First Aid-CPR St Mary’s Worthington 2018-19

First Aid-CPR St Mary’s Worthington 2020-21

Emplotee Right to Know Hazard Communication

Emergency Action Plan -St Mary’s -Worthington 2018-19

Emergency Action Plan -St Mary’s -Worthington 2020-21

Confined Space Entry – St Mary’s Worhington 2018-19

Confined Space Entry – St Mary’s Worhington 2020-21

 

 

PLAN REVIEW
Reviewer	Date
Eileen Carlson	9/9/2015

 

Contact: Jackie Probst

507-376-5236

AWAIR – A WORKPLACE

ACCIDENT AND INJURY REDUCTION PROGRAM

I. POLICY STATEMENT

The safety of our employees is the foremost consideration in the operations of St. Mary’s Parochial School.  Accidents and injuries are not only costly to the school and the individual workers, but are often disastrous to the future of their families. St. Mary’s Parochial School endeavors to provide our employees with a work place free of recognized health and safety hazards in an effort to conserve our human and financial resources. It is our school policy that everything within reason will be done to maintain a safe workplace for all employees.St. Mary’s Parochial School supports the concept of returning injured employees to work in a productive position within our school at the earliest, medically possible opportunity. We believe that each employee has a place in our accident prevention program and is expected to cooperate fully in all measures taken to control and prevent losses.

II. SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The objective of our health and safety program is to reduce employee accidents, injuries and illnesses through:

1. Maintenance of safe and healthful working conditions.
2. Insuring employee adherence to proper operating practices and procedures designed to prevent accidents, injuries and illnesses.
3. Observing, applying and complying with all Federal, State and Local safety regulations. Including, but not limited to:

School Emergency Action Plan

Employee Right to Know Program

Personal Protective Equipment Standard

Lock out \ Tag Out Program

Confined Space Entry Program

Hearing Conservation Program

Blood borne Pathogen Program

Respirator Program

4. Ensuring that each employee is properly trained and instructed in job procedures prior to job assignments.
5. Providing regular safety meetings for all employees as a means of obtaining new and updated information and training.
6. Conducting periodic safety and fire inspections to identify potential workplace hazards.
7. Conducting accident investigations to determine the cause of accidents and what actions are necessary to prevent future reoccurrence.
8. Implementing a management/labor safety committee.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR WORKPLACE ACCIDENT AND INJURY CONTROL

Although safety is the responsibility of every employee, District management is responsible for the implementation, maintenance and enforcement of safety and health policies and procedures. These efforts will be in the form of employee education in safety and health practices, periodic safety inspections of the facilities and work sites and school safety meetings to review safety concerns and provide a forum for employee education. Specific responsibilities/accountabilities for safety are as follows:

The District has appointed «AWAIR» to be the school SAFETY COORDINATOR.

The Safety Coordinator will:

• Establish and maintain a health and safety reference library.
• Keep apprised of changes in health and safety regulations.
• Conduct accident investigations and safety inspections.
• File appropriate reports concerning accidents or illnesses.
• Provide safety-training programs to new and existing employees.
• Train managers and supervisors in their safety responsibilities.
• Accompany outside safety inspectors and consultants on tours of the facilities.
• Follow up on recommendations made by management, employees, the safety committee, outside inspectors and consultants.
• Maintain the accident record keeping systems and the OSHA logs.
• Maintain safety-training records (date, topic, content, attendance).
• Audit school safety performance and the goals of the AWAIR program.

 School Administration – Is responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of the health and safety program. Managers will assign specific safety responsibilities and establish accountability measures. They will provide the resources needed to comply with all safety regulations and programs. Management will insure that accident investigations are conducted after every reported incident, regardless of whether an illness or injury occurred. These incident reports will be analyzed by managers to determine corrective measures for preventing reoccurrence.

Supervisors – are responsible for overall safety of the specific operations of the school.

Supervisors will consistently enforce all safety rules and ensure that safe practices are followed. In the event of an accident, supervisors will insure employees receive proper medical attention and that an accident report is completed. Supervisors will arrange for the correction of unsafe work conditions or procedures.

Employees – are responsible for day to day work activities and are responsible for complying with all safety regulations, school safety rules, following safe job procedures and notifying the lead worker or supervisor in the event of accident or unsafe work conditions.

IV. SAFETY COMMITTEE

The purpose of the safety committee is to assist in the detection and elimination of unsafe conditions and work procedures utilizing the following measures:

• «AWAIR» will oversee the committee and maintain records of committee activities. Copies of minutes shall be provided to:
  • Management
  • Committee members
  • Employees by posting on bulletin boards
• Management representatives from each work area ( i.e. office, warehouse, shop, etc.) should be present at each meeting. In the event they are unable to attend an alternate should attend.
• Employees shall select fellow workers from each work area to represent them on the committee.
• The terms for all committee members should be no more than one year (with the exception of the safety coordinator). Should a vacancy occur a new member from the represented area shall be selected.
• The frequency of meetings shall be determined by the committee, but shall not be less that once per month.
• The committee shall determine the date, hour and location of meetings.
• The length of each meeting shall not exceed one hour.

Scope of activities:

• Conduct safety inspections
• Assist in accident investigations to uncover trends
• Review accident reports to determine means of eliminating accidents
• Accept and evaluate employee suggestions and concerns
• Promote and publicize safety
• Monitor safety program effectiveness
• Review job procedures and recommend improvements

V. INSPECTIONS

Safety inspections of District facilities will occur on a continual basis and may be performed by the safety coordinator, managers, supervisors, consultants, insurance agents, government representatives and/or the safety committee.

These inspections will take the following form:

Departmental or work site analysis – inspections involve wall-to-wall inspection of a given department or work site and are normally performed in the presence of a departmental supervisor. These inspections will include:

• Art Facilities
• Dark Room
• Wood Shop
• Kitchen
• Metals shop
• Agricultural Shop
• Graphic Arts
• Maintenance/Custodial
• Grounds/garage
• Sciences
• Halls, gyms, etc.

Critical Items – involve the inspection of stationary and hand tools, processes, or areas, with a critical eye for possible sources of injury and methods of making these areas safer to employees.

Special Purpose – inspections will involve specialized tests or evaluations including, but not exclusive to:

Air quality

Noise

Ventilation

Ergonomics

VI. SCHOOL SAFETY RULES AND STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

Each District employee is part of the safety team. Co-workers are dependent on each person correctly performing their assigned duties. The keys to preventing accidents are; following safety rules and procedures by all employees, the proper use of all machines, equipment and personal protective equipment. The following rules are provided to help employees perform their jobs safely and correctly. Compliance with these rules is required to help prevent injuries to individual employees or others and to prevent damage to property.

These rules apply throughout the school, although some departments, because of their specialized work, may have special, additional rules. Employees are required to read all safety rules, to know and follow them. A copy of the safety rules will be given to each employee and will be posted on school bulletin boards. New employees will receive a copy of the safety rules upon hire. Employees are asked to sign an acknowledgment form that states that they have read the safety rules and understand them. This form will be kept with the employees personnel file. Violations of safety rules or safety instructions may be followed by disciplinary action even though the particular violation did not result in an accident. These rules may not be completely detailed or all-inclusive, therefore, whenever unique or unusual problems arise or more specific information is necessary employees are to contact their supervisor.

SAFETY RULES

All Employees will:

1. Observe allSt. Mary’s Parochial School safety and health rules and apply the principles of accident prevention in all day-to-day activities.
2. Refrain from horseplay, throwing objects, scuffling, fooling around and/or distracting others in ways that may lead to injuries.
3. Obey all posted rules, warning signs and no smoking areas.
4. Read safety bulletins.
5. Never report to work under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs nor shall any employee consume, purchase or possess these items while on school premises.
6. Never climb upon, through, under or around racking, pallets, trucks, equipment, forklifts, rail cars or other obstructions.
7. Not attempt to lift or push objects that may be too heavy for them. Ask for help when needed. Learn to use correct lifting techniques to avoid strains: bend knees, keep upper body erect, push with the legs.
8. Advise fellow employees to work safely and warn workers who are working carelessly.
9. Remove jewelry, rings, bracelets and chains as these items may get caught in machinery or cause accidents.
10. Always use proper personal protective equipment for each assigned job.
11. Report hazards to lead workers or supervisors immediately.
12. Never wear frayed or loose clothing or unrestrained hair in areas where it may get caught in machinery.
13. Check to make sure ladders are free from defects, broken rungs and have solid feet.
14. Never use makeshift ladders, scaffolding or climb on boxes.
15. Never tamper with electrical switches, extension cords or circuits unless authorized.
16. Always shut down machines before cleaning, adjusting or repairing. Lock and tag the machine and switches.
17. Never oil machines while in motion.
18. Never use hands to remove obstructions from equipment unless equipment is shut off and locked and tagged.
19. Never use defective hand tools.
20. Never operate equipment for which you have not been properly trained and authorized. Observe safe operating procedures for equipment or processes.
21. Always insure that they follow safe procedures and use all safety devices and equipment. Never operate machines when guards are not in place. Guards must never be removed except when necessary to make adjustments or repairs or when their use is impractical, and they should be replaced immediately upon completion of work.
22. Never alter equipment without prior authorization.
23. Always wear respirators when there are heavy fumes or dust present. Insure that proper training in the use, care and cleaning of respirators has been received prior to use.
24. Always wear appropriate footwear for each assigned task.
25. Always keep work areas and floor clean. Put all oily and wet materials in proper containers. Put all rubbish in containers provided. Pick up all broken pallets and wrapping from floor.
26. Keep doors, aisles, control switches, emergency equipment, fire extinguishers eyewashes, first aid kits and exits clear.
27. Learn the location of fire fighting equipment, safety exits and evacuation procedures for their department.
28. Report all accidents, near misses and injuries to their supervisor immediately.
29. Always find out the safe way to perform a task.
30. Actively support and participate in the school’s efforts to provide a workplace accident and injury reduction program.

VIII. ENFORCEMENT

The following procedures will be followed in dealing with safety infractions:

1. Any employee observed committing an unsafe act, violation of safety rules or    causing an unsafe condition to exist will be stopped immediately and questioned.
2. The reason for the violation will be determined.
3. Instruction in the safe procedure will be given. When this instruction is given the following will be observed:
   • Tell the employee what is to be done.
   • Show the employee the correct way to do the job.
   • Test the employee, let them practice, observe and suggest improvements as needed.
   • Check the employee by following up after the employee has returned to work to see that the safety rules are being followed.
   • Unsafe conditions will be corrected at once. If unable to do so, all employees involved will be warned of the hazard. Prompt notification of those responsible for making the correction will be made.
   • Employees will be spot checked occasionally to see that they are following instructions.

ACTION REQUIRED FOR VIOLATION OF SCHOOL SAFETY RULES.

1. Verbal warning – Employee will be given a verbal warning for a minor offense. A record of this warning should be placed in employees personnel file.
2. Written warning – Employee will be given a written warning for relatively serious or repeat offenses. Copies of the written warning are filed in employees personnel file.
3. Suspension – Employees may be suspended from duty without pay and with a written warning for continual repeated offenses or severe violations that result in injury to him/herself and /or others.
4. Termination of employment – may occur for flagrant violations of school policies and procedures. Dismissal may also occur if employees persist in continued or repeated violations of school rules and/or their work, after repeated warnings, continues at an unacceptable level of performance.

IX. ACTION PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION

A. WRITTEN EMPLOYEE TRAINING PROGRAM

• Communications – Each employee will receive a copy of this program for review and training. All new employees will receive this information through the new employee orientation process. Additionally, employees will be kept aware of changes and additions to the program through: notices on bulletin boards, signs, school newsletters, booklets and accident alert notices.

• Supervisor training – All supervisors will receive copies of this AWAIR program and instructions on how to train their employees in this material. Supervisors will receive training in new processes and procedures, as these programs are developed and prior to the assignment of employees in these areas. School management, vendors or consultants will conduct this training. Refresher training will be provided as needed, but not less than annually.
• New employee orientation – Orientation will begin the first day of employment for all new employees, rehires, and part-time employees. The orientation program will include school policies and rules and will provide a thorough safety briefing, as it relates to the job the employee will be performing. The orientation will include:
  1. A tour of the facilities to acquaint employees with the scope of operations. This tour will identify: Emergency facilities, locations of emergency exits, telephones, warning sirens, first aid kits, supervisors offices, eye washes and other emergency equipment.
  2. Explanation of how the employee’s job is important to the finished product or service.
  3. Applicable training sections on:
     1. School safety and health policy
     2. Employee responsibilities
     3. Safety rules and enforcement
     4. School emergency action plan
     5. Employee Right to Know
     6. Blood borne pathogens
     7. Lock out/tag out procedures
     8. Confined space entry
     9. Personal protective equipment

4. The employee’s immediate supervisor will thoroughly instruct the employee in the specific safety and health requirements of each job before assigning the employee. A safety orientation checklist must be completed by checking each item as it is covered, signed by the supervisor, the employee and placed in the employees personnel file.

5. Existing employee training will include:
   1. Regular safety meetings
   2. Training on new hazards or operations
   3. Training prior to all work assignments, including specific hazards
   4. Annual refreshers on all existing school safety programs
   5. Specialized training would include, one time use of certain equipment, first aid training, emergency response training, etc.

B. HAZARD ASSESSMENT AND CONTROL

St. Mary’s Parochial School will conduct safety surveys of all departments and work sites on a periodic basis to determine potential hazards that may be encountered in the normal course of duty.

Periodic follow-up surveys and/or environmental sampling may be conducted when it is believed employees may be exposed to hazardous materials in concentrations that may be above recognized OSHA standards. Qualified individuals retained by the school may conduct this sampling. Results of the sampling will be provided to employees on a timely basis.

Employees are encouraged to report potential hazards and unsafe conditions to their supervisor or lead worker. It will be the responsibility of the supervisor to verify whether or not a hazardous condition actually exists and to initiate corrective actions should they be necessary.

It will be the responsibility of the supervisor to report noted hazards to the safety coordinator who will document the identified hazard and the corrective actions taken. This documentation will be kept on file with the safety coordinator.

Once hazards are identified we will take measures either eliminate the hazards by removing them from our operations or work sites or to control those hazards through:

• Engineering controls – which would include replacing defective equipment, changing processes, utilizing different procedures or making additions or modifications to facilities, equipment or processes that would eliminate or control identified hazards.
• Administrative controls– that will be implemented after all practical engineering controls have been reviewed, include: new procedures, limits on employee exposures, written policies and training.
• Personal protective equipment – is the final method of controlling hazards and will be implemented upon review of engineering and administrative controls. Personal protective equipment will be provided for all tasks that present risks that cannot be reasonably controlled using the other two methods. The use of PPE will always require administrative controls in the form of written policies and formal training of the employees exposed to the identified hazard.

C. ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

The school recognizes that accidents do not “just happen”, rather they are caused by a series of actions, steps or failures. Once these steps are identified, they can be eliminated or controlled. The purpose of accident investigations is not to place blame, but rather to determine the cause of the accident or “near miss” and eliminate the causative factors. Accident investigations begin with prompt reporting of accidents by employees to supervisors. It is then the responsibility of the supervisor to insure that employees receive prompt medical attention as required. Basic information collected at the scene of the accident should be entered on the District accident report form. Supervisors have access to copies of these forms. Upon completion of the form it should be sent to the safety coordinator to review and corrective actions should be taken to prevent a reoccurrence.

The safety coordinator will monitor all workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses will be recorded on the OSHA 200 log which will be posted on school bulletin boards each February.

The safety coordinator, managers and insurance staff will be responsible for monitoring these records to identify trends that may indicate previously unidentified hazards or additional training that may be required.

D. ACCOUNTABILITY

All employees are responsible for safety; therefore safety will be one item that is included in every employee’s job description.

Safety attitude and participation will also be considered as part of all employee performance reviews.

For employees – accountability includes adherence to safety rules and procedures, using protective equipment as required, participation on the safety committee and prompt reporting of any hazard.

For Supervisors– accountabilities include training new and existing employees in safe practices, enforcement of safety rules and procedures, prompt reporting and correction of hazards, accident investigations, department safety inspections, positive reinforcement of safe behavior and timely employee communications.

For Managers – accountabilities include all of the areas required for supervisors with the addition of participation on the safety committee, reductions in injury rates and workers compensation costs, accident investigations, proactive elimination of hazards and demonstrated leadership in safety related matters.

E. ESTABLISHED GOALS

The number one goal of the St. Mary’s Parochial School AWAIR program is to establish a safe work environment for all school employees. In order to measure the effectiveness of our program the school has established the following additional goals:

1. Reduction in lost workday incidence rate (LWDIR) that is calculated using the following formula:

• Number of lost time injuries/illnesses per year X 200,000
• LWDIR = Total number of employee hours worked during the year

2. Reduction in workers compensation premium.
3. Reduction in accident reports filed.
4. Reduction in near miss accidents.
5. Actual documentation of hazards removed from the work place.

X. ANNUAL PROGRAM REVIEW

District safety and health efforts are ongoing and will be reviewed and updated annually or as often as necessary to help us meet our program goals.

PLAN REVIEW
Reviewer	Date
Brian Parrie	4/28/2015

 

                                                                Contact: Larry Mack

         218-751-7883

RADON GAS SAFETY

Introduction

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other major national and international scientific organizations have concluded that radon is a human carcinogen and a serious environmental health problem. Early concern about indoor radon focused primarily on the hazard posed in the home. More recently, the EPA has conducted extensive research on the presence and measurement of radon in schools. Initial reports from some of those studies prompted the Administrator in 1989 to recommend that schools nationwide be tested for the presence of radon. Based on more recent findings, EPA continues to advise U. S. schools to test for radon and to reduce levels to below 4 pCi/L.

Accordingly, St. Philip’s School has implemented this program to assist in the management of radon issues.

Health Effects

Radon is a known human carcinogen. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon concentrations causes an increased risk of lung cancer. Like other environmental pollutants, there is some uncertainty about the magnitude of radon health risks. However, scientists are more certain about radon risks than risks from most other cancer-causing environmental pollutants. This is because estimates of radon risk are based on studies of cancer in humans (underground miners). Additional studies on more typical populations are underway.

Not everyone who breathes radon decay products will develop lung cancer. An individual’s risk of getting lung cancer from radon depends mostly on three factors: the level of radon, the duration of exposure, and the individual’s smoking habits. Risk increases as an individual is exposed to higher levels of radon over a longer period of time. Smoking combined with radon is an especially serious health risk. The risk of dying from lung cancer caused by radon is much greater for smoker than it is for non-smokers.

Children have been reported to have greater risk than adults for certain types of cancer from radiation, but there are currently no conclusive data on whether children are at greater risk than adults from radon.

Placing Detectors in a Room

• Do not place detectors near drafts resulting from heating, ventilating vents, air conditioning vents, fans, doors, and windows.
• Place detectors where they are least likely to be disturbed or covered up.
• Do not place detectors in direct sunlight or in areas of high humidity.
• Place detectors at least approximately 50 centimeters (20 inches) from the floor and 10 centimeters (4 inches) from other objects and away from the exterior walls of the building.
• Place detects about every 2,000 square feet for large spaces.
• Do not disturb the test device at any time during the test.

When to Conduct Radon Measurements

Recommendations

The purpose of initial testing is to identify rooms that have a potential for elevated radon levels (e.g., levels of 4 pCi/L or greater) during the school year. To achieve this purpose, EPA recommends that initial measurements be conducted:

• Under closed conditions (closed windows/doors except for normal exit/entry).
• After 12 hours of closed conditions when using a 2- to 5-day test (e.g., initiate testing after a weekend).
• During colder months (October through March, depending on geographical location).
• During weekdays with HVAC systems operating normally when conducting a 2- to 5-day test.

Summary of EPA Recommendations

• Initial short-term tests should be made in all frequently occupied, ground-contact rooms.
• Initial testing should be conducted during the coldest months when the heating system is operating and windows and doors are closed (except for normal exit/entry).
• If a school uses a short-term test of 2 to 5 days, the tests should be conducted on weekdays with the HVAC system operating normally.
• If the short-term test shows that the radon level in a room is 4 pCi/L or greater, schools should conduct either a second short-term test or a long-term test to confirm the presence of an elevated radon level.
• EPA does not recommend that schools use a single short-term test result as the basis for determining if action needs to be taken to reduce radon levels.
• Duplicates and blanks should accompany all testing programs (conducted by school personnel or a measurement firm) to provide assurance of the quality of measurement.

PLAN REVIEW
Reviewer	Date
Brian Parrie	4/28/2015

Contact Larry Mack

218-751-7883

PLAYGROUND SAFETY PLAN

PURPOSE

The following plan has been developed as a guide for the implementation of and compliance with ASTM F1487 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use.  The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) published its playground safety standard in response to playground injuries reported by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.  The standard is intended to reduce the potential for injuries in playground areas.  The plan is to provide written guidelines for an effective playground safety program and to increase the safety for children using the playground.

GOALS

1. Reduce playground area safety hazards.
2. Provide checklists and training for staff to perform routine safety inspections.
3. Increase the protection of individuals using the playground facilities.
4. Maintain appropriate documents of training, inspections, and accidents.

POLICY

It is the goal of the district to provide and maintain safer parks and facilities for the public.  In order to meet this goal, the district has developed standard operating procedures to help maintain their facilities and protect the users.  These procedures will not eliminate risk, but will make all attempts to reduce hazards and injuries.  District personnel will follow the following guidelines:

1. Manufacturer’s specifications shall be followed when installing all equipment.
2. The district shall provide adequate resources for maintenance, repairs, and inspections.
3. Inspections, repairs, and maintenance done by trained employees shall be documented and in accordance with current standards.
4. All accidents shall be documented and retained for future reference.

TRAINING

To ensure proper and consistent inspections and maintenance, training sessions for staff involved in the playground safety program are conducted.  The training includes current standards and guidelines put forth by the CPSC and ASTM.  Staff or consultants who perform the playground audits and monthly inspections are Certified Playground Safety Inspectors (CPSI’s) as authorized by the National Playground Safety Institute while the staff responsible for the weekly inspections are trained in the playground safety plan.  All training is documented and retained by the school district.

ACCIDENTS/INJURIES

The purpose of the Playground Safety Management Plan is to reduce playground accidents and injuries and provide the safest environment possible.  When accidents occur, it is necessary to document the nature of the accident to determine its cause, obtain a site report, witness documentation, and any repairs made to the equipment.

AUDITS/INSPECTIONS

Audits and inspections are an important part of the playground safety management plan.  In order to reduce the number of injuries on the playground, the district must inspect the playground environment to identify hazards based on ASTM and CPSC standards.

1. The safety AUDIT is a one-time initial inspection that performs an in-depth analysis of the playground in its entirety. It helps to prioritize repair or removal of equipment and will assist in the development of a long-term strategy for playground safety.  The Department of Children, Families, and Learning requires the audit to be performed by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector in order to use and maintain health and safety funding.
2. Safety inspections are done routinely as a method of preventive maintenance.  The two types of inspections are monthly and weekly.
   1. The monthly inspection is more in-depth and includes a comprehensive look at the entire playground and its equipment.
   2. The weekly inspection is a quick once-over to locate any immediate playground hazards such as vandalism, broken glass, broken equipment, or surface issues.

****All audit and inspection forms will be completed and retained in the PLAYGROUND SAFETY file or CUSTODIAL MANUAL. See the Program Manager or Advanced Health Safety and Security for more information.

PLAN REVIEW
Reviewer	Date
Brian Parrie	4/28/2015

 

                                                               Contact: Larry Mack

218-751-7883

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT

Purpose

Control of Hazardous energy is the purpose of the Lockout-Tagout Program for St. Philip’s School. This program establishes the requirements for isolation of both kinetic and potential electrical, chemical, thermal, hydraulic and pneumatic and gravitational energy prior to equipment repair, adjustment or removal. Reference: OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.147, the control of hazardous energy.

Definitions

Authorized (Qualified) Employees are the only ones certified to lock and tagout equipment or machinery.  Whether an employee is considered to be qualified will depend upon various circumstances in the workplace. It is likely for an individual to be considered “qualified” with regard to certain equipment in the workplace, but “unqualified” as to other equipment. An employee who is undergoing on-the-job training and who, in the course of such training, has demonstrated an ability to perform duties safely at his or her level of training and who is under the direct supervision of a qualified person, is considered to be “qualified” for the performance of those duties.

Affected Employees are those employees who operate machinery or equipment upon which lockout or tagging out is required under this program. Training of these individuals will be less stringent in that it will include the purpose and use of the lockout procedures.

Other Employees are identified as those that do not fall into the authorized, affected or qualified employee category. Essentially, it will include all other employees. These employees will be provided instruction in what the program is and not to touch any machine or equipment when they see that it has been locked or tagged out.

Training

Authorized Employees Training

All Maintenance Employees, Department Supervisors and Janitorial employees will be trained to use the Lock and Tag Out Procedures. The training will be conducted by the Maintenance Supervisor or the LOTO Coordinator, «LOTO», at time of initial hire. Retraining shall be held at least annually. The training will consist of the following:

1. Review of General Procedures
2. Review of Specific Procedures for machinery, equipment and processes
3. Location and use of Specific Procedures
4. Procedures when questions arise

     Affected Employee Training

• Only trained and authorized Employees will repair, replace or adjust machinery, equipment or processes.
• Affected Employees may not remove Locks, locking device, or tags from machinery, equipment or circuits.
• Purpose and use of the lockout procedures.

     Other Employee Training

• Only trained and authorized Employees will repair, replace or adjust machinery or Equipment.
• Other Employees may not remove Locks, locking devices or tags from machinery, equipment or circuits

     Preparation for Lock and Tag Out Procedures

A Lockout – Tagout survey has been conducted to locate and identify all energy sources to verify which switches or valves supply energy to machinery and equipment. Dual or redundant controls have been removed.

A Tagout Schedule has been developed for each piece of equipment and machinery. This schedule describes the energy sources, location of disconnects, type of disconnect, special hazards and special safety procedures. The schedule will be reviewed each time to ensure employees properly lock and tag out equipment and machinery. If a Tagout Schedule does not exist for a particular piece of equipment, machinery and process, one must be developed prior to conducting a Lockout – Tagout. As repairs and/or renovations of existing electrical systems are made, standardized controls will be used.

 Routine Maintenance & Machine Adjustments

Lock and Tag Out procedures are not required if equipment must be operating for proper adjustment. This rare exception may be used only by trained and authorized Employees when specific procedures have been developed to safely avoid hazards with proper training. All consideration shall be made to prevent the need for an employee to break the plane of a normally guarded area of the equipment by use of tools and other devices.

Locks, Hasps and Tags

All Qualified Maintenance Personnel will be assigned a lock with one key, hasp and tag. All locks will be keyed differently, except when a specific individual is issues a series of locks for complex lockout-tagout tasks. In some cases, more than one lock, hasp and tag are needed to completely de-energize equipment and machinery.

Additional locks may be checked out from the Department or Maintenance Supervisor on a shift-by-shift basis.

All locks and hasps shall be uniquely identifiable to a specific employee.

SOP: General Lock and Tag Out Procedures

Before working on, repairing, adjusting or replacing machinery and equipment, the following procedures will be utilized to place the machinery and equipment in a neutral or zero mechanical state.

• Preparation for Shutdown. Before authorized or affected employees turn off a machine or piece of equipment, the authorized employee will have knowledge of the type and magnitude of the energy, the hazards of the energy to be controlled, and the means to control the energy.
• Notify all affected Employees that the machinery, equipment or process will be out of service

Machine or Equipment Shutdown

• The machine or equipment will be turned or shut down using the specific procedures for that specific machine.
• An orderly shutdown will be utilized to avoid any additional or increased hazards to employees as a result of equipment de-energization.
• If the machinery, equipment or process is in operation, follow normal stopping procedures (depress stop button, open toggle switch, etc.). Move switch or panel arms to “Off” or “Open” positions and close all valves or other energy isolating devices so that the energy source(s) is disconnected or isolated from the machinery or equipment.

          Machine or Equipment Isolation

All energy control devices that are needed to control the energy to the machine or equipment will be physically located and operated in such a manner as to isolate the machine or equipment from the energy source.

Lockout or Tagout Device Application

• Lockout or tagout devices will be affixed to energy isolating devices by authorized employees.
• Lockout devices will be affixed in a manner that will hold the energy isolating devices from the “safe or “off” position.
• Where tagout devices are used they will be affixed in such a manner that will clearly state that the operation or the movement of energy isolating devices from the “safe” or “off” positions is prohibited.
• The tagout devices will be attached to the same point a lock would be attached. If the tag cannot be affixed at that point, the tag will be located as close as possible to the device in a position that will be immediately obvious to anyone attempting to operate the device.
• Lock and tag out all energy devices by use of hasps, chains and valve covers with an assigned individual locks.

Stored Energy

Following the application of the lockout or tagout devices to the energy isolating devices, all potential or residual energy will be relieved, disconnected, restrained, and otherwise rendered safe.

Where the re-accumulation of stored energy to a hazardous energy level is possible, verification of isolation will be continued until the maintenance or servicing is complete.

Release stored energy (capacitors, springs, elevated members, rotating fly wheels, and hydraulic/air/gas/steam systems) must be relieved or restrained by grounding, repositioning, blocking and/or bleeding the system.

 Verification of Isolation

Prior to starting work on machines or equipment that have been locked or tagged out, the authorized employees will verify that isolation or de-energization of the machine or equipment have been accomplished.

After assuring that no Employee will be placed in danger, test all lock and tag outs by following the normal start up procedures (depress start button, etc.).

Caution: After Test, place controls in neutral position.

Extended Lockout – Tagout

Should the shift change before the machinery or equipment can be restored to service, the lock and tag out must remain. If the task is reassigned to the next shift, those Employees must lock and tag out before the previous shift may remove their lock and tag.

SOP: Release from LOCKOUT/TAGOUT

Before lockout or tagout devices are removed and the energy restored to the machine or equipment, the following actions will be taken:

• The work area will be thoroughly inspected to ensure that nonessential items have been removed and that machine or equipment components are operational.
• The work area will be checked to ensure that all employees have been safely positioned or removed.
• Before the lockout or tagout devices are removed, the affected employees will be notified that the lockout or tagout devices are being removed.
• Each lockout or tagout device will be removed from each energy isolating device by the employee who applied the device.

 SOP: LOTO Procedure for Electrical Plug-Type Equipment

This procedure covers all Electrical Plug-Type Equipment such as Battery Chargers, some Product Pumps, Office Equipment, Powered Hand Tools, Powered Bench Tools, Lathes, Fans, etc.

When working on, repairing, or adjusting the above equipment, the following procedures must be utilized to prevent accidental or sudden startup:

1. Unplug Electrical Equipment from wall socket or in-line socket.
2. Attach “Do Not Operate” Tag and Plug Box & Lock on end of power cord.

An exception is granted to not lock & tag the plug is the cord & plug remain in the exclusive control of the Employee working on, adjusting or inspecting the equipment.

3. Test Equipment to assure power source has been removed by depressing the “Start” or “On” Switch.
4. Perform required operations.
5. Replace all guards removed.
6. Remove Lock & Plug Box and Tag.
7. Inspect power cord and socket before plugging equipment into power source.

Any defects must be repaired before placing the equipment back in service.

NOTE: Occasionally used equipment may be unplugged from power source when not in use.

SOP: LOTO Procedures Involving More Than One Employee

In the preceding SOPs, if more than one Employee is assigned to a task requiring a lock    and tag out, each must also place his or her own lock and tag on the energy isolating       device(s).

SOP: Management’s Removal of Lock and Tag Out

Only the Employee that locks and tags out machinery, equipment or processes may          remove his/her lock and tag.  However, should the Employee leave the facility before     removing his/her lock and tag, the Maintenance Manager may remove the lock and tag.   The Maintenance Manager must be assured that all tools have been removed, all guards have been replaced and all Employees are free from any hazard before the lock and tag are removed and the machinery, equipment or process are returned to service. Notification of the employee who placed the lock is required prior to lock removal.

Contractors

Contractors, working on school property and equipment must use this Lockout -Tagout procedure while servicing or maintaining equipment, machinery or processes.

PLAN REVIEW
Reviewer	Date
Brian Parrie	4/28/2015

 

Contact:Larry Mack

218-751-7883

       LEAD-IN-WATER AND PAINT MANAGEMENT

Purpose

Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products in and around our schools.  Exposure to lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to, in cases of high level exposure, seizures and death.  The school district has implemented a Lead-in-Water and Lead-in-Paint Management program to reduce the potential for exposure in District buildings.

Background

Since the 1980’s, EPA and its federal and state partners have phased out lead in gasoline, reduced lead in drinking water, reduced lead in industrial air pollution, and banned or limited lead used in consumer products, including paint.  States and municipalities have set up programs to identify and treat lead poisoned children and to rehabilitate deteriorated housing.

Parents, too, have greatly helped to reduce lead exposures to their children by cleaning and maintaining homes, having their children’s blood levels checked, and promoting proper nutrition.  The EPA’s Lead Awareness Program continues to work to protect human health and the environment against the dangers of lead by developing regulations, conducting research, and designing educational outreach efforts and materials.  Other agencies including OSHA, CDC, and the Minnesota Department of Health have all been active in the ongoing attempt to reduce lead exposure in this country.

How does lead get into the school environment?

Lead exists throughout the physical environment.  We are exposed to small amounts each day, usually with no bad health effects.  The major source of lead exposure among U.S. children is lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust found in deteriorating buildings.  Lead-based paints were banned for use in housing in 1978.  However, approximately 24 million housing units in the United States have deteriorated leaded paint and elevated levels of lead-contaminated house dust.  More than 4 million of these dwellings are homes with one of more young children.

Other sources of lead poisoning are related to:

• hobbies (making stained-glass windows)
• work (recycling or making automobile batteries)
• drinking water (lead pipes, solder, brass fixtures, valves can all leach lead)
• home health remedies (arzacon and greta, which are used for upset stomach or indigestion; pay-loo-ah, which is used for rash or fever).

Lead-based paint also exists in non-residential buildings including, of course, schools.  Even buildings built since 1978 have been found to contain lead paint since the bans implemented by the EPA initially affected only residential use of lead in paint.  Accordingly, all paint in the District is considered to contain lead until we test it and confirm it to be lead free.

Pipes and other components in the school plumbing may contain lead.  If they do, lead may dissolve into the water from both pipes and the components.  The longer the water stands idle in the plumbing pipes and components, the more lead can dissolve into the water.

Why is lead a health risk?

Lead is a common metal, which has been used over the years in many consumer products.  It can still be found in lead-based paint and under some conditions in air, soil, household dust, pottery, plumbing pip sand fixtures, and drinking water.  If it is inhaled or swallowed, lead can build up in the body over time.  If too much lead enters the body, it can damage the brain, nervous system, red blood cells, and formula made from contaminated tap water.  Pregnant women and nursing mothers also need to be concerned about lead levels in drinking water since it can be passed on to the unborn child and breast fed baby.

Lead can enter the body in two ways:

• It can be inhaled (breathed in)
• It can be ingested (swallowed) by getting it on the hands, clothes, or beard, or in food, drinks, or cigarettes.

Once lead gets into the body, it can stay there for a long time.  It is stored in three places:  the blood, body organs, and bones.  Lead stays in the blood for about a month, in body organs for several months, but can remain in the bones for years.  If affects the brain and nervous system, reproductive capabilities, the kidneys, the digestive system, and the body’s ability to make blood.

Early signs of lead poisoning:

• Tiredness
• Headache
• Metallic taste
• Poor appetite

Later signs are:

• Aches or pains in stomach
• Constipation
• Muscle and joint pains
• Memory problems

These symptoms may be confused with everyday aches and pains.  It is important to remember that lead may be causing injury to the body even if these symptoms are not felt.

Who is at risk?

• Children under the age of 6 years because they are growing so rapidly and because they tend to put their hands or other objects into their mouths.
• Children from all social and economic levels can be affected by lead poisoning, although children living at or below the poverty line who live in older housing are at greatest risk.
• Children of some racial and ethnic groups living in older housing are disproportionately affected by lead. For example, 22% of black children and 13% of Mexican-American children living in housing built before 1946 have elevated blood lead levels compared with 6% of white children living in comparable types of housing.
• Pregnant women.
• Adults who are exposed to lead on a frequent basis at work.

Can lead poisoning be prevented?

Lead poisoning is entirely preventable.  They key is stopping people from coming into contact with lead and treating those who have been poisoned by lead.

• Lead hazards in an environment must be removed.
• Public and health care professionals need to be educated about lead poisoning and how to prevent it.
• Children who are at risk of lead poisoning need to be tested, and, if necessary, treated.
• Workers who are exposed to, or working in proximity to, lead hazards must be monitored to ensure that their blood lead levels are not elevated.

Student/building occupant lead exposure

Paint that is peeling or chipping poses an immediate safety hazard for young children, since eating even one paint chip can lead poison a child.  Intact lead paint is still a potential problem, because eventually it will deteriorate, and in the meantime it may be releasing lead dust.  Removal of intact paint, however, could release higher levels of lead inside the school than leaving the paint in place.

To address the potential problem, the district has trained personnel monitoring the situation.  The goal of the District is to ensure that lead-based paint is not deteriorating.  As long as lead-based paint is not damaged or deteriorated, interim control measures should adequately protect children and other building occupants from exposure to lead hazards.  However, the District does have clear policies for monitoring and reevaluation of the paint, dust removal, and other forms of maintenance.  Constant vigilance can be an effective short-term approach, but the District does strive to remove of permanently remediate lead-based paint whenever possible.

What is considered to be a potentially hazardous level of lead?

Lead-based paint is defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as any paint that contains more than 0.5 percent lead by weight (or about 1 milligram per square centimeter of painted surface).  This is the “action level” at which the EPA recommends removal of lead paint if it is deteriorating and chipping.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration defines lead-containing paint as paint with any detectable level of lead.

Drinking water is considered a risk if it contains greater than 15 ppb which is the EPA “action level” for lead in water.  Most studies show that exposure to lead-contaminated water alone would not be likely to elevate blood lead levels in most adults, even exposure to water with a lead content close to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) “action level” for lead of 15 parts per billion (ppb).  Risk will vary, however, depending upon the individual, the circumstances, and the amount of water consumed.  For example, infants who drink formula prepared with lead-contaminated water may be at a higher risk because of the large volume of water they consumer relative to their body size.

District Procedures for Reducing Exposure

Currently, the district performs periodic monitoring and testing of potential lead sources in the District.  The procedures vary depending upon the situation:

Lead-in-Paint prior to paint disturbance

Painted surfaces are tested prior to disturbance to determine lead content.  If lead is present, engineering controls are implemented to reduce the release of lead dust into the school environment.  These controls can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Containment of the work area
• Negative pressurization of the work area
• Ventilation of the work area
• Wetting of the painted surface prior to disturbance
• Specialized removal equipment
• Work performed only during non-school hours

In all cases, the District strives to follow Lead Safe Work guidelines as established by the EPA.

Damaged or Deteriorated Painted Surfaces

When damaged or deteriorated paint is identified, the District will follow Lead Safe Work and Lead Hazard Control guidelines.  In general, paint that is peeling, chipping, or otherwise loose will be removed from the substrate and replaced with lead free paint.  The remaining surface will be stabilized with an approved lead-based paint encapsulant.  If the damage is considered extensive, the District will hire a licensed lead remediation contractor to remove and dispose the damaged material.

Smaller areas of damaged may be addressed with Interim Controls.  Actual response actions will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Elevated Lead in Water

When drinking water sources are found to contain 15 ppb of lead or greater, the District will implement a flushing program until the source of the lead can be found and remediated.  Drinking water sources will be flushed individually on a daily basis.  At each source, the water will be allowed to run for a minimum of 10 minutes at the start of each day.

Prohibited Activities

Many traditional methods of preparing a painted surface for repainting, refinishing, or restaining are prohibited since these methods are known to poison both children and workers.  Prohibited methods of paint removal include:

• Open-flame burning or torching
• Machine sanding or grinding without a HEPA vacuum exhaust tool
• Uncontained hydroblasting or high-pressure washing
• Abrasive blasting or sandblasting without a HEPA vacuum exhaust tool
• Heat guns operating above 1,100 degrees F. Dry scraping (except for limited areas) and methylene chloride paint strippers are also not recommended.

General Guidelines for reducing lead exposure

Reduce the use of lead containing materials

• Substitute other materials whenever possible

Control exposure through appropriate local exhaust ventilation

• Be aware of how these systems work, and make sure they are working correctly

Use good housekeeping practices

• Do NOT use compressed air to remove lead-based dust or paint
• Clean up dust and debris on a regular schedule. Do NOT dry sweep.
• Use a vacuum with a high efficiency filter (HEPA) and/or wet cleaning methods

Provide employees with a clean lunchroom separate from the lead abatement work areas

• Do NOT allow eating, drinking, smoking, or storage of food, drinks, cigarettes, or cosmetics in lead abatement work areas
• Have employees wash hands and face before eating
• Clean the lunchroom regularly after each shift

Provide exposed employees with respirators

• Medical evaluations for employees should be provided
• Fit-testing must be conducted
• Provide employees with training about the proper use and maintenance of respirators

Furnish exposed employees with protective clothing

• Work clothing and shoes should NOT be worn home
• Supply gloves

Training

The District holds regular training sessions, at least once a year.  This training is designed to inform workers of:

• The hazards of lead exposure
• Effective control measures such as engineering controls and safe work practices
• Correct methods of using respiratory protection and limitations of respirators
• Good personal hygiene
• Understanding the blood lead levels
• The dangers of bringing lead home from work to their families

Employee Blood Lead Testing

Blood lead levels can rise quickly.  With frequent monitoring of blood lead levels, dangerous exposures can be quickly identified and corrected, workers can be protected, and the need for OSHA-mandated medical removal of workers can be avoided.  A blood lead level over 25 ug/dL shows that substantial exposure to lead is occurring.  There is also increasing evidence that health effects may occur at this blood lead level.

Many federal and state agencies encourage employers to consider more frequent testing than required by OSHA, and the tracking of blood lead levels over time to identify trends.  The district follows a set of guidelines developed in response to those recommendations.  The guidelines meet the OSHA standards and provide more information to the employer and employees to help control dangerous exposures.

Public Schools Guidelines for Employee Medical Monitoring

• First, test each worker before they begin any work involving lead
• Then test that worker every month:
• For the first 3 months of testing, and
• Whenever the previous blood lead level was greater than 25 ug/dL (If the previous blood lead level was at least 50 ug/dL, a follow-up test within 2 weeks and medical removal is required), or
• Whenever an increase of at least 10 ug/dL from the previous test is observed
• After the first three months, continues testing every 2 months:
• When the blood lead levels have remained below 25 ug/dL for 3 months, and
• If an increase of less than 10 ug/dL from the previous test is observed
• Test every 6 months:
  • When the blood lead levels remain below 25 ug/dL for 6 months, and
  • If an increase of less than 10 ug/dL from the previous test is observed

Results of each test should be provided to the worker.  Graphing the test results can help the employer and the worker identify whether blood lead levels are dropping, remaining stable, or increasing.  The employer should also review the test results for all workers to help identify jobs where problems may be occurring.