Safety and Loss Control Manual

General Safety

General Safety- Americans with Disabilities Act

The University of North Dakota follows the requirements and guidelines of the Americans

with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means that new facilities and renovations to existing facilities are designed to provide access for persons with disabilities.

Accessible parking and ramped entrances must be free from obstructions at all times. Do not block these areas or tamper with other accessible equipment. Do not remove Braille tabs on elevator buttons or other signs.

The ADA Access Line is available to report disability access problems on campus at (777-2591

voice) or (777-2796 TDD*).

Employment accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be made on a case-by-case

basis. Accommodation needs are addressed in a way that is consistent with the needs of the

employee; responsible financial management; the maintenance of the essential operations of the

work unit; and the health and safety of all employees, students, and the public.

The Affirmative Action Office (AAO)/ADA) Coordinator, together with the Worker’s Compensation Claims Manager, provide information regarding accommodation (temporary or long-term), ergonomic assessment, and essential function identification for positions. The AAO/ADA Office is also responsible for facilitating health assessments of employees with disabilities and facilitating physical demands/environmental/task analyses of jobs. You can contact the AAO/ADA Coordinator at 777-4171 voice/TDD*.

For information on evacuation procedures for persons with disabilities, please refer to the General Fire/Life Safety section of this manual.

*TDD is a telephone display device for persons with voice or hearing impairments.

Top

Service animals for persons with disabilities are allowed in University buildings.

For health and sanitation reasons, no pets, except fish in aquariums, are allowed in the residence halls. Aquariums must not exceed 20 gallons in size without the written permission of the Housing Office. An aquarium in a student room must be mutually acceptable to all roommates.

Pets are not allowed within University apartments units, buildings, or on the grounds. Visiting pets are also prohibited. A $25.00 fine may be assessed to a leaseholder that is in violation of the pet policy. The only permitted animals allowed in University apartments are fish in aquariums.

For further information, contact UND Housing, 777-4251.

Pets are not allowed within University academic and administrative buildings. If the presence of an animal is necessary for academic reasons, the Institutional Animal Use and Care Committee must be consulted, 777-4493.

Top

It is the University’s goal to provide its students, faculty, staff, and visitors a safe and healthful environment. The performance of routine audits and inspections of campus facilities is one method used to ensure a safe and healthful environment. Facility audits/inspections are performed by safety and health professionals knowledgeable and experienced in the safety and health field, and trained in the recognition of safety and health hazards.

It is the Safety and Environmental Health Office’s goal to perform inspections/audits of all properties belonging to the University of North Dakota on an annual basis. Unsatisfactory conditions or violations of fire, safety, and building codes will be brought to the attention of the Department Head and/or Facility Manager. It is the responsibility of each Department Head to cooperate with the Safety and Environmental Health Office to eliminate as many hazards as possible. The Safety and Environmental Health Office will provide follow up inspections to insure that all unsafe and hazardous conditions are corrected or steps to correct the hazardous condition are being implemented.

In addition to the efforts of the Safety and Environmental Health Office, each Department Head should establish a safety program within their area to insure a safe and healthful environment. For further information on developing a safety program, or questions concerning audits/inspections, contact the Safety and Environmental Health Office at 777-3341.

In instances in which the Department Head or Facility Manager fails to take corrective actions to mitigate an unsafe condition, the Safety and Environmental Health Office will send a copy of the delinquent report, along with the latest inspection report, to the next administrative level for evaluation and action.

The failure to correct unsafe conditions may also result in a stoppage of work, until the identified hazards are addressed.

Top

Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and bodily fluids and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) – the virus which causes AIDS.

To protect yourself, always assume that any blood or bodily fluid you come across is infected. Do not handle any material, which is visibly contaminated with blood, or other potentially infectious materials unless you have been properly trained and are using appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves.

Do not discard broken glass, hypodermic needles, or other sharp objects in normal waste containers. Special precautions need to be taken to ensure that sharp objects are disposed of in impervious, puncture resistant, rigid containers to eliminate the hazard of physical injury.

Materials contaminated with blood or bodily fluids, human or animal tissues, or other potential infectious/medical waste must be disposed of according to State and Federal Regulations.

For further information on bloodborne pathogens, see the University’s Bloodborne Pathogens Program or contact the Safety and Environmental Health Office at 777-3341.

Top

There are several campus playgrounds located around the University’s apartments. These playgrounds are intended for use by the children living in UND Housing. All playground activities must be supervised by, and are the sole responsibility of, parents or guardians of the children occupying University apartments. When bringing a child or children to a playground, be sure to observe the following guidelines:

· Encourage children to share playground equipment by “taking turns.”

· Be aware of the “toys” your children bring into the play area. Sticks, matches, glass, knives, or weapons are not allowed.

· Do not allow children to climb on trees, roofs, dumpsters, etc.

· Report any damaged equipment or hazardous conditions to your Resident Manager.

· Threatening actions, fighting, name-calling, or inappropriate language are not acceptable playground behavior.

· Teach your children that dumpsters, autos, roadways, and parking lots are “OFF LIMITS” as play areas.

· Be aware of the noise levels that your children or their playgroup is producing. Remember that others are trying to relax, study, or sleep.

· Rocks, mudballs, clayballs, sand, etc. should not be thrown.

Consequences for not abiding by these policies may include the temporary loss or permanent loss of playground privileges and/or being billed for broken or damaged equipment.

The Facilities Department Family Housing Maintenance Crew is responsible for maintaining all University apartment playgrounds. The maintenance crew performs a thorough inspection of each playground in the fall and spring of the year. Ongoing visual inspections are performed throughout the active seasons. Each apartment resident manager will perform ongoing visual inspections of the playground equipment and report any hazards to the Family Housing Maintenance Crew, 777-2591.

All persons who enter publicly accessible buildings or grounds owned or controlled by the University are required to wear clothing at least consisting of shoes, pants or skirt, and shirt or the equivalent of such clothing combinations as a precaution against health, safety, and sanitation issues.

Exemptions may apply to this requirement as they pertain to University-approved functions. Refer to the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) section J-1 of the Safety and Loss Control Manual for more information on clothing requirements for specific areas and activities.

Top

General Safety-Drugs and Alcohol

The following alcohol/drug policy statements are University wide policies. Some University departments may have more stringent policies due to the nature of the occupation. Consult your supervisor to determine what alcohol/drug policy you are to follow.

Medication Use

Be careful to follow all directions on usage/dosage for prescription and non-prescription medications. Adhere to all warning labels on medications. Never take any prescription medication, whether internally or externally, that has been prescribed to another person.

Notify a supervisor, professor, or department head if one’s ability to perform work safely becomes affected by taking any prescription or non-prescription medication, whether internally or externally.

Refer to the Code of Student Life Handbook, Section 1-5, Alcohol/Drug Policy Statement

Refer to Affirmative Action Office, Substance Abuse Policy

Refer to the UND Faculty Handbook, Section III-16.2, UND Implementation

Poor housekeeping is a major contributor to occupational injuries and illness. Housekeeping encompasses all activities related to the cleanliness of University facilities, materials, and equipment, as well as the elimination of nonessential materials and hazardous conditions. All University employees must work towards maintaining their respective workplace in a clean and orderly manner.

Good housekeeping guidelines include keeping aisles and stairways free from clutter, cleaning spills, minimizing combustibles in workplace and storage areas, and keeping all exits free from obstructions. Access to emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, pull stations, eye wash units, showers, etc., must be maintained free and clear of obstructions.

The use of compressed air as a cleaning tool is allowed, but only under certain requirements. When used for cleaning purposes it can not exceed 30 psi and eye protection is required. Never use compressed air to clean off your clothing or body.

For more specific information on housekeeping, refer to Standard Practice 210: Housekeeping, available from the Safety and Environmental Health Office. Phone: 777-3341. The Housekeeping Standard Practice can also be viewed on the World Wide Web at: w ww.operations.und.nodak.edu/Op/safety/

General Safety-Incident Reporting

Reporting of Injuries, Accidents or Hazards-

Emergency assistance should be requested by dialing 911 whenever a situation poses a threat to person or property. Serious incidents occurring on campus must be reported immediately to Safety and Environmental Health. Phone: 777-3341 (day) or 777-3491 (night). Follow-up written reports are required. All injuries must be reported without delay to the person in charge. When notified of the injury/accident, the person in charge must immediately set any accident preventive measures in motion and is responsible for seeing that a written report is filled out by the injured (or on their behalf) and sent to Safety and Environmental Health.

Incident Report Requirements:

• All serious incidents including, but not limited to in personal injury, fire, explosion, or damage to University property must be reported immediately by phone to Safety and Environmental Health. This includes any injury requiring treatment other than self‑administered first aid. Phone reports must be followed up by completing the Incident Report and Incident Investigation forms.

• Minor injuries, near miss accidents, or hazardous conditions that don =t pose an immediate threat must be reported using the Incident Report and the Incident Investigation forms.

• The "Incident Report" and "Incident Investigation" forms must be completed and sent to Safety and Environmental Health within 24 hours of the incident. Forms can be faxed to 777-4132 and original copies mailed to Safety and Environmental Health, Box 9031.

• If an accident victim requires medical treatment, the injured person or a designee must complete the Incident Report after the injured person receives medical attention. The supervisor or person in charge must ensure that the Incident Report is completed and must complete the Incident Investigation form and forward both forms to Safety and Environmental Health.

• If the injured person is a UND employee, medical treatment must be obtained from the University =s Designated Medical Provider (DMP) or the employee =s own physician of choice if the employee has designated one on their DMP form. Staff at Safety and Environmental Health will file the Workforce Safety and Insurance (formerly ND Workers Compensation) claim for injured employees. Once the claim has been filed, the claimant will be notified to come to Safety and Environmental Health to sign the Workforce Safety application for benefits. If the claimant is unable to come to Safety and Environmental due to a limitation or disability, another method of obtaining his or her signature will be utilized.

• If an accident involves a student, family member or visitor, the person who completes the form must designate on the Incident Report that it was a visitor or student who was involved in the incident. The person in charge at the time of the incident must ensure that an Incident Report and the Incident Investigation form are completed and submitted to Safety and Environmental Health within 24 hours of the incident.

Accident/Worker's Compensation Claims Investigations - All accidents must be investigated to determine the cause so as to avoid any future accidents. Accidents involving minor damage or injuries requiring only first aid must be investigated by the person in charge. After the investigation, the AIncident Investigation @ form must be completed and submitted to Safety and Environmental Health. In the case of more serious property damage or injury requiring medical attention, Safety and Environmental Health will conduct an investigation in addition to that done by the person in charge. Please notify Safety and Environmental Health immediately if there is a serious injury or incident at 777-3341.

Claims Management – When a claimant comes to Safety and Environmental Health to sign the Workforce Safety application for benefits, they will be informed of their assigned claim number from Workforce Safety & Insurance. The injured employee is responsible for calling this claim number to his or her care provider. If restrictions are put into effect by the care provider, the injured worker will adhere to these. Transitional (modified) duty may be assigned. There will be communication between the supervisor, injured worker, and claims manager in Safety and Environmental Health. These communications will continue until the injury is resolved. All changes in restrictions must be sent to Safety and Environmental Health to be reviewed by the claims manager. Call 777-3341 if there are any questions regarding this process.

Reporting and Eliminating Unsafe Practices and Hazardous conditions - Near accidents and/or hazardous conditions and/or practices must also be promptly reported to the person in charge, even if personal injury or property damage are not apparent. If the person in charge cannot resolve the problem, advice from Safety and Environmental Health should be requested. It may appear that some near accidents, hazards and hazardous practices are of such a trivial nature that no report on them is necessary. If the report of the near accident or hazard can be of service in detecting and eliminating an unsafe condition, a report must be made.

Top

General Safety-Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality refers to the condition of air within an enclosed building. The indoor environment of any building is based on several factors including location, climate, building design, construction techniques, building occupant load, and contaminants.

Four key elements are involved in the development of poor indoor air quality:

1. Multiple contaminant sources

2. Poor ventilation systems

3. Pollutant pathways

4. Building usage and occupant load

Outside sources for indoor air contaminants include pollen, dust, industrial pollutants, vehicle exhaust, and unsanitary debris near outdoor air intake vents. Other outdoor agents, such as underground storage tanks or landfills, may also affect indoor air quality

Indoor contaminants are classified according to these categories:

• Combustion products (e.g., smoke, carbon monoxide)
• Volatile organic compounds (e.g., solvents, cleaning agents, and building materials)
• Respiratory particulates (e.g., dust, pollen, and asbestos)
• Respiratory byproducts (e.g., carbon dioxide)
• Microbial organisms (e.g., mold, mildew, fungi, and bacteria)
• Radionuclides (e.g., radon)
• Odors (e.g., colognes, perfumes, any of the above and potentially many more)

Additional examples of indoor contaminants include dust, dirt, or microbial growth in ventilation systems, emissions from office equipment, and fumes or odors from any source.

The University of North Dakota follows recognized guidelines for new building ventilation systems and air quality control; however, building occupants are also responsible for the quality of their indoor air. Because indoor air often contains a variety of contaminants at levels far below most exposure standards, it is difficult to link specific health problems with known pollutants. It is the responsibility of all building occupants to minimize all contaminants to reduce the low-level pollutant mixtures that commonly cause health problems.

The following practices will help ensure optimum indoor air quality:

• Fix leaks and drips. (Moisture promotes microbial [i.e., mold and mildew] growth.)

• Clean mold and mildew growths with a bleach/water mixture to prevent regrowth.

• Ensure that indoor ventilation filters are changed regularly.

• Keep laboratory doors closed.
• Minimize usage of fragrances (e.g., colognes, perfumes, scented body sprays, scented hair spray/gel/mousse, lotions, after shave, air fresheners, potpourri, etc.) Be aware that while a certain fragrance may smell pleasant to you, it may trigger an allergic reaction for another individual.

• Minimize chemical and aerosol usage. Ventilate your area when chemical or aerosol usage is required. (These compounds include paint, cleaning agents, hairspray, perfume, etc.)

• Do not attempt to control temperature by blocking air ducts.

• Avoid cooking in enclosed areas.

• Smoking is strictly prohibited within University facilities and vehicles. Exception: Smoking is allowed within UND Housing apartments, unless designated as a non-smoking building. Some rooms in the residence halls are also designated as smoking rooms.

If you have any questions concerning indoor air quality, please contact the Safety and Environmental Health Office, 777-3341.

Top

Using good judgment is the key to safely lifting objects. If the object is too heavy to lift, seek assistance or use mechanical equipment to move the object.

When lifting heavy objects, follow these guidelines to ensure your safety:

• Face and stand as close as possible to the object with feet wide apart and with good footing.

• Bend at the knees, keeping the back as straight as possible.

• Get a firm, balanced grip on the object and pull it in towards you, keeping the center of gravity of the object close to you.

• Keeping your back as straight as possible, make the lift smoothly and under control as you begin straightening your legs.

• When moving the object, keep the load evenly balanced and proceed with caution through doors and around corners.

• Avoid twisting your body while lifting, moving, or setting down an object.

• When setting the load down, squat down, bending at the hips and knees, keeping your back as straight as possible.

Improper moving, handling, and storing of materials can lead to accidents and injuries. When moving, handling, and storing materials follow these guidelines to ensure your safety:

• Seek help when a load is so bulky it cannot be properly grasped or lifted.

• When placing blocks under a raised load, ensure that the load is not released until hands are removed from under the load.

• Blocking materials and timbers must be large and strong enough to support the load safely. Do not use materials with evidence of cracks, rounded corners, splintered pieces, or dry rot for blocking.

• Attach handles or holders to loads to reduce the chances of getting fingers pinched or smashed. For loads with sharp or rough edges, wear gloves or other hand and forearm protection. To avoid injuries to the eyes, use eye protection. Use other appropriate protective equipment as needed.

• All materials handling equipment has rated capacities that determine the maximum weight the equipment can safely handle and the conditions under which it can handle that weight. Never exceed the equipment’s rated capacity.

• When picking up items with a forklift, the load must be centered on the forks and as close to the mast as possible to minimize the potential for the truck tipping or the load falling. Never overload a forklift. The load must be at the lowest position for traveling and the truck manufacturer’s operational requirements must be followed. All stacked loads must be correctly piled and cross-tiered.

• Stored materials must not create a hazard. Keep storage areas free from accumulated materials that cause tripping, fires, or explosions, or that may contribute to the harboring of pests. When stacking and piling materials, it is important to be aware of such factors as the materials’ height and weight, how accessible the stored materials are to the user, and the condition of the containers where the materials are being stored.

• Separately store non-compatible materials.

• Never exceed floor load ratings.

• When stacking materials, maintain eighteen inches from the plane of sprinkler heads and twenty-four inches from the ceiling in non-sprinkler areas.

Top

See Labaratory Safety.

Top

Hazard signs and warning labels are intended to provide advance notification of potential hazards. When a hazard exists appropriate signage must be utilized. They can be any form of written, printed or graphic material displayed for your protection.

Some common signs that denote physical hazards and may require personal protective equipment are: eye protection, hearing protection, head protection and hardhat areas.

A “Danger” sign indicates that there is an immediate hazard. “Caution” signs are used to warn against potential hazards or to caution you in high-risk areas. A “Warning” sign is used to represent a hazard level between "Caution" and "Danger.”

Never deface or obscure existing signs, container labels or hazard warnings.

If you need assistance or have questions concerning the proper interpretations of any signs or warning labels, please contact Safety and Environmental Health.

Top

General Safety-Slips , Trips, and Falls.

This document addresses the nature and causes of slips, trips, and falls, discusses areas and methods that require fall prevention, and provides suggestions for all persons to follow to prevent slips, trips, and falls. This document is not a comprehensive fall protection plan. This document is a guideline for developing departmental plans to follow when developing their own departmental plans. It should not be used in place of a departments fall protection plan. For more information on fall protection requirements at UND, please refer to the Fall Protection Program.

The potential for a fall is present everywhere; however some activities pose a greater risk for falls than others. Here are a few examples:

• Construction.
• Excavations.
• Rigging.
• Work involving ladders.
• Window washing.
• Painting.
• Confined spaces with vertical openings.
• Working on scaffolds.
• Performing work on top of machinery, water tanks, etc.
• Performing routine maintenance.

Slip and trip hazards account for many fall-related injuries that occur. Slips and trips often result in what is known as a "same level fall." Same level falls are consistently one of the leading incidents.

The following are examples of slip hazards:

• Hidden steps.
• Carpets/rugs and their edges.
• Smooth surfaces (waxed floors, etc.).
• Loose flooring (tiles, bricks, etc.).
• Ladder rungs and steps not maintained clear of spills and debris.
• Improper protective equipment.
• Equipment and vehicles not properly maintained.
• Oil/grease or other material that was not wiped up immediately.
• Weather conditions outside that cause shoes to track water, mud, or sand inside.
• Shoes with little to no traction (high-heels, leather soled).

The following are examples of trip hazards:

• Furniture.
• Electrical cords.
• Clutter/objects (boxes, tools, hoses, etc.).
• Loose footing on stairs, floors, etc.
• Poor lighting.
• Obstructed vision.
• Other people.
• Steps.
  

The following is a list of general fall hazards:

• Damaged chairs.
• Improper use of furniture.
• Makeshift ladders.
• Improper use of ladders.
• Unfamiliar areas.
• Not properly exiting a car, truck, or machine.
• Transporting items up and down the stairs.

Overhead machinery and materials also pose a risk. This type of condition can result in an

injury from materials that fall from an upper level and strike. Good housekeeping, proper planning, and using the proper equipment can eliminate many of these types of hazards.

 If engineering controls are not feasible, managers and supervisors must select the most appropriate type of fall protection for the particular fall hazard. Fall protection must be installed and tested before people are allowed to enter the area.

Types of fall protection:

• Guardrails.
• Safety nets.
• Personal fall arrest systems.
• Warning line systems.
• Safety monitoring system.
• Controlled access zone.
• Covers.
• Positioning device system.
• Fences.
• Barricades.
• Equipment guards.
• Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. – hardhats, safety glasses, steel toe shoes).
  

Some personal practices include:

• Pay attention to the surface you are walking on. Watch for loose boards, or other hazards.
• Do not wear clothing that is too long or shoes that have slippery heels or soles.
• Wear slip resistant shoes as appropriate.
• Clean up spills as soon as possible.
• Mark spills before and during clean up.
• Remove items that may pose a potential slipping hazard.
• Keep hallways and stairwells neat and free of obstacles.
• Turn on lights. Ensure that passageways are adequately lighted.
• Do not overreach.
• Observe warning signs and barriers. Do not enter construction sites unless authorized to do so.
• Keep work area well organized and free of unnecessary clutter.
• Hold on to handrails when using stairs or ramps.
• Do not carry a stack that you cannot see over.
• Stay away from edges, even if they are guarded, unless you are performing a specific task there.
• Do not jump off vehicles and equipment.
• Report uneven surfaces, such as loose or missing floor tiles, or any other potential hazard to managers or supervisors.
• Ladder safety:
• Always inspect ladders before use.
• Secure the base. For every four feet of height, the ladder should be extended one foot from the base.
• Make sure there is a firm surface below the ladder.
• Work with someone.
• Face the front when on a ladder.
• Do not carry objects when climbing.
• Do not use the top three rungs.
• The ladder should extend at least three feet above the landing area.
• Watch out for overhead power lines.

Note: Refer Occupational Safety and Environmental Health (OSHA) Walking-Working Surfaces

Top

General Safety-Smoking Policy

Smoking is not allowed in buildings or vehicles which are owned or leased by the State Board of Higher Education, the State Fleet, or the University of North Dakota.

Smoking is not permitted near entrances and exits, including ADA accessible entrances and exits, except at a reasonable distance (i.e., 20 feet or more) or unless otherwise designated. Smoking is prohibited near air intakes and open windows.

Smoking is prohibited in outdoor seating areas such as Memorial Stadium or outdoor seating areas that Dining Services has set up for serving customers. Areas that are reserved for outdoor events that do not have fixed seating, but for which the sponsor determines that the rights of non-smokers need to be protected (i.e., summer concerts, ground breaking ceremonies, etc.), will be designated “No Smoking” by posting signage at appropriate locations.

Complaints regarding violations of this policy can be directed to the Safety and Environmental Health Office. Safety and Environmental Health will coordinate with the appropriate Building Supervisors, Deans, Directors, and Department Chairs for enforcement. All faculty, staff, and students violating this policy are subject to disciplinary procedures.

Visitors in violation of this policy should be politely informed of the policy. Visitors persisting in violating this policy may be reported to UND Police.

Discussion of the University’s Smoking Policy is included at the formal orientation of all in-coming faculty and employees.

The University of North Dakota has two swimming pools, one located in the Hyslop Sports Center and the other in the University’s Gallery Apartment Complex. Specific rules for using these pools are posted within each pool facility. It is each person’s responsibility to follow these rules. Specific rules for using the pool in the Gallery Apartment Complex can also be found in the University of North Dakota Apartment Policy Handbook.

The Athletic and Housing departments are responsible, respectively, for the operation of the Hyslop Sports Center pool and the Gallery Apartment pool in compliance with all applicable standards.

Top

The thermal (heat or cold) stress of any given working situation is the combination of all of those factors which result in heat gains or losses relative to the body or which prevent the body’s temperature regulating mechanisms from working efficiently.

People may suffer from heat stress during hot, humid conditions. To prevent heat stress, employees should limit strenuous physical activity during the hottest portion of the day, wear a brimmed hat when in the sun, take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of fluids.

Heat stress occurs in two forms: heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is usually caused by strenuous physical activity and hot, humid conditions. Because heat exhaustion is the body’s response to insufficient water and salt, it should be treated as quickly as possible.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include the following:

• Exhaustion and restlessness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Cold, clammy, moist skin
• Pale face
• Cramps in abdomen and lower limbs
• Fast, shallow breathing
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Falling body temperature
• Fainting

Take the following steps to administer first aid for heat exhaustion:

1. Have the victim lie down in a cool or shaded place.

2. If the victim is conscious, have the victim slowly sip cool water, not cold water. If the victim is unconscious or is conscious but does not improve, seek medical aid as soon as possible.

3. If the victim is sweating profusely, have the victim sip cool water that contains one teaspoon of table salt per pint of water.

Heat stroke is usually caused by exposure to extreme heat and humidity and/or a feverish illness. Heat stoke occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature by sweating. Heat stroke is extremely dangerous and may be fatal if not treated immediately.

The signs and symptoms of heat stroke include the following:

• Hot, dry skin
• Headache
• Dizziness
• High temperature
• Strong pulse
• Noisy breathing
• Unconsciousness

Immediately take the following steps to administer first aid for heat stroke:

1. If possible, move the victim to a cool place.

2. Seek medical attention immediately.

3. Remove the victim’s clothing.

4. If the victim is conscious, place the victim in a half-sitting position and support the head and shoulders. If unconscious, place the victim on the side with the head facing sideways.

5. Fan the victim and sponge the body with cool water.

When your body temperature drops even a few degrees below normal (which is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), you can begin to shiver uncontrollably, become weak, drowsy, disorientated, unconscious, even fatally ill. This loss of body heat is known as “cold stress” or hypothermia. It is important that persons who work outdoors or in cold indoor environments (e.g. coal storage bunker, warehouses, etc.) learn about how to protect against hypothermia. The following guidelines can help you keep your body warm and avoid the dangerous consequences of hypothermia:

• Dress in Layers

Outdoors, indoors, in mild weather or in cold, it pays to dress in layers. Layering your clothes allows you to adjust what you’re wearing to suit the temperature conditions. In cold weather, wear cotton, polypropylene, or lightweight wool next to the skin, and wool layers over your undergarments. In warm weather, stick to loose fitting, cotton clothing. For outdoor activities, choose outer garments made of waterproof, wind resistant fabrics such as nylon. And, since a great deal of body heat is lost through the head, always wear a hat for added protection.

• Keep Dry

Water chills your body far more rapidly than air or wind. Even in the heat of the summer, falling into a 40-degree lake can be fatal in a matter of minutes. Always take along a dry set of clothing whenever you are working outdoors. Wear waterproof boots in damp or snowy weather, and always pack raingear.

• Take a Companion

The effects of hypothermia can be gradual and often go unnoticed until it’s too late. If you know you’ll be outdoors for an extended period of time, take along a companion. (At the very least, let someone know where you’ll be and at what time you expect to return.) Ask your companion to check you frequently for overexposure to the cold—do the same for your companion. Check for shivering, slurred speech, mental confusion, drowsiness, and weakness. If either of you shows any of the above signs, get indoors as soon as possible and warm up.

• Warmth and Understanding

The key ingredients to preventing loss of body heat are staying warm, and understanding what you can do to protect against conditions that can cause hypothermia. Hypothermia can be fatal, but it can be prevented.

Top

University employees are provided training necessary to perform their assigned duties in a safe, competent, and responsible manner. This is accomplished by:

• New employees attending the “New Employee Orientation”.

• Position specific training, as a follow-on to the New Employee Orientation.

• Additional training required by law, regulation, or department requirements based on the employee’s assigned duties, for example, annual refresher training.

• Additional training as requested by the employee, supervisor, or department.

Training is documented by the use of “Sign In” sheets. After the training is completed, the original sheet is retained by the employee’s department and a copy is forwarded to the Safety and Environmental Health Office.

In accordance with NDCC 12.1-01-04 the possession, storage or use of weapons i.e.: shotguns, rifles, pistols, paint ball guns, explosives, switchblade knives, or fixed blade knives with a blade length of five inches or greater, or any other such offensive weapons, are prohibited on the property of the University of North Dakota. This policy shall apply to all faculty, staff, and students of UND and to all visitors and/or residents of the campus, on property of the University. Thus, the possession of weapons, or the unreported knowledge of such items, on the University’s premises or during University programs, on or off campus, is considered a serious offense subject to disciplinary actions.

The University policy does not apply to authorized law enforcement officials in the lawful discharge of their duties. Temporary exemption may be granted by written permit only, by the University’s Chief of Police or authorized designee for job related, educational or demonstration purposes. Also temporary exemption may be granted to residents of University family housing, or University apartments, upon written permission from the University’s Chief of Police or authorized designee. Concealed weapons permits are not valid on the property of the University of North Dakota or at sanctioned events.

Lighting, or the lack of it, can be a safety hazard. The University of North Dakota follows the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) recommendations for illuminance values in offices, industrial areas, and classrooms. If you feel the lighting in your work area is not appropriate, contact Facilities at 777-2591.

The use of temporary lighting, ordinary incandescent bulbs suspended from electrical cords, can be an electrical problem. Cords and lights that are suspended in this way must be designed for this purpose. All electric cords for temporary lighting must be heavy-duty and insulation must be maintained in a safe condition. To prevent accidental contact with bulbs, the bulbs must be guarded, unless the construction of the reflector is such that the bulbs are deeply recessed.

Every exit sign should be suitably illuminated by a reliable light source giving a value of at least 5 footcandles on the illuminated surface.

Top

Workplace violence is any physical assault, threatening behavior or verbal abuse occurring in the work setting. It includes, but is not limited to, beatings, stabbings, suicides, attempted suicides, shootings, rapes, psychological traumas such as threats, obscene phone calls, an intimidating presence and harassment of any nature.

If you are the victim or witness to any of the above situations, or others not mentioned, you should do the following:

• Call the police immediately. On campus call the UND Police Department (UND-PD), 777-3491, or for an emergency call 911.
• Try to remember details so you can describe the offender(s), including sex, age, race, hair, clothing and distinguishable features. Also attempt to obtain a description and license number of any vehicles involved. Note the direction taken by the offender(s) or vehicles and report these to police.
• Where possible, preserve the crime scene. Do not touch any items involved in the incident. Close off the area of the incident and do not allow anyone in the crime area until police arrive.
• Students should consider contacting the UND Counseling Center at 777-2127. The Counseling Center may be able to help ease trauma you may feel as a victim or witness of a crime. Employees can contact the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-327-7195 for counseling.

Individual departments are encouraged to implement procedures that address departmental specific considerations (ie. layout/design of building, type of activities conducted, level of security, etc.) to properly deal with workplace violence issues in their work areas.

Your department may want to use a checklist as a tool to help prevent workplace violence. Checklists can help to identify present or potential workplace violence problems. To obtain a sample checklist, contact Safety and Environmental Health or visit them on the web.

· Assess the situation.
· Project calmness.
· Be patient and empathetic, and encourage the person to talk.
· Ask questions. Find out specifically what the problem may be.
· Focus your attention on the other person to show you are interested in what he/she has to say.
· Maintain a relaxed, yet attentive, posture and position yourself at a right angle rather than directly in front of the other person.
· Acknowledge the person's feelings.
· Ask for small, specific favors such as asking them to move to a quieter area.
· Establish ground rules if unreasonable behavior persists, but accept criticism positively.
· Use delay tactics that will give the person time to calm down.
· Be reassuring and point out choices.
· Ask for recommendations and repeat what you feel is being requested.
· Arrange yourself so that your exit is not blocked.
· Have a neutral manager or third party in the room with you.
· Don't use styles of communication that generate hostility.
· Don't reject all of their demands from the start.
· Don't pose in challenging stances.
· Avoid any physical contact, finger pointing or long periods of eye contact.
· Don't make sudden moves that may seem threatening.
· Don't challenge, threaten or dare the individual.
· Never belittle or make the person feel foolish.
· Don't criticize or act impatient, especially if the person is agitated.
· Don't attempt to bargain with a threatening individual.
· Don't try to make the situation seem less serious than it is.
· Don't make false statements or promises you cannot keep.
· Don't explain technical or complicated information when emotions are high.
· Don't take sides or disagree with fabrication.
· Don't take remarks personally.
· Don't show your anger.
· Don't patronize; show respect.
· Don't invade the individual's personal space.

If you have been sexually assaulted, you are encouraged to seek medical treatment immediately. It is recommended you do not bathe, douche, use the toilet or change clothing. Report the crime a soon as possible. For further information and resources, see the Sexual Assault Policy located in The Code of Student Life and Administrative Manual.

Obscene or threatening telephone calls should be reported to the police immediately. Other harassing phone calls should be reported if they persist. If you receive such a call, remain calm and hang up.