Tip #1: Extension Cords
Tip #2: Eye Strain
Tip #3: Foot Protection
Tip #4: Heat Induced Illness Prevention
Tip #5: Gasoline containers
Tip #6: Slips, Trips, and Falls
Tip #7: Shelving Mishaps

 

EHS Safety tip #1

Extension cords are for temporary use only!
Only UL listed, fuse protected power strips are approved for long-term use.

 

 

 

For additional information on extension cords and power strips, check out the EHS Facility Inspection webpage at:  http://www.uidaho.edu/safety/FacilityInspections/FacilityInspectionsHome.htm

 

EHS Safety Tip #2: Eye Strain

Suffering from tired or dry eyes after spending time on your computer?  Follow these tips to reduce pains and strains:

 

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

For additional information on setting up your computer workstation, check out the EHS Computer Ergonomics webpage at: http://www.uidaho.edu/safety/ergonomics.htm

 

EHS Safety Tip #3

Wear closed-toed, non-fabric footwear while working in laboratories!  Wearing sandals, flip-flops, canvas tennis shoes or similar footwear in labs can contribute to painful, debilitating injuries when accidents occur.

 

         

 

For additional information on lab safety, check out the EHS Laboratory Safety  webpage at:  http://www.uidaho.edu/safety/LabSafety/LabSafetyHome.htm

EHS Safety Tip #4: Heat Induced Illness Prevention

Summer is (finally!) upon us.  Heat-induced illnesses can cause symptoms ranging from fatigue and discomfort to death if left untreated.  To keep your cool and avoid problems, OSHA recommends the following:

      

A video-based training program that can be checked out and used by supervisors to train themselves and others about the very real dangers of heat-induced illnesses is available from Environmental Health and Safety, 885-6524.

Additional information on this topic, including free fact sheets, brochures, and other materials that can be used for tail-gate safety meetings are also available on OSHA’s website at:

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=16268

EHS Safety Tip #5

ALWAYS remove gasoline containers from vehicles and place them on the ground at a safe distance from the vehicle before filling them– touch the container with the gas dispenser nozzle before removing the container lid and keep the nozzle in contact with the container inlet when filling.  Following these guidelines will help minimize the risk of fires and explosions by providing a safe path to ground for the static electricity that can be generated as gasoline flows into the containers.

State safety standards require that metal, rather than plastic, containers of up to 5 gallons in size must be used for gasoline and other Class 1B liquids; 5 gallon containers must be UL listed safety cans and no portable containers may be used that are larger than 5 gallons, regardless of contents. 

Cleaning and other maintenance products classified as Class 1A flammable liquids are restricted to 2 gallons if contained in a U.L. listed safety can or 1 gallon or less when contained in other approved metal containers. 

 

For additional information on this topic or other fire safety issues, please contact Environmental Health and Safety, 885-6524.

 

Please share this information with others in your unit ….and thank you for your interest in safety!

 

EHS Safety Tip #6

Slips, trips and falls are a major cause of serious injury to the university’s faculty, staff and students.  It’s that time of the year again when the weather makes it even more challenging to get from point A to point B safely, so here are some suggestions for improving the odds of arriving at your destination without a mishap.
 

Wear appropriate footwear  – non-slip soles when the pavement is wet, traction soles and studded traction pullovers on icy, or snowy days. Exercise extra care – choose the safest, maintained route available; when walking on wet, icy, or snow-covered walkways, walk more slowly and avoid turning sharply. Use available handrails – be especially careful and keep a hand free for the handrail when carrying packages, equipment or other materials when using stairs.    Wipe your feet – take the time to use entrance mats when entering a building and be mindful that many slips occur while stepping from one type of surface to another. Think fast! – When slips and falls occur, tucking the chin into the chest, bending elbows and knees, and using the legs and arms to absorb the fall may help avoid more serious injuries. Report problem areas -   For the Moscow campus, call Facilities, 885-6246 or Environmental Health and Safety, 885-6524.

For additional information, including training materials that can be used to increase awareness on preventing slips, trips and falls, please contact Environmental Health and Safety, 885-6524.

Please share this information with others in your unit ….and thank you for your interest in safety!

 

George Porter
Occupational Safety Specialist
University of Idaho
Environmental Health and Safety
Moscow, ID  83844-2030

Phone:   208-885-6297
FAX:        208-885-5969
E-mail:    georgep@uidaho.edu

EHS Safety Tip #7

A recent “near-miss” incident involving a wall-mounted shelving system prompted this safety tip. Although no one was hurt, similar incidents have been reported in past years where occupants were not so fortunate.  To avoid problems, please keep these guidelines in mind when inspecting and using wall-mounted shelving.

Ensure standards are securely attached to the wall  – standards installed on walls should be tight.  When installed on drywall, standards should be spaced so the screws used to secure them are driven directly into a stud.  Appropriate anchors must be used when screws cannot be driven directly into studs or when installing standards on walls made of concrete or other materials.  There should be as many screws used to secure each standard as there are screw holes provided.
Ensure the ends of brackets have not worn loose  – Before inserting brackets into standards, inspect the shelf bracket tabs to ensure they are not bent or worn; grip the end of the bracket that will be inserted into the standard and try to wiggle it - there should be little to no play.
Ensure bracket ends are fully inserted and seated into the standards – lightly tap the top of the bracket with a hammer close to the standard once the tabs have been inserted until they are fully seated.
Ensure shelves are properly sized to the brackets used – the front edges of shelves should not overhang the lips on the end of the bracket and the ends of shelves should not overhang end brackets by more than eight inches.   Objects should be placed on the shelf so their weight is evenly distributed – be careful not to place items on the ends of shelves in a manner that causes the shelf to tip up or causes brackets to twist or bend.
Ensure shelves are not overloaded!  The #1 cause of shelf failure is placing items on them that are too heavy.  Longer shelves and shelving used for heavier items generally require more brackets, spaced as needed to support the maximum weight of the objects that will be placed upon them and to prevent shelving from buckling.
Think before you lift!  The #1 cause of shelf-user failure occurs while one is trying to place or remove items that are too heavy or awkward, especially above shoulder level.  Place heavier items on lower shelves whenever possible and be sure to use approved step stools or ladders and to ask for help when it’s needed.

The installation of wall-mounted shelving in university facilities must be performed or approved by Facilities.  To arrange for the installation of new shelving, or if you’re uncertain whether existing wall-mounted shelving is adequate for its intended use, please contact Facilities, 885-6246.

Please share this information with others in your unit ….and thank you for your interest in safety!

George Porter
Occupational Safety Specialist
Environmental Health and Safety
Phone:   208-885-6297
E-mail:    georgep@uidaho.edu