SAFETY PLAN For
The Department of Printing
The University of West Alabama
Compiled Fall, 2001

1. FORMAL POLICY STATEMENT

The University of West Alabama Printing Department is committed to providing a safe working environment and believes that employees and students have a right to know about health hazards associated with their work. This Safety Plan includes policies, procedures and responsibilities designed to develop an awareness of potentially hazardous chemicals, inks and solvents in the workplace and to train employees in appropriate, safe working conditions.

A training program has been designed for the benefit and protection of all workers. Necessary information will be available to inform employees/students about the hazards of chemicals used, and all are encouraged to take appropriate precautions and/or to seek advice from supervisors.

2. GLOSSARY

Acute: An adverse effect with symptoms of high severity coming quickly to a crisis.

Carcinogen: A substance capable of causing cancer.

Chronic: An adverse effect with symptoms that develop slowly over a long period of time, or that frequently recur.

Combustible: Able to catch fire and burn.

EPA: Environmental Protection Agency

Flammable: Capable of being easily ignited and of burning with extreme rapidity. Substances with a flash point < 100 F. (37.8 C.)

MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet

OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

PH: A measure of how acidic or caustic a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral. Acidic substances have pH’s less than 7; caustic substances have pH’s greater than 7.

Physical Agents: Workplace sources recognized for their potential effects on the body. Heat exposure or excessive noise level areas are examples.

3. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

General precautions for handling all laboratory chemicals, inks and solvents should be adopted to minimize exposure.

A. Accidents and Spills

EMERGENCY NUMBER FOR ALL CASES REQUIRING ASSISTANCE: 911

a) Eye contact: Promptly flush eyes with water for a prolonged period (15 mins.) and seek medical attention.

b) Ingestion: Seek immediate medical attention.

c) Skin Contact: Promptly flush affected area with water and remove contaminated clothing. Use a safety shower when contact is extensive. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

d) Clean-up: Promptly clean up spills using appropriate protective apparel/equipment and proper disposal.

e) Accountability: Incidents must be reported to the Safety Officer by the supervisor, in writing, as soon afterwards as possible.

Avoid Unnecessary Exposure to Chemicals

a) Do not smell or taste chemicals.

b) Inspect gloves and test glove boxes before use

c) Do not use refrigerators, glassware, etc for food or drinks if they are also used for mixing chemicals.

d) Practical jokes and other behavior that might confuse, startle, or distract another worker are not allowed

e) Loose hair or loose clothing should be confined

f) Shoes must be worn at all times in the laboratories

g) Work areas must be clean and uncluttered, and must be cleaned up at the end of each day/session.

h) Appropriate eye protection must be worn by all persons, including visitors, in areas where chemicals are stored or handled

i) Wear appropriate gloves when the potential for contact with hazardous materials exists. Inspect the gloves before use; wash them before removal; replace them periodically.

j) Use any other appropriate and emergency apparel and equipment as appropriate.

k) Seek information and advice about hazards; plan appropriate protective procedures; plan positioning of equipment before beginning an operation..

l) Use the hood when cleaning the press.

4. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS

Material Safety Data Sheets are available in an assigned location. The MSDS are in alphabetical order along with a chemical inventory of the section. The shop relies on the chemical manufacturer’s information ascertain the hazards of a particular chemical. The MSDS are also located in the Directors office and the Safety Officer’s office. These are available on request, and can be relayed by phone in case of an emergency.

5. CHEMICAL STORAGE

Chemical storage is kept as small as practical. Flammable liquids are stored in special storage cabinets with self-closing doors and proper ventilation.

6. ENGINEERING CONTROLS

Fire extinguishers are inspected monthly.

All chemical storerooms are adequate and well ventilated.

Airflow through the print shop should be relatively uniform and be exhausted to the exterior of the building.

7. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Employees/students are required to wear gloves when there is the potential for direct skin contact with blood, hazardous chemicals, and infectious materials.

The wearing of lab coats in the production area is encouraged, and these should be buttoned to protect clothing.
 

8. CONTAMINATED WASTE REMOVAL/DISPOSAL

OPTION A: Waste rags are stored in designated cabinets. The label should indicate that the contents are “Contaminated” and “Not for use”; the term “Waste” should not be used until the material is to be picked up for disposal.

Disposal of waste rags takes place every two weeks..

9. ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS

The Director of Printing is responsible for the safe operation for the area.