CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH

                  

COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS

SAFETY PROGRAM MANUAL

 http://www.cnsm.csulb.edu/services/safety/index.htm

 

 

TOPIC                                                                                                        PAGE                  

 

       INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................5

 

1.    Safety Structure and Policy for the CNSM.......................................................................  5

 

2.    Safety Training, Hazard Communication, Chemical Hygiene Plan and MSDS’s............       7

 

3.    Student Laboratory Safety……………………………….................................................8

 

4.    Laboratory Safety and Access Control………………………………………..………..   8

 

5.    Mandate for Continuous Oversight During Lab/Class....................................................      9

 

6.    Faculty Responsibility for Academic/Research Project Safety & Cleanup.....................       9

 

7.    Disciplinary Actions……………………………………………….................................  9

     

8.    Control of Exposures to Chemicals and Other Hazards....................................................   9

 

9.    Reproductive Health…………………………..................................................................10

   

10.  Medical Monitoring for Workplace Health Hazards……................................................    11 

 

11.  Ergonomics…….. ........................................................................................................... 11

 

12.  Employee and Student Injuries……………....................................................................   11

 

13.  Reporting Accidents, Incidents and Unsafe Conditions..................................................      12       

 

14.  Fire/Emergency Procedures (DIAL 9-1-1 from a campus phone)...................................    12

          

15.  Human Blood Concerns………………………………….……........................................13

 

16.  First Aid Kits …………………………………..………………………………………..13

 

17.  Emergency Eyewashes and Safety Showers ……………………………………………. 13

.

18.  Housekeeping…………………….. .................................................................................13

 

19.   Sharp Objects and Broken Glass Disposal……………………………….……….........  13

 

20.   Earthquake Safety ….....................................................................................................  14

 

21.   Walkways and Safety Equipment Obstructions……………………. …………………    14

 

22.   Electrical Safety Guidelines………………………… …................................................  14

 

23.   Facility Modification Rules………………………………………………… ………....   15

 

24.  Junk and Unwanted Items………………………………………………… …………… 15

 

25.   Smoking, Eating and Drinking Prohibition…………………………………………….     16       

 

26.   Driving “On the Job”.....................................................................................................    16

 

27.   Foreign Travel……………….………………………………………………………….16

 

28.  Transportation of Hazardous Materials…………………………………………………   16       

 

29.   Field Projects and Academic Field Trips……………………….....................................  16

 

30.   Watercraft Safety………………………………….........................................................17       

 

31.   Acquisition, Donations and Storage of Hazardous Items…….......................................     17       

 

32.   Labeling of Hazardous and Non-Haz. Materials and Hazard Definitions......................       18

 

33.  Standard Operating Procedures for All Chemicals and Operations………….…………     20

 

34.  Storage and Use Requirements According to Hazard…………………………………..    22

 

35.  Safety Control Measures For Particularly Hazardous Substances……………………...     24

 

36.  Control of Inhalation Hazards:  Vapors, Fumes, Smoke, Dust, Microbes………………    24

 

37.  Clean-up of Hazardous Chemical Spill………………………………………………….  25

 

38.  Hazardous Waste Disposal and Environmental Protection……………………………..     26

 

39.  Minimization of Hazardous Waste……………………………………………………..    27

 

40.  Working with Needles………………………………………………………………….  27

 

41.  Biohazardous Agents (infectious microbial agents) & CNSM Biohazard Control Program.  27

 

42. Carcinogens…………………………………………………………………………….  29

 

43.  Compressed Gases, Liquid Nitrogen (LN2 ) and Dry Ice………………………………    30

 

44.  Centrifuge Safety………………………………………………………………………   31

 

45.  Radioactive Materials, X-Ray Emitters and Electron Microscopes…………………..        31

 

46.  Lasers………………………………………………………………………………….  31

 

47.  Animal Use…………………………………………………………………………….   31       

 

APPENDIX

 

I.  LIST OF MANUAL SUPPLEMENTS ............................................................................  32                   

II.  LIST OF ADDITIONAL RESOURCES..........................................................................  32            

III. INDEX TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CNSM SAFETY MEMOS)…………..  32

IV. SAFETY INSTRUCTION AND VERIFICATION FORM FOR LAB CLASSES/496.   34

IV. INJURY RESPONSE PROCEDURES SAFETY MEMO……………………………     34

 

NOTE:  In addition to the supplemental reading material listed in this Manual, the CNSM Safety Office maintains a wide variety of other chemical, health, safety, environmental, and regulatory reference materials as well as an inventory of Material Safety Data Sheets. 

 

 


INTRODUCTION

 

This Safety Manual (Manual) is a key part of the CNSM Safety and Environmental Protection Program (Safety Program) which is designed to protect students, the general public, and all College of Natural Science and Mathematics (CNSM) personnel from health hazards and injuries associated with College operations. The campus Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), the campus Hazard Communication Program (HAZCOM or “Right To Know”), and the CNSM Chemical Hygiene Plan for laboratory workers are all part of the CNSM Safety Program. This Manual endeavors to make all employees aware of the presence of and risks associated with potential hazards in the workplace, and presents the rights and obligations of employees according to California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) regulations.  It includes Standard Operating Procedures with a focus on personal safety, and addresses protection of the environment per local, State and Federal regulations. 

 

All employees must complete all elements of the CNSM Safety Program Training, consisting of:

  • Participating in a CNSM General (Introductory) Safety Training session given by CNSM Safety and  coordinated through Department Offices and/or supervising Faculty/Staff;
  • Reading this Manual, including Manual updates/refresher training conveyed via email notification, and including any appropriate supplemental safety policies/procedures (available upon request);
  • Completing and returning the orange “Safety Program Form” in person to CNSM Safety Office (PH3-018) personnel within 7 days of attending the Training session; and
  • Passing the brief exam administered by Safety Personnel upon receipt of the completed orange form.

 

Updates to the Manual are conveyed to personnel periodically via email and the CNSM Safety Website.  Each person who supervises the work of others must inform the supervised individual(s) (students included) of these updates as applicable, and incorporate any necessary changes into existing operations.  Note that the CNSM Safety Office website (http://www.cnsm.csulb.edu/services/safety/index.htm) always presents the most current version of the Manual and other guides.  Visit this site often to ensure that you remain current with CNSM policies and procedures.

 

If any portion of the Manual or website provides information in conflict with an earlier communication, the most recent guide must be adopted as the current policy of the CNSM.  Additional Safety Program information is presented on the official Workplace Safety Bulletin Board, across from room PH2-112.   All guidelines, references and regulations referred to in this Manual are available for your review in the CNSM Safety Office (x55623) in PH3-018. 

 

 

1.  SAFETY STRUCTURE AND POLICY FOR THE COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS

 

Primary responsibility for the safety of people and protection of the environment at CSULB rests with the President and is generally communicated through the CSULB Office of Safety & Risk Management (SRM, x52283). The University in turn delegates to Deans and Department Chairs the responsibility for addressing the specific Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) needs of each College. The CNSM Constitution addresses EH&S and includes a provision for CNSM and Department Safety Committees.  University Foundation has a parallel system.

 

The Dean of the CNSM, via the CNSM Safety Office, is the administrator of the CNSM Safety and Environmental Protection Program.  The Dean and/or Department Chairs will take action to correct potential problems within the College that have been identified, and will initiate disciplinary action against employees and students who refuse or fail to follow established procedures. 


CNSM Safety Office personnel Radiation Safety Officer/Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) and Alt. Radiation Safety Officer/CHO, under the direction of the CNSM Dean, manage the CNSM Safety and Environmental Protection Program and the University-wide Radiation Protection Program in conjunction with appropriate committees.  Safety Office personnel review and evaluate various activities, projects and research programs from a safety and environmental standpoint; maintain most EH&S-related employee records, and coordinate compliance with Federal, State, Local and University regulations and policies.  Safety Office personnel investigate reported accidents and problems within the CNSM; assist committees, Department chairs, Faculty and Staff to remedy EH&S problems; provide or coordinate specialized training classes; and may also review instructional programs for EH&S provisions; etc. 

 

Department Chairs, with the assistance of the CNSM Safety Office and any Department safety designee(s), must adequately address hazards associated with Department operations, including those activities associated with student groups, volunteers, and Foundation employees.  The Chair must make every effort to ensure that only competent, trained individuals are supervising others and/or working in hazardous environments.  Written procedures and specific training programs for employees/students may be developed and implemented at the Department level.  

 

The CNSM Environmental Health and Safety Committee (EH&S) is assembled as needed and is composed of a Staff member and Faculty representatives from each Department. The CNSM EH&S Committee may review matters of College‑wide significance and report to the Dean.

 

The Department Safety Committees are assembled as needed. 

 

Department of Mathematics and Statistics and select non-technical employees, according to SRM, may participate in an abbreviated version of this Safety Program by receiving and reading the "CSULB Employee Safety" pamphlet, written by the SRM Office and supplemented with CNSM-specific information.

 

Staff, Faculty and Administrators (including volunteer employees and Foundation-paid personnel) are required to ensure that the appropriate level of "Hazard Communication" (HAZCOM) training (see item "2." below) is provided to all persons under their supervision, including service personnel, visitors etc.  All personnel, including students, must be informed and adequately trained with respect to any potentially hazardous operations or materials present in the workplace/instructional setting.  This training should be documented; forms are available from the CNSM Safety Office and their website.  Training documentation should be retained or forwarded per Department policy.

 

All personnel, including students, are required to work safely and never undertake a task without adequate knowledge, training and personal protective equipment (PPE).  Safety is the responsibility of everyone within the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.  Anyone aware of a health, safety or environmental problem, including unsafe conditions or suspect exposures, must report it appropriately and pursue an effective resolution.  Employees have the right to view records (available in the Central SRM Office or through the CNSM Safety Office) relating to medical surveillance, exposure monitoring and other activities or data relevant to occupational safety and health.

 

ALL MEMBERS OF THE COLLEGE ARE CHARGED WITH ADHERING TO THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THIS SAFETY MANUAL, AND OVERSEEING THE SAFE WORK OF ALL INDIVIDUALS FREQUENTING AREAS UNDER THEIR SUPERVISION.

 

 

2.  SAFETY TRAINING, HAZARD COMMUNICATION, CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN & MSDS’s

 

A.  Safety Training

Each supervisor (Faculty, Staff or administrator) is responsible for ensuring that all employees she/he supervises or directs have completed the CNSM Safety Program Training, consisting at a minimum of 1) Participation in a General Safety Training session (given by CNSM Safety Office personnel), 2) Receiving and reading this Safety Program Manual, and 3) Returning their completed orange Safety Program Form to the CNSM Safety Office for review and a confirming exam.  This training mandate applies to Work Study (WS), Student Asst. (SA), Teaching Assoc. (TA), Graduate Asst. (GA), Staff, Faculty, Adjunct, Volunteer, and Foundation-paid personnel etc.   This training must be completed BEFORE assigned work is begun.   This training is also strongly recommended for students engaged in potentially hazardous work with minimal supervision e.g. students working in research labs.   Faculty are responsible for making every effort to ensure the safety of individuals associated with student projects they approve/oversee, and the protection of the environment.

 

Each supervisor (Faculty, Staff or administrator) is responsible for providing information and training to each supervised individual regarding the specific hazards to which she/he may be exposed while performing her/his job duties. This training shall be provided at the time of initial assignment and whenever a new type of hazard is introduced into the work procedures.  No employee may direct an inadequately trained student/employee to perform a hazardous operation. 

 

Training should be documented e.g. on sign-up sheets after a lab meeting.  Documentation is required for certain operations; check with the CNSM Safety Office if you are not sure!  This training shall include the following where appropriate:  physical and health hazards of  equipment, chemicals, or other materials; electrical safety (see item 12. below); proper precautions for handling; necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) or other safety precautions to minimize or prevent exposure or injury; possible signs and symptoms associated with the overexposure to a hazardous substance; exposure limits (see Exposure Control, below); methods used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical; and emergency procedures for spills, fire, theft etc. 

 

Students enrolled in laboratory classes or independent study (research) receive documented training from their instructor via the “Safety Instruction and Verification Form” process.  These forms with accompanying instruction sheets are available from all Department offices and from the CNSM Safety website. Each lab instructor is responsible for ensuring that this safety training is effectively presented and properly documented by returning completed forms to the Department Office.  Note that some Departments have developed detailed course-specific instructions.   

 

B.  CSULB Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) and CNSM Chemical Hygiene Plans

This Manual incorporates the provisions of the CSULB HAZCOM and CNSM Chemical Hygiene plans, available for employee review in the CNSM Safety Office.  The main purpose of these plans is to (1) inform employees of, and protect employees from, the health hazards present in the workplace, and (2) keep exposures below regulated limits.  These plans also describe training requirements, and the HAZCOM plan contains a list of hazardous materials used or stored on this campus; this list is available through the SRM Office.   Contact the CNSM Safety Office to obtain information pertaining to hazardous substances used or stored in the CNSM.

 

C.  Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and "RIGHT‑TO‑KNOW":

The "Right‑to‑Know" is an important part of the HAZCOM Plan and refers to an employee's right to be informed about hazards present in his/her workplace.  This right makes the proper labeling of containers essential (full NAME and HAZARD; see label policy below).  Right‑to‑Know laws also give employees the right to access medical records, exposure history, and workplace exposure survey data held by the employer for that individual as well as for other employees with similar duties.

 


Product manufacturers are required to supply health and safety information for their materials in the form of an MSDS (see sample MSDS below).  All employees within the CNSM have the right to see an MSDS for any hazardous materials used in their work areas, and each person should read and understand an appropriate MSDS before a material is used.  Before beginning work, ALL EMPLOYEES MUST KNOW THE POSSIBLE HAZARDOUS PROPERTIES OF, AND APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONS/PPE FOR WORKING WITH, ANY POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS MATERIAL OR EQUIPMENT! Note that a hazardous material may be “hidden”, such as the refrigerant in a freezer, oil in a pump, etc. 

 

MSDS's are available via the CNSM Safety website (http://www.cnsm.csulb.edu/services/safety/index.htm.; see immediately below), and can be obtained from the individual who received the product, the Department Issue Room, or the CNSM Safety Office.  All employees must know how to interpret an MSDS.  If you need additional instruction, ask your supervisor or contact the CNSM Safety Office.  Any CNSM employee who supervises the work of another is required by Cal/OSHA law, to provide employees MSDS-type information about chemicals/materials to their employees upon request.  Please note that Cal/OSHA posters describing workplace HAZCOM information are posted on the official CNSM bulletin board located in PH2 at the south lower entrance.

 

To view a Material Safety Data Sheet, go to the CNSM Safety Website and click on “Material Safety Data Sheet Info” at the very bottom of the webpage, then type a chemical name and click.  You will be offered several MSDS’; pick one that is easy to understand and which best matches the chemical you sought.  To get to our website, go to csulb.edu, then click on Site Index (on black bar towards top of page), then scroll down and click on “Safety, CNSM”.   

 

!!!   When you come to the CNSM Safety Office to return your orange “Safety Program” form and take the  “Safety Quiz” you must BRING AN MSDS with you.  You will be asked to “tell us all about it”.

 

 

3.  STUDENT LABORATORY SAFETY 

All lab-class instructors, and project advisors of  496-type students must address laboratory safety by reading all pertinent sections of the  “Instructions for Student Safety Verification Form” to their students and then obtaining their signatures on the “Safety Instruction and Verification” form after filling out the form as appropriate.  Both documents are available from your Department Office at the beginning of each semester (Chemistry instructors must obtain theirs from the Chemistry Issue Room) and must be returned to Department Offices upon completion. 

 

Instructors should also ensure that appropriate safety information is incorporated into their Lab Manuals; for example, TAs, GAs and students all need to know that chemical splash goggles are required when adjusting the pH of buffers; that certain chemicals must be collected as hazardous waste; etc.

 

 

4.  LABORATORY SAFETY AND ACCESS CONTROL

An “access label” has been placed above nearly every door lock in the CNSM to help ensure the safety of unescorted outside people (and your safety as well) such as maintenance personnel, contractors etc.  by indicating the level of training needed to safely enter the room.  Anyone wishing unescorted entry to rooms labeled "Special Permission Required" must first receive the “CNSM Access Training” instructing the person on basic issues such as special hazards sometimes present in labs (radioactive materials, biohazards etc.), how to read labels (room, hazard, NFPA etc.), how to use the shower/eyewash,  and mandates such as never move chemicals yourself, never throw broken glass into the trash, never drink or eat in labs etc. This training can be given by CNSM Safety or FM/University Planning etc. supervisors; nearly all Plant personnel and custodians have been so trained.  Help out by making sure that  1) Hazardous items in the workplace bear clear warning labels/signs. 2) Temporary KEEP OUT sign(s) are posted as necessary.  3) Persons found to be operating in an unsafe manner are corrected and/or ejected.  Please notify the CNSM Safety Office or your department chair if outside personnel are compromising your safety, or the safety of others. 

 

 

5.  MANDATE FOR CONTINUOUS OVERSIGHT DURING LAB/CLASS

INSTRUCTORS MUST PROVIDE CONTINUOUS OVERSIGHT DURING LAB/CLASS SESSIONS!  The presence of the instructor in the laboratory/classroom is required in order to respond to problems and to ensure that safety rules are enforced.  Except for brief intervals, instructors must not leave their class during laboratory/class sessions.  Legal action regarding recent CNSM laboratory accidents found CNSM lab instructors partially at fault because they were not present in the lab.  The University will not defend faculty named in a lawsuit if it is determined that the instructor was negligent in effectively supervising a student or students.

 

Instructors must also ensure that neither children nor pets are present in laboratories unless it is a “special occasion” and prior permission has been obtained from CNSM Safety.  Children in laboratories must be closely supervised at all times.  Children should not be left unsupervised in offices, and must never have access to hazardous chemicals, potentially dangerous equipment etc.

 

 

6.  FACULTY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACADEMIC/RESEARCH PROJECT SAFETY & CLEANUP

 

Faculty are responsible for knowing, communicating and enforcing the health and safety aspects of any thesis project/directed research they approve.  Faculty advisors must carefully review proposed materials and methods, and help the students select the safest methods possible.  Project chemicals must be listed on the faculty’s Chemical Inventory spreadsheet; the faculty member is responsible for the proper labeling, storage, use and disposal of these chemicals.  It is easy to forget the “how-to” details with respect to the above; please feel free to call the CNSM Safety Office (x55623) for more information or assistance.

 

Faculty are ultimately responsible for the clean-up of ALL materials generated by their students, including samples, notebooks, dirty glassware, hazardous waste, materials stored in refrigerators, freezers, incubators, cupboards, fume hoods etc.  Many faculty have had to deal with these unwanted leftovers and it is NOT FUN!  Please ensure that your students perform a thorough clean-up of their materials prior to leaving your lab.  Contact CNSM Safety for disposal of unwanted chemicals.

 

 

7.  DISCIPLINARY ACTION – STUDENT RESEARCH

Keeping in line with University cheating/plagiarism policies, student research data acquired by means prohibited by law or CNSM/University policy may be disallowed toward academic credit/publication.  Examples include research tasks performed with willful disregard to safety and/or environmental regulations; collection of data via unauthorized SCUBA diving (non-compliant with the Ocean Studies Institute Manual); non-permitted specimen collection; etc.  Faculty advisers are asked to be vigilant for such activities, and take appropriate action.  Contact CNSM Safety or the Office of the Dean for details.

 

 

8.  CONTROL OF EXPOSURES TO CHEMICALS AND OTHER HAZARDS

 

A.  Hazard Identification and Minimization

Supervisors and instructors are responsible for recognizing potential hazards in any areas they work in or occupy. Operations considered hazardous or of unknown risk must not be performed until the supervisor or instructor

 

has carefully identified and evaluated the potential hazards, has approved the procedure, and has given appropriate instructions regarding safe procedures and any necessary control measures to be implemented.  Departmental and CNSM office approval must be granted and special control measures implemented before particularly hazardous substances/equipment are used, e.g. human blood products, recombinant DNA, radioactive materials, lasers, x-ray units, regulated carcinogens and drugs, etc.  In some cases formal University approval may be required through the SRM office.  No employee or student within the CNSM may perform a hazardous operation using equipment, materials or techniques which she/he feels is unsafe or dangerous.   

 

Whenever hazards not addressed in this Manual are encountered, more specific or detailed safety information must be obtained.   Reference sources and Manual supplements regarding specific hazards and procedures are listed at the end of this manual.  The employee's supervisor, Department resources and/or the CNSM Safety Office should be consulted if any doubts or questions arise.  Each new major project or program, and major revision of existing projects, must be evaluated from a safety standpoint e.g. the degree of risk arising from exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents, the control measures needed etc.  Hazards identified in the evaluation must be appropriately addressed. 

 

B.  Exposure Control

Fumes, vapors, radiations, dusts, mists, smoke, contaminated surfaces etc. cannot always be eliminated from the work place.  Departments as well as individual employees must make every effort to keep exposures to hazards below the limits for Cal/OSHA regulated substances, or recommended exposure limits for other hazards where there are no specific Cal/OSHA standards.  Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Guide (available in the CNSM Safety Office) may be used to obtain this information.  Airborne concentrations of chemicals/particles shall be monitored if there is reason to believe these levels are being exceeded.   SRM personnel typically perform or coordinate this monitoring.

 

CNSM personnel shall take the following measures to reduce exposure to workplace hazards:

1) Engineering controls e.g. hoods, mechanical safeguards, needle boxes, warning lights/alarms, interlocks etc.

2) Administrative controls e.g., chemical substitution, limiting access and exposure time, defining and limiting projects via the Project Authorization process, etc.


3) Personal protective equipment e.g. gloves, goggles, labcoats, aprons, portable shields, proper footwear, etc.

4) Safe work practices e.g. uniform container labeling, the prohibition of eating and drinking in the lab, use of the buddy system etc.

 

 

9.  REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Male or female, you should never work with a chemical without knowing how it may affect the reproductive system, and the length of time the chemical could remain in your body.  The use of some agents should be stopped well in advance of conception.  The following website from the International Labor Association provides information regarding when and how reproductive damage occurs, what kinds of reproductive health problems can occur, how a worker can tell if a chemical/work situation is hazardous to reproductive health, how workers are protected etc.:  http://www.itcilo.it/english/actrav/telearn/osh/rep/prod.htm

 

If you are concerned about reproductive health, or if you become pregnant, you should consult your physician regarding the evaluation of workplace hazards with respect to fetal health/fertility etc.  You would be able to better discuss these issues with your physician if you provide her/him with specific information regarding your work e.g. details regarding  specific chemical identities of any hazardous substances to which you may be exposed, potential radiation exposures, etc.  Your physician might find it helpful to also be informed of your standard operating procedures; for example, if you use chemicals you could discuss your use of personal protective equipment (gloves, no exposed skin, labcoat, goggles), engineering controls (fume hood use, local/supplemental ventilation etc.), frequency of exposure, average length of exposure, etc.  

 

You may find the following materials helpful, all available from CNSM Safety:

  • HESIS Fact Sheet "Evaluating workplace Hazards to Pregnancy" from the CA Dept. of Health Services, Calif. Occupational Health Program
  • Information sheet "If I'm Pregnant, Can the Chemicals I work With Harm My Baby", regarding chemical use during pregnancy; from the CA Dept. of Health Services, Calif. Dept. of Industrial Relations
  • "Workplace Chemical hazards to Reproductive Health", from the CA Dept. of Health Services, Calif. Occupational Health Program
  • "NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards", from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (most current version available at this website: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/pgintrod.html
  • CNSM Safety Website "MSDS Search Engine"

Please feel free to contact your supervisor, CNSM Safety, Chemistry/Biochemistry Laboratory Manager Joyce Kunishima, or Campus SRM with any further requests for information required by you or your physician regarding reproductive hazards in the workplace.

 

 

10.  MEDICAL MONITORING FOR WORKPLACE HEALTH HAZARDS 

The CNSM Medical Monitoring Program as defined in the IIPP is designed to protect employee health and to ascertain the effectiveness of hazard control methods.  Appropriate medical surveillance, consultations and exams shall be provided to employees who work with specific hazardous chemicals or agents and/or when certain criteria are met e.g. symptoms of illness present, possibly related to such exposure; hazardous material exposure level above the action level; hazardous materials spill, leak or explosion that made exposure likely  etc.  This will be at no cost to the employee, without loss of pay and at a reasonable time and place.  Contact the CNSM Safety Office for details.

 

 

11.  ERGONOMICS

Repetitive motion can, in time, induce serious injury.  Unhealthy work habits in keyboard operation are a common source of ergonomic complaints.  Use common sense to minimize ergonomic problems in your workplace and strive to comfortably configure your workstation.  Where possible, schedule computer tasks into multiple sessions rather than a single block.  Break from the tasks as needed to minimize stress and strain.  Specially designed aids such as ergonomic chairs, wrist rests etc. can be purchased which can lessen the chance of these injuries.  Contact Safety & Risk Management (x52366) if you would like to attend an ergonomic  training class; contact the CNSM Safety Office for information or an evaluation of your work practices if you suspect your job puts you at risk for repetitive motion syndrome or back injury.

 

 

12.  EMPLOYEE AND STUDENT INJURIES

Dial 9-1-1 on campus phones in emergency situations to reach CSULB Police. Avoid using 911 on cell phones  as the Highway Patrol will be alerted instead of CSULB Police, thus delaying response.  Injuries sustained by employees (including student employees) while performing job duties are termed “occupational” or “industrial” injuries and must be reported to the supervisor and the CNSM Safety Office.  Foundation employees must additionally report such injuries to the Foundation Office.  Injured employees will be treated off-campus as stated on the current version of the CNSM Safety Memo titled “INJURY RESPONSE PROCEDURES”, located at the end of this manual.  The University will normally not reimburse for treatment undergone at any other facilities.  Injuries sustained by students while performing non-occupational duties are not occupational injuries; students injured in this manner should be treated at the Student Health Center and/or under any personal health insurance policy.  CSULB will not pay or reimburse for the treatment of injuries to students who are not CSULB employees.

 

 

13.  REPORTING ACCIDENTS, INCIDENTS AND UNSAFE CONDITIONS

CNSM personnel are responsible for reporting to their Department, supervisor and/or CNSM safety office any significant accidents, incidents, exposures and unsafe conditions.   All Departments stock a standard Incident Report Form, also found on the CNSM Safety Website.  The supervisor shall ensure that the report is submitted to CNSM Safety and must take the appropriate corrective action required to prevent a recurrence.  All reported accidents will be investigated; the reports may be reviewed as necessary by the CNSM Safety Office/Dean’s Office/pertinent Department/Campus SRM and/or Public Safety, and appropriate action taken.  

 

CNSM personnel should report building problems such as flooding or defective heating, ventilation, lighting, plumbing, electricity, flooring, windows, custodial service etc. to the campus Facilities Management (FM) Help Line at extension 5-HELP (54357).  FM will typically send professionals to promptly fix the problem.  You may also contact the CNSM Associate Dean of Facilities  for assistance.

 

Further information about the University's Safety Program can be found in the campus IIPP.  For additional information contact Safety and Risk Management at x55260 or the CNSM Safety Office at x55623, or visit the CNSM Safety Office website.

 

 

14.  FIRE/EMERGENCY PROCEDURESDIAL 9-1-1 FROM A CAMPUS PHONE      

                PERSONAL SAFETY IS OF PRIMARY IMPORTANCE!

                   DO NOT ENDANGER YOURSELF OR OTHERS!

 


Report fire or other building-wide emergencies by activating one of the hallway fire alarm boxes.  LEARN THE LOCATIONS NOW.  When possible, call 9-1-1 from a campus phone and give the exact location (this number may be used for any emergency).  There is no need to dial when using the EMERGENCY PHONE BOXES located across campus and in CNSM hallways and elevators; just pushing and releasing the button on the emergency phone box will automatically contact Public Safety and indicate the caller’s location. Wait for Police to respond before talking into the speaker.  If safe, remain available to direct responders to the site, and to provide information on any special hazards present such as chemicals or radioactive materials.  If possible, send someone out to East Campus Drive to “flag down” the response team, and escort them to the site.

 

Employees trained in fire extinguisher use may control very small fires by use of fire extinguishers, providing the employee does not endanger her/his own personal safety or the safety of any other individual.  Many laboratories and hallways have at least one extinguisher available ‑ know the location.  Campus SRM personnel provide periodic training in fire extinguisher use, recommended for all employees.

 

If fire is uncontrollable by simple measures, CLOSE ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS in the location if it is safe to do so, and also close them in nearby rooms, hallways, stairwells, etc.  Everyone must TAKE THEIR PERSONAL ITEMS (backpacks, car keys, etc.) and evacuate the building; do not lock doors. The campus has a basic Emergency Plan that calls for evacuation using the alarm system.  Drills are held periodically.  The Plan calls for orderly egress, sometimes directed by personnel in hard hats, to an area at least 100 feet from buildings when the alarm sounds.  Instructors must lead their classes/students away from the building and maintain order.

 

The College maintains a Safety Supply cabinet on the top floor of MLSC near the elevator.  This cabinet contains personal protective equipment, spill control material, labels, bottle carriers etc. and first aid and other emergency supplies.  The lock opens with any MLSC building key.  Employees are encouraged to examine the contents. Use these supplies as needed but please promptly notify CNSM Safety of the use and re-supply the cabinet when possible.

 

 

15.  HUMAN BLOOD CONCERNS

Cuts from broken glass are the most common workplace injuries.  Helping the victim of a cut is a natural response, but keep in mind that contact with blood may lead to exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B virus and HIV.  To protect yourself and to comply with Cal/OSHA regulations, DO NOT CLEAN UP OR DISPOSE OF BLOOD OR BLOOD-CONTAMINATED ITEMS YOURSELF!  Contact CNSM Safety for assistance; use the emergency telephones or dial 911 from regular campus phones when appropriate.  If you plan to use unfixed human tissue, blood etc. in your work/project, see “Biohazardous Agents” below.

 

 

16.  FIRST AID KITS


An improperly stocked kit violates Cal/OSHA regulations and could cause a critical delay in emergency care.  Workplace regulations limit kit contents to bandage-related materials, gloves, and cleaning/disinfecting type products.  Common items that are now forbidden  include burn ointment, smelling salts, and analgesics (or anything else that can be ingested).  In addition, someone must take responsibility for keeping each kit clean and stocked.  Contact CNSM Safety if you wish to have a kit; possession of a non-approved kit is not allowed as it could increase your liability.  The office will label the kit and provide a supply of disposable gloves.

 

 

17.  EMERGENCY EYEWASHES AND SAFETY SHOWERS

Everyone should be familiar with the locations of the emergency eyewash facilities and safety showers installed throughout the college.  No one may work with substances which are corrosive, severely irritating, or are toxic by absorption, unless that person can reach an eyewash/safety shower within 10 seconds.  Affected eyes/tissues must be flushed with water for 15 minutes. Never apply chemicals such as bicarbonates to the affected area! Remove contaminated clothing as necessary. Many eyewashes do not have drains; DO NOT LET THE RESULTANT FLOOD STOP YOU FROM USING THE EYEWASH/SHOWER! 

 

 

18.  HOUSEKEEPING

Department Chairs are responsible for enforcing good housekeeping practices within their Department.  Poor workplace housekeeping is a violation of Cal/OSHA regulations.  Every employee and student is expected to participate in maintaining good housekeeping practices within the areas they occupy/use. Poor housekeeping practices may produce a variety of significant Environmental Health and Safety problems such as pest infestation, blocking of emergency exits/paths, spontaneous combustion of stored material, leaking containers, faded labels, unstable reagents etc.  See “Corridor Obstructions” below.

 

 

19.  SHARP OBJECTS AND BROKEN GLASS DISPOSAL

We must protect our custodial crew by never throwing broken glass or other sharp objects in the regular trash! Collect sharp objects in a small, sturdy cardboard box; when full, label "broken glass", then seal and place by the door for custodial collection.  Do not overfill the box or make it too heavy!  Be sure that all discards are free from toxic/hazardous residues. NEEDLES must be collected in a hard, puncture-proof container (available from the Safety Office); the container must be RED if the needles are contaminated with human or animal blood/tissues.

 

 

20.  EARTHQUAKE SAFETY

The presence of hazardous materials within our College makes even a minor earthquake potentially quite dangerous.  The protective measures listed below will lessen the possibility of property damage and personal injury in the event of an earthquake.  Anyone who encounters a potential earthquake hazard problem should notify their supervisor and/or the CNSM Safety Office.

 

Note the following guidelines:

1) All bookshelves, cabinets and other freestanding furnishings over six feet tall must be secured in some manner e.g. attached to a wall, the floor, or to each other.

2) All chemicals, glassware, or heavy objects that could present a danger by falling from storage locations must be secured from falling by the installation of safety wires, shelf lips, doors etc.

3) Books or other "non hazardous" items stored on shelves must be secured by some means when these items, upon falling, would impede exit from or access to a commonly occupied location. 

4) In the event of a significant earthquake, the detailed CSULB Emergency Plan on-file in the CNSM Safety Office and in SRM will be implemented.

 

 

21.  WALKWAYS AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT OBSTRUCTIONS

Unrestricted passage through walkways must be available in all occupied areas.  Generally, Cal/OSHA dictates a minimum width of 28 inches (8CCR 3229), (2) (b).  Fire Code forbids placement of ANYTHING except metal lockers in building hallways or on the Microbiology/FO5 walkways, especially unwanted furniture or equipment!  Contact your Department Technician or CNSM Safety for proper procedures regarding the disposal of these items. Skateboarding, bicycling, rollerblading etc. in CNSM hallways is forbidden.

 

Access to electrical panels and emergency equipment must be kept clear.  Never block the path towards or the area immediately surrounding a safety shower, eye wash station, fire blanket, fire extinguisher etc.  These zones are often outlined with yellow tape.

 

 


22.  ELECTRICAL SAFETY GUIDELINES

These guidelines were composed with help from Cal/OSHA experts after the college was issued a series of electrical safety citations.  Strict adherence to this guide is mandatory in order to keep our workplaces safe.   Faculty and Staff must frequently check their work areas for any unsafe conditions including those listed below and immediately correct any such conditions found.   Tags are available from CNSM Safety to clearly mark unsafe equipment that has been taken out of service pending electrical repair or upgrade.  The CNSM Shop assigns high priority to such repairs.

 

UNSAFE CONDITIONS - CORRECT IMMEDIATELY!

 

1)  Blocked electrical panels:  Do not block energized electrical panels.  Panel clearance requires a minimum of 30 inches width (side to side), and 36 inches to the front.  The floor in front of the panel must be completely clear -- no storage is allowed within the 30" zone.  Yellow tape (available from CNSM Safety) can be applied to serve as a reminder.

 

2)  Live wires:  Never use electrical equipment with exposed electrical contacts (frequently found on old or homemade items, or on electrical devices where the "back" or other safety panel has been removed). 

 

3)  Bad cords:  Never use power cords with broken/cracked insulation, tape-covered splices, or other makeshift repairs/connections.  A functioning "strain relief" must be present on every cord so the wires can't pull loose.

 

4)  Overloaded circuits: Do not use multi-outlet plug adapters; use breaker equipped "power strips" instead.

 

5)  Misuse of extension cords:  Flexible power cords may not be used as a substitute for a proper building power outlet.  Power cords and extension cords MAY NOT be run through holes in walls, ceilings, floors, or be run through doorways or windows.  Cords must not be attached to building surfaces with tape or nails, etc., or be run behind moldings, walls, ceilings, floors carpets etc.  If extension cords must be used for other than a short fixed period of time, use fused/breaker equipped "power strips".

 

6)  Lack of grounding:  Don't use ungrounded, "two wire" metal devices (such as metal incandescent lighting fixtures or Variac power supplies) in unsafe locations or in an unsafe manner as listed below.  Cal/OSHA REQUIRES "Three Wire" grounded power cords in each of the following cases:

 

  • On metal equipment used by persons who must stand in water or on metal, bare earth, bare concrete, or other "conductive" locations.
  • On metal electrical equipment mounted on ungrounded metal items (such as a light on machinery or steel table).
  • On equipment that was originally manufactured with a "three wire" cord. ADAPTERS THAT BYPASS THE GROUNDING PRONG OF A "THREE WIRE" PLUG ARE FORBIDDEN.