safety web page at http://www.rmu.edu/safety. This newly-created site contains links to safety policies and procedures, management plans, forms, meeting minutes, and information.
2 RMU SAFETY UPDATE Written Safety Policies and Procedures Over the past few this policy establishes handling and use of months, the RMU Safety procedures for the safe hazardous materials, Subcommittees have use, handling and including specific been developing storage of these equipment typically detailed safety policies materials. Key aspects of found in a laboratory. and procedures. These policies and procedures provide written details for the policy include an accurate inventory of materials, container Section 5.0; Policy No. FS 1.8 Fire Procedures RMU s Safety Subcommittees have been hard at work developing detailed safety policies and procedures which will what will ultimately be a comprehensive Safety Policy Manual. During the University Meeting in February, several of these policies were reviewed and approved. During the coming weeks, they will be distributed to the RMU community. The following is a summary of what to expect: labeling, material safety data sheets, methods of protection and information and training. Section 3.0; Policy No. HM 2.5 Asbestos Management This policy has been established to ensure that employees are provided general information regarding asbestos containing building materials and provide This policy identifies the basic procedures that are to be followed by building occupants in the event of a fire. In the event that you discover a fire, see flames or smoke, or there is an activation of the building fire alarm or similar system, all occupants must begin an orderly evacuation of the facility. There are two acronyms referenced in be part of the Section 2.0; Policy No. PS 1.1 Golf Cart & Service more specific details for employees who may this policy, which are intended to aid University s Comprehensive Safety Policy Manual. Vehicle Safety This policy establishes criteria for the safe use and operation of golf carts, service vehicles and any motorized type unit which is not considered a vehicle by state statute. come in contact with such materials during work activities. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that the facilities are safe and employee exposures are controlled. Section 4.0; Policy No. LS 1.2 Chemical Hygiene personnel on what to do in the event of a fire/alarm situation. The RACE acronym stands for Rescue, Alarm, Contain and Evacuate. For persons who are trained on how to use a fire extinguisher, you should remember the Section 3.0; Policy No. HM 2.1 Hazard Communication Because hazardous chemicals are common in the work environment, The Chemical Hygiene Policy is similar to Hazard Communication, but is specific to Laboratory Use of Hazardous Chemicals. Procedures are established for safe PASS word, which stands for: pull the pin, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle, and sweep back & forth over the base of the fire.
3 RMU SAFETY UPDATE Structure Members In our December newsletter, we provided you with an introduction to the safety committee and each of the subcommittees. In this issue, we thought it would be a great idea to identify who and how many people are involved in the development of the safety process. Their commitment will ensure success! Remember, safety is everyone s responsibility and everyone can contribute in creating a new Culture of Safety at RMU.
4 RMU SAFETY UPDATE Partnerships Helped Develop a Community Policing Program The Public Safety Department, Residence Life and Student Affairs partnered together and developed a Community Policing Program to address incidents in the resident halls. This pilot program focuses on strategies to help prevent crime, reduce the fear of crime and improve the quality of life in the residence halls. For the past two months, Public Safety officers and Residence Life staff have been patrolling the resident halls in a joint effort to bring about better relations among everyone involved: police officers, resident assistants and students. The patrols are conducted in common areas of the residence halls. Officers do not enter individual rooms, suites or apartments unless asked to do so by the Resident Assistant or Area Coordinator, or when they deem a situation that warrants such action. The privacy of residents is respected. Community policing allows Public Safety officers to integrate into the fabric of the campus and the residence hall community in such a way that the students come to the police for counsel before a serious problem arises, not after the fact. Problems of disorder and neglect are addressed, unacceptable behaviors are discouraged and crime is prevented. It is our belief that the increased presence of uniformed Public Safety officers and Residence Life staff engaged in community policing during hours of high activity deters students from engaging in behaviors that are inappropriate and damaging to the residential community. Since the pilot began in January of this year, the program has showed a dramatic decrease in the number of calls related to the resident halls. January s figures decreased 17% and February s 62% compared to the same months last year. It appears to be successful. The program will be evaluated at the end of the semester and may become a permanent program at Robert Morris University. The partnerships that this program has developed are the driving force for its success. The cooperation of the students and their desire to have a safe community is very important to us. Student safety is the number one concern in the Community Policing Program. Since the pilot program began in January 2006, the program has showed a dramatic decrease in the number of calls related to the resident halls. Student safety is the number one concern. Article Submitted by: Randy L. Mink Director of Public Safety Chief of Police Robert Morris University 412-262-8307 Phone 412-287-4921 Cellular 412-299-2499 Fax
5 RMU SAFETY UPDATE Spring Cleaning Safety Tips Spring clean safely this season with these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics visit their site at: http://www.aap.org Around the House Choose nontoxic products for your spring cleaning. For example, vinegar and water is an inexpensive and effective window cleaning solution. Time to move the furniture? Place cribs, playpens and other furniture away from the window and accessible drapery cords. Children can climb up on furniture and fall out of the window or get strangled in the cords. Make sure window guards/bars are secure, and know how to open the window in case of fire. Screens do no prevent window falls. Test all your smoke alarms to ensure they are working. Change the batteries at least once every year. Most smoke alarms also need "spring cleaning" maintenance - check your manual. Develop and practice a family fire escape plan in case of emergency. Consider installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Make sure small parts, plastic bags, small toys, balloons or any other choking hazards are out of reach of young children, particularly those less than 36 months of age. Check your home for recalled and banned children's products. To find out about recalled products, go to http://www.recalls.gov Keep traffic areas free of clutter, toys and rugs in order to avoid tripping with your child in your arms. Doors that lead to the basement should have a self-latching lock to prevent children from falling down the stairs. Post the Poison Help Line number (1-800-222-1222) and your pediatrician's number on all phones. Garage Discard toxic and flammable materials you no longer need. Place remaining materials high and out of reach. Keep toxic products in their original containers. Check the garage for flammable liquids such as gasoline, paint thinner, paint and cleaners. Make sure safety caps are in place and they are not near any heat sources. Keep only the amount you need to use - don't stock up on extra cans. Tidy loose papers, old rags, and debris in the garage that could contribute to a fire. When washing the car, clean the car safety seat as well - sticky snacks, crumbs, and drinks can interfere with the crotch buckle and chest clip. Use the instructions to find out how to remove the cover and clean these parts. Take the time to weigh and measure your children to make sure they still fit in the seat. Check that the shoulder straps are the right height. Be sure the seat is installed securely. Yard Choose nontoxic fertilizers, insecticides and gardening supplies. Eliminate any standing water to prevent drowning (buckets, drums, baby pools). Remember that a young child can drown in only a few of inches of water. Check the play area for sharp objects, poisonous plants, and tripping hazards. Install surfacing under playground equipment. Check play equipment for loose or exposed hardware, broken parts, and stability. Go to http://www.cpsc.gov for more info. If you have a pool or spa, it should be enclosed by a four-sided fence with a self-closing and selflatching gate. Learn CPR and have a phone and emergency equipment poolside. Children must not be allowed to ride as passengers on lawn mowers or to be towed behind mowers in carts or trailers. They should not be permitted to play on or around the mower when it is in use or in storage. Most yard cleanup tools (ladders, weed-eaters, pruning shears) are not safe for children. If your child wants to help in the yard, he or she should use tools designed for children, such as a small plastic rake, child's shovel, or broom.