• North Carolina State Government conducts a safety and health program for preventing injuries to employees and the public, protecting the health of its employees and preventing damage to State and private property. 
• Each employee is to place safety and health requirements as first importance in the performance of their work duties for the State of North Carolina. The protection of fellow employees and the public on State property is a shared responsibility of every employee. 
• An employee is responsible for notifying his/her immediate supervisor of a violation or deficiency in safe and healthful working conditions and for recommending possible corrective measures. Additionally, the employees immediate supervisor is to be notified of every injury, accident or near miss regardless of how trivial such accident or incident may appear at that time. 
• Every employee is required to participate in the States program to ensure that quality service with safety and health is the cornerstone of the States program. 
• Obey safety instructions, rules, policy and procedures. Use provided and installed safety devices and safety equipment. 
• Do not use defective tools and other equipment without proper guarding. 
• Report unsafe conditions or practices to your immediate supervisor. 
• All injuries, including minor first aid treatment, occurring on the job and any illness associated with the job shall be reported promptly and in writing to your supervisor. Questions concerning medical treatment of these injuries/illnesses should also be addressed to the supervisor. 
• Good conduct is expected - horseplay or fooling around will not be tolerated. 
• All fires, accidental damage to property, State vehicle accidents, hazardous material spills and other emergency occurrences, no matter how slight, must be reported to the agency or university Safety and Health Director via your supervisor. 
• Properly dispose of all hazardous materials in an acceptable and lawful manner. Your supervisor and/or your Safety and Health Director can advise you of the required disposal method and practice. 
• Working while impaired by alcohol or illegal drugs is specifically forbidden. Use of prescription drugs, which may affect your alertness or work abilities, must be reported to your supervisor. 
• Failure to comply with or enforce Safety and Health Rules and Regulations may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Violation of work rules is a job performance issue and shall be dealt with through job performance disciplinary process. 

• The agency or university shall develop and maintain an effective occupational safety and health program, including life safety and property protection. No agency or university shall knowingly require an employee to work in conditions that are hazardous without proper training and personal protective equipment. 
• Frequent and regular inspections of the workplace, materials and equipment shall be made by trained persons designated by each agency or university. 
• Unsafe tools, materials or equipment shall be tagged, locked or removed from the workplace to prevent their use. 
• The agency or university shall instruct each employee how to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions, unsafe work practices and the regulations and/or standards applicable to their work environment to control or eliminate any hazards. 
• The agency or university shall provide all medical services required to effect a cure involving on-the-job injuries or illnesses. This medical service may be through in-house medical treatment, a selected physician panel, or referral to competent medical providers. The agency or university is responsible for compensation to the employee for wages lost from work and/or any disability rating as a result of the on-the-job injury/illness. 
• All employees, escorted visitors and contractors shall be informed of hazards before entering a designated hazardous, caution, or restricted area; shall use required personal protective equipment; and shall adhere to safety and health procedures immediately upon access to the area. 
• The agency or university shall provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), conduct a hazard assessment, develop engineering controls and/or provide training in the use of PPE whenever there is exposure to hazardous conditions. 
• The agency or university will designate safety and health committees as required, assuring equal representation in the composition of the committees between management and employees. 

• Adhesives and mastics 
• ceiling areas 
• duct work 
• flooring 
• floor tiles 
• insulation 
• lab fume hoods 
• piping 
• vented enclosures 

• Oxygen deficiency 
• Fire, explosion hazards 
• Exposure to dangerous vapors and toxic gases 
• Physical hazards 

• Obtain your agencies Emergency Response Plan from your supervisor. 
• Learn how to contact emergency services. 
• Locate local fire alarms or other emergency alarm systems and learn how to operate them. 
• Learn the location of all exits, (exit stairs) from your work area, and determine a primary and alternate exit routes. 
• Know your designated meeting area outside the building for your accountability and that of your co-workers. 

• Immediately respond by following agency or university plans for the appropriate emergency response 
• Follow your agency or university plan for the assistance of persons with disabilities. 
• If a fire alarm sounds, always immediately evacuate the building. 
• Do not run. Do not use elevators. Use stairwells in multi-story buildings. Report to your designated meeting area outside the building immediately. 
• If you have a visitor, escort them to your designated meeting area. Do not re-enter the building after an emergency evacuation until you have been instructed by management.

• All electrical work shall follow all Federal and State requirements and good industry practices. To the maximum extent possible, work on electrical equipment or circuits shall be done with the power off. 
• A safety warning and tagging system shall be used to ensure that all power is removed from the system. (See the Lock- out/Tagout section for more information). Circuits shall be checked with the proper equipment before work is started to ensure that no voltage is present. 
• The non-current carrying metal parts of portable and/or plug connected equipment shall be grounded or protected by an approved system of double insulation. 
• Extension cords used with portable electric tools and appliances shall be three-wire grounded type and be protected by (GFCIs) Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters. 
• Keep working spaces, walkways and similar locations clear of cords so as not to create a hazard to employees. 
• Worn, frayed or damaged electric cords or connectors shall not be used and shall be tagged Danger, Out of Service, Do Not Use. 
• Extension cords shall be protected from accidental damage which may be caused by traffic, sharp corners, or projections, pinching in doors or elsewhere. 
• Extension cords are considered temporary wiring by the National Electrical Code, which limits their use to a maximum of 90 days. 

• Always use handrails when using stairs. 
• Use caution when walking on surfaces which contain ice, snow, rock, oil, water or other adverse or unstable material or condition. 
• Immediately clean up spills. 
• Prevent fall hazards by keeping stairs, walkways, aisles and walk areas clear of boxes, loose materials, wires and other objects. 
• Select shoes for comfort and safety that are compatible with your work environment. 
• Do not stand or climb on a desk, chair, or other unstable surface to reach for an object. Use a ladder. (See section on Portable Ladders and Scaffolds). 

• You have a personal responsibility in the prevention and control of fires. Familiarize yourself with the location of fire equipment in the area where you work and the proper method of turning in a fire alarm. If you are to use portable fire protection equipment (such as fire extinguishers), you must be trained in the use of portable fire protection equipment and updated as necessary. 
• Obey all rules, regulations and signs for fire safety such as those controlling smoking, open flames and other sources of ignition and those controlling the storage, handling and use of flammable liquids or other hazardous materials. 
• Practice good housekeeping and fire prevention. 
• Flammable liquids shall be handled and stored in approved safety containers equipped with flame arrestors and spring actuated caps. 
• Do not store acids and bases or oxidizers and reducers in the same cabinet due to the possibility of extremely violent reaction between the two. 
• Store all poisons separately. 
• Keep hand operated fire equipment such as extinguishers, hoses, etc. fully accessible, mounted, and unobstructed at all times. 
• If you use a fire extinguisher or any other fire equipment, notify your supervisor at once so that it can be immediately replaced and serviced. 
• If your clothing catches fire, smother the flame by rolling on the floor or ground. Never run, as this could cause the flames to spread. 
• Do not clean clothing with gasoline, solvents or other flammable gasses or liquid. A spark may ignite your clothing. 
• Do not use oil or grease on any oxygen equipment such as cylinders. Oxygen under pressure unites with oil and grease with explosive violence. 

• Keep your work area clean and material properly stored; keep walkways and floor areas clear of slip, trip and fall hazards. 
• Place all waste and debris in designated containers for proper disposal. 
• Do not litter. Properly dispose of refuse in suitable waste containers or recycle whenever possible. 
• Clean up all water or beverage spills. 
• If hazardous chemical spills are identified, barricade the spill area and notify the Safety and Health Director or designated person for clean up. 
• Store oily waste or rags and other flammable waste in approved safety containers that have lids. 
• Maintain three (3) feet clearance from all electrical panels, 150 volts or less. Do not store materials in or near switch boxes, switchboards, in mechanical equipment rooms, attics, and telephone switch gear rooms. 
• Do not block or obstruct exit routes. 
• Do not obstruct access to fixed ladders, stairways, electrical switches, fire fighting, rescue or any emergency equipment. 
• Keep tools stored neatly in designated area and materials securely racked or stored. 
• Wash your hands before eating. 

• A written hazard communication program 
• Labels on containers 
• An inventory of chemicals 
• Posting area warning signs 
• Availability of Material Safety Data Sheets 
• Chemical safety training and information sessions when new chemicals are introduced into the workplace. 

• Containers are properly labeled; 
• Appropriate signs have been posted; 
• Material Safety Data Sheets are available; 
• Chemical safety training has been provided; and 
• An inventory of hazardous chemicals is maintained. 

• Interpreting information on labels and MSDSs 
• Location of hazardous materials in the workplace 
• Location and availability of material safety data sheets 
• Acute and chronic effects of chemicals 
• Safe handling procedures 
• Personal protective equipment 
• Methods used to detect leaks and releases 
• Emergency procedures and how to obtain First Aid 
• Spill clean-up and waste disposal 

• Dusts - Asbestos, lead, silica, wood dusts 
• Mists - Acid, Oil, Paint, Poisons 
• Gases - Carbon monoxide, waste anesthetic gases, etc. 
• Vapors - Degreasing vapors, trichloroethylene, etc. 
• Fumes - Metal fumes from welding, cutting and soldering. 
• Employees may be exposed to the toxic effects of these health hazards through ingestion, skin absorption or through breathing into the respiratory system. 
• Excessive exposure may result in an immediate acute effect or the toxic effect could occur only after years of continuous exposure. 
• The Workplace Requirements Program for Safety and Health requires all potential and suspect health hazards be evaluated by trained personnel to determine if a health hazard exists. If a hazard is found to exist, precautions are to be taken to protect employees. 
• Employees are to become familiar with the agencys or universitys Hazard Communication Program concerning training, labeling and safety precautions for using and handling hazardous materials. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) that are available to employees describe the hazards in detail, their effects, safety and health precautions and emergency procedures. 
• If you are concerned that a potential health hazard may exist, contact your supervisor or Safety and Health Director so that an evaluation can be made and appropriate action can be taken to protect all employees. 
• BE AWARE OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS IN YOUR WORKPLACE. READ THE LABELS.
• Never mix cleaning compounds or other chemicals. 
• Learn what effects could occur in the event of excessive exposure. 
• Take the proper precautions to protect yourself and your fellow employees from exposure. Do not work with hazardous materials until you have been trained. 
• Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor or medical provider immediately. 

Biological Hazards

• Infectious microorganisms 
• Toxic biological substances 
• Biological allergens or 
• Any combination of these. 

• Know the location of all exits, emergency safety equipment and emergency procedures. 
• Do not smoke, eat, or drink in the laboratory. 
• Do not use your sense of smell to identify chemicals/hazards. 
• Do not use mouth suction in filling pipettes with chemical reagents. 
• Use a suction bulb or other mechanical device to suction/transfer chemicals. 
• Never force glass tubing into rubber stoppers. 
• Use safety devices and PPE for handling hot items. 
• Label all containers of chemicals including waste containers. 
• Confine long hair and loose clothing. 
• Never conduct experiments while alone in the laboratory. 
• Always wear eye protection when in the lab and additional PPE as required when handling or exposed to chemicals. 
• Use the proper laboratory hoods designed to control chemical fumes, mist, vapors, and biological and radioactive agents. 
• Turn off all hot plates, open burners and other potentially hazardous devices when leaving the laboratory. 
• Work surfaces in the chemical or biological laboratory are to be decontaminated and cleaned daily and after spills. 
• Minimize the production of aerosols. 
• Do not store food in refrigerators with chemical, biological or radioactive materials. 
• Decontaminate solid and liquid waste that contain organisms. 
• Properly label hazardous waste for disposal. 

• Get proper exercise, maintain a good diet and manage stress. To reduce strain on lower back, build up leg and abdominal muscles and keep off excess weight. Swimming and walking are good exercises for people with back problems. 
• Do not place objects on the floor if they must be picked up again later. 
• Use a mechanical device, if possible, and inspect the device before use. If the object is too heavy, large or awkward, get help. 
• Avoid lifting above your shoulder height. Use a ladder or step stool to move objects at these heights. 
• Push rather than pull an object. While pushing, maintain your lumbar curve and push with your legs. 
• Always wear slip-resistant shoes and check to ensure footing is firm. 
• Check the path before lifting and/or moving the load so you know where to put the load and to ensure the path is clear and well-lighted. 
• Spread your feet apart to keep a wide base of support. 
• Bend at your knees instead of at your waist and maintain your lumbar curve at all times. 
• Hold the object you are lifting as close to your body as possible. Avoid a long reach to pick up an object. 
• Lift slowly, smoothly and without jerking. 
• Avoid unnecessary twisting. Turn your feet, not your hips or shoulders. Leave enough room to shift your feet so as not to have to twist. 
• Take your time and use the same techniques when setting down the object. 
• Report work-related back pain to your supervisor. 

LOCKOUT - TAGOUT - CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY

• Preparation for shutdown (including notification of affected employees). 
• Equipment or system shutdown 
• Equipment or system isolation 
• LO/TO Device Application 
• Dissipation of Stored Energy 
• Verification of Isolation 

• Inspection 
• Notification of Employees 
• Removal of LO/TO Device(s) 
• Operation of Energy Isolation Devices 

• Safeguard any machine part, function or process which may cause injury. 
• Never start a machine unless you have been trained in the use of the machine. 
• Never start a machine unless required personal protective equipment (PPE) is on, in use and you are wearing appropriate clothing. (See PPE section). 
• Do not wear loose clothing, neckties, rings or other jewelry. If your hair is long, tie it back. 
• Never start a machine unless guards are in place and in good condition. 
• Treat an unguarded machine as if it were out of order. Tag the machine Danger, Out of Order - Do Not Use. 
• Report all missing guards to your supervisor immediately. 
• No guard barrier or enclosure should be adjusted or removed for any reason, unless you are trained to do the work, have the permission of your supervisor and adjust machines as part of your job. 
• Never service or perform maintenance on a machine without disconnecting power and implementing the lockout - tagout procedure.

• If the vehicle has a gross weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds. 
• If the vehicle is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or 
• If the vehicle is transporting hazardous materials and is required to display a placard in accordance with the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49CFR Part 172, Subpart F). 

• Vehicle operators are responsible for knowledge of and compliance with all State and local laws and ordinances governing the use and operation of motor vehicles. 
• Before starting, make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition before each trip. Check all lights, horn, windshield wipers and washer, brakes, tires, fuel gauge, rearview mirrors, seat belts, and windows for clear visibility. 
• Drivers are responsible for reporting vehicle defects and maintenance needs in writing to their supervisor, vehicle manager, or rental agent. Vehicles with safety deficiencies are to be removed from service for repair. 

• Avoid high risk parking areas. Seek well lighted areas. Always set parking brake when parking. Remove keys and lock parked vehicle. Do not leave a parked vehicle running when not attended. 

• Visually check the area behind the vehicle immediately prior to backing up, 
• When ever possible, request another employee to check the area in back of the vehicle and act as a signal person. This person shall remain in full view of the driver during the backing operation and clear of the vehicle and other obstructions. 

• Infants and children to age four (4) are required to be secured in child safety seats; all children under age 12 in the front and back seats are required to wear seat belts. 

• Running in offices is not permitted. 
• When walking in a passageway, keep to the right. 
• Accidents can result when persons stand in front of doors, so stand away from the path of the door swing. 
• Prevent fall and trip hazards, by keeping stairways, isles and walk areas clear of boxes, loose materials, wires and other small objects. 
• Immediately clean up spilled liquids. 
• Do not attempt to carry stacks of materials which are high enough to obstruct vision. 
• Always use handrails when using stairways. 
• Proper attention should be given to the act of ascending or descending stairs. 
• Falls on stairs occur when persons are distracted through conversation or by turning to another person while descending. 
• Dont lean from a chair to pick up objects from the floor. 
• Dont propel a chair across the floor while seated. 
• Be careful sitting down. Sit in the center of a chair and not on the edge. Watch out for chairs on casters which can be inadvertently pushed from under you when you attempt to sit down. Place your hand behind you to make sure your chair is in place before you settle into it. 
• Dont stand on a chair, stools or other unstable surface to reach for an object. Use a ladder. 
• Dont sit on the edges of desks, tables, boxes, or low filing cabinets. 
• Place wastebaskets, briefcases, umbrella stands, and similar objects where they will not present a tripping hazard. 
• To prevent slip and falls select shoes for comfort and safety that are compatible with your work environment. 
• Dispose of broken glass properly to prevent injury to others during waste handling. Bag and wrap broken glass with heavy paper to prevent penetration by sharp edges and identify contents. Sharps such as razor blades shall be disposed of in a impermeable closed container. Medical waste sharps require immediate deposit in biohazard sharps containers and hazardous material controls for disposal. 
• Use with caution, razor blades, knives, scissors, and other objects with sharp edges or points. Keep razor blades in protective containers. Never keep loose razor blades in desk drawers. 
• Never fasten envelopes with pins or staples. Exercise care to avoid paper cuts. 
• Fasten loose papers together with paper clips or staples, never with pins. Exercise care when loading or using staple machines. Use a proper staple remover for removing staples. Properly dispose of broken staple remover. 
• Keep fingers away from the sharp edge of paper cutters. Never leave a cutting knife in a raised position. All guillotine type paper cutters shall have a finger guard; other types of paper cutters shall have proper finger protection. 
• Do not indulge in any form of horseplay, such as propelling paper clips, rubber bands, etc. Horseplay is strictly prohibited. 
• Wear shoes at all times. 
• Properly store office supplies. 

• Sit with your lower back against the chair, your upper legs parallel to the floor and your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. 
• Adjust your table and chair so that your elbows are bent at right angles and your forearms are approximately parallel to the floor. 
• Keep your wrists neutral (straight) by using a wrist rest that is the same height as the keyboard. 
• Place your mouse (or other pointing device) on a surface close to and at the same height as your keyboard. 
• Position your monitor directly in front of you, approximately an arms length away, with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level. Tip the monitor back at an angle similar to that used when reading a book. 
• Use a document holder to position work at eye level and close to the screen. 
• Adjust your lighting and monitor to prevent glare or use an antiglare filter. 
• When performing tasks involving repetitive motions or awkward positions, take periodic stretching breaks or alternate with other tasks. 

• When caution is ignored, filing cabinets can pinch, cut, crush, or trip a user. Always be alert for a top heavy filing cabinet. It might tip over if a drawer is opened. Heavy filing cabinets shall be secured to prevent this. 
• Exercise care in opening and closing file drawers. Open one file drawer at a time and close it with the handle, making sure your fingers are clear. Never close a drawer with your knee, elbow or any other part of your body other than your hand. Close each drawer immediately after use, even if you plan to reopen it in a short time. 
• Never climb on open file drawers. 
• Properly store small non-slip step stools (used to access upper file cabinets) out of passageways. 
• Wear finger guards to avoid paper cuts. 

• Flammable solvents and cleaning solutions shall be dispensed only from approved safety containers. 
• Solvent soaked or oily rags used for cleaning office equipment shall be kept in metal, self-closing waste cans and contents properly disposed of daily. 
• Smoking is prohibited where there is exposure to flammable solvents. 
• Solvents shall be handled carefully to avoid personal injury or possible damage to materials and equipment. 
• Do not throw matches, cigars, cigarettes, etc., into wastebaskets; smoldering butts can cause fires. Ashtrays should be made of non-combustible material, large and deep enough to prevent butts from spilling, rolling off or falling out. 
• Displays and decorations shall be fire retardant or non-combustible. Keep decorations out of aisles, stairs, passageways, and exits. Before using any decorative electric lighting device, check for loose connections, frayed wiring, broken sockets, or other defects. Any defective electrical device shall be replaced or repaired. Electrical devices shall bear the listed label, i.e. UL, FM, etc. 
• Always disconnect decorative lighting when leaving the work area for the day. 
• All electrical appliances with a heating element shall be unplugged at the end of the workday. 
• Do not use extension cords as permanent wiring.

• Serious strains often result from improper lifting and handling of boxes and bundles, office supplies, ledgers, office machines, etc. Such objects shall be moved with a hand truck or unpacked and handled in smaller parcels. 
• Bulky objects shall be carried in such a way as not to obstruct the view ahead or interfere with the use of handrails on stairways. (See General Safety Rules - Lifting).

Office Machines

• Do not place computers - or other office equipment too close to the edge of a desk or other surface. 
• Machines that tend to creep during operation shall be fastened down or secured with rubber feet or rubber mats. 
• Electric office machines shall be properly grounded or double insulated to safeguard against electrical shock. 
• If you are unfamiliar with the proper grounding procedures, see your supervisor. Notify your supervisor of any convenience outlets that are not three-hole grounding receptacles or that are damaged. 
• Exercise care to prevent electrical cords on office machines and telephones from becoming tripping hazards. Avoid stretching cords between desks or across aisles. If such a procedure is temporarily unavoidable, employ some means of calling attention to the cord and/or tape the cord to the floor or place in a wire cover. 
• Extension cords should not be used. Notify your supervisor if additional outlets are required.

• All ladders must be inspected frequently and rechecked for soundness and proper working condition prior to daily use. 
• Ladders which have developed defects shall be withdrawn from service for repair or destruction and tagged or marked as Dangerous, Do Not Use. 
• Check for overhead power lines or obstructions before erecting a ladder. 
• Do not use ladders on or near power lines or other electrical devices. 
• Trained personnel shall use only listed fiberglass ladders for limited authorized electrical work. 
• Straight and extension ladders must be tied-off and secured to the upright structure against which they lean. 
• Non self-supporting ladders shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one quarter (1/4) of the working length of the ladder (the distance along the ladder between the foot and the top support). 
• Ladders must extend three (3) feet above the point of support of eaves, gutters or roof line and should be tied off. 
• Use a ladder with safety feet which are suitable and positioned firmly on the floor, ground or concrete, which provides a stable flat level surface. 
• Work facing the ladder with both feet on the rungs. 
• Only one person is permitted on a ladder at a time unless ladder design specifies otherwise. 
• Ladders shall not be used as guys, braces, or skids, or for other than their intended purposes for which they were designed. 
• Ladders shall be maintained free of oil, grease and other slippery hazards. 
• Ladders shall not be loaded beyond the manufacturers maximum rated capacity. 
• Raise and lower tools or equipment by a hand line and canvas tool bag. 
• Do not reach out more than an arms length from a ladder. If necessary descend the ladder and move the ladder to a better location. 
• Step ladders must be fully opened and set level. 
• Do not stand on the top step of a stepladder. 
• Do not use the bracing on the back legs of a stepladder for climbing. 
• Ladders shall be maintained in good condition at all times, the joint between the steps and side rails shall be tight, all hardware and fittings securely attached and the movable parts shall operate freely without binding or undue play. 

• Only competent employees authorized by the supervisor shall erect scaffolds, platforms and staging. Scaffolds and their parts shall be sound, rigid and capable of supporting at least four times their maximum intended loads. 
• The footing or anchorage for scaffolds shall also be sound, rigid and capable of carrying four times the maximum intended load without settling or displacement. 
• Unstable objects shall not be used to support scaffolds or planks. 
• A safe means shall be available to enter the work platform. 
• Platforms shall be sufficiently wide and secured to prevent slipping. 
• Guardrails, toe boards, and outriggers shall be used when necessary. 
• Guardrails and toe boards are required on all open sides where the platform is greater than six (6) feet above the ground or floor. Scaffolds that are six (6) feet above the ground with a minimum horizontal dimension of less than 45 inches shall have both guardrails and toe boards. Guardrail screens shall be used. 
• Scaffold wheels shall be lockable and shall be locked when employees are on the scaffold. 
• No scaffold shall be moved while in use or occupied. 
• No welding, burning or open flame work shall be performed on any scaffolds suspended by fiber or synthetic rope. 
• Scaffolds shall not be loaded in excess of the maximum workload for which they were intended. 
• Any scaffold damaged or weakened from any cause shall be immediately repaired and shall not be used until repairs have been completed. 
• All other types of mobile or pneumatic scaffolding shall be operated only by trained employees assigned by the supervisor. 
• Equipment shall be inspected prior to use and maintained in good operating condition. 
• Any defective or damaged equipment shall be tagged Dangerous, Out of Service, Do Not Use. 

• Do not operate equipment unless you have been trained or are receiving training from a qualified person. 
• Operators of forklifts and other specialized vehicles shall be properly licensed for the equipment being operated. This license is in addition to a NC vehicle operators license. 
• All vehicles shall receive a thorough inspection prior to operation. This should include fluid levels (oil, water, hydraulics), brakes, horns, tires (if so equipped), steering, all running lights, safety warning lights, fire extinguisher and any other components that are important for the safe operation of your machine. 
• Defective or damaged items requiring maintenance or repair shall be reported to your supervisor for correction before the use or operation of the equipment. 
• Operators should clear steps or ladders as much as possible of snow, ice, and mud before mounting or dismounting equipment. Use handholds or handrails, if they are provided, and follow the same method to exit as used when entering the cab. Never try to step out (frontwards) when dismounting. 
• Never jump from the cab or any other part of the equipment. 
• Operators shall use seat belts or other restraints where provided. 
• Operators shall follow the start-up procedures and system test for the particular machine and shall insure that it is operating properly before attempting any work. 
• If, while operating the equipment, the operator detects any unsafe condition or defect in operation, he shall report it to his supervisor. 
• Equipment shall be operated in a safe manner at all times, keeping the load under complete control. All manufacturers operating procedures and load ratings must be adhered to. 
• Operators shall obey all speed and traffic regulations and other applicable equipment rules. 
• Operators shall be especially cautious when operating where vision is limited. 
• Pedestrians must be given their right of way. 
• Operators shall not permit passengers to ride on equipment unless the equipment is designed with seats and seat belts to accommodate them. 
• Refueling of all internal combustion engines shall be conducted in a well ventilated area with the engine turned off. 
• Smoking or open flames shall not be allowed in the refueling or battery recharging area. 
• All equipment shall be secured in the proper manner at the end of the work shift. Forks, blades or buckets shall be lowered to ground level and master controls and levers placed in the proper positions. All brake systems must be set. 
• Your Safety and Health Director, supervisor, or designated trainer will provide you with additional information on your particular machine. However, remember that your own good judgment as well as common sense are important in the safe operation of your equipment. 

TOOLS - HAND AND POWER

• Use required Personal Protective Equipment safety glasses, safety goggles and face shields, etc. when operating or working near hand or power tools. 
• Hand and power tools shall be maintained in safe operating condition. 
• Power operated tools and equipment guards shall be inspected before each use and shall not be removed or tampered with. 
• Portable electric power tools shall be double insulated or grounded, using a three conductor cord and a three prong plug. Electric on/off switches shall operate properly. 
• Any damaged, defective or unsafe plug, cord or tool shall be reported to your supervisor immediately. The Tagout program shall be implemented. (See Lockout Tagout section). 
• Tools and other materials shall not be left on stepladders, scaffolds, roofs or other places where they may be dislodged and fall. 
• Impact type hand tools such as drift pins, wedges, and chisels shall be kept free of mushroomed heads. 
• The wooden handles of tools shall not be cracked or splintered and shall be kept tight in the tool. 
• Floor and bench mounted abrasive wheels shall be provided with safety guards (protection hoods), maximum exposure shall be not more than 90 degrees. 
• All bench grinders shall contain a safety guard and grinding wheel maintained for safe operation. 
• Work rest must be rigidly supported and readily adjustable. Work rest shall be kept at a distance not to exceed one-eighth (1/8) inch from the surface of the wheel. Side grinding is not permitted. 
• Tongue guards shall be installed and maintained within 1/4 of the wheel. 
• Grinding wheels shall fit freely on the spindle and not be forced on. 
• All employees using abrasive wheels shall be protected by eye protection equipment which meets ANSI-Z-87.1-1989 and the eye shield should be maintained and permanently attached to the floor or bench grinder. 
• All fixed power driven metal or wood working tools and equipment shall be provided with a labeled disconnect switch near the tool or equipment, that can either be locked or tagged in the off position. 
• All portable, electric circular saws shall be equipped with guards above and below the base plate or shoe. When the tool is withdrawn from the work, the lower guard shall automatically and instantly return to the covering position. 

• Only by employees licensed for the make and model of the tool being used. The operator shall have the license at the job site during firing. 
• The powder actuated tool shall be protected at all times from misuse or unauthorized use by: 
• Being in the hands of the operator 
• Being locked in a container 
• Being removed from the site 
• Follow all manufacturer safety instructions when using powder actuated tools. 

TRENCHING AND EXCAVATIONS

• Before any excavation work begins, underground utilities shall be identified and the location marked of underground pipes, electrical conductors, gas lines or other structures. 
• Evaluation is required of the trenching site by a competent person who knows and is trained to identify soil types, proper protective systems and hazardous conditions. 
• Competent person - one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the working area and who has authority to take prompt corrective action to eliminate hazards and to stop work in hazardous excavations. 
• Conduct a daily inspection of the excavation and the adjacent areas prior to work and as needed during the workday. 
• If there are any unsafe conditions, work shall stop in the excavation and personnel shall be removed until the problems are corrected. 
• Monitor and recognize hazardous atmospheres. 
• Monitor and recognize hazardous conditions such as vibration, external loads, weather conditions, ground water conditions and confined spaces. 
• Check all protective material or equipment for any damage. 
• When excavations are deeper than four (4) feet, ladders or steps shall be located so that a worker does not need to travel more than 25 feet in the excavation before being able to exit. See (NCOSHA) confined space standard 29CFR-1910.148 for testing before employees enter for excavations greater than four (4) feet in depth. 
• Each employee in an excavation shall be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system designed in accordance with NCOSHA Standard 1926, Subpart P. 
• Protective systems are required for excavations less than five (5) feet in depth whenever examination of the ground by a competent person indicate a potential cave in hazard. 
• When excavations are deeper than five (5) feet, the sides shall be provided with a protective system (shored, braced or sloped sufficiently) to protect against hazardous ground movement. 
• When heavy equipment will be operated nearby, the shoring or bracing shall be able to withstand this extra load regardless of the depth of the excavation. 
• For any excavation that a person will enter, all dirt, debris and excavation material shall be effectively stored or retained at least two (2) feet from the edge of the excavation. 

Reference (NCOSHA 29CFR 1910.145 and 1926.202). 

• If a repetitive job is awkward, try to find a better way to accomplish it. 
• When using vibrating tools, try to insulate the vibration from your hands with gloves, padding, etc. 
• Keep your wrist in a neutral position as much as possible, not bent or twisted. 
• Use your whole hand to grasp objects, not just your thumb and index finger. 
• Alternate easy and hard tasks that require the use of your hands. 
• Give your hand and wrist time to recover after forceful movements. 
• Dont carry heavy objects for long periods. Use jacks, carts, dollies, etc. whenever possible. 
• Increase the diameter of the handles of tools and equipment with tape, foam or other materials to help reduce the force of your grip and to spread the pressure more evenly over the hand. 
• Keep your hands warm to promote circulation. 
• Sleeping: Avoid sleeping on stomach or hands or with your hands bent at the wrist. Curl up on side with a pillow between the knees or on back with pillow under the knees. 
• Sitting: Sit with your knees slightly higher than your hips with lower back against a firm backrest or pillow and feet flat on the floor or foot rest. Move, cross and uncross your legs frequently. 
• Driving: Move seat forward so wrists rest on top of steering wheel. Sit up straight with your knees slightly above your hips, with support for your lower back. Check the position of the mirrors and BUCKLE YOUR SEAT BELT! 
• Standing: Stand straight and maintain lumbar curve. Avoid bending at your waist. For prolonged standing, use a low footstool for alternate resting of your legs and for altering your stance. 
• Walking: When walking, maintain an erect posture, watch where you are going and wear slip-resistant, comfortable and supportive shoes. Wearing quality work shoes with slip-resistant heels and soles can prevent the majority of slips, trips and falls. 
• When stepping down from a height of more than eight inches, step down backwards, not forward. 

OFF-THE-JOB SAFETY AND HEALTH

I understand that it is my responsibility to become familiar with and abide by these instructions, insofar as they apply to the duties which I shall perform for State Government. (A copy of this certification will be filed with the employees personnel records.) 

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