ELECTRICAL, FIRE & FALL SAFETY

ELECTRICAL SAFETY (Learning Objectives) Know how to and who to report an electrical safety problem. Understand rules and requirements for extension cords and power strips. Understand the space requirements for electrical panels.

Report all Electrical Safety concerns to the Facilities Manager at EXT 244

If you find frayed or damaged cords: Remove from service and report

If you notice faulty equipment or notice sparks, flame, or smoke: Remove from service and report. Remember, if you see sparks, flame, or smoke, immediately TAKE ACTION!

Requests for power strips can be made through the Facilities Manager. NO PIGGYBACKING POWER STRIPS AND NO APPLIANCES PLUGGED INTO POWER STRIPS!

Extension cords are intended to be used as a temporary power source. RWMC Electrical Equipment Policy (309.5.02)

Appliances must be double-insulated or three wire grounded (three-prong plug). If unsure, contact Facilities Manager for assistance.

Maintain unobstructed access to electrical panels. Three (3) feet in front and 18 inches on either side.

Avoid a shock when pulling the plug! Grasp the plug, not the cord.

Space heaters are only allowed for emergency situations. If a need arises for a space heater, contact Facilities Manager.

FIRE SAFETY

FIRE SAFETY (Learning Objectives) Define the acronym PASS. Understand the difference between Healthcare Occupancy and Business Occupancy when it comes to fires.

(“Defend in Place” vs “Evacuate”) Regional West Medical Center is classified as a Healthcare Occupancy by NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. In a Healthcare Occupancy, the intent is not to evacuate – instead, they “defend in place”. Evacuation is the last option.

(“Defend in Place” vs “Evacuate”) RCI is considered “Business Occupancies”. In smaller fires, a partial evacuation of non-essential employees with a delayed evacuation of others may be necessary. In cases where the fire is large, total and immediate evacuation of all employees is necessary. Employees shall not use fire extinguishers without the appropriate training. RCI has 9 extinguishers throughout the building All employees should visually note the locations of each

Remember PASS: P – Pull the pin. A – Aim the base of fire. (Fire Extinguishers) Remember PASS: P – Pull the pin. A – Aim the base of fire. S – Squeeze handle. S – Sweep side to side. Employees shall not use fire extinguishers without the appropriate training.

(Fire Extinguishers) Just to clarify, RCI personnel are not expected nor required to fight fires! You may use fire extinguishers as self-preservation, or You may use the fire extinguisher for an incipient stage fire (a fire which is in the initial or beginning stage and does not require special protective equipment or breathing apparatus).

Slips, Trips & Falls

Objectives Costs of slips, trips & falls (STFs) Some Causes of STFs Frequency of STFs Prevention/minimization

Costs of STFs Slips, trips & falls can happen anywhere Slips & trips can result in falls, possibly disability or death Costs to employer & worker can be substantial

Costs of STFs To the employer: Loss of productivity & business Increased industrial insurance premiums Costs associated with training replacement worker To the worker: Lost wages & out-of-pocket expenses Pain Temporary or permanent disability Reduced quality of life Depression Death

Frequency of STFs Slips, trips & falls make up majority of general industry accidents (USDoL) 15% of all accidental deaths; 2nd leading cause behind motor vehicles ~12,000/year One of most frequently-reported injuries ~25% of reported claims/year Over 17% of all disabling occupational injuries result from falls Most could have been prevented

STFs are Preventable Design of workplace & work processes Design workplace & processes to prevent potential exposures to slip & trip hazards Good housekeeping Maintain clear, tidy work areas free of clutter Safe walking practices Follow safe walking practices & routes Wearing proper footwear Wear proper footwear with good traction