General Office Worker

Safety Training
Science Safety Office
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Updated April 2019

www.csulb.edu/cnsm/safety
Please Note
Be aware that this training is not for employees who will be
working in a laboratory. Laboratory workers must instead take
lab-specific training.
Although this slide presentation addresses key safety issues
that apply to all CNSM personnel, it only provides a general
overview. Your supervisor provides detailed, task and
material-specific training. Detailed information about each
issue presented here is contained in the CNSM Safety Manual
under the “Safety Guides” and supplementary procedures.
Please visit the Science Safety Office website often since it is
constantly updated. For more detailed information, you are
encouraged to follow this link to the Manual, and do a “key
word search” to read detailed, current information on any
given topic.
Science Safety Office Information
Office Location:
MICRO 207

Phone:
On Campus x55623
Off Campus 562.985.5623

Office Hours:
Monday through Friday 7:30am–5:30pm
Closed for Lunch 12:00pm-1:00pm
Science Safety Office Staff
Chris Frost John de la Cuesta

Email: Email:
[email protected] [email protected]

Cell Phone: Cell Phone:

562.577.0504 714.222.0963
Who is Responsible
Emergency Contacts

Please add the Science Safety Office phone number to your address book:
562.985.5623
CNSM Employee Bulletin Board
• The CNSM Employee Bulletin Board is located adjacent to
HSCI 160
• Information about workplace safety, phone numbers, and
annual injury reports can be found here
General Safety Topics
• Campus Injury and Illness Protection Program (IIPP)
• Right-to-Know / Hazard Communication and Labeling
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Eye Protection Policy
• Workplace Clothing
• Prohibitions on Smoking, Food, and Drink
• Conduct and Housekeeping
• Reporting Accidents / Incidents
• Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse
• Medical Treatment
• Safety Equipment and Procedures
• Safety Around Office Equipment and Materials
• Slips, Trips, and Falls
• Motor Vehicle Driver Requirements
Campus Injury and Illness
Protection Program
• California regulation requires that an Employer develop and
institute an Injury and Illness Protection Program (IIPP)
• The CSULB IIPP is the cornerstone program for ensuring the
safety and health of all CSULB employees
• The IIPP details the means and methods used to ensure the
safety and health of our employees and students
Campus IIPP Responsibility
• Deans, Department Chairs, Managers, Supervisors have the
responsibility to implement the IIPP in their respective work
areas
• Science Safety Office personnel are delegated the
responsibility of working with CNSM administration and
departments to implement the IIPP. The Science Safety
Office serves as a liaison with University Environmental
Health and Safety to disseminate health and safety
information to College personnel
Right-to-Know / Hazard
Communication and Labeling
• You have the right to know (and are expected to know)
about all chemicals used in the workplace. This includes
household chemicals.
• Any unattended container must be labeled as follows:
• Name of the material (no abbreviations)
• Hazard (e.g. flammable, corrosive, poison)
CNSM Label Policy
Label any unattended container of material as follows:
• Full Name: do not only use abbreviations or formulas such
as H2O, HCl, ETOH
• Hazard(s): write the word or use a sticker that says that
hazard(s)

Examples of Stickers:

Make sure any old, inappropriate labels are completely unreadable (you may
erase, deface, or remove labels). Permanently-labeled bottles may NOT be used
for a different material, as you label may fall off or your ink may wash off to show
the old wrong label.
CNSM Label Example

Include full name and hazard of any chemical you leave unattended.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
• These documents relay details and any hazards associated
with products/chemicals
• SDS Sheets must be maintained at the site of
product/chemical use and be readily available.
• Use MSDS Online or
• Have hardcopies in binder at use location.
SDS Example
Eye Protection Policy
• Safety glasses must be worn when using tools
• Chemical splash goggles must be worn when handling liquid
products/chemicals that can injure the eyes – like bleach,
ammonia or when working around automotive batteries,
etc.
• If you wear glasses, you MUST wear goggles over glasses.
Contact lenses are allowed when worn under safety glasses
or goggles
Eye Protection Policy 2
• Wear appropriate eye protection when working with
anything that can injure the eyes, e.g.:
• flying particles
• laser light
• UV light
• electric arc
• etc.
• Proper eye protection is available from the Science Safety
Office
Eye Protection Examples

Chemical Slash Goggles: Safety Glasses:

good for protection from liquids and NOT for protection from liquids
solids
Workplace Clothing
• Sturdy footwear is required for those who’s job involves
lifting items, using carts, working in shop areas, etc.
• Steel toe footwear is required in some cases
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry if your job requires
working around machinery or other equipment with moving
parts
No Food, Drink, or Smoking
Your job does not involve entering labs, however all should
remember:
• No food or drink is allowed in laboratories or any other
location where toxic materials could be present
• Smoking is not permitted in any State vehicle, indoor
location or within 20 feet from any doorway, operational
window or air intake vent.
Conduct and Housekeeping
• A hostility-free workplace is a right. Inappropriate behavior
will not be tolerated. Ask that it be stopped and contact you
supervisor as appropriate for help.
• An adequately tidy workplace is a right. You don’t have to
work in a needlessly-messy environment. The Science Safety
Office works with college personnel to ensure workplaces
meet this standard. Report any housekeeping problems to
your supervisor. The Science Safety Office may also be of
help.
• Do not put broken glass or other sharp things in the regular
trash. Box it first to avoid cuts. Don’t use bare hands.
• If water is spilled on the floor, either help clean it up or call
the campus custodians to have it fixed. Custodians can be
reached by calling the campus HELP line: 562.985.4357
Examples of Bad Housekeeping
Not OK: extension cord

Temporary use (less

than 90 days) is OK

Not OK: daisy chain

with 2 power strips

Not OK: metal to

wire lamp on wet
concrete
Reporting Accidents / Incidents
• Please report all injuries, dangerous equipment failures,
chemical spills, bad odors, floods, etc., to the Science Safety
Office
• The CNSM Incident Report Form is available online
• Injured students should go to the Student Health Center for
medical evaluation. Student employees are covered by
Worker’s Comp insurance when injured on the job. See slide
26: “Medical Treatment” for more information
• Do not clean up any blood, the Science Safety Office will
perform this task once notified
Incident
Report Form
Example
Mandatory Reporting of
Child Abuse
As a University employee, you are a “Mandatory Reporter” of
child abuse.

If, in the course of your work for CSULB, you suspect you see
evidence of the abuse or neglect of a person under the age of
18 years, you must, within 36 hours, report it to the University
Police and the Office of Equity and Diversity. The University
Police can help you make any such report.

• University Police: 562.985.4101

• Office of Equity and Diversity: 562.985.8256
Medical Treatment
• Medical treatment for students is available through Student
Health Services. Check for hours of operation. Seek medical
attention immediately for all injuries. Dial 911 if necessary.
• If injured, notify your supervisor if possible, and seek
medical attention immediately.
• Employees, including student workers, are covered by
Worker’s Compensation Insurance. For non life-threatening
injuries, obtain authorization forms and instructions from
the Science Safety Office and proceed to the designated
Worker’s Compensation facility as instructed. Worker’s
Comp instructions are posted in most department offices.
Safety Equipment and Procedures
The next slides will cover these topics:
• Safety Shower / Eyewash
• Fire Extinguishers
• Emergency Evacuation Procedure
• Emergency Phone Boxes
Safety Shower / Eyewash
• You are not trained to use any hazardous product or
chemical while at work. You may use common household
chemicals if used as directed on the label. Do not use
bleach, ammonia, or bug spray as they require special
precautions and/or permits.
• Anyone who uses a product that can injure the eyes, such as
those listed above must be no more than “ten seconds”
away from an eyewash/safety shower. This is one of the
reasons you may not use dangerous materials at work.
• If you need to use these things, contact the Science Safety
Office for the required training.
Safety Shower / Eyewash 2
shower and
eyewash
handles

eyewash in
use, pull
handle
down to
activate
Fire Extinguishers
• These devices should only be used by people trained to use
them.
• Should you see fire, smoke or a suspect chemical spill (our
labs are often full of dangerous chemicals), evacuate the
building and pull the fire alarm as appropriate
Emergency Evacuation Procedure
• Be aware of the fastest/safest exit
• If alarm sounds, or authorities order an evacuation, leave
promptly
• Take personal items with you
• STAY 200 FEET away from the building upon evacuation
• Evacuation Plans are available on the University Police
website
Emergency Phone Boxes
• Are located on the walls in the science building hallways and
in elevators
• Use them to speak directly to CSULB police
• Dial 911 from any phone to reach emergency responders

in an elevator
Safety Around Office Equipment
and Materials
• Make sure you sit in a modern chair that provides good
“ergonomics.” Your workstation should be comfortable.
Contact your supervisor or the Science Safety Office if you
need an evaluation of your workstation
• If you must lift items as part of your job, be sure to lift
safely. The Science Safety Office can show you how
• File cabinets can tip over, and they have sharp edges. Use
care when you open file cabinets
• Workplaces must be earthquake safe. Report any bookcases
over six feet tall that are not attached to a wall. Do not stack
heavy items in high places
More Equipment Hazards
• Some office equipment is dangerous if improperly used
(paper shredder, copy machine, paper cutter, etc.)
• If you don’t know how to use the equipment properly, ask
before using the equipment
• Supervisors shall ensure that appropriate training and
supervision is provided
• Never stand on a chair. Stools are always available
Work Area Hazard: Slips, Trips,
and Falls
• Slips, trips and falls account for a large proportion of
workplace injuries and fatalities
• Most are caused by hurried or careless work habits,
damaged or slippery (often wet) surfaces, obstructions in
walkways, poor visibility, or unsafe use of stairs or ladders
• Report any potential slips, trips or fall hazards to your
supervisor or Science Safety Office immediately
Work Area Hazard: Slips, Trips,
and Falls 2
Good practices to avoid slips, trips, and falls include:
• proper planning of work activities
• promptly cleaning up water or other spills
• maintain tidy, well kept work areas
• avoid leaving tools or other materials on floors
• promptly reporting lighting outages to Facilities Management
(x54357) for repair
• not carrying loads large enough to obstruct vision up or down
stairs
• only using ladders in good condition; during use folding them out
completely; facing the ladder when climbing; keeping weight
centered; and keeping 3 out of 4 limbs on ladder at all times
• when using temporary extension cords, position equipment to
avoid crossing walkways or use cord protectors
Driving is Dangerous
CSULB has strict rules for those who drive as part of their job.
Motor Vehicle Driver
Requirements
• Anyone using a personal vehicle more than once per month
on University business must fill out a State form in the
Department Office
• Anyone using a University vehicle, or a personal vehicle for
more than 4 hours/month on University business, must also
complete the Driver Training Class
• Driving an electric cart follows the same rules