Facilities Management

Building Services Safety Rules

Section 4-1 Building Service Worker

  1. Required
    1. Read General Safety Rules.
    2. View Proper Lifting PowerPoint presentation.
    3. Work shoes/boots.
    4. Bloodborne Pathogens Training.
    5. View Proper Ladder safety PowerPoint presentation.
    6. Hazard Communications Training.
  2. Recommended
    1. Standard First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
    2. View Lockout and Tagout video.
    3. Read Vehicle Operation Safety Rules.
  3. Always Remember
    1. Each individual is responsible for his or her own personal safety and the general safety of his or her fellow workers. THINK SAFETY, ACT SAFELY!
    2. When in doubt about the use of personal protective equipment, check with your foreman.
    3. Clean up your individual work area and/or equipment after completing a job or at the close of the workday.
    4. When lifting, follow the safe lifting procedures and protect your back.
    5. Power tools and equipment will not be used until operation and starting rules are understood.
    6. Follow instructions when using products and do not mix different products unless it has been approved by the supervisor.
    7. When handling and emptying trash, keep hands out of the trash containers and follow proper lifting and handling procedures.
    8. Except when emptying trash, the dumpster doors will be closed.
    9. Dumpster steps and platforms will be inspected before being used. (Hazards will be corrected or reported before leaving work.)
    10. Check (and clear) all stairs before backing down with a dust mop. (Watch for that last step.)
    11. Assist fellow workers (when requested) in emptying trash into load-dumpsters or similar type containers.
    12. All accidents or injuries, however slight, should be reported to your supervisor.
    13. Report any safety or hazardous condition to your supervisor.
    14. Do not engage in horseplay while on the job.
    15. Use walk off mats at entrances at all times both winter and summer.
    16. Be observant and quick to clean any substance which can be hazardous to normal traffic.
    17. Use caution when working or walking on floors that are wet from mopping, waxing, or stripping.
    18. Do not leave equipment or electrical cords in stair landings, stairways, in front of doorways or in elevators. Time and use of an area should be considered before you engage in work that could create a safety hazard for others.
    19. Lift heavy objects properly: bend knees, lift with legs and keep back straight.
    20. Do not use your hands to take out or press down wastepaper from trash cans. Cans should be picked up and dumped in a large container. Use a stick, etc., to push trash down.
    21. The use of dust masks, anti-slip shoes, chemical use mask, and eye protection is recommended. Specific recommendations are listed on MSD sheets. Protective equipment and MSD sheets are available from your supervisor. Ask for them.
    22. If a toxic substance gets into your eyes, flush them immediately with clean water several times and contact your supervisor. If you cannot locate a supervisor, the Office of Public Safety or a fellow worker can transport you to the Health Center. In all cases, notify your supervisor.
    23. Three prong plugs are required on equipment. Do not use the equipment if they are missing. Do not use equipment with frayed electrical cords. Notify supervisor for repair.
    24. Always unplug any electrical equipment you are adjusting or repairing. Remove the spark plug wire before working on gasoline powered equipment.
    25. Turn lights on in any area or room before entering.
    26. Never climb on desks, chairs, cans, or other types of furniture to reach a high place. Always use a stepladder. Do not stand on the top two steps. Be sure there are non-skid rubber caps on each of the legs.
    27. DO NOT MIX CHEMICALS such as bleach, ammonia, or bowl cleaner as some may create a toxic gas which can cause injury to the respiratory system and cause death. 
    28. Do not wear walkmans with earphones. You cannot hear fire alarms or co-workers in distress.
    29. For your safety and the safety of others, radios may not be played when faculty, staff, and/or students are present. When radios are played, they must be played at a low
    30. Incinerator operators are required to wear face shields, fire retardant jackets, gloves, and long pants. Wearing of shorts is not permitted while burning. noise level.

Section 4-2 BSW/Moving Crew Truck Driver

  1. Inspect your vehicle before driving for broken glass, oil leaks, gasoline leaks, or vehicle damage. Report all problems.
  2. Make sure all lights and the horn are in good condition.
  3. When operating a university vehicle, you must
  4. When the heater or air conditioner is in use, crack one or two windows to reduce carbon monoxide hazards. wear lap and shoulder belts.
  5. Obey all speed limit and traffic laws.
  6. When backing look over right shoulder or use each outside mirror. If unsure of a clear path, have someone guide you.
  7. If the vehicle is equipped with a power lift, it should only be used by trained operators and only if it is in good operating condition.
  8. When lowering a power lift, make sure feet are clear.
  9. Ensure that all cargo is secure so it will not shift.
  10. When parked on a street, use four way flashers.
  11. Only authorized university personnel may ride in a university vehicle.
  12. Alcohol and other controlled substances must never be used.
  13. Prescription and over-the-counter medicine should be used with care. They may cause drowsiness or other side effects.
  14. Check for on-coming traffic before exiting or entering a vehicle.
  15. Be a defensive driver.