Northwest-Shoals Community College - Personnel Handbook/Policy Manual 8-1 Personnel Handbook/Policy Manual VIII. SAFETY, HEALTH AND SECURITY POLICIES
Northwest-Shoals Community College - Personnel Handbook/Policy Manual 8-2 VIII. VIII.A. SAFETY, HEALTH, AND SECURITY POLICIES PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING EMERGENCIES Please reference the NW-SCC Emergency Response Plan on the NW-SCC Intranet or contact Trent Randolph, Public Information Officer, for an updated Emergency Response Plan. VIII.B. SAFETY POLICY The institution provides a healthful, safe, and secure environment for all members of the College community and regularly evaluates the safety plan. The Vice President ensures that each instructor will enforce all safety regulations and implement the appropriate safety policies should the need arise. All lab areas will be properly maintained and supervised. Instructors in areas with potentially hazardous equipment should never leave a student unsupervised while attempting to utilize such equipment. It is the responsibility of college personnel utilizing equipment to continually assess it for proper functioning. If equipment is found to be improperly functioning or unsafe to use, personnel will assume the responsibility of discontinuing its use and initiating the appropriate steps to have it repaired. All instructors will enforce the use of required safety devices. In the event of an emergency situation, personnel should follow procedures outlined by institutional policy. VIII.B.1. Unsupervised Children on College Property Our College is a public, and therefore open institution, and our students often have special needs with respect to control and placement of their children while academic or activities from daily life are occurring. Nevertheless, College employees are responsible for attempting to ensure the health and safety for each person while he or she is on College property. Therefore, caution and due diligence must be exercised while persons are on College property. The references listed above specifically address the importance of health and safety of all persons. Unsupervised children, once identified or observed, are to be reported to Campus Security or the appropriate supervisor of an employee s organization for prompt correction on supervision. Children are expected to be under the direct supervision and control of the parent, guardian, or adult who has brought the child onto College property at all times. It is also appropriate for the person making the observation to correct the behavior. For those students who request a child to be allowed to attend a class, each instructor must make the determination on the appropriateness of such attendance. However, such attendance should be non-routine occurrence and discouraged to the extent possible. A child who is sick should not be allowed to attend class. These standards, if applied thoughtfully and with courtesy and respect to the student who is the parent or guardian, should assist us in minimizing the potential for harm or exposure to hazards while the child may be on College property. This policy should be communicated during the first day of class. VIII.C. HEALTH RELATED (BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS) If direct blood/body fluid contamination (i.e., cuts with contaminated instrument, needle-stick, etc.) is involved, the student should see his/her personal physician for subsequent care.
Northwest-Shoals Community College - Personnel Handbook/Policy Manual 8-3 VIII.D. TRAFFIC REGULATIONS Each employee is expected to follow the traffic regulations and vehicle registration policy as stated in the general college catalog. Any employee seeking handicap parking space should display the appropriate decal and contact the Business Office for vehicle registration. VIII.E. SECURITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES All college personnel will assume the responsibility of reporting to the administration any theft or possible hazardous situations noted on either campus. The institution provides a safe and secure environment for all members of the campus community. Both campuses are open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and on Friday all areas close at noon on both campuses. Any employee who chooses to work during hours other than those designated may gain access to the work area by contacting their immediate supervisor. Those working during hours other than those officially designated will assume responsibility for their own personal safety and responsibility for properly maintaining the security of their work area upon their departure. VIII.F. VIDEO SECURITY POLICY Purpose The purpose of this policy is to regulate the use of video monitoring for the safety and security of the public and NW-SCC. Scope This policy applies to all NW-SCC employees in use of video security. To establish parameters restricting the use of video security to public places and enhance public safety and security, consistent with accepted rights of privacy. Legitimate use of this technology is covered by this policy and applicable state and federal law. Definitions Extracting copying footage from hard drive to some other media (video tape etc.) Monitoring real time viewing or viewing footage stored on hard drive Personnel authorized security officer, Information Technology staff, of any NW-SCC personnel authorized by the Campus Security Manager Recording capturing images on a video tape, hard drive, or cd rom NW-SCC Northwest-Shoals Community College General Principles 1. Northwest-Shoals Community College is committed to enhancing the quality of life by professional safety practices. The principle objective of video security includes: Enhancing public safety Preventing crime
Northwest-Shoals Community College - Personnel Handbook/Policy Manual 8-4 Identifying criminal activity Obtaining evidence 2. Any deviation from these principles for inappropriate reasons (race, gender, or political) are strictly prohibited 3. Monitoring will be conducted in a legal, professional, and ethical manner. Personnel will be trained and supervised in the responsible use of the video system. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action. 4. Information obtained through video security will be exclusively for safety, security, and other legitimate purposed, Information obtained will only be released in accordance with this policy or as required by law. 5. Monitoring of public areas will be in a manner consistent with all NW-SCC policies including the sexual harassment policy, non-discrimination policy and all relevant policies. Except for police investigations involving persons whose descriptions are known, this policy prohibits monitoring based on characteristics and classifications contained in the NW-SCC nondiscrimination policy (race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, etc.). 6. Monitoring of public areas is limited, not to violate reasonable expectation of privacy in living, dwelling, and some public buildings. Monitoring will not focus into windows at a dwelling. Training 1. All personnel operating the video security system will be trained in legal, ethical and technical parameters. a. All personnel will receive a copy of this policy and provide a written acknowledgement that they have read and understand its contents b. Personnel will receive updated training on this policy any time the policy changes. 2. The Campus Security Manager will insure that this policy is enforced. Operating Procedures 1. Video security cameras will be monitored by safety department personnel 2. The safety department will establish camera positions not to intrude into dwelling units. A view inside a residential dwelling shall not violate the standard of reasonable expectation of privacy as defined by law (view no greater than what is available from a public sidewalk or street). 3. The safety department monitoring location will be configured to prevent personnel from tampering with or duplicating recorded information with out authorization. 4. Personnel shall not disseminate information from video security cameras unless such release complies with law, this policy, or other policies of the safety department of NW-SCC. 5. If review of video footage is needed, the requesting officer will provide the Campus Security Manager with a written reason for review. 6. Only the College President or his/her designee will release information from the security video cameras to the public. 7. Any video footage extracted for investigation purposes shall be stored in the Campus Security Department. 8. A record of extracted footage will be maintained in the safety department. 9. The President or his/her designee is authorized to release information from the security camera system to local, state, or federal agencies in criminal investigations.
Northwest-Shoals Community College - Personnel Handbook/Policy Manual 8-5 VIII.G. WEAPONS POLICY Personnel are prohibited from carrying weapons on campus. Firearms are prohibited on campus or on any other facility operated by the institution. The only exceptions to this policy are law enforcement officers legally authorized to carry such weapons who are officially enrolled in classes or are acting in the performance of their duties or an instructional program in which firearms are required equipment. Any employee who violates this policy and jeopardizes the safety and security of fellow employees and/or students is subject to dismissal. VIII.H. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY In compliance with the drug-free workplace requirements of Public Law 100-690 for recipients of Federal contracts and grants, the following policy is in effect for Northwest-Shoals Community College. 1. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited by the College on any property owned, leased, or controlled by Northwest-Shoals Community College or during any activity conducted, sponsored, or authorized by or on behalf of the College. A "controlled substance" shall include any substance defined as a controlled substance in section 102 of the Federal Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S. Code 802) or in the Alabama Uniform Controlled Substance Act (Code of Alabama, Section 20-1, et. seq). 2. The College has and shall maintain a drug free awareness program to inform employees about: a. The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace; b. The College's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace; c. Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance program; and d. The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug violations. 3. All employees of the College shall comply with paragraph 1. 4. Any employee who is convicted by any Federal or State court of an offense which constitutes a violation of Paragraph 1 above shall notify the President in writing of said conviction within five (5) days after the conviction occurs. Conviction, as defined in Public Law 100-690, shall mean "a finding of guilt (including a pleas of nolo contendere) or imposition of sentence, or both." 5. In the event of a report of a conviction pursuant to paragraph 4 above where the employee is working in a project or program funded through a Federal contract or grant, the College shall notify in writing within ten (10) days the Federal agency to whom such notification by the College is required under P.L. 100-690. 6. In the event an employee violates paragraph 1 above or receives a conviction as described in paragraph 4 above, the respective employee shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action which may include, but is not limited to, termination of employment. Northwest-Shoals Community College shall also reserve the right to require said employee, as a condition of continued employment, to satisfactorily complete a drug treatment or rehabilitation program of a reasonable duration and nature. 7. The College shall make a good faith effort to ensure that paragraphs 1-6 are followed. 8. Each employee of the College shall receive a copy of this policy. Northwest-Shoals Community College is committed to the maintenance of a drug-free environment for its employees and students.
Northwest-Shoals Community College - Personnel Handbook/Policy Manual 8-6 VIII.I. CLEAN AIR POLICY Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its employees, students and visitors. The College recognizes the right of persons to make their own decisions about their personal use of tobacco products away from the College. However, in light of findings of the U.S. Surgeon General that exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke and use of tobacco products are significant health hazards, it is the intent of the College to establish a smoke-free environment on its campuses and in its college-owned vehicles. Consequently, the use of tobacco smoking products, including the carrying of any lighted smoking instrument, in College buildings or upon other College premises or inside College-owned, rented or leased vehicles, is prohibited. For the purposes of this policy, a "tobacco product" is defined to include any lighted cigarette (including electronic cigarettes), cigar, pipe, bidi, clove cigarette, and any other smoking product. All College employees, students, visitors and contractors are required to comply with this policy, which shall remain in force at all times. Any College employee or student found to be in violation of the clean air policy will be subject to a monetary fine. Tickets will be issued by campus police officer for violations. Monetary fines will be imposed as listed below, depending on whether the offender is an employee or student. Any visitor or contractor found to be violating this policy shall be asked to discontinue the disallowed activity, and any failure by a visitor or contractor to discontinue the disallowed activity after being requested to do so shall result in the visitor or contractor being escorted off the college premises by campus police. NW-SCC will continue to uphold the current policy that the use of ALL tobacco products is prohibited in all buildings on each campus. Failure to adhere may result in the below listed fines. Student Fines Any NW-SCC student found to have violated this policy shall be subject to the following fines: 1st ticket - Warning, 2nd ticket - $25.00 fine. All fines must be paid within 7 days of ticketing. Fines that are not paid within the 7 days shall automatically double in amount. A student who has a pending fine or fines may not register for classes nor have transcripts released until all fines are paid in full. Any student wishing to appeal a fine arising from the finding of a tobacco-free violation under this policy may do so with the Assistant Dean of Recruitment, Admissions and Financial Aid, Tom Carter. Employee Fines Any NW-SCC employee found to have violated this policy shall be subject to the following fines: 1st ticket Warning, 2nd ticket - $25.00 fine. All fines must be paid within 7 days of ticketing. Fines that are not paid within the 7 days shall automatically double in amount. Any employee wishing to appeal a fine arising from the finding of a violation of this policy may do so with the Vice President. With the exception of advertising in a newspaper, magazine, or similar publication that is not produced by NW-SCC, no tobacco-related advertising or sponsorship shall be permitted on college campuses or at college-sponsored events. No tobacco-related advertising or sponsorship shall appear in any publications produced by the College or by any club or association authorized by NW-SCC. For the purposes of this policy, the term "tobacco-related" applies to the use of a tobacco brand or corporate name, trademark, logo, symbol or motto, selling message, recognizable pattern of colors or any other indicia of product identification identical to or similar to, or identifiable with, those used for any brand of tobacco products or company which manufactures tobacco products. Source: Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees Policy, 514.01, dated 04/13/2016.
Northwest-Shoals Community College - Personnel Handbook/Policy Manual 8-7 VIII.J. ALABAMA INFECTED HEALTH CARE WORKERS MANAGEMENT ACT CHAPTER 420-4-3. 1. Purpose: The purpose of this act is to prevent transmission of the AIDS and Hepatitis B. Viruses to patients from infected health care workers, (IHCW), during invasive procedures. 2. Definitions: "Hepatitis B -- Virus Infection" (HBV) means the presence of the hepatitis B. virus as determined by the presence of hepatitis B. e antigen for six months or longer or by other means as determined by the State Board of Health. "HIV Infection" (HIV) means the presence of antibodies to the Human Immuno deficiency Virus as determined by enzyme immunoassay and Western Blot, the presence of the Human Immuno deficiency Virus as determined by viral culture, or other means determined by the State Board of Health. "Invasive Procedures" include digital palpation of a needle tip in a body cavity or the simultaneous presence of the HCW's fingers and needle or other sharp instrument or object in a poorly visualized or highly confined anatomic site. 3. Reporting Any IHCW who performs invasive procedures as defined in the policy shall notify the state health department within thirty (30) days of becoming aware of infective status. In addition, "any person having knowledge of an IHCW, the administrator of any health care facility having knowledge of any IHCW, any person serving as guardian of the conservator, administrator or executor of the estate or agent or representative of any IHCW or any person serving as the custodian of records of the patients of any IHCW or facility employing such worker shall provide in the manner requested by the State Health Officer (SHO) to the Department all requested documents and information and shall cooperate fully with the Department in any investigation." 4. Implementation The regulation requires that any person (including faculty and program director) having knowledge of a nursing or allied health student who is infected with HIV or HBV be reported to the Alabama Department of Public Health according to a strict, confidential procedure. Upon notification, the Health Department will request information and make a determination as to whether the student performs invasive procedures and what if any restrictions may be applied to his/her practice. These regulations are available for review in the nursing office. If you have any questions, please see the program director.