Welcome back to everyone! While some of you were enjoying time off this summer, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) was busy completing projects and conducting inspections to support Life Safety on campus.
Inspections and testing were completed on the following systems and equipment: fire alarms, fire sprinklers, fire hydrants, fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, fire doors, backflow prevention devices, chemical fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, forklifts, hoists and automotive lifts.
These inspections are conducted to ensure continued safe operation and to identify any needed repairs. When deficiencies are found, EHS works closely with the academic departments or Physical Plant to ensure issues are resolved.
Additionally, oil-water separators and storm drain catch basins were cleaned out and rippled carpet posing a trip hazard was replaced in Brahan Hall.
We plan on a busy fall semester with fire drills and building fire inspections starting soon, the annual OFPC fire safety inspection (scheduled for the end of September), the launch of an online Safety Data Sheet system and ensuring compliance with new Carbon Monoxide and Legionella regulations.
We are glad to have Waill Ayoub join the team as an EHS Technician.
EHS would like to remind everyone of several important campus fire safety practices:
- Keep all exits and means of egress clear and free of stored items.
- Do not block fire extinguishers.
- Power strips, extension cords, refrigerators, air conditioners and portable heaters need to be plugged directly into wall outlets.
- Extension cords are for temporary use only, no household extension cords are allowed on campus. For more information on extension cord safety, see the following fact sheet: www.compliance.gov/forms-pubs/eresources/fastfacts_extensioncords.pdf.
- Clearance must be maintained between stored items and ceilings; 18 inches must be maintained in buildings with sprinklers and 24 inches in buildings without sprinklers.
- Burning of candles, incense or sparklers is prohibited.
- When cooking, especially popcorn, do not leave food unattended.
- When you hear or see the fire alarm, immediately gather your items and leave the building. Be sure to escort your students out with you. Do not re-enter the building until given the “All Clear” by Public Safety or the Fire Department.
For additional information or any questions about Environmental Health and Safety, please visit the EHS Web page at www.hvcc.edu/ehs/health/ or call the EHS offices at 629-7787 or 629-7163.
Published: Thu, 03 Sep 2015 19:58:08 +0000 by l.vivekanand