Safety and Health Working Group Meeting January 24, 2006

1. Safety and Health Working Group MeetingJanuary 24, 2006 Status Report By Stephen Mallinger, CIH

2. Hazard Communication • Discussion at last session • During 109th , doing program reviews • Still have instances of no program or major deficiencies • At the end of warning period for offices OOC 109th Biennial Inspections

3. Hazard Communication (continued) • Good programs should identify toxic chemicals • MSDS should list ingredients • MSDS should be organized for quick retrieval • Program should be more than binder OOC 109th Biennial Inspections

4. Methylene ChlorideFound 6 Instances of Use OOC 109th Biennial Inspections

5. Hazard Communication (continued) • OOC provides advice and assistance • Working with LOC and CAO on campus wide improvements • If you need assistance, don’t be afraid to come to us • We will and have asked for copy anyway • Lack of good program could result in enforcement OOC 109th Biennial Inspections

6. Hazard Communication (continued) • Haz Com is not Haz Whopper • 1910.1200 is different from 1910.120(q) • Can not have generic Haz Com Program: must be tailored to chemicals • Employees trained on chemicals they use OOC 109th Biennial Inspections

7. Other Program Reviews • Portable fire extinguisher training • No training, no use • Confined space – 1910.146 • Labeling permit required areas only • Asbestos awareness for employees • Damaged or disturbed asbestos materials OOC 109th Biennial Inspections

8. Other Program Reviews (continued) • ADA Office Inspection issues • Measuring door opening forces • Magazine rack height: old style too low • Wheelchair access - width • Special evacuation plans • Employees self-identify to police • Buddy system has flaws OOC 109th Biennial Inspections

9. Other Program Reviews (continued) • Emergency Action Plans - 1910.38 • What to do in case of emergency • Routes to closest exits • Employees trained on plan • Different types of emergencies • Frequency of drills OOC 109th Biennial Inspections

10. Specific Hazards • Electrical Hazards & Fire Safety • Finding many bare wires or live contacts • Problems not reported by employees for repair • Educating staff using Fast Facts • Hand out copies during inspections • Can be retrieved from OOC Web site OOC 109th Biennial Inspections

11. Current Fast Facts • Slips, Trips and Falls (newest) • Damaged Power Cords • Electric Panel Accessibility • Extension Cords • Fire Doors • Space Heaters • Sprinklers OOC 109th Biennial Inspections

12. Upcoming Fast Factshttp://www.compliance.gov/forms-pubs/forms-pubs.html • Portable Fire Extinguishers • Smoke Detectors • Exposed, Energized Wiring • Fire Wall Penetrations • Improper Signage • More + OOC 109th Biennial Inspections

13. Specific Hazards (continued) • Lack of space in most buildings • Add more people to current space • Egress deficient capacity in floors/buildings • Leads to inadequate workspace egress width • 18 inches required single person access • 28 inches required for multiple people OOC 109th Biennial Inspections

14. Lack of SpaceAlso Results in • Frequent extension cord use • Some running under rugs • Daisy chaining power strips (11 in series is record) • Other non-approved electrical devices • Cube taps, cheater converters, bad plugs • Vertical clearance with sprinkler heads OOC 109th Biennial Inspections

15. Lack of Space (continued) • All Office Safety Awards were given to offices having modular furniture • Modular furniture must have electrical connections • Just renovated offices are better • In-charge person must actively monitor hazards OOC 109th Biennial Inspections

16. Stephen Mallinger724-9235stma@loc.govFax 426-1663 www.compliance.gov Questions?