HOSPITAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

(OMD552)

UNIT 4: FACILITY SAFETY

 UNIT 4: FACILITY SAFETY

INTRODUCTION

Hazards of all types can exist in healthcare facilities and organizations must take
steps to identify and control these hazards.
Conducting periodic tours, inspections, and surveys can help identify and control
hazards.
Organizations with established safety cultures can rely on staff vigilance to help
identify hazards and help prevent accidents.
Facility personnel at all levels should learn to observe hazards and behaviors that
could contribute to accidents.
Senior leads should stress the importance of job safety education and training.
Supervisors should communicate the need for personal involvement in safety and
hazard control efforts.
FACILITY GUIDELINES INSTITUTE (FGI)
Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1998 to provide leadership
and continuity to the development and publication of the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health
Care Facilities.
FGI functions as a contractual, fundraising, and coordinating entity for the quad annual Guidelines revision
process, supporting the work of the independent Health Guidelines Revision Committee in its goal to update
and improve the content of the Guidelines document to encourage its adoption and use.
The 2014 Guidelines documents were produced with the participation of more than 200 experts in planning,
design and construction, and operation of hospitals, outpatient facilities, and residential health, care, and
support facilities as well as health and residential care providers.
The Guidelines revision cycle brings together some of the best minds in our business and through a formal
consensus process develops a series of minimum design and construction standards for adoption by federal,
state, and private enforcing authorities.
The 2014 FGI Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities includes new
requirements for assessing medication safety risks and identifying and designing medication safety zones to
help health-care organizations address the high rate of medication errors in health-care today.
 ADMINISTRATIVE AREA SAFETY
Many healthcare organizations overlook the
administrative areas during safety surveys. These areas
contain a number of hazards including lifting, climbing,
repetitive motions, tripping, and electrical.

Office areas can also experience workplace violence in

locations such as admissions, emergency departments,
gift shops, patient affairs, and business offices.
 SLIP, TRIP, AND FALL PREVENTION
 OSHA 29 CFR 1910.22, Walking/Working Surfaces, and ANSI
A1264.2-2006, Provision for the Slip Resistance on
Walking/Working Surfaces, provide guidance on preventing slips,
trips, and falls.
 Safety personnel must identify, evaluate, and correct any hazards
that could contribute to these types of events.
 Educate staff members about the causal and behavioral aspects of
fall prevention efforts. Establish procedures to analyze trends
related to slip and fall incidents.
 Slip, trip, and fall incidents can frequently result in serious
disabling injuries. Slips and falls can result in lost workdays,
 Implementing effective housekeeping procedures, conducting proper
floor cleaning, using walk-off mats, posting safety signs, and
requiring the wearing of slip-resistant shoes minimize the risk of
slipping.
 Many slip and trip hazards exist in food preparation and service
areas, decontamination areas, near soap dispensers, at drinking
fountains, and at building entrances.
 Use barrier products or caution tape to prevent people from entering
areas undergoing cleaning. Remove floor signs immediately once the
floor dries.
 Replace smooth flooring materials in areas normally exposed to
water, grease, and particulate matter with rougher surfaced flooring
Poor Lighting, Stairs, and Handrails
Proper lighting allows individuals to see their surroundings and notice
any unsafe conditions. Install lights in poorly lit areas and always use
lights with the appropriate brightness. Proper construction and
maintenance of stairs and handrails can reduce tripping hazards.
Poorly designed stairs can lead to missteps and can cause trips and
falls. Paint surfaces with “safety yellow or other highly contrasted
paint.” Consider taping or highlighting the edge steps to provide
guidance related to a change in elevation.
Keep stairs free of ice, snow, water, and other slippery contaminants.
Ensure the installation of adequate lighting in all stairwells.
Hazard Identification and Reporting
 Conduct regular walking tours using a well-written slip, trip, and
fall prevention checklist to guide the identification of hazards.
 Review facility historical accident and injury records to assist in
identifying slip, trip, and fall hazards.
 Incorporate slip, trip, and fall prevention education into recurring
safety training.
 Conduct awareness campaigns to educate employees about the
risk of slips, trips, and falls.
 Provide feedback on the actions taken to prevent slip, trip, and fall
injuries.
Static Coefficient of Friction (SCOF)
 Static coefficient of friction (SCOF) relates to the traction between
a person’s foot or shoe sole and the walking surface. We can define
SCOF as the relative force that resists the tendency of the shoe or
foot to slide along a walkway surface.
 ADA recommends a minimum of 0.6 on level walking surfaces
and 0.8 on ramps. OSHA requires an SCOF 0.5 in all areas.
 Slip resistance relates to a combination of factors including type of
surface, and care and maintenance procedures with the presence of
foreign materials between the foot/shoe sole and the walking
surface.
 SAFETY SIGNS, COLORS, MARKING REQUIREMENTS
 OSHA standards do not address sign design for danger, caution, and
safety instruction signs except for purpose and colors.
 OSHA requires signs designed with rounded or blunt corners and must be
free from sharp edges, burrs, splinters, or other sharp projections.
 Ensure that signs contain concise and easy to read wording.
 Use letters large enough to meet determined intended viewing distances.
 Place signs in locations to ensure individuals can take action to avoid the
hazard.
 Use legible signs that do not cause distraction or create a hazard.
 Never place signs on moveable objects or adjacent to moveable objects
such as doors and windows.
 If necessary, equip signs with emergency or battery-operated
illumination.
 Use red danger markings for safety cans or other portable
containers of flammable liquids, excluding shipping containers.
 Red safety cans must contain some additional clearly visible
identification either in the form of a yellow band around the can or
the name of the contents conspicuously stenciled or painted on the
can in accordance with 1910.1200.
 OSHA mandates the use of yellow as basic color for designating
caution. Use yellow for the marking of physical hazards such as
striking against, stumbling, falling, and getting caught in-between
Factors to Consider When Selecting New Flooring
Materials
• Performance factors in wet and dry conditions.
• Consider durability of a surface as important in high
traffic areas..
• Impact-resistant flooring also considers the weight of
heavy loads.
• Make appearance important but not as crucial as safety.
• Life cycle costs include expenses beyond the cost of
flooring, installation, and maintenance.
OSHA/ANSI Requirements for Marking Hazards
 Compressed gas cylinders (29 CFR 1910.253). Label the contents of the
cylinder—either by the chemical or trade name—use stenciling or stamping
on the shoulder of the cylinder.
 Confined spaces (29 CFR 1910.146). Identify all workplace confined spaces
and use danger signs or other effective means of identifying their locations
and the dangers they pose.
 Eyewash/shower stations (ANSI Z358.2-2004). Identify the locations of
eyewashes and showers facilities.
 Hazardous chemicals (29 CFR 1910.1200). Ensure that containers contain
appropriate labels and warnings.
 Hazardous waste (40 CFR Part 262). Facilities accumulating hazardous
waste on site must label containers as
LADDER SAFETY
Mark ladders with the following information: size, type, maximum
length, number of sections as appropriate, highest standing level, total
length of sections as applicable, model No, manufacturer’s name,
manufacturer’s location, and date of manufacture.
Ensure that ladders contain firm and unbroken rungs with braces
fastened securely.
Keep ropes, pulleys, and other moving parts in good working order.
Keep the feet of a ladder level when positioned solidly on the ground.
Ensure that the legs on a stepladder can spread fully and lock into
position.
SCAFFOLDING (29 CFR 1910.22, 23, 28)
 Ensure the inspection of all platforms or scaffolds by the supervisor before
use.
 All elevated platforms must contain a standard guardrail securely fastened
to a stationary object. The floor under an elevated platform must withstand a
working load of 75 lb/ft2.
 Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and safety warnings. Inspect the
equipment before use for damage or deterioration.
 Inspect erected scaffolds regularly to ensure safe conditions. Provide
adequate sills and posts and use base plates.
 Anchor wall scaffolds securely between structure and scaffold. Use caution
when working near power lines and never work closer than 10 ft to any
electrical power lines. Use adjusting screws instead of blocking to adjust for
 FALL PROTECTION

OSHA general industry standards require fall protection for employees working at

elevations of 4 ft. or more. OSHA construction standards mandate a 6-foot requirement.

OSHA recommends establishing designated areas for employees not working at the

edge of a roof. When working on roofs without guardrails, never get within 10 ft. of the

roof edge unless you are securely attached to a securely anchored rope or line for fall

protection. Never work on any roof when wind speed exceeds 20 mph.
Some key elements of industrial roof fall protection include the following:
 Limit access to the roof through a roof permit system.
 Ensure that employees can recognize, evaluate, and control roof top fall hazards.
 Perform a hazard analysis prior to each roof entry.
 Monitor all processes and make improvements as necessary.
 
 TOOL SAFETY
 


Organizations must take steps to identify and help people avoid tool-
related hazards.

In the process of removing or avoiding the hazards, workers must learn to
recognize the hazards associated with the different types of tools and the
safety precautions necessary to prevent those hazards.

Employees using hand and power tools can experience hazards such as
falling, flying, abrasive, and splashing objects.

The employer and workers must take actions to keep tools and equipment
in good working order.

The use of appropriate PPE can help protect workers against tool hazards.
Basic Tool Safety Rules
•• Keep all tools in good condition with regular
maintenance.
•• Select and only use the right tool for the job.
•• Examine each tool for damage before use.
•• Operate according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
•• Provide and use the proper protective equipment.
MACHINE GUARDING (29 CFR 1910.212)
Machine safeguards protect workers from preventable injuries. Safeguard any machine
part, function, or process that may cause injury.
Hazards can include rotating members, reciprocating arms, moving belts, meshing
gears, cutting teeth, and parts that impact or shear.
The basic types of hazardous mechanical motions and actions include the motions of
rotating, reciprocating, and transverse operations.
Rotating motion can pose danger. Smooth and slowly rotating shafts can grip clothing
and can force an arm or hand into a dangerous position.
Examples of dangerous rotating mechanisms that pose risks include couplings, cams,
clutches, flywheels, shaft ends, spindles, meshing gears, and horizontal or vertical
shafting operations.
Danger can increase when projections such as set screws, bolts, or projecting keys
become exposed on rotating parts.
Dangerous moving parts in three basic areas require
safeguarding:
o The point of operation refers to any point where a person performs
at tasks such as cutting, shaping, boring, or forming of stock.
o Power transmission apparatus functions as the part of the
mechanical system that transmits energy to the part of the machine
performing the work.
o These components include flywheels, pulleys, belts, connecting
rods, couplings, cams, spindles, chains, cranks, and gears.
o Other moving parts can include reciprocating, rotating, and
transverse moving parts. It can also include feed mechanisms and
auxiliary parts of the machine.
COMPRESSED AIR SAFETY

The lightest pressure of compressed air on your skin can cause blood vessels to
break and result in a hemorrhage. It can cause your eardrums to burst and damage
your eyes, which can be beyond repair.

The maximum working pressure of compressed air lines shall be identified in psi.

Never use compressed air where particles can be accelerated by the air stream.

Never use a compressed air line without a pressure regulator for reducing the
pressure. Keep the hose length between tool housing and the air source as short as
possible.
Ensure that the hose is in good condition before you use the compressed air.
Replace any torn, cracked, or bent hose before use.

Compressed air should never make contact with a person’s skin. When cleaning
with compressed air, wear safety goggles or a full-face shield.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY (29 CFR SUBPART S)
OSHA now considers the NEC or NFPA/ANSI 70 as a national consensus standard. Article 517 of
NFPA 70 contains special electrical requirements for healthcare facilities. Refer to 29 CFR 1926.401-
449 for OSHA construction-related electrical requirements. Electrical installations and utilization
equipment must follow the requirements of the NFPA/ANSI 70. NFPA 70 applies to every
replacement, installation, or utilization of electrical equipment. Supervisors must inspect work areas
for possible electrical hazards.
Electrical current travels through electrical conductors and we can measure its pressure as volts. You
can measure resistance to the flow of electricity using ohms and that can vary widely. Resistance
determination considers the nature of the substance itself, the length and area of the substance, and the
temperature of the substance.
Some materials, like metal, offer very little resistance and become conductors very easily. Other
substances, such as porcelain and dry wood, offer high resistance. Insulators prevent the flow of
electricity. Water that contains impurities such as salts and acids make a ready conductor Electrical
fires in healthcare facilities many times result from short circuits, overheating equipment, and failure
of current safety devices. Explosions may occur when flammable liquids, gases, and dusts interact
with ignition sources generated by electrical equipment. 
Grounding
Grounding refers to a conductive connection. Ground the frames of all electrical equipment regardless of voltage. Ground
exposed noncurrent-carrying metal parts of electrical equipment that may become energized under abnormal conditions. Cover all
electrical outlets, switches, and junction boxes. Provide ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) for all 120 V, single phase, 15 and
20 A receptacle outlets. The OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910, Subpart S, covers two types of grounds. The grounded neutral
conductor normally the white or gray protects machines, tools, and insulation against damage. This additional ground offers
enhanced protection for the worker by providing another path from the machine or tool through which the current flows into the
ground.
 
Circuit Protection Devices
Circuit protection devices limit or shut off the flow of electricity in the event of a ground fault overload or short circuit in the
wiring system. Consider fuses and circuit breakers as overcurrent devices that automatically open or break when the amount of
current becomes excessive. Fuses and circuit breakers primarily protect equipment and conductors. Use in wet locations and
construction areas. Employers must ensure that workers understand safety-related work practices. Equipment may consist of
rubber insulating gloves, hood, sleeves, line hose, and protective helmet. Workers should always use tools designed to withstand
voltage and stresses of electricity.
Work Practices
Use safety-related work practice to help prevent electrical shock or injuries. Keep
workers away from energized equipment or circuits.
Train qualified personnel on the correct procedures to use when working on
energized equipment or circuits.
Prior to using or performing maintenance on electrical equipment, first determine
the safety of equipment location.
Look for damp and wet hazards, high temperatures, and flammable liquids and
gases Check power cords and plugs for defects.
Look for cuts in the insulation that expose bare wires. Determine the location of
any emergency shutoff switch before using a piece of equipment.
 
Electrical Shock
Shock normally occurs when a person contacts both wires of an
electrical circuit, comes into contact with one wire of an energized
circuit and the ground.
Several factors impact the severity of shock including the (1) amount
of current (amperes) flowing through the body, (2) path of the current
through the body, (3) length of time the person remain in the circuit,
(4) phase of the heart cycle when the shock occurs, and (5) general
health of the person involved.
Severe shock can cause falls, cuts, burns, and broken bones.
Unsafe Grounded Equipment Situations
 Three-wire plugs attached to two-wire cords
 Grounding prongs bent or cut off
 Ungrounded appliances resting on metal surfaces
 Extension cords or improper grounding
 Cords molded into plugs not properly wired
 Ungrounded multiple plug strips often found in office areas
and nurse stations
CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY (29 CFR 1910.147)
Lockout procedures exist to render inoperative electrical systems, pumps, pipelines, valves, and any other
systems that could energize while employees work.
The OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.147 places four basic requirements on employers with worker engaged in
service or maintenance functions: (1) written procedures for lockout/tag out, (2) training of employees, (3)
accountability of engaged employees, and (4) administrative controls. Before beginning service or maintenance,
ensure accomplishment of the proper steps according to the specific provisions of the employer’s energy control
procedure.
All employees must learn to respect lockout and tag-out devices. Training must ensure that employees
understand the purpose, function, and restrictions of the energy control procedures.
1. Authorized Employees
Employers must provide training specific to the needs of authorized, affected, and other employees. They need
the knowledge and skills necessary for the safe application, use, and removal of energy isolating devices.
2. Affected Employees
Affected employees must receive training on the purpose and use of energy control procedures. These
employees must (1) recognize the use energy control procedures, (2) understand the purpose of the procedure,
(3) never tamper with lockout/tag-out devices, and (4) use equipment under lockout or that contains tag.
3. Periodic Inspection and Reviews
Inspections ensure that employees understand their responsibilities under the procedure and can
implement energy control procedures properly. (1) employees followed correct steps in the energy control
procedures, (2) employees know their responsibilities, and (3) the procedure used to provide necessary
protections.
4. Maintenance
Production equipment and machines fall under the safeguarding requirements of 29 CFR, Subpart O.
OSHA requires the employer to conduct periodic inspections and ensure adherence to following proper
procedures or requirements. This periodic inspection includes a review of each authorized worker’s
responsibilities under the energy control procedures.
5. Tag-Out Devices
Tags affixed to energy isolating devices serve as warning devices only and do not provide any type of
physical restraint. Use tags made of materials that will withstand the environmental conditions
encountered in the workplace.
•• DO NOT START
•• DO NOT ENERGIZE
•• DO NOT OPEN
•• DO NOT OPERATE
6. Lockout Devices
Lockout devices and practices vary by nature and function. Recommend the use of key-
operated padlocks assigned to specific individuals. Use chains or other commercially
available devices to prevent valves from being opened or, in some cases, closed.. Please
note that locking and tagging on/ off switches often do not prevent accidental start-up or
prevent voltage from being present in the equipment.

7. Training
Providing training helps all employees to understand the purpose and function of the
lockout/tag out procedures.
Workers must demonstrate that they possess the knowledge and skills for safe application,
usage, and removal of energy controls.
Conduct retraining as necessary whenever a periodic inspection reveals or an employer
believes that shortcomings exist in an employee’s knowledge.
 
PERMIT CONFINED SPACES (29 CFR 1910.146)
 OSHA revised the standard in December 1998 to provide for enhanced employee
participation in the employer’s permitted confined space efforts.
 It authorized representatives with the opportunity to observe any testing or
monitoring of permit spaces.
 A permit-required confined space must contain one or more of the following
characteristics: (1) a hazardous atmosphere, (2) material with potential for engulfing
the entrant, (3) inwardly converging walls, and/or (4) any other recognized safety or
health hazards.
 The space must not contain atmospheric hazards with potential to cause death or
serious physical harm.
 Signs should read as follows: DANGER—PERMITS-REQUIRED CONFINED
SPACE, DO NOT ENTER or other similar language. The next decision the employer
must make concerns whether or not a confined space should be entered.
OSHA HEARING CONSERVATION STANDARD (29 CFR 1910.95)
We can define noise as any unwanted sound. Noise occurs by sound waves generating rapid vibrations in the air. The ear changes air
pressure waves into impulses that the brain interprets as sound. Hair cells in the inner ear stimulate nerves that carry the message to the
brain. Loud noise damages these nerves and decreases hearing acuity. Noise may also trigger changes in cardiovascular, endocrine,
neurologic, and other physiologic functions. Noise hinders communication among healthcare workers. Many healthcare organizations
overlook this occupational hazard. OSHA requires organizations with workers exposed to decibel levels exceeding 85 on the A scale to
implement a hearing conservation policy.
The basic components of effective hearing conservation efforts must include recognition, evaluation, control, training, and documentation.
A 1979 survey of noise levels in hospitals indicated five work areas with noise levels high enough to reduce productivity: (1) food service
departments, (2) laboratories, (3) engineering departments, and (4) administrative offices. OSHA identifies 90 decibels (dBA) based on an
8 h time-weighted average (TWA) as the safe level of noise exposure.
This 90 dB concentration is referred to as the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for noise exposure. Any 8 h TWA exceeding 90 dBA
requires the employer to implement control measures to reduce the exposure to 90 dBA or below.
In addition to the 90 dBA PEL, OSHA also recognizes an 85 dBA TWA as its action level. While employee exposure to the action level
does not force the employer to implement measures to reduce employee noise exposure, it does require the employer to develop hearing
conservation procedures.
Measuring Noise Levels
Instruments used to monitor noise levels include sound level meters and noise dosimeters. Define a decibel as a measurement unit that
expresses a logarithmic ratio to an established reference level. Consider a reading of 20 dB as 100 times greater (10 × 10) than a reading of
1 dB. Sound level meters and noise dosimeters usually measure on two or three different frequency scales. Frequency refers to the number
of vibrations per second a noise contains. It measures in hertz (Hz) and uses frequency scales known as A, B, or C. OSHA requires that
noise measurements be conducted using the A scale that most closely resembles the human ear. Use sound meters to determine which areas
require a dosimeter measurement to determine TWA. Conduct noise level monitoring to ensure that worker exposure remains below the
Common Noise Controls
• Mount tabletop equipment on rubber feet or pads and install sound absorbent floor tiles.
• Use acoustical ceiling tiles and wall hangings where possible.
• Install mufflers where possible on generators, air compressors, etc.
• Decrease volume of intercom speakers, televisions, and radios.
• Keep wheels, hinges, and latches lubricated.
• Adjust door closing mechanisms to prevent slamming and use sound absorbent materials.
• Enclose noisy equipment and reduce metal to metal contact.
• Limit worker exposure by implementing administrative controls.
• Use technology to reduce noise levels.
• Keep machinery in good maintenance repair to minimize noise.
• Erect total or partial barriers to confine noise.
• Limit employees’ scheduled work time in a noisy area.
• Limit noisy operations and activities per shift.
Hearing Protection Evaluation
Ear protection provided for employees can include earplugs or earmuffs, or both. Employers must evaluate the sound attenuation provided
by ear protectors for the specific environment in which it is used. Use evaluation methods found at Appendix B of the OSHA standard. Each
hearing protection device possesses an assigned noise reduction rating (NRR). The NRR developed by the EPA determines the adequacy of
a hearing protector’s attenuation or noise-reducing capacity. Evaluate the NRR of a hearing protector based on the amount of decibels by
which a given device reduces noise exposure. If an individual exposed to a TWA of 100 dB uses earmuffs with an NRR of 26, subtract 26
dB from 100 dB, leaving the worker with a 74 dB TWA exposure. Please note that the calculation remains valid only if the original TWA
determination used a noise-measuring instrument reading in the C scale. When using the A scale for the initial noise level monitoring,
OSHA requires subtracting 7 dB from the hearing protector’s NRR. Then subtract this number from the TWA exposure.
HEATING, VENTILATING, AND AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS
 
HVAC systems include heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment. These systems can include furnaces, boilers and
chillers, cooling towers, air handling units, exhaust fans, duct work, filters, steam pipes, and hot water piping. A
ventilation system consists of a blower to move air, ductwork to deliver the air, and vents to distribute the air. A good
ventilation system distributes supply air uniformly. Place exhaust fans away from supply vents. Develop procedures for
conducting a partial or complete shutdown of each HVAC system. Equipment failures can result not only in loss of
heating or cooling capabilities but can impact special needs such as support for hood exhaust systems.
Provide detailed education about HVAC onto maintenance and operating personnel. Education and training should focus
on the technical aspects of maintaining systems including the role that each system plays in specific areas of buildings.
Maintenance personnel and plumbers usually encounter three basic types of heating systems: (1) hot water, (2) steam, and
(3) gas forced air. These sources can present energy and burn hazards. For example, hot water temperatures of 180°F can
scald the skin. Steam leaks can also cause burns. Require personnel to lock out all source of energy before starting work.
Require personnel to use a meter to test electrical circuits. In older facilities, personnel can encounter areas containing
asbestos.
Ventilation work performed on rooftops should require the use restricted access procedures. Hazards encountered when
working with air-conditioning systems can include refrigerants, electrical components, displaced oxygen levels due to
large leaks, and heavy equipment. Report all hazardous conditions or situations encountered also detail minimum design
and installation requirements for high-pressure boilers.
• 
Pipe Marking Standards
 The ANSI 13.1 standard merged into the ANSI/ASME A13.1
Scheme for Identification of Piping Systems to provide marking
requirements.
 The standard addresses pipe marking requirements for use in all
industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities and in buildings
used for public assembly.
 This standard does not apply to buried pipelines or electrical
conduits. Pipe marking labels must effectively
Boiler Systems

Once installed, refer to the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors Inspection Code
for guidance on maintenance of the system.

Always refer to instructions provided by the manufacturer of the boiler. Boilers can use a variety of
fuels depending on the design.

Effective maintenance policies must address water treatment, maintenance, inspections, permits and
licenses, potential system failures, emergency shutdown, and training/ education.

Check the treatment of water used in boilers and maintain proper levels.
Monitor water columns to ensure that connections remain clear. Ensure that water returns to the
proper level with drain valves closed.

Repair or replace all defective parts.

Conduct inspections with boilers cool and hand holes and manholes open, and ensure proper boiler
ventilation.

Locate these valves as close as possible to each boiler. Place guarded water gauge glasses less than 15
feet from the floor or on the water tender platform.
Inspect and test pressure every 12 months. Never make adjustments to valves or remove valves to
increase discharge pressure.
Pipe Contents Color Scheme
oFire-quenching fluids—white text on red
oToxic and corrosive fluids—black text on orange
oFlammable fluids—black text on yellow
oCombustible fluids—white text on brown
oPotable, cooling, boiler feed, and other water—white text on green
oCompressed air—white text on blue
oUser-defined—white text on purple
oUser-defined—black text on white
oUser-defined—white text on gray
oUser-defined—white text on black

Label Placement

Place labels on the lower or upper side of a pipe to permit easy reading (up or down)
depending on the location.
Place labels near valves, at branches, near change in directions, on entry or reentry points,
through walls or floors, and on straight segments with spacing between labels. Facilities
may use other labeling systems that meet the basic ANSI requirements. Document in
writing the labeling system used.
Ventilation Terms
 An anemometer measures air velocity, normally in feet per minute.
 Capture velocity refers to the velocity of air produced by a hood to capture contaminants outside
the hood (COVERING) area.
 Dilution ventilation exposure control methods use an air purification device and returns the
exhaust to work area air.
 A manometer measures pressure differences, usually in inches of a water gauge.
 Consider static pressure as pressure developed in a duct by a fan.
 Exhaust and Ventilation Standards
Local exhaust refers to any method designed to capture airborne contaminants nearest the point of
generation or release.
The effectiveness depends on the number of air changes per hour. A fume removal system consists of a
blower that removes a contaminant.
Ventilation ducts normally contain galvanized steel, stainless steel, or PVC-type materials. Air purification
devices can include chemical adsorption and mechanical filters that remove particulate matter.
Workplace Mold (fungus)
 Mold can grow in buildings and become a healthcare hazard.
 Outdoor molds play an important role in nature by breaking down organic matter such as toppled
trees, fallen leaves, and dead animals.
 Food and medicine production depends on molds.
 Avoid indoor mold growth since molds can grow on virtually any substance with moisture or water,
oxygen, and an organic source of food.
 Mold spores continually float through indoor and outdoor air.

Mold Prevention Tips

Repair plumbing leaks and leaks in the building structure as soon as possible.
o Look for condensation and wet spots.
o Increase surface temperature, insulate, or increase air circulation.
o Reduce the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation.
o Maintain indoor relative humidity below 70% (25%–60%, if possible).
o Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible.
o Vent kitchens (cooking areas) and bathrooms according to local code requirements.
o Clean and dry wet/damp spots as soon as possible but no more than 48 h after discovery.
LANDSCAPE AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
 It is important that the employees responsible for grounds keeping stay alert and watch for
the unexpected.
 Use face shields or goggles to protect eyes from dust and flying particles.
 Wraparound sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection can reduce the risk of cataracts
from sun exposure.
 Require the use of proper respiratory protection for extremely dusty conditions or when
applying pesticides.
 Select the proper gloves based on the tasks.
 Various glove styles can provide hand protection from hazards such as cuts, scrapes,
chemical exposures, thermal burns, and vibrating equipment.
 OSHA requires a formal assessment to determine types of PPE needed. Provide education
and training that covers all equipment and tools used.
 Ensure that workers know how to operate the controls and use the equipment safely.
 Ensure that employees rest periodically during strenuous jobs.
Blower Safety
Start and run the equipment in an upright position. Operate the blower with tubing
attached and direct the discharge of debris away from people, animals, glass, and
solid objects that could cause material to ricochet. Never use blowers while on
elevated or unstable surfaces. Never use blowers to apply pesticides, fertilizers, or
other toxic substances.
 Edger Safety
Require disengagement of the blade before starting the engine. Train workers to
hold the edger with both hands in a comfortable and well-balanced stance. Instruct
individuals to keep hands and feet well clear of the cutter blade. Watch the
discharge direction carefully and direct it away from people, animals, children, and
windows. Stay alert for situations that contribute to ricochets incidents. Disengage
and stop the engine before adjusting or repairing.
 
Chain Saw Safety
When operating chainsaws, the use of PPE, effective training, and understanding the
proper cutting technique remain the keys to preventing injuries. Most chain saw
injuries involve contact with the cutting chain that can result in severe injury to the
hands, legs, feet, and head. All chain saw operators must receive training to include
classroom and hands-on instruction.
 
Trimmer Safety
Use only trimmers with the cutting teeth and guards close enough together to
prevent fingers from fitting between them. Select trimmers with two handles,
including a wide forward handle high above the cutting blade. Lightweight models
are handled much easier than heavier ones. Work slowly and deliberately. Plan cuts
before proceeding. Stop the engine or unplug electric models before cleaning or
adjusting.
Push Mower
•Never take a running mower over gravel, stones, or hard objects such as pipes, rocks, or sidewalks.
Never pull, always push the mower forward. Plan to mow across slopes since the feet will less likely get
caught in the blade. Keep hands and feet clear of the blade housing and the discharge chute.
•Ensure the correct positioning of safety devices including the rear shield, grass chute deflector, handle up
stops, and dead man control. Ensure dryness of the grass before beginning. Disconnect the spark plug
wire before attempting service, adjustment, or repair of the mower.
 
Riding Mower Safety
•Ensure that all riding mowers contain a working engine interlock and dead man controls.
Disengage both the mower and transmission before starting the engine. Drive the mower up and down
gentle slopes for stability. Back up moderate slopes and avoid steep slopes completely. Slow down when
turning sharply and on slopes to avoid tipping. Keep the discharge chute pointed away from buildings,
people, and animals. Keep hands and feet away from all moving parts. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
remove the ignition or starter key before attempting to service, adjust, or repair the mower.
• 
FLEET AND VEHICLE SAFETY
 Healthcare organizations with fleet or driver safety functions must make
driver selection and qualification critical to success.
 Ensure that each applicant that will operate a motor vehicle completes a
release to permit the company to obtain their formal driving records from
the state Department of Motor Vehicles.
 Many insurance carriers provide training on fleet safety. Some safety
councils provide training sessions and even specialized training classes.
 NIOSH focuses on the use of occupant restraints, driver fatigue, vehicle
design, work organizational factors, and employer policies. NIOSH hopes
to develop injury prevention strategies and transfer the information into
workplaces.  
Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations (ANSI /ASSE Z15.1 Standard)
 ANSI/ASSE Z15.1 provides guidance necessary to control risks related to the
operation of motor vehicles. The standard applies to the operation of
organization-owned or organization-leased vehicles on public roads.
 Motor vehicle practices and operations play a vital role on the effectiveness of
any overall safety and health management function.
 The new publication places added emphasis on restraint systems, impaired
driving, aggressive driving, distracted driving, journey management, and
fatigue management.
 ANSI Z15.1 also places an increased emphasis on the vehicle acquisition,
inspection, and maintenance. The standard recommends that organizations
develop written motor vehicle safety policies to meet organizational needs.
Major Fleet Safety Components
The development of a safety policy by senior management should address
the expectations of all drivers. Management involvement and support
remains the most important aspect of the fleet safety.
Driver selection and qualification: Companies must make driver
selection and qualification critical to success. Ensure that the applicant
meets all mandatory and legal requirements.
Driver training: Driver training can take several forms. Many insurance
carriers provide training to the fleet or safety managers. In effect, they
train the trainer, who in turn trains the drivers. Some carriers offer training
referred to as commentary class. The driver spends time in a classroom
setting and then applies the concepts learned to a real-life road test.
Supervision:
The effective supervision of drivers poses the greatest challenge to the fleet
manager. Some organizations use how my driving bumper stickers is
encouraging reporting of erratic driving.
Vehicle maintenance: Some experts indicate that about 90% of accident
investigations reveal that a human serves as one of the primary causes. Fleet
repair shops must employ qualified mechanics that conduct periodic
maintenance.
Accident investigation: Organizations must conduct proper investigations to
permit analysis of all accident events. This permits safety personnel to
document (1) lessons learned, (2) take actions to prevent future events, (3)
improve training, and (4) discipline drivers not following procedures.