8.52 Machinery and Equipment

Machinery and equipment shall be:

• suitable for their actual use;
• constructed of materials of sufficient size and strength to withstand imposed stresses;
• provided with locking devices in order to prevent accidental operations which may be a hazard to a worker;
• placed on a surface that is capable of supporting them;
• inspected immediately before use and at regular intervals as recommended by the manufacturer;
• serviced and maintained in accordance with the recommendations and instructions of the manufacturer;
• operated by a worker trained in their use and functions;
• stored in a manner that prevents their movement.

Machinery and equipment shall be guarded:

• if the equipment has exposed moving parts;
• if the equipment has an in-running nip hazard/pinch point;
• if the worker may be endangered by their product, the material being processed or their waste stock.

Electrical equipment shall:

• be suitable for its use;
• be certified by the Canadian Standards Association, or the Ontario Hydro Electrical Inspection Department;
• be effectively grounded.,/LI.

8.53 Material Handling (Lifting)

Strains, sprains, fractures and bruises are common injuries caused by improper lifting and handling of materials.

To eliminate injury occurrence, proper lifting and handling techniques should be followed:

• if the load appears too heavy, do not lift alone;
• check for adequate space for movement and good footing;
• be aware of slivers, nails and sharp ends;
• grip loads with palms and fingers;
• use body weight to start the load moving and then lift by pushing up with legs;
• keep arms and elbows close to the body when lifting;
• do not twist the body when changing direction;
• bend knees when lowering load; do not stoop;
• bush or pull hand trucks and carts slowly when nearing corners, intersections or when others are in the area;
• handle compressed gas cylinders with care. (Full or empty compressed gas cylinders must be in a designated area and chained at all times.)

There are basic principles in lifting and handling. The heavy muscles of the legs and thighs, not the flat muscles of the back, should take the strain. One should squat, rather than stoop, to lift a heavy object.

Before attempting to lift, the following precautions should be taken:

• Be sure the floor is safe from slippage. (Check to see that the object in not slippery, has no protruding nails or slivers, and has no jagged edges. Wear proper gloves, if necessary, to secure a better grip.)
• Do not twist the body when it is under a weight strain; instead shift the footing.
• Grasp a load firmly; be sure any handles are securely fastened. (Do not jerk the load. Keep it close to the body.)
• Never lift too much. (Make heavy lifting a teamwork job.)

The following lifting procedures should be followed:

• The Feet. Part the feet, with one foot alongside the object being lifted and one behind. Feet comfortably spread provide greater stability, and the rear foot is in position for the upward thrust of the lift.
• The Back. Use the sit down position and keep the back straight, remembering that straight does not always mean vertical. A straight back keeps the spine, back muscles and body organs in correct alignment. It minimizes the intestinal compression that can cause a hernia.
• The Chin. Tuck in the chin so that the neck and head continue the straight back line. Tucking the chin helps to keep the spine straight and firm.
• The Palms. Use the palmer grip – it is one of the most important elements of correct lifting. The fingers and hand are extended around the object you are going to lift with the full palm. Fingers alone have very little power – the strength of the entire hand is needed.
• Arms and Draw the load close and tuck arms and elbows into the side of the Elbows body. This keeps the body weight centred.

8.53 Material Handling (Lifting)

Body Position the body so that its weight is centred over the feet. This Weight posture provides a more powerful line of thrust and ensures better balance. Start the lift with a thrust of the rear foot.

Twisting during lifting must be avoided. By simply turning the forward foot and pointing it in the direction of eventual movement, you avoid the greatest danger of injury.

Material handling equipment and lifting equipment does not include:

• equipment to which the Elevating Devices Act applies;
• equipment used to lift, lower or transfer a person who is not a worker.

Material handling equipment shall not be used to support, raise or lower a worker unless the following requirements are met. The Worker shall be on a platform that is:

• equipped with adequate safety devices that automatically prevent the platform and load from falling if the platform’s normal support fails;
• suspended from a boom that does not move;
• attached to a mast or boom which is hydraulically or pneumatically operated and that is equipped with a safety device that will prevent free fall of the platform in the event of a pressure line failure;
• suspended from a boom that does not move. (It shall be attached to a separate lifeline suspended from the boom or a fixed support capable of supporting at least four times the weight of the worker.)

The following guidelines for material handling equipment must be followed:

• If the material handling equipment is not designed for the specific purpose of hoisting personnel , the load applied to it shall be less than one-half the maximum rated load. (The platform shall have a sign indicating the load that may be applied to it.)
• If controls are provided at more than one location, each control station shall be provided with means that allow the operator to cut off power to the equipment, and interlocks shall be provided so that only one station can be operative at any one time.
• Except when the controls are operated from the platform, a worker other than the worker on the platform shall attend to and operate them.
• Operators of lift trucks shall be certified, as per regulation, by an authorized trainer.
• If a worker who is operating material handling equipment is exposed to overhead hazards and adequate protection from the hazards is not provided by the use of personal protective equipment, overhead protection by means of a cab, screen, canopy, guard or other adequate protection shall be provided on the equipment.
• Except for the purpose of testing, no material handling equipment shall be loaded in excess of its maximum rated load.
• Lifting equipment shall be thoroughly examined by a competent person to determine its capacity to handle the maximum load as rated.(This will be done before using equipment for the first time, and thereafter, as recommended by the manufacturer, but not less than once a year.)
• A permanent record shall be kept of each examination conducted for as long as the equipment remains on the premises, and for one year after the equipment is removed; and the record shall be signed by the person who conducted the inspection.
• Lifting equipment shall be clearly marked with sufficient information to enable its operator to determine the maximum rated load that the equipment is capable of lifting under any operating condition.
• If lifting equipment is equipped with limit switches, the switch shall automatically cut off the power, automatically apply the brake when a load reaches its permissible limit, and be used as an operating control only when designed for such use.
• If a limit switch is used as an operating control on lifting equipment, a second limit switch shall be located behind the first switch.
• The lifting equipment’s controls shall be attended when its load is in the raised position.
• Lifting equipment shall be attended when the forks, bucket, blades or similar parts are in the raised position, unless the equipment is a hydraulic or pneumatic hoist that supports the load from below and is fixed in one location or the forks, bucket, blades or similar parts are solidly supported.

8.55 Mercury Spill Clean Up and Disposal

Purpose: To ensure safe collection and disposal of spilled mercury.

Equipment:

1. Cleanup Kit
2. Mercury Spills Report Form

Procedure: Only Individuals Trained In Mercury Spill Protocol Shall Clean Up Spilled Mercury.

1. Students must notify their supervisor of spill immediately.
2. Obtain Mercury Cleanup Kit or contact Housekeeping Department.
3. Assure adequate ventilation (turn on fans, open doors).

Spilled mercury must be collected or inactivated as soon as possible by the following procedures:

Small Spills (broken oral or rectal thermometers) where all the spilled mercury is visible and you are able to retrieve it entirely.

1. Put on disposable gloves, mask and goggles.
2. Collect all visible drops with a disposable syringe.
3. Inject mercury carefully into the jar labelled Mercury Waste. Close bottle tightly and place bottle, syringe, gloves, mask and any other utensil used for cleanup in plastic bag and tie.
4. Double bag and tie.
5. Place in box labelled Mercury Disposal Kit.
6. Place kit box in plastic bag and tie.
7. Wash hands thoroughly after clean up.
8. Take Mercury waste to Plant & Property immediately, ensuring person receiving the box understands that it is mercury waste.
9. Complete and submit the Mercury Spill Report as follows:

• original copy to the Safety Officer;
• one copy to accompany the mercury waste;
• one copy to the co-chair of the JOHSC.

Only Those Individuals Trained In Mercury Spill Clean Up Protocol Shall Use The Mercury Spill Clean Up Kit.

Large Spills (spills larger than those created by broken oral or rectal thermometers or small spills where all the mercury is not collected following the Small Spill procedure.)

Obtain mercury spill kit or call Housekeeping Department.

1. Put on disposable gloves, mask and goggles.
2. Collect visible drops of mercury with syringe and inject slowly and carefully into glass jar labelled “Mercury Waste”. Close the bottle tightly and place bottle and syringe in plastic bag.
3. Sprinkle powdered sulphur over the spill and cover this area with a paste made from sulphur and water using second syringe and calcium oxide and apply with a tongue depressor. Allow mixture to stand at least two hours in order to inactivate the mercury.
4. Collect the resultant mercury sulphide using cardboard cards and tongue depressor from kit and discard in plastic bag labelled “Mercury Waste”. Collect any remaining particles with the sponge and discard sponge in same plastic bag.
5. Place all utensils used for cleanup in labelled plastic bag and tie.
6. Double bag and tie.
7. Place in box labelled “Mercury Disposal Kit”.
8. Place kit box in plastic bag and tie.
9. Wash hands thoroughly after cleanup.
10. Take mercury waste to Plant and Property Department, immediately ensuring that person receiving the kit knows it is mercury waste.
11. Complete a Mercury Spill Report and distribute as follows:

• original report to Safety Officer;
• one copy to the co-chair of the JOHSC;
• one copy to accompany the mercury spill.

Disposal of Mercury

• Plant and Property will store mercury waste in the Hazardous Waste Storage Area until the next scheduled pick up.

8.55 Mercury Spill Report

1. Required Information:

Date and Time of Spill:
Location (Be Specific)
Source of Spill (e.g. thermometers, B.P. apparatus)
Individuals Involved (Student, Faculty, etc)

2. Note:

• Mercury has been declared a “designated substance” by the Occupational Health and Safety Division of the Ontario Ministry of Labour.
• Mercury must not be disposed of through the sewage system.
• Mercury vaporizes at room temperature; therefore the most likely route of absorption is through inhalation. (It can also be absorbed into the body through ingestion.)
• Smoking, drinking, eating, and application of cosmetics should be avoided if contamination of hands or other parts of the body by mercury is suspected.
• When hands are contaminated, they must be thoroughly washed with soap and water. (Due to a protective coating of natural oils on the skin and hair, mercury can be removed effectively in this way.)

3. Send:

• one copy of this form to the co-chair of your JOHSC.
• one copy of this form with the mercury waste.
• end original of this form to the Safety Officer.

Date: Signature:
Date Mercury Waste Received in Plant and Property:
Signature of Person Receiving Mercury Waste in Plant and Property:

8.60 New Worker Orientation (including transfers)

Sir Sandford Fleming College will provide health and safety orientation to new workers (including transfers) based on the following:

• Under the Occupational Health And Safety Act, the employer is required to provide information, instruction and supervision to protect the health and safety of workers.
• Ontario’s WHMIS Regulation outlines training requirements for employees who work with or near hazardous materials.
• Specific training requirements are outlined in the Regulations for Industrial Establishments where the worker must be instructed and trained in the use and care of any protective clothing, equipment or device he/she may be required to use.

New Worker orientation will:

• ensure that the worker is aware of the health and safety hazards of the job and how these will affect the safety of others;
• help to reduce the high risk potential of injuries to new, transferred or re-hired employees, and temporary workers;
• help to meet legal requirements;
• help to reduce the anxiety or stress experienced in a new or changed working environment or situation;
• help to make the introduction of new, transferred or re-hired employees more efficient;
• occur within one month of hire, or prior to any assignment involving high risk.

New worker orientation will include the following:

General College Orientation:

• administered by Human Resources;
• includes College structure, department functions, standard operating procedures, etc.

Job Specific Training:

• administered by worker’s Purchasing Department/HOD.

• may include specific training by other certified agencies, such as for fork lift operation;

• will include the safety and health hazards of the job, safe working practices, procedures and precautions and the use, care and maintenance of personal protective equipment.

WHMIS:

• to be administered by the Purchasing Department/HOD.

8.61 Health And Safety Orientation Checklist

General Safety

• College Policy and Procedure Manual
• Employee Rights and

Responsibilities

• First Aid Facilities
• Fire Procedures
• Emergency Procedures
• Reporting of Hazards
• JOHSC
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Reporting of Accidents
• Use of Tools and Equipment
• Hazards – (loose clothing, jewellery)
• General Housekeeping
• Restricted Areas
• Restricted Equipment
• Lockout Procedures

Job Specific

• Department Functions
• Department Tour
• Specific Duties and Responsibilities
• Use of Tools and Equipment
• Information on Hazards, Controls,

Precautions and Procedures

• Materials/Substance in use – (handling and storage procedures)
• Labelling Systems/Warning Signs/MSDS
• Use and Care of PPE
• Housekeeping Procedures
• Work Permit System
• Specific Worker Legal Responsibilities
• Department Health and Safety Policies and Procedures
• Fire Exits, Emergency Department
• Emergency Procedures
• Hazards – (loose clothing, jewellery)
• Lifting and Handling Procedures
• Safe Stacking of Materials
• Safety Supplies and Equipment
• Defective or Inappropriate Tools
• Correct Use of Guards
• Safe Procedures for Machines
• Maintenance of Clear Access and Egress
• Reporting of Hazards
• Reporting of Injuries, etc.

8.62 Noise

Sir Sandford Fleming College shall ensure that measures are taken to reduce noise levels in the workplace to below 90 dBA If this is not practicable, the exposure shall be limited, or hearing protection worn in all areas where the noise level exceeds 90 dBA.

The Employer shall:

• develop and implement a College hearing conservation program.

The Safety Officer shall:

• identify areas where workplace noise may be above 90 dBA;

• recommend engineering and administrative controls to reduce noise;

• assist in providing training to employees on the importance of hearing protection and complying with the hearing program.

The Campus Nurse shall:

• assist in the training component of the hearing conservation program;

• arrange for audiometric testing of workers;

• ensure that the Campus Physician reviews audiograms;

• maintain a record of all audiograms in a confidential manner.

The Supervisor shall:

• ensure that workers receive training in the proper care and use of hearing protection.

The Worker shall:

• participate in the hearing conservation program as prescribed.

8.63 Personal Protective Equipment

If a worker has or wears long hair, loose clothing, or jewellery that may present a hazard, it shall be suitably confined.

Personal protective equipment shall be worn if a worker is exposed:

• to the hazard of head, eye or foot injury;

• to a hazard of slipping on a work surface;

• to noisy areas of greater than 90 dB.

Personal protective equipment shall:

• be properly used and maintained;

• be a proper fit;

• be inspected for damage or deterioration;

• be stored in a convenient, clean and sanitary location when not in use.

The Employer shall:

• ensure that all required protective equipment/devices are available;

• ensure that protective equipment is maintained in good order;

• ensure that required protective equipment is used by workers.

The Supervisor shall:

• ensure that the worker follows procedures for use of protective equipment;

• ensure that the worker is trained in the care, use and limitations of the device before wearing or using it for the first time and at regular intervals thereafter;

• ensure that workers are aware of the hazards associated with ultra-violet sun rays and will recommend the use of sunscreen;

• ensure that workers wear clothing appropriate for weather conditions.

The Worker shall:

• participate in the instruction and training of use and maintenance of protective equipment or devices prior to use;

• use or wear the equipment, protective devices or clothing that the College requires;

• not remove or make ineffective any protective device without providing an adequate temporary protective device;

• replace the original protective device when the need to remove or make the original

device ineffective has ceased.

8.64 Premises

A warning sign shall be posted on any door, corridor or stairway:

• that is not a means of exit but that is located or arranged so that it could be mistaken for one;
• that leads to a hazardous, restricted or unsafe area.

Except where the door is in a fire separation, a self-closing door in a corridor used as a passageway for vehicles or wheeled equipment shall be equipped with a hold-open device.

8.65 Restricted Space

Restricted space refers to a tank, vat, vessel, duct, vault, boiler or other space from which the exit way out of the area is restricted, limited or impeded because of the construction, design, location or other physical characteristic of the space.

A Worker shall enter a restricted space only if:

• he/she is informed of and familiar with the characteristics of the restricted space which restrict, limit or impede exiting; and, is instructed in the procedures for entering, working in and exiting from the restricted space;
• there are procedures and measures in place for the removal of the worker from the restricted space in the event of an emergency;
• at least one other worker is stationed outside the restricted space and in proximity to it and is readily available and capable of implementing emergency procedures and measures for the removal of the worker from the restricted space;
• mechanical equipment in the restricted space is disconnected from its power source and is locked out.

8.66 Suspended Scaffolds

This section applies to:

• a suspended scaffold that is permanently installed on a building or structure;

• a suspended scaffold that is transported in component form and is assembled for use at a work site;

• a boatswain’s chair or single-point suspension equipment intended for the support of one worker;

• the supports and equipment for a suspended scaffold or boatswain’s chair, including lines, outrigger beams, davits, receptacles for outrigger beams or davits, cornice hooks, parapet wall hooks, and anchors for attachment of primary suspension lines or lifelines.

A worker who is on or is getting on or off a suspended scaffold, boatswain’s chair or similar single-point suspension equipment shall be protected by an approved fall arrest system.

Sir Sandford Fleming College will observe all regulations pertaining to suspended scaffolds as outlined by the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act.

8.67 Universal Precautions 

The key to protecting oneself against diseases carried in blood and body fluids is found in practising good infection control.

Blood and other body fluids from ALL people may be infected, (urine,stool, vomit, sputum, semen, vaginal fluids).

Blood and Body Fluid Precautions are suggested for ALL workers in contact with these fluids.

Anyone with weeping lesions on the hands or arms and which cannot be covered should refrain from handling spilled fluids until the condition resolves.

Latex gloves shall be worn:

• whenever contact with blood or body fluids is anticipated.

Masks, eye protection or a full face shield shall be worn:

• when blood or body fluid is likely to splatter, increasing the risk of exposure to mucous membrane of the mouth, nose or eyes.

Gowns or aprons shall be worn:

• when procedures are to be performed which are likely to generate splashes of body fluids or blood.

Hand washing must be done:

• immediately and thoroughly if contaminated with blood or other body fluids, and immediately after gloves are removed.

Cleaning of equipment shall be done after each use and:

• when equipment is visibly soiled with blood or other body fluids. (Wear latex gloves.)

A solution of sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) prepared in a strength of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water will inactivate most viruses and bacteria. Do not add undiluted bleach directly to spill. Solution must be in contact with spill for at least ten minutes to kill any viruses.

Clothing and Linen:

• wear latex gloves;
• soiled linen should be handled as little as possible and bagged at the location where it is used.

Needles and Other Sharps (including blades, lances, needles, razor blades and suture needles) shall be:

• discarded immediately after use in appropriate biohazardous waste containers.

Other procedures:

• do not recap hypodermic needles;
• discard all sharps in puncture proof plastic containers.

Blood and other body fluids from ALL people may be infected. All specimens of blood and body fluids must:

• be put into well constructed containers;
• have a tight fitting lid to prevent leaking during transportation;
• be labelled clearly and completely.

If the outside of the container is visibly soiled, disinfect with a solution of bleach and water (one-to-nine concentration).

8.68 Ventilation 

The College will ensure that:

• general indoor ventilation adequate to protect the health and safety of all employees shall be provided by natural or mechanical means;
• a mechanical ventilation system shall be inspected at a minimum of every six months to ensure it is in good condition;
• the inspection referred to above shall be carried out by a person who is qualified by training and experience to make such inspections;
• the person carrying out the inspection shall file a report on the inspection with the employer, who will make the report available to the JOHSC if requested.

A mechanical ventilation system:

• shall be serviced and have maintenance work performed on it as frequently as recommended by the manufacturer;
• shall be serviced, have maintenance work performed on it, or be repaired when a report referred to above indicates it is necessary to ensure the system is maintained in good condition.

The ventilation system shall be such that replacement air is provided to replace air that is exhausted. The replacement air shall:

• be heated, when necessary, to maintain at least the minimum temperature of no less that 18°C , consist of approximately 30 – 40% relative humidity;
• be free from contamination from any hazardous dust, vapour, smoke, fume mist or gas;
• enter in such a manner so as not to cause undue drafts and prevent blowing of settled dust into the workplace, and interference with any exhaust system.
• Air discharged from any exhaust system shall be discharged in such a manner so as to prevent the return of contaminants to any work area.

8.70 Work Permits 

A work permit is a written form used to authorize jobs that expose workers to serious hazards.

A work permit:

• identifies the work to be done;

• the hazards involved;

• necessary preparations and precautions for the job;

• formalizes agreed-upon work procedures;

• prevents instructions from being forgotten or misinterpreted;

• serves as a checklist to ensure that all hazards have been identified and evaluated;

• enables the employer, supervisor and worker to verify that all requirements and conditions are complied with before the job is started.

A work permit is required when there is danger from:

• fire;

• sparks from open flames, welding, cutting, ARC Flash, cutting, furnaces, explosive, corrosive or toxic gases or atmospheres;

• pressure systems;

• steam or other hot materials;

• electricity and other energy sources;

• accidental start-up of mechanical equipment;

• oxygen deficiency or oxygen enrichment;

• suffocation or drowning;

• restricted access, exit and movement;

• toxic substances;

• radioactive materials;

• lasers;

• temperature extremes;

• any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

8.71 Work Surfaces

A work surface shall be kept free of:

• obstructions and hazards;

• cracks, holes and bumps that may endanger a worker;

• accumulations of refuse, snow and ice.

A work surface shall not have any finish or protective material used on it that is likely to make the surface slippery.

A worker who knows that the conditions of a work surface fail to comply with the above shall report the condition to a supervisor.

If a report of a failure to comply is made to a supervisor, he or she shall ensure that steps necessary to remedy the situation are taken

immediately, and, until remedied, the hazard shall be identified by a conspicuous warning sign.

See Also: Reporting Of Hazardous Conditions

If there is a spill of a liquid or material on a work surface that is likely to cause a worker to slip or fall, it shall be cleaned up immediately and, until cleaned up, it shall be identified by a conspicuous warning sign.

If a work surface is slippery when it is being cleaned or polished, a conspicuous sign warning that the surface is slippery shall be posted during cleaning or polishing.

If wet processes are used, or wet conditions are present on a work surface and they cause it to be slippery, steps necessary to remedy the situation shall be taken, including:

• the use of non-slip work surfaces;

• the provision of dry-standing places or non-slip mats;

• the provision of drainage which is adequate for the circumstances;

• the use of water resistant, non-slip footwear by workers who may use the work surface.

8.80 Personal Safety

8.81 Escorts

Security escort service is available to students and employees, walking to remote parking lots after dark, at any time of the year. The service is coordinated from the Information Kiosks where the security personnel, and the pager phone number are located.  In the case of campus locations witout a formal escort service, the evening supervisor, maintenance owrker or cleaner will assist anyone who requests assistance.

8.82 Emergency Phones

Emergency phone boxes are available where there are remote parking lots. These phones can be used when personal safety is at risk, or when vehicle problems occur. The calls are answered by Telephone Answering Service (TAS) and relayed to emergency agencies as required.
Interior safety phones are hot keyed to 911, guards, and IT/AV in selected locations.

8.83 Surveillance cameras

Surveillance cameras are located in various corridors of the major campus buildings. These cameras videotape activity in public areas where assault or theft is most likely. Dummy cameras are not installed. Signage at the entrance doors advises that cameras are operating.

8.84 Alarm devices

Employees working in isolated areas in the day or evening are encouraged to acquire Fox 40 whistles or personal alarms emitting a high pitched alarm.. Employees are encouraged to monitor safety mirrors located in various corridors.  The facility office or HOD department can be consulted in cases of personal crisis situations where a personal alarm
may be provided.