Health & Safety Guide

Welcome

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW:
A HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDE FOR GRADUATE CENTER EMPLOYEES

Introduction
Roles & Responsibilities
NYS "Right to Know" Law
Employee Rights
Filing a PESH Complaint
Hazard Communication
Accidents, Illnesses & Injuries
Reporting Work-Related Illness or Injury
Accident Investigations
Workplace Safety

INTRODUCTION

The Graduate Center is proud of its excellent safety record and is committed to providing
a safe and healthful environment for its students, staff, faculty, visitors and other members
of our college community. T he Graduate Center attempts to accomplish this goal by
periodically inspecting our facilities, identifying and controlling recognized hazards,
planning for emergencies and communicating potential hazards to the college community.

This guide gives a brief overview of The Graduate Center's environmental and
occupational health and safety program. If you have any questions regarding safety
concerns while at The Graduate Center, speak with your supervisor or contact the Office
of Security & Public Safety at (212) 817-7761.

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ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Office of Security & Public Safety – is responsible for assisting the Graduate Center community in the evaluation, planning, development, coordination and execution of health and safety programs in compliance with state and federal statutes and regulations. The
Office of Security & Public Safety advises the Graduate Center community of its responsibilities, recommends actions, and consults with external agencies and regulatory bodies on behalf of the college. In addition, the Office of Security & Public Safety conducts periodic audits and makes recommendations for improvement.

Office of Facilities Services and Campus Planning – is responsible for removing recognizable hazards through routine housekeeping and maintenance, or contracting with
the appropriate experts.

Executive Officers, Directors of Centers & Institutes, Heads of Offices and Supervisors – are responsible for providing safe working conditions and implementing health and
safety programs as they relate to operations and employees under their control. This
includes providing appropriate safety equipment, reporting observed hazards to
appropriate departments, curtailing any work that poses an imminent danger to health
and safety and assuring that their employees attend any required safety training.

Employees – are responsible for complying with health and safety guidelines, attending required safety training, properly using provided safety equipment and promptly reporting accidents, injuries or hazards.

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NYS RIGHT TO KNOW LAW

In 1980, the New York State legislature passed a law to ensure that employees be given information concerning the nature of toxic substances with which they are working and
the known and suspected health hazards of such toxic substances. The goals of this law
are:

To help you reduce the risks involved in working with hazardous materials.

	To transmit vital information to employees about real and potential hazards of substances in the workplace.
	To reduce the incidence and cost of illness and injury resulting from hazardous substances.
	To promote public employer's need and right to know about toxic substances.
	To encourage a reduction in the volume and toxicity of hazardous substances. Return to Top of Page

EMPLOYEE RIGHTS

You have the right to request and receive in writing within 72 hours (not including weekends and holidays), information on the hazardous chemicals with which you
come in contact. If you do not receive the requested information, you have the
right to refuse to work with the substance in question.

You have the right to be informed of hazardous chemicals used in your work area.

You have the right to have access to The Graduate Center's written Hazard Communication/Right-to-Know Program.

You have the right to file a complaint with OSHA (PESH) if you believe that you
have been discriminated against due to the exercising of your rights under this standard. Note: OSHA is the federal organization, which has authority in the
private sector as well as federal institutions. PESH (Public Employees Safety and Health Bureau) is "OSHA" for CUNY and other New York State public employees. Therefore, any complaints regarding health and safety should be addressed to PESH.

You have the right to know that you must not waive these rights as a condition of employment.

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FILING A PESH COMPLAINT

Prior to filing a PESH complaint, make all efforts to resolve the problem through
your supervisor, the Office of Human Resources, the Office of Security & Public
Safety and through the labor/management process.

Make sure that the problem for which you are filing is covered by the OSHA
Standard, or can be addressed under the OSHA General Duty Clause.

File the complaint with the nearest PESH office:
    New York City District Office
     345 Hudson Street
     Mail Stop 7F PO Box 683
     New York, NY 10014
     Tel (212) 352-6132
     Fax (212) 352-6138

Retain a copy of the complaint for your files.

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HAZARD COMMUNICATION

Employees at the Graduate Center have the right to know the properties and potential
safety hazards of substances to which they may be exposed. Such knowledge is essential
to reducing the risk of occupational illness and injury.

What is a hazardous substance?
A hazardous substance is any substance that has physical hazards and/or health hazards. Physical hazards include fire, explosion and chemical reactivity. Health hazards include corrosives, irritants, sensitizers, toxins and carcinogens, and those that have target organ effects. Hazardous substances can enter the body through inhalation, eye contact,
absorption and ingestion.

How do I find information on hazardous substances in my workplace?
Discuss this topic with your supervisor and review your department's Chemical Inventory Sheets. Your most immediate source for information can be found on labels attached to containers that hold various hazardous materials. Your second source of information is Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) which will provide an in-depth analysis of the
substance along with precautions necessary to handle the substance safely.

What information is provided on an MSDS?
OSHA specifies the information to be included on an MSDS, but does not prescribe
the precise format for an MSDS. However, the MSDS must be in English and must include
at least the following information:

	Chemical Identity (Name of Substance)
	Hazardous Ingredients
	Physical and Chemical Characteristics
	Fire and Explosive Hazard Data
	Reactivity Data
	Health Hazards
	Routes of Body Entry
	Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL)
	Carcinogenic Factors
	Precautions for Safe Handling and Use
	Control Measures (Personal Protective Equipment)
	Emergency First Aid Procedures
	Special Instructions

Where can I find MSDSs?
Your department should have copies of the MSDS for the substances in your workplace
if they accompanied the product shipment. If not, you can get a copy of an MSDS from
the Office of Security & Public Safety (Room 9117, x7769 or x 7761). You can also access MSDS databases via the Internet at the following web addresses:

	http://msds.pdc.cornell.edu/msdssrch.asp – Cornell University MSDS Database.
	http://siri.uvm.edu – University of Vermont MSDS Database
	http://www.msdssearch.com/ - MSDS Search
	http://www.msdsonline.com – MSDS Online
	http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/community/environmental/pr_prodsafe.htm – Hewlett Packard Product Safety Information
	http://www2.xerox.com/go/xrx/about.xerox/T_ehs-A.jsp – Xerox Products MSDS Database

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ACCIDENTS, INJURIES & ILLNESSES

Work related accidents and illnesses can occur when hazards are not obvious or escaped detection during a hazard analysis. Through prompt reporting and through an
accident/illness investigation, previously overlooked physical, environmental and work process hazards may be identified. Investigations also aid in eliminating unsafe work practices and identify safety-training topics. The primary focus of any workplace accident/illness investigation should be the determination of facts surrounding the incident and determining means of preventing reoccurrence.

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REPORTING WORK RELATED ILLNESS OR INJURY

The Graduate Center encourages the prompt reporting of all work-related illnesses and injuries. Any accident or sudden illness that impairs functioning must be referred to 911.
If able, the employee may place the call him/herself, or request it of a supervisor or
a co-worker. Security & Public Safety (x7777) should also be contacted to assist with first
aid and expedite emergency service response. Conditions where 911 must be called
include:

	unconsciousness, however brief
	chest pains
	poisoning
	incapacitating head, abdominal or other pain
	impaired breathing
	profuse bleeding
	disorientation or impaired ambulation.

Other non-emergency illnesses or injuries should be reported by submitting a Notice
of Work Related Injury or Illness form to a supervisor. If the employee is unable to
complete the form or describe what occurred to a supervisor or co-worker, the
individual assisting the injured employee should describe the facts known to the
supervisor, who will then file the form with the Office of Human Resources.

In addition, near misses (accidents that nearly happened) should be reported to the
Director of Security and Public Safety so any potential hazards in the workplace can be eliminated.

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ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS

Who Should Investigate - Supervisors should make their own initial investigation of all accidents that take place in their work area. The supervisor should be involved for the following reasons:

	Supervisors have a responsibility to provide workers with a safe and healthful workplace.
	Supervisors are often first on the scene and can observe conditions before they have been changed.
	Supervisors know the workers and their work better than anyone else and are in the best position to gather facts and find a practical solution to the problem.
	The supervisor's accident investigation can help promote better relations with workers by demonstrating concern for their safety and attention to accident prevention.

The Office of Security & Public Safety should also be contacted at x7777 so an Incident Report can be prepared. When circumstances warrant (e.g., complex technical issues, chemical exposures, serious injury) a more comprehensive follow-up investigation by
other University offices or outside consultants may be conducted.

How to Investigate - As with most other tasks, skill in conducting effective investigations improves with experience. The following are good basic approaches in finding out what caused the accident and what can be done to prevent reoccurrences:

	Maintain objectivity. The purpose is to determine the cause, not to assign blame.
	Check the accident site and circumstances as soon as possible before anything has been moved.
	Discuss the accident with injured person after first aid or medical treatment was given. Also interview anyone who witnessed the incident and anyone familiar with the conditions immediately before and after the incident.
	Be thorough. Small details are often helpful in determining the accident's cause.
	Reconstruct the sequence of events that resulted in the accident, considering all possible causes. Determine any unsafe conditions or actions that were contributing factors. Examples of factors might include unguarded machinery, broken tools or equipment, slippery floors; not following established procedures or insufficient training.

Write down all the details (including persons involved, time, date, location,
witnesses, description of incident, contributing factors, corrective action taken,
etc.) while they are fresh in your mind. Attach any witness statements, drawings
or diagrams, floor plans and photos if available.

Investigation Results - Supervisors should take action to control or eliminate the
conditions that caused the accident once they have been conclusively identified. The
Office of Security and Public Safety can provide assistance in determining the level of corrective action to be taken, such as the following:

	Changes of equipment used and/or the addition of safeguards.
	Issuing of personal protective equipment.
	Changes in operations processes and policies to reduce or eliminate hazards.
	Training of employees.

Any of the above should be done in consultation with your Executive Officer, Director
or Head of Office.

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WORKPLACE SAFETY

Routine housekeeping and safety consciousness in the workplace can prevent accidents
such as slips, trips and falls. Fire safety, electrical safety and an awareness of workplace violence are also important components in maintaining an illness and injury free work environment for The Graduate Center community.

General Safety - Housekeeping and general caution are key factors in avoiding accidents
such as slips, trips and falls. To prevent injury, several general rules should be followed:

	Keep floors clear of debris and spilled liquids.
	Maintain floor coverings in good condition to avoid tripping hazards caused by loose tile and frayed carpet edging.
	Keep designated walkways and doorways clear, unobstructed, and free of electrical cords, boxes and office equipment at all times.
	When using file cabinets, file materials from the bottom to the top. Only open one file drawer at a time.
	Use proper step stools, not chairs, when climbing to reach high items.
	Properly store and handle any potentially hazardous chemicals.

Odors

	If possible, identify the source of the odor.
	Report the problem to the Office of Facilities Services & Campus Planning at x7730 and the Office of Security & Public Safety at x7777.
	Inform your supervisor of any adverse health symptoms. Those in need of immediate medical attention should call 911 and Security & Public Safety at x7777.

Fire Safety

	Know the location of fire alarm pull boxes, exits and fire extinguishers.
	Keep exit corridors and stairways free from waste paper, boxes, dirty rags and other combustible storage.
	Keep fire doors closed, except doors equipped with automatic closing devices.
	Turn off or unplug electrical appliances such as coffee makers at the end of each working day.
	Participate in regular fire drills.

Electrical Safety - Almost all workplace areas have the potential to present serious
electrical hazards. To protect yourself, follow these important guidelines:

	Avoid the use of extension cords as permanent wiring.
	When using extension cords for temporary purposes, ensure that they are appropriately rated for the equipment.
	Be sure the work surface is dry before operating electrical devices.
	Never unplug equipment by pulling on the cord; always remove the plug.
	Replace frayed or damaged cords.
	Ensure that electrical cords are not damaged by being wedged against furniture or doors. Do not run cords under carpeting.
	Only plug one piece of equipment into each outlet. Do not "daisy chain" extension cords and/or power strips.

Workplace Violence – Workplace violence is now considered to be covered under the Occupational Safety and Health Act's General Duty Clause - Section 5 (a) (1). The Graduate Center strives to provide employees and students a safe environment in which to live and work. Therefore, violence or threats of violence on campus will not be tolerated.

	Any person experiencing or observing imminent violence should call NYPD at 911 and Security & Public Safety at x7777.
	Take all threats of violence seriously.
	Report all acts or threats of violence to your immediate supervisor and the Office of Security & Public Safety. Such reports will be promptly and thoroughly investigated.

Domestic violence can sometimes spill over to the workplace. If you are a victim
of domestic violence and have an Order of Protection against your partner, inform
the Office of Security & Public Safety so additional protective steps can be taken.

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For comments regarding this web contact Rosenblum, Diane Last updated: September 12, 2002.

For comments regarding this web contact Rosenblum, Diane
Last updated: September 12, 2002.