SAFETY ISSUES AND RULES

SAFETY ISSUES AND RULES

NAME:

DATE:

INSTITUTION:

COURSE:

LECTURER:

Since it has been a while since somebody took control of the safety issues in Podunk University, my first assignment will be to analyze all departments in order of the urgency of there safety. The commitment of Podunk university to safety in all its departments has been low and that’s why am intending to make a positive change in terms of coming up with clear guidelines on how safety issues should be handles in every and each department.

Hazcom tests and hazard determination does not involve an estimation of a risk since hazard and risk are two different situations. An hazard refers to an inherent property of a substance that is capable of causing an adverse effect while a risk on the other hand, refers to the probability that an adverse effect will occur with specific exposure conditions (J.J. Keller & associates, 2012).

After analyzing the departments, I decided that the massive arena will be the first one to get the Hazcom test because of its many problems which include asbestos insulation and since the building is also undergoing a massive renovation and the asbestos material could pose a great risk to the workers if not handled properly. Secondly would be the chemistry department which has many hazardous chemicals which need to be handled with care. The chemistry department needs a professional lab technician since the chemicals would pose a great danger to the students when exposed. The automotive department would be the third. It contains solvents, asbestos brake linings, pneumatic tools, waste oil, and cutting and grinding tools. This tools and chemicals would be dangerous to anyone walking around if not handled properly. Only automobile students and personnel will be allowed in the automobile department. The biology department is also essential since it has animal dissection, human dissection, a microbiology lab, and a medical laboratory education program that uses small quantities of a lot of chemicals. A lab technician will be needed to handle this. The physics department will be next due to its high voltage equipment, lasers and LEDs. The math’s and English department will be the last.

The automotive technology department has many HazCom issues pertaining to auto repair including solvents, asbestos brake linings, pneumatic tools, and waste oil, cutting and grinding tools as well. These chemicals are very dangerous if left unchecked and could harm the students or personnel working there.

Hazardous waste issues are either physical or chemical. Physical hazard means a chemical for which there is scientifically valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive. Health hazard means a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees. The term “health hazard” includes chemicals which are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the hematopoietic system and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. The asbestos materials and solvents pose a health hazard risk since they contain chemicals which are harmful if not handled well. Tools and other automotive parts pose a physical hazardous waste issue since they can fall onto someone (J.J. Keller & associates, 2012).

In the chemistry department, most chemicals have not been purchased and this has forced students to use minimal quantities in there experiments. This is dangerous since they should be using the correct amount of chemicals as outlined in there manuals. Secondly, students will be advised on how to handle the chemicals as well a being encouraged wearing gloves and labs coats at all times while in the laboratory (Medical Environment , 2005);.

In the massive arena renovation, the workers are the most endangered party’s hence proper training will be given to them on how to handle them during work. Also, asbestos material can be dangerous if inhaled hence the workers will be trained on how to handle the asbestos materials.

The physics department uses high voltage equipment as well as lasers and LEDs. This equipment will be handled with care and students will be advised not to touch them unless they are in the company of a tutor or the physics department lab technician.

The university has no material/ waste spill response but I will initiate one. If someone spills a dangerous waste or other dangerous material, they should immediately stop and control the spill by shutting valves, righting overturned drums, or doing whatever is necessary and possible to do safely.

The English and math’s department need a little hazardous waste training compared to other departments. This is because these two departments have no chemical materials just computers and a photocopier. The two types of machines will also need some care and the personnel using them will need to be trained on how to use them to avoid the risk of electric shock.

Some of the resources for finding out how to solve the HazCom issues are listed below; OSHA/EPA Occupational Chemical Database
OSHA and EPA jointly developed a new Occupational Chemical Database to provide a convenient reference for the occupational safety and health community. This database compiles information from several government agencies and organizations. Available database reports include: “Physical Properties,” “Exposure Guidelines,” “NIOSH Pocket Guide,” and “Emergency Response Information,” including the DOT Emergency Response Guide. In addition, an all-in-one report, “Full Report,” is available.

ECB – Classification and Labelling
The classification and labelling work area provides technical and scientific support to Member State Authorities and Commission Services (mainly DG ENV.C.3) concerning the hazard classification and labelling of pesticides, biocides and new and existing chemicals.

Australian National Occupational Health and Safety Commission Hazardous Substances Information System (HSIS)
The Australian HSIS is a searchable database containing information on hazardous substances that have been classified in accordance with the Australian Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1008(2004] 3rd Edition and/or have National Exposure Standards declared under the NOHSC Adopted National Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment [NOHSC:1003(1995)] or subsequent updates.

In this case, a lot has to be considered since most departments handle chemicals physical hence they will need trainers. Others like the math’s and English department need technology since they won’t be dealing with chemicals.

13. Due to budget cuts, you have to do the training yourself, and you will use PowerPoint. What are some considerations when developing your PowerPoint Presentation?

Below are some of the guidelines in creating a PowerPoint presentation;

Create slides and add text.

Choose a slide layout, insert a picture, and apply a theme.

Change the size and position of slide elements.

Format pictures, shapes, and other slide content.

Create speaker notes to use when you present.

Share the presentation file for review.

After every one month, the safety department will conduct an audit on safety issues in all other departments to ensure that everything is updated.

Before the non flammable compound is marketed, proper testing needs to be done and proper documentation done with the necessary departments. Before the non flammable compound Is marketed world wide, it should be tested in all climatic conditions to ensure that it does not pose any health risks to consumers.

The university will consult with the OSHA/ EPA occupational experts in order to know how to handle and store the compound. In order to ensure safety in the biology department because of the new pathogens, new professional lab technicians will be employed to handle them (Medical Environment , 2005);.

REFERENCES

J.J. Keller & associates (2012); Hazcom made easier: what you need to know about hazard communication and GHS: Neenah.

Medical Environment (2005); HazCom; Marblehead