HSE TRAINING

OFFICE SAFETY
 EXIT ACCESS

• Every building designed for human occupancy

shall be provided with exits sufficient to
permit the prompt escape of occupants in
case of emergency.
• Exits and the way of approach and travel from
exits shall be maintained so that they are
unobstructed and are accessible at all times.
• All exits shall free directly to the street or
other open space that gives safe access to a
public way.
• Assembly point near building (emergency
evacuation)
PASSAGEWAYS / AISLES

• A minimum width of four feet (or

metric equivalent) should be
established for aisles. Obstructions
such as wastebaskets, telephone and
electrical outlets, low tables, and
office equipment must be placed
where they do not present tripping
hazards. Doors should not open into
the path of employee travel;
however, if they do, the floor should
be marked indicating the swing of the
door.
 FLOORS, GENERAL CONDITIONS
• All floor surfaces shall be kept
clean, dry, and free from hazard
nails, splinters, loose boards,
holes, or projections (include
electrical cord).
• Where wet processes are used,
drainage shall be maintained.
• All floor finishes and/or carpets
should be selected for anti-slip
qualities.
• Well-maintained floor/carpets
will provide protection against
slip and falls.
• Defective tile or carpet should be
repaired immediately.
 OFFICE TRAFFIC
• Walk and never
run.
• Avoid reading
while walking.
• High heels
increase the risk
of a fall; low heel
shoes are
preferable.
• Shoes shall be
worn at all times
in the work area.
STAIRWAYS
• Stairways should be
protected with anti-
slip material.
• Use handrail, take
one step at a time,
and do not hurry.
• Don’t store or throw
anything on steps or
stairways.
• It is recommended
that you do not
descend stairways in
high heel shoes in an
emergency situation.
Keep a pair of low
heel shoes handy.
 ELEVATORS / LIFT
• Walk, and don’t run for
an elevator/lift.
• On automatic elevators
do not attempt to stop
doors with your hands.
Wait for the next
elevator/lift.
• Watch your step when
entering or exiting an
elevator because the car
may not be completely
level with the floor
when doors open.
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
• Portable fire extinguishers
suitable to the conditions
and hazards involved shall be
provided and maintained in
an effective operating
condition.
• Portable fire extinguishers
shall be conspicuously
located and mounted where
they will be readily
accessible. Extinguishers shall
not be obstructed or
obscured from view and shall
be identified by way of signs,
etc.
• SAE shall provide an
educational program to
familiarize employees with
the general principles of fire
extinguisher use and the
hazards involved with
incipient stage fire fighting.
 FILE CABINETS
• File cabinets should be placed far
enough away from doors or
passageways so that they do not
interfere with exit facilities.
• Place heaviest load in lower
drawers.
• Open only one file drawer at a
time.
• File drawers (as well as desk and
cabinet drawers) should be closed
when it is not in used.
• When closing a drawer, grasp the
handle to avoid finger injuries.
• Do not lean, sit or stand on open
drawers.
• Do not store objects on cabinets
that can become unstable.
ELECTRICAL OFFICE EQUIPMENT
• Typewriters, computer
desk, and printers will
not be placed on stands
until the locking latch
has been checked to see
if it has been properly
bolted.
• Electric equipment will
be electrically
disconnected if it is not
used or under services
• All electrical devices
shall be inspected for
safe operation prior to
use and periodically
thereafter.
 SHARP OBJECTS
• Use caution when folding or
handling paper to avoid
paper cuts.
• When stapling an item to a
folder, the piercing part of
the staple must be directed
to the inner portion of the
folder.
• Paper cutters of proper
construction and in good
condition require two
common sense precautions:
keep your fingers away from
the blade when it comes
down, and keep the blade in
a down and locked position
when not in use. Report any
needed repairs immediately.
 OTHER
• Turn lights on before entering a dark room or dark corridor. Report locations, which are inadequately lighted.
• To avoid falling, do not tilt back in a straight chair, do not lean back too far in a swivel chair, and do not over reach.
• Do not lift beyond your strength. When lifting, let your legs do the work, not your back. When heavy items are to
be moved, arrange for necessary help or equipment needed. If an object to be handled could cause cuts or
splinters, wear gloves to protect your hands.
• Broken glass should be wrapped in paper and placed in a wastebasket or in a special container provided for this
purpose.
• Furniture and equipment, which is defective or hazardous, shall be removed from service and reported to
supervision immediately.
• All sharp edges, splinters, slivers, burrs on furniture or equipment shall be removed promptly.
• Do not remain at your desk when overhead work is being performed.
• Pencils or pens carried in pocket should point down. Do not carry pencils behind the ear or between fingers with
point toward palm of hand.
• Horseplay can cause injury and is not tolerated.
• Make certain you know what to do in the event of a fire, the presence of smoke or fumes, or other emergencies.
Follow the instructions provided by your supervisor.
• Follow instructions on labels when using any type of chemical.
• Smoking is permitted only in designated areas. Where smoking is allowed in buildings or offices, place cigarettes
or cigars well inside of ashtrays to prevent them from falling out. Never lay them on desks, in wastebaskets, or on
the floor. A wastebasket is the worst substitute for an ashtray; even extinguished matches and tobacco are often
hot enough to ignite other materials. Empty the contents of ashtrays into metal containers used only for this
purpose.
• Clean up liquid spills immediately, especially on stairs or tile floors.