Office and Classroom Safety

• Places of Assembly
• Fire Code Permits
• Office and Classroom Safety
• Portable Ladder Advisory
• Laser Pointers
• Computer Workstations (Ergonomics)
• Back Care and Materials Handling (Ergonomics)

Places of Assembly

A place of assembly is any room or space used by 50 or more people for religious, educational, recreational, political, social or amusement purposes, or for the consumption of food and drink. Several fire and life safety issues must be considered by organizers of events during the decoration, use and operation of places of assembly. 

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Fire Code Permits

Fire code permits are required annually for a variety of activities, including bonfires, welding and cutting operations, and the use and storage of certain hazardous materials. The municipal fire official is responsible for the enforcement of the fire code permit system, which consists of taking permit applications, collecting annual fees, issuing permits, and inspections. The University Fire Marshall provides assistance to departments in the interpretation of the fire code. 

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Office and Classroom Safety

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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Portable Ladder Advisory

Portable ladders are used at Princeton University in a wide variety of settings, both academic and administrative. Misuse of portable ladders can result in serious injuries from falls or, in the case of metal ladders, electrical shock. Portable ladders must be maintained in good condition at all times, and inspected at regular, frequent intervals. This advisory gives some guidelines to proper selection, use and care of portable ladders. 

There are two types of portable ladders: stepladders (A-frame) or straight (extension) ladders. Both types can also be made out of different materials, including metal, wood, or fiberglass. Metal ladders should never be used for work on or around exposed electrical elements; a wood or fiberglass ladder is necessary. However, refer to warning labels on the ladder or the manufacturer’s directions because some nonmetal ladders are reinforced with steel or other conductive materials.

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Laser Pointers

Laser pointers do not generally pose a health risk unless intentionally misused. For more information, see the Laser Pointer Advisory.
 

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Ergonomics

For information about safe lifting techniques, material handling, preventing back strain and setting up a computer workstation to avoid muscular-skeletal injury, see the Ergonomics page.

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