GENERAL SAFETY

• Make safety the first consideration in every situation.
• When picking up a load, evaluate whether or not you need help or special equipment. Do not lift a load alone if you have any doubt of your ability to lift it. Use proper lifting techniques to prevent injury. See "Safe Lifting Rules" on next page.
• Keep your work area clean and free of loose objects, stumbling (includes office equipment wires) or slipping hazards, rubbish, etc.
• Be aware of walking surfaces and their condition. Extra care may be required to prevent an accident.
• Do not reach too high for something that may fall on you. Use a small set of steps, a ladder, or ask for help if you need it. If a ladder is used, be sure it is well secured.
• Never leave an unsafe condition unguarded or unmarked, even temporarily.
• Learn location of fire extinguishers and know how to use them.
• Always post "wet floor" signs when using a liquid floor cleaning method.
• Before using any chemical make sure you have read the Material Safety Data Sheet and know how to use, store and dispose of it.
• Chemicals and equipment should be stored in accordance with 6A2 rules; with no exceptions to this rule.
• Never store chemicals in unlabeled or incorrect labeled containers.
• Always check hand and power tools and electrical cords before using. Never use a tool or cord that is damaged or defective.
• Never leave tools or equipment lying on the floor in walk paths or exits.
• All district-owned tools should be cleaned, and in good working condition before stored.
• Get first aid for every scratch, cut, burn, no matter how small. Untreated minor injuries may develop into serious injuries.
• Every accident or injury, no matter how small, must be reported to your supervisor immediately. He/she will then report the accident or injury to the department supervisor.
• Do not attempt to operate equipment you do not understand.
• Wear adequate shoes with full protection of the heel and toes and slip-resistant soles. Never wear shoes with worn heels or shoes that are open.
• When backing a vehicle into a confined area, always have another adult as a guide.
• Before beginning the work day, check all lights and tires on the school district vehicle.
• Seatbelts must be worn while operating a district vehicle.
• Make sure you know where fire extinguishers are located and are fully charged and operational.
• Emergency exits must be kept clear at all times.
• Never park or stack anything in front of fire extinguishers, electrical panels, and/or fire doors.
• Use a proper height ladder or stool (not a box, desk or chair) to reach high places and avoid, if possible, carrying material up or down ladders. Put light items on higher shelves.
• Never pour flammable liquids down drains or sewers.
• Dispose of all flammable waste rags in metal containers with lids and in an approved area.
• Change your clothing immediately should they become soaked with any flammable liquid.
• Always wear comfortable and adequate clothing on the job. This includes not only well fitting clothing, but adequate shoes to protect your feet from hazardous materials.
• Protective gear should be worn at all times, in all areas, indoor or outdoors in hazardous jobs.

SAFE LIFTING RULES

• Size up the load; do not attempt to lift a load alone if you have any doubt of your ability to lift it.
• Always make sure your footing is secure.
• Place feet close to the base of the object to be lifted.
• Get a good grip on the load.
• Bend your knees; keep your back straight.
• Keep the load close to the body.
• Be sure you can see past the load.
• In team lifting, cooperate with your partner if carrying a long object; with a two-person carry, both should carry from the same side, be it right or left.
• When putting down a load, take care and reverse the lifting procedures.
• Do not attempt to use hand trucks to move objects weighing in excess of 500 pounds.
• Before moving a load, make sure your intended pathway is clear. Be aware of other potential problems such as class changes, lunch periods, etc.
• When carrying, turn your whole body, including your feet. Never twist shoulders and hips before moving your feet.

LADDER SAFETY

• All types of ladders are available on the job site for your use. There is no excuse for using a make-shift means of access to a work area.
• Broken or damaged ladders must not be used. Repair or destroy them immediately. Ladders to be repaired must be tagged "DO NOT USE."
• Do not splice together short ladders to make a longer ladder.
• All straight ladders must be tied off at the top.
• Ladders should not be placed against moveable objects.
• The base of the ladder must be set back a safe distance from the vertical - approximately one-fourth of the working length of the ladder.
• Ladders used for access to a floor or platform must extend at least three (3) feet above the landing.
• The areas around the top and base of ladders must be free of tripping hazards such as loose materials, trash, and electrical cords.
• Ladders which project into passageways or doorways, where they could be struck by personnel, moving equipment or materials being handled, must be protected by barricades or guards.
• You must face the ladder at all times when ascending or descending.
• Be sure your shoes are free of mud, grease, or other substances which could cause a slip or fall.
• Do not carry materials up a ladder. Use a hand line.
• Always move the ladder to avoid over-reaching.
• Fully open stepladders to permit the spreader to lock.
• Metal ladders must not be used for electrical work or in areas where they could contact energized wiring. The use of metal ladders is restricted to special applications where the heavier wooden ladders are not practical.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

• Always check electrical cords, tools or equipment carefully before using. Damaged/defective equipment should be pulled from service and repaired immediately.
• Never work on an outlet or switch connected to a live (closed) circuit. Turn off circuit breaker and post a warning sign on panel box first.
• All outlets within five feet of a water source must be equipped with a ground fault interrupter. Never work on electrical problems in a wet environment.
• Avoid wearing excessive jewelry (rings, bracelets, etc.) when performing electrical tasks.
• Breakers should never be taped in the "ON" position. This prevents them from operating correctly.
• Breakers should be tripped manually on occasion. This helps to ensure their safe working order.
• Main service panel rooms or areas should be kept free of combustible storage such as wood, paper, paint or flammable liquids.

EQUIPMENT & MOTORS

• All electrical systems for the building should conform to the National Electrical Code Standards.
• All permanent wiring should be in conduit.
• All electrical outlets should be of the 3-wire grounded type.
• All electrical equipment used in the building should have the Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.) label and should have 3-wire ground cords and plugs or be otherwise properly insulated.
• The use of 2-wire plug adapters and multi-plug outlet adapters should be prohibited.
• Only heavy duty grounded extension cords should be used as temporary wiring.
• All circuit breakers should be numbered and identified as to the location/appliance served. Circuit breaker switches should not be taped in the "ON" position. 8. The main electrical equipment rooms should be kept locked at all times with access by authorized personnel only. All electrical boxes outside the secured area should be kept locked.
• There should be no storage of combustibles/flammables in electrical rooms. Access to all electrical panels must be kept free of any obstructions.
• Motors should be kept free of dust, dirt and oily deposits.
• Equipment or motors should not be kept in blind or inaccessible attic spaces.
• Power cords should be kept in good condition; never worn, broken, improperly repaired or patched.
• Any equipment that sparks, stalls or runs hot should be repaired or replaced.

FIRE PREVENTION

It is important to use the right type of fire extinguisher. Familiarize yourself with the different fire extinguishers and their symbols. This symbol indicates the fire extinguisher is designed for combustibles, such as: cloth, wood, paper, rubber, etc. The background color of the symbol will be either metallic or green. This type of fire extinguisher contains either water, multipurpose dry chemicals, carbon dioxide or foam. This symbol indicates the fire extinguisher is designed for flammable or combustible liquids, gases, greases, oil, etc. The background color of this symbol is either metallic or red. This type fire extinguisher contains multipurpose dry chemicals or carbon dioxide. This symbol indicates the fire extinguisher is designed for electrical equipment. The background color of the symbol is either metallic or blue. This type fire extinguisher contains either multipurpose dry chemicals or carbon dioxide. This symbol indicates the fire extinguisher is designed for use on certain combustible materials (metals) such as: sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc. The background color of this symbol is either metallic or yellow. Very rarely will you need a Class D fire extinguisher, especially for offices and homes. This type fire extinguisher contains a special dry powder.

FALL SAFETY

Falls are one of the most common kinds of accidents. Preventing a fall and injury is your responsibility.

• When it is necessary to climb--use a ladder, not a chair, stool, desk or box.
• Wear good shoes with nonslip soles that are in good condition.
• Use care when working on stairways. Keep your balance.
• Use caution when working so as not to trip over your equipment - mop, bucket, vacuum cleaner, and other tools.

EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY

• Accept the responsibility for his or her own safety. Managers/Supervisors should encourage employees to be safety conscious.
• Abide by all safety regulations.
• Use protective clothing and devices when needed.
• Use machines, equipment or tools that are in good, safe working condition.
• Do not distract other workers performing a hazardous job.
• Refrain from all forms of pranks or horseplay.
• Report unsafe practices or working conditions to immediate supervisor.
• Report all accidents to the immediate supervisor prior to seeking medical assistance.