FMMC 10-12 – SAFE WORK PRACTICE
Effective: November 22, 1996
Revised: August 10, 2012
Reviewed: December 2013
PURPOSE
To inform employees of safety requirements in P.P.D.M.C.
POLICY
P.P.D.M.C. employees must perform their duties in the safest manner possible, utilizing safety equipment and personal protective equipment, (PPE), provided. Employees shall engage in work in a manner consistent with good safety practice since injuries can cause great pain and/or damage when safety is disregarded or compromised.
PROCEDURE
1. Keep all guards, interlocks, and safeties in place. If guards or safety devices are removed, they must be replaced before equipment is put back in service. Lock out/Tag out equipment before work is done on equipment being serviced. See Policy PPD 10-06 - ENERGY LOCK OUT/TAG OUT.
2. Shops and work areas shall be clean, orderly, and well organized in compliance with OSHA regulations.
3. When work involves entering a confined space, it is necessary to check the oxygen level. If the O2 level is not 20.6%, entry will be delayed until it reads consistently at 20%, or an approved respirator shall be used if O2 level is 19.5% or less. A life line must be attached to the worker where required per policy (Policy PPD 10-03 - CONFINED SPACE ENTRY).
4. When a known hazard or potential hazard exists, use warning signs, barricades, or caution tape so others are not exposed to the hazards.
5. Areas with toxic chemicals will be tested by Hazardous Materials Management or the Industrial Hygienist before work begins in such areas, call 3-5728.
6. Do not leave tools or equipment where they may create a safety hazard.
7. Always use appropriate equipment for the task. Example: Standing on a chair is considered unsafe; an approved ladder must be used when working beyond our height capabilities. Never stand on top step of ladder.
8. Keep exits clear and unobstructed.
9. Use eye protection whenever required.
10. Use hearing protection when noise level exceeds safe limits.
11. Use respirators whenever conditions warrant such PPE.
12. Label all chemicals and store flammable liquids in approved safety cabinets.
13. Do not use compressed air for cleaning in excess of 30 PSI.
14. Report all safety hazards to your supervisor and if an accident should occur, obtain medical attention immediately.
15. Exercise proper care in lifting at all times. Use mechanical equipment or other assistance when appropriate.
16. It is difficult to define all aspects of safety; if a policy does not exist for a specific operation, common sense must be exercised to prevent self injury or injury to others. If no safe process can be developed report this issue to your supervisor.
17. Willful disregard for safety and safety policies may subject the employee to discipline, and even dismissal depending on the seriousness of the situation.
18. Outside contractors are expected to follow all safety rules. If a contractor is observed performing work in an unsafe manner or in some way impedes safety, the UK representative must be notified. The project manager will communicate the infraction to the contractor. If the unsafe act creates imminent danger further steps must be taken, such as stopping the work.
ADDENDUM TO POLICY 40.02
Hearing Conservation Program for the Medical Center Physical Plant Division
It is the policy of the University Of Kentucky to provide a safe and healthful work place environment for its employees, students and visitors. In order to ensure this policy, the University has established a Hearing Conservation Program. This program applies to all persons working in areas with equipment that have high noise levels of 85 decibels, a weighting (dba) or higher.
Noise Monitoring
Monitoring for noise levels will be conducted by Occupational Health and Safety Department. It is responsibility of the individual departments to notify OHS when there is the need for monitoring. Monitoring will be performed with the use of sound level meters and personal dosimeters at the discretion of OHS.
Monitoring will also be conducted whenever there is a change in equipment, process or controls that affects the noise levels. This includes the addition or removal of machinery, alteration in building structure or substitution of new equipment of that previously used. It is the department’s responsibility to notify OHS.
Hearing Protection
Hearing protection will be provided at no cost to the employees who perform tasks designated as having a high noise exposure and replaced as necessary. It is the responsibility of the department to require employees to wear hearing protection when noise levels reach 85 dBA. These employees will have the opportunity to choose from at least 2 different types of hearing protection. Personal stereo headsets or "Walkman", are not approved for hearing protection. Signage is required in hearing protection areas.
These areas or jobs tasks designated as required hearing protection are:
1. Generator operation
2. Sheet metal work
3. Any task where noise levels exceed 85dBA
Employee Training
Affected employees will be trained concerning the proper usage and wearing of hearing protection. The training will be conducted by OHS or a designated representative, within a month of hire and annually thereafter. Training will include information on the effects of the noise on hearing, the purpose of hearing protection, an explanation of audiometric testing and the OSHA noise standard.
Training records will be kept by the OHS Department and a copy sent to the affected department.
Audiograms/Hearing Test
Employees included in the hearing conservation program who have time-weighted average (TWA) noise exposures of 85 dBA or greater for an 8 hour period will be required to have both a baseline and annual audiogram. The audiogram will be provided by the University with no cost to the employee.
The baseline audiogram will be given to an employee within 1 month of employment with the University of Kentucky and before any exposure to high noise levels. Annual audiograms will be performed within 1 year from the date of the previous audiogram. It is the responsibility of the individual and their respective departments to schedule the annual audiogram.
If an annual audiogram shows that an employee has suffered a standard threshold shift, the employee will be retested within 30 days of the original audiogram. If the retest confirms the occurrence of a standard threshold shift, the employee will be notified in writing within 21 days of the confirmation. Employees who experience a standard threshold shift will also be refitted with hearing protection
Hearing Conservation Program for the Medical Center Physical Plant Division
It is the policy of the University Of Kentucky to provide a safe and healthful work place environment for its employees, students and visitors. In order to ensure this policy, the University has established a Hearing Conservation Program. This program applies to all persons working in areas with equipment that have high noise levels of 85 decibels, a weighting (dba) or higher.
Noise Monitoring
Monitoring for noise levels will be conducted by Occupational Health and Safety Department. It is responsibility of the individual departments to notify OHS when there is the need for monitoring. Monitoring will be performed with the use of sound level meters and personal dosimeters at the discretion of OHS.
Monitoring will also be conducted whenever there is a change in equipment, process or controls that affects the noise levels. This includes the addition or removal of machinery, alteration in building structure or substitution of new equipment of that previously used. It is the department’s responsibility to notify OHS.
Hearing Protection
Hearing protection will be provided at no cost to the employees who perform tasks designated as having a high noise exposure and replaced as necessary. It is the responsibility of the department to require employees to wear hearing protection when noise levels reach 85 dBA. These employees will have the opportunity to choose from at least 2 different types of hearing protection. Personal stereo headsets or "Walkman", are not approved for hearing protection. Signage is required in hearing protection areas.
These areas or jobs tasks designated as required hearing protection are:
1. Generator operation
2. Sheet metal work
3. Any task where noise levels exceed 85dBA
Employee Training
Affected employees will be trained concerning the proper usage and wearing of hearing protection. The training will be conducted by OHS or a designated representative, within a month of hire and annually thereafter. Training will include information on the effects of the noise on hearing, the purpose of hearing protection, an explanation of audiometric testing and the OSHA noise standard.
Training records will be kept by the OHS Department and a copy sent to the affected department.
Audiograms/Hearing Test
Employees included in the hearing conservation program who have time-weighted average (TWA) noise exposures of 85 dBA or greater for an 8 hour period will be required to have both a baseline and annual audiogram. The audiogram will be provided by the University with no cost to the employee.
The baseline audiogram will be given to an employee within 1 month of employment with the University of Kentucky and before any exposure to high noise levels. Annual audiograms will be performed within 1 year from the date of the previous audiogram. It is the responsibility of the individual and their respective departments to schedule the annual audiogram.
If an annual audiogram shows that an employee has suffered a standard threshold shift, the employee will be retested within 30 days of the original audiogram. If the retest confirms the occurrence of a standard threshold shift, the employee will be notified in writing within 21 days of the confirmation. Employees who experience a standard threshold shift will also be refitted with hearing protection