General Safety

Awareness Training

Rev 3 - 7/16
 Introduction

• All WHOI personnel are required to receive General Safety

Awareness as part of the Occupational Safety Health
Administration’s (OSHA) General Industry Standard 29 CFR 1910.

• Refresher training is every 2 years.

• General Safety Awareness addresses Health and Safety in the Office,

Laboratory, and Industrial Shops along with Fire, Medical and
Chemical Spill Emergency Procedures.

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 Safety Responsibility

WHO DO YOU THINK HAS

THE PRIMARY
RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR
SAFETY?

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 Safety Responsibility

YOU DO!
• Everyone is responsible for their own safety and the safety of others.

• You are responsible for following safety rules.

• If something isn’t safe or you don’t understand something - DON’T

DO IT!

• Ask questions, talk to your Supervisor or Principal Investigator

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 Safety Responsibility
Workplace Deaths by Event - 2013

Highway
21%
All Other
36%

Non-Highway
Vehicle
6%

Pedestrian
6%

Homicide
Struck By 11%
9% Falls-LL
11%
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 Safety Responsibility
Take Two To Be Safe

• NO JOB IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE SAFETY OF YOU

AND YOUR CO-WORKERS.

• Take a few extra minutes before starting a potentially hazardous task

to ensure:
− You are ready and have the right tools, equipment, and procedures
− You have the proper personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Help to keep your co-workers safe by not creating or allowing an

unsafe condition to exist.

• Help to protect the public and minimize the impact to the

environment from WHOI’s operations.

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 Safety Responsibility
Why Rules and Programs?

• Prevent employee or student injury and illness

• Prevent environmental pollution
• Government Compliance
− Occupational Safety and Health Administration
− Department of Transportation
− MA Department of Environmental Protection
− Environmental Protection Agency
− Nuclear Regulatory Commission
− MA Radiation Control Program
− Centers for Disease Control

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 Safety Responsibility
Resources

• Departments
− Supervisor/PI

• Safety Committees
− Department Safety Committees
− Institutional Safety Committee (ISC)
− Institutional Biosafety Committee
− Radiation Safety Committee

• Environmental Health & Safety Office

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 Environmental Health & Safety Office
Personnel

• Environmental Health and Safety Director, ext. 3788

• Office Administrator, ext. 3347

• Laboratory Safety Officer, ext. 2242

• Safety & Health Officer, ext. 2244

• Waste Contractor, wastepickup@whoi.edu

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 Environmental Health & Safety Office
Location

• The Environmental Health & Safety

Office is located in the L’Hirondelle
Building in the Woods Hole Village.

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 Environmental Health & Safety Office
Web Site

• The EH&S Website includes:

− Emergency Response Information
− EHS Programs
− Contact Information
− Accident & Incident Investigation Forms
− Training Course Information
− Waste Management
− Lab, Industrial/Shop, and Office Safety Checklists
− Searchable SDS links

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 EH&S Training
Programs

• Chemical Hygiene Plan Safety or Hazard Communication and Chemical

Safety
• Hazardous Waste Generation
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Respiratory Protection
• Forklift Certification & Hoisting and Rigging
• Radiation Safety, Biosafety, Laser Safety
• Machine/Carpentry Shop Safety, Electrical Safety, Confined Spaces,
Lockout/Tagout, etc.
• Battery Pack Safety
• CPR/First Aid

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 EH&S Training
Training Management System (TMS)

• Steps to establishing a safety training profile with “required” safety

trainings on the EH&S Training Management System:
- Supervisor/Employee Review WHOI Employee Safety Checklist -
review specific tasks of position/hazard analysis.

- Identify “required” safety courses for specific tasks.

- Supervisor updates employee’s training profile with “required”

safety courses on the EH&S Training Management System
(TMS).

- Employee completes “required” safety trainings.

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 WHOI Emergency Information and Procedures
Reporting

• WHOI Emergency Telephone Numbers:

− To report an emergency using an internal phone dial ext. 2911
− If reporting an emergency using an external telephone dial
508-289-2911

• Main Emergency Numbers:

− Falmouth Fire & Rescue 508-548-2323
− Falmouth Police 508-548-1212

• Green stickers with emergency contact numbers are available for

placement on internal phones.

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 WHOI Emergency Information and Procedures
Reporting

• Ext. 2911 will direct you to WHOI's internal switchboard.

• When reporting an emergency be prepared to give the following
information:
− The nature of the emergency (fire, medical, chemical spill),
− Location of emergency,
− And any information that may be useful for emergency responders
(i.e. are injuries involved).
• General Emergency Procedures contains a summary of emergency
procedures (telephone numbers, instructions on reporting an
emergency etc.)

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 WHOI Emergency Information and Procedures
Emergency Evacuation and Assembly Points

• KNOW the emergency evacuation

plan and assembly point for the
building you work in.

• Emergency diagrams are located

in or near stairwell of building.

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 WHOI Emergency Information and Procedures
Be Prepared!

• KNOW the Location Of:

− First Aid Kits
− Emergency Showers and Eyewash Stations
− Chemical Spill Kits
− Fire Extinguishers and Alarms
− Nearest Emergency Exits and Alternatives
− Emergency Shut-Off Valves & Electrical Disconnects
− Space Hazard Placards

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 WHOI Emergency Information and Procedures
Space Hazard Placards

• Space Hazard Placard:

− Falmouth Fire and Rescue require
− Identifies significant chemical,
physical, and biological hazards
within a space
− Identifies emergency shut-off
switches for hazardous equipment
− Space Hazard Template & Guideline

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 Emergency Information and Procedures
Fire Emergency

IF A FIRE ALARM SOUNDS EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!

• Building occupants are required to evacuate a building when a fire

alarm sounds.

• When evacuating a building or work area:

− stay calm,
− do not rush or panic,
− proceed to the nearest exit and report to the assembly point,
− never use an elevator to exit.

• Do not re-enter an evacuated building or work area until instructed to

do so by emergency personnel

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 Emergency Information and Procedures
Fire Emergency

• If you see a fire, activate an alarm and call ext. 2911.

• You may fight a small fire if you know how.

• General Rule: if more than one portable fire extinguisher is needed to

put out a fire, the fire is too large to handle – Get Out!

NEVER LET A FIRE GET BETWEEN YOU

AND AN EXIT!

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 Emergency Information and Procedures
Medical Emergency

• If an employee becomes ill or injured at WHOI and medical assistance

is required, dial ext. 2911 or 508-289-2911.

• Provide as much information about the nature of the illness/injury.

• Keep the injured/ill person comfortable and warm until assistance

arrives.

• If safe, move the injured person from danger zone.

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 Emergency Information and Procedures
Chemical Spill

• Be Prepared BEFORE a chemical spill:

− Identify hazardous chemicals in work area.

− Before using chemicals review Safety Data Sheets (formerly

Material Safety Data Sheets).
− Know the location of the emergency showers and eyewash
stations.
− Know the location of the nearest spill kit and how to use it.

− Know the difference between an INCIDENTAL vs. HAZARDOUS

spill.

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 Emergency Information and Procedures
Incidental Chemical Spill

• An incidental spill is a small spill of less hazardous material that an

individual can clean up without assistance.

• Laboratory buildings have green wall-mounted spill kits in the hallways

for use for containing an incidental spill.

• If flammables are involved, shut down or

remove ignition source. Be sure to
ventilate the area.

• Collect and dispose of waste materials as

Hazardous waste.

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 Emergency Information and Procedures
Hazardous Chemical Spill

• If a chemical is spilled and the quantity or extent of the hazard cannot

be determined the spill is classified as hazardous.

• If a hazardous spill occurs call ext. 2911 immediately to activate

WHOI’s emergency response plan.

• A hazardous spill could be any of the following: a large spill, a spill over
multiple areas, highly hazardous materials or has the potential for
environmental contamination

• Warn others in the area

• Evacuate to safe area

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 Emergency Information and Procedures
Violence, Severe Weather, Suspicious Package, Bomb Threat…

• WHOI’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP)

establishes detailed procedures to respond to workplace emergencies.

• Please review the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan for

procedures on:
− Violence: Report, Avoid, Deny, Defend (RADD)
− Severe weather
− Suspicious package, bomb threat
− Public health emergency

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 Emergency Information and Procedures
Campus-wide Emergency Notification System

• E2CAMPUS is WHOI’s campus-wide emergency notification system.

• In an emergency situation messages will be sent to registered staff and

students.

• Notifications can be sent to cell phones, PDAs, and email accounts.

• Campus-wide Emergency Notification Sign Up

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 Accidents and Incidents
Reporting Procedures

• Any personnel injured on the job should report the injury immediately
to their Supervisor and prepare an Accident Incident Report, available
on-line: Accident and Incident Reporting

• The Environmental Health & Safety Office conducts follow-up

investigations of injuries and illnesses for the purpose of determining
corrective actions to prevent a reoccurrence.

• It is important to report a “near miss” using the on-line Accident and

Incident Form.

• Reporting a “near miss” may identify previously overlooked physical,

environmental, or unsafe work practices before someone becomes
injured.

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 Lab and Chemical Safety
Training

• Training is mandatory for chemical users.

• HAZARD COMMUNICATION & CHEMICAL SAFETY (HAZCOM)
Personnel that work with hazardous chemicals in NON-RESEARCH
LABORATORY AREAS must complete Hazard Communication and Chemical
Safety training. HazCom Guideline

• CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN SAFETY (CHP)

Personnel engaged in the LABORATORY use of hazardous chemicals must
complete Chemical Hygiene Plan Safety (CHP) training. Chemical Hygiene
Plan

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 Lab and Chemical Safety
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• When working with hazardous chemicals any uncovered parts of the

body must be protected. Protection can be provided by wearing:
− Lab coat Lab Coat Program
− Tyvek coveralls
− Chemically resistant apron.
• Appropriate gloves must be worn whenever hazardous chemicals are
being handled.
• Safety glasses must be worn when working with hazardous chemicals.
• Chemical splash goggles and/or face shields are required when handling
the transfer of corrosive materials.
SHORTS, SANDALS, OPEN-TOED SHOES AND LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING
ARE UNSAFE ATTIRE IN LABORATORIES.

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 Lab and Chemical Safety
Chemical Use and Storage

• Minimize the Amount of Chemicals in Storage and Use

• Separate/Isolate Incompatible Chemicals

• Ensure proper container is compatible

• Containers must be labeled:

− Full chemical name (no formulas)
− Uniform labeling

• Time Sensitive Chemicals check expiration dates regularly

• Highly Hazardous Chemicals - follow all special handling and storage

considerations in the Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

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 Lab and Chemical Safety
Uniform Labeling

• The National Fire Protection Association

(NFPA) labeling system has been selected for
use at WHOI to ensure uniform labeling of
chemical containers.
• ALL CONTAINERS INTO WHICH
CHEMICALS ARE TRANSFERRED MUST BE
LABELED.
Hazard Ratings
• The NFPA label is color-coded and uses a 0 = Minimal
numeric system to indicate the hazards. 1 = Slight
2 = Moderate
• NFPA Chemical Labeling Guideline 3 = Serious
4 = Extreme

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 Lab and Chemical Safety
Exposure Routes

• INHALATION. Always work in a well-ventilated area.

• ABSORPTION. Avoid eye or skin contact by using personal protective

equipment (PPE).

• INJECTION. Use caution when working with sharps. Sharps are any
objects capable of penetrating the skin.

• INGESTION. Never eat or drink in chemical use areas.

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 Lab and Chemical Safety
Signs and Symptoms of Overexposure

• Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, upper respiratory track or skin,

• Burning of the skin or eyes,
• Fatigue, dizziness, headaches,
• Lightheadedness, loss of coordination, muscle or joint pains
• Persistent cough, wheezing, tightness of the chest or chest pain,
difficulty breathing or shortness of breath,
• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
• IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE ABOVE SYMPTOMS NOTIFY
YOUR SUPERVISOR AND DIAL EXT. 2911.

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 Lab and Chemical Safety
Exposure Assessment

• Any employee who is concerned about potential exposure to

hazardous chemicals may request an exposure assessment or
evaluation, contact EH&S at ext. 3347.

• Exposure monitoring available:

− Personal monitoring
− Hazardous atmospheres
− Confined space entry program

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 Lab and Chemical Safety
Safety Showers and Eyewash Stations

• Safety Shower and Eyewash Stations are located throughout WHOI in

locations where corrosive materials are used or stored.

• Must be clearly marked.

• Used for extinguishing fires on person and

removing contamination on person.

• Drench hoses are also located in some areas

and should be flushed weekly to ensure
proper working order.

• Report any deficiencies to the Facilities & Services Department.

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 Lab and Chemical Safety
Compressed Gas Cylinders

• Valve caps must always be on when in

storage.

• Cylinders must be chained or strapped to

the UPPER THIRD to prevent tipping.

• Incompatible gases should not be stored

together (e.g., oxygen and hydrogen).

• Mark cylinders when empty for immediate

removal.

• Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety

Procedures

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 Waste Management
Hazardous Waste

• Hazardous Waste is any material discarded that meets the Hazard

Classification of: Corrosive, Ignitable, Toxic or Reactive.

• Hazardous waste must be properly disposed and is coordinated by

EH&S.

• Collection of hazardous waste is done weekly.

• Hazardous Waste Pickup requests can be submitted using the

Hazardous Waste Pickup Request or by sending an email to
wastepickup@whoi.edu

• Hazardous Waste Generator Procedures

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 Waste Management
Hazardous Waste

• All hazardous waste must be identified

with a red hazardous waste tag.
• Labeling should be accurate and legible -
NO FORMULAS.
• Employees who generate hazardous waste
are required to complete Hazardous Waste
Generator Training.

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 Waste Management
Universal Waste

• Universal waste is regulated waste that contains mercury, lead,

cadmium, lithium and other hazardous substances that can be
recycled.

• Universal waste may not be discarded in solid waste landfills.

• Examples of Universal Waste include: Lithium Batteries, Lead-Acid

Batteries, NiCad Batteries, Fluorescent Lamps

• Note: Single cell alkaline and lithium-ion batteries are not universal
waste and can be disposed with normal trash.

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 Waste Management
Universal Waste Collection Areas

• Universal Waste Collection Areas are strategically located throughout

WHOI.

• Universal waste should be deposited "GENTLY" into the appropriate

waste container.

• Universal Waste that cannot be dropped off

at a collection area can be collected using
WHOI’s online Universal Waste Pickup Request
OR by emailing wastepickup@whoi.edu

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 Regulated Shipments
Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest

• Only trained and authorized

personnel can sign hazardous waste
manifests.
• Waste motor oils and lubricants are
regulated waste in Massachusetts.
• Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest
Online Training is required.
• Contact EH&S for assistance at
ext. 3347

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 Regulated Shipments
Hazardous Material Shipping

• The shipment of hazardous materials and/or dangerous goods must

conform to the regulations stipulated by the US Department of
Transportation (DOT).
• Individuals who improperly ship hazardous materials may be subject to
stiff penalties.
• Contact the Director of Distribution at ext. 2355 for Hazardous
Material shipping and training information.

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 Hierarchy of Controls
Approaches to Control Hazards & Exposures

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 Engineering, Administrative and PPE Controls
Engineering Controls

• Engineering controls are the first choice for eliminating workplace

hazards by reducing or eliminating a hazard at its source or before it is
created.

• Examples of Engineering Controls:

− Fume hoods,
− Machine guarding,
− Alarm systems and interlocks.

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 Engineering, Administrative and PPE Controls
Administrative Controls

• Administrative Controls are policies and requirements established at

an administrative level (e.g. PI/Supervisor, Dept. Safety Committees,
ISC, EH&S) Examples of administrative controls:
− Safety guidelines
− Procedures
− Rules
− Signs
− Labels
− Supervision and Training

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 Engineering, Administrative and PPE Controls
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Employees who use PPE must be properly trained and understand the
function, proper use and limitations of PPE.
• PPE must be worn if it is required.
• It is the wearer's responsibility to clean, inspect and store PPE
properly.
• PPE does not eliminate the hazard.
• Personal Protective Guideline

WHENEVER ENGINEERING OR ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS ARE NOT

AVAILABLE OR ARE NOT FULLY CAPABLE OF PROVIDING PROTECTION,
EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.

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 Personal Protective Equipment
Prescription Safety Glasses Reimbursement

• Any WHOI employee who is required to use eye protection for the
safe performance of their work is eligible for prescription safety
glasses.
• Prescription safety glasses must meet the requirements of ANSI
standard Z87.1.
• The current reimbursement allowance for safety glasses is $180 per
year.
• Eye exams are not covered under the current program.
• To receive an authorization form, contact the EH&S Office, ext. 3347.

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 Personal Protective Equipment
Safety Footwear Reimbursement

• Any WHOI employee who is required to wear foot protection for the
safe performance of their job is eligible for a safety footwear
reimbursement.

• Safety footwear must meet the requirements of ASTM F2413-11.

• The current reimbursement allowance is $60 towards a one year

purchase and $120 towards a two year purchase.

• Safety footwear is to be purchased directly by the employee.

• Reimbursement Policy for Steel-toed Boots and Prescription Safety

Glasses

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 Personal Protective Equipment
Respiratory Protection

• Respirator users must comply with all program requirements of

WHOI's Respiratory Protection Program.

• Personnel who require a respirator must be:

− medically cleared by a licensed health care provider,
− fit tested using the make, model and respirator size that will
actually be worn by the employee.

• Annual training and fit testing is required.

• Respiratory Protection Guideline

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 WHOI Safety Procedures and Controls
Ergonomics

• Employees who use computers for an extended period of time may

experience pain or discomfort in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders,
neck or back. This may be caused by either poor work station design
or improper setup of a computer work station. There are some steps
that can be taken to prevent this and they are usually relatively simple
and inexpensive.

• To request an ergonomic assessment, contact the EH&S Office at

ext. 3347.

• Ergonomic Guideline

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 WHOI Safety Procedures and Controls
Manual Material Handling

• Overexertion sprains and strains are a frequent injury. Think before

you lift!
− Do not attempt the manual lift if the load is too heavy or awkward.
• Practice safe lifting procedures
− First try engineering out the hazard
− Use a mechanical lifting device
− Ask for assistance
− Avoid storing materials on floor
− Rotate workers or alternate tasks to allow breaks
• Manual Material Handling Guideline

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 WHOI Safety Procedures and Controls
Biosafety

• Institution Biosafety Committee (IBC) review and approve all

recombinant DNA, biological agent, and select agent research.
• Biosafety training is required for personnel working with recombinant
DNA; human or non-human primate tissues, fluids, cells or cell culture;
transgenic plants or animals; and work with animals known to be
reservoirs of zoonotic diseases.
• Avoid areas where biohazards are used and stored and only enter if
authorized.
• Biosafety Program

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 WHOI Safety Procedures and Controls
Radiation Safety

• Various types of radioactive materials are used and stored in several

buildings at WHOI. These areas must be clearly posted with a warning
sign. If you see a radioactive warning sign STOP and ASK before you
enter.
• Users of radioactive materials must be authorized.
• Radiation Safety training is required.

• The Radiation Safety Program is in place to:

− ensure the safety and health of employees
− protect the public and environment
− maintain state and federal licenses

• Radiation Program

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 WHOI Safety Procedures and Controls
X-Ray Generator Device Safety

• All X-ray generating equipment must be clearly labeled with the

radiation caution symbol.

• Never handle or move any X-ray generating equipment unless

authorized.

• DO NOT enter if the equipment in is use, unless

authorized to do so.
• X-Ray Generator Device (X-RGD) Online Safety
Training is required.

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 WHOI Safety Procedures and Controls
Laser Safety

• Any laboratories in which high-powered lasers (class 3b and 4) are

operated are required to have laser warning signs posted (>5mW).

• High powered lasers are capable of causing severe eye or skin injuries.
DO NOT enter if the equipment is in use.

• Class 3b and Class 4 lasers must be registered with the Massachusetts

Department of Public Health - Radiation Control Program.

• Any WHOI employee who operates a

Class 3b or 4 laser is required to
attend Laser Safety Training.
• Laser Program

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 WHOI Safety Procedures and Controls
Walk-In Cooler/Freezer Safety

• Numerous walk-in cooler/freezers are located inside and outdoors on

both campuses at WHOI. Personnel have been trapped inside,
potential for hypothermia and asphyxiation.
• Before entering a walk-in cooler/freezer review and follow all posted
entry procedures and supervisor instructions.
• Familiarize yourself with the location of the panic button, emergency
release mechanism, light switch and any other safety items.
• BUDDY SYSTEM RECOMMENDED.
• Promptly report any electrical and mechanical problems to Facilities &
Services Department.
• Walk-In Cooler/Freezer Safety Guideline

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 WHOI Safety Procedures and Controls
Dock Safety

• It is important that personnel follow all applicable safety guidelines in

place when on the dock.

• WHOI was cited by the Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA) for personnel on the dock using the wrong
ladders, no hard hats and no fall protection.

• Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are required for work:

− on or over the cap rail,
− on floats or rafts, under the dock,
− on small boats,
− and as required by the Master of the Vessel.

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 WHOI Safety Procedures and Controls
Hearing Safety

• Hearing loss develops gradually over an extended period of time.

• Exposure to damaging noise levels can lead to permanent hearing loss.
• Controls that can be put in place to limit exposure:
− Engineering Controls - dampen, isolate or insulate the noise source
− Administrative - schedule your time away from the noise source
− Personal Protective Equipment - i.e. earplugs or ear muffs.

• EH&S can assess noise levels and assist with controls.

• Hearing Conservation Program

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 WHOI Safety Procedures and Controls
Battery Safety

• Lithium and lithium-ion battery packs are hazardous.

− WHOI has experienced all failure modes: hot cells, leaking cells, off-
gassing, fires and explosions
• Alkaline and Lead-Acid battery packs are hazardous.
− WHOI experienced an explosion due to hydrogen gas.
• Follow battery safety procedures on the EH&S website.
− Alkaline Battery Pack Safety Guideline
− Lithium Battery Safety Guideline
− Lead-Acid Battery Safety Procedure
• Must complete Battery Safety Online Training

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 WHOI Safety Procedures and Controls
Heat Stress Safety

• When the body is unable to cool itself: heat stress, heat exhaustion, or
heat stroke (most severe) can occur

• Factors: high temperature and humidity, direct sun, PPE, inadequate

tolerance/acclimatization

• Heat stroke symptoms: dry, hot skin; mental confusion,

seizures/convulsions

• Drink lots of water, avoid alcohol, seek shade

• Wear light weight, loose fitting clothing

• Heat Stress Prevention Guideline

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 Engineering, Shops & Technical Support Safety
Confined Spaces

• Working safely in a confined space requires the proper equipment,

knowledge of potential hazards, proper training and authorization.

• General Characteristics of a Confined Space are:

− Large enough to enter and perform assigned work
− Limited/Restricted entry or exit
− Not designed for continuous occupancy

• Confined Spaced Entry Safety Online Training is required.

• Confined Space Entry Program

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 Engineering, Shops & Technical Support Safety
Lockout/Tagout

• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a procedure used to safeguard personnel

from the unexpected release of hazardous energy during maintenance
activities.

• The LOTO procedure and training must be followed by Authorized

employees (performing maintenance)

• Affected employees (may be near the LOTO device

or maintenance work) must not attempt to operate
equipment with a LOTO device present.

• Lockout/Tagout Safety Online Training is required.

• Lockout/Tagout Guideline

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 Engineering, Shops & Technical Support Safety
Working at Heights

• When working at heights it is important to identify fall hazards and

decide how best to protect yourself from injury.
• Falls from stairs, steps, and ladders cause most days-away cases.
• Any employee working at a height of six feet or more is required to
use fall protection equipment.
• Any floor openings over four feet or more must be protected with
railings.
• Fall Protection, Ladder and Scaffold Safety Online Training is required.
• Fall Protection Guideline

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 Engineering, Shops & Technical Support Safety
Cranes and Hoists

• Many types of cranes and hoists are used for lifting and moving
materials at WHOI.
• Must be trained and authorized by supervisor to operate.
• Must follow all specific procedures for storing, inspecting
slings.
• Approved and rated slings only.
• Hoisting and Rigging Safety Online Training is required.
• Rigging and Hoisting Safety Program

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 Engineering, Shops & Technical Support Safety
Forklift

• In order to operate a forklift truck at WHOI an employee must be

trained and certified as a qualified operator.

• Forklift Certification is required for all forklift operators.

• Re-Certification is required every three years.

• Certification includes classroom instruction and a practical driving test.

• Forklift General Safety Rules

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 Engineering, Shops & Technical Support Safety
Machinery

• WHOI has numerous machine shops and woodworking shops.

− Operators must be trained and qualified by supervisor to operate.
− Housekeeping is key!
− All safe guards must be in place

• To avoid accidents follow all safety rules and if

unsure about the safest approach STOP – ask
for assistance.

• Machine Shop Safety Online Training is required.

• Shop Safety Rules

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 Engineering, Shops & Technical Support Safety
Hand & Portable Power Tools

In order to operate hand and portable power tools personnel must be

trained and authorized by their supervisor. Some basic rules to follow:
• Use the right tool for the job,
• Always plug cord-connected, hand-held electric tools into GFCI-
protected receptacles
• Examine each tool for damage before use
• Follow manufacturer's operating instructions
• Use the proper PPE
• Replace frayed electrical cords
• Ensure guards are in place

67
 Minors Working at WHOI

• U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and Massachusetts have

requirements and prohibited activities for minors at work.
• WHOI requirements:
− Safety Policy for Minors at WHOI must be reviewed by
PI/Supervisor
− A Minor Acknowledgement Form must be completed and reviewed
before the minor begins work
• Policy for Minors Working and Volunteering at WHOI

68
 Working Alone

• Avoid working alone in a laboratory, other hazardous location, or with

hazardous materials.
• If you must work alone:
− Get prior approval from Supervisor or Principal Investigator
− After hours - Let security know – Dial “0”
− Let others in area know
• BUDDY SYSTEM IS RECOMMENDED.

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 Good Housekeeping

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING & GOOD SAFETY GO HAND-IN-HAND

• Keep walkways, stairways, and work areas free of clutter
• Never block safety equipment, electrical panels, or exits
• Never store chemicals where they could be knocked over
• Eat only in designated areas and clean up leftovers and crumbs.
• Critter problems – report to Facilities & Services
• Never touch any traps
• Don’t feed the wild animal

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 5 1
Feedback and Define the
Continuous Scope of the
Improvement Work

WORKING
Perform Work SAFELY
Within Controls
Analyze the
4 Hazards 2
Develop &
Implement
Hazard
Controls

3 71
• To receive credit for this training access the following and complete
the General Safety Awareness Quiz
• You must complete the quiz to receive credit
• Passing grade is 80%
• Quiz results will automatically be forwarded to EH&S for credit.
• You can retake the quiz if you fail
• For questions/feedback contact gcrowley@whoi.edu

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