SECTION A9: OFFICE AND CLASSROOM SAFETY

• Introduction
• Scope and Application
• Program Description
• Roles and Responsibilities
• For More Information

Introduction

Though offices and classrooms are thought of as relatively safe working environments, they can present potential risks that are often overlooked. Blocked exits, tripping hazards, improper storage practices, and electrical hazards are some of the potential safety concerns that could be found in any office or classroom.

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Scope and Application

This Section applies to all office and classroom space used by a Department, including spaces scheduled by the Registrar’s Office. Classrooms and other spaces used for assembly of 50 or more people may require administration of the Places of Assembly program detailed in Section A5 of this Guide.

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Program Description

As with any other functional area with the Department, each office and classroom should be inspected annually. To promote consistency and completeness in this process, use of the self-audit checklist is recommended.

When operational deficiencies (e.g. improper storage on shelving, blocked stairways, damaged extension cords, etc.) are discovered, clear responsibility for corrective action should be assigned to a specific individual. Facility deficiencies should be referred to the Facilities Customer Service Center at 258-8000. Guidance in making this determination is available from the an EHS Safety Engineer.

In addition to the items listed on the Office and Classroom Safety Self-Audit Checklist, related topics are covered in other sections of the Guide. Section A4, Computer Workstations, describes methods to prevent repetitive motion injuries and eye strain related to work with computers. Section A7, Back Care Program, is appropriate where an individual’s job involves lifting or moving large or heavy objects. Section B8, Portable Ladder Safety applies to use of portable ladders to reach areas more than six feet from the floor.

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Roles and Responsibilities

Department

• Perform annual safety surveys of departmental spaces.
• Correct deficiencies or refer to Facilities Department as appropriate.


Supervisors

• Ensure unsafe conditions are corrected in a timely manner.


EHS

• Provide guidance to Department on conduct of safety surveys and assessment of results.
• Assist in developing solutions to problems identified during surveys.


Individual

• Report unsafe conditions to supervisors.

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Contact an EHS Safety Engineer at 258-5294.

An Office and Classroom Safety Self-Audit Checklist is available through EHS or may be downloaded either as a PDF or a customizable Word document.

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